Where Readers Go, Books Follow: The Future of Audio Materials in Public Libraries
Tuesday, March 25, 2008This program focused on Readers Advisory services for adult audio books and was targeted at library staff interested in developing audio book collections and promoting those collections within their libraries and on their library websites. Topics covered included reviewing audio books, the special appeal of audio books, emerging trends in audio technology, and famous narrators. Presenters included Joyce Saricks, Mary K. Chelton, Judy Napier, Sue Ellen Beauregard, and narrator Scott Brick, a big favorite with the librarians.
I took three important ideas away from this session: first, that audio book appeal and quality is heavily influenced by the style and voice of the narrator. Many audio book fans will follow a favorite narrator from genre to genre simply because they enjoy his/her style of narration. Therefore, when conducting audio book readers advisory, it is important to ask the listener which books they've listened to before and enjoyed, and ask if they would like something by the same narrator. Second, that length of an audio book is often key in determining which audio book would best suit a reader. Often these materials will be used in car trips, possibly for the whole family, so it's good to have some family-friendly selections of various lengths in the back of your head to use as recommendations. Third, that it's a great idea to include audio books in library displays. Sometimes are customers will be likely to listen to a book than to read it due to time constraints, and placing featured items from our audio book collection on a book display area may remind customers that audio books are another option that libraries offer.
I took several useful handouts away from this session, and would be glad to photocopy any of them and interoffice mail them to anyone who expresses interest. Just e-mail me at Ann.Geht@montgomerycountymd.gov. They are: "Tips for the Listeners' Advisory Interview," "Sounds Good to Me: Listening to Audiobooks with a Critical Ear," "Listen to a Book in 15 Minutes," "The Booklist Criteria for Evaluating Spoken Word Audio Materials," and the "Odyssey Award Criteria." (The Odyssey Award recognizes excellence by a producer or director for accomplishment and/or innovation in the production of an audio program.)
Grants for Libraries
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
This program, offered by library consultant Stephanie Gerding, author of Grants for Libraries: A How-To-Do-It Manual, focused on where grant money for libraries can come from and how to plan for the grant writing process.
Ms. Gerding outlined the following steps when preparing to request money for a library: 1. Making the commitment and understanding the process. 2. Planning for success. 3. Discovering and designing the grant program. 4. Organizing the grant team. 5. Understanding the sources and resources. 6. Researching and selecting the right grant. 7. Creating and submitting the winning proposal. 8. Getting funded and implementing the project. 9. Reviewing and continuing the process.
Ms. Gerding emphasized the necessity of thoughtful planning before beginning the writing process and the usefulness of working in teams to complete grant proposals. She encouraged libraries to consider using volunteers and Friends of the Library groups to write grant proposals. It was also suggested that each library should have on hand a "wish list" for funding so that if a large donor ever comes their way, they are prepared to tell that donor what they would be eager to use the donation for.
Handouts included a very useful "Funding Resources for Libraries" sheet. Let me know if you'd like a copy.
In This Age of the Internet, Who Uses the Public Library, Who Doesn't, and Why?
Thursday, March 27, 2008
This was a somewhat dry presentation that showed a correlation between an increase in home internet access and a decrease in public library use. Overall, the presenters concluded, we're still relevant. Phew.
Sexy Senior Programming @ Your Library
Thursday, March 27, 2008
This lively workshop was presented by Mary Mullen and Ingrid Kalchthaleri of Bethel Park Public Library (PA). They presented some possible descriptors of senior library customers (decreased mobility, limited income, far from extended family, and working to keep up with rapid technology changes) and then asked us to consider putting on some very fun sounding programs. An intergenerational "Family Battle of the Books" that includes grandparents was a big hit in Pennsylvania, as well as any sort of library sponsored kid/teen volunteering at local senior centers. "Movies for Your Mind" was a popular program, featuring documentaries and adult education videos. Outreach efforts could include baby story times at senior centers. Tech classes were popular with seniors, and a video blooging class was well attended. Family game nights with a Wii were highly praised. Lastly, a "Laughter Club" was presented as an idea. Participants do laughter exercises that lower blood pressure and increase quality of life.
Reinventing the Library for the 21st Century
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Dangerous Ideas: What if Libraries...?
Friday, March 28, 2008
These presentations were similar in that both asked "What if libraries...?" (did something that would cause many librarians to balk). Karen Hyman presented the "Reinventing" talk, and "Dangerous Ideas" was presented by Deirdre Routt, Stacey Aldrich, Brian Auger, Amy de Groff, and Rivkah Sass. Ideas discussed included, "What if we stopped cataloging and only tagged?" "What if librarians would promote and participate in the development of Wikipedia?" "What if we fully cooperated with law enforcement officers when they are investigating our patrons?" (Not a popular one.) "What if we made decisions that are not based on scarcity?" The point of these presentations was to confront the discomfort with out-of-the box thinking within our profession and move beyond it to finding solutions. Visit the Dangerous Ideas and give feedback at http://whatiflibs.wetpaint.com/?t=anon
Everyone is Getting Crabbier
Friday, March 28, 2008
This program focused on the increasing level of stress in library work and how to alleviate this workplace stress. It was presented by Sandra Nelson, a library consultant.
Nelson attributed the majority of workplace stress to a climate of change (perpetual within the library system). She pointed out that in times of change, staff often feel paranoid, fearful, angry, stressed, and a lack of control. Staff members will tend to cling to comfortable routines, resist changes, and romanticize the past. In times of change, the workplace grapevine is much more active, there are more conflicts between staff members, and productivity drops.
