Library Stories: Libraries & Librarians in the News

A quick distraction until vacation

2009-03-16T05:59:00.001-05:00

I'll write more come Wednesday (yeah! vacation) - but here's a quick laugh.
This has a literary reference & reminds me of my 4 yr commute to Weatherford from the metro area. And is from one of my favorite web comics....

A Message from OLA

2009-03-10T07:44:00.000-05:00

THE OKLAHOMA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION URGES
STANDING UP FOR OKLAHOMA’S SCHOOL LIBRARIES

Oklahoma’s school library programs support student learning across all subjects and all grade levels. And, at this time, Oklahoma’s school libraries need YOUR SUPPORT. This need for support comes from Senate Bill 834, which seeks to convert all Oklahoma school districts into charter districts at the rate of at least 20% annually as of September 2010 and to allow for all districts to be designated “charter” through annual lotteries by September 2014. Each charter district added will be exempted from the requirement to have school libraries and certified school library media specialists.

Please urge your community and legislators to support Oklahoma school libraries. To support school libraries is to support:

Literacy in Oklahoma.

Reading is promoted by having access to books. Reading books leads to improved reading skills, better writing, a larger vocabulary, better grammar, and more knowledge. Access to books at school is especially important in a state with vast open spaces between public libraries and with a large population at or below poverty levels.

School libraries provide for a wide range of interests on a wide range of topics and promote reading across the curriculum.

Literacy as a 21st Century Skill

School libraries help all students to learn deeply (beyond memorization) and to use information in meaningful ways, thus, contributing to critical reading, effective writing, and project-based learning.

Technological Literacy

Young people need to be able to use information technologies, applying the information to their understanding and knowledge and to solving real problems. School libraries provide Internet access, instruction, and supervision. Technology skills are especially important to young people who lack access to broadband and to a computer. Technological skills are critical to Oklahoma’s current and future workforce.

Collaboration between School Librarians and Teachers

School Librarians can provide teachers with reference services, access to resources (in all formats) for student learning, and a partnership for inquiry learning, the foundation for motivating students and for preparation for higher education.

An Improved School Climate

The school library is a safe, productive space where young people can be comfortable and can find information at the level and detail suitable to their ages, interests, and needs, where good relationships can be fostered among students, parents, teachers, and the community, and where the librarian is the teacher who best understands the scope of the curriculum and the resources at hand and who best knows each student.
To exempt Oklahoma’s public schools from the requirement to provide a school library program is to fail Oklahoma students and also to fail Oklahoma taxpayers who deserve to have the best preparation of the future workforce of the state.

Busy this week - here's a funny distraction

2009-03-04T20:59:00.002-06:00

Quick cool software find

2009-02-23T05:55:00.003-06:00

After having my little one turn on sticky keys and filter keys on my computer this weekend (and being temporarily shut out of typing the letter R and a few other things) - while she was playing Tux Paint - I saw this Kid-Key-Lock on LifeHacker and thought, "OH! that would be great for my home computer!"

You could, for instance, use Kid-Key-Lock to lock out system key combinations to prevent your little ones (or your own little fingers) accidentally booting out of a game or important app again. Alternately, you can lock the keyboard to just let in letters, numbers, or spaces to help a young typist learn the basics. The mouse can be locked with a similar range of finesse, with individual buttons, the scroll wheel, and double clicking allowed or halted. Kid-Key-Lock is freeware, Windows only.

Of course it may also help your public machines as well - I mean what better way to keep want-to-be script kiddies from trying to mess with your public machines than to shut down the ability to use certain keyboard short cuts. Of course that could also impact the playing of runescape. ;-)

Kathy Goff on Creativity

2009-02-16T13:47:00.016-06:00

2nd break out session - Dr. Goff - research in adult creativity http://brainsavvy.com/

Creativity stimulates the brain (good brain health)

Cross lateral exercise - point right index, stick left thumb up (switch faster faster faster)

Creativity types:

Fluency - ability to come up with lots of ideas (e.g. brainstorming) true brainstorming session has no judging - there are no stupid ideas they all go up

Flexible - people who can think from other point of views

Originality - come up with something for the 1st time

Elaboration - detail person to fill in the spaces

You need all types for the creativity process.

You know yourself by knowing your creativity.

tips on being creative:
-look for the 2nd right answer
-play with the wording to see if the answer changes
-challenge the rules you use to govern your day to day activities
-cultivate your imagination with items that will have positive outcomes

Break out session - Pat Wagner part deux

2009-02-16T12:37:00.016-06:00

Question from audience:
Do ppl substitute drama for a feeling of importance?

Answer:
People are psychopharmaceutically addicted to conflict. At times of threat natural pain killers make us numb - When we create/interact drama it's an endorphin cocktail to our system and makes us stupid. You become oblivious to how your behavior impacts other people.

Need to develop skills to diffuse the drama.
Think of it this way - How can we make the day better for someone else?

Most good adults tend themselves lower scores than they deserve on self evaluations...

Don't allow employees to emotionally blackmail other employees - it greatly impacts productivity

A lack of resources, including time and personnel, is a symptom of choices we are making.

Decide - do you want the projects to be Cheap - Fast or Good? Actually it's a ratio that needs to be determined so standards can be set.

Staff Day 2009

2009-02-16T09:06:00.018-06:00

Every year the Pioneer Library System has a day long staff development workshop. Today we are at the Moore Norman Technology Center S. Penn Campus. Our keynote speaker today will be Pat Wagner and she'll e speaking on "Do it better with less stress".

I'll blog bits of her presentation - so you can benefit from her wealth of wisdom/experience.

9:30 am - Presentation of awards, years of service, and certifications for PLS staff. Large crew of awardees. Check out the PLS website later for specific names.

10:17 am - Pat being introduced

10:20 am - if you don't like the person you are sitting next to - now is a good time to move

10:21 am - stress comes from: changes in technology, economy (even though Oklahoma is doing pretty well) - patron's losing a lot, expectations from communities on what we do,

10:30 am - Who's good at managing workplace stress? - ppl are good @ increasing the perceived benefits for themselves & others by being more resourceful. They are perceived as flexible b/c they know how to find or create more during the challenge of change.

10:42 am - Moods & feuds are self indulgent

10:50 am - everything you do you are "auditioning" - successful negotiation is making it easy for the other person to say, Yes.

it's all about the lives of the library users we serve

11:12 am - Don't fall in to the mighty mouse syndrome

if the plan is in your head there is no plan!

11:32 am - Good communication is give and seek - give to the other person and seek from the other person.

break - good eats for lunch -

Odds and Ends

2009-02-07T20:40:00.004-06:00

Went and watched Coraline today with the spouse and 3 yr old. We all really enjoyed it. We haven't read the book yet - but the movie has piqued my interest so I think I may download the audio version of it from our OverDrive collection at work.

Initially I was not to sure about taking our daughter because I heard that it might be too scary. But I found a great site which helped us decide - Kids-In-Mind: Movie Ratings That Actually Work spelled out all the Sex, Violence and Language in the film and gave play-by-play spoilers so we would know if it would be too much. We also looked up other movies that she currently enjoys for comparison to see exactly how the rating system worked with what she already enjoys watching.

I liked this site because it does not throw in a bunch of self-righteous indignation regarding the films - instead it lists "just the facts" and lets us decide. A great tool for parents and reference desk librarians alike. (although as of the writing of this the site seems to be down...)

Let's see what else - oh as many of you know I've been working with Openbiblio as a catalog for my other job. Well, it's been great - but I just don't have the time to develop it like I would like to or to learn all I need to learn. So I'm starting the slow process of migrating everything to LibraryThing - and to use that as our online public catalog.

So far it's a slow painful process. I have MARC records from our other system - many of them are skeletal. So I can't just important in ISBN for all 4,890 titles (many are too old to have ISBN and others that info was never entered into the catalog prior to my working there). So I started emailing tech support at LibraryThing a week and half ago. One person said they could upload my MARC records for me - but I've not heard anything from her since I emailed her the file. When you pay a couple thousand dollars for a database it's easy to call a vendor and demand service -- but in this case - since this was a non-profit pricing of less than $20...I really don't feel like I can just call and demand service. So I'm impatiently waiting for something to happen or someone to contact me so I can get all my titles added and can start the tagging process... The cool thing is once I get this up - I think we'll have one of the largest Jewish material collections on LibraryThing.

I really think it will be great once it's all working...but so far the tech support aspects of Librarything have been frustrating.

Oh - I also got an email this week from Tim @ TCCL who had this to say:

I thought I'd write to tell you that based on the original program by The Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenberg County, the Tulsa City-County Library System is embarking on our own "23 Things" program at http://tccllearning.blogspot.com. Sponsored by the New Technology Committee, this self-paced continuing education class will be performed over the course of 13 weeks, beginning February 2. Participating TCCL staff will work hands-on to learn about Web 2.0 technologies such as blogs, wikis, podcasts, RSS feeds, online photo & video sharing, social bookmarking, & LibraryThing just to name a few. All staff will create their own blogs, be encouraged to comment on each others blogs, and perform such tasks as embedding a video, subscribing to RSS feeds, & editing a wiki.

On top of our current email, IM & text message reference services, we're hoping that TCCL becomes a hot bed of tech-savvy librarians. Check us out!

I'll be curious to see how that goes and if there's any pre and post testing they are doing to see if it actually helped the librarians become more tech savvy.

I don't go there - Libraries & Social networks...

2009-01-31T21:16:00.006-06:00

Holy Moly - I just realized the first posting of LibraryStories was November 17, 2003. Who would of thought there could be that much consistent Oklahoma library related news to share for so long? Sure surprised me.

Actually, I made this realization because of the post that was swirling in the primordial ooze which is my brain. I was talking with one of the students interning in my virtual branch and trying to describe to him why the first "Virtual Library Manager" in Oklahoma has not embraced a facebook, myspace, linked-in, etc pages/groups for her institution. I'm not sure if I made any sense to the Intern, or if he even cared - but I figured I would share my logic with you and see what you all thought.

I've always tried to separate the "personal" from the "professional" - and of course one way to grow as a professional is to experiment on your personal time. I promise that isn't as perverted as it sounds. I have a facebook, linked-in and even a MySpace account so I can see what is going on out there (well the MySpace account is actually to track down wayward young relatives who post really stupid things). I played with ning, second life, twitter, the defunct Google world and the defunct social site pownce. Heck I have so many other things that I still stumble upon logins that I forget I ever made. The internet is my smorgasbord and I sample it all - but I only go back for 2nds when I find stuff that really appeals to me. What's good for me personally tech wise is not necessarily good for my institution though.

When I go out and put my Friend/Colleague, Gamer or Virtual Librarian stamp on something – I’m appealing to completely different audiences and I can not treat them the same way.

Now – try to stay with me – this may get confusing – because it even is to me.

When Adri friend/colleague goes to a site I have a level of familiarity with the person to who I’m peddling the online service. So when I send an email to a colleague inviting them to join Linked-in they know it’s for professional reasons and the people they encounter through me in that environment have a certain stamp of professional approval. In that environment I am responsible for myself alone.

Things change with Adri the Gamer. In the days before my daughter became a toddler my husband and I were Gamers. Not casual gamers – we were they stay up late and kill monsters with a group for hours on end. I was the leader of a gaming group comprised of people from North America and Europe. It was craziness. But early on my group demanded a certain level of maturity of those who joined us online. Many of those who were in the group where parents or professionals and wanted a fun casual environment in which to play. So when people joined our network or interacted with people who wore our cape they expected a certain behavior. In that environment I was responsible for setting the expectations of those who chose to game with us and if people didn’t up hold our code of conduct then they weren’t allowed to participate in having fun.

Everything is different with Virtual Librarian. I never spend a significant amount of time with my patrons. The most I see of many of them are IP addresses and perhaps the occasional email address asking for assistance. Yet there is an implicit level of trust they have because I am a Librarian. And it’s that way for everyone who works in a library – and it’s a tremendous responsibility. So if I were to start creating facebook, myspace, etc pages as a librarian and encouraging patrons to participate with my institution in that venue – I’m just not lending my credibility – that trust they have of my station –only to the facebook, myspace, etc but also to the people who are my contacts/friends on those sites and that’s not a burden I want because there are too many unknowns. There is a good chance we will know nothing of the people we befriend our institutions – they may or may not be the a/s/l they purport to say.

Now I know people will say, “Yeah that’s how it is when people come to your library building” and I can say they are correct to an extent – but when they are in the building I have university or board policy to encourage a certain level of behavior – online I don’t have that. Wait, I know others are saying, “Well your patrons are already there!” and I will agree that many already are – and that’s why I’ve enabled the option for patrons to share library events and news with their friends.

Every single article on our site has a social bookmarking feature on it – so that people can import those items onto their profiles and share them with friends. It’s the modern day “word of mouth” marketing that libraries have always relied on. Plus, I truly believe people attend library events and utilize library services more by 1) finding it via a search on a major search engine 2) a trusted source referring them to the library. So why should I take my already stretched man power and have them creating multiple web presences – when we could be fine tuning the one we have to have features that work with what is out there and focusing on search engine optimization?

There is so much more I could write on this – and perhaps I will later. But for now this is good and if anyone reads it please know that these thoughts are my own and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of anyone else living or dead.

Reflections

2009-01-23T20:20:00.005-06:00

You know the real reason I stopped blogging for several months was to give other Okie Bloggers a chance to be a nominee for the 2008 Okie Blog Awards. So if you haven't had a chance yet, go and look at the nominees and, if you are an Okie Blogger, vote.

Seriously though, just because I wasn't blogging didn't mean I wasn't tracking tons of Okie library related news. A lot of it I shared on my Google Reader page, of course not all of it is Okie library news - but some of it relates to what we do.

For instance, did you know Ginny, down at the National Weather Center in Norman - went with Evergreen as the library catalog? How fabulous is that? I mean take a look! I would be giddy to get hold of an open source catalog of this caliber to play - err I mean work with. Of course I do have our Joomla sites at work - which are fun.

I guess one thing which attributed to my hiatus from the blogosphere was the switch from Academic to Public librarianship. I've really been trying to find my footing among the personalities and I am still working at it.

Plenty of people ask about making the jump from Public to Academic and I've seen people mention the idea of a "stigma" in making a switch. Having switched from Academic to Public I've found a lot more similarities between the two than differences.

For instance - more than once at the Public Library I've had an idea shot down with "Well yes, but you think like an Academic librarian". And while at the University I would hear "Well, I don't know that's sounds too much like a Public Library thing". See - they are both afraid to try anything too outside the box! ;-) Another thing about having worked in both settings (and don't forget my specialized library too) I've realized they are the same type of work just to different extents. I know Academics do research and perform subject collection development and Public librarians do readers advisory and story time. But honestly it's the same thing - the audience just varies in age and the depth and direction of librarian/patron interaction is slightly different. Unfortunately for those who take the step between the types of librarianship - many of our colleagues don't realize the similarities between the two - because they have never spanned the gap between the types - so we will always hear remarks towards the "other".

