Social Media and Library Trends for 2011 |by AnnaLaura Brown

As AnnaLaura Brown writes in her Blog SocialNetworkingLibrarian.com, "Social media is becoming more and more a must for libraries and many libraries are finding that when used properly it can be a great tool to save money and promote library services and collections." Read up on a few PROJECTED TRENDS for libraries for 2011.

Social Media and Library Trends for 2011

Is Back Into The Blogging Business

A few months back, I was FEELING LIKE THE POOR DONKEY IN THE PICTURE ABOVE--completely OVERLOADED and BURDENED by my OBLIGATIONS that I was literally IMMOBILIZED...I thought it would be HELPFUL to me and my schedule if I had a FEW EXTRA HANDS to help with the MOUNTING tasks that I somehow ALLOWED to pile up...Yup, I typed PILE UP. As luck would have it I came across AN IT STUDENT who was looking for A PROJECT OR TWO on an Internship Basis, so I gave her MY BLOG. I had high hopes for MY NEWFOUND TREASURE would help me SEEMINGLY be able to LOOK as if I was on top of EVERYTHING. Unfortunately, that DID NOT work out as well as I liked.

After taking on this YOUNG INTERN and becoming GLEEFUL that I could DIRECT MY ATTENTIONS to other PROJECTS, my hopes were dashed when the Intern had to abandon my Blog in pursuit of loftier assignments. So, LIBRARY LIAISONS languished for months and months WITHOUT one solitary post. Happily, I've got a BETTER HANDLE on the myriad of obligations that afflicted me since July AND am happy to report that I'M BACK IN THE BLOGGING BUSINESS.

Preparing For 2011 ALA Midwinter in San Diego, California

Its that time of year again--Time to kick the old ALA Midwinter Schedule into gear! Although ALA Midwinter is always a hectic affair where I have way more functions, meetings and appointments than I will ever feasibly attend, I so enjoy the opportunity to "Sharpen the Saw" by attending interesting and thought provoking Sessions and/or Networking with like-minded professionals whom always offer up new and interesting ways to approaching a challenging issue.

This Midwinter Conference will be no different. I enjoy my work within the Association of Library Services to Children (ALSC) and New Members Roundtable (NMRT) and look forward to my first ALSC Budget Committee Meeting and my first NMRT Executive Board Meeting as I'm currently the Treasurer-Elect and have been working diligently with the current Treasurer on learning the In's and Out's of the organization. While I served in the capacity of Treasurer for the State of Connecticut's Library Association and may have a few fiscal management skills under my belt, each organization/association is different and have their own unique way of facilitating business. So lots of learning will be going on at this Midwinter Meeting.

2011 also marks my Second Term as Chair of the Diversity Research Grants Advisory Committee and the Committee's DiversiTEA Program where the Call for Applications will be announced. I've been working with a dedicated Team of 14 professionals from around the country since July 2010 and will NOW get the opportunity to meet many of them face-to-face!

I hope to also hope to take in a little SIGHTSEEING! It has been six long years since I last spent any REAL time in the City of San Diego, so am hoping that the beautiful weather which the City is known for will shine brightly for all the librarians and library related professionals who will spend a few days admiring her FAIR BEAUTY!

RESIGNATION OVER THIS OIL SPILL?

As to the question from New York Times regarding whether or not President Obama should resign over this oil spill fiasco; I admit that there definitely is enough frustration to go around, but "resignation" is completely unwarranted and undeserved.

We as a people crafted the government complexities that we currently have and must bear witness to the incredible measures that one of great power must endure in order to bring about change.

Yes, even the President of these United States must follow protocol and go through the appropriate checks and balances put in place. There are other forms of government that focus on immediate change and a complete upheaval of former administrations, but at the end of the day, they're probably in countries most USA citizens would rather not call home.

The oil spill is unprecedented, so several people, agencies and organizations are all dealing with a "first" ever catastrophe~I confidently believe all involved are doing what's humanly possible to plug the leak~God knows, better them than me as if I were to be called upon to do something, folks might never see clean shores again.

Home From My Southwest Vacation!

Well, I'm BACK IN SAN JOSE after a quick jaunt through EL PASO, TX; TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, MN; SILVER CITY, NM; DEMING, NM; LAS CRUCES, NM; and JUAREZ, Mexico~We visited Geronimo Springs Museum, Overnighted for a MINERAL BATH at Indian Springs Spa, Drove through Gila Cliff Dwellings National park & Monument, VISITED local public libraries, STAYED at a 100+ YEAR OLD HOTEL; and Crossed the border for Missions hunting and BARTERING for souvenirs.

