Mary Ann Laun and I would like to congratulate Evelyn Keolian on receiving a recognition of Academic Achievement Award from The Pasadena Mayor's Committee for Employment of Persons with Disabilities.
Evelyn received her award at the 22nd Annual Awards Breakfast in recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month at the Brookside Country Club in Pasadena. The ceremony took place on Wednesday, October 29, 2008.
In addition to being the editor of the blog since July, Evelyn works at the Circulation Desk at the Shatford Library, and also works with the Alhambra Schools.
She has also worked at Pasadena Public Library.
Congratulations Evelyn, on your academic excellence and achievements!
Thursday, 30 October 2008
Tuesday, 28 October 2008
More Info On Collaboration Tools
The word for today is Collaboration. You will be collaborating with your peers, volunteer organizations and individuals you will never meet.
In the past, collaboration happened in meetings, phone conferences or passing documents back and forth via mail. It is now possible for groups, team members and activists to communicate and exchange information about a project and build a documents, process or create an event.
Look, All I Want To Do Is Shelve Books, Is This Really Important?
Yes it is. I support sniffing book dust but at some point you are going to be asked to participate in a project or presentation. If you haven't taken Library 104 yet this is your pre-warning.
You will find that your team members are time strapped. They have personal and professional obligations in addition to the one they just got roped into. The same as you.
Online collaboration tools make it easy to contribute, edit and present information with a reduction of time lag. The other thing about on-line collaboration is you find out real quick who is the slacker and who delivers what they have promised.
What Is A Wiki?
I'm going to let the good folks at PBWiki help explain this to you.
A wiki is a place where a group of people use software to make it easy to work together on a project. You can upload text, photos, maps or links to places that would support the team's goals. You don't have to be a techie to use a wiki, everything is set up for you to enter your information and put it out to the public or just visible to the folks on your team.
In addition to the ones I mentioned in the Library 101 presentation:
Thinkature - visual collaboration with drawings, outlines and short notes. Remember, not all good ideas arrive via words. Sometimes you have to show in order to tell.
Zoho Notebook - you can add video, photo or text to your Zoho Notebook and keep track of changes made to the project. Zoho has a whole range of free on-line applications such as word processing, wiki, e-mail client, planners and more.
WriteWith is specifically for team documentation. It allows you to set up your team members, the name of the document and the last update. Using WriteWith a team leader can send invitations to team members to review what you have written or edit and include a deadline.
WriteBoard - Place your idea on the write board and have others edit what you have written. You can have a list of team members and you can view comments about the changes in the document.
When you have to get something done with a group of people and there is no time to meet in person then consider using one of these tools to meet and work in cyberspace.
As always, if you have questions please send them in the comments. The comments are moderated so it might take a while to check them out and get back to you.
In the past, collaboration happened in meetings, phone conferences or passing documents back and forth via mail. It is now possible for groups, team members and activists to communicate and exchange information about a project and build a documents, process or create an event.
Look, All I Want To Do Is Shelve Books, Is This Really Important?
Yes it is. I support sniffing book dust but at some point you are going to be asked to participate in a project or presentation. If you haven't taken Library 104 yet this is your pre-warning.
You will find that your team members are time strapped. They have personal and professional obligations in addition to the one they just got roped into. The same as you.
Online collaboration tools make it easy to contribute, edit and present information with a reduction of time lag. The other thing about on-line collaboration is you find out real quick who is the slacker and who delivers what they have promised.
What Is A Wiki?
I'm going to let the good folks at PBWiki help explain this to you.
A wiki is a place where a group of people use software to make it easy to work together on a project. You can upload text, photos, maps or links to places that would support the team's goals. You don't have to be a techie to use a wiki, everything is set up for you to enter your information and put it out to the public or just visible to the folks on your team.
In addition to the ones I mentioned in the Library 101 presentation:
- PBWiki and there is an Academic version of PBWiki for educators, libraries and institutions.
- Backpack It allows you or a team member to organize a project, a work flow or anything else a group of folks want to work on. There are free and paid versions. Check out the video tutorial on the main page.
- GoogleDocs allows you to using an online word processor, spreadsheet and presentation software with other team members. So if there is a class report that has to be completed your team could set up the report and members could add to it any place where there is Internet access and at any time. You just need a Google Account and then sign into Goolgle Docs.
Thinkature - visual collaboration with drawings, outlines and short notes. Remember, not all good ideas arrive via words. Sometimes you have to show in order to tell.
Zoho Notebook - you can add video, photo or text to your Zoho Notebook and keep track of changes made to the project. Zoho has a whole range of free on-line applications such as word processing, wiki, e-mail client, planners and more.
WriteWith is specifically for team documentation. It allows you to set up your team members, the name of the document and the last update. Using WriteWith a team leader can send invitations to team members to review what you have written or edit and include a deadline.
WriteBoard - Place your idea on the write board and have others edit what you have written. You can have a list of team members and you can view comments about the changes in the document.When you have to get something done with a group of people and there is no time to meet in person then consider using one of these tools to meet and work in cyberspace.
As always, if you have questions please send them in the comments. The comments are moderated so it might take a while to check them out and get back to you.
Sunday, 26 October 2008
More Info Book Media Tools - Library 101
If you intend to be a library worker you need to know how to view, download and save an electronic text files, Adobe .pdf files or how to find and listen to an audio recordings.
Hey, I'm In It For the Books. Why Do I Need To Know This Stuff?
Define "book?" This is not a trick question. Traditionally there was a physical, tangible object made of paper and ink called a book. It was and is a delivery device used to convey ideas, stories, methods and instructions. A mighty fine delivery device.
