Library Banter

Library Comics: Bowling Green State University - OH

2011-03-03T07:24:00.000-08:00

How's this for a great idea. Advertise your library and it's services through a competition for creative cartoons/comics. Check it out at: http://www.bgsu.edu/colleges/library/comics/

Idaho Library Association Conference in Post Falls

2010-10-11T15:04:00.000-07:00

IDAHO LIBRARY ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE
OCTOBER 2010

Image - Exterior of Coeur d'Alene Public Library

Before my preconference session I attended the lunch with Chris Crutcher http://www.chriscrutcher.com/. He talked about his most recent book 'Deadline.' This is a book that starts off with a teenager learning that he has a fatal illness and is going to die in a year. Since Crutcher has worked as a therapist he drew on that background and then talked about how we seize the day, or not. It was an awesome talk. As for the food... bleh or meh. MY session went swimmingly. We had a lot of interaction and I learned as much as they did.

Image - Art, Coeur d'Alene Public Library

The next day Oct 7th., I attended the ILA Business Meeting, and then the Keynote Address by Jess Walter http://www.jesswalter.com/, another author. He recently published 'The Financial Lives of the Poets.' He had us laughing and listening hard. "From Bookmarks Magazine:
Walter's wildly funny, heartrending novel is a clever meditation on the American Dream gone horribly wrong. Readers will be rooting for Matt, "a likable everyman" (Christian Science Monitor), even as he commits one painful error after another. Walter's writing crackles with energy, and though he seems to come close to treating some serious topics (drug use, infidelity, mental illness, and bankruptcy) superficially, his affection for his characters and his shrewd assessment of the Priors' financial and familial collapse circumvent that danger. His free-verse poetry, however, interspersed within the narrative, received mixed reviews. Praised as one of today's best new voices, Walter has penned a scathing indictment of contemporary America." -- http://www.amazon.com/Financial-Lives-Poets-Jess-Walter/dp/0061916048

Image - Story Room Coeur d'Alene Public Library

I followed up this great beginning with an awesome workshop on 'The Character of Leadership' by Phil Eastman http://www.leadershipadvisors.com/. His model of leadership is character based, not trait based and is founded on the traits of Justice, Temperance, Hope, Wisdom, Love, Courage, and Faith. It was awesome and I wish we had a longer time to spend with him. I was able to nab one of the few packets and a copy of his small book.

Image - Exterior Post Falls Public Library

I got back from lunch in time to listen to the panel 'How I Became a Science Librarian with an English Degree and Other Collection Management Miracles.' They had a lot of great ideas including using Worldcat to narrow down to specific libraries, dates, and subject to analyze your collection and/or get ideas for purchasing.

Image - Service Counter Post Falls Public Library

The awards banquet was very fun. I sat at a table with the Kuna Public Librarians and had a ball. The food was inedible, but the company more than made up for it. I think that's the longest I've spent lingering at a table at ILA ever.

Image - Internet Access Post Falls Public Library

Friday Oct 8th started off with a bang. The Academic & Special Libraries division meeting where I took notes. I also became the Chair of the Division at this meeting. Then on to the session on 'Information Literacy' and it's integration into the Idaho ICT Standards. It is focused on k-12 but this will help us. If we can get kids to learn the basics we can then build on them in college.

Image - Exterior Post Falls Public Library

My favorite session of the day was by Jim Jatkevicius and Mike Brown titled 'The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Developing Effective Patron Conduct Codes for Idaho Public Libraries.' They did a great job teaching us how to create codes of conduct that were enforceable and legal. Much laughter at what can and does happen in a library ensued along with cases and codes for reference for specific items such as sleeping in the library. Lastly I attended 'Free-economics' a workshop about economics research resources available freely on the web. The handout will be most useful.

A fun and interesting conference with lots of great people.

Utah Library Association - May 2010

2010-05-20T16:39:00.000-07:00

Photo's from Zion's National Park: Zion's Canyon

Late last fall I submitted an application to speak at the Utah Library Association Conference in St. George with Annie, Regina, and Cheryl. Luckily our proposal was accepted.

Presentation Abstract:
This is a four part presentation on the evaluation, selection and re-evaluation of electronic databases. The first part on evaluation will include demonstrations of free online assessment tools, review sources, rubrics, and ideas for comparing apples to apples instead of tangerines and kumquats. The second section will have tips for decoding the sales pitch into real decision making information. The third part includes advice on dealing with vendors and negotiating the terms of license agreements. Our costly, recent difficulties with existing licensing agreements will be aired. Lastly, the re-evaluation of databases through statistics tracking and assessment will be discussed.

In our application for presentation we had to fill out learning objectives and active learning techniques we would be using during our presentation.

---

Sessions on Day 1

First was the Keynote by ALA President Camila Alire. She spoke about advocacy and how all staff, particularly the front line public services staff are advocates. For more information on her speech see: http://www.camilaalire.com/

Next I attended a session on Ebooks from a Business Perspective. BYU surveyed its Business faculty regarding eBooks and presented the results. Some interesting bits:
23% of Business faculty haven't checked out a physical book in the past year.
1 in 10 had never checked out a physical book.
Some business sources - economics are most heavily used
3 of 12 of the most used ejournals for the campus are business ejournals
Libguides stats 182,884 visits for all of them. (18%) 25,783 were for business & economics.
They are using Gale Virtual Reference platform along with Safari, Ebrary and NetLibrary.

