Blogging Librarian

The list below was generated from two book discussions done by Michael Stephens’ MLIS class.

• Not afraid of change & technology
• User-centered focus
• Spot trends and market them!
• Plugged in & using new tools to communicate
• Be a Maven/be a Connector
• Listen to users
• Don’t judge interest
• Gather lots of input & diverse opinions
• Learn from Games-leadership, teamwork, and strategies
• Leave your comfort zone
• Remove barriers – too many roles
• Provide opportunities to flatten the world
• Communicate regularly with users
• PLAY
• Travel & learn
• Create networks for discussion
• Create change from the bottom up – and make CEO fulfill interests of User!

The list is a good starting point for anyone who’s interested in becoming a librarian as these are some of qualities required. “Loving to read” is no longer that important a reason for wanting to be a librarian. I think I said that when I interview for my job.

When I introduce myself as a librarian, some of them will usually comment that I must love reading. But I think the basic trait a librarian should have is that you must love helping people. This could be helping a user to find some information, a novel to read, or enjoyment in reading. If you don’t have this basic trait, then all the traits mentioned in the list above will be irrelevant.

What do you think?

Technorati Tags: librarians, library 2.0traits, traits

Have been a little lazy in blogging as I was enjoying the Lunar New Year holidays. So, here’s a listing of interesting links that I’ve uncovered over the last few days.

Library Column in Utne Reader
The February 2007’s issue of the Utne Reader introduces a new column, The Shelf Life, which is written by the magazine’s librarian, Danielle Maestretti. Do keep a lookout of the magazine. If you want, there are copies available for loan at the Central Lending Library. You can check here for availability.
(via LibrarianInBlack.net)

- Library Podcasting Resources for Staff
LibrarianInBlack has very kindly put up some podcasting resources that her library, San Mateo County Library, has created to train staff. A very useful resource base as MPOW aims to start doing podcasts in the not-too-distant future.

- Red-Hot Library Lust
A very amusing and insightful article on the possible extinction of “library porn”, but it’s not what you think. Go have a read to find out the real meaning.
(via LISNews.org)

- My Training Plan… Er… BOPSIASK
In MPOW, training is a very important aspect of our jobs. At the beginning of every financial year, we are asked to discuss with our superiors what types of training are required and then submit an individual training plan for the year. Well, Free Range Librarian has a post about her own training plan, or what she calls ‘BOPSIASK’ (Bibliographically-oriented Prism on Sequential and Intentional Acquisition of Scholarly Knowledge). I think what’s lacking in my training plan, when comparing with hers, is the lack of hours set aside for reading of scholarly/IT-ish materials (as in physical copies of journals and magazines) and writing. Will need to work on those.

- Next space tourist dreams of library
The next scheduled space tourist in April 2007, Hungarian-born American software developer and billionaire Charles Simonyi, hopes to see a library in outer space. When asked why he is bringing physical books instead of reading them virtually, he says that “the books would be more practical, since special permission would be needed to use the computers inside the International Space Station (ISS).” Hmmm … wonder if MPOW would be interested in setting up a library in outer space.
(via Library Stuff)

Technorati Tags: books, librarians, libraries, podcasting resources, training