FINAL PROJECT

The following is a link to an instrumental document regarding the basics of public libraries. Though there is a brief introduction to other types of libraries (academic and school) the main focus of use is for the general public library patron. The function of library catalogs and how to do a basic search for library items in various forms is covered. A brief introduction to call numbers is also mentioned.

The back side, middle column of the brochure is designated for a listing of sources that were used to help create this document.

Again, this document is a general tool for the basics of the library. Thank you.

http://lib.lbcc.edu/laney/lib204/lucero.pdf

One thing (oops) a small sentence was cut off the left-back side column regarding the general rules when searching the web for online resources. Here is what it should read like: "

Is the source up to date? A source may seem great, but if it was written during a different era, it might not be very useful for today (unless it is a factual historical document)."

Blog#9

Oh no! Our last blog!

I honestly don't think I will continue to blog (at least not on this Blog....lol). I would like to keep this blog set up for school work/postings, but perhaps I will venture to some other form of posting my thoughts - don't know where, but will find something. I wouldn't say I've hated Blogging, but I did just want to keep things posted school oriented. In the past I have not really like posting my view points on issues to the public, but have learned to be a little less harsh on myself and ideals and don't mind scrutiny (though I never really was judged based on my comments...except for my graded assignments- lol).

As for the future of referennce services - they will constantly increase in need and technology. I agree with this week's readings that there will always be a need for reference services dispite their individual forms. I envision over the next 10 years, that in the world of libraries, there will be an increase in users and a higher need for reference sources. Kids at even young ages will be turnign to web for reference sources. Other patron's needs will need to be met via the web, but the need for libraries in general will go hand in hand with its users, whether they be young children, students, seniors, or just the avid reader.

My hope is that I will have a place in children's services among the future of libraries, I also hope to exceed library user's needs in now and in the future.

Blog #8

Reflecting on the past readings and discussion of this course, I think what I find even more valuable than the type of resources out there and readily available to users, is the skills needed in order to communicate effectively. I think in library careers (as in a lot of other professions) personnel may have impeccable knowledge on a given subject, but maybe lack people skills or just are not great communicators. I think it is very important in any learning environment, that the educators be willing and able to convey clear, concise messages.

It is true that one of the major responsibilities of a library is to instruct the patrons in using library resources (such as online databases or how to search the Internet). However, even in this course, a majority of these teachings/lessons are online. This is of course great for, not only students, but in other forms of library instruction (ie webinars for library staff), and to the average library patron.

So, in thinking about library instruction, what's going on? Well, personally I have participated in library instruction as a student and patron, and in a work setting, outside of this class. As a student, I have used various online guides on how to use different catatlogs, online tutorials, and/or resources. My conclusion to these online tutorials; is that if they weren't well written or prepared in a user friendly fashion (aka communicated the messages directly), I would have been frustrated or confused as to how to use them.

The assignments in this class have definitely prepared me for the prospect of teaching others. Not only do I know the importance of learning and the steps it takes to clearly convey messages, but I have experience as a learner. I know the importance of communication both by being a student, and a user to database searches. I do feel I have learned how to use library resources better as a result of this class, as well as other library classes taken at LBCC. I can envision teaching library skills to patrons in my line of library business, because, I can absorb what forms of resources are available, apply their individual uses (by personal use) and take what I learn to a different and higher level by relaying those uses to others. It also is a one up for me that I am a people person and like to educate others.

Bolg #7

BLOG REFLECTION #7 TOPICMost definitely over the past few weeks we have come across and used various resources for statistical data and/or factual information. Knowing where to look for what is a lot more comforting than not knowing where to go say to determine the poverty rate of a third world country. It takes practice and help from other sources in order to obtain the skills it takes to be a good researcher. The conclusion I’ve come up with, is that it helps to be on the other side of the reference desk in order to completely understand a researches needs, frustrations, and how to go about getting the answer(s) needed.
For instance, I now know that most websites w/a URL ending in .gov is most likely a reputable source. Like The World Factbook on the CIA’s website (fyi-answers to obscure third world questions can be found here!). We've also used other various resources put together by government agencies (again the .gov ending) to research statistics and country information around the world.
We've also used websites such as http://www.lii.org to search for other reputable sources. Just simply knowing this website exists is a great start to finding other means of locating an answer to a particle research question and/or topic. Applying this knowledge and actually using the various sources w/in the website has helped put ease into the whole research process. I now know other reference sources outside of an Almanac and Dictionary. It’s great and empowering. I not only know who to help myself, but I know how to help others as well.
Knowing where to go is great and has allowed me to have gained confidence in my quest to use various ref. sources in order to adequately help a patron in need.
So, if I had to instruct a patron who wanted to use electronic/Internet resources for researching a topic, I first get a feel for the extent of the patron’s computer skills and/or familiarity w/the databases offered. I would do this by asking prompting questions (Have you used our databases before? Do you have a library card? Have you accessed any databases at home?) etc. Once I get a feel for the patron’s comfort level, I would then precede the research process by guiding the patron while they take the driver seat. Based on the type of research I would give a short tutorial on what the various databases contain (very brief, but I would already know what the research topic is/was by asking and then proceed to an relevant source from there).
I would recommend (in the following order) the various sources below:

