You have most likely encountered fake news, too. Maybe it was shared, commented on, or liked by a friend or a relative on your social media feed. Perhaps it popped up on a website you were visiting. Regardless of where you encountered it, and whether you paid it any attention or not, the only thing factual about any of those stories is that they are truly fake.

In the haze after the election, one of the many topics to domi­nate the news has been the proliferation of fake news and how it may have impacted voter decisions. Although fake news has been around longer than the 2016 election season, it stood as an example of how fake news has transformed and how far its reach has extended.

But fake news is not just an election issue; it is an informa­tion and media literacy issue. Information literacy is defined as the ability to “recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information”[1] and media literacy is the ability to “access, analyze, evaluate, and create media.”[2] Both of these competencies are critical for navigating the Internet, especially when confronted with fake news.

Librarians, especially public librarians, are often asked whether libraries are still relevant due to the accessibility of the Internet. These questions aren’t necessarily mean-spirited; many are genuinely curious why anyone still needs a library if they can access limitless information on their smartphone or computer. The truth is, access to the Internet means nothing if someone is unable to discern between fact and conspiracy theory. Librar­ians can help patrons learn to make that distinction. Essentially, without the appropriate information and media literacy skills, the Internet cannot always meet the needs of the user.

What Is Fake News Exactly?

Fake news is just as it sounds: news that is misleading and not based on fact or, simply put, fake. Unfortunately, the literal defi­nition of fake news is the least complicated aspect of this com­plex topic. Unlike satire news, which is often hosted by parody websites (think The Onion) and makes light humor of current events and people, fake news has the intention of disseminat­ing false information, not for comedy, but for consumption. And without the knowledge of appropriately identifying fake news, these websites can do an effective job of tricking the untrained eye into believing it’s a credible source. Indeed, its intention is deception.

To be sure, fake news is nothing new. In the wake of the Spanish-American War, William Randolph Hearst and rival Joseph Pulitzer competed for sales and national prominence by selling sensational headlines paired with pictures that were based on little to no factual evidence. In response to journalists who went to Cuba and had no news to report, Hearst was famously quoted as responding, “You furnish the pictures and I’ll furnish the war.” Because the general public had such a skewed interpretation of the situation in Cuba, public opinion was swayed on how the United States should intervene. As a result, the Spanish-American War was considered the first “media war.”[3] But a lot has changed since 1898. The Internet, particularly social media, has completely manipulated the landscape of how information is born, consumed, and shared. No longer is content creation reserved for official publishing houses or media outlets. For better or for worse, anybody can form a platform on the Inter­net and gain a following. In truth, we all have the ability to create viral news—real or fake—with a simple tweet or Facebook post.

The New York Times published a case study about how easily fake news can go viral. Eric Tucker, a man with just forty Twitter followers, tweeted a picture the day after the election of parked coach buses that he drove by. In his tweet, he claimed that these buses delivered hun­dreds of organized anti-Trump protestors to Austin (TX). This tweet went viral and was picked up by major media outlets and countless social media sites.[4] When interviewed, Tucker admitted that he didn’t actually have proof that the buses were related to the protest going on in the area. Instead, he surmised they were somehow connected. In reality, the coach buses were hired by Tableau Software for participants attending an annual confer­ence in Austin. Eric Tucker later deleted his tweet, but the damage was already done. As easy as it may be to share fake news, spreading awareness that a story has been proven false is not nearly as simple. Even after a story or source is shown that it lacks credibility, the original post lives on through the thousands of shares, retweets, and duplicated articles. Creating fake news can go viral like wild­fire, but debunking it still can’t necessarily put out the flame. I’ll furnish the tweet and you furnish the protest.

What Drives the Creators of Fake News?

Like the aspirations of Hearst and Pulitzer before them, fake news publishers are typically in the game to make money. In­stead of printing outrageous headlines to sell more papers, they think up sensation­al titles designed to get the most clicks. This is called clickbait. The more clicks they get, the more likely their content will be shared and vice-versa. This translates into advertising dollars. The Washington Post reported that some creators of fake news sites can make upwards of $10,000 per month through Google AdSense, a program that converts visitors into dollars based on ads.[5] Interviews with teenagers in Macedonia who run fake news web­sites revealed that it is a profitable way for them to make money in a struggling economy.[6] The formula is simple: build a website, input ads via Google AdSense, create clickbait-worthy content, share it on social media, drive traffic to website, and make money on posted advertise­ments. Voila: twenty-first century yellow journalism.

The quest for dollars coupled with shocking headlines makes fake news a perfect partner for social media, a platform where content is easily shared and liked with the click of a button to an overwhelmingly large audience. A 2016 Pew Research Center study found that 79 percent of all Internet users use Facebook.[7] This is an increase from 7 percent in 2015. Furthermore, of those who use Facebook, 76 percent log on daily and 55 percent reported several times per day. And more than half of adults doing so use more than one social media platform, such as Insta­gram, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.

Social Media as News Source

People aren’t just using social media to share personal pictures and status updates. Many are using social media as an alternative to reading the newspaper or watching the nightly news. In another Pew Research Center study, 62 percent of adults reported getting their news on social media.[8] This is an increase from 49 percent in 2012, indicating that there is a significant shift in how news is sup­plied and consumed in just a few years. As is their intention, headline-grabbing news articles stir up emotional reactions such as fear, shock, anger, and disgust. The likelihood of such news going viral increases exponentially. The problem oc­curs when the news that is being shared is heavily biased, inflated, or just downright fake.

Another element that has impacted the acceptance of fake news is the general distrust of the media. A recurring theme throughout the 2016 presidential election focused on whether the media is honest or not. Indeed, Trump’s campaign focused on the “corrupt” media, and many have criticized cable news outlets for giving an overwhelming amount of free air time to scandalous topics while only marginally focusing on actual politi­cal issues.

This wariness of the media drives many people to trust “underground” news sources as opposed to cable news or a paper at the newsstand. If people don’t feel like the news sources of yesteryear are delivering hardline journalism, they’ll seek it out elsewhere. Their lukewarm feelings toward the media may even be validated if they feel that these alterna­tive resources are delivering the “untold stories” that are overlooked in the “main­stream” media.

The Post-Fact Landscape

A lack of confidence in the news has created what many call a “post-fact” political landscape. National Public Radio (NPR) reported that a general trust in fact-checking has fallen.[9] Those with “low political knowledge” were only 24 percent likely to be interested in fact-checking. Even those who scored highly in their political knowledge were only 46 percent likely to care about reading a fact-check.

Sometimes the disregard for facts and statistics is outright hostile. In an episode of the This American Life podcast, Alex Nowraseth, an immigration expert with the CATO Institute (a libertarian think tank in Washington, DC), described how he is often called a traitor or a liar when he shares statistics about the slowing down of illegal immigration that contra­dicts the narrative popularized in the elec­tion.[10] If someone is consuming informa­tion from fake news sites, any statistic from a credible agency or think tank may be construed as a media machine funded or bought by the politicians. When people are already skeptical of the media, they are more apt to turn away from truth and toward sources that are little more than fan fiction.

How Do Libraries Fit In?

