Journey as a School Librarian

Book review writing skills

2012-01-18T14:12:00.000-05:00

I was recently asked by one of our English teachers if I would speak to her 9th grade classes on the skills necessary for writing book reviews. Although I read lots of reviews, I only recently started writing them, so my skills are still developing. However, here are some of the skills that I think are paramount to writing a good book review:

Knowledge of your book: it's really difficult to write a review of something that you don't really have a good working knowledge of. While skimming the book may be tempting, especially if you have a stack of books to review, it makes for an incomplete book review at best. (On a related note, it's also difficult to write a review of something you read awhile ago, so don't procrastinate!) Taking notes (annotating) helps in this area - remember to record those "aha" moments you have while you are reading.
Know your audience: this seems pretty basic, but it is important. It makes a difference if I am writing a book review for my students or a book review for a professional journal or website. I also write differently (and review different books, for that matter) for the online reading group that I belong to. Different things are important to different audiences: for students, they want to know why they should read a particular book, what makes it interesting or exciting. For colleagues, they might want to know what books to recommend to particular students, what books deal with specific topics. For my online reading group, which is made up of all women, there's an emphasis on what's new in certain genres. This also impacts writing style - I tend to be more professional in tone with students and colleagues, and can be more informal with my reading group friends.
Concision: writing book reviews is a delicate balance of fitting in all the information you need without cluttering it up with too much information. Reviews should include descriptions of the main characters and the setting, and then a brief description of the plot or premise of the book. It's really important not to give away the ending - any review containing spoilers should be clearly labelled as such.
Editing: as with any writing, editing book reviews is very important. Spelling errors, grammatical errors, and poor sentence structure all detract from the main point of the review. They also detract from a writer's overall credibility - would you really trust the review of someone who doesn't take the time to read through their own writing?

image from www.travelforrookies.com/blog

100 Book Challenge - December update

2012-01-18T12:23:00.000-05:00

And here are the December titles:

The Running Dream by Wendelin vanDraanen
Mercury by Hope Larson
The Rock and the River by Kekla Magoon
A Christmas Guest by Anne Perry
A Christmas Secret by Anne Perry
What I Saw and How I Lied by Judy Blundell
Around the World by Matt Phelan
A Christmas Odyssey by Anne Perry
How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr

Total books for 2011: 74 books

Assessment: not a bad total, considering all that went on in 2011 (moving my family 150 miles into a new house, selling the old one, getting a new job). I'm already off to a good start in 2012, and hope to hit (or exceed!) 100 books!!

100 Book Challenge - November update

2012-01-18T12:16:00.000-05:00

Here are the November titles:

Queen of Hearts by Martha Brooks
Breaking Night by Liz Murray
Pie by Sarah Weeks
Ellis Island by Kate Kerrigan
Will Grayson, Will Grayson by David Levithan & John Green
You Against Me by Jenny Downham

Running total: 67 books

Probably not going to hit goal, but will try to go out with a bang!

100 Book Challenge - October update

2011-11-24T08:58:00.001-05:00

I didn't read many books this month, but the ones I read were excellent!

Here are my October titles:

American Born Chinese - Gene Luen Yang
All These Things I've Done - Gabrielle Zevin
Divergent - Veronica Roth
Recovery Road - Blake Nelson
Friendship Bread - Darien Gee

Running total - 61 books

100 Book Challenge - September update

2011-11-24T08:54:00.000-05:00

Between starting my new job and the 45 minute one way commute that goes with it, I was lucky to read any books in September.

September titles -

Something Like Hope - Shawn Goodman
Warp Speed - Lisa Yee
Daughter of Xanadu - Doris Jones Yang
Where Do You Stay - Andrea Cheng
Ashes of Roses - Mary Jane Auch

Running total is 56 books.

100 Book Challenge - August update

2011-09-04T22:49:00.000-04:00

As August drew to a close, I was busy attending new teacher orientation and trying to get my library close to being ready to open. I'm getting more settled in our new home, and hoping to be able to say the same about my library soon. I'm ~~nervous~~ excited about school starting on Wednesday!

In the meantime, I actually did get some books read in August. I'm loving my new library system - except for a few obscure titles, all my requests have come in very quickly, which I'm hoping will help me get close to my goal.

August titles -

Cutting for Stone - Abraham Verghese
Keep a Little Secret - Dorothy Garlock
Bumped - Megan McCafferty
Beauty Queens - Libba Bray
The Dry Grass of August - Anna Jean Mayhew
Everything for a Dog - Ann M. Martin

Running total - 51 books. I'm halfway there, but I only have 4 months left. The good news is that today is only Sept 4, but I already have two books read so far, and several more waiting.

Happy reading!~

100 Book Challenge - July update

2011-08-26T23:30:00.001-04:00

I am a bit behind in getting this out. Moving almost 200 miles away, being without Internet/TV for a week and a half, starting a new job, getting lost a dozen times even with the Garmin - these are the things I'm blaming for my lateness. They're also the things I'm blaming for not even coming close to where I need to be to hit my goal.

Oh well, there's always next year.
July titles -

The Borrower - Rebecca Mekkai
The Dog Who Came in From the Cold - Alexander McCall Smith
The Missing Heir (The Sherlock Files) - Tracy Barrett
Crossing the Tracks - Barbara Stuber
Each Little Bird That Sings - Deborah Wiles
Thirteen Reasons Why - Jay Asher

I will say that I immensely enjoyed all these books (with the slight exception of one, which was still good). I think maybe I'll argue quality over quantity this month.

Running Total - 45 books. I'm not thinking I'll hit 100, but I'm going to keep trying. I've already surpassed my July total in August, so maybe things will get better.

100 Book Challenge - June update

2011-07-01T20:50:00.000-04:00

I tried to catch up this month, which was rather busy. I gained a little ground, but I did enjoy all the books I read this month.

June titles -

The Penderwicks on Gardam Street by Jeanne Birdsall
The Penderwicks at Point Mouette by Jeanne Birdsall
Birds of a Feather by Jane Yolen
Tillie the Terrible Swede: How One Woman, a Sewing Needle, and a Bicycle Changed History by Sue Stauffacher
Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen
Grandpa's Tractor by Michael Garland
Why Do I Have To Make My Bed? by Wade Bradford
Minji's Salon by Eun-hee Choung
The Lakeshore Limited by Sue Miller
Falling Angels by Tracy Chevalier
The Solitude of Prime Numbers by Paolo Giordano
The Secret Lives of Dresses by Erin McKean

Running Total - 39 books. I still have some catching up to do, and with an upcoming move and new job, I'm thinking it may be out of reach. We'll see what happens though, still plugging away.

I did include several picture books, but only those that I was asked to review for a fellow librarian. It does take some time to read through them closely enough to review, so I figure they can count towards my total.

Happy summer reading to all!~

Changes

2011-06-20T12:34:00.000-04:00

The paradoxical statement that change is the only constant rings true right now for me. Last month, my husband was offered a job about two hours away from where we currently live. On a lark, I applied for a school library job in the same area, hoping to at least get some interviewing experience. I got called for a first interview, and was hoping to get my thoughts out coherently. It must have worked, because I got called for a second interview, which also included a sample lesson. I did a sample lesson for 8th graders on the "ethical use of information" - I did a mini-lesson on music downloading, complete with a Google docs quiz.

Throughout the process, I relied heavily on what I learned throughout my coursework at SU, especially my school media classes. I also relied on a network of professionals, some of whom I have never met: the LM_NET listserv, my online friend and high school librarian Nancy, and the handful of library blogs that I follow. Most especially I have to thank my wonderful mentors, the librarians who were so giving of their time, knowledge and experience - MaryAnn and Kathleen, thank you so much.

In keeping with the changes in my life, I have changed the title of this blog. It is more fitting now, as I have delved into the library world and emerged as a full-fledged school librarian. Thanks for all who have been on this journey with me, and I look forward to the next phase of it!

Book review - The Penderwicks at Point Mouette

2011-06-09T23:38:00.001-04:00

The Penderwicks at Point Mouette by Jeanne Birdsall

The Penderwicks are back, although they are spread out on both sides of the Atlantic. Mr. Penderwick and Iantha honeymoon in England, taking Ben along with them. Rosalind gets a well deserved vacation at the Jersey shore, with her best friend Anna. The remaining sisters are headed to a vacation house on the coast of Maine, along with Hound and Jeffrey.

In Rosalind's absence, Skye becomes the OAP (Oldest Available Penderwick), and is not sure she is up to the task. A series of both mishaps and triumphs ensues, which will make you both laugh and cry. New talents are discovered, and new relationships both begin and end.

As always, the Penderwicks are a delightful family to visit with. I do recommend reading this series in order from the beginning, as you don't want to miss out on any of their adventures!

Thumbnail image from http://www.barnesandnoble.com

100 Book Challenge - May update

2011-06-02T11:51:00.000-04:00

I didn't read as much as I wanted to. I'm hoping that the summer months are productive!

May titles -

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher
Sapphique by Catherine Fisher
Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks
The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall
Lights Out by Arthur Geisert

Running total - 27 books. I'm less than half way to my goal, and the year is almost half over. YIKES!!

100 Book Challenge - April update

2011-05-01T13:39:00.000-04:00

I started picking the pace back up in April, thanks to spring break!

April titles -

Hate List by Jennifer Brown
The Things a Brother Knows by Dana Reinhardt
Bobby the Brave (Sometimes) by Lisa Yee, illustrated by Dan Santat
The Reinvention of Bessica Lefter by Kristen Tracy
Kick by Walter Dean Myers and Ross Workman
Minding Frankie by Maeve Binchy
Night Road by Kristin Hannah
Please Ignore Vera Deitz by A.S. King

Running total - 22 books. I have a conference this week and some great titles from the library, so I'm hoping to start May with a bang!

100 Book Challenge - March update

2011-04-28T19:52:00.000-04:00

March was much like February. Here are my March titles:

The Junkyard Wonders by Patricia Polacco (yes, I am counting picture books this month!)
I Still Dream About You by Fannie Flagg
100 Cupboards by N.D. Wilson

Running total - 14 books. I really need to step it up!!!!

100 Book Challenge - February update

2011-04-28T19:49:00.000-04:00

February was a hard month, and I got little reading done (which is underscored by the fact that this post is almost 2 months overdue!). Between being sick with strep (again) and studying for my certification exams, I didn't finish as many titles as I wanted to.

February titles:

The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck

Running total - 11 books. Definitely have to step it up!

100 book challenge - January update

2011-02-01T22:38:00.000-05:00

Officially, I read eight books in January. At this pace, I'll end up at 96 books - I'll have to step it up a bit.

January titles:

As Husbands Go by Susan Isaacs
Corduroy Mansions by Alexander McCall Smith
Room by Emma Donoghue
The Grimm Legacy by Polly Shulman
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool
Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi
Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

Bonus - I've added my shelfari.com bookshelf to my blog, all my books/reviews are available there.

My personal 100 book challenge

2011-01-14T09:25:00.000-05:00

In several posts over the last year and a half, I alluded to the lack of time I had to for personal reading time. Now that I have officially graduated, I am taking full advantage of the extra time I am finding.

I've been inspired by an English-teacher friend who set a goal last year to read 100 books. It was fun to follow her progress throughout the year, and to see what titles she chose (English teachers are such great resources!). Even though she fell short of her goal by 9 books, she undauntedly set a goal of 111 books for 2011.

I decided to set similar goals for myself this year, and aim to read 100 books in 2011. I'm off to a decent start, having finished my 5th book of the year this morning. I probably won't blog every book here, but I'll post my reviews of the YA titles I read. Instead, I'll be using my shelfari account to keep track of my books. This great tool links readers with book and with other readers, and I'm enjoying it so far.

So whether you can only read 10 books this year, or 100 - feel free to join in!~

The power of a word

2011-01-04T23:24:00.000-05:00

I came across this story today several times, on both my Facebook page and my Twitter feed. It reports that a new edition of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn will be changed, eliminating Twain's controversial use of the word "nigger" and the appellation "Injun" (as in Injun Joe). I hesitate to include these words in this blog post, because I do find them offensive and can't imagine using them outside a discussion such as this. As offensive as these words are to today's audience, I find changing Twain's words equally offensive.

The timing of this article is personally coincidental - my 7th grade son just finished The Adventures of Tom Sawyer for his independent reading project. He picked the book out himself while at Barnes & Noble with my husband. We were both a little surprised at the choice, but we thought it was a great book for him to read. While he was working on his PowerPoint presentation of the book, we talked about the above article. It was a really great discussion.

The argument for these changes is that it will make the book more palatable to those who object to these words - indeed, the new edition may be a good option for someone who absolutely will not/cannot read the original. But editing these words out of books, challenging or banning them from library shelves and classrooms, doesn't lessen their offensive nature. It just gives the words more power.

Photo:
"Billboard for Banned Books Week." Digital image. Behance Network. Web. 4 Jan. 2011.

End of one journey, beginning of a new one

2010-12-17T20:33:00.001-05:00

Photo by Flickr user jayneandd

I AM DONE WITH CLASSES!!! Yes, I used all caps on purpose, the digital equivalent of shouting from the rooftops!

I started classes at Syracuse in July of 2009, but this journey started long ago. It started at the preschool table of Your Home Public Library, where I have very early memories of looking at the books for children on a low table while my parents browsed for books. It continued in the children's room of the same library, when I was old enough to proudly sign my very own library card. And it was still alive when I was a senior in high school, talking with the library director about being a librarian, and how you become one.

After I got my bachelor's degree, my journey was on hold for a bit. I started working full-time, got married, bought a house, had a baby (then another, then another!), and moved around a few times for my husband's career. During that time, I think my passion for finding information for people was always there - I would find information for family members, help my husband with research, and even volunteered at a public library for a couple years. The dream of becoming a librarian never went away though, and I'm so happy that I've been able to pursue it.

Photo by Flickr user JayRaz

So as I say goodbye to my time as a library school student, I say hello to being a full-fledged librarian. I'm ready to start applying for jobs, and keeping my fingers crossed that some start coming up in this area.

Here's my electronic portfolio if you're interested in taking a peek.

Book review - The Search for Wondla

2010-11-13T12:39:00.000-05:00

The Search for Wondla by Tony DiTerlizzi

I initially chose this book for my ten year old daughter, because she absolutely loved DiTerlizzi's The Spiderwick Chronicles. Alas, she is in the middle of three different books and didn't even start reading this, so I figured I'd start reading it to give her a preview. My well-intentioned preview turned into staying up 'til almost 1am finishing the book.

Although I am not really a huge fan of science fiction or futuristic fiction, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It started out a little slowly for me, and I didn't enjoy the initial encounters of Eva Nine and the other-wordly creatures she encounters. Once she receives a vocal transcoder and is able to understand these creatures, I was able to read more comfortably and enjoy the story instead of being distracted by the foreign speech.

