Library Thoughts

I can’t believe how fast this semester went by! I have learned so much that I hadn’t even thought about before taking this class. I think the biggest thing that was rather “mind blowing” to me was the ALA Code of Ethics. It makes since that there would be a code of ethics for this profession, but I had never thought of it! It is nice to have something to refer to when in the middle of a tough situation, or when something could get tricky. This is something I can bring to my current and future positions. Right now I am working in a fine arts library, so copyright issues come up quite often. It is nice to refer to the code of ethics when I need to. 

Having class discussions with my classmates was also very insightful for me. It was really nice to hear what other people were thinking and what they were interested in pursuing in this field. I didn't realize how many different jobs there are in library science! I always thought about working in an academic library or public library; not in a law firm or hospital or even a museum really. This really made me think about different ways to take my career path. However, I found through this exploring that I do actually love academic libraries and would love to someday be a librarian in an academic setting. I also realized however that I would be happy being a reference librarian or subject librarian and wouldn’t necessarily have to be working with music everyday to be happy. Of course it would be very nice to use my background in music, but if I don’t I still have a passion for libraries without the music aspect. 

Our searching exercise was also very helpful to me. It forced me to delve deeper into searching and finding information. I usually only search one database and can usually find what I am looking for, but learning how to use different databases and find information gives me so many more options. This can really help patrons that I work with now and also in future positions. 

Looking back on my post about what I was expecting and thought of LIS, I realize by just taking this first class towards my MLIS I have learned A LOT. Libraries are much more than just a place to check out materials. Librarians do more than just find information and not all librarians work in libraries or with the public. At first I thought that a subject or reference librarian was mainly there to help patrons find information. The reality is that they order materials, have their own research, are on committees that help libraries continue to thrive and are actively involved in professional associations- along with interacting with and assisting patrons. By viewing my colleagues’ work and thoughts, I realize that not everyone has the same goals nor do they want they same “job” even though we are pursuing the same degree. Some people want to work in law firms, museums, schools, and hospitals- not just public or academic libraries. I think the term “information specialist” is a great way to look at library science professionals. This helps to eliminate the idea that all librarians do the same things in libraries only. 

For this assignment I looked at both the ALA Job list and the Music Library Association job postings. I found two jobs in particular that caught my eye. As I looked into this tow positions, I realized that this is definitely the route I want to take. Either of these jobs would be very satisfying and make me very happy. I think they are what I have wanted from the beginning, but now I know this is what I want. 

The first job I looked at was posted on the ALA Job List. The position is at UCLA and is listed as Music Inquiry and Research Librarian. It is a full time position at UCLA in the library but works closely with the School of Music. The music library works closely with Special Collections as well as area studies programs. The general position duties are to provide students with a foundation for the study of music. The librarian is also responsible for assisting with research, selecting materials, and helping students taking music classes within the school of music or in a related field. Specifics of the job include interacting with students whether in person or through technologies offered, using technologies to further develop music resources, promoting media creation, developing programs, supporting classes, promoting scholarly resources, knowledge of music and following library trends and associations. 

Right now, I bring a lot to the table for this position. I am currently working in a Fine Arts library at an academic institution. i work closely with the music librarian and help to order materials. I am also used to being in direct contact with students and faculty of both the library and college of music. Besides having experience in a fine arts library of an academic institution, I hold both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in music performance. I have taken music classes and I am knowledgable about the field. I would be able to help with research and information inquired of by students and faculty. At the library that I work in, I am involved in many staff advisory boards and attend several meetings to help build professional development. I think I would do well in this position. Some things that I need to work on are more professional development classes such as developing programs to promote the area as well as being more informed about new technologies. Having my MLS completed will help my understanding of many of the things I feel I lack for this position. I need to be more involved with library associations and related fields as well. 