Clearly fake news is a huge issue that does not have an easy solution. But what­ever steps are taken toward addressing it, public libraries must absolutely be part of the answer. Because of their unique positions as partners, educators, and community champions, librarians have an opportunity to teach information and media literacy, as well as reframe ideas about navigating the Internet.

To begin with, an important step is building trust in the community. Libraries across the country have long been doing just that through the many important programs and initiatives that have created a reputation of libraries as trustworthy organizations. In fact, Americans agree that public libraries are important. The Pew Research Center reported that 77 percent of Americans believe that libraries are es­sential to providing the resources they can trust.[11] Furthermore, 66 percent feel that closing a public library would have a nega­tive impact on their communities. These numbers are hopeful and inspiring.

From providing outreach to local organizations and at events, to partnering with businesses and schools, meaningful relationships are critical to having hon­est conversations about needs, fears, and aspirations. If librarians want the commu­nity to view their public library as a place that provides valuable information and equitable access, community members must feel that the library is their peer, not their patronizer. In a 2012 American Libraries article titled “Community Refer­ence: Making Libraries Indispensable in a New Way,” librarians emphasized the importance of collecting and analyzing data gathered from community conversa­tions, events, and partnerships.[12] Not only does this help librarians discern upcoming library initiatives and programs, but it also provides a unique perspective of how com­munity members are responding to situa­tions both locally and nationally. In a time where people don’t know which sources to believe, having librarians who can guide them to the credible information is crucial.

In addition to outreach and community engagement, ensuring that the library is a safe space for all is imperative. In the wake of the election outcome, there seems to be a nationwide urgency to have open and honest conversations about issues that divide us. The entirety of the election pro­cess proved there are difficult conversa­tions that need to be had. We have to keep talking, even if its uncomfortable. Having respectful and constructive dialogues is a must so that people can feel heard and understood. Public libraries have an oppor­tunity to lead this effort while promising a space where all are welcome regardless of their political or religious affiliation, sexual orientation, immigration status, gender, or race. When people feel like their voices and opinions matter, they may not feel so inclined to find validation through news sources on the Internet. Instead, they may be able to use the connections made in their conversations to form new opinions and critically think about the information they read.

As disturbing as fake news is, it can only exist in perpetuity if readers lack information and media literacy. And it isn’t always easy to spot the difference between fact and fiction. Fake news cre­ators go to lengths to trick readers, and thus, get more traffic to their websites. For example, the fake news site http://abcnews.com.co/ uses a similar URL to the actual ABC News website and even uses a similar logo. Other sites draw on real publication names with a slight ad­justment. For example, The Denver Post published a piece addressing a fake news site called The Denver Guardian, which claimed to be the oldest news source in Denver.[13] A cursory glance, typical of scrolling through social media feed, is un­likely to yield a critical analysis of whether a source is credible. But the impact can be lasting. Seeing a certain headline, regardless of whether it is true or not, can leave a lasting impression about a person, event, or issue. That is why it is so impor­tant to educate patrons about question­ing the information that they encounter while navigating the Internet. Being able to identify credible sources is imperative, particularly amongst young Internet us­ers. The Wall Street Journal reported that a Stanford University study of nearly 8,000 students found that 82 percent of middle schoolers were unable to differentiate be­tween “an ad labeled ‘sponsored content’ and a real news story on a website.”[14] Even in answering reference questions, it is important to walk patrons through the process of finding the information they need. Additionally, introducing patrons to the databases and tools available in the library can open them up to new search strategies. Oftentimes patrons are simply unaware that there are alternative search engines beyond Google.

Public libraries are also well-positioned to provide resources and trainings about how patrons can assess the information that they encounter. Encouraging patrons to think critically about sources (or lack thereof), domain names, pop-up ads, and other indications about source credibility equips them with the tools that they need to be educated readers. Lastly, particu­larly for patrons who are disgruntled with biased news, a list of non-partisan news sources is handy.

Building trust, creating a safe space, and educating patrons are important in combating fake news. But perhaps the most important step that public libraries can take is advocacy. Although studies indicate a general admiration for the library and what it represents, less than half of Americans (48 percent) age sixteen and older have actually visited a library or bookmobile in the last year.[15] This is a problem because public libraries supply citizens with credible newspapers, maga­zines, books, and online resources, not to mention the digital resources, ebooks, and other apps that are also available.

Public libraries must keep on advocat­ing for themselves. Obviously this isn’t a new concept for librarians. Rather, it is essentially part of the job description. However, in this post-election environ­ment, it is especially important that libraries advocate on behalf of their own credibility and for the sake of their com­munities.

So, at minimum, ask people to renew their library cards and encourage regular patrons to flaunt their library pride. At most, develop structured strategies throughout the year. The guide, 52 Ways to Make a Difference—Public Library Advocacy Throughout the Year, offers ideas for building library support on a weekly basis.[16] Advocacy is non-negotiable and a well-informed public depends on it.

Conclusion

The 2016 presidential election may be over, but a lasting effect is in place: the prevalence of fake news. More important­ly, this is a time to recognize the impor­tance of public libraries and their potential to provide communities with the resources and information that they need.

Companies are taking steps to combat fake news. Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, rolled out a strategy to cir­cumvent the spread of fake news on Face­book.[17] This includes improving detection, flagging news as fake, and creating new streams to report fake news. Addition­ally, Google is restricting fake news sites from being able to use AdSense.[18] These efforts are important and should be cel­ebrated. Yet they do not solve the reason why people are reading fake news. This is where public libraries are a necessary component to this fight.

From competitive industry analyses, legal resources, and scholarly journal ar­ticles to recipe books and the latest thrill­ers, libraries are stocked with resources and staffed with people who can direct patrons to everything they need. It is necessary for public librarians to educate themselves about credible sources and be prepared to share that information with their community. Educating communi­ties on information and media literacy through tutorials and workshops can curb the consumption of fake news.

More importantly, building meaning­ful relationships and creating safe spaces for open discourse helps identify the public library as a place that community members can trust and librarians as people they can believe in. Information and media literacy is a bipartisan issue and a functioning democracy demands informed citizens. Public libraries are criti­cal to that effort.

References

[1] American Library Association, Presidential Committee on Information Literacy: Final Report (Chicago: American Library Association, 1989), accessed Dec. 9, 2016, www.ala .org/acrl/publications/whitepapers/presidential.

[2] Media Literacy Project, “What Is Media Literacy?”, n.d., accessed Dec. 9, 2016, https://www.medialiteracyproject.org/learn/media-literacy.

[3] PBS, “Yellow Journalism,” 1999, accessed Dec. 9, 2016, www.pbs.org /crucible/journalism.html.

[4] Sapna Maheshwari, “How Fake News Goes Viral: A Case Study,” The New York Times (Nov. 20, 2016), accessed Dec. 9, 2016, www.nytimes.com/2016/11/20 /business/media/how-fake-news -spreads.html.

[5] Abby Ohlheiser, “This Is How Facebook’s Fake-News Writers Make Money,” Washington Post, Nov. 18, 2016, accessed Dec. 10, 2016, www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-intersect/wp/2016/11/18/this-is-how-the-internets-fake-news-writers-make-money.