Anywho - forgive me while I get all misty-water-colored-memories on you - but starting this year I will have been a degreed librarian for 10 years. I know I hear the "whoopty-dos" from my more seasoned colleagues - but that's precisely it! I'm 34 and still have a very long way to go before I can retire (unless my hubby finds that cure for IBS). But I'm still too young for the Boomers half of them think I'm a Millenial (it's the chubby face - hides the wrinkles). And I'm too old for the Millennials who view me -- well I don't know how they view me - either fear or confusion probably. I think worst of all - I'm not even a viable advertising demographic group! What's a Gen-Xer girl to do?

Also, I think librarianship is still strange to me because Librarian was not something I always aspired to. Rather it was a "Well, heck what do I do now? I guess I'll go to grad school" - sort of decision (a proud Gen-X decision process). Mind you it was a natural progression - I worked and volunteered in libraries my entire life - but I never saw it as anything but having fun. Work what my family did - harvest every summer Texas up to Canada. Spending time in the library was hanging out, putzing around and having fun - why would it ever be work? I mean sure - I get stressed sometimes when things go wonky. And I'll swear, spit and turn strange colors - but that's because I'm an INTJ and have issues. In the big scheme of things I get paid to do something a lot of fun and to help people have the tools necessary to better themselves. Isn't that what we all do regardless of library type?

So talk to me. What do you think? I only said I would post once a week - I never guaranteed to make sense. ;-)

OH! Also, if you live in or near Cleveland, McClain or Pottawatomie counties - think about becoming a literacy tutor.

If a librarian begins to blog again in a forest...

2009-01-17T18:48:00.007-06:00

So, if a librarian starts to blog again after a 6 month retirement - does anyone notice?

Well - maybe if it was one of them big time important librarian bloggers - but probably not too many will notice if it was me. But I wanted to let any RSS stragglers know that I am going to slowly start blogging again.

I recently read a really good book entitled, Time Management for System Administrators, and I'm really going to try to work on my time management. With work(s), hubby, very active 3 year-old and being on various Temple committees it gets busy - but there's still thoughts I want to share - which don't necessarily get expressed via my facebook page.

I think the thing that prompted me to work a little blogging in to my schedule was this comment someone recently left on an old post.

I think it's a good idea to restrict Internet access by children at Oklahoma libraries. As a parent, I worry about my children. I do everything to control him at home. I talk to my kids about sexual predators and potential online dangers, keep computer at a public area of our house, use internet filtering software Ez Internet Timer to restrict Internet access while I’m not at home. but how I could control him at a library? My kids are clever, but so naive...

I have do agree with the poster, as a parent, I worry about my child too. In fact I worry more than I ever thought humanly possible - and I come from a very long line of worriers. However, hubby and I do everything we can to educate her and teach her responsible computing and library use (she even has her own email already). At our local public library (which is part of the Metro Library system) we make sure we are with her when she selects books to read or wants to play on the educational game computers. After all she just got her very own library card and every weekend we go and select new titles for bedtime reading - and we want her to know that with great power comes great responsibility.

Happy readings - and I'll be writing to you once a week now.

/my daughter wants me to relay to you all a happy "peace-out"

Public Library Job - El Reno

2008-11-06T15:47:00.004-06:00

Position: Head Librarian
Salary: $36,279.36
Institution: El Reno Carnegie Library
Date posted: 11/5/2008
Closing: 11/21/2008

OPEN SENIOR MANAGEMENT POSITION
The City of El Reno is accepting resumes and applications for the position of Head Librarian starting salary $36,279.36. The Head Librarian reports to the Community Services Director of the City of El Reno. The Head Librarian performs a variety of administrative and supervisory work and complex clerical work in planning, organizing and implementing the programs and services of the library system.

Required Knowledge of:

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of modern library systems and programs.
Thorough knowledge of library collection classification and selection techniques.
Considerable knowledge of equipment and facilities utilized in a comprehensive library system.
Considerable knowledge of community library needs and resources.
Working knowledge of the principles and practices of office management, work organization and supervision.
Skill in operation of listed tools and equipment.
Ability to coordinate, analyze, and utilize a variety of reports and records.
Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain courteous and effective working relationships with other employees, supervisors, other departments, and the general public.

Required Education and Experience:
Education and Experience:
(A) Graduation from a college or university with a bachelor's degree in library science, liberal arts, public administration or a closely related field, and
(B) Five years of progressively responsible experience in library operations, including two years in a supervisory capacity, or
(C) Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

This position will be advertised internally and externally and will be accepted until 5 pm on November 21, 2008; to obtain an application please visit www.cityofelreno.com follow the employment link to download the application. Once you have completed the application you may mail it along with a resume to:

The City of El Reno
P. O. Drawer 700
El Reno, Ok. 73036
Attn: Catherine Wilson, Human Resources Director
The City of El Reno is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Posting - El Reno

2008-08-05T17:50:00.004-05:00

*Disclosure - I am an employee of the El Reno Carnegie Library*

The City of El Reno is accepting applications for a Part Time Library Aid. This was advertised in the local El Reno Tribune Sunday, August 2, 2008.

Applications can obtained at the HR office at the city offices, 101 N. Choctaw, El Reno, OK 73036.

This job is not currently posted on the City's Employment Website

Job Posting - Union HS

2008-08-05T17:38:00.003-05:00

From the State Department of Education Library Media Specialist Listserv:

"Union Public Schools has an immediate opening for a library media specialist position at Union's 8th Grade Center. Union PS is a large independent school district in Tulsa County. For more information, please contact Melissa Addison, Human Resources, at or (918) 357-6052."

Job Posting - Bluejacket Public Schools

2008-08-05T17:32:00.006-05:00

From the State Department of Education Library Media Specialist listserv:

"Bluejacket Public Schools has an immediate opening for a half time library media specialist for a rural PK-12 school. Bluejacket is NE of Vinita in Craig County. For more information please contact the superintendent's office at (918) 784-2365."

Web Junction launches a new look

2008-08-04T16:11:00.002-05:00

Have you been over to Web Junction lately? Me neither. At least not until today when I got an email from them informing me that they'd just updated their website. They've been working on it all summer and here's what's new:

You'll find a short video presentation on the new homepage that reviews highlights of the new platform and prompts you to sign in and update your profile. This is the first step towards taking advantage of the new features and functionalities. Some of the new features:

New course catalog offers hundreds of new courses from WebJunction, LE@D, and SkillSoft.

My WebJunction tab on the main page creates a more personalized experience. Sign in to see My WebJunction and start to collect all your bookmarks, contributions, and activities in one place.

More partners means more choices for subscribing to customized content from library service organizations.

Deeper member profile with personalized fields allows you to choose how to represent yourself to other WebJunction members. Plus, you control how much of your WebJunction profile to share.

Community ownership means you contribute too. The new platform makes it easy for anyone across the community to add content in all kinds of formats.

Friendly Terms of Use now include Creative Commons licensing and custom privacy options. When you sign in you'll be accepting our new Terms (http://webjunction.org/terms). Please take some time to review them before you get started.

I don't visit Web Junction as often as a should. I've never actually taken a course from them but I have used their forums before and accessed several of their informative articles. I would be interested in knowing if there are any libraries here in Oklahoma who have utilized their classes for staff development or training. I know that they often partner with state libraries but I wondered if any public/academic, library systems in general have used their resources independently as a way to train their staff.

Statewide My Favorite Book Contest

2008-07-18T10:35:00.005-05:00

One of the new elements to the statewide Summer Reading Program this year is the My Favorite Book Contest. To participate, young readers come to the library and have their pictures taken with their favorite books. The contest is still ongoing and will be until SRP official ends. But several photos have already been sent in and uploaded. You gotta check these out, some of them are so creative, so adorable. Many brought in their own props and even dressed up as the character from the books they brought. I don't know about you all, but I'm anxiously awaiting additional photos, not to mention the announcement of the winner. However, with the risk of sounding cliche, regardless of who the winner is I just think this is a wonderful creative way for children/teens to get excited about books and express their tastes in reading.

Google goes lively

2008-07-08T21:41:00.003-05:00

So Google has a virtual world now - called lively. Here's my oval room...maybe .. if this works...

and here is what I look like... (oh and you need a google account to try this)

Job Posting | Lawton

2008-07-08T08:28:00.000-05:00

Instructor/Assistant Professor

Cameron University,
Lawton, Oklahoma

Salary: $25,000 - $49,999
Status: Full-time
Posted: 07/07/08
Deadline:

Instructor/Assistant Professor
Instructor/Assistant Professor
Cameron University Library

Cameron University Library invites applications for a twelve month, faculty-status, tenure-track ALA/MLS librarian position. The person who fills the position will provide reference and classroom instruction and help maintain the University Archives collection. He or she will participate in collection development, planning and assessment, and scholarship and service activities. Applicants should be able to demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills, knowledge of and interest in digitized and print resources, and ability and willingness to learn new skills and to work both independently and collaboratively. Reference, instruction, archival, and specialized library-related computer software experience are preferred, as is an additional advanced degree. The salary range is $40,000 to $42,000. Review begins immediately, and applications will be accepted until position is filled. Send cover letter, resume, transcripts (official or unofficial), and contact information for three references to Wensheng Wang, Search Committee, Cameron University Library, 2800 W. Gore Blvd., Lawton, OK 73505-6377.

Oklahoma Paranormal News says use your library!

2008-07-07T08:59:00.002-05:00

Ok - this was too good not to share. Perhaps in October you can get someone from this group to come present at your libraries!

OKLAHOMA PARANORMAL HOW-TO: HISTORIC RESEARCH
It is very important to learn as much as possible about the history of a location as it is to gather data of a scientific nature. It will be necessary to verify legends, rumors, and commonly held "truths" about a location and the reasons for a possible haunting. Remember, despite common mythology, not everything is on the Internet - some old school research is required to do top quality work.

Keep a notebook for your research trips, record where you found the information (name of the library and location) and the general bibliographic information (author, title, publisher, date, and call number - in case you need to re-check it). The notebook can be a simple spiral bound school notebook or a laptop.

Libraries will generally have information related to local history (old newspapers, local history books, etc.). Some libraries now offer, with a library card, access to genealogical databases to search census records, deeds, newspapers (to a limit). The link lists all Oklahoma Public Libraries. Library cards are usually free in the location to area residents since they are funded by tax dollars (property or other tax bases). Visitors from out of town or state may need to pay to access local databases, but use of other materials is usually free to visitors. Special collections (archives) may have limitations as to use or access....

Bringing Virtual Meetings to Oklahoma (part 1 of 2)

2008-06-30T15:33:00.002-05:00

By Sarah Clark

If you read this blog, I’m guessing that you take an interest in library events throughout the state, and are also involved in the wider library community as much as time and finances permit. When I graduated with my MLIS and became an academic librarian, I was excited about getting involved in OK-ACRL, OLA, and any other group interested in empowering and advocating for the library community in Oklahoma. However, I quickly realized that getting involved in committee work was a lot more complicated than ticking a box on a form. My first year out of library school, I briefly got involved with the Local Arrangements committee, but soon found that a trip to Oklahoma City for meetings every month wasn’t feasible considering all of the new responsibilities I had as a young librarian. After that I decided to wait until later in my career to get involved, and didn’t do much beyond attending workshops and meetings of local groups like GC-KIP.

Then, about a year ago, I got an email about a meeting of OK-ACRL’s COIL (community of Oklahoma Instruction Librarians) interest group. However, instead of meeting face-to-face at a central location like Tulsa or Oklahoma City, they were meeting virtually, via a free web conferencing service called VYEW. I was intrigued, logged in, and found that a meeting conducted via text and voice chat could be just as effective and productive as one conducted face to face—And I saved 4 hours of drive time and 7 gallons of gas! I found myself attending meetings often, and before I knew it I was elected to the COIL board as secretary. COIL meetings are best described as “hybrid”—a core group of people who could make it would typically meet in a central location equipped with internet access, and others would “dial in” via the meeting website. As an officer I travel to meetings more often than before, but I still attend virtually as often as I do in person. It also has enabled me to make meetings that I would otherwise have to skip altogether—such as the May meeting, when I was off work, packing boxes and preparing to close on our first house, and attended the meeting in my home office between last-minute calls from our builder!

While I’m not as far off the beaten track as many of my colleagues, traveling to face-to-face committee meetings is a challenge, and I simply can’t get involved in as many things as I’d like. With gas prices the way they are, it’s a struggle to justify the gas and the time off work. COIL gave me the opportunity to get involved where I was, and because of that I’ve been able to make a greater commitment to them than to any other library committee of interest group I’ve been involved with. I quickly became a big advocate of virtual meeting technologies like VYEW—it makes barriers to entry so much lower for young librarians like me who are still focused on building their careers, but also want to get involved at a higher level. That’s why I was so thrilled (and terrified) when OLA President Kathy Latrobe approached me at the OLA conference in April, and said that I had been recommended to her by my OLA Gold “mentor” Barb Phrehm as an expert on virtual meetings. Once I picked myself off the floor, I happily accepted her invitation to present a seminar on virtual meeting technologies to the OLA executive retreat at Lake Texoma in June—as long as I could bring a *real* expert with me! Dr. Latrobe agreed, and former COIL Chair Jason Dupree, who brought web conferencing to the interest group, was more than happy to join forces with me to introduce OLA’s leadership to a new way to conduct meetings. Two months later, I packed up our presentation and my anxieties and headed out of Tulsa for the long drive to the OU Biological Station at Lake Texoma. I hoped that what we had to share would revolutionize how OLA committees did their jobs—or at least revolutionize members’ gas bills!

(To be continued…)

Sarah Clark is a tightwad, a geek, a member of Generation X or Y depending on who’s counting, Access Services and Distance Learning Librarian at Rogers State University, and a contributor to Library Stories. She is married and is owned by one cat.

Quick random notes...

2008-06-20T07:47:00.006-05:00

I'm still looking for additional Okie library lovers and librarians to help pass along Okie library news - so if you are interested drop me a line. Already had a couple of familiar and new friends come out of the shadows to offer up help - and I know they will offer some fabulous content.

A couple things to keep you partially interested in the mean time...

SPORE! Creature Creator! - imagine a teen program based on this - forget trick my book truck - try trick a better information professional ;-) (yes that's my critter I made)

We've enabled social bookmarking interface on my library's website. So now if you find an article of interest or an event you are going to attend and want to share with friends you can click a button - login to your favorite social networksite and easily share it. (Scroll to the bottom of the linked page to test it) - Why? Well because I am of the belief libraries don't need to have myspace/facebook/etc pages -- we would get our word out more if we let our patrons easily mash our libraries with their social network. So this is a first step - of many that we hope to make that will allow patrons to incorporate library events/news into their social networks without having to spread our staff time thin in trying to be everywhere at once. (Very short answer to a very complicated question)

Firefox 3 - looooovin' it

I'm going to Anaheim next week to finish up my emerging as a leader. It's been an interesting experience - and we'll be presenting our poster. So if you happen to be around the Hilton - California Pavillion C on June 27, from 3-5pm, stop by and say Hi!

Oh and I'm currently reading Little Brother - so far my recommendation is you should too.

Huzzah! The Library of Patrick Henry.

