This was my first PLA. In fact, it was my first opportunity to attend a national or state conference. The idea that over 9000 individuals cared enough about public library service to travel to a single location was empowering and thrilling at the same time.
What I did:
I attended a number of formal sessions including the inspirational opening session presented by John Woods and Paula Poundstone’s lighthearted closing session. I loved how she was able to look for the double meaning in each audience comment. I looked around the room to see several thousand tired but energized library people laughing until the tears ran down their cheeks.
Other favorite sessions included:
· The Columbus Metropolitan Library’s session, Get Off Your Seat and on Your Feet, Proactive Reference Customer Service
This session described how one library system decided to change how they delivered reference service. The concept of the roving librarian was implemented in different branches in varying ways, allowing local staff to tailor the concept to meet customer needs. The new mini-reference desks were innovative and creative. See http://www.placonference.org/handouts/1013_177Korenowsky_Christopher__116074_Mar05_2008_Time_104804AM.pdf
And http://www.placonference.org/handouts/1013_177Korenowsky_Christopher__116074_Mar05_2008_Time_104945AM.pdf
· Looking Inside: Adapting Staffing for Results @ Your Public Library
This session examined how the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library re-examined collection development work routines for quicker delivery of materials to customers.
· What I really meant was…
An interesting look at communication presented by colleagues who are also close friends, Gail Johnson and Pam Parr, discuss how we present our ideas may be as important as what we are trying to convey.
http://www.placonference.org/handouts/1013_319Johnson_Gail__116136_Mar12_2008_Time_105146AM.ppt
· Talking without Jargon: Improving Library/IT Relations
These soon-to-be-married colleagues, Robert Cullin and Kimberly Bolan, looked at the communications problems that often exist between library and IT staff. Suggestions included developing cross-functional teams that include IT professionals, breaking down attitude barriers and focusing on customer service. This was a very valuable session.
What I learned:
Public libraries are dynamic, living and growing organisms. We are adjusting to change in our staffing, clientele, services, modes of delivery and resources. We work with customers in large and small cities, and in suburban and rural areas, too. The more able we are to accept change as a continuum, rather than as service -disrupting force, the more powerful we become.
What I enjoyed:
I enjoyed the opportunity to talk with colleagues in a more informal setting. Thinking and talking about library issues with librarians from our own system and other locations was refreshing and rejuvenating. Being away from the day-to-day issues of home and work fostered an open learning environment.
What surprised me?
I was surprised at the number of 1-person libraries there are in the United States: Libraries serving a single town, township, or school district with a single professional librarian and limited support staff. These kinds of libraries, if they can afford internet technology, may be better able to answer customer questions than they had been in the era of print only libraries.
What I would do differently:
· In advance of the conference, I would read more of the information that overfilled my electronic and paper mailboxes. Many of the mailings had information about events that were not mentioned in the official program and email. Thanks to colleagues, I did not miss the opportunity to attend a Gale luncheon presentation about their new databases.
· I would be less timid. The idea of talk tables terrified me. Next time I will choose a table talk topic, prepare and go!
· Try to stay closer to the convention center. Our hotel was not within walking distance of downtown. This curtailed our ability to explore before or after shuttle time.
· Try to make time to see more of the city. I would plan way in advance: I did not realize the tours would fill weeks ahead of the conference
· Visit the exhibits more strategically: I spent a lot of time deciding what sessions I would attend, but did not plan my exhibit visits. I did decide in advance not to take bags of “free stuff,” that I would not be able to carry home.
Showing posts with label PLA '08. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PLA '08. Show all posts
Friday, May 9, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Notes from PLA
Notes from PLA - Joe Ann Stenstrom
The bookends of the 2008 PLA Conference were the opening General Session featuring John Wood and the Closing Session featuring Paula Poundstone. Mr. Wood, founder and CEO of Room to Read, gave an inspirational talk on bringing education and reading to children in developing countries. He left a corporate career after learning of the lack of books and schools for the children of Nepal. Founded in 2000 the organizaiton has opened 440 schoos with libraries; 250 more are scheduled for 2008. By working with the local population who donated hours of labor, they have reduced the cost and given the people pride and ownership in the projects. Their goal is 20,000 libraries for 10 million children by 2020.
