No Librarian is an Island

I don’t think there has been a week that has gone by that I haven't encountered one librarian stereotype or another. Are we all bun-wearing, cat-eyed glasses touting, sshhhhh sergeants? No.  But recently, as I stood alone, headphones in, systematically weeding an old collection, I came across a dusty copy of John Donne’s collected works. And there it was. “No Man is an Island”; a 14 line poem that addresses isolation. And his words rang true. As librarians, we are more often soldiers of solitude rather than the stereotyped sshhhhh sergeants. We work alone developing, weeding, shelving. But as Donne noted, though we may feel like an island at times, each of us is a piece of a continent—in our case, an informational continent. We are all working toward a common goal of preserving, disseminating, and promoting information and information literacy, so why not work together when we can?

Solitary duties are probably half of what we do. But as I have said before, there is no reason to be completely isolated and feel like you have to reinvent the wheel all the time. Being a part of the information continent means calling upon others for help or collaboration. Need a good read-aloud or program for National Poetry month? Dollars to donuts your counterpart at the local public library has one. Looking for the next book to read in your lunchtime book club? Ask another school librarian. Here are three of my top ways to reach out to colleagues and become an active part of the informational continent.

Make Local, real-life contacts

If you are a school librarian, don’t wait to see your peers at the monthly department meeting. Call them up, get to know them. Chances are they are working on similar programs are lessons and can be a great sounding board or collaborator for new ideas. 

NYPL

Don’t be a stranger to your nearest public library

Pop in and introduce yourself. Both you and the public library share a patron base. Chat about what the kids are asking for and about upcoming projects they will be doing in class. Perhaps you can coordinate an after-school tutoring program or a library card drive.

Join online communities 

Become a member of Follett Community, Library Thing, or Goodreads and use social media. Follow Pinterest boards and other librarians/educators on Twitter. Bookmark library blogs and leave comments when you read something interesting. You will gain followers and have a go-to when you are in need of ideas.

Taking these few small steps will not only bring you closer to the heartbeat of the industry, but it will save you time. Trust me, the hardest part is getting started. But once you do, you will be exposed to a wealth of information that would have otherwise sailed right past your island. So come, rejoin the informational continent; and remember, “ask not for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee.”


Ever onward.

eBooks: To 'e' or Not to 'e'

As we sprint, head down, toward the 21st century learning model most of us are treating our cases of information overload daily (I found wine and deep breaths help tremendously). Recently I have seen anxiety in many articles, blogs, Tweets—I even spoke to some real live people—regarding adding eBooks into a library collection. Some argue that we should not limit vendors, but rather add eBooks as we add print resources: from multiple vendors and publishers. Others say that you should pick one vendor and stick with it. There is also a disagreement about whether to develop fiction or non-fiction collections first. Here is what I have advised my librarians for now:

Stick to One Vendor for Now

I know this is going against the grain for some people, but we have to be realistic and do what is best for us. We serve 24,500 students and over 3,000 staff and it is better to present one platform--one method—through which our patrons can access eBooks rather than overwhelm them with several different technologies to learn. We don’t want them to get discouraged. Since Follett provides content that integrates seamlessly into Destiny, we would be remiss not to go with them. Unlike other vendors and content, I can track circulations, monitor and report on usage history, and integrate records into our catalog just as I would a print resource. In a time when we still have to tighten our belts, the reporting feature alone is invaluable. Being able to report usage statistics can help guide us as we develop collections and justify spending to our Administrations.

Collect For Your Patrons, Not For Yourself 

With Common Core coming down the pipeline (2014 here in California) there will be a high demand for non-fiction titles. But we have to be realistic, with the paradigm shifting to patrons seeking non-fiction in digital format (i.e. a Google search for a quick fact rather than using a print encyclopedia), it’s not in our patrons’ best interest to continue to heavily develop print non-fiction—as much as we may want to. I recommend that school LMTs collect only high interest NF and abstain from adding anything that overlaps content available in our digital databases or eBooks. On the contrary, I have seen study after study (and believe it or not, even had some real life experiences) which say that patrons still like to read fiction in print. So let’s give them what they want.

As needs and demands change, so too will we. If we can go from etching in stone, to carving on clay tablets, to papyrus scrolls, to the printed word, we can certainly shift to digital content. We are librarians after all, and we have been doing this for a long time.

