Thinking about what I have learned over the course of this term is difficult to summate. I know that this course has provided a wealth of information to me concerning library materials; purchasing, cataloguing and storing. I will need to go back and record all the websites that were shared. So many great ones!! The idea of access of information, a process to access it, was made clear. Getting to know your clientele, and the resources you possess is essential to the successful delivery of information. Our discussions concerning MARC records, Cip, Dewey Decimal systems, and jobbers to access information were absolutely essential to running a fine tuned library center. I know there will be a major learning curve on the job, trying to put things all together. Finally, I enjoyed completing the projects as well, because it gave me an opportunity to put myself in the situation as a teacher librarian, and work to find solutions.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to the discussions
Monday, April 11, 2011
The Library Space
I was very pleased with the outcome of implementing iPods into the library's technology resources, as well as the addition of a comfortable area for setting. There is much more development that could be done if one had access to unlimited funding. The layout of the library is open and bright. Lots of window and over-height space creates a sense of freedom of thought, and refreshes the senses. It is not dingy, or dusty, overcrowded or old in any sense, although it houses the familar old materials, and was build in the 70's. The circulation desk is a headquarters of sorts, but it is round and low, approachable and attractive. THere are three separate rooms off of the main circulation area, that include, a meeting/test room, an office for the librarian and clerk (large enough to house their personal materials, belongings and comforts!!) and lastly an AV room for media supplies, carts and equipment.
Ideal, almost. THe computers are set in rows of carols which appear unwelcoming and difficult to monitor. They are not good for delivering instruction, or teacher modeling. It would be nice to see some updates in this area. There are 12 new iPads on the way, and hopefully a few conference tables to open and gel this area together. The expenditure would be large for this type of undertaking, although technology is the way of the future. If only Bill Gates son went to the school!
Ideal, almost. THe computers are set in rows of carols which appear unwelcoming and difficult to monitor. They are not good for delivering instruction, or teacher modeling. It would be nice to see some updates in this area. There are 12 new iPads on the way, and hopefully a few conference tables to open and gel this area together. The expenditure would be large for this type of undertaking, although technology is the way of the future. If only Bill Gates son went to the school!
Webpage
I completed my webpage before I worked on Lesson 12, but in my heart I think I included most of the main points that were impressed upon us. Firstly, links to new sources; videos, books, audio clips, text, were highlighted to get them surfing!! Secondly, instructions, tutorials and guides were given to help students learn and remember. Thirdly, supportive material to educate, motivate and impress was provided. Lastly, important contacts, welcome information, FAQs, goals and quick links were included to bring the website together as a full one stop package.
Check it out at www.netvibes.com/csather
Check it out at www.netvibes.com/csather
CIP vs. MARC
Sounds like an MMA title match! Interesting and informative lesson on the details of CIP and MARC records this week. I found both styles had their pros and con. Unfortunately, they didn't appear to be consistent on the length or detail of their descriptions enough to trust one over the other. They seem equally valuable. I was not surprized by the differences in the records, although I did expect to see more information on the CIP record that was accurate and revealing, not the MARC. (a bird in the hand is more than two in the bush). Grateful too that this lesson enabled me to dust off some old reading to share with my little guy!! He loves Winnie the Pooh.
What do you call the information on the back cover of the text which includes a bibliography of the author and information about the publication of the book and its success??
What do you call the information on the back cover of the text which includes a bibliography of the author and information about the publication of the book and its success??
