LibWorm.com provides a librarian RSS filtering service. Over 1500 RSS librarian sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest headlines from journals and sites in the Reader's Advisory interest group. http://www.libworm.com/rss/librarianqueries.php Fri, 05 Aug 2011 02:53:07 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://ricklibrarian.blogspot.com/2010/12/ricklibrarians-books-that-matter-and.html 2010 was a good book year for me. As I look back, November was especially stellar, as almost every book that I read for a few weeks was superb. It was difficult deciding which were best of the year, but I took a stab at it anyway. I also selected movies and music.In this post, I also include links to all my reporting from library conferences and to all my reviews of new reader's advisory sources.Have a Happy New Year for good reading and cultural experiences.Recent NonfictionClaiming Ground by Laura BellDangerously Funny: The Uncensored Story of the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour by David BianculliThe Grace of Silence: A Memoir by Michele NorrisI Am Nujood, Age Ten and Divorced by Nujood Ali and Delphine MinouiThe Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca SklootLife List: A Woman's Quest for the World's Most Amazing Birds by Olivia GentileLighting Out for the Territory: How Samuel Clemens Headed West and Became Mark Twain by Roy Morris, Jr.Mark Twain: The Man in White: The Grand Adventure of His Final Years by Michael SheldenA Mighty Long Way: My Journey to Justice at Little Rock Central High School by Carlotta Walls LaNierNine Lives: In Search of the Sacred in Modern India by William DalrymplePacking for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void by Mary RoachZeitoun by Dave EggersRecent FictionCorduroy Mansions by Alexander McCall SmithThe Man from Beijing by Henning MankellThe Tower, the Zoo, and the Tortoise by Julia StuartGreat Old BooksFirst Person Rural: Essays of a Sometime Farmer by Noel PerrinIn Patagonia by Bruce ChatwinRoseanna by Maj Sjöwall and Per WahlööChildren's BooksAn Egret's Day by Jane YolenFace to Face with Elephants by Beverly JoubertMarching for Freedom: Walk Together, Children, and Don't You Grow Weary by Elizabeth PartridgeSaving the Ghost of the Mountain by Sy MontgomeryZen Shorts by Jon J. Muth and Zen Ties by Jon J. ... Mon, 27 Dec 2010 05:00:00 +0100 895302 http://mblc.state.ma.us/jobs/find_jobs/rss.php?job_id=6521 1.Initiates, develops, and implements procedures for efficient operation and use of the media center. 2. Prepares and administers media budget; evaluates, selects, orders, and catalogs all media center resources. 3.Develops, administers, and maintains a balanced collection in accordance with the district's materials selection policy. 4.Provides literature appreciation, reference, and readers' advisory services to a diverse student population; serves as an information resource to staff and as a link to resources outside the media center. 5.Trains and supervises adult and student volunteers. 6.Works cooperatively with teachers to plan and implement lessons and projects that make use of media center resources; collaboratively plans instructional units incorporating content-area and information literacy skill objectives. 7.Develops and deliver lesson plans for teaching information literacy skills, the information search process, and literature appreciation. 8.Participates in curriculum development and implementation through service on building and district committees; demonstrates knowledge of the Massachusetts State Frameworks. (Source: MBLC Job Listings) Wed, 22 Dec 2010 00:10:02 +0100 894268 http://www.swissarmylibrarian.net/2010/12/18/reference-question-of-the-week-121210 Here’s a good example of why having some readers advisory background is very helpful when doing reference - and how not taking shortcuts can save the patron’s time. A young patron came to the desk and says, I’m looking for a book - I borrowed it from a friend of mine, but only got like 25 pages into it, and then he took it back. Can you find it for me, because I want to finish it. She couldn’t remember the author, but she was sure the title was The Alchemist. No problem, I thought, as I walked her down to Y/Fic/Coelho - but after skimming the first few pages, she said it wasn’t the right book. Then I took her to Y/Fic/Scott, thinking she might have meant The Alchemyst instead of The Alchemist, but that wasn’t the right one either. Nor was it Fullmetal Alchemist. So we walked back up to the desk to search the catalog, and on the way she told me what she remembered from the story: a guy walks into a private detective’s (or a psychiatrist?) office and tells her his life story, and that he has been alive for hundreds of years. Since she’d only gotten twenty pages into the book, the only real detail she could remember is that the guy was described has having very engaging colorful eyes, that changed color sometimes. She texted her friend to ask him who the author was, while I searched our catalog for The Alchemist. However, she didn’t recognize any of the covers and the book records didn’t include descriptions. Since she kept talking about the guy telling his life story in the office, I thought we might hit on it by searching the internet. We tried searching online for things like “the alchemist” detective “life story” and alchemist “life story” -Coelho -fullmetal and “life story” book eyes change color but weren’t getting anywhere. ... Sat, 18 Dec 2010 15:46:59 +0100 893666 http://mblc.state.ma.us/jobs/find_jobs/rss.php?job_id=6511 The Burlington Public Library is seeking a high energy professional to work 35 hours per week including some night and weekend hours as head of the very lively Youth Services Department in our extremely busy library. As the head of the department, this person will plan, organize, direct and oversee all operations of the Youth Services Department. Responsibilities include effective reference and reader advisory to children, teens, parents and teachers; collection development for pre-literacy through high school, plus homeschooling and parenting collections; budget management; supervision and training of staff; programming for all ages from early childhood through high school; and public relations activities, including outreach to the community. This position is an integral part of the Management Team and works under the administrative direction of the Library Director. Candidates are expected to have a comprehensive understanding of all library functions, knowledge of trends in library services for all ages, effective childrens services techniques, thorough knowledge of childrens literature and related materials, and a working knowledge of and ability to use current technology. (Source: MBLC Job Listings) Mon, 13 Dec 2010 21:05:01 +0100 892452 http://joblist.ala.org/modules/jobseeker/controller.cfm?rssjobid=16240 Librarian - Collection Development (Sno-Isle Libraries, Washington) Job 7561 Salary Range: $4312 - $5928/month, 40 hours/week, plus benefits Marysville Service Center, WA Develop collections of adult materials in a variety of formats Assess and interpret customer interests and collection use patterns, analyze review publications Provide information on selecting materials appropriate to customers’ reading and reference interests Serve as a resource for community library staff in marketing and publicizing collections Assist with maintenance of materials at the Service Center and in community libraries Respond to Requests for Reconsideration of Library Materials Assist with staff training in collection development and readers advisory Requires competent knowledge of library materials; ... Sat, 11 Dec 2010 03:30:02 +0100 891897 http://mblc.state.ma.us/jobs/find_jobs/rss.php?job_id=6502 Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Performs routine circulation functions. Processes books and materials for library collections including cataloging. Performs reference and readers advisory services to children, parents, students, teens and teachers using print and non-print resources. Attends meetings as required. Must be comfortable learning new technologies Assists Childrens Librarian with program planning and preparation, including story hours and teen programming. Assists childrens librarian with the planning and implementation of summer reading programs. Oversees volunteers in the childrens room and teen room. Performs other functions and projects as necessary. Handles physical aspects of position which include, but are not limited to: standing, moving, sitting, manual dexterity required to operate office equipment (i.e. computer, copier), climbing and descending steps, and lifting up to 35 lbs. Ability to push/pull loaded carts. Must at all times remain professional and respectful to all staff and patrons in a customer service environment. (Source: MBLC Job Listings) Tue, 07 Dec 2010 21:30:03 +0100 891030 http://mblc.state.ma.us/jobs/find_jobs/rss.php?job_id=6493 The Winchester Public Library is seeking a highly qualified individual to fill the position of part-time Children's Librarian. Under the general supervision of the Supervisor of Children's Services, provide reference and reader's advisory, materials selection, programming and storytimes. 20 hrs per week, some evening hours and one Saturday on rotation. Flexibility in scheduling preferred. Pro-rated benefits. (Source: MBLC Job Listings) Sat, 04 Dec 2010 02:30:02 +0100 890181 http://mblc.state.ma.us/jobs/find_jobs/rss.php?job_id=6491 We offer challenge and opportunity as part of a professional supervisory team in a well used and well appreciated library that is a centerpiece of the town. We are looking for a leader with demonstrated skill and vision to manage a busy department of up to date professionals and to share our commitment to customer service, diversity and innovation. Watertown is a town steeped in history and is home to several cultural groups and a vibrant community. Our collections, facility,technology and services reflect these special characteristics. Professionals on our staff are part of a flexible, creative library team that offers reference, readers advisory, programming and community outreach to all Watertown citizens. It is a 37.5 hour work week with evening and weekend hours. The position carries full benefits. (Source: MBLC Job Listings) Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:15:02 +0100 889898 http://www.emeraldinsight.com/10.1108/07378831011096196 Abstract: Purpose – Conversational agents are natural language interaction interfaces designed to simulate conversation with a real person. This paper seeks to investigate current development and applications of these systems worldwide, while focusing on their availability in Canadian libraries. It aims to argue that it is both timely and conceivable for Canadian libraries to consider adopting conversational agents to enhance – not replace – face-to-face human interaction. Potential users include library web site tour guides, automated virtual reference and readers' advisory librarians, and virtual story-tellers. To provide background and justification for this argument, the paper seeks to review agents from classic implementations to state-of-the-art prototypes: how they interact with users, produce language, and control conversational behaviors. Design/methodology/approach – The web sites of the 20 largest Canadian libraries were surveyed to assess the extent to which specific language-related technologies are offered in Canada, including conversational agents. An exemplified taxonomy of four pragmatic purposes that conversational agents currently serve outside libraries – educational, informational, assistive, and socially interactive – is proposed and translated into library settings. Findings – As of early 2010, artificially intelligent conversational systems have been found to be virtually non-existent in Canadian libraries, while other innovative technologies proliferate (e.g. social media tools). These findings motivate the need for a broader awareness and discussion within the LIS community of these systems' applicability and potential for library purposes. Originality/value – This paper is intended for reflective information professionals who seek a greater understanding of the issues related to adopting conversational agents in libraries, as this topic is scarcely covered in the LIS literature. ... Mon, 29 Nov 2010 02:05:03 +0100 889312 http://ala.org/ala/newspresscenter/news/pr.cfm?id=5683 RUSA , which represents librarians and information service professionals in reference, collection development, readers advisory, genealogy, resource sharing and many other related fields, is accepting nominations for the following 2011 awards. (Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for librarianship) Tue, 23 Nov 2010 21:58:53 +0100 888546 http://plablog.org/2010/11/nancy-pearl-presents-books-that-make-great-gifts-pla-webinar-december-13.html As the author of the Book Lust: Recommended Reading collection, there is no one better suited than Nancy Pearl to help you find the perfect gift for book lovers on your list. In her first-ever webinar with PLA, Nancy will share her recommendations for books guaranteed to make your friends and family smile and start turning pages. She’ll also provide a downloadable handout of the recommendations so you can share with your patrons. Combine Nancy’s irrepressible charm and undeniable knowledge, and you’ll have an hour-long webinar of fun and great ideas. Who Should Attend Library staff specializing in readers’ advisory as well as anyone looking for great gift ideas. The New York Times calls Nancy Pearl “the talk of librarian circles.” Nancy speaks to library and community groups across the country and she regularly recommends books on NPR’s Morning Edition, as well as on many public radio station programs. She entertains and informs standing-room only crowds, and she’s even had a librarian action figure modeled in her likeness. A winner of the 2004 Women’s National Book Association Award, Nancy is also the author of Book Crush: For Kids and Teens – Recommended Reading for Every Mood, Moment, and Interest; Book Lust: Recommended Reading for Every Mood, Moment, and Interest; More Book Lust: 1,000 New Reading Recommendations for Every Mood, Moment, and Interest; and The newly released Book Lust to Go: Recommended Reading for Travelers, Vagabonds, and Dreamers. Date(s) & Time(s) Monday, December 13, 2010 2:00–3:00 PM Eastern 1:00–2:00 PM Central 12:00–1:00 PM Mountain 11:00 AM–12:00 PM Pacific Fee Individual PLA Member: $28.00 ALA Member: $31.50 Nonmember: $35.00 Group Group of any size: $129.00 How to Register DEADLINE TO REGISTER FOR THIS WEBINAR IS 4:30PM CST ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2010. Due to technical preparations for the webinar we are unable to process any registrations after this date/time. ... Thu, 18 Nov 2010 21:53:40 +0100 887546 http://mblc.state.ma.us/jobs/find_jobs/rss.php?job_id=6473 The Town of Needham Public Library is seeking a highly qualified individual to fill the position of Part-Time Children's Reference Librarian. Under the general supervision of the Children's Supervisor, interact with library patrons assisting them with their information and readers' advisory needs. Part-Time, No benefits. Thursday 5:30pm - 9:00pm; Friday 9:00am - 1:00pm; Saturday, 9:00am - 5:00 (1 in 4, Sept-May)(every other Sat, June, July & August) Sunday 1:00pm-5:00pm (September - June) (Source: MBLC Job Listings) Thu, 18 Nov 2010 08:55:01 +0100 886797 http://mblc.state.ma.us/jobs/find_jobs/rss.php?job_id=6470 Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Supervises Childrens Room and Young Adult Room Assistants and oversees volunteers with volunteer coordinator. Maintains and develops Children and young adult print, non-print and media collections. Performs reference and readers advisory services to children, parents, students and teachers using print and non-print resources. Works in conjunction with the school systems, home school, local preschools and friends of the library. Plans, schedules and promotes educational, entertaining and creative children programming to encourage reading and reading readiness, and to stimulate to use of the children and young adult rooms. Attends meetings as required. Plans and implements summer reading program. Performs other functions and projects as necessary. Handles physical aspects of position which include, but are not limited to: standing, moving, sitting, manual dexterity required to operate office equipment (i.e. computer, copier), climbing and descending steps, and lifting up to 35 lbs. Ability to push/pull loaded