Thing 7: Productivity and Collaboration Tools

I have used Google Calendar on and off (when I make an effort to organize my time!), so I looked at Doodle and Zotero for Thing 7.  I downloaded both of these tools, watched the videos and used the help files.  I rely on the help button all the time and tell everyone else who gets "stuck" how good they are.  Anyway, I found both tools fairly easy to use.  I plan to use Doodle for organizing the many meetings we get caught up in these days.  I am also planning to integrate Zotero with orientation sessions to show students how to collect and organize their information when doing research papers.

Thing 10: Future Trends

When I first went to Library School, one of my professors proposed an image of the Library as being the gateway to knowledge and the Librarian as the gatekeeper!  That image has always stuck with me.  No matter what direction Libraries take, there is always going to be a need for the gateway to knowledge and the Librarian's role is still going to be the gatekeeper!  How will our Library (the gateway to knowledge) and the Librarian (the gatekeeper) look in 2020?  I doubt if there will be many significant physical changes to the Library as a set of rooms---we may move some furniture around, add/delete print materials, but the greatest change has already revolutionized Libraries through the Internet!  I think our greatest challenges in carrying out the mission and goals of the Library is going to be that of staying ahead of, or a least the minimum, staying abreast of, all the "bells and whistles" that keep bombarding us.  It will also be through the mutual support of Library Systems, Libraries and Librarians as a group, that we will face the continuing challenges and stay leaders in our field.

Thing 8: Video

Today, (June 6), I searched YouTube for videos on the future of books/libraries.  This was a very pleasant assignment.  I never realized all the information that is available for public use, not to mention the instructional information that could be so helpful in libraries.  I am planning to upload our library orientation video for use at the beginning of the fall semester and throughout the year.

Thing 9: eBooks

Maria College's Library has recently purchased a batch of eBooks from EbscoHost's NetLibrary.  The company was very helpful in getting us set up, conducting in-service classes for faculty.  Individuals will be able to access the books both on and off campus.  The Library is in the process of promoting the books through its website.  Professionally, as the market for eBooks is expanding, I think eBooks and eBook readers will become much more accessible, especially in the academic arena where textbooks are so expensive.  I also think it would be much more practical carrying an e-reader than having students carrying backpacks of huge printed texts.  I feel confident, too, that traditional ways of reading and studying, and reading for enjoyment, will be with us into the future.

Thing 6: Online Meetings

On Wednesday, May 4, I attended an online meeting from WebJunction entitled "Winning Library Grants" with Stephanie Gerding. The meeting was a PowerPoint Presentation with narration.

It was very easy to connect to the site. The presenters gave all the directions about 10 minutes before the actual conference began, including how to connect, audio tips, technical support, etc.

There were several people attending from all over the country. There were opportunities to write in questions on the chat board which were answered in a timely manner. I have attended some online meetings before and always find them to be good experiences. What I find helpful compared to large in-person meetings is that it is easier to post questions and have them answered as opposed to being in a large audience where you may not have the opportunity to even ask the question. Another thing I liked about this meeting is that it is archived and available for downloading or printing for handouts. It's a good alternative to traveling to a meeting when time and travel might be a constraint.

I think it would be easy to set up our own online meetings for students or instructors for instruction in using library resources.

Maria College Library Photos

Thing 5: Reflection and Catch Up Week!

This was an excellent time to give us all the week off!  I was able to go back over what we have covered and feel more comfortable with Blogs, Facebook, and Photo Sharing.  RSS feeds still needs a bit of work on my part, BUT I am getting there.

* I think the videos have been very helpful, especially the one for the "magic" of RSS.
* A couple of challenges:  I think the biggest challenge for me is the time constraint.  It takes me a long time to figure out what to do, even with help.  But, I was encouraged by the article "Secrets of the Super-Learners".  Also, I have not yet been able to meet with our other librarians in order to plan how we will implement what we are learning.  This is the first time in our six weeks that I am posting my own blog, so I guess that is progress.