It isn't often that an animated film about books gets any kind of attention. As bookaholics and library students you should know about the 2012 winner of an Oscar® for Best Animated Short film.
The Fantastic Flying Adventures of Mr. Morris Lessmore is a touching film about a man's adventures with books. The movie does not contain dialog but there is an expressive musical track. If you haven't seen the movie take a look at the trailer.
You can watch the full authorized version of the movie on iTunes. There are bootleg versions in other locations. We all need to make a better effort to respect copyright. I won't link to those versions.
For me, the movie operates on many levels. I can appreciate it as a love poem to reading and traditional books. According to the producers of the film, it is also an homage to the great silent film start Buster Keaton. I can clearly seen Buster's spirit giving the okay on this honor.
Transmedia
It is also one of many growing examples of transmedia. Think of transmedia as a tree with many branches. You have your source material that can be extended with new content to other platforms.
This isn't new. Spiderman started out as a comic book. Then an animated series, a live action television show, a movie series and a theatrical show on Broadway. This is the digital version of transmedia.
Mr. Morris Lessmore's adventures will be converted to a picture book based on the movie. There is a supporting iTunes application where users can explore the world of Mr. Morris Lessmore and interact with some of the characters.
What Does This Mean?
Well, it could mean that when you get a request for a book you might need to consider offering related content. There might be a physical book, a recording, and an app on Android, iOS or Windows smartphones and tables. (Trust me, there will be an Windows tablet.)
There could be a web site that supports the book or a fan community that is adding content to their shared experiences. Or an electronic book that is only located in the Nook, Kobo, Google or Kindles stores.
This is an extension of knowing your collection. Collections, as the trailer and movie demonstrate, have a life of their own.
Tampilkan postingan dengan label Library 103. Tampilkan semua postingan
Tampilkan postingan dengan label Library 103. Tampilkan semua postingan
Minggu, 11 Maret 2012
Minggu, 15 Mei 2011
Prototype Tablet App for Shelf Reading
The iPad gets all of the attention but there really area other tablets in production and there are Apps (application) that are being designed to make shelf reading easier.
This is a prototype of an application designed for the Android system that was presented at the ACRL 2011 Conference in Philadelphia, PA. This application used with a computer tablet or smartphone would make circulation a lot easier.
This is just a prototype. There are issues about spine width, the types of classification system use or perhaps even thinking about using QR codes that could embed the DDC/LC systems instead.
If this is transferred into libraries it might mean there is one less library support person necessary. On the other hand the gizmo can't walk itself and there will be some materials that will not lend themselves to use by the App.
This is a prototype of an application designed for the Android system that was presented at the ACRL 2011 Conference in Philadelphia, PA. This application used with a computer tablet or smartphone would make circulation a lot easier.
This is just a prototype. There are issues about spine width, the types of classification system use or perhaps even thinking about using QR codes that could embed the DDC/LC systems instead.
If this is transferred into libraries it might mean there is one less library support person necessary. On the other hand the gizmo can't walk itself and there will be some materials that will not lend themselves to use by the App.
Senin, 02 November 2009
CLA Conference 2009 Exhibit Hall - BookScanner
I got a chance to visit the exhibit floor of the California Library Association Conference. With the economy and the rapid changes in the industry I was surprised to see as many vendors as I did.
However, I didn't see e-book device vendors. I did see examples of e-book readers so I was able to view some of the well know devices like the Kindle and the one from Sony.
This is a short video that I recorded on a scanner system that could make a lot of sense to an academic library. This is just for demonstration purposes only, no endorsement is intended or implied.
Maybe this is the sign of the times. I was shocked to learn that the bad apple kind of students have been tearing pages out of reference books and flat out stealing materials.
Maybe a device like this could be set up so that those less than ethical students would not have access to the actual reference book but could acquire the readings that they need for class via a .pdf document.
Now knowing bad apples they way I do I wouldn't necessarily expect that they would pay for their readings. These are the kind of folks that would talk a friend into paying for them with the promise of paying them back later. (Cough!)
Another idea was that this could replace the photocopy machine. Since many students have access to e-mail, USB devices and other recordable media the student or staff member could scan the material and load it into the USB device or save as a .pdf
This could be the same amount of money used to charge for a copy but you wouldn't have the paper and the repair costs associated with the copy machines. Now don't think that the copy machine folks haven't thought about this because there are copy machines that can scan to .pdf and have the document e-mailed to the user.
Well, it is a though. But if you were looking to buy the library a holiday gift I'm thinking this would not be necessarily turned down.
However, I didn't see e-book device vendors. I did see examples of e-book readers so I was able to view some of the well know devices like the Kindle and the one from Sony.
This is a short video that I recorded on a scanner system that could make a lot of sense to an academic library. This is just for demonstration purposes only, no endorsement is intended or implied.
Maybe this is the sign of the times. I was shocked to learn that the bad apple kind of students have been tearing pages out of reference books and flat out stealing materials.
Maybe a device like this could be set up so that those less than ethical students would not have access to the actual reference book but could acquire the readings that they need for class via a .pdf document.
Now knowing bad apples they way I do I wouldn't necessarily expect that they would pay for their readings. These are the kind of folks that would talk a friend into paying for them with the promise of paying them back later. (Cough!)
Another idea was that this could replace the photocopy machine. Since many students have access to e-mail, USB devices and other recordable media the student or staff member could scan the material and load it into the USB device or save as a .pdf
This could be the same amount of money used to charge for a copy but you wouldn't have the paper and the repair costs associated with the copy machines. Now don't think that the copy machine folks haven't thought about this because there are copy machines that can scan to .pdf and have the document e-mailed to the user.
Well, it is a though. But if you were looking to buy the library a holiday gift I'm thinking this would not be necessarily turned down.
Sabtu, 15 Agustus 2009
Book Repair and Repair Video Tutorials
One of the regrets most of us have is that there isn't time to learn all you need to in class. I have plenty of book at home that need TLC but I have sense to know not to use tape or home based glues.