The last session brought to a satisfying close a week of examining closely the various aspects of public librarianship. Ms. Poundstone brought light-hearted humor to a look at our profession, poking good-natured fun at all our "sacred cow" - DDC and why we became librarians, etc., sending us on our way, proud to be public librarians.
In between the bookends, my focus was on teen service, readers' advisory and reference.
Teen concerns:
Teen programs dealt with volunteers, space, YA service and teens themselves. In recruiting teen volunteers, the need to know characteristics of teens was emphasized - (ie, long term can mean a couple of weeks to them; though multi-taskers, they often cannot accomplish more than one task at a time; they need clear and explicit explanations since they often do not understand expectations. The need to be flexible and play to their individual strengths was also emphasized. We were reminded that teen volunteers should be viewed as co-servers and must be given appropriate, meaningful work and training, giving them a sense of ownership in the job. Benefits to the teens include job skill training, learning to meet expectations and maintain time schedules, interpersonal relationships, learning respectful behavior. A well-planned program can provide opportunities for career ladders and social development. One teen leadership program grew into a successful internship program in partnership with Simmons College with a work/study which has led to career training and opportunities for participants.
Teens gave recruiting tips including word of mouth, personal contact, outreach to places teens are located. In addition, they gave tips for retaining volulnteers -- forgetting stereotypes, celebrating success, showing respect and giving meaningful activities. It was noted that librarians are not merely supervisors to teens, but mentors and role models.
In serving teens, we were encouraged to differentiate between disruptive and dangerous behavior, disruptive being normal and annoying and dangerous being abnormal, harmful to themselves and others and illegal. Disruptive behavior was described as being the result of ignorance (no one told them how to act in the library); developmental issues (attention seeking, competitive, opinionated and needing socialization); lack of sleep which makes them cranky, lacking in energy and prone to poor judgement; brain development - the teen brain is still "under construction" leading to poor impulse control, short term memory, risk taking, lack of moral control, excitability and, thus, loudness. Boundaries are needed with clearly stated consequences. Suggestions for combating behavior problems were: move around the library, build personal relationships, give teens space of their own, have lots of programs with meaningful participation and positive ways to expend energy. The admonition was given to remember that the behavior is nto personal and encouragement to learn to RAP - Remember what it was like to be a teen, Accept them for who they are and Project (they are our future and job security).
Teen service includes space. Three scenarios presented varying means of constructing space for teens. One made a study of teen bedrooms where everything is on display, personal, and always changing which could influence how we use space and display materials. The speakers advocating asking teens to help with displays using whimsy and playfulness with vibrant colors and strong forms. Moveable furniture was suggested with varying seating options to accomoodate the still growing bodies. While making space comfortable and inviting, definable parameters are still needed.
Readers' Advisory:
Tools for RA were discussed in several workshps highlighting ideas for different kinds of displays using connections between parts of the collection, not forgetting the older titles, "readers' maps", read-a-likes. To keep current on new materials, though not particularly new nor novel, the following ideas were presented: use of websites and blogs, library award announcements, and, of course, reviews. Beyond these obvious means, librarians were encouraged to really know their collections, making connections between old and new. In one workshop devoted to memoirs, a variety of subject areas were discussed from childhood and travel to sense of place, food and profession. Two intriguing ideas for display were "Lost in the 800's" and "Explore the 600's" for disease memoirs. How to access was deemed more important than how to catalogue since some fit multiple categories.
Genre studies for staff were conducted at individual libraries, for entire systems and in cooperation between three systems. These were as simple as a staff reading and discussing books from particular genres on a scheduled basis to entire systems conducting workshops with certification credits over periods of three to five years.
A lighthearted look at librarians in literature was presented by Michael Gannon, PG Co. Along with the look at "Superheroes to Serial Killers", a number of titles to use for RA were introduced.