However, it is not the only way to deliver content. A book can now be:
Or, you are asked to find an audio copy of Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility" Can you find a legal public domain version in the mp3 format? Could you also find other audio versions performed by professional actors that the patron might want to know about?
To Get You Started:
Try the recommended links and view the web sites. Now if you do this at a public library or even at PCC there may be restrictions on what you can view, download or save to an alternate device.
Some libraries will allow you to save to a USB drive but not to the computer's hard drive. Other will temporarily allow downloading to the computer's hard drive but the user needs to know how to transfer to the USB drive. Ask the staff or read the computer lab policy first.
When searching remember, it is not just about Google. Try Ask.com, Hakia and SearchMe.
Hey, I'm In It For the Books. Why Do I Need To Know This Stuff?
Define "book?" This is not a trick question. Traditionally there was a physical, tangible object made of paper and ink called a book. It was and is a delivery device used to convey ideas, stories, methods and instructions. A mighty fine delivery device.
However, it is not the only way to deliver content. A book can now be:
- An electronic text file that can be read on-line or through a e-book reader and some media players. For example, if you wanted to read a book in the text format you could visit Project Gutenberg to search, download and read books that are in the Public Domain.
- In the Adobe Portable Document Format (.pdf) that can represent book-like feature but allows you to search, annotate and electronically highlight sections. .pdf files are printer friendly and can be sent via e-mail, downloadable via the Internet or compose your own book for distribution. Planet PDF has free books for download such as Anna Karenina, A Tale of Two Cities and Beyond Good and Evil.
- An audio file book can be delivered via vinyl records, cassettes, proprietary audio formats (Audible.com) or in computer audio formats such as .mp3, FLAC, .wav, aiff and other electronic audio fomats. Computer audio formats can be listened to on-line, played back on certain CD/DVD players or from a media players such as Apple's iPod/iTouch, Windows Zune, Creative's Zen and many more. One place to find free audio books is LibriVox. I can personally vouch for The Prisoner of Zenda.
Or, you are asked to find an audio copy of Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility" Can you find a legal public domain version in the mp3 format? Could you also find other audio versions performed by professional actors that the patron might want to know about?
To Get You Started:
Try the recommended links and view the web sites. Now if you do this at a public library or even at PCC there may be restrictions on what you can view, download or save to an alternate device.
Some libraries will allow you to save to a USB drive but not to the computer's hard drive. Other will temporarily allow downloading to the computer's hard drive but the user needs to know how to transfer to the USB drive. Ask the staff or read the computer lab policy first.
When searching remember, it is not just about Google. Try Ask.com, Hakia and SearchMe.
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
RSS In Plain English - Captioned Version
For those of you that don't have audio, headphone or a decent audio card this is a captioned version of RSS in Plain English.
What that you say, you have a banana in your ear and still can't see the video. No problem. Here is a transcript:
For more captioned videos you should visit DotSub
What that you say, you have a banana in your ear and still can't see the video. No problem. Here is a transcript:
Common Craft Presents...RSS in Plain English
The Internet has problems. Technorati says there are 50 million blogs, and you can see, it's going up. This is overwhelming. Today's show is about a new and efficient way to keep up...
...with all this cool stuff that's happening on the Internet.
so I'm going to talk about two ways that you can keep up with what's happening on the Web.
There's the old slow way - Boo!!! Then, there's the new and fast way - Yay!
Here's the difference between the new and the old way. This is you, and here are your favorite websites. You log on to your computer, and you're looking for something new. So you go out to your favorite blogs.Is there anything new there? No. You go out to your favorite news sites. Is there anything new? No.
Every time you look for something new and its not there, you've wasted valuable time.
This is the old way. Now, let's consider the new and fast way, ...which is simply taking these arrows...and turning them the other way.
This means the new things from blogs and new things from your news sites come to you instead.
It's like Netflix compared to going to the video store. So, what we're talking about is using a single website that becomes your home for reading......all the new stuff that's coming from your favorite websites.
There are two steps to getting started. The first step is you need a "home" for reading new posts. This is a website called a reader. It is free and all you need is an account. I use a site called Google Reader It looks like this...
My favorite sites are listed on the left...and on the right I can scroll through all the new posts from my favorite sites in a single place. So, to complete step one...
You need to go sign up for a reader. Google Reader, Bloglines, Newsgator and My Yahoo!
... are good places to start.
Step number two...is to set up a connection between your reader and your favorite websites.
Setting up these connections is called subscribing, and it's really important. Nearly every blog and news site offers the ability for you to subscribe...so updates in these sites show up here in your reader.
To set up these subscriptions, you just need to look for funny little icons. This is the standard one using the standard orange color. You may also see these.
These little icons say, "Hey look! Subscribe to me! I can save you time!" Once you find one of these buttons on your favorite site......click on it....and the page that appears will give you everything you need for subscribing.
After you click that button, one of two types of pages will appear. This is one that provides one click access to subscribing in your reader. The other page you're likely to see looks like this...
...with code on it.
If you see this page, copy the URL at the top of the page....go to your reader and look for a link that says "Add Subscription" or "Add Feed." Click on that, and paste the address into your reader. So, once you've added your subscriptions and the connection is there...
...new posts begin arriving in your reader...and you'll see why this is the new, faster way to read the web. It's addictive, so be careful!
So a quick recap. There are two things you need to do... Number one is go sign up for a reader.
Number two, go to your favorite websites... ...click on the icon and subscribe.
I'm Lee LeFever and this has been RSS in Plain English...on The Common Craft Show.
