Return of True Blog

At the beginning of the semester, Michael shared his thoughts on class success by suggesting that we explore, be curious, trust, play, try things out, and consider the possibilities.  I think we’ve had the opportunity to do all of these!  Our class has been like a diving board by allowing us to leap into new waters while attempting twists and exploring concepts and technologies.  If you’ve ever had the chance to dive, it does involve trust.  It takes trust in yourself, trust in your coach, trust that the water is sufficiently deep, trust in the lifeguard, and trust in your swimsuit not to fall off in the water.

This class has taught me valuable things for my librarian life, which has become more intertwined with my personal side, so much so that the personal is increasingly apparent to my co-workers and to the library users.  This class leaves me facing personal challenges, such as working on my transparency, especially in the virtual world.  I realize that I will constantly be learning about new technologies, among other things.  Another issue is that of finding my role in the online librarian community.  I am asking myself:  What is it that I can contribute?  What do I want to contribute?  Where and how do I want to be involved?

Of course, this spills into my professional life and I envision myself expanding my role at work.  I have strong interests in communicating well and being a reference librarian, a teacher, and a library advocate.  I see a library advocate as someone who is creative in many areas, from reaching all users, to raising awareness of what’s available at the library, to involving faculty and informing them about what’s new, and also public relations.  All semester I’ve been writing notes and stashing them for review and possible action.  Now it is time to sort through my stack of ideas.  I’m very interested in how to bridge the gap between online communities and the physical world.  I know that I will be continuing my education in some capacity, and must decide which learning opportunities to take advantage of.  It is also a goal of mine to attend some conferences in person.  Finally, while I have always visited libraries when traveling, now I plan to introduce myself as a librarian and chat with the staff when it might be appropriate.

A main point we’ve discussed is that the library is human and is a living organism that can change and adapt.  We have so much potential to infuse libraries with our humanity.  Also, we have the capacity to think like a patron.  I believe that if we remember these points, and are always willing to change and learn, we can efficiently plan and create a positive user experience.  I think that we have to prioritize getting library users involved with interacting with us and to be part of the planning process.  That is, I suspect that many libraries need to improve upon this.

We have to remember to listen, and not just to our users, but to each other.  Along with co-worker collaboration, geography really doesn’t matter and there is an impressive online conversation we can participate in to encourage each other, share ideas, and learn.  We are part of a creative, caring, smart, and fun community that has a sense of humor along with a sense of social responsibility (check out the Men of the Stacks calendar).  If we get discouraged or tired, we can rely on each other for support.  We can remind each other to play.  For further inspiration, we can also think about how the library can be transformational in people’s lives, and that we are the ones creating that experience.

Introduction: What my report is about

Twitter Audio Report

Twitter Report References

Twitter is not helping me pretend to be anonymous.  Where is my hunchback disguise?  Since the Grand Rapids Public Library is mentioned in our class lecture, I figured I’d investigate their tweets, and found a lot of interesting library-related stuff and not-so-library-related stuff.  By reading the GRPL tweets and those of other libraries, I’m getting more ideas of how to use Twitter toward accomplishing the goals of your library’s mission statement.  Topics have included: new books–no wait!, local politics, new technology like the Cloud, historical photos, book or DVD most in demand, etc.  Without doubt Twitter adds a new level of intimacy to the virtual community.

By clicking on this and then that, I even found a librarian whose household needs Christmas ornaments.  She lists her address on a Google form and says, “If you send us an ornament, I’ll send you a box of cookies and baked goods in return.  If you’ve been following me on various social networks, you’ve probably guess anything quirky, weird, odd or charming is more of our gamut of ornaments and tchotchkes then religious or sentimental.”  (On the form, you can opt out of the cookies and request only a Christmas card instead.)  I adore this!  We all were taught not to take candy from strangers, but surely accepting cookies from librarians is okay. 

