Well yes I am updating this blog, that has not been updated since last spring, but as I read from my list of Google Readers, I noted that miss_tinamarie shared this, and was interested to say nonetheless, this was on something she shared a while ago from Stephan’s Lighthouse on commentary from Carl Grant about an article on the future of academic librarianship in this changing technological world.

The article features an article I have heard last year at ACRL/NY, where the topic was brought forth on how paper-noted is librarians on being heard. This brings forth the idea on what exactly makes a published author or not. Still with the issues I see, myself included that writing is such a scary process, it makes it more difficult to want to write just about one subject when there are so many more interesting things.

Yes I do believe that librarians don’t add content to what information is out there, but information is ever changing, and from the headaches I have – yes there is too much to try and disseminate. Still whenever I think about writing, my heart gives a thump, and I want to be able to let my voice be published eventually.. now if I can work on my grammar, that would be a better thing.

Well of all my blogs this is the one that I update the most infrequently, that should change one of these months, give or take.

I am right now doing several things at once – I am on Spring Break from my part time job as an adjunct Librarian in the Community College I work at.

Preparing to take the GRE next week, as well as preparing for a short trip to Japan next month. Also going to the Book Expo next month, so preparing for that at the moment.

Also in the midst of all this, preparing for graduate enrollment at Hunter for Spring 2010. Hoping to being in Fall 2009 as a non-marticulated stuent, but who knows how it would turn out.

Research, something I find myself surrounded by. I like to read about new things, and prefer to save .pdf vesrsions from the databases I can seach through, but what about moments when you’re on the road or in my case, the train. I can’t always heft around my laptopn, and have been searching for that solution to save my eyesight.

The better idea is to covert everything to using those ereading devices from Amazon or Sony, but those can be considered frivious purchases, that I actually see some reveiws, as saying – that paper is much better.

Currently as a adjunct, my supervisor tasked me to learning as much as I can about instutiional repostitories. Another is for personal reasons, but it is community college, and reference with technology.

So now kinda stressing over the fact that I have to try and read as much pdfs on. How should one feel when confronted with this much pdfs to read. I will probably secumb to the lure of purcahsing an ereader one of these days.. but it is so aggravating to try and save toner, paper, weight, and space. I doubt my desk can hodl up all the paper I want to print.

As a new librarian, reading book reviews is one way to boost your knowledge quickly in terms of being a Public or Acquisition librarian who knows all that is out there.That is my belief. Hence the extravagant pricing for subscriptions to PW, Booklist, Choice, or Library Journal. It takes a lot of work, love for reading, headaches to read an amount of books, and then produce a book review.

If you are reading the established publications, that I mentioned. You will notice some characteristics, length of the review, and/or what type of agenda is the review trying to push. Is it pushing you to purchase the book, or saying that it is a book to avoid? One thing I notice is often how neutral the reviews are. This is formal writing, but once you get on the net – there are many places with reviews that would be a personal touch.

Nowadays – with web 2.0, everyone should be able to share reviews right? But what would happen if you join up with a group.. isn’t that neat then? There is some unity in writing within a group, other writers – that may read something and then review it, would it be books that you yourself eventually read – or would you read the book yourself and then write a review that would go alongside that other book review?

I would say, sure it is neat. As a reviewer for J LHLS, I find msyself being compelled to asssit, any way that I can. Because as a librarian – the feeling to refer other people to books – is interesting. The ease of writing reviews, makes a person more familair with writing for publication, while the nerves to write good reviews may not go away any time soon. I truly enjoy the benefits to reading various types of books, that I can get to keep after I am done with the review. I actually don’t think I can comfortably jump into reading a book, without a review or a recommnedation anymore..

Happy MLK Day….for those that get a day off.

One of the things as a new librarian at this time,  you would see is the abundance of information via print or electronic source materials.

Personally I get surrounded by news from the print and electronic – in deals with library publications. In terms of electronic news, I get to read tons and tons of it from my Google Reader, while in print I have subscriptions to Library Journal and American Libraries.

Still which is the more pertinent information source?

Getting surrounded by all these infromation pools,  can lead to moments of information overload, which I personally get a lot of….  but then how would you, as a library professional handle the input of all the news?

Well I cross posted this from my hobby blog, since I want to be able to target different audiences with this reflection.

vs.

These stamp images are courtesy of SirCrocodile and Quarksbar on Deviant Art.

Just as the title said, I am procrastinating on the studying that is needed to be down for my XML class, and my book reviewer life.. but I was reading this from Hynavian’s blog, and it kinda inspired me to write a little on this topic.

Now as a reflection angle.

I really like twitter though, and I can say that the people I follow, or who are following me… can fall into two categories – one are anime fans like I am – Gia, Omo, Hinano, JP, Jlist, and another group are fellow librarians, Jill Ken, kgs, Bill, Rebecca …. so as a professional angle… I try to strive forth….I earnestly believe that blogging is paving the way for computer social connections…after all my MLS project was a survey on librarians who blog.

