For those of you that had Library 101 with Ann Dallavalle, you may remember her passing out those Lifesaver Pep O Mints when we took our midterm and final. The reason being is she had said peppermint is known for being a brain stimulant.
I did a little research on my own along with asking Ann where she found out about this. I have to admit it wasn't easy finding information about this interesting and useful fact. Most sites or articles that talked about the benefits of peppermint didn't list that. So I'm assuming it's not a very well-known fact.
If you're interested in reading what she found for yourself, here's the source:
The Goodness of Peppermint
One of the articles I found in the PCC library databases (which unfortunately cannot be linked here) talks about smelling peppermint but I'm not sure that's very helpful for us in class. I did see that it helps with stress and tension as well. Whether it truly works or not, it certainly can't help to stock up on those peppermint candies for studying and taking your finals.
Good luck to you all!
Thursday, 5 June 2008
More 105 Cataloging Help - Kinda, Sorta
Saturday. Friday is before Saturday and Saturday is the day of the Cataloging Final. To those about to take the test we salute you and are glad we are on the other side of it.
I know I was pitiful. I was mumbling AACR2 left and right. That blankety blank punctuation drove me nuts. I still can see my classmates. Binders full of notes and marked up AACR2. We came prepared but most of us had our doubts of seeing daylight ever again. People shaking their heads in despair, others kept the mantra going, "It is ok, it will be alright."
But I have to tell you, that stuff comes in handy in ways you do not expect. I am very glad that I took the class. But I was sweating bullets each and every week.
The Short Version:
In addition to the other cataloging links that you can find by looking for the word cataloging in the sidebar, I have a few more hopefully helpful study tips.
There is a OSU Power Point presentation that is a review of AACR2 Chapter 12. If you can't view or download PPT's you can look at an HTML generated copy of Chapter 12.
I was thinking that there might be a few resources at Google Books that could be helpful. Like for example the meaning of the word "imprint"? The Dictionary of Library and Information Science might be of interest to you, especially page 351.
This is a partial preview. The whole book is not available. But you might find what you need to help you understand what bibliographic control is which may or may not be on page 69.
I did find some library specific glossaries, AACR2 Definition of Terms, An AACR2 record description list and Abbreviations for Place of Publication
Good luck and deep breaths.
I know I was pitiful. I was mumbling AACR2 left and right. That blankety blank punctuation drove me nuts. I still can see my classmates. Binders full of notes and marked up AACR2. We came prepared but most of us had our doubts of seeing daylight ever again. People shaking their heads in despair, others kept the mantra going, "It is ok, it will be alright."
But I have to tell you, that stuff comes in handy in ways you do not expect. I am very glad that I took the class. But I was sweating bullets each and every week.
The Short Version:
- Review Your Notes, Exam Questions and AACR2
- Tell your loved ones to bug off - this is serious business.
- Get some sleep, eat a great dinner and sleep with your (paper) notebook.
In addition to the other cataloging links that you can find by looking for the word cataloging in the sidebar, I have a few more hopefully helpful study tips.
There is a OSU Power Point presentation that is a review of AACR2 Chapter 12. If you can't view or download PPT's you can look at an HTML generated copy of Chapter 12.
I was thinking that there might be a few resources at Google Books that could be helpful. Like for example the meaning of the word "imprint"? The Dictionary of Library and Information Science might be of interest to you, especially page 351.
This is a partial preview. The whole book is not available. But you might find what you need to help you understand what bibliographic control is which may or may not be on page 69.
I did find some library specific glossaries, AACR2 Definition of Terms, An AACR2 record description list and Abbreviations for Place of Publication
Good luck and deep breaths.
Wednesday, 4 June 2008
Congratulations to Jared Burton
Jared Burton was just hired as a new library technician at Shatford Library.
Jared is just finishing his classes in the program but he is a full time staff member at the library. High five and and a woot!, woot!
Jared is just finishing his classes in the program but he is a full time staff member at the library. High five and and a woot!, woot!
Tuesday, 3 June 2008
Every Day is a Different Day
When I first started working on the Library Student Task Force, I feared a possibility of getting bored with my job due to its basic simplicity. I can say that my fears were unfounded as I discovered quickly that every day is truly different at my job. Although, I have the same schedule and tasks every day, every week, there are factors that make it different.
All the new faces I see every day amidst the familiar students studying in their favorite spots throughout the library. I come across different books every single day which broadens my view of the literary world-fiction and non-fiction. I have to confess it's really hard sometimes not to want to sit down and go through the books I come across but alas, I must wait till my shift is over. Sometimes I put books aside on my book truck to look at later and/or check out or just make note of the book's catalog number to find at another time.
Different questions get posed every single day from patrons whether they're students, staff, or visitors. I daresay the most unexpected question I got from a student was when a girl asked me if it was okay to take a class for fun. This happening the second week on the job!
I am now used to getting questions about:
It's a never-ending cycle in the library. Books in, books out. I pick up the same books day after day for re-shelving. While it might seem that would be annoying, I love finding out what the "popular" books are with the students and what their interests are.
