A new librarian's journey

Reflection 1

2012-02-05T20:40:00.000-08:00

I think more than anything, the readings and class discussions have given me the language and vocabulary to voice thoughts about what a Media Center can and should be that I was lacking.

Instead of setting up a meeting with a classroom teacher to show some of the databases and resources the library has because intuitively it feels right to me, I can look at Knapps’ teaching the teachers initiative at Wayne State (Thomas, Crow & Franklin, 2011) as a precedent.

Rather than avoiding stand-alone library lessons because I don’t think they’re very effective, I can now point to research by Goodin and Kester that show the ineffectiveness of certain types of library skill instruction (Thomas, Crow & Franklin, 2011).

While I won’t say I “enjoy” reading standards, it’s reassuring to know that thought has been put into what it is school librarians ought to be doing -- more specifically what we want the kids to be able to do. The MEMO standards and the AASL standards initially seemed too daunting, but lately I’ve felt more empowered knowing I have a source to help me figure out what I should be doing with a classroom of first graders or any grade in the media center.

Most of my deeper reflection came while reading about Kuhlthau’s ISP. Again, gaining a vocabulary for the search process -- initiation, selection, exploration, formulation, collection and presentation -- makes it easier to examine. I can think about how I design my lessons and if they focus on a certain aspect of the process or ignore another. And while I might not remember the terms six months from now, at the very least I know I’ll remember that searching is a process and that my lessons need to address the process.

Media specialists need to know not just how to find or access content, but to use the tool (applications, websites, et.) that create content. This blog and my earlier experience with Jing showed me that I just need to dive into new platforms, and not worry about if it’s perfect, professional and polished the first time. After all, I certainly don’t expect that from my students, so I shouldn’t expect it of myself. Mastery comes with time, practice and patience.

Thomas, N.P., Crow, S.R., & Franklin, L.L. (2011). Information literacy and information skills instruction: Applying research to practice in the 21st century school library. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited.

Crazy Tracks

2012-01-19T13:27:00.000-08:00

Ahhh, the tracks of the snow leopard on a psychedelic beach, or the artwork my wonderful daughter created -- your choice.

And we're back

2012-01-19T13:07:00.000-08:00

Please, please, gentle reader, I hear your wails of, "Enough! How can we read at the rate that you produce content? It is all too much for our weary eyes!" Still, I must put these thoughts down or they might be lost, as is the drunk kitten yearning to find it's nest.

And a Quiet One, as Well

2009-10-28T14:21:00.000-07:00

Well, somehow more time elapsed between posts than originally intended -- the road to hell paved with good intentions and such. Still, I'm here now, learning; and, because no one will be reading these posts, I'm more likely to display greater candor and bluntness.

Now, my thoughts about item number one...

Well, as to the task itself, it wasn't too difficult; frankly, my biggest issue is following months- to year-old directions, when the technology and interfaces change so quickly. Now some might claim that it's my own fault for waiting too long and not following the program during the allotted time. Well, assessing blame doesn't help anyone, especially me.

I do feel as though I've accomplished something with Bloggy (that's my new name for this blog), and like sharing knowledge and information. Still, I'm reluctant to give up my Internet anonymity, though I don't plan on doing anything untoward. Welcome to the Web 2.0, I guess.

A Brave New World....

2009-02-12T07:03:00.000-08:00

By a not so brave blogger. Well, here's my first post -- as you'll soon discover, I possess an unparalleled knack for stating the obvious -- and I hope to use this as an opportunity to share my thoughts, observations and growing pains on my first job out of library school. Let the games begin.