LIB(e)RARY

Internet Librarian

2011-10-14T14:44:00.001-07:00

I'm looking forward to attending the Internet Librarian Conference in Monterey Oct. 16-20. I'll be filling in for my buddy Matt at an eBook session.
More info.

The New Advocacy, #CALCON11

2011-10-08T13:20:00.000-07:00

The New Advocacy, #CALCON11

View more presentations from AspenWalker

CALCON11

See also:

Guest Gig: DU Library Advocacy Class

2011-07-25T17:11:00.000-07:00

Want to wear your commitment to library advocacy?
See http://www.cafepress.com/sk/libraryadvocacy/

A few links I want to share for the class I'm guest teaching at the University of Denver's School of Library and Info Science:

If you haven't checked out ALA's advocacy work, and Geek the Library do, but (definitely!) see also:

The Big Lessons:

No single super hero is going to save the day. Assemble a league of super heroes to share the work. Build your tribe of library lovers and advocates.
Reminding people is the essence of campaign organizing.
Tools, not rules.
Library use does not equal library support.
Ignore the naysayer. Put your energy into working with folks who support libraries, and the people you can convince to support libraries.
Reframe the message to get results.
Start with story.
Library advocacy projects are a wonderful opportunity to gain experience in a host of areas, including project management, leadership, political organizing, teamwork, technology, and communication.
Have a good time and be kind to all-- including yourself.

For other presentations I've given on library advocacy see "Conference Presentations" in the right sidebar of this blog.

3M's eBook Cloud Library Didn't Come Out of Nowhere!

2011-06-30T14:00:00.000-07:00

Please share and repost far and wide... There's more to the 3M eBook story than you make have heard: http://go-to-hellman.blogspot.com/

Library Advocacy Flash Mob Caught on "Tape" #ala11 #alatt

2011-06-27T09:25:00.000-07:00

I ran all the way there, got caught in the rain, and know what? It was worth it!

Son of BHAG! Library Messaging in the Social Networks

2011-06-13T12:34:00.000-07:00

I was one lucky lady last year: I got to work with the fabulous Son of BHAG crew. Read more to learn more...
Valerie Horton's new Colorado Libraries article on the 2010 Son of BHAG experiment

Still hungry for more info? See also...

Let's Talk

2011-04-10T18:34:00.000-07:00

A few of my ideas & strategies to activate & sustain community conversation about the importance of libraries (this was a presentation I made at work).

My slidedeck:

Let's Talk

Talking Points

NPR: The Future Of Libraries In The E-Book Age #ebookrights

2011-04-04T16:38:00.000-07:00

Hot off the airwaves! The April 4 story is here.

eFrontier: eBooks, Colorado Libraries & the Current Landscape

2011-03-28T10:20:00.000-07:00

Welcome, my friend, to the eFrontier.

The landscape of eBooks, digital content and library access is ever-shifting. As Joe Sanchez (a 2011 LJ Mover and Shaker and eFrontier's chair) would say, "Welcome to the wild, wild west."

eFrontier is one attempt to help gain some bearings and a strong foothold for libraries in these shifty times. Our aim is to help Colorado library staff keep up with -and get ahead of- issues involving eBooks and Resources in libraries. We also want to foster collaboration statewide and beyond, while helping to avoid duplication of effort in Colorado. Along these lines, we've set up an info-sharing blog at eFrontierColoradoLibraries.blogspot.com
Come join the conversation.

Moving and Shaking

2011-03-16T10:48:00.000-07:00

I am honored to be among Library Journal's 2011 Movers & Shakers. It's heartening and confidence-boosting, and also humbling. As I've often said, we need (and we've got!) vast crews of super heroes in libraryland. I am proud to be among your numbers, library peeps. Thank for all of the congrats and the amazing work YOU do.

Twitter List of 2011 Movers & Shakers

Movers & Shakers 2011: The People Shaping the Future of Libraries

Subscribe to all the blogs in one click (Thanks Micah Vandegrift for the Google Reader bundle, and Bobbi Newman for the tip).

The eBook User’s Bill of Rights #ebookrights #hcod

2011-02-28T07:07:00.000-08:00

The eBook User’s Bill of Rights is a statement of the basic freedoms that should be granted to all eBook users. It was initiated by Sarah Hougton-Jan and Andy Woodworth. I heartily endorse and support this effort, and hope you'll help spread the word far and wide and well beyond library land.

The eBook User’s Bill of Rights

Every eBook user should have the following rights:

the right to use eBooks under guidelines that favor access over proprietary limitations
the right to access eBooks on any technological platform, including the hardware and software the user chooses
the right to annotate, quote passages, print, and share eBook content within the spirit of fair use and copyright
the right of the first-sale doctrine extended to digital content, allowing the eBook owner the right to retain, archive, share, and re-sell purchased eBooks

I believe in the free market of information and ideas.

I believe that authors, writers, and publishers can flourish when their works are readily available on the widest range of media. I believe that authors, writers, and publishers can thrive when readers are given the maximum amount of freedom to access, annotate, and share with other readers, helping this content find new audiences and markets. I believe that eBook purchasers should enjoy the rights of the first-sale doctrine because eBooks are part of the greater cultural cornerstone of literacy, education, and information access.

Digital Rights Management (DRM), like a tariff, acts as a mechanism to inhibit this free exchange of ideas, literature, and information. Likewise, the current licensing arrangements mean that readers never possess ultimate control over their own personal reading material. These are not acceptable conditions for eBooks.

I am a reader. As a customer, I am entitled to be treated with respect and not as a potential criminal. As a consumer, I am entitled to make my own decisions about the eBooks that I buy or borrow.

I am concerned about the future of access to literature and information in eBooks. I ask readers, authors, publishers, retailers, librarians, software developers, and device manufacturers to support these eBook users’ rights.

