Articles and Discussions http://mn.webjunction.org/reference 2010-01-27T16:36:05Z 2010-01-27T16:36:05Z Candice Townsend http://mn.webjunction.org/reference/-/resources/discussion/90520813 2010-01-27T16:36:05Z

Please come and join your colleagues for the RUSA STARS Hot Topics &#040;Reference Service&#041; Discussion Group, ALA Annual Conference. We are scheduled to meet on Saturday, June 26, 2010, 4:00 P.M. &#045; 6:00 P.M.<br /><br />If you have specific topics regarding <b>Reference Services</b>, please forward them as soon as possible. Email: ctow@loc.gov or call 202&#045;707&#045;7655.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br />Candy<img alt='emoticon' src='@theme_images_path@/emoticons/girl.gif' /><br /><br />Candice Perry Townsend, Head of Reference Section<br />Collections Access and Loan Management &#040;CALM Division&#041;<br />Library of Congress<br />Email: ctow@loc.gov <br />202&#045;707&#045;7655 Phone<br />202&#045;707&#045;5986 Fax<br />202&#045;431&#045;1662 Cell

Candice Townsend Bob Watson http://mn.webjunction.org/reference/-/resources/discussion/80500547 2009-09-14T19:39:37Z

There&#039;s also Howard&#039;s Nibipedia info:<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href='http://rheingold.nibipedia.com/'>Howard&#039;s videos</a><br /><br />Enjoy!

Bob Watson Bob Watson http://mn.webjunction.org/reference/-/resources/discussion/78900682 2009-09-02T13:46:44Z

I thought readers might be interested in this article by Howard Rheingold:<br /><br /><a href='http://www.sfgate.com/cgi&#045;bin/blogs/rheingold/detail?blogid=108&amp;entry_id=46677'>Mindful Infotention: Dashboards, Radars, Filters</a><br /><br />Here&#039;s some o&#039; the text:<br /><br /><span style='color: &#035;4B9257;'>Infotention is a word I came up with to describe the psycho&#045;social&#045;techno skill/tools we all need to find our way online today, a mind&#045;machine combination of brain&#045;powered attention skills with computer&#045;powered information filters. The inside and outside of infotention work best together:<br /><br /> <i> Honing the mental ability to deploy the form of attention appropriate for each moment is an essential internal skill for people who want to find, direct, and manage streams of relevant information by using online media knowledgeably.<br /><br /> Knowing how to put together intelligence dashboards, news radars, and information filters from online tools like persistent search and RSS is the external technical component of information literacy.</i><br /><br /><br />Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi&#045;bin/blogs/rheingold/detail?blogid=108&amp;entry_id=46677&#035;ixzz0PxN5SqSM<br /></span><br /><br /><br />Expertise in this, I think, is part of the &#034;new reference.&#034;

Bob Watson Pam Henley http://mn.webjunction.org/reference/-/resources/discussion/50565390 2009-03-17T22:51:42Z

Our library has been using display racks for this sort of thing. You could group them according to service to be manageable &#045; different racks for different services. There is always the Pamphlet File idea, too, but displays seem to be better for browsing. We&#039;ve got some racks the hold larger booklets, and some that hold just pamphlet&#045;sized fliers. Gaylord and other library supply places should have a selection. Someone does need to take responsibility of keeping them supplied, organized, etc. or you can have a mess!

Pam Henley Matthew Mlay http://mn.webjunction.org/reference/-/resources/discussion/49232830 2009-03-10T19:50:14Z

Our library has offered a few computer classes in the past, with similar results to yours including no&#045;shows and cancels... Even though it can mean a busier schedule, I think that for the majority of folks out there 1&#045;2 people per session is great for them. In terms of increased participation though, a couple of ideas we have been floating around include marketing our classes to job hunters/career changers, collecting email addresses to stay in touch with prior class attendees to let them know of future classes and possibly start an e&#045;newsletter, and starting a &#039;internet club.&#039; The club would depend on volunteers as leaders, and be more casual and peer&#045;to&#045;peer than formal classes.<br /><br />Good luck, I&#039;m going to check back and see what other ideas come up!