Two luncheons and one workshop highlighted particular parts of RA. Luncheon speaker Pat Mora, children's author of TOMAS AND THE LIBRARY LADY and DONA FLORA, discussed her work in terms of the optimism of spending our energy on the next generation. She spoke of the comfort of language, noting that 1 in 5 children in the US speaks a language other than English at home. She admonished us to acknowledge this with bilingual offerings. Raul Colon, illustrator for DONA FLORA, also spoke to this topic.
Luncheon speaker Nancy Pearl explained her path to becoming book reviewer for NPR and the books in which she has compiled suggestions from recommendations of children and teens, not from adults listing what children should read. She advocated validating what children read and being genuinely interested in order to raise kids who love to read. She thinks lists are artificial but serve the purpose of giving a reason to come to the library. Her comic recounting of the "perils of a life of reading" included never knowing the correct pronunciation of words and confusing the memory of events in one's life with those about which one has read. This was a delightful presentation that would send anyone to the book shelf and to NPR to hear her "Pearls of Wisdom" on reading.
Minnesota teen authors discussed writing for adults but being read by teens and vice versa with adults perhaps wanting to read the works before their teens. They spoke of the YA category as being artificially created and the nature of the teen market being gone before the book is out. All said that rather than writing for an age group, they strive to tell a good story. Some spoke of writing with a partner taking various forms, and said that absolute trust is essential whether alternating chapters and characters or any other pattern. One author spoke of sex in teen Science Fiction being not as acceptable as in realistic fiction. A Science Fiction and Fantasy author noted that these genres tend to have a socio-political meaning. A graphic novel writer said that to write these, the author must understand the comic book. Several titles in various genres for teens were discussed.
Reference:
The H. W. Wilson Co. presented new features of the website which include "1 click" searching giving more precise results from the more than 1,000 items entered each year. The following data bases were visually presented:
Art Image Gallery with 150,000 downloadables from art galleries and museums, including fine art, photos, architectural drawings, modern art, historical posters and political cartoons
Biography Reference Bank giving citations
Biography Reference Bank Select with full text only; 50 most recent citations on 236,000 individuals; includes chapter from Facts about Presidents and speeches of the presidents
Children's Catalog - graphic novels added to the core collection; can search by grade level and sub-genre; starred reviews and "best" lists; updated almost daily
Current Issues Reference Shelf Plus - useful for debate topics and explanations of issues
Current Issues in Health with full text and icons for searching
Nonbook materials added to the core collection - 2,000+ - audio, periodical, electronic, video, sound recordings
Readers Guide Retrospective 1890-1982
Readers Guide Full Text
Sears List of Subject Headings, 19th ed., on the web this year and can link; now in Spanish
In "What Does It Take to Be Good at Reference in the Age of Google?", the argument was presented that librarians can do what Google cannot yet do - namely, save the patron time and money. Google is not good at gathering nor selecting and evaluating information, yet. Google can search for the specific, orient the search, give breadth and it is free. Often patrons think that is "good enough". In conducting a good reference interview and knowing when to use Google and when not, we can help patrons find information more quickly and efficiently. We fit in by being reference librarians, conducting a good interview (done only half the time, according to the presenter), knowing the tricks of using Google and special features of the web, articulating our strength, letting people know what we can do and then building the tools to help people find information, such as pathfinders, easily understood names for services and tools, making it easy to find links. We need to position ourselves as time savers and be available where the patrons are, both physically and virtually and focus on what we can uniquely do in terms of quality, depth, instruction, tool building, literary knowledge, using all resources at hand. Instead of lamenting the constant use of the computer, we were admonished to be glad people are coming to the library for this service when it could just as easily be placed in any other public location like the Post Office, for instance. We were reminded to remember that ours is a profession first among equals, "keepers of the human record" and to make the library central to information needs for the lives of our communities.