I’ve discovered that it’s just as fascinating to look at who the library follows.  One of my favorite libraries is the San Francisco Public Library.  By perusing who they follow I found out about this interesting project: Tom Corwin (bookmobilenews) on Twitter.  I made my way to the Digital Public Library of America after reading a tweet from UC Santa Cruz McHenry Library.

Thinking about how libraries are evolving to be more of a commons than just a library reminds me somewhat of the evolution of grocery stores in America.  They used to be just a place to buy groceries.  Now various stores offer various convenience features:  coin counters, pharmacies, movie rentals, etc. (once upon a time, film processing).  I usually purchase groceries from my local Community Market and the Santa Rosa Junior College Shone Farm farmers market, but occasionally shop at Whole Foods (check out the WF Twitter) for items the “Commie” doesn’t have.  A few weeks ago I visited a huge grocery store in Petaluma, G and G Market.  They have a special liquor section at the front of the store!  (You might not be surprised by this, but I’m rarely in grocery stores…)

Anyhow, libraries would be wise to pay attention to convenience features users might want–even if at first it might not seem directly related to the library.  The grocery stores want to get customers inside the doors and so do libraries.  As we’ve been seeing, social media is directly linked to creating this virtual commons and drawing people into a physical location as well.

A comment about the Smithsonian Commons.  What a fascinating concept!  (But was anybody else surprised that they published a tutorial with the smartphone time reading 4:20?–I thought they might not want to do that in Washington…)  Perhaps such virtual commons will eventually be commonplace (yuk, yuk).  Imagine if academic libraries ever set up something similar for their students.  It would be a world beyond LibGuides.

Everybody seems to have something to say about QR codes, so I’ll add to the comments.  First of all, I agree with Sean Cummings that much of QR code usage now is a waste of time.  I laugh when I imagine him personally testing over 200 random QR codes found in advertising.  The horrors of scanning a code on webpage and discovering that it is the same URL as the ad itself!  I also feel ambivalent about printing them on the back of business cards.  Personally, I prefer having that space to write short notes (a pet peeve of mine is when business cards are printed on dark color paper stock that prevents this).  When you are at a large event, such as a trade show, such notes will help you remember who someone is and/or some action you must complete.

However, judging QR codes only on the basis of lack of creativity of marketing companies is not fair to the technology.  Cummings points out that the codes were not created for this and I like his ideas for incorporating them.  During my spring 2011 internship at Santa Rosa Junior College Libraries, I was able to collaborate with the technical services librarian to create a QR code scavenger hunt in the libraries at both campus locations.  Another project was placing QR codes on bookmarks that circulation inserted into books at checkout.  The codes led to a summer reading list of books recommend by different SRJC faculty members from many departments.  This reading list was featured on the library homepage–an image of the book cover appeared along with the faculty member’s name and department (nice graphics).  Also, the campus newspaper printed the QR code on the front page of the last issue of the semester.

I love Cummings’ idea about putting QR codes on bar coasters!–though I would hesitate to have the content be dares–but it depends on the dares and where you are; for a private party, this could be fun.  I also have numerous crazy ideas for personal use.  For example, I don’t send out Christmas cards, but rather I create a cartoon strip of my life during the past year–then I don’t have to write about this over and over inside cards.  I still add personal notes; longer letters to folks I don’t communicate with very often.  Imagine the fun of sending out an ornament that your friends and family could hang up and have the QR code lead to a video of you presenting greetings and stories, or a Prezi or PPT presentation of the comic strip, or some such thing.  (Of course, not everybody I send greetings to currently has the technology to enjoy such a feature–I would still send the comic along with the ornament.)

What about a costume that incorporates QR codes?  Endless possibilities!  Even if it was just one QR code.  Say your costume was Darth Vader.  The QR code might link to the hilarious Eddie Izzard Death Star Canteen comedy skit (warning: some language in video).

Or, you could be a library!  (Hey, I know folks who have appeared in tandem as a clothesline.)  You could be covered in QR codes.  If you got clever, you could incorporate whatever body part the QR code was near:

I can see that I’m getting out of hand…

…and I know you get the idea.  The main point is that like any technology, we have to make sure that whatever we use it for benefits our library users in some way, whether it’s to creatively supply them with useful information that enriches their library experience or even perhaps to simply make them smile.