We follow Eva Nine on a journey to find herself and other humans like her. She travels with Rovender Kitt, a wanderer whom she helps free out of the camp of Besteel, the huntsman who destroys her tranquil life and sets this journey in motion. Together with Otto, a water bear also saved from Besteel with whom she communicates telepathically, Eva and Rovee search for Muthr, Eva's robot caretaker. During the many obstacles in her way, we see Eva and her traveling companions grow in unexpected ways. Ultimately, Eva manages to find herself in more ways than one, and so do her traveling companions.

The book leaves me with the messages that all living beings matter and that life is a journey that takes unexpected turns. On the very last page of the book, DiTerlizzi lays the foundation for the next book in the eventual trilogy with a surprise ending.

Although the dust jacket says for ages 10 and up, this book might be a little too intense and contain difficult vocabulary for most elementary school students, and would probably be more appropriate for middle school levels. There is some violence in the book, which may upset very sensitive readers. Ultimately, the book's uplifting message help minimize this.

I haven't even mentioned WondLa vision, which allows readers access to virtual maps of Orbona using a computer and webcam. I enjoyed using the WondLa vision, and my children were intrigued by it. You can still enjoy the book without it, but it's worth the time to check it out.

Fall 2010

2010-10-04T00:25:00.000-04:00

Wow, has it really been almost 2 months since my last post? Time flies when you're ~~having fun~~ extremely busy, doesn't it?

After my summer classes finished up, I spent a lovely week at the shore with my family. Fall classes started up two days after we got home. This semester, I'm technically taking three classes: Information Management in School Libraries, and two sections of School Library Practicum.

The management class is very interesting, covering topics such as budgets, personnel management, collections/acquisitions, etc. One of the textbooks is a compilation of journal articles, most of them written by practicing school librarians, and I'm enjoying reading it.

The class for my practica is a little more demanding than I thought it would be. It entails a weekly discussion, which is not a problem, but also requires completing an electronic portfolio. The first weekly discussion also dealt with the NY certification exam that school librarians have to take, which practically makes me break out in hives just typing it.

Anyway, I'm doing my elementary practicum at a K-5 school in a nearby small city. It's been a great experience, and I feel like I'm learning more and more every day. I get my first chance to teach classes on my own this week, and will be doing storytime lessons for UPK and K. The little ones are usually alot of fun, so I'm hoping it goes well.

I will try to post on a more regular basis, there has really been alot of good things going on this semester so far that I want to blog about......just not enough time.

Book review - This Book Is OVERDUE!

2010-08-12T22:41:00.000-04:00

This Book is Overdue! How Librarians and Cybrarians Can Save Us All by Marilyn Johnson

I'm quite embarrassed to admit how much I paid in overdue fines on this book (without even reading it), or how long it took me to read after I actually bought a copy. Suffice it to say that while it took me most of the summer semester, it is absolutely no reflection on the book in any way.

This book should be required reading for all library students, perhaps all librarians. In a more anecdotal manner, Ms. Johnson hits on almost all the topics that we read about in my introductory course last summer (IST511). She touches on issues from patron privacy to the current state (and future of) librarianship, Google, blogging, Second Life and archiving.

While Johnson presents a generally favorable view of librarianship, she is very honest about it. She describes budget cuts, whole departments being slashed, and research collections being relegated to second class status, all with a slight air of disapproval.

The continuous thread that Johnson weaves through the book is that behind successful libraries, there are dedicated professionals who are passionate about preserving information, organizing it, and making it available to those who need it. The librarians that Johnson portrays throughout the book are the stewards of the profession, having inherited a professional tradition while pioneering its transformation into the digital age. It is very exciting to think that in a few short months, I'll be officially joining these ranks.

Thumbnail image from http://www.barnesandnoble.com

Storybird - thoughts on a storytelling tool

2010-08-08T23:59:00.000-04:00

I recently worked on a project for my technology course (IST611), working with a partner to create a wiki page on Storybird. Our goal in this project was basically to become the class experts in Storybird, and then create a page with information to familiarize our classmates with this technology. I got the opportunity to work on Storybird somewhat randomly - at the very beginning of this assignment, we had to select three technologies from a list of Web 2.0 technologies. I would like to say I put alot of thought and research into my selections, but basically I went through the list and selected three that I was completely unfamiliar with, a strategy that I came to have second thoughts on. It ended up working well for me though, because Storybird is a very cool technology that was fun to learn, and made this whole assignment seem less like "work".

As mentioned in my title, Storybird is a storytelling tool that provides a platform for writers to feature their works. Users can create books using Storybird's art gallery, which is pretty extensive. Not only can the stories be shared with others, but authors can also invite others to collaborate with them. I had alot of fun browsing through the artwork, and reading Storybirds that others had written. Learning this technology (and using it!) is fun.

The first part of the assignment required us to answer a few essential questions on our assigned technology: what is it? what are its strengths and weaknesses? how does it compare to similar technologies? Most of what I learned on this technology came from actually playing with it, but that did not completely answer these questions. Because Storybird is still very new (only a little over a year old), there is not much scholarly literature on it. I was able to find good information from blogs (mostly education and/or technology related), as well as some good news articles. Also, the Storybird Help section is pretty comprehensive, and utilizes other Web 2.0 technologies (such as the Storybird Blog) to help answer questions or to provide information. Google helped in finding similar Web 2.0 technologies - when doing a search for Storybird, I used the "Pages similar to..." results to find comparable technologies.

The second part of the assignment was to link Storybird to two different learning standards and describe a Storybird activity that teachers could use to address the standards within a curriculum area. My partner and I each worked on an activity - I created an ABC book for kindergarten students, and my partner created an activity for middle school foreign language students. As a prospective school librarian, I found it very useful to link Storybird to the different standards (NY State Learning Standards, AASL Learning Standards, and ISTE Learning Standards).

The third part of the assignment required us to create a tutorial for Storybird on Jing. Although only one user could create the final project, my partner and I were still able to collaborate on this part of the project. She is pretty familiar with Jing, so she created some wonderful screen shots of Storybird, complete with narration. I used her screen shots and added narration to the project. In the end, I think it came out very well. More importantly, it helped me become familiar with Jing (a very cool tool in and of itself), and it also helped put me in a mindframe of having to explain a technology to others. It's one thing to become familiar with a technology yourself, but quite another to teach others to use it.

One of the things that stands out to me most about Storybird is how easy it would be to incorporate Storybird into the classroom. Although there are no age "limits", Storybird is geared for students aged 3-13 and would be appropriate for students from pre-k through 8th grade. It could be used in just about any subject area, not just the obvious reading or ELA areas. It can be used to facilitate collaboration among students - it could allow students from different classes or schools to work on the same project. Storybird could also be used to strengthen the home-school connection - because Storybird is web-based, parents can view student creations, and even collaborate on them. Storybird also allows teachers to create class accounts, so students don't have to sign up for personal accounts. This feature allows teachers to manage multiple classes, help students with passwords, create discussions, and much more. This would definitely work for school librarians, who often help many different classes on a variety of projects throughout the school year.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed working on Storybird for this assignment. My partner was a joy to work with. My assigned technology was fun to explore, and one that I hope to use in my student teaching this fall.

Bibliography:

Classroom 2.0 - This blog entry contains helpful feedback from educators who have tried Storybird. Also, Storybird co-found Mark Ury responds to several respondents who had questions on Storybird's content and security.

MangoMon blog - Basic information on Storybird, as well as a brief tutorial, this blog post answers the basic questions on Storybird.

Storybird Help - The Storybird Help section contains FAQ's, offers a tour of Storybird, and contains community guidelines. This section was particularly helpful for the first part of this assignment.

Storybird Blog - the Storybird blog started prior to the rollout of Storybird, and is a good resource for educators who are committed to using Storybird.

A truly "inter"-national library

2010-07-04T01:41:00.000-04:00

I've always been interested in libraries, and going to library school has heightened this interest. I'm on the lookout for articles about libraries, subscribe to library blogs, and visit libraries when I travel. Last night, my husband was watching a show on the History Channel. I wasn't really paying attention (as is often the case when he has picked a tv show), but my ears perked up when I heard them mention a library. This particular library is unique, because it is built on the US-Canadian border. Since it was pretty late, I must've fallen asleep and didn't hear much more than that.

I was intrigued by this idea, and wanted to find out more information about this library. A Google search lead me to the Haskell Free Library and Opera House - I was further intrigued by the idea of a library and an opera house. The building itself is a historic treasure, and both the library and the opera house seem to be wonderful resources within their community. The library has the border line painted on its floors - library visitors are able to walk freely throughout the library, although they must exit the same way they came in.

I have fond childhood memories of summer travels in and through Vermont - I think I'll have to add Vermont to my list of places to visit, and swing up to Derby Line.

image from flickr user soul of beer

Trouble Ticket #407513

2010-07-04T00:56:00.002-04:00

Trouble Ticket - An issue tracking system (also trouble ticket system, support ticket or incident ticket system) is a computer software package that manages and maintains lists of issues, as needed by an organization. Issue tracking systems are commonly used in an organization's customer support call center to create, update, and resolve reported customer issues, or even issues reported by that organization's other employees.

These two words can strike fear in a distance learning student, and I've managed to avoid any Internet/computer problems during my distance studies thus far. My luck came to a screeching halt this week, when I couldn't get my computer to do anything. After taking a day to figure out whether it was my computer, my wireless router, or my Internet connection, I finally figured out that it was my Internet connection. After two phone calls, I finally got to a human being who could help me with it. Sadly, it was not something that could be fixed over the phone, so the tech opened the afore-mentioned trouble ticket.

I finally got back up and running last night, but this whole week was basically shot. I was able to print out a few things to do my readings, but everytime I tried to respond, send email, or anything else, my connection shut down. Thank goodness I didn't have any major assignments due, but being unable to participate in the discussions for my courses was really frustrating.

Warning to aspiring distance students - you will rely heavily on your computer and a decent Internet connection - have a plan b ready for both.

image from flickr user kirk lau
trouble ticket definition from wikipedia.com

Happy 75th Nancy Drew - you don't look a day over 18!~

2010-06-23T18:34:00.000-04:00

I love a good mystery! Although these days I look out for mysteries like People of the Book or anything by Elizabeth George, my love for this genre has humbler beginnings. I'll admit it publicly here and now that I used to read Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden and other girl detective stories (while I'm confessing, I'll also admit to re-reading a copy of the Secret of the Clock I bought for my daughter a few months ago, much to my husband's amusement). After cutting my teeth on these classics, I went on to devour the sleuthing of Poirot, Miss Marple and Sherlock Holmes among others, and would plow right through a series from start to finish. I just cannot stand to not know how the book will end, and I've been known to jot notes down in a notebook trying to figure out "whodunnit". Did I mention I love mysteries?

A recent headline in an ALA e-newsletter caught my eye - the link took me to a blog entry on Book Tryst - "A Nest for Book Lovers", where the author discusses an award-winning online exhibit celebrating the 75th year of publishing Nancy Drew - Girls' Series Books Rediscovered - Nancy Drew and Friends. Fans of this genre - check out both the blog entry and the exhibit. There's good information that is bound to bring back memories, and some really cool vintage book images.

Since I didn't read these books until the 70's, I was completely unaware of the early controversy surrounding them. If you've ever read a Nancy Drew book, or one from one of her fellow gal sleuths, Book Tryst's post will be of interest. I'm happy to say that I survived reading these books without suffering "mental laziness, intellectual torpor, or fatal slugishness". (And if I do suffer from any of these, it can be attributed to sheer exhaustion rather than sub-standard reading.)

image from flickr user carla216

IST 611 - week 5 discussion, continued

2010-06-22T23:35:00.001-04:00

Question 2: The additional readings give examples of how blogs have been used in the classroom. On the news this week, I learned that a science textbook has included blog entries from students at Central Square Middle School. What are other ways that blogs are currently being used in the classroom and how else do you envision blogs could be used in the future?

Answer: the Overby article describes three categories of educational blog - the tutor blog, the learner blog, and the classroom blog. Most of the blogs I've looked at seem to fall into one of these categories. Some ideas for blogs that I have not seen would include a blog shared between two classes/school in different parts of the country or even the world, sort of like class penpals Web 2.0 style. Blogs could also be used for professional development for faculty and staff.

One thing that strikes me in this conversation is how some schools block access to this tool altogether. One of the schools I've done my fieldwork in blocks virtually all Web 2.0 applications, including blogs. Implementing any of these types of blog projects would be difficult, if not impossible.

Question 3: Throughout the readings, advice was given for successful blogging. What do you think was the best advice for individual blogging? What do you think was the best advice for classroom blogging?

Answer: For both individual and classroom blogs, I think one of the most important things is to stay relatively current. If visit a blog that hasn't had a new post in more than a few (3-4) months, I probably won't be back. The Peters article illustrates the importance of keeping your blog in line with your audience, and gives several helpful tips for blogging for elementary students.

Overby, A. (2009). The new conversation: using weblogs for reflective practice in the studio art classroom. Art Education, 62(4), 18-24.

Peters, R. (2009). Hooked on classroom blogging. Learning & Leading With Technology, 36(6), 26-28.

IST 611 - week 5 discussion

2010-06-22T19:31:00.002-04:00

Question 1:

In Mary Ann Bell’s “Celebrating Communicating: Blogging Redux”, she itemizes people’s favorite blogs and why they follow them. What are some of your favorite teacher, librarian or educational technology blogs and why do you follow them?

Answer: I follow several library/school library related blogs. A few of my favorites include The Hedgehog Librarian, Awful Library Books, A Fuse #8 Production on schoollibraryjournal.com, The Blue Skunk Blog by Doug Johnson, librarian.net, the AASL blog, Information Wants To Be Free, and The "M" Word - Marketing Libraries. I also follow the iSchool Blog, and I look forward to the comics and book reviews from Unshelved.

I follow them to keep current on different issues in librarianship in general, and school libraries/education specifically. I also follow some of them because they are engaging writers, and I enjoy reading the narratives they share.

Although Bell compares blogs to list-servs, and cites the advantages that list-servs have over blogs, I have to say that I much prefer blogs over most list-servs (LM_Net included). The information and response time of LM_Net is praiseworthy, but I don't like the format. I hate having to sift through the same message multiple times, as some messages carry over in a cummulative fashion. And I sometimes find the sheer amount of list-serv emails to be overwhelming at times - it is much easier to ignore my Google Reader than it is to have to sort through all the unread list-servs that occupy my inbox.

I do have to say I enjoyed both of Bell's articles. Exploring the blogs she listed is now on my "to-do list".

Bell, M.A. (2008). Celebrating communications: blogging redux. MultiMedia & Internet@schools, 15(2), 36-38.