The bookends of the 2008 PLA Conference were the opening General Session featuring John Wood and the Closing Session featuring Paula Poundstone. Mr. Wood, founder and CEO of Room to Read, gave an inspirational talk on bringing education and reading to children in developing countries. He left a corporate career after learning of the lack of books and schools for the children of Nepal. Founded in 2000 the organizaiton has opened 440 schoos with libraries; 250 more are scheduled for 2008. By working with the local population who donated hours of labor, they have reduced the cost and given the people pride and ownership in the projects. Their goal is 20,000 libraries for 10 million children by 2020.
The last session brought to a satisfying close a week of examining closely the various aspects of public librarianship. Ms. Poundstone brought light-hearted humor to a look at our profession, poking good-natured fun at all our "sacred cow" - DDC and why we became librarians, etc., sending us on our way, proud to be public librarians.
In between the bookends, my focus was on teen service, readers' advisory and reference.
Teen concerns:
Teen programs dealt with volunteers, space, YA service and teens themselves. In recruiting teen volunteers, the need to know characteristics of teens was emphasized - (ie, long term can mean a couple of weeks to them; though multi-taskers, they often cannot accomplish more than one task at a time; they need clear and explicit explanations since they often do not understand expectations. The need to be flexible and play to their individual strengths was also emphasized. We were reminded that teen volunteers should be viewed as co-servers and must be given appropriate, meaningful work and training, giving them a sense of ownership in the job. Benefits to the teens include job skill training, learning to meet expectations and maintain time schedules, interpersonal relationships, learning respectful behavior. A well-planned program can provide opportunities for career ladders and social development. One teen leadership program grew into a successful internship program in partnership with Simmons College with a work/study which has led to career training and opportunities for participants.
Teens gave recruiting tips including word of mouth, personal contact, outreach to places teens are located. In addition, they gave tips for retaining volulnteers -- forgetting stereotypes, celebrating success, showing respect and giving meaningful activities. It was noted that librarians are not merely supervisors to teens, but mentors and role models.
In serving teens, we were encouraged to differentiate between disruptive and dangerous behavior, disruptive being normal and annoying and dangerous being abnormal, harmful to themselves and others and illegal. Disruptive behavior was described as being the result of ignorance (no one told them how to act in the library); developmental issues (attention seeking, competitive, opinionated and needing socialization); lack of sleep which makes them cranky, lacking in energy and prone to poor judgement; brain development - the teen brain is still "under construction" leading to poor impulse control, short term memory, risk taking, lack of moral control, excitability and, thus, loudness. Boundaries are needed with clearly stated consequences. Suggestions for combating behavior problems were: move around the library, build personal relationships, give teens space of their own, have lots of programs with meaningful participation and positive ways to expend energy. The admonition was given to remember that the behavior is nto personal and encouragement to learn to RAP - Remember what it was like to be a teen, Accept them for who they are and Project (they are our future and job security).
Teen service includes space. Three scenarios presented varying means of constructing space for teens. One made a study of teen bedrooms where everything is on display, personal, and always changing which could influence how we use space and display materials. The speakers advocating asking teens to help with displays using whimsy and playfulness with vibrant colors and strong forms. Moveable furniture was suggested with varying seating options to accomoodate the still growing bodies. While making space comfortable and inviting, definable parameters are still needed.
Readers' Advisory:
Tools for RA were discussed in several workshps highlighting ideas for different kinds of displays using connections between parts of the collection, not forgetting the older titles, "readers' maps", read-a-likes. To keep current on new materials, though not particularly new nor novel, the following ideas were presented: use of websites and blogs, library award announcements, and, of course, reviews. Beyond these obvious means, librarians were encouraged to really know their collections, making connections between old and new. In one workshop devoted to memoirs, a variety of subject areas were discussed from childhood and travel to sense of place, food and profession. Two intriguing ideas for display were "Lost in the 800's" and "Explore the 600's" for disease memoirs. How to access was deemed more important than how to catalogue since some fit multiple categories.
Genre studies for staff were conducted at individual libraries, for entire systems and in cooperation between three systems. These were as simple as a staff reading and discussing books from particular genres on a scheduled basis to entire systems conducting workshops with certification credits over periods of three to five years.