carts. Must at all times remain professional and respectful to all staff and patrons in a customer service environment. (Source: MBLC Job Listings) Wed, 17 Nov 2010 06:55:03 +0100 886517 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Blogjunction/~3/G59iMIRgPW0/ I’ve been putting Facebook’s new groups functionality through its paces this week for a non-work-related writing project. What I have noticed is that the improvements they have introduced are very similar to those we added to WebJunction groups functionality this summer. Since it occurred in July, you may have missed our announcement about it: To help WebJunction members stay better connected around topics of shared interest, we’ve just rolled out some improvements to how Groups function. Those of you who are members or creators of groups on WebJunction should have received an email explaining some of these updates, but here’s the scoop for all. Email notifications. For any group you join or currently belong to, you can now elect to receive an email alert when new members join the group new documents are added new discussion threads are started. You can choose to receive these alerts hourly, daily, weekly–or not at all. Group administration: If you have created a group, you have now been designated as Group Admin. This role gives you the power to edit your group (e.g., title or description) remove members from your group send an email to everyone in your group delete your group. Groups directory: This new directory lists all of the groups created on that particular WebJunction site, in alphabetical order and including the description and number of members in the group. If you use a state-specific version of WebJunction, you will want to check out both the directory on that site and the central WebJunction site. When signed into WebJunction, you can join or create a new group right from the directory. The directory also features the most recently created groups and spotlights a particular group to check out. You can still use search to find groups, regardless of where they were created, but we hope you enjoy browsing the directory. ... Tue, 26 Oct 2010 22:29:56 +0100 882137 http://community.livejournal.com/libraries/971210.html Hi everyone,I am about to finish up graduate school in just about six weeks, and I have been sending out many job applications. I currently work as a paraprofessional at my local public library, but I would prefer full-time (which they sadly cannot give), so I'm trying to get my name out there.This semester I have also been participating in an internship at the university library of the school I attend, and my mentor suggested I compile a portfolio of the work I've done so far during my internship.  I've created fliers/advertisements for campus- and library-related events, a PowerPoint presentation and handout for a program I ran at a dorm, and some thorough analyses of trial databases we were testing out.  I am also taking a Children's Lit course, with which I am putting a reader's advisory together for picture and chapter books.Have any of you brought a portfolio to a job interview?  While most libraries aren't even looking at my applications since I don't have my Master's yet, I haven't missed out on not bringing it in.  Is it a strong point?  Do you feel it made a difference during the interview process?I think it wouldn't be a bad idea to put one together... I just wanted to see what other people's experiences were!Thanks :-) (Source: Library Lovers' LiveJournal) Mon, 25 Oct 2010 22:47:22 +0100 882061 http://gypsylibrarian.blogspot.com/2010/10/if-you-dont-like-facebook-or-other.html "I am going to say a few things and I am going to say some bad words, and you're just going to have to deal with it." --Tony Soprano, from the series The Sopranos. I struggled for a while about putting this post on the blog after writing about it in my journal. I was hoping I could let it drop, but I find that I cannot because I am honestly getting a little sick and tired of the attitude some people have in our profession that, if you "don't get it" or "play with the latest shiny toy," then you have to be swept out of the way so someone more perky can come in. We can file this under things that bother me. To borrow the term from the Annoyed Librarian, this is about another example of twopointopians using the "us vs. them," the "we get it, you don't," and the "if you don't adapt and use it, you're not welcome here."Michael Stephens has a new column in Library Journal, the lightweight library news magazine. In his first column,  he wrote the following, which I did find somewhat arrogant and condescending not to mention alienating. The quote in question is:If the online world is not for you, then neither may be a career in librarianship. The most prevalent LIS jobs in the next few years will probably be ones where you’re not tied to your desk and you communicate well beyond the physical walls of the building.It’s not just students who should participate in this online world. Librarians must find their niche as well. Five years ago the conversation went on in blogs. Now it flows vibrantly across media platforms, enabling a stronger connection with library users through marketing, outreach, and the human touch. (emphasis in the original).Where do I even start? You have to be online but not tied down to a desk. It may sound a bit contradictory at first; that was what the colleague I showed the article to said. ... Mon, 25 Oct 2010 04:00:00 +0100 882191 http://mblc.state.ma.us/jobs/find_jobs/rss.php?job_id=6443 The Winchester Public Library is seeking a proactive, creative, energetic, and friendly professional to head the Children's Services Department. Responsibilities include: *Providing quality public service through reference questions, readers advisory, and use of the Internet. *Collection development for pre-literacy through fifth grade plus parenting collection. *Outreach to parents, teachers, and community groups to form partnerships to enhance service to children. *Programming including weekly story times, summer reading program, and special events. *Managing budget for materials, supplies, and programming. *Daily operation of the department, including supervision and scheduling of several part-time staff. *Attending professional meetings and workshops related to library operations and children's services. 35 hours per week, excellent benefits package. (Source: MBLC Job Listings) Thu, 21 Oct 2010 04:30:02 +0100 880432 http://mblc.state.ma.us/jobs/find_jobs/rss.php?job_id=6441 The Youth Services Librarian is responsible for: -Planning, organizing and implementing library programs and services for children ages 0-18, including storytimes, family activities and the Summer Reading Program. -Acting as the primary source for reference services, reader's advisory and bibliographic instruction for patrons ages 0-18. -Collection development of the Juvenile and Young Adult collections, under the supervision of the Director. -Performing daily activities and operations of the library, including but not limited to shelving, organization of book displays and circulation duties as needed. -Implementing outreach activities to local schools, homeschoolers, other town departments and local civic organizations. -Attending workshops to update skills relating to emerging technologies, network upgrades, and new or improved library services. -Maintaining an attractive and functional youth area. -Executing other related duties as assigned by the Director. (Source: MBLC Job Listings) Wed, 20 Oct 2010 02:30:01 +0100 880190 http://librarywriting.blogspot.com/2010/10/call-for-proposals-rusa-online-learning.html Call for proposals: RUSA online learningThe Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) invites interested instructors and presenters to submit proposals for online professional development courses and webinars to be offered starting in early 2011.RUSA currently offers several online courses in the areas of reference and readers advisory, and is looking to expand its available course topics, and also include webinars among its offerings. Topics of particular interest include skills for assisting patrons with job searches, collection development and introductory reference and user services skills. There is also significant interest in offering online learning opportunities that go more in-depth with business reference skills as a follow-up to the consistently sold out Business Reference 101 course currently offered by RUSA.Additional topics for online learning proposals might include but are not limited to company and industry research; international business; small businesses; entrepreneurship; consumer demographics; fundamentals of reference; providing reference in virtual libraries; providing reference in the one-person library; reference services in church and synagogue libraries; customer service fundamentals for reference staff; reference service fundamentals for embedded librarians; marketing the library and reference services; government documents fundamentals for reference librarians; legal reference for non-law librarians.More information about how to submit proposals is available at the RUSA blog:http://rusa.ala.org/blog/2010/10/15/2010callforprofdevelproposals-1/Please share this information with any colleagues, friends or distribution lists that might find it of interest.Thank you!Liz F. Markel, M.A.Marketing SpecialistAssociation of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA)Reference and User Services Association (RUSA)The American Library Association // 50 E. Huron Street // Chicago, IL 60611800-545-2433 // p. 312-280-4398 // f. ... Tue, 19 Oct 2010 04:00:00 +0100 881084 http://www.slis.indiana.edu/careers/view_job_specific.php?job_id=7936 State: South Carolina Vacancy #10IS-0930) Schedule: 37.5 hours/week, including one evening per week and every third weekend. Location: General Reference Department, Main Library, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Essential Functions of the Job: Answers reference questions for library patrons in the library, over the telephone, by e-mail, by instant messaging, by videoconferencing, and by other electronic means, utilizing print and online resources in General Reference, as well as in all other Information Services Departments (Business/Science/Technology Reference, Periodicals, and Local History). Provides readers advisory services and bibliographic instruction. Compiles subject listings and usage guidelines for print and non-print sources. Conducts interlibrary loan activities. Assists with training of professional and non-professional staff. Assists Information Services department managers in planning for and operation of the departments. Communicates and interprets general library policies and procedures to patrons. May provide assistance for patrons’ career and workforce skills development via the library’s “Job Center” and other library resources. Other Important Responsibilities: Assists patrons in locating and using materials and in use of a variety of library equipment, e.g. microfilm equipment, assistive technology equipment. Assists with collecting and reporting transaction statistics. May assist with the organization and maintenance of department collections, files and databases. May assist with planning, developing materials for, and conducting library research skills workshops. Serves on departmental and library-wide committees. May represent the library at community group meetings. Keeps informed of professional developments; attends professional meetings and training. May conduct tours of the Departments. May serve as night or weekend supervisor of the department. ... Mon, 18 Oct 2010 20:10:02 +0100 879838 http://gypsylibrarian.blogspot.com/2010/10/or-you-can-use-your-local-library-and.html I was intrigued by Chris Guillebeau's post for the Powell's blog entitled "Skip Graduate School, Save $32,000, Do This Instead." Don't get me wrong. I do like a lot of the advice in it, and I understand he is working for a bookstore after all. But these are tight times, and for some of the book suggestions he gives you really are better off borrowing the items from your local public library (or academic library if you happen to already be in school).Your library will probably have a lot of the basics and classics Mr. Guillebeau suggests, and they won't cost you a thing (well, you already paid for them either with your taxes or tuition depending on your situation, so you may as well use them). So allow me to highlight some items from the post and tell you how to get them. By the way, another useful tool is WorldCat, the OCLC's world catalog, which now has a nice free version. Type in your book title, and it can locate a library nearby that has your book. Heck, I even have it loaded on my smartphone.And yes, this is a basic promo post for libraries.  So, here we go. I will present the author's suggestions, then my humble observations:"Subscribe to The Economist and read every issue religiously. Cost: $97 + 60 minutes each week." Read it at your local public library, which is likely to subscribe to it already. Cost then would be free. And if you need additional information about something you read in the magazine, you can always ask the reference librarian. "Read the basic texts of the major world religions: the Torah, the New Testament, the Koran, and the teachings of Buddha. Visit a church, a mosque, a synagogue, and a temple. Cost: Materials can be obtained free online or in the mail — or for less than $50 + 20 hours." If you go to the library, these will pretty much be free. Libraries usually keep a copy of major world religion texts both for reference as well as for readers. ... Mon, 18 Oct 2010 04:00:00 +0100 880807 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BabyBoomerLibrarian/~3/DVT-CmR05-Y/jobs-youth-services-librarian-i-full.html The Tompkins County Public Library is seeking a full-time Librarian I for the Youth Services Department.  Duties will include working with Youth Services staff on all aspects of collection development including the selection and management of children’s fiction, nonfiction, and young adult fiction, providing friendly and exceptional references services to children and parents, assisting patrons with readers advisory, the library catalog, Internet, the early learning stations, and public programming as needed.  Occasional hours in Adult Services as needed. The ideal candidate will have a commitment to customer service, be able to work effectively as part of a team, have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to prepare statistical data and/or budgets.  A thorough knowledge of children’s and young adult literature,  an understanding of the stages of children’s development, and the ability to provide reference and reader’s advisory to people of all ages is essential.  The position is available immediately; 35 hours per week, some evenings and Saturday will be required.  Starting salary $22.86, excellent benefits. Minimum qualifications: Master’s Degree in Library or Information Science and eligibility for a New York State Professional Librarian Certificate. Interested applicants should submit a Tompkins County Employment Application (http://www.tompkins-co.org/personnel/forms/applicat.pdf. Send to Tompkins County Personnel Office, 125 E. Court Street, Ithaca NY 14850. 