I realize that I haven't updated this blog in months. This is an opening sentence to countless blog entries throughout the blagosphere. There have been numerous things going on for me professionally including attending the American Library Association Annual Conference in DC, trying to find my niche in ALA Council, etc.
I still find myself trying to figure out my niche for this blog. It will soon be moving over to http://infowidget.info although I think this url will still work.
In the meantime, I figured I will post some book reviews.
Couple Skills: Making Your Relationship Work by Matthew McKay, Patrick Fanning, and Kim Paleg
Communication is one of the first things to break down in a relationship. This book explores how to improve communication and cope better with the problems that spring up throughout our daily lives. Practical skills application and activities are throughout the book. Very useful and recommended.
Vaccine: The Controversial Story of Medicine's Greatest Lifesaver by Arthur Allen
This book explores the history of vaccination and the controversies surrounding public health policy and vaccine research. Also highlighted in this book are the anti-vaccine stances that are currently being debated. While it is uncertain whether the deadly avian flu virus will evolve in a way that allows it to sweep across the globe, experts are certain that it is only a matter of time before a flu pandemic strikes. An interesting and timely read!
Seeds: Time Capsules of Life and Pollen: The Hidden Sexuality of Flowers by Rob Kesseler are wonderous books. Utilizing electron microscopes, the artist is able to photograph the seeds and pollen of various flowers and plants. It is not just pretty pictures. The book relates historical and scientific information that is accessible to the average person. I came away gaining not only additional knowledge but a respect and reverance for these very small things that can shape the world, albeit with the proper environment. The beauty and symmetry of these objects illustrate how art is really in all things. Recommended!
I will post again shortly. Polemic pontifications, bookish babbling and the like.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Saturday, June 2, 2007
(Un?)Fortunately I have been quite busy as of late. First off, I would like to belatedly thank anyone who voted for me in the ALA election. I am truly honored that I have been elected to serve as a Councilor-at-Large. I look forward to making a difference within the organization and have no qualms about shaking things up. While I did not expect to win with my first attempt, I'm confident that I will represent ALA members effectively. Still, wowzers!
Three issues that I wanted to chime in on:
Jackson County Public Libraries Stay Closed
Maricopa County Library - Death of DDC
Collection Development Issues in Sacramento
All of these issues go hand in hand. Some people do not want to pass library levies because "I don't go to the library, why should I have to pay?" Or "They don't have what I want anyway, why should I pay extra taxes?" Or "I can never seem to find anything when I'm in there, why bother?"
Three issues that I wanted to chime in on:
Jackson County Public Libraries Stay Closed
Maricopa County Library - Death of DDC
Collection Development Issues in Sacramento
All of these issues go hand in hand. Some people do not want to pass library levies because "I don't go to the library, why should I have to pay?" Or "They don't have what I want anyway, why should I pay extra taxes?" Or "I can never seem to find anything when I'm in there, why bother?"
Our desire to maintain libraries' relevance in the eyes of the patron/customer should not acquiesce and confound the mission of libraries. Concurrently, I would assert that libraries sometimes take themselves too seriously.
Indeed, we must have standards and an organizational schema that enables the purchase and classification of items. I'm a fan of Dewey. Not the individual but his classification system. While I do not wish to completely abandon DDC, I feel that the general public does not know what it means. Instead of no longer incorporating Dewey in the Perry Library (Maricopa County Public Library System), I would suggest endcap signage with additional signage in the stacks. Pointing out the general topics of the DDC may prove useful and less confusing for the average patron.
By no means do I mean to diminish the importance of public libraries and wish to turn them into big box bookstores. It is very sad that the citizens of Jackson County were unable to support the proposed levy. It begs the question, what was done to rally support from those voters? How could the library have marketed its services and value to those people? How do those people view the library? Sometimes the voice of the minority is so strong that they do not realize the deafening silence around them or that the rest of the group is engrossed in other pursuits and not paying attention. I remember in the 2004 election thinking that there was no way Bush was going to win. Additionally, I was associating myself with people that were like-minded. The resounding cry heard amongst us was "We are unhappy with the way things are going under Bush. Let's elect Kerry!" Since it seemed to be echoing throughout the land, we were shocked when the majority re-elected him. Perhaps our echoes were just bouncing off of each other. Since then, I've resolved to make an effort to find out what "the opposition" is thinking.
