Week 1 - Libraries and librarianship - where are they going?

Session 1:

The OCLC report about individuals’ perceptions of libraries is enlightening and frightening at the same time.  The report analyzes how “we” see libraries and their place in society.  Some sacred cows are taken down a peg, most particularly the importance of the library website as a research tool.  I must say I’m not too surprised by this notion.  I see the library website as a gateway into research and reference tools. Many of these tools are proprietary, that means that the library (your tax dollars or tuition dollars at work) pays for access to the databases of journal articles and indices, reference tools and encyclopaedia, statistics and mapping programs, and more. If we don’t teach our patrons that these resources are available and ‘better’ than those available on the web, then they won’t consider using these special tools.  And if we as librarians don’t feel comfortable using the fee-based tools when answering reference questions then we are also to blame.  Google and other search engines have made searching so much easier and faster.  What we (librarians and the general public) forget is that Google and Wikipedia do not contain the sum total of knowledge available.  There are many resources that are not web based.  As you progress in your studies, I hope you will continue to try all types of reference tools, paper and web based.  See what you think.

The report is great in that it places libraries in the center of our communities, filling a need for so many people of all ages. I found the statement that libraries are all about BOOKS reassuring [38].  But what does that mean? And most importantly, what does that mean to you?  Where do you fit within this report.  Reactions please!

Charles Curran’s ten year old article sounds like a pep talk with too many questions.  Curran tries to define librarianship. How would you define librarianship? Is it a profession, an academic discipline, or just a technical job that anyone can perform? I react to each point and each sub-question from my experience and background as a practicing librarian and researcher. You need to consider each question, each element of Curran’s.  These are questions you will tackle throughout your coursework and your career.  Me, I what to know where Curran stands, not just the questions he can compile when considering each element of librarianship.

McGuire seems to be searching for what he can do with his degree.  That may be you in a year or so.  Keep an open mind and consider what how you can put your knowledge about information and access to information to work in the world.  As technology changes and the web morphs into whatever it will become, there will always be a place for librarians and information professionals. 

What types of non-traditional jobs are you seeking?

As the 21^st century solidifies into something we can understand that’s separate from the 20^th, how do you see librarianship changing? I see it more interconnected with knowing where information is located and how to use or access that information. Using print and digital resources together is essential for reference librarians who want to help their patrons find what they seek. How will you blend your skills to become better librarians and information seekers?

As I prepare the Foundations Course

Each week, as I prepare for the next and consider the discussion, I will write about my own experiences and reflections about library and information science. It is my sincere hope that this blog will create a rapport between us.

Here are my reflections as I prepare this class. I have not taught this particular class before but have always wanted to.  To me, Foundations is the opportunity to turn you ON to being a librarian. I've been one my entire professional career. I've worked behind a reference desk in busy and slow libraries, from busy New York Public Library reference desks to sleepy South Dakota. I've traveled in the field as a consultant working with libraries of all shapes and sizes, from small corners set aside in police stations (without a unique phone number), to bustling academic libraries, and everywhere in between. I am a free-lance researcher who travels to archives, record centers, historical societies, and libraries digging up interesting and esoteric information for clients, and for myself. I am a consultant to libraries helping them understand preservation and longevity issues, establish mission statements and collection development policies, and recover from a disaster or mold infection. I'm in my public library several days a week picking up books to read, to fondle, and to look at. I use reference databases and Google, read journals and newspapers (electronic and paper), and talk to my friends about good reading, good authors, and great books I am listening to. I talk to colleagues about trends I see in libraries, problems I've encountered, and trends that don't seem to work on the user side of things.  It's really important to be able to understand what your users experience. I am an active, engaged, a passionate librarian, who believes in what I do and teach and want you to feel just as passionate in the beginning, middle and end of your careers.

For the past 5-1/2 years, I've been working on my PhD in history, to complement my MLS and my MA in history.  I just graduated in December. That means you have my undivided attention, except for my other students, and my life, and..... The PhD provides even greater opportunities to teach which I love to do. Stop by my office and I'll tell you all about my experience as a graduate student. Now here's me as the professor.

Just as your reflective journals are an opportunity to share with me what you learn, this blog is a chance to share what I'm learning this semester.  So let's learn together and grow together. Let me turn you on to the amazing world of cultural institutions, which encompasses libraries, information centers, archives, historical societies, record centers, museums, and so much more. While you keep me grounded as to your needs during this course, I will poke and prod, and even cajole, you into thinking about what a library, or cultural institution, is and why it is the cornerstone of our society.

It's my first time teaching online. I am most concerned that I won't get to meet most of you. I may even pass you in the hallways in Kent and Columbus and not know you are taking my class. So stop me and say hi, introduce yourself, and let's get to know one another. To me the best part about teaching, the part that makes me come back year after year, is the students and the rapport we develop during the semester. This blog is my attempt to build that bond that makes a class great.

I am going to make short podcasts every week. I'll make at least two, one about the topic, assignments that are due, and problems encountered the previous week, and so forth. A second will be about issues to focus upon, my take on the subject for the week, and potential discussion topics and questions to provoke 'conversation'.  In my quest to make this an interactive virtual class, I decided to be a talking head rather than a disembodied voice. At least you'll know I'm alive and around. I'll try not to lecture, but to talk about why the 'readings' are important. Let me know how I'm doing and if you like this approach.

My office door is always open. I guess since this is a virtual class, it means that if my green light is on my kent.edu account, I'm around and working on something.  You can open a chat with me.  If I'm busy, I'll ask you to schedule time to chat or try to answer your question. If you want to just talk, then please ask if I am busy.  If my red light is on, I'm trying to work undisturbed.  E-mail is always an option, just don't expect an answer in the middle of the night. I'm usually on the computer by 7am and definitely off by 7pm.
I do have physical, in person, office hours on Tuesdays. I am teaching my other course on that day, so I extended my office hours an hour before and after the course. Feel free to stop in if I'm in that city (512 Library Kent or in the State Library SLIS office in Columbus), or try the Google Chat option. You can always make an appointment to 'see' me.  If you want to SKYPE, that's fine with me, just let me know so I can turn it on.  My skype is always off unless requested.

When I say my door is always open, I mean it. I'm happy to talk about course issues and questions, about your career goals.  You do have an official adviser, so I'll hand out advice as requested.

Enough about me for now. check out my  'podcasts' and my continuing comments each week.

Dr. Kahn's Blog

Just as your reflective journals are an opportunity to share with me what you learn, this blog is a chance to share what I'm learning this semester.  So let's learn together and grow together. Let me turn you on to the amazing world of cultural institutions, which encompasses libraries, information centers, archives, historical societies, record centers, museums, and so much more. While you keep me grounded as to your needs during this course, I will poke and prod, and even cajole, you into thinking about what a library, or cultural institution, is and why it is the cornerstone of our society.