Dewey Decimal
The story of Dewey and his idiosyncrasies reminds me of an email I got a few years back about the mind being able to read things with out having all of the letters to spell the words there. Here are a couple of example I found, just for fun. I wonder if Dewey would have liked them?
http://www.notsoboringlife.com/ramblings/mixed-up-words/
http://puzzlie.deviantart.com/art/A-World-Without-Vowels-127393777
As for the Dewey System, it is probably the first and last thing that I will remember about libraries. It is what makes them so unique, and in an organized way unlike any where else. I can compare the idea to that in a grocery store with signs above the aisles for products, but something about numbers is important and fixed. Pretty awesome that it has held its relevance for over 126 years! Did you know he also invented the concept of vertical files. What a guy!
http://www.notsoboringlife.com/ramblings/mixed-up-words/
http://puzzlie.deviantart.com/art/A-World-Without-Vowels-127393777
As for the Dewey System, it is probably the first and last thing that I will remember about libraries. It is what makes them so unique, and in an organized way unlike any where else. I can compare the idea to that in a grocery store with signs above the aisles for products, but something about numbers is important and fixed. Pretty awesome that it has held its relevance for over 126 years! Did you know he also invented the concept of vertical files. What a guy!
Delicious
Reviewing the contents of lesson seven, I learned a lot about the area of subject headings; use common words and terms, be direct and specific, and follow a standard of authority control (meaning don't change the spelling of a word, such as color to colour).
It appears the authority on the area of subject headings is the Sears list (also a Canadian version), and the Library of Congress. It was interesting to check out the updated version of a source created over 80 years ago. How it adapts and changes to the times and interests. For example, adding heading such as Twitter and Facebook, and changing/reserving the usage of the word "Indian" for those in India, not the North American Indian nation.
For the Activity 7, I chose to search the heading Ipod, thinking it would be more limited, but of personal interest. I discovered numerous links to ipod and education, using the ipod in the classroom, and great apps for kids. So much so, that I got side tracked and lost myself for over an hour just surfing. Here is one good link that I liked and thought would be relevant to my assignment 3 project on using ipods in the library.
http://teachwithyouripad.wikispaces.com/IPAD+Activities+Examples
It appears the authority on the area of subject headings is the Sears list (also a Canadian version), and the Library of Congress. It was interesting to check out the updated version of a source created over 80 years ago. How it adapts and changes to the times and interests. For example, adding heading such as Twitter and Facebook, and changing/reserving the usage of the word "Indian" for those in India, not the North American Indian nation.
For the Activity 7, I chose to search the heading Ipod, thinking it would be more limited, but of personal interest. I discovered numerous links to ipod and education, using the ipod in the classroom, and great apps for kids. So much so, that I got side tracked and lost myself for over an hour just surfing. Here is one good link that I liked and thought would be relevant to my assignment 3 project on using ipods in the library.
http://teachwithyouripad.wikispaces.com/IPAD+Activities+Examples
Friday, March 18, 2011
MARC
Needless to say, I wish MARC was actually a friend of mine, but alas, he is not. I have, again, tried to weigh myself through the idea and task of creating MARC records for this course, but the struggle continues. Is it because I am not an big ideas person? and I hang myself up on the digits and letters contained in each line. I can't grasp the notion of suggesting an entry with a such code, for fear that it will make no sense at all. I am overwhelmed, does some one have an Advil??
Friday, January 21, 2011
A humorous story
Although it is not a humorous story about digital media, it is one about moving forward with modern tools, like Liquid Paper and Exacto knives.
Mr. Bean - Library
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyDY0hiMZy8
Mr. Bean - Library
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyDY0hiMZy8
Reflection One: Supporting Digital Media
I've reviewed the ongoing support for digital media in one of the high schools in my district, since I do not have a library of my own. I found that there are many tasks to complete and barriers to overcome when you chose to climb aboard the "digital train". It is no easy, quick fix, and with the endless wish for more time and money, it become a burden for some to step out of their comfort zone. As mentioned in the reading about school library commons, I believe it would be ideal to create a virtual space for learning where resources (physical, digital and human) were available 24/7. One where all patrons could access it regardless of their knowledge, ability, language, or economic statis. Thus why not go digital?