For every question there is almost an answer. Or a video. Which requires an explanation. There is a niche market for the suppliers of book repair materials. Those that are smart will make videos that demonstrate how to use their product.
The first video is a demonstration from Joyce Godsley at SICPress.com on how to remove an old faceplate from a book. (Please note that there there is no implied or intended endorsement of the products or her company.)
There are other book repair videos. The Health Science Library at the University of Chapel Hill has one on how to make a four flap enclosure. Master Bookbinder Peter Goodwin gives a historical explanation of bookmaking in the 1800s, the reason for brittle book paper and the fate of all acid based books.
I want to give a hat tip to Acquired Books blog to point me to a free online Preservation 101 tutorial you can take to enhance your books repair skills.
Just took a look at the offering and wow, there is info on collection management, collection care and what to do when a disaster (fire, flood or earthquakes) happens to your materials. You can download .pdf copies of the instructions to build your own personal repair tool kit.
This is really good stuff. If you think you might want a little more information about library preservation check out Kevin Driedger's blog, Library Preservation.
For every question there is almost an answer. Or a video. Which requires an explanation. There is a niche market for the suppliers of book repair materials. Those that are smart will make videos that demonstrate how to use their product.
The first video is a demonstration from Joyce Godsley at SICPress.com on how to remove an old faceplate from a book. (Please note that there there is no implied or intended endorsement of the products or her company.)
There are other book repair videos. The Health Science Library at the University of Chapel Hill has one on how to make a four flap enclosure. Master Bookbinder Peter Goodwin gives a historical explanation of bookmaking in the 1800s, the reason for brittle book paper and the fate of all acid based books.
I want to give a hat tip to Acquired Books blog to point me to a free online Preservation 101 tutorial you can take to enhance your books repair skills.
Just took a look at the offering and wow, there is info on collection management, collection care and what to do when a disaster (fire, flood or earthquakes) happens to your materials. You can download .pdf copies of the instructions to build your own personal repair tool kit.
This is really good stuff. If you think you might want a little more information about library preservation check out Kevin Driedger's blog, Library Preservation.
Senin, 10 Agustus 2009
Ohio University Libraries - The Business Blog
I do try to keep my other interests and avocations off of the PCC Libtech blog but sometimes my life has other plans. While looking for video blogs I discovered another librarian who uses video in his site, Library Voice.com.
Chad Boeninger and writes about how technology in libraries can and should be of service to the patrons.
Chad is also in charge at the Ohio University Library Business blog where he locates content and material to help students and faculty make sense of these financially constraining times.
One of the challenges that Chad has to face is working with reduced acquisition fund budget. He has to cut books and subscriptions in order to slash $85,000+ out of the budget.
For those of you who have taken Library 101, Library 103 and Library 104 this is the working example of not only weeding materials but also facing the fact that you no longer own a current copy of the information; it is online in a subscription based system.
That may work when the library system can pay the vendor subscription fees but if money get tight you not only loose current information but access to past history and materials as well.
It is a tough balance. In a prior video, Chad goes step by step on the reasons for canceling certain materials and invites the faculty for input.
This is a good opportunity to get insight on an academic library and real world decisions that have to be be made. As I go deeper into the blog there are screencasts that explain research skills, consumer trends, the current marketplace and those things that would support the goals of the library.
I hope that by visiting these sites it will give context to the impact that budget cuts have on libraries and patrons. It is also a good place to get an insight on how to be of technological service to staff and patron.
Chad Boeninger and writes about how technology in libraries can and should be of service to the patrons.
Chad is also in charge at the Ohio University Library Business blog where he locates content and material to help students and faculty make sense of these financially constraining times.
One of the challenges that Chad has to face is working with reduced acquisition fund budget. He has to cut books and subscriptions in order to slash $85,000+ out of the budget.
For those of you who have taken Library 101, Library 103 and Library 104 this is the working example of not only weeding materials but also facing the fact that you no longer own a current copy of the information; it is online in a subscription based system.
That may work when the library system can pay the vendor subscription fees but if money get tight you not only loose current information but access to past history and materials as well.
It is a tough balance. In a prior video, Chad goes step by step on the reasons for canceling certain materials and invites the faculty for input.
This is a good opportunity to get insight on an academic library and real world decisions that have to be be made. As I go deeper into the blog there are screencasts that explain research skills, consumer trends, the current marketplace and those things that would support the goals of the library.
I hope that by visiting these sites it will give context to the impact that budget cuts have on libraries and patrons. It is also a good place to get an insight on how to be of technological service to staff and patron.
Sabtu, 28 Maret 2009
Library Technician Dialog - When 2 LT's Blog
It is a good day when I find an active library technician/assistant blog. From Canada, Library Technician Dialog contains posts from two LT's, Brenda who has interests in professional development and Karen who works in a law firm library.
I'm liking what I see here; Karen writes about adding value to her library job by showing her firm what a library assistant can really do for the firm. There is a joint post on how both of them apply that idea into reality.
There is a post on how Twitter can be more than just a time waste, it is a way to make or maintain contact with people in your profession. Brenda writes about the need for storytelling and public speaking skills (Yes, you do need them! No, you can't hide behind the stacks and hope people will go away.) She also writes about Wikis and a few Wiki options.
For those of you that asked for more relevant LT/LA information that matches what you are learning or what you might experience on the job, here you go. Make time to visit, it is worth it.
I'm liking what I see here; Karen writes about adding value to her library job by showing her firm what a library assistant can really do for the firm. There is a joint post on how both of them apply that idea into reality.
There is a post on how Twitter can be more than just a time waste, it is a way to make or maintain contact with people in your profession. Brenda writes about the need for storytelling and public speaking skills (Yes, you do need them! No, you can't hide behind the stacks and hope people will go away.) She also writes about Wikis and a few Wiki options.
For those of you that asked for more relevant LT/LA information that matches what you are learning or what you might experience on the job, here you go. Make time to visit, it is worth it.
Kamis, 12 Februari 2009
Yeah, I'm Checking You Out!