Bell, M.A. (2008). Celebrating communications: to blog or not to blog? MultiMedia & Internet@schools, 15(1), 38-40.

Blog Week

2010-06-21T16:50:00.000-04:00

This week is blog week in IST611, which caused me to think about my blog. I was thinking it must be close to the anniversary of my first post, but amazingly my first post was back in May 2009. It's hard to believe how quickly time has passed since then, and also amazing to think how much I have learned and grown in those 13 months. I tried to find some kind of appropriate picture to celebrate my belated Blogiversary, but didn't really find anything I liked. Instead, I decided to do a Wordle of my blog for the last year.

If you've been reading along with me, thanks for your virtual support!

Class discussion à la Skype

2010-06-10T21:59:00.000-04:00

Almost all of my classes at SU so far have involved weekly discussions, which usually take place on the discussion board in our Blackboard LMS (Learning Management System). Even though it does not take place in real time, I have benefited from the many points of view that these fruitful exchanges include.

Tonight, for the second time during the last year, I was able to interact with fellow students in real time. The first time, we used Adobe Meeting Room software through Syracuse. We had a group presentation to do, we had video and audio interaction, and overall it was a good experience. Tonight we used Skype for our weekly discussion, and although the technology was different, it was also a good experience.

There were eight of us in on the call, plus our instructor (there were also two other discussion groups offered). We had the three discussion questions in advance, so that helped me prepare, and also helped keep us on task. Our instructor did a good job of facilitating the discussion, and made sure to elicit responses from those of us who were a little quiet. Although I worried about talking over someone or inadvertently interrupting someone because of issues like delay or feedback, that wasn't really an issue. Since we don't have threads on a discussion board to refer to, our instructor will summarize all three discussions that take place this week just as any other week.

Because this was my first experience with Skype, I wasn't sure how it would be. I'll admit to being pleasantly surprised. It was fairly easy to use, and the sound quality was pretty decent. I could see myself using it more, but I wouldn't want to be tethered to my computer. Maybe I'll have to check how the mobile application works. I do have to say that I appreciate and am enjoying the varied learning experiences I've had throughout my coursework so far.

My Favorite Book - Class of 2010

2010-06-04T22:07:00.000-04:00

This semester I am taking IST611, Information Technologies in Education Organizations. It's a great class so far, and the technologies we will cover this semester include blogging, social bookmarking, podcasting, and gaming. Learning how to use these technologies in a school setting is very exciting! The exposure I got to many Web 2.0 technologies last summer for IST511 prepared me well for this course.

One of the assignments for this class is a collaborative technology project in a K-12 school setting. I am doing my project in conjunction with my 7-12 fieldwork, which I am doing at my local high school. I wanted to do some kind of a digital yearbook project with the graduating seniors, but wasn't really sure what direction to take that in. One of my first days of fieldwork, I noticed the library assistant working on a display of the favorite books of the graduating seniors. This has been the inspiration for my project - seniors will digitally record a review of their book, and the review will then be added to the library webpage.

I was a bit discouraged going in to school today, as the librarian I'm working with has emailed me updates. No one had signed up to do their review yet. I was worried that this wasn't going to work out, that it was a bad choice, etc. But today I got my first review!! And several other students are interested in doing theirs next week. Which is a good thing, because the school year is winding down for high school students, and they only have about one week left. I was concerned about the timing for this, but I think it will work out.

A new destination added to my "bucket list"

2010-06-02T22:40:00.001-04:00

If you've ever had the pleasure of reading one (or all) of the Betsy-Tacy books by Maud Hart Lovelace, you'll know why I want to visit Mankato, MN. No offense to Mankato, but it's not really a typical vacation hotspot. But this series has been a part of my life for more years than I want to count. I re-read the series several times in my youth, and recently read them again when I bought the complete set for my daughter on eBay. (As a matter of fact, my daughter just mentioned today that if she ever has a boy and girl, she's going to name them Elizabeth (Betsy) and Joseph (Joe) - that made my day. Hopefully her future husband will be accomodating.)

Anyway, I digress. The whole point of this entry is a news headline I came across on the American Library Association's website. Maud Hart Lovelace's childhood home, and that of her best friend, have been designated Literary Landmarks. I have followed their restoration on http://www.betsy-tacysociety.org/ from time to time, and it's very gratifying to see that these old homes which figured so prominently in these beloved stories are being preserved.

PS: If you've never read any of these books, you should!! Check out your local library, or visit Barnes & Noble - these books are truly American classics.

Thumbnail image from http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

Book review - Catching Fire

2010-05-27T23:19:00.000-04:00

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

As soon as I finished The Hunger Games (see my previous review of this book), I just had to get my hands on this book. Thanks to the librarian I am working with for my 7-12 fieldwork, I did not have to wait long. I started reading the night I brought it home, and ended up finishing it in the wee hours of the next day.

Collins really is an amazing storyteller. Even when you know things are not necessarily as they seem, Collins still manages to surprise her readers. The story starts out where The Hunger Games left off, with Katniss and Peeta as the victors of the recent games. Publicly, they have declared their love to one another, but privately Katniss has an unresolved relationship. Gale was her hunting partner, her confidante, her partner, but she had to leave him behind when she volunteered as tribute in place of her sister. Katniss is unsure of exactly what her feelings for Gale are, but exploring them puts all of them in danger.

Katniss and Peeta travel through Panem on their victory tour, but it is anything but a pleasant experience. The threat of revolt hangs heavy in the air in several of the districts, and the government responds swiftly and mercilessly. Although they continue their public love affair, even to the point of planning their wedding, Katniss and Peeta are blamed for the unrest.

Both Katniss and Peeta should be safe from the games this year, and will instead be mentors to this year's District 12 tributes. But Reaping Day brings the unthinkable - in honor of the 75th anniversary of the games, the government has declared that all living victors will be this year's tributes. After getting over her initial shock and horror at this unexpected twist, Katniss makes it her mission that Peeta be the ultimate survivor of this year's games.

The games are full of surprises, alliances, and dangers. The previous victors are a motley group, and it's hard to be sure which ones can be trusted and which ones can't. The biggest surprise is at the end of the book, and is one that I did not see coming at all. I am eagerly anticipating the conclusion of this story, and have already pre-ordered my copy of the final book of the trilogy, Mockingjay, which has an August 24 release day. If you haven't started this series yet, I highly recommend it!!

Thumbnail image from http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

If you cool it, they will come...........

2010-05-27T22:30:00.001-04:00

I am in the midst of my 7-12 fieldwork hours, and I observed something new today. Upstate NY has been in the midst of unseasonably hot & humid weather. When I walked in to the library this morning though, I was greeted by the welcome chill of air conditioning, the advantage of having a computer lab housed in the same area as the library.

I had not really thought about the library being a refuge from the heat, but the library was a busy place today. I'm guessing that more than a few visitors came in seeking relief from the heat. Hey, more people in the library is never a bad thing, no matter why they first come in!

image from flickr user Thomas Hawk

Book review - The Graveyard Book

2010-05-27T21:50:00.001-04:00

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaman

This book was recommended to me by an 8th grade English teacher friend. She actually loaned copies to my son and me, and wanted to know what we thought of the book. That was back in February. It is now the middle of May, and I just finished the book. I took advantage of the break between spring and summer classes to work on my "To Read" pile.

The story starts out with the murder of an entire family, with the exception of an active toddler who had managed to escape the confines of his crib. The toddler finds his way to an historic graveyard, all the while being pursued by his family's killer. When he arrives at the graveyard, he is followed by the spirit of his own mother, who implores the spirits within this graveyard to protect him. The spirits rally around the toddler, and aided by a tall, dark stranger, they turn away murderer.

Thus the child remains in the graveyard, under the care of Mr. & Mrs. Owens, a childless couple who have resided in the graveyard for several hundred years. He is named Nobody Owens, because "he looks like nobody but himself". Because Mr. & Mrs. Owens cannot attend to Bod's earthly needs, the strange man who turned away Bod's would-be assassin agrees to act as his guardian. We find out more about Bod's guardian as the story unfolds.

I don't know that I would have chosen this book on my own. While I will admit to a fondness for mystery, this book was a little more "noir" than my usual reading fare. At times, the mystery is overshadowed by descriptions of Bod's life in the graveyard, but these descriptions are entertaining fare. And the conclusion of the book is exciting enough to make up for this.

All in all, this unique story was a good read, and has left me looking for more titles by Gaiman. The illustrations were delightful, and contributed to the mood of the book. I would recommend this to middle grades and up.

It is worth noting that The Graveyard Book was the 2009 Newbery Award winning book. In my previous post, I referred to LM_Net (school library listserv) discussions on whether children's award winning books really appeal to their target audience. I would have to say the anectdotal evidence on this is mixed: my English teacher friend said several of her students did not like this book, and my own resident guinea pig (my 12 year old son) read about half the book and didn't finish it.

Thumbnail image from http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

Book Review - The Hunger Games

2010-05-11T22:56:00.002-04:00

    The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Since finishing my spring classes about a week ago, I have caught up on sleep, laundry and a long list of dvr'd shows. I still have yet to catch up on my Masterpiece Theatre shows, including The Diary of Anne Frank, but I'm hoping to watch that soon (and re-read the book, too!). I have also been able to resume some of the pleasure reading I set out to read back in February. The first of hopefully several books I read during this break was The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins.

There has been quite a buzz about this book. I first heard about it when one of my classmates did a booktalk on it last summer in IST612. I also heard about it on LM_Net. My 12 year old son read it during the current school year, and loved it so much he immediately turned around and read the sequel. I started my high school fieldwork two weeks ago, and my supervising librarian not only recommended the book, she went right to the shelf, and checked it out to my account. Now there was no excuse for not reading the book.

I carried it in my bag on substitute teaching jobs for the past two weeks, and didn't manage to even crack it open. I started reading this past Sunday, giving some uninterrupted reading time as a Mother's Day gift to myself. Today is Tuesday, and I finished the book today, reading it almost non-stop whenever I was able to sit down.

The book drew me in from the very first page, and I was riveted by the end of the first chapter. The story moves along at a good pace, but never seems frantic or rushed. The characters are multi-dimensional, and evolve throughout the story. Even though certain events in the book portray less likeable character traits in both the protagonists, I never really felt a sense of dislike for either of them.

The games are held in the Capitol city in a country called Panem, as a form of punishment for citizen rebellions that took place years earlier. Katniss Everdeen hails from District 12, and we meet her on Reaping Day, an official holiday with a grim name and even grimmer purpose. The reaping consists of selecting a boy and girl tribute from each of Panem's twelve districts to participate in the Hunger Games. The goal of the games: participants will fight to the death, with the last standing tribute declared the winner.  We follow along as Katniss volunteers as a tribute, and through the battles she will fight. Some of these battles are with fellow tributes, some are man-made terrors, and some are battles with herself.

As I went through these battles alongside Katniss,  I felt a certain sense of discomfort: How would I have acted in the same situation? How would I fare in the games? How much do I have in common with the inhabitants of the Capitol City? Could this scary world Collins creates ever come to be? These questions are never really answered.  The end of the book mirrors this uncertainty - although one one level, the conflict in the book is resolved, on another level it is just beginning.

Even though descriptions of the book don't really do it justice, I still highly recommend this title. ~~As soon as I return some overdue books and pay off my fines~~ Tommorow I will be requesting the sequel to this book, Catching Fire. After that, my son and I will be impatiently waiting for the final book of the trilogy to come out this summer.

Thumbnail image from http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

SLMS 2010

2010-05-11T21:41:00.000-04:00

Subtitle: My First Library Conference EVER!~

I am so glad I was able to attend the SLMS 2010 Conference. It was held April 30-May 1 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Albany. I shared a room with a fellow SU student, and we had fun chatting 'til midnight. It kind of reminded me of boot camp, but in much more luxurious surroundings. It was great to meet so many school librarians, and talk about school library issues all weekend. As always, I found the veteran librarians were very generous with conference tips and advice, and also saving seats at meals.

Sadly, the eight hundred pound gorilla in the room throughout the whole conference was the sad situation playing out in many schools across the state, the elimination of school librarians. Everyone had news of positions that were cut, librarians that now work in several schools, and schools without librarians. It is not a great time to be coming out of school, but good to know that the AASL and SLMS are working on behalf of school librarians throughout New York.

I attended some very good sessions, and learned alot. Since I don't have a library to try out these new ideas, tips, and tools, I am trying to organize them for future reference. I'm using delicious.com to organize websites and links. I'm using some different Google Tools that I learned about in a presentation on that same topic. I may even do a write up of the highlights of my sessions here - stay tuned.

I'm looking forward to Buffalo 2011!

book club, 140 characters at a time

2010-05-01T23:33:00.000-04:00

I heard this timely piece on NPR as I was travelling to the School Library Media Section Conference in Albany this week. One of the recurrent topics of this conference was the integration of reading and literature with technology.

Could or should this be used with students who are growing up conversing with one another in 140 characters or less?

Celebrate Earth Day - check out a book from your local library!

2010-04-07T21:29:00.002-04:00

I've often wondered at the claims that e-readers are better for the environment than print books. Here's an article that examines that issue - I love the article's conclusion!

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/04/04/opinion/04opchart.html

Exhibit @

2010-03-27T14:30:00.003-04:00

I heard on NPR earlier this week that the Museum of Modern Art has acquired the linchpin of all email addresses, the @ symbol. I didn't quite catch the whole story, but was intrigued enough to look it up today when I had a chance. If you're done with your Saturday morning cleaning or soccer game, putting off getting some school work done, or just have a few minutes to burn in the pursuit of trivial knowledge, here are two of the more interesting articles I found on this.

MoMA's website has a blog entry that contains more information about the @ symbol than you ever thought existed (some of which is really interesting to the history-geek in me).

Mark Hachman has an interesting post that brings up some interesting questions about ownership of creative works, something we studied and discussed extensively in IST 618 (Information Policy).

The halfway point

2010-03-18T21:45:00.004-04:00

I'm currently on spring break of the third of my anticipated five semesters at Syracuse. (It's not really much of a spring break - I am either subbing or doing fieldwork in an elementary school every day this week - laying on a beach somewhere warm sounds so much more relaxing.....)