Some Not-So-Lame Advice for Library Job Seekers

Unfortunately, in the world of school libraries, we have more job turn over than I'd like. But since I am not the one who sets the salary and benefit schedules, there is little I can do to prevent this other than do my best to get the right person into the right school at the right time. Given the current market, I have be fortunate enough to have had my pick of some exceptional candidates (and had to weed through many not-so-exceptional ones as well). Recently I heard some pretty lame job seeking advice from non-library managers so below are a few do's and don'ts I have for those applying in our field.

Actually Submitted to Me

DO fill out the entire application online. I know it feels redundant, but if you're prompted by the online application software, just do it. If it is blank, I usually think the applicant is lazy or is just resume blasting. Attached resumes usually come at the bottom of the form and I don't see them until the end. If I have 200 applications to go through, I only open resumes of candidates who look qualified in the initial application.  

DON'T apply if you don't qualify. If you are a poly-sci major or architect or some other profession that has nothing to do with library services, please don't apply. It takes away time that I could be reviewing applications of qualified candidates, and quite frankly, it is irritating. If you really want a job as a librarian, you need more than "love to read" listed among your qualifications. Volunteer or intern. Go to library school. We all had to so don't insult me by thinking you can do my job without any formal education or training. 

DO check your application for typos and grammar. I cannot believe I have to say this, but you'd be surprised. 

DON'T stop in to drop off your resume in person unless it is specifically stated. Some will tell you this is showing your interest, but usually it is just annoying. We have procedures in place; show us you are interested by displaying your ability to follow them. 

DO send a thank you note. It does show you care. But send it in an email. Sometimes we make a decision the day of or day after interviews and your snail mail will arrive after we've made the cut. 

DON'T come unprepared. Take the time to look at the school's website, library collection, programs, etc. online. We always appreciate someone who takes the time to be interested in the job for which he or she applying.

DO keep up with the latest news in the industry. The American Library Association and American Association of School Librarians have a JobLIST that has tips and tricks from people like me who are searching for qualified candidates. 

All in all, my advice is apply within your industry, be prepared, and to keep in mind that you get about 20 seconds to make an impression in an application. If you don't like your industry, change it by going to school, volunteering, or interning. I know it is easier said than done, but anything is better than being stuck at a job you hate or an industry that isn't fulfilling right? I may seem like the Library Dragon, but I am passionate about this industry and I want to see applicants who share in my dedication.


EVER onward!

Fictional Endings I will Never Get Over

Being the newbie Twitterer that I am, I am still falling and stumbling around the Twittersphere like a drunken sailor on rough tides, but alas, I am finding it intriguing... and thus I stumble on.

A few days ago I came across a Twitter trend for #fictionaldeathsiwillnevergetover. One Tweet flew by pointing out the fact that the "nerds were trending". I didn’t know whether or not to be offended or to laugh, so I settled on combination of both. As I scrolled through the seemingly endless stream of Tweets, I realized that many out there shared in my heart-wrenching, life-changing fictional character demises. Below are my Top 3. I also threw my Top 3 #fictionalcharactersiwanttomarry to pay homage to another Twitter Trend--and mostly so I don’t sound like a complete downer.

Fictional Demises I Will Never Get Over

Mufasa

I was ten (don't do the age math!!) when this film hit the big screen and I can still remember grabbing my mom's arm in the theater. This was one of my first real experiences with loss. Thanks, Disney, for forcing me into the real world--whether I was ready or not.

Dumbledore

All I have to say on this one is I feel like I lost a grandpa. Or maybe that really cute old guy that plays chess alone in the park. And I suppose while we are at it, you can add all the other characters who got the ax in this series and who account for #5, #8 and #11... but that's for another day.

The Kid From My Girl

Didn't that poor girl have enough issues with losing her mom and growing up in a funeral parlor? Now she has to bear the fact that her only friend died trying to find her stupid ring? Geez! The '90's were tough.

Fictional Characters I Would Want to Marry

Hubs 1

Edward Cullen. I know, I know, me and every other girl. But I am picky. ONLY the Edward Cullen from the books. Sorry, Robert Pattinson. But I don't blame you completely. Screenwriters, directors, and costume people should share some of the blame. So no picture. Except the one I keep in my mind.

Hubs 2

Flynn Rider. Wit, charm, confidence, and not to mention one half of the best Disney love song! Flynn has a way of getting out of not-so-good situations all while having perfect hair. And watch out for "the look".

Hubs 3 (The Real Number 1)

It still feels like a fairy tale to me babe! 

