Librarian by Day http://librarianbyday.net Bobbi Newman | I'm not that kind of librarian Sat, 27 Sep 2014 17:40:52 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=4.0 Doctoral Studies and Where to Connect With Me Online http://librarianbyday.net/2014/08/23/doctoral-studies-and-where-to-connect-with-me-online/ http://librarianbyday.net/2014/08/23/doctoral-studies-and-where-to-connect-with-me-online/#comments Sun, 24 Aug 2014 01:01:40 +0000 http://librarianbyday.net/?p=8131 Read more →

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Saw these 4 hot air balloon while driving home one day.

Saw these 4 hot air balloon driving home one day.

The last few months have been a whirlwind, I moved,unpacked, took care of a sick dog, welcomed The Niece into the world, figured out how to fit my things into my very small Colorado apartment, began to demystify the local bus system, and various pre-program prep and moving chores.

Next week I begin classes in the doctoral program at the University of Colorado Boulder. I am pursuing media studies in the communications program. While I still have some spare time I want to share where you can connect with me online these days.

I am not officially declaring this blog dead. In fact, much of my past work in political science and policy is highly relevant to libraries and connected to library issues. The same is true of my work going forward, but from what I hear of the demands of PhD programs I may not have time write posts here.

I will still be active on Twitter as @bobbinewman

I am happy with my venture on to Tumblr with the Librarian by Day Notebook, I find it allows me to pull out key pieces of information in larger chunks than on Twitter. If you are a Tumblr user you can follow me and if you don’t use Tumblr you can subscribe via RSS or email. I do tweet some of the items I post, but not all.

I have started second Tumblr to focus on my doctoral interests – political communication and political behavior and how those are influenced by new media, technology policy, digital literacy, and academia in general. Follow me on Tumblr or subscribe by RSS, or Email.

I use Pinterest and Facebook sporadically.

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The Answer To “Who Are You Empowering?” Better Be “Our Patrons” http://librarianbyday.net/2014/05/26/the-answer-to-who-are-you-empowering-better-be-our-patrons/ http://librarianbyday.net/2014/05/26/the-answer-to-who-are-you-empowering-better-be-our-patrons/#comments Mon, 26 May 2014 15:43:42 +0000 http://librarianbyday.net/?p=8109 Read more →

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Kindle 3

Hugh Rundle’s new article “Who Are you Empowering?” over at In The Library With a Lead Pipe caught my attention this week, so much so that I commented on it twice and finally decided to write this post.

First, I wasn’t present for Joe Murphy’s closing keynote address, but if it was as Rundle describes it, I agree with Rundle’s reaction. The techno lust displayed by many in library land is a bit ridiculous. And, frankly, I generally find those, even librarians, predicting THE FUTURE, laughable. I also agree with the comment made by StevenB about the perception of the term “gap filler”. The term “gap filler” is vague and has many possible explanations and definitions, but that’s not why I’m writing.

I agree with much of Rundles overarching theme, privacy is good, librarians should stand for something, giving directions to the bathroom and recommending what to read after you finish the Divergent series probably isn’t the best bet on future stability.

But. But, my concern is this – how can do libraries implement that without alienating patrons. The suggestion of running Linux on public access PC’s makes me cringe (if you want to offer this an option good, default for all, bad). As someone who has worked the frontlines of assisting patrons and offering training on technologies I can’t advise against this strongly enough. Yes, it supports the DO WHAT WE BELIEVE motto, which is good, but is always does not serve the best interest of the patrons. I’m sorry but the software people will be using in schools and the workplace are Microsoft or Apple, it is what they want to know, what they need to learn, and what will make crafting (and sharing) that cover letter or resume easiest for them. Yes, I know in a perfect world everyone would know all the software and it wouldn’t matter. But forcing patrons to use software and develop skills that won’t transfer wastes their time, and that of the librarian. It also creates the risk of alienating and driving away patrons. If libraries, can’t, or won’t, give them what they want they will go somewhere else.