The Internet has problems. Technorati says there are 50 million blogs, and you can see, it's going up. This is overwhelming. Today's show is about a new and efficient way to keep up...
...with all this cool stuff that's happening on the Internet.
so I'm going to talk about two ways that you can keep up with what's happening on the Web.
There's the old slow way - Boo!!! Then, there's the new and fast way - Yay!
Here's the difference between the new and the old way. This is you, and here are your favorite websites. You log on to your computer, and you're looking for something new. So you go out to your favorite blogs.Is there anything new there? No. You go out to your favorite news sites. Is there anything new? No.
Every time you look for something new and its not there, you've wasted valuable time.
This is the old way. Now, let's consider the new and fast way, ...which is simply taking these arrows...and turning them the other way.
This means the new things from blogs and new things from your news sites come to you instead.
It's like Netflix compared to going to the video store. So, what we're talking about is using a single website that becomes your home for reading......all the new stuff that's coming from your favorite websites.
There are two steps to getting started. The first step is you need a "home" for reading new posts. This is a website called a reader. It is free and all you need is an account. I use a site called Google Reader It looks like this...
My favorite sites are listed on the left...and on the right I can scroll through all the new posts from my favorite sites in a single place. So, to complete step one...
You need to go sign up for a reader. Google Reader, Bloglines, Newsgator and My Yahoo!
... are good places to start.
Step number two...is to set up a connection between your reader and your favorite websites.
Setting up these connections is called subscribing, and it's really important. Nearly every blog and news site offers the ability for you to subscribe...so updates in these sites show up here in your reader.
To set up these subscriptions, you just need to look for funny little icons. This is the standard one using the standard orange color. You may also see these.
These little icons say, "Hey look! Subscribe to me! I can save you time!" Once you find one of these buttons on your favorite site......click on it....and the page that appears will give you everything you need for subscribing.
After you click that button, one of two types of pages will appear. This is one that provides one click access to subscribing in your reader. The other page you're likely to see looks like this...
...with code on it.
If you see this page, copy the URL at the top of the page....go to your reader and look for a link that says "Add Subscription" or "Add Feed." Click on that, and paste the address into your reader. So, once you've added your subscriptions and the connection is there...
...new posts begin arriving in your reader...and you'll see why this is the new, faster way to read the web. It's addictive, so be careful!
So a quick recap. There are two things you need to do... Number one is go sign up for a reader.
Number two, go to your favorite websites... ...click on the icon and subscribe.
I'm Lee LeFever and this has been RSS in Plain English...on The Common Craft Show.
For more captioned videos you should visit DotSub
Employment Bonaza - Check Out These LT Jobs
Let's get right to it starting with California Institute of Technology (CalTech). There are two positions: LIBRARY CLERK and PROJECT ARCHIVIST
Library Clerk - CIT15019MA - CIT15019MA
Requisition Number: CIT15019MA
Job Title: LIBRARY CLERK Department
Name: Library - Circulation Department Job Category/Family: Library
Job Discipline & Career Level: Library Support / Assistant Salary
Grade: 37 Anticipated Hiring Range:$10.00 per hour Date Posted:
10/20/08 Summary Under direct supervision, provide support by performing a variety of general to paraprofessional clerical, technical and customer service duties utilizing automated library systems Institute-wide.
Project Archivist (Temp PT) - Archives - CIT14996LF - CIT14996LF
Requisition Number: CIT14996LF
Job Title: PROJECT ARCHIVIST
Department Name: Archives Job Category/Family: General Administration
Job Discipline & Career Level: Archives Services - IC / Assistant
Salary Grade: 40 Date Posted: 10/20/08 Summary Part-time temporary professional 4-6 month position (20 hours per week) in the Caltech Archives arranging and describing several large complex manuscript collections to the history of genetics. Works under the general supervision of one of the Senior Archivists.
To apply for these positions, please visit:
http://www.recruitingcenter.net/clients/CALTECH/publicjobs
Part-Time Cataloger
Next there is Library Associates Companies (LAC) is seeking a part-time cataloger for a Company located in Pasadena, California that deals with food and nutrition. Projected hours are 8 to 16 hour per week or a day and a half weekly.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Primarily copy cataloging of books, periodicals and media dealing with food, baking, cooking, law, nutrition.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Please send resume and cover letter to the attention of Patty De Anda at, jobs@libraryassociates.com. Please use "Cataloger - #1092" as the subject line of your email.
Experienced Cataloger
Also at LAC is seeking an experienced Cataloger for a prestigious Company located in Irvine, California. The position requires the cataloging of a backlog of materials, primarily books.
This is a full-time position until the backlog is complete and the position will then become part-time to keep the collection updated and for the cataloging of new acquisitions.
The items to be cataloged are primarily in one office but additional items will be required for pick-up in a private residence close to the main office. Reimbursement for work-related travel will be provided.
Full-time hours to begin are from 8:30 to 5:30, Monday-Friday.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Cataloging of a variety of books, mainly History, Travel, Ancient Christian Commentaries, Art Books, Religious materials, Map Books, Novels and general Non-Fiction.
REQUIREMENTS:
Email resume as a Word attachment to Joanne Schwarz, jschwarz@libraryassociates.com.
Please use "Cataloger - Private Collection - #1042" as the subject line of your email submission
Library Associates Companies is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that values diversity in the workforce.