[6] Craig Silverman et al., “Hyperpartisan Facebook Pages Are Publishing False and Misleading Information at an Alarming Rate,” Buzzfeed, October 20, 2016, accessed Dec. 10, 2016, www.buzzfeed.com/craigsilverman/partisan-fb-pages-analysis?utm_term=.egZ64p0D8k#.io23gBE1yX.misinfo?utm_term=.qrW6QGaME&mc_cid=97404c62ae&mc_eid=0c1eeb9960#.opqpnYGW8.

[7] Shannon Greenwood, Andrew Perrin, and Maeve Duggan, “Social Media Update 2016,” Pew Research Center, Nov. 11, 2016, accessed Dec. 10, 2016, www.pewinternet.org/2016/11/11/social -media-update-2016.

[8] Jeffrey Gottfried and Elisa Shearer, “News Use Across Social Media Platforms 2016,” Pew Research Center, May 26, 2016, accessed Dec. 9, 2016, www.journalism.org/2016/05/26/news-use-across-social-media-platforms-2016.

[9] Danielle Kurtzleben, “Do Fact Checks Matter?,” NPR.org, Sept. 27, 2016, accessed Dec. 10, 2016, www.npr.org/2016/09/27/495233627/do-fact-checks-matter.

[10] “599: Seriously?”, This American Life Radio Archive, Nov. 3, 2016, accessed Dec. 10, 2016, www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/599 /seriously.

[11] John B. Horrigan, “Americans’ Attitudes Toward Public Libraries,” Pew Research Center, Sept. 9, 2016, accessed Dec. 10, 2016, www.pewinternet.org/2016/09/09 /americans-attitudes-toward-public -libraries.

[12] Amy Long et al., “Community Reference: Making Libraries Indispensable in a New Way,” American Libraries, June 13, 2012, accessed Dec. 10, 2016, https://www.americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2012/06/13/community-reference-making-libraries-indispensable-in-a-new-way.

[13] Eric Lubbers, “There Is No Such Thing as the Denver Guardian, Despite That Facebook Post You Saw,” The Denver Post, Nov. 5, 2016, accessed Dec. 1o, 2016, www.denverpost.com/2016/11/05 /there-is-no-such-thing-as-the-denver -guardian.

[14] Sue Shellenbarger, “Most Students Don’t Know When News Is Fake, Stanford Study Finds,” The Wall Street Journal, Nov. 21, 2016, accessed Dec. 1o, 2016, www.wsj.com/articles/most -students-dont-know-when-news-is -fake-stanford-study-finds-1479752576.

[15] John B. Horrigan, “Libraries 2016,” Pew Research Center, Sept. 9, 2016, accessed Dec. 13, 2016, www.pewinternet.org /2016/09/09/libraries-2016.

[16] Camila Alire, Patty Wong, and Julie Todaro, “52 Ways to Make a Difference— Public Library Advocacy Throughout the Year,” American Library Association, Sept.2009, accessed Dec. 10, 2016, www.ala.org/advocacy/sites/ala.org .advocacy/files/content/advleg/advocacy university/frontline_advocacy/frontline _public/52ways.pdf.

[17] Ashley May, “How Facebook Plans to Crack down on Fake News,” USA Today, Nov. 20, 2016, accessed Dec. 10, 2016, www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2016 /11/19/how-facebook-plans-crack-down -fake-news/94123842.

[18] Nick Wingfield, Mike Isaac, and Katie Benner, “Google and Facebook Take Aim at Fake News Sites,” The New York Times, Nov. 14, 2016, accessed Dec. 10, 2016, www.nytimes.com/2016/11/15 /technology/google-will-ban-websites -that-host-fake-news-from-using-its -ad-service.html.

The post FEATURE | Public Libraries in the Age of Fake News first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

On an international level, former librarians in Tokyo, Japan are collecting and preserving historical maps that plot out U.S. air raid damage from World War II. One of the former librarians, Gen Yamazaki has both a professional and personal connection to these maps. As a library professional during the war, he was responsible for guiding patrons to safe locations during air raid strikes. On more than one occasion, he witnessed death, tragedy, and loss of land and personal property due to these air raids.

In an effort to preserve these rare documents, he also hopes that young people will “see the discovery of such maps as a ‘milestone’ toward peace and a ‘lesson’ about the misery of war.” [1] Throughout political and social changes, history is being created within our very communities and within our library collections without even realizing it. Future generations of patrons will form their own conclusions of their community’s history based on these documents.

In my own library, we are currently working toward organizing and preparing documents for digitization so that members of the public can have equitable access to newspapers, maps, photographs, and other documents that give insight into their collective history. As anyone who has performed genealogy or local history research can attest, there are often realms of the past that we did not know about, have forgotten, or simply do not understand. Nevertheless, it is imperative to determine how this type of local-level information can be stored and made accessible.

While my library’s local history collection clearly differs from the local historical map collection that Mr. Yamazaki is preserving, it is important to for professional librarians to understand the significance of community stories and histories, as well as determine where the public library fits into the conversation.

^[1] Iwakiri, Nozomi. “Ex-librarians Collect Tokyo Air Raid Maps in Effort to Promote Peace.” The Japan Times. (2015). Web. 22 Nov. 2015. http://bit.ly/1I8l63

The post Preserving History first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

A recent article in American Libraries Magazine provided details about libraries that have boosted their services to immigrant and refugee populations. Through the Department of Justice, the Board of Immigration Appeals Recognition and Accreditation permits training to non-lawyers of nonprofit organizations “to legally represent immigrants.” The training is intense, lasting several months, and libraries can go for partial or full accreditation, which adjusts duties to filling out US Citizenship and Immigration Services forms to representing individuals before courts and Executive Office for Review. [1]

As the article mentions, there are approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States, many of whom no doubt use the library. If we are to extend services equitably to library users, many libraries may feel a duty to provide immigration services as well. In my experience as a librarian, I know that some residents who are not citizens are hesitant to obtain a library card or register for a library program; perhaps they are afraid that the library staff will investigate their background. Therefore, moving towards a model where library staff are knowledgeable and equipped to provide limited legal services to those seeking citizenship could be a healthy move toward building a trusting and open relationship with these library users. This will no doubt take time, patience, and proper facilitation.

My take on this service? While I think that this is an example of a timely and important service, I do want to remind the library profession that when we consider implementing new practices and models into the library, we must remember that we cannot be all things to all people. Yes, the needs of our communities are as diverse as its residents, but we also must recognize when it is appropriate for us to provide the services or to partner with an organization that can provide them more effectively. In this instance, many of the libraries feel that they cannot confidently refer library users to other local organizations due to fraudulent businesses and government offices that are inundated with requests. It is important for us to continually assess our community, the local services available, and what our role should be.

Read more at American Libraries Magazine: http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/librarians-as-immigration-lawyers/

[1] Dankowski, Terra. “Librarians as Immigration Lawyers | American Libraries Magazine.” American Libraries Magazine. 17 Sept. 2015. Web. 12 Oct. 2015. <http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/librarians-as-immigration-lawyers/>.

