Forthcoming Conferences and Professional Development Opportunities

• CLA 2014 National Conference, Victoria, British Columbia : Victoria Conference Centre: May 28 - 31, 2014 --
  Conference & Registration Information
  Wendy Walton: 613.232.9625 ext 302; Trade Show & Sponsorship:  Judy Green: 613.232.9625 ext 322; email: jgreen@cla.ca
  wwalton@cla.ca 
   
• 2014 Health (medical) Librarians Conference in Montréal

  June 16th to June 20th, 2014

  CHLA/ABSC
  39 River St.
  Toronto, Ontario
  M5A 3P1
  Canada
  TEL: 416-646-1600
  FAX: 416-646-9460
  Email: info@chla-absc.ca 
• 2014 3rd International Conference on Educational and Information Technology (ICEIT 2014) Toronto, Canada
• The International conference on communication systems and computational intelligence (CCSCI 2014) Toronto, Canada
• 1 - 6 November 2013, 76th Annual Meeting of ASIST, Montreal, Canada
• Knowledge management library management, 1 - 3 November 2013
  ICKM 2013; 9th International Conference on Knowledge Management, Montreal, Canada
• 2014 Annual Conference - Special Libraries Association, 8-10 June 2014

  Letter of Recognition – Canadian Border Service Agency - See more, here
• Canadian Library Association | Future Conferences

  • 2014 - Victoria, British Columbia, May 28 - May 31 ... CLA

  Provincial Conference of librarians:

  "A Universe of Possibilities"
  Metro Toronto Convention CentreJanuary 29 – February 1, 2014

Are some degree courses a joke?

Bill Bennett
knowledge workers – for people who are paid to think for a living
December 13th, 2009
"In 2001, Chris Woodhead, England’s chief inspector of schools caused a storm when he accused British universities of devaluing higher education by offering ‘vacuous degrees’.

At the time, London’s The Sunday Times carried a surprisingly candid interview with Woodhead. Among other things he questioned whether many vocational courses deliver on their claims.

Woodhead says many courses don’t prepare students for the real world..." continue reading

BBC News | TALKING POINT | Are some degree courses a joke?

The question about degree courses (vocational, technical or any other type) is valid and an issue even in other countries, where the courses offered may or may not be worth a return-on-investment. A return-on-investment is again a subject matter. And hence, there is a trend to fill the gaps, such as,

SOLVING THE SKILLS GAP.

And this question, frequently bothering those who take a Humanities degree:

What jobs could i get with an MA in history? - Yahoo! UK & Ireland ...

The credibility issue: closing the academic/practitioner gap

EABIS 2008 Knowledge and Learning Forum Catalogue of Initiatives

Another graduate school serving the library field is about to lose the “L” name

Any alumni of Rutgers University, and any LIS professional, including this blogger, will be shocked to read about a revival-cum-survival spirit. Rutgers' is again in news--and LJ has it right on--not for a new Rocket Science, rather it is again about a Name change (undeniably, a debate that has always been our cup of tea!!!):

"as a form of protest, i refuse to come up with a witty title for this post
ok, i feel like i should maybe weigh in on this whole Rutgers dropping 'library' from SCILS situation. i posted a comment on my friend mike's blog, and i guess if i'm gonna speak my mind there, i might as well post it here as well. since i am lazy and don't really feel like spending much time or effort stressing over the whole thing, i'm just going to copy and paste my comment. (and what an easy way to drop a post in, since i haven't written in awhile. heh.)" Quoted from The Info Babe

Interestingly, other Library Schools that have no 'L' word include: Ischool @ University of Toronto, and iSchool at Drexel University; these are two current examples of a trend that will influence others.

See also: What’s the matter with our profession?

Bottomline: Some may wonder why we need the word: 'information' if words are just the matter as was argued in "Information Studies Without Information" In Library Trends 52(3) Winter 2004!!! Hence, are we getting into the same pond and business as in the following story where the naming business is a big business: Fresh Fish Sold Here

Flexibility your mantra for the new year?

Editor’s Note, January 2009

Published by rachel under Editor's Notes

January 2, 2009 - vol. 10, no. 1 - ISSN 1532-0839 @ Info Career Trends

"Happy new year, all! And what better way to start out 2009 than with an eye toward alternative work arrangements — why not make flexibility your mantra for the new year?" continue reading

On the same shelf:

• More Jobs For Librarians Than Ever Before: How True?
• Immigrants in Canada stuck in low-paying jobs -- Stats Can Reports
• Reconciliation (Mantra): This is what the Dalai Lama has to say for 2009

Amazing how mission drives an organization

"I was at the ARL "Library Management Skills Institute I: The Manager" session a couple weeks ago, and it was impressed on me how dramatically the values and perspectives of librarians changed depending on their respective organizations' missions.

I work for a library which has clearly articulated a strategic plan, mission, and values which says that service is one of our core principles. This "patron-first" vision frames the way we see things, and it comes straight from our Dean.