Some of the celebrations I have as I hit this halfway point of my studies:

Being able to go to a database, conduct a search, and find pertinent results. This sounds relatively basic for an aspiring librarian, but compared to my searches for an assignment for 511 last summer, this is really an accomplishment!
Being able to compose an APA citation without having to consult my handbook a hundred times. Again, sounds basic, but is definitely better than where I started. I can't guarantee the same confidence in other citation formats, but I definitely know where to find that information (thank God for OWL!).
Doing fieldwork in school libraries: it is just as much a learning experience as my coursework. No textbook or lecture can prepare you for the amount of spontaneous, on-the-fly information needs that get thrown at a school media specialist on a daily basis. It is gratifying to be able to locate books that a teacher needs in 15 minutes; to match a student to the right book; to offer a suggestion that is actually on the right track.
Having pulled off only one all-nighter (okay, one and a half) so far. This was totally due to procrastination, as I just couldn't get myself into gear to get the assignment going. It's a good thing this isn't a regular habit, as all-nighters take much more of a toll on the almost 40-year old than they do on the 18-22 year old!

Some things I'm looking forward to in the second half of my coursework:

I'm looking forward to the remaining three classes I have. They are all school media classes, and deal with technology in education, school library management, and school libraries and literacy. The marriage of technology and literacy is the main reason I chose this profession, and I'll take these classes this summer. Definitely looking forward to them, and trying to plan for a really cool technology project to do during my 7-12 fieldwork.
Student teaching: doing fieldwork has been like Student Teaching Lite, and I've enjoyed it so far. I am looking forward to being in a school media center on a daily basis, and getting a more in-depth experience.
December 2010: I hope to complete all my coursework in the fall semester. Not that I haven't enjoyed this program, but I have to say it is a lot of work. And it will be totally worth it. I just look forward to having one less ball to juggle!

Like I said, I'm on spring break, so I'm off to:

watch all the shows that I have to DVR when I'm busy reading, participating on discussion boards, writing papers, etc, etc
read for pleasure (will probably only finish one and a half books this week, but it's better than nothing!)
clean my house, since that is definitely of lowest priority since I started school (okay, it always was a pretty low priority, but now it's even lower - I just have a good excuse!)
SLEEP - I really love to sleep!!

Book Review - When You Reach Me

2010-02-21T19:00:00.008-05:00

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

My personal reading time is preciously rare these days, as I'm usually trying to keep up with coursework reading, assignments, fieldwork, substitute teaching, and three kids & a husband. Suffice it to say that except for a week at the beach after bootcamp and the winter break between semesters, I have read nothing but textbooks and other assorted scholarly readings since May of 2009. Because I'm really happiest when I have some type of pleasurable reading to look forward to at the end of the day, I came up with the solution to read children and young adult books. This is a good fit for me right now, since they are usually (although not always!) a faster read for me than adult fiction, and I can justify the time spent reading as academically related.

Having coming up with this idea, I pledged to start my reading with this year's award winning books. I requested the 2010 Newbery Medal Winner the day it was announced, and patiently waited about four weeks to get it. When I sat down to read it, I pretty much consumed it in an evening. The book kept me on edge throughout every page, although it is not what you would call a thriller. I was compelled to read it quickly to find out the answers to several puzzles in the story, although it is not your typical mystery. The characters are mostly likeable, although I was left wanting to get to know more of some of them.

No matter what I think though, the true test of a children/young adult book is whether or not it is read and appreciated by its target audience. Having seen this hotly debated on the school library listserve LM_NET, I put this book to the test: I had my 12 year old son read it. And read it he did - he finished it almost as quickly as I did (and he probably would've finished it even faster if only his late-night reading wasn't thwarted at 9:30 on school nights). We discussed the book after he finished, and he really enjoyed it as much as I did. He liked the mysterious aspect of it, he was not put off by the protagonist being a girl, and he didn't mind the suspension of disbelief that the book calls upon.

The best things about this book (IMHO) are:

I think the discussions that my son and I had after he finished the book contributed to both of us liking it even more. It really showed how the social side of reading can impact a reader's enjoyment of it. It also speaks to the writing - when a mother and son who can agree on so little (it's time to go to bed; no, you don't need a cell phone; I don't want to take out the garbage, etc, etc.) can agree on how much they like a book, and lots of the elements in it, it's got to be a special book.
Stead alludes to another Newbery Medal Winner several times throughout the book, although at first not by name. We find out at the end of the book that the author is reverently referring to A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeline L'Engle. How I made it this far without reading that book is truly a mystery to me, but I do not remember reading it. This has inspired the next book up on my reading list. Even better, my son will be reading it as well, in part because his monthly book report theme for March is fantasy. What will be even best is if When You Reach Me can similarly motivate other children and teens to do the same thing. Reading begetting reading - that's a very cool thing for children & YA literature!

Thumbnail image from http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

To Weed or Not To Weed......

2010-02-20T19:50:00.006-05:00

Even as a frequent lifelong-library user, I never really thought about how many books my library had, how old they were, and what happened to them after the library didn't need/want them anymore. I was first introduced to the concept of weeding when I volunteered at the Sidney Memorial Public Library, when I was asked to straighten certain shelving areas in advance of weeding. I didn't really know what was involved in all that, but it sounded kind of interesting. After we moved and my volunteer stint there came to an end, I didn't really give it much more thought.

Weeding is one of the topics in IST613 this semester, so I have learned much more about it already. As an assignment, we were required to evaluate a sub-collection of 10-20 books within a library. I took the opportunity to look at the folktale section in my K-6 fieldwork library. What I found out is that weeding, much like the gardening task it shares its name with, is much harder than it first appears to be. My fieldwork supervisor gave me several tools to help me in this task: collection analyses and circulation statistics proved to be very helpful. I found some advice from SUNLINK, which also contained some great guidelines.

In the end though, I really feel that a book's worth is in the eye of the beholder. Some of the more difficult situations I encountered:

a book donated in honor of the school custodian, who is still working there. The book is ugly and old, and would normally be a slam-dunk weed. Would weeding this book produce hurt feelings though?
a book that is very unappealing, but is the only book of its type in the library; also books that are unappealing/have no circulations, but have some curricular value.
award-winning books that obviously have artistic/literary/cultural merit, but have no circulations.

I did my best to evaluate the books using the tools I had, but ultimately I found weeding to be a very subjective exercise.

Alphabet soup

2010-02-16T00:04:00.004-05:00

TEI, METS, MARC, MODS, XML, SGML, etc, etc.

IST 616 is officially called Information Resources: Organization & Access. So far, it is more like learning a new language than actually learning about organizing information. Just learning the acronyms is a challenge, as the listing above is only a very partial list of the acronyms encountered in the first five weeks of class. Each separate standard or set of rules is a whole other language unto itself.

Although I'm still waiting for that lightbulb moment where it all comes together for me, it's actually pretty amazing to see all that goes into what many library (and information users in general) take for granted - that when they search for something, they will be able to find what they want and where it should be.

Social media struggles

2010-01-31T21:38:00.003-05:00

I've been involved in online social communities for over a decade now. I joined iVillage way back when I was a new mother, seeking information from other new moms. As my family grew, we moved around quite a bit - 4 times in 5 years! My online friends often numbered my IRL friends, and provided me with a much needed sense of stability. Some of the friendships made back then still exist today.

More recently, Web 2.0 applications have been a big part of my library school career. My first class required students to start a blog, sign up for RSS feeds, learn about podcasts. Social media have figured in almost all of my other coursework, whether it's just participating in a chat with another student for an assignment or doing a video conference for a graded project. Next semester I am taking Technology in Educational Organizations, where I will learn how to integrate all these new technologies and media into teaching students. All this to say that I really get how prevalent (and pervasive?) all this technology is.

As the mom to a 12 year old though, my feelings for all these venues are a bit more ambivalent. My son has begged and pleaded for a Facebook account, and has been told as many times that he has to wait until he is 13. His main interest is chatting with his friends, and I've been told how "old" and "lame" AIM is, and that nobody even bothers with that anymore. He also wants to play some of the games on Facebook, some of which are admittedly good. So being the understanding mom that I am, I came up with what I thought was a good compromise: I would friend some of his friends on my account, and he could chat with them on my account. I figured this would work well - he could chat, I could monitor it all, and this would be good practice for when he finally does get his own account.

Apparently this was not good at all. I discovered recently that my son decided to start up his own Facebook account using a fictitious name, date of birth, and email account. To say that I was mad would be a gross understatement. To say that he was repentent upon being discovered would be untrue.

I'm trying to frame this all as a learning experience, as we've had what I hope are good conversations about this. I hope he's learned that it doesn't pay to sneak around. I've certainly learned that constant vigilance is needed when you're parenting Internet-savvy kids.

Fieldwork

2010-01-29T13:13:00.002-05:00

I am starting my K-6 fieldwork next week, having found a wonderfully enthusiastic school ~~media specialist~~ librarian (see previous post) who agreed to work with me. I visited her this past week to meet her in person and discuss my project proposals with her.

I am lucky to have found this site, for several reasons. First, it is in a city school district, and will provide a different setting than I can find in the more rural area that I live in. Second, I will be able to complete the Planning, Marketing & Assessment project for one of my classes. The school is planning a storytelling event for third graders, and it sounds like a really cool project to work on. Third, I'm really looking forward to working with this particular librarian. She was very candid in our meeting this week, and shared some of the good things going on at her library as well as some of the challenges. There are some really cool things happening at this library, and I'm looking forward to learning as much as I can while I'm there.

I officially start next week, and I can't wait!~

What are you going to school for?

2010-01-18T20:08:00.006-05:00

This is the obvious question that usually follows people discovering that I am back in school. The only problem is that it's really hard to answer.

Granted, it is easy enough to tell people I'm getting my degree in library science. Anything after that gets tricky though, as I'm in the school media program and plan to work in a K-12 school setting. I never know what term to use to describe that job. School librarian seems the obvious choice, as most people are familiar with that. School media specialist seems to be the prevalent official job title in my area, but most people respond to that with quizzical looks. Teacher-librarian is a term that I have learned since starting classes at Syracuse, but even my school administrator husband wasn't familiar with that one.

I'm not alone in this identity crisis. A recent AASL blog post and the ensuing comments show that this issue is a serious matter that goes beyond semantics. According to a recent resolution, the AASL has officially adopted the term "school librarian". Although I don't have much experience using any of these job titles, my brief anectdotal evidence has shown that most people are familiar with this term.

I don't know what the right answer is here, but I personally prefer having "librarian" in the mix, since I feel it shows a sense of pride in the libary profession.

I'm sure this is not the last we'll hear of this issue, and it's one that I'll follow with interest.

The need to weed, Pluto style

2010-01-11T20:29:00.004-05:00

I was a substitute in a 2nd grade classroom today. They were beginning research on the solar system, and each student had to pick an individual planet. This seemingly straightforward assignment has become much more complicated for student and teacher alike since Pluto's demotion to dwarf planet. As I was helping students look through their books for information, I soon discovered that some of the information sources contained conflicting information.

This brought to mind one of my favorite library blogs, Awful Library Books. They consistently remind their readers to maintain current information in their collection. This point was driven home today by my experiences with these 2nd grade students. As evidenced by their steady stream of weeding candidates, and bolstered by my experience today, I can see that this is an aspect of librarianship that is never-ending. It's also one I'm hoping to learn about this semester.

Spring semester starts in one week. I am taking IST613 (Library Planning, Marketing, and Assessment), and IST616 (Information Resources: Organization and Access). Both courses are part of the core requirements, which means I don't have any school media courses this semester. I will be doing my fieldwork this semester, and I am looking forward to applying some of these skills in a school library setting.

(I'm happy to report that my story today has a happy ending. The school library has a new book series on the planets with the up-to-date information on Pluto. School librarian to the rescue!! And just to clarify, the outdated sources were from classroom libraries, not the school media center.)

(Long) distance learning

2009-12-07T21:13:00.004-05:00

Although I missed out on posting my thoughts about Distance Learning Week, I would like to take a moment to talk about a recent assignment I completed in my IST 618 (Information Policy) class. We had to participate in a group discussion panel on an assigned policy issue. We were assigned our issue and our group, and we had to hold our discussion in a designated "meeting room".

My group had to discuss corporate freedom of expression, and the research and discussion was very interesting. Ralph Nader, John McCain, Theodore Olsen, the Cato Institute, and the Federal Election Commission were all represented by group members, and the discussion that followed was both informative and lively.

As great as the discussion was, though, by far the best part of the assignment was seeing and speaking in real time with my fellow group members. The title of my post refers to the geographical diversity of our group: one group member is in Singapore, one in the Carolinas, one in Pennsylvania, and the rest of us in various locations in New York. Despite a few technical glitches, it was really like carrying on a conversation in a classroom environment. No matter how good the discussion gets on a course discussion board, this experience by far exceeds that interaction. (Even my 11 year old son was impressed!)

If you have a similar opportunity to participate in such a learning experience, I highly recommend it! Thanks to Professor Mueller and his grad assistant for facilitating this assignment. Thanks to my fellow group members - it was a great experience working with you all!

A cool video on technology

2009-11-17T01:43:00.003-05:00

I came across this video while researching Web 2.0 presentation options. The lesson plan I'm writing has high school seniors doing library research and an oral presentation on a public policy issue. This very cool video would be very appropriate to show all the different interactive options these students could use.

http://cdwg.discoveryeducation.com/web2.0/video.cfm

Reference starts at an early age

2009-10-23T21:35:00.004-04:00

I've been enjoying IST605 this semester, learning about the different forms and resources used in reference services. So far we've learned about conducting reference interviews, done some virtual reference transactions, and evaluated reference sources. So far, we have covered dictionaries & encyclopedias, biographican & geographical sources. I've really enjoyed the practical experience that this class is providing. Although it has taken a good deal of time to get through, the exercises that get us in the library looking at this stuff have been enjoyable.

In the meantime, my children have been doing some reference work of their own. On our last visit to our public library, my son checked out the Guiness Book of World Records. The newest edition of Guiness was in the new book section, and my 11 yr old son really wanted to check it out. Let me just say, this book has provided hours of entertainment for all three of them. All three of them have shown me the world's longest fingernails at least three times, which is about 8 times too many! I've also seen the most tattooed senior citizen, the most pierced man and woman, and the man who could pull the most weight with his eye sockets.

I'm glad they have had fun with it. I'm also happy to see the book has evolved in the last 30 years or so. I remember it being a perennial favorite in my school library, but it was a smaller, paperback version in those days, with fewer photos that were predominately black and white. Today's edition is a nice hardcover book, and is mostly photographs with complementary text.

Imagine my surprise as I'm perusing this week's assignment. Our topic is Directories, Almanacs, Yearbooks, Handbooks, Statistics & Gov't Resources. One of the required sources we have to evaluate is the Guinness Book of World Records! Maybe tomorrow I'll bake something nice for the kids - after all, I can now check off one of the required sources for this week's assignment. Thanks kids!~

dic·tio·nary

2009-10-07T00:15:00.004-04:00

life with dictionaries,
originally uploaded by torisan3500.