Here are a few links that show how some libraries are using QR codes and also some other creative uses for QR codes.

QR Code Quest: a Library Scavenger Hunt | The Daring Librarian

Cool QR Codes in the Classroom & Library | the daring school library blog

Try our Mobile Site | San José State University Library

QR codes | San Jose Public Library

I chose to develop a social media guideline policy statement regarding the restructuring of the Santa Rosa Junior College Libraries Facebook page.  SRJC already has a Facebook page, but previously it was strictly managed by just one technical service librarian–no exceptions were allowed.

Currently there is no social media policy in place, but a draft was finalized on 9/28/11 with input from two librarians.  It was patterned after the social media policy at the Sonoma State University Library.  However, legal counsel has recommended another social media policy which I have not yet had access to.

Note: Social media has been on the department agenda for the last two meetings.  It was only briefly mentioned at the 10/14/11 meeting because of time and attendance issues.  It was discussed at the 10/28/11 meeting, mostly as to the status of it and how many followers exist for Facebook and Twitter.

The librarian currently in charge of the Facebook page and the creation of a social media policy made an appointment with me for 11/1/11 to discuss Facebook and the social media policy that was recommended by legal counsel, but was unable to keep the appointment.  It is not a top priority at the moment.  So, the following are my recommendations based on the social media guidelines 9-28-11 draft and what I have researched.

Update: 11/1/11 – 11:03 p.m.!  – I heard back from the librarian who could not make our afternoon meeting.  I am an adjunct librarian, so the librarian currently in charge of this can’t officially ask me (or the other adjunct librarian who supplied the SSU information) to work on the Facebook or Social Media Policy away from our reference desk shifts.  However, it sounds as though we can contribute however much we like to these projects as our time allows at the desk or as we desire.

Facebook at SRJC

Any YA or public librarians out there?  Here’s a reminder that we do not all want the same user experience and also an insight into the mind of a typical young guy.

A colleague borrowed her 13-year-old son’s iPod Touch (in order to troubleshoot failures with a library database app.  Following is an inventory of the apps he is using:  iFart (over 30 unique sounds!), Call of Duty Zombies, Call of Duty Zombies II, Glow Hockey, iShut Up (screams this at you upon command), Moron Test (to detect how stupid your friends are), i-Gun, i-SniperLite, Gansta MV, Fruit Ninja, NinjaJump, Graffitist, Fall Down, Drum Kit Pro, Pocket Guitar, Alpine Crawler (Humvees driving in mountains), Asphalt (car racing), iPark, Potty Racers (sewage tank racing), Table Tennis, Paper Toss, Falling Balls, Dots Free, Sketch Nation, Finger Lite, DoodleJump, Surgeon 2 (with catchy marketing phrase: “Bleed Everywhere!”).

The “kindness audit” that I performed was at the Frank P. Doyle Library at Santa Rosa Junior College.  I thought that overall the signs are respectful of people’s dignity, mostly point out commonsense behavior, and provide answers to frequently asked questions.

Background Information

The presence of Santa Rosa’s significant homeless population can be intimidating on the streets, on the creekside bike path (many homeless live there) and in the library.  The centrally located libraries take extra precautions to preserve a comfortable and safe environment for all users.  For example, the Sonoma County Public Library central branch has a security guard at all times whose function is to be a calming presence within the library.  He wears a suit so he looks professional and he exudes a gentle manner.  The homeless are welcome in the library, but–like anybody–cannot act abusively to other users or library staff.  Of course, the homeless are not blamed for all behavioral problems in the library, but in the past this issue has been a problem.  The presence of such a security person has proved to maintain a calm environment in the library.

Doyle Library is relatively close to downtown and many other places the homeless frequent, such as the railroad tracks.  They, along with other community library users, have been responsible for numerous behavioral incidents at Doyle Library.  One of the main problems has been using library computers to watch pornography, which obviously is unacceptable in a college library.