607 274 5526.Applications will be accepted until October 25, 2010. Posted via email from Bill Drew - BabyBoomer Librarian (Source: Baby Boomer Librarian) Fri, 08 Oct 2010 19:02:00 +0100 877618 http://mblc.state.ma.us/jobs/find_jobs/rss.php?job_id=6421 *Assists children and other patrons in finding books and information. Answers routine reference questions. Provides reader's advisory service. *Conducts story hours, toddler sings, book talks, and other children's programming *Selects children's and teen books and materials based on review tools, patron requests and/or personal knowledge, working with an established budget *Maintains orderliness and neatness in the children's area. Shelves materials. Reads shelves as necessary. *Provides library instruction/orientation for children's groups and individuals *Assists in the public relations and outreach efforts of the branch by taking an active role in acquainting neighborhood schools and the branch community in general with available children's services *Operates audio visual equipment in the presentation of library programs *Provides coverage at the circulation desk, performing all circulation functions *Attends system-wide meetings of children's librarians for in-service training and/or to plan and implement system- wide programs *Performs related duties as required, including working at the Main Library *Hours: 37.5 hours per week, including evenings and a Saturday rotation (Source: MBLC Job Listings) Fri, 08 Oct 2010 17:29:58 +0100 877503 http://www.teleread.com/library/libraries-at-the-tipping-point-online-conference-ebooks-and-the-library-user-experience-by-sarah-houghton-jan/ eBooks: Libraries at the Tipping Point Online Conference eBooks and the Library User Experience Josh Greenburg, Jean Costello, Aaron Schmidt, and Michael Bills – moderated by Rebecca MillerJosh Greenburg started by talking about standard user stories for physical books — you find a book from the library catalog at home, see that it’s checked out, click on a button to place a hold and then you wait. Or if you’re lucky and it is available, a mechanical and physical process starts and the book makes its way to whatever site you choose to pick it up at where it goes on a shelf and waits for you. You might have to stand in line to check it out and then you have access to it for only a limited period of time. eBooks have the same holds issues, but there is no physical transferral of the book from place to place, and no lines to wait in, no need for the user to go into a specific physical place, no real need to have due dates (if there’s no DRM and limits). And in a lovely way the need for fines goes away too if the eBooks don’t have due dates any more. But this is all a Utopian dream. eBooks have a lot of speed bumps. They’re usually, in the physical world, designed to slow people down so they don’t hurt themselves or those around them. Speed bumps for eBooks slow people down, but not for their benefit or the library’s benefit–solely for the publisher’s benefit. Things to think about: What are your goals for eContent at your library? Do you have a fixed cost or do you subsidize rentals? What type of collection do you want? What does this look like for the user’s experience? What speed bumps are you going to put into place in the experience?Jean Costello spoke as a patron who took public libraries for granted for a long time, but her library was threatened with closure. She learned how much she loves and treasures the organization, and now blogs as The Radical Patron. ... Thu, 07 Oct 2010 04:02:18 +0100 877055 http://mblc.state.ma.us/jobs/find_jobs/rss.php?job_id=6413 Provide materials and reference information to the general public relative to the use of the juvenile collection; develop and maintain the juvenile collection and assist with juvenile programs and services. Position reports to the Children's Librarian. RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE, but are not limited to: Providing reference assistance and reader's advisory to patrons at the children's public service desk, or on the telephone, using juvenile materials such as circulating and non-circulating books and online resources. Assist in all areas of the library, as needed. Assisting library visitors with computers, including library catalog, word processors, Internet, etc. Updates library website regarding children's materials and programs. Assists in planning, promoting, and conducting Children's Room activities, programs, and services; assists with implementation of reading incentive programs. Assisting with developing and displaying materials to promote children's programming. Keeps library's web site up to date regarding children's materials and programs. Performing circulation desk duties as required in the children's room and in the adult areas of the library. Assuming responsibility for the Children's department in the absence of supervisor, and other similar duties as requested. This is a benefited position, 24 hours per week; one evening per week and every other Saturday. (Source: MBLC Job Listings) Wed, 06 Oct 2010 00:30:01 +0100 876723 http://146.74.224.231/archives/2010/10/bookbrowse_a_re.html Are you an avid reader looking for another source? Do you want suggestions for new, hot titles? Have you read everything by your favorite author(s) and are desperate for something similar? BookBrowse is another way to discover and become involved with books. Sign up for newsletters delivered directly to you inbox. Post reviews for titles you liked. Check out the recommended read-a-likes for the ones you loved. Browse through booklists by genre, subject or in the tag cloud. Go beyond the book to learn more about the author with interviews, biographies and links to author websites. Have fun with Wordplay, quizzes, and book giveaway competitions. October book previews from the BookBrowse Newsletter include: Your Republic Is Calling You by Young-ha Kim Bryant & May off the Rails: A Peculiar Crimes Unit Mystery by Christopher Fowler All Clear by Connie Willis I Shall Wear Midnight by Terry Pratchett At Home by Bill Bryson (Source: Santa Clara County Library - The Latest SCCoop) Fri, 01 Oct 2010 17:53:20 +0100 875743 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Librarianinblack/~3/ZYq0hp52CTs/ebookux.html eBooks: Libraries at the Tipping Point Online Conference eBooks and the Library User Experience Josh Greenburg, Jean Costello, Aaron Schmidt, and Michael Bills – moderated by Rebecca Miller Josh Greenburg started by talking about standard user stories for physical books — you find a book from the library catalog at home, see that it’s checked out, click on a button to place a hold and then you wait.  Or if you’re lucky and it is available, a mechanical and physical process starts and the book makes its way to whatever site you choose to pick it up at where it goes on a shelf and waits for you.  You might have to stand in line to check it out and then you have access to it for only a limited period of time.  eBooks have the same holds issues, but there is no physical transferral of the book from place to place, and no lines to wait in, no need for the user to go into a specific physical place, no real need to have due dates (if there’s no DRM and limits).  And in a lovely way the need for fines goes away too if the eBooks don’t have due dates any more.  But this is all a Utopian dream.  eBooks have a lot of speed bumps.  They’re usually, in the physical world, designed to slow people down so they don’t hurt themselves or those around them.  Speed bumps for eBooks slow people down, but not for their benefit or the library’s benefit–solely for the publisher’s benefit.  Things to think about: What are your goals for eContent at your library?  Do you have a fixed cost or do you subsidize rentals?  What type of collection do you want?  What does this look like for the user’s experience?  What speed bumps are you going to put into place in the experience? Jean Costello spoke as a patron who took public libraries for granted for a long time, but her library was threatened with closure.  She learned how much she loves and treasures the organization, and now blogs as The Radical Patron. ... Wed, 29 Sep 2010 19:56:20 +0100 875980 http://mblc.state.ma.us/jobs/find_jobs/rss.php?job_id=6398 This position is the main point of contact for library visitors and includes all main desk interactions: charging, discharging and renewal of library materials; registering library users; and collecting fees. Familiarity with online searching and databases necessary. Must handle all aspects of patron requests, including requesting library materials and contacting patrons upon their arrival. Provide ready reference and readers advisory services. Develops and supplies outreach library services to homebound patrons or groups. Maintains adult stacks and shelves. Complete job description is available upon request. The Town of Dighton is an equal opportunity employer. A CORI check is required for all positions. Union: AFL-CIO, Local #1144 Grade Number: 3, Step: 1 (Source: MBLC Job Listings) Mon, 27 Sep 2010 21:25:01 +0100 874669 http://mblc.state.ma.us/jobs/find_jobs/rss.php?job_id=6377 The Sharon Public Library is looking for a detail oriented person with the ability to work independently for the part time position of Technical Services Assistant. Working with the Technical Sevices Supervisor, this person will perform duties related to materials acqusition, data entry, processing materials to prepare them for circulation, handle shipments received and prepare materials for shipping, provide assistance to library volunteers, and other related duties. The Technical Services Assistant also works as a Library Assistant at the Adult or the Children's circulation desk. A cheerful and flexible attitude is required for this job dealing directly with library Patrons. Library Assistants check materials in and out, help patrons register for new library cards,answers questions over the phone and in person as well as providing Readers Advisory service. This is a 20 hour per week positon including Tuesday nights and every other Saturday. Benefits include pro-rated health insurance, vacation time, and sick time. (Source: MBLC Job Listings) Tue, 14 Sep 2010 08:25:01 +0100 871360 http://mblc.state.ma.us/jobs/find_jobs/rss.php?job_id=6379 The Town of Needham Public Library is seeking a highly qualified individual to fill the position of Part-Time Children's Reference Librarian. Under the general supervision of the Children's Supervisor, interact with library patrons, assisting them with their information and readers' advisory needs. Familiarity with automated library systems, electronic databases and traditional reference tools required. (Source: MBLC Job Listings) Tue, 14 Sep 2010 08:24:55 +0100 871358 http://mblc.state.ma.us/jobs/find_jobs/rss.php?job_id=6372 Duties/Description: Friendly, creative, professional librarian to join our busy Adult Services team. Duties include readers advisory, reference work, collection development, programming, library instruction, basic computer troubleshooting, compiling of statistics and community outreach. 37 hour a week position includes evening and Saturday rotation. Full benefits. (Source: MBLC Job Listings) Fri, 10 Sep 2010 00:24:57 +0100 870318 http://www.swissarmylibrarian.net/2010/09/09/readers-advisory-on-hulu I was watching a show called The Book Group on Hulu recently, and got a taste of how they recommend other shows to people. The bottom of every show page always has a “You Might Also Like” section, recommending similar shows, which I have used that in the past. But because a couple of the episodes of The Book Group were rated TV-MA, and required me to log in, during one of the commercial breaks I got this ad: Which I read as, Brian, not only are we violating your privacy, but we also think you have bad taste. I’m sure the “27x more fans” thing is just to induce me to watch the other show (Peep Show, which I did watch a few episodes of and didn’t really like). However, requiring me to log in and then using that to track me and “personalize” suggestions does feel like a violation. A different ad seemed more reasonable: This conveys the exact same message, but doesn’t also imply a deficiency on my part. So, I guess a word of caution to anyone providing readers advisory or viewing suggestions on your website - careful how you word the message. Also, this got me thinking about two types of suggestions: item-oriented suggestions and person-oriented suggestions. Item-oriented is like NoveList or LibraryThing for Libraries - basically, providing suggestions based on the characteristics of an item. Person-oriented suggestion is more like a personal shopper, or saying, “based on our monitoring of your behavior, we think you’d like this” - providing suggestions based on the preferences (or past behavior) of a person (or people). Amazon’s “Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought” or “Frequently Bought Together” sections are like this, as well as their “Recently Viewed Items. ... Thu, 09 Sep 2010 13:48:00 +0100 870259 http://joblist.ala.org/modules/jobseeker/controller.cfm?rssjobid=15582 Assistant Manager of Library Operations (Metropolitan Library System, Midwest City, Oklahoma)   Salary & Hours:  $20.48 per hour ($42,598.40). Must be available all hours the library is open including evenings and weekends. This position is overtime exempt. Job Summary: Under supervision of the manager of branch services, assists with the planning, organizing and managing operations of a community library.  Performs a variety of technical and professional librarian activities of moderate to complex difficulty including providing information and assistance to customers of all ages; providing information concerning content and location of collection; performing reference and reader advisory services. This position requires exceptional customer service and supervisor skills. ... Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:20:02 +0100 868580 http://northmetrotechlibraryatacworth.blogspot.com/2010/09/what-to-read.html Good news students – In a couple of weeks, the quarter will be over. Wondering what to do with all your free time? Read a book! Check out NoveList, an online readers' advisory tool that helps readers find new books based on books they've read or on topics in which they are interested. Located in GALILEO, it is the source for bookworms. Remember, you may stop by any CTC library to pick up the GALILEO password for off-campus access. NoveList recently revamped their web site to a more user-friendly design. Located on the home page, patrons are shown current “Best Selling Books” with similar recommended titles listed below. By clicking on a book, patrons will be directed to a page listing the books descriptive and thematic qualities, reviews, and much, much more. Also located on the home page, a section on “How to use NoveList” is provided for patrons unsure on navigating the site. You may always check the CTC library catalog to see if we carry any titles you may be interested in reading. Check out periods for the break are for currently preregistered and paid students, and must be returned (or renewed) by the first day of the new quarter.Happy reading!lbmView from the Library maintained by The Librarian at Chattahoochee Technical College, North Metro Campus c2010 (Source: View from the library) Wed, 01 Sep 2010 04:00:00 +0100 868225 http://www.swissarmylibrarian.net/2010/08/24/alikewise-is-for-book-lovers It looks like Alikewise.com has been around all year, but I only heard about it this weekend - it’s a dating website that matches people based on the books they like. This is a great idea for a dating website - it seems a much better way to get at someone’s true nature than filling out a profile by guessing what will make you attractive. I checked around the site a bit (without creating a profile), and wonder if there’s a way to tie-in with sites like LibraryThing and Good Reads to capitalize on peoples’ full libraries. LibraryThing sort of already does this, with their You and None Other meme. But here’s something funny: at my first library, we toyed with the idea of a “singles night” book group. We thought it’d be a perfect program for Friday nights, after work, to come and meet other single people interested in books. It never happened, but I always liked the idea. Maybe that’ll eventually manifest in Alikewise meetups. And wouldn’t this be a heck of a social networking widget to add to a library catalog? “Like this book? Click here to meet other patrons that do, too.” via Burlington Free Press (thanks, Carney) and more at NPR (Source: herzogbr.net blog) Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:33:41 +0100 865045 http://gypsylibrarian.blogspot.com/2010/08/on-librarians-who-may-or-not-read-and.html This post is sort of a response to the post by Liz B. from A Chair, A Fireplace, and a Cozy entitled "Readers' Advisory?"  The post made me think again of a few things I have been pondering lately about RA and librarians who may or not read.  * * * *When it comes to reading and readers' advisory work, there are two things that can make me cringe.One is the tendency of a lot of librarians in academia to not read or denigrate those who do. I have been in enough job interviews, on both sides of the table, to see this consistent reaction. It usually goes something like this: a candidate expresses that a reason she went into librarianship is because she likes to read. Those interviewing see the answer as less than substantial. I will grant that, unlike public librarians, academics tend to seek more specific traits in academic librarian candidates (collegiality, specific subject area knowledge for liaison work, teaching ability, ability and/or desire to publish, especially applicable to tenure lines), but somehow, to me at least, looking down on someone because they like to read is not right. The response I usually hear is that anyone saying they like to read is like someone saying they like puppies. I mean, you can't be against puppies, so same idea. The enjoyment of reading is either seen as a simplistic answer or as a stock answer, i.e. the answer you give when you don't have anything more original or substantial to say. I have found that you get a more positive experience if you get a candidate talking about some of the things they like to read, even if you do it during a lunch break or other more informal moment during the interview process (a note for any non-academic readers: interview process for an academic librarian, much like for faculty, can be an all day affair. Having a meal at some point is very common and  often used as an informal way to measure a candidate and viceversa). ... Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:21:00 +0100 866513 http://gypsylibrarian.blogspot.com/2010/07/its-just-readers-advisory.html This article on "The Fine Art of Recommending Books" by Laura Miller, writing for Salon magazine, is basically describing what a good librarian skilled in reader's advisory does: match a reader with books that meet the reader's needs. We ask questions; we assess the reader's tastes and mood to find the next read, and we sometimes may do a bit of research to find it (be it online or from a guidebook for instance). We do it in a way that is more personal and thoughtful than any online algorithm. I would say it is a skill and an art. The article also highlights librarian extraordinaire Nancy Pearl. I think the only thing Ms. Miller left out is actual recommendation websites such as Library Thing and GoodReads (this is the one I use personally to keep track of my reading). Sure, she mentioned Amazon's robots, but that is just not the same. Many online communities now exist for readers to share their books and reading experiences in more relaxed settings. Still, an interesting little piece worth a look. I think I would use it also as springboard to promote what we librarians already do. (Source: The Gypsy Librarian) Wed, 28 Jul 2010 04:00:00 +0100 864038 http://www.swissarmylibrarian.net/2010/07/26/library-day-in-the-life-7262010 I’m participating in today’s Library Day In The Life - it could be a good (interesting) day, but it also means I’ve been here for an hour and a half already and this is the first chance I’ve gotten to post anything - busy day. 11:00 am Arrive at work, go right to Reference Desk. Morning person is on vacation, so our Assistant Director was covering. Talk to her about how busy the morning was, problems from the weekend, and pending reference questions 11:15 - 12:30 Field a flurry of reference question, even having to press our “emergency” button (wireless doorbell) to get someone from the backroom to come out and help. These varies from looking up book titles, reserving museum passes, finding books on dream symbols, mythology, New York travel, books for middle school summer reading, check in newspapers, give newspapers to patrons, find parking map for local bike trail, and retrieve a lost cell phone for a patron We’re also doing interviews today for our Head of Circulation opening - however, interviews were scheduled after I approved vacation time for this week, so I spent some time scrambling to find someone to cover the desk while I’m in the interviews 12:30 - 1pm Transfer call from Nashua (NH) Public Library to our ILL department talk to maintenance guy about the huge mouse he caught in the library’s garage (”it was black and this big,” holding his hands about eight inches apart - I think that qualifies as rat) finally get a chance to post this A patron wanted travel books for Italy and Greece, and holy smokes, the Fodor’s and Frommer’s 2010 books for both countries were on the shelf. ... Mon, 26 Jul 2010 22:49:03 +0100 862434 http://mblc.state.ma.us/jobs/find_jobs/rss.php?job_id=6267 Come join us! The Amesbury Public Library is seeking to establish a pool of substitute librarians to cover vacations, etc. on an intermittent basis going forward. Primary duties include: reference and reader's advisory, assisting patrons with computers and copier, and backing up the circulation desk when needed. Other related duties as needed. (Source: MBLC Job Listings) Tue, 20 Jul 2010 03:50:02 +0100 860786 http://mblc.state.ma.us/jobs/find_jobs/rss.php?job_id=6260 A unique opportunity The Gleason Public Library, Carlisle, and Concord Carlisle High School Learning Commons seek a candidate to best serve our teen populations. For the ideal candidate, this is a unique opportunity to work at a public library and a high school; to develop successful techniques to share between the organizations; and to promote collaborative services across audiences. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong interest and skill set in technology and social media, literature for teen and tween audiences, and creative programming. Qualities sought: organized, energetic, creative, inter-personal skills. For your information, this posting includes both job descriptions. The ideal candidate would be interested in applying for both part time positions. ---------------- Gleason Public Library, Library Assistant I Summary of Primary Responsibilities: Manage library young adult services (5th-12th grades) including collection development, programs, space use, and outreach. Work with teen advisory group (TOGA). Liaison with area school librarians (middle and high schools) regarding collections and programs. Work with library staff to design and implement summer reading program. Provide professional and direct reference, interlibrary loan, and reader's advisory services with all audiences. Assist in cataloging and other technical services. Assist in library computer, software, and technology maintenance and planning. Integrate outreach efforts with appropriate technologies and social media. Instruct library visitors in the use of the available electronic and print resources. Assist in maintaining and improving upon the efficiency and effectiveness of all areas of responsibility. Work with Library staff to fulfill mission and goals of the Gleason Public Library. Other Responsibilities: Customer Service oriented atmosphere with many desk hours working with the public, often under busy conditions. ... Fri, 16 Jul 2010 21:45:02 +0100 860050 http://poesygalore.blogspot.com/2010/07/what-would-you-do-if-you-didnt-need.html Put another way: what would you do if your library system wasn't wasting your talents?The lightning-speed rollout of the Old Spice/New Spice videos, the fun of the Librarians Do Gaga video (and, to a lesser extent--but probably only because flash mobs have become fairly common--the Seattle Library Flash Mob), JoCo Library's Read to a Unicorn April 1st post...all have me both excitedandfrustrated about libraries run by committees and the compartmentalizing of library jobs (that is, you have your social media people, and only your social media people work on the library's social media presence; you have your communications department, and all communications with the public have to be run through it, etc.) If you work in a medium to largish library system, you are a part of a crowd of workers. And chances are, your library system isn't crowdsourcing within its staff...your library system isn't making use of everyone's talents. A big shame, because libraryfolk tend to be a pretty talented bunch.I think of what, for ex, David Lee King does for Topeka & Shawnee. David has lots of talent; David has lots of gear...but a lot of folks who work in libraries have lots of talent and lots of gear. What ultimately matters most, it seems to me, is lots of permission. David has that, I think--at least it looks like it from here--and most of us don't. Many of us don't need to be told or taught at conferences how to engage with patrons via social media, how to market our libraries via YouTube or Facebook, etc--we need our administrators to be told or taught that they should allow us to do so. In the largish public library systems I've worked in--all good systems, and none of which I mean to complain about here, as I'm pretty sure it's the norm (which I do mean to complain about)--you can barely post an Out of Order sign on a bathroom door at your branch without getting the font approved by someone in PR or communication. ... Fri, 16 Jul 2010 04:00:00 +0100 860571 http://mblc.state.ma.us/jobs/find_jobs/rss.php?job_id=6250 Duties/Description: www.watertownlib.org is our dynamic online presence. Support a high quality website and create excellent public relations for our busy library. Principal duties include serving as webmaster and public relations coordinator. Auxiliary duties include readers advisory, reference, and library instruction. 24 hours per week. Excellent benefits. Hours include evenings and Saturdays. The Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (Source: MBLC Job Listings) Wed, 14 Jul 2010 17:45:04 +0100 859487 http://mblc.state.ma.us/jobs/find_jobs/rss.php?job_id=6243 This is responsible administrative and public outreach work specialized as relates to children for the City of Springfield's Library Department. Work involves responsibility for providing reference and resource information and material to the general public relative to the use of juvenile collections, the development and maintenance of the juvenile collection and with juvenile programs and services. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to : providing reference assistance and reader's advisory to patrons; assisting library visitors with computer usage; assisting in planning, promoting and conducting Children's Department activities, programs and services; conducting juvenile programs; planning, scheduling and implementing bibliographic instruction programs in the use of library services and collections, selecting, developing and maintaining the juvenile collection; initiating and engaging in special projects that analyze, design and develop special services for various diverse audiences. (Source: MBLC Job Listings) Fri, 09 Jul 2010 20:45:02 +0100 858145 http://mblc.state.ma.us/jobs/find_jobs/rss.php?job_id=6228 This full time, 37 1/2 hour per week position is for a versatile, friendly librarian skilled in customer service, reader's advisory and personnel management. Must also have strong technology skills. Schedule includes one night and every other weekend. Job responsibilities include the following: Hiring, training and supervision of approximately 30 part-time library assistants, pages and volunteers. Directing, supervising, scheduling, and participating in tasks at the circulation desk. Explaining library lending policies and procedures. (Source: MBLC Job Listings) Fri, 02 Jul 2010 06:25:32 +0100 856378 http://mblc.state.ma.us/jobs/find_jobs/rss.php?job_id=6224 Duties include general reference and reader's advisory work in a busy Reference Department. Must be tech-savvy, creative, and possess the interest and ability to serve as the Young Adult Librarian. Responsibilities include materials selection and YA event planning. Position reports to the Head of Information Services. (Source: MBLC Job Listings) Wed, 30 Jun 2010 02:40:03 +0100 855798 http://www.swissarmylibrarian.net/2010/06/29/checklist-manifesto-for-the-reference-desk In library near me, the Director did most of the reference work. When she announced her retirement, the staff was worried about having to do reference themselves, until a replacement was found. She emailed me saying she had just read The Checklist Manifesto, by Atul Gawande, and asked for my help in creating a “reference checklist” for her staff - hopefully, it would help them cover all the bases when helping patrons at the Reference Desk. I haven’t actually read the book (although did read lots of reviews when it was published), but I think the general idea is summarized in this quote from the New York Times review: In medicine, he writes, the problem is “making sure we apply the knowledge we have consistently and correctly.” Failure, he argues, results not so much from ignorance (not knowing enough about what works) as from ineptitude (not properly applying what we know works). This is also true of reference work. Some sort of checklist or decision tree is probably covered in most library school reference text books, but I thought I’d take a crack at it. Of course, any checklist like this could vary widely by library, depending on available resources, but the following few questions might help make sure all bases are covered consistently: Are you sure you understand the question? Don’t be afraid to ask follow-up questions and to restate the question in your own words to make sure you and the patron are on the same page Is the patron looking for a specific item? It’s okay to use Amazon to verify the spelling of an author’s name or title, and Novelist or other websites to check titles in a series. Once you know what you’re looking for, be sure to check the local catalog, other libraries in the network, and also the state-wide catalog (if you have one) to interlibrary loan the item if necessary. ... Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:08:35 +0100 855731 http://ricklibrarian.blogspot.com/2010/06/we-still-need-old-newspaper-databases.html I am writing an abstract of When Money Was In Fashion: Henry Goldman, Goldman Sachs, and the Founding of Wall Street by June Breton Fisher for my next readers' advisory book. In these abstracts of biographical books, I include birth and death years in parentheses by the subjects' names in the abstracts. Because Fisher never actually states the birth date in her tribute to her grandfather (which I am including in a list of biographies written by friends or family), I have had to do a little research.I resisted looking first at Wikipedia. Instead I tried the biographical databases from both Gale and EBSCO. Neither even includes Goldman, which I found interesting. Fisher suggests that her grandfather (son of Goldman Sachs founder Marcus Goldman) was written out of most corporate histories because he vocally supported the German cause during World War I. He also did not appear in The Encyclopedia of World Biography, the World Book Encyclopedia, or the Funk and Wagnall's New World Encyclopedia. So, I returned to Wikipedia, where I found Goldman mentioned without dates. Then I just tried a general search of the Internet without luck.Remembering my roots as a reference librarian, I logged into the New York Times Historical 1851-2006 database, to which I have access as a library card holder of the College of DuPage. There I found an article and an obituary for Henry Goldman stating that he was born September 21, 1857.It still helps to have authoritative sources. (Source: ricklibrarian) Wed, 23 Jun 2010 04:00:00 +0100 854405 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/lansinglibraryadult/podcast/~3/dlNxALNuOYQ/staff-reading-recommendations.html Looking for a good book this summer?Check the display on the upper level by the stairs for Staff recommendations!Here's the list of reviews: http://www.lansing.lib.il.us/webfiles/summer_reading_reviews_2010.pdf (Source: Lansing Library Adult Dept. Podcast) Mon, 21 Jun 2010 17:05:47 +0100 854224 http://www.wislisjobs.com/academic.htm#matc Under the general supervision of the District Librarian, to perform a variety of technical, informational and coordinative responsibilities in the daily operation and supervision of a resource center including the selection, circulation and maintenance of library materials; the furnishing of reference, bibliographical and reader's advisory services; and the cataloging and classifying of library materials. Related duties include sorting, shelving, issuing and receiving of library materials and maintenance of statistical information. Work is generally diversified requiring knowledge of practices and techniques involved in the operation of a resource center, the standard sources of general information, and the methods of organizing and controlling library resources. Judgment and analysis are required in making decisions within established procedures. Supervision received is general in nature. Daily responsibilities are completed independently using established policies and general objectives with occasional supervisory contact for policy clarification or interpretation. (Source: Wislisjobs Academic Library Jobs) Wed, 16 Jun 2010 10:50:02 +0100 852516 http://www.wislisjobs.com/public.htm#aram Do you like challenges? Are you customer focused? Then Aram Public Library is the place for you. We are currently seeking a full time Youth Services librarian to take the department to the next level of service. Work includes providing reference and reader's advisory service to children, teens, and