SLA Kentucky Chapter

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Link via the Liminal Librarian.

Scott Adams' Spasmodic Dysphonia

This is only vaguely related to anything SLA, but I thought I'd post it anyway.  I had never heard of Spasmodic Dysphonia nor was I aware that Scott Adams has been suffering from it for the past 18 months.  I saw this on his blog:

http://dilbertblog.typepad.com/the_dilbert_blog/2006/10/good_news_day.html

and I recalled that Scott is scheduled to speak at the SLA Annual Conference next year.  Hence this post.  I can't imagine losing the ability to speak normally while retaining the ability to speak to large crowds and to sing.  It sounds like a terrible April Fool's joke, but it's a little late in the year for that.

In any case, I'm just glad to hear Scott's doing better and I'm looking forward to hearing from him at the conference.

Library Technology Conference Podcasts Available

The Access conference in Canada offers some terrific programming on libraries and technology.  Many of the session podcasts and/or slides are now available on the conference website.  Some topics of interest include Library 2.0, improving the library catalog, privacy, and open access.

Information Illiterate

The Chronicle of Higher Education published an article this week about ETS's new "ICT Literacy Assessment Core Level Test."  Of the 3,000 college students and 800 high-school students who took the test , only 13% were considered to be information literate.  This is the first time the test was administered--so the results may be skewed one way or the other--but they did consult ACRL.  The article, by Andrea L. Foster, is available to subscribers.

Webcast: Extending Your Library's Presence Online

This sounds like an interesting session.  For more information, check out the writeup on Beyond the Job.

Blended Librarian Webcast: Conversations With Patrons: Extending Your Library’s Presence Online
      Steven Bell and John Shank, co-founders of the Blended Librarians Online Learning Community, and their guest Brian Mathews, Public Services Librarian at the Georgia Institute of Technology invite you to join the next Blended Librarian community event, "Conversations With Patrons: Extending Your Library’s Presence Online” On Tuesday, October 31, 2006 at 2 pm. EST.

Event Description:
Google, Google Scholar and Wikipedia are emerging as favorite research designations among undergraduate students, while library resource usage seems marginalized. Is it really easier for students to find what they need on those free Internet sites? Where do they turn for help? How can libraries increase usage and relevancy? Are there new modes of instruction effective for the Net Generation? This talk explores the social nature of the web and advocates using social networking sites and student blogs to better understand and assist patrons. Blended Librarians need to add Web 2.0 technologies to their skill set, and this presentation will help get you started. Included will be strategies for assessment, marketing, reference assistance, and instructional opportunities. Find out how to expand your library’s web presence and interact more directly with students.

Librarian Shortage?

Every now and then I see another blog post examining the upcoming "librarian shortage."  There seems to be a general consensus among librarians that this shortage does not exist, or at least that the shortages are not found in areas where newly graduated librarians are applying.  The ALA placement statistics for the New Orleans conference (http://www.ala.org/ala/hrdr/placementservice/Placement_AN06_StatsbyCategory.pdf) that were recently released also do nothing to convince me that a shortage exists.  There seem to be far more applicants than positions available.

Thanks to the Annoyed Librarian's post (http://annoyedlibrarian.blogspot.com/2006/10/librarian-shortage-redux.html) for bringing this to my attention.  Her blog is also a fun read for those who enjoy disgruntled, sarcastic comments on library issues.

At this point, I think the "Librarian Shortage" has almost reached the status of an urban legend.  You probably won't be able to find a library school in the country where students aren't discussing how plentiful librarian jobs will be.  There is also no reason why this myth would ever disappear since it is in the best interest of library schools to believe in an upcoming shortage and students would also prefer to think that jobs will be numerous and easy to find.

Hmm, this is probably where I should say something about the importance of networking and joining library organizations when looking for jobs . . . library organizations like SLA, perhaps?  Then again, I have almost no evidence that networking improves your job hunting chances.  It certainly had nothing to do with how I got my current job, although I have heard promising anecdotal evidence from others.  Anybody out there care to share an experience?

New Maps Wiki

This morning I ran across a blog called the 'Brary Web Diva.  An entry about a new wiki, Wikimapia,  caught my eye.  It is an interactive map of the world, set up as a wiki so anyone can mark interesting places--her suggestion, of course, was to add libraries.  Each new entry has to be voted on by two people before it is allowed to stay marked on the map.  The idea has potential, although it is already showing the usual difficulties of open wikis:  there is one entry in Lexington for "Evil McDonald's Parking Lot."