These rights are yours. Now it is your turn to take a stand.
To help spread the word, copy this entire post, add your own comments, remix it, and distribute it to others. Blog it, Tweet it, Facebook it, email it, and post it on a telephone pole.
#ebookrights

To the extent possible under law, the person who associated with this work has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to this work. http://creativecommons.org/about/cc0

PDF version of the eBook User's Bill of Rights

See also: Publishing Industry Forces OverDrive and Other Library eBook Vendors to Take a Giant Step Back

Spread the Word: Why I Need My Library Teen Video Contest

2011-02-25T11:35:00.001-08:00

http://bit.ly/dUdJck

Library Lobby Day Talking Points

2011-02-12T11:58:00.000-08:00

Libraries mean business...
Library lovers are converging on the Colorado State Capitol March 3.
We're not asking for money.
We're talking about how libraries benefit Colorado, especially in these tough economic times.
I've been working on some talking points so we have a consistent message, and easy-access inspiration.
My personal approach to avoiding a tongue-tied stammer? I plan to briefly cover each talking point with story and stat. Stories stick to the head and the heart in swift fashion, and the data is an impressive addition to true-story narrative. I'll also bring along a few videos that feature patrons from my library sharing their library stories to appointments with my local legislators.

See also:

Colorado Library Lobby Day 2010, SaveLibraries.org

Libraries Mean Business

Engaging Evangelists for Library $upport, #intlib10

eDiscovery

2011-01-30T12:35:00.000-08:00

I've been doing a lot of work with eBooks lately, including experimentation with several eReaders and eReading apps, and a deep dive into the thoroughly-frustrating "copywrongs" of many eBook vendors. (It leaves me wondering about the future of copyright and library lending, especially in terms of fair use and first sale.)

I've also been working on a project called eDiscover the Classics, which provides the MARC records for several public domain Project Gutenberg titles, so that libraries can offer a direct download link to these titles right in their online library catalog. This is a work in progress, but it is one affordable way to open a door to library eBooks, while providing eBook education for staff and patrons.

We find ourselves in dynamic times when it comes to eBooks, and it can be intimidating. I'm still finding my way (as we all are), but I do know this: if we want to stake out a a place for libraries in the eBook world, we need to take experiment and action (over and again), stand up for our copy-rights, and question anything that erodes a library's ability to get quality, life-changing materials into the hands and heads of our patrons.

See also, LibraryRenewal.org. This is a wonderful, large-scale project that I look forward to contributing to as it kicks into full momentum.

The Bad 3 Go Down & What's Next for Aspen?

2010-11-03T11:12:00.000-07:00

I've got a big old grin on my face today. Amendments 60/61 and Proposition 101 failed last night. I've got two posts up about this success at Bad3Bad4Libraries and SaveLibraries.org.

It seems I've spent most of the year worrying that "my" library system, which is a two-time Four-Star Library, and ranked Number 1 in the Nation for its population size, would be pulled apart by these ballot initiatives. So what's next for me? Continued library advocacy and $upport-building, more video, and a deep dive into the issues surrounding library access to digital content. Ebooks are here, and libraries need an equal and excellent presence on the digital playing field. I look forward to helping out with LibraryRenewal.org, and similar efforts.

And can I just say, "Woot! Woot!"

#intlib10 Engaging Evangelists for Library $upport

2010-10-16T22:46:00.000-07:00

More about my talk.

Photo credits.

See also:

From Awareness to Funding
Douglas County Libraries on YouTube
bhagColorado.blogspot.com
bad3bad4libraries.blogspot.com
SaveLibraries.org
GeekTheLibrary.org
What's Next?! Colorado's statewide support marketing campaign
Agnostic Maybe: Vertical Advocacy in Libraryland and Social Media & Library Advocacy
Storytelling- Catch them by the Tale at PLA
Handy data: How public libraries stack up in 2010
DCL Return on Investment; more ROI info at LRS.org
The beginnings of BHAG: LaRue's blog post
Keeping Our Message Simple: LaRue' BHAG Article in American Libraries

Special thanks to Jamie LaRue, the entire BHAG crew, Douglas County Libraries, and the Colorado library community. You are superheroes!

My Elevator Speech

2010-10-14T16:25:00.000-07:00

So you meet someone new, and they say, "What do you do?"

I could start by saying, "I'm a public librarian." But let's be honest, that simple statement could be tainted by the myriad of perceptions and preconceptions the other person uses to color their own reality (and after all, we know there are a host of stereotypes out there about librarians). First impressions last, and I want to shape and frame this one-time opportunity.

So here's my ten-second elevator speech:
"I help people change their lives, connect with their community, and boost their local economy, while enjoying the present and preparing for the future. I do this without a charge, because you have already paid for my services."

Chances are, they will say, "Wow. Tell me more."

And that's my golden chance to tell them all about the wonders of public libraries, which can be summed up (and expanded upon) with four simple messages:
1. Libraries change lives.
2. Libraries build community.
3. Libraries mean business.
4. Libraries are a smart investment.

See also:
http://bhagcolorado.blogspot.com/
OCLC's From Awareness to Funding

#savelibraries
#CObhag

CALCON10: Career Development for Recent MLIS Grads

2010-09-08T15:24:00.001-07:00

Career Development for Recent MLIS Grads - DCL's New Professional Committee

Friday, October 8 at 3:15 pm

The Douglas County Libraries New Professionals Committee is comprised of recent MLIS grads from around the district. The committee's goal is to provide these new professionals with valuable project management and resume-building experience. Find out how your district can similarly cultivate and exploit new talent in our panel presentation. Featuring Lisa Chipouras, Erica Olivier, Jamie LaRue, Kerri Martin, Aspen Walker & Melanie Wehrle.

Resources:
"From Awareness to Funding"
The Library Stories Project
DCL's YouTube Videos

CALCON10: Career Development For Recent LIS Grads on Prezi

Copying is Not Theft: What Say You?