Library Clerk - CIT15019MA - CIT15019MA
Requisition Number: CIT15019MA
Job Title: LIBRARY CLERK Department
Name: Library - Circulation Department Job Category/Family: Library
Job Discipline & Career Level: Library Support / Assistant Salary
Grade: 37 Anticipated Hiring Range:$10.00 per hour Date Posted:
10/20/08 Summary Under direct supervision, provide support by performing a variety of general to paraprofessional clerical, technical and customer service duties utilizing automated library systems Institute-wide.
Project Archivist (Temp PT) - Archives - CIT14996LF - CIT14996LF
Requisition Number: CIT14996LF
Job Title: PROJECT ARCHIVIST
Department Name: Archives Job Category/Family: General Administration
Job Discipline & Career Level: Archives Services - IC / Assistant
Salary Grade: 40 Date Posted: 10/20/08 Summary Part-time temporary professional 4-6 month position (20 hours per week) in the Caltech Archives arranging and describing several large complex manuscript collections to the history of genetics. Works under the general supervision of one of the Senior Archivists.
To apply for these positions, please visit:
http://www.recruitingcenter.net/clients/CALTECH/publicjobs
Part-Time Cataloger
Next there is Library Associates Companies (LAC) is seeking a part-time cataloger for a Company located in Pasadena, California that deals with food and nutrition. Projected hours are 8 to 16 hour per week or a day and a half weekly.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Primarily copy cataloging of books, periodicals and media dealing with food, baking, cooking, law, nutrition.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Previous cataloging experience using OCLC, MARC records, AACR2.
- Experience using an Integrated Library System (ILS)
- Catalog training in an accredited Library School or a College offering a Library Technical degree
Please send resume and cover letter to the attention of Patty De Anda at, jobs@libraryassociates.com. Please use "Cataloger - #1092" as the subject line of your email.
Experienced Cataloger
Also at LAC is seeking an experienced Cataloger for a prestigious Company located in Irvine, California. The position requires the cataloging of a backlog of materials, primarily books.
This is a full-time position until the backlog is complete and the position will then become part-time to keep the collection updated and for the cataloging of new acquisitions.
The items to be cataloged are primarily in one office but additional items will be required for pick-up in a private residence close to the main office. Reimbursement for work-related travel will be provided.
Full-time hours to begin are from 8:30 to 5:30, Monday-Friday.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Cataloging of a variety of books, mainly History, Travel, Ancient Christian Commentaries, Art Books, Religious materials, Map Books, Novels and general Non-Fiction.
REQUIREMENTS:
- MLIS is preferred but a BA degree and extensive cataloging experience will be considered.
- Extensive use and knowledge of cataloging systems, including Dewey Decimal, Library of Congress, AARC2, LC subject headings, MARC records, etc.
- Excellent work habits, reliability and the ability to be self-directed.
- Must be able to drive to nearby residence for pick-up ofmaterials to be cataloged.
Email resume as a Word attachment to Joanne Schwarz, jschwarz@libraryassociates.com.
Please use "Cataloger - Private Collection - #1042" as the subject line of your email submission
Library Associates Companies is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that values diversity in the workforce.
More Info On RSS Readers - Library 101 Presentation
In my presentation I mentioned that RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication. What that means is if you really like the blog and want to be alerted to new content you can copy a bit of code that will connect and keep you up to date with new content.
It is similar to a magazine subscription; you like the magazine and you want to receive it on a regular basis. Unlike magazines there is no fee involved and you can start and stop at any time.
Another way to look at it is there use to be three television networks that created content. After the program was canceled or finished its run it would go into syndication where other television stations could air the show when they wanted to show it to you. Most times it was 4:30a.m.
Instead of a company distributing the content when it wants to the user or patron gets to decide what content to received from millions of choices.
What You Need To Get Started
You will need to have what is called a RSS Reader. This is software that looks at the code, goes to the website or blog and transmits the new content to you. In class, I showed you Bloglines which is a free service that you can use to keep track of your favorite blogs, podcasts and web videos.
If you look at the bottom of the PCC Libtech blog you will see two buttons. One of them is for Bloglines. After you set up your account you can click that button and subscribe to the blog. The orange icon is another way to subscribe to content for other applications and services that use that format.
If you are a Google Guy/Gal no worries. If you use Google applications and services you just need to activate your Google Reader account. Google has a tour page that will explain the process.
Now I've tried to give a basic explanation but there a video that will make it crystal clear. Back in 2007 I wrote about the Common Craft videos and this is an example of my RSS In Plain English post from 2007. Definitely check the video out; it will help you understand and get you started building your link collections.
It is similar to a magazine subscription; you like the magazine and you want to receive it on a regular basis. Unlike magazines there is no fee involved and you can start and stop at any time.
Another way to look at it is there use to be three television networks that created content. After the program was canceled or finished its run it would go into syndication where other television stations could air the show when they wanted to show it to you. Most times it was 4:30a.m.
Instead of a company distributing the content when it wants to the user or patron gets to decide what content to received from millions of choices.
What You Need To Get Started
You will need to have what is called a RSS Reader. This is software that looks at the code, goes to the website or blog and transmits the new content to you. In class, I showed you Bloglines which is a free service that you can use to keep track of your favorite blogs, podcasts and web videos.
If you look at the bottom of the PCC Libtech blog you will see two buttons. One of them is for Bloglines. After you set up your account you can click that button and subscribe to the blog. The orange icon is another way to subscribe to content for other applications and services that use that format.
If you are a Google Guy/Gal no worries. If you use Google applications and services you just need to activate your Google Reader account. Google has a tour page that will explain the process.
Now I've tried to give a basic explanation but there a video that will make it crystal clear. Back in 2007 I wrote about the Common Craft videos and this is an example of my RSS In Plain English post from 2007. Definitely check the video out; it will help you understand and get you started building your link collections.