When you first glance at this title, you may think I'm talking about checking out a book or even just checking you out. But alas, this humorous post has to do with checking the photos on the student IDs when people check out items here at the Shatford Library. I have to confess before taking the LIB 103 Introduction to Circulation class, I would tend to get lazy about taking the quick extra few seconds to look at the college IDs that students, faculty and staff use to check things out especially when things get crazy at the Circulation Desk. But after listening to our teacher, Eric Hanson, who is ironically also my boss, say that he certainly hoped his Circulation workers were making sure to check those student IDs, I vowed to start taking the extra time to always make sure the person using the ID in hand belonged to that individual. Upon doing so, I recently made a list of the interesting things I noticed as I really took notice of the college IDs.
The most unforgettable card that a student handed to me was truly all mangled up so it was truly hard not to check it out. Immediately, I wondered how on earth the card got in that shape. I tried not to convey any kind of expression but maybe I didn't succeed. As I was typing in his student ID number, he said that his dog had tried to eat his card. I have to confess that I wouldn't have guessed that! I did joke that his dog truly must have been hungry then. It's not as if those plastic student IDs are all that tasty.
Another time I had to look back and forth from the student and the ID card several times because the student really looked very much different from the picture. It's not often surprising to see pictures where the guy had longer hair and a beard in the picture and then currently be sporting a buzzcut and be cleanshaven or a girl has her hair in a completely different style and color. But this guy just seemed not to look like the same guy. After a few looks, I decided it was him. I was tempted to suggest maybe he needs to take a new picture since he had changed so much since his picture was taken.
Other Things Noticed
The most unforgettable card that a student handed to me was truly all mangled up so it was truly hard not to check it out. Immediately, I wondered how on earth the card got in that shape. I tried not to convey any kind of expression but maybe I didn't succeed. As I was typing in his student ID number, he said that his dog had tried to eat his card. I have to confess that I wouldn't have guessed that! I did joke that his dog truly must have been hungry then. It's not as if those plastic student IDs are all that tasty.
Another time I had to look back and forth from the student and the ID card several times because the student really looked very much different from the picture. It's not often surprising to see pictures where the guy had longer hair and a beard in the picture and then currently be sporting a buzzcut and be cleanshaven or a girl has her hair in a completely different style and color. But this guy just seemed not to look like the same guy. After a few looks, I decided it was him. I was tempted to suggest maybe he needs to take a new picture since he had changed so much since his picture was taken.
Other Things Noticed
- Many people do not like to smile for pictures.
- Some people were so not prepared for picture day!
- Magnetic tape falling off or completely missing so have to type in the identification number.
- Bent cards (Perhaps kept in back pocket at one point as I've been known to do.)
I will confess I didn't think it would be much fun having to remember to look at each individual ID card when people are checking things out but it has turned out to be much more entertaining than I could have imagined. I actually look forward to checking people's id cards now when I'm on duty at the PCC Library Circulation Desk.
Jumat, 05 Desember 2008
Library Science (Chemistry) Humor Video
You need to relax. Put your feet up. Take some time to smell the roses. Or check out this video on yet another way to find love in the stacks.
The video is silent with a brief musical accompaniment near the end, but it will not affect your understand and vibrate the Dewey in your soul.
The video is silent with a brief musical accompaniment near the end, but it will not affect your understand and vibrate the Dewey in your soul.
Kamis, 04 Desember 2008
Quote of the Week
The library is the temple of learning, and learning has liberated more people than all the wars in history. - Carl T. Rowan
Considering that it seems most of my life has been beleaguered by our country being at war with someone, this quote reached out to me from the many quotes I pondered upon. In addition, the concept of intellectual freedom is one that has been explored in basically every course I've had in the PCC Library Technology Program. Without fail, from Circulation to Cataloging, it comes up again and again. One can try to run from such a concept but when our country whose democratic values have been founded upon the idea of having an informed society then it cannot be ignored.
Once again, the PCC Courier printed an editorial opinion lamenting over the noisiness found in the PCC Shatford Library. I felt once again they have misunderstood what the mission of the library strives for. Sure, there are some students who need quiet study areas. But others are learning through noisy group study. And if the library is indeed a temple of learning, who is to say it must be a quiet place all the time? I don't know of any actual church/temple that is always quiet. There is a time for quiet and a time for noise.
That is not to suggest that I don't believe that noise is not an issue at all in the PCC library at this time. But I do believe the PCC Courier failed to properly investigate what the Shatford Library is doing in coming up with solutions for this issue. One thing for sure is there is no easy answer. One may wonder why is there such a problem. Speaking with Mary Ann Laun, our Library Director, I found out there are a couple reasons why the library is so heavily populated and noisy at times. She stated that one reason is the library serves as an only open student lab for drop in use. Secondly, we are also a temporary "campus center" since there is no venue at this time until construction of the new one is finished. What was astonishing to find out from her is this: "This Fall semester, this library with 950 seats was serving 8500 students!"
Wow! That would definitely explain the incredible number of students served at the Circulation desk during the first few weeks of the semester. I remember days when it seemed you were lucky to catch a breath in between helping students at the desk. And all the shushing we would do as people would walk in. As things have calmed down, I find we still have to remind students to lower their voices but not as much.
Upon talking with fellow co-workers at the Circulation Desk, we were in agreement that the noisier patrons tend to be younger or older people. It didn't surprise me at all that the younger students would tend to be noisier due to my experience working at elemntary and high school libraries. Normally, when the school library is occupied by students it is indeed not quiet. As for older people, perhaps it could be due to talking louder due to hearing loss. I know I can relate to that myself as I sometimes talk louder than I realize due to my hearing loss.
Solutions in Motion
Considering that it seems most of my life has been beleaguered by our country being at war with someone, this quote reached out to me from the many quotes I pondered upon. In addition, the concept of intellectual freedom is one that has been explored in basically every course I've had in the PCC Library Technology Program. Without fail, from Circulation to Cataloging, it comes up again and again. One can try to run from such a concept but when our country whose democratic values have been founded upon the idea of having an informed society then it cannot be ignored.