There are other issues including his remarks about Google and Facebook (beware your personal prejudices), but I don’t want to break down the article point by point, I want to make a larger, overall point.

I am not advocating against Rundle’s suggestions, but rather a careful consideration of HOW. We all make trade-offs on privacy and technology, some knowingly (I own a Kindle and I use Google) some unknowingly. Insulting patrons by telling them you know best, or better, about their privacy wants and needs isn’t going to win the hearts and minds of your patrons. Think carefully about the message you’re sending, anything that could be interpreted as “come to the library, we’re smarter than you” might not be the message you want to send. Think about how people adopt innovation. Think about your end goals, and the community you serve, and what their greater needs are, because the answer to “who are you empowering?” damn well better be – “our patrons”.Similar Posts:

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Summer Reading List 2014 – What Are You Reading This Summer? http://librarianbyday.net/2014/05/21/summer-reading-list-2014-what-are-you-reading-this-summer/ http://librarianbyday.net/2014/05/21/summer-reading-list-2014-what-are-you-reading-this-summer/#comments Wed, 21 May 2014 13:55:56 +0000 http://librarianbyday.net/?p=8101 Read more →

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I opted to create my reading list for this summer on Pinterest. I like being able to see the covers and I think I’m more likely to add in start and finish dates as comments. I didn’t do a very good job of editing my post last year to add that information. I also didn’t stick to my list, but that’s summer reading for you!

What’s on your summer reading list?

summerreading

 

Fiction

Non-Fiction

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Escape the Silo – Iowa ACRL keynote http://librarianbyday.net/2014/05/02/escape-the-silo-iowa-acrl-keynote/ http://librarianbyday.net/2014/05/02/escape-the-silo-iowa-acrl-keynote/#comments Fri, 02 May 2014 16:24:00 +0000 http://librarianbyday.net/?p=8089 Read more →

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This morning I got to deliver the keynote at Iowa Association of Research and College Libraries. I got to talk about silos and echo chambers and change some of my favorite topics!

References and Recommended Reading

I also created a pinterest board, if you’re into that sort of thing :-)Similar Posts:

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Conference & Travel Packing & Survival Tips http://librarianbyday.net/2014/04/15/conference-travel-packing-survival-tips/ http://librarianbyday.net/2014/04/15/conference-travel-packing-survival-tips/#comments Tue, 15 Apr 2014 12:01:55 +0000 http://librarianbyday.net/?p=8076 Read more →

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Almost 3 years ago I gave up checking bag and started traveling with only a carry on. I was tired of paying the extra baggage fees, waiting for my bag at the carousel, and it felt like a challenge. After a few trips I got used to it and I never looked back! I don’t even have one of those fancy new carry-ons with the spinning wheels and a bagillion pockets that make it expand so much it barely fits in the overhead bin. My primary carry on is an 13 year old roller bag I picked up at Cosco as part of a set. I usually still manage to bring several pairs of shoes though I stick to comfortable ones for conferences these days.
Suitcase
These are the things I can NOT live without at conferences –