caretakers; planning, implementing and evaluating age/interest appropriate programming for patrons under eighteen; collection development and maintenance for teen and children's collections; developing and supervising the annual summer library program; and acting as librarian in charge in the event of the Library Director's absence. Weekend and evening hours are required. Qualifications: ALA accredited Masters Degree in Library Science is required. Spanish and Sign language, musical ability, familiarity with social networking and other web tools are a plus. Compensations: Salary range is $37,000 to $39,000 depending on qualifications. Benefits include accruing sick leave, paid holidays, floating holiday pay, two weeks paid vacation, deferred compensation options, Wisconsin Retirement System, Health Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance and flexible spending options. Send a cover letter resume and a list of three professional references to Amber McCrea via email in Microsoft Word format mccrea@aramlibrary.org (Source: Wislisjobs) Sat, 12 Jun 2010 20:40:01 +0100 851715 http://mblc.state.ma.us/jobs/find_jobs/rss.php?job_id=6193 The South Hadley Public Library is seeking an energetic Adult Services Librarian who has 2-3 years public library experience, is knowledgeable with library computer applications including web design, and has strong readers advisory skills. Full job description will be posted at . (Source: MBLC Job Listings) Fri, 11 Jun 2010 14:37:00 +0100 851381 http://ricklibrarian.blogspot.com/2010/06/historical-fiction-ii-guide-to-genre-by.html When I was offered a Library's Unlimited readers' advisory title of my choice as a thank you for writing about the Public Library Association Conference in Portland for Reader's Advisor Online Blog, I asked for a copy of Historical Fiction II: A Guide to the Genre by Sarah L. Johnson. I am glad I did. It was a good choice, as it is filled with recent titles and much advice about selecting reading in an apparently very hot genre. We are adding it to our reading advice center. I hope some of our readers take it home and come back to the library with their reading lists. I'm sure we will have to do a lot of ILL, for there are more titles in this book than most libraries could ever hope to own.How many titles, you ask? In her introduction, Johnson says that there are 3,800 titles published between 1995 and 2008 mentioned in the book. Most of the main entries are for historical fiction titles published between 2004 and 2008. Looking through the chapters and checking the indexes, it appears that the coverage of history is quite wide. The possibilities of matching novels to real history books in paired readings (using other sources to find the nonfiction) is almost endless. Someone who is inclined could devote the rest of his or her life to reading the titles reviewed in Historical Fiction II.As you might guess from the title, Historical Fiction II is a sequel to Historical Fiction: A Guide to the Genre, published in 2005. It might be the largest of the volumes in the Genreflecting Advisory Series. I was quite surprised by its size. Will another be coming in four or five years? I hope Johnson gets a vacation.Johnson, Sarah L. Historical Fiction II: A Guide to the Genre. Libraries Unlimited, 2009. 738p. ISBN 9781591586241. (Source: ricklibrarian) Fri, 11 Jun 2010 04:00:00 +0100 851451 http://mblc.state.ma.us/jobs/find_jobs/rss.php?job_id=6181 Manages borrower services in a manner that supports overall goals of the Library and ensures that staff members offer the highest quality assistance to library users Working cooperatively with all library staff, ensures delivery of the best possible borrower services Develops, implements and evaluates services and policies to meet the needs of the community in the areas of circulation and popular adult services Provides strong leadership to display and to merchandize the collections, with a focus on new materials for maximum use, visibility and accessibility Provides staff training in displaying and merchandizing of collections Contributes significantly to collection development by using and maintaining broad knowledge of contemporary, popular literature Participates in readers' advisory service to the public specializing in the area of popular adult materials Functions as a member of the leadership team of the library Provides leadership and supervision for all circulation functions, including but not limited to circulation statistics, cash collection, and materials management Resolves customer complaints/issues with accounts Evaluates staff performance annually and sets goals with staff for coming year Set goals and evaluates progress for borrower services Ensures that desk coverage is adequate and that staff desk coverage is assigned in the best interests of library service needs Aids in the recruitment of new staff; serves on relevant search committees; participates in the training of new staff Assists in the weeding of materials Troubleshoots equipment problems as needed Represents the library system at meetings of the Minuteman Library Network and at other regional meetings as appropriate Maintains a working knowledge of contemporary issues, trends, and technology in the library profession Makes recommendations to improve services in light of new developments Serves on committees which review and develop library ... Sat, 05 Jun 2010 02:55:02 +0100 849725 http://ricklibrarian.blogspot.com/2010/06/readers-advisory-handbook-edited-by.html Here is more good advice on how to give reading advice. Jessica E. Moyer and Kaite Mediatore Stover have collected twenty-two articles from practicing librarians into their recent The Readers' Advisory Handbook, published by ALA Editions. Divided into five sections, these practical pieces help librarians learn to evaluate materials and collections, write reviews, and get books into the hands of readers. They also push the definition of readers' advisory way past the one-on-one client transaction. The pieces near the end of the book suggest new and special services. I am particularly inspired by David Wright's article "Adult Storytime" in which he describes running storytimes for grownups at the Seattle Public Library, showing how these programs promote short story reading. I'd like for my library to adapt his ideas.I am not involved in service to prisoners, but others are, including the newly formed Chicago Deskset, which raised money to get books for the residents of the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center. The members of this group may benefit from reading and contemplating "Readers' Advisory for Incarcerated Populations" by Kate Pickett and CJ Sullivan. These Kansas librarians distinguish between the residents of treatment centers and inmates in prisons and jails, identifying the different problems librarians face in connecting readers and books in these institutions. In all cases, the librarians have to convince facility administrators and staff of the good of providing books to their wards and then navigate through institutional rules that may limit what they offer. Pickett and Sullivan's thought may help activist librarians succeed.My library needs to plan how it writes and distributes booklists better. It has been a recurring problem. Several articles in the middle of the book address the issue, showing many types of lists that can be written and various media for distributing them. ... Thu, 03 Jun 2010 04:00:00 +0100 849285 http://mblc.state.ma.us/jobs/find_jobs/rss.php?job_id=6169 Creative and energetic person needed to join a staff of 3.00 FTEs to assist with a broad range of children's services including readers' advisory, reference, programming, materials selection, outreach to schools, and web page creation. Position reports to Head of Children's Services. The Children's Department has a collection of 28,000 items and annual circulation of 100,000. It creates and presents 300 programs a year and collaborates with school and other town agencies on special projects. The Library is scheduled to open a new building in summer 2012. (Source: MBLC Job Listings) Thu, 27 May 2010 23:40:02 +0100 847490 http://www.wislisjobs.com/public.htm#lakeview The Lakeview Community Library is in need of two service-oriented individuals with strong work ethics, computer skills, and a love of books to serve as a part-time circulation library aide and a children's services/circulation aide. Duties will primarily include circulation, reader's advisory, ready reference and general library operations. Flexibility to work some evenings and Saturday hours is required. The each position is for 20 hours a week. Resume and cover letter should accompany application. Printable position details and employment applications can be found on the library's website or picked up at the Lakeview Community Library, 112 Butler Street, Random Lake WI. Applications need to be returned to the library in-person. Positions will be open until filled. (Source: Wislisjobs Public Library Jobs) Wed, 26 May 2010 06:20:01 +0100 847054 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/iRcS/~3/0nly8m5OPY4/newbery-and-caldecott-awards-guide-to.html Newly updated to include all 2010 award winners, the latest edition of the Newbery and Caldecott Awards guide covers awards for the most distinguished American children's literature and illustration. Librarians and teachers everywhere rely on this annual guide for quick reference, collection and curriculum development, and readers' advisory. Retaining the fresh look and format introduced in the last edition, the 2010 guide also includes * A new preface from ALSC Executive Director Aimee Strittmatter * Revised awards' eligibility criteria, alongside a new essay, "The Times They Are a-Changin'," by former ALSC Executive Director Diane Foote * Updated bibliographic citations and index for the award winners (Source: Peter Scott's Library Blog) Tue, 11 May 2010 14:14:42 +0100 843138 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TameTheWeb/~3/V_bQQMGEtr4/ In January of this year, I began an Independent Study under the guidance of Michael Stephens. On February 14, 2010, I posted that: “The purpose of this study is to create readers’ advisory tools that utilize Web 2.0 technology.” During the past four months I have spent time: reviewing literature that is relevant to the topic; studying public library websites to ascertain what RA services are currently available and to determine what types of RA 2.0 other public libraries are providing for their patrons; and surveying library patrons to learn what services they believe would benefit them. While working on the study, I had the opportunity to learn about Drupal, a content management system and I made the decision to use Drupal to develop Web 2.0 readers’ advisory tools. The outcome of all of this effort is The Book Advisor, a prototype for a library readers’ advisory website. As I mentioned, over the course of this project I spent a fair amount of time reading and reviewing literature that relates to readers’ advisory in a library 2.0 world. The list of readings includes the titles: Library 2.0: A Guide to Participatory Library Service by Michael Casey and Laura Savastinuk Here Comes Everybody: The Power of Organizing Without Organizations by Clay Shirky Everything is Miscellaneous: The Power of the New Digital Disorder by David Weinberger All of these titles provided me with an in-depth analysis of how the digital revolution has forever altered how we communicate and organize both ourselves and the information we provide to each other. I also read a number of articles that looked at how libraries can and are utilizing Web 2.0 tools to provide readers’ advisory. The list of articles includes: Peterson, Glenn & Sharon Hilts McGlinn, Building a Community of Readers: BookSpace Stover, Kaite, Stalking the Wild Appeal Factor: Reader’s Advisory and Social Networking Sites Wyatt, Neal, Take the RA Talk Online Wyatt, Neal, 2. ... Mon, 10 May 2010 20:52:47 +0100 843025 http://gypsylibrarian.blogspot.com/2010/04/doing-little-readers-advisory.html As an academic librarian, I do not get to do as much readers' advisory as a public librarian might do. However, it is an area of librarianship that I enjoy a lot, and I wish I could get to do it more often. So when I get the rare request for reading recommendations, I am thrilled. Recently a good friend contacted me via Facebook. She requested the following:Some scifi to read for fun over the summer.Something a bit dark like cyberpunk or dystopic novels or graphic novels (yes, I am aware these elements can be diferent, but that was the request).Something intellectual and not just brainless fluff like Star Trek or interstellar romances (I assumed she meant romance as in love affairs, not romance in the classic sense like H.G. Wells).So, on that basis, I took a little bit of time to think about it, and I sent her a reply. I figured the reply would be good enough to share with my five readers (yes, we have added a follower to our tally) in case they may be looking for reading ideas. Of course, readers of this blog are welcome to comment and add their ideas as well. Anyhow, here is what I recommended with a bit of an explanation or rationale on how it fit the request, and some additional comments I did not include in the original reply. I recommended works that I have personally read and enjoyed:I started by suggesting my new discovery from last year. This was Hiroshi Sakurazaka's All You Need is Kill. It certainly fits within the concepts of dystopia and/or cyberpunk, and it certainly is not fluff. This novel is a good example of Japanese science fiction, done in translation by Haikasoru, a wonderful press "dedicated to bringing Japanese science fiction to America and beyond" (from their website). I enjoyed this novel very much, and I am looking forward to reading more works from that publisher. As for the novel, one reviewer called it "Groundhog Day, but in a war zone. ... Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:30:00 +0100 840664 http://northmetrotechlibraryatacworth.blogspot.com/2010/04/novelist.html E-mail announcement from NoveList. I use this database for Early Childhood resources. They offer teacher resource ideas for extending the story! The Readers Advisory portion is so helpful at letting you know who else writes stories like the one you just read! Check NoveList out in GALILEO. Your Georgia librarian can give you the password to access GALILEO at home!