Once again, the PCC Courier printed an editorial opinion lamenting over the noisiness found in the PCC Shatford Library. I felt once again they have misunderstood what the mission of the library strives for. Sure, there are some students who need quiet study areas. But others are learning through noisy group study. And if the library is indeed a temple of learning, who is to say it must be a quiet place all the time? I don't know of any actual church/temple that is always quiet. There is a time for quiet and a time for noise.
That is not to suggest that I don't believe that noise is not an issue at all in the PCC library at this time. But I do believe the PCC Courier failed to properly investigate what the Shatford Library is doing in coming up with solutions for this issue. One thing for sure is there is no easy answer. One may wonder why is there such a problem. Speaking with Mary Ann Laun, our Library Director, I found out there are a couple reasons why the library is so heavily populated and noisy at times. She stated that one reason is the library serves as an only open student lab for drop in use. Secondly, we are also a temporary "campus center" since there is no venue at this time until construction of the new one is finished. What was astonishing to find out from her is this: "This Fall semester, this library with 950 seats was serving 8500 students!"
Wow! That would definitely explain the incredible number of students served at the Circulation desk during the first few weeks of the semester. I remember days when it seemed you were lucky to catch a breath in between helping students at the desk. And all the shushing we would do as people would walk in. As things have calmed down, I find we still have to remind students to lower their voices but not as much.
Upon talking with fellow co-workers at the Circulation Desk, we were in agreement that the noisier patrons tend to be younger or older people. It didn't surprise me at all that the younger students would tend to be noisier due to my experience working at elemntary and high school libraries. Normally, when the school library is occupied by students it is indeed not quiet. As for older people, perhaps it could be due to talking louder due to hearing loss. I know I can relate to that myself as I sometimes talk louder than I realize due to my hearing loss.
Solutions in Motion
- Announcements (which the students didn't like)
- Campus cadets
- New signage
- Personal intervention service (if students come to the desk and complain)
- Roving technicians
As one can see, it's been a trial and error process in trying to come up with resolutions that makes the majority of people satisfied. Please note that I said, the majority of people. In a perfect world, we'd be able to satisfy everyone but there are some that no matter what you do, you can't satisfy them.
On a good note though.....
Yesterday in LIB 103 Circulation class, our teacher and Access Librarian, Eric Hanson talked about this issue briefly. He talked about how there was one student who had e-mailed the library from his blackberry several times about the noise issue. What was gratifying to hear is that more recently the student e-mailed the library once again to say that he noticed the efforts the library has taken to make it an easier place to study quietly. So the efforts have not gone unnoticed at least by some!
Yes, we could tell someone to just come at a different time to study when the library is quieter like in the evening or on a Saturday. But perhaps that is not a viable solution for that student. I have to admit that I hear quite a few people asking if the library is open on Sunday but alas we aren't. I'm sure if we were open on Sunday, it would indeed be quiet then as well.
Mary Ann Laun also said that in planning the new building for the library based on what we know now, they would definitely have added way more study rooms. Hopefully, none of them would be right next to the lecture room in the library though. There's been many a lecture when the teacher has had to tell a noisy study group in the room right next door to keep it down. Even though we have study rooms, another issue is they aren't sound-proof. So that's another concern as well. It seems it never ends, doesn't it? But I believe that's part of what makes library work stay challenging.
The message I wished the PCC Courier could have relayed is this: We should all try to respect each other within the limited space in the PCC Shatford Library during this time as we reach our learning goals at hand.
Kamis, 20 November 2008
Shifting from the Stacks to Circulation
Even though I enjoyed working at the Circulation desk this past summer on a trial basis in that department, I still thought I would miss working on the Student Task Force once I left there for good. One reason I believed that is because I felt I would be stuck behind the Circulation desk as I assumed I wouldn't be spending that much time elsewhere. But as time has gone on, I've come to change my mind.
I'm sure part of it is that two of the shifts I work are in the evenings, so I get a chance to do book pick-up which is one of the things I enjoyed doing while on the Student Task Force. Even though I have the same basic tasks I do every shift, no day is ever the same. Some evenings, it can be incredibly quiet but others times, things can be quite busy or go haywire. I have found there does seem to be the most activity during the shift that I work 12 noon-5pm which makes sense, since according to statistics that's when we have the most people coming in and out of the library.
It's really nice that part of my job is being able to interact with and actually help people more now. Before when I was on the Student Task Force, I could help people but on a very limited basis. In spite of that, I can say that working on the Student Task Force was very helpful in making the transition from working in that department to Circulation an easier one. Pretty much everything I did on the Student Task Force, I do in the Circulation department. From re-shelving, shelf reading, cleaning/straightening up, book pick-up, sorting and taking books to the storage shelves and last but definitely not least, customer service.
One thing I don't miss is that I would be on my feet pretty much the entire time I was on my shift while I was still on the Student Task Force. That's not the case with working the Circulation desk which my feet thank me continously for!
Things I have learned or have become better at since working at the Circulation desk:
I'm sure part of it is that two of the shifts I work are in the evenings, so I get a chance to do book pick-up which is one of the things I enjoyed doing while on the Student Task Force. Even though I have the same basic tasks I do every shift, no day is ever the same. Some evenings, it can be incredibly quiet but others times, things can be quite busy or go haywire. I have found there does seem to be the most activity during the shift that I work 12 noon-5pm which makes sense, since according to statistics that's when we have the most people coming in and out of the library.
It's really nice that part of my job is being able to interact with and actually help people more now. Before when I was on the Student Task Force, I could help people but on a very limited basis. In spite of that, I can say that working on the Student Task Force was very helpful in making the transition from working in that department to Circulation an easier one. Pretty much everything I did on the Student Task Force, I do in the Circulation department. From re-shelving, shelf reading, cleaning/straightening up, book pick-up, sorting and taking books to the storage shelves and last but definitely not least, customer service.
One thing I don't miss is that I would be on my feet pretty much the entire time I was on my shift while I was still on the Student Task Force. That's not the case with working the Circulation desk which my feet thank me continously for!