2008-06-16T20:22:00.006-05:00

Hello. This is Benjamin Clark posting. I can usually be found over at The Exile Bibliophile, my blog about book collecting and the adventures in trying to start a book collectors group in Oklahoma City. That's not why I'm here though. I want to invite you to what is shaping up to be a very cool event.

What are you doing June 26th, 7 pm? It's a Thursday. Looking for a FREE, bookish good time to get in the mood for Independence Day?

At the Overholser Mansion, there will be a talk given by one of the leading bibliographers in the US, Dr. Kevin J. Hayes, on the Library of Patrick Henry. The Mind of a Patriot: Patrick Henry and the World of Ideas, Dr. Hayes's newest book will be out in September from the University of Virginia Press.

Dr. Hayes has published bibliographies of the personal libraries of Benjamin Franklin, William Byrd and others. Also, his literary biography is out this month from Oxford University Press: The Road to Monticello: The Life and Mind of Thomas Jefferson.

The Overholser Mansion is located at 405 NW 15th St., in Oklahoma City. You can email me at benjaminlclark@gmail.com for any details you'd like. Feel free to invite anyone you think would be well behaved.

This FREE event is hosted by the Bibliophiles of Oklahoma, a club for book collectors, bibliographers, librarians, booksellers, book artists, writers, archivists and curators. All you need is a love of books.

.

Where ya been?

2008-06-12T16:10:00.003-05:00

Oh here and there. You?

So I've been thinking. I'm swamped - and I need one of you. One of you loyal hoping readers that still have this little blog in your RSS feed reader. What do you I need you for?

To pick up the torch and carry it forth for me. I've fallen and I'm having a hard time getting out from under all the stuff that fell on top of me.

So which one of you is willing to pick up the OLA blogging torch for me?

Drop me a line and we'll chat.

-- Adri

Territory Tellers host storytelling festival - Seminole OK

2008-05-22T09:21:00.002-05:00

Territory Tellers, Oklahoma's storytelling guild will be hosting their second annual storytelling festival in Seminole, OK. June 6-7 join tellers and listeners alike to share stories at Seminole State College. Workshops are available both Friday and Saturday for staff development credit and college credit. Friday night Ghost Tales will be held at the Mekusukey Mission Grounds
with Tim Tingle, Phillip Harjo, Elizabeth Ellis, Darla L'Allier, & Greg Rodgers at 9:30 PM;
join us and gather underneath the stars for “Whispers In The Night”. Seating will be available but feel free to bring your favorite lawn chairs or blankets.
Sponsors for this event include the Seminole Nation and Chamber of Commerce, the Oklahoma Arts Council, OERB, Kirkpatrick Foundation and Seminole State College. For more information go to the website, www.territorytellers.org

Job Posting | Lawton

2008-05-16T08:17:00.001-05:00

Assistant Professor and Head of Collection Services

Cameron University,Lawton, Oklahoma
Salary: Not Specified
Status: Full-time
Posted: 05/15/08
Deadline: 06/30/08

Assistant Professor and Head of Collection Services Head, Collection Services

Cameron University LibraryLawton, Oklahoma Cameron University Library seeks a creative and service-oriented librarian to lead the Library’s Collection Management Department and participate in the Library’s information literacy program. The person who fills the position will lead the library’s acquisitions, cataloging, and serials control operations, examining current processes in light of changing patron needs and new software products, making recommendations for improvement, and implementing approved changes. He or she will work collaboratively with departmental members to set goals, design methods of achieving those goals, and evaluate progress toward meeting those goals. The Head of Collection Services maintains and improves the library’s Innovative Interfaces and Serials Solutions software access. This is a twelve month, faculty status, tenure track position.

ALA accredited MLS and additional advanced degree or substantial progress toward one. Ability to identify, analyze and solve complex problems. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to collaborate with others to establish and achieve goals. Integrated library system experience. Experience with or extensive knowledge of library technical services operations. Supervisory experience. Web page design experience.

Group library instruction teaching experience. Reference desk experience. Record of service to the profession of librarianship. Experience using integrated library system administrative modules. Experience supervising full-time professional librarians.

Salary commensurate with educational background and experience.

Submit letter of application, resume, transcripts (unofficial are acceptable at this point) and names, telephone numbers, mail and email addresses of three references.

The screen process will begin immediately and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Send application to: Dr. Sherry Young, Search and Screening Committee (F182), Cameron University, 2800 West Gore Boulevard, Lawton, OK 73505-6377.

Hey so how's it going?

2008-05-11T16:58:00.001-05:00

Oh, Hi. How ya doing? Been up to much? Uh huh. Uh huh. mmmmm huh. Oh really? Well that sounds interesting and or horrible. Me? Well, been super busy like everyone else.

We did another podcast at work for Get Caught Reading month. It was kind of fun. And I'm proud to say I met with a group of folks and we planned a production schedule and we'll have a new podcast theme for each month for the next year!

In one dimension of my reality there's a vote coming up this Tuesday. Let me just say this -- I've experienced Forum Trolls on various forums - but I've never actually seen the breeding ground from which they came - until now. Reading the various posts - I'm torn - the forum moderator in me wants to ban the use of too large images for no dang reason - the information professional in me wants them to cite their sources - and the person who has actual experience working in the environment that so desperately needs improving in me wants to go and tell them the reality of the building & budget they all think is fine and dandy (not that we all don't love having to cross our fingers when nuking our lunches that a breaker doesn't blow or looking extra careful at the database usage to see what we can cancel without a massive stop in service should the vote go the undesired way)...but I know it wouldn't do that dimension of my reality any good for me to do any of that. And instead I silently read the troll forums.

Another dimension of my reality found me and the husband at Borders on Friday morning. We dropped the little one off at day care so we could have our 9 year anniversary date during the day. We dropped her off at 8:30 and decided to see when Borders opened and browse some books and music. We got there about 10 minutes before open and there were already folks there before us - waiting for the doors to open at 9:00. I commented to the husband how interesting that was - because if they just wanted a place to study they could have gone down the street to Belle Isle or if they wanted coffee they could just go up the street to Starbucks. But for some reason they wanted Borders. Well maybe they were having a mega sale on some sort of books. So when the doors opened husband and I walked and after the 10 or so folks before us - and they all had lined up at the coffee counter before grabbing a magazine or unloading their textbooks to study. Even those customers who looked to be around retirement age. For us we actually had in mind to purchase copies of Owly and Fables and browse the sales tables. And as I watched the folks grab their cup of over priced caffeine and then go and read one of the magazines from the magazine rack I thought to myself - if Belle Isle had a coffee bar would they had gone down there instead? I mean after all -- all they were spending money on was coffee everything else they wanted for the county/tax payers pays for just down the street.

Another dimension of my reality found me cataloging books today and there was occasion for a lot of people to be at the place of my other library. But it was strange to have visitors from New Jersey stop in and to tell me that they were impressed with our library. I thanked them, and in the back of my mind I thought they were just being kind, but when they said their synagogue library was only the size of the reading area of our temple library I can only imagine the dropped-jaw look on my face. And then I took the opportunity to tout our collection size and how our catalog is online. I mean heck why not right? Can't us Okie show them East-Coasters what it means to be intellectual and to value knowledge and what it means to invest a little into your community to preserve a cultural experience for future generations? Sure there are other libraries around my temple patrons could go to - but they wouldn't have the specialized collection, knowledge staff or convenience if they used the other libraries.

I don't know - so many dimensions of my reality focus around libraries/librarianship etc. Even the aspects where I'm the only librarian - I still function in the librarian role. This coming Tuesday I'll be attending a OSWG meeting. And I am the "librarian that uses joomla" person - in a room full of state webmasters. Kind of neat.

Anyways - enough rambling - I need to go enjoy the rest of this lovely Mother's Day. My daughter has tomatoes and bell peppers coming up in her little garden that we need to look at -- Oh and along that lines -- can anyone tell me what I'm suppose to do with 3 pumpkin plants and the pumpkins that will be attached to them after a while? We didn't realize they would grow so well.

Job Posting | Tahlequah

2008-05-03T20:02:00.000-05:00

Position: Executive Director of Libraries
Salary: $60,000 to less than $80,000
Institution: Northeastern State University
Location: Oklahoma
Date posted: 4/29/2008

NORTHEASTERN STATE UNIVERSITY
Executive Director of Libraries
Position Number 9324

Northeastern State University invites applications and nominations for the position of Executive Director of Libraries. We are seeking an individual who can communicate library programs and services effectively to the University community, who is an effective motivator and manager of physical, human and financial resources, and who will embrace the opportunities that new technology offers while retaining the traditional virtues of a great library. The Executive Director of Libraries reports to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Responsibilities: The Executive Director is entrusted with the academic and fiscal management of the University Libraries, development of services and information resources, and the evaluation of programs, services, faculty, and staff. The Director of Libraries is expected to support faculty scholarship, including teaching and research, to encourage faculty and staff development, and to coordinate long and short range strategic planning. The Executive Director should be an articulate advocate for the University Libraries and serve as an effective member of the University's administrative team.

Qualifications: The successful candidate will have an earned Master's degree from an ALA-accredited program (with doctorate preferred), minimum of five years appropriate administrative experience in an academic library, and knowledge of advanced technology and electronic information management. Candidates should possess strong communication, negotiation, and consensus-building skills and demonstrated expertise in planning, budgeting, grants, and financial development. They should understand the academic environment and the role of the library in support of all forms of scholarship - learning, teaching, and research.

The University: Northeastern is a regional comprehensive university of approximately 9,000 students offering undergraduate and graduate degrees, and a doctorate in Optometry. The University is located in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, with branch campuses in Broken Arrow and Muskogee, and provides course work in several other cities in eastern Oklahoma. In addition to the John Vaughan Library in Tahlequah, libraries are located at the two branch campuses, and services are provided at other external locations. The library provides access to extensive electronic information resources, extensive Native American historical resources and more than a million other items. For further information visit the NSU homepage at http://www.nsuok.edu.

Preferred starting date for this 12-month position is 1 July 2008 (negotiable). Salary is competitive, based on credentials and experience. Applications, nominations, or requests for additional information should be directed to: Director of Human Resources, Northeastern State University, 601 N. Grand, Tahlequah, OK 74464-2399.

Application materials must include a letter of application, resume, transcripts, and names and contact information of five professional references. Review of applications will begin May 15, 2008, and continue until the position is filled. Northeastern is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer.

Contact Information:

Web Site : nsuok.edu
Phone : 918-456-5511
Fax : 918-458-2061
Mrs. Tere Feller
Asst Director
Human Resources
NSU
600 N. Grand Ave.
Tahlequah, OK 74464
USA

OLA has action alert

2008-04-30T09:56:00.004-05:00

OLA sent out this Legislation Action request

SB 2100 has come to our attention and requires immediate action. Authored by Senator John Ford (District 289) in the Senate and Representative Tad Jones (District 9) in the House, SB 2100 directs the State Board of Education to establish a School District Deregulation Pilot Program in a maximum of ten school districts that apply and meet the criteria as established. This legislation may impact school libraries and certified library media specialists and needs further analysis and review. At this time, the bill has passed both the Senate and House with amendments. It is now back in the Senate with amendments of concern and may be acted upon by Thursday, May 1st.

The full text and history of this bill can be found at the following URL: http://webserveR1.lsb.state.ok.us/WebBillStatus/main.html (Select Basic Search Form, type in the bill number and select Retrieve)

ACTION NEEDED:
PLEASE CONTACT YOUR STATE SENATORS AND REQUEST THAT SB 2100 NOT BE ACCEPTED AS AMENDED AND INSTEAD BE SENT TO CONFERENCE COMMITTEE FOR FULL ANALYSIS AND REVIEW.

So what does that mean? Well from my less that expert view - part of this legislation is in reaction to problems select schools in Tulsa are having and people are desepartely trying to fix some problems up in T-town. And perhaps another part is related to people wanting to get rid of some of the peskiness of teacher groups and their meddling ways. And ultimately it's people thinking they are doing what's best for their kids.

I see danger in this legislation - in that Charter schools are not necessarily held to the same school media standards as public schools. And if a charter school, or for that matter charter school district, decides not to support school media centers and certified media specialists then the burden will fall on other libraries - academic and public to meet the research needs of those students.

And from what I see (and I may have missed it) there is not mechanism in this bill that will provide additional funding for libraries that would serve a charter school district that chooses to get rid of their school media center and certified media specialists. So do those kids then not have access to reliable online databases, encyclopedias, videos, etc that will give them a firm foundation to succeed in college?

Mind you I may be completely off on this and may be over thinking it -- and if someone with better understanding can correct me I would greatly appreciate it!

OLA - i wuz there

2008-04-25T08:14:00.008-05:00

Well, the OLA annual conference has come and gone. And as always it was good to see familiar faces that I hadn't seen in a while and it was especially good to see some familiar names face-to-face for the first time.

The Keynote speaker from OCLC, George Needham, had some nice things to say - and wasn't too much of a doppelganger to last year's speaker. I agreed with a lot of what he said - but perhaps the best thing that stuck out in my mind was his opening quote:

It is not necessary to change. Survival is optional. - W. Edwards Deming

Pretty much sums it up doesn't it? He also mentioned several reports - most which I've read - but still they are worth bookmarking or downloading to your e-reading apparatus.

Digital Footprints:Online identity management and search in the age of transparency
Information Behaviour of the Researcher of the Future Executive summary pdf
Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources (2005)

One of those new faces for a name and voice I've interacted with was Nathan - who conducted a very nice table talk on Podcasting.

I then went to the break out session for the Keynote and got to ask about when OCLC is going to embrace all that cool OSS, Creative Commons, GNU type stuff he was talking about. You'll be happy to know they are in the thinking and talking about it phase - which I think it translate into "When you retire we may be in the writing phase" - so perhaps my grandchildren will reap the benefits. ;-)

I then attended Adrianna's (the spelled with 2 n's) presentation on Focus Groups. And learned that if I do a focus group - I should not be the moderator.

After all that I decided to drive home and get ready for the next day.

The next day I got there bright and early so I could hear one of the authors of Books on Trial speak. I was very excited to attend this presentation -as you may remember I really enjoyed the book. It was a great talk and the only thing that upset me was it was scheduled at the same time as the SLIS Student OSS presentations - but I heard from through the grapevine that the students did a great job.

Before lunch I attended the Amigos Tech Year in Review by Christine Peterson and if only I could remember the URL for her presentation I would share it. [ Update: Thanks Christine! Here slides are here http://www.amigos.org/training/peterson/OLA/techho.pdf ]

I camped out in the room for Virtual Worlds presentation - so I could heckle my ODL buddy Michael's 2nd Life presentation. I even got a special introduction as heckler prior to Michael's talk (thanks Bill!) As you may remember I don't like it that much. And I've stated after trying it.

But I couldn't heckle too much because he did a good job and did a nice little presentation video. Unfortunately he ran out of time so he couldn't take them into the 2nd life world to show them it in real time. Which left me to hang out on info isle bored - I mean what's the point in turning into a furry with whips and "bling" if there isn't a crowd of freaked out librarians to watch in real time?