Main Entry: dic·tio·nary
Pronunciation: \ˈdik-shə-ˌner-ē, -ˌne-rē\
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural dic·tio·nar·ies
Etymology: Medieval Latin dictionarium, from Late Latin diction-, dictio word, from Latin, speaking
Date: 1526
1 : a reference source in print or electronic form containing words usually alphabetically arranged along with information about their forms, pronunciations, functions, etymologies, meanings, and syntactical and idiomatic uses
2 : a reference book listing alphabetically terms or names important to a particular subject or activity along with discussion of their meanings and applications
3 : a reference book giving for words of one language equivalents in another
4 : a computerized list (as of items of data or words) used for reference (as for information retrieval or word processing)

I love dictionaries. There, I said it. This blog may be the only place that statement is socially acceptable, maybe even understood or agreed with.

I am reading ahead for IST605 (Reference Services) in preparation of facilitating next week's discussion. I signed up for this week based on not having a ton of work due. It was sheer luck that my week will cover dictionaries and encyclopedia.

I have vivid memories of all the dictionaries we had in our house growing up. (Mind you, we didn't have the name brand sneakers or drive new cars, but our house was always filled with books.) We had an unabridged dictionary, and for the life of me I can't remember which version it was. I don't remember using that alot as a child, but I do remember my older sister using it to press her corsages from school dances.

When I was in grade school, I remember my parents buying a student dictionary set. One was a concise (high school) edition, and the other was more of a picture dictionary. I have found memories of using them to "play school", and would leaf through them now and again to just peruse different pages and learn new words. I would also try and look up any unfamiliar words I came across while reading.

I also remember my Cassell's French/English and Latin/English dictionaries. I know I requested and received one of them as a Christmas present. I also had a Roget's Thesaurus, although now I'm not sure if it was Roget's International Thesaurus or Roget's II: The New Thesaurus. I'll have to make sure to check next time I visit my mother.

My goal for tomorrow is to stop in at the school library media center, and check out their dictionary sections. I also hope to check them out when I head down to Binghamton University for my next observation. Very cool stuff, and I'm looking forward to next week's discussion. I hope I can do the topic justice.

dictionary. (2009). In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary.

Retrieved October 6, 2009, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dictionary

Tim Green visits Chenango Forks

2009-09-23T19:39:00.003-04:00

this was in my local newspaper recently. I have two of his books on hold, and my 11 year old son can't wait to get started on them.

http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20090921/NEWS01/909210388/1116/news/Former+NFL+star+tackles+importance+of+reading

By George Basler
CHENANGO FORKS -- Just like star athletes need to lift weights to exercise their bodies, star students need to read books to exercise their minds, a former National Football League player told middle school students Monday.

Tim Green, who played eight years with the Atlanta Falcons and is now a best-selling author of 15 books for adults and adolescents, brought his message about the importance of reading to students at Chenango Forks Middle School.
While describing himself as "a voracious reader," Green said many young people view reading as "a miserable exercise." He blames adults for this, saying they assign adolescents to read books that are not entertaining for them, not fun and "like eating cardboard."
"First and foremost, I write to entertain," Green said. If his books help people to open their minds to reading, it's an added plus, he said.
Green has made 151 school appearances in the last two years. His appearance at Chenango Forks was arranged by Patricia Sweeney, the library media specialist.
Sweeney said one reason she wanted Green to come and talk is because his books appeal to "reluctant readers," boys especially.
"His characters deal with everyday conflicts that adolescents can relate to," she said.
The students listened intently during Green's 45-minute presentation.
"His message is that you've got to read to move on in life," said Taylor Robinson, 11, a sixth grader. Eighth grader C.J. Stark, 13, said he read one of Green's books and liked it.
As important as sports are, school is more important because, while sports will end, success in school will impact someone's entire life, Green told the students.
Give books a chance, he added. He compared them to carnival rides. Find one you like and then buckle up and take off, he said.

The Smartest Card

2009-09-23T14:18:00.005-04:00

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month. In that vein, I got (yet another) library card yesterday during my observation/interview at Binghamton University. This makes a total of four library cards - one each from Four County Library System (my hometown public library), the New York Public Library, Syracuse University's Bird Library and now BU's Bartle Library. My husband kind of chuckled at me, but I for one don't think a person can have too many library cards.

So although it's only September for one more week, spread the word! Because a library card really is the Smartest Card!

photo courtesy of NJLA: New Jersey Library Association; accessed on Flickr 9/23/09

In the middle?

2009-09-21T01:27:00.005-04:00

I had my first substitute teaching experiences of this school year, both of them at the middle school level. The first one was as a teacher's aide in a special education classroom. The teacher in there is a good friend of mine, and it was a really good introduction to the middle school level. Watching her deal with students that have extreme difficulties, both in and outside of school, was very enlightening. I think I had some trepidations about special ed classes because it was somewhat of an unknown commodity to me, and I really learned alot.

My second call was for 8th grade math, a subject that is ~~terrifying~~ unfamiliar to me. I have found out with my own children that I may have passed math in my time, I may have even done pretty well. But I have discovered that since my time in school, they have totally changed all the terminology and methods of teaching math. For example, borrowing (when you're doing subtraction) is no longer borrowing - it's now called regrouping. Suffice it to say, I had no idea what to expect on Friday. I printed out two sheets of word problems just in case I needed to keep them busy. I was very nervous.

I'm pleased to say that not only did the day go okay, it was actually a good day. Other than the uncertainties inherent in being a substitute, I really enjoyed it. The staff and faculty are all very welcoming and helpful (which goes a long way!), the teacher had amazing plans for me, and the kids were enjoyable. I really hope I'll be asked back soon.

There really is a point in all this non-library babble. Because I'm in the school media program, I'm thinking that being in the schools like this is a plus. I really hope I can start feeling more comfortable as a teacher, which I really felt like on Friday.

The other point I wanted to make in this post is that I have always envisioned myself as a primary school teacher-librarian. I love picture books, I've volunteered extensively with that age range, and I have really felt comfortable there. After only two days in a middle school environment, I can really see the appeal there. As my former-middle-school-principal-husband says, not every day will be that good. I get that. But I can see that this level has just as much potential to teach and to make an impact as the primary school (if not more). Now I just have to get the courage to go to a high school, and I'll get to see what K-12 really looks like.

A quick preview of this week includes my reference librarian interview, and the first of my observations at the reference desk. I'm planning on going down early to get some of my own work done before I observe. I'm really looking forward to this assignment.

Like mother, like daughter?

2009-09-15T21:51:00.003-04:00

I had an interesting discussion with my eight year-old daughter after I got home from my weekend residency Sunday evening. She is in 3rd grade, and was complaining that some of her classmates don't take their work seriously, and that they didn't get to do social studies on Friday. She went on to say that if they didn't start to work harder in school, they wouldn't get in to a good college. Here's how the conversation went:

Me: "so you're still planning to go to college?"
Maggie: "yes, and I want to go to Syracuse just like you, mom"
Me (beaming with pride): "really? maybe you can be a librarian like me too."
Maggie (with much disdain in her voice): "no way mom. I'm going to be a lawyer."

Oh well, I have a good ten years to work on her.

Weekend residency

2009-09-13T20:31:00.004-04:00

I was back up at Syracuse for a weekend residency for IST 663, which is Motivation and Information Literacy. It was co-taught by our professor for the course, Dr. Ruth Small and also by Dr. Marilyn Arnone from SU's School of Education. They have done some amazing work in motivational studies in information literacy programs, and it was a good weekend. (And I must say here that the Sheraton was much nicer to stay in than the dorm!)

In addition to learning many strategies to motivate students in school media programs, it is always good to be around other iSchool and school media students. The amount of sharing that goes on is astounding. This class was a good mix of first year students like myself, and second year students, many of whom have completed more courses and even some fieldwork and practica. Everyone in the program is so gracious about sharing knowledge, tips and ideas, which is a true embodiment of the profession we are preparing to enter.

All the talk of technology,teaching, books, helping people find the information they need - I just can't wait to do all this! Ultimately what all this talk of information literacy and motivation does - it MOTIVATES ME!

Going back to Binghamton University!

2009-09-09T22:29:00.004-04:00

One of the assignments for my 605 course is to observe at a reference desk for a minimum of five hours this semester, and to interview a reference librarian who works at that site. Since I am in the school media program and will be spending 100 hours of fieldwork and 300 hours of student-teaching in school libraries, I did not want to choose a school library for this assignment. I graduated from Binghamton in 1994, and haven't been back to the library at all - the thought of going back there was very appealing. I still live close enough for this to be a convenient location, so I was hoping that this would work out.

I left a voicemail for the Director of Research, Informational and Instructional Services, and would have been happy if I got a call by the end of the week. I was pleasantly surprised when she called me back within a half-hour, and was very enthusiastic about having me come to observe at their reference desk. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and I am very excited to start on this assignment.

We learned about library space in 511, and discussed the idea of a learning commons that is becoming pretty prevalent. Ms. McManus told me that the reference area in Bartle is now a learning commons environment, and I am excited to see it. As a commuter student at BU, I spent hour upon hour at Bartle between classes. I remember trying to find a comfortable chair (or if you were lucky, a couch!), and eating my contraband lunch while reading or studying. I very rarely ventured in to the reference area, which in memory was a somewhat unapproachable place - in fact, I can only recall actually using the reference services once, while working on a paper on Catherine the Great.

I am looking forward to seeing reference work in action, and to seeing how the library has embraced this "commons" feel.

Broome County Public Library

2009-09-06T19:32:00.002-04:00

This article appeared today in the Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin.

September 6, 2009

http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20090906/VIEWPOINTS02/909060324/1120/Broome+s+best+friend++the+library

Broome's best friend: the library

Find books, movies, Internet at county facility - all free

By Margaret Coffey

It's an expansive building, and thousands pass it daily. But do you know what's inside?

A dedicated staff of 32 keeps coming up with new ways to make the library an essential part of everybody's life. Choose your favorite genre and join our online book club. You'll receive snippets of popular books in your email five days a week. How's that for a great new program to serve busy readers?

The nine-year-old Broome County Public Library building was funded by tobacco settlement funds and private donations - and no local tax dollars - to offer 200,000 books, DVDs, music CDs, audio books, videos, microfilm, maps and pamphlets. It houses 66 public-access computers, a wireless network, an Envisionware computer reservation system and two standalone PCs for children - but that's just the start. It's also a place where people interact with other people, binding the community close.

* Its staff answers 60,000 reference questions per year, including a growing number of electronic inquiries.

* Some 30,000 information seekers visit the Local History and Genealogy Center annually.

* Knowledgeable teachers conduct programs for adults on subjects such as buying and selling on eBay and using computers.

* The community is invited to enjoy dramatic short story readings, book discussion groups, knitting circles and the like.

* A Sorenson Video Phone gives sign language communication via video.

* Volunteers come in to offer free tax preparation through AARP from February through April.

* Local artists' works are displayed at no charge.

* Portfolios Café offers a take-out or eat-in lunch menu for library-goers, Monday through Friday.

* Infants and pre-schoolers enjoy daily story hour programs.

* Homeschoolers incorporate library visits into their curriculum.

* SCORE volunteers meet monthly to advise new businesses.

All that - and free borrowing privileges for a million items that can also be ordered from other local libraries.

BCPL has been an integral part of Southern Tier life since 1904, and it's getting better all the time. A Library Reading Garden opened this spring and is accessible for private events. Great new books and periodicals - as well as audio and visual material -are always being added to the library's shelves.

Visit the library to research your family tree - or learn about constellations, low-fat cooking or any other subject under the sun. Text us, e-mail us, come in and talk to us in person, and we'll help you investigate whatever topic spurred your interest.

Use the library's computers to draft a resume and use its WiFi to check your email. "Rent" a DVD or CD without paying a cent. Read a poem in the garden. Call your meeting to order in one of the library's meeting rooms. Show your paintings to the world.

We can even send our personnel into your workplace and help you with business research - at no cost. Just call us at 778-6451 and tell us what you need.

Clearly BCPL has evolved into a space where technology and the arts combine to feed the minds and souls of its community. During difficult times, BCPL can be your anchor, a place of solace, activity and information for people of all ages.

Use the library, and please feel free to suggest ways we can make it even more useful to you.

The BCPL is here for you, six days of the week and online 24/7 - so when time comes for politicians to make decisions about increasingly difficult budgets, remind them not to impede the Broome County Public Library's ability to be your family's source of knowledge, recreation and enjoyment.

Additional Facts
If you go

The Broome County Public Library, at 185 Court St. in Binghamton, is open Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday (but closed Labor Day).

* Phone: (607) 778-6400

* Online: www.bclibrary.info

A library without the books - The Boston Globe

2009-09-05T20:29:00.007-04:00

A library without the books - The Boston Globe

Posted using ShareThis

An interesting article that raises alot of questions. I am getting some personal experience along these lines, as one of my classes this semester has all the required readings available to read online, free of charge. While I'm grateful to not have to purchase textbooks, I'm not sure if I enjoy reading an entire book from a screen. I can testify that it is just as easy to fall asleep reading your laptop as it is to fall asleep reading a paper & ink book.

I find it ironic that while the school claims to be encouraging students to read, the books are being replaced by 3 large screen tv's and computer stations. I'm not disputing the value of tv's or computers, but I find their actions and their words somewhat disconnected.

If you're interested -
American Association of School Librarian's blogpost reaction

Fall 2009 and some other stuff.......

2009-08-25T20:47:00.003-04:00

First off, Fall 2009 - Classes start next Monday (less than a week now), and I have access to them online. I am taking three(!) classes this semester, and I'm not sure if that's an exercise in stupidity or a smart move. I'm hoping for the latter though, and starting to get to work already. I'm taking Reference and Information Literacy Services (hereafter referred to as 605); Survey of Telecommunications and Information Policy (hereafter referred to as 618); and, Motivation and Information Literacy (hereafter referred to as 663). I'm looking forward to starting them and getting a routine down.

Now for the other stuff - One of the reasons Syracuse attracted my attention was the online program. Distance students at the iSchool have pretty much the same status as campus students, receive the same courses and degrees, are indistinguishable. The one exception in this is University College, which is a department/branch/whatever that handles the administrative functions for distance students - things like registration, financial aid, etc. Today I noticed on my account that I have a dreaded Bursar's hold, which means I need to find out what's wrong. Based on my experience as an undergrad, taking care of something like this ranks right there with a trip to DMV. In my previous call to University College, I got everything I needed taken care of in one simple phone call, so I was hoping my luck would hold. Much to my surprise, I left a phone message for someone, she called me back within a reasonable amount, and totally handled everything I needed. I'm starting to thing this level of service is the rule rather than the exception, and it makes me feel even better about my choice of schools.