It is unclear to me whether or not the library workers or those campaigning for the levy made attempts to reach out to the opposition. I have only been involved in one library levy campaign and admittedly it was a successful one. It may have been interesting to encounter a more fierce opposition.
This brings us to trying to please everyone all of the time. You just can't do it. In Sacramento, the director made the call to shift from a policy that stressed the importance of the classics, etc. to a more popularized approach. I'm not exactly thrilled with this but I'm willing to take a second glance at this line of reasoning. "Give them what they want!"
I could ramble incessantly about the dumbing down of our culture and how libraries are stewards of intellectual freedom and how the culture of conspicuous consumption ultimately pits man against himself but I'm not going to do that. I will state simply that the mission of libraries has never been to be a slave to our circulation statistics. We are not just about books and DVDs. Libraries provide important services. We serve the public and supply them with the resources to better themselves. However, what if they don't want to better themselves? What if they are complacent in their pop culture, instant gratification mentality? Does that mean we should be complicit? No. We just need to evolve.
I see libraries evolving every day. The shift from the notion of "library as a place" or embracing that stand alone box mentality and establishing itself as the center of the community and thereby expanding its services. Outreach librarians have the opportunity to take the library to the patrons/customers. Instructional Technology librarians can assist patrons and teach them new skills that can be utilized in the ever changing job market. Programming, the all encompassing catchphrase of Library 2.0, etc. are just examples of how we are changing.
The key is to illustrate to patrons/customers what we can provide for them. We are not simply a free Borders. We can provide so much more than that and do!
It will be interesting to see how the Sacramento Library collection development issue unfolds. As with a number of issues that I may not agree with, I will definitely be paying attention if only to further understand how libraries can continue to evolve.
Indeed, we must have standards and an organizational schema that enables the purchase and classification of items. I'm a fan of Dewey. Not the individual but his classification system. While I do not wish to completely abandon DDC, I feel that the general public does not know what it means. Instead of no longer incorporating Dewey in the Perry Library (Maricopa County Public Library System), I would suggest endcap signage with additional signage in the stacks. Pointing out the general topics of the DDC may prove useful and less confusing for the average patron.
By no means do I mean to diminish the importance of public libraries and wish to turn them into big box bookstores. It is very sad that the citizens of Jackson County were unable to support the proposed levy. It begs the question, what was done to rally support from those voters? How could the library have marketed its services and value to those people? How do those people view the library? Sometimes the voice of the minority is so strong that they do not realize the deafening silence around them or that the rest of the group is engrossed in other pursuits and not paying attention. I remember in the 2004 election thinking that there was no way Bush was going to win. Additionally, I was associating myself with people that were like-minded. The resounding cry heard amongst us was "We are unhappy with the way things are going under Bush. Let's elect Kerry!" Since it seemed to be echoing throughout the land, we were shocked when the majority re-elected him. Perhaps our echoes were just bouncing off of each other. Since then, I've resolved to make an effort to find out what "the opposition" is thinking.
It is unclear to me whether or not the library workers or those campaigning for the levy made attempts to reach out to the opposition. I have only been involved in one library levy campaign and admittedly it was a successful one. It may have been interesting to encounter a more fierce opposition.
This brings us to trying to please everyone all of the time. You just can't do it. In Sacramento, the director made the call to shift from a policy that stressed the importance of the classics, etc. to a more popularized approach. I'm not exactly thrilled with this but I'm willing to take a second glance at this line of reasoning. "Give them what they want!"
I could ramble incessantly about the dumbing down of our culture and how libraries are stewards of intellectual freedom and how the culture of conspicuous consumption ultimately pits man against himself but I'm not going to do that. I will state simply that the mission of libraries has never been to be a slave to our circulation statistics. We are not just about books and DVDs. Libraries provide important services. We serve the public and supply them with the resources to better themselves. However, what if they don't want to better themselves? What if they are complacent in their pop culture, instant gratification mentality? Does that mean we should be complicit? No. We just need to evolve.
I see libraries evolving every day. The shift from the notion of "library as a place" or embracing that stand alone box mentality and establishing itself as the center of the community and thereby expanding its services. Outreach librarians have the opportunity to take the library to the patrons/customers. Instructional Technology librarians can assist patrons and teach them new skills that can be utilized in the ever changing job market. Programming, the all encompassing catchphrase of Library 2.0, etc. are just examples of how we are changing.
The key is to illustrate to patrons/customers what we can provide for them. We are not simply a free Borders. We can provide so much more than that and do!