The second job I found that was very interesting to me was for a Music Library Associate at the University of Richmond. This job was found on the Music Library Association’s Job Postings page. It is in fact, the same position I hold at Michigan State in the Fine Arts Library. The requirements are providing public service to library patrons, reference assistance, circulation of materials, hiring, training and supervising  student workers, assisting in preparing new library materials and assuming the leadership of the Music Library in the absence of the music librarian. Qualifications include the ability to read music, thorough knowledge of western music, general knowledge of non-western music, working knowledge of library principles and procedures, commitment to library public service, familiarity with academic libraries, written and oral communication skills, and experience with Microsoft Office and Windows along with library software. This position would need a bachelor’s degree in music, supervisory experience, and one to two years of relevant experience or training. I feel confident that I would be a very good candidate for this position. I hold a very similar position at present. I think an MLS degree would help me to be more marketable for this position. 

After completing the chart in the technology sandbox document, I have found that all of these types of technology can be beneficial to libraries. By using technology, libraries can attract more populations of patrons. This helps the library to continue thriving in their communities, creates a bond with the communities they serve, and helps libraries pass along more information to more people. 

Core resources that I feel libraries and information agencies should use to reach a wider user population are social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter along with sites that show photos and images such as Flickr. By using Facebook and/or Twitter, I think libraries will encourage young people to be more active in using the library and attending library events. If young people who are constantly staying in touch with their friends and the world through these sites followed their library, they would be informed of all that the library has to offer. They can even interact with their community librarians through these sites. The Capital Area District Library in Lansing, Michigan offers a program on their Facebook site called “Book Sleuth”. This allows patrons to follow the library and tell a librarian about the last three books they read. In return the librarian can suggest another book for the patron to read based on their interests. Through this program, the library is promoting literacy in the community, especially with teens and young adults, as well as promoting visiting the library. Patrons using this tool through Facebook might learn about materials that they didn’t previously know about along with what is going on at the library without leaving home. The same applies to using Twitter. Libraries can post events and activities happening in the community. They can also use Twitter as a type of blog for librarians and the public to get to know one another. These are all beneficial reasons for libraries to use social media. 

I also feel like an account with Flickr or another photo sharing app/ site can promote library happening. People who might not get out much might decide to visit the library based on pictures they see. They might  come to the library if pictures of an event are posted, or if a book they find interesting is shown on this site. Visual sources can help libraries attract people to them who are on the fence about leaving home or are not sure if they want to go to the library for something. It might give people a more specific reason to visit the library. Someone interested in architecture might see a photo of a library with a very interesting building. By seeing this picture on Flickr, they might decide to go see the library just for that reason. While they are at the library, they might find books on this subject or talk to a librarian about the architecture of the building- all because of a picture on Flickr. 

For this entry, i have chosen three items from the PowerPoint. My three items are: a Barrel of Monkeys, Go Fish, and the Game of Sorry. I have given each item a “title”, description, and vocabulary list for retrieval.

1. Barrel of Monkeys:

“A Barrel of Fun: Strategy with Monkeys”

-a classic game consisting of a small plastic barrel filled with plastic monkeys of a usually primary color. Object of the game is to link monkeys together through their arms. A turn is over when a money falls from the chain. Whoever has the most linked monkeys wins. 

vintage, game, monkeys

2. Go Fish:

“Go Fishing with Friends: A Classic Card Game”

- classic card game that uses a standard deck of cards. Each player gets seven cards, the rest are shared. Players ask each other if they have certain cards in order to make pairs. Players “fish” for cards to find pairs. Whoever matches all of their cards first wins.

card game, fish, classic

3. The Game of Sorry

“Oops! Sorry!: A Classic Board Game”

-classic board game based on the original game, “Parcheesi”. Players use their color of pawns to move around the board faster than the other players. Players move their pawns by drawing a card giving them directions on what to do. Whoever gets all their pawns home first wins. 

board game, Sorry, classic

To make a controlled vocabulary for all three of these objects, I would use the words: game, classic, strategy

Throughout this semester I have been following a professional listserv for the Music Library Association. The listserv is managed by Indiana University. 