Things I have learned or have become better at since working at the Circulation desk:
- Boolean searches
- Overcoming my fear of dealing with people who I have trouble hearing
- Services/materials that are available to students-calculators, headphones, the wide range of reserve textbooks and more
- Better familiarity of the campus
- Problem patrons
- Setting up display cases
So yes, sometimes I do miss being among the stacks but not nearly as much I thought I would. I love my new position behind the Circulation desk as I can apply what I've been learning in the various classes in the Library Technology program in more depth with my every day work experiences here.
Rabu, 12 November 2008
Quote of the Week
"Seventy million books in America's libraries, but the one you want to read is always out."- Tom Masson
Coming upon this quote made me smile, laugh and ponder. There has been many a time I've gone to the library and the very thing that I want to borrow is indeed out or perhaps not even available period. So I'm forced to find a suitable substitute if such a thing is really possible. Ultimate reading pleasure satisfaction is what I'm after usually. Though lately, I've been seeking to fulfill informational needs for various areas in my life as well.
Coming upon this quote made me smile, laugh and ponder. There has been many a time I've gone to the library and the very thing that I want to borrow is indeed out or perhaps not even available period. So I'm forced to find a suitable substitute if such a thing is really possible. Ultimate reading pleasure satisfaction is what I'm after usually. Though lately, I've been seeking to fulfill informational needs for various areas in my life as well.
Also, it made me think about the students that come in the elementary school library where I work that want a particular book but we don't have it or it's checked out. It's not always easy convincing a kid to find something else to read when his heart is set on a particular book. I do my best to meet this challenge though. I will admit it's helpful that usually the student's teacher will help ease this situation as well if need be.
In addition, it's something I have to deal with working at the Circulation Desk at the PCC library. Students often want a reserve textbook that is checked out by someone else exactly during the time frame they need it. It's especially can be frustrating when there is only one copy available. One way we try to deal with that situation is a having a Reserve Materials Request list. While students cannot reserve these type of materials, having such a list keeps students from monopolizing reserve items when other students need them. Other times, it could be a regular circulating book is out and we tell the student that he can put a hold on it. If we're not too busy, we'll help them put a hold on the book. We also refer them to the Reference Desk to find where they can hopefully find the wanted item at a nearby library.
Recently in a film, "How May I Help You? (Soaring to Excellence)" put out by the College of Du Page Press that we watched in LIB 103 Introduction to Circulation, a librarian spoke of how her mother stopped going into her public library due to continuously not being able to find exactly what she wanted. Of course, this is not something we as library students and/or workers like to hear, I would hope! Perhaps this was a lack of customer service on that library's part? (Incidentally, this was a film that dealt primarily with customer service in the library.)
Anyhow, I am hoping the next time I go to my public library haunt that I won't have to hunt so hard for my pressing heart's desire in reading pleasure. Though on second thought, I've found many a new favorite author when I couldn't find exactly what I wanted on my first try. So perhaps not finding exactly what one wants isn't such a bad thing as it can lead you to new books and paths.
Sabtu, 20 September 2008
Arizona Uses School Aids Replace Librarians
Because of Arizona state budget cuts Arizona elementary, middle and high school librarians were transferred out of the school libraries. Some were placed in school classrooms. Many of the librarians choose to retire instead.
School Aids, not necessarily trained or certified Library Technicians/Paraprofessionals, will take over the duties of running the school libraries. There is discussion about having the aids take a library technology certification program at Mesa Community College but as it stands now there is no formal training.
You can read the news story at the Arizona Republic website. In addition please read some of the comments. There are folks that believe because there is access to the Internet that librarians are no longer needed. There are other people who make a good case that search has become much more complicated and you need trained professionals to access quality and reliable information.
School Aids, not necessarily trained or certified Library Technicians/Paraprofessionals, will take over the duties of running the school libraries. There is discussion about having the aids take a library technology certification program at Mesa Community College but as it stands now there is no formal training.
You can read the news story at the Arizona Republic website. In addition please read some of the comments. There are folks that believe because there is access to the Internet that librarians are no longer needed. There are other people who make a good case that search has become much more complicated and you need trained professionals to access quality and reliable information.
Senin, 11 Agustus 2008
Fall Semester 2008
Don't let the Fall semester sneak up on you! Believe it or not, classes begin in just three weeks on Tuesday, Sep. 2nd. Those of you that are signed up for the Library 103 Circulation class, remember there is no school on Monday, Sep. 1st of that first week due to Labor Day. So for that class, the first session won't be till Sep. 8th. If you're looking to add or drop a class (without a W), the last day is Saturday, Sep. 13.
Good luck in your classes whatever you may be taking this semester!
Good luck in your classes whatever you may be taking this semester!
Selasa, 03 Juni 2008
Every Day is a Different Day
When I first started working on the Library Student Task Force, I feared a possibility of getting bored with my job due to its basic simplicity. I can say that my fears were unfounded as I discovered quickly that every day is truly different at my job. Although, I have the same schedule and tasks every day, every week, there are factors that make it different.
All the new faces I see every day amidst the familiar students studying in their favorite spots throughout the library. I come across different books every single day which broadens my view of the literary world-fiction and non-fiction. I have to confess it's really hard sometimes not to want to sit down and go through the books I come across but alas, I must wait till my shift is over. Sometimes I put books aside on my book truck to look at later and/or check out or just make note of the book's catalog number to find at another time.
Different questions get posed every single day from patrons whether they're students, staff, or visitors. I daresay the most unexpected question I got from a student was when a girl asked me if it was okay to take a class for fun. This happening the second week on the job!
I am now used to getting questions about:
It's a never-ending cycle in the library. Books in, books out. I pick up the same books day after day for re-shelving. While it might seem that would be annoying, I love finding out what the "popular" books are with the students and what their interests are.
You can also tell where we are in the semester usually by what books and materials are being used the most. Lately, all the signs of people doing papers for English or other classes has been quite obvious as we've gotten closer to the end of the semester due to an increase of activity in the 800s.
The side projects such as book shifting and re-balancing along with cleaning that gets tackled in the library also helps keep things from becoming dull.