A lighthearted look at librarians in literature was presented by Michael Gannon, PG Co. Along with the look at "Superheroes to Serial Killers", a number of titles to use for RA were introduced.
Two luncheons and one workshop highlighted particular parts of RA. Luncheon speaker Pat Mora, children's author of TOMAS AND THE LIBRARY LADY and DONA FLORA, discussed her work in terms of the optimism of spending our energy on the next generation. She spoke of the comfort of language, noting that 1 in 5 children in the US speaks a language other than English at home. She admonished us to acknowledge this with bilingual offerings. Raul Colon, illustrator for DONA FLORA, also spoke to this topic.
Luncheon speaker Nancy Pearl explained her path to becoming book reviewer for NPR and the books in which she has compiled suggestions from recommendations of children and teens, not from adults listing what children should read. She advocated validating what children read and being genuinely interested in order to raise kids who love to read. She thinks lists are artificial but serve the purpose of giving a reason to come to the library. Her comic recounting of the "perils of a life of reading" included never knowing the correct pronunciation of words and confusing the memory of events in one's life with those about which one has read. This was a delightful presentation that would send anyone to the book shelf and to NPR to hear her "Pearls of Wisdom" on reading.
Minnesota teen authors discussed writing for adults but being read by teens and vice versa with adults perhaps wanting to read the works before their teens. They spoke of the YA category as being artificially created and the nature of the teen market being gone before the book is out. All said that rather than writing for an age group, they strive to tell a good story. Some spoke of writing with a partner taking various forms, and said that absolute trust is essential whether alternating chapters and characters or any other pattern. One author spoke of sex in teen Science Fiction being not as acceptable as in realistic fiction. A Science Fiction and Fantasy author noted that these genres tend to have a socio-political meaning. A graphic novel writer said that to write these, the author must understand the comic book. Several titles in various genres for teens were discussed.
Reference:
The H. W. Wilson Co. presented new features of the website which include "1 click" searching giving more precise results from the more than 1,000 items entered each year. The following data bases were visually presented:
Art Image Gallery with 150,000 downloadables from art galleries and museums, including fine art, photos, architectural drawings, modern art, historical posters and political cartoons
Biography Reference Bank giving citations
Biography Reference Bank Select with full text only; 50 most recent citations on 236,000 individuals; includes chapter from Facts about Presidents and speeches of the presidents
Children's Catalog - graphic novels added to the core collection; can search by grade level and sub-genre; starred reviews and "best" lists; updated almost daily
Current Issues Reference Shelf Plus - useful for debate topics and explanations of issues
Current Issues in Health with full text and icons for searching
Nonbook materials added to the core collection - 2,000+ - audio, periodical, electronic, video, sound recordings
Readers Guide Retrospective 1890-1982
Readers Guide Full Text
Sears List of Subject Headings, 19th ed., on the web this year and can link; now in Spanish
In "What Does It Take to Be Good at Reference in the Age of Google?", the argument was presented that librarians can do what Google cannot yet do - namely, save the patron time and money. Google is not good at gathering nor selecting and evaluating information, yet. Google can search for the specific, orient the search, give breadth and it is free. Often patrons think that is "good enough". In conducting a good reference interview and knowing when to use Google and when not, we can help patrons find information more quickly and efficiently. We fit in by being reference librarians, conducting a good interview (done only half the time, according to the presenter), knowing the tricks of using Google and special features of the web, articulating our strength, letting people know what we can do and then building the tools to help people find information, such as pathfinders, easily understood names for services and tools, making it easy to find links. We need to position ourselves as time savers and be available where the patrons are, both physically and virtually and focus on what we can uniquely do in terms of quality, depth, instruction, tool building, literary knowledge, using all resources at hand. Instead of lamenting the constant use of the computer, we were admonished to be glad people are coming to the library for this service when it could just as easily be placed in any other public location like the Post Office, for instance. We were reminded to remember that ours is a profession first among equals, "keepers of the human record" and to make the library central to information needs for the lives of our communities.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Notes from PLA '08
Lisa does PLA '08
I arrived on Wednesday Mar 26; unfortunately too late to hear John Wood talk about his foundation Room to Read. But I did make the New Member reception where I met librarians from all over the country, including a very nice woman from NYC who was born in Nepal where he had built libraries.
