I have a project...

... and when I have a project I'm happy!  We're keeping busy here at work - term has started again, and with the beginning of a new academic year comes many *very* busy days of new students, a rearranged library (where even we get a bit lost in the shelves sometimes...), and inductions: both class sized, and individual.  But now we are heading towards our October holidays (a whole week off: hurrah!) and things are starting to calm down, as students get used to where things are and what they are doing.  So, it was time for a new project!  Many moons ago I posted about one of my analytical cataloguing projects - adding all of our music scores to stock individually so they were searchable on the catalogue by song title.  I had also done the same with the play compilations.  Now, I've started on a new job: tackling the monologues, duologues and poetry compilations.  Monologues and duologues will be catalogued by the play title, subtitled as whichever it is, and listed as a chapter of a book.  Also listed will be if it is for one man, one woman, one of each etc.  This should help the students to narrow down a choice of speeches.  The poems will be treated in mostly the same way, as we do have people asking sometimes if we have a particular poem, or something by a specific poet.  This should keep me occupied for a while!

And now, the end is near...

...of the college summer holidays, anyway!  We are coming ever closer to the start of the new academic year.  Teaching staff are back next week, and the students will then follow.  As usual, our main site has been open throughout the holidays, to allow for those on continuing courses (such as distance learning) access to computing facilities and study space.  The books have been available for reference for all (though not always on the shelves, as we've been busy this summer!)

All the usual jobs are complete - or almost there: we've done our stock check, which was actually almost fun thanks to our new mini scanner, which has made the job a lot easier!  Originally, we thought we *might* be going to have the first summer in a long time where we didn't have to make a major change / move / change of site, but it was not to be: our main summer job this year was to integrate our oversize book section into the main stock.  Of course, this then meant that we needed to take the books off the shelves, re-rack the shelving bays to fit the larger books, and then integrate and reshelve the books.  Also, while we were at it, we took the chance to have a good clean (picture this - me, armed with bucket, microfibre cloth and brillo pads, scrubbing the shelves before we put the books back on them!).  They do look really good though, and the move was definitely worth it.  The collection looks great spaced out, and it will hopefully mean the oversized books will be used a lot more, as most students didn't seem to look for anything that wasn't on the main shelves.  We also got some lovely new journal shelving, which has some also lovely new display shelving beside it which hosts a smaller reference collection.

So now, as the holidays draw to a close, we are gearing up for the new year: presentations ready to go on the plasma screen (I'm still loving prezi, which I learnt to use when completing the cpd23 scheme), inductions are already being booked, and all the little finishing jobs are being done.  We're looking nicely freshened up, and just about ready to go!  Time to enjoy the last days of (relative) peace before the hectic start of year begins.  Good luck to all preparing for the return of their students (and staff!) as it's about to get a lot busier for us all!

The digital age!

So, a 'paperless' library:  Digital Libraries

I can definitely see the advantages.  As someone who loves 'proper' paper books, but also loves her kindle (and kindle app for iPad!) it's great to see how many people with no access to a public library can get something to improve reading at home - whether it be for pleasure, or as an aid to literacy, it's bound to be worth it.  I don't think I could see public libraries based in towns / villages etc. going paperless though, as that's a whole different style of service.

In my opinion, anything that gets people reading has got to be good!  What does everyone else think?

I do hope they have enough shelf space!

I was really interested to read this article about the items reclaimed by Lambeth Palace Library.  The sheer amount of stolen volumes that were recovered was incredible!  It's good to hear that they have been able to restore some of them enough to be added back into the Library catalogue, and I hope they can continue the good work and restore as many as possible.  It's bound to be a positive treasure trove for information that hasn't been seen for years.

Onwards we go...

So, as one project draws to a close (I finished the music score cataloguing!) another arises to take its place. This time: more labeling.  We need to match our DVD and CD cases on the shelves with the discs which we keep in media cabinets.  So, we need to make up labels to match the barcodes and stick them onto the boxes.  I won't be doing this one all by myself though, as one of the other staff will be helping.  It'll keep me occupied over the easter holidays anyway!

Personal / work milestone...

So yesterday, I hit a personal milestone in work - I catalogued my 7000th music score!

This was part of a project which has taken place over a number of years.  In our library, we bring in books which are a compilation of different musical scores.  Students often would come in and ask if we had had the score for a particular song they were looking at, and we would have to send them to the shelves to look through all these compilations.  So, in a moment of madness (and trying to be helpful!) I suggested that we catalogue each score individually so the title would come up in a simple search, telling us which book we had it in.