Another non-Syracuse related library situation has thankfully been resolved for me. At some point this summer, I checked out a picture book for my youngest daughter. We are big library patrons, and have lots of books checked out at any given time, usually with multiple due dates. I was really trying to clean things up at home before I left for boot camp, and I returned all my outstanding library books, except for the ones I actually took to Syracuse. When I got back from bootcamp and took out the books I had for one of my classes, this picture book was still showing as checked out on my account. My husband, children and I all tore the house apart looking for this book, because library books have been known to surface from under the beds, between couch sections, and other assorted areas throughout the house. Although I was pretty sure I was going to end up paying for this book, on the eve of our vacation I asked one of the library clerks if they could also look for it, as I was almost certain I had returned it. Lo and behold, the book is now off my account! I'm not sure how it turned up, I will have to ask when I stop in next. It was a great feeling as a patron, but also a lesson for this future librarian.

Newspaper article: Broome County Public Library will start charging reservation fees

2009-08-22T19:36:00.004-04:00

This article was in the 8/22/09 edition of the Press & Sun Bulletin:

Beginning Sept. 1, reserving the latest bestseller, video or DVD at the Broome County Public Library will cost you 25 cents.
The Binghamton-based library is looking to bring in extra money in economic hard times, said Lisa S. Wise, the library's director.
The reservation fee isn't a novelty in Broome County's urban core, Wise said. Libraries in Vestal, Johnson City and Endicott already charge patrons 25 cents to reserve books and movies.
Broome County library officials settled on the 25-cent reservation fee to make it consistent with the other local libraries. "We thought it was necessary," Wise said of the new fee. "We're trying to save money."
The Broome County Library reserves about 500 books, videotapes and DVDs a week for patrons, Wise said. That works out to about $125 a week or about $6,500 a year. The library's annual budget is about $2.6 million.
Bestselling books and newly released DVDs are the most popular items reserved by patrons. Typically, book and movie fans are put on a waiting list. Library staffers then notify patrons either by telephone, e-mail, or postcard as the items they've reserved become available.
The fee will also apply to reservations made online through the 42-member Four County Library System, but only from the libraries that charge for the service, Wise said.
Endicott's George F. Johnson Memorial Library has been charging its patrons a reservation fee for at least the 30 years its director, Edward A. Dunscombe, has worked there.
"There's a fair amount of work involved in reservations," Dunscombe said.

link to article - http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20090821/NEWS01/908210364/Binghamton+library+to+implement+reservation+fee

Book Review - People of the Book

2009-08-16T15:43:00.006-04:00

One of the hardest parts of the summer residency for me was having to forego reading for pleasure while I started on my coursework. My family went to the shore four days after I got home from boot camp, and my suitcase had five books in it. I wasn't sure if I could finish all of them, but I was certainly going to do my best. While most of my choices were "mind candy", perfect for beach reading, two of the books were serious novels. One of those stands out as my favorite, and the timing of my reading it couldn't be better.

People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks was a great read. I had checked it out of the library in May, only to be unable to finish it in my 3-week loan period. I found myself unable to renew it. A good friend loaned me her copy, and I've had it sitting on my nightstand for all these months. Having enjoyed Brooks's previous two novels March and Year of Wonders, this was the first book I read on vacation.

The book centers on the Sarajevo Hagaddah, a 500 year old Jewish prayer book that has defied the odds and survived warfare, plague, and censorship. When the book resurfaces in the aftermath of the Bosnian War, rare book expert Hannah Heath is called in to preserve the book. Interspersed with the modern struggles Hannah goes through in her work with the Hagaddah, the reader is treated to the historical background of the book and how it came to be. Brooks weaves her tale very seamlessly, and her attention to historical detail is amazing. The discussion of religion is relevant in today's world, as Brooks discusses Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Times of peace and tolerance are juxtaposed to darker periods of history, such as the Spanish Inquisition and World War II.

This book also had special meaning for me as a library student. The dedication of the book is "For the librarians". One of the main characters of the book is Ozren Karaman, who was chief librarian of the National Museum and also the "kustos" (or caretaker) of the Hagaddah. He saved the book during a bombing of the library, and hid the book to ensure its survival. During her investigation of the book and its contents, Hannah stumbles across another librarian, Serif Kamal, who saved the Hagaddah during World War II. When she finds out this librarian was ultimately jailed because of his work for diversity and truth, she is incredulous that "just a librarian" would be jailed because of his actions.

The accounts of the Hagaddah's rescues had some pertinence to one of my courses at bootcamp this summer, IST511 Introduction to Libraries and Information Professions. One of the aspects we learned about was book preservation and rare book collections. We had the privilege of hearing Dr. Lavender speak about some of the rare books in Byrd Library's Rare Book collection. He referred to one of the books as his "fire book", the book he would run for first if there were a fire. It was a book that at one time belonged to Queen Elizabeth I, and it was amazing to see. I remember being amazed by the book itself, but the meaning behind his statement didn't really hit full force until I was reading People of the Book. I would guess that many books that reside in special or rare collections are here through the foresight and sometimes courage of librarians.

I highly recommend this book to anyone, but especially anyone interested in rare books, history, or the judeo-christian-islamic relations.

thumbnail image from http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

Ocean City Free Public Library

2009-08-16T14:43:00.005-04:00

We just returned from a beach vacation at Ocean City, NJ. After getting ready for classes and then boot camp itself, along with my husband's hectic schedule, this was a welcome retreat for our whole family. Nothing goes better with time at the beach than a good book or two (or four!). Being a bit of a land-lubber, I got some good reading time in and managed to finish four books and get a good start on a fifth.

I also got a chance to visit the Ocean City Free Public Library while I was there. Although libraries are not your typical tourist attraction, I enjoy visiting libraries when I travel. I have found through my travels, and also moving four times in 5 years, that you can tell alot about a community by its library. I was very impressed by the offerings at Ocean City. First off, their hours are amazing, and made it easy for me to fit in a visit. They are open seven days a week, and are open until 9pm on weekdays. They have a tremendous amount of programming for children, teens and adults alike. Many of their programs are offered at the Library Annex, which I did not get a chance to visit - that's on my list to do next year. Their programs range from basic computer skills to story time to book clubs to Chinese cooking classes. During the summer months, it seemed like there was something going on almost every day of the week.

The space the library occupies is pretty impressive. It is part of a larger community center complex that includes a fitness/aquatic center, a museum, and an arts center. It is currently undergoing a construction project that entails renovating the existing facility and adding about 10,000 square feet. Even with construction going on, I found the facility to be bright and welcoming. The circulation desk is prominently at the front of the library, with the children's area behind that. The children's collection was very impressive, offering many types of media. There were also several computer workstations in the children's area. They had a cute arrangement of bean bags and child-sized furniture where children could read.

The second floor offers the adult section - I was again impressed at their collection, particularly their periodical offerings. I think that just about anyone could find a magazine that matched their interest in the magazine section. The fiction collection was sizable, and they had a great array of reader advisory services to assist browsers. The library has brochures that feature fiction offerings on all sorts of topics ranging from gardening to romance to vampires. They also have shelf tags by that feature similar authors - if you like Nora Roberts, you'll like....... was right above the offerings from Nora Roberts. Going down the rows, there were at least 2 dozen such tags.

The staff at the circulation desk was very friendly and helpful. Because Ocean City is a resort town, their population swells every summer. Anyone who is not a resident can become a member of the library for $15 per year and use any of the library services. The library does offer wi-fi service, so anyone with a laptop can get wireless access there. I ended up purchasing a nice book bag with their logo on it for only $1.50! (Now at least I had somewhere to store all the brochures and information I picked up.)

All in all, the Ocean City Free Public Library is a great place, and seems to have widespread community support. I was really glad I had the opportunity to visit this year, and I hope I can get back there to see the results of the construction project.

One semester down.......

2009-08-04T22:13:00.002-04:00

five to go! I just submitted my last assignment for IST612 - Youth Services. This was no small task, as it entailed developing a 200-item collection, annotating all items, and discussing a library issue. Although it was a lot of work, it was really eye opening for me. Prior to this, I thought ordering materials for a library would be the best part of the job, similar to a Barnes & Noble jaunt. Now I understand that there is a lot more thought that goes in to a collection. Although it was fun to look at all the different books, it was difficult to try and pick the best source for my library.

I have registered for my fall classes, and now have a few weeks before they start. We are heading off to the Jersey shore later this week, and it's a well-deserved break for my whole family. I'm hoping to visit the public library while I'm there, so I may have something to post between now and the start of fall semester.

IST612 continued......

2009-08-04T00:44:00.002-04:00

even though I'm not physically in Syracuse, I'm still hard at work at my Youth Services assignment. I still have one assignment left, and I started working on it Sunday. When I went to retrieve my document from my thumb drive, I couldn't find it. Several hours worth of work at the computer lab down the drain.......

So I started over from scratch, and I'm happy to say I'm about 90% done. I still have to tweak it a bit, but I'll be done with it tomorrow. It's been alot of work, and I am looking forward to being done with it.

IST 612 - Day 5

2009-08-01T11:36:00.002-04:00

Today was the last day of Youth Services. Young Adult/Teen offerings and classroom management ideas were the subject of the day. The remainder of our class presented their book talks - what an amazing group this has been! Everyone did so well on their book talks, and my list of books to read has grown quite long these last two days.

We had library issues discussions, and each group presented on theirs. One common theme that ran through all my classes here this summer is the number of issues that we will have to deal with in the library and information professions. There is no shortage of these issues, and no shortage of ways to look at them. My classmates in this class were amazing, because the different takes on all these issues really broadened my outlook. Barbara was a great instructor for this class, as she could draw from a variety of experiences to give us perspective on some of these issues.

After class, I got my car all packed up and headed home. I am just exhausted! It is so much work to get 7 credits done in two week's time, but I'm glad I did. By the end of 2009, I'll be one-third the way to my degree - the journey is underway!~

IST 612 - Day 4

2009-07-30T23:21:00.002-04:00

Before I wax poetic about class today, I just have one minor announcement - TOMORROW IS THE LAST DAY!! I GET TO GO HOME!! Yes, I did go home last weekend, but it really was a lost weekend. I was so exhausted and had a migraine, that I really didn't feel like I did anything at all. Plus, I knew I had to leave again on Sunday, so I didn't even unpack. Tomorrow is the last day of my 2-week residency, and I can't wait to go home!

Surprisingly, I will miss the total immersion into library school that I've experienced over the past two weeks. It's been a great introduction to the program, I've met some really great people that I hope to keep in touch with going forward. I've felt like a real grad student, which is a huge shift from being at home with three kids - it's been great to use my brain for higher level thinking again. I've felt like a part of the iSchool, which is a really great place! I won't miss the 6 am construction or the huge windows right outside the shower stalls, but I do take fond memories of "Boot Camp" with me.

Today we did book evaluations on some of the literally hundreds of books that Barbara brought to our class. It was a lot of fun looking through them all, and deciding which ones we liked and which ones we did. It was also great to see what other groups thought - I was in agreement with just about every book that was discussed. The majority of our classroom time was taken up by our student presentations of the booktalking assignment. This was my favorite part of the class so far. I think everyone did a great job today, because there are so many books that are on my TO READ LIST. I'm looking forward to the remainder of the presentations tomorrow.

I'm all packed, and ready for tomorrow!

IST 612, Day 3

2009-07-29T23:24:00.004-04:00

My eyes are pretty bleary by now. I am working on an assignment for my Youth Services class which involves selecting and creating an annotated bibliography of 200 items for a school library collection. It is really hard to select books in this size collection, especially non-fiction. It takes some time trying to figure out what the best book for a particular subject is, because you can't choose too many titles on any one topic. I found the non-fiction selections to be much harder than the picture books or fiction. I do have an advantage, in that I have 3 critics at home who helped me make several selections on my list. Don't worry, I will be sure and cite them!

Our class today touched on such topics as: how to manage library volunteers/aids; some resources for non-English speakers and differently-abled students; different genres; how to connect kids with literature. We did several variations of a human bar graph, which I think would have great appeal for kids. Barbara also did more book talks, and then we broke up into small groups for literary circle discussions. She also opens each class with a great tid-bit: today's was the word-a-day at wordsmith.org. I'm getting some great websites and great titles out of this class - I'll try to post them all here next week.

Tonight there was a reception for celebrity librarian Nancy Pearl here at the iSchool. Even though I'm not taking her class, I have talked to several people who are. They are in unanimous praise of her! It's very exciting to be in a program that can attract such great faculty.

I now have only two nights left in Watson Hall. Although the cinder-block walls and the blue fuzzy blanket are growing on me (I actually referred to my dorm room as "home" today), I will be very happy to leave dorm life to the younger college crowd. Rest assured SU parents, that your money is going to your child's education and not glitzy dorms!

IST 612 - Day Two

2009-07-28T18:45:00.002-04:00

Book Talks & Book Reviews! We spent a good deal of time in class today on those topics. Going into this class, I was not really sure what a book talk was supposed to be like. Even the resources in our syllabus and those I could find online couldn't quite capture the essence of what a book talk really is. Barbara modeled several book talks for us, and it is much less intimidating to me now. I have my three books selected, and just have to fine tune my presentation. Thank goodness I don't have a room mate this week, because I'm sure I'll be practicing aloud between now and Friday.

We also got direction on how to write a book review. This was a bit easier for me, because I read alot of book reviews. Barbara also showed us a great idea on how to do a book review project - take a manilla file folder, put the cover of the book on the front, the book and author information on the inside left of the folder, put reviews on the inside right (both professional reviews and your own), and leave the back open for comments. These can be placed throughout the library to provide a sort of interactive reader advisory for students. (Note: you can use colored folders to note different genres, non-fiction vs. fiction, etc.)

We also delved briefly in to copyright issues in schools. She gave us some great resources to get more information, Copyright for Schools: A Practical Guide by Carol Mann Simpson is one. I'll definitely be adding this to my personal bookshelf. I believe we will also learn more about this in IST618. This has come up in every class so far, so I don't think you can know too much about this topic.

IST 612 - Day One

2009-07-27T15:47:00.002-04:00

Today was our first day of IST 612 - Youth Services. From the syllabus, it appeared that this course was going to be a lot of work. That notion was confirmed today, as our instructor Barbara Wall went over the syllabus and assignments. The good news is that she is giving us an extra week to complete them, so that was a relief.

By far the coolest thing about this class is having a practicing teacher librarian as an instructor. Rather than dealing with the theoretical and esoteric, she is actually giving us a realistic account of how she spends her day, what goes into collection development, and some good resources to get material from. Aside from the websites, book titles, and authors that I am taking note of, she has left me with two important thoughts.