  • New Trent Portable Dual USB Port External Battery Charger/Power Pack
    batteryExternal battery for your phone or tablet- I cannot express enough love for this device. Seriously go buy one right now! Even if you ignore all the rest of my advice! I have been recommending (and sharing) one for years, and I hear great comments from those who bought one. It’s slightly larger than a cell phone, so it doesn’t take up a lot of space. Plug it in and charge it each night then throw it in your bag for the day. No looking for an outlet or dealing with a dead phone. Most of theses have 2 usb plugs, so if you are feeling really generous you can share with a friend.
  • A good bag in a light weight material. This usually doubles as my second carry-on and my conference bag. Forgot leather – it’s hot & heavy. I like the lightweight the Baggallini bags. The A La Carte is big enough to hold most laptops and anything else I either don’t want to have to gate check or want to carry around the conference. If you’re looking for a messenger style bag big enough to hold an iPad go with the Hobo Style Tote. It has 3 outside pockets and the strap can be shortened to wear as a shoulder bag or long to wear as a messenger. My current favorite is the Town Tote, it is similar in size to the Hobo, but in tote style. It’s just big enough that my netbook or iPad will fit in it, the outer end pockets are great for a cell phone, water bottle and anything else you need. All of them fold down flat so you can use a bigger one as a carry-on and pack a smaller one for conference use.
  • Portable Power Strip Most hotels still lack a decent number of easily accessible outlets to charge all your stuff. I like one with a little bit of cord in case the outlet is hidden behind a nightstand. You will  make friends if you take it along when you go out because you’ll be able to offer to plug it in when all the outlets are full, securing a spot for yourself and sharing with others. Double win! This one includes 2 usb slots in addition to 3 AC outlets.
  • A water bottle – for travel and at the conference. This Contigo Water Bottle is my current favorite, thanks to it’s autoseal function and easy one-handed operation. Don’t lug around a gallon of water when they are fountains everywhere. And don’t buy bottled water!
  • Toothpowder Daily Care Mint works great and doesn’t count as a liquid!
  • Humangear Travel bottles – These silicon bottles are 1.25 ounces each. For most products I don’t use 3 oz even when I’m gone a week, so they are perfect for maximizing space in that liquids baggy at security.
  • Bee Bar Lotions – Love this solid lotion. It starts out solid but when you rub it in your hands it heats up and softens. Won’t leak in your bag and doesn’t count as a liquid!
  • Rub relief for your feet- there plenty of options a stick, bandages, whatever, apply early and often to prevent blisters!
  • Good shoes, at least 2 pairs, neither new, really a conference is no place to break in new shoes. I’m a huge fan of heels and fun shoes but usually leave those at home in favor of comfortable walking shoes at conferences since I often don’t have time to change during the day.  Seriously, if you must wear heels put a pair of flats in your bag, trust me, you will be glad you did.
  • Umbrella – small compact kind.
  • Snack bars – Great during travel and during the conference. If you’re running late in the morning, don’t have time at lunch to get out and get back in time for the first afternoon session or to tide you over until that late dinner. Cheaper and healthier than any concession stand junk and most airport food.
  • A well planned schedule – I print it out in addition to having it on my phone so I can easily see a glance where I’m supposed to be and when. I politely decline the big printed one at check-in. I already know where I’m going & it’s bit and heavy.

Tips

  • Give people your name – wear your badge up near your face rather than on a lanyard so it’s easy for people to glance at while talking to you. Introduce yourself, even if you have already met the person, some of us have hard time with names and there are a LOT of people to remember.
  • Introduce yourself! – to anyone you think you want to chat with. Most people are happy to chat and super friendly. Maybe have a few questions worked out in your head ahead of time. Where do you work is ok, but there are lots of people who are at ALA looking for jobs, so think of something different!
  • Be on the lookout for ribbons and colored badges – some ribbons are just fun, others offer helpful information about service (Council) or divisions (LITA) and are great conversation starters.
  • Don’t hang out with the people you came with – Go to different sessions, eat meals with other people, maximize your time at the conference you can share with each other what you learned.
  • Meet new people – Get out of your comfort zone, ask people what they want to get from the conference, how far they traveled etc, you never know what you’ll learn or who you’ll meet.
  • Make a schedule, be willing to break it – make a schedule of what you’d like to attend, know what you absolutely must see and what you’d be willing to miss for coffee with that person you’ve been wanting to meet or the awesome new person you just met
  • Know what amenities your hotel offers – internet access, gym, fridge, breakfast, pool, etc, use them.
  • Ask for the things you need at your  hotel – you are a paying guest, don’t be afraid to ask for little things like more hangers or more coffee.
  • Make time for down time – conferences can be overwhelming there is so much to do, so many people to meet.  Don’t wear yourself out early, it won’t matter how much you see if you are too worn out to remember it or how many people you meet if you are too burnt out to make a good impression.
  • Get the right bag – you don’t want to carry too much it’s hard on your back & shoulders, but you need room for important extras like extra shoes, a water bottle and a sweater or wrap. Really think about if you need that laptop. Can you take notes by hand & type them up later? Twitter and check email from your phone or iTouch if you can.
  • Layer your clothes, bring a jacket, sweater or shawl, temperature can vary widely in rooms and you want to be comfortable
  • Drink lots of water – so easy to forget when you’re on the go and it is one small thing that can make you feel so much better.