Library Coordinator Position at John Burroughs High School
There is a Library Tech position open at John Burroughs High School. If you missed the e-mail announcement here are a portion of the details:
Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, provide library services related to the evaluation, acquisition, circulation, distribution and recovery of library books and reference materials at a school site. Provide general library assistance and information to students and staff. Supervise large groups of students utilizing the library during regular operating hours; work is performed independently with only occasional supervision. Subject to lifting, climbing and pushing.For more info you should visit the Burbank Unified School District Employment website and then perform the following steps:
- Click on Employment on the top bar of the screen
- Click on classified posting just below the top bar
- Click on View job posting for all candidates
- Choose Library Coordinator.
Monday, 20 October 2008
Celebrating Banned Book Week 09/27-10/4/08
Perhaps this post is a little late but I believe every day we should celebrate the idea of not banning books and embracing a place that encourages nonexistence of censorship.
How did you celebrate Banned Book Week? I will confess that I didn't do much on my part for Banned Book Week since I didn't want to raise too much controversy as a relatively new library aide at the elementary school I work at. Since I just recently opened up the library, I decided to have books on display that dealt with going back to school, being the new kid, and similar issues. Some of these books that I put up just happened to be "banned or challenged books." Since I wasn't doing a banned book display, I decided to put up books dealing with topics of using libraries, history of libraries, and how a book is made. In addition, I found a tween book and YA book whose plots dealt with teens dealing closure of a library or books being banned.
I discovered that Pasadena Central Library celebrated Banned Book Week with a display all month long during multiple visits. At another local library that I go to, I was disappointed that there wasn't any banned book display which surprised me but I didn't inquire as to why there wasn't one there.
Interested in reading more about Banned Book Week, visit ALA. They also talk about the difference between banned and challenged books as well. Check out ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom on the celebration of banned books through cartoon strips. Another great place to check out is the Banned Books Archive for more information.
I have to say that I really liked this year's slogan of ALA: "Closing books shuts out ideas." Just this past week, a teacher spoke briefly to his class at our elementary school library during the library orientation emphasizing the opportunity to read new books to gain new ideas. Hearing that made me smile. One last slogan I came across in my quest for more information on Banned Books Week was, "Free People Read Freely." Oh, so true!
How did you celebrate Banned Book Week? I will confess that I didn't do much on my part for Banned Book Week since I didn't want to raise too much controversy as a relatively new library aide at the elementary school I work at. Since I just recently opened up the library, I decided to have books on display that dealt with going back to school, being the new kid, and similar issues. Some of these books that I put up just happened to be "banned or challenged books." Since I wasn't doing a banned book display, I decided to put up books dealing with topics of using libraries, history of libraries, and how a book is made. In addition, I found a tween book and YA book whose plots dealt with teens dealing closure of a library or books being banned.
I discovered that Pasadena Central Library celebrated Banned Book Week with a display all month long during multiple visits. At another local library that I go to, I was disappointed that there wasn't any banned book display which surprised me but I didn't inquire as to why there wasn't one there.
Interested in reading more about Banned Book Week, visit ALA. They also talk about the difference between banned and challenged books as well. Check out ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom on the celebration of banned books through cartoon strips. Another great place to check out is the Banned Books Archive for more information.
I have to say that I really liked this year's slogan of ALA: "Closing books shuts out ideas." Just this past week, a teacher spoke briefly to his class at our elementary school library during the library orientation emphasizing the opportunity to read new books to gain new ideas. Hearing that made me smile. One last slogan I came across in my quest for more information on Banned Books Week was, "Free People Read Freely." Oh, so true!
Sunday, 19 October 2008
Prologue Magazine - National Archives and Records Adminstration
There is an abundance of historical information contained in the National Archives and Records Administration's (NARA) web site. One area I'd like to draw your attention to is the quarterly magazine Prologue.
Prologue is a great resource. Did you know that there was a court case about frozen ice cream and flavored ice between Popsicle and Good Humor? Or that there were inconsistent rules applied to women and naturalization between 1802 to 1940?
Many people have issues about the response handling in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina but did you know that there were slackers, looters and governmental incompetents that added to the confusion on who was responsible during San Francisco 1906 Earthquake?
You can read and decide for yourself if history repeats itself in the article "When an American City Is Destroyed, The U.S. Military as First Responders to the San Francisco Earthquake a Century Ago".
There is a lot of talk recently about subversives, anti-Americans and being "the other." It is scary stuff but it is not new to the country. In Prologue magazine there is an article about how the McCarthy era came into being by the Attorney General's List of Subversive Organizations (AGLOSO).
You can learn about how fear took root the government and in the country. Once you know how it got started you can be on the look out for new versions that are being implied or suggested.
This is your tax dollars being put to wonderful use. I would certainly add this to your information tool kit.
Prologue is a great resource. Did you know that there was a court case about frozen ice cream and flavored ice between Popsicle and Good Humor? Or that there were inconsistent rules applied to women and naturalization between 1802 to 1940?
Many people have issues about the response handling in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina but did you know that there were slackers, looters and governmental incompetents that added to the confusion on who was responsible during San Francisco 1906 Earthquake?
You can read and decide for yourself if history repeats itself in the article "When an American City Is Destroyed, The U.S. Military as First Responders to the San Francisco Earthquake a Century Ago".
There is a lot of talk recently about subversives, anti-Americans and being "the other." It is scary stuff but it is not new to the country. In Prologue magazine there is an article about how the McCarthy era came into being by the Attorney General's List of Subversive Organizations (AGLOSO).