SLA Student Event

Yesterday I participated on a panel with Linda Minch, News Researcher at the Lexington Herald Leader and Helane Davis, Director of the University of Kentucky Law Library.  This panel provided the Kentucky Student Chapter a view of our career path, advise on course work, and a reminder of the importance of networking.  SLA provides a fabulous opportunity to form professional relationships that provide benefits beyond compare.  I found it extremely interesting that each of the panelists emphasized the value of networking at various times throughout the discussion.  I know that without the professional relationships I have formed with my fellow SLA members, my job would be more difficult.  Sharing the importance of those relationships with the students yesterday was a good reminder to me to say thank you to all of my colleagues who have helped me in the past or may help me in the future.  It is also a reminder of the value I and my employer receive from my membership in SLA.  I know this may seem a bit sappy but when under the gun to meet the demands of an information requester on a short deadline knowing that I have the luxury of a number of professionals who know more than I or who have access to information I do not is invaluable. 

I hope the students gained a bit of insight into not only a way to get into the special library market but the importance of knowing all types of librarians.

Al Gore Speaking at SLA 2007

SLA just announced that former Vice President Al Gore will be speaking at the annual conference in Denver.  How cool.  More information about the conference will be available on the Denver conference website.

SLA Leadership Summit in January

The SLA Leadership Summit will be held in Reno, NV, January 24-27, 2007.  I've attended this meeting for several years now and have found it to be an invigorating and energizing experience.  The speakers are usually top-notch, the leadership activities really get you thinking, and the networking can't be beat.  This is a very small meeting, so it's easy to chat with anyone, including the SLA Board of Directors. 

Travel, registration and schedule information

Librarian Halloween Costume

Looking for the perfect costume this Halloween?  Check out Target's "Naughty Librarian" costume.  Now that's "librarian attire"! 

link via Librarian Avengers

Meet the Millenials Online Program

If you missed this session at KLA, it is being offered free online via OPAL:

Friday October 6, 2006 beginning at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, 3:00 Central, 2:00 Mountain, 1:00 Pacific, and 8:00 p.m. GMT:

Meet the Millennials: Risk Takers and Rule Makers

Like the generations before them, millennials are defined by their experiences. They grew up with video games, cell phones, the Internet, and online communities. Know teens and college students, learn how they use the Internet, and what library services can meet their needs. Presented by millennial Jami Schwarzwalder.

Sponsor: TAP Information Services
Location: OPAL Auditorium

Career Options in Unusual Libraries

Ever wonder how to get a job in a library that is not an academic or public library?  Or what it is like to work as a researcher at a newspaper or law firm?

Join us for pizza and to hear a panel from the Kentucky Chapter of SLA discuss the different types of libraries they work in, the path they took to their jobs, and the importance of SLA to their professional lives.  They will also share tips on what they look for when hiring new professionals and what students can do to better prepare for that first job interview.

Panelists include:

Constance Ard, Librarian at the Law Firm Greenebaum Doll & McDonald in Louisville and past president of the Kentucky Chapter

Linda Minch, News Researcher at the Lexington Herald Leader

Helene Davis, Director, Evans Law Library, University of Kentucky

When: Tuesday October 10 from 4:30 - 6:00 PM
Where: Student Lounge area on the 3rd floor of the Lucile Little Fine Arts Library
Who: Everyone is invited; you don't have to be a member of SLA to attend (membership information will be available for those interested)

Food and refreshments will be provided courtesy of the Kentucky Chapter of SLA.

Presented by SLA Kentucky Chapter.

Second Life and Libraries

Some of you may have heard of Second Life, a virtual world, and maybe even that librarians are getting involved with that virtual world.  In addition to more coverage on the blogs, a lot of folks were talking about it at KLA last week.  If you'd like to learn more, the Second Life Library is hosting a grand opening Oct 12-14.  Just create an account, find the library, and check it out!

Collaborate and Innovate 2006

Join your friends and colleagues for a day of collaboration and innovation.  This full day conference is being organized by AALL/PLL, SLA Legal Division, SLA Cincinnati and SLA Kentucky Chapters.  With great organizations like this you know the conference will be great.

When:  November 10, 2006  9:30-5:00

Where:  Cincinnati Airport Marriott

2395 Progress Drive

Hebron, KY 41048

Phone: 1-859-586-0166

The hotel is providing a special rate just mention Special Libraries Association Kentucky Chapter when making your reservations.

What:  Keynote Susan Freeman,  The Creative Conflict Resolution Toolbox 

Ms. Freeman is a coach/consultant with Workwise Partners and frequently speaks on EQ / personality skills and how to use them in the workplace.  She is an excellent speaker and has been a national speaker at AALL and SLA.

Several mini-sessions presented by your colleagues will be held throughout the day as well.  Look for more program information as the date approaches.

Who should attend:  Every librarian interested in learning more about Conflict Resolution, Team Collaboration and Professional Collaboration across organizations.

Cost: $35 includes continental breakfast and lunch.

Event registration information will be provided shortly.

So save the date and join us for this inaugural event. Financial support for this event has been provided by AALL and SLA Legal Division as well as Westlaw and LexisNexis.

You may contact:  Constance Ard, Lynn Fogle, Susan Brown or David Whelen for more information.

We look forward to seeing you there.