At the local highschool, the librarian I talked with mentioned that she does her best to offer an updated library page on the school website with links to popular educational resources, subject area resources, teacher pages and blogs, educational tools like dictionaries and writing outlines (although she dislikes using the computer herself and has a very small comfort level with new programs and trouble shooting problems). There are subscriptions to two online encyclopedia resources (one free, the other, not). Social networks such as Facebook and Twitter are blocked at the district level to discourage students from using them during school hours for gossip and surfing aimlessly. She offers library computer time before and after school for 30 mins (more if requested sometimes) but is closed for the 40 min. lunch period.
I personally believe that the more digital technology available (with appropriate training, support and maintanance of resources), the more knowledge will be accessed. If however, adequate support is not provided, often huge amounts of initial time, effort and money can be wasted.
At the local highschool, the librarian I talked with mentioned that she does her best to offer an updated library page on the school website with links to popular educational resources, subject area resources, teacher pages and blogs, educational tools like dictionaries and writing outlines (although she dislikes using the computer herself and has a very small comfort level with new programs and trouble shooting problems). There are subscriptions to two online encyclopedia resources (one free, the other, not). Social networks such as Facebook and Twitter are blocked at the district level to discourage students from using them during school hours for gossip and surfing aimlessly. She offers library computer time before and after school for 30 mins (more if requested sometimes) but is closed for the 40 min. lunch period.
I personally believe that the more digital technology available (with appropriate training, support and maintanance of resources), the more knowledge will be accessed. If however, adequate support is not provided, often huge amounts of initial time, effort and money can be wasted.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Introduction
Hi all, my name is Carey Sather, and I am currently a TOC in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith school district, who is on mat. leave for one more month. I have been primarily an intermediate school teacher for 13 years, and worked for the Chilliwack district for my first 10. I have worked on call in several different libraries, but unfortunately do not have my own.
This will be my third course towards my teacher librarian certification. I previously took LIBE 461 and 467 last term. My primary strengths related to the school library would have to be my love of books, illustrations, and information. A library is "everything" within the confines of four walls and a desktop. As an English major, I also love working with literature and engaging the imagination of students with texts.
As I do not have my own library I will be using information from a helpful librarian about her library in the district. Upon inquiry, I found that most of the technical services are carried out by herself and a library clerk who works once a week for five hours (never adequate!) Rather than overlapping responsibilities, it works out that the TL does the purchasing and weeding, while the clerk does the processing (generally). The name of the library automation system located on the district server is called Workflows. And the topic of “Organization” from a district level, is handled by a small group of individuals; one individual who is the senior district employee for library services, another employee who handles cataloguing issues and yet another who is district administrator with various responsibilities.
My expectations are to learn about library and multi media organization in the school library resource center, and how to make locating resources effective, efficient and beneficial to all staff and students using them.
I look forward to hearing about the responsibilities, celebrations and queries of other librarians, to learn how I may better my knowledge and skills to excel as a TL in the future.
This will be my third course towards my teacher librarian certification. I previously took LIBE 461 and 467 last term. My primary strengths related to the school library would have to be my love of books, illustrations, and information. A library is "everything" within the confines of four walls and a desktop. As an English major, I also love working with literature and engaging the imagination of students with texts.
As I do not have my own library I will be using information from a helpful librarian about her library in the district. Upon inquiry, I found that most of the technical services are carried out by herself and a library clerk who works once a week for five hours (never adequate!) Rather than overlapping responsibilities, it works out that the TL does the purchasing and weeding, while the clerk does the processing (generally). The name of the library automation system located on the district server is called Workflows. And the topic of “Organization” from a district level, is handled by a small group of individuals; one individual who is the senior district employee for library services, another employee who handles cataloguing issues and yet another who is district administrator with various responsibilities.
My expectations are to learn about library and multi media organization in the school library resource center, and how to make locating resources effective, efficient and beneficial to all staff and students using them.
I look forward to hearing about the responsibilities, celebrations and queries of other librarians, to learn how I may better my knowledge and skills to excel as a TL in the future.
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