You can learn about how fear took root the government and in the country. Once you know how it got started you can be on the look out for new versions that are being implied or suggested.
This is your tax dollars being put to wonderful use. I would certainly add this to your information tool kit.
Saturday, 11 October 2008
Recap of UNT/CSUN MLS Information Session
The information session held in CSU Northridge's Delmar T. Oviatt Library presentation room was attended by about 15 eager and aspiring Librarians. One gentleman said that he has been waiting "years" for a Master's program to begin at CSUN. Several people, including myself, expressed their disappointment last year, when CSUN's initial Master's program was denied ALA accreditation. Needless to say, there was an air of excitement in the room as Dr. Susan Curzon introduced herself and University of North Texas' program advisor and past dean Dr. Phil Turner. Dr. Turner made it clear from the get-go that this is the "best time in history" to be pursuing a Master's Degree in librarianship due to the upcoming retirement of up to 50% of all librarians within the next 5-10 years.
Important Info:
- ALA Accredited for 60 years
- 90% Graduation rate
- Culminates in an MLS degree (not an MLIS) from UNT
- 12 proscribed courses chosen by UNT, CSUN and LA library leaders
- GRE or the MAT (Miller's Analogy Test must be taken
- Cost will NOT increase during the course of the cohort
- Financial aid and scholarships are available
Program highlights:
- SLIS Village -
A place to connect with all the UNT MLS students across the country.
- Capstone Experience -
Like a thesis/portfolio required by other programs
- Practicum -
Required for the MLS (can be waived with 60 hrs paid library work)
- Graduate Academic Certificate -
In Advanced Management in Libraries and Information Centers
In my opinion, this is a great opportunity for students who wish to focus in Library Management. Students have the opportunity to meet with peers to study because everyone will live the greater Los Angeles area. The fact that CSUN Professors will be accessible in office hours is a plus. The graduation ceremony will be on the CSUN campus. Overall, I would recommend that if you are interested apply! Deadlines are February 15, 2009 for the first draft of 20 slots and then April 1, for the second 20 admittances.
For more info see: UNT Catalog Page for SLIS
Important Info:
- ALA Accredited for 60 years
- 90% Graduation rate
- Culminates in an MLS degree (not an MLIS) from UNT
- 12 proscribed courses chosen by UNT, CSUN and LA library leaders
- GRE or the MAT (Miller's Analogy Test must be taken
- Cost will NOT increase during the course of the cohort
- Financial aid and scholarships are available
Program highlights:
- SLIS Village -
A place to connect with all the UNT MLS students across the country.
- Capstone Experience -
Like a thesis/portfolio required by other programs
- Practicum -
Required for the MLS (can be waived with 60 hrs paid library work)
- Graduate Academic Certificate -
In Advanced Management in Libraries and Information Centers
In my opinion, this is a great opportunity for students who wish to focus in Library Management. Students have the opportunity to meet with peers to study because everyone will live the greater Los Angeles area. The fact that CSUN Professors will be accessible in office hours is a plus. The graduation ceremony will be on the CSUN campus. Overall, I would recommend that if you are interested apply! Deadlines are February 15, 2009 for the first draft of 20 slots and then April 1, for the second 20 admittances.
For more info see: UNT Catalog Page for SLIS
Friday, 10 October 2008
Volunteer and Play It Foward Saturday October 11th and 12th
I know this is short notice if you didn't get Krista's e-mail. Here is the text:
We are collecting used books to give to several locations in Pasadena...one or more Elementary schools, one Middle, one High School Library and several classroom libraries. These books are going to be delivered to Lake Avenue Church this Saturday Evening (5:30 - 7:00 PM) and Sunday 9 AM - 3PM.
Also... we would love to have some assistance in our libraries that are receiving these books to help them get processed and on the shelves. So that is actually another need that will go beyond just this coming weekend.
I am looking for volunteers with some library experience to assist in receiving these books and making a rough sort or even more detailed sort if we have the personnel.
The times are listed above and if anyone could give me a couple of hours of more that would be so appreciated. If you know of anyone who might be interested they can contact Judy Boehr.
We are collecting used books to give to several locations in Pasadena...one or more Elementary schools, one Middle, one High School Library and several classroom libraries. These books are going to be delivered to Lake Avenue Church this Saturday Evening (5:30 - 7:00 PM) and Sunday 9 AM - 3PM.
Also... we would love to have some assistance in our libraries that are receiving these books to help them get processed and on the shelves. So that is actually another need that will go beyond just this coming weekend.
I am looking for volunteers with some library experience to assist in receiving these books and making a rough sort or even more detailed sort if we have the personnel.
The times are listed above and if anyone could give me a couple of hours of more that would be so appreciated. If you know of anyone who might be interested they can contact Judy Boehr.
Tuesday, 7 October 2008
Web Search Strategies In Plain English - Subtitled
This is another winner from the good folks at Common Craft. This video explains basic web search strategies and short cuts on how to find what you need from web search engines. This is the open captioned English version from DotSub.
DotSub is a web based tool that allows video creators to add subtitles to videos in almost any language. There are hundreds of subtitled videos on the site and more being added everyday.
DotSub is a web based tool that allows video creators to add subtitles to videos in almost any language. There are hundreds of subtitled videos on the site and more being added everyday.
Sunday, 5 October 2008
Adam Matthews Digital Subscription Resources
Adam Matthew Digital is a subscription database that handles specialized collections. The target audience would be those folks interested in research, education and librarianship.