I followed up that session with one on 19th Century Periodicals
They shared many URLS:
Victorian Short Fiction Project
http://vsfp.ctlbyu.org/

Wellesley Index (pay or subscription site)
http://wellesley.chadwyck.com/marketing/index.jsp

Waterloo Directory (pay or subscription site)
http://www.victorianperiodicals.com/series2/default.asp

Internet Archive
http://www.archive.org/index.php

Victorian Research Web
http://victorianresearch.org/

Research Society for Victorian Periodicals
http://www.rs4vp.org/

RSAP: Research Society for American Periodicals
http://home.earthlink.net/~ellengarvey/index1.html

Lastly I attended a Futures presentation.
Unfortunately the presenter for the Science Fiction part was ill and unable to attend. What we got was a definition of Postmodernism and how it applies perceptually to libraries and librarians.
* suspicion of reference librarians
* class is disingenuous
* hard to use systems seem like control
* library = information hoarder
* librarians are not finished mourning the library

Day 2

Our session, unlike the others I attended really did incorporate active learning techniques. I used the Cephalonian method, Annie used learning teams, and Regina used a hands on exercise. Cheryl began the session with a lecture that had lots of useful and helpful URLS which kept the note takers busy. All in all we did very well, especially for a two hour last session of the conference time slot. Our attendees stayed and a few others came in. Only one left and she told us why during the break.

For more photos see: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157625367830621/

(Written Dec 2010)

Google Gadgets for iGoogle

2010-03-19T09:51:00.000-07:00

'Adding Google Gadgets to Your OPAC by John Wohlers.' The title really should have been about creating Google gadgets that bring your OPAC, Federated Search and other resources to iGoogle. It was a tech and jargon heavy session that could be very useful. Check out his webpages at:
The Library: http://library.waubonsee.edu/
The Google Gadgets he has made: http://library.waubonsee.edu/engine/102
His techy blog: http://library.waubonsee.edu/technology/
His presentation is available for download from the AKLA wiki at: http://aklaconference2010.pbworks.com/%E2%81%AFAdding-Google-Gadgets-to-Your-OPAC

Program Abstract: John Wohlers will demonstrate how libraries can create Google Gadgets that make it possible to integrate the library catalog into patrons’ iGoogle pages. He will demonstrate other gadget possibilities, including the real time display of a patron’s account via SIP2.

Sabbaticals Near and Far

2010-03-19T09:46:00.000-07:00

'Sabbaticals Near and Far: What You Need to Know by Daria Carle, Judy Green, Kate Gordon, and Diane Ruess' was about sabbaticals that have been taken by three of the UAA librarians. I now know a lot more about Fulbright monies. The sabbaticals they did were all fascinating. They provided a list of books and links that would be interesting to have for my own library. Check out their LibGuide for more sabbatical resources: http://libguides.consortiumlibrary.org/content.php?pid=97996&sid=759974

Program Abstract: Sabbaticals are fairly common in academia, but more recently, job exchanges and work abroad opportunities have opened up for librarians of all types. Public and private entities benefit when employees take a break from their regular jobs. Join us in a panel discussion with several members of the University of Alaska faculty who have recently been awarded sabbaticals or Fulbrights. The panelists will discuss how they came up with their ideas, and how they went about translating their ideas into sabbatical projects. Hear about their experiences, including where they went and why, and what they accomplished. Find out about the process of applying for leave, and learn some tips to help you think outside of the box to create a sabbatical project.

Games and Instruction by Jenny Levine

2010-03-19T09:40:00.000-07:00

I attended the session on Games and Instruction by Jenny Levine. Her presentation is fully online (complete with links) at http://theshiftedlibrarian.com/presentations/2010/20100305AkLA-Gaming4Instruction.pdf

I had thought it would be about incorporating game ideas into library workshop sessions. NOPE. It was about games and how they teach and what games to bring into the library, and how students think now and... It was still useful and interesting.

I also now have a list of games I might want to buy to play with friends and family.

Program Abstract: Using Gaming for Instructional Purposes
Modern games teach kids important 21st century skills such as managing resources, problem solving, analyzing data, and synthesizing information. Is it possible to harness gaming principles to make instruction more interactive and engaging for today’s students? Hear how some libraries are incorporating gaming to teach a variety of social, literary, and curricular skills.

Games that include reflection and strategy

Cool looking games: Flux, Bananagrams, 10 days in Asia, Qwerty warriors.