You can also tell where we are in the semester usually by what books and materials are being used the most. Lately, all the signs of people doing papers for English or other classes has been quite obvious as we've gotten closer to the end of the semester due to an increase of activity in the 800s.
The side projects such as book shifting and re-balancing along with cleaning that gets tackled in the library also helps keep things from becoming dull.
So for a meager salary as some would say, I find I'm gaining worthwhile experience in an entertaining environment. Did I mention all that I see that happens in the library as I work? That's a post for another day, folks!
All the new faces I see every day amidst the familiar students studying in their favorite spots throughout the library. I come across different books every single day which broadens my view of the literary world-fiction and non-fiction. I have to confess it's really hard sometimes not to want to sit down and go through the books I come across but alas, I must wait till my shift is over. Sometimes I put books aside on my book truck to look at later and/or check out or just make note of the book's catalog number to find at another time.
Different questions get posed every single day from patrons whether they're students, staff, or visitors. I daresay the most unexpected question I got from a student was when a girl asked me if it was okay to take a class for fun. This happening the second week on the job!
I am now used to getting questions about:
- Where are the restrooms located?
- Can you print from the catalog search computers?
- Where can you get the print-out?
- What are the most books you can check out?
- Do you have to reserve the study rooms to use them?
- What are the hours of the library?
- Where are there more computers with internet access besides the few on the third floor?
- Where can I check out books?
- Where can I find this book?
- Where are these type of books located?
- Where can I use or plug in my laptop?
It's a never-ending cycle in the library. Books in, books out. I pick up the same books day after day for re-shelving. While it might seem that would be annoying, I love finding out what the "popular" books are with the students and what their interests are.
You can also tell where we are in the semester usually by what books and materials are being used the most. Lately, all the signs of people doing papers for English or other classes has been quite obvious as we've gotten closer to the end of the semester due to an increase of activity in the 800s.
The side projects such as book shifting and re-balancing along with cleaning that gets tackled in the library also helps keep things from becoming dull.
So for a meager salary as some would say, I find I'm gaining worthwhile experience in an entertaining environment. Did I mention all that I see that happens in the library as I work? That's a post for another day, folks!
Monday, 2 June 2008
Alhambra School District - 2 Library Aide Positions
These positions will not begin till the Fall 2008-2009 school year but these are excellent opportunities to get some experience in the school library setting. They are both part-time positions. The filing date is June 12, 2008.
Job Description:
5 hours per day (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) $873 - $1,063 per month - Fremont Elementary
2 hours per day (Monday through Friday) $574 - $699 per month - Granada Elementary / 9.3 months
DEFINITION
Under general supervision to perform a variety of duties to assist the professional staff in the operation of a library/media center; and to do related work as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
APPLICATION PROCEDURES:
Applications are a critical part of the examination process. Completeness and neatness of the application will be included in the rating of the candidate’s qualifications for the position.All applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on the final filing date. Postdated applications are not acceptable. Submit application with a copy of your typing certificate, if available to:
Alhambra Unified School District
Human Resources Division
Classified Department
15 W. Alhambra Road, Room 108
Alhambra, CA 91801.
You can apply on-line at
EdJoin.org along with a typing certificate (if available) attached or go to Alhambra School District and print out an application to take in person or mail.
Job Description:
5 hours per day (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) $873 - $1,063 per month - Fremont Elementary
2 hours per day (Monday through Friday) $574 - $699 per month - Granada Elementary / 9.3 months
DEFINITION
Under general supervision to perform a variety of duties to assist the professional staff in the operation of a library/media center; and to do related work as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
- Modern office, library/media methods and equipment.
- Library/media card catalog.
- Correct English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
- Ability to assist students with the use of the library/media center.
- Keep a variety of records in connection with school library/media center.
- Maintain discipline and order among students using the library/media center.
- Troubleshoot and operate all equipment: TOM, copy machine, reader, printer, date machine, VCR, sound/filmstrip projector.
- Type accurately at the rate of 30 words per minute from clear, legible copy (A typing certificate, if available, may be attached to your application for review. Typing certificates must indicate a 5 minute test and include an authorized signature.)
- Develop and maintain cooperative relationship with those contacted during the course of work.
- Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
Experience:
One year of responsible and appropriate library/media center volunteer; or one year of paid Instructional Aide. Education: Equivalent to the completion of twelfth grade. Desirable Qualifications: Clerical experience in a school library. Experience with current school automated library systems.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES:
Applications are a critical part of the examination process. Completeness and neatness of the application will be included in the rating of the candidate’s qualifications for the position.All applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on the final filing date. Postdated applications are not acceptable. Submit application with a copy of your typing certificate, if available to:
Alhambra Unified School District
Human Resources Division
Classified Department
15 W. Alhambra Road, Room 108
Alhambra, CA 91801.
You can apply on-line at
EdJoin.org along with a typing certificate (if available) attached or go to Alhambra School District and print out an application to take in person or mail.