The collections are divided into 20 areas of focus that include:
The collection draws upon the experience of teachers, professors and library collections. There are essays available to provide an introduction. This is a fee based service but there are free samples that you can use to evaluate the usefulness of the collections.
I was able to find an sample article on "Research Strategies on Women, Popular Culture and Family Life in American 1800-1920" by Amy Blair, Assistant Professor, Marquette University.
It was a review of the publication of that time that reflected the cultural values of what a woman should aspire in terms of her home, domestic affairs and fashion.
If you are interested in evaluation the site there is a four week trial period that is available to librarians or school faculty. There is none available to students. However I would suggest that students keep an eye out for some of the free sample information that is located on the site. A few of the freebies that I found was very informative.
The collections are divided into 20 areas of focus that include:
- America, Asia and the Pacific
- India, Raj and Empire
- Defining Gender, 1450 - 1910
- Travel Writing, Spectacle and World History
- China, Trade, Politics and Culture 1893-1980
The collection draws upon the experience of teachers, professors and library collections. There are essays available to provide an introduction. This is a fee based service but there are free samples that you can use to evaluate the usefulness of the collections.
I was able to find an sample article on "Research Strategies on Women, Popular Culture and Family Life in American 1800-1920" by Amy Blair, Assistant Professor, Marquette University.
It was a review of the publication of that time that reflected the cultural values of what a woman should aspire in terms of her home, domestic affairs and fashion.
If you are interested in evaluation the site there is a four week trial period that is available to librarians or school faculty. There is none available to students. However I would suggest that students keep an eye out for some of the free sample information that is located on the site. A few of the freebies that I found was very informative.
Saturday, 4 October 2008
New MLIS Program on the Block
If you're applying for an MLIS program in the near future, consider looking at the newest MLIS program at CSUN (California State University, Northridge) in conjunction with University of North Texas that will be starting class sessions in Fall 2009. This special program will admit a group of post-baccalaureate working adults (limited to a maximum of 40 students per cohort) who wish to move up in the field of library management or who wish to transition into library and information management. There will be a strong emphasis on the challenges and opportunities that are distinctive to the management of libraries and library collections and services in the diverse urban context of greater L.A. and Ventura.
There are four upcoming informational sessions held the beginning of October at three different locations.
Monday, October 6 - 6pm
Glendale Public Library
222 E. Harvard St.
Auditorium, 2nd floor
Glendale, CA 91205
(818) 548-2030
Tuesday, October 7 - 3 and 6pm
CSUN Oviatt Library
18111 Nordhoff St.
Northridge, CA 91330
(818) 677-2271
Oviatt Library Presentation Room - Enter from 1st floor of library.
Parking is $5 - Visitor Parking in Lot B4
Wednesday, October 8 - 1:30-3:00pm
Calabasas Library
200 Civic Center Way
Calabasas, CA 91302
(818) 225-7616
For more program information and online application materials, visit: www.unt.edu/slis.
Questions- contact: Dr. Phil Turner at pturner@unt.edu.
(Thanks to Kristen Annes for passing on this information!)
There are four upcoming informational sessions held the beginning of October at three different locations.
Monday, October 6 - 6pm
Glendale Public Library
222 E. Harvard St.
Auditorium, 2nd floor
Glendale, CA 91205
(818) 548-2030
Tuesday, October 7 - 3 and 6pm
CSUN Oviatt Library
18111 Nordhoff St.
Northridge, CA 91330
(818) 677-2271
Oviatt Library Presentation Room - Enter from 1st floor of library.
Parking is $5 - Visitor Parking in Lot B4
Wednesday, October 8 - 1:30-3:00pm
Calabasas Library
200 Civic Center Way
Calabasas, CA 91302
(818) 225-7616
For more program information and online application materials, visit: www.unt.edu/slis.
Questions- contact: Dr. Phil Turner at pturner@unt.edu.
(Thanks to Kristen Annes for passing on this information!)
Thursday, 2 October 2008
SANTA MONICA COLLEGE - Lead Library Assistant-Technical Services
SANTA MONICA COLLEGE INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF:
Lead Library Assistant-Technical Services
SALARY$19.46 - $23.65 Hourly $1,556.77 - $1,892.31 Biweekly $3,373.00 - $4,100.00 Monthly $40,476.00 - $49,200.00 Annually
OPENING DATE: 09/29/08
CLOSING DATE: 10/17/08 11:59 PM
DESCRIPTION:
This is a merged promotional and open competitive recruitment. Positions in this classification perform a wide variety of independent paraprofessional and high-level library clerical duties relating to the Periodicals and Technical Services area of the college library. An Eligibility List is currently being established to fill one vacancy in the Campus Library, Monday - Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm., 12 months per year, 40 hours per week. This list will also be utilized to fill any vacancies that may occur during the one year life of the Eligibility List, which may include part-time and temporary positions. Selection Process A qualifying evaluation of submitted application materials. All qualified applicants will be invited to the Written Exam (worth 60%). The candidates with the top scores on the written exam (approximately 10 candidates) will be invited to participate in the Qualifications Appraisal Interview (worth 40%). Candidates must be successful on each test part to continue in the selection process. Candidates must be successful on all test parts for their name to be placed on the eligibility list. Santa Monica College reserves the right to modify the above stated examination components and weights prior to the administration of any examination. Work Authorization In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Santa Monica College requires that all new employees provide documentation to establish both work authorization and identity.