As reference interactions declined, libraries have cut, modified, or reduced reference services. This means that librarians have to find new ways to keep in touch with the general library user. Our frontline user services staff can be advocates for general library user experience.
Cheers to my ALA friends
This weekend, thousands of librarians will descend upon the city of New Orleans for the American Library Association annual conference. It's a big deal in our profession, and for the first time in ages, I'm not there. There's a number of reasons I decided not to go, but they all boil down to just... Continue Reading →
“Thanks” — it really does mean a lot
This made my week, and definitely goes in the "save for a rainy day" file: I am writing to you to express my gratitude as a parent and my admiration as a fellow librarian. My son is in the business cluster this term and he shared your subject guide with me, because he knows... Continue Reading →
Teaching a one-shot library instruction session with TopHat
This spring I used Tophat to shake up the delivery of my large research sessions. This is one example of how I have used Tophat to enhance my library research instruction. The scenario Each spring I am invited to give a one-shot, hour-long orientation to approximately 125 students who are part of the Global Consulting... Continue Reading →
My first experience in our new active learning classroom
Today was my first time teaching in our newly remodeled instruction space. It was one of the best teaching experiences I have had in my 14 years of library instruction. The Room The room is outfitted with three presentation screens at the front of the room. There are six tables which seat 7, with a 48... Continue Reading →
Some quick thoughts on the 2015 Collective Conference
Most library conferences I have been two lately are mega events, often requiring trips to strange (and hot) lands like Las Vegas. Some colleagues found a new conference, that was cheap, small, and offered an alternative to those traditional sage-on-the-stage venues. The conference was called The Collective, and happened to be located in a town... Continue Reading →
Are you real?
My library offers an awesome chat service, open 24 hours, 5 days a week (plus weekend hours), where patrons can get their questions answered by caring and knowledgeable library reference staff. Sometimes it seems too good to be real. And sometimes librarians have funny answers. 😉