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seem great, but if it was written during a different era, it might not be very useful for today (unless it is a factual historical document)."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. ;)

Blog reflection #4

First of all, I would not want the responsibility for the decision of what to budget for a ref. collection. With that, however, I would try to think first and foremost for the specific library users. For instance, some things I would need to figure out first, is if a majority of our library patrons have computers at home and how many of them actually log on to our lib. website to search its catalog or take advantage of the online subscriptions that are already posted.
Then, of course, I would analyze how many "in-house" patrons use the O-Pacs our library issued computer stations for research/database purposes.
Even though I am a little biased toward printed material vs. electronic, I think if I was given a budget and the responsibility of purchasing ref. materials, I would definitely have some initial research to do. This would enable me to figure out, and balance how much, and what kind of printed items would need to be ordered, and what types of online subscriptions should be purchased that would best benefit the library user.
I also think that some (and I mean some) online ref. sources are more efficient than printed ones. For example, if I were to purchase an entire new set of encyclopedias each year or billing cycle, would they circulate or really just be used as ref. items? If the later, than I think patrons (including myself) would benefit more my logging into the lib. website to use their online sources from home or at the library. Why? It is just easier to type, click and type than to drive down to the lib. to find that the book needed cannot be checked out. That is my theory anyway.
So print v. electronic references....50/50. I guess it depends on the library, it demographic, users and technology based patrons.

Project 1, Lib. #204

The Angelo M. Iacoboni is one branch of many County of Los Angeles Public Libraries. The Iacoboni library is located on the corner of Clark Ave. and Del Amo Blvd, at 4990 Clark Ave. Lakewood, CA 90712. The library hours are Monday – Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Though, the Angelo M. Iacoboni Library, is just a smaller branch of a large county public library, it serves a big community. There is another small L.A. County Public library in Lakewood, the George Nye Jr. Library, but the Iacoboni Library is on the cusp of Long Beach and Lakewood and nearby Bellflower. The Iacoboni library is also considered a Federal Depository for federal documents and is also a depository for California documents. Most branches (at least to my understanding) do not carry or hold such items. There are seven total libraries in the County of Los Angeles system that are considered Federal Depositories, out of about 88+ branches.
From what I observed during a recent visit to the Iacoboni Library, the typical patron is a just a typical public library visitor; either students (grade school through college) there to study or for an assignment, an elder person looking for the daily periodicals, parents with young children to visit the children’s department for picture books, etc.
The reference desk or, “information” desk as posted, is a straight shot down a short walkway from the entrance. The reference area is located to the left of the desk along with three or four, four-seated tables. Near the end of the reference section, sandwiched in between the reference collection and the non-fiction area are 12 internet stations. There are three 15 minute internet stations, and the remaining nine are for one hour use. The internet computers can be used by anyone that holds a County of LA Public Library card and an assigned pin number. Reservations must be made for all internet stations at the front/circulation desk. Reservations are on a first come, first serve basis. Tough I did not reserve an internet computer, it seemed as though there are no limitations once logged on. Of course, if I recited the internet use policy in its entirety, this report would be even longer than it is. The policy is similar to that of any public library in that minors are at risk, and therefore should be accompanied by an adult and no downloaded software to the computers.
There are 12 public access computers with the library’s online catalog to the right of the reference desk. These are available for all library users. All of the 12 computers have individual HP DeskJet printers attached to them, yet I forgot to find out if prints from the OPACs were free. The online catalog is very easy to use and navigate. I did this both from home and at Iacoboni during this visit. One thing I did notice, and I have yet to form a conclusion as to whether or not I liked, is that once any items is searched, the results vary. For instance, I looked up a book on CD title and the results showed there were “8” copies of the title. However, once I clicked on the availability tab, it showed that there are “8” different LA Public Library locations that have the title. I wanted to just know if it was available at the library I was visiting without knowing what other branches had a copy checked out or not.

The Iacoboni Library/ County of LA Public Library has many online databases, magazine and newspaper indexes and also has various online resources for users including, Proquest, News Bank, Los Angeles Times, World Book online reference center, Reference USA, the list goes on.
One feature I really like about the online services through Iacoboni Library/ County of LA Public Library is the Overdrive Audio Book collection, which is a collection of downloadable books on tape/CD.
As for the human touch of the library, well the reference staff is typical of public library staff. A two-person staffed desk, one older, one younger librarian, and one friendlier /more approachable than the other. I asked a question regarding the use of the internet stations and got a generic answer to what must be one of the more frequently asked questions. I kept the library interview in mind when approaching the librarian and I was a bit surprised that I was not asked a follow up question, nor was I prompted with “is that all” or “are you finding everything alright”…etc.
As I was browsing, I did notice another staff member come up to the librarians and asked if they could help him find something. I overheard the three of them joking, so I figured the desk staff is friendly enough. Also observed was that when there is a line at the ref. desk, the librarians ding a bell that is at the desk and a library shelver will then come up to the desk and search for an item that was recently looked up by the librarian. I thought that was interesting to say the least. I have heard of some staff having headsets while the librarians have two-way radios and get called to search for a particular item (Cerritos for instance), but not the use of a bell.
As for handout materials, well, I grabbed a couple handouts. One was a tri-fold of dewey classifications for quick subject searches in the stacks and one was how to access the libraries databases from home. I did not see any posting for any tutorial type classes, but there are a lot of online guides. There is of course children's programs and after school homework help offered.
There are definite strengths at this particular library, again, the federal depository being one of them. The other is the overly organized website for the County of LA Public Library in general. I think that the County of LA Public Library web resources recently went through some major re-modifications, and I think it worked to their advantage. Their branches may be small, but are overall very informative and in a broader sense (online) have a lot to offer. The Iacoboni Library/ County of LA Public Library website is very 2.0, as it includes guided tours (i.e. for the digital media/iPod downloads of audio books), ask a librarian, and check out assistance, live homework help, etc.

Lib. #204, Blog # 3

WikiWhat?

Ok, so I've learned how not to be so quick to look information up just by paying a visit to wikipedia, but has anyone else? Yes, but perhaps not our younger batch of students. Is this a "bad" habit? According to some that answer would be yes. According to me, well I think it is more of a learned habit. What? Well, I think that we (students, non-student, people with computer access in general) want quick solutions. So, I think that we have all just learned to do easy keyword search engine searches, all the while, disregarding that some of these quick & easy answers may be inaccurate.

So, what are my solutions...hold on, let me Google one...JUST KIDDING! :)

Well, since I believe that the quick and easy approach to solutions/answers is learned, I guess it can be un-learned. How? Well, I think that will have to be done in parts. I think younger generations will have even more access to the www and that parents and teachers will have to educate them on the importance of accuracy. Teachers can suggest possible alternatives for research assignments, such as using a library catalog to retrieve information.

Perhaps for libraries, free courses on the dangers of false information may seem to be a good fix. I know a lot of library personnel that would disagree (or just not want to have to teach on the subject), but if we want the general public to utilize our resources, I think it would be a good idea. After all, most public libraries offer basic introductory computer classes for free. Why not have intermediate or even advanced levels for researching?

Otherwise, we are stuck with quick fixes and false information.

Lib. #204, Blog # 2

Reflection, not yet relaxation!?!

My reflection of regarding the readings over the last few weeks varies. On one hand, I am very familiar with the topics and even enjoy the reads. I currently work in a library and have worked in a variety of public libraries in the past (5 in fact). So, some of the articles regarding real life scenarios intrigue me. I have not had the experience of working in an academic library setting; I feel if I had, I would have a little more understanding of some of the higher tech. stuff. On the other hand, a couple (ok, mainly just one- the 2.0 stuff) has me feeling a little uneasy. I often refer to my interest in library and info. science as my “nerd alert”! and nerd alert indeed some of the past readings have been. The article on the library 2.0 was not at all an easy read for me. Perhaps I need to brush up on my vocab. Or, perhaps, all these terms will become less Greek to me the further I get into similar reads. Here’s to later.
One thing I learned that can be implemented in the library I work at is a “ask a librarian” feature. As far as I know, we don’t have a forum for remote reference needs.
My thoughts regarding the value of the library to patrons (as captured in one of my other blog ramblings) is always, that the library is one of the only things free for public use left in our communities. The library does not charge admission. Not only that, but the library and all it has to offer is educational based….and free. I will always firmly believe libraries are a treasure to all who decide to use them.
So, what should libraries be working toward in the coming years? From what I gather from my readings, anything 2.0 related! J Meaning, I know that not everybody is as passionate about libraries the way I am. People/patrons are increasing wanting/needing info. on demand and want to do so from the luxury of home. So, I do believe a more interpersonal means of relaying information will be necessary in the coming years. This can be done either by relaying info. via email, internet, blogs, and so forth, will need to be an important library resource in the years to come. Though, don’t get me wrong…we will still NEED librarians to help assist us and to make such resources available.

Library 204 - Blog reflection #1

BLOG REFLECTION #1 TOPIC
This is a previous blog I set-up for my Lib. 3 course. This is as far as my blogging experience goes. It was a lot less difficult than I initially thought it would be. In fact, I think it is as easy as emailing, it is just public. Sadly, I do not have any blogs I read on a regular basis. I was really busy last semester, but I would like to start "blog searching" and see what is out there to read. My opinions on blogging vary. I sometimes feel they are a little invasive, but I guess it is up to the blogger on the contents of their blog(s)...duh. On the other hand, I think a lot of people out there probably have some interesting stuff to blog about and think blogs are a form of entertainment. I see some value to utilizing blogs in a library environment. I am not sure if opinions can be considered of use in any type of research, but again, a form of entertainment...yes.
WEEK 1 experience in our online learning environment. Nothing surprising...not yet anyway. Nothing disappointing yet either, but hoping it will stay that way. I am open-minded and optimistic about this experience.

FIANLE

Library 3: FINAL PROJECT
RESEARCH GUIDE FOR ADULT ILLITERACY TRENDS IN THE UNITED STATES
Research Guide for Adult Illiteracy trends in Adult Americans

A. Overview
Adult Illiteracy trends in America is the topic chosen for this research guide. The main focus of this topic is to understand illiteracy in America, by reviewing our education system. Some questions to be answered are; why are there adult Americans with high school diplomas who don’t know how to read or write? What types of careers are available for illiterate adults? Are there programs out there to assist illiterate persons to help advance their education and careers?
One weak aspects of this topic is that there are other possible links to education levels of illiterate adults. For instance, pinpointing when or where the U.S. education system failed all illiterate Americans varies on an individual basis. It could be at the elementary school level or for some at a junior high school level or even high school. Also, other determining factors may contribute to the illiterate American. Some individuals had to work while attending school, thus making their education less of a priority. They could have come from broken homes or just from a family where English was not their primary spoken language.
There are a number of strong areas with this topic. There are a lot of research providing evidence that our educational system is lacking, causing illiteracy to go up in the United States. In fact, the federal government proved this itself by enacting the "No Child Left Behind" Act in order to try to save the entire educational system. Their passing of this legislation proves that our educational system has failed Americans and needed to be improved. Whether this was the correct answer or not has yet to be determined, but this proves that since illiteracy is so prevalent, it is caused by our educational system.

B. Library of Congress Subject Headings
Illiteracy
USE Illiteracy
Illiterate (May Subd Geog)

UF Illiterates
Illiterati

BT Persons
NT Church work with illiterate persons
Libraries and illiterate persons
Nonprofit organizations – services to illiterate persons

C. Keywords
Below are five keywords that can be used when searching library catalogs, reference sources, or online databases
Illiteracy AND American adults
Adults AND Illiteracy
Illiteracy AND Adult education
Illiteracy AND Adult literacy
Illiteracy AND Education

Some Boolean search strategies that may be helpful include:

Using "and". For example, since the topic is adult illiteracy, a good use of "and", would be to include it in the search (i.e."adults and illiteracy"). This will find all words in the search, however, they may appear in different parts of the article and in any order, though this will still narrow the search.

Using "or". "Or", will find either term and perhaps both. (For example, "adults or illiteracy"). In this case, this will broaden the search.
Using "not". "Not", will exclude a certain concept. For example, the statement "american illiteracy not children" will exclude articles containing the word "children" and make the search narrower and more focused.

D. Reference Sources
Below is a list of a few different sources that provide general descriptions regarding the topic at hand.
Hint: utilize subject specific dictionaries, encyclopedias in your library reference section.

Write a sentence describing each resource and how it relates to your topic.

The following encyclopedia is an item that is two volumes in length. There were three portions in the encyclopedia that was valuable information regarding adult literacy, including the history of illiteracy:

Barbara J. Guzzetti , eds. Literacy in America: an encyclopedia of history, theory, and practice. ABC-CLIO , 2002.

The below reference is a guide for available literacy programs in the U.S.

Machin, Stephen and Sandra McNally. The English experiment: an hour a day keeps illiteracy at bay.(national literacy programs of Britain and United States). Education Next 5.3 (Summer 2005).

The following reference source adress the "why" of illitearcy from a perpective of post World War II and onward.

The Challenge of Illiteracy: From Reflection to Action (Garland Reference Library of Social Science). Routledge; 1 edition (October 1, 1994)

E. Print Books
There a few good printed resources available on the topic of illiteracy trends with adult Americans. Below is a list of useful print resources:

The below resource is a personal approach to the topic of adult illiteracy. As stated in the title, the below book is a book that deals with the coping skills of having an adult in the same household, or parent, and how it affects the children of such circumstances.

• Rue, Nancy. Coping with an illiterate parent. New York: Rosen Pub. Group, 1990.

The two resources to follow are helpful tools in assessing adult illiteracy and also proved statistics from real case studies. Both sources are from literacy associations location in Illinois.

• GraceAnne A. Decandido, eds. Literacy & Libraries: learning from case studies/. Chicago: Office for Literacy and Outreach Services, American Library Association, 2001.
• Knell, Suzanne, Socgins Janet. Adult literacy assessment tool kit /; Illinois Literacy Resource Development Center, 2000.

The below listed book is a good source of information that deals with the politics of literacy in America. This books helps illustrate the problems as nation the United States facing when some of our own fall behind the learning curve.

• Demetrion, George. Conflicting Paradigms in Adult Literacy Education : In Quest of a U.S. Democratic Politics of Literacy. Mahwah, N.J Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc., 2005.

F. Periodicals

Below is an editorial that was published in popular magazine, the New York Times. The target audience for this article is subscribers of this popular magazine or readers intereseted in the topics posted in this particular issue.

"Illiterate Americans." Editorial. New York Times 1993 New York Sep 14, 1993: (Late Edition (East Coast)): A.24.

To follow is an article published in a scholary journal which has been reviewed by the writers peers. This article is a clinical approach, again, to the why, of the illiteracy topic.

"Degree of Illiteracy and Phonological and Metaphonological Skills in Unschooled Adults". Loureiro, Clara de Santos; Willadino Braga, Lucia; Souza, Ligia do Nascimento; Filho, Gilberto Nunes; Queiroz, Elizabeth; Dellatolas, Georges. Brain and Language, v89 n3 p499-502 Jun 2004.

Just for extra bits of knowledge, Infoweb/Newsbank holds a wealth of articles relating to literacy. Some article listed below are from differenct city's throughout the U.S. It is interestign to know that different states have similar battles as well as advocates regarding illiteracy.

Janette Rose. "Low literacy rates affect everyone in the county." Muskogee Daily Phoenix and Times-Democrat (OK) July 28, 2008, Features: NewsBank America's Newspapers. [School or Library name, City, State]. July 31, 2008. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/.

"'I'm not stupid. I just can't read.' - Adult illiteracy explored in Ashe Cultural Arts Center play." Times-Picayune, The (New Orleans, LA) July 23, 2008, LIVING: 01. NewsBank America's Newspapers. [School or Library name, City, State]. July 31, 2008. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/.

"Redouble effort now to counter illiteracy in U.S.." Daily Review, The & Sunday Review (Towanda, PA) July 5, 2008, Editorial: NewsBank America's Newspapers. [School or Library name, City, State]. July 31, 2008. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/.

G. Website Resources

The below listed website resources provide great information regarding adult illiteracy in America. The is envaluable information available form CQ researcher online. Topics available via CQ researcher are widely arrayed.

This website sources to follow were located via CQ Researcher online.

Clemmitt, Marcia. "Reading Crisis?" CQ Researcher 18.8 (2008): 169-192. <http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/cqresrre2008022200>.

Jost, Kenneth. "Testing in Schools." CQ Researcher 11.15 (2001): 321-344. CQ Researcher Online. <http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/cqresrre2001042000>.

One additioanl website to help aide in the understanding of the adult illiteracy topic is the organization: National Institute for Literacy (http://www.nifl.gov/).

5th...the final blog

My brain has expanded (luckily my head hasn't). Seriously, I've gained a wealth of knowledge taking this course. Also, this being my first online course, I will admit it was a challenge, but in a good way. I also learned great time management skills from taking this course.
I was doubtful at first that I would take anything away from it, since I would not have face-to-face interaction. After it being done with, I don't feel as though I have missed out on anything. It is actually kind of nice being able to turn on and sit at my computer to do homework and to interact at the same time. I am still happy no driving was involved with going to and from my summer school class.
Whether or not I prefer traditional classes v. online classes, well, I can't determine that. If I had a bad experience this time around I may think differently. I do feel I worked just as hard to complete assignments and stay up on the reading, so I feel as though I've been in summer school, even w/out ever going to campus. If traditional is easier/harder..I don't know. I think it depends on the course and the instructor and also on the eagerness of the student (well, and they schedules). For me school is school...it is always a struggle. ;)
One thing I do know is online learning is good/ for library research courses? Would I have come to a face-to-face open workshop if one was offered for the course? Yes, but online was fine for me as well.

BLOG#4

The video "Information R/Evolution" was a great inspiration for my thoughts re. the following blog.
So, information competency is... the ability to:
Recognize the need for information
Know where to obtain information
Choose the proper source and retrieve appropriate information
Organize, analyze, and synthesize information
Use and communicate information
Is it important? YES - for those in certain careers that depend on constant need/means for information at their finger tip and more importantly for students, now of any age.
So, what does it mean to you? It means the world to me right now, being a student in a library databases class. Being a more information competent person is also helping me/has helped me in my career by being able to locate information with better ease and efficiency.
I think an information competent student knows how to better refine searching for particular topics/subjects, etc. with the skills they have learned . A student who is less competent in the skills of a person who is information competent would have a harder time for instance doing a research project on just about any given topic. Why is this? Well, as stated above, an information competent persons has the knowledge and skills to locate and obtain information, what to do with (whether it is relevant to their topic/outdated/useful, etc), and then know what to do with it next. Someone lacking such skills will have a harder time putting all the pieces together, or maybe not even know where to get all the pieces to begin, and then of course, not knowing what to do next. This will cause the unskilled person to waist a lot of time and effort.
Being enrolled in a course called Information Competency, with just one more week to go, I do will I may not be an expert researcher, but I do will as though I am an amateur (okay, maybe intermediate) information competent student.
I do plan to further my information competency skills by perhaps enrolling in the Lib. Tech. program. We shall see. However, at the least, I am more aware of the search engines out there in the www, and know the differences between reputable sources. I also know how to cite such sources.

BLOG # 3

AHH... the research process.

Doing research in today's world is a bit overwhelming, albeit very convenient. For the researcher it is a world/wealth of information right at their finger tips. Technology and information overload have help speed up the research process (how else can college kids turn in assignments in the 11th hour?). HOWEVER, for the more diligent researcher, the information overload can be a major stressor.
I've spent several days/a few weeks now using reference sources I've not used before, found answers to questions never asked of me before, and have evaluated all of the above. So, as a researcher, I do feel overwhelmed, though I cannot deny that I feel just a much (if not more) informed/smart than I did before researching my heart out.

As overloaded as I feel, I am sure I would not feel this way if I was researching in via card catalogs or by actually leaving my computer. So, is researcher easier in our current times than the past? YES.

Just a few pointers I have learned:
To Google everything. I've now used Google to search/convert liquid measurements for cooking, metric conversions, movie times, and weather...and more
All government based url's end in .gov! I know, its sounds dumb, I didn't know this before I even worked for city governments...I just never paid any attention to the .gov at the top of our websites.
If you are unable to remember proper ways to cite resources (either ALA, MLA, or Chicago style), use the latest version of Microsoft Word 2007 to type your doc. and let the ribbon/tool bar at the top: References tab-insert citation, then type in the bibliographic information it prompts you to enter...viola (Use your blog as an open forum to reflect on the experience you have had so far.
Okay, that is it for now. I still am not 100% comfortable blogging yet. I am just not as creative as Doogie Howser was.

Blog 2 or 3, I lost count

So far what I have learned and read for Lib3 has broadened my library learning horizons. I have always had an affinity for libraries, so my opinion has not changed about libraries. My view is that they are a must in our society regardless for electronic technical advances via the Internet. Constant access to information on the Internet does not, by any of my opinions, mean that library should or need to become obsolete. I strongly believe that reference librarians are highly needed...IN PERSON, not just to be available via email to answer info. questions.

I also think the children's programs are needed that many public libraries offer. I don't have children yet, but I want them to have the experience of going to story times and listening to someone and at the same time engage their imagination. I also want my children to have the responsibility and skills of using the library to loan and return items that are borrowed. I think a lot of Americans over look some of the benefits libraries have on our society. I think of them as building more responsible adults that value other property other than their own. I also fear that with technology with the Internet and video games, my future children will be lil Mortal Combat clones with not respect for public property. This is an obvious stretch of course, but I don’t wont libraries to be non-existent just because information is spread in all electronic formats.

The Internet plays a big role in my life, but I try not to get too caught up in needing it so badly. It is true I hardly ever step foot in a bank, since I do everything on line and retrieve cash from a drive thru machine, but take this class for instance, I would not be able to turn in some assignments had I only relied on the Internet. I desperately needed to use a (ok, a few) libraries in order to complete and fully understand my tasks.

I always feel as though I will have nothing to write/blog about, but then throw me a topic and I rant. Well, Happy Independence Day!

LIB3

Summer school - I agree with the instructor that the students are enthusiastic, which helps make us work well together as a team.
I also agree that it is neat to see the responses from students who are creating their first blogs (I am one of them).
The instructor would like to utilize blogs as a tool more frequently, however I am still not sure what blogging is all about. Is it more than just a means of social networking or is it not that at all?

Our research topics were chosen and range from very political to very deep and even a fun gambling/addiction topic (still jealous I didn't think of that).

The class is very interesting because we have our internal blog (that is what I think of when I log into our discussion board) as well as this...our bloggy blogs (couldn't think of any technical terms). It is like having our own society and yet picking and choosing what we want to make public.

Well, enough lib3 ranting. Blog reflections are a part of this course, so I am trying to keep on course by blogging.

Until next time...

I am glad I'm taking an online course. If I had to drive anywhere other than work during the week I would be broke! 4.50+/gallon..crazy.

Blogging...no sweat

Ha, ha.

I am a first time blogger. Luckily it was as easy for me as it is for a teenager to create a myspace account.

Good weekend to all whom read this.