Conduct Guidelines

The aforementioned information will help you to understand the content of the SRJC Libraries Conduct Guidelines.  This year, the campus police have greatly improved their support of the Doyle librarians and make it routine to unobtrusively walk through the library during hours that have been vulnerable to improper library behavior.  I think that the posted guidelines are respectfully worded and are good reminders of commonsense behavior for all users.  Although the warning on this sign looks intimidating, past incidents necessitate its inclusion.  I like that immediately after this heavy warning, there’s a large “Thank you for your cooperation!”  I think users appreciate that the library staff is attempting to maintain an environment in the library that is comfortable for everyone.

Needs Improvement

The following sign could be improved not only for graphic design, but also because it’s not necessary for the underlined “do not” words to be the largest part of the sign.  The positive part of this sign is that it includes an answer for the user–where they can post information since it’s not allowed in this area without permission.

Anticipates User Questions at the Reserve Desk

The following signs clearly identify what is needed to use course reserves.  At first, many students don’t realize that they need to show their student I.D. to be able to use the materials, so there is an extra sign about this that can be more easily noticed.

The sign about the tutorial center is nicely worded.  The reason for it is that the tutorial center is on the first floor of Doyle Library (along with media services, the art gallery, and meeting rooms), but students must exit the main portion of the library in order to get there.  If the course reserve materials are not desensitized, the alarm will be set off at the entrance/exit doors.

Anticipates User Needs about the Print & Copy Centers

Common questions at Doyle Library are the locations of the Print & Copy Centers and where to seek help using these centers.  The following signs do a good job of anticipating the need to for this information and where to find it.  Note: There is not a service desk on the third floor and that’s why users should go to the fourth floor (reserve desk) for help.

More Signs with Useful Information

The Doyle Library iPod tour was recently updated and is full of useful information about how to use the library, where things are located, and even raises student awareness of the wonderful art located in the Doyle library.  Sometimes the tour is a requirement for certain classes.  This sign clearly shows the requirements and time limit for checking out the iPod that contains the tour.  There have rarely been problems with iPod return and I haven’t heard of any issues with overdue iPods.

Finally, I like that this sign lets users know that they shouldn’t shelve books and the graphic of the stacked books reinforces this–it’s okay to leave behind a pile of books!  (There are even some small shelves at the end of some of the stacks where books can be placed.)

The folks at Project Information Literacy are at it again, conducting fascinating research that we as librarians can benefit from.  Check out their newly released Project Information Literacy Research Report, which is a national study about how college students are using technology and what they are doing while in the library during the last weeks of the semester.  Below is a short excerpt and a YouTube video.

EXCERPT FROM REPORT

Student Discussions: New Learning Practices

A student in social sciences said:

I use Facebook a lot for organizing meetings because you can find people’s names, you know they check Facebook, and it is less awkward than asking somebody in your class for their phone number.

In other cases, respondents had used social media because one of their instructors had integrated a site, such as Facebook, into their course curriculum.

A student in the sciences said:

Some of my physics classes have a study group on Facebook, where we get tips, suggestions, help with your problem set. You take a photo of the problem set and your answer you’ve written out and then post the picture to Facebook.

In some cases, professors encouraged their students to use the site for collaborating and learning the material from one another. But, according to the students in our post-interview sessions, very few instructors integrated social media into their course curriculum.

A student in the social sciences said:

It would be useful for teachers to use blogs where they post assignments and the lecture. I had two teachers do that. I can go back anytime and look again when
I’m outside of class. Most teachers don’t do that. I wish they all did. Last semester,
we set up a Facebook page for our group and that was good. I could go back and look.

I am considering focusing on updating the social media policy or creating a collaborative plan for the Facebook page at Santa Rosa Junior College Libraries.  The Facebook page was created by a librarian, but it was a closed project in that it was not collaborative in any manner.  That librarian has retired, so now the social media at SRJC is being reviewed, which consists of a Facebook page and Twitter.  There is no social media policy in place at the moment and one of the librarians who also works at Sonoma State University (and started the Twitter program there) has provided the SSU policy for review.

