Readers' Advisory Workshop

I attended a workshop today with Nancy Pearl as the presenter. We talked about books and how to suggest titles to patrons. The idea is to get the patron to talk about what type of book they would like to read. There are four doorways to books which we enter, with usually one that we favor. They are story, setting, character, and language. According to what the patron tells us, we can suggest books that fit each doorway. I even have a list of titles that we discussed for each doorway. We also want to get the reader to use different parts of the library, so she gave us the model of a shoe salesman to "sell" the books. For example, we can suggest three books, one that is like the doorway that they pick the most, the second that is like that book but by another author, and the third from another area of the library such as nonfiction. If a patron likes books that come from the story doorway, they may say they like books that they can't put down or that they sat up all night reading. This person may like books by Dan Brown or John Grisham. For the third book, they might try true crime stories, outdoor adventures, or history. She told us we should stretch our own reading habits and read one book that we usually would not at least once a month. We were told to suggest books and not to recommend. We need to let the patron tell about what they like because it is about them, not about us. It was very interesting and informational to take part in the workshop. I also bought her action figure doll for my granddaughter. She already loves to have books read to her.

Continuing Education

I am continuing my Web 2.0 learning by attending the 4th Annual Academic Technology Institute today at the college. The first session was about Online Database and Academic Resources. We went over old and new resources in the library, and saw some of the new programs available online. The instructor gave us a handout with several new search engines like Boolify, Kartoo, Quintura, Search the Tail, Exalead, Cuil, Scitopia, Whozat, and more. I also attended A Web 2.0 Sampler, which reminded me of the 23 Things on a Stick experience. The instructor had a Google Presentation page that contained all of her information for the session, which she used as part of her presentation. She touched on twitter, blogs, interactive maps, Flickr, Teacher Tube, and more. I really felt like I was up on things because I already knew about most of what she spoke about. Her web site is a really neat way of showing what Web 2.0 is with a hands on approach.

I have been checking my RSS feed on Bloglines and Microsoft, since I have more time after completing 23 Things. Some of the library blogs look very interesting and informative. I added some of the related blogs that I liked. I also have been looking through books that have been recommended on the Library Thing. I'm reading the book The Dumbest Generation, which blames Web 2.0 on the falling test scores for students in school today. Very interesting. I'm not done yet, but so far the facts presented are pretty convincing that computers are not helping students in school the way experts predicted. I will get back to this when I finish the book.

23. One Last Thing

I cannot begin to tell everyone how much I have learned by completing the 23 Things On a Stick program. I have become aware of new trends taking place in libraries and have become connected to others through blogs and websites such as Library Thing, Del.icio.us, 23 Things on a Stick Ning, and others. When my co-workers are discussing library business, I now recognize terms and trends that they are referring to. I have done things that I would have been too fearful of trying in the past, believing that I would blow up my computer. Now I look forward to joining or signing up at sites to see what new information is available. This has opened a whole new world for me, and given me the confidence to pursue it on the Internet. This online learning experience for me in one word is EMPOWERMENT. I would participate in any program offered again by library people.

22. Staying Current: What Did I Learn Today?

My plan to stay current with Library 2.0 is to continue reading newspapers and journals online and in the library on this topic using RSS feeds, Search Alerts, My folder, and any other assistance available. I will attend conferences, continue work on my Voluntary Certification, and view webinars. I will talk with co-workers, use blogs, and take part in the 23 Things on a Stick Ning to discuss new trends, get ideas, and get support. I will listen to podcasts You Tube, and tunes with the ear phones that I bought to make listening easy. I will check my IGoogle Web Site each day, and visit Favorites like Librarian in Black, Del.io.us, Bloglines, sites in my Microsoft Feed, and Newsvine. I will add many of the suggested sites that you listed to my RSS Feed to look over more closely. I will try to sort out what will be useful in the library to make it attractive to patrons of all ages. I will continue to write, add pictures, widgets, and new things to my Blog.

21. 23 Things on a Stick Badge

Visit 23 Things on a Stick

I am a member of WebJunction and the 23 Things on a Stick Ning. WebJunction is very helpful for library information with the classes, articles and other sources of information. I also receive the newsletter. I can share the article on Building a Social Networking Environment at the Library with co-workers that are interested in this for our library. The web sites on this Thing will be very helpful in the future for library information.

21. Social Networking: Other Networks

Find more music like this on 23 Things on a Stick