The first is to "look for teachable moments and be ready for them". She cited an opportunity that she recently had to instruct her students about violence, all because she took a fall in a parking lot. Children will ask questions and give feedback, and when you see that opportunity you just have to seize on it. She has modeled that behavior for us today, and answered questions and talked about issues that were not necessarily on the agenda for today. That leads me to the second takeaway from today's class - you have to "be adaptable". Of course you have to stick to some type of lesson plan and have a general idea of where you're going, but you also have to be adaptable and give your patrons/students what they are looking for.

I was still pretty tired today from last week, but at least the migraine I suffered from this weekend is gone. I'm looking forward to tomorrow's class.

Two down, one to go

2009-07-26T13:52:00.003-04:00

Having finished both IST601 last weekend and IST511 on Friday, I came home to see my family, sleep in my own bed, and get some rest. And to get ready for IST612, which is Youth Services and Libraries and Information Centers. From the syllabus for this course, it looks like we will get to play with children/young adult books this week! This sounds like alot of fun, and I'm looking forward to starting tomorrow. I'll be heading up to Syracuse later this afternoon, leaving the kids in the capable hands of my husband. My mother will be coming up later today so she can watch them during the day. I don't know what I would do without them!

Links from IST 511

2009-07-25T22:49:00.002-04:00

Here are the links that I wrote down during IST 511:

Public Library Association Blog

Internet Archive Wayback Machine

Internation Children's Digital Library

Librarians' Internet Index

United States Copyright Office

Creative Commons

Chilling Effects

Morrisville State College Library

Central New York Library Resources Council

South Central Regional Library Council

Net-mom.com

Liverpool Public Library

I Love Libraries.org

Central New York Media Specialists

NYLA School Library Media Section

IST 511- Day 5

2009-07-25T21:49:00.003-04:00

Friday's class was our last day of 511. After a presentation from the Writing Center that detailed the services they offer to distance students (which are quite impressive, by the way), Professor Nicholson gave us information on professional communication and networking. My experience is in sales, so I knew the basics of this already. Moving four times between 2000 and 2005 has also taught me that in order to meet people, I have to move out my comfort zone and both approach people and be approachable. Nonetheless, it was very helpful to hear insights from Scott and Tasha about library specific tips.

The Parade of Librarians today was school media specialists! YEAH!!! The PoL this week has made me question my decision to specialize in school media, because there have been so many librarians that have made other areas of librarianship sound so interesting. When I truly think of what gave me the motivation and confidence to apply to this program, it was my volunteer work at my childrens' school. I worked with literacy groups and did literacy centers, and I really loved it. So to hear from three practicing school media specialists this week has been a reaffirmation of this decision.

The week culminated in the Library Poster session, which took place in Bird Library. There were fourteen groups, each one presenting a poster on a current library issue. Our group selected public library presence in Second Life, and I learned alot about the issue while doing the research. We each took 45 minutes and manned our poster table, discussing the issue with our instructors, fellow classmates, LIS faculty members, and area librarians. Having worked at trade shows for AT&T in the past, I really enjoyed this part of class. Although my voice got raspy by the end, it was fun interacting with all the different people who stopped by our poster and asked questions. I also enjoyed seeing all the different issues the other groups tackled, and getting more information on it. Congratulations to Group 14, and best of luck to them at ALA 2010!

Thank you to Scott & Tasha for a great week. Although it was more work than I imagined, I learned so much this week. Thanks to my fellow classmates, your questions and insights taught me as well. Thanks to Kendra, Jennie, Corey & Ashley for working so hard on our project - even though we didn't "win", I learned so much from you and I enjoyed working with you. And finally, thanks to my family - none of this would have been possible without your help and continual support.

IST 511 - Day Four

2009-07-23T20:16:00.004-04:00

My brain hurts today. Seriously. Not because we had so much to learn today, rather that we didn't really learn anything. What we talked about today was the ethical side of the library profession. I lost track of how many times Professor Nicholson said that "there's no right or wrong answer", because these issues truly have so many facets to them. I know from personal experience that when you're a public figure, you will hear many viewpoints on just about every decision you have to make. I hope that when/if the time comes that I have to uphold the ethical beliefs of this profession, that I will make the best decision possible.

We finished our library poster this afternoon (except for a few minor touch-ups it requires), and I'm very excited about the poster session. I can't wait to see what the other teams have come up with, because there are so many issues that I want to explore more. Our issue was public library presence in virtual worlds, and I hope we did it justice. I had a great team, we worked well together, and I think the end result is a good one.

The Parade of Librarians today was a panel discussion on library space. The group was varied, and included a school media specialist, director of library common at Bird Library, and the director of the Liverpool Public Library. This topic fascinates me, and the presentation was great. From cooking classes in a public school library to a cafe in an academic library, to a weather station at a public library - library space is being used in a variety of fashions, and enriching the communities they serve. Tomorrow's parade group is school librarians, and I'm pretty excited to hear them present!

Tonight is the last night of week #1 - tomorrow I'll be sleeping in my own bed! YEAH!~

IST 511 - Day Three

2009-07-23T08:35:00.005-04:00

Disclaimer: I will not disclose my age in this post. But I will tell you that in both group projects I have been involved in here at Syracuse, I have been the oldest member of the group. One of my current partners is 20 yrs old. 20!!! I have a Gap jean jacket that is older than she is. The challenge in this is an issue that I think will occur in libraries for years to come - digital natives vs. digital immigrants, and how to accommodate both.

I will fully admit to being a digital immigrant, although gadgets and technology have been part of my life for a long time. One of the coolest Christmas presents I can still remember getting was a Speak and Spell - this cool mini-computer type thing that would ask you to spell a word, and then correct you if you misspelled said word. I used to play with that thing for hours, and for its time (late 70's) it was pretty darn interactive.

Fast forward almost 30 yrs (see, I am giving you clues) and I am the lone member of my group without a laptop. I take notes in class by hand, because when I physically write something I tend to learn it better - that's just my learning style. One of my group partners saw my hand-written notes, and thought that was the cutest thing. I felt like a little, old lady at that moment. Maybe my learning style will always be based in writing because that's what I did back in the day, but I know I'll be integrating technology into my life more and more going through this program.

Yesterday, the Parade of Librarians came through in the form of a Systems Librarian Panel. I can honestly say that although that side of librarianship sounds very interesting, I don't think it is for me. When I worked for AT&T Wireless, I probably could've gone in to this side of things much more easily. I just don't know if I want to do all the networking/interconnectivity stuff that this job sounds like it would entail.

The second half of our day, however, was absolutely fascinating. We went to the book preservation/conservation areas, and then spent time in the rare book room. I was enthralled watching the book repair people do their craft. The rare books were so embedded in history, and Professor Lavender literally took my breath away when he revealed some of the books! What a wonderful side of librarianship to be able to see.

IST 511 - Day Two

2009-07-21T18:07:00.004-04:00

Today was a hard day for me. I slept the latest I've slept since coming to Syracuse, getting up at the indecent hour of 6:45am. I'm normally a nocturnal creature (staying up til about 12-1am, and getting up around 8am), and sleeping in a strange dorm room with the windows and blinds open, next to a construction site, has been a challenge for me. Not sleeping in my own bed, eating meals that I prepared, seeing my husband and children kind of all culminated today. The result is that I have been really tired all day long.

Funny thing is, unlike my undergrad days when staying awake during classes was sometimes a struggle, I have been alert and attentive during my classes. The information we are learning is very interesting, so that helps. I'm also at a time in my life where I am so much more focused than I was in my early 20's. I want this so much more than I probably would have when I was younger. And the instructors are really great and make what could be a boring topic pretty darn interesting.

The Parade of Librarians continued today, touching on academic and special librarians. One of the librarians, John Schuster, was from Morrisville, which has a branch campus about 10 miles from my home. Living in a rural area, finding an academic library (or institution for that matter) is harder to get to, usually involving driving some time. This is the closest academic library to me, and it was very cool to hear from someone that works at its parent institution. My takeaway from his talk (aside from all the cool places I didn't know librarianship could take someone) was to be patron-driven. "Don't worry about your image, do good work". It's good advice for career and for life.

Jan Fleckenstein works at the Barclay Law Library here at Syracuse. I heard her speak at the March Admitted Student Reception, but only for a few minutes. She spoke for about 30 minutes today, and her main message was to be ready to teach in an academic setting. Because I'm in the school media program, that message spoke volumes to me. Learning the curriculum here is only part of the mission; the other part will be to take it and teach it to others.

My library poster group has decided on Second Life and Public Libraries. I'll be researching that topic and will have more to say about that as the week progresses.

IST 511 - Day One

2009-07-20T21:29:00.003-04:00

Today was the first day of IST511, Intro to the Library and Information Profession. I've heard it referred to by current iSchool students as the "Parade of Librarians". As promised, today was Public Librarian day. The two speakers took totally different paths to their current public library positions, and have two completely different jobs. Yet both spoke of the same issues in librarianship, and the professional and personal rewards they have reaped throughout their careers. I am a school media student, but public libraries are near and dear to my hearts. I have been a public library patron for as long as I can remember, accompanying my parents to neighborhood library as a very young child. I could see myself being happy in a public library position.

The majority of the afternoon was spent on a lecture on searching. This is an interest of mine, as I tend to be persistent when searching for information. Family and friends will often ask me to help them find information (I bet they'll really bug me once I actually know what I'm doing!), and I enjoy matching people to answers. As a casual searcher, I've been frustrated by many of the things Prof. Nicholson touched on today. Google is a great tool, but I hate all the advertising junk on there. I found out there is actually a name for the sites that frustrate me beyond reason - link farms. If any entity ever sets out to regulate web content, those should be the first things to go! (This is not to advocate censorship; I kind of view these along the same lines as commercials on tv. Too bad you can't tivo past some of the junk on the web.)

One of the coolest takeaways from today is lii.org. This is an internet index done by librarians, and it provides reliable search results. I wish I had known about this site before, and I plan to play around with it once I have the time.

IST 601 and beyond!

2009-07-20T08:19:00.006-04:00

Last night I finished my first class at the iSchool. I was extremely nervous and anxious before I started, since I've been out of any type of school for a long time and have also been out of the workforce for 10 years. Would I be able to keep up with the technology? Would I be able to keep up with the workload? Would I be able to write something scholarly after writing mostly field trip permission slips for the last several years?

I'm happy to say that despite feeling like I was going to throw up for almost the last week, I made it through. I learned about change and innovation. We had a 3-5 page paper, and we did a group presentation. For all the work that was involved in a one-credit class, it was definitely worth it. The assignments we worked on helped lay the groundwork of the expectations here at the iSchool. The constructive criticism we received on our assignments will stay with me until things become more second nature for me. Using 601 terminology, I will continue to utilize the feedback until I become immersed in the organizational culture of the iSchool.

I have met so many interesting people the past three days. We had a group presentation, and the people in my group were unknown to me when we assembled. We managed to do a great presentation, and get to know each other a bit more. As great as the program is here at the iSchool, the people are just as great.

Today we start IST511, and instead of being anxious I feel a little bit better about going in to this class. I have that one credit under my belt, and I'm moving forward!

Finally - here in Syracuse

2009-07-19T07:55:00.002-04:00

Even though I've been working on assignments for almost two months now, I finally feel like I've officially started my studies at SU, having arrived at Syracuse two days ago. I have to say the campus is much prettier in the summer than it is in the winter, which is mostly the times I've been here on campus.

Without getting overly sentimental, and despite being very nervous/anxious/whatever about all the work involved, I truly feel like I am in the right place doing the right thing. Professor Lankes referred to librarianship as a calling or vocation, and he is so right. I have felt this calling and ignored it for a long time, too long. To actually be sitting here in this great program and doing what I've dreamed about doing is just a great feeling.

Social Networking - Podcasts

2009-07-17T04:33:00.003-04:00

One of the topics in our social networking assignment is podcasts. Admittedly I am rather a latecomer to the world of mp3/iPod's, having just recently got one in the last year. (My husband won an iPod touch at a conference he attended, and I was the lucky recipient!) I will also admit to completely underutilizing it. As a mom of three, I don't have a ton of opportunities to wear earphones and drown everyone out, although there are days I really want to! I do take my iPod to the gym with me, and listen there. But unfortunately I use my iPod so infrequently that all the podcasts I subscribed to stopped popping up into my iTunes list because I didn't download them in a timely fashion.

I enjoyed the section on podcasts in 23 Things, but the resources to locate podcasts were out of date. Two out of three of them were broken links, which was kind of disappointing. I am now looking through iTunes for some podcast suggestions to add to my GoogleReader. I am hoping that having new ones pop up there will allow me to listen to them in a more timely fashion than relying on my iPod.

How to get what you're looking for

2009-07-16T23:03:00.003-04:00

The Portable MLIS: Insights From the Experts

Chapter 11: Information Retrieval: Designing, Querying, and Evaluating Information Systems, by Judith Weedman.

I appreciated this chapter much more after completing the search assignment we had for this class. Many of the search tools Weedman mentions, such as Boolean searches, were highlighted in our assignment. She also touches upon the problem names present, because of the inconsistency of how they are entered. This was something that I encountered in one of the first searches we did. I read this chapter pretty early on, before the search assignment was handed out. Because I didn't blog immediately, and found my notes lacking, I reread the chapter tonight. I definitely got more out of this chapter after doing the search assignment, so I am a bit thankful for my inefficiency.

The other thing that jumped out to me after rereading this chapter was the common theme that runs among the chapters we read dealing with library functions and competencies. They all require that the librarian know their service community. As Weedman states explicitly in this chapter, "One important aspect of the wicked problem of defining the problem is learning everything you can about the people who will be using the IR system and why they will be using it" (p. 115).

As a school media student, I can see the need to become very good at searching so I can help pass those skills on to students. Search engines and Web 2.0 applications are on the rise and easily accessible, but don't always contain the best informaion. Teaching students to be more discernible searchers has already come up in several readings that I have done for this class and others. This chapter gave me a good feel for what goes in to storage and retrieval.

Weedman, J. (2008). Information Retrieval: Designing, Querying, and Evaluating Information Systems. In K. Haycock & B.E. Sheldon (Ed.), The Portable MLIS: Insights From the Experts, (pp. 112-126). Westport, CT: Greenwood.

Library Research

2009-07-16T22:41:00.003-04:00

The Portable MLIS: Insights From the Experts

Chapter 15: Research, by Ron Powell

I have to admit that reading this chapter left me feeling more than a little inadequate. My life experiences have not really provided a strong background in the kind of research Powell describes throughout the chapter. In fact, prior to reading this chapter and my instructors' bios, I didn't really consider the library as the subject of research.

We live in a data driven world where decisions, methods, practices are made using data. With Web 2.0's rise providing new avenues and new area for research, this will continue and probably grow.

The rationales that Evans puts forth should be in line with every library professionals goals. I look forward to learning more about, and hopefully participating in some type of research during my studies at the iSchool.