To take yourself out of the melee, Nelson suggests prioritizing by choosing to focus on only those tasks which account for the bulk of the benefits to the library. Planning ahead is essential, since no one truly does better work under pressure. De-cluttering the work area and remembering that everything is not worth doing well is important. Lastly, managing the clock by working with your body's natural rhythm and taking regular breaks can reduce workplace stress.
I took three important ideas away from this session: first, that audio book appeal and quality is heavily influenced by the style and voice of the narrator. Many audio book fans will follow a favorite narrator from genre to genre simply because they enjoy his/her style of narration. Therefore, when conducting audio book readers advisory, it is important to ask the listener which books they've listened to before and enjoyed, and ask if they would like something by the same narrator. Second, that length of an audio book is often key in determining which audio book would best suit a reader. Often these materials will be used in car trips, possibly for the whole family, so it's good to have some family-friendly selections of various lengths in the back of your head to use as recommendations. Third, that it's a great idea to include audio books in library displays. Sometimes are customers will be likely to listen to a book than to read it due to time constraints, and placing featured items from our audio book collection on a book display area may remind customers that audio books are another option that libraries offer.
I took several useful handouts away from this session, and would be glad to photocopy any of them and interoffice mail them to anyone who expresses interest. Just e-mail me at Ann.Geht@montgomerycountymd.gov. They are: "Tips for the Listeners' Advisory Interview," "Sounds Good to Me: Listening to Audiobooks with a Critical Ear," "Listen to a Book in 15 Minutes," "The Booklist Criteria for Evaluating Spoken Word Audio Materials," and the "Odyssey Award Criteria." (The Odyssey Award recognizes excellence by a producer or director for accomplishment and/or innovation in the production of an audio program.)
Grants for Libraries
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
This program, offered by library consultant Stephanie Gerding, author of Grants for Libraries: A How-To-Do-It Manual, focused on where grant money for libraries can come from and how to plan for the grant writing process.
Ms. Gerding outlined the following steps when preparing to request money for a library: 1. Making the commitment and understanding the process. 2. Planning for success. 3. Discovering and designing the grant program. 4. Organizing the grant team. 5. Understanding the sources and resources. 6. Researching and selecting the right grant. 7. Creating and submitting the winning proposal. 8. Getting funded and implementing the project. 9. Reviewing and continuing the process.
Ms. Gerding emphasized the necessity of thoughtful planning before beginning the writing process and the usefulness of working in teams to complete grant proposals. She encouraged libraries to consider using volunteers and Friends of the Library groups to write grant proposals. It was also suggested that each library should have on hand a "wish list" for funding so that if a large donor ever comes their way, they are prepared to tell that donor what they would be eager to use the donation for.
Handouts included a very useful "Funding Resources for Libraries" sheet. Let me know if you'd like a copy.
In This Age of the Internet, Who Uses the Public Library, Who Doesn't, and Why?
Thursday, March 27, 2008
This was a somewhat dry presentation that showed a correlation between an increase in home internet access and a decrease in public library use. Overall, the presenters concluded, we're still relevant. Phew.
Sexy Senior Programming @ Your Library
Thursday, March 27, 2008
This lively workshop was presented by Mary Mullen and Ingrid Kalchthaleri of Bethel Park Public Library (PA). They presented some possible descriptors of senior library customers (decreased mobility, limited income, far from extended family, and working to keep up with rapid technology changes) and then asked us to consider putting on some very fun sounding programs. An intergenerational "Family Battle of the Books" that includes grandparents was a big hit in Pennsylvania, as well as any sort of library sponsored kid/teen volunteering at local senior centers. "Movies for Your Mind" was a popular program, featuring documentaries and adult education videos. Outreach efforts could include baby story times at senior centers. Tech classes were popular with seniors, and a video blooging class was well attended. Family game nights with a Wii were highly praised. Lastly, a "Laughter Club" was presented as an idea. Participants do laughter exercises that lower blood pressure and increase quality of life.
Reinventing the Library for the 21st Century
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Dangerous Ideas: What if Libraries...?
Friday, March 28, 2008
These presentations were similar in that both asked "What if libraries...?" (did something that would cause many librarians to balk). Karen Hyman presented the "Reinventing" talk, and "Dangerous Ideas" was presented by Deirdre Routt, Stacey Aldrich, Brian Auger, Amy de Groff, and Rivkah Sass. Ideas discussed included, "What if we stopped cataloging and only tagged?" "What if librarians would promote and participate in the development of Wikipedia?" "What if we fully cooperated with law enforcement officers when they are investigating our patrons?" (Not a popular one.) "What if we made decisions that are not based on scarcity?" The point of these presentations was to confront the discomfort with out-of-the box thinking within our profession and move beyond it to finding solutions. Visit the Dangerous Ideas and give feedback at http://whatiflibs.wetpaint.com/?t=anon
Everyone is Getting Crabbier
Friday, March 28, 2008
This program focused on the increasing level of stress in library work and how to alleviate this workplace stress. It was presented by Sandra Nelson, a library consultant.
Nelson attributed the majority of workplace stress to a climate of change (perpetual within the library system). She pointed out that in times of change, staff often feel paranoid, fearful, angry, stressed, and a lack of control. Staff members will tend to cling to comfortable routines, resist changes, and romanticize the past. In times of change, the workplace grapevine is much more active, there are more conflicts between staff members, and productivity drops.
To take yourself out of the melee, Nelson suggests prioritizing by choosing to focus on only those tasks which account for the bulk of the benefits to the library. Planning ahead is essential, since no one truly does better work under pressure. De-cluttering the work area and remembering that everything is not worth doing well is important. Lastly, managing the clock by working with your body's natural rhythm and taking regular breaks can reduce workplace stress.
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