This listserv is very interesting to someone who is interested in music librarianship, or someone who wants to be a subject librarian regarding the fine arts and music. Several topics are discussed from meetings/conferences, to membership info and topics related to music and libraries. Through my time spent on the listserv, I saw that this is a very good (and easy) way to connect with other people in this field. It is informative for people who are interested in music or libraries or who are in the field. This listserv keeps professionals up to date in what is happening in the field in regards to both the people in the field (social aspect) and the actual information involving the field. Some things that were discussed and are very nice to have were the streaming of the music conference and February, and also advertisements to become more involved in the MLA and in the field through round tables and committees. 

Some topics that stood out to me were talking about recording circulation in libraries and how to avoid copyright problems with a transfer of a collection. Another interesting topic was braille scores and how to access them. 

Circulation of recordings was very interesting to me because my ethics scenario topic was about this very topic. A subscriber voices her concerns over circulation of recording and wants feedback on how to go about this. Through the listserv, several people answer her giving her ideas through their experience and what their libraries’ policies are. https://list.indiana.edu/sympa/arc/mla-l/2015-04/

Overall, I think this is a very good way to keep up with this field and help to understand and develop more with music and libraries. I think it is important to have listservs like this because it helps professional music librarians (and other types of professionals) continue development and stay connected. It also helps promote safer, more informative libraries for patrons all over the world. I will continue to follow this listserv even after the class in order to stay current with what is happening with music in libraries. 

Here is link to this website. In order to subscribe you have to email the listserv and make a username and password.

I have been following two blogs by librarians for a few weeks. Through reading these blogs, I have learned some interesting information about libraries, librarians, technology and blogging! The two blogs I followed were “The Librarian in Black” and “In the Library with the Lead Pipe”. There were several underlying topics that I picked up on and was able to see some trends in library science. 

Librarian in Black is a blog created by Sarah Houghton, the director for the San Rafael Public Library in California. She created the blog in 2003 as a way to find all the information she needed and put it in one place to find. She focuses on information that is directly related to librarianship, web design, technology and current trends in libraries. Although she hasn’t posted since December, her blog entries were very interesting. She focuses a lot on user privacy and web use and development. One entry that was of particular interest to me was one on Adobe spying on users access of e-readers. Adobe was obtaining user data without permission or even letting users know what was happening. Another entry that Houghton wrote was on Choose Privacy Week. This is a program that is trying to help people understand and know their rights to privacy. Throughout her blog, I realized that Houghton is very interested in the Code of Ethics. She talks about privacy rights and technology do’s and don’ts quite frequently. She also addresses personal topics such as harassment and how it has affected her in her private and professional life. 

In the Library with the Lead Pipe is a blog maintained and created by an international group of librarians. It is an open access and peer-reviewed journal. They publish articles by other librarians and are interested in promoting the good of librarianship. I found that this blog focuses on communication, digital humanities and higher education, along with developing new techniques and information and web design. The most current entry has been an article on “Radical Librarianship”, thinking outside the box in LIS. It asks questions on whether political engagement should be a part of librarianships and allowed in the library. Another article that I enjoyed was from December and talked about research methods being implemented in LIS. Through this blog, like Sarah Houghton’s blog, I kept finding topics leading back to the ALA Code of Ethics, along with how technology is impacting LIS and new trends in libraries. These seem to be the biggest issue discussed in both blogs. 

After finding these two blogs, I think I will continue to follow them for personal enjoyment. They are interested to read and help me to understand more about the field of library science. It is nice to have ideas presented that think about librarianship as a developing and changing field. 

http://librarianinblack.net/librarianinblack/

After my visit to several historic landmarks in Europe and special collections libraries both in the States and Europe, I have an appreciation for special collections and the people that take care of them. The movie “The Monuments Men” was very inspiring to me. It was so interesting to see how these soldiers and historians traveled so far to protect art work and other special items from museums in order to save them from the Nazis. 

This week, as I was browsing articles for our team blog project, I ran across this article on monks trying to save special, historic pieces from the Islamic State militants who are nearing their monastery. As people become displaced in this region, so do these collections. Now, thanks to the people and monks of this community, the collection has been moved and ultimately saved. This reminded me that there are good people in the world that are making brave choices that are potentially changing and preserving history. I immediately thought of the soldiers of World War II who fought so hard to save the art of Europe. Now, so many years later, people still care about preserving knowledge and history in the face of danger. These monks and people of this community deserve such a huge thank you!