The post Immigration Services at the Library: A New Approach to Pathways to Citizenship first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

Although the article addresses economic infrastructure, Thompson brings up some interesting points that made this librarian ponder about the evolving role of public libraries in our communities. To begin with, Thompson quotes that “most people want to work, and are miserable when they cannot. The ills of unemployment go well beyond the loss of income.”² He relates this to an inherent need for humans to have a consistent routine that is filled with a sense of purpose, productivity, and regular socialization. Thompson continues to explain how changing technology will make the way for “communal creativity” in order to fulfill these needs. As 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, and other maker objects become increasingly available to the general public, more people will be able to tinker, create, design, and even develop their own businesses. Even without tinker toys, our current addiction to social media proves that people enjoy creation through uploading home grown music and videos, sharing pictures, and pinning crafts on Pinterest. Thompson explains that we will move from an economy based on consumption to a “new artisanal economy…an economy geared around self-expression, where people would do artistic things with their time.”³

While this may fulfill the need to be productive and creative, Thomspon writes that we would still need to address the issue of loneliness and isolation, both as individuals and as a community. Therefore, he proposes that “local governments might do well to create more and more ambitious community centers or other public spaces where residents can meet, learn skills, bond around sports or crafts, and socialize.”⁴ This aligns with many public libraries that not only provide instruction and community events, but also maker opportunities.

Public libraries must evolve with society. Public libraries are no longer needed to look up basic information that can now be found on Google; instead libraries are in a position to have more meaningful, deeper relationships with our communities as their economies, needs, and goals change. No longer are public libraries simply repositories for information, but places for learning, creation, exploration, and relationship building. Above all, public libraries will become a place for people to form a sense of identity with their community.

References

1. Thompson, Derek. “A World Without Work.” Atlantic 1 July 2015: 53. Print.
2. Thompson, Derek. “A World Without Work.” Atlantic 1 July 2015: 56. Print
3. Thompson, Derek. “A World Without Work.” Atlantic 1 July 2015: 56. Print
4. Thompson, Derek. “A World Without Work.” Atlantic 1 July 2015: 59. Print

The post Public Libraries in a Jobless Society first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

Open eBooks Initiatives is set to “make over $250 million in popular e-books from major publishers available, for free, to children from low-income families.” This will be accomplished through an app designed by New York Public Library, Digital Public Library of America, and First Book and funded by IMLS. The ConnecteED Library Challenge steps in by collaborating with 30 communities to ensure that every student has a library card and will be able to access these e-books.[1]

Not connected with this initiative, but a very timely piece, is Nicholas Kristof’s New York Times Op-Ed “The Power of Hope is Real.” Nicholas Kristof is a journalist who brings awareness to social injustice, global poverty, and economic struggles on a global and national landscape. He and his wife, Sheryl WuDunn, authored Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide and, more recently, A Path Appears: Transforming Lives, Creating Opportunity. His latest addition to his regular column discusses hope and begs the question: “Could hopelessness and stress create a ‘poverty trap’ — abroad or here in the U.S. — in which people surrender to a kind of whirlpool of despair?”[2] Bringing in randomized studies and statistics, Kristof explains that one’s motivation and outlook on life can dramatically brighten when given a ray of sunshine (hope).

As librarians, we can all agree that a major perk of the job is helping people by introducing them to resources, websites, and books that can change their day, week, month, or even their life. Personally, as the Business Liaison Librarian, one of my favorite moments is when I teach a job seekers course to participants who feel overwhelmed and disgruntled with the job search process. However, after class they are now equipped with new search strategies, effective databases, and optimism. I know that you have similar stories too.

It’s in this spirit that the White House proposal with IMLS, Open eBooks Initiatives, and ConnectED Library Challenge is truly valuable. The inspiration, enthusiasm, and hope for the future that these students (and their parents) experience when they are introduced to a new world of literacy, education, and opportunity are what really matter.

Sources:

[1] “President Obama Announces Open EBooks and ConnectED Library Challenge.” Press Releases. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 May 2015.

[2] Kristof, Nicholas. “The Power of Hope Is Real.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 20 May 2015. Web. 21 May 2015.

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IGNITE International Girl’s Hackathon, a project supported by Global Fund for Women, is an exciting new addition to hacker culture. The event was held this past February and consisted of more than 70 girls from 5 cities throughout the world. They worked collaboratively to create digital websites, apps, or other forms of technology that would lead to safe physical and virtual space for women worldwide. The Global Fund for Women reported that teams were from Taipei, Taiwan, Trivandrum, India, Porto Alegre, Brazil, and New York and Oakland, United States. For 24 hours the groups of girls built innovative digital tools that would help women locally and internationally.

Last June, I wrote about the Hour of Code, an effort by code.org to have students and educators learn coding.^[2] To increase awareness for the event, code.org published some staggering statistics about the groups of people who are marginalized from coding and computer science. Amongst these statistics were women, who account for only 12% of computer science degrees in the United States.^[3]

So it should go without saying that I really admire the IGNITE International Girl’s Hackathon initiative. Not only does it bring young women into the conversation and provide solutions for decreasing gender violence and discrimination, but also it is being accomplished through one of the fields where women are dramatically underrepresented. Some of the projects that these teams designed were online support forums, apps that connect users with emergency resources in any given location, self-defense training tutorials, and a job-skills exchange platform. You can learn more about IGNITE International Girl’s Hackathon at http://bit.ly/1boT0qt.

How does this fit into the sphere of libraries? Well, promoting hackathons or hacking culture at the library is still a new concept, but not unheard of. In 2011, NPR wrote an article about libraries that are providing hackerspaces.^[4] Additionally, Georgia Public Library Services and Denver Public Library have sponsored events and opportunities for hacking and coding. ^[5][6]On a smaller scale, libraries are teaching patrons how to code or directing them to useful tutorials.^[7] Since libraries are organizations that promote information access and cultural discourse, I find #hackgirlsrights an inspiration for libraries that want to incorporate relevant social issues by hosting a hacker night with an aim toward an achievable goal. As a Business Liaison Librarian, I’m particularly interested in the possibly of working with social entrepreneurs that want to design and deliver websites and applications that fit their cause.

What do you think of IGNITE International Girl’s Hackathon? Do you think that you will incorporate something similar at your library? Share your comments below.

^[1]“What Is a Hackathon? – Definition from Techopedia.” Techopedias. Web. 16 Apr. 2015. <http://www.techopedia.com/definition/23193/hackathon)>.

^[2] Web. 16 Apr. 2015. <https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2014/06/code-at-your-library/).>

^[3] “What’s Wrong with This Picture?” Code.org. Web. 16 Apr. 2015. <http://code.org/stats>

^[4] “Libraries Make Room For High-Tech ‘Hackerspaces'” NPR. NPR. Web. 16 Apr. 2015. <http://www.npr.org/2011/12/10/143401182/libraries-make-room-for-high-tech-hackerspaces>.

^[5] “Hacking the Library: 48 Hours To Better Libraries Through Collaborative Technology.”Hacking the Library: 48 Hours To Better Libraries Through Collaborative Technology. Web. 16 Apr. 2015. http://glean.georgialibraries.org/hacking-the-library-48-hours-to-better-libraries-through-collaborative-technology/.

^[6] “Hacking, Making, and Coding at the Library.” Hacking, Making, and Coding at the Library. Web. 16 Apr. 2015. <https://www.denverlibrary.org/blog/hacking-making-and-coding-library>.

