Author: Bethany

Bethanyhttp://bethanysra.wordpress.com
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Thing #9: Evernote

I’m presently undecided about Evernote.  I like the idea of being able to keep notes about webpages.  I’m always taking notes and this would be a good way to keep track of them.  I can see myself using Evernote as a glorified bookmarking system.  I wasn’t thrilled about having to install a program onto my computer and I was unclear about the difference between the Evernote program on my computer and Evernote Web.  But, overall, this seems like a helpful program and I will continue to work with it.

So far, CPD23 has been a great way to learn about interesting things available on the web that can make my personal and work life easier and more efficient.

 

Thing #8: Google Calendar

Google has so many great free tools!  I am kind of old-fashioned when it comes to calendars.  Every year, I buy a small planner that I carry with me to work.  Because I have two part-time jobs and an irregular schedule, it is helpful to keep track of where I’m supposed to be when.  I don’t always have the planner with me, though.  This is where Google Calendar could come in handy.  If I’m near a computer with Internet access, I could check my calendar that way.

I decided to do a trial run.  I already have (and love) a Google account.  I created a Google Calendar and, within minutes, copied what was written in my planner.  I added my Google Calendar to my iGoogle homepage and voila!  I now have my schedule in two convenient places.  I’m not going to give up my planner, but I’ll keep up with Google Calendar for a couple of months and see if it works for me. 

I could see how Google Calendar and its sharing feature could come in handy for libraries.  As a staff member, I wish our library would use it.  Our website is difficult to navigate, especially in a hurry.  If we had a Google Calendar on the homepage, both staff and patrons could see right away what was going on that day.  I see potential for an increase in program attendance and less phone calls.

Thing #7: Face-to-face networks and professional organizations

Participating in professional organizations is an opportunity to meet people, develop professionally, and contribute your talents.  Currently, I am a member of the Nebraska Library Association (NLA) and the Mountain Plains Library Association (MPLA).  Being a member of my state organization has been extremely beneficial to my career.  At the first NLA event I attended, I met a woman who told me about a job opening at her library system; because of this conversation, I have the job I do today.  Since then, I have been involved in the New Members Round Table and currently serve as their secretary/treasurer.  This involvement has helped me meet new people and given me the opportunity to present at events.  I am running for office for other sections as well.  I have not participated in any MPLA activities because it has not been convenient to do so.   

Recently, I have been debating about joining the American Library Association (ALA).  The membership dues are higher than NLA and I am concerned that, like MPLA, it is more challenging to become involved.  However, I am considering expanding my job search across the country and the conferences would be a great place to meet people from other libraries.  Has anyone participated in the ALA Emerging Leaders program or in ALA?  What are your thoughts on the value of being a member?

Just yesterday I had a conversation with two other young librarians about face-to-face networks.  Has anyone participated in an informal “after-hours” library network?  Thoughts?  This could be a fun way to meet others who have a passion for libraries, to share ideas, and to help one another reach new levels in our careers.

Thing #6: Online networks

Online networks have created an easy and efficient way for people to come together and to keep in touch.  My grandma had never even touched a computer, but she realized the best way to hear from her grandchildren on a regular basis was to embrace technology.  She now has a laptop and an active Facebook page.

I opened a Facebook account about four years ago.  I almost immediately reconnected with a good friend from high school that I’d lost touch with after a move.  Since then, I have friended (and unfriended) coworkers, friends, classmates, and family members.  I have seen Facebook’s value in a variety of uses.  When I was working on my Master’s degree online, my classmates (who lived all over the country) and I created a Facebook group to communicate with and support one another.   An artist I know uses Facebook to share his work.  The library has a page to keep patrons informed.  I use Facebook for sharing pictures and keeping in touch.  If you’re smart about what you post and use the custom privacy settings, Facebook is a great way to connect with people.

I opened a LinkedIn account in 2008 when I was preparing to move and looking for a new job.  It has been a great networking tool.  If I meet someone new in a professional capacity, I try to connect with them.  I consider a LinkedIn profile to be a glorified business card- a reminder of who you are and how they know you- that won’t be lost or thrown away.  Any time I consider applying for a job, I check LinkedIn to see if any of my connections work for that company or know anyone who does.  I often wonder if potential employers do the same to me.  If they do, I feel better knowing I have a professional, updated profile.  In addition to networking, I have joined several “groups” on LinkedIn.  Following discussions on different aspects of the library profession has been interesting and helpful.  I would like to continue building connections on LinkedIn; if you would like to connect, my profile is located at http://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanygrabow. 

I know some people are hesitant to have a presence on online networks, but I have enjoyed my experiences and would encourage everyone to give it a try.

Thing #5: Reflective Practice

Ah, reflection.  As an education major, we did a LOT of reflecting; every lesson plan had to have a reflection at the end.  At first I thought it was pain and would rush through it without much thought.  But, as with many things we are forced to do in school, I eventually began to see the value in the practice and began to do it in other parts of my life.