I can’t believe it’s already the middle of the semester! It has flown by and I have learned so much! From reviewing my previous posts and what I seem to be most interested, I have definitely figured out what broad direction I want to go in. I seem to always be attracted to academic and research libraries. Coming into the class, I had the feeling that I wanted to go this route, but wanted to make sure there wasn’t something else that I could be potentially interested in. However, I seem to always try to go in the direction of academic libraries when I can. In my post regarding a comparative analysis of journals I picked two journals that were very different but also tried to find similarities. One journal was on public libraries and the other on academic libraries. Both types of libraries have similar functions, but I realized through this comparison that I was more interested in academic institutions. Also in my blog I researched two professional associations. Both of these associations were about music and librarianship. I know now that a subject and reference librarian for an academic library would be what I would like to do. I have a master’s degree in music performance, and it would be nice to use my knowledge in that field to help patrons in an academic setting. By looking through these association topics, I also realized that I am more interested in being in an academic setting than working as a music librarian for an orchestra or music company (which could be fun as well). I would like to research and revisit these associations and information on journals related to academic libraries. 

By looking through my work from this semester, I have realized I came into the class thinking I knew a lot about this field because I have worked in a library in different departments for a few years. But, I found out very quickly that there was a lot to learn! I have found that I think about the library code of ethics with most topics, and I think more about the role a librarian plays and the rights patrons have. For our ethics paper, I thought I knew exactly what to do, but it turns out that there were other ways of handling the situation I was reviewing. It was a little disconcerting that I thought I knew so much, but it has also been very humbling to realize that so much more lies ahead of me! Besides learning so much new information, I now know how to blog! I have never done a blog before and absolutely love it! One of the benefits of the blog exercise is just the experience itself! It’s also nice to be able to write out what I am thinking and how I am understanding new material. It helps me to remember things and pursue more information (such as library associations and reading new (banned) books!). Something I find a little surprising for myself is that I am enjoying working so closely with my classmates. It is so interesting to read what other people are find or thinking. It is also really great to feel like I can communicate so easily with everyone. 

To celebrate Banned Books Week, I read Catcher in the Rye written in 1951 by J.D. Salinger. This book is one of the most notorious books for being on banned books lists and for being challenged. In summation, the book follows the narrator, a boy named Holden through is struggle to fit in. He is in a “prep” school and is not allowed to attend the football game. After this and some other observances through Holden’s point of view, he decides to leave the prep school for a visit to New York City until holiday break would start for his school. While in New York, Holden meets an array of characters from a prostitute to two nuns. He questioned such things as his own sexuality and a way for himself to fit into society. He is rather disappointed in the world around him. After this disappointment in the city, Holden decides to go home to his sister, who is the one person he really cares for. He ends up at home and declares that he is moving out west, but changes his mind because he was too worried to leave his sister. 

After reading this book, my reaction was that it was a great story. I felt like the reader is able to create an emotional connection to Holden. It is written in a brilliant way of using slang and descriptions that really paint a picture. I think that some of the content is a little raw, but I think it is interesting to follow the narrator who is a distraught teenager on his journey. 

This book is on banned books lists and challenged often because of its content. It is very sexual, follows the story of a rebellious teenager, and uses language that might be okay today, but was not for a very long time after the book was published. Many parents were concerned that this book would make their own children rebel against them. At the same time, adults were concerned about children being exposed to the nature of the book and the language and slang used.

I disagree with the challenges to ban this book. It is a piece of American culture, and the language really portrays America. I think it is good for young adults to read this book to understand concerns in society and real life issues. I think this book could also help teens realize that they aren’t the only one in the world facing these issues. I would voice all of these opinions to a library board for retaining the title on shelves. I would state that is is a piece of American history and it is a good example of American writing. Parents and adults who are worried about their children reading this book at too young of an age can make sure their children don’t read the book, or make special provisions with their student’s teacher if the book is being taught. 