Must Read List

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Colorado Here I Come! http://librarianbyday.net/2014/04/02/colorado-here-i-come/ http://librarianbyday.net/2014/04/02/colorado-here-i-come/#comments Wed, 02 Apr 2014 12:41:10 +0000 http://librarianbyday.net/?p=8065 Read more →

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Last week I passed my thesis defense!

defense

(Probably the one and only time I’ll use a .gif on this blog, but it had to be done! ;-) )

2801139537_d39d12b9eb_b

I have already posted about this on Twitter and Facebook and many people asked me – what next? Now that everything is final I am happy to announce I’ll be attending the University of Colorado Boulder to purse at Ph.D. in Communication. I plan to continue my current research on political communication, new media, technology, and policy.

There are many reasons I chose CU Boulder, but the one that library readers might consider the most interesting is the proposed new College of Media, Communication and Information. The new college will consist of 8 departments including information science. If I were pursing a BA today that would be my major.

I’m looking forward to this new phase of education, if not the upcoming move! :-)Similar Posts:

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Why Libraries Should Look Beyond Library Card Ownership As A Measure of Support http://librarianbyday.net/2014/03/22/why-libraries-should-look-beyond-library-card-ownership-as-a-measure-of-support/ http://librarianbyday.net/2014/03/22/why-libraries-should-look-beyond-library-card-ownership-as-a-measure-of-support/#comments Sat, 22 Mar 2014 17:52:33 +0000 http://librarianbyday.net/?p=8055 Read more →

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Last week the Pew Internet and American Life Project released their latest report on the role of libraries in the digital age. I have loved being involved with this project and was excited for this latest report to go live. I was also nervous. Along with the typology of library users Pew was releasing data about library usage and reported perception of the role and importance of libraries, including the percentage of user in each group that has a library card. I know librarians love this statistic and they use it in their reports to library boards and in national data to show support of libraries. I also know librarians, and especially library directions dream of a day when this number will be 100% for their community. They are dreaming about the wrong thing.

I knew this and I was struggling to articulate it well. Fortunately for me I was traveling when the report was released and this meant less time online and writing and more time listening to podcasts and audiobooks. An episode of Iowa Public Radio’s River to River that included an interview with Robert McChesney gave me the answer. McChesney talked about the difficulty of using the marketplace to express support for public goods. The example he used in the interview (and that he uses in his book The Death and Life of American Journalism) is that of national parks. McChesney doesn’t visit national parks, he doesn’t intend to visit them in the future. If you calculated his support for public parks based on the fact that he doesn’t visit them or plan to you would conclude he doesn’t care about national parks, or if you pave them over, or mine them for resources. But you would be wrong. Just because he doesn’t use them personally does not mean he doesn’t value them.

We can make the same assumption for library card holders and library support. Rather than aiming for every community member to have a library card, the goal of libraries should be for every community member to support the library whether they use it personally or not.

library users vs supporters

An initial look at Pew’s data on typology looks promising, for example 98% of Library Lovers, which make up 10% of the population, have a library card. Sweet! Except. Wait. Only 86% of them say the closing of the library would affect their community. It only goes downhill from there.

pew

For every user group the personal impact of library closure was lower than the community impact (I did not include those numbers in my graph but you can find them in the report). This is important because impact on self and the community is one of the ways that people decide where to place support, both in terms of personal financial support and time, and at the voting booth.