2010-09-07T10:09:00.000-07:00

A to-the-point explanation of free culture philosophy.
I like their logic, but I also favor a middle path approach: IMO, creators should decide whether or not to share copies of their work freely (and potentially build their fan-base in the process, like Cory Doctorow). I also favor shorter copyright durations.

Lunch & Learn Super Summit: Public Library Directors

2010-08-30T09:10:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: the video footage is here.

Now’s your chance to witness six public library directors answer surprise questions on-the-fly. Sit back, enjoy your lunch and watch the spectacle unfold…

Lunch & Learn Super Summit: Public Library Directors
Friday, September 24 at Noon
Philip S. Miller Library
100 S. Wilcox
Castle Rock, CO 80104

Featuring: Shirley Amore (Denver Public Library), Kari Baumann (Elbert County Library District), Jamie LaRue (Douglas County Libraries), Eloise May (Arapahoe Library District), Bob Pasicznyuk (Cedar Rapids Public Library, IA), and Marcellus Turner (Jefferson County Public Library).

Presented by the Douglas County Libraries New Professionals Committee. The Committee will select the surprise questions.
The panel will have five minutes to consider the questions, and 45 minutes to discuss.

Free. Please bring your own lunch.
RSVP requested: http://bit.ly/amiTb1

Bring along your friends! Promote the event! A flier is available for download at http://bit.ly/c3cOQy

Libraries Mean Business- A Library Story & Some Data Too

2010-08-12T15:14:00.000-07:00

Libraries mean business.

We help people get their small business started, and provide resources to help them excel and persist.
We draw folks into town and commerce centers, and then they spend their money in area businesses (did you know that the Philip S. Miller Library is the number one reason people visit downtown Castle Rock, Colorado? Between January-July of this year, the library has already 285,566 visitors. That's almost 9,500+ people a week! And when they do visit, they spend at least $20 in surrounding stores. We're an anchor store... with a benevolent [and fun!] social purpose).
We offer an amazing return on investment. I only pay $42 a year in taxes to fund my local library, but I enjoy hundreds of dollars worth of materials and services every year. In fact, for every dollar invested in my library district, we return at least $5 in value. Magic? No. It's the sheer wonder of the public library.
We help people find jobs. My friend Tana, shared a poignant story with me earlier this year, based on an actual experience she had working in public libraries:

I just remember his hands; nails short and squared, fingers wide and knobby, his skin thick and calloused. Hovering over the keyboard, index fingers extended, carefully, slowly plucking out the letters in an introduction to be inserted into an email application for employment, they were easily the size of my face.

The man, a journeyman plumber, was hesitant. It was a new feature of his profession to have to submit his resume and bids electronically… He needed help opening an email account; questions of passwords and etiquette were answered – but really, how could I answer the larger question in his eyes? Is the world changing too fast? How do people suddenly catch up with the digital tsunami that has swept through every industry, every profession?

It made me sad for a moment to imagine those strong, capable hands suddenly left idle because an employer’s new mandate required email applications. But then I realized that here he was, hunched in a library chair, eyes glued to the screen, brow furrowed, making the leap into the future – with my help! “Got it?” I asked just to make sure he was going to be okay. “Yup. Think so… If I need you again, you’ll be around to help, right?”

Hopefully.
#coBHAG #SaveLibraries

My latest videos

2010-06-24T10:52:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've been mashing our I love it! library stories footage all together:

Censorship, The Gay & Lesbian Fund for CO & Douglas County Libraries

2010-06-24T10:43:00.000-07:00

This new video features my boss, Douglas County Libraries Director Jamie LaRue, and Robert Sullivan, a generous donor who has made the recent children's area renovations at Philip S. Miller Library in Castle Rock possible. The video provides a nice overview of some of the challenges we have have received at DCL over the years.

What is a Public Library?

2010-06-18T14:51:00.000-07:00

I *love* this new video...

What do you make?

2010-05-28T10:07:00.000-07:00

So many Americans don't make anything today. We sell stuff. We buy stuff. We consume stuff. We yak about stuff. (For me, it's books. I read them voraciously, but I sure don't write them. Yet.) But many of us don't make much, aside from toast and messes.

But there are many "makers" left in this country. There's even a "makers' movement afoot. I am fascinated by this phenomenon. Two recent books from the guys at BoingBoing.net epitomize the idea:

Corey Doctorow's Makers (the link points to a free download at CrapHound.com; I love love love that Doctorow gets the benefits of free downloads. Be sure to check out his reasoning in the section called "About this Download" at the beginning of the ebook. And if you like what you read, buy a hard copy of the book, or spread the word about Doctorow's sagacity to your buddies). This book held me spellbound until I finished the last "page" on my phone's Stanza reader. Many of the book's main characters combine the free and sharing spirit of the open source and creative commons movements, with the inventive and entrepreneurial spunk that peppers the stories of American history. It's like crossing Edison with Larry Lessig. An unlikely mix, but truly inspirational when it all comes together. Plus, the book offers a barely futuristic view of a post boom US, marked by nearly-abandoned suburbiascapes and new ways of doing business. The book also talks a lot about 3-D printing, a technology that will hijack your brain if you give it some thinking time (check out the videos below).

Mark Frauenfelder just came out with Made by hand : searching for meaning in a throwaway world. I've got it on hold at my public library, and can't wait to take a gander.

See also MakerFaire.com

The Internet of Things

2010-05-20T12:19:00.000-07:00

Learned about this great video at #fomo10, OCLC's and Library Journal's "The Future is Mobile" online symposium (May 20, 2010).

Can Content Creation (& sales) $upport Libraries?

2010-04-28T15:56:00.000-07:00

First, please check out the PC World piece here.