Someone has mapped HALO to information literacy standards

Look for "research quest" blog

Board games: Quiddler, ticket to ride, numbers league, carcassone

"Libraries Got Game"

University of North Carolina Greensboro: Infolit game that is open source and customizable for your library

"Quarantined" by ASU West Campus

"Head Hunt" by Ohio State

Here are a few notes I took... Just in case

Carnegie Melon: Arcade games i.e. shelve book and I'll get it

Game Maker Academy and Scratch from MIT

"Librarians guide to gaming"

Trading cards nintendo wii characters of staff and students had to get them all to get a cookie, and they did

Geocaching in the library that freshmen can register to play when the register for classes

Fantasy football research lesson plans

Old Bridge Library services for seniors - nintendo wii's with teen mentors

Breakfast Keynote: The Mind of the Researcher (Daniel Russell from Google)

2010-03-19T09:38:00.000-07:00

Notes from the Breakfast session:

Daniel Russell from Google. First this guy was fascinating and there was so much info in the talk that I was unable to capture everything. Here are some of my highlights:

TED: Ideas Worth Spreading a website of riveting talks by remarkable people, free to the world. http://www.ted.com/

Baby Name Wizard/Voyager - http://www.babynamewizard.com/voyager

Google SketchUp - http://sketchup.google.com/

Google "What's That" feature for phones and searching Google

Google.org - Technology-Driven Philanthropy

Google Trends - http://www.google.com/trends

Maybe subscribe to the blogs: google, searchengineland, searchresearch

You cannot pay attention to everything

Look up the study of rats developing religious postures

Good Searchers ...
1. Choose good search terms
2. Understand info sources
3. Domain (subject) knowledge
4. Search strategy (when to change, to narrow, to widen and how)
5. Assessment of the results and the information
6. Know how system works (search site, database)

Basic skills lots of people don't know about
control F
Using tabs to organize results
Keyword choice /synonimization
Tactics for searching

And
How to detect authority / crap
Hemingway's crap detector quote
Staying on task
Discovery
Notetaking
Data integration
Representing of info

Librarians need to:
Show the info landscape
Teach how to paddle the canoe and dodge the bears
Research is more than 'search'
Learn

Google Scholar is 4 guys and one is only part time. They do not have a "catalog" because it changes all the time with publisher putting things in and pulling things out.

Program Abstract: Breakfast Keynote: The Mind of the Researcher
Research is complicated and has changed significantly over the past century. Search engines have significantly changed our conception of what constitutes research, and yet how common is research literacy? Russell will argue that research is a fundamental skill that we need to understand, and he’ll talk about some of the findings gathered through his research at Google. The range of research skills is broad, and yet not widely distributed. Russell will discuss what we can do to help disseminate these basic and increasingly important skills.

Children’s Voices, 1925-1965: Portraits from the Jesse Lee Home, Seward

2010-03-19T09:35:00.000-07:00

The first session I was able to attend was on the Jesse Lee Home in Seward. A local historian (Jackie Pels) was telling stories from her book (Family After All: Alaska's Jesse Lee Home). She collected oral narratives, slides, pictures, documents, and stories to tell the tales of the children and adults who populated the orphanage. It was fascinating, touching, and a great session. Now I need to go buy her books...

Program abstract: Children’s Voices, 1925-1965: Portraits from the Jesse Lee Home, Seward "The story of Alaska’s boarding schools and orphanages is only beginning to be told,” Alaska bibliographer Bruce Merrell wrote in 2008. In this presentation from Family After All: Alaska’s Jesse Lee Home, the stories are firsthand, accompanied by photographs that First Alaskans called amazing, a rich visual context. The Qutekcak Native Tribe of Seward called the collection a
testament to the survival and persistence of today’s Alaska Native elders. Pels will talk about the project and the book."

AKLA

2010-03-19T09:12:00.000-07:00

First, I gotta say this was an AMAZING conference. If you don't like what's going on at the national level this is the conference to attend. The topics were interesting, varied, and on trend. They had assembled a fascinating array of presentations/workshops/meetings/functions. Just take a look at their program!

I presented findings from my sabbatical in three separate sessions:

Preconference: Academic Librarians Mini Retreat: Who’s Doing What? What’s Working and What’s Not? (full day session)

Presented and moderated by Jenny Semenza: While on sabbatical in the western states (including Alaska,) in her quest to find the innovative, the informative and the interesting; she met with librarians at 26 different academic institutions. Listen to her findings and then join your colleagues to share ideas and discuss current issues of importance to academic libraries and librarians. Topics to be covered include: signage, automated storage, buildings & space usage, information literacy, distance services and some of the biggest challenges academic libraries are facing.

Public Services Western Style: Ideas to Steal (1 hr session)

Jenny Semenza visited libraries in the western states from Arizona and New Mexico north to Alaska in her quest for the innovative, the informative and the interesting. Come find out what she discovered to be the best, most valuable, and innovative. While the purpose of her sabbatical was focused on Public Services (instruction, reference, and distance services), she garnered many insights into space planning, development/funding, collection development and more. Although she is an academic librarian, her research took place in both academic and public libraries.

How Do We Measure Up? Notes from a Wandering Librarian (1 hr session)

During Jenny Semenza’s sabbatical she met with reference, instruction, and distance service librarians at 26 different academic institutions. Come find out how we differ, how we’re the same and the shocking statistical reality of those 30 minute+ reference questions. Additionally, ideas for improvement or enhancement in all areas of public services will be shared.

The librarians were interactive, interested and interesting, kind, friendly and they made it a pleasure to be there.