(I keed - actually the Marriott crashed their wireless to give Michael a wired connection to the internet so I wouldn't have been able to do that anyways)

I will say the one down point of the entire conference was the exhibitors - not that I don't adore harassing EBSCO salesreps (who were kind enough to sponsor the Keynote) - but there was such a poor turn out of vendors I walked through the hall once and never went back in. It was in a nice location/room but there was absolutely no one new - and I even heard a few folks complain there wasn't even the library clothing folks around to buy cheesy library t-shirts from. The number of vendors was sad and has me concerned about future conferences.

So that's my quick summation - what do you all think? Do you have tales to share? I did stumble across a few other posts out there as well about the conference
http://kmiscommunication.wordpress.com/2008/04/24/reluctant-blogger/
http://vivereestcogitare.wordpress.com/2008/04/24/ola-2008-retrospective/
http://yoyotxt.blogspot.com/2008/04/not-exactly-book-cart.html
http://woodsyandwired.blogspot.com/2008/04/getting-paid-to-game.html

Passive Agressive notes in the library

2008-04-23T20:48:00.005-05:00

I get a kick out of passiveaggressivenotes.com - it's refreshing to know that I'm not the only that gets to face PA folks.

The most current PA has a library theme:

Upcoming high tech conference

2008-04-22T05:40:00.003-05:00

Well - as I sit here drinking coffee and eating lotsa-matza and cream cheese for breakfast - before I head to Tulsa for the OLA conference - I saw this pop up on one of my random RSS searches.

Greater Oklahoma Software Symposium May 16-18
Don't miss your chance to attend more than forty education and solutions sessions:

* Seating is Limited
* In-depth Discussions
* Peer Exchange
* Access to Speakers

* Expert Panel Discussions
* Hands-on Code Examples
* Best Practices
* Birds of a Feather Session
* Insight on Cutting-Edge Tools

Wow! Sounds super neat-o until I read the registration prices

Early Bird Registration
3/21/08 - 4/28/08 $800
Regular Registration
4/29/08 - 5/16/08 $900
Group Registration
Valid until 04/28/2008
5 - 9 attendees $700
10 - 14 attendees $675
15 - 24 attendees $650
25+ attendees $625
At the Door
5/16/08 $975

Well...maybe a group of us could have a bakesale at OLA to raise funds and go together?

UCO Library book sale reviewed

2008-04-19T13:13:00.002-05:00

Exile bibliophile shares a tale of the UCO Library book sale:

...There seemed to be a good sized pebble or something in the spine. I tried to peek down the back strip-- something was down there alright, but I couldn't see what. I delicately prodded it with my Parker Jotter popping the invader loose. It clunked out on the shelf-- a chocolate chip. Whole and unsullied. Weird.

Job Posting | Norman

2008-04-19T12:27:00.000-05:00

Serials and Electronic Resources Librarian, Acquisitions
Position Announcement

The University of Oklahoma

Library Faculty Vacancy

POSITION: Serials and Electronic Resources Librarian, Acquisitions

DUTIES: Reporting to the Head of Acquisitions, the Serials and Electronic Resources Librarian is responsible for managing the acquisition of electronic resources, as well as print serials and other continuing resources. Establishes subscriptions, registers, monitors and troubleshoots subscription related access to electronic resources. Communicates with vendors/publishers to expedite and sustain access to electronic resources. Supervises and trains staff in the Acquisitions Department. Other related tasks may also be assigned.

This is a tenure track position governed by the university’s policies requiring research or creative achievement and professional services as outlined by the Faculty Handbook at www.ou.edu/provost/pronew/content/fhbmenu.html.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Required: MLS from ALA accredited library school; effective communication, interpersonal, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills; evidence of skill in coordinating projects and attention to detail; familiarity with automated acquisitions, serials systems and OCLC; and recent serials acquisitions experience in an academic library.

Desirable: Demonstrated competencies in managing or troubleshooting electronic resources; recent supervisory experience in an academic library; experience working in a dynamic, demand-driven environment; the ability to work collaboratively as well as independently; demonstrated ability to be flexible with working assignments; and evidence of research or creative achievement.

For a complete listing of the duties and responsibilities for this position go to http://libraries.ou.edu/about/employment/.

First Screening Date: May 23, 2008.

Search will remain open until filled.

SALARY: Commensurate with qualifications and experience.

EMPLOYMENT: Librarians have faculty status, privileges, responsibilities, the rank of Assistant Professor or above, and are eligible for tenure.

APPLICATION: Send letter of application, addressing how your experiences relate to the position duties and qualifications, along with resume, a list of publications, and the names of three references, including current supervisor to: Rhonda Cannon, Assistant Dean of Libraries for Administrative Services, University Libraries, University of Oklahoma, 401 W. Brooks, Room 212NW, Norman, OK 73019, or rhondacannon@ou.edu. Please identify current supervisor on your list of references.

University of Oklahoma is an equal-opportunity, affirmative-action employer. We encourage women and minority applicants.

Podcasting @ the Library

2008-04-17T20:35:00.003-05:00

Just a little note - Pioneer Library System has done their first "official" podcast. You should be able to listen to it here.

What did it take to do this?
1 librarian
1 nerdy tech librarian
1 poet
1 laptop with audacity
1 cheapo microphone (hope to upgrade that to a not so cheapo one)
1 month with a theme

So what are your podcasts?

OU is hoping to inspire 8 years in a row

2008-04-16T09:11:00.002-05:00

Norman Transcript | Inspirational Reading

The eighth annual Books that Inspire exhibit at the University of Oklahoma opened Tuesday, honoring the University of Oklahoma Press.

"It was kind of a natural sequence, having honored Oklahoma authors (last year), to now honor OU Press -- and it's a preeminent press," said Sul H. Lee, dean of University Libraries.

Books that Inspire is an annual exhibit at Bizzell Memorial Library that features favorite books chosen by OU faculty and staff members.

The book is displayed in the library's main floor along with a photo of the participant and a statement describing the book's influence on the participant's life.

Job Posting | Enid

2008-04-03T07:47:00.003-05:00

To view a very long PDF of the job posting click http://76.12.32.67/Employment/positions/Library_32-400.pdf
It's for the Director Position. - Here's my abbrev version of it:

POSITION TITLE: Library Director
DEPARTMENT: Library
FLSA STATUS: Exempt

POSITIONS SUPERVISED: Reference Services, IT Manager, Children/Young Adult
Services, Tech & Circulation Services

BLS COMPARABLE: 11-3011.00, Administrative Service Managers

LEADERSHIP: Supervise/manage/direct the selection, training, development, appraisal,
and work assignments of library personnel.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
• Subject to post offer, pre-employment drug screen.
• Subject to a pre-employment criminal background check.
• Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited institution.
• English proficiency.

POSITION PURPOSE: To enhance the quality of life of Enid residents and guests by
promoting literacy, research, and education through the efficient operation and
development of the City of Enid library.

I can't believe this can you

2008-04-01T11:55:00.003-05:00

I saw this video and was flabbergasted. And to think on April 1st none the less!

Job Posting | OKC

2008-04-01T11:51:00.000-05:00

Manager of Library Operations II
@ Downtown Library

Job Summary: Responsible for the day-to day management of a large-sized community library, including, but not limited to, library services, collection management, facility management, staff and volunteer management, budget preparation and oversight, programming, community related activities, and safety. This requires excellent customer service skills, building and maintaining strategic relationships; planning and organizational skills; and the ability to create and maintain a library that is an inviting and innovative link to the world.

Salary & Hours: $24.43 per hour ($50,814.40). Must be available all hours the library is open. This position is overtime exempt.

Benefits: You will receive health benefits that include medical, dental, vision, and Rx coverage. You will receive twelve vacation days, fifteen sick days, and eleven paid holidays per year as set by thecommission: nine fixed days when all libraries are closed and two floating holidays (subject to date of hire restriction). A first-rate retirement plan and possible scholarship reimbursements for full-time employees are just a few of the many offered benefits.

Location: The Metropolitan Library System serves all of OklahomaCounty through numerous community libraries and outreach sites. This opening is located at the Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library, 300 Park Avenue, OKC, OK.

Qualifications:Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field, Master's degree in Library Science is preferred; and, three to five years of management experience; or, any combination of education and experience that produces the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Skills and Abilities: Principles and practices of library science and technology and their applications. While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is frequently required to sit or stand for extended periods of time, squat, use hands and arms, speak and hear, and lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.

To Apply: Online library applications forms are required (resumes alone are not sufficient). Online applications are available at www.metrolibrary.org (Employment Opportunities). Faxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted. You must fill out and submit your online application in order to be considered for this position.

Filing Period: Applications will be accepted until final selection is made.

Job Posting | Lawton

2008-03-28T18:36:00.001-05:00

Assistant Professor and Librarian

Cameron University,
Lawton, Oklahoma

Salary: Not Specified
Status: Full-time
Posted: 03/27/08
Deadline: 04/11/08

Assistant Professor and Librarian
Assistant Professor and Librarian
Cameron University
www.cameron.edu

Position Description:
Cameron University seeks an individual to provide group and individual information literacy instruction and participate in other activities. This is a twelve-month, tenure track faculty-status position that requires some evening and weekend work.

Required:
ALA-accredited MLS its equivalent. Excellent communication skills. Ability to participate in planning and assessment activities. Strong commitment to providing high-quality patron service. Keen interest in new and existing technologies.

Preferred:
Additional advanced degree. WebCT/Blackboard experience. Professional academic library experience. Supervisory experience, classroom teaching experience.

Salary: $42,000

Submit cover letter, resume, transcripts (unofficial are acceptable at this point), and names, writing sample, telephone numbers, mail and email addresses of three references to: Barbara Pickthorn, Chair, Search and Screening Committee (0607F040), Cameron University, 2800 West Gore Boulevard, Lawton, OK 73505.

Application review begins now and continues until April 11, 2008.

Kern 23:31

2008-03-24T21:46:00.006-05:00

A LibraryStories reader, from Eastern Oklahoma, sent this to me. And dang her for making me listen to this caterwauling. And please note the following statements are mine - the opinions do not necessarily reflect that of any other persons or entities living or dead.

Honestly though - I figured it was only a matter of time before I got talk about Sally Kern again. Turns out the "homosexual agenda" wasn't the only thing discussed but Rep. Kern at her now famous youtube discussion. Us dirty dirty libraries - and, squidsprodroves, us workers - were also included. I know, quick call your grandparents and let them know you were off handedly mentioned on the intertubes. You can listen or read the transcript at http://www.equalrightsproject.com/ -- if you listen the library bit it is at 23:31 (we are right after the cancer-toe-bit):

This brings in our libraries. Okay, you know I believe in the principle as a person thinks, as a man thinks, so is he. That’s why we have to be careful about what we read, what we watch, things like that, what music we listen to and stuff because what goes in is what comes out. Garbage in, garbage out. We know that with computers. You know, what you put in is what you get out. Okay. You take our young minds and the garbage that they’re reading in our libraries and I mean it’s garbage. I should have thought and brought you some excerpts of some of the stuff that, uh, I mean there’s no literary value to it at all. It is pure filth. The language, the acts, the things that are going on and yet our kids are reading it, I mean, they are reading in the droves...

Well I do agree with one thing - Garbage in, garbage out. And I think the above is filled with plenty of garbage. I don't think I could have summed up the above statement any better myself - thanks Rep Kern.

On a side note I might sell shirts at Cafe Press with Kern 23:31 - if I do would you buy?

Finally! An Okie Moving and Shaking Librarian!

2008-03-19T11:01:00.004-05:00

My brilliant colleague (and darn good conference roommate) Lisa Wells, from the Moore Public Library part of the Pioneer Library System, is a Library Journal Mover and Shaker this year!

...Within months of being hired, Wells convinced city leaders to fund both a library renovation and the branch's adoption of RFID as a pilot for the system. She says city officials joke that “if it costs money, it's one of Lisa's ideas!” But she made that investment pay off: 46,000 of Moore's 50,000 residents have library cards, over 3000 students participate in summer reading programs, and more than 700 people take part in library literacy programs. Wells partnered with a local Baptist college to provide math and science tutoring and with arts agencies to provide summer concerts....

YEEEEEHA! Way to go Lisa!

Oklahoma Creativity

2008-03-18T09:52:00.003-05:00

I stumbled upon this site while hunting down information - for what I hope will be a kick arse Read Y'all poster.

Anyways, Oklahoma Creativity is:

A chance to change our state of mind. A way for Oklahomans, and Oklahoma, to say look at me, look what I can create.

And they even have some library related content on the site.

You can set up a profile and blog, upload media and all sorts of creative stuff. Give it a try.

Oklahoma Supreme Court says no court docs 4 u

2008-03-18T08:06:00.007-05:00

Wow - first limiting tax forms to online and now limited court records online - Oklahoma state government is proving to be a growing bastion of anti-convenient access to government information. And seems to be contradicting itself...

Citizen Media Law Project reports:

Earlier this week, the Oklahoma Supreme Court adopted new rules governing public access to court records, cutting off all public access to court records via the Internet and limiting public access to other information that has been available in the past.

When the rules go into effect on June 10, online access to court documents in the Oklahoma Supreme Court and district courts would be limited to court dockets only and parties will be required to redact certain personal information before submitting a filing to the court clerk....

Mind you it's not all bad - honestly some of this "Mandatory Redaction of Personal Data Identifiers" information probably shouldn't be so easily accessible online:

A. Social Security Numbers. If an individual's social security number must be included in a pleading or other document, only the last four digits of that number shall be used.

B. Taxpayer Identification Numbers. If a taxpayer identification number must be included in a pleading or other document, only the last four digits of that number shall be used.

C. Names of Minor Children. If the involvement of a minor child must be mentioned in a pleading or other document, only the initials of that child shall be used. In the alternative, the filer may refer to the child in the manner that shields the identity of the minor in the context of the proceeding (i.e., by symbol [Child A, Child B]; as Doe1, Doe2; or by the child's status in the litigation [Witness, Victim, Ward, Beneficiary]).

D. Dates of Birth. If an individual's date of birth must be included in a pleading or document, only the year shall be used.

E. Financial Account Numbers. If financial account records are relevant or mentioned in a pleading or other document, only the last four digits of these numbers shall be used.

F. Home Addresses. If a home address must be included in a pleading or other document, only the city and state shall be used.

FOI Oklahoma has links to several other articles on the topic and seem to be rather upset about this decision.

Where I do want access to information easily accessible to all - would I want the above information about me freely available online? I mean as now the amount of information that county accessors give online is creepy - I've seen some that show floor plans and photos of the houses - which sure, is great for home buyers but it's also dandy for stalkers and robbers.

So I guess I agree with the judges who issued separate opinions.

..."What I disagree with is the instantaneous restriction of public access to current public court documents on line," Justice Yvonne Kauger wrote in a separate opinion. She was joined by Justice James Edmondson.

"The court made this decision with input only from the court clerks. Others directly affected by the decision - the bar, the bench, the Legislature, the public - were not consulted," Kauger wrote.
...
"However, as a result of this order, not only is the court taking a giant, 30-year leap backwards to a time when the personal computer was nonexistent, the public is now paying for access to a system which is made inaccessible by the order," Kauger wrote.