It will be interesting to see how the Sacramento Library collection development issue unfolds. As with a number of issues that I may not agree with, I will definitely be paying attention if only to further understand how libraries can continue to evolve.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Blogging Class
At my library, I have the opportunity to develop self-paced information literacy tutorials and teach formal classes to train students in aspects of information literacy and technology. Past classes I have taught have been have included Internet Skills, Email and Internet Security. I am just received the go-ahead to create an Introduction to Blogging class.
I'm pretty excited about this as I have had a number of questions regarding blogging and Web 2.0, etc. in my Internet Skills classes. In addition, the Hudson Library blog will be updated on a more frequent basis soon.
I've been blogging since 2001 and it has been exciting to see the evolution of blogging. Many people use blogging as a means to chronicle their lives while others use it as a platform of self publishing. It will be intriguing to see how our patrons will use their blogs.
I'm pretty excited about this as I have had a number of questions regarding blogging and Web 2.0, etc. in my Internet Skills classes. In addition, the Hudson Library blog will be updated on a more frequent basis soon.
I've been blogging since 2001 and it has been exciting to see the evolution of blogging. Many people use blogging as a means to chronicle their lives while others use it as a platform of self publishing. It will be intriguing to see how our patrons will use their blogs.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Awakening from the slumber...
Tomorrow, I will be attending the Northeast Chapter Conference of the Ohio Library Council. I'm looking forward to this since I always enjoy learning new things and finding ways to enhance my skills. Another librarian will be going with me and this afternoon, we'll figure out which sessions we would like to attend. I'm leaning towards some of the management track sessions along with the marketing and technology divisions. Unfortunately, I can't clone myself in time to attend all of the sessions.
As I was flipping through the program booklet, I found a rather disturbing program entitled, "What Would Rip VanWinkle Think?" The program aims to dissuade people from incorporating Library 2.0 tools within their library. Program description: "This program will explore Ragademanndoh's 7 Principles of Library Technology and explore why your library should not have a blog, not a MySpace or a Flickr account. Participants will learn why a hand-written sign on the door is more effective than a Web page and other ways to apply Ragademanndoh's 7 Principles in your library."
Even the title invokes an image of a fumbling old man that is confused by the Information Age. To some, this may be an obstacle to service while others, like myself, see this as an opportunity for teachable moments. I encounter Rip VanWinkle and Rita VanWinkle types nearly every day. Some cannot be bothered to learn new tools while others see the benefits of and are eager to incorporate technology into their daily lives. Reaching out to both camps is important and vital to ensure that patrons' information needs are being met.
I've done a cursory search on the Internet and attempted to look Ragademanndoh up in EBSCOHost. Unfortunately, the only results for this person have been pointing to the program description on the OLC website. Who the heck is Ragademanndoh and why is s/he against technology?
I surely hope this program is done tongue in cheek. There are too many librarians that feel that we should not utilize tools of technology. I understand the fear of embracing new tools and could easily understand the perception that libraries are simply jumping on any and all bandwagons with the banner of technology emblazoned on the side. The thing is, if libraries are to remain a vital part of communities, they need to be anticipating different ways to reach their audiences. Our future Friends of the Library (and some current) are blogging and utilizing social networking tools. To borrow a few phrases from the business world, libraries need to be concerned about increasing our market share and staying ahead of the curve. While a handwritten sign is fine and dandy, it only works when the patrons are in the building.
I feel as if Jim Mann (the presenter) should read the Librarian's 2.0 Manifesto. Most library mission statements discuss providing access to materials and resources but most importantly, information is our currency. I fear that if libraries do not make the effort to reach out to patrons and market their services, we will be viewed as antiquated, provincial and obsolete. We already face this perception with numerous city and state governments that seek to cut our funding based on the thought that "No one goes to the library anymore." For some communities, that may be true and that's something we ought to change. Either way, reaching out to those patrons that do not set foot inside of our doors is essential to our survival and for better or for worse, technology and all of its mysterious trappings (social networking, blogging, wikis, etc.) aids us in that goal.
I plan on contacting Mr. Mann since this program is not offered at the Northeast Chapter Conference. I would hope that he has extensive research to back up these ideas. It seems to me that the confluence of technology and libraries are a perfect match and it boggles my mind when I hear otherwise. I look forward to hearing from him.
