Updates to the Resources Page

Hi--
Just a note to let you know that I've updated the "Resources" page and divided into sections:

• The 21st Century Librarian: New Trends Blending with Tradition
• Webinars and Workshops: Career Development and Continuing Education
• Employment Resources

There are some spacing issues that I'm working on.  I'll have those fixed in a few days.

A Great Site for Information Professionals-Infopeople

Archived Webinars from Infopeople: Moving Libraries Forward. Do you need to be in the know about new trends in librarianship?  Infopeople has a number of resources for people interested in the library realm. This is a link to past webinars, but the site also has information about training, resources and search tools.  This is a must-use site for any information professional who wants to stay relevant in today's current market.

Upcoming webinars include:

• When Webinars Attack: Getting from Tedious to Terrific

• Tell Me Something I Don't Know: Meaningful Community Engagement

• Operation Health: Resources for Veterans and Their Families

My favorite archived webinar was one entitled "The Hopeful Workplace" but there are many more to choose from, depending on what your interests and needs are. Take a look and learn more.

I have included this link on the Resources page.

Ideas for Innovation, Marketing, and Adding Value to the Community

The following was posted to WebJunction Group's LinkedIn page, and it definitely inspires thoughts about how libraries can market themselves to the community.  Here, the library became a center of the community by demonstrating their value as a place to find needed resources, aid in career networking and become a leading voice in community affairs.  Posted by Donna Olson, Information Specialist at Howell Carnegie District Library.

We recently launched our Business Resource Center, followed with Ask the Expert  event @Howell where we invited 10 local businesspeople (marketing, social media, legal, financial, Chamber, SCORE, SBTDC and the library!) Each had a table. The public was invited to speed-date. Tremendous success on many levels.. The public had questions answered; they hooked up with local resources (experts and library resources), some found jobs, yes, it's true, and others picked up business referrals. An amazing networking night where everyone won. Did I mention that the library had a table? Demo'ing electronic resources (RefUSA was the hot one) and processing library cards for attendees. Now our local experts will be flashing a Howell card when demo'ing the resources for their clients.

People Wonder Why . . . Thoughts on The Books for Walls Project: End Wars, Fund Libraries

People often wonder why most librarians are more socially liberal, even if, personally, they tend to be conservative.  I believe in fiscal responsibility, but I also believe that libraries need support so that they can be the learning and community centers that keep American civilization equalized and thriving.  I don't personally support abortion as a form of birth control, but I do believe in making an effort to keep communities educated so that their members can have the resources and capacity to make well-thought-out decisions.  This is why I tend to be more socially liberal.  I believe in bringing things to light, instead of letting them fester in the dark (Freedom of Information Act, yes).  I believe in a person's right to expression, thought and privacy (Patriot Act, no).  I believe in a young person's right to have information so that they can make wise decisions (book banning, no; sex education, yes).  There is rarely a case where anyone was actually helped because they were kept ignorant of something.

This is also why, though sometimes I think Michael Moore is a bit extreme, I applaud him for his political stances.  The Books for Walls Project posted an article this morning speaking about how Michael helped and supported his own hometown library and is making a push to help libraries throughout the country.  This is why I'm a "liberal"--or at least why the Democratic Party gets my support more often than the GOP.  I've seen pictures of President Obama in his university library.  George W. made fun of them (though Laura was a librarian!).  Just those two images make me favor one party over the other.  Perhaps if President Bush had used his library more, he would have made wiser decisions--but maybe not.

So, so thank you, Michael Moore for strengthening libraries, and at the same time, your country--End Wars, Fund Libraries!

Find the article here.

Libraries for Sustainability

Libraries for Sustainability Webinar Series 2012 - Exploring Sustainability Practices in Libraries April 24th 2012.

Call to Action and Collaboration Webinar Recording; Slides are available here

This webinar is coming up next week, and there are also links to access older webinars in the series.  I've also added information to my Resources page.

Here is the original post on LinkedIn:

Libraries for Sustainability Webinar Series 2012 - Exploring Sustainability Practices in Libraries

Libraries for Sustainability Webinar Series 2012 presents:

Exploring Sustainability Practices in Libraries

April 24, 2012, 2:00-3:00 (EST)

Please join us for the second webinar in this four-part series.

There are different types of sustainability practices in libraries (e.g. buildings, collection development, instruction, events, collaboration) and many of us are working, educating, and practicing in these areas. This webinar will be similar to a lightning round-up as librarians engaged in different types of sustainability efforts share their experiences and provide time for questions. Academic, public and school libraries will be represented. The session will be recorded so you can view it later.

SIGN UP NOW! (http://bit.ly/HbV7vq)

Webinar series facilitators: Madeleine Charney (UMass Amherst Libraries), Beth Filar Williams (UNC Greenboro), and Bonnie Smith (University of Florida Libraries).

Questions? Contact Madeleine Charney at mcharney@library.umass.edu or Beth FilarWilliams at greeningyourlibrary@gmail.com

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If you missed attending the first in our Webinar series - Call to Action and Collaboration - here is the webinar recording:
https://sas.elluminate.com/site/external/launch/play.jnlp?sid=315&psid=2012-02-28.0718.M.669FDEC58C8549C611C2EC64F0EDEE.vcr

and the slides are available here: http://www.slideshare.net/filarwilliams/libraries-for-sustainability-call-to-action-and-collaboration

 

Careers in Federal Libraries Webinars

This might be helpful.  At this website you can find a number of presentations on alternative, library-related careers in the federal government.  http://www.slideshare.net/CareersinFederalLibraries/2012-0329-1957-congressional-research-service-employment-opportunities-12215854

To Celebrate National Library Week:Words from Ralph Waldo Emerson

”Be a little careful about your library. 
Do you foresee what you will do with it? 
Very little to be sure. 
But the real question is, 
'What will it do with you?' 
You will come here 
and get books that will 
open your eyes, 
and your ears, 
and your curiosity, 
and turn you inside out 
or outside in.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson, find works by him at your library!