http://zenhabits.net/2008/02/17-unbeatable-ways-to-create-a-peaceful-relaxed-workday/ Some favorites: Cut out meetings. If you have the ability to opt out of meetings, do so. They are generally a waste of time. Sure, it’s possible that a meeting is the most productive way to do something, but it’s rarely done. Usually the point of a meeting could be accomplished with email, or an IM. Cutting out meetings could free up a lot of time and make your workday more relaxed. Roll with the punches. There will always be things that go wrong. What is important is how we react to them — do we go all Drama […]
Categories Library Jobs & Careers
285 posts
Richard Wallis reports: 2007 Library Journal Mover & Shaker, Nicole C. Engard known for her work at Jenkins Law Library and more recently Princeton Theological Seminary Library, is on the move in to a new and interesting role. Nicole is joining LibLime, the library Open Software company behind Koha, as their Open Software Evangelist. In this Talking with Talis show, I talk with Nicole about her career so far, the challenge of her new role, and her rear view of the library systems landscape. Click here to listen: http://blogs.talis.com/panlibus/archives/2008/02/open_source_eva.php I think we should watch developments such as this very closely. […]
Karl Fisch, at the Fischbowl (a staff development blog for high school teachers), summarizes the report “How Should Colleges Assess and Improve Student Learning?” http://tinyurl.com/2n5544 This stuff always intrigues because I want to make sure we are doing the right things in class. Fisch provides his summary via a multiple choice question: So, let me summarize (bias alert! bias alert!) via a single multiple choice question: 1. According to this report: a. Grades are pretty much a non-factor in the hiring process. b. Multiple choice tests are an unreliable predictor of success. c. Employers are pretty much satisfied with the […]
http://www.wired.com/culture/culturereviews/magazine/16-02/su_dontsuck (Thanks to Librarian 1.5 for the heads up.)
Some synchronicity: http://librariansmatter.com/blog/2008/01/15/emerging-technologies-specialist/ Kathryn Greenhill notes her new job title: Emerging Technologies Specialist — Actually, the contract says “Librarian – Emerging Technologies” – but we’re still sorting that bit out… I’m still at Murdoch University and based in the library. The position is funded 50% by the library and 50% by central IT, and covers more than just the library. (snip) I report to the chair of the Learning Technologies Steering Group . The LTSG is a University Committee that looks at existing systems like WebCt and Turnitin, but is also the group where Web2.0 types of technologies are examined […]
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 before the library goes public. Hypothetical? No. Such events, which have occurred at various libraries, can make for difficult and stressful times. Are they entirely negative? Can transparency and anonymity coexist? Is it better to turn a blind eye to the conversation playing out online? Read […]
Working with technology in an ever-changing environment can certainly create stress. Here are some helpful hints for those times: http://www.rd.com/content/37-stress-management-tips/
http://liblime.com/news-items/press-releases/nicole-c-engard-joins-liblime/ “Nicole’s passion for open source is inspiring,” says Joshua Ferraro, CEO of LibLime. “We’re excited to have Nicole fill this critical role of Open Source Evangelist, increasing awareness and facilitating education about open source in both the physical and virtual library communities.” “I honestly believe the future of libraries is in open source,” says Nicole. “Libraries are at a pivotal point – things are changing rapidly around them – among them the traditional software and service models. Open Source software and the companies that support these packages allow libraries a freedom that they haven’t had in years. It is […]
Helene Blowers blogs that the Salt Lake City Public Library is looking for a director, including: …application instructions for the newly reopened Salt Lake City Public Library’s director search — Your application “package should include a paper resume and directions to your digital presence, blog, or social networking Web site” — you can definitely see a shift is occurring. In my presentations for the last year or so I’ve been talking about the shift in LIS jobs and urging folks to get ready for the time when director or administrative duties will including use of social tools. That time is […]
The “To Do” list for transparency is simple but requires commitment from administrators and staff and a willingness to learn from failure. While the list mostly fits all sizes, note that the challenges in achieving the first two items are faced mainly by medium and large libraries. The list Give your staff multiple avenues for open communication, including internal blogs and vertical teams. Visit front-line staff regularly. Cross-train staff so they have a sense of what their fellow front-line workers do all day. Encourage new ideas and the hearing of ideas among all levels of staff and with the public. […]