Senat said the order did not explain why the court feels a lot of information previously available should now be omitted from court documents.

"This is giving far too much weight to what they consider to be sensitive or private information," he said. "Some information is certainly personal, but that doesn't make it private."

I'd be curious to know what some of our fabulous documents librarians in the state think of this.

17 Tips for getting bloggers to write about you

2008-03-12T08:00:00.003-05:00

Found via Boing Boing

Some great tips on how to get bloggers to pick up your stories - and the fact is libraries could apply some of these to their websites and sending out notices to the press. Be sure to click here to read the entire post at Information Week.

Tips include:

Have a link
Have a permanent link
Have a link for everything
Use real links
Use links that go to pages
Flash sites stink
PDFs stink
Streams stink
Put your URL on your images
Linking policies are ridiculous
Don't worry about the "Bandwidth stealing"
Offer high-res images
Forget the "copyright protection" javascript
Enough with the legal boilerplate
Let bloggers know how you'd like to be attributed
Creative Commons licensing takes the guesswork out of blogging
Finally. Send suggestions by the preferred means

Wifi hotspots nothing but telephone booths?

2008-03-11T08:21:00.003-05:00

I found this article via DaniWeb. And it sparked the following brainstorm (which of course is a creation of my own self-diagnosed ADHD mind and it probably wrong but hey I have a few minutes so here goes)....

An executive with Ericsson says:

Hotspots at places like Starbucks are becoming the telephone boxes of the broadband era.

Which is an interesting thought - and potential Oh Noes! for libraries.

More libraries are tauting free wifi, coffee shops, meeting rooms, etc to bring in patrons who don't want to use libraries for their traditional uses. What will happen when a large number of people are equipped with a broadband mobile? What new tech perks will libraries have to offer? What's the sell of free wifi for travelers, students, business folks and lay peoples? Sure, now they can get to a library's myspace or facebook from anywhere at the touch of a screen but why come to the library? Or perhaps libraries will have to de-emphasize their in-house tech offerings and instead move to promote traditional programming and instruction instead?

Now it would be silly for a "Virtual Librarian" to play down technology in a library (after all it is the alpha and the omega) - but if your library has attached itself solely to the cart of super-in-house-tech-offerings (ebooks, databases, virtual reference, etc) be prepared for a rude awakening before your 40-something librarians retire. Because your vocal tax paying patrons, in-coming college freshman and administrators will have (if not already) a bulk of your services available at their fingertips and will wonder why they need to pay upkeep on a building. As long as you keep offering in-house specialities that can't be found anywhere else you'll be prepared for the future envisioned by the Ericsson exec.

Volunteer opportunity at OLA 101

2008-03-10T19:58:00.005-05:00

So I'm sure you are all already packing your over night bags for OLA 101. But before you pack all your extra dark socks and sandals be sure to pull out your itineraries and see if you have a chance to do a little volunteering. Tiffany, from TU's McFarlin Library, writes in:

I am in charge of the bookstore this year, and I wondered if you would be so kind as to remind people who plan to attend of the importance of volunteering during the conference. ... We will have the Sequoyah authors visiting on Monday! If anyone wants to volunteer for the bookstore directly through me they are welcome to contact me at (918)631-3491, but there are other areas that will need help, too, such as the Welcome/Registration Desk.

At past conferences I've been known to stop in on the occassional booth and offer to pimp the group, products for sale or free Read Ya'll posters.

It's a lot of fun - kind of like being a super literate technilogical savvy and sensible shoe wearing carny. So visit the OLA site or call Tiffany for more information!

OLA 101

2008-03-09T18:43:00.004-05:00

No, this isn't a lesson in how to learn the ins and outs of the great and powerful Oklahoma Library Association. It's an update that the 101st conference of the Association is getting close!

The 2008 OLA Annual Conference will be held Monday, April 21 to Wednesday, April 23, at the Southern Hills Marriot, 1902 East 71st in Tulsa.

I have to say - looking at the conference program I am pleased to see a lot more tech related stuff -- it seems likes only a few years ago a number of OLA folks were introduced to the word "blog" for the first time.

So who's all going? I plan on being there - anyone want to hook up for an Oklahoma Library Blogging Social Event?

Testing my 404 error page

2008-03-03T10:02:00.002-06:00

So we've made the switch to our site, running on Joomla - but most the major internet search engines still are directing people to information on the old site. And that site doesn't exist. So I've set up a meebo widget on our 404 page.

It's a test thing - and will only be staffed when I'm around my computer. And doesn't work for folks using our internet filter in the library - but for those using unfiltered internet and out in the big wide world - it should work.

I'll let you know how it goes. :-)

Border Queen Book Festival March 29th!

2008-02-25T18:51:00.004-06:00

People may not realize how many literary festivals Oklahoma has on a regular basis. Here's one for you to add to your calendar.

The Border Queen Book Festival at the Asbury Complex in Comanche, OK on March 29th.

All set ups are free to authors, there is no fee for the festival. Food can be purchased in the adjoining dining hall during the noon hour.

There will be authors who write books about crafts, pet care, screenwriting and so much more.

Parents are encouraged to bring their children to this festival; a wide variety of childrens and adult books from all genres are there for you to purchase an autographed copy from the author and plant a dream in a child or adult to achieve and reach further.

And if that isn't enough to get you there consider this - The festival will be filmed to be on Discover Oklahoma for the next years program since this year is filled.

Dewey Donation 2008

2008-02-25T18:43:00.002-06:00

Looks like it's that time year of again - or at least the reminder someone sent me seems to indicate it.

What is the Dewey Donation?

After almost a year of research and planning, the Dewey Donation System is pleased to be up and running with not one, but two libraries in need, and a chance for you to help both big and small. (There is no small.)
...
Before we begin, we’d like to thank you for your help over the years. You’ve sent books and monetary donations to a library system rebuilding after Katrina, sent an entire village of children back to school after a Tsunami, helped restock shelves after wildfires ravaged San Diego’s public library system, and brought library assistance to the attention of communities and governments by helping Oakland’s library system get stronger and thrive....

So stop by their site and see how you can help out.

Job Posting | OKC

2008-02-25T18:41:00.001-06:00

Librarian (or Associate Librarian) Half-time @ Southern Oaks Library

Job Summary: Under general supervision, you will perform a variety of technical and professional librarian activities of moderate to complex difficulty including providing information and assistance to customers of all ages; providing information concerning content and location of collection; and performing reference and reader advisory services. This position requires exceptional customer service skills.

Salary and Hours: Librarian - $17.22 per hour / Associate Librarian - $15.63 per hour. 20 Hours per week primarily working evenings and weekends.

Benefits: You will receive 6 vacation days, 7.5 sick days and 10 paid holidays per year set by commission: 9 fixed days when all libraries are closed and 1 floating holiday. These benefits are subject to date of hire restriction and based on twenty hours worked per week.

Location: The Metropolitan Library System serves all of Oklahoma County through numerous community libraries and outreach sites. This opening is located at the Southern Oaks Library, 6900 S. Walker .

Qualifications: Librarian – a Master of Library Science/Library and Information Science (MLS/MLIS) degree from an ALA accredited program is required for all Librarian positions. Associate Librarian – Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university supplemented preferably by additional professional training through attendance at workshops, seminars, conferences, etc. Six months of experience in public service work, preferably as a public librarian.

Skills and Abilities: Understands principles, practices, and applications of library science and technology. While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is frequently required to sit or stand for extended periods of time, squat, use hands and arms, speak and hear, and lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds .

To Apply: Online library applications forms are required (resumes alone are not sufficient). Faxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted. You must fill out and submit your online application in order to be considered for this position. Filing Period: Applications will be accepted until final selection is made.

Open Minds, Open Books, Open Source

2008-02-19T19:29:00.002-06:00

From Inside Higher Ed | Open Minds, Open Books, Open Source

...some libraries, fed up with software that doesn’t fully meet their needs, have decided to take matters, figuratively, into their own hands. With a bit of grant money and some eager developers, institutions have begun creating their own open-source solutions that are fully customizable, free for others to use and compatible with existing systems. The result has been a whole crop of projects that, when combined, could serve as a fully integrated, end-to-end open-source solution for academic libraries, covering the interface, search mechanism, database system, citations and even course management.

Meanwhile, the increasing availability of open-source software has nudged some libraries to reconsider the role of their in-house technology gurus, and to wonder whether it would make more long-term financial sense to hire more developers than to continue paying for products over which they have limited control.

“If we truly want to remain relevant, it’s what we have to do,” said Susan Gibbons, an associate dean in the University of Rochester library system.

The code4lib conference, for example, has seen its popularity grow from some 75 attendees in 2006 to a cap of 200 this year, according to Andrew Nagy, who is on the technology management staff at Villanova University’s library....

So what OSS products are your Oklahoma libraries working on?

Enid's Library Director Resigns

2008-02-19T05:46:00.003-06:00

A follow up to the Enid library issues - from the Enid News & Eagle

...Kader’s tenure as director of the Public Library of Enid and Garfield County has been controversial and drawn an unnecessary amount of negative publicity. The director has been at odds with staff members, and there have been accusations he was derogatory with the staff, as well as having communication problems.

City administrators tried to help Kader and the staff work through their problems, but by that time, things had gone beyond reconciliation.

We need the library board, Benson and any others involved in hiring a new library director to be careful and considerate in deciding how to move the library forward. We do have issues that have to be addressed, including structural problems with the current library and the kinds of library services that should be enhanced or expanded.

We advise those involved in the hiring process to seek assistance and recommendations from the Oklahoma Municipal League or the state Department of Libraries about what qualifications are needed in today’s public library directors....

Save RIF

2008-02-16T17:54:00.006-06:00

A long while ago I posted about my fond memories of the Reading is Fundamental program. I never knew of the possibility of my schools falling into the low-income or at risk area categories -- all I knew was that I got books to call my own. When I wrote that initial post in 2004 - I wasn't a mother yet. Now I find my daughter enjoying the books I received, as a child, from RIF (even if she is just looking at the pictures - she is only 2). The program is accomplishing its goal in a new generation.

I don't think words can express the sadness I felt upon reading following (which I found via librarianwoes):

Press Release February 7, 2008

President Bush Eliminates Funding for Reading Is Fundamental’s Historic Book Distribution Program Serving 4.6 Million Children

Statement from Carol H. Rasco, president and CEO, of Reading Is Fundamental

"President Bush’s proposed budget calling for the elimination of Reading Is Fundamental’s (RIF) Inexpensive Book Distribution program would be devastating to the 4.6 million children and their families who receive free books and reading encouragement from RIF programs at nearly 20,000 locations throughout the U.S.

“Unless Congress reinstates $25.5 million in funding for this program, RIF would not be able to distribute 16 million books annually to the nation’s youngest and most at-risk children. RIF programs in schools, childcare centers, migrant programs, military bases, and other locations serve children from low-income families, children with disabilities, foster and homeless children, and children without access to libraries. The Inexpensive Book Distribution program is authorized under the Elementary & Secondary Education Act (SEC.5451 Inexpensive Book Distribution Program for Reading Motivation) and is not funded through earmarks. It has been funded by Congress and six Administrations without interruption since 1975.

“Since its founding in 1966, RIF’s programs have played an important role in improving literacy in this country. The U.S. Department of Education has shown that the number of books in a child’s home is a significant predictor of academic achievement. In addition, RIF programs also support academic achievement by involving hundreds of thousands of volunteers and other caring adults in encouraging children to read for fun. We urge all Americans to contact their Congressional representatives and ask them to reinstate funding for this important program.”

If you have the time - write someone of authority and ask them to save RIF - by doing so they'll be saving generations of readers.

Who is the Gordon Ramsay of Libraries?

2008-02-16T12:29:00.009-06:00

I'm not a big fan of reality shows - but I love some of the stuff on BBC America. Today I'm watching Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares. One of the episodes on today finds him trying to help save a giant purple-ish restaurant next to a golf course. Besides the problems in the kitchen - nasty fried food with no taste or appearance - the dining room wait staff had no skills. Not only were the wait staff unable to make the connections with the customers, but they also didn't know their menu or had even tried most of the items on the menu. So Gordon swoops in with his tussled two-toned hair to straighten out the wait and kitchen staff, as well as the owners.

Gordon's approach to critiquing restaurant service from the kitchen all the way to the street perception is something every library should do for technical services processes, to the reference desk, administrative workflow, to the library web presence and all the way to the patron's impression on the street.

Does your kitchen staff (a.k.a. technical services) know how to prepare your materials so that they appeal to your customers? Do they know how to adjust their workflow to get the materials out as quickly as possible? After all if it takes 5 weeks for that hot book to hit the shelf - it may be too cold for the patrons.

Does your house wait staff (a.k.a public services) know how to properly sell your menu items -- err...materials? Are they familiar enough with them to be able to describe how that book or database will appeal to the research palette of the patron? Better yet - are they able to keep the house looking the way it should to get the patrons to come back? You can have the most brilliant material on the shelf but if the appearance of the library is lacking - people won't want to step through the door (virtual or otherwise).

Does your administrative staff understand what is going on in the kitchen and the front house? Have they visited recently -- better yet can they fill in - in a pinch - should their help be needed? If not can they accept the expertise of the full-time staff in that kitchen and house positions and take their input when making policy decisions?

The reality is most libraries aren't able to experience such a strict evaluation - either because they are limited by funds to hire consultants or if the evaluations are conducted by an in house team it is viewed with animosity by those not willing to admit there may be room for improvement. And so many libraries are left with grumblings of dissatisfaction by a few (or perhaps many) but no means of pinpointing the things that need help or even where to begin.

So what I propose is we find and crown individuals in the field who could be the Gordon Ramsays, Dr. Gillian McKeiths, Kim Woodburns and Aggie MacKenzies for the profession. Individuals who have a strong critical eye but understand the big scheme and can help libraries identify their goals, determine what they are doing to sabotage those goals, and then give suggestions on how to adjust our collective professional behaviors to better meet our goals. But these can't be people who will sit on the side lines -- they should be individuals who can swoop in and spread the ugly reality out on the table -- and ride our collective backsides until we realize change is necessary.

OK enough typing from me -- I have to watch Gordon convince this guy to change the name of his snooty restaurant - and I leave you with these words from Gordon

...maybe he was able to get away with that in the 1990s but in [the 2000s] his days are numbered...

Thoughts?

OSU Invite

2008-02-14T19:40:00.001-06:00

I got this invite via Facebook -- I can't attend but maybe you can. It looks pretty interesting.

Join Us Feb. 21, 2008, 7 pm for the Opening of the Black American Military Experience Collection at the OSU Library with featured speaker Gail Buckley

visit www.library.okstate.edu/news.htm for details

Book sale and signing reception follows. Refreshments provided.

ABC's of DNA @ ODL

2008-02-14T08:29:00.002-06:00

Do you want to know more about your own genetic traits and conditions? Are you curious about genetic issues that you hear about in the news? Are you uncomfortable when customers ask you questions about genetics?

