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! 

                                                  

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