I’ll begin with the personal branding exercise.  It was good to take stock of what I’ve already done and to get suggestions for other things to try.  It pushed me to finish things that I’d started including buying my own domain name and creating my personal logo.

Second, I was surprised to find that Twitter was more valuable than I’d originally thought.  It’s nice that everything is so succinct; I can judge in seconds what I want to pursue further and what I can skip.

So far, I’ve really enjoyed my 23 Things experience for both the motivation to pursue new skills and the camaraderie with other participants.

Thing #4: Current awareness- Twitter, RSS and Pushnote

Twitter:  It’s official- I’ve entered the world of tweets and hashtags.  I’ve been hesitant about joining Twitter, fearing that it will turn into another excuse to waste time on the web.  I can see the merit of Twitter, though.  In my digital libraries class, I researched how people get news in the digital age.  The preferred way is with short, concise blurbs.  That way, busy people can quickly scan and choose to spend time reading only the things of interest to them.  According to the About Us page on the Twitter, this is exactly how it is intended to be used.  To begin, I am following LCLibraries (my employer), CPD23, NPRNews (my main news source), and AskAManager (my favorite blog).  I plan to keep up with Twitter for a couple of weeks and evaluate its value to me at that time.

RSS Feeds: I subscribed to Google Reader last year as a way to keep current with the happenings at the Nebraska Library Association.  I set up iGoogle as my homepage and put Google Reader right on top where I wouldn’t miss it.  It has served as a reminder to check the site, but I still prefer getting an email.  I also subscribe to 23 Things, Ask a Manager, and Bagel Soup (hilarious comics). 

Pushnote: I downloaded Pushnote last night.  In my mind, it fits under the same category as FourSquare- good for people who like to constantly be connected to others.  Personally, I take more of a passive role in social media; I don’t update my Facebook status regularly or Tweet constantly.  While I would be interested in seeing my friends’ opinions on certain websites, I don’t think Pushnote is something I would use regularly. 

It’s exciting to see different ways people can connect with each other online.  The Internet has made it easy to keep in contact with old friends, to discover other perspectives, and to converse and debate with people all over the world.  I was born in the early 80’s, so I remember a time without the Internet.  For the most part, I think this interconnectedness is a great way to expand our horizons, increase our awareness, and experience what the world has to offer.

Thing #3: Consider your personal brand

I’ve given this topic a lot of thought in the past two years.  It is challenging to walk the line between privacy and visibility for personal branding purposes.  I recently signed up to receive Google Alerts on my name.  This way I can easily monitor if anything new involving my name comes up on the Internet. 

I was pleased with the results that came up when I Googled my name.  Most of the results on the first page refer to me and the ones that do are positive.  The first result, of course, is Facebook.  I have tweaked my privacy settings to show only my (tasteful) profile picture, my name, and my website address.  The second result is my LinkedIn profile.  Later results refer to my website. 

I am currently working on a logo to represent my personal brand.  This logo will go on my business cards and website.  I like the idea of having a consistent image on all of my professional materials.  Last night I bit the bullet and purchased a domain name for myself.  As of today, http://bethanygrabow.com is mine and goes to my website. 

Any suggestions on ways to improve my personal brand would be greatly appreciated.

Thing #2: Investigate some other blogs

There are a lot of blogs out there, written on any and every topic.  It has been interesting to see how other “library types” use their blogs.  I have two different library-related blogs.  In one, I review children’s, young adult, and adult books; it is excellent for recalling books I’ve read to provide reader’s advisory at the library.  (http://bethanysra.wordpress.com)  The other blog (where this information is posted) serves as my professional portfolio and includes a brief biography, my resume, and samples of my work; this is a way to showcase my skills and accomplishments beyond my resume.

I’ve already gotten some great ideas through this assignment.  I’m planning to add a list of my favorite books to my portfolio as well as anything else interesting I find as I work my way through the 23 Things.

Thing #1: Blogging

I’m taking part in the 23 Things for Professional Development course to learn about new technology and how it can be used to benefit the public library.  Currently, I’m a Library Assistant II for Lincoln City Libraries.  I have worked in public libraries for almost 6 years now, and I recently graduated with my MSLS from Clarion University.  I would like to use my experience, education, and skills to become a youth services librarian.  I hope to use the information I learn in this course to strengthen my skills to become a better employee and candidate for a professional position.

I am most looking forward to Week 12- Presenting Information.  I have not had much experience presenting in a formal setting and would like to learn about resources and techniques to improve my presentation skills.  I am anticipating learning something every week, from my own experiences and reading about the experiences of others.  Blogging about these experiences will motivate me to keep my blog current.

Grant Proposal

In my Digital Libraries class, we were to find a grant application for a digitization project and write a proposal.  My professor’s philosophy was, “Write one grant proposal, you’re a grant writer.  Write two grant proposals, you’re an experienced grant writer.”  The following is my proposal for Project Podcast, a project in which audio and video book talks, book reviews, program reviews, and interviews with community members of interest, all written and performed by teens, are recorded and digitized.

Grant proposal