I find myself intrigued by this post. I’ve had many fun thoughts and conversations about the possibilities of marrying public libraries and content creation (check out a fine example of this idea in fruition in Finland at Walking Paper). That said, I don’t yet fully grok the copyright and philosophical ramifications of the particular angle advocated in PC World. First, it would require a savvy copyright/Creative Commons approach (I do geek copyright theory, so it is fun to contemplate). Secondly, while I love the kernal of the idea, I am also hesitant to give up on the notion that public libraries are a public service that’s worth funding with public tax dollars.

Personally, I am torn between the urge to adapt, innovate and ride the waves of change, and my dyed-in-the-wool belief that public libraries are an essential part of our lives and worthy of public $upport.

What do you think?

Helsinki’s Library 10

2010-04-23T17:34:00.000-07:00

I love Aaron Schmidt's post about Finnish libraries moving from circulation of content to content creation...
Helsinki’s Library 10 & Meetingpoint :: Walking Paper

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Library Lobby Day Post Up @ SaveLibraries.org

2010-04-14T11:51:00.000-07:00

Happy National Library Week! I've got a new post about Colorado Library Lobby Day up at SaveLibraries.org.

Gen X Librarians

2010-04-13T13:59:00.000-07:00

CC Image used courtesy of Essence of a Dream on Flickr.

As an Xer that sometimes feels a little caught in the middle, I
was thrilled to find this Computers in Libraries '10 presentation on SlideShare. Thank you Lisa, Nina and Karen!

Favorite photo painting apps

2010-04-10T19:13:00.001-07:00

I'm fond of fiddling with the PhotoStudio app (top photo) on my iPhone.

See also, the Effect Touch app for more photo fun (below).

Both are a little like painting, but without getting pigment under your fingernails for days.

Infographics & Visualizations Linked & Shared

2010-04-10T15:18:00.000-07:00

I was recently gifted with a wonderful list of links about Infographics from the Colorado State Library (thank you, Sharon and Mary Beth).

They are golden, and must be shared.

Creative Commons Image by MaxTicket on Flickr

The state of the Internet: 2010

2010-04-02T09:25:00.000-07:00

JESS3 / The State of The Internet from JESS3 on Vimeo.

Thank you, Jesse Thomas, for this video.

Save Our Libraries

2010-03-26T11:10:00.001-07:00

Two new efforts I am very excited to be a part of:

The Big, Hairy Audacious Goal: Colorado's Public Library Advocacy Initiative

SaveLibraries.org

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#pla10

2010-03-24T15:45:00.001-07:00

I set up an archive for PLA conference tweets at http:/twapperkeeper.com/hashtag/PLA10

You can also check out the notes and impressions from all the Douglas County Libraries folks who went to PLA in Portland at DCLdoesPortland. My conference debrief is here.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

#webwise

2010-03-04T10:19:00.000-08:00

I've been enjoying the WebWise conference in Denver this week. I've archived all the conference tweets at Twapper Keeper.

Trends, Tips & Techniques: Interviews with Colorado Library Leaders

2010-02-11T13:46:00.000-08:00

In 2009, I had an amazing experience. I got to interview 11 library leaders from across Colorado's Front Range. I reported my findings back to senior staff and the Board of Trustees at Douglas County Libraries, as well as the folks I interviewed.

The leaders shared their insights about the economy and rising library use, staffing patterns, performance measures, DCL, and the big issues and trends of the next three years follow. The report is up on Scribd, and now I get to share their ideas with you.

Colorado Library Leaders

It is...

2010-01-03T11:45:00.000-08:00

Douglas County Libraries!

Seriously, what is it?

2009-12-08T16:16:00.000-08:00

Is it a scary clown? Nope.
Is it your hairy cousin? Nah.
The mystery behind it will be revealed in the new year.
In the meantime, check it out here.

Socialize Your Library: Tweets, Blogs & More

2009-11-19T16:18:00.000-08:00

Socializing Your Library, 11-21-09

Cecily's Flickr Resources

Katie's Recommended Resources

Aspen's Links & Resources

And don't forget to check out Colorado Libraries 2.0

We're All Marketers Now, il2009

2009-10-17T13:35:00.000-07:00

Internet Librarian 2009: My Presentation

Internet Librarian 2009
Track A – Tough Times Tactics & Tools
A303 – Marketing on the Cheap
Wednesday, October 28 2009
1:30 – 2:30 pm
Also featured in this session: Louise Alcorn & Marcy Phelps

We're All Marketers Now:
Generating People-Powered $upport
Aspen Walker
Douglas County Libraries, CO

In 2008, three groundbreaking works challenged library marketers and advocates to rethink their approach: OCLC's "From Awareness to Funding," Clay Shirky's "Here Comes Everybody," and Seth Godin's "Tribes." Discover how one public library is making the most of pointed, people-powered marketing to increase library support on the cheap. Efforts include patron library story sharing, an ongoing and growing online conversation about the essential community role libraries play, and a new library marketing campaign based on OCLC’s findings. Tools include inexpensive flip cameras, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Word Clouds and more.

Additional Resources
Clay Shirky's Here Comes Everybody
OCLC's From Awareness to Funding Report
Seth Godin's Tribes
Douglas County Libraries: Larry Adams' Library Story
DouglasCountyIt.com
DCL's Library Story Project Tip Sheet
Library ROI Stats
Douglas County Libraries' Emmy-winning PSA: "Discover Your Library"
Geek the Library

New Jersey Libraries Story Campaign

Orange County Library Videos

Kate Sheehan: Committed to Kindness «

2009-09-23T06:55:00.001-07:00

Life is just so much more fulfilling and enjoyable when we can remember to be kind. The days don't drag, irritate or tire; rather, they can spread out before, behind and all around us with an extraordinary grace that's filled with wonder, contentment and joy. Kindness: I am all for it. I'm also all for this: Kate Sheehan: Committed to Kindness «

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Gen X is Making Real Change - ReadWriteEnterprise

2009-09-17T12:56:00.001-07:00

Gen X is Making Real Change - ReadWriteEnterprise

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Readasaurus unearthed...

