What's Still Wrong wtih Reference

Interesting opinion piece in Library Journal

"Reference Desk 2.0 - ...the 1984 reference model endures in too many libraries today: librarians passively waiting at a desk for people to approach.
We must experiment more with having reference librarians roam among users, actively asking if they can help them. Some libraries already have embraced this strategy with positive results. But we can do more, both at the library and online. I don't mean to suggest we stalk patrons, just that we more actively solicit and then win their attention and respect as teachers."
http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6497259.html

The 2010 Librarian

What skill sets does the 2010 Librarian need?

http://www.multcolib.org/products/presentations/onlinenw07_skillset.html

Librarians and Stress

"Librarians are the most unhappy with their workplace, often finding their job repetitive and unchallenging, according to psychologist Saqib Saddiq....Librarians complained about their physical environment, saying they were sick of being stuck between book shelves all day, as well as claiming their skills were not used and how little control they felt they had over their career."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4605476.stm

Project Charter

A "beta" Project Charter has been developed and is to be used for all Projects - for example, the Collections, the Early Years Programming Project, etc. The Charter template is saved at

I:\COMMON\INFORMATION SERVICES\ISR\ISpressotogo Team\Project Mgmt

Test-Driving Ispresso - Fall 2007 Programs & the Early Years Programming Project

For the fall program planning cycle, MPL is going to “test-drive” the ispressotogo approach to program planning.

Children’s Librarian Hilary Huffman will plan Early Years programs (baby to preschool) system-wide for fall 2007.

Hilary will develop the project through the ispressotogo project charter and project management processes. Her “test-drive” experiences and lessons learned will provide a basis for subsequent full implementation of ispressotogo.

Here is an outline summary of the Project:

Early Years Programming Project

Scope: Plan Early Years programs (baby to preschool) system wide for fall 2007

Timeline: As soon as possible to end of July at the latest (output from project needs to be finished by the publicity deadline

• Coordinate with Diane Macklin, Marketing and Programming Strategist
• Consult with branch staff who deliver current programs
• Explore options for new programs
• Define roles for those involved at different levels of the project
• Define expectations and measurable goals for attendance & revenue generation
• Set schedule system wide
• Book rooms and liaise with external presenters as needed
• Make recommendations for training or coaching for staff as needed (coordinate with Judi McCallum)
• Make recommendations for the improvement/development of the project charter based on your experience
• Blog the experience for other staff who will undertake similar projects in the future
  
  Participating in the Project – Calling All Staff!
  The Early Years Programming Project will build upon the expertise, experience and passion of staff previously involved in early years programming or interested in becoming involved. If you would like to participate in planning Early Years Programming for Fall 2007 – please discuss with your Supervisor and contact Hilary to join the Project Team.
  
  ALL OTHER PROGRAMS –
  Procedures for other program segments (children’s, teens, adult programming) remains the same. Staff should be in process of developing Fall programs as per established procedures and deadlines I:\COMMON\Programs\Programming Roles and Responsibilities.doc
  

On the blogging train...

I'm on 3 blogs now, and it has taken me a while to figure a few things out: I have to sign in to post, I have to ignore or at least sift through a lot of "noise" like Google trying to get me to use Google Blogger instead of the older version, what the Dashboard is, how to post, how to save a draft and edit it, etc.

I think it's always hard for anyone who is familiar with a technology to go back to a time when they knew nothing. We need to remember that if we are going to bring people in to Web 2.0, we have to find ways to make it happen and to be there for them when they meet that first roadblock, maybe pair them up with someone a bit more savvy, find ways to smooth the path and bring them in. There must be some creative solutions. Let's find them!

Online/chat opportunities

Andrea and I have discussed online teen book clubs. I have done online courses and can see that with a program like WEB CT/IM this could be done.

Eventually, I would like to see IM reference. A couple of ladies from courses I have taken have participated in this service. They were mostly from the states. They do say that the kids truly take the instant messaging for instant messaging and want automatic replies.

I think this would be a great way to give the customers what they want. "Ask a teacher" run by TVo is a good example but still needs refining. They are meeting the needs of students.

I see a virtual branch, in the future.

Catherine G

Baby steps with blogs

It is great to see the blog idea being continued. I like Debbie's blog for heritage week.

The Canada reads theme is also a great foray to see if this will attract different customers.

One thing with blogging is that I find we need to keep it fresh and innovative.

The Teen summer blog was highly successful. The kids were disappointed when that one ended because it was a chance for them to blog about books but also participate in mini-contests, share trivia information and on the long weekend before school, share going back to school fears. One student was very homebound, last year and said the blog was a great way for her to have connections with kids as well as an interesting summer.

TRAP blog is not as interesting because it does not have the same group of kids. I am looking forward to this one ending at the end of the school year and the reinvention of something for summer.

Catherine G.

Sam's Club - Globe and Mail Bestsellers

Walking down the aisle's at Sam's club, I noticed that they have the Globe and Mail bestsellers lists taped on the new books display.

I was impressed because I would not expect such service at Sam's.

Catherine G.