My criteria for friending on Twitter is quite broad, and as long as I can connect with you, then I’ll follow you back. I am trying to use Twitter, as a social tool as well…I twitter a lot.. well not as much as other Twitters I read, but I am getting there… currently 929 updates…

Because there are so many competitions out there, trying to conquer the micro blogging space (FaceBook vs. MySpace, PC vs. Apple… you get the picture…!) I realize that there is another social micro blogging networking that is out there… Plurk, and this is another seemingly cool social networking.. thingy. I have actually signed up with Plurk as well, so each their social niche.. so far I am testing the waters of Plurk, so who knows.. I squatted down on Plurk, so that my normal user name, will not be taken.. animemiz or anime_miz… hmm.. still…. I believe that twitter has a lead over Plurk, but as time will go on, and see how easy Plurk can do it for me… perhaps I will also adjust to using Plurk as as well as Twitter… so don’t hesitate and jump onto the micro blogging like I did. By no means am I abandoning my blogs, it just seem easier to connect and give quick thoughts on Twitter… (although there are moments when I stick my foot in my mouth far too often… but this is something I am trying to work upon…)

Here are actually additional links for reading up on the debate on Plurk vs. Twitter..

Plurk Unique or Another Twitter Clone?

How Twitter Made My Website Better

I was able to attend an informal presentation on the Publish or Perishing ideal for librarians at the Brooklyn campus’s Long Island University. It was a short trip for me to go to the LIU, so I was surprised when I found out that it was for free to library students. I quickly rsvp for it and I spent three hours listening to about four different presentations, made by some cool librarians.

These are some things that I learned today… so a nutshell and recap…

• Fiction writing can be considered as a venue of publishing.
• The area of written research of librarians who write outside of the LIS field is heavily under researched.
• Starting small is actually not such a bad idea.
• That there is a Meet up group for NY Librarians.
• Posters board presentations can lead to articles.
• Jayne Ann Krentz might have a librarian background…. or at least she is sensitive to the ideas of librarianship.

Publishing is a life’s goal of mine, so I am sure that I will see these librarians again… now I need to roll up my sleeves and take more of a proactive approach to writing for the NRMT VOICE!

For more information, and as a plug, here’s a link to their wordpress.. There are handouts, and presentation links there, because as an effort to be green.. no paper was distributed at the presentation.

I mentioned to the presenter Diane Campion, that I will be posting up my perception with the notes/annotations, I took about this program. The program was held on Friday at 8AM to 9:15AM, and was very popular.

The presentation was made to a packed over heated room, left with many people standing. I was surprised to see that many people, and had not foreseen, running out of copies – so I went out twice to get more copies made.

I can only assume that in spite of the room’s environment, that many people may found this program very useful. Diane had used a powerpoint slide as her method of delivering the presentation. 10 Principles for Being Better Organized

(1)”The less you have the less you have to organize”

Less is simpler!!!
If you don’t love it get rid of it
Give it to someone who will pit it to good use
Ask yourself, “What’s the worst that could happen if I get rid of this?”

(2)”Every piece of clutter in your home, office or life represents a decision not made.”

What is your decision making strategy?
What does your home/office say about you?

(Hoarding can lead to social isolation….because you might not invite visitors.)

(3)”Giving a right-brainer space is like giving your dog a laptop.”

Know yourself:

• Your style
  • Right brain (artistic, intuitive)/ you will like visual
  • Left brain (analytical, methodical)
• Visual/auditory/tactile
• How you work best (morning/evening, music/no music)
• When you work best
• What works/what doesn’t?
• Your strengths/weaknesses

If you’re a visual person (right brainer) perhaps it is clear storage boxes, or color folders

Small pieces, rather than the bigger picture – to prevent yourself from getting depress

(4)”Some people are going to be creative if you put them in a packing crate. Other need the stimulation that a good environment produces.”
-Art Fry, Inventor of the Post It

So, why live and work in an organized environment…
The Wall Street Journal estimates the average US executive wastes 6 weeks a year looking for stuff.

• Working in an organized environment unlocks your true potential
• Saves time
• You’re not confronted with the “stuff” of your indecision
• Other people can navigate your environment
• Containment is the most important element in maintaining an organized environment
• The 2nd most important element – everything must have a home

You must force yourself to create a home, because it would be clutter, a circular way of thinking

(5)”Einstein had a messy desk so I must be a genius too!”

The paperless office (life) is about as likely as the paperless bathroom” – The Wall Street Journal

So….

• Everything needs a system for paper whether at home or work
• It starts with an IN box – the single point of entry

Handling Paper

• Contain everything that comes into your office or home in an IN BOX
• Trash absolutely everything you don’t need to keep immediately
• Pull out all the reading material and keep it in your reading basket
• File everything that doesn’t need any action but must be kept
• Create systems for items requiring action so you are reminded to do them on time

(6) “Even firefighters need a plan”
(7) “My brain is an airport without air-traffic control”

We need a system to conquer “mental muddle”
It’s impossible to learn new things or to stop and smell the roses when you’re expending so much energy keeping those plates spinning
Maintain a schedule, lists & systems to organize your to dos”
Start a practice of taking 10 min to write down everything that’s spinning around in your head
Every time you feel yourself getting overwhelmed

• Every night before you go to bed
• Every morning when you get to work

Learn mind mapping

Not knowing what you don’t know or don’t remember is a risky thing, especially at work or home.