1) Subscription research databases offered through library access such as Facts on File, Gale, etc. – tons of info. for a wide variety of research topics
2) Government sponsored (.gov) data and information websites – depending of course on the type of research topic – great for simple facts re. the U.S. and /or World
3) ProQuest or another electronic journal/newspaper index such as EBSCO – great for past periodicals or event specific research topics
4) LII.org -- great for finding reputable sources based on various catagories
5) Encyclopedia Brittanica.com subscription offered through library access
6) Encyclopedia.com – only if answer is not found anywhere else
7) Searching via their favorite search engine *
8) Wikipedia -- Not recommended!
*This can be dangerous, but if an answer can be obtained from Yahoo or Google via a reputable source w/in the search…than its ok. I think doing this takes skill and practice to ensure the sources contain accurate information.

Blog#6

I do feel a bit overwhelmed by the amount of resources we've used and experienced in this course. However, I am excited about all of the information I've come across that is so readily available (that I really didn't take the time to realize was there).
So, are the homework research questions driving me crazy? Kind of....ok, yes, but only the ones I have a hard time answering/finding. Sounds terrible, but it is the honest truth and way of my researching madness.
I find myself wanting to instantly Google the searches I am having difficulty with finding elsewhere, but I try to allow myself to at least look at 4 to 5 different sources (print and online) before I given to the Google temptation.
For instance, in the last homework assignment, I had some difficulty locating an answer to one of the biographic questions. All I had to go one was the person's name and the fact that it was a man (because it referred to the person as he in the "write what he is known for" statement). So, I looked at all the online encyclopedia sources I knew of, then the Fact Finder website, then I went to printed sources (again encyclopedias and biographical items)....and nothing. So, I gave into to Google... and behold, I found my answer. Did I think the source was reputable? Kind of, only because it was a historical society. Otherwise, my only other option was the infamous Wikipedia. lol

For the most part I do cringe at some of the searches we have to do, but I am really trying my best to make the most of the research and reference aspect of this course. I want to be able to be able to help patrons to the best of my ability in my line of work (and honestly, I want to know where to find things for myself as well).

Project 2: Proposal to create Reference Library

Dear President of this proposal and Board Members,

Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the Creating New Libraries grant. I am sure you will find Joe Six Pack Library a wonderful place for the public to again enjoy reading. Our new library is a public library with the intended user to be the youth in the small, yet mighty town of Ada, Oklahoma. This library will allow expanded learning opportunities through programs and services for the youth of Ada that encourage reading, learning, and cultural diversity understanding; through a strong reference collection and services that will provide timely and accurate information in a variety of formats.

Since the nearest recognizable cities are Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (90 minutes away) and Dallas, Texas (3 hours away), the need for an innovative and new library in the small progressive City of Ada. Known as a great town for businesses to expand, (http://www.adaworks.org/Default.aspx) the residents of this small town passed a sales tax to help increase economic opportunities. This allowed the workforce competitive pay and new opportunities to grow and develop. With just over 16,500 residents (U.S. Census Bureau Fact Finder, http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/SAFFPopulation?_event=Search&_name=ada&_state=04000US40&_county=ada&_cityTown=ada&_zip=&_sse=on&_lang=en&pctxt=fph), the population is primarily white (almost 74%) and American Indian (just at 15 %). Twenty five percent of Ada residents age 25 and older have a bachelor’s or advanced college degree, while 79% is a High School graduate or higher. (http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/SAFFFacts?_event=Search&geo_id=&_geoContext=&_street=&_county=ada&_cityTown=ada&_state=04000US40&_zip=&_lang=en&_sse=on&pctxt=fph&pgsl=010&show_2003_tab=&redirect=Y).
Though Ada is a hopeful city with many possibilities for businesses to one day expand, it is currently a home of industries such as manufacturing, service, and high-tech sectors (Ada’s city website: http://www.adaok.com/demographics.htm). The three main industries in Ada are: Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting; manufacturing; Government workers (local, state, and/or federal). With a high desire to better educate themselves, Ada residents currently have two public libraries within the city limits: the East Central University Library (academic) and the Hugh Warren Memorial Library. The East Central University Library is housed at the four-year college (City of Ada website: http://www.adaok.com/demographics.htm) and thus is not all that beneficial to children. It is open Monday – Thursday from 8 a.m. – 10 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., and Sunday 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. A special note is posted on the College’s website, http://www.ecok.edu/library/information/hours.asp, states that “there is no Reference help from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. on Thursdays or anytime on Saturdays.
The Hugh Warren Memorial Library is a great public library. It is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (http://www.adapl.okpls.org/) however, since it is the only library that is open to the public, there is a need for an additional public library due to the demands of the schools and increasing children’s population. There are 17 schools in Ada, (http://oklahoma.publicschoolsreport.com/schools/OK/Ada.html), ten elementary schools (only one serving Preschool to First grade students), three junior high schools, three high schools, and one college.