^[7] “Effectively Learning How To Code: Tips and Resources.” ACRL TechConnect Blog. 10 Dec. 2012. Web. 16 Apr. 2015. http://acrl.ala.org/techconnect/?p=2460.

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The E-Rate program is built to “help libraries gain affordable, high capacity broadband. . . ; boost library participation in the program; and increase the efficiency of the application and review process” for eligible libraries. Furthermore, the “Got E-Rate?” page lists information about the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reforms of the E-Rate programs and what this means to libraries, particularly public libraries. The page has a lot of information that may or may not be difficult for you to decipher, so I recommend taking a look at “Library Leaders: E-Rate Opportunities Take Center Stage” by Marijke Visser.

Visser breaks down the main take-aways of the E-Rate program with these points:

1. About $1.5 billion has been added to the funding for the E-Rate program
2. The American Library Association, Public Library Association, state library agencies, and other organizations will produce E-rate resources that are aimed to provide libraries that are interested in applying for E-rate funding with “communications, education, practical tools, and technical support.”
3. Increasing broadband capacity is not simply for rural libraries, but also applies to suburban and urban libraries that may need to expand their services.

After reading both of these articles, I had a few initial thoughts:

1. As a librarian, I am (typically) aware and/or reminded of the digital divide in communities. Connecting and working with librarians throughout the state and nation has exposed me to the different resources available (or unavailable) to public libraries and the disparities between communities. However…
2. …as an individual, I tend to forget about things like the “digital divide.” This is easy to do when I’m in my own little world, streaming music from my iPhone on my way to work, and watching Netflix on Apple TV at home. But…
3. ..the digital divide is real. Just take a look at the statistics, “How Americans Go Online” published by Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Library Project. The graph shows the correlation between lower income and education levels with lower access to Internet usage at home and in general. Race and geographic location affect the result.

The Internet is a necessity for not just checking email or research, but also for applying for jobs, learning new technological skills, and gaining confidence. If a person is unable to have broadband access at home, it is all the more imperative that their local library have sufficient access to not only bridge the gap in the digital divide, but also in digital literacy. What are your experiences with broadband access in your community?

Sources

“Got E-rate?” Got E-rate? Web. 22 Feb. 2015. http://www.ala.org/advocacy/goterate

“Library Leaders: E-rate Opportunities Take Center Stage.” District Dispatch. 28 Jan. 2015. Web. 1 Mar. 2015. http://www.districtdispatch.org/2015/01/library-leaders-e-rate-opportunities-take-center-stage

“How Americans Go Online.” Pew Research Centers Internet American Life Project RSS. 24 Sept. 2013. Web. 24 Feb. 2015. <http://www.pewinternet.org/2013/09/25/how-americans-go-online/>.

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A few months ago, Arlington Heights Memorial Library’s Shannon Distel, Business Services Supervisor; Julie Kittredge, Business Services Advisor; and I ventured out to Chicago to visit five different coworking spaces. Our goal was to better understand the needs and values of entrepreneurs. If you aren’t familiar with coworking spaces, they are shared workspaces where entrepreneurs can have a place to work, meet, create, and collaborate. Chicago boasts more than 100 coworking spaces.[2] Some are geared toward start-ups while others cater to long-time entrepreneurs; you’ll find kitchens and showers in some and gyms in others. Additionally coworking spaces can act as tech-friendly incubators or artsy blank canvases.

Regardless of the space, the trend and message is clear: entrepreneurs want to work where it is quiet but also allows for collaboration; where they can get creative but have business meetings with clients. It is so important for libraries and librarians to recognize this fundamental need of so many entrepreneurs. The good news is that meeting entrepreneur needs simply means ascribing to the coworking concept. Here are some steps that Shannon, Julie, and I have taken:

• Host networking sessions. Shannon and Julie are starting networking sessions that are open to all small businesses, solopreneurs, entrepreneurs, and business enthusiasts. At these sessions, either Shannon or Julie will be in the library’s Business Center to provide information on business services and resources like the business book collections, business magazines and newspapers, investment newsletters, and library databases. Additionally, they will encourage these professionals to network and share business information. Something else that you can do before a business program or workshop is to encourage the participants to introduce themselves and share a little bit about their business and expertise. The important thing is that you are encouraging people to make connections. See more information on networking sessions at http://www.ahml.info/business.

• Rethink programming. This winter, I will have fashion students from a local community college bring their designs and collections to the library. In a casual environment where people can mix and mingle, participants will have an opportunity to talk at greater length with these fashion entrepreneurs and form meaningful relationships. Additionally, Shannon and Julie host quarterly networking book discussions for professionals to exchange business cards and have a thoughtful conversation.

• Share stories. At the Barrington Area Library, I have an ongoing entrepreneur podcast series in which I interview local entrepreneurs about their business path.[3] These recordings are posted on our website and social media. Additionally, in the ongoing Business: It’s Better in Barrington series, local business owners can share their story with the community in the form of videos.[4] Again, this is shared on our website and social media.

Human connections are the main reason that entrepreneurs are drawn to coworking spaces. These professionals do not want to work from home or at an anonymous coffee shop; they want to develop meaningful relationships, share their opinions, and receive feedback from peers. The library has an opportunity to be one of those places where entrepreneurs can succeed and thrive.

Works Cited:

[1] “The Difference Between a Solopreneur and a Side-Gigger (Infographic).” Entrepreneur. Web. 14 Dec. 2014. <http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/239522>.

[2] “Has Co-working Jumped the Shark in Chicago?” Crain’s Chicago Business. Web. 14 Dec. 2014. <http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20141108/ISSUE02/311089997/has-co-working-jumped-the-shark-in-chicago>.

[3] https://soundcloud.com/balibrary

[4] http://www.balibrary.org/business/videos.html

The post Working Outside the Box: Meeting the Needs of Entrepreneurs first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

As host of the podcasts, each week  I speak with a different person who has a unique perspective on owning a business. I’ve spoken with seasoned to newly minted business owners, franchise-owners, and people who are turning their business into a franchise. The podcasts are recorded on GarageBand, but Audacity also works. While some interviews have lasted between 20-35 minutes, the majority average 10-15 minutes. I upload the recording to SoundCloud and publish it on our library website and social media. To date I have hosted 10 business podcasts.

I have also taught a class on Podcasting 101 and was surprised at the variety of participants. In addition to business owners, there were educators who wanted to create a podcast for their students, nonprofit organizations who wanted to provide weekly updates and information on their causes, and comedians. The beauty of podcasting is that it works for a variety of users. And as podcasts can be created very easily and uploaded in a matter of minutes, they are a great way to easily and quickly share stories and connect community members.

While my podcast series may not have all the bells and whistles of a professional series—nor do I expect it to be as popular as Serial —I have gotten positive feedback from listeners. They are appreciative of the insights and stories of their peers and fellow community members. In the community that I serve, nearly 80% of businesses only consist of 1-4 employees, so we know that our podcast series topic resonates with our community. Have you used a podcast in your library? If so, share a link below so that we can check it out. You can listen the Barrington Area Library’s Entrepreneur series  here.

