This column is based on my contributions to our workshop at Next Library 2017. How do we “build a librarian” for 21st-century information work? It’s an ongoing discussion in libraries and LIS programs that has many sides and a range of opinion. Some argue that while library school offers the foundations, theories, and service concepts of the profession, on-the-job experience seasons the information professional for doing the work. I would argue it is a mix of all of these things and more. How do we insure the folks serving our varied constituents have the skill sets and attitudes required? Submitted […]
Contributors Michael Stephens
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At Next Library 2017 in Aarhus, Denmark at the incredible Dokk1 library, I co-hosted a workshop with Mylee Joseph and Jan Holmquist. I also did an Ignite session called “The Heart of Librarianship.” Download the Ignite Session slides. (I planned the talk with a mind map style diagram to help keep me on track – download the slides too if interested.) The video above highlights that experience – I was absolutely honored to be interviewed. Thanks Next Library! Selected “Office Hours” columns cited: Seek a Challenge Talk About Compassion Dream. Explore. Experiment. Color Me Curious Library as Classroom Library Emoji Learning […]
Confession: I have neglected my duty as a library leader. With more than 10 years of experience working in three different types of libraries, and a multitude of specialized training under belt, I have neglected to strategically bring my library support staff into the conversation and up to speed on today’s public library services scene. I am running circulation similarly to that of a grocer: smile, scan, and say goodbye. As a supervisor I must find ways to open the conversation and empower my staff to be a part of the ever-changing library community. How much more empowering would it […]
Note from Michael: Here’s an example of student work from this past school year. This post got lost in TTW drafts – Sorry Red! 🙂 Megan Bergeron, or Red as she prefers to be called, currently works in retail and is working on her Master’s degree in Library Science at San José State University. She loves anything to do with technology, learning, and fandom and is currently trying to specialize in digital services and emerging technologies. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and two cats, Flynn and Archer.
From Michael: Greetings all! I am thrilled to be traveling to Denmark next week for the Next Library Conference in Aarhus at the Dokk1 library. One of the most resonating statements I have heard in recent years came from Dokk1’s Marie Østergård at PLA in 2016: “We don’t hire for librarians or nonlibrarians but based on competencies,” Østergård said. “You must be ready to work hard and meet people all day.” I am looking forward to sharing some ideas about skills and mindset in a workshop I am co-teaching with Jan Holmquist, Assistant Library Director, Guldborgsund Public Library in Denmark and Mylee […]
My new column is up at Library Journal exploring the impact of podcasts and how libraries can respond. What do I listen to now? More than a few folks shared this sentiment online in the days following the release of “S-Town,” a podcast hosted by Brian Reed and created by the producers of “Serial” and “This American Life.” It topped ten million–plus downloads within four days of release. I binged all seven episodes over spring break and found the series to be a moving, insightful, and well-conceived piece of audio journalism. Podcasting has experienced a renaissance of content, production values, […]
I was honored to serve on the expert panel for the 2017 Horizon Report Library Edition. Please download the report and take a look.
Just a note to say how much I appreciate this programming idea from Anythink Libraries: One kind word can warm three winter months To help spread kindness and compassion throughout the community, Anythink will host the One Kind Word Project this Feb. 6-11, 2017. Inspired by a Japanese proverb – One kind word can warm three winter months – this weeklong initiative invites community members to write notes of kindness to strangers. Materials for creating these custom cards will be provided at each Anythink location, where they will then be collected and distributed to organizations across Adams County in an […]
Friends in the library world. I am thrilled to support Loida Garcia-Febo for ALA President. Please take a look at her campaign site for more. I am pleased to endorse Loida for ALA President. I have followed her work with the association and other international groups for some time. Loida recognizes the importance of inclusive service for everyone, and to do that we must advocate for ourselves, our institutions and our users. She also recognizes we must also develop our own skills and policies as the nature of information and access to information continues to evolve. I am confident her […]
I am honored to be a guest on the Circulating Ideas podcast! Steve chats with Dr. Michael Stephens, Assistant Professor in the School of Information at San Jose State University and author of The Heart of Librarianship. He also writes the monthly column “Office Hours” for Library Journal. SHOW NOTES: Tame the Web The Heart of Librarianship The Transparent Library “Talk About Compassion” (Office Hours) “Dream, Explore, Experiment” (Office Hours) “Adopt or Adapt” (Office Hours) “The Hygge State of Mind” (Office Hours) And for all the folks out there who may need something to soothe their soul: