Saturday, October 25, 2008

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

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

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. ;)

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

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.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

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.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

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.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

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.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

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.