Thoughts on stewardship and service

Blogs and wikis; discussion boards, technology! reference foundations and theories. Digital libraries. Virtual libraries. Longevity of media? Librarianship. Issues in libraries are deeper and more theoretical than I imagined. Seriously, a professor this week actually mentioned the possibility of a gap in the human record, which I am determined to not see happen. Feeling slightly overwhelmed with the first week and the rush of information, but left with an undeniable sense of This is right for me, this is what I’ve been waiting for. Take that all you doubters in my life, all you folks who tell me libraries are “ dying”. I finally have an abundant supply of confidence that outweighs your negativity.

In the first chapter of his book, Gorman succinctly outlines the major philosophies that have impacted librarianship as we know it and ends the article with his formulation of what he believes are the core values of the profession. While I agree with each of the values he describes, the first two are the ones that stand out the most, and that I feel I’m coming to understand their depths more clearly. Though there is no mention of any type of priority in the order of the list, perhaps it is no coincidence that the values of stewardship and service come first.

This reading allowed me to really lay out some fundamental values and weigh their importance in my mind, which in hindsight seems incredibly important. I wholeheartedly agree with Rothstein’s Ethos, where in a speech that Gorman relates to the reader, he demands that a declaration of principals is necessary in order to define what a librarian is and does. The value of stewardship is resonant, especially after a shocking daydream of a future with a gap in the human record. It is a librarian’s duty to preserve our history, and pass education along to future generations. The value of service, too, reminds me of the usefulness of the profession; we serve a purpose. That purpose is to serve our users; to never stop acquiring new materials or providing educational resources to the community in which the library exists.

I am comforted by a new sense of the pivotal need for the librarian, as a record keeper of history, as well as the pragmatic, everyday function of the librarian in today’s society. Though some may fear the fast pace of technology and the changes it brings to the field, I am ready to embrace it; though I’m not sure I could ever truly keep up!

The Book Whisperer

First off, it was AMAZING! The conference was for Chautauqua and Cattaraugus County school librarians and English teachers. The speaker was Donalyn Miller, author of The Book Whisperer. Going to this conference was a real pick me up. It motivated, inspired, and made me feel excited about becoming a school librarian. Donalyn's speech was about creating life long readers out of children. To create students who love and are excited to read. She took students who read zero to maybe five books a year and had them reading between 30-90 books by the end of the school year. Her secret...she had her students reading books that interested them and made reading time a top priority. She would find out what book(s) a student loved and would help guide them to another book similar to the one they treasured at their reading level. She created an environment that valued and showcased those who read, being teachers, faculty, and students by creating what was called "Reading Doors." These doors highlighted all kinds of readers and their interests. Teachers would decorate their door with pictures of the materials they read. Whether they read books, magazines, newspaper articles, reviews, blogs, etc. She also created what was called a "Graffiti Wall" in which students would read a book and choose 1 quote, their favorite quote, out of the whole book and write it on the black wallpaper with a silver metallic sharpie pen. This would attract her students and many would check out a book based on the quote. So in a nut shell, it served as a recommendation board. Students also were exposed to many books based not only on recommendations but by displays and frequent book talks (from the librarian and peers). If they liked a book presented or displayed they would write it down on their "To Read List." This way students are keeping a record of what they plan to read after finishing a book. It was a great time saver and kept students reading rather than wondering.

On a professional note, I loved how Donalyn stated that we need to make celebrities out of authors and readers out of children. I was astonished at the effects/benefits of life long reading on test scores, a person's overall success, mood and life happiness. A great research article to read is The Power of Reading. She also stressed on the value Twitter has had on her life. She has used Twitter for professional development, to follow a conference she was unable to attend, as well as getting connected with authors. She said she follows a lot of people on Twitter but if you are to follow one person, it would be John Schmaker. He gives great book reviews and advice. Another idea to put in your back pocket would be to check out "Goodreads" and "Shelfari." Donalyn also introduced us to the newest books available, the ones she rated the best to must haves. She book talked them and had them available for purchasing as well.

Overall, I learned a lot from this excellent experience! Everyone should get connected and start going to these any chance they get!

LIS ROCKS

Welcome to our LISLINKS blog! I hope you find this space useful and friendly. This is a place for students like us to share ideas, vent, ask questions, as well as talk about what is going on in our lives both personally and professionally.

A little about us:

We are three young lowly, studious ladies seeking to pass on the wisdom we have gained in our travels in the graduate program of Library & Information Science, so that we may be of service to future generations and students alike. We are hoping to learn from you as much as you may learn from us and our website. We are your support team!