The National Network of Libraries of Medicine, South Central Region will present the class ABCs of DNA: Unraveling the Mystery of Genetics Information for Consumers at the Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL) in Oklahoma City on March 12, 2008. This free, 4-hour hand-on class explores basic concepts such as genes and chromosomes and offers an overview of genetic disorders, genetic testing, genetic counseling, and the Human Genome Project. Ethical and legal issues associated with genetic disorders will be covered with regard to privacy, discrimination, and potential legislative impact on medicine and society. A variety of reliable health information resources will be demonstrated, including, but not limited to: Genetics Home Reference, ClinicalTrials.gov, NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders), and MedlinePlus.

Upon successful completion of this class, each participant will receive 4 hours of continuing education credit awarded by the Medical Library Association. This class is approved by the Medical Library Association for the Consumer Health Information Specialization Program (http://mlanet.org/education/chc/). If you have any questions, feel free to contact Karen Vargas at karen.vargas@exch.library.tmc.edu

ABCs of DNA: Unraveling the Mystery of Genetics Information for Consumers
March 12, 2008, 9:30 am to 3:00 pm
Instructor: Karen Vargas, Consumer Health Outreach Coordinator, NN/LM SCR
Oklahoma Department of Libraries, Computer Lab
To register for this class, contact Steve Beleu at sbeleu@oltn.odl.state.ok.us
For more information about the class: http://nnlm.gov/training/genetics/index.html

Following this class, the ODL’s Regional Depository Librarian, Steve Beleu, will teach an advanced 1.5 hour class, Nucleotide, Protein, Genome: Beyond the A, T, C, and G’s of Genomics.

Why should librarians care enough about the scientific tools of online genomics learn anything about them? Dr. Elias Zerhouni, Director of the National Institutes of Health, is determined that genomics will become mainstreamed into our nation’s healthcare services. This is already happening in parts of our nation. To know enough about the basic online tools of genomics to provide referral services for them is this workshop’s goal. We will examine these major online tools—BLAST, RefSeq, Entrez Nucleotide aka Genbank, Entrez Protein, Entrez Genome, Map Viewer, and additional online tools as time allows.

This workshop will focus on learning these online tools for REFERRAL purposes rather than REFERENCE purposes. You can either work in these tools in an active mode, or simply watch the instructor demonstrate them.

Steve Beleu attended a 3-day workshop at the National Center for Biotechnology Information in Bethesda, Maryland titled Introduction to Molecular Biology and Information Resources to learn how to use these resources.

Nucleotide, Protein, Genome: beyond the A, T, C, and G’s of Genomics
March 12, 2008, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Instructor: Steve Beleu, Regional Depository Librarian, Oklahoma Department of Libraries
Oklahoma Department of Libraries, Computer Lab
To register for this class, contact Steve Beleu at sbeleu@oltn.odl.state.ok.us

Downtown OKC library evacuated because of bomb threat

2008-02-14T08:05:00.001-06:00

From Newsok.com

Police investigated today a reported bomb threat at the Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library in Oklahoma City, a police spokesman said.

Roads around the library were blocked and the building evacuated, Sgt. Paco Balderrama said.

"We received a report of a letter that was sent to an employee in reference to a bomb being placed at the downtown library indicating an approximate date and time that it was going to go off," Balderrama said.

Police didn't find a bomb after twice searching the inside of the library at 300 Park Ave., Balderrama said.

At 1 p.m., an all-clear signal was given. The roads around the library were reopened and people were allowed back in the building.

What kind of service is a library?

2008-02-10T16:23:00.000-06:00

Ok this made me smile -

Of course if you listen to Lynn, in Duncan Oklahoma - no one would really post that phrase to a forum anyways - since libraries don't provide anything for reading.

...Public library functions reflect the change in attitude toward books. Increasingly, these facilities have become centers for family recreation night and knitting instruction courses. The focus has shifted from provision of reading sources to community service....

What? Reading can't be service to the community?

Long time no read...

2008-02-05T20:02:00.000-06:00

Wow, things have been super crazy lately. So crazy I've had to do zero-based Google Reader maintenance. What does that mean? Well anytime my not-read feeds get over 20 posts I do a "Mark All As Read" - because I just don't have the time to keep up.

So what have I been up to? Well my work is gearing up for another Big Read Oklahoma season. They are encouraging everyone to read the book Bless Me, Ultima. I have to admit I haven't read it yet -- but don't tell anyone I didn't read the last one either. But I have been working more with Joomla and I think my web team and I are getting a little faster at developing these special event sites relatively quickly.

I got a call yesterday from a newspaper wanting to an interview because a reporter attended a board meeting and heard my name mentioned. Which was a surprise to me since I don't consider myself important enough to attend meetings. Don't worry it wasn't for anything scandalous like me handing out free copies of Go Ask, Alice at the local elementary school -- no, my system is joining the ranks of Metro and TCCL by subscribing to Overdrive. I felt kind of bad talking to the reporter because I couldn't offer her any tasty sound bites or any 'cool' reasons as to why we were taking the leap to downloadables. Are you doing this to appeal to kids? Um, well no not really - just want to appeal to anyone who might want to download a book to an mp3 player or computer and listen to it. It might be particularly good for those with a hectic lives and can't make it to the library or live in rural areas and don't have a library near them. Well what kind of titles are you going to have? Um, I dunno - I spent my lunch today just trying to figure out if I want to call a feature "My Downloads" or "My ebooks" or "My Cart" or "My Bookbag" or...well you get the drift Well this will be up and running by April right? Um, well I don't know I sure hope so - if all goes according to plan. Let me just say if you see a link from the homepage on April 1st it's not a joke.

So yeah, I kind of suck at phone interviews especially when I haven't even read all the paper work yet and I just spent half my day fielding questions brought about by our first week of the new beta website being front and center for the public. Which isn't going half bad - I know a few people are expecting a lot more webling and really aren't use to a minimalist look -- but our thought process right now is the fewer graphics and more CSS means faster download time.

But yeah, that's what I've been up to...what about you all? Anything new and exciting in the blogging world I've missed recently?

Job Posting | OKC

2008-01-25T18:38:00.000-06:00

Technical Librarian, FAA, Oklahoma City, OK

Job duties: Serve as Technical Librarian maintaining a collection of books, periodicals, technical reports, and reference materials supporting Government users. Specific tasks include: inventorying and managing library collection; maintaining on-line and manual catalog entries and records; shelving, filing, and repairing library materials; preparing printed shelf list cards; and providing information and assistance to library users. Library is operated using Library of Congress subject headings and classifications, Anglo-American Cataloging Rules (AACR II), and Cybertools for Libraries.

Desired skills: Bachelors degree required; prefer Masters degree in Library Science. Minimum of three years practical work experience as a Librarian, performing library cataloging and using Library of Congress procedures and Anglo-American Cataloging Rules (AACR II). Must be computer-literate and have good interpersonal and communications skills.

To apply please visit: http://csdok.com/applyjob.asp?jobid=65

Job Posting | Edmond

2008-01-25T18:31:00.000-06:00

Librarian (or Associate Librarian) @ Edmond Library

Job Summary: Under general supervision, you will perform a variety of technical and professional librarian activities of moderate to complex difficulty including providing information and assistance to customers of all ages; providing information concerning content and location of collection; performing reference and reader advisory services. This position requires exceptional customer service skills.

Salary & Hours: Librarian - $17.22 per hour / Associate Librarian - $15.63 per hour. 40 hours per week. You must be available all hours the library is open including two evenings per week and rotating Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. This position is non-exempt from overtime.

Benefits: You will receive health benefits that include medical, dental, vision, and Rx coverage. You will receive twelve vacation days, fifteen sick days, and eleven paid holidays per year as set by thecommission: nine fixed days when all libraries are closed and two floating holidays (subject to date of hire restriction). A first-rate retirement plan and possible scholarship reimbursements for full-time employees are just a few of the many offered benefits.

Location: The Metropolitan Library System serves all of Oklahoma County through numerous community libraries and outreach sites. This opening is located at the Edmond Library, 10 S. Boulevard, Edmond .

Qualifications: Librarian – a Master of Library Science/Library and Information Science (MLS/MLIS) degree from an ALA accredited program is required for all Librarian positions. Associate Librarian – Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university supplemented preferably by additional professional training through attendance at workshops, seminars, conferences, etc. Six months of experience in public service work, preferably as a public librarian.

Skills and Abilities: Understands principles, practices, and applications of library science and technology. While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is frequently required to sit or stand for extended periods of time, squat, use hands and arms, speak and hear, and lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds .

To Apply: Online library applications forms are required (resumes alone are not sufficient). Online applications are available at www.metrolibrary.org (Employment Opportunities). Faxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted. You must fill out and submit your online application in order to be considered for this position.

Filing Period: Applications will be accepted until final selection is made.

Me emerging

2008-01-25T06:05:00.000-06:00

Found ALA's Midwinter Flickr set -- here you can see (?!) in all my emerging glory.

BTW - speaking of conferences - anyone heard any latest details on OLA Annual coming up?

I'm in love...

2008-01-24T18:05:00.000-06:00

Ok, so we are still beta testing the website we are designing at work. But I think I'm in love with this one little feature we are trying out.

I don't want to maintain static pages of links - that's what search engines are for -- I want any "link" pages we have to be dynamic and able to bring people back each month, week, day, heck even hour for new information.

So if you know of any Book News sites with great RSS feeds send them my way and I'll add them to the Book News RSS Page at work.

Display idea from the Bartlesville Public Library

2008-01-23T17:47:00.000-06:00

This past fall a devoted patron, Elizabeth Massey Overlees, passed away and left our library a sum of money to purchase books and magazines with. To honor her memory we wanted to make sure that we purchased items we knew she would like to read herself. The books have started to arrive and earlier this month we decided to display some of those titles. In order to create a complete display of all the book items that were purchased with Mrs. Overlees' money, our creative staff came up with a brilliant idea. Book covers for the Overlees collection were enlarged, printed in color, laminated then laid on the display unit. If a book had arrived and was in the collection, then it was placed on top of the picture, similar to what you would see at Blockbuster or some other movie rental store. The final result was a very eye-catching. It kind of makes me want to see all displays in libraries done like this. Not that I want to seem lazy or anything, but it would be a lot less upkeep when it comes to keeping displays full throughout the entire month.

Sharing

2008-01-22T19:00:00.000-06:00

I love this.
Found this via the Chronicle Wired. SPARC had a contest and this was the winner.

Click To Play

My daughter watched this with me and loved it -- see sharing is great no matter what the age.

Well, this is interesting

2008-01-21T07:53:00.000-06:00

I'm not sure I like this or not. It's cute - in a Ed Wood-librarianesque soft-pr0n sort of way...

OK.gov reviewed by Libraryola

2008-01-18T08:24:00.000-06:00

If you haven't looked at the e-goverment reviews at Libraryola you should.
Not a glowing review -- but not a horrid one either

...Gov. Brad Henry’s media center consists of black and white and color head shots, plus bios of him and First Lady Kim Henry in PDF form. For online user services, Gov. Henry has an e-newsletter and a legislative bill tracker, which are always nice. But one thing he offers that I don’t remember seeing before is the parole look-up service, in which you can check on the status of a specific prisoner’s parole or commutation....

Norman talks about a new public library

2008-01-18T08:17:00.000-06:00

From the Norman Transcript:

...Building a new library and vacating the Norman Public Library space at 225 N. Webster Ave. would free up the building for the crowded public works department. The Norman Senior Citizens Center also could move into the space, effectively doubling its square footage.

McKinney estimated it would take about $11 million to renovate the current library space and Building B.

"The library is leaking badly and it would take major work to salvage," he said, estimating renovation costs at $3 million for roof and mechanical systems if the library remained there.

Lewis said the office would be renovated to standard office space.

"The office space needs not to be the Taj Mahal," he said.

A new library would account for $49.5 million of the bond vote, a number that could be reduced with private fundraising. Library proponents have set a goal of raising at least 10 percent of the total privately. The library would tentatively be located on the southeast corner of East Main Street and Porter Avenue.

"If we meet our private fundraising goal, we don't have to issue the additional bonds," Rosenthal said. "And we know there are some real opportunities to do that."

Rosenthal said the library committee is going to challenge the community to raise funds for the library, so some of the costs can be defrayed and extra features built in....

UCO 24 hour library - a success?

2008-01-18T07:56:00.000-06:00

According to the UCO student government body it was.

"The 24-hour library was an amazing alternative. It gave students somewhere to study and hang out without having to cram local 24-hour restaurants," O'Brien said.

I don't know - part of what I loved about my undergraduate experience was studying for debate tournaments or finals at the 24 hour restaurant. Snacking on chili cheese fries and watching all the drunk cowboys/girls stumbling in around 2:00am to grab their pile o' fried goodness they called breakfast. Every once in a while we'd help the waitress, "Bee-hive Bev", pour coffee and pick up tables when she got too busy. It was a great way to build camaraderie with those outside our major. And also see a slice of life in which most of us didn't participate.

Hines was also very appreciative of the hard work the library workers and volunteers put in during the week. He said their efforts to work late in the night helped make the 24-hour library a success.

"We are very thankful for library volunteers and staff for their long hours they put in over finals week," said Hines.

As a thank you to all the library staff who helped out during the week, Hines declared January 14, 2008 as Library appreciation day at UCO.

Okay - so this part did make me laugh. Volunteers, eh? I think Hines is unaware who actually works an academic library. I can guarantee you it wasn't volunteers - but full time staff and part time students who have to secure and monitor a building during strange hours and throwing off their normal routines for a student body that believes their college education is a commercial commodity and not a life long personal growth investment.

Hines hopes to write a bill that would keep the library open even later. His plan is to extend the library hours from 11 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. He said that he wants to do this without having to use student activity fees. Passing this bill is one of Hines major goals of the semester.

Their going to pay to keep the library opened later with student activity fees? So that would be staffing, security, maintenance, electricity, etc for a 4 story building. That's a big chunk of change those kids are proposing...I sure hope UCO has super cheap credit hours because it's going to get awful expensive come tuition time with all those fees.

Actually I would be curious to see what the library door count stats said for those extended hours -- if it really matched the perception.

LOLcats iz n ur prizon liberry pushin ur bookz

2008-01-16T06:05:00.000-06:00

If you haven't spent a couple of minutes at lunch enjoying icanhascheezburger because it isn't classy enough...well maybe you'll enjoy this library themed "cell" from Hobotopia

Sequoyah Book Award - 50th anniversary!

2008-01-15T17:32:00.000-06:00

The first Sequoyah Children's Book Award was given in April, 1959, making the award the third oldest children's choice award in the nation. Plans are currently in the works to celebrate the anniversary of the Sequoyah book awards. Be looking for more information at OLA conference in April @ Tulsa.

So tired...

2008-01-14T03:08:00.000-06:00

Just grabbing a cup of hotel room coffee and an oatmeal on the go bar before I jump on a 5:15 shuttle to the airport.

So ready to get home. Lots of information - lots of vendors - and lots of work to catch up on at work.

Once I get recouped I promise to write more -- perhaps if there's enough time between flights I'll load up some of the pics I took.

So if you see a tall tired grey wearing librarianish lady in the airport wave at me, say hi, and make sure I'm not asleep and haven't missed my connecting flights. :-)

Quick note

2008-01-12T08:49:00.000-06:00

I am attending a meeting of the CLENE group of ALA.

