At each ALA Midwinter Meeting, new ELs divide into groups to complete projects for their host units and affiliates. However, because of the COVID- 19 pandemic, the program has been postponed for the class of 2021. Instead, American Libraries asked several past ELs to share their thoughts on the program—and its influence on their accomplishments. … Continue reading Emerging Leaders: Where Are They Now?
I’ve heard countless stories of library workers who have gone above and beyond to support their communities during this time. But I’ve also wondered how many libraries surpassed expectations to meet their staffers’ needs. I spoke with several librarians about what they’ve done to support their workers as whole people. Early in the pandemic, administrators … Continue reading Building Morale in a Pandemic
Pivoting during the Pandemic: Ideas for Serving Your Community Anytime, Anywhere Edited by Kathleen M. Hughes and Jamie Santoro This collection includes 22 reflections from library staffers across the US on how public libraries have responded to challenges posed by COVID-19. Whether you seek to serve specific patron groups, address larger community needs, or … Continue reading Engagement at a Distance
We also shared practical tips and information about which digital content providers have loosened restrictions on their materials during this pandemic. Panelists include: Lesley Ellen Harris, CEO of Copyrightlaws.com Jill Hurst-Wahl, associate professor of practice, Syracuse University School of Information Studies, and president of Hurst Associates, Ltd. Kenneth D. Crews, attorney, Gipson Hoffman & Pancione, and international copyright consultant … Continue reading Webinar: Copyright and COVID-19, Part Two
In the next American Libraries Live webinar, we’ll speak with librarians who have facilitated the creation of PPE components in partnerships with local hospitals and health care organizations. Learn how you can replicate some of these efforts for your community. Panelists include: T. J. Ferrill, head of creative spaces, J. Willard Marriott Library, University of … Continue reading Webinar: Using 3D Printing to Make PPE
In an April 3 American Libraries Live webinar, Libraries and COVID-19: Considering Copyright during a Crisis, several panelists discussed how libraries can address these challenges and share practical tips and information about which digital content providers have loosened restrictions on their materials during this pandemic. Panelists included: Lesley Ellen Harris, CEO of Copyrightlaws.com Jill Hurst-Wahl, associate … Continue reading COVID-19 Webinar: Considering Copyright during a Crisis
Note: This event has filled up, but please check back Friday, March 27 for the recording of this webinar. Panelists include: Jason Griffey, director of strategic initiatives at NISO Francisca Goldsmith, consultant at Library Ronin David Lee King, digital services director at Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library Lindsey Gervais, digital pedagogy specialist at Gale … Continue reading Libraries and COVID-19 Webinar: Providing Virtual Services
They’ll discuss lessons learned during the initial response and how they are continuing to provide important services as public facilities close and commerce slows. We’ll also speak with mindfulness and mental health experts about how library workers can manage stress and anxiety during this ever-evolving situation and how they can disseminate these strategies to their … Continue reading Free Webinar: Libraries and COVID-19
In 1970, I was working in book receipts at Boston Public Library and just beginning to consider library school when I expressed an interest in cataloging during a coffee break with colleagues. Bill Crowe, who became dean of University of Kansas Libraries, suggested Cataloging USA, by Paul S. Dunkin, published by the American Library Association … Continue reading A Librarian’s Good-Bye
“Library staffers still are uncertain what the [CL] framework actually encompasses and how to integrate it into library services for and with teens,” says Lance Simpson, youth services director at Tuscaloosa (Ala.) Public Library. Simpson is a member of the project Transforming Teen Services: A Train the Trainer Approach (T3). A joint endeavor of the … Continue reading Connect to Connected Learning
“The whole point of professional etiquette is that you want to make the other person feel comfortable,” Calvin said. The pair discussed three aspects of etiquette geared toward making other people comfortable in a work environment: professional attire, professional communication, and professional dining skills. Determining how to dress in a new work environment can be … Continue reading Minding Professional Ps and Qs
I’ve similarly struggled to develop a regular practice of reflecting on my work, though I can now see why it’s so valuable. Reflective practice is the act of looking back on what you did so that you can learn from it and inform what you do in the future. Many of us do this informally … Continue reading To Move Forward, Look Back