Utah Library Association in May

2010-02-25T15:40:00.000-08:00

I will be presenting with my colleagues Cheryl Sebold, Annie Smith and Regina Koury at the Utah Library Association Conference this May 12-14. http://www.ula.org/conference/2010conf/index.php. Our session is Friday afternoon.

Advice from the Trenches: Evaluating & Selecting Databases, Decoding Sales Speak, Negotiating Licenses, Tracking & Analyzing Database Usage

This is a four part presentation on the evaluation, selection and re-evaluation of electronic databases. The first part on evaluation will include demonstrations of free online assessment tools, review sources, rubrics, and ideas for comparing apples to apples instead of tangerines and kumquats. The second section will have tips for decoding the sales pitch into real decision making information. The third part includes advice on dealing with vendors and negotiating the terms of license agreements. Our costly, recent difficulties with existing licensing agreements will be aired. Lastly, the re-evaluation of databases through statistics tracking and assessment will be discussed.

Alaska Library Association Annual Conference

2010-02-10T15:42:00.000-08:00

I will be speaking at the AkLA conference in March of 2010. For more information on the conference see: http://www.akla.org/anchorage2010/index.html

Preconference: Academic Librarians Mini Retreat: Who’s Doing What? What’s Working and What’s Not?

The retreat will begin with a presentation by Semenza. While on sabbatical in the western states (including Alaska,) in her quest to find the innovative, the informative and the interesting; she met with librarians at 26 different academic institutions. Listen to her findings and then join your colleagues to share ideas and discuss current issues of importance to academic libraries and librarians. Topics to be covered include: signage, automated storage, buildings & space usage, information literacy, distance services and some of the biggest challenges academic libraries are facing.

Public Services Western Style: Ideas to Steal

Semenza visited libraries in the western states from Arizona and New Mexico north to Alaska in her quest for the innovative, the informative and the interesting. Come find out what she discovered to be the best, most valuable, and innovative. While the purpose of her sabbatical was focused on Public Services (instruction, reference, and distance services), she garnered many insights into space planning, development/funding, collection development and more. Although she is an academic librarian, her research took place in both academic and public libraries.

How Do We Measure Up? Notes from a Wandering Librarian

During Semenza’s sabbatical she met with reference, instruction, and distance service librarians at 26 different academic institutions. Come find out how we differ, how we’re the same and the shocking statistical reality of those 30 minute+ reference questions. Additionally, ideas for improvement or enhancement in all areas of public services will be shared.

Nevada Library Association Conference, Elko 2009

2009-11-12T13:30:00.000-08:00

I went to present results from my sabbatical research, unfortunately I only presented to seven people and garnered a big conference planning tip: DO NOT offset workshops.

It went like this:

1:30 - 2:30 Session 1, Session 2, Session 3
1:30 - 3:00 Session 4
1:30 - 4:30 session 5 (a business meeting)

2:30 - 3:45 Session 6
2:45 - 3:45 Session 7
3:15 - 4:30 Session 8
3:15 - 4:30 Session 9

Now you figure out what you'll go to? NOT a good way to maximize attendance, particularly with that big ol business meeting happening. What's particularly funny is that the sessions on Day 1 were synchronized and well planned. I couldn't really believe what was happening. I've never presented to fewer than a couple dozen in years. I get good reviews/evaluations, and this was really surprising. Ah well, at least I tried. The eight of us actually did have a nice session together.

Two great things about this conference. The first was the keynote speaker Nick Arnette, comedian and educator. He spoke about bringing fun into the workplace.

The other fabulous thing was Lamoille Canyon. See more pictures at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/4014767880/in/set-72157622591547636/

PNLA, Missoula 2009

2009-09-21T11:03:00.000-07:00

Favorite Sessions:

Flickr & Digital Image Collections @ Your Library – Jason Clark & Bonnie McCallum, Montana State University: http://www.lib.montana.edu/~jason/talks.php

A terrific session, it covered why they chose Flickr, how they did it, and why it works. I learned a LOT and now need to update my own photos to include geotagging, better descriptions; internal links back to collections/sets, links out to my own pages, and improving search engine indexing. I had no idea that Flickr had statistics for my account. This was probably the most informative/useful session I attended.

Free Yourself from Copyright and Get Creative with Creative Commons – Connie Strittmatter and Rene Tanner, Montana State University

This was another solid session. It included information on what Creative Commons is, is not, and how it works. They showed the youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=io3BrAQl3so and I highly recommend it. Other useful links include: http://www.creativecommons.org, and http://wiki.creativecommons.org/FFAQ

My one indulgence was dinner at Ciao Mambo, http://www.ciaomambo.com/ an AMAZING Italian Restaurant on Higgins Ave. in Missoula. I totally recommend the Quattro Formaggio Ravioli and the Zeppolis (bite sized pizza dough, deep fried like donuts, dusted with powdered sugar and served with dipping sauce…)

Bozeman Public Library - Community Room

2009-08-11T09:07:00.000-07:00

Complete with drop down screen, white board, kitchenette, and piano

Bozeman Public Library - Baskets

2009-08-11T09:05:00.002-07:00

An easy way to collect a pile of books for checkout:

Bozeman Public Library - Donor Wall

2009-08-11T09:05:00.001-07:00

Signage honoring donors

Bozeman Public Library - Magazine Exchange

2009-08-11T08:49:00.000-07:00

This is a marvelous idea! The bins are available for people to put magazines they don't want and for others to come by and pick them up, all for free.