An interesting group which has the following focus:

CLENE promotes quality continuing education for all library personnel. Make CLENE your NETWORK with other CE providers for the exchange of ideas, concerns and solutions; SOURCE for CE assistance, publications, materials, training and activities; and ADVOCATE for quality library CE at both the local and national levels.

People talk a lot about the need for our colleagues to expand their skill set -- and this group seems intent on helping those already in the field with their continuing education needs. At my work we even have an individual whose job is to develop staff training and she's created a pretty comprehensive on going program and with an interested individual any library should be able to develop a basic CE program.

So if this type of stuff interests you check out CLENE - it's on an additional $20 on your ALA dues.

-- I'll type up my reflections on my Emerging Leader day later. :-)

ALA Midwinter observation 1

2008-01-11T07:21:00.000-06:00

ALA likes to keep a strict schedule and everyone here except for me realizes that.

This was the registration hall at 7:15 this morning

No one there but me, the conference center guy in a suite trying to figure out why I was there so early, and ALA workers saying registration doesn't open before 8:00. I'm officially a dork.

;-)

Job Posting | OKC

2008-01-07T19:28:00.001-06:00

Librarian or Associate Librarian
@ Belle IsleLibrary

Job Summary:Under general supervision, you will perform a variety of technical and professional librarian activities of moderate to complex difficulty including providing information and assistance to customers of all ages; providing information concerning content and location of collection; and performing reference and reader advisory services. This position requires exceptional customer service skills.

Salary and Hours: Librarian - $17.22 per hour / Associate Librarian - $15.63 per hour. 40 Hours per week primarily working one night per week and one Sunday afternoon bimonthly (1-5).

Benefits: You will receive health benefits that include medical, dental, vision, and Rx coverage. You will receive twelve vacation days, fifteen sick days, and eleven paid holidays per year as set by thecommission: nine fixed days when all libraries are closed and two floating holidays (subject to date of hire restriction). A first-rate retirement plan and possible scholarship reimbursements for full-time employees are just a few of the many offered benefits.

Location: The Metropolitan Library System serves all of OklahomaCounty through numerous community libraries and outreach sites. This opening is located at the Belle Isle Library, 5501 N. Villa, OKC.

Qualifications: Librarian – a Master of Library Science/Library and Information Science (MLS/MLIS) degree from an ALA accredited program is required for all Librarian positions.
Associate Librarian – Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university supplemented preferably by additional professional training through attendance at workshops, seminars, conferences, etc. Six months of experience in public service work, preferably as a public librarian.

Skills and Abilities: Understands principles, practices, and applications of library science and technology. While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is frequently required to sit or stand for extended periods of time, squat, use hands and arms, speak and hear, and lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.

To Apply: Online library applications forms are required (resumes alone are not sufficient). Online applications are available at www.metrolibrary.org (Employment Opportunities). Faxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted. You must fill out and submit your online application in order to be considered for this position.

Filing Period: Applications will be accepted until final selection is made.

Almost on my way...

2008-01-04T19:12:00.000-06:00

Well I'm gearing up for ALA Midwinter. I've never been to Philadelphia and I have a sneaking suspicion that January probably isn't the best time to experience all the city has to offer.
But since I'm only an "emerging leader" for ALA I don't have much say on the logic involved in conference locations. One nice thing is my group project doesn't really lend itself to a lot of outside work -- so perhaps it's not all bad.

Other than founding fathers type stuff the only other things I know about the city I learned from Trading Places . So any exciting things I should see while I'm in Philly?

Mentally masticate on this..

2008-01-02T18:56:00.001-06:00

My husband is a very quiet person -- it's because I talk way too much. But sometimes when I take a moment to breath, in between my ramblings, he'll offer me a word or two of wisdom. I really liked his latest gem and wanted to share it with you:

Criticism that is truly constructive doesn't need prefixed or suffixed with "don't take this the wrong way" or any such phrasing

Something to think about next time you offer constructive criticism to a colleague.

Happy New Year

2007-12-31T19:49:00.000-06:00

/confession - I have a CD signed by Benny and Björn

Do people realize?

2007-12-30T11:34:00.000-06:00

This may be old news -- but it was new news to me. I realize a lot of people like LibraryElf. Because it helps them keep track of their library materials. What can it "deliver"?

What's delivered?
Email and/or RSS alerts before items are due
Email and/or RSS alerts on overdues and holds
Consolidated list of yours or your family's library loans and holds
Cellphone text message alerts for holds (US and Canada)
Real-time checking by browser

But I don't like the idea of opening of my private information to strangers so I've never used it. Plus I stumbled upon something on bloglines while looking for Oklahoma library news...that some folks who use the RSS feature may not fully realize...

Surely this is just a fluke and I wouldn't be able to see anything additional... so I clicked the preview option

Personally I don't view this as a good thing (of course considering my last post I may have residual paranoia) And it could still just a fluke -- so I searched by Library Elf URL and found...3,520 posts on bloglines.

Do these users realize they are sharing so much information? Do they care? I find it rather disturbing. But to Library Elf's credit -- they do have a disclaimer in their FAQ

It is important to note that if you use public RSS aggregators (e.g. Bloglines, Feedster, Rojo, etc.) you should be aware that some of these services may allow other users to read your RSS feeds. This means that putting a private RSS feed in a public aggregator could mean that others will be able to read your feed information.

Important Reminder: keep in mind RSS feeds are not without risks. Some public RSS aggregators may allow other users to read your RSS feeds -- even if you have set your profile to "private". If you have questions about your RSS software, please contact your RSS feed service provider.

Even with it listed twice...do the users understand? You may want to make sure your patrons who use Library Elf understand.

Book Reflection - Books on Trial

2007-12-29T20:18:00.000-06:00

I just finished reading Books on Trial: Red Scare in the Heartland, by Shirley Wiegand and Wayne Wiegand. The book description on Amazon reads:

Between the two major red scares of the twentieth century, a police raid on a Communist Party bookstore in Oklahoma City marked an important lesson in the history of American freedom. Shirley A. Wiegand and Wayne A. Wiegand share the compelling story of this important case for the first time. They reveal how state power--with support from local media and businesses--was used to trample individuals' civil rights during an era in which citizens were gripped by fear of foreign subversion.
Richly detailed and colorfully told, Books on Trial is a sobering story of innocent people swept up in the hysteria of their times. It marks a fascinating and unnerving chapter in the history of Oklahoma and of the First Amendment.

If you have an interest in any of the things listed above I highly recommend it.

I was very interested to see all the different types of organizations which came out in support for and opposition to the defendants in the case. It seems a lot of individuals as well as groups were vocal and ranged in philosophy from the KKK to various worker's unions. But one group that was amazingly quiet during this period were librarians. And the Wiegands spelled it out that absence for those who didn't notice it, on pages 188-90:

Despite the potential impact of the cases on library services and collections, however, the nation's library community was noticeably silent. The American Library Association had approved a Library Bill of Rights in 1939, but had not yet mobilized efforts to combat censorship[...]
In the December issue of P.L.C. Bulletin (organ of the leftist Progressive Librarians Council), Ralph T. Esterquest, of Princeton's Institute for Advanced Study, expressed his surprise at how librarians seemed "unmoved by the fact that...fascist methods are today the official means of suppressing a free people" in Oklahoma[...]"Let us should to our readers,[...]Read-Read-Read! Fine out what the pygmy minds have forbidden you to know."

So what happened in the psyche of America's librarians that turned them into the anti-censorship-intellectual-freedom-beasts at which Esterquest hinted?

I tried to figure out an answer to this question a couple years ago when I was one of several librarians interviewed for a doctoral student's dissertation entitled, How government mandated policies affect those responsible for their implementation: the USA PATRIOT ACT and Academic Libraries. In fact prior to this reflection on the Wiegand's book I hadn't really thought about the dissertation or tried to track it down. As I told the researcher for the dissertation - there was a time when librarians, by and large, followed the loyalist line - regardless of what that line was, but my educated guess was World War II changed the hearts and minds of librarians and how they viewed their role in being vocal during times of book 'censorship', challenges and even a wider world of social injustices. After all WWII did that for a lot of people...

There are those who ask why should librarians and library groups make policies or public statements regarding topics outside the realm of librarianship or even why ALA goes full force regarding banned material. And they are good questions -- and ones I've found myself asking on occasion. I mean don't we have enough issues in libraries? Do we really need to go sticking our nose in other people's messes? Perhaps we are making up for lost time and for not speaking up in the past. Or because we are in a service field we are wanting help anyone we can in any way we can -- and at times it is just words of support.

I try very hard to keep my political/personal me away from the professional me - because I don't want to isolate anyone that I might be able to assist. However, reflecting on Books on Trial and reading through the dissertation for which I was interviewed has provided me with a resolution for this coming secular year.

I resolve to encourage friends, family and colleagues to more civic participation - regardless of what color their political affiliation (red/blue/neon green) -- because all that matters is that they participate and realize we all have a stake in it.

What do you think?

And the literate towns in Oklahoma are...

2007-12-27T20:30:00.000-06:00

All the cool internet kids on places Fark, Digg, and Lisnews are talking about the latest America's Most Literate Cities Rankings. For those not familiar with how this is determined:

This study attempts to capture one critical index of our nation’s social health—the literacy of its major cities (population of 250,000 and above). This study focuses on six key indicators of literacy: newspaper circulation, number of bookstores, library resources, periodical publishing resources, educational attainment, and Internet resources.

This set of factors measures people's use of their literacy and thus presents a complex and nuanced portrait of our nation’s cultural vitality. From this data we can better perceive the extent and quality of the long-term literacy essential to individual economic success, civic participation, and the quality of life in a community and a nation....

And where do Oklahoma's cities rank? /insert drumroll

Tulsa, OK
2007 Rank: 16
2006 Rank: 19.5
2005 Rank: 24.5

Oklahoma City, OK
2007 Rank: 38.5
2006 Rank: 43
2005 Rank: 38

Very interesting....

No print tax forms 4 u!

2007-12-27T06:19:00.000-06:00

The Duncan Banner is reporting a little secret Oklahoma librarians have known for a while. And it's a secret that will impact those without H&R Block.

Traditionally this time of year has librarians are found sorting through boxes from the state and getting tax form displays ready for the public -- not this year though:

This tax season, people expecting to get their Oklahoma tax forms at the Duncan Public Library will be in for a surprise.

No state tax forms will be delivered to any libraries, post offices or banks in Oklahoma in the next tax cycle.

Instead, the tax forms will be primarily available online. The Oklahoma Tax Commission will continue to mail tax forms to residents.

Library Director Ann Brown said, “Basically, the State of Oklahoma has decided not to do the bulk mailing. It’s not that we don’t want to carry them. We can’t get them.”
Brown said the library gets quite a few people picking up forms each year and, because of this change, they’ll have to find a way to get the forms or locate a computer to use.

I know at the university we would get a lot of students wanting the paper (normally so they could take it home for mom and dad to help).

“There’s a lot of people who move and the form goes to their old house,” Brown said. “It always seems to penalize the people who can afford it least.”

She said she thought the state was trying to reduce costs by doing away with additional tax forms.

Now the thing to keep in mind - is that the forms themselves are only a few pages - at 10 cents a copy one form will probably cost you less than 50 cents. BUT the directions on how to fill out the forms will cost you because they tend to run many pages. Of course you can always be like me and furniture and say screw the directions and then wonder why you have an extra leg to a chair.

Despite the lack of Oklahoma tax forms, the federal tax forms will still be available at the library, she said. The change will affect only the state forms.

The federal forms will be available starting Jan. 2.

Brown said people can call the taxpayer assistance number at 1-800-522-8165 to request a tax form. The Oklahoma Tax Commission will begin taking requests for forms during the last week of December.

“People can not only request forms, but they can also state they are very upset,” she said.

“It probably won’t do any good this year, but might make a difference next year.”

Although the state tax forms will not be available to be picked up at the library, people can still stop by the library and fill their forms out online.

And don't worry you all don't have to drive to Duncan to use the computers to file your taxes - this applies to other Oklahoma libraries as well. :-)

Winter Wishes from LibraryStories

2007-12-23T13:46:00.000-06:00

Have a Happy and Safe Winter Holiday (whatever it maybe)!

(image from Library of Congress American Memory Project)

Scholastic and games

2007-12-20T20:10:00.000-06:00

Kotaku reports that Scholastic is thinking of trying something a little different

A series called The 39 Clues which will feature ten books and be written by different authors including Gordon Korman and Rock Riordan.

The series seems to hint at the fact that it will include mention of video games and in fact have flash-based video game tie-ins...

An online game will allow readers to search for the 39 clues themselves, while solving puzzles and playing mini-games that will be refreshed daily. Mr. Levithan said the site would include blogs written from the points of view of characters, and maps, treasure hunts and videos, many with historical and geographical content.

Each book will come with six collectors' cards that can be used to find further clues in the online game. Players can also win cash and other prizes.

The publisher hopes that reluctant readers will be drawn to the books by the game. "Reading the books will make you better at the games, so that is the incentive," said Suzanne Murphy, publisher of Scholastic's trade division.

Promising professionals

2007-12-20T08:39:00.000-06:00

As always Lifehack.org delivers on this post regarding making promises at work.

Perhaps you can work some of these into your New Year resolutions - and not just with colleagues but with your patrons as well.

Don’t forget the things that you promise to do.
You should clarify what is expected of you.
Take on less.
Use ‘As Promised’ in your communications.
If you might miss a deadline or have to stop one project to give attention to another, renegotiate.

And why are these important? Well because

Broken promises diminish the value of your word.
Broken promises decrease your ability to work for and with others.
Broken promises lessen our own self esteem.

Be sure to read the entire article for the details!

Metro Director Reappointed

2007-12-20T08:31:00.000-06:00

NewsOK.com is reporting

The Metropolitan Library Commission has reappointed the Metropolitan Library System executive director and given her a 7 percent raise.

The commission Thursday awarded Donna Morris a 3 percent merit increase and a 4 percent raise to cover the cost of living, said Kim Terry, a library system spokeswoman. ...

Government documents on the edge

2007-12-17T19:51:00.000-06:00

Several weeks back I bragged on the students in the OU LIS 5143 Government Publication course. Their midterm project was locating, annotating, and wikifying Oklahoma State Databases. And they did a great job.

I was absolutely terrified to teach this course. It was my first time of dealing with government information, on an in-depth level, since 2002. Four years is a long time to be gone in the world of documents librarianship and in that time I was gone the FDLP reset their priorities and Browse Topics had another facelift. But I believe it's a subject with which all librarians absolutely must be familiar -- regardless of which desk or area you work in a library. And that's the approach I took in teaching the course. I type teach -- but I don't know if I really taught that much -- I always hated classes that were heavy on lecture and didn't allow me time to explore the subject on my own so I tried to direct the class that way. Although I wish I had found a way to encourage discussion more in class. Perhaps that's a skill that comes with much more experience than a first attempt at teaching a subject to graduate students allows. And I still have a lot to learn regarding teaching graduate students....But I digress - if the students gained nothing else from spending Monday evenings with me this Fall I at least hope they remember that government publications cover a wide range of topics. Whether it's cooking squirrel or birth control options - if you can make money off of it the government will publish about it.