The majority of the scores were completed years ago, except for those in one book - the complete mission praise - a book which contained over 1000 scores all by itself!  I've been keeping this on as an ongoing project - something to do when other projects got a bit quiet.  I'm almost finished it now (only about 100 scores left to go!) and yesterday we hit the heady heights of over 7000 scores on catalogue.  So, a personal milestone, but it makes me happy in a little library geeky way  :)

Looking for a book?

Fancy something to read, but not sure what?  Want some recommendations?  Or do you just like a good book review?  Well, why not try out this site:  Nerdy Book Club

With a huge archive of book reviews, this is certainly one enjoyable way to find something you may like to read!

Hooray!

My blog has had over 1000 page views  :)  This may not seem like a lot to some people, but is an achievement for me.  So thank you to everyone who reads this  :D

A life of Crime?

Well, the polls are in: and it seems that Crime is the topic of choice in the public library world!

Get Borrowing!

Looking through the list of the most borrowed books of 2012, it's interesting to see so many crime novels in the top 20.  James Patterson has certainly been very busy!

(I also love that the most borrowed childrens fiction book is the Gruffalo.  A brilliant book).  Its nice to see that the classics are still popular, with Roald Dahl still featuring heavily on the borrowing figures.

What does anyone else think of the list?  Anything you think should be there but isn't?

Another academic year

And so here we are, at the start of a new academic year, all bright and enthused and ready to go... or at least, as enthused as you can be at 3.40pm after a busy day...  We've had *lots* of student inductions today, so we've had many students through the door.  We've also had lots of questions and issuing of materials, so a good start to the year!  I still need to get used to having so many students about though, having had a relatively quiet but steady summer.

So, what are my plans for the year?  Still undecided as to the details, but with broad project ideas to work with.  I've made a start with a few new Prezi presentations for our team, which have gone down very well - this tool has been a great find from the cpd23 things course.  I'm hoping to develop more with this program, with possibly the end aim of creating an online Library induction - has anyone reading this blog tried this?  How did it work?  Any hints and tips gratefully received!  For now?  I think it's time i got back to my withdrawing  :)  Talk soon!

I'm still here...

... though you would be forgiven if you had thought I had dissappeared completely, it's been so long since I last posted.  (I actually hadn't realised just how long until I looked back at my blog...)

So, what have I been up to?  Nothing completely earthshattering with regards to work - just making my way along as usual, and trying to make up some more professional development time: something which is hard to do after 6 years in the job.  cpd23 definately helped with that this year, but since I completed it I'm having to look for some more options.  Any suggestions are more than welcome!

I've been keeping up with the reading, and am still really enjoying reading about what you are all getting up to in your libraries.  We are heading to the end of term now (just about 4 weeks to go!) and are alternatively packed with people trying to get assessments finished, and really quiet - as we are now: I think all the students are out enjoying the sunshine, and who would blame them?  Once the holidays start, we'll get going with all the routine jobs again - stocktake this summer (though don't tell anyone - I think they're planning that for the first couple of weeks of the holiday when I happen to be on leave - sorry girls!).  I've been really productive and made some mini-bunting for a little Jubilee themed book display which I'll be putting up next week.  Just business as usual really.  How about the rest of you - are you celebrating Jubilee weekend with anything special?

Winter wonderland

All Libraries are wonderlands, aren't they?  So the title works  :)

I'm going to go all festive as we're at the end of November (though if you ask those I work with, I've been counting down the days for a while now...) and I think I'm going to put up the decorations at work today!  Granted, this is slightly earlier than I would do usually, but I'm out at one of the branch sites and I only work here 2 days a week.  So if it doesn't get done today, I won't get the chance until next Tuesday, and the lovely lady I work with has said I can get the decorations out of their boxes!  (she actually said I could decorate last week if I felt like it, and though tempted, I decided it was a bit early - even for me).

So, the question out to all of you in blogland: when do you decorate and turn your Libraries / workplaces into winter wonderlands?

Chocolate for Librarians? I think so!

With Christmas coming, I'm sure that you're all looking for some lovely presents for that librarian in your life (or, if you are that librarian, looking for something to put on your wish list to Santa!)  How about this (click link!): a perfect Library of chocolates!