-----------We know it can sometimes be challenging to adapt to a new version of a trusted resource after a major user interface change. To help, we've taken several measures to ensure that you're ready to transition by the time the new version of NoveList is released this summer. There are three ways to explore the new version before the official release:1. Play in the Beta version. In the center of the homepage of your version of NoveList, you'll find a link to the Beta version of our forthcoming release. By clicking on the preview link, you'll have access to all of the exciting new features coming this summer, along with the entireNoveList database to try. While you can practice using appeal factors in your Readers' Advisory work and using NoveList to find title, series, and author recommendations, you won't be able to use yourNoveList folders, set your personalization, or use your catalog link in the Beta. 2. Check out the NoveList Support Center (http://support.ebsco.com/novelist). Here, you will find everything you need to know about the new version and its release, including a timeline, screenshots, and information on reading recommendations and the addition of appeal factors like writing style and pace. We'll be adding training and promotional materials along with additional information up until the release date. 3. Sign up for a webinar. We will begin offering webinars on the new version of NoveList to walk you through the new interface and demonstrate the new features. We've designed these sessions to make sure you don't miss anything. ... Fri, 30 Apr 2010 04:00:00 +0100 840206 http://mblc.state.ma.us/jobs/find_jobs/rss.php?job_id=6135 Pelham, NH Public Library seeks energetic, self-motivated and personable Adult Service Librarian. Duties include circulation, reference, reader's advisory, collection development, programming, advocacy and community outreach. (Source: MBLC Job Listings) Wed, 28 Apr 2010 04:05:09 +0100 839305 http://pfplreaders.blogspot.com/2010/04/cuts-to-essential-library-services.html The Governor's proposed budget cuts statewide library service by 74% and eliminates many vital programs, including interlibrary loan and delivery. As a small library, we have relied on interlibrary loan to meet our patrons needs - we borrowed over 1,500 items from other libraries in 2009 - so it will be a sad day when the service stops on July 1. You can learn more about the funding crisis at SaveMyNJLibrary.org. If you are concerned about the cuts, this site offers ways to contact your state representatives. When you stop in at the library, you can also stop by the Friends of the Library table and take part in their post card campaign in support of PFPL and libraries in general. (Source: Book Lover's Blog) Mon, 26 Apr 2010 04:00:00 +0100 840051 http://ricklibrarian.blogspot.com/2010/04/writing-reviews-for-readers-advisory-by.html With the push on at many libraries for staff to write reviews and annotations of books and media, there is a need for instruction for new reviewers. Brad Hooper at Booklist noticed this several years ago, and, being an experienced reviewer and editor, he offered workshops for libraries wanting to train their staffs to be effective reviewers. To reach a wider audience, he has now written Writing Reviews for Readers' Advisory, recently published by the American Library Association. My library received a copy just before the Public Library Association Conference in March, and it was processed and waiting for me when I returned from Portland.Back to Portland for a moment. Without forethought (full disclosure), I met Brad for the first time (I think it was the first time, but I have met a lot of people over the years) at the PLA table talk Building a Readers' Advisory Team. He invited me to stop by the Booklist booth in the exhibit hall, where he later asked me to consider reviewing popular science books for the journal. The result is that I may soon have reviews in Booklist - if I measure up.You see why Writing Reviews for Readers' Advisory rose to the top of the stack of books on my desk. I have now read it and found it a fairly easy and reassuring read. Brad lightly takes potential and experienced reviewers through his systematic course of instruction. At each step he illustrates his lessons with reviews from Booklist and quotes from reviews the New York Times Book Review, GQ, the New Yorker, and other periodicals. By the end, you want to try writing for your library and for any rag that will accept your reviews.Joyce Saricks contributed a chapter on writing audiobook reviews, which differ from book reviews in that they need to acknowledge and evaluate narration and narrator. Tone and pacing are particularly important for the satisfactory listening experience, according to Joyce. She names names, letting readers know some worthy readers and titles. ... Mon, 26 Apr 2010 04:00:00 +0100 838789 http://gypsylibrarian.blogspot.com/2010/04/notes-from-ut-tyler-2010-student-poetry.html The event took place on Tuesday April 13, 2010. This is our library's major event for National Poetry Month. You can read my brief official account of the event over at my library's blog here. This post is basically for the more extensive notes I made in my journal, which are not included in the official accounts. If you just want to read the brief summary, follow the link.* * * *After I delivered some brief opening remarks, Anne McCrady, local poet and friend of the library extraordinaire, provided the introduction for Karla Morton. Karla, the 2010 Texas Poet Laureate, was our keynote speaker for the evening. Anne told us how Karla and her became friends over time. Anne learned various lessons from Karla, including some lessons from Karla's battle with cancer. Anne was proud and excited that we were hosting a woman poet. So were we. I was very happy and excited to learn that this year's Texas Poet Laureate was a woman; it gave us an opportunity here on campus to invite a woman for the first time to be our keynote poet. I was thrilled. Having a woman as our keynote poet was something that Joanne Buendtner, our previous outreach coordinator, who is now retired from our campus, wished for when she was working here. I am glad we were able to make it happen. Anne went on to mention that Karla has an upcoming collection of sufi poetry. I will definitely have to look it up.Karla took the stage next. She began by showing us two rocks she brought from the Big Bend area (that's West Texas, the area where Alpine is). Karla told us that has always written and that she always wanted to be poet laureate. She moved on to talk about her first published collection, her chapbook entitled Becoming Superman (I bought my own personal copy, which is signed, and which I will be reading later). She chose a chapbook format because she wanted to make it affordable for readers. She told us that, like Superman, we all have an "S" on our chests. We can all find our passion. ... Fri, 23 Apr 2010 04:00:00 +0100 838154 http://mplic.wordpress.com/2010/04/16/finding-your-next-great-book/ www.bookseer.com This site is very helpful when customers or even staff members have finished a great book and want another book that is comparable.  Only the title and the author of the first book is needed to be able to get the website’s recommendations. (Source: MPLIC Reference Highway) Fri, 16 Apr 2010 17:06:20 +0100 836743 http://mblc.state.ma.us/jobs/find_jobs/rss.php?job_id=6122 This is responsible administrative and public outreach work specialized as relates to children for the City of Springfield's Library Department. Work involves responsibility for providing reference and resource information and material to the general public relative to the use of juvenile collection, the development and maintenance of the juvenile collection and with juvenile programs and services. Work is performed in accordance with accepted practices and procedures in the field of library science related to Juvenile collections with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent professional judgment under the general direction of a branch manager who reviews work through observation, reports and conferences. Supervision may be exercised over other employees of a lesser grade. RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE, but are not limited to: Providing reference assistance and reader's advisory to patrons at the public service desk, on the telephone and through the mail using juvenile materials such as circulating and non-circulating books, indexes, and on-line resources. Assisting library visitors with computer usage including PAC, word processors, Internet, etc. Assisting in planning, promoting, and conducting Children's Dept. activities, programs, and services; conducting juvenile programs, such as story hours, classroom visits and book talks; assisting with implementation of system- wide reading incentive programs. Planning, scheduling and implementing bibliographic instruction programs for students, special interest groups or the general public in the use of library services collections. Planning, developing, and preparing written and crafted materials to support children's programming. Assisting with developing and displaying materials to promote children's programming. Selecting, developing, and maintaining the juvenile collection in assigned areas; weeding and replacing collection as assigned by supervisor. ... Thu, 15 Apr 2010 16:40:02 +0100 835761 http://mblc.state.ma.us/jobs/find_jobs/rss.php?job_id=6123 This is responsible administrative and public outreach work for the Springfield Library Department in assisting the Head of Youth & Outreach with development and achievement of objectives. Work involves responsibility related to system-wide youth services and outreach efforts, supervision of the Central Library Children's Room, and related functions such as collection development, programming, staffing and other duties related to the CL Children's Room. Work is performed in accordance with accepted practices and procedures in the field of library science related to juvenile collections with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent professional judgment under the general direction of the Head of Youth and Outreach Services who reviews work through observation, reports and conferences. Supervision may be exercised over other employees of a lesser grade. RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE, but are not limited to: Assisting Head of Youth and Outreach in planning and implementing system-wide youth services goals and activities. Assisting in overseeing the day-to-day operation of the Children's Room, such as desk tasks and staffing coverage; assisting Head of Youth & Outreach in training, supervision and the employee evaluation process for Children's Room staff, assuming responsibility for room operations in absence of supervisor; assisting in conducting system-wide youth services meetings and planning sessions; developing, with Head of Youth & Outreach Services, a document outlining competencies for librarians serving children; training youth librarians in the established competencies. Planning, promoting, conducting and coordinating departmental and system-wide activities and services; participating in CL and system -wide juvenile programs, such as story hours, card registration campaigns, and any special grant projects assists Head of Youth & Outreach Services in publicizing system-wide programs and services. ... Thu, 15 Apr 2010 16:26:00 +0100 835760 http://www.wislisjobs.com/public.htm#appletonsup The Appleton Public Library is seeking a Section Supervisor in the Reference & Information Services section. This position is responsible for supervision and staffing of the Reference and Information service desks, public access Internet, electronic services, inter library loan, young adult services, media services, adult programming, library and Internet instruction, local history and reader's advisory. The work involves supervising subordinate staff (such as Librarians and related paraprofessional and clerical staff), planning and monitoring the work in their assigned service area. Some evenings and weekends are required. Regular attendance is required. This position requires at least two years experience in professional library work, including some experience in Reference, proficiency in current technologies and a master's degree in library science, or any equivalent combination of experience and training. Fluency in the Spanish or Hmong languages is a plus. The starting salary range is $60,507-$72,592, plus an excellent fringe benefit package. If you are interested in applying for this position, please complete an on-line application www.appleton.org (Source: Wislisjobs Public Library Jobs) Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:30:01 +0100 835218 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Librarianinblack/~3/A33Q9Dx-1uc/sopac.html CIL2010: SOPAC 2.1: Digital Strategy for the New Library This was a presentation from John Blyberg from Darien Library in Connecticut.  What is SOPAC?  It’s a social OPAC built on the Drupal content management system.  The impetus behind SOPAC was to take a best of breed content management system that was open source and merge it with the catalog. John says: “You may have the best website in the world, but when your user click on Catalog–BOOM, they’re in the ghetto.” Ann Arbor wanted to create an online persona and identity connected with the library. Three libraries currently running SOPAC are Darien Library, Ann Arbor District Library, and the Palos Verdes Library District. Newport Beach Public Library and the SAILS Library Network in Massachusetts are both mid-integration with SOPAC. With SOPAC, all online activities with the library are conducted through DRUPAL.  SOPAC invokes two software libraries: LOCUM & Insurge.  It runs with SQL and Sphinx. SOPAC development is user experience driven.  It is built for end users, not librarians.  They wanted a catalog that would be friendly to their users.  Users don’t care about the little stuff librarians do, all they want is to find materials in an environment that doesn’t make them feel stupid.  The catalog should look really nice. Tagging in SOPAC is key.  The community tags items which changes the ability for everyone else to find things.  That element was a key change from SOPAC 1 to SOPAC 2.  They also use tagging to provide staff favorites.  It is a dynamic list that lets you sort the list in many ways.  They also use “better than the book” as a tag to mark movies that were better than the books they were based on.  Darien does a program called “Meet us on Main Street.”  It’s a readers advisory session where librarians recommend books that are coming out, favorite titles and subjects, etc. ... Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:16:38 +0100 836710 http://lisnews.org/reference_singularity Last week, I was at my favorite watering hole with a group of my fellow librarians enjoying an evening of beer and socializing. During this gathering, Pete Bromberg was telling me about his upcoming presentation at ALA Annual, the RUSA President’s program “For the Love of Reference”. When I got home, I looked up the write-up in the online preliminary program. This passage caught my eye: We want to explore the twin appeals of information discovery and serving users that drive the devotion to reference and readers' advisory work. I have written about reference before in terms out how the interviews could possibly be measured (and maybe re-labeling reference service as an “information concierge”), but I had not really considered examining the interaction itself and the implications of all of the possible outcomes. When I start to turn this idea over in my head, something really caught me. Imagine the reference interaction as this: an intersection of time and space in which you (as the librarian) have the ability to influence the resulting experience. From the moment of inquiry, it presents a vast array of potential outcomes. We tend to think of these results in a binary fashion (the two potential endings of “Yes, we have that/Here is the answer” versus “No, we don’t have that/I cannot provide an answer.”), but the reality of outcome pathways is far more nuanced. The prevailing underlying thought that finding materials or information is good and that the opposite is bad is not just misguided, but completely wrong. I would contend that there is no such thing as a good or bad outcome; there is only good or bad reference (customer) service. In my mind, good or bad reference experiences do not hinge on the resolution of the inquiry, but on the type of customer service a patron receives. ... Mon, 12 Apr 2010 05:41:49 +0100 834780 http://www.wislisjobs.com/public.htm#shawano *Childrens Library Assistant:* Shawano City-County Library seeks a creative, service-oriented person with excellent communication skills to provide a broad range of public services to children. Responsibilities for this position includes planning and implementing programs for children, developing collections and services, providing reader's advisory and reference services, and circulation of library materials. (Source: Wislisjobs) Sat, 10 Apr 2010 05:10:02 +0100 834187 http://blog.booklistonline.com/2010/04/08/green-alert-3/ April brings Earth Day and The Orion Book Award .  Established in 2007, the award celebrates books “that deepen our connection to the natural world, present new ideas about our relationship with nature, and achieve excellence in writing.” I served as chair of the selection committee last year, and had I served this year, I would have nominated several of the stellar finalists the wise judges chose this year.  