This was supposed to be reviewed in more detail at a recent department meeting, but time constraints (and attendance) prevented it.  It was moved to the top of the agenda for the next meeting.  It is the hope that a social media policy can be put in place and that the library social media will be a collaborative effort.

I already look at the SRJC Libraries Facebook page and I’ve started reviewing at the Twitter log.  I thought I would also review the other library Facebook pages that I “Like” along with some new ones.  We’ve been reading about the ideals and goals for social media, but I want to see some Facebook pages (and tweets) in action.  I hope by sharing my perusals that readers might also be inspired to think about what makes a good Facebook page for a library in general, for a specific type of library, and for the library demographic.  I’ve pointed out some good and interesting things that I’ve noticed on the following Facebook pages.

Because I can’t resist, I will note that The Salt Lake Public Library Web site is one of my favorite library websites ever.  It always inspires me when I look at it.  Moving along to Facebook, here’s the Salt Lake City Public Library Facebook Page.  I discovered that the SLPL employs Spokespuppet Earl!  Spokespuppet Earl interviews Playworks Director Chris Conard.

Green Library, Stanford University Facebook Page.  There’s a funny video reminding students that the library is a good place to find a quiet study area and also reminding them of the library hours.

Sonoma County Library Facebook Page    What I like:

• Users are asking questions and the library is answering them.
• Users are voicing their opinions about the library.
• The library posts useful information such as upcoming events and relevant new editions of books, such as updated legal editions (Neighbor Law).
• The library announces new resources, such as new electronic resources, “New to read and research online.”

The Seattle Public Library Facebook Page.  There’s an announcement that Jeffrey Eugenides will be at the Central Library!  Also a link to NPR about the author and his new novel.

SJSU King Library Facebook Page.  Important announcements for users are included, such as:  Instructions for Wireless Printing at King Library.

Long Beach City College Library Facebook Page.  I like that:

• There’s a link to the library blog along with announcements
• The announcements are of interest to students regarding the upcoming change in overdue fees and also an announcement of amnesty for overdue library materials.

One of the advantages of completing an internship in the SLIS program is that it gave me a chance to identify my strengths and weaknesses regarding librarianship.  Since my internship was at an academic library, I expected to be involved with education.  However, as the semester progressed, I realized none of the classes I had taken in the SLIS program had focused on modes of teaching and learning.  Therefore, I was very interested in our readings related to learning analytics.

Another aspect of our readings that intrigued me is the continuation of the theme that libraries should evolve so that they offer patrons not only access to information, but also provide an experience for the patrons.  It seems to me that this is a shift in many businesses.  If you go to a store and if you have some sort of experience that goes beyond making purchases, you are more likely to return and to recommend it to others.  An example of this is a local Italian grocery and delicatessen in my city called Traverso’s.  It was just officially announced this week that it is selling and that the owner is retiring (after several generations of ownership).  The Traverso’s clientele are heartbroken, and the local newspaper listed several sentimental quotes from them. www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20111005/BUSINESS/111009732 Though I did not grow up going to this store like some quoted in the newspaper, I loved the special selection of items, the atmosphere, and the personalized customer service of the staff.  They are very in tune with their products and their customers.  It is so much fun to go there!  So if Traverso’s can provide this Italian Old World service and knowledge and apply it to shopping, how can libraries provide an experience rewarding for their patrons that transcends the action of accessing information?

I think learning analytics can be applied to answer this question at any type of library.  An interesting place to start could be the application of “nudge analytics.”  The Horizon Report 2011 provides a link to “The Case for Nudge Analytics,” an article in Educase Quarterly, 33(4) 2010. The article includes this fun and thought-provoking video of encouraging people to use stairs instead of the escalator in a light-hearted manner, and certainly one that provides an experience to an otherwise mundane action! demonstration of nudge  Again, this is just a small part of learning analytics, but one that has caught my attention and encourages me to continue exploring it.