As I was flipping through the program booklet, I found a rather disturbing program entitled, "What Would Rip VanWinkle Think?" The program aims to dissuade people from incorporating Library 2.0 tools within their library. Program description: "This program will explore Ragademanndoh's 7 Principles of Library Technology and explore why your library should not have a blog, not a MySpace or a Flickr account. Participants will learn why a hand-written sign on the door is more effective than a Web page and other ways to apply Ragademanndoh's 7 Principles in your library."
Even the title invokes an image of a fumbling old man that is confused by the Information Age. To some, this may be an obstacle to service while others, like myself, see this as an opportunity for teachable moments. I encounter Rip VanWinkle and Rita VanWinkle types nearly every day. Some cannot be bothered to learn new tools while others see the benefits of and are eager to incorporate technology into their daily lives. Reaching out to both camps is important and vital to ensure that patrons' information needs are being met.
I've done a cursory search on the Internet and attempted to look Ragademanndoh up in EBSCOHost. Unfortunately, the only results for this person have been pointing to the program description on the OLC website. Who the heck is Ragademanndoh and why is s/he against technology?
I surely hope this program is done tongue in cheek. There are too many librarians that feel that we should not utilize tools of technology. I understand the fear of embracing new tools and could easily understand the perception that libraries are simply jumping on any and all bandwagons with the banner of technology emblazoned on the side. The thing is, if libraries are to remain a vital part of communities, they need to be anticipating different ways to reach their audiences. Our future Friends of the Library (and some current) are blogging and utilizing social networking tools. To borrow a few phrases from the business world, libraries need to be concerned about increasing our market share and staying ahead of the curve. While a handwritten sign is fine and dandy, it only works when the patrons are in the building.
I feel as if Jim Mann (the presenter) should read the Librarian's 2.0 Manifesto. Most library mission statements discuss providing access to materials and resources but most importantly, information is our currency. I fear that if libraries do not make the effort to reach out to patrons and market their services, we will be viewed as antiquated, provincial and obsolete. We already face this perception with numerous city and state governments that seek to cut our funding based on the thought that "No one goes to the library anymore." For some communities, that may be true and that's something we ought to change. Either way, reaching out to those patrons that do not set foot inside of our doors is essential to our survival and for better or for worse, technology and all of its mysterious trappings (social networking, blogging, wikis, etc.) aids us in that goal.
I plan on contacting Mr. Mann since this program is not offered at the Northeast Chapter Conference. I would hope that he has extensive research to back up these ideas. It seems to me that the confluence of technology and libraries are a perfect match and it boggles my mind when I hear otherwise. I look forward to hearing from him.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
I regret that I have not updated this blog as often as I would have liked. Part of it is that I fear that I would essentially be mirroring and sampling news from other already established library blogs. Then again, I would be mixing in my opinion and that is pretty much what blogging is all about. Now that I have turned blogging into the hokey-pokey, let's get started.
ALA voting starts today! During these past few weeks, I should have been blogging incessantly in order to convince ALA members to vote for me for Councilor at Large. If anything, this is a learning experience for me. Even though I used to dream of being the first woman president, I haven't ever really attempted to break into politics other than the 4th grade student council representative position, an election that I lost. The lesson learned there was that if you give people candy, people will vote for you. While I'm not apt to give bribes hopes of a vote, I will give my opinion on the upcoming elections in ALA.
I'm really excited about Jim Rettig's campaign for ALA President and would be excited to work with him on the issues facing libraries, expanding our membership and looking to the future as new and exciting tools for information access and retrieval are being created. I definitely plan on voting for Jim Rettig and would encourage others to do so as well.
As for my own areas of concern that I would like to address as a Councilor, I would endeavor to bridge the gap of those that see social networking tools as frivolous pursuits versus those that see them as useful means for intellectual gains.
As I stated in my statement of professional concerns, I would like to see more members at Council sessions. For those that are unable to attend Midwinter and Annual, it would be great if the ALA were to have streaming video and later have it available in a downloadable format.
The mentoring programs are very and I strongly commend Leslie Burger's leadership initiatives. I would like to see assistance within ALA to foster local leadership programs as well as state initiatives.
As a member of the Intellectual Freedom Round Table, I would like to further embolden and strengthen those libraries being challenged by outside groups that would prevent access to information.
I would like to propose that all ALA accredited institutions are required to have practicum programs in place for all MLS/MLIS students. Too many graduates are being churned out of programs without any experience. I would propose that this would be a requirement to graduate at any ALA accredited institution. This program would be requirement as part of the ALA accreditation process.