(p.s. - I'm not endorsing this product or website in any way - I just happened to find them and thought it was a cool idea.  I'm taking no responsibility for the actions of any of you who just have to buy - or find something else when browsing!)

Opinions needed please...

I find myself in need of some opinions, and I do hope that some of you lovely people out in cyberspace can help me.

When I graduated from 'Library School' - too many years ago to want to remember - I was full of enthusiasm about gaining my Chartership as soon as I possibly could.  As the years went by, I never did get any further than registering my interest for various reasons, and when I went on maternity leave a couple of years ago I suspended my CILIP membership completely (and never reinstated it).

Now, I am thinking of the future - a scary thing to do! - and I am revisiting my previous thoughts on chartering.  I've contacted CILIP, so I know how to go about reactivating my membership, which I think might be a good idea anyway.  But chartership?  I find myself with mixed feelings (which I'm not sure I even understand myself).  Those of you out there who have been through chartership - is it worth it?  Are you pleased you did it?  And was it hard to do?  Those of you going through it - are you enjoying it, and are you finding it difficult, or easier than you expected?

I guess I just don't know exactly where to start, and it seems very complicated to me looking at it, but hopefully I'm wrong and it would be a really worthwhile thing to do.  All opinions and information welcome and appreciated!

Treasure hunts - Library style!

I got sent a link to this great webpage, where a journalism professor in America has come up with a new way to get his students to look for primary sources that are not on the internet - he has come up with a Library Treasure hunt. (click to use the link)

I think this is such a cool idea!  Of course, I would think that ideally you would need a *really* big library to make the most of this, as I can just imagine sending students running up and down the stairs to find the next clue. It's a fantastic way to get a lot of library information in what is essentially a game: and I'm sure the incentives he gives for the students with the top marks helps!  I bet that the students will retain a lot more information on 'how to use the library', rather than just from a library tour.  I'd love to do this, but I don't know if our library is big enough - maybe something on a smaller scale would work?  Let me know what you think!

cpd23 - thing 23

And so, the end is near....

The last 'thing' for cpd23!  My 6 word story?  How about 'Amazing journey, thanks for the challenge!'

Having had a read back through my blog posts, and looking at job descriptions in my field, I can see maybe a few areas I would like to improve on for the future.  I've decided that I do need more of a professional online presence, so will continue to work towards this: most likely I will overhaul and update my CV, and will create a linkedin account.  I would also like to connect more with other library and information professionals outwith my current working position, and I think that this blog would be a good starting point for that.

I will definitely keep on blogging: I have thoroughly enjoyed this part of the cpd23 experience.  And I will certainly keep up on reading all the other lovely blogs I've become attached to.

So, that's my plan - hopefully I'll 'see' more of you all out in cyberspace!

Thank you for reading  :)

cpd23 - thing 22

Volunteering to get experience

I have volunteered once in my life to gain more experience - this was just after I had qualified, and wanted to get some more library work under my belt while I applied for jobs.  I went back to the university where I had done my diploma work experience month, and asked if I could do any work for them for a while, as I really enjoyed working with the people there.  It gave me the chance to work with some more people, and it kept me busy (and out of the apartment for a while!)

If work experience as part of an academic course also counts as volunteering (it is unpaid work!) then I did a weeks work while still at school - again in a univeristy setting - which I loved, and the month as part of my postgraduate diploma course.

As I've said on this blog before, I'm all for volunteers - they do a great job, and for society as a whole, we'd be lost without them!  I do worry about people devaluing our profession as they then feel that people with little to no training can do the job, but hey, I'm all for trained professionals who just need a bit of experience for their CV!

cpd23 - thing 21

Promoting yourself in job applications and at interview.

Oh, how I dislike job applications and interviews!  I am usually quite a positive person, just not really about myself, and I always feel like I'm boasting if I say that I'm actually good at something (or at least, not bad...or even, I'm not completely rubbish at it...)  For that reason, I hate filling out the forms.  I'm okay with job details and work experience - the factual stuff - it's the 'what else would you like us to know' where you're really meant to sell yourself that gives me the heebiejeebies!

So, activities and interests.  This is quite a short list really, especially compared to what others are, I'm sure.  My main interest (and activity - I've a 2 year old daughter!) is my family.  Books and reading, are, of course a huge interest.  Printed books are always good, but I am a recent convert to kindle - I was never sure if I would like them, but when I was bought one I discovered that it is good  :)  I like computers, and working with them - is it sad that I consider making a powerpoint presentation template to be fun?  Excel spreadsheets can also be a good way of spending an hour or two.  In my spare time (hah!) I like sewing - cross stitch as a main choice - and crochet.  I also make cards and have dabbled in scrapbooking.  Some of these are also able to be tied into watching televison - I don't watch a lot, but it's often on in the background (especially tuned into cbeebies: gotta love Igglepiggle!).