The local public library in Truth or Consequences was CLOSED during our visit, but from the outside, we could tell that it occupied the left wing of the local high school building and appears to be very well loved!

Visiting New Mexico fulfills one of my State Goals on my "50 States by the Age of 50" List!

THERE'S STILL TIME--APPLICATIONS DUE APRIL 30TH

The ALA Office for Diversity and Diversity Research Grants Advisory Committee, a subcommittee of the ALA Committee on Diversity, which is chaired by moi, announced the topics for the 2010 Diversity Research Grants program at our DiversiTEA Event on Sunday January 17that during ALA's Midwinter Meetings in Boston. The topics are:

• 
  
  Upward mobility of Library Leaders from Underrepresented Populations


• 
  
  Information Services and Collections for Diverse Children and Young Adults


• 
  
  Libraries and the Meaning of Multiculturalism
  

For information on application requirements and deadline date go to:

http://http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/diversity/divresearchgrants/diversityresearch.cfm.

“Volcano Threatens London Book Fair’s Digital Day”

The volcanic ash from an eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull Volcano in southern Iceland ash Threatens London Book Fair’s Digital Day .

From Awful to Awesome: Effective Time Management Strategies

by Veronica L. C. Stevenson-Moudamane

In today’s workplace, the edgier, forward-thinking assignments are usually given to those who are more tuned in professionally. For busy information professionals, though, work (and life, for that matter) can be a frustrating merry-go-round of too much to do, of always running behind, of doing mediocre work (or not getting it done at all), and of just plain screwing up (or at least feeling as if you are). Keeping up with routine assignments and everyday tasks is hard enough — and the thought of staying current in your professional field, downright overwhelming.

However, staying current and keeping track of the latest trends and events doesn’t have to be a struggle; all you need is a plan. With a vision, a little discipline, organizational techniques, and loads of creativity and imagination, you’ll have all you need to swim within the sea of staying professionally current, instead of sinking under it.

Vision is the ability to look to the past and learn from it; to look to the
present and be attuned to it; and to look to the future and be prepared for it.
— John Amat

Create a plan to get organized

There’s no doubt about it, identifying ways to stay current, while still performing your everyday responsibilities, can be a challenge! It is ultimately up to you to discover what methods, formats and/or time periods work best for you. Starting by identifying your time management and organizational strengths, then use these to develop skills that will allow you to work more efficiently and to be better organized.

Identifying your strengths helps provide you with regular blocks of time to catch up on what’s happening in the greater world of libraryland. Naturally, one of the most effective ways of maintaining your knowledge base or adding to your value at work is to keep your knowledge and skills current, but first, let’s ensure proper time management by getting organized.

For many people, keeping track of what they need to do and developing ways to stay on top of information overload is second nature. For others, though, a well-ordered routine may seem as elusive as the Holy Grail. You can take some basic steps to take back control of your overwhelming workload, your professional and personal life, and ultimately your daily schedule. Realistic and effective schedules rely on a few basic factors:

1. Prioritize. Write down all your tasks. Sort them into three groups: 1s, 2s, and 3s. The 1s are essential: do them first. The lower level priorities can usually wait.

2. Determine work time. Decide how much time the task requires, and how much energy. You may wish to include the task’s priority level to help make this decision.

3. Relax. Regularly plan time to relax and get it together. This time may range in units of 10 minutes to whole days, according to your needs. You’ve earned a break.

4. Exercise. Exercise is essential to positive performance. Your brain cannot function well if your body is tired. Feeling stressed also reduces performance, so work out regularly.

5. Be flexible. Allow extra time for the UFOs, or UnForeseen Obstacles, that are bound to arise. Something almost always comes up to derail your efforts. When you build in extra time, you’ll weather the UFO incident perfectly.

6. Use floating tasks. Floating tasks can be done anywhere and at any time. Carry around a little folder containing items you might need to read or review. Remember, these things don’t necessarily have to be accomplished at your desk.

Create a positive habit

Popular theory states that, when you do something for 21 consecutive days, you have started a habit. The following are excellent ways in which to begin developing a positive time management habit:

Use a planner or electronic organizer. Instead of looking around for the slips of paper you thought you attached to your computer or your office calendar, find the right day planner or electronic PDA for you — and use it.