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Serves as a lead worker in the technical services and periodicals areas of the library and assists in other areas, such as circulation Responds to technical services problems of a more difficult and complex nature Performs copy cataloging of materials, including searching bibliographic utilities for MARC records; downloading records; and editing and proof-reading bibliographic and item records Plans, coordinates, and oversees major projects in periodicals or technical services, such as inventory, periodical holdings, and bibliographic and item record maintenance Oversees and maintains reserve collection, including creation of bibliographic and course records for each item, preparation of notices to faculty Provides guidance and work direction to other Library Assistants; reviews work for quality and accuracy Monitors and maintains the periodicals collection; verifies that all subscriptions are kept current; prepares claims to vendors of missing issues Processes materials in all formats, including books, audio-visual, and realia Repairs library materials; prepares books for bindery Prepares and maintains records and statistical data related to the technical services area as assigned Recruits, selects, trains, schedules, prepares payroll for and provides daily work direction and supervision to student workers Performs circulation duties, such as assisting library users at the circulation desk and checking in or checking out library materials Assists the Technical Services Librarian in ensuring the smooth operation of the technical services area of the library Assists in planning and developing policies and procedures related to technical services Greets students, staff and visitors in a pleasant and helpful manner; explains department policies and procedures to library users Performs other related duties as requested or assigned Examples of essential duties are descriptive and not restrictive in nature and are generally listed in descending order of importance
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education Requirement: Graduation from high school or evidence of equivalent educational proficiency Experience Requirement: Three (3) years of experience performing a variety of paraprofessional library clerical duties including acquisitions, and cataloging using an automated on-line library system and bibliographic utilities. Education/Experience Equivalency: Up to two years of the required experience may be substituted with additional related college coursework on a year-for-year basis. Licensure and/or Certification: None
For SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION and Supplemental Questionnaire
see: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/smc/job_bulletin.cfm?JobID=138223
APPLICATIONS MAY BE OBTAINED AND FILED ONLINE AT:http://www.smc.edu/jobs
OR Personnel Commission Office Office Location - 2714 Pico Blvd., SM, CA 90405
Mailing Address - 1900 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90405 http://www.smc.edu/jobs
http://agency.governmentjobs.com/smc/default.cfm
Lead Library Assistant-Technical Services
SALARY$19.46 - $23.65 Hourly $1,556.77 - $1,892.31 Biweekly $3,373.00 - $4,100.00 Monthly $40,476.00 - $49,200.00 Annually
OPENING DATE: 09/29/08
CLOSING DATE: 10/17/08 11:59 PM
DESCRIPTION:
This is a merged promotional and open competitive recruitment. Positions in this classification perform a wide variety of independent paraprofessional and high-level library clerical duties relating to the Periodicals and Technical Services area of the college library. An Eligibility List is currently being established to fill one vacancy in the Campus Library, Monday - Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm., 12 months per year, 40 hours per week. This list will also be utilized to fill any vacancies that may occur during the one year life of the Eligibility List, which may include part-time and temporary positions. Selection Process A qualifying evaluation of submitted application materials. All qualified applicants will be invited to the Written Exam (worth 60%). The candidates with the top scores on the written exam (approximately 10 candidates) will be invited to participate in the Qualifications Appraisal Interview (worth 40%). Candidates must be successful on each test part to continue in the selection process. Candidates must be successful on all test parts for their name to be placed on the eligibility list. Santa Monica College reserves the right to modify the above stated examination components and weights prior to the administration of any examination. Work Authorization In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Santa Monica College requires that all new employees provide documentation to establish both work authorization and identity.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Serves as a lead worker in the technical services and periodicals areas of the library and assists in other areas, such as circulation Responds to technical services problems of a more difficult and complex nature Performs copy cataloging of materials, including searching bibliographic utilities for MARC records; downloading records; and editing and proof-reading bibliographic and item records Plans, coordinates, and oversees major projects in periodicals or technical services, such as inventory, periodical holdings, and bibliographic and item record maintenance Oversees and maintains reserve collection, including creation of bibliographic and course records for each item, preparation of notices to faculty Provides guidance and work direction to other Library Assistants; reviews work for quality and accuracy Monitors and maintains the periodicals collection; verifies that all subscriptions are kept current; prepares claims to vendors of missing issues Processes materials in all formats, including books, audio-visual, and realia Repairs library materials; prepares books for bindery Prepares and maintains records and statistical data related to the technical services area as assigned Recruits, selects, trains, schedules, prepares payroll for and provides daily work direction and supervision to student workers Performs circulation duties, such as assisting library users at the circulation desk and checking in or checking out library materials Assists the Technical Services Librarian in ensuring the smooth operation of the technical services area of the library Assists in planning and developing policies and procedures related to technical services Greets students, staff and visitors in a pleasant and helpful manner; explains department policies and procedures to library users Performs other related duties as requested or assigned Examples of essential duties are descriptive and not restrictive in nature and are generally listed in descending order of importance
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education Requirement: Graduation from high school or evidence of equivalent educational proficiency Experience Requirement: Three (3) years of experience performing a variety of paraprofessional library clerical duties including acquisitions, and cataloging using an automated on-line library system and bibliographic utilities. Education/Experience Equivalency: Up to two years of the required experience may be substituted with additional related college coursework on a year-for-year basis. Licensure and/or Certification: None
For SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION and Supplemental Questionnaire
see: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/smc/job_bulletin.cfm?JobID=138223
APPLICATIONS MAY BE OBTAINED AND FILED ONLINE AT:http://www.smc.edu/jobs
OR Personnel Commission Office Office Location - 2714 Pico Blvd., SM, CA 90405
Mailing Address - 1900 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90405 http://www.smc.edu/jobs
http://agency.governmentjobs.com/smc/default.cfm
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