Two journals I have looked at recently are the Public Library Quarterly and College and Research Libraries. These are two very different journals, yet both have similarities. 

The College & Research Libraries publication is bi-monthly and can be found online. It is peer-reviewed and is the official publication of the Association of College and Research Libraries. It is directed towards librarians and library staff specifically of academic and research institutions. The journal contains articles on topics relevant to college and research libraries. Some topics I found included work being done in acquisitions, how to help patrons locate what they are looking for, library management and leadership, expansion of, cataloging and maintaining collections, and assessments of libraries and researchers. Along with articles, the journal provides book reviews and an editorial. Occasionally, the journal provides a live online fora. 

The other journal I looked at was the Public Library Quarterly. This is a peer-reviewed publication that is meant to help anyone working in a public library, and address issues and concerns of public libraries. The journal includes articles written by people in the field on topics related to public libraries. Some topics include print versus electronic materials, raising money for libraries, gifts to the library, news and announcements of current job openings, achievements, retirements,etc.,and new practices in libraries. The Public Library Quarterly has an area were readers can access webcasts as well on related topics. Also in the journal are book reviews and library events that are ongoing at the time of publication. Surveys are also published in order for financial issues to be addressed and to inform the library community of what is going on nation wide. 

These two journals seem to be completely different just from reading the title. Their main difference is the type of libraries they are addressing.  However, they have similarities as well. Even though the two journals are targeting different types of staff an librarians, the information provided is important to both libraries. Topics include library management, how to help the library function better and types of funding and ways to fund libraries. These topics apply to both academic and public libraries, even if the ways of funding or management of libraries is different. Both journals are set up the same with articles and book reviews that are informative to the field. They both want to inform librarians and library staff in order to better serve researchers and the community. Both of these journals are peer-reviewed. This is very important as well because both journals have been reviewed by people in the field who understand the topic. More editing has happened and the subjects have been reviewed in-depth. 

Two professional associations that fit my professional interests and goals are the Music Library Association (MLA) and the International Association of Music Libraries, Archives, and Documentation Centres (IAML). These are perfect associations for me because I would ultimately like to be a subject librarian in a Fine Arts or music library.  I am currently looking into joining both groups.

Created in 1931 originally to improve the cataloging of sheet music and audio recordings, the Music Library Association's purpose is "to encourage collections of music and music literature in libraries, to further studies in musical bibliography, increase efficiency in music library services and administration, and promote the profession of music librarianship". The association's founding members were Carleton Sprague Smith and Eva Judd O'Meara. It holds an annual conference and produces a quarterly newsletter titled, Notes.  The MLA is comprised of five different sections: Administration, Committees, Representatives and Liaisons, Round tables and interest groups, and regional chapters. The Association offers members information on job and educational opportunities, copyright guidelines and resources in the field, and awards and grants.

The International Music Library Association was founded in 1951 in Paris. It's mission is,"The International Association of Music Libraries, Archives and Documentation Centres encourages and promotes the activities of music libraries, archives and documentation centres to support and facilitate the realization of projects in music bibliography, music documentation and music library and information science at national and international levels. The IAML publishes a quarterly journal titled Fontes Artis Musicae. There are four main projects of the association known as the "R" projects. These projects are RISM, RILM, RIPM, and RIdIM. It is actually associated with The Music Library Association, because the MLA is considered a branch of the IAML. However, this relationship is not formally documented. Along with this affiliation, it is affiliated with the InternationalFederation of Library Associations and the International Music Council.

Both associations are based on a yearly membership. They share the same membership information with the International Association of Music Libraries being considered an additional membership to the MLA. Membership for the MLA runs from July 1st to June 30th while the IAML runs based on the calendar year. Members of the MLA receive many benefits including a discounted price on the annual conference, copy of the quarterly journal, Notes, voting privileges (except for student members), access to Notes online and the online MLA directory, and 20%off all Ashgate Publishing titles. Along with these benefits, members of the IAML receive access to the IAML online membership directory, copies of the quarterly journal, Fontes Artis Musicae, voting privileges of international elections, and a discounted rate for the annual conference of the IAML. Rates for these two associations are as follows : MLA regular membership $120, institutional membership $155, student membership $60. These rates are for U.S. citizens. The rate for a U.S. membership of the IAML is $75 and the institutional rate $110. Both the IAML and MLA are actively involved in social media. There are numerous accounts on both sited for regional chapters of MLA and individual country accounts for the IAML.