Review your schedule each morning. Before you start your day, take a look at your planner. Take an inventory of your assignments, appointments and/or all the tasks you need to get done.

Make a daily to-do list. Prioritize the items so you do the most important ones first. Keep the list with you and refer to it often.

Jot down reminders and ideas. Keep your planner, PDA, or a voice recorder on your person so you can write or record appointments, errands, and thoughts that come to you on the spur of the moment.

Keep extra notepads in your car, purse, desk, and backpack. This is especially important when performing long range planning.

Update your schedule every night. Establish a time every evening for reviewing what you got done and transferring new tasks and appointments into your “next day” planner.

Time management tips

Without proper time management your attempts at staying professionally current will prove difficult to maintain. Many well meaning information professionals know the importance of incorporating time management techniques into their daily lives, but have difficulties either getting started or maintaining the habit. Here are a few tips to help you identify time wasters, as well as tasks that can be streamlined.

Don’t take on more than you can handle. Stop automatically saying “yes” to requests for your energy and time. All of us tend to underestimate how long it will actually take to get things done. To avoid overcommitting, always check your schedule first.

Give yourself time to think. Thinking time is essential for the proper planning and execution of any successful task.

Re-prioritize. Change the importance of various tasks. If need be, reconsider the importance number you originally assigned to performing a task. Ask yourself if it is extremely urgent; if it is, then look for an alternative task you can downsize.

Postpone. After you have determined the priority of each activity or task, postpone lower level tasks.

Delegate. Information professionals take pride in doing things ourselves; however, delegation can be your friend. If you can ask someone else to assist you in completing a task, then do so. For example, ask volunteers to look for those long missing or long billed items, which frees you up to do more subjective thinking tasks.

Speed up. In some cases, assignments take longer than necessary due to the “seeking excellence” factor. Does the reader’s advisory list need to be typed up before the assistant can pull the books from the shelves? Or, can you print the titles from the OPAC — or simply jot them down? For expediency’s sake, determine if a particular task can forego the “seeking excellence” factor.

Can I do it differently? Look at everything that you do and ask: “Is there a more time expedient way I can do this?” and “Why am I doing this job this way?” You may also wish to subdivide tasks differently. Spread the task out over different lengths of time, or cut back on certain sub-tasks and concentrate on others. Doing it differently often helps you complete a task more effectively.

Set reminders. When you come across something important that you just don’t have time to read or investigate, either put the item in that folder you carry with you, or jot the reminder down in your planner. This allows you to get back to that important item at a later date, without forgetting about it completely.

Managing paperwork

Paperwork is a necessary evil; however, there are ways to better manage the flow:

1. Ask people to call and leave voice messages rather than send written materials, if it is easier for you to process verbal communication.

2. Consider having a departmental assistant read through your paperwork on a weekly basis. A reader can highlight the information that you should definitely read, which needs your response, or what can be filed under “later.” This task can be performed very quickly, and, in a few hours, you can whittle your paperwork down to a manageable amount.

3. If your specific responsibilities involve heavy writing assignments, see how new technology can make written communication easier. For instance, you can speak into a microphone and have your computer automatically type the words, using a program such as the new DragonSpeak. You can also organize your thoughts using mind mapping software, such as Inspiration, to create structure before beginning to write.

4. If your specific responsibilities involve heavy email usage, you can also streamline the way you manage email. Try these tips:

Request that people write to you in “bullet” form
Request that people highlight the section(s) they especially want you to read
Ask people to mark e-mails that you need to read by putting your name in the To: line, and to put your name in the cc: section if you are being mailed for informational purposes
Ask not to be sent nonessential emails

Tips for staying professionally current

Unless your particular job involves trendsetting or identifying the latest happenings, remaining current is over and beyond your day-to-day duties. Experience has taught me that, if you’re having difficulties organizing your day-to-day routine, you’ll also have difficulties finding “fail-proof” ways to stay current. However, once you’ve mastered these organizational techniques, you can move on to find ways to remain current — if not to mark you as a “leader” in the information profession.

1) Use the information highway. The Internet is a “knowledge repository” and a fairly easy way to gain information immediately. Information professionals are more than familiar with the Internet’s capabilities and its potential. It is easy to access, easy to search, and holds an enormous collection of easy-to-retrieve bits and bytes of valuable information. Use its tools effectively and with purpose, but do not rely on it as your sole source of
information.