I am also an ALA-APA committee member and would like to see ways that the ALA could create a program that would highlight what library workers do in order to demystify and enhance the status of libraries. While the ALA cannot work/lobby for library workers, stressing the importance of the people behind the libraries would hopefully help elevate what we do.
I am very approachable and open to questions. If anyone does have any questions or comments, feel free to ask. I look forward to hearing from you and I look forward to serving you as a Councilor at Large.
ALA voting starts today! During these past few weeks, I should have been blogging incessantly in order to convince ALA members to vote for me for Councilor at Large. If anything, this is a learning experience for me. Even though I used to dream of being the first woman president, I haven't ever really attempted to break into politics other than the 4th grade student council representative position, an election that I lost. The lesson learned there was that if you give people candy, people will vote for you. While I'm not apt to give bribes hopes of a vote, I will give my opinion on the upcoming elections in ALA.
I'm really excited about Jim Rettig's campaign for ALA President and would be excited to work with him on the issues facing libraries, expanding our membership and looking to the future as new and exciting tools for information access and retrieval are being created. I definitely plan on voting for Jim Rettig and would encourage others to do so as well.
As for my own areas of concern that I would like to address as a Councilor, I would endeavor to bridge the gap of those that see social networking tools as frivolous pursuits versus those that see them as useful means for intellectual gains.
As I stated in my statement of professional concerns, I would like to see more members at Council sessions. For those that are unable to attend Midwinter and Annual, it would be great if the ALA were to have streaming video and later have it available in a downloadable format.
The mentoring programs are very and I strongly commend Leslie Burger's leadership initiatives. I would like to see assistance within ALA to foster local leadership programs as well as state initiatives.
As a member of the Intellectual Freedom Round Table, I would like to further embolden and strengthen those libraries being challenged by outside groups that would prevent access to information.
I would like to propose that all ALA accredited institutions are required to have practicum programs in place for all MLS/MLIS students. Too many graduates are being churned out of programs without any experience. I would propose that this would be a requirement to graduate at any ALA accredited institution. This program would be requirement as part of the ALA accreditation process.
I am also an ALA-APA committee member and would like to see ways that the ALA could create a program that would highlight what library workers do in order to demystify and enhance the status of libraries. While the ALA cannot work/lobby for library workers, stressing the importance of the people behind the libraries would hopefully help elevate what we do.
I am very approachable and open to questions. If anyone does have any questions or comments, feel free to ask. I look forward to hearing from you and I look forward to serving you as a Councilor at Large.
Friday, February 23, 2007
My name is Amy Harmon and I've started a professional blog. The topics that may spring up shall include but not be limited to: libraries, intellectual freedom, customer service, marketing, or anything else that I might think is professionally relevant.
I'm a reference and archives librarian at the Hudson Library & Historical Society. I've been here almost 2 years (April 11). I find it interesting that my anniversary date at my job is 4-11, the digits for telephone information.
I'm a member of the American Library Association and value the professional associations within of which I am also a member of: Public Library Association, Reference and User Services Association, New Members Round Table, and Ohio Library Council. I am currently running as a candidate for ALA Councilor-at-Large.
I currently read a number of library blogs, including: Meredith Farkas' blog:Information Wants To Be Free, Steven M. Cohen's, Library Stuff, Jenny Levine's Shifted Librarian and Andrea Mercado's blog, Library Techtonics. Andrea inspired me to start this blog. I've had a personal blog since 2001 but hadn't ventured into the professional blog arena. As a newbie in this realm, I hope that this blog will serve as additional information and commentary as opposed to incoherent ramblings and vociferous expressions.
I'm a reference and archives librarian at the Hudson Library & Historical Society. I've been here almost 2 years (April 11). I find it interesting that my anniversary date at my job is 4-11, the digits for telephone information.
I'm a member of the American Library Association and value the professional associations within of which I am also a member of: Public Library Association, Reference and User Services Association, New Members Round Table, and Ohio Library Council. I am currently running as a candidate for ALA Councilor-at-Large.
I currently read a number of library blogs, including: Meredith Farkas' blog:Information Wants To Be Free, Steven M. Cohen's, Library Stuff, Jenny Levine's Shifted Librarian and Andrea Mercado's blog, Library Techtonics. Andrea inspired me to start this blog. I've had a personal blog since 2001 but hadn't ventured into the professional blog arena. As a newbie in this realm, I hope that this blog will serve as additional information and commentary as opposed to incoherent ramblings and vociferous expressions.
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