The post Creating Podcasts to Share Community Stories first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

Many libraries are completely eliminating their reference collections to make room, both physically and financially, for other resources including ebooks and databases. In many respects, going digital just makes more sense. For example, when you compare the limitations of a physical reference collection, it’s an obvious choice to choose the digital route. Choosing a digital reference collection means that the information is (generally) easier to find, the ability to conduct extensive searches is greater, multiple people can access the resource simultaneously, and it can typically be utilized outside the library network.

However choosing the digital option for books, while increasingly a part of our lives, does not necessarily have such a clear answer. True, it has become much simpler to actually download the ebook onto a device compared to the confusing process that it used to be, but many ebooks can only be accessed by one patron at a time despite the fact that it’s not a physical item. Additionally, some vendors impose maximum usage limits. The Digital Shift survey reports that the average ebook price is $23.00, and I know from discussions with fellow library employees that it’s not uncommon to see popular titles going up to as much as $80.

In this respect, the decision to go digital isn’t exactly cut and dry for all libraries. With schools starting to lend out tablets to their students and ebook reading becoming a normalized practice, many libraries are at a crossroads: embrace the digital age despite the financial burden and limitations it may impose or limit the library and its patrons from embracing 21st century digital trends in place of cost-effective book purchasing?

While there is a lot of hype about completely digital, bookless libraries, I personally think that there will always be a marriage between digital and physical books in public libraries. The underlying issue is how public libraries, particularly those facing budget cuts, are supposed to create this partnership in their collections? Unlike the way databases have replaced the physical reference material, this e-book digital shift isn’t necessarily an obvious one for all.

What are your ideas on best ways for public libraries to walk the ebook/book line? Share your comments below.

For statistics on ebook purchasing and circulation and ereader and tablet usage, you can read the full survey here: http://www.thedigitalshift.com/2014/10/ebooks/survey-library-ebook-growth-slowing-still-substantial/

Works Cited:

“Survey: Library Ebook Growth Slowing but Still Substantial.” The Digital Shift. 30 Oct. 2014. Web. 30 Dec. 2014. <http://www.thedigitalshift.com/2014/10/ebooks/survey-library-ebook-growth-slowing-still-substantial/>.

Cover Image Credit: Jorghex CC BY-SA 3.0

The post Shelf Life: The Balancing Act Between Physical and Digital Books first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

These are five steps to becoming embedded in your business community:

• Create a list of groups, businesses, or business people that you might work with.  Think of  standard groups such as the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Village Hall Merchant Group, Small Business Development Center, and any local career places. Then think of the not-so-typical organizations: church employment ministries, entrepreneur forums, community colleges, and networking groups. Also check out meetup.com to find what types of business or entrepreneur groups are meeting in your area.
• Once you have a list of groups that you would like to connect with, get in touch with someone from that organization. Explain that you would appreciate an opportunity to attend an upcoming meeting to discuss some of the resources that the local library has for small business owners/ business people/ job seekers.
• Whether you have 10 minutes to speak or an hour, make your information relevant to your group. I try to refrain from mentioning typical library things like “we have business books” because that doesn’t surprise people. Talk about the type of resources that they would have no idea the library has: subscribed databases, technology training opportunities, meeting spaces, one-on-one appointments, workshops, and so forth. Make the presentation fun and interactive.
• The worst thing that you can do once you’ve got your foot in the door is to say “thank you for your time” and leave. You must create follow-up opportunities: promote an upcoming event at the library, offer to provide a group training session on a particular database or technology, and emphasize that you’re available for individual appointments. Have your business cards ready to pass out.
• Keep your face in the business community by attending as many opportunities as you are able. Try and think outside the box: ribbon cutting events, open houses, networking scrambles, exhibits, career fairs, job seeker series, etc. The same type of people go to these events so it’s a great opportunity to learn about the business community, find out what their needs are, and develop your reputation.

It’s important to remember that being truly embedded in your business community is not something that will happen over night. It will take time and a willingness to put yourself out there and listen to people’s stories about their business or career journey. The ultimate goal is to move from a mindset of “it’s strange that the library is involved in the business community” to a mindset of “it would be strange if the public library weren’t involved in the business community.”

Are you trying to reach out to the business community? What has your experience been like so far? Share your comments below!

The post Embedded Business Librarianship in 5 Steps first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

First of all, Gwyn and I decided to host a virtual library conference on Google Hangouts after attending the 2014 PLA Conference in Indianapolis, IN. I don’t know if you’ve been to PLA before but it’s such an amazing opportunity to meet and learn from fellow public librarians. One of my favorite parts was participating in Spark Talks (link to article about SparkTalks: https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2014/04/fast-five-my-experience-as-a-spark-talks-presenter/). Gwyn and I discussed using Google Hangouts On Air to livestream library programs. We received a lot of positive feedback and had so much fun learning new ideas from other librarians that we wanted to continue the conversation.

Fast forward a couple of months and we decided to experiment: we would use Google Hangouts On Air to connect with librarians in a virtual conference, which we named Library OnConference. The conference would include a keynote presentation and then small group hangout sessions based on topics of interest. It would be free and since it was on Google Hangouts, there were no travel costs.The support that we received from fellow librarians was truly amazing: R. David Lankes agreed to deliver the keynote presentation and nine different librarians agreed to moderate small group hangout sessions that included Digital Librarianship, Business Librarianship, Community Engagement, and Reader’s Advisory.

We also created a website for the conference and a Twitter account. After that was in line, we asked people to spread the word and were pleasantly surprised to see that over 60 people registered for the conference from around the country.

On conference day, R. David Lankes delivered an incredible keynote speech that focused on continuous learning in librarianship (link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zB3Ewz79cKA) and participants broke up into small group hangout sessions afterwards. The whole event went surprisingly smoothly and it was fun to read the Twitter feedback from participants. We sent post-conference surveys that had both positive feedback and suggestions—both of which was very encouraging.

The Pros: It was completely free! Aside from buying the domain for the conference website, there were no start-up fees and absolutely no cost to the participants. Additionally, unlike other virtual conferences where people listen to a presenter but don’t really get to interact, the small group hangout sessions allowed people to share ideas.

The Cons: Like any other online video conference host, you will have your occasional background interruptions or connection issues. Additionally, ensuring that participants had proper training and equipment, like headsets and microphones, was a challenge.

So would we do it again? Absolutely. It was a great learning experience for everybody involved in the conference. There are things that we will change and tweak for a future Library OnConference, like improving pre-conference training sessions and the registration process. But we definitely want to do this again!

Should you host a virtual library conference? Yes! It’s challenging but also energizing to see library colleagues from around the nation connecting with one another. Even if you just use Google Hangouts to “hangout” with people that you’ve met at an in-person conferences, it’s a fantastic, free way to continue to build library relationships.

Learn more about the conference and the moderators at www.liboncon.com. Are you interested in organizing in a virtual conference?  Share your thoughts below!  

Cover Photo Credit: Scott Maxwell

The post A Free Virtual Conference for Librarians? It’s On! first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

The American Library Association recently published the 2013 Digital Inclusion Survey that supports this. The Digital Inclusion Survey—which was conducted by the American Library Association, the Information Policy & Access Center at the University of Maryland, and the International City/County Management Association, and funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services—aims to explain “how public libraries help build digitally inclusive communities.” In a national survey conducted between September and November 2013, public libraries reported whether or not they provide public access to computers and the Internet, digital services, instruction for digital literacy, and tools for “civic engagement, education, health and wellness, and workforce/employment.”