2) Did someone say network? Networking with peers provides plenty of opportunity for learning and gaining insight. Few activities can match the intellectual stimulation that results from engaging in good conversation. Develop a network of individuals with whom you can share ideas. Take the time to talk to both the young and the elderly. The creative enthusiasm of the young and the wisdom of the old will both give you valuable insight and will add breadth to your own experiences.

3) Take a class, attend a workshop or seminar. Professional development courses, seminars, and workshops will also help you stay current. A variety of continuing education opportunities exist in a variety of formats; few will find it difficult to find options that suit their learning style, time constraints, and other unique needs.

4) Join local, regional and/or national associations. When you join an association, you’ll begin receiving a wide variety of publications, such as journals, newsletters, and brochures. These usually contain great articles such as “happenings around the country,” “informational challenges,” and “forthcoming publications and technologies.” You may also wish to submit an article on a subject you know well. Each of us has expertise in some area, and conducting the research, doing the writing, and subjecting your article to peer review will facilitate knowledge currency.

5) Use professional websites. The American Library Association’s website at www.ala.org is chock full of helpful information. You are guaranteed to find what you’re looking for — and more. While some pages on the site are reserved for members only, many are available to non-members. I also recommend your state library association’s website. Associations such as The New York Library Association, the California Library Association, the Oregon Library Association, and the Arizona Library Association provide fine ways to stay current.

What do you need to do?

Staying current ultimately means different things to different people. Essential to any successful “staying current” routine, though, are an inquisitive mind that seeks out new knowledge and the ability to apply that knowledge. Over time, you’ll develop your own personal strategy for maintaining your knowledge and skills.


NOTE: Article was originally published in the by January 2nd, 2008 publication of Info Career Trends LISjobs.com’s Career Development Newsletter, ISSN 1532-0839

Qualities of a Manager: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

I am the Chair of the 2009-2010 NMRT Online Discussion Forum and I will be moderating this month’s Online Discussion. Our topic: Qualities of a Manager: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.

There's enough research out there which suggests that many managers/supervisors are not necessarily "trained" management professionals, but are, in many cases, managers/supervisors by longevity and/or senority. This doesn't necessarily mean that all untrained managers are unqualified. Many new leaders advance as a result of demonstrated qualities and abilities, but these traits may not always translate into effectively managing people or working well with others, crucial points when it comes to upper-level management. Then what's the reality when it comes to managerial/supervisory preparedness in the workforce? Are new leaders or employees who have advanced from being individual contributors to supervising or managing others receiving the coaching they need to reach their full development potential?

The trials and tribulations that accompany working for a "bad" boss are manifold, as too are the joys, pleasures and inspiring environment of working for a "good" boss.

The best managers I had displayed these qualities:

Responsive to my needs. Cared about the work I did and how I did it. Would take the time to explain how I should perform my work, but would also give me space to perform. Appreciated me taking the initiative to perform my work better. Asked if I ever needed assistance with anything all the time. If there was an issue with any work I performed, my manager would explain what I could improve upon. Challenged me to perform more work when it was necessary. Developed my leadership skills and allowed me to train others in the work I performed. Always respectful and knowledgeable about what direction we needed to take in order to get our work done.

The worst managers I had displayed these qualities:

Did not apply the same “rules” to all employees, when they should have. Disrespectful. Did not appreciate when employees would perform more work if it meant more work for them, no matter who it benefited. Very difficult to communicate with. Bad at time management. Contradicted themselves when it came to explaining procedures. Extremely unorganized. Poor response time to questions asked. Rude at times and had a negative outlook at work. Would not challenge employees; and became invisible as a leader when times got tough and they were needed to support/defend/advocate for their staff, resources and/or services.

So, to get this month's NMRT's Online Discussion Forum's Topic on Qualities of a Manager: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly started here's a few questions to consider:

What qualities define good managers?
What qualities define poor managers?
What characteristics of style, personality, and motivation do bad leaders and good leaders have in common?
What is "Bad" Leadership: How Does It Happen and Why Does It Matter?
Dealing With a Bad Boss: Strategies for Coping?
How can libraries make sure there is less bad leadership and more good leadership?

So pop on over to our listserv at nmrt-l@ala.org and share your views!

Happy Discussing,
Veronica

The Hyperlinked Community Library

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

The Hyperlinked Community Library

View more presentations from Michael Stephens.

The Handheld Librarian Presentation

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

The Handheld Librarian Presentation

View more presentations from Alison Miller.