Hmm,  looking at this list it does tend towards the 'creative' - I do work with the microsoft packages in work, and like making displays etc. so some of my interests do tie in with my working life  :)

CVs - I admit that I haven't updated my CV in about 6 years now (since I got my current job!) so this is something that I really need to do.

Interview tips - meep, not sure!  I always like to be well presented, and have a read up about the company you're applying to so you know a bit about how they work.  I also find it helps to have at least a couple of questions thought out beforehand which you can ask at the end of the interview, and to smile lots  :)
 

cpd23 - thing 20

The Library Routes Project

I found this a really interesting 'thing' to do - I enjoyed having a look at some other blogs, and finding out why other people decided to work in this varied world of information professionals.  I definitely think that I will be having another browse through the blogs listed.

First part: my library 'roots'

I decided at quite a young age that I wanted to work in a library, mainly because I loved books (I'm sure that's the same for many of us!).  I think I was about 10 at the time, so my main experiences of libraries at that point were my school library, and my local public library - which seemed like a treasure trove to me!  Once I found out I could reserve books for free, I would regularly fill out about 6 requests per weekly visit - I think this surprised the librarians at the time, and I'm virtually certain not all of these requests were put through as I definitely didn't get all the books I had asked for!

At that point, all I really knew was the 'working with books' part of the job.  Once I reached secondary school, we were able to go to the 'careers room' - not much bigger than a large cupboard, with some books, a computer, table, and my favourite: a filing cabinet full of job descriptions.  They actually had a 'librarian' job description in there, which gave me a bit more of an idea of what might be involved in the job - however, I'm still not sure of the potential earnings listed, which said I could earn up to £100,000 per year!

Having set my heart on this job, my A-level subjects were chosen accordingly.  When it came to applying for university, I did not know that a degree in librarianship was a possibility: mostly because I really didn't want to leave home.  So the route available to me at the time was an undergrad honours degree, continuing on to a postgrad diploma in information and library studies.  In typical timing, the postgrad was discontinued at my university of choice during my second year of my degree.  This however worked out for the best, as I had decided to move to Scotland for various reasons, so I was able to do my diploma at Robert Gordons University.

Second part: my library 'routes'

My first job out of university was with the public library system - the arena that first inspired me to work in a library.  I was hired as a senior assistant, and ran a part-time library branch.  After a year there, I interviewed for and got a 2 year contract job share position in a management role: based in and running a school library, I was also responsible for 3 branch libraries.  Later on in this contract, I moved sites to help cover a maternity leave, and also worked as an information assistant in our library headquarters.  So over the course of 3 years, I got to work in 3 different environments (public, school and HQ) and at 3 different levels.

Once that contract came to an end, I really wasn't sure if I wanted to work in a library again, and worked retail for the best part of a year.  Then I got a phone call about a job I had interviewed for months back - I hadn't got that particular job, but would I be interested in another position?  I decided to give it one more go, and found myself working full time with a part time member of staff running a college branch site library - in the process rediscovering my love of working in a library.  Sadly, after 6 years this branch closed, and during the summer just past I moved into our main site library, where I find myself working 3 days a week (with 2 at another outlying site) and enjoying it very much  :)

cpd23 - thing 19

Time for a catch-up!

What a busy time it's been so far!  I can't believe that we're coming into the finishing stretch already, so it's probably good that we're having a 'stop and reflect' time.

I've learnt a lot from this cpd scheme so far - I've been introduced to a lot of different tools.  Some of which I can't see me using (such as pushnote, and google calendars); ones that I already use (like facebook); and ones that I would like to use more in the future (prezi, and maybe some of the screen capture tools).

Twitter - I admit I used this a few times, but have lapsed recently so must see about getting back into that.

I'd like to really try and integrate some of the showcased tools into my working practice: I would like to try and use prezi to create some form of interactive student induction (ambitious, much?!?) and I think some of the other tools would be good for library promotional material.

I have also really enjoyed the topics on advocacy and mentoring etc.: they were very thought provoking, and have made me want to promote libraries (and myself!) a bit more than I have done to date.