It is in this principle of service that our Dean has justified NOT moving toward ARL status as a library. This is a significant change from the previous administration which had placed ARL status as one of the library's priorities... continue reading: Adam Wathen @ The Thinking Library

22 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Get for Free

"Conventional wisdom holds that you only get what you pay for, but the real free geek knows that with the right knowledge (and maybe a charming smile) pretty much anything, even the good stuff, can be had for less or in the best case scenarios nothing at all. Despite this, there are a number of things out there that don’t seem to scream “free” majority of the time (MIT being one). Here’s a list of a few free things that might surprise you."

The list includes:

• Classes at MIT offers a majority of its curriculum
• Language Lessons @ BBC
• Business Education @ Local business centers
• Computer Classes @ offer workshops
• 411 Service @ (800-FREE-411)
• Used Books @ PaperBackSwap or Title Trader
• Comic Books @ free comics
• CPR Courses @ online
• Much more...
  

info cortesy: http://www.davelafferty.com

How to kill a young librarian's love of librarianship (AKA. A Dispute Resolution Guide)

Thanks to Dr. Wilfred Drew for this inside-box news story.

His list of actions, messages and motivations, all coming from the box around, include many do's and don'ts. I like his do's, as guidelines to be considered by all the concerned (just-in-case they are looking for creative visualizations):

• Award only those that maintain the status quo
• Blame people for failures.
• Call young librarians "cute" and ignore what they can really do
• Maintain walls between departments
• Demand unquestioning trust in what you do
• Veteran librarians know best because that is the way it has always been done
  

Continue reading the list, and the comments of the experienced

PS. I need his help in drawing a list of such guidelines on how to kill a foreign trained librarians' love of librarianship (and de-humanize these in a very polished, friendly and courteous manner, not to lead him, but just mention in passing, find a sure-killer list that comes with sugar coated delusions).

Talking Books Librarian: Who Needs Libraries?

Listen to this Article
It seems like these days, almost everyone is debating the purpose of libraries and printed books... and lots of libraries are facing budget cuts... in light of this, have you heard the online sound publication titled Who Needs Libraries? You can listen to it at SoundPrint

On the same shelf: Article: Cell Phone Reads to the Blind

This Week's Roundup for Library Technician Jobs: 02/09/2008

@ University of Toronto's FIS.

Library Technician (Part-time) Peterborough Law Association, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada; Posted: Friday, 08 February 2008
Deadline:February 20, 2008


Systems Library Technician, competition number 08-SSLT-RAF (Full-time) The Law Society of Saskatchewan Libraries, Regina, SK, Canada; Posted: Friday, 08 February 2008, Deadline:February 25, 2008


Information Services Technician (Part-time)Library @ Mohawk College of Applied Arts & Technology, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Posted: Wednesday, 06 February 2008, Deadline:February 13, 2008

@ The Partnership National Library Jobsite of Canada

• LIBRARY TECHNICIAN Lambton College of Applied Arts & Technology, Sarnia, ON, 2/1/2008, Deadline: 2/15/2008

@ http://www.fla.org/jobline.html

• Library Technician - Calgary Catholic School District - Calgary, AB CLOSING DATE: Until a suitable applicant is found

@ Saskatchewan Association of Library Technicians. None this week.

PS. Click here for previous job postings!

Disclaimer: The positions are as described on the above Website(s). This blogmaster does not accept responsibility for accuracy, reliability, etc. All clarifications / communications about a position should be directed to the respective source.

This Week's Roundup for Library Technician Jobs: 02/02/2008

This idea of a Weekly Roundup is based on the trend set by Heather Matheson, Reference Librarian, Carleton University Library @ inspyration: recruit : retain : reflect

None this Week @ University of Toronto's FIS.

Other Job sites: @ The Partnership National Library Jobsite of Canada

• LIBRARY TECHNICIAN Sarnia, On --CLOSING DATE: 2008/02/04
• Branch Library Technicians (2 Positions) Richmond, B.C., CLOSING DATE: 2/15/2008

@ http://www.fla.org/jobline.html

• Library Technician - McCarthy Tétrault LLP - Calgary, AB; Date posted: January 29, 2008
• Interlibrary Loan Clerk - Grande Prairie Public Library - Grande Prairie, AB, posted: Jan 28, 2008
• Deadline Extended* Libray Technician - Westbrook School - Cochrane, AB
• E-Resources Library Technician II - Library, SAIT - Calgary, AB, closing date: 22 Feb., 2008

@ Saskatchewan Association of Library Technicians. None this week.

Disclaimer: The positions are as described on the above Website(s). This blogmaster does not accept responsibility for accuracy, reliability, etc. All clarifications / communications about a position should be directed to the respective source.

SIRLS LSO Job Series: Panel Discussion

Three guest speakers share their experience and perspective on the information profession and librarianship. The speakers, in talking order, are: Jan Knight (information consultant) at 3 minutes into the clip, Ann Dutton Ewbank (K-12, University librarian) at 19 minutes into the clip, and Mary Graham (Museum librarian) about 36 minutes into the clip.

2008 Ontario Association of Library Technicians Conference

OALT/ABO: 35th Annual Conference
Up coming ConferencesDates:
May 7 - 10, 2008
Location: Kingston, ON
More details to follow...