Of course if the graduate students remember a second thing from the course it should be that marketing your collection is essential - you market to keep funding, expand a patron base, or just to keep people interested -- and sometimes you have to stretch your imagination to do that.
You can do it the form of a youtube post (like below)

Or you can do it in the form of special finding tools - like annotated bibliographies -- and that is exactly what their final projects were. An annotated bibliography of government publications and the topics had to be from popular culture. I know kind of weird but if you know me you wouldn't expect anything less. And I hoped it had the students practicing their search skills for government resources and also it would allow them to see that there is something out there for everyone from the government.

Now to the fun part - with permission of the students -- I've uploaded their final bibliographies to scribd and have linked to them below. Some are better than others - but they all have fabulous parts. So enjoy - and if any of these soon-to-be new librarians apply for a job with your library or archive then give them a try -- because they aren't afraid to try something new and they have a lot of potential.

In no particular order (and not all maybe loaded right away because scribd does have an up loading ques you have to sit in):

Batman
Autism
Extraterrestrials
GATTACA
Gilmore Girls
Rent
Lindsay Lohan
Pulp Fiction
Rocky Horror Picture Show
Romeo & Juliet

So run to your nearest government documents department and give the librarian there a big smile. And then ask them where the government documents are that can help you survive a zombie attack -- because you have a bibliography and or display to make!

LJ reports on Oklahoma libraries

2007-12-13T20:23:00.000-06:00

I talked with a librarian in Tulsa today and he told me it was his first day back to work since last week. Because of the ice storms his library had been without power until today and he (and his family) are currently making the rounds to find warm places to rest their heads at night.

Luckily for us in Edmond we didn't have the severe outage problems others in the surrounding areas had. I didn't make it to work Monday or Tuesday because the ice took out the power at Pioneer Library System headquarters - which meant me, as Virtual Library Manager, couldn't even work remotely on our beta site (which should debut to our patrons January 1). The school systems between my house and Norman are all shut down for the week which puts school librarians off course schedule for the end of the year. Not to mention a lot of them who have been without power at home since late Sunday/ early Monday. And Library Journal reports the following:

One in three Oklahomans are without power this week, mostly in the Tulsa and Oklahoma City areas, because of ice storms that began Sunday, December 9, and libraries have been hit hard. Lack of power and the loss of phone service have added to the emergency. At the Tulsa City-County Library, the Charles Page Library in Sand Springs sustained roof damage and the Broken Arrow Library was looted, with computers stolen, according to Linda Saferite, the library CEO....

Seriously - who would loot a public library -- there's got to be a special circle of the Inferno for jerks who loot libraries. And plus -- it's not like they had power to run home and hook the machines up to..

I hope you and yours are safe and sound.

My thoughts on Doris Lessing's thoughts

2007-12-11T14:07:00.000-06:00

The Chronicle's Wired Campus has an editorial on Doris Lessing's Nobel Lecture--which the Chronicle writer found via ars technica.

The Chronicle's piece did intrigue me enough to track down the original speech. Perhaps because of the secondary headline "In Nobel Speech, Doris Lessing Blames the Internet for a Decline in Book Reading" And in fact, both articles seem to be dwelling on one particular small portion of Lessing's lecture -- although the Chronicle writer was snarkier. Lessing stated:

...What has happened to us is an amazing invention, computers and the internet and TV, a revolution. This is not the first revolution we, the human race, has dealt with. The printing revolution, which did not take place in a matter of a few decades, but took much longer, changed our minds and ways of thinking. A foolhardy lot, we accepted it all, as we always do, never asked "What is going to happen to us now, with this invention of print?" And just as we never once stopped to ask, How are we, our minds, going to change with the new internet, which has seduced a whole generation into its inanities so that even quite reasonable people will confess that once they are hooked, it is hard to cut free, and they may find a whole day has passed in blogging and blugging etc.

Very recently, anyone even mildly educated would respect learning, education, and owe respect to our great store of literature. Of course we all know that when this happy state was with us, people would pretend to read, would pretend respect for learning, but it is on record that working men and women longed for books, and this is evidenced by the working men's libraries, institutes, colleges of the 18th and 19th centuries.

But the thing that bothered me the most was the cattiness displayed by the Chronicle writer -- he couldn't debate why she was wrong -- he could only respond with:

...Even so, I never would have heard of her speech — and the other countless ideas I’m exposed to online each day — without all that “blogging and blugging.”...

He really seemed to have missed the point - that without the reading of literature he wouldn't be interested in knowing all the rest.

The Chronicle writer starts

Not long ago I attended a party at a house where there didn’t seem to be any books. It was a young couple that I didn’t know well, and there were plenty of new furnishings and decorations, and a large flat-screen TV — but no bookshelves....

As a person who has more books in her house than my mom/stepdad, dad/stepmom, father-in-law/step-mother-in-law, mother-in-law/step-father-in-law, and all the grandparents associated with the previously mentioned combined -- I say, BAH! Having books in your house isn't an indication of young or old (smart or dumb)-- it's an indication of 1) How much of a pack rat you are 2) Amount of dusting you are willing to do and/or 3) How paranoid you are that you may need that 1920 encyclopedia should the big one ever occur...

Perhaps the writer doesn't mean anything and I'm just being sensitive (especially after being encased in ice the past couple of days). After all he just wants to get people to the Chronicle site to read the other articles. But -- Lessing is the same age as my dad's parents and when I think of someone picking on them for something they say I get a bit miffed. My grandparents are at the other end of the culture/political spectrum than me -- but I realize that being born around the time or World War I and coming of age in or around the Depression -- gives people a different look at the world, education, literature and leisure. And I think the Chronicle author missed that...

Mind you - Lessing's view on leisure reading is a bit different than my grandparents'. I do not believe I have ever seen my grandparents pick a book up to read recreationaly (although I can tell you that my granpa told me Angela's Ashes was extremely depressing and he didn't need to be reminded on how the Irish were treated considering he lived it). When they were younger they didn't have time for that they had to work and raise a family - but they did foster in me a joy of learning (which was the gateway to reading literature).

I think Lessing is wanting to know is that the desire to learn and think creatively and compassionately still exists somewhere. It isn't necessarily the rant of an old luddite - since not all old people are luddites and not all luddites are old. For the compassion, creativity and learning to progress there has to be a certain level of in person interaction (I mean wouldn't the library vendors freaked if they didn't get to attend another conference?). After all compassion, creativity, and learning are things that have always gone hand in hand with reading literature - not blogs (like this one) or newspapers or magazines -- according to the NEA study

The decline in literary reading foreshadows an erosion in cultural and civic participation.
*Literary reading strongly correlates to other forms of active civic participation.
*Literary readers are more likely than non-literary readers to perform volunteer and charity work, visit art museums, attend performing arts events, and attend sporting events.

...so there you have it -- the ramblings of a frozen brain - are you all thawed out yet?

Free Web?

2007-12-10T08:43:00.000-06:00

Found via boingboing.
Something to get your brain thinking on this cold cold Oklahoman morning.

Why do employees leave?

2007-12-08T15:54:00.001-06:00

A good post over at Library Garden about why library employees leave -- and what could it mean about your institution.

If someone leaves your system for the same job in another (i.e. lateral move), that should get you thinking.

If the average new-employee retention is less two years before they move on to another position, you definitely want to take notice.

If your system sees people leave and then watches them flourish in another position, you shouldn't brag that "they started off in this system." It should raise questions as to why your system couldn't seem to hold on to him/her.

Employee retention has always been difficult in our profession but, sometimes, we unknownngly encourage people to leave.

The list below is a compilation of reasons I've heard Librarians give for leaving their positions. If any of these sounds like a familiar complaint of former employees, you may want to consider it, especially from the employee's perspective....

The reasons listed are ones I've heard before -- of course there are a few I've heard that aren't listed. So why have you all left positions?

LoC Native American Heritage Month Keynote Address

2007-12-08T15:49:00.000-06:00

Found this via one of the Library of Congress's RSS feeds -- click on the link below to view it.

T I T L E: Native American Heritage Month Keynote Address by Rep. Tom Cole

SPEAKER: Rep. Tom Cole
EVENT DATE: 11/06/2007
RUNNING TIME: 54 minutes

DESCRIPTION:
Five years to the day after being elected to represent Oklahoma's 4th congressional district, Rep. Tom Cole delivered the keynote address for the Library's 2007 celebration of Native American Heritage Month.

TCCL Seeks Fans on Facebook

2007-12-06T09:10:00.000-06:00

In an effort to promote a new series called NovelTalk ("Smart Conversations for Serious Readers"), the Tulsa City-County Library has created its first Facebook page. Visit it at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=6004917799 and become a fan!

Sen. Coffee brings you a gaming PSA

2007-12-05T07:51:00.000-06:00

Found this via Gamasutra

The ESRB, in conjunction with Oklahoma State Senator Glenn Coffee, has unveiled a new Public Service Announcement campaign to explain and encourage parents to use video game ratings, timed to coincide with the holiday shopping season.
...
Said State Senator Coffee, “As a father, I know about the tough decisions parents face today about the media they allow into their homes. The simple fact is that there’s no substitute for parental involvement and responsibility."

He continued, "It’s important that parents play an active role in choosing games for their children, just as it’s important for Oklahoma retailers to comply with their store policies that restrict the sale or rental of M-rated games to those under 17. ESRB ratings are an effective and informative resource that allows parents to decide if the video game their child wants is appropriate. I’m proud to be educating parents in our state about the tools at their disposal.”

Perhaps Sen. Coffee would like to visit a local library during a teen gaming event and talk to them too? I have an idea for a costume he could wear to get his point across...

Oklahoma & 2 kings in the news again...

2007-12-03T07:55:00.001-06:00

Found this via Lundentoons.
Seems folks in Pennsylvania (?) area didn't watch any news a couple of years ago. Because the hearted over kiss of King & King is terrorizing parents who don't pre-screen books for their children.

Storytime ceased abruptly when the picture book Eileen Issa was reading her 2 1/2-year-old son surprisingly ended with two men marrying and smooching....

Well I guess since the kiss is on the last page it didn't end *that* abruptly.

''I saw them at the altar and I said, 'This can't be what I'm thinking,''' Eileen Issa said, recalling illustrations of the prince holding hands with and kissing his new husband. ''I was sick.''

Ok, well maybe the library was hiding the information about the subject of the book -- and given it's a very lengthy book the mother didn't have time to skim it in the library before checking it out.

''King & King'' is in the children's corner of the library. The only mention of its homosexual content is a small reference on the copyright page. The library's computer system also notes the classification.

...hmmm... Well let me see for myself...

Ooookay. Well surely they'll talk about about how it was handled in Oklahoma

...Lawmakers in Oklahoma voted last year to withhold state funding from public libraries that don't place books containing homosexual themes in a separate section in response to complaints about ''King & King'' and other books....

Well that's not really correct.

Well -- then surely the library knew about all of this -- so why did they buy it if it doesn't meet the needs of any of their patrons?

Rhode said ''King & King'' was donated to the Lower Macungie Library more than two years ago -- the person who donated the book is not recorded in the system -- and has been checked out 24 times....

Oh...ok...well nevermind then - I'll just go back to reading my other RSS feeds.

And the best library in Oklahoma is....

2007-12-03T07:49:00.000-06:00

Muskogee Phoenix | Library named best in Oklahoma

Jan Bryant got her wish. When she started in 1999 as head librarian at Muskogee Public Library, she decided she wanted it to become the best library in the state.

The readers of Oklahoma Living magazine recently voted for Muskogee’s library to hold that title. Bryant said she originally imagined getting an award from someone like a library association, but she had no complaints about this kind of recognition for her staff.

“Best library” was one of eight categories in which readers voted. The monthly magazine has a circulation of 310,000 and is published by the state’s electric cooperatives.

“The best thing we offer is good service,” Bryant said. “And that’s possible because of our good staff. That’s probably the key.”

Betty Himes, adult services librarian, said every day at the library brings something new and unexpected.

“We see working professional people, mothers who are home schooling, kids who need a safe place after school, and the homeless,” she said. “These books belong to the community.”

Himes attributed much of the library’s success to her co-workers.

“It’s as nice a group of people as I’ve ever worked with,” she said. “It’s a delight to be part of an organization that has an attitude you can buy into.”...

Job Posting | Moore

2007-11-27T08:35:00.000-06:00

POSITION OPEN
PIONEER LIBRARY SYSTEM

CHILDREN’S SERVICES MANAGER
Moore Public Library
225 South Howard
Moore, Ok. 73160
793-5100

POSITION: Children’s Services Manager

BEGINNING SALARY: Grade 12, Base $3261.00/mo

WORKING CONDITIONS: Full Time position. Must be able to work a flexible
schedule which may include evenings and weekends.

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED: November 19 through December 5, 2007

POSITION SUMMARY:
Performs organizational, managerial, public service and community work involved in the administration and operation of the Children’s Services Department of the Moore Public Library. Works under the direction of the Moore Branch Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Education and/or experience:
a. A MLIS degree from a graduate school accredited by the American Library Association.
b. Three years professional experience in public library work.
c. Experience with children preferred.

2. Knowledge, skills and abilities:
a. Ability to work closely with the Branch Manager and staff to maintain a supportive relationship.
b. Ability to make decision of a professional nature, to gain the respect and cooperation of others and to work pleasantly with branch staff and library customers.
c. Working knowledge in the operation of computers and office machines, and standard office software products.
d. Skill in supervising activities of a small group, speaking before groups and presenting facts or opinions in a concise manner both in written and spoken communication.
e. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with children.
f. Lift up to 20 lbs.
g. Retrieve and replace items from floor level to at least 5 ½ feet in height.
h. Work a flexible schedule which may include evenings and weekends.

Apply to Moore Public Library, 225 S. Howard, Moore, Oklahoma 73160. Applications will be accepted through December 5, 2007, will be given first consideration. Résumés
alone are not sufficient; completed applications are required. Applications available at the Moore Public Library, or any branch of the Pioneer Library System or at www.pioneer.lib.ok.us.

Job Posting | Tishomingo

2007-11-27T08:33:00.000-06:00

Job Title: Library Director
Organization: Murray State College
Location: Tishomingo, Oklahoma,

Description: ANTICIPATED OPENINGS: Director of Library and Learning Resource Center. Full-time, 12-month, tenure track. $45,600 + commensurate with qualifications and experience. Required: Master’s degree in Library Science from an institution accredited by the American Library Association.

Preferred: Minimum of two years experience in management of a Library and Learning Resource Center in a two-year institution.

Submit application letter, résumé, three letters of recommendation or college placement file, unofficial college transcript(s), completed MSC employment application to: Human Resources Office, Murray State College, Suite AD 118, Tishomingo, OK 73460. Job description and application are available from Human Resources Office (580-371-2371, ext. 118) or www.mscok.edu.

Review Begins: January 2, 2008. MSC is committed to affirmative action and encourages applications from all underrepresented groups. AA/EO employer.