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Transparent Library on Twitter

Michael and I have been pondering ways to get feedback and input for our column in LJ. Weeks ago, we made a Twitter account and a few people even found it and followed us. Now, we’d like to promote it just a bit. We’ll be looking for ideas, insights and whatever you’d like [...]

The Transparent Library: Lighten Up People!

Libraries—all libraries—should be fun, even in difficult times. Just scan LJ‘s recent Movers & Shakers (M&S) roster or peruse the library blogosphere to see library workers who have discovered that a sense of play and creativity, even what seems like frivolous experimentation, can result in useful services and solutions.

M&S Tony Tallent, while at the Public [...]

Check that Ego!

If you pretend someone is not there, if you pretend the awards and honors that someone on your staff receives aren’t worth mentioning, then this reflects upon you. People will notice it and question your awareness. If they see you deliberately refusing to recognize talent, then they will begin to ask, “Why?” The results from [...]

The Transparent Library: Dear MLS Grad….

What’s the library policy on blogging and social networking for staff? Can you maintain your personal/professional blog if you accept a position? We’d urge hiring librarians to encourage new staffers to continue their blogging or participation in social networks.

Does the library employ vertical teams for planning and implementation of new services? Can new hires [...]

The Transparent Library: Embracing Service to Teens

MS: Comments on my blog ranged from the forward-thinking, right-up-Ranganathan’s alley and the “Anonymous” who said, “Of course that crap should be banned” to the thoughtful critique and commentary of Ian McKinney from cutting-edge Allen County Public Library, Fort Wayne, IN. He reminds us the problem was specific kids, not technology. Indeed, I worry the [...]

The Transparent Library: Measuring Progress

Adopting a new technology can be fun, whether it’s Web 2.0 applications like Drupal or cutting-edge technologies like RFID. It can be seductive to watch these tools used by other library systems. We’ve seen many “cool tools” presentations at conferences that play up the wonders of Twitter, FriendFeed, or Facebook apps.

However cool these new [...]

What are those Michaels up to?

What are those Michaels up to? | Originally uploaded by cindiann

A personal shout out to my writing partner at LJ Mr. Michael Casey. We never get to see each other in person, so hanging out at CIL was pretty darn cool. Thanks to Cindi of the incredible photography skills as well for capturing [...]

The Transparent Library: Cheers & Jeers

Cheers to the many librarians who have joined the local and global conversation via blogs, wikis, Flickr, and other social networks. The expression of shared ideas, feedback, and solutions furthers the professional discourse.

Jeers to IT departments that still hide behind “it’s not secure,” “we can’t support that,” and technology plans/decisions made without involving librarians [...]

For the Front Liners (and everyone else)

 It’s often a hurdle to get library administrators and managers to listen to your concerns and views. But there are ways. And we believe this advice holds true for everyone on the desk, from reference librarians to support staff…..

….Tap into reports. Some 30 percent of folks polled for OCLC’s 2005 report Perceptions of Libraries [...]

The Transparent Library: Coping with Anonymity

Picture this: your library has launched a visionary long-range reorganization plan that sparks an anonymous, critical blog from staff members. Or your library appears in an anonymous YouTube or Flickr extravaganza that targets your authoritarian signage, unfriendly staff, and dirty public restrooms. Or your soon-to-be-launched web revamp is reviewed on an employee’s personal blog [...]