Presentation Sessions
3/27—Where’s a YA Librarian When You Need One? Teen Reader’s Advisory for the Library—In a light tone, 2 presenters discussed when to approach teens and when not to, the type of questions we should ask, how to actually talk to them. We were even given a little cheat sheet with questions on them and a space to list Sure Bets. There were
questions about how to talk to teens when a parent is there, or when the teen isn’t there and the parent is; when kids get out of line; if you’re concerned about their safety with the type of books they ask for; assignment issues; sensitive materials. All in all it was a very productive session with a little comedy thrown in.
This is very useful when talking to teens.
Three Successful Library Partnerships Serving Adult English Language Learners—three partnerships with Minneapolis Public Libraries—we heard from a rep from Minneapolis Public Schools, the Literacy Council and a Minneapolis Library staff person. Although these were actual classes (not conversation clubs) we did learn some pertinent information such as the recruitment of volunteers, how they get their funding, and how locating their classrooms in the library are beneficial to them.
Sexy Senior Programming @ Your Library—how to have interesting, intergenerational programming not only at your library but also in a senior facility, i.e. bring your story time to them. They love to listen to stories and watch the children be involved. Children can read to seniors. They have set up internet classes specifically for seniors. They have family gaming events where an older adult is required. And there is something which is called The Laughter Club which is designed to improve health and reduce stress while producing sounds of laughter combined with motion. We participated in this exercise and we all felt better and more energized after the session. This is a useful programming tool.
3/28—Murder Most Sweet: Mystery Book Groups as Readers’ Advisory Tools—this was a Talk Table which is more informal than a Presentation. We discussed how a library in Massachusetts set up a mystery book group where participants each read a different title in a subgenre, i.e. romantic mysteries and then discuss them. She essentially teaches them to book talk. They do not tell them which sub-genre they’re going to be discussing until 1 month before the next book discussion. We discussed advertising a new book discussion as well.
We also found out that there was one like this but in the Science Fiction genre. I also brought up my No Pressure Book Discussion where everyone just brings any book they like and discuss it. Other book discussions were brought up:
Book Club in a Bag: Each bag contains at least 10 copies of a title, discussion questions, discussion leader tips and a book sign-up sheet to help the leader keep track of the books. Everything you need to help you run your own book discussion group! It does cost $ though.
There is also another type of book club called “Slackers Book Club” where the participants meet online and “blog” or chat back and forth about the chosen book.
So there were lots of ideas about how to start a book club and what types of book clubs to start.
The Best in Mystery Authors Revealed!—Linwood Barclay, CJ Box, Laura Lippman, T. Jefferson Parker and Karen Rose all spoke about their craft in a light and engaging manner. I found some new mystery writers to recommend to customers as well as old friends to reread.
What’s the Big Idea? The Idea Store and the Future of Public Libraries—Britain’s answer to libraries, community centers, and adult learning centers set in a lower income area of London with a low literacy rate and large immigrant population. They have opened three Idea Stores so far, all completely “branded” which includes staff wearing uniforms. The key ideas are:
Location—must be located near a place where people go (grocery store etc.)
Hours—open 71 hours, 7 days a week
Lots of activities—family sleepovers, poetry workshops, book hunts, songs, classes
Liberal policies—food allowed
Looks like a retail store with seamless services at all branches
As a result customer attendance tripled from former library. I cannot say that MCPL will become an Idea Store but they certainly have some interesting thoughts to bring home. For more info see www.ideastore.co.uk Part of going to a conference involves finding out what other library systems are doing. This is where we get new ideas.
