LIS 5100 : Service awards and learning opportunities

In a discussion this week, I was asked to share my thoughts about a professional award for librarians that I could possibly apply for, as well as reflect on a source of continuing education.

Professional library associations

My studies this week for LIS 5100, “Foundations of Librarianship,” included an exploration of professional library associations. I shared the benefits I’ve derived from two association memberships, the American Library Association and the Association for Library Service to Children.

What I’m reading : Foundations of Library and Information Science

Foundations of Library and Information Science, by Richard E. and Rachel G. Rubin, is a book that I will reach for again and again as I advance in my studies, and in my professional development, for Library and Information Science. I am reading the fifth edition of this book (published in 2020), and am finding it timely and relevant. The book includes discussion of the COVID-19 pandemic and how the shutdown of physical libraries affected delivery of services. The subject of library outreach during COVID was “still being written” at the time of publication, and this book does an excellent job encapsulating a situation that continues to evolve.

ALA Virtual 2020 : An Appreciation

ALA Virtual 2020 : Community Through Connection was my first ALA Conference. With this video, I thank numerous individuals and supporters who made this event possible.

What I’m reading : Cataloging Correctly for Kids

To enhance my skills in Library Science, I regularly read books like this one : Cataloging Correctly for Kids, An Introduction to the Tools.

I took a course in cataloging when I was going to school -- and, while it offered a good foundation for my going to work in a library, I felt that there would always be more to learn.

Add my wish to learn cataloging practices that are especially helpful to children, and it was clear to me that reading this book was essential to my professional development.

I keep the book handy on my professional shelf, to look up best-practices in cataloging.

Professional resources in SRCSA library

Did you know that our school library has Professional resources, which can be checked out by school staff? Take a look at our selection, located on the blue shelf at the end of the circulation desk. There are books about perspectives in multicultural education, shaping school culture, promoting the school’s “brand,” strategies for teaching reading, developing creativity in the classroom, rules for children’s games, and more! Let me know if there’s a particular topic that you are interested in, and I’ll try to find resources that support it.

‘Cataloging Correctly for Kids’

Highlighted among books and resources on my professional shelf: Cataloging Correctly for Kids, An Introduction to the Tools by Sheila S. Intner, Joanna F. Fountain, and Jean Weihs (American Library Association, 2011).

I took a course in cataloging as part of my pursuit of a library degree, and, while it offered a good foundation for my eventual work in a library, I felt that there was more to learn — particularly in the realm of working with records in an online catalog. Add in, too, my wish to learn those practices that are especially helpful to children, and it was clear to me that reading this book was essential to my professional development.

Sonoma County Library ‘Educator Card’

As Sonoma County Library’s committed partner in library service across the lifetime, one of the resources I’m excited about is my “Educator Card.” This week, I stopped by to renew my card for 2018-2019; I also attended a Back-to-School event at the downtown library.

‘DDC 22’ among books on my professional bookshelf

Books on my Goodreads “Currently Reading” shelf include titles that are essential resources for my vocation as librarian. Among them: DDC 22 (OCLC, 2003).

Under the Dewey Decimal System (DDC), informational books are grouped in order according to the number assigned to them. This consistent application means that, once you know the Dewey number for a subject you are interested in, you can easily find books on the shelves of any library that arranges materials by this system.

DDC 22 is the 22nd edition of the classification system, originally authored by Melvil Dewey.

The DDC is under continual revision by a committee of editors under the OCLC, a global library cooperative, and at the time I purchased my four-volume set, the OCLC had recently published its 23rd edition. Well, being on a budget, I couldn’t justify a purchase of several hundred dollars, but a used set of DDC 22 was thankfully within my reach. It lists Dewey Decimal classifications numerically and also provides an index to quickly look up specific subjects.

‘LearningExpress’ through Sonoma County Library

I wasn’t able to vote “Yes” for Measure Y in support of increased funding for Sonoma County Library; at the time I had not yet relocated back from Ashland, Oregon. But I encouraged area readers to cast their votes in support.
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Estudiando español para trabajo en biblioteca

(En español / In Spanish)
Estoy estudiando español con Pimsleur y Duolingo. Entiendo y hablo un poco, y estoy investigando expresiones en español para trabajar en una biblioteca. Número de clasificación en el sistema Dewey: 463. En medios sociales: #EnEspanol

(In English / En inglés)
I am studying Spanish with Pimsleur and Duolingo. I understand and speak a little, and am investigating expressions in Spanish for working in a library. Classification number in Dewey system: 463. On social media: #EnEspanol

Inbound Certification from Hubspot Academy

My attraction to the strategies of inbound and content marketing — of nurturing potential customers by creating interesting content instead of forcibly intruding on their time — led me to pursue Inbound Certification from HubSpot Academy.

Library services to children: Certificate of specialization

Certificate of Specialization in Library Services to Children
from Cynthia M. Parkhill

My certificate of specialization in library services to children arrived from Cuesta College this week. With my Associate’s degree in Library and Information Technology, it represents an official completion to my library coursework.