Rather than focusing on the percentage of the community that has a library card, libraries would be better off focusing on public support of the library and accepting that some people don’t use the library for one reason or another.Similar Posts:

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New Tumblr Blog – Librarian by Day Notebook http://librarianbyday.net/2014/03/16/new-tumblr-blog-librarian-by-day-notebook/ http://librarianbyday.net/2014/03/16/new-tumblr-blog-librarian-by-day-notebook/#comments Sun, 16 Mar 2014 19:00:55 +0000 http://librarianbyday.net/?p=8043 Read more →

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For a while now I have been struggling with an issue – how and where should I post stories, news, and information relevant to libraries and the issues that are important to me (digital literacy, digital divide, technology policy, etc)? I am trying to focus more on conversation and less on link sharing on my Twitter account. I have done a good job of cutting back on the link sharing, but not so well with the conversation aspect. I don’t want to share links on this blog without adding my own commentary and thoughts to posts. I tried using Facebook but with the newsfeed algorithm and other issues I do not care for it and it hasn’t been very successful. I have finally found a solution! Tumblr. I have had a Tumblr account for years and played with it off and on but could never find a use for it. It was a solution looking for a problem. After some tweeking I finally have it set up to do what I want/need from sharing resource: allow resharing and sharing on other social network sites easily, search the archives, tag posts for easy location & organizing (cuz librarian!) and allow comments.

So for those of you who have enjoyed the information, articles, and other resources I’ve shared over the years (I still miss Top Ten Links!) I give you The Librarian by Day Notebook.

librarian by day notebook

I’m referring to it as my notebook to indicate (hopefully) that it is clippings, links, and short notes, not blog posts written by me. You can subscribe via RSS, email, or through Tumblr if you’re a Tumblr user. I will be posting the type of content you are used to seeing here on the blog in posts such as Top Ten Links, and via Twitter.

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1262 Photos, 36 Countries, and Two Years Later – This Is What A Librarian Looks Like http://librarianbyday.net/2014/02/13/1262-photos-36-countries-and-two-years-later-this-is-what-a-librarian-looks-like/ http://librarianbyday.net/2014/02/13/1262-photos-36-countries-and-two-years-later-this-is-what-a-librarian-looks-like/#comments Thu, 13 Feb 2014 19:47:52 +0000 http://librarianbyday.net/?p=8032 Read more →

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Today is the 2 year anniversary of the launch of This is What a Librarian Looks Like! Submissions have slowed down after the last year but we still added over 500 new photos! That’s right! There are 1,294 photos from 36 different countriesWe have have over 70,000 followers on Tumbrl! 

This is what a librarian looks like

What I’ve learned:

Tumblr is great for submission, but terrible for indexing, searching, or just data period.

Librarians rock! They are fire dancers, fire breathers, runners, swimmers, bicyclists, zombies, fairies, roller derby divas, football players, foodies, skiers, beer lovers, whiskery and gin drinkers. They come from all over the world, in all shapes, sizes, ages, races, and ethnicities.

View What a Librarian Looks Like – 2 year in a full screen map

We have had so much fun doing this and the site remains open! So if you haven’t already, submit your picture today!

What: a fun site to to collection photos of real librarians in their real lives doing real stuff

Who: YOU! The site is open for submissions. Find a picture that you think best represents you to the world and submit it! Please don’t submit photos of others and be tasteful! This is a fun, light-hearted project, please approach it in that spirit!

Where: This is What a Librarian Looks Like!

When: NOW! Go submit something already!

Inspired by This is What a Scientist Looks Like.Similar Posts:

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Disruption as Opportunity #OLASC14 http://librarianbyday.net/2014/01/31/disruption-as-opportunity-olasc14/ http://librarianbyday.net/2014/01/31/disruption-as-opportunity-olasc14/#comments Fri, 31 Jan 2014 20:25:44 +0000 http://librarianbyday.net/?p=8027 Read more →

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On January 30, 2014 I delivered the Ontario College and University Library Association Spotlight speaker address at Ontario Library Association Superconference, Toronto Canada. As usual my slides are not intended to stand alone but I am posting them at the request of attendees and to provide easy to access to my references/recommended reading list. Enjoy!

References/Recommended Reading List

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