At ALA TechSource: http://www.techsource.ala.org/blog/2007/01/the-academic-library-20-model-an-ala-ts-blog-interview-with-michael-c-habib.html It also fascinates me to see how Michael approached his coursework, building that “virtual librarian’s” skill set. He writes on his About Page: I plan to develop online communities and services that promote the idea of digital library as place. Like physical libraries, digital libraries need to be community centers, collaborative study spaces, meeting spaces, etc. In addition, I plan to train library users to use new technologies and information resources. To accomplish these goals, I have gained experience in traditional library services as well as chat and instant messaging reference services. Through my coursework, I […]
Contributors Michael Stephens
4147 posts
The Inquiring Librarian writes: http://inquiringlibrarian.blogspot.com/2006/12/true-confessions.html I recently checked out David Allen’s Getting things done from my local public library, thinking I could use a little help calming down the craziness that my life seems to have turned in to. Probably predictably, I turned it in late having only read the first 2 chapters. Oh, well. In light of this and other related events, I’ve been thinking a bit about what I do get done and why. I believe I’ve been spoiled by having jobs for a number of years now where I find the work interesting. It’s a whole lot […]
Elmhurst College student Kyle Jones riffs on the fact I have office hours at Corner Bakery in downtown Chicago on Mondays and how students might find a special place to do their required reading, including the library. http://www.thecorkboard.org/blog/?p=40 I would love for my students to try different reading environments and explore the atmospheres. Take your daunting novel to a Caribou Coffee (where I am currently at, writing this post), grab a cup of joe, and find your own little corner. Or, develop a spot in the local public library you can call your own (I call dibs on the children’s […]
David Warlick would like your elevator speeches about the value of librarians! http://davidwarlick.com/2cents/2007/01/29/who-needs-em/ While at the National School Boards Association Conference the other day, more than one school board member came up to me, a tech guy, and asked, “We’re trying desperately to find ways to deal with budget crunches. With all of these computers and access to online information, do we really need librarians or libraries any more?” This is one of those questions that I absolutely love to hear — if I have an hour to answer. It’s a question that I hate, if I only have a […]
http://www.mchron.net/site/edublog.php?id=P3407 From Indiana University South Bend Professor Ken Smith, who blogs about weblogs in higher education: A little theory of blogging. Here goes: somebody creates a new tool or technique, such as blogging. In time, some people realize that it is powerful, and they make it a way of life for themselves as individuals, then as members of a small community. As the community grows, a culture is created, which solidifies the power in the lives of many people, even if they are still a small portion of a wider society. Some educators see the power, so they teach their […]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYwoHCdIDKU The second installment of the ACPL videos (iACPL2.0) finds the IT Guy and the Librarian realizing they have a common goal. I just realized how useful these videos might be for staff meetings or for class. Great discussion starters. Kudos!
http://www.startribune.com/789/story/963043.html The library board plans to vote next month on a proposal to install Internet filters on more than 1,000 computers in its 26 libraries. Hennepin County libraries are the only ones in Minnesota that don’t already use filters, said board Secretary Holly Guncheon. Currently, the library relies on staff members to enforce rules against displaying offensive material, said Janet Leick, operations director. That’s a poor use of staff time and sometimes leads to confrontations when patrons refuse to log off offensive sites, she said. State law allows libraries to use filters to protect children from viewing “harmful” material, Leick […]
http://www.internet-librarian.com/CallForSpeakers.shtml The Call for Speakers is out for Internet Librarian International, October 8-9, 2007 in London, England! I have attended, spoken at this conference, and worked on the advisory committee the past few years. This is one heck of a fun and informative meeting. Consider submitting a proposal. Take a look at some Flickr shots from last year: http://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelsphotos/tags/ili2006/
I think the best part of conferences for me play out as conversations. I remember the threads of conversation at ALA 2005 very well. This year, at MidWinter, I was honored to be included in a lunch meeting hosted by the folks at Darien Library in Darien, CT. (They hosted Library Camp East last year.) In the 90 minutes I was there, on the 29th floor of the Grand Hyatt overlooking Elliot Bay and the Puget Sound, the conversation not only enlightened me but challenged me as well. Hosted by Louise & John Berry and Alan Gray, the lunch was […]
Technology Made Simple Originally uploaded by mstephens7. I just received my copy and have only started the first chapter but KUDOOS to Bolan and Cullin for a useful, straightforward technology guide that includes bits about 21st Century library statistics and the value of training. Aimed at medium and small libraries, the book and companion Web site at (get ready for a long ALA URL folks) http://www.ala.org/ala/ourassociation/publishing/alaeditions/webextras/technologymadesimple/technologymadesimple.htm are most useful, especially at combining classic IT stuff with a dash of 2.0 goodness. Disclaimer: I provided the authors with documents and information about IT at SJCPL during their writing process and met […]