(8) “It’s always sumthin…”

Approach everything that takes more than 1 step as a PROJECT
It’s all about taking a big seemingly overwhelming job and breaking it down into small pieces
Learn Project Management Skills
Having a goal
Determining the quality of outcome you desire
Formulating a time line
Committing the necessary resources
Because everything has a beginning, a middle & most importantly, an end
Practice them relentlessly

(9)Treat time as you would the $ in your wallet.
Practice self-management (not time management)
Defined as accomplishing the goals you’ve set for yourself in the time you have
Learn to be a good judge of time
Answer the question: “Does this move me closer to my goals?” in all that you do

(10) “You don’t have to be a Flying Wallenda to achieve balance”

-Schedule down time as meticulously as you schedule work time
Make “balance” a goal

For filing e-files, structure it as you would for a paper system. Go with a system, that would outline

Everything is specific and different in various settings/company.

-Topic based system -system that can reflect the organizational structure
-Real Estate filing – step process system

If you were to have 15 minute on Monday.

• Set up reading box/in box
• Set up a shredder/wastebasket
• Envision projects to complete
• Meditate and thing about things from a broad prospective

Responsibility is endless
Task or an assignment is a one shot deal

Reality check
Where am I now, and Where I am going.
For couples – go to the same class, and expose them to the same principles.

Schedule a time or deadline – to complete tasks.

Organize This! 518-435-9948

Containing you, don’t have to have things be loose

Things of Interest – put in a three ring binder.

Posts it is good for flagging things as you organize.

Time line folders – meaning put papers into labeled folders that shows month, so that in the end you can see what progress is done.

Wow… what a delay, about a week… kudos to all the presenters and people who are part of NYLA. I enjoyed my time there immensely.. so this will be a start of several posts, I will post up regarding about NYLA 2008, as I had some time to digest the experience.

This year’s theme is: Connecting Collaborating Cooperating

These are the programs I was able to attend:

Program 1: I Just Want to Make Another Copy
Program 2: Best of Reference
Program 3: Keeping Up Keeping Organized
Program 4: Libraries in Developing Countries
Program 5: What Else Can You Do with a Library Degree?
Program 6: Meet the Bloggers
Program 7: From Student to Supervisor

I decide to write up notes/or a representation of some programs I went to. There were many breaks between each program, as the weekend was a time of relaxation, and learning. I was able to see many librarians that I met last year, and made the acquaintance of many librarians as well. I had the opportunity to have many interesting conversations as well..

Now under the cut, is a more breakdown of what I did in those three days, summed in a nutshell.

Thursday

• Went to the NYLA Network Breakfast in the morning
• Program 1
• Volunteered at the NMRT table
• Lunch
• Program 2
• Volunteered at the ASLS table
• Meet and Greet with NMRT
• Alumni thing with QC (turns out it was a very short event)
• Met and had to a very enjoyable dinner, with my roommate, some wonderful people from Queens Public Library and Jane from SJDS Biblioteca.

Friday

• Program 3 – was room monitor for.
• Program 4 – Jane was presenting at the event, so that made me think of Panama.
• Lunch – went to the RASS Noted Author Luncheon – with a slight adventure lugging papers from Hilton to Holiday Inn and then back.
• Program 5 – was room monitor for as well.
• Program 6 – was a very interesting program, that highlighted the usage of Twitter, and made some professional friends/contacts
• Tired out from the day’s event. Had dinner at a so-so restaurant with my roommate.

Saturday

• A disappointing experience with the Job center
• Program 7
• Lunch with roommate, at a really neat coffee shop
• Experience one of the best Borders experience. (I think my opinion is skewed, because one they had a fabulous bl-collection, and I had a sample of their holiday drink.
• Traveled back to NYC

]]> http://lybookphiles.wordpress.com/2008/11/15/nyla-2008-recap-and-overview/feed/ 0 miz http://lybookphiles.wordpress.com/2008/11/05/nyla-wednesday/ http://lybookphiles.wordpress.com/2008/11/05/nyla-wednesday/#comments Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:18:06 +0000 miz http://lybookphiles.wordpress.com/?p=56 ]]>

Right now at the complimentary NYLA Internet Cafe… there is not as much computer units available this year as there was last year. Still very excited. I am staying at the Marriott Courtyard, and it is a nice spot… well it is only six minute walking distant from the main Conference hotel (Hilton).

FYI – I am at the New York Librarian Association 2008, and this year is at Saratoga Springs, last year it was Buffalo. So I came on the Amtrek this morning. My roommate is coming at a later time today.

Saw lots of familiar faces, and going to be doing lots of things tomorrow, so very excited. Will be twittering when I am able to.

Wednesday is pre-conference, and so I am prepping for tomorrow.