So for a meager salary as some would say, I find I'm gaining worthwhile experience in an entertaining environment. Did I mention all that I see that happens in the library as I work? That's a post for another day, folks!
All the new faces I see every day amidst the familiar students studying in their favorite spots throughout the library. I come across different books every single day which broadens my view of the literary world-fiction and non-fiction. I have to confess it's really hard sometimes not to want to sit down and go through the books I come across but alas, I must wait till my shift is over. Sometimes I put books aside on my book truck to look at later and/or check out or just make note of the book's catalog number to find at another time.
Different questions get posed every single day from patrons whether they're students, staff, or visitors. I daresay the most unexpected question I got from a student was when a girl asked me if it was okay to take a class for fun. This happening the second week on the job!
I am now used to getting questions about:
- Where are the restrooms located?
- Can you print from the catalog search computers?
- Where can you get the print-out?
- What are the most books you can check out?
- Do you have to reserve the study rooms to use them?
- What are the hours of the library?
- Where are there more computers with internet access besides the few on the third floor?
- Where can I check out books?
- Where can I find this book?
- Where are these type of books located?
- Where can I use or plug in my laptop?
It's a never-ending cycle in the library. Books in, books out. I pick up the same books day after day for re-shelving. While it might seem that would be annoying, I love finding out what the "popular" books are with the students and what their interests are.
You can also tell where we are in the semester usually by what books and materials are being used the most. Lately, all the signs of people doing papers for English or other classes has been quite obvious as we've gotten closer to the end of the semester due to an increase of activity in the 800s.
The side projects such as book shifting and re-balancing along with cleaning that gets tackled in the library also helps keep things from becoming dull.
So for a meager salary as some would say, I find I'm gaining worthwhile experience in an entertaining environment. Did I mention all that I see that happens in the library as I work? That's a post for another day, folks!
Senin, 02 Juni 2008
Thoughts About Library Customer Service
Sometimes you have a really bad day. Sometimes you have a bad day and you have a person with really poor social skills demanding your attention.
Sometimes you want to take your fist and deliver a therapeutic one-two punch to help that person come to their senses. I can't do that. For one thing I can't throw a proper punch. The second reason is that I suspect it is against the rules and quite possibly the law.
I repeat, don't hit the doofus. This does not mean that you can't protect yourself from the hostile, the hoity or the clueless.
Good customer service skills can help you gain control over ourself so that you don't allow yourself to get amped by professionally rude people. So this is just a brief survey of some of the resources you can use to build up your customer service muscles.
This is a video that demonstrates a problem library customer and the techniques on how to handle the situation. At the end of the video there are four written tips on the skills used to handle the patron.
Here is my real world example.
I was in a recently in situation trying to help a person. The client felt that I was not helping fast enough. "Why can't you just do it!" she barked. "Why are you asking these questions. I don't have time for this, just get me what I want."
Kinda hard to do when you don't know what she wants and she barely has a clue. I finally get it out of her and hand her the correct document to sign. The woman snatches it out of my hands, signs it and flung the pen across the desk.
I wish I could tell you I did a good job of delivering what she asked for. I didn't I was more focused on getting her out of my face. Intellectually I understood it was not about me, the women walked in with a foul mood. But I could have done a better job of dealing with the situation.
Other Resources
I wish I would have seen the video on how to handle Abusive Customers from Pam at Expert Village on YouTube. There was a segment of how to deal with verbally or physically abusive customers.
Steve over at http://blogaboutlibraries.com has a nice 20 item list on some of the things to think about when trying to keep customers happy.
And finally Jim from All Business.com gives a concise, easy to understand video outline on how to listen and provide services to an irate customer.
Sometimes you want to take your fist and deliver a therapeutic one-two punch to help that person come to their senses. I can't do that. For one thing I can't throw a proper punch. The second reason is that I suspect it is against the rules and quite possibly the law.
I repeat, don't hit the doofus. This does not mean that you can't protect yourself from the hostile, the hoity or the clueless.
Good customer service skills can help you gain control over ourself so that you don't allow yourself to get amped by professionally rude people. So this is just a brief survey of some of the resources you can use to build up your customer service muscles.
This is a video that demonstrates a problem library customer and the techniques on how to handle the situation. At the end of the video there are four written tips on the skills used to handle the patron.
Here is my real world example.
I was in a recently in situation trying to help a person. The client felt that I was not helping fast enough. "Why can't you just do it!" she barked. "Why are you asking these questions. I don't have time for this, just get me what I want."
Kinda hard to do when you don't know what she wants and she barely has a clue. I finally get it out of her and hand her the correct document to sign. The woman snatches it out of my hands, signs it and flung the pen across the desk.
I wish I could tell you I did a good job of delivering what she asked for. I didn't I was more focused on getting her out of my face. Intellectually I understood it was not about me, the women walked in with a foul mood. But I could have done a better job of dealing with the situation.
Other Resources
I wish I would have seen the video on how to handle Abusive Customers from Pam at Expert Village on YouTube. There was a segment of how to deal with verbally or physically abusive customers.
Steve over at http://blogaboutlibraries.com has a nice 20 item list on some of the things to think about when trying to keep customers happy.
And finally Jim from All Business.com gives a concise, easy to understand video outline on how to listen and provide services to an irate customer.
Selasa, 27 Mei 2008
Who's That Girl?
Dipping my toes in here, I'm a student in the PCC Library Tech program currently in my second semester. Come follow my adventures as you get to know....
Who's that girl? No, I'm not referring to that old 80's movie with Madonna. I'm pondering that's what the students in the library are thinking who turn twice or more to figure out what the heck I'm doing as I walk up and down the aisles in the PCC Shatford Library. As a new addition to the Library Task Force, one of my duties is to do book pick-up a few times a week. Some days, I pick up over 100 items that have been left around the library; other days, it's less than half that.