Pasadena Public Library - Library Page
While it may seem like a lot involved in applying for this entry level library page job, keep in mind that getting one of these positions in the Pasadena Public Library system is not easy. For those that were on board the Library 102 class field trip to the Pasadena Central Library, remember that we heard from Susan Poster that they prefer to promote from within before hiring outside their organization. Many a library page has moved up the ranks.
You'll need to hurry for this one as the filing date is June 5, 2008 though it also says the first 60 applications. I admit it's a bit confusing but either way, in my opinion, that doesn't leave one much time.
Job Description:
Page positions are part-time (19.5 hrs/wk maximum). Work schedules are varied, including any combination of day, evening and weekend. Some Page positions may require a valid Class C driver's license or alternative transportation if the job duties require work assignments at or to different job sites.
Job Title: Library Page
Duration: At Will - Temporary
Salary: $9.83 - $11.54 hourly
Job Type: CTW
Location: City of Pasadena, California
MUST APPLY ON LINE. Open until 60 applications have been received.
Pasadena Public Library
You'll need to hurry for this one as the filing date is June 5, 2008 though it also says the first 60 applications. I admit it's a bit confusing but either way, in my opinion, that doesn't leave one much time.
Job Description:
Page positions are part-time (19.5 hrs/wk maximum). Work schedules are varied, including any combination of day, evening and weekend. Some Page positions may require a valid Class C driver's license or alternative transportation if the job duties require work assignments at or to different job sites.
Job Title: Library Page
Duration: At Will - Temporary
Salary: $9.83 - $11.54 hourly
Job Type: CTW
Location: City of Pasadena, California
MUST APPLY ON LINE. Open until 60 applications have been received.
Pasadena Public Library
Thoughts About Library Customer Service
Sometimes you have a really bad day. Sometimes you have a bad day and you have a person with really poor social skills demanding your attention.
Sometimes you want to take your fist and deliver a therapeutic one-two punch to help that person come to their senses. I can't do that. For one thing I can't throw a proper punch. The second reason is that I suspect it is against the rules and quite possibly the law.
I repeat, don't hit the doofus. This does not mean that you can't protect yourself from the hostile, the hoity or the clueless.
Good customer service skills can help you gain control over ourself so that you don't allow yourself to get amped by professionally rude people. So this is just a brief survey of some of the resources you can use to build up your customer service muscles.
This is a video that demonstrates a problem library customer and the techniques on how to handle the situation. At the end of the video there are four written tips on the skills used to handle the patron.
Here is my real world example.
I was in a recently in situation trying to help a person. The client felt that I was not helping fast enough. "Why can't you just do it!" she barked. "Why are you asking these questions. I don't have time for this, just get me what I want."
Kinda hard to do when you don't know what she wants and she barely has a clue. I finally get it out of her and hand her the correct document to sign. The woman snatches it out of my hands, signs it and flung the pen across the desk.
I wish I could tell you I did a good job of delivering what she asked for. I didn't I was more focused on getting her out of my face. Intellectually I understood it was not about me, the women walked in with a foul mood. But I could have done a better job of dealing with the situation.
Other Resources
I wish I would have seen the video on how to handle Abusive Customers from Pam at Expert Village on YouTube. There was a segment of how to deal with verbally or physically abusive customers.
Steve over at http://blogaboutlibraries.com has a nice 20 item list on some of the things to think about when trying to keep customers happy.
And finally Jim from All Business.com gives a concise, easy to understand video outline on how to listen and provide services to an irate customer.
Sometimes you want to take your fist and deliver a therapeutic one-two punch to help that person come to their senses. I can't do that. For one thing I can't throw a proper punch. The second reason is that I suspect it is against the rules and quite possibly the law.
I repeat, don't hit the doofus. This does not mean that you can't protect yourself from the hostile, the hoity or the clueless.
Good customer service skills can help you gain control over ourself so that you don't allow yourself to get amped by professionally rude people. So this is just a brief survey of some of the resources you can use to build up your customer service muscles.
This is a video that demonstrates a problem library customer and the techniques on how to handle the situation. At the end of the video there are four written tips on the skills used to handle the patron.
Here is my real world example.
I was in a recently in situation trying to help a person. The client felt that I was not helping fast enough. "Why can't you just do it!" she barked. "Why are you asking these questions. I don't have time for this, just get me what I want."
Kinda hard to do when you don't know what she wants and she barely has a clue. I finally get it out of her and hand her the correct document to sign. The woman snatches it out of my hands, signs it and flung the pen across the desk.
I wish I could tell you I did a good job of delivering what she asked for. I didn't I was more focused on getting her out of my face. Intellectually I understood it was not about me, the women walked in with a foul mood. But I could have done a better job of dealing with the situation.
Other Resources
I wish I would have seen the video on how to handle Abusive Customers from Pam at Expert Village on YouTube. There was a segment of how to deal with verbally or physically abusive customers.
Steve over at http://blogaboutlibraries.com has a nice 20 item list on some of the things to think about when trying to keep customers happy.
And finally Jim from All Business.com gives a concise, easy to understand video outline on how to listen and provide services to an irate customer.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)