Bozeman Public Library - Entrance to Children's Library

2009-08-11T08:48:00.000-07:00

The entrance to the children's section of the library:

Bozeman Public Library - Cell Phone Signage

2009-08-11T08:46:00.001-07:00

This is a terrific sign, helpful and positive it still gets the message across.

Bozeman Public Library - Media Stations

2009-08-11T08:44:00.001-07:00

Nice set up for viewing media:

Bozeman Public Library - Chairs

2009-08-11T08:43:00.001-07:00

Comfy chairs with a great view:

Bozeman Public Library - Cell Phone Recycling

2009-08-11T08:42:00.001-07:00

A great service to provide to the community:

Bozeman Public Library - Cell Phone Recycling

2009-08-11T08:42:00.000-07:00

A great service to provide to the community:

Bozeman Public Library - Signage

2009-08-11T08:39:00.000-07:00

Great way to notify patrons of current activities, easily changed or modified.

Bozeman Public Library - Entryway Sculpture

2009-08-11T08:32:00.000-07:00

Lovely statue in the front entry:

Bozeman Public Library - Sustainable Design

2009-08-11T08:30:00.001-07:00

Constructed to LEED standards this sign in the library explains how. Clicking on the picture will take you to the option of viewing the larger size.

University of Arizona - Tucson: Signage

2009-07-21T09:39:00.001-07:00

This size of this library creates the need for this kind of signage. Click on the image to get to the other sizes on my Flickr account.

University of Arizona - Tucson: Info Commons

2009-07-21T09:34:00.000-07:00

The outter edge of the enormous information commons area

Media area of the info commons

Other edge of the info commons

University of Arizona - Tucson: Honoring Donors

2009-07-21T09:32:00.000-07:00

Donor honor wall...

University of Arizona - Tucson: Signage

2009-07-21T09:29:00.000-07:00

It's easy to find a book at the library, just request it and it's put on the hold shelf for you.

University of Arizona - Tucson: Signage

2009-07-21T09:13:00.001-07:00

This is a terrific sign in that the messages are exceedingly clear.

University of Arizona - Tucson

2009-07-21T09:07:00.000-07:00

The entrance to the Library, off to the right under the eaves is the coffee shop.

From the library, looking back to the coffee shop.

The weather in March was fantastic! The open air seating under the eaves provides protection from the sun.

Tucson Public Library

2009-07-14T08:50:00.000-07:00

Some signage speaks for itself.

Tucson Public Library

2009-07-14T08:49:00.000-07:00

Click on photo to go to the larger size on Flickr

This was a great sign for publicizing branch libraries!

Tucson Public Library

2009-07-14T08:47:00.000-07:00

Donor wall, honorarium, thank you ...

Tucson Public Library

2009-07-14T08:44:00.000-07:00

Child size baskets for books.

Flags for signage

Tucson Public Library

2009-07-14T08:37:00.000-07:00

Self check with a rack that holds grocery bags for patrons to use to carry books.

Arizona State University - Tempe

2009-07-14T08:34:00.000-07:00

Entry to the Hayden library, deserted for spring break.

Arizona State University - Tempe

2009-07-14T08:32:00.000-07:00

Excellent signage!! I think students really get the idea of the stoplight.

Arizona State University - Tempe

2009-07-14T08:31:00.000-07:00

Atrium at the Nobel Science Library

Arizona State University - Tempe

2009-07-14T08:28:00.000-07:00

Instruction lab configured into pods or groups to facilitate groupwork. Lots of space around pods so that librarians can navigate between with ease.

Phoenix Public Library

2009-07-07T08:41:00.000-07:00

Movable computer work cart:

Phoenix Public Library

2009-07-07T08:39:00.001-07:00

Check out how these stacks have the lighting attached.

Phoenix Public Library

2009-07-07T08:37:00.000-07:00

Government Document Kiosk

Phoenix Public Library - Teen Space

2009-07-07T08:30:00.000-07:00

The cafe area:

The Lounging area:

Public help handouts:

Clark County Public Library - Nevada

2009-07-07T08:28:00.000-07:00

Large laminated map of vicinity...

Clark County Public Library - Nevada

2009-07-07T08:26:00.000-07:00

Table with built in study light.

Clark County Public Library - Nevada

2009-07-07T08:24:00.001-07:00

Another instance of segregating and labeling reference books onto tables.

University of Nevada - Las Vegas

2009-06-30T09:02:00.001-07:00

signage
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Do and Don't signage outside of library. To see the verbiage go to my original photo on flickr at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/2318979664/sizes/o/

University of Nevada - Las Vegas

2009-06-30T08:58:00.001-07:00

inside a carrel
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Outlets mounted on the inside of a library carrel.

University of Nevada - Las Vegas

2009-06-30T08:57:00.001-07:00

scanners
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Scanner in the info commons area.

University of Nevada - Las Vegas

2009-06-30T08:56:00.001-07:00

info commons01
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Information commons at UNLV. The computer tables are in this huge atrium area and have glass umbrella like things over them. These umbrellas are allegedly useful at keeping the sound levels down.