Anyhow, the first question of who I am is easily answered as they see my badge hanging from my neck. But what am I doing is the real question. I'm sure a lot of them think I'm some kind of library police attempting to look over their shoulders and see what they're doing, whether they're just studying or if they have a laptop set up. As tempting as it might be sometimes to see what the moving images on one's laptop are, I do not try to see what they're viewing. There is the issue of pivacy and that's not what I'm there to do. If students don't see me picking things up, they seem to remain puzzled in what my quest is as I walk through the library. Sometimes, I want to just want to say, "I'm just doing book pick-up," so they won't continuously wonder.
Last week, I came across two students studying in one of the study rooms that I'd seen before. The first time I saw them, I guess the girl may have been talking kind of loud and the guy told her, Shhh, when he spotted me. I watched him point to me from the other side of the window as he said that she was talking too loud, apparently thinking that's why I was peeking in the study room. But I was merely just looking in to see if there were any unused materials laying around in there. This time, they recognized me as they smiled and waved at me. I smiled and waved back and continued on with my task. I'm sure they still don't know why I glance into the room but I felt like I had made two new friendly acquaintances if nothing else which is one thing I love about my job. So till tomorrow as your friendly student library page is on her search once again for materials left around the library.
Who's that girl? No, I'm not referring to that old 80's movie with Madonna. I'm pondering that's what the students in the library are thinking who turn twice or more to figure out what the heck I'm doing as I walk up and down the aisles in the PCC Shatford Library. As a new addition to the Library Task Force, one of my duties is to do book pick-up a few times a week. Some days, I pick up over 100 items that have been left around the library; other days, it's less than half that.
Anyhow, the first question of who I am is easily answered as they see my badge hanging from my neck. But what am I doing is the real question. I'm sure a lot of them think I'm some kind of library police attempting to look over their shoulders and see what they're doing, whether they're just studying or if they have a laptop set up. As tempting as it might be sometimes to see what the moving images on one's laptop are, I do not try to see what they're viewing. There is the issue of pivacy and that's not what I'm there to do. If students don't see me picking things up, they seem to remain puzzled in what my quest is as I walk through the library. Sometimes, I want to just want to say, "I'm just doing book pick-up," so they won't continuously wonder.
Last week, I came across two students studying in one of the study rooms that I'd seen before. The first time I saw them, I guess the girl may have been talking kind of loud and the guy told her, Shhh, when he spotted me. I watched him point to me from the other side of the window as he said that she was talking too loud, apparently thinking that's why I was peeking in the study room. But I was merely just looking in to see if there were any unused materials laying around in there. This time, they recognized me as they smiled and waved at me. I smiled and waved back and continued on with my task. I'm sure they still don't know why I glance into the room but I felt like I had made two new friendly acquaintances if nothing else which is one thing I love about my job. So till tomorrow as your friendly student library page is on her search once again for materials left around the library.
Minggu, 20 Januari 2008
Circ and Serve - A Blog About Circulation
There is a blog for just about everything. Mary Carmen Chimato's Circ and Serve has a great one that talks about issues relating to circulation, Interlibrary Loan and anything to do with providing services to her patrons at North Carolina State University Libraries.
There are posts that talk about the continuing importance of Interlibrary loans, teamwork issues with co-workers and staff, and customer service techniques. The simplest one to master seems to be smile and acknowledge the other person be they patron or staff member.
I have to work on that one because I get focused on what I am thinking about. I sometimes forget there are other people around who don't know I'm not upset, I'm just thinking semi-shallow thoughts. Definitely a good blog to visit on a regular basis.
There are posts that talk about the continuing importance of Interlibrary loans, teamwork issues with co-workers and staff, and customer service techniques. The simplest one to master seems to be smile and acknowledge the other person be they patron or staff member.
I have to work on that one because I get focused on what I am thinking about. I sometimes forget there are other people around who don't know I'm not upset, I'm just thinking semi-shallow thoughts. Definitely a good blog to visit on a regular basis.
Senin, 26 November 2007
Cyber Ready-Reference Desk Tools
For most of us we may find ourselves sitting at a library desk answering routine questions (We hope!) Many times the answers will be on a sheet of paper or a shelf of books behind us.
But there will be times when we'll need to find the answer and you fingers are already on the keyboard. This is a brief survey of the type of information resources that are available for quick ready-reference type questions.
Library Focus Ready-Reference
The Internet for Librarians has a great page that links to Almanacs, Biographies, Maps and other types of fact based information. The Internet Public Library has a master page of links to similar types of items including calendars systems, links to experts and a link to the Department of Defense list of Military Acronyms and Abbreviations.
Lakewood Public Library (Ohio) has a library vetted list of good links for tech dictionaries, charity evaluations sites like Guidestar and Idealist and a link to the Ramapo Catskill Library system which has its own Best Online Reference sites.
And for the folks up north in Canada there is the Ontario Ready Reference page produced by the Southern Ontario Library Service.
Non Library Ready-Reference
Acronym Finder does what it claims, you type in the acronym or abbreviation or initialisms and it will root out a list of associated concepts.
An oldie but a goodie RefDesk has a little bit of everything such as currency converters, links to online encyclopedias, national and international newspapers and so much more. The design is old school 1998 so it is really important to scroll down to get familiar with all the items it contains.
Kathy Schrock over at Discovery Education has a nice list of items such as Phone Directories, Citation guides, Robert's Rules of Order and the World Time Server.
And if you really want to get a taste of the kind of questions folks ask at the library you should take a look at Ask Meta Filter. It is a good opportunity to practice on the kind of questions you might face at a public library desk. After reading a few of the questions I am rethinking my position on cataloging.
Construction of A Ready Reference Page
For those of you interested in becoming librarians or those on the tech side that would like to know how to structure these kind of sites I found an 1998 article on the value of having library reference web sites. Some of the concepts are still valid, however some of the links have evolved, disappeared or changed.
But there will be times when we'll need to find the answer and you fingers are already on the keyboard. This is a brief survey of the type of information resources that are available for quick ready-reference type questions.
Library Focus Ready-Reference
The Internet for Librarians has a great page that links to Almanacs, Biographies, Maps and other types of fact based information. The Internet Public Library has a master page of links to similar types of items including calendars systems, links to experts and a link to the Department of Defense list of Military Acronyms and Abbreviations.