Off Your Seat and On Your Feet! Proactive Reference Customer Service—we’ve all talked about this for years. Now Columbus Public has gotten rid of the Reference Desk and staff finds the customer instead of vice versa. Biggest problem in setting this up was the staff buy-in. Here’s how they did it:
http://www.placonference.org/handouts/1013_177Korenowsky_Christopher__116074_Mar05_2008_Time_104804AM.pdf
And here’s one more pro: there are no more desk schedules because every morning, staff meets and crafts their day with each other. And there is a lot of centralized programming so no one is reinventing the wheel. Another new idea!
3/29—The Memoir: R.A’s Dream or Nightmare—definition of autobiography as linear, verifiable, subject is prominent, an exterior account. Memoirs are like poetry, there are textures, intensity, perceptions, interpretation, and subtle layers. It is subjective, with family involving legacy, secrets, community.
The scenes are set like novels and paced like fiction. Memoirs are the hottest type of Non Fiction. It’s a pain for libraries because they are shelved everywhere: cookery, sports, science etc. The role of the librarian is to keep looking for these and put them out on display or keep lists of them (Reader’s Café lists?)
The appeal is setting, time, times of life (illness, childhood, life-changing experience), character and obsession with something i.e. Grand Obsession: a Piano Odyssey by Knize
Several types of memoirs were discussed. This is the kind of RA that is always useful since memoirs are so popular.
Special Luncheons and Dinners
Arthur and Pauline Frommer—surprisingly candid comments and valuable travel information—where to find information that you can trust and where not to—these are all helpful when recommending guidebooks to customers
Audio Publishers Association—Author Jacqueline Winspear, narrator and actor Scott Brick and Books on Tape producer, Dan Musselman all spoke about their craft, which was fascinating. I am always looking for a new author and a new narrator for audio books (I am addicted to them).
Louise Erdrich—it was a special treat to listen to her since she spoke about her early life and how it influenced her writing. As she read the letters that her father wrote to her, we all wondered if she was going to publish them. I think we gave her something to think about. As an RA librarian, this was so useful to be able to speak about an author that I feel I know now.
All in all this was a wonderful learning and networking experience. I met librarians from all over and although many of us had the same problems, we all try to handle them a little differently. It is so important to get a new perspective on what we do everyday.
I arrived on Wednesday Mar 26; unfortunately too late to hear John Wood talk about his foundation Room to Read. But I did make the New Member reception where I met librarians from all over the country, including a very nice woman from NYC who was born in Nepal where he had built libraries.
Presentation Sessions
3/27—Where’s a YA Librarian When You Need One? Teen Reader’s Advisory for the Library—In a light tone, 2 presenters discussed when to approach teens and when not to, the type of questions we should ask, how to actually talk to them. We were even given a little cheat sheet with questions on them and a space to list Sure Bets. There were
questions about how to talk to teens when a parent is there, or when the teen isn’t there and the parent is; when kids get out of line; if you’re concerned about their safety with the type of books they ask for; assignment issues; sensitive materials. All in all it was a very productive session with a little comedy thrown in.
This is very useful when talking to teens.
Three Successful Library Partnerships Serving Adult English Language Learners—three partnerships with Minneapolis Public Libraries—we heard from a rep from Minneapolis Public Schools, the Literacy Council and a Minneapolis Library staff person. Although these were actual classes (not conversation clubs) we did learn some pertinent information such as the recruitment of volunteers, how they get their funding, and how locating their classrooms in the library are beneficial to them.
Sexy Senior Programming @ Your Library—how to have interesting, intergenerational programming not only at your library but also in a senior facility, i.e. bring your story time to them. They love to listen to stories and watch the children be involved. Children can read to seniors. They have set up internet classes specifically for seniors. They have family gaming events where an older adult is required. And there is something which is called The Laughter Club which is designed to improve health and reduce stress while producing sounds of laughter combined with motion. We participated in this exercise and we all felt better and more energized after the session. This is a useful programming tool.
3/28—Murder Most Sweet: Mystery Book Groups as Readers’ Advisory Tools—this was a Talk Table which is more informal than a Presentation. We discussed how a library in Massachusetts set up a mystery book group where participants each read a different title in a subgenre, i.e. romantic mysteries and then discuss them. She essentially teaches them to book talk. They do not tell them which sub-genre they’re going to be discussing until 1 month before the next book discussion. We discussed advertising a new book discussion as well.