Resources:

musiclibraryassoc.org

i recently viewed Anne Seidl's movie, The Hollywood Librarian: A look at librarian's through film. Seidl goes through the history of librarians and libraries throughout the world and how they were portrayed in both film and real life societies. She starts by talking about ancient libraries, the Library of Alexandria in particular, and the roles librarians played. One note worthy movie that features a librarian in this time period was Cleopatra. Seidl then moves on to the 1800's and again how the role of not only this time period's librarian was seen, but the difference from ancient times to the modern, western world. Seidel eventually makes her way to librarians and libraries in present day and the roles they and their librarians play in today's society. 

The role of the library and the librarian have changed throughout the years. As Seidl points out, librarians were trusted advisors and tutors to heads of the state. They were in charge of documenting stories ad life. Architectural information was important for librarians to understand and report. From this stand point, librarians were a very important part of civilization. 

As time progressed, the role of the librarian did not necessarily change too much from ancient Alexandria, but the life of the librarian was different. The profession of being a librarian was seen as a feminine job for women who were more interested in building a career than having a family. Many librarians were portrayed in movies as being grouchy, old spinsters with no life outside of the library. Because of this being a woman's profession, librarians made much less money than other professions dominated by men. 

From viewing this film, I realize that a librarian is not just a person who loves books, but someone who is very passionate of learning and literacy, along with wanting a thriving community. The librarian does not just offer information to patrons and keep order in the library, they make the library what they are by being involved with and a part of the community they are in. Librarians can form bonds with patrons and help people and communities develop.

I think the most important role of an LIS professional is the connection he or she makes with the community they are serving. By setting up programs for children, they are influencing children to learn and read. Other library programs might help immigrants become more comfortable in their new environment. A sense of community is vital for libraries to form.

The most surprising point of this film was that libraries are in the hands of communities and that funding is not readily available. I have known that libraries need funding and I know that it can be hard to receive. However, after viewing this film and the experiences of the Steinbeck libraries in California, I was shocked at how hard it is to raise money. This also leads back to why it is important for libraries and librarians to be connected to the communities and provide outreach services to all individuals accessing the library. 

* Seidl, Anne. (2007). The Hollywood librarian: A look at librarians through film.    

Hi! My name is Sara White and this is my first class towards my degree in library and information science! I have a bachelor's and master's degree in music performance and I play the bassoon. I have worked in the Michigan State University main library for three years. I started as a student assistant in the Fine Arts Library. Next, I moved to circulation and then onto technical services. I recently started working in the Fine Arts Library as the librarian assistant. 

Besides working and studying I enjoy karate, scrapbooking, reading and traveling. I am recently married, my husband's name is Neil, and we have an adorable chinchilla named Luci. My favorite composer is Dmitri Shostakovitch and my favorite museum is the Louvre in Paris. 

When I was young, my grandparents lived across from the town's public library. I would walk across the street countless times to check out books and chat with the librarians. I did this throughout high school, and even had my first job as a page in the library! This started my interest in libraries and the people who worked in them. 

With my background in music and passion for libraries, I would love to combine them and find a position as a music librarian. I would also enjoy being a subject librarian in the humanities or fine arts, not just music. It would be very humbling for me to be able to use my background in music to help patrons looking for information that would be closely related to this field. Obviously at this point, I feel that I would benefit and contribute the most to academic libraries. 

Some assertions and assumptions I have so far about librarians is that there is a lot of computer work involving not only their research but helping others with finding information. I think the image of an angry, old librarian is very cliche and I know that this is NOT the case. From working in an academic library, I know that there is much more to libraries and librarians than checking out books and enforcing quietness in the library setting. Many of the librarians in the Michigan State Library are very busy researching, ordering materials, keeping materials current and attending several meetings within the library and with other associations.