The website (http://digitalinclusion.umd.edu/content/2013-digital-inclusion-survey-results-published) allows you to view results on an interactive map that allows you to search by library name or geographic area. This is especially interesting when seeing how public libraries compare on a national and state level. For example, when I compared the northern half and southern part of Illinois, the responses were pretty comparable in terms of Color Printing, Laptops, Internet, Scanners, Internet Skills, Online Learning, and Computer Skills. Yet there is a significant difference in the amount of computers available. In northern Illinois, there are over 2,000 computers at public libraries compared to less than 1,000 in southern Illinois. However, you can also see geographic demographics, so if there are significantly less people living in southern Illinois this may account for fewer computers.

Another interesting feature is the “State Details” tab that lets you see how a state measures up to the national response. Illinois public libraries are on par with the national average for educational programs and exceed the national average for summer reading. However, Illinois falls short by nearly 10% of the national average of “general familiarity with new technologies” and almost 4% of “mobile apps to access library resources and services.”

Nevertheless, the report is a refreshing reminder of the valuable services libraries offer. 98% of public libraries provide “some form of technological training to patrons” and 95% of public libraries provide assistance with employment resources. As a business liaison, this is particularly encouraging to read.

The Digital Inclusion Survey is a significant way to see how public libraries are excelling and where they are falling short. In our ever-changing digital world, these types of figures are so important for us to be aware of. If we want to continue to be vital resources to our communities, we need to be cognizant of how we can improve the resources and tools that are available at our libraries.

All of the facts and information in this essay were taken from the Digital Inclusion Survey website (http://digitalinclusion.umd.edu/content/2013-digital-inclusion-survey-results-published). Check it out to see the results from your library and/or geographic area. The 2014 survey will begin collecting data this September.

The post Surveying the Digital Inclusion Survey first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

Anyone interested in publishing news is no doubt intrigued with the latest Amazon-Hachette debacle. For those of you who are not privy to what has been going on, I’ll catch you up to speed. Basically, Amazon and Hachette are disputing e-book pricing. Hachette, publisher of authors like James Patterson, Michael Connelly, and J.K Rowling, is reluctant to agree to Amazon’s prices and royalty agreements for e-books. As a result, books published by Hachette are now unavailable for pre-order on Amazon, are significantly reduced in stock, and/or take much longer to ship than they ordinarily would. For a breakdown of the scenario, I highly recommend this article.

As the debate continues, the New York Public Library hosted a panel on July 1^st titled “Amazon: Business As Usual?” Among the panelists were James Patterson, attorney Bob Kohn, and David Vandagriff, the unofficial Amazon representative since Amazon did not send an official person to the debate.

The center of the debate is Amazon’s relationship to its publishers, in this instance Hachette. However, there are many questions and topics under this umbrella. As explained in the debate by attorney Bob Kohn, Amazon’s main objective is that “consumers are always better off with lower prices.” In another spin, David Vandagriff explained that Amazon pays “self-published authors 70% of profits on their e-book titles, compared to 25% from the major publishers.” Amazon’s almost Wal-Mart-esque stance for low prices will no doubt  affect writers, publishing companies, even  chains like Barnes & Noble, and traditional brick and mortar businesses. If the public demands and continues to anticipate low prices for the latest books and e-books, then Amazon is king.

As of this writing, no official decisions have been made. But one thing is clear: the publishing and e-book marketing landscape is completely changing forever. In this digital and globalized age, major corporations like Amazon reach broader audiences and can provide low-cost books with instant delivery. Additionally, self-published authors have more options to earn profits by partnering with Amazon. However, if Amazon does monopolize the publishing world, major changes will occur not only in the world of publishing, but also in official contracts with authors and traditional bookstores. Whether or not this is a good or bad thing is also still up for debate.

As public librarians, we no doubt understand how unsteady relationships with publishers and vendors can be regarding e-books. Clearly, these difficult scenarios are not limited to library land. In considering how Amazon will change the face of the publishing world, particularly with e-books, I wonder how this will affect e-book distribution to public libraries. What are your thoughts? Share them with me in the comments section.

For more details about the panel discussion, check at “How Do You Solve a Problem Like Amazon?” by Boris Kachka.

The post Amazon vs Hachette: Will There Be a Winner? first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

The Huffington Post recently published 13 Google Search Tricks That Make Life a Whole Lot Easier by Carina Kolodny. The article shares examples of how you can use Google as more than just a basic search engine to find out what date is Leonardo Dicaprio’s birthday (…just me?). Let’s take converting currency, for example. As we all know, there are many websites out there to help you do this. But did you know that you could get a currency conversion right in the Google search box? I certainly didn’t.

A few of the “tricks” in the article are obvious to anyone who has Googled regularly, much less someone who has a Masters in Library and Information Science. An example of that is “put your search phrase inside quotation marks” when you want to search for an exact phrase or sentence. But many pointers were pretty cool and definitely new to me. My personal favorites were how to search within a website (all you have to do is type “site:” the web address, and the search terms), how to find a GIF (hint: you’ll need to use the advanced search tool in Google Images and click “animated”), and how to search for a news article in a range of dates, which is definitely something that public librarians will find helpful (just add two periods between the date ranges).

Check out the article for detailed instructions on these and other tips. Which was your favorite? How do you use Google on the job? Share your comments below!

The post Tips for More Effective Google Searches first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

• Despite the fact that computer science leads to some of the most top-paying careers, less than 2.4% of college students graduate with a degree in computer science
• Of the 3.6 million High School A.P. exams, less than 3,000 African Americans and Hispanic students took the A.P. computer science test.
• Of the 57% of bachelor’s degrees that women earn, only 12% of computer science degrees are earned by women.
• 9 out of 10 schools don’t offer computer science courses and 30 out of 50 states don’t consider computer science as a part of a math or science requirement for high school graduation.

Click here to view the entire infographic.

In addition to tutorials, Code.org includes resources for educators to bring coding to their respective schools and libraries. During Computer Science Education Week, which is December 8-14, 2014, educators are encouraged to share the Hour of Code platform with their patrons and students. Choose from the variety of tutorials available on computers, tablets, and smart phones. You can even host Hour of Code unplugged by teaching students how to code with good old-fashioned paper and pencil. Hour of Code includes suggestions for setting up the classroom, partnering students together, and how participants can print out certificates of completion.

Are you one of the 35,375,362 who have tried an Hour of Code? If not, there’s a really easy way that you can try it yourself and bring it to your library. Laura Kline, Marketing and Advocacy Program Manager at Code.org, says that libraries can promote the campaign by marking their calendar with the dates December 8-14 and sharing it in newsletters/blogs/social media accounts. Additionally, librarians can print out Hour of Code posters and flyers and post them throughout the library, reach out to local schools about the Hour of Code campaign with sample letters, and host the Hour of Code at the library.

