Reference 2021
Here are my slides from a presentation I gave at the ILA 2011 Conference. I was asked to talk about the future of reference, so my approach was to provide my perspective of where we find ourselves today and talk about several opportunities for reference librarians moving forward. If you weren’t at the presentation, these slides might not be helpful. Sorry about that!
Let’s Get Digital
Just wanted to let everyone know that I’m beginning a new position at my library. As the Digital Services Manager, I’ll be in charge of a newly formed department (or “group” as we’re calling them) that is expected to lead the library in all things digital, including the library’s mobile presence, its website (hello again, Drupal!), our new digital media lab currently in development, eReaders and other gadgets of interest to our community, and technology training for the public.
I’m very excited about taking on this new challenge, but thankfully I won’t be doing it alone. A few of my colleagues from the Information Services Department and the entire existing team of technology assistants will be joining me in this new adventure. Plus, the nature of our work will give us many opportunities to work with staff from across the library and obviously members of our community.
It feels terrific that my library’s administration trusts me with this new opportunity. Hopefully, I’ll rise to the challenge!
From Grocery Store to Kitchen
I was fortunate enough to present at two programs this afternoon for the 2011 ALA Annual Conference. Here’s the full description of the first program, “From Grocery Stores to Kitchens: Empowering Users to Get Creative with Digital Media.”
It’s time for libraries to stop functioning like grocery stores where people simply come to get stuff and start acting more like kitchens where people come to create and tell their own stories. This program will provide insights into why libraries need to start empowering users of all ages to work with videos, music, podcasts, and graphic design. Also, hear about “StoryTubes”, an exciting yet simple project that combines kids’ interest in technology with their love for books and reading. We’ll end with some tips on how to create a simple digital media lab for you library.
The main point of the presentation is that libraries need to stop functioning only like grocery stores where people simply come to get stuff and start functioning like kitchens where people do stuff and create stuff. Joyce Valenza wrote about this metaphor after hearing Joan Frye Williams speak on it back in 2008. Here are my slides from this presentation:
The second presentation was much shorter as I was part of a panel discussing examples of transliteracy in action at libraries. Here’s the description for this program:
Transliteracy is the ability to read, write and interact across a range of platforms, tools and media from signing and orality through handwriting, print, TV, radio and film, to digital social networks. This session looks at the practical aspects of what we can do to help our patrons become transliterate citizens, including real world examples from academic, public and school libraries. Sponsored by LITA Transliteracy Interest Group.
Here are my slides for that presentation.
Thanks to Bobbi Newman for inviting me to take part in this program. And thanks to everyone who attended both of these presentations today. Please leave a comment here if you’d like to continue the conversation!
Apple’s Briefing Rooms
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dan_h/4715007542/
Came across this interesting post about Apple’s latest efforts to target small business owners as customers, especially in their brick-and-mortar retail stores. According to the post, Apple has created “briefing rooms” at select stores (five total) around the world. These rooms look like super cool, sleek board rooms where some serious business (and sales) can go down. Check out this flickr set to see more photos of one of these briefing rooms.
My library has a recently renovated Business Center that is turning out to be a great space for people to get work done, keep up with financial news, and attend workshops. Still, we’re missing a space where librarians can meet privately with individuals and small groups to discuss their needs and/or provide training and information.
It got me thinking, are libraries creating these types of conference rooms where staff can meet with local community stakeholders, including small business owners? What are we doing to facilitate meaningful interactions and make our users feel like we’re serious about working with them? Both in and out of the library building?