Powell, R. (2008). Research. In K. Haycock & B.E. Sheldon (Ed.), The Portable MLIS: Insights From the Experts, (pp. 112-126). Westport, CT: Greenwood.

Collection Development

2009-07-16T22:12:00.003-04:00

The Portable MLIS: Insights From the Experts

Chapter 9: "Reflections on Creating Information Service Collections" by G. Edward Evans

Evans touches upon the important points of collection development in this chapter. One of the most important concepts I take away from reading this chapter is the idea of knowing the needs of the community you service. As a school media student, this notion is underscored by an assignment in IST 612, Youth Services. This assignment entails choosing a library and building a collection of 200 items. One of the requirements is to research the demographics of your service population. In starting this assignment, it is apparent that this knowledge is essential in building a good collection.

The idea of knowing your service community was also underscored during my librarian interview. While interviewing the library director of the Sidney Memorial Public, she shared with me that one of the challenging aspects of her job right now is ordering books. She has been library director for about a year, and is currently the only staff member ordering books for the entire library collection. Not knowing the community very well yet makes ordering materials that much harder.

Collection development does not seem to lack in controversy. The needs of a community can be difficult to assess. Expert opinion can dictate what materials certain types of libraries should collect, but this does not work for every library and should not substitute a librarian getting to know the needs/wants of their patrons. The community itself will have opinions on what a collection should include (and not include). One risk here is allowing small but vocal groups to drown out the majority (Evans, 2008 p.89). A possible scenario where I can envision this happening is in book challenges; minority groups can be very vocal in their opposition to certain materials.

As a frequent library patron, I was once approached by library staff to look through a catalog to suggest non-fiction books that would appeal to boys in my son's age range. It was fun to look at all the titles and offer my opinion, but I now see that there is much more to collection development than just picking out books. This chapter, along with my IST 612 assignment, has whet my appetite to learn more about this artform.

Evans, G.E. (2008). Reflections on Creating Information Service Collections. In K. Haycock & B.E. Sheldon (Ed.), The Portable MLIS: Insights From the Experts, (pp. 87-97). Westport, CT: Greenwood.

Reader Response - "Web 2.0 & You"

2009-07-13T15:31:00.002-04:00

In her article “Web 2.0 & You”, Donna J. Baumbach discusses the use of Web 2.0 applications within school media centers. Baumbach comments on the current state of Web 2.0 usage among school library professionals and their students, and then advocates for its increased usage.

Baumbach opens her article with data from an online survey she conducted of school media specialists. Although a majority of the respondents are frequent internet users, most of their Web 2.0 usage is of a personal nature. Less than one-third actively use these tools in their school media centers (p. 14). This contrasts to recent statistics of student usage of those same tools, which report that almost two-thirds of K-12 students have created their own Web 2.0 content (p. 15).

Ms. Baumbach identifies four major obstacles school media specialists face when trying to implement Web 2.0 into media centers. They are: 1) many Web 2.0 tools are blocked or filtered by school districts; 2) school media specialists are experiencing “an erosion of informal professional development time”; 3) a lack of formal training opportunities; and 4) a general lack of knowledge (p. 15). Not having access to these tools is a major barrier, and in part contributes to the other three barriers. One-third of Baumbach’s survey respondents reported restrictions on at least one Web 2.0 in their school, and another third did not know (p. 15). The lack of informal professional development means that media specialists do not have sufficient time to practice and hone their Web 2.0 skills. Formal training is lacking, and the opportunities that do exist are often not relevant for school library professionals. The general lack of knowledge of Web 2.0 tools among school librarians is the culmination of all the barriers presented. Additional training opportunities and schedule management can somewhat eliminate some of these barriers, but are rendered moot if the tools are not accessible.

The remainder of the article discusses the benefits realized from integrating Web 2.0 components into a school media program. Many of these benefits can be related directly to student performance and learning. Web 2.0 can offer ease of use and versatility. Students can use these resources in all subject areas, and for a variety of projects. Web 2.0 also lends itself to creative endeavors, allowing users to continually edit their projects as their learning increases. The interactive nature of many social networking resources allows the user to gain additional learning through feedback from their audience. Web 2.0 also “supports goals in national and state standards” (p. 17). Implementing Web 2.0 in school media centers will provide a formal arena in which students can increase their information literacy skills, versus the informal experimentation students may already practice outside of school. This will help students engage in best practices on the web, become more discerning searchers, and prepare them for the future. Web 2.0 in school media centers also ensures that all students will have access to these tools, even if they do not have personal access to them at home.

School library specialists can use these same technologies for professional advantage. Web 2.0 can allow library teachers to remain pertinent as educational leaders. In addition to teaching students about these resources, many will also train teachers to use them in a classroom setting. Web 2.0 also allows library teachers to maximize school media budgets. Many free and low-cost Web 2.0 offerings exist that can help keep costs down. Using Web 2.0 applications also helps schools to realize more results from technology investments they have already made. Social networking and Web 2.0 also fosters a collaborative environment where library professionals can interact with fellow teachers and network with library colleagues.

Baumbach concludes her article by comparing Web 2.0 tools to other common classroom tools such as “pencils, paper, crayons, and glue” (p. 19). They can be used in all subject areas and for many types of learning. They can help the media center become a relative and interactive part of the school that prepares students to be learners in the 21st Century.

Baumbach, Donna J. (2009). Web 2.0 & You. Knowledge Quest 37(4), 12-19.

New Library Card

2009-07-13T09:22:00.004-04:00

This past weekend, I went to New York City with my family. It was the first time my girls had been there. My son went there last month on a field trip that was a complete wash-out, so he definitely enjoyed seeing the city in better weather. It was a beautiful day and a half, and it was fun taking them around to see the sights.

One of the highlights of my trip was heading out to the New York Public Library. Every time I go to NYC, I try to go to the main branch, even for just a walk-through. It's a beautiful building, and I highly recommend the guided tour if you have time. I learned from one of my classmates (thank you, Michele) that all residents of New York State are able to get NYPL cards. So after browsing the Children's Center at 42nd Street (which now houses the original Winnie the Pooh and friends stuffed animals), I headed across the street to the Mid-Manhattan branch to get my card. A few minutes later, I was the proud new owner of an NYPL card.

Reader Advisory Services

2009-07-08T23:50:00.004-04:00

The Portable MLIS: Insights From the Experts

Chapter 14: Readers Advisory Services: How to Help Users Find a "Good" Book by Mary K. Chelton

My first observation on this chapter is regarding the title. The intent of the use of quotation marks around good in the title wasn't apparent to me before reading this chapter. Ms. Chelton covers that fairly quickly in this chapter by explaining what Reader Advisory Services used to set out to accomplish. It took the view that readers were seeking books to educate themselves or improve themselves somehow. RA services have evolved to what Chelton calls a more "egalitarian" state, where the librarian will "suggest" a book versus "recommending" a book. Much like beauty, I think a good book is in the eye of the beholder.

I had already read this chapter when I visited the Sidney Memorial Public Library for my librarian interview. After concluding my interview with Library Director Roz Conner, I took some time to observe the space and peruse their collection. One of the things that struck me was the number Reader Advisory Services they provided.

As an aspiring school media student, I spent extra time in the children's wing and was extremely impressed with the RA offerings there. I left with eleven handouts suggesting books on topics ranging from Asperger's/autism to divorce to moving. There was also a handout with tips on how to select books for your child. These handouts were prominently displayed on a kiosk along with program calendars and other literature. It was neat, accessible, and organized.

The adult section also had a number of the non-interactive services that Chelton described in this chapter. New book displays are located right inside the library entrance, definitely a high traffic area. Endcap displays featured books on certain topics - this month's topics were "Beach Books" and "Cooking with Fresh Foods". Because of the seasonal nature of these displays, I am guessing that they are rotated on a regular basis. Other endcaps featured particular authors or genres. The Friends of the Library group also provides BookPage, a monthly book review publication.

The surprising element of RA services is how similar they are to merchandising techniques employed in retail environments. Displays, endcaps, and shelf location have been proven to impact sales. Front end and high traffic areas in stores often help to stimulate impulse purchases, and Chelton advises libraries to utilize this shelf space to increase circulation.

I hope to someday work in a school library, and am excited at the prospect of matching children with books. I already do this in an informal way with my own three children, and finding a book or series that they particularly enjoy is very rewarding. I look forward to learning more about all the tools that can be used for RA services.

Chelton, M. K. (2008). Readers Advisory Services: How to Help Users Find a "Good" Book. In K. Haycock & B. Sheldon (Ed.), The Portable MLIS: Insights From the Experts (pp. 159-167). Westport, CT: Greenwood.

Reflecting on "Reflections"

2009-07-03T21:12:00.007-04:00

The Portable MLIS: Insights from the Experts

Chapter 1: "Stepping Back and Looking Forward: Reflections on the Foundations of Libraries and Librarianship" by Richard E. Rubin

Having studied history as an undergraduate and now studying library science as a graduate student, this chapter intrigued me. It also changed the way I think about what I am here to study. My view of libraries and their history prior to reading this chapter was much narrower than after reading it. Pondering the history of libraries would have brought to mind the beginnings of the modern American library, such institutions as the Boston Public Library or the New York Public Library. As Rubin points out, libraries have existed for much longer than that, all the way back to ancient times. They existed for specific reasons, often relating to commerce, religion or academia. They existed in public arenas and they existed in private collections. They were filled with clay tablets, papyrus scrolls and handwritten texts. Despite these differences, they all existed for one reason: to store, organize, and provide access to information.

The role of gender is mentioned in this chapter. Libraries were the almost exclusive domain of men until the 19th Century and the rise of public libraries in America. The proliferation of these public libraries brought about a need for a workforce that was both highly trained and inexpensive. Women were able to meet both those criteria. They were also viewed as more nurturing, a trait that became increasingly important in educational institutions. Librarianship was also an accepted vocation for women when so many other professions excluded them. As an aside, the nurturing comment is somewhat at odds with the stereotypical caricature of the strict, shushing librarian that is so pervasive in our society.

Rubin also discusses four of the key values of the American Library Association. The ALA is the oldest professional organization for librarians, and I think these values are as pertinent today as they were at its founding in 1876. The key values as set forth by Rubin are: 1) belief in intellectual freedom; 2) belief in service and the public good; 3) belief in education; and 4) belief in the value of the past. Intellectual freedom issues can range from censorship to user confidentiality. The rise of the internet and other digital media has brought a whole new host of intellectual freedom issues to the forefront. The belief in service and the public good is especially relevant in today's economic conditions. The recent rise in public library use is well documented, and underscores the mission of modern libraries. The belief in education continues to be relevant as well. Whether promoting literacy for non-English speakers or teaching Web 2.0 applications to senior citizens, libraries are viewed as institutions where learning takes place. Preserving the past can be done using modern technologies. Today's libraries can provide access to digitally preserved artifacts, archives and ideas with the click of a mouse.

Overall, this chapter reinforced my positive perceptions of libraries and librarianship. I am even more excited to be embarking in these studies.

Rubin, R. (2008). Stepping Back and Looking Forward: Reflections on the Foundations of Libraries and Librarianship. In K. Haycock and B. Sheldon (Ed.), The Portable MLIS: Insights From the Experts (pp. 3-14). Westport, CT: Greenwood.

RSS Feeds

2009-06-04T15:24:00.004-04:00

This blog was created for a social networking assignment for the first course I'm taking at SU, IST511 (Introduction to the Library and Information Profession). In addition to learning about the social networking tools that are available, we are also using them. For RSS feeds, our assignment was to sign up for an RSS feeder reader and then subscribe to at least five blogs from library professionals.

While I consider myself a seasoned web user, I had not subscribed or followed RSS feeds prior to starting this assignment. Why? I have to admit I'm a creature of habit when it comes to my web-browsing. I usually sign in around the same time each day, and check out my usual websites in the same order each day. These sites include blogs and forums. Some sites would have new updates or entries, some would not. I wouldn't know until I actually visited the site. This takes time, and in my life before grad school, I had the time to do this. I know my time will be much more limited once I officially start my studies.

After completing the required reading and presentations on RSS feeds, I began searching for my five library related blogs. I think I found a good variety of blogs, ranging from serious library issues to more humorous material. I've found blogs by fellow LIS students from Syracuse, and enjoyed catching a glimpse of what lies ahead of me. After finding my library related blogs, I also added some of my personal favorites.

The blogs I've subscribed to thus far:

Some of my personal favorites include the New York Mets blog, a DisneyWorld travelblog, a good friend's travelblog about her travels in Northern Ireland, and several cooking blogs.

I am now a converted RSS feed subscriber. I can't believe that it took me so long to see the value they offer. Now instead of checking all my websites in order, I can scan my Google Reader and only check the updates (still in order - old habits die hard!).

The First Step

2009-05-12T12:15:00.001-04:00

This is not really related to my studies at Syracuse, but since it is library related I'm going to post it.

My local public library, the Oxford Memorial Library, has a display case that showcases all kinds of interesting displays. Many of them are from collections of patrons, some are displays of workshops the library features. I've offered my collection of Beatrix Potter books and collectibles for their display, and I'm putting it in there today. The librarian asked me to write up a brief description of my collection and how I came to acquire it.

In the process of trying to write this description, I found myself remembering back to when I first found a love of Beatrix Potter's beautiful illustrations and charming stories. It all started at the library, my school library to be specific, when I was in kindergarten. In the last half of the year of kindergarten, we were allowed to check out books. The Tale of Mrs. TiggyWinkle is the first book that I can ever remember checking out on my own. I took the book home after morning kindergarten, and spent the afternoon with my grandmother. I can still remember sitting on her front porch and eating a toasted cheese sandwich while I listened to her read that book to me. I was hooked, on Beatrix Potter, books and libraries!

I have to thank my school librarian for steering me toward that book. It was the beginning of a lifelong collection that now includes all 23 books, several Royal Albert/Royal Doulton figurines, a tea set and a snowglobe collection. It was also the beginning of a lifelong love of books, reading and libraries. I hope that showcasing my collection in the Oxford Library will help someone else find a love for these books or reading in general.

Ultimately, while this post is not related to any assignment, it is certainly related to my studies at Syracuse. Checking out that book was probably the very first step in this journey.

First Post

2009-05-08T21:31:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my Journey into LIS blog. I'm creating this blog as one of the first assignments as a graduate student in Syracuse University's Library and Information Science program. This post will be the first of many posts that will be a running commentary of my studies in this program.

I have been a stay-at-home mom for over 9 years. I have felt the calling to become a librarian for many years, but life intervened and the timing was never right. All three of my children are now in school and things have fallen in to place. I am now officially enrolled and registered in the program, and I plan to specialize in school media.

I can't wait to get started!!!

Keep checking back, and feel free to leave your comments. I look forward to sharing this journey with you.