University of Nevada - Las Vegas

2009-06-30T08:54:00.001-07:00

exterior03
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Exterior of the gorgeous UNLV library.

University of Nevada - Las Vegas

2009-06-30T08:49:00.001-07:00

boardroom03
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Fabulous and impressive meeting room.

University of Nevada - Las Vegas

2009-06-30T08:48:00.001-07:00

govdocs
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Space saving measure: put the government document collection into compact shelving.

University of Nevada - Las Vegas

2009-06-30T08:47:00.001-07:00

doner table
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

This was an interesting way to honor donors. Notice the plaque at the end of the table.

Utah State University: Power

2009-06-05T13:39:00.001-07:00

DSC08126
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Gotta love these tables with their built in power outlets.

Utah State University: The Barn: FAQ's

2009-06-05T13:38:00.001-07:00

DSC08113
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions. Click on the picture to go to the larger one on my Flickr account.

Utah State University: The Barn

2009-06-05T13:37:00.001-07:00

DSC08108
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Here is a picture of the automated storage and retrieval unit taking a shelving stand away. Instead of bins the books are stored on shelving units. Each unit is kept in call number order on these shelves.

Utah State University: Fossils

2009-06-05T13:22:00.001-07:00

DSC08107
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Each service desk has a pair of fossils embedded in the surface. The fossils are from Utah digs.

Utah State University: Gallery Space

2009-06-05T13:21:00.001-07:00

DSC08105
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Looking down from the second floor at the gallery space near the entry of the library. They were mounting a cowboy poetry display.

Utah State University: Lockers

2009-06-05T13:20:00.001-07:00

DSC08100
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

A popular item, located througout the library. Checked out to students by the semester for a fee.

Utah State University: Natural Light

2009-06-05T13:19:00.001-07:00

DSC08091
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

The volume of natural light penetrating into the library is phenomenal.

Utah State University: Instruction Lab

2009-06-05T13:18:00.001-07:00

DSC08075
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Here we see their (Utah State University library's) instruction lab. Notice how slim the computers are. The decision to go with Apple was made in part because of the ability to remove the tower that all PC's seem to have. Very slick.

This picture is taken from the "front" of the room near the instructor station.

Utah State University: Cool computer stations

2009-06-05T13:16:00.001-07:00

DSC08073
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

These are designed for students to check their email. They are stand up stations located near the entry to the library.

Utah State University: Chairs

2009-06-05T13:15:00.001-07:00

DSC08067
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

One of the things I really loved about the library was the plethora of seating of different sizes, shapes and locations. Surely there is a spot for everyone to sit and read or study.

Utah State University: Old and New

2009-06-05T12:58:00.001-07:00

DSC08061
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

A view looking out over the lower stacks area. The hanging art globes are light fixtures added during the expansion of the science library into the main library. They are from the former social sciences library which was demolished.

Utah State University: Advertising Services/Events

2009-06-05T12:57:00.001-07:00

DSC08059
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

There are two of these TV's mounted in the library. On one the content is controlled by the library, on the other the content is controlled by the university. Both promote the services, activities, and resources of the institutions.

Utah State University: Info Commons - Utah State

2009-06-05T12:55:00.001-07:00

DSC08049
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

150 computers scattered through the library. Here is the largest concentration in the information commons area.

Reference Road Trip to Utah State Univ. Logan

2009-06-05T12:50:00.000-07:00

We left early (7:00 a.m.) in the morning, no shining required, and arrived around 9:00 a.m. First was the tour where we saw & learned many interesting things. I'll post more specific blog entries based on my photographs soon. Then was the meetup with several of their public services librarians. This meetup and conversation was fascinating.

Here are my notes from that conversation.

Have IM reference up and running, pondering text messaging.
Blackboard
Facebook: don't friend students unless you already have a relationship with them, it borders on creepy. Do friend them if they friend you first.
Webfeat (federated searching) was being funded by the state. They will be losing this in the current round of budget cuts.
Will be using Ebsco Group Search as their federated search.
Promoting the use of Zotero (http://www.zotero.org/) a free Endnote like product
Have a yearly "staff day" held on lawn, in the library, or other part of campus.
15,000 FTE (students)
The reference desk is staffed by librarians, computer lab techs, and the peer mentors.
Yearly luncheon for IT & Library
Check out PRIMO indexing information literacy/library tutorials on the web
Librarians in the reference/instruction department teach an average of 130 classes/year
They are also embedded in online classes through the bulletin board function in Blackboard.
Tracking consultations that happen because of classes.
Tracking prep-time for instruction sessions

Peer Mentor Program
The Office for the Academic Vice President for Research has been funding undergraduate teaching stipends, including 3 for the library.
These students are trained to help at the reference desk, teach the in the first year experience and assistance in the classroom with some of the freshman English classes.

Reference in the Business Building
Britt and Wendy were invited by the college of business to provide reference service in the business building. The college supplied the laptop and desk which was situated in a busy area. They are hoping for better signage this coming semester but were surprised by the traffic they did receive. Professors recommended students stop and use their services after class. Average time spent with a student was approximately 25 minutes. The average at the main library is 6 minutes.