2009-09-16T07:57:00.000-07:00

...from the rubble of my daughter's bedroom.

A Librarian Looks Like…

2009-09-15T10:04:00.001-07:00

You've got to check out these drawings of librarians from college Freshman at live wire librarian.

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What is it?

2009-08-31T14:35:00.001-07:00

It is taking Douglas County, Colorado by storm, and leaving many wondering, "What is IT????"
I heard all will be revealed in early 2010. In the meantime, why not guess what "it" is. Maybe you'll win a reusable it bag.

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Book Censorship Map: 2007-2009

2009-08-21T11:07:00.000-07:00

The map, created by BannedBooksWeek.org is here. It includes my library in Castle Rock, CO and Jamie LaRue's response to the Uncle Bobby's Wedding challenge.

X/Y Librarian? It's share time.

2009-08-13T11:38:00.001-07:00

Tame The Web » Young Librarian Series Submissions Wanted

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100 Terrific Tips for Blogging Librarians & Share This

2009-08-13T11:16:00.001-07:00

100 Terrific Tips & Tools for Blogging Librarians

I've got a presentation on blogging (I'm sharing the stage with a Flickr freak and Twitter critter) coming up at the November Colorado Association of Libraries conference. I saved this post from onlinecollege.org for myself, but I also posted it here using Share This. I love that Share This lets me email, tweet, or post to FaceBook, Blogger, WordPress and so much more with a simple click. I've got it loaded on my bookmarks toolbar, and I find myslef using it more & more.

Have a wonderful day,
Aspen

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goblin cartoons » Blog Archive » LSW for LFPL

2009-08-10T11:27:00.001-07:00

goblin cartoons » Blog Archive » LSW for LFPL

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MLS Graduation

2009-08-10T07:46:00.000-07:00

Well we've done it. Colorado Cohort IX, of Emporia State University's School of Library and Information Management
graduated on Saturday, August 8. I had so much fun! I hadn't seen most of my fellow students since late April, it was good to get together for one final huzzah. I was lucky to attend school with a passel of bright and innovative librarians, archivists, school media specialists and info pros. Plus, the hoods we got to wear were the source of a great deal of fun.I gave the student speech, and as promised, I am making it available publicly. You can check it out here.

While it's good to move on to new phases and stages, I am going to miss spending so much time with the good folks of Colorado Cohort IX.

Living in a post-school world

2009-05-20T07:49:00.000-07:00

I'm done. (With school anyhow.)
I finished up in early May, and it's taken a little while for me to readjust to life without school. I've been reading all of the novels and comics I've had to put off in favor of text books and articles. (I heart Neil Gaiman's American Gods and Anansi Boys.)
So what does the post-MLS world look like for me?

I'm training for and working at DCL's public service desks at library branches across the county.
I'm coordinating DCL's library stories project, which aims to boost library support and funding using real-life narrative, video and images of patrons, staff and volunteers. This finds me studying up on videography and interview techniques, and becoming a pro at using flip cameras and camcorders.
I've got a research project going about leadership and trends. I get to interview Front Range library leaders and local elected officials, and help my organization spot trends and prepare for the future.
I'm preparing to speak at graduation in August. (What to say? What to say?)
I'm gearing up for a very fun speaking engagement at Internet Librarian in October. I'm also excited that my mom and aunt (who has always dreamed of visiting Monterey), will join me in CA. They'll take a gander at the sea-life and tree-life while I geek it up. Here's the description for my program:

We're All Marketers Now

Experiments in marketing: using patron stories and 2.0 social tools to spread library awareness and support in hard economic times.

I'll be serving as the publicist for the Indian Park School House Association's summertime fundraising melodrama once again. I also get to design the poster and exercise my artistic urges.
Working on some new websites for my husband's guitar school and a local history organization.
Above all, relishing all of the extra time I have to spend with family now (they are the very best, and I sure am glad I get spend life with them).

Wordle wordle.

2009-03-24T07:06:00.000-07:00

Do you Wordle?
Now you and your buddies can make free and pretty word clouds with a quick ctrl+c and ctrl+v. Paste the text of your choice into Wordle, and boom! you've got a cool and customizable word cloud.

Here's a cloud I made from the words on this very blog:

Tip: if you're a mac user, use the selection tool in Grab to make a quick .tiff of your word cloud. You can do something similar with Print Screen on a PC, but be prepared to do some editing in PhotoShop or the like. Instead, you might try SnagIt.

I used Wordle for my M.L.S. portfolio, to showcase how my school projects match up my school's MLS outcomes and professional values statements. At Douglas County Libraries, we also plan to use it to map patron opinion. For example, what would you learn if you asked patrons to tell you what "library" means to them, and then mapped their responses in Wordle? What would emerge if you wordled recent keyword searches?

We're currently using FaceBook, Twitter and email to poll patrons about their individual understanding of the word "literacy." I can't wait to see what emerges from the cloud of words.

I'm a 2009 Shover & Maker

2009-03-23T11:23:00.000-07:00

Check it out.

M.L.S. Portfolio Goes Live

2009-03-22T19:59:00.001-07:00

It's true. Check it out here.

iWeb, Hostgator & AspenWalker.info

2009-03-17T20:14:00.000-07:00

Mac users take note... if you've created a website using Mac's iWeb, and you want to get your site to upload successfully to your non-Mac web hosting service (I use Hostgator), be certain to use the CyberDuck FTP uploader. Avoid the WebDisk upload, it's not your friend.

You only need to upload two files, and two files alone to CyberDuck: the folder you published your iWeb site to, and the file called "index.html".

After gnashing my teeth for a while trying to get my iWeb pages to work with Hostgator, I discovered this article. It was a big help.

Anyhoodle, my new website is in the works at AspenWalker.info.

Winding Down & Gearing Up

2009-03-08T21:43:00.000-07:00

For me, library school is winding down. This finds me all wound-up with lots of last semester work.