Matthew Mlay Arek Torosian http://mn.webjunction.org/reference/-/resources/discussion/45394234 2009-02-16T02:25:41Z

With the exception of projects for college courses, I have never created a website for anyone, let alone a library. However, I can give you some helpful suggestions.<br /><br />If there are any links to include, you should include as many valid links as possible. Because the distribution of information is a vital task for the library, you want to make sure that users are entitled to browse through as many sources as possible, so long as they are legitimate. As an added bonus, give users the options of displaying the list of links in the order they may regard as most fitting, such as by alphabetizing, popularity, chronology, etc.<br /><br />Disclaimers must be included. Users must realize that the library is not in anyway responsible for their regimens and the task of the library is only to provide information. If they are looking for someone to personally assist them with their health concerns, they must contact a nutritionist and/or a fitness instructor, but not a librarian. As for the links, be sure to make mention as of what age group the site targets or if there might be any graphic medical imagery, just to avoid confrontations with those who are sensitive about that sort of material.<br /><br />As for any other suggestions in regards to adding a health page to your library&#039;s website, all I can advise is to do the best you can and hope everything will turn out all right.

Arek Torosian Wendy Rosen http://mn.webjunction.org/reference/-/resources/discussion/43851169 2009-02-06T17:28:55Z

I am seeking feedback of other reference librarians regarding computer illiterate patrons accessing library Internet computers. I work at a busy, medium&#045;sized public library in North Carolina. In recent months, we have had quite a few patrons sign up to use our Internet computers in order to fill out applications &#045; such as unemployment benefits or job applications. A few of these patrons have no computer experience at all &#045; they cannot use mouse or keyboard. Library policy states that we cannot input patrons&#039; personal ID &#045; social, bank account &#035;, etc. for them &#045; they are required to do this on their own. We can help them get to the correct log in page, but then they must take over. At times, patrons have become angry because they want someone to personally input the data for them.<br /><br />We do offer several free computer classes for patrons &#045; including: beginning internet and keyboarding, as well as intermediate&#045;level classes. However, patrons coming in to fill out their applications &#040;or go into accounts&#041; do not want to be told to come back another time and take a class &#045; they want help now. I have suggested to a few patrons that they consider working with a friend or family member, but often they say that they do not have anyone they can trust.<br /><br />I am wondering how other librarians handle this dilemma. With today&#039;s difficult economy, we are seeing more patrons filling out online forms. This situation is becoming more common. I would appreciate any ideas. Thank you.<br /><br />Wendy L. Rosen,<br />Reference Librarian

Wendy Rosen Kathy Graybeal http://mn.webjunction.org/reference/-/resources/discussion/42501325 2009-01-29T20:29:43Z

Delaware libraries are coordinating efforts to connect social service agencies/organizations with the many customers who are coming to the library for help. Over 90 groups are represented in a Community Resource Guide. But, our partners want to offer their printed materials as well. <br /><br />How do you physically manage large collections of this type of community resource materials in your libraries while affording patrons the opportunity of valuable info?? Help.

Kathy Graybeal Valerie Burnett http://mn.webjunction.org/reference/-/resources/discussion/7911156 2008-08-26T21:23:58Z