Handheld Librarian Online Conference II

The Handheld Librarian 2010 – An online conference about Mobile Library Services

More people than ever are using mobile devices for a wide variety of purposes including communication, Internet access, text messaging, and entertainment. It is important that libraries provide services on these devices as use increases.

The first ever Handheld Librarian Online, held on July 30, 2009, received more than 2,000 registrants. As with the first conference, Handheld Librarian Online Conference II is the place to learn topics related to using wireless and hand held devices in your library. The program, sponsored by Alliance Library System, LearningTimes and Infoquest, will include a variety of ways to collaborate, network and learn from a great group of experts in the field. In addition to live interactive webcasts, there's a collection of available resources, discussions boards, and access to the recordings of all live events for one year after the conference.

The Handheld Librarian Online Conference II

International Glossary Guidelines for Persons with Special Needs

I just loaded a professional paper for my IFLA Section (Library Services To People with Special Needs). The paper is an INTERNATIONAL GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND DEFINITIONS compiled by committee member Dr. Nancy Mary Panella for those working, writing and doing research within the Standing Committee of Libraries Services to People with Special Needs, as well as those without.

Party Like A Professional

Workplace and professional association gatherings or socials are not the most ideal place to let loose, there are rules of behavior that you should follow in order to maintain professionalism and dignity after the gathering is over.

1. View a workplace/professional association gathering or social as a business function and act accordingly. Yes, it is an opportunity to socialize with colleagues in a casual setting, but be careful to be friendly but not too familiar with those at the gathering, especially with superiors and persons in powerful positions, and always be mindful to act with courtesy and respect.

2. If your schedule permits, it's always advisable to attend a workplace party or social for employees. Even if you would rather be anywhere else, make an appearance at a business holiday party. You are not obligated to stay all evening, but your absence will be noticed, and the noticed absence reads like "non-team" oriented, "not interested" in spending time with collegues.

3. Know the policy on guests. Be sure to check ahead of time whether spouses or dates are welcome at the workplace party or social, since often these affairs are for employees only.

4. Dress appropriately. No matter how hot you look in the low-cut sheathe and spike heels that you wear for clubbing, a workplace party or social is not the place to show it off. Instead, opt for a more dignified, low-key look so that you will be remembered for your good taste not your revealing attire. When in doubt, ask someone whose judgment you trust what is appropriate dress for the workplace party or social, or check with your host.

5. Be sure to greet and thank your host or the individual responsible for planning the gathering. Chat briefly (you can't go wrong with a compliment about some aspect of the social, such as the food, the band, or the décor) and then move on.

6. Enjoy the food and drink but don't overindulge. Even if there is an open bar, limit your intake of alcohol and don't pile your plate with excess amounts of the most expensive items on the buffet—a mountain of jumbo shrimp on your plate will be noticed and not in a positive way. Also, have a back-up plan in case, despite your best efforts, you find that you have had too much to drink. Arrange for a designated driver, call a cab or reserve a room at a nearby hotel.

Read more at Suite101: Office Party Etiquette: Party Like a Professional http://workplaceculture.suite101.com/article.cfm/office_party_etiquette#ixzz0fRSD1jys

IFLA LSSN SECTION NOMINATED FOR 2010 AWARD!

My IFLA Standing Committee, Library Services to People with Special Needs, has been nominated for the 2010 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award! Check it out! Our listing is officially under our former Committee name of Libraries Serving Disadvantaged Persons.

http://www.alma.se

ALA's Committee on Diversity's Diversity Research Grant

The ALA Office for Diversity and Diversity Research Grants Advisory Committee, a subcommittee of the ALA Committee on Diversity, which is chaired by moi, announced the topics for the 2010 Diversity Research Grants program at our DiversiTEA Event on Sunday January 17that during ALA's Midwinter Meetings in Boston. The topics are:

• Upward mobility of Library Leaders from Underrepresented Populations
• Information Services and Collections for Diverse Children and Young Adults
• Libraries and the Meaning of Multiculturalism

For information on application requirements and deadline date go to:

http://http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/diversity/divresearchgrants/diversityresearch.cfm.

ALA MIDWINTER 2010 IN BOSTON AFTER HOURS EVENT

Had a GREAT time at the ALA After Hours event which was held on Saturday January 16th, 2010 at The Black Rose (An Irish Pub). The young man in this photo WOWED me by asking if he could have his picture taken with moi just as I was ready to leave at around 1:30 AM