The post Code at Your Library first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

That’s how I felt after PLA 2014. Don’t get me wrong, it was a fantastic conference. So fantastic, in fact, that I left feeling extremely inspired and invigorated with all of the planning, programming, staying in touch, organizing, implementing, and creating that I was going to do upon return to my home library…until I actually returned. Then I just felt overwhelmed, like the “how-am-I-actually-going-to-do-all-of-this” feeling. About a year ago, I met someone who told me about freewriting. She explained that you basically just get all of your ideas on paper for about 20 minutes with absolutely no distractions. That means, turning off your cell phone (hard, I know), walking away from TV, and putting yourself in a quiet setting where you can get all of your thoughts and emotions out on paper. It is supposed to help you process your thoughts, ideas, and feelings so that you can be proactive. Northcentral University Writing Center defines “freewriting” as “writing on the topic without stopping or editing. . . Freewriting is the best way to tap into the unconscious thoughts within the mind.” I decided to give it a try.

It was a little weird to freewrite the first time. I didn’t know how to start or even what to write about so I literally wrote “blah blah blah” until something came to mind. But before I knew it, I couldn’t stop writing. I have been freewriting for about a month now and it’s helped my productivity and creative energy at work. First of all, it lets me process all of the things going on in my mind and get it out on paper. That way I am not distracted at work and can focus on the task at hand, because I’ve already addressed those plans and ideas. Secondly, freewriting helps me create an action plan: which projects to work on first and which projects should wait. It even helps me process whether or not a project is worth pursuing, and therefore, I can focus my time and energy on other worthwhile proposals. And ironically, by clearing out my mind, freewriting has given me even more ideas and plans for my position and library. But it doesn’t feel overwhelming—it’s exciting stuff that I welcome because I know that I have better control of my action plan.

Library and Information Science is a constantly evolving field with new technology and concepts. That’s incredible and I feel fortunate to be a part of it. But with all of these new concepts, proposals, ideas, and technology, librarians can feel overwhelmed. Freewriting is helping me embrace 21st century librarianship completely with no reservations. If you’re interested, give it a try and let me know what you think.

The post Free(write) Your Mind first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

• Get involved with the Chamber of Commerce: Since the former Business Services Liaison had served on a committee for local female business owners, I happily took over that role. Networking with women on the committee, as well as attending networking events through the Chamber of Commerce, has been very useful. Additionally, I attend weekly Lunch and Learn programs to present business resources at the library.
• Teach a class at the local Career Center twice a month: This has been a great opportunity to share library resources for job seekers, particularly those who are looking for new databases other than the Monster and Indeed search engines. I focus on the library databases that are beneficial to further job search.
• Connect with local businesses: We provide business library cards to local businesses that give them access to material, databases, and media equipment. We also offer video services to local businesses. The businesses I reach out to typically pass the word along to their fellow business owners in the community, which is extremely helpful.
• Advertising in the library newsletter: As the new Business Services Liaison, I included a message in the upcoming newsletter that introduced myself and included my contact information. I made it clear that I was available for appointments and to assist in business and job seeker research.

In each of these scenarios, I have been truly amazed by the responses from both job seekers and business owners alike. I have received numerous business cards and passed out just as many. The return rate of people contacting me has been pretty solid so far—I am eager to see it grow in the future. What do you do to connect with the community? Please share your tips in the comment section!

The post Community Connections first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

Fast forward to presentation day: The Spark Talks session was so packed that seating quickly ran out. Toby, Portia, and Kevin did an amazing job introducing the session and the presenters, and setting the tone: —  a forum for amazing ideas, witty comments, and general enthusiasm. The first presenters went up and gave their pitches. The facilitators held true to the five-minute timetables and a horn was blasted if a presenter went one second over. Our was to show how it is possible to livestream library programs, story times, and book discussions to patrons via the computer or smartphone for free.

Disclaimer: Before Spark Talks, I had never done a five-minute presentation before. Sure, I had presented many times on a range of topics, yet all of these speeches had ranged from 25 minutes to 1.5 hours. As the facilitators explained, doing a five-minute pitch was good practice for giving a proposal to a committee, board, or boss.   

Five minutes is a short amount of time to pack in a lot of information, so you really have to get the point across while including the necessary details. Yet, you don’t want to include too many details because people can (and do) get bored easily. So it’s an interesting line to walk: be informative, convincing, and captivating- and do it in 300 seconds.

Another confession: Maybe it is because I have made so many that the shine has completely worn off, but Gwyn and I definitely did not want to create a PowerPoint that included a lot of graphs and diagrams (plus, we didn’t have any graphs or diagrams). Thanks to public domain photos and a lot of embarrassing screen shots of our colleagues (thanks, colleagues!) and ourselves from countless recorded Google Hangout Sessions, we created a presentation that told our story with literally no text- all pictures.

Before we knew it, it was our turn to take the stage. I’m not going to lie: my heart was racing and my palms were sweaty. I even had a fleeting thought of running out of the room, but I decided against it once I realized I would have to do hurdles over the crowd. And so, as our presentation was aptly titled, we “went live.”

And it was great! As soon as we started talking, all of the nerves escaped and we had so much fun sharing our ideas and feeling the appreciation from our peers. With time to spare, Toby, Portia, and Kevin high-fived us as we walked off stage. The best part was that we could sit back and be amazed by all of the incredible ideas that our fellow public librarians had. The part of the Spark Talks description that mentioned becoming “energized” was spot on- I was so grateful to both share and hear so many fantastic proposals for 21^st Century librarianship.

I learned a lot from this experiences: that short and sweet can be just as effective, if not more, than a long presentation; PowerPoint Presentations can be entertaining with no text; being scared is perfectly fine because it gives you adrenaline, and having a fantastic colleague to share the ride with you makes all difference.

The post Fast Five: My Experience as a Spark Talks Presenter first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

So, what exactly is a Library Business Liaison? The short answer is that the Business Liaison collaborates with local businesses and job seekers alike to assist them in their business needs. What I actually do to meet these goals is kind of a mixed bag. For example, one day I will teach a class at a local career center about using library resources to improve job searches; the next day I will host a program about using your iPad for business needs; the following day could mean meeting one-on-one with someone to go over anything from creating lists of targeted companies and consumers to instruction on editing video footage for a commercial. Literally no two days this past month have been the same.

Some background information about myself: during my graduate school days at the University of Illinois, I worked as an Assistant Librarian in Youth Services at the Barrington Area Library. It was my first professional position at a public library and it reaffirmed my decision to pursue a career in public librarianship. After working as an Adult Services Librarian for almost two years, I became the Business Liaison in the Adult Services Department, which combines my passions for instruction, outreach, and connecting with the community. Lucky for me, the former Business Liaison left a wealth of detailed information that has allowed me to (relatively) hit the ground running.

So what’s next? That’s for you and me to find out and that’s why I am looking forward to sharing this journey with you as a contributor to PLOnline. Right now I have plans for programming, making connections with the variety of local businesses in our community, participating in business committees, and teaching our patrons about our many business databases. But the truth is, this position will most likely evolve in ways that I can’t even foresee–and I couldn’t be more intrigued. I am looking forward to connecting with you in library land this 2014! I’d love to hear your thoughts on the business of being a business librarian – talk to me in the comments below!

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