You bring up a great subject that challenges many, Wendy!<br /><br />I’ve had moderate success by doing a courtesy reminder for folks a day or two before the session. Maybe people feel more of a sense of connection and/or commitment if someone contacts them to say, “Hey, we are looking forward to seeing you!”<br /><br />Another strategy that worked when we were running workshops for our grants information center, and I think this could apply to computer sessions, was to target specific local groups and advertise directly to them. One of my colleagues happened upon a fabulous idea to send information to all of the groups that used our meeting rooms. These groups already “visited” the library …<br /><br />The other thing that comes to mind is how so many things I read on this topic keep going back to “word of mouth” is the best and most effective strategy. That ranges from actively recruiting participants at the circ &amp; ref desks, former participants, and hitting the pavement talking and collaborating with local groups, schools, churches, etc.<br /><br />Truthfully we ended up reducing the number of classes and doing more by appointment kind of sessions. I know some libraries have successfully recruited volunteers, who went through a library training program, to swell the ranks of computer tutors to offer one on one sessions. We also took topics with high local interest and started incorporating the computer skills into them. Two hot topics were genealogy research and finding medical information. <br /><br />Looking at your library website you folks offer quite a few classes! Maybe you’ve already looked into or thought about some of these things, but I’ll put them anyway. I wondered if it would be possible to shift the REF department and Computer classes further up the screen to make it more immediately visible to people visiting the website. That said, I know website turf can be tricky …<br /><br />The other thing that I wasn’t sure about was whether or not a generic reminder could be added to the newsletters and the link to special events &#040;I think that is what it was called – I can’t get back on the website for some reason now – technology you gotta’ love it when it works!&#041;<br /><br />I’m not sure if this would work, but would it be possible to get a listing in the “Lifetime Learning Classes” at Craven Community College for free classes? It doesn’t seem like there are other sessions that overlap with the classes being offered at your library.<br /><br />Hopefully some of these thoughts might help or trigger more thoughts or compel someone else to offer ideas, too.<br /><br />It looks like you folks offer some great stuff! Lots of luck to you!

Valerie Burnett Valerie Burnett http://mn.webjunction.org/reference/-/resources/discussion/7893264 2008-08-26T19:27:44Z

Sometimes in library life I discover books, articles, quotes, etc. that makes me think ... if only I knew this then. Just today I finished a book that I think fits that bill. Maybe you&#039;ve heard of it or read it ... <i>Free for All: Oddballs, Geeks, and Gangstas in the Public Library</i> by Don Borchert. <br /><br />Truthfully I was a little hesitant to read this because I&#039;m the kind of person who can feel really uncomfortable when people talk about other people&#039;s failings since I have so many of my own! <img alt='emoticon' src='@theme_images_path@/emoticons/tongue.gif' /> It turns out that the tone was pretty neutral throughout most of the book. I didn&#039;t feel much in the way of judgmental overtones. The author seems to recognize and accept that humans can be fairly quirky. For those folks who are thinking about working in a public library or are curious what kinds of things can and do happen this is a pretty good overview of how unpredictable public service in a library can be in some places. <br /><br />While this book represents the &#034;what can happen&#034; aspect of libraries another book, written by Warren Graham, called <i>Black Belt Librarians : Every Librarian&#039;s Real World Guide to a Safer Workplace</i> addresses the &#034;how to deal with what can happen.&#034; Warren shared his ideas and book at the last PLA Conference. It was a very enlightening session. <br /><br />Which brings me to the next book that I&#039;m currently reading and finding quite insightful called <i>The Reference Interview as a Creative Art</i>. I think this is another book that qualifies as on of those, if I only knew then ... <br /><br />Hey, thanks for taking the time to &#034;listen.&#034; Has any one else read something that they found helpful, entertaining, eye&#045;opening, etc.? Articles, books, websites? If so, please share!!

Valerie Burnett Annie Smith http://mn.webjunction.org/reference/-/resources/discussion/6173479 2008-08-15T19:11:12Z

Census.gov has saved my bacon on the reference desk more than once. Lots of valuable and hard&#045;to&#045;find&#045;elsewhere data. One tip, though. You have to be willing to dig sometimes, depending on the information the patron is after.

Annie Smith Wendy Rosen http://mn.webjunction.org/reference/-/resources/discussion/5667790 2008-08-12T04:43:52Z

I work as a reference librarian at the New Bern&#045;Craven County Public Library &#040;New Bern, NC&#041;. The Reference Department has been offering free computer classes to the public for the past 4 years. Initially, the classes were extremely popular and well&#045;attended. However, in the past year or so, class sizes have gotten smaller and smaller. With a few exceptions &#040;the Beginning Internet continues to generate good attendance&#041;, I am now teaching classes with just 1&#045;2 students at a time. This does not seem to be a good use of staff time to teach such a small class. It has become more like a tutoring session. There are many cancels and no&#045;shows for the classes. If other librarians are also involved with computer training, I would be interested in hearing from you regarding your publicity strategies. I have used the conventional methods: articles in newspapers&#059; posters&#059; flyers&#059; brochures. We do not want to charge for the classes or accept a deposit and would like to keep them free. I appreciate any input regarding this situation.