                                                  

                                                                    I highly recommend Paperwhites Photography

10 Things to Make Your Life in the Library Easier

As the realization sets in that the term information overload is a less a temporary affliction and more a social norm, you may find yourself asking, “Now what?” Fortunately, there several actions you can take to save precious minutes (and shreds of sanity) as you shake off the urge to change your name to Sisyphus. Below are 10 things that have helped me to better utilize more effectively what little spare time I do have in the library.

1.       Take the Plunge! Try Social Media Promotion

Libraries across the country are using social media to promote their services—as small as a rural K-5 school all the way up to NPL and LOC. As we all make the digital shift, virtual promotion can be one of the easiest and fastest ways to reach your patrons. Most of them are already using one or more of the “Big Three”: Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Running “Like Us” and “Follow Us” campaigns with prizes or incentives will help you gain a following. Once you establish yourself to your patrons, reaching them is as simple as sending a text.

2.       Make Destiny a One-Stop Shop

Destiny is more than just an online catalog. This powerful tool can help to promote information literacy and good search skills at every grade level. By incorporating academic databases via One Search, websites via WebPath Express, and digital resources with your current print holdings, your students and staff will have a trusted jumping off point when they begin their search for information. Destiny can also save you time with features such as emailing overdue notices directly to students, staff, and parents and running saved reports on a set schedule automatically.

3.       Get a Wireless Scanner and Download the Circulation App to Devices

Gone are the days of hauling books to the circulation desk for inventory and circulation. Have a rowdy class of kindergartners  Have them sit in line while you come to them with your wireless scanner rather than them rushing the circ desk. Need to inventory textbooks in a different room? Simply walk there with your scanner.  Also, you can download the Follett Destiny app from the Apple and Android stores which allows you to search for materials and patrons directly from your Smart Phone or tablet. Ever find a book out on the playground? Now you can snap a picture of the barcode with your phone to see who last had the book. Trust me; it will change your life.

4.       Use Student and Parent Volunteers

I am a huge proponent of student and parent labor. Each year I used to ask teachers to call for responsible students to help in the library at lunch. And if you don’t have takers right away, they can always be bribed with getting an extra checkout or bookmark.  With a little work up front to train your helpers, you will alleviate some of the menial tasks and save tons of time in the long run.

5.       Reach Out To Teachers for Collection Development Ideas

Collection development can be extremely time-consuming and many find themselves drawing a blank on what to buy for the kiddos with their limited budgets. Once or twice per year try sending out a short survey for teachers.  If you’re into tech, Google Drive—formerly Google Docs—has great forms that will organize your results neatly into a spreadsheet. Ask the teachers what they are teaching this year and if they have any new curricula. What would they like to see in the stacks? They will appreciate being included in the process and will take some of the guesswork off your plate.

6.       Reach Out To Others in the Field

Sometimes it is hard to believe, but no librarian is an island. Most of us are willing to share ideas, thoughts, and experiences in the name of literacy and library promotion.  Establishing a network of colleagues will save you oodles time in the long run. Conferences, webinars, social media (and ahem, library blogs!) are great ways to meet like-minded folks with whom you can talk shop.

7.       Collaborate With Local Public and Academic Libraries

Your students will not always be your students. They will grow up and move on and they should know what other types of libraries await them out there in the world beyond your stacks.  Local public and academic libraries are usually willing to come speak to your school about what their library has to offer or collaborate on events such as a library card drive.

Baloocartoons.com 

8.       Don’t Assume You Have To Reinvent the Wheel

If you follow tips #6 and #7, you should rarely have to reinvent the wheel. Need a good read-aloud for Valentine’s Day? How about a lesson on cyber bullying? Before you hit the word processor and put on your thinking cap, ask your library network for ideas. Better to adjust than to invent from scratch.

9.       Develop a Self-Circulating Collection Via eBooks

This is not something that happens overnight, but as you begin to develop your eBook collection and digital resource offerings, you may find yourself with extra minutes during circulation periods. Keep an eye on your reports to see if and how circulation is shifting toward digital media by comparing it to past months or years.

10.   Write How-To’s To Educate More Patrons in Less Time

Though How-to’s are time consuming up front, they will save you twice over what you put in. A handbook with screenshots is my little black dress of Professional Development and training. And if the technology or process changes, you can simply edit the handbook rather than trying to verbally retrain students and staff. Keep them handy in both print and digital format and if you can, link them to your Destiny homepage (see tip #2).


And I suppose if you remember nothing else, remember that just by enduring the chaos, the slashed budgets, the waves of pink slips and downsizings, by remaining true to your passion for your students and their literacy, you are giving both a chance thrive and grow in this ever-changing world. Here’s to you.

Ever onward!