I’ve been a longtime admirer of the work of Wade Davis and Charlies Bowden, and I was thrilled with new author Lydia Peele’s short story collection. So here’s the knock-out list: The Wayfinders: Why Ancient Wisdom Matters in the Modern World Wade Davis (House of Anansi Press) Rewilding the West: Restoration in a Prairie Landscape Richard Manning (University of California Press) Reasons for and Advantages of Breathing: Stories Lydia Peele (Harper Perennial) The Barbaric Heart: Faith, Money, and the Crisis of Nature Curtis White (PoliPointPress) And the winner of the 2010 Orion Book Award:  Charles Bowden’s Some of the Dead Are Still Breathing: Living in the Future (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt). Bravo to all. (Source: Likely Stories) Thu, 08 Apr 2010 20:48:56 +0100 835402 http://mblc.state.ma.us/jobs/find_jobs/rss.php?job_id=6098 The Virginia Wing Library at the Winsor School is seeking a Pre-Professional Librarian for a 15-19 hour per week position that will begin mid-August, 2010. Job duties include reference and readers advisory, circulation duties, and technical services. The Winsor School is an independent school for girls in grades 5-12, with a tradition of academic excellence. (Source: MBLC Job Listings) Thu, 01 Apr 2010 01:20:01 +0100 831443 http://www.ala.org/ala/newspresscenter/news/pressreleases2010/march2010/webcourses_rusa.cfm CHICAGOA full slate of online professional development opportunities awaits you this summer, thanks to the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), the home for reference and readers advisory within the American Library Association. (Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for librarianship) Tue, 30 Mar 2010 16:45:16 +0100 832690 http://www.slis.indiana.edu/careers/view_job_specific.php?job_id=7086 State: Iowa Ames Public Library (Iowa) - Youth Services Librarian Application Deadline: 5:00 p.m. on April 15, 2010 Ames Public Library seeks an enthusiastic librarian to join our Youth Services team. Will assist Children & Family Specialist develop collections, literacy-centered programs, and services for children and families in a customer focused environment. This is a public service position requiring a range of professional skills in reference, readers advisory, and library programming. Experience with teens and with digital resources, electronic communications, and Web 2.0 preferred. Position requires a Masters degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited graduate school. Salary range is $41,065 to $58,574; hiring range to $49,820 with an attractive City of Ames benefits package. Full time exempt position; some evenings and weekends are required. Applicants must submit four documents to be considered for the position: cover letter, résumé, completed City of Ames Employment Application and Supplemental Questionnaire. View job description and application materials at: http://www.amespubliclibrary.org/aboutLibrary/Jobs.asp. Ames Public Library is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Submitted on 2010-03-26 (Source: SLIS Careers Feed) Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:30:02 +0100 831011 http://joblist.ala.org/modules/jobseeker/controller.cfm?rssjobid=14671 Youth Services Librarian (Ames Public Library, Iowa) Ames Public Library seeks an enthusiastic librarian to join our Youth Services team. Will assist Children & Family Specialist develop collections, literacy-centered programs, and services for children and families in a customer focused environment. This is a public service position requiring a range of professional skills in reference, readers advisory, and library programming. Experience with teens and with digital resources, electronic communications, and Web 2.0 preferred. Full time; some evenings and weekends required. ALA accredited MLS required. Salary range is $41,065 to $58,574; hiring range to $49,820 with an attractive City of Ames benefits package. ... Sat, 27 Mar 2010 03:50:01 +0100 829979 http://mblc.state.ma.us/jobs/find_jobs/rss.php?job_id=6095 37.5 hrs per week including nights Performs functions related to circulation control Provides basic reader's advisory and reference service and bibliographic instruction in Portuguese and English, referring patron to other full time branch staff when necessary Shelves and shelf reads Maintains orderliness and neatness in the branch Acts as liaison with bi-lingual programs at the King Open School Conducts bi-lingual story hours and activities for children and adults in the branch and in the neighborhood of the branch In cooperation with the Branch Manager, develops and implements programs for the ethnic community in the branch neighborhood Assists the Branch Manager in the selection of books and other materials for the Manuel Rogers, Sr. Center for the Portuguese Culture and Studies which is housed in the Valente Branch Any other duties required by the Branch Manager of the good of the Valente Branch and the library system (Source: MBLC Job Listings) Sat, 27 Mar 2010 03:42:24 +0100 829980 http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6724203.html?rssid=191 Virtual session on crossover RA offers suggestions of adult books for YAs, YA books for adults. (Source: Library Journal News) Thu, 25 Mar 2010 19:16:00 +0100 829640 http://joblist.ala.org/modules/jobseeker/controller.cfm?rssjobid=14651 Head of Youth Services (Portage County Public Library, Wisconsin) Head of Youth Services: Portage County Public Library, Stevens Point, WI. A county public library serving 70,000 people in scenic Central Wisconsin seeks creative person with good communication and strong organizational skills to provide broad range of public services for children and young adults. Stevens Point: High quality of life; low housing costs, home of University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. The County operates four library sites. The main library is 45,000-square-foot building in downtown Stevens Point and has a tradition of strong programming. Member of South Central Library System. Responsibilities: This person will supervise the Youth Services department staff (4 employees, 3. ... Wed, 24 Mar 2010 23:50:01 +0100 829293 http://ricklibrarian.blogspot.com/2010/03/readers-advisory-20-next-dimension.html "Readers advisory is not ready reference." Barry Trott, Portland, Oregon, 2010I don't know if Barry Trott of the Williamsburg (Va.) Regional Library has said this before, and I don't know if he borrowed it from someone else. He said it almost as an aside part way through his half of Tuesday's presentation Readers' Advisory 2.0: The Next Dimension. Still, it sticks with me. I think it explains the whole need for the service. Readers' advisory is work - worthwhile work - and librarians are only going to be successful if they practice and prepare. He and Jane Jorgenson of the Madison (Wis.) Public Library, both managers of online library RA services, addressed how librarians can adapt the tools of Web 2.0 to provide "proactive and reactive" readers' services. "Proactive and reactive" are Jorgenson's terms for taking readers' services to readers (via reviews, lists, displays) as well as dealing with readers' individual requests for books and media.The Williamsburg and Madison models have similarities. Both have staff from many departments writing reviews that are posted on WordPress-based blogs. They each gather these articles in advance to assure there is a steady stream of content on their sites. Both have personalized readers' services based on surveying a reader for her interests and producing an individual annotated titles list. The two libraries are also connecting these efforts to their Facebook and Twitter pages.Barry likes the letter "F" while Jane like "S" to describe the elements of successful library RA blogs.Barry's list:Focus - a review blog should not have extraneous postsFrequency - regular so readers will know there will be new contentFortitude - strength to keep to the focus and frequencyFlavor - good writing with personalityFlexibility - staff cover for each other, ability to review new formats, etc. ... Wed, 24 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0100 829218 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/iRcS/~3/L5W_HPuj1_Q/nancy-pearl-wins-2010-monroe-award-for.html Well-known librarian, educator and tireless reading advocate Nancy Pearl has been selected the winner of the 2010 Margaret E. Monroe Library Adult Services Award, an honor administered annually by the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA). The Monroe Award honors a librarian, library and information science researcher or educator who has made a significant contribution to library adult services. Pearl has an extensive career in librarianship and most recently was, until August 2004, the executive director of the Washington Center for the Book at Seattle Public Library. During her time there, she expanded readers' advisory services beyond the library walls with the establishment of the One Book/One City reading event, which became a model for similar events now held around the country. Since 1993, Pearl has also taught readers' advisory and genre literature courses at the University of Washington's ISchool. (Source: Peter Scott's Library Blog) Sun, 21 Mar 2010 12:16:39 +0100 828311 http://ricklibrarian.blogspot.com/2010/03/now-read-this-iii-by-nancy-pearl-and.html With many libraries spending less on new books due to budget cuts in 2010, it is time for many of us to rely on the books that we already have to satisfy the public urge to read. With fewer items on new book shelves, librarians and readers are going to have to retrieve more books from the stacks, the last place that many readers are ever seen. So, the timing of Now Read This III by our friends Nancy Pearl and Sarah Statz Cords is perfect. Their book which identifies mainstream fiction published between 2002 and 2009 (with a few exceptions), titles that many of us have in abundance, is a key to getting those books off the shelves and into readers' hands."Key" is a good word to use at this point because Pearl and Cords present four "doorways" to the finding of books to please readers. These are Setting, Story, Character, and Language. Each of the four chapters of this guidebook to fiction identifies novels or short story collections that have one of these primary appeal factors. With a total of over 500 titles described, the four chapters arranged alphabetically by author are lengthy. Just reading through the chapters will not be the primary way for finding books to read (though that is a good way to learn a lot about fiction). Instead, most users will find a book they already know through the author/title index and turn to its entry. There Pearl and Cords provide a quick book summary, a list of descriptors, and abundant suggestions for further reading. Looking at the "Now Try:" portion of each entry, readers will find other novels by the same author, fiction by other authors, and even nonfiction suggestions. After some entries are special "Now Consider Nonfiction ..." boxes with even further suggestions.Because I most like novels or collections of short stories that take me to other times and places, Chapter 1: Setting is the portion of the book that most interests me. ... Fri, 19 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0100 827841 http://mblc.state.ma.us/jobs/find_jobs/rss.php?job_id=6081 Reference and reader's advisory services to the general public, assisting the public with computer use, selection and maintenance of reference and non-fiction collections (including on-line databases), oversight for cataloging adult materials, oversight of interlibrary loan, supervision of reference staff and volunteers, and related duties. Ensure public computers are in good working order. 40 hour work week includes a Saturday rotation and at least one evening per week. AA/EOE (Source: MBLC Job Listings) Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:43:01 +0100 827209 http://ricklibrarian.blogspot.com/2010/03/readers-advisory-issue-of-public.html I was excited to receive the January/February 2010 issue of Public Libraries several weeks ago for obvious reasons. My book Real Lives Revealed is positively reviewed on page 54 (of 56), right after a review of The Readers' Advisory Guide to Genre Fiction, 2nd Edition by Joyce Saricks. I am grateful that Ronald Burdick of Cleveland Public Library mentioned my history of the genre of biography with timeline and my appendixes on award-winning biographies, top biographers, and biographies in series. Thank you.The whole issue of Public Libraries devoted to readers' advisory is full of useful information and ideas. Turn to the very back. Starting on page 55, Vicki Nesting's describes online products to help librarians with readers' advisory. Vicki points out a number of subscription services and free resources to help innovative librarians select and promote books for their clients. Karen Kleckner and Rebecca Vnuk also identify many online resources in their piece on pages 15-18 of the Perspectives Section.If you are new to booktalking or want to rethink what your library is doing, turn to page 42 for "Booktalk Boot Camp" by Chapple Langemack. She gives a detailed account of how to do it with many examples and suggestions. You'll want to try it yourself after reading her piece.With a lot of our libraries suffering book budget woes, the absolutely core authors lists for mystery, fantasy, humor, horror, and womens fiction on pages 36-37 are timely. The intent for the lists is help for on the spot readers' advisory librarians who are not strong on all genres, but libraries with gaps in their collections may use them for getting some sure-to-please titles with their scarce dollars.I personally enjoy reading classic fiction, so I was interested in Brad Hooper's article "Selling the Classics" on pages 26-33. One of his main points is to market them as good reading, not as lofty literature. ... Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0100 827305 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/iRcS/~3/CgPloB3QtRg/building-trust-promoting-community-and.html Building Trust, Promoting Community, and Enhancing RA Services Outside the Physical Library with Laurel Tarulli, Collection Access Librarian, Halifax PL – 1 hour audio conference - "Social catalogues are changing the way we think of the library catalogue. No longer an inventory, but a place - what role will the next generation library catalogue play in readers' advisory services? Through suggesting reading ideas to tagging, social catalogues have the potential to break out of the library and bring readers' services to the reader. This session will explore why and how readers' advisors and technical services' staff should be working together, and the benefits ofcollaboration" - March 17, 2010 (Source: Peter Scott's Library Blog) Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:23:48 +0100 826191 http://pfplreaders.blogspot.com/2010/03/were-on-twitter.html Follow us at http://twitter.com/pburglibrary. We're also working on a Facebook page. keep an eye out for us. (Source: Book Lover's Blog) Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100 827689 http://mblc.state.ma.us/jobs/find_jobs/rss.php?job_id=6076 27 hours/week, includes evenings and Saturdays. YA/Teen Services * Directs, plans, organizes, implements, and evaluates services to teens, including duties essential to the daily operation of the Teen Room. * Delivers reference, reader's advisory, and library orientation services to children, young adults, parents, teachers, and others. Instructs individuals and groups in the use of the library and resources such as the Internet, electronic databases, and emerging technologies. Uses technology to communicate with teens virtually. * Selects, evaluates, purchases, and weeds young adult materials in accordance with the allocated departmental budget, community needs, and professional standards. Analyzes collection use patterns. * Works with Library Director to plan and provide programs that best use the resources of the library, meet the needs and interests of the teen community, and promote library use. * Involves teens in planning and implementing services and selecting materials for their age group through active Teen Advisory Board. Maintains knowledge about the diversity of the teen community. Develops programs and acquires materials appropriate to their needs. * Initiates outreach to schools, youth centers, and other community groups. Establishes contacts and collaborates with these groups, particularly relevant to programming ideas. * Trains library staff in issues related to teens. * Promotes, publicizes, and represents teen services and the library to the community in cooperation with other library departments. * Sets short and long term goals and objectives for teen services as part of the overall library service plan. Analyzes current trends and issues affecting teens and incorporates these findings into overall services to this age group. * Advocates for teens in library discussions of policy, services and budget. May identify and work with the Director in pursuing grant and/or other funding possibilities. ... Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:43:35 +0100 824871 http://lisnews.org/world_without_public_libraries On the whole, I'm not much of a book reader. Most of my reading is done online; I read a handful of books every year, mostly non-fiction, based on various whims. Right now, I'm reading The World Without Us, a captivating exploration about how the world would revert (or not revert) back to a pre-human emergence. Some of these things have been dramatized into a series on the History Channel by a different name, providing the added element of CGI to show how buildings would collapse, infrastructure would fail, nature reclaims the suburbs, and how all that would remain for future archeologists is our stainless steel cookware. For the scientist in me, it's fascinating to see everything humans have made becoming undone by the natural forces of this world. So, in touching upon the premise of the book, I thought, "What would the world be like without libraries?" How would our demise come? Unlike the book, which asks the reader to suspend disbelief and accept the total sudden disappearance of humankind, I cannot propose nor fathom asking the same for libraries. In attempting to avoid hyperbole, I think the mechanisms of the library’s demise have already proven themselves present. It will not come through lack of innovation or adoption of technology or practices; our relevance and willingness to change in this digital information age has certainly been established. No, the end will come as it has for some libraries over the past two years: through budget cuts. Funding for all library types (public, academic, school, and special) has hung in the balance for the last couple of years after budgets tighten and communities and companies look to trim their expenditures. You need go no further than typing in the words “library budget” in a Google News search to see the current toll that is being exacted.  One problem, as I see it, is that the library as a community service does not fit nicely into any government spending niche. ... Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:47:19 +0100 824748 http://pfplreaders.blogspot.com/2010/03/urban-fiction-at-library.html By popular demand, the library is starting to purchase some books in the Urban Fiction genre (aka Street Lit). We're just getting started, and we welcome your suggestions for new books to add to our collection. Watch for these titles in the next few days:Gorilla Black by SevenEve by K'wanSection 8 by K'wanMidnight: A Gangster Love Story by Sister SouljahUp to No Good by Carl WeberPecking Order by Omar Tyree (Source: Book Lover's Blog) Tue, 09 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100 825668 http://pfplreaders.blogspot.com/2010/03/did-i-mention-we-have-e-books.html I was just browsing through our new e-book collection at ListenNJNW, and I was impressed with what I found. Here are just some of the popular titles available:Alex Cross's Trial by James PattersonGame Change by John HeilemannThe Help by Kathryn StockettStones into Schools by Greg MortensonBlood Ties by Kay HooperThe Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth SteinSecrets of Eden by Chris BohjalianAll of these can be read on Barnes & Noble's Nook and the Sony E-Reader (not, alas, the Kindle, although we hope they will join up in the future). (Source: Book Lover's Blog) Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100 823539 http://www.slis.indiana.edu/careers/view_job_specific.php?job_id=6956 State: South Carolina www.myrcpl.com Vacancy #10SE-0112 Location: Southeast Regional Branch Library, 7421 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC 29209. Schedule: Full-time; 37.5 hours per week, including evening and weekend hours. Essential Functions of the Job: Manages a regional library open 66-69 hours per week. Supervises large staff of professionals and paraprofessionals. Responsible for having branch adequately staffed at all hours branch is open. Carries out all personnel duties for branch; interviews, checks references and selects staff; trains and supervises professional and paraprofessional staff; prepares and conducts probationary and annual evaluations; approves employee leave and arranges for staff coverage in emergency situations. Identifies and addresses staff disciplinary problems and /or grievances under the direction of Extension Services Chief and other administrative personnel. Monitors technology; and communicates effectively with appropriate staff when problems with technology occur. Responsible for overseeing operation and maintenance of library building and grounds (HVAC, cleaning, lights, etc.), and responsible for dealing effectively with emergencies related to building and grounds; communicates with appropriate staff. Plans, recommends, and follows through with additions, changes, and updates to facility, as appropriate; responsible for reprogramming or redesigning the physical layout and functionality of the branch, analyzing and responding to changing uses and needs. Resolves circulation problems; often requires dealing with complex circulation situations (out-of-county registrations, non-resident property owners, fines, and lost book problems); interprets and communicates library policies and procedures to patrons and staff. Cultivates partnerships and collaborations with appropriate entities, businesses, cultural and non-profit organizations, etc. ... Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:50:02 +0100 822591 http://www.slis.indiana.edu/careers/view_job_specific.php?job_id=6957 State: South Carolina www.myrcpl.com Vacancy # 10IS-0215 Location: Information Services Department, Main Library, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Schedule: Full-time; 37.5 hours/week, including one evening per week and every third weekend. Essential Functions of the Job: Answers reference questions for library patrons in the library, over the telephone, by e-mail, by instant messaging, by videoconferencing, and by other electronic means, utilizing print and online resources in Business/Science/Technology Reference, as well as in all other Information Services Departments (General Reference, Periodicals, and Local History). Provides readers advisory services and bibliographic instruction. Compiles subject listings and usage guidelines for print and non-print sources. Conducts interlibrary loan activities. Assists with training of professional and non-professional staff. Assists Information Services department managers in planning for and operation of the departments. Communicates and interprets general library policies and procedures to patrons. May provide assistance for patrons’ career and workforce skills development via the library’s “Job Center” and other library resources. Other Important Responsibilities: Assists patrons in locating and using materials and in use of a variety of library equipment, e.g. microfilm equipment, assistive technology equipment. Assists with collecting and reporting transaction statistics. May assist with the organization and maintenance of department collections, files and databases. May assist with planning, developing materials for, and conducting library research skills workshops. Serves on departmental and library-wide committees. May represent the library at community group meetings. Keeps informed of professional developments; attends professional meetings and training. May conduct tours of the Departments. May serve as night or weekend supervisor of the department. ... Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:50:02 +0100 822590 http://pfplreaders.blogspot.com/2010/03/going-greener.html We have a lot of paper in the library: print outs from the computers, brochures, and of course 106,000 print books. But we're going paperless in one small area - overdue notices. Starting March 1, we will no longer send overdue notices through the mail. If you want a reminder of your overdue books, you need to provide the library with your email address. The bonus is that you will also get a reminder a few days before your books are due, so you may hopefully avoid a few late fees.If you don't use email, you can keep track of your account online. We are also always happy to assist you over the telephone. (Source: Book Lover's Blog) Tue, 02 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100 823540 http://mblc.state.ma.us/jobs/find_jobs/rss.php?job_id=5997 The Thayer Public Library is searching for a confident, hands-on, flexible team player with a solid background in public library service to help our busy library grow and respond to the challenge of ever changing technologies and growing demand. The Town of Braintree is a community of approximately 34,000 located just south of Boston with excellent public transportation. Our 10 year old library supports a staff of 34 who provide continuously increasing circulation and interlibrary loan services. Duties: Supervises a busy adult circulation desk; coordinates circulation and ILL activities for all circulation desks in the library; provides reference coverage when needed; participates in library management team; participates in collection development services with direct budgetary responsibility; produces written procedural documentation and statistical information; troubleshoots circulation related technology and software; provides online training for patrons in areas of expertise; provides readers advisory services; attends OCLN circulation related committees; other duties as required. (Source: MBLC Job Listings) Wed, 24 Feb 2010 05:50:02 +0100 820891 http://pfplreaders.blogspot.com/2010/02/february-book-discussion-annie-freemans.html The Happy Bookers Discussion Group will meet on Wednesday, February 24 at 7:00 p.m., to discuss Annie Freeman's Fabulous Traveling Funeral by Kris Radish. If you can't make the meeting in person (or even if you can), post your impressions of the book here. (Source: Book Lover's Blog) Fri, 12 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0100 819428 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FlaJobline/~3/q7shzeK8Y48/customer-services-librarian-adult.html Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) serves approximately 400,000 people, through 39 branches on Vancouver Island, the central mainland coast and the Queen Charlotte Islands, with a staff of over 300 employees. We currently have the following temporary opportunity based in Courtenay Customer Services Librarian – Adult Services As the Customer Services Librarian - Adult Services you will be an active member of a strong branch team that provides outstanding customer service to library users and coordinated delivery of public services for adults. Under the direction of the Adult Services and Readers Advisory Divisional Manager your skills and knowledge will be utilized within the following areas of responsibility:Lead, coordinate and evaluate the delivery of public services with the focus on building and maintaining strong and informed team(s) in a customer-focused environment; Oversee the effective and efficient coordination of projects; Provide leadership and initiative in the delivery of programs, services and projects that advance the service goals and strategic direction of the system; Maintain branch collection(s). Identifies collection development priorities and provides input to Library Manager; Provide information services and readers’ advisory; Working with Library Manager, liaise and partner with external organizations and groups to increase the use of library resources and services; Advise the Library Manager on trends and issues affecting branch library services and prepare recommendations. The successful candidate will be an energetic, resourceful and adaptable individual who firmly believes in providing excellent customer service. ... Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:12:26 +0100 816874 http://pfplreaders.blogspot.com/2010/02/blind-date-with-book.html Starting Monday Feb. 9th, through Saturday Feb. 13, come to the library for a blind date with a book. Huh, you say? Just come and conduct your regular library business, and also check out a wrapped book from our adult fiction and nonfiction collections. You won't know until you get home what book you selected. The idea here is to introduce a little serendipity into your reading life. Of course, if after reading a bit you decide the "date" isn't working out, you don't have to finish the book. Unlike a real date, the book's feelings won't be hurt. (Source: Book Lover's Blog) Mon, 08 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0100 817391 http://mblc.state.ma.us/jobs/find_jobs/rss.php?job_id=5977 This is a 35-hour/week, benefitted position requiring some evenings and Saturdays. Reporting to the Director, responsible for performing adult reference and readers advisory services; teaches patrons computer skills; initiates some searches/requests through interlibrary loan system; oversees book clubs and with Director, presents/plans programming for adults; responsible for reference collection and monthly newsletter; participates in circulation duties, collection development/management, and supervising volunteers. In charge of the library in absence of the Director and Head of Children's Services. (Source: MBLC Job Listings) Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:16:04 +0100 814127 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FlaJobline/~3/sgzvAZsBvdQ/temporary-part-time-library-assistant.html Temporary Part-time Library Assistant(6 months with the possibility of an extension to one year.)The Fort Saskatchewan Public Library is looking for a reliable, energetic and enthusiastic person who can provide excellent customer service within a fast paced environment that can, at times, be physically demanding. * Salary is $15.00 per hour * Approximately 23 hours per weekThe Library Assistant is responsible for the following duties and others as assigned by Supervisor:Check in and checkout of materials. Collecting money for overdue, damaged or lost materials.Register new patrons or renew their memberships making sure their information is updated accurately in the library’s database.Ability to provide catalogue searching and readers advisory services to patrons.Responsible for closing out of cash register at the end of the dayQUALIFICATIONSThe successful applicant must be able to work a flexible schedule of days, evenings, and weekends. Grade 12-diploma, working knowledge of Microsoft Office and the Internet are required.Previous customer service work experience, including the use of cash registers, or experience in a public library environment is an asset.Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential when dealing with patrons in person or by telephone.Attention to accuracy and detail, a positive customer service attitude, time management skills and the ability to multi-task are necessary while working in a busy environment.Deadline for application is Friday February 5, 2010; however, the position will remain open until a suitable candidate has been found.Please send/bring applications/resumes to:Susan Schulz, Operations ManagerFort Saskatchewan Public Library10011 - 102 StreetFort Saskatchewan, ABT8L 2C5sschulz@fspl.caTel: 1-780-998-4275Fax: 1-780-992-3255We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted. (Source: FLA Jobline) Thu, 28 Jan 2010 21:18:33 +0100 813166 http://northmetrotechlibraryatacworth.blogspot.com/2010/01/whats-it-about.html A few days ago, I wrote how you may find the new titles added to our catalog by:...going to Chattahoochee's main page.... selecting Quicklinks......selecting Library....... selecting Find Books.........clicking on the blue New Books box in the top left cornerSome of our fiction titles do not have a complete description. The title, author, publisher and a few subject descriptions are displayed - but what about the plot?If you go to GALILEO....select Databases A-Z......select N.........go to NoveList where you'll find more information about many fiction works!NoveList is an online readers' advisory tool that helps readers find new books based on books they've read or on topics in which they are interested. NoveList provides enhanced subject access to over 125,000 fiction titles and more than 90,000 full-text book reviews or annotations. As an experiment let's look for one of our newest books which was mentioned in the PeachBuzz in Sundays AJC [link from NewsBank], The Help by Kathryn Stockett. We have a brief description of the story in our catalogIn Jackson, Mississippi, in 1962, there are lines that are not crossed. With the civil rights movement exploding all around them, three women start a movement of their own, forever changing a town and the way women--black and white, mothers and daughters--view one another. That might give me enough of a clue on whether I wanted to read this book but what if it wasn't quite enough.A search for The Help in NoveList limited to title and adult pulled up 6 titles. The Help I was looking for was on this list.NoveList has a slightly different summaryLimited and persecuted by racial divides in 1962 Jackson, Mississippi, three women, including an African-American maid, her sassy and chronically unemployed friend, and a recently graduated white woman, team up for a clandestine project. ... Thu, 28 Jan 2010 05:00:00 +0100 812843