Wendy Rosen Stephen Cochran http://mn.webjunction.org/reference/-/resources/discussion/4274271 2008-07-01T16:49:27Z

BTW &#045; the absolute best reference question I&#039;ve ever received was a young man &#040;late HS or early college&#041; who asked &#034;do you have any pictures of the Underground Railroad?&#034;<br /><br />No, because it was all underground...

Stephen Cochran Stephen Cochran http://mn.webjunction.org/reference/-/resources/discussion/4274266 2008-07-01T16:41:25Z

And all this time I thought it was Henry Ford who said that &#034;the business of America is business!&#034;

Stephen Cochran Heather Campbell http://mn.webjunction.org/reference/-/resources/discussion/4274261 2008-06-20T17:10:13Z

One of the odder questions I heard at the reference desk was:<br />&#034;What is the capital of Baltimore?&#034; He settled for the capital of Maryland.<br /><br />St Elmo Acosta was the name of one of our former mayors. He opened the first bridge over the St Johns in Jacksonville and it was eventually named for him. A well dressed young woman came to the reference desk and asked me what he was the patron saint of. I was tempted to say: &#034;Bridges over the St Johns&#034; but gave her the real answer. She seemed not to believe me.

Heather Campbell Janie Hermann http://mn.webjunction.org/reference/-/resources/discussion/4274257 2008-06-04T14:56:49Z

LOL at the Tin Foil Hat crowd. <br /><br />Lately we have had people asking about &#034;electrosmog&#034; and how they can protect themselves from the emissions of the wireless devices and networks. Apparently, tin foil wallpaper works well for that:<br />http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2007/jan/18/guardianweeklytechnologysection4

Janie Hermann Barb Chase http://mn.webjunction.org/reference/-/resources/discussion/4274624 2008-05-28T23:40:33Z

I was asked &#034;how do I get the shell off of a turtle to make soup?&#034;<br /><br />Message was edited by timking&#059; message originally posted in the question of the week topic.

Barb Chase Bob Watson http://mn.webjunction.org/reference/-/resources/discussion/4274253 2008-05-23T16:31:06Z

In the decades where I worked reference &#040;how that for an extended way of saying &#034;Old Fart&#034;?&#041; I found that people who had fairly reliable b.s. detectors thought their questions to be &#034;really weird&#034; because they didn&#039;t know how to get the answers themselves.<br /><br />It was the &#034;tin foil hat&#034; crowd that caused, ah, difficulties. &lt;b&gt;Of course&lt;/b&gt; their questions were normal ...

Bob Watson Chuck Cody http://mn.webjunction.org/reference/-/resources/discussion/4274249 2008-05-23T16:24:48Z

Thanks!<br /><br />I will add that, whenever someone says to me that they have a &#034;really weird&#034; question, it&#039;s always some completely reasonable, if not common, query. The people with the weird questions never think their questions are weird. Why is that?

Chuck Cody Tim King http://mn.webjunction.org/reference/-/resources/discussion/4274245 2008-05-23T04:49:35Z

Welcome, mrthingy! Thanks for restarting this discussion. It&#039;s full of gems. I have spent enough time on the desk to appreciate these, but not enough time to have any real treasures of my own.<br /><br />This one busted me up: <br />&lt;blockquote&gt; &#034;What&#039;s the definition of the word &#039;kah&#045;teer&#039;?&#034; Librarian: &#034;How do you spell it?&#034; Patron: &#034;Like in &#039;mouseketeer&#039;.&#034; &lt;/blockquote&gt; <br /><br />If you get a chance, swing by the Getting Started forum and [url http://www.webjunction.org/forums/thread.jspa?threadID=690&amp;tstart=0]Introduce Yourself to WebJunction[/url] &#045;&#045; there&#039;s folks here itching to give you an official WJ welcome!<br /><br />Message edited by: timking

Tim King