Libstats
A PHP based statistics tracking system designed for libraries. They are tracking who answered the question, the status of the patron, nature of the question, time/date (automatic), length of time spent with patron, the query, and the answer.

20 minutes in class sessions to introduce self, brainstorm topics & research questions. It breaks the ice and integrates the library experience. There is also the perception that the library is important because the professor brought them to the class.

Check out my full photo set from the trip at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157619124300863/

Crows and Pickup Trucks

2009-05-26T09:11:00.001-07:00

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Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Driving in to work one morning in May I spied a crow on the back of a pickup truck parked in the lot. This crow was having the best time walking around the edge of the bed checking out the contents. Every now and then he'd hop and swoop down to inspect the contents with his beak. Crows are great foragers in our urban environments. I'm hoping he found some tasty leftovers. -- Jenny

Under the Eaves

2009-05-26T08:42:00.001-07:00

uofa main04
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

So many of our libraries now include cafe's that I feel mine has been left out of the revolution. University of Arizona in Tucson has such fine weather that the coffee spot is enclosed under the eaves with the dining space out in the open, though still under the eaves in the shade. It was a delightful place to have lunch in March. -- Jenny

Handouts

2009-05-26T08:32:00.001-07:00

handouts
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

While visiting libraries I found myself dithering about taking handouts. As I analyzed this inhibiting feeling I discovered a few things. First that proximity to authority made a great deal of difference. If the handouts were located ON the desk, I was less likely to take one. If they were located (as the ones are in this picture-Provo City Public Library) away from the close supervision of librarians, I would take one of everything. (Ask me about my binders of handouts sometime).

Another factor was number of handouts available. If there were only a few, say 5 or so, I was less likely to take a handout for fear of shorting someone who really needed one. On the other hand, if it was a spectacular handout such as the "Squeaky Clean and No Caffeine" I'd take it anyway. So style/substance did make a difference. If it was more generic/informative I would leave it if there were only a few.

Lastly, and building on the above if the handouts were branded with the library logo/info in an attractive way I definitely wanted it. I was also fascinated by the different donor type brochures, though few libraries included these items in their general handout racks in the public areas.

In summary:
1. Make your handouts/brochures attractive and give them appealing or catchy names/titles.
2. Locate them in visible areas away from the official service desks.
3. Include the types for making donations/gifts to the library.

My two cents.
Jenny

Who never changed her behavior about taking handouts as she went along. Too worried that someone else might really NEED that last handout/brochure.

Idaho Library Association Northern Region Meeting

2009-05-10T10:46:00.000-07:00

Waterfall on US-95 heading for Moscow
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Keynote: Dr. Darin Saul ‘Improving the Sustainability of Your Library’
What I got out of it:

Little things can add up to a big difference i.e. reusable bags, turning off lights, energy efficient light bulbs.
Check out the LEED system for green buildings (http://www.usgbc.org/)
Change the default power settings on computers to have them hibernate instead of standby.
Buy energy rated appliances – including copiers
Minimize use first
Double sided printing
Prefer electronic to paper
Purchase recycled content
Lease computers so they are recycled by manufacturers instead of purchase
Sometimes if you have a large or voluminous amount to recycle special arrangements can be made with the recyclers to pick up and deal with it. i.e. big piles of books

Session 1: Gina Persichini – Rethinking Resource Sharing
What I got out of it:

More availability fewer restrictions
User choice on format
Access from anywhere anytime
Share resources with all types of cultural institutions (i.e. archives, museums…)
Do we need to catalog ‘expertise’ or maybe keep some kind of log
Perhaps more Mr.Oboler type delicious accounts for experts in the area
No findable object should be totally unattainable
Offer service for a fee rather than refusing service
See: http://rethinkingresourcesharing.org/manifesto.html

Session 2: I was teaching this one so …

Session 3: Michael Greenlee – Free Legal Research Tools
What I got out of it:

Review of who produces legal materials

Federal
State
City/County/Local
Judicial
Executive
Legislative

Sources of law on the internet

Constitutions
Statutes
Case Law
Regulations

Sources of law on the net in fee based services

Practice materials and secondary sources (encyclopedias, treatises, ALR, AmJur, forms…)

Websites:

State of Idaho http://www.accessidaho.org/
Idaho Legislature http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/
Idaho Judiciary http://www.isc.idaho.gov/
Court Assistance Office http://www.courtselfhelp.idaho.gov/
Idaho Administrative Rules http://adm.idaho.gov/adminrules/
Idaho Administrative Agencies http://idaho.gov/agency/agency_a.html
Idaho Executive Branch http://www.idaho.gov/government/executive.html
Idaho Governor http://gov.idaho.gov
Idaho Attorney General http://www2.state.id.us/ag
USA.gov http://www.usa.gov
GPO Access http://thomas.loc.gov
CRS Reports http://opencrs.com
U.S. Supreme Court http://www.supremecourtus.gov
Law Library of Congress http://www.loc.gov/law
Electronic Information System for International Law (EISIL) http://www.eisil.org/
Cornel Legal Information Institute http://www.law.cornell.edu
Findlaw http://lp.findlaw.com/
LexisOne http://law.lexisnexis.com/webcenters/leixone/
Georgetown Law Library http://www.ll.georgetown.edu/
University of Idaho Law Library http://www.law.uidaho.edu/

P.S. Answers to legal questions often require using more than one source.