Homework has filled my life for the past 2+ years. Here are a few of the things I look forward to doing once my coursework ends:

Spend more time with my family. This will include camping, music-making, wii gaming, website building (they've been after me to help, and I keep saying, "let's wait until school ends"), and "just" enjoying the moment.
Having more time for my work at Douglas County Libraries.
Presenting more at library workshops, conferences and in my community.
Explore the vast reaches of the Interwebtubes.
Community volunteer work for the Douglas County History Research Center, as well as the Indian Park School House Association.
Learn how to cook a dependably good meal (it's hit or miss right now).
Wander around in the out-of-doors again, ogling nature and breathing deep. I am tired of spending nearly every waking moment staring at a screen or a book (though I do love books and screens).
Paint. Oils, acrylics, water colors, gouache...
Write. Stories, lyrics, articles...
Yoga (writing papers and studying has a way of leaching your limber flexibility).
Ride horses (my equine-full childhood is calling out to me. I need to smell horse sweat, feel the wind in my face as we break into a good canter, and walk quietly through the woods on the back of a good horse friend).
Make up words (like equine-full).

One Flag, One World

2009-02-20T08:59:00.000-08:00

Cast your vote for the global flag here.
I am pretty fond of this one:

Reference Renaissance Conference: Loving Library 2.0

2008-08-05T13:43:00.000-07:00

Wikis, Blogs & Add-Ons
Todd Quinn, Northern State University
Check out all of Todd's 2.0 tips here.

Becoming Ambient (Or How I learned to stop worrying and love Library 2.0)

Lance Heidig, Cornell University

Lance created his presentation on a libguide. It's available here.

Some sage advice from Lance: “My digital reach exceeds my analog grasp”

Reference & Info Services for Library Customers You May Never Meet

Christine Clifford, Hennepin County

Christine commened by quoting hte great Joe Janes:“The idea of library has to be somewhere and anywhere.”

Patrons are using Hennepin Libraries more and more, but not in the ways they traditionally used the library. Hennepin has seen a 41% increase in remote usage. As Christine put it, the website may be the only library patrons ever visit. Christine's talk was brimming with great ideas, including:

Web design can be a reference tool. Ex: subject guides (find info, don't search for it).
Use virtual reference transcripts to find out what patrons aren’t finding on their own.
Place RSS feeds all over website, so people can choose the library experience they want.
Hennipen has a librarian blog on each subject guide. The blogs connect staff with online patrons, and remind people that there is a human organizing this information. Hennepin puts out want ads internally to find subject guide librarians. The subject guide and blog becomes a part of their job duties. The library encourages staff to use pictures, in order to add human touch.
Create catalog search widgets, and make the widget code available to others, so they can embed it on their pages.

Reference Renaissance Conference: Theoretical Perspectives of Reference

2008-08-05T07:52:00.000-07:00

Unconscious Cognition in the Genesis of Reference Queries

Dr. Glynn Harmon

How do we elicit deeply embedded info needs? Does it require an altered state of consciousness? Research from the University of Texas School of Information shows it just might. The school is experimenting with alpha and theta waves- the brain states where we tend to experience tranquility, creativity and flow.

The study asked subjects to pose a query, then undergo brainwave synchronization using an audiovisual system for 20 minutes, and then ask their question again. The first round of queries tended to be terse, linear, closed-ended, and either/or focused. After relaxing with the audiovisual system, the second round of queries tended to be lengthy, divergent, open-ended, holistic, and more dynamic. They demonstrated flow. For example, before relaxing, the subject might ask: What kind of house should I buy? The second query, post-relaxation: I am avoiding a house purchase. Why?

You may not want to hook your patrons up to a brainwave machine, but the study does point to the importance of feeling comfortable when approaching the reference desk. So how can increase patron comfort and relaxation @ your Library? Please share your comments below.

Bottomline? Glynn recommends librarians brush up on psychology, learn non-verbal communication, incorporate relaxation techniques into the reference loop, and include the psychology of inquiry into information literacy courses. He also recommends Information Specialist as Team Player in the Research Process.

The Serious Leisure Perspective: Implications for Public Libraries

Dr. Jenna Hartel, University of Toronto

Many libraries aim to meet the educational and entertainment needs of their patrons. Jenna focuses on the leisure side of life, and suggests that free time is a great way to connect with patrons, especially when you consider that as much as 87% of public library use is for entertainment purposes, with 1/3 of library visits pertaining to hobbies.

Did you know leisure comes in three forms?

-Casual Leisure- no skill needed, ex: napping, TV, recreational reading, getting a message, playing with your dog

-Serous Leisure- requires skill, get better at it, contributes to your identity, often socially organized, it's fun but you take it seriously ex: volunteering, hobbies, amateurism -Project-based Leisure- one-time or recurrent, ex: build a rock garden, Christmas Hobbies

For more info, check out The Serious Leisure Perspective and Jenna's website

Theoretical Foundations for Re-envisioning Reference

Pamela Martin, Utah State University
Pamela invites us librarians to remember how we might viewed through a post-modern, information society perspective. She encourages us to remember that post-modern folks are suspicious of experts (like reference librarians) and one-size-fits-all classification schemes. She asks us to consider that hard-to-use library tools can be viewed as instruments of control and power-over, making us look like information hoarders (when in fact, we really want to connect information with people).

So how can we move beyond postmodern distrust and help our patrons get the info they want? Pamela recommends:
-Be the best non-expert you can be. Play and experiment alongside the patron.
-Embrace free information (including Wikipedia).
-Be sneaky and charming. Ex: the University of Washington's I School went on to Wikipedia, added links to their digital collections, made the online encyclopedia better, and participated in the free information revolution.
-Practice trial and error (make a game of it- what if students treated database searches like a video game quest?)
-Allow for failure.