We also found out that there was one like this but in the Science Fiction genre. I also brought up my No Pressure Book Discussion where everyone just brings any book they like and discuss it. Other book discussions were brought up:
Book Club in a Bag: Each bag contains at least 10 copies of a title, discussion questions, discussion leader tips and a book sign-up sheet to help the leader keep track of the books. Everything you need to help you run your own book discussion group! It does cost $ though.
There is also another type of book club called “Slackers Book Club” where the participants meet online and “blog” or chat back and forth about the chosen book.
So there were lots of ideas about how to start a book club and what types of book clubs to start.
The Best in Mystery Authors Revealed!—Linwood Barclay, CJ Box, Laura Lippman, T. Jefferson Parker and Karen Rose all spoke about their craft in a light and engaging manner. I found some new mystery writers to recommend to customers as well as old friends to reread.
What’s the Big Idea? The Idea Store and the Future of Public Libraries—Britain’s answer to libraries, community centers, and adult learning centers set in a lower income area of London with a low literacy rate and large immigrant population. They have opened three Idea Stores so far, all completely “branded” which includes staff wearing uniforms. The key ideas are:
Location—must be located near a place where people go (grocery store etc.)
Hours—open 71 hours, 7 days a week
Lots of activities—family sleepovers, poetry workshops, book hunts, songs, classes
Liberal policies—food allowed
Looks like a retail store with seamless services at all branches
As a result customer attendance tripled from former library. I cannot say that MCPL will become an Idea Store but they certainly have some interesting thoughts to bring home. For more info see www.ideastore.co.uk Part of going to a conference involves finding out what other library systems are doing. This is where we get new ideas.
Off Your Seat and On Your Feet! Proactive Reference Customer Service—we’ve all talked about this for years. Now Columbus Public has gotten rid of the Reference Desk and staff finds the customer instead of vice versa. Biggest problem in setting this up was the staff buy-in. Here’s how they did it:
http://www.placonference.org/handouts/1013_177Korenowsky_Christopher__116074_Mar05_2008_Time_104804AM.pdf
And here’s one more pro: there are no more desk schedules because every morning, staff meets and crafts their day with each other. And there is a lot of centralized programming so no one is reinventing the wheel. Another new idea!
3/29—The Memoir: R.A’s Dream or Nightmare—definition of autobiography as linear, verifiable, subject is prominent, an exterior account. Memoirs are like poetry, there are textures, intensity, perceptions, interpretation, and subtle layers. It is subjective, with family involving legacy, secrets, community.
The scenes are set like novels and paced like fiction. Memoirs are the hottest type of Non Fiction. It’s a pain for libraries because they are shelved everywhere: cookery, sports, science etc. The role of the librarian is to keep looking for these and put them out on display or keep lists of them (Reader’s Café lists?)
The appeal is setting, time, times of life (illness, childhood, life-changing experience), character and obsession with something i.e. Grand Obsession: a Piano Odyssey by Knize
Several types of memoirs were discussed. This is the kind of RA that is always useful since memoirs are so popular.
Special Luncheons and Dinners
Arthur and Pauline Frommer—surprisingly candid comments and valuable travel information—where to find information that you can trust and where not to—these are all helpful when recommending guidebooks to customers
Audio Publishers Association—Author Jacqueline Winspear, narrator and actor Scott Brick and Books on Tape producer, Dan Musselman all spoke about their craft, which was fascinating. I am always looking for a new author and a new narrator for audio books (I am addicted to them).
Louise Erdrich—it was a special treat to listen to her since she spoke about her early life and how it influenced her writing. As she read the letters that her father wrote to her, we all wondered if she was going to publish them. I think we gave her something to think about. As an RA librarian, this was so useful to be able to speak about an author that I feel I know now.
All in all this was a wonderful learning and networking experience. I met librarians from all over and although many of us had the same problems, we all try to handle them a little differently. It is so important to get a new perspective on what we do everyday.
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