Session 4: Ramirose Attebury – Cultural Stereotypes of Librarians in YouTube Videos
What I got out of it:

Probably the most fun session there, certainly my favorite.
8 stereotypes

Old maid
Policeman
Inept (socially awkward or bad customer service)
Hero/heroine
Parody
Really fun/Positive
Sexy
Psycho

Lots of research went into the making of this presentation. Stuff about popular culture, feminism …
To change the image of a profession it is suggested that Parody may be more effective than fun/positive.
Psycho is only found in customer service aspect
For a look at her presentation on slideshare at: http://www.slideshare.net/rosebudy23/librarian-depictions-on-youtube
However, her YouTube video selections are not included. Sorry. Maybe she’ll add that later.

Great conference!
Jenny

ULA: my last session

2009-04-30T12:57:00.000-07:00

CyberInfrastructure Session

For the most part this was a bit over my head and not really applicable to what I do. However, the last bit had a few gems. First BYU has had a decrease in usage of the hardwired computers in the information commons. A reduction to the tune of 50%. Wireless computing has increased until recently and has leveled off. The presenter believes that this too will decrease as more portable cell phone type devices begin to be used such as his iPhone and wireless network cards like the ones offered by Verizon. We need to think about mobile computing and how/where it will impact us.

Cool sign in his presentation: No Shhhh Zone

The Attic

2009-04-28T09:25:00.001-07:00

kids read room 02
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Another nook in the children's library.

The Crystal Cave

2009-04-28T09:24:00.001-07:00

kids read room 01
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

A reading room for kids. It is part of the children's library.

Shops

2009-04-28T09:23:00.001-07:00

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Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Another view of the shops in the atrium area. There is a lot of natural light in this building.

Study spaces

2009-04-28T09:22:00.001-07:00

study spaces 02
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

The view of the study areas. I was standing on the staircase on the library side looking out over the atrium.

The Atrium

2009-04-28T09:21:00.001-07:00

slc urban room01
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Tables for reading, visiting, or eating can be found in the Atrium near the shops.

Auditorium

2009-04-28T09:20:00.001-07:00

auditorium
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Public libraries are definitely community centers with auditoriums, theaters and other amenities.

Signage

2009-04-28T09:19:00.003-07:00

directory01
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

An artistic directory of what can be found on which level.

Reading nooks

2009-04-28T09:19:00.001-07:00

reading spaces
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Tiered and twisted fireplaces with comfy seating for reading.

Display

2009-04-28T09:18:00.001-07:00

spanish lang display01
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Spanish language books

The Library's Plaza

2009-04-28T09:17:00.003-07:00

look out at plaza
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Art shows and other activities are held here.

Ceiling in the childrens area

2009-04-28T09:17:00.001-07:00

kids lib
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Gorgeous kids library!

Study table

2009-04-28T09:16:00.001-07:00

study table
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Salt Lake City provides free wireless.

Stairs and art

2009-04-28T09:05:00.001-07:00

look at library
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

The mobile moves and is made of books that are butterflies, or butterflies that are books. Depends entirely on your point of view.

The Library Store

2009-04-28T09:04:00.001-07:00

slc urban room02
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

One of the shops in the atrium area of the library

Graphic novels

2009-04-28T09:03:00.001-07:00

graphic novels
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Graphic novel collections are quite popular at the public libraries.

Weber County Library

2009-04-28T09:00:00.001-07:00

Weber County Library
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

I began my sabbatical in Utah, specifically Ogden. I did not realize my camera had difficulties till I got to Phoenix. Needless to say, the photos are less than I would like them to be and not just because I take crappy photos.

Spanish Language Collection

2009-04-28T08:58:00.003-07:00

Spanish Language Collection
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Excellent collection of Spanish language materials. I found many public libraries in my sabbatical had this type of collection.

Bilingual Signage

2009-04-28T08:58:00.001-07:00

Bilingual Signage
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Almost every sign either included a Spanish translation or had a duplicate sign.

Encourage reading

2009-04-28T08:57:00.001-07:00

Signage
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

A pile of books from different genres, handouts, guides and other materials.

Teen Tech Week Sign

2009-04-28T08:56:00.001-07:00

Teen Tech Week Sign
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Digital native activities at the library including gaming, music and anime

Subject Table

2009-04-28T08:51:00.001-07:00

subject ref table
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Reference tables with subject specific resources i.e. citations, poetry, demographics...

Lecture room

2009-04-28T08:45:00.001-07:00

Lecture room off of special collections 2
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Part of the Special Collections area.

Asian Language DVDs

2009-04-28T08:44:00.001-07:00

dvds
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Who knew that Weber State had one of the largest collections...

Soundproofing

2009-04-28T08:43:00.001-07:00

soundproofing
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Soundproofing on the walls of the classroom.

Events

2009-04-28T08:42:00.001-07:00

events
Originally uploaded by J Semenza

Calender of events outside of the Special Collections area.