The Joe Six Pack Library will be a brand new, state of the art library in this town with expanded hours of operation to help not only school-aged children and any daytime users, but to also offer more study and research opportunities to students from middle school through college. The new library will be opened from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday – Friday, Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. These hours of operation should supplement the other two library’s hours and also be a little more inviting than the college library for the upper grade level students that may currently have to go to the college library for reference/research.
Some services that will be provided to the new library’s users will include a reference/research center, an interlibrary loan department to borrow and loan library materials to the other two libraries within in the town of Ada, and a professional and friendly support center that will be updated with accurate and timely reference sources.

The Joe Six Pack Library staff believe in the motto that the patron comes first with a strong emphasis on supplying great customer service. The reference staff, clerical staff, and shelving staff, as well as volunteers will be the best fit for the library visitors. The staff will be amiable and approachable to all library users.

The reference area of the Joe Six Pack Library will be located in the middle of the library and serve all library patrons. The central access point of the reference desk will be circular in shape instead of a traditional desk facing one direction. The design of the reference desk is to help welcome any users to take advantage of the services available at the desk and the surrounding reference collection. Typical reference materials will include the most recent True Value Summaries, consumer guides (i.e. Car and Driver books, Kelly Bluebooks), almanacs, encyclopedias, subject specific encyclopedias, statistical data books, dictionaries and thesauri, atlases & maps, yearbooks, local documents, library and information science items (i.e. Library Journals and The New York Public Library Desk Reference, Decoding the Universe: How the New Science of Information Is Explaining Everything in the Cosmos, from Our Brains to Black Holes by Charles Seife), genealogy and family history items (The American Resting Place: 400 Years of History Through Our Cemeteries and Burial Grounds by Marilyn Yalom), college catalogs, phonebooks, and much, much more.

Caddy corner to the reference desk will be various online public access computers for patrons to use to browse the library collections on their own and/or to take advantage of the online subscriptions to various databases available to library card holders. These public access computers will be separate from the internet stations/computer area of the library. The types of online databases will include Ebscohost, Grolier online, Worldbook Online Reference, Heritage Quest, Opposing Viewpoints, Novelist, etc. Another service that will also be available will be online homework help, an “Ask a Librarian” feature, and downloadable audiobooks for an overall library 2.0 experience.

With this grant, all of these amazing features would become reality and allow the wonderful residents of Ada an opportunity to continue to grow educationally and have additional resources for them at every level of necessity. From school-aged children to adults trying to sell their vehicle, all patrons will have a chance to enjoy this state-of-the-art library. Thank you for your consideration of this grant proposal. I and the residents of Ada, anxiously await your response.


Sincerely,



My First Name & Last Name
Library Designer Extraordinaire

Blog#5

I indeed have been introduced to many new resources over the past few weeks, many resources that are readily available on the Internet. I think that if I had used Google to search for statistics or country profiles that, I would not have found any of the resources we've used in our class thus far. I have a hard enough time finding the information I need through our school's library databases and or other databases subscribed by the local libraries I have been using. Point being, there is A LOT of information out there and I don't have the time to weed through 1,00s of hits/links if I were to conduct a Google or other search engine search on the web.

So, how do people researching statistics and biographical information determine if the information they have found on the Internet is accurate? Well, that depends. If the information is from an on-line source, my recommendation would be to pay close attention to the type of website. Safer to use/trust websites for stats in particular would be those ending in .gov or .edu (i.e. http://www.fedstats.gov/, http://www.bls.gov/bls/other.htm).

In doing this blog, I came across a good evaluating websites for accuracy website: http://lib.nmsu.edu/instruction/evalcrit.html. Check it out. See how it ends in .edu? It is a scholarly website. Or try this one, from Cornell (it is more esthetically pleasing with the chart layout): http://www.library.cornell.edu/olinuris/ref/research/webcrit.html.

The info available on the web is not only overwhelming, but sometimes ridiculous. Try to stick to familiar websites that would steer you away from your academic goal, and all should be fine. Or, of course, go to the Ref. section of your local library and eliminate a lot of your worry. (I just did a plug for us library peeps, in case you didn't notice. ;)