Lakewood Public Library (Ohio) has a library vetted list of good links for tech dictionaries, charity evaluations sites like Guidestar and Idealist and a link to the Ramapo Catskill Library system which has its own Best Online Reference sites.
And for the folks up north in Canada there is the Ontario Ready Reference page produced by the Southern Ontario Library Service.
Non Library Ready-Reference
Acronym Finder does what it claims, you type in the acronym or abbreviation or initialisms and it will root out a list of associated concepts.
An oldie but a goodie RefDesk has a little bit of everything such as currency converters, links to online encyclopedias, national and international newspapers and so much more. The design is old school 1998 so it is really important to scroll down to get familiar with all the items it contains.
Kathy Schrock over at Discovery Education has a nice list of items such as Phone Directories, Citation guides, Robert's Rules of Order and the World Time Server.
And if you really want to get a taste of the kind of questions folks ask at the library you should take a look at Ask Meta Filter. It is a good opportunity to practice on the kind of questions you might face at a public library desk. After reading a few of the questions I am rethinking my position on cataloging.
Construction of A Ready Reference Page
For those of you interested in becoming librarians or those on the tech side that would like to know how to structure these kind of sites I found an 1998 article on the value of having library reference web sites. Some of the concepts are still valid, however some of the links have evolved, disappeared or changed.
Senin, 05 November 2007
SJSU Colloquia - Video Presentation on Library Topics
San Jose State University have an online version of presentations that address a variety of topics that you can view from the comfort of your home. The topics are diverse and touch on many of the topics that have been introduced to us via our classes.
The presentations are in Real Player format but they are embedded on a web page. There is a captioned version available as well as an audio .mp3 format and the video mp4 or m4v (iPod format).
I do have to tell you that the video download huge. To download the Community Outreach video was 680MB so you might want to view online. You should have a broadband or cable Internet connection to comfortably view or download the presentations.
You have the option to subscribe to the Colloquia via RSS or iTunes. Most of the presentations are about 30 minutes to an hour. It is a neat way to keep up with topics in the industry.
The presentations are in Real Player format but they are embedded on a web page. There is a captioned version available as well as an audio .mp3 format and the video mp4 or m4v (iPod format).
I do have to tell you that the video download huge. To download the Community Outreach video was 680MB so you might want to view online. You should have a broadband or cable Internet connection to comfortably view or download the presentations.
You have the option to subscribe to the Colloquia via RSS or iTunes. Most of the presentations are about 30 minutes to an hour. It is a neat way to keep up with topics in the industry.
Minggu, 14 Oktober 2007
Dewey Decimal System - All Dewey All The Time
If you find yourself working in a public library chances are good that it will use the Dewey Decimal System. Melvil Dewey is certainly represented on the web and in the blogosphere.
The following places of interest are a quick look at some of the resources available to help you learn and understand about the classification system. If you are taking Library 105B you are hip deep in the Dewey so hopefully I can dig out additional resources for the class.
The official Dewey site Online Learning Computer Center (OCLC) contain a gateway to the world of classification. You can download a copy of Introduction of Dewey Decimal Classification. In 37 pages it will give you the history, the classification schedules and the beginning steps on how to determine a subject, Notation, field of study and working with schedules and tables.
You will also want to check out the glossary of Dewey terms. Students in certain LT classes have access to Web Dewey but if you would like to get a head start on how to use the Web Dewey feature you can view a Power Point tutorial.
Outside of OCLC another place you want to visit is the Dewey Blog, edited by Johnathan Furner and the DDC team. If you can think it there is (or will be) a Dewey number for it. The blog represents life as viewed by the DDC. One of the entry that had me blinking was the classification of the toys and lead problems that have been in the news.
They go through the process of how this topic has been classified and what they do when there is not an exact match in the classification system. It is also a good opportunity to observe how a DDC "built" numbers are constructed.
Not every public library has Dewey, in fact there are a few that stopped using Dewey numbers such as the one in Arizona. They will arrange books by topic instead.
This has generated a lot of posts. Daniel DeStefano isn't crazy about the idea. A Library By Any Other name blog suggest that one of the problems with patrons finding books is that there isn't the right kind of signs or visual cues that would make it clear that where to find the history book.
Not all folks hate the idea of pitching Dewey - some folks like Shelly from A View From Here mention that maybe there could be a merger between the bookstore model and the traditional library classification systems.
The following places of interest are a quick look at some of the resources available to help you learn and understand about the classification system. If you are taking Library 105B you are hip deep in the Dewey so hopefully I can dig out additional resources for the class.
The official Dewey site Online Learning Computer Center (OCLC) contain a gateway to the world of classification. You can download a copy of Introduction of Dewey Decimal Classification. In 37 pages it will give you the history, the classification schedules and the beginning steps on how to determine a subject, Notation, field of study and working with schedules and tables.
You will also want to check out the glossary of Dewey terms. Students in certain LT classes have access to Web Dewey but if you would like to get a head start on how to use the Web Dewey feature you can view a Power Point tutorial.
Outside of OCLC another place you want to visit is the Dewey Blog, edited by Johnathan Furner and the DDC team. If you can think it there is (or will be) a Dewey number for it. The blog represents life as viewed by the DDC. One of the entry that had me blinking was the classification of the toys and lead problems that have been in the news.
They go through the process of how this topic has been classified and what they do when there is not an exact match in the classification system. It is also a good opportunity to observe how a DDC "built" numbers are constructed.
Not every public library has Dewey, in fact there are a few that stopped using Dewey numbers such as the one in Arizona. They will arrange books by topic instead.
This has generated a lot of posts. Daniel DeStefano isn't crazy about the idea. A Library By Any Other name blog suggest that one of the problems with patrons finding books is that there isn't the right kind of signs or visual cues that would make it clear that where to find the history book.
Not all folks hate the idea of pitching Dewey - some folks like Shelly from A View From Here mention that maybe there could be a merger between the bookstore model and the traditional library classification systems.
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