Reference Renaissance Conference: Vendor Track

2008-08-04T12:13:00.000-07:00

I am a volunteer here at Reference Renaissance; I will be hanging out in the vendor presentation room (track F) all Monday afternoon. Here's what went on:

H.W. Wilson
Bruce Preslan reported that H.W. Wilson employs over 100 MLS-degreed librarians; all of their articles are indexed by a humans; they use controlled vocabulary; their abstract writers have advanced degrees in the subject they are abstracting. Free trials of H.W. Wilson's databases are available on their website. Bruce showcased a few of his favorite features on Wilson Web:

Have an ongoing interest in a topic? You can get relevant article alerts using RSS.
H.W. Wilson's Art Museum Image Gallery offers an abundance of copyright-cleared images for educational purposes. The database features artworks from major museums from across the globe.
No habla ingles? H.W Wilson features a translation service for their articles.
The current issues database is a jumping point for full-text, unbiased articles about current events and hot issues. It also offers links to a host of websites H.W. Wilson has screened for quality and authority.
Not sure if you should purchase that graphic novel? Check out Wilson's Graphic Novel Core Collection.
Everyone loves full text... Search Reader's Guide Retro to find the articles you want, and then click on the link to the H.W. Wilson index to get the full-text article.

Tutor.com
Mary Elizabeth Gano, Melissa Harter and Erin McCaffrey shared details about how their mentoring process increases the quality of their virtual reference (Librarians by Request). Tutor.com currently employs approximately 30 librarians, and 6 mentors. The mentors essentially ascertain that Tutor's virtual librarians are doing a bang-up job. Their evaluation criteria is based on the RUSA guidelines, client/library feedback, and most especially, reference session transcript review and feedback.

OCLC's QuestionPoint 24/7 Reference
Lauri McIntosh presented info about OCLC's QuestionPoint service, it offers:

Chat
Email
Phone
Reports & admin functions- surveys, quality measures, transcript reviews, and patron satisfaction
Knowledge Base- previous searches that might prove useful in answering the question at hand.
Global Reference Network- tough questions are sent out to a collection of global libraries, so it gets the expert treatment.
24/7 live reference- another opportunity to join up with a reference collective, so you don't have to man your virtual reference desk at 3 am.

By popular demand, QuestionPoint now features Qwidget. This is a customizable chat widget that can be offered on your website and database pages, in case your patrons need reference help as they navigate your library's offerings. Qwidget is fast; the patron can type in their question and avoid the time-consuming process of entering their account information. Patrons who provide an email address will get a transcript of the reference session.

QuestionPoint does not require patrons to download anything. No plug-ins either. Co-browsing does require Internet Explorer. Otherwise, patrons can start up the browser of their choice to use QuestionPoint. Librarians do need to use IE when they are answering online reference questions.

OCLC's QuestionPoint 24/7 reference cooperative includes 1400+ libraries in the U.S. and U.K. 14 states have signed on to use QuestionPoint for their state-wide 24/7 reference service. The coop employs 24/7 reference policies, standards and best practices.

Like Tutor.com (above), QuestionPoint incorporates quality control and mentoring, to make sure virtual librarians are following best practices.

QuestionPoint offers ongoing training, online classes (which are archived, in case you miss the live class), web-based tutorials and a QuestionPoint wiki and blog.

The Ovid and Greenwood Press presentations were canceled.

Reference Renaissance: Keynote w/ David W. Lewis

2008-08-04T11:52:00.000-07:00

Are we witnessing the death of reference? Lewis doesn't think so (for now, anyhow), but he does think the times are a changin', making it high time to adapt and specialize if reference is to survive. And don't plan on things remaining the same; the profession is most definitely in flux.
Lewis shared a variety of resources you might want to check out:

Clay Shirky's Here Comes Everybody
Chris Anderson's Free!
Kevin Kelley's Better than Free
Clayton Christensen's Innovator books

Reference Renaissance Conference: Staff Training in the 21st Century

2008-08-04T09:27:00.000-07:00

This session featured Michael Whitchurch (Brigham Young University, Utah), Leslie M. Hass (Loyola University, Chicago), Beth Jones (Jefferson County Public Library, Colorado) and Flora Shrode (Merril-Cazier Library, Utah State University).

A brief & incomplete recap:
Beth presented remotely using dimdim (the same virtual reference and web meeting tool the reference librarians use at JeffCo). JeffCo uses online learning modules to train their staff. Beth recommends Adobe Captivate, but also likes Adobe Presenter. Jeffco provides staff with training in downloadables and database use. They use Wet Paint wiki to collect, track and find tacit knowledge, and lessons staff have already learned about using the library district's e-resources. The future of online learning at JeffCo: resource sharing (libraries across the Front Range are sharing resources; visit CLiC for more info) video, and simulations, branching, game theory. Are you interested in training librarians to design eLearning simulation games? Beth recommends Engaging Learning by Clark Quinn.

Leslie hails from the Clark Information Commons at Loyola University (check it out; I appreciate their focus on collaboration, connectivity and community). Their model is so new, they find that their training must be flexible and responsive to the novel challenges and changes the Information Commons format presents. Administrators and organization theory buffs take note: they are finding they need to change policies on the fly. Everyone is logged in to IM while they are on the clock. Like JeffCo, they are using wikis to share information and findings. They are also creating a blog. They wish they had access to Blackboard, as they have found it is an effective training tool that many students already know how to use. They are also earning how to use webcams throughout the building, so students don't have to visit other desks in the building.

Flora's university library also features an Information Commons. They are trying to train all staff to answer question efficiently, so they can avoid bouncing library users from desk to desk throughout the building. The library employs IT student workers to help answer IT questions; Flora really likes this arrangement, and she encourages library staff to make friends with the "computer kids." They also employ student "peer mentors" who focus more on library and reference service. They use libstats to track reference questions. They are implementing an observation system this fall, to monitor reference staff performance. Training is face-to-face, and mostly on the spot. They subscribe to Lynda, an online software learning system. They use LibQual to track patron satisfaction. Flora also suggested that shelvers could use tablet PCs (if good WiFi is available), to answer stray reference questions in the disconnected stacks.

