Assumptions II

After completing my first semester of Library School. I have reevaluated my assumptions about libraries in general.  My original assumptions were this:
 -Libraries are not going anywhere.
-Libraries are more than just a brick and mortar building
-Libraries are a vibrant community center.
After doing some reading on libraries in America today (Libraries are Dying? Think Again), I feel like I can be reassured that they will still be around in my life time. They, however, may not be the way they are today. But, they will still be needed by the local communities, as the articles states, they are still “staples” of communities. From a large, well-funded urban library to a small, struggling rural library that can barely afford to keep its doors open, each is important to its community. They may be forced to rethink their roles and work with less money, but they will be around.
Libraries are also more than just brick and mortar buildings, which also ties in with it becoming a vibrant community center. In the Guardian article, How US libraries are becoming community problem solvers, the library is described as “a grocery store that has become a kitchen.” In other words, we need to not just provide the resources, but show people how to use them. This pertains to Maker Spaces, human resources and employment help. Librarians not only do this within the library, but also bring their services out to career fairs, colleges and other places where they can reach potential patrons.
So, ultimately, I still have a really good vibe when it comes to the future of libraries. Communities need them, not only as repositories for our pasts, but as guides for our future selves and communities.

The Annoyed Librarian and The Magpie Librarian

I followed the two blogs The Annoyed Librarian and The Magpie Librarian.

I chose The Annoyed Librarian because she focuses a lot on the profession as a whole. She comments on the professional organizations and looks at the big picture and how it affects everyone. It started out as a personal blog, but she was eventually hired by the Library Journal. At LJ, she writes a blog post just about weekly that has to do with issues surrounding the library profession.

Of the posts that I read, my favorite one was "Why People Hate Weeding Books (3/14/14). I was intrigued by this post because I am always a little upset when we weed books. I understand why we do it and how it is done, but I always hate to see a book go.

"People who don’t work with books professionally don’t think of them as commodities. Every book is sacred, and every magazine, too, judging by the old sets of National Geographic people are always trying to donate to libraries." I really loved this specific quote from the posting. I find books to very sacred and not just Holy texts, but all of them. They all tell someone's story, whether real or fictional, but they are someone's experiences, hopes and dreams and when we get rid of those books, it is almost like we are getting rid of those as well.

I first heard of the Magpie Librarian when I was at PLA in Indianapolis. She was supposed to be at one of the break out sessions I attended, "Out of the Closet and Onto the Bookshelf: LGBTQ Literature for Today's Teens." Unfortunately, due to a family emergency, she was not able to make it. So, I Googled her. She is a children's librarian in New York City. She is in her early 30s and would be considered very edgy. She was recently showcased in Kyle Cassidy's "This is What a Librarian Looks Like: and she also serves on the ALA Book Committee for the Rainbow List. On her blog, she talks a lot about programming and  the every day work of being a librarian. But, she talks about these things with a sense of the larger profession. She is an advocate for libraries.

One of her most recent posts has to deal with combating racism in the her  urban library. It is titled Racism is a giant, nebulous issue that I have no business talking about, but here’s a display
She did a really awesome display on stereotypes and how people are NOT stereotypes.  I thought this was a really neat display idea that will really affect the patrons and their worldviews. She admits that  "As a 30-something white lady working in a library where my teens are mostly People of Color, I don’t know if I’m the best person to be starting this conversation." I really liked this perspective because sometimes, it does not matter who gets the conversation going, but just that it is started. I think librarians, even those seemingly unqualified, are the best people to start the education. First off, we are bound to the ALA Code of Ethics that requires us to treat everyone equally. Secondly, we see such a diversity in our days at the library that it is easy for us to know that it is just a stereotype and finally, because librarians have outlets for getting their messages out there to the masses.

I really enjoyed following both of these blogs and will continue to do so for as long as the authors choose to write them.

 

School Library Journal and College and Research Libraries

School Library Journal is intended for school media specialists and teachers. It might also be relevant for children’s librarians since they so often go to daycares and preschools for story times.  It offers tips on how to buy books and use them effectively in classrooms. It also gives reviews of the books for teachers to evaluate whether or not they actually need to be in the system. They also offer events for teachers. Besides books it also focuses on multimedia in the classroom.

It is not peer reviewed. However, we do get several different ideas and opinions on books for kids. Especially with books, it is important because we all have different tastes and preferences for books. Also, what works in one school or classroom may not work in another, so it’s important to have multiple ideas.

I think it is great that school libraries have their own journal. The school library is sometimes the first brush with a library a child has, so it’s important that they stay as relevant as public libraries. Also, school librarians almost have it harder than public librarians, because they are seen as teachers in a way.

I also chose College & Research Libraries, this is a peer reviewed journal. This is a compilation of several different academic articles on the library profession in an academic setting. It is geared more towards professors and graduate students than public librarians. I do not know if it is something I would ever just pick up and read, but I am glad it exists, because I know how important academic research is.

After looking at both of these journals, you realize how a library can impact you from birth to older age. It shows how we don’t’ serve just one segment of society, but are ready to serve anyone and everyone who comes into a library.  I feel like School Library Journal focuses on librarians out on the front lines practicing librarianship, while the College and Research Libraries focuses on the keepers of the profession that focus mainly on the theory of our profession.

College & Research Libraries. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://crl.acrl.org/

School Library Journal | The world's largest reviewer of books, multimedia, and technology for children and teens. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.slj.com/#_

Mid Semester Reflections

I cannot believe we are at the halfway point in my first semester of grad school! As I have stated before, my whole life has been geared towards this profession. Libraries are all I know, and this semester has definitely solidified my choice in careers. The more I learn about the ethics and philosophies of the library and being a librarian, the surer I am. At times, it does feel overwhelming, but when I have worked through everything, I feel so accomplished and I really relish that feeling of being successful.  I have a better grasp on the foundation and I like knowing how what I have been practicing at my work for years, is supported on the foundational believes of this profession. 

After visiting the libraries and talking to a friend of mine, I feel like outreach may be something that I want to consider. I know that I want it to be a large part of my future job. Also, I got to attend PLA this past week with my work, it was definitely an eye opener. I love all the encouragement and camaraderie of the profession and its commitment to serving those who may not have access to resources on their own.   

I can see now how the library plays a critical role in all aspects our patrons’ lives. That even if we do not provide a specific service, we have the tools to put them into contact with someone who can help. That’s a very powerful thing, but not necessarily in a negative way.

Ultimately, I look forward to what the future holds, not only for myself, but for the profession as a whole. I look forward, as well, to continuing my studies at Wayne State!