Michael's university trains students to answer basic reference questions. Their staff doesn't work on the desk, but they are available to answer the tougher reference questions student workers can't field. His advice about training student reference workers: train the student worker as best you can, and trust them to do the right thing. An audience member piped up and added: "It's also o.k. to train staff to say 'I don't know, but we'll find you the answer.'"

Many of the audience questions and comments focused on the differences between, and appropriate training for para-pros and MLS degreed reference librarians. This is a big issue at a lot of libraries, including my own. Do you agree? Is it time to revisit the core competencies for reference librarians and para-pros? Do we train everyone the same, or create separate learning platforms? Does your library have a single-point info desk, or the two traditional circ. and reference desks?

What new technologies does your library use to train reference staff?

Click comment to share.

The Restorative Powers of Melodrama

2008-06-20T13:35:00.001-07:00

I've been pretty busy with my new job, library school, family vacation, and a volunteer publicity project I've been working on for the Indian Park School House Association. I was married at the Indian Park School on July 4 four years ago. My granddad went to school there in the '30s. I grew up less than a mile from the school. I relish the memory of deliciously spooky Halloween parties at the school, which has a pioneer cemetery on the grounds.

The 124-year-old Indian Park School House is showing its age, but the residents of rural western Douglas County aren’t about to let the historic building slip into days gone by. For the second year running, the Indian Park School House Association (IPSHA), and dozens of volunteers are staging a good old-fashioned melodrama at locations throughout Douglas County. Both of my daughters are in the cast.

This year’s performance is called Bulldog Saves the Day. Fittingly enough, the melodrama tells the story of a community’s endeavor to put a new roof on their local schoolhouse.

The first show is set for 1 p.m. on Friday, July 4 at the Indian Park School House (3313 N. Hwy. 67, 9.5 miles west of Sedalia) before Sedalia’s July 4 celebration (a July 4 parade will not be offered in Sedalia this year, but the famed firework show is still on at dusk). Bring a picnic and blanket. Light refreshments and fun souvenirs will be available for purchase. Tickets are $15, but ages 75+ are free. Children’s tickets will be $5 for this show only.

At 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 9 and Sunday, August 10, Bulldog Saves the Day heads to the historic Decker’s Hall and Resort (8570 S. Hwy. 67, along the S. Platte River Rd., at the junction of Hwy.s 126 & 67). Light refreshments and fun souvenirs will be available for purchase. Tickets are $15, but ages 75+ are free.

Also, watch for two shows at the Cherokee Castle in September. Ticket prices have not been determined as of yet, but all proceeds will benefit restoration of the Indian Park School House.

Are you a musician, comedian or storyteller? IPSHA is still seeking talented volunteers for “olio” talent highlights between the acts of the melodrama.

The historic Indian Park School House is listed on the Colorado and National registers of Historic Places. Restoration efforts, including an archaeological dig, begin the first week of July. The United States Forest Services’ Pikes Peak/South Park/South Platte Ranger District is providing an archaeologist, free of charge, as a special outreach project. IPSHA is seeking volunteers for the dig and construction.

For more information about the Indian Park School House, the melodrama, restoration, building availability and charitable donations, or to volunteer as an olio performer or with the archaeological dig or construction, please call Patty McDonough at 303-688-8357.

2008-05-04T18:43:00.001-07:00

halfway through library school! halfway! halfway!

Internet Libraryland: Quick Trips & Deep Dives

2008-04-15T11:05:00.000-07:00

I've been hearing a lot lately from folks (mostly fellow library school students) who are looking for more information about Web 2.0 in the library world.
Here's a Library 2.0 resource list I maintain. Choose "download file" to see an easy-to-read PDF version.

LITA Ex Libris Writing Award

2008-04-13T15:48:00.001-07:00

Thanks to an application extension, I spent a lot of my spare time this last week working on the LITA Ex Libris Student Writing Award.

My paper discussed my experiences at the 2007 Internet Librarian conference, and examined the information seeking habits of 2.o/Internet Librarians.

If my submission wins, it will appear in LITA's journal, Ital. If it doesn't, it was a good opportunity to flesh out the paper more and experience the intricacies of using a different style guide than I have grown used to. We use the APA Style at Emporia; the writing award requires Chicago Style.

When it comes to Internet Librarianship, or the need to maneuver between writing styles, I find that flexibility is golden.

Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach.

-Tom Robbins

The Paul Evan Peters Fellowship

2008-04-13T15:29:00.000-07:00

I'm working on an application for the Paul Evan Peters Fellowship. He was an extraordinary info pro.

The fellowship aims to find students of librarianship who use digital information to enhance scholarship and public life; show a commitment to civic responsibility and government accountability; a creative approach to overcoming challenges; and humor, vision, humanity, and imagination.

Regardless of the results, I can always look to the above as a road map for good behavior.

My 15 Minutes

2008-04-10T14:07:00.000-07:00

After years of being the publicist/community relations specialist for Douglas County Libraries,
I recently accepted a new job at DCL, assisting Library Director, Jamie LaRue. Jamie has written a weekly column for the local newspapers for many a moon now. A few weeks back, Jamie asked me to be a guest columnist. Here's my column.

Ranganathan, blog play, white plastic lawn chair

2008-04-06T01:22:00.000-07:00

Tonight I'm working on an annotated bibliography about Ranganathan. But I'm also ardent about tweaking my blogs.

Earlier today it was copyright law and the library exemption.

2:25 a.m. and my brain is very foggy now.

Did get a chance to sit on the white plastic lawn chair in the backyard. Devil's Head was so, very, there. As I get older, the familiar landscape of this place transforms itself in my mind and I sometimes suddenly remember just how marvelous it is all over again. A moment of stillness, knowing, presence.