• Past Conferences - themes and locations

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION's Education & Careers Section

Make a living making a difference...

Consider joining the 400,000 librarians and library workers who bring opportunity every day to the communities they serve. If you're looking to enter the library profession or furthering an existing career in libraries, the following resources can help you on your way.

Explore a career in libraries:

• Career Overview
• Salary & Outlook Information

Interested? Start your library career:

• Education & Degrees
• Scholarships

Furthering your library career:

• Professional Development
  • Getting Involved in ALA
  • Continuing Education
• Employment Opportunities
  Includes information for jobseekers, as well as employment resources for existing library workers and human resource professionals.
• Recruiting others to the Profession
  Love your library career? Use these resources to usher in the next generation of library workers.
  

Click here for more info and updates

+ Practical Ideas You Can Use to Improve Your Library Program

Text from the AASL 2001 Annual Conference Session

Title of presentation: 101+ Practical Ideas You Can Use to Improve Your Library Program.

Presented by: Gene Hainer, Colorado State Library and Su Eckhardt, Cherry Creek School District.

(c) 2001, Colorado Educational Media Association and Colorado State Library. Permission to duplicate for educational purposes only, with proper credit to the above authors and organizations. All other rights reserved.

The following ideas were gathered from many sources or personal experience. Some you may want to do now. Others you may never want to do. There may even be things you know about that aren't listed here.

While reading, take a moment to commit yourself to doing something--anything--to improve your library, work life, collection, PR, communication, collaboration, instructional practices. Anything. Then take that first step and try it! If that's successful, try something else. You (and your program) will be better for it.

Categorized by the elements presented in Principles of Information Power: Building Partnerships for Student Learning.

LEADERSHIP

1. Realize that you do not have time to do EVERYTHING. Decide what is important and do THAT....

LEARNING AND TEACHING

45. Start curriculum mapping of the classroom content. Work with teachers to sketch out the major curriculum areas or units that they will be working on throughout the year. These can be displayed on poster board (if first laminated, can be written on, erased, and changed as needed during the year). It also reminds teachers that you and the library are there to help with instruction.

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

55. Post copyright restrictions. Place on copy machines, VCRs, reproducible notebooks that request permissions, etc.

Continue reading the 101+Practical Ideas You Can Use to Improve Your Library Program

The 6th Annual Ohio Library Support Staff Institute August 5 – 7, 2007

at Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, Ohio

Just added to the agenda:
“The Library Degree: Is It For Me?”
a discussion with Michael Bradshaw, 2006 OLSSI Chair
and Doug Morrison, OLSSI Founder
Keynote Address by Neal Semel of Diversity Matters - "Multiculturalism and Respect"

Classes include:
3-Dimensional Picture Book Art: Movable & Pop-Up Books
Assault Prevention and Self-Defense
Basic Animation Techniques in PowerPoint Presentations
Book Repair
Creating Original Records in WorldCat
Creating Your Own Blog...Hands- on Training
Etiquette and Greetings Around the World
Multicultural Communications and Holidays in a Diverse World
Sexual Harassment: Working With Respect
The Elixir of Librarianship. ..Maps
What A Difference A Generation Makes
Yoga for Stressed Library Staff
This year’s grand prize is an Amish Heartland Package for two at the Inn at Honey Run in beautiful Holmes county.
SPACES ARE FILLING QUICKLY! Register at: http://www.olssi.org [librarian-wannabes]

- posted by Rachel @ Beyond the Job

Make sure your resume is noun-intensive

A thought for those who are looking for a job and sending a resume: Don't be insensitive

Scanning technology used by most companies tends to search by nouns, not verbs. For example, instead of writing "managed projects" on your resume, write "project manager." in 10 Ways to Stand Out From Your Competition, By KATE LORENZ, CAREERBUILDER.COM EDITOR

Library Technicians - Who are they?

From: College Grad Careers
CollegeGrad.com - Career Videos, Library Technicians. Library Technicians occupy the top spot on the Librarian support staff. They free Librarians up for other tasks, while helping to acquire, prepare and organize materials.

2007 ALA Annual Poster Sessions Abstracts - Online!

26th Annual ALA Poster Sessions Abstracts - Online!

American Library Association Annual Conference, Washington, DC, June 21-27, 2007


Info courtesy:

Jody Condit Fagan
Chair, ALA Poster Sessions
Digital Services Librarian
James Madison University
E-mail: faganjc@jmu.edu

See related resources:

CALL Conference 2007 Presentations Online

Library Related Conferences - A Global List

Library Related Conferences - A Global List

Library Related Conferences

compiled by Marian Dworaczek
University of Saskatchewan Library

See also:

A Job By Any Other Name - Finding Career Information

PS. Excellent taxonomy: Library, Information Professional, Knowledge Worker (see the image below):




Source: A Job By Any Other Name - Finding Career Information

See my recent posts:

Blog Taxonomy

Librarians and Knowledge Management

Leadership Basics for Librarians and Information Professionals

See my related posts:

The 'Librarian' Job Title - An Unending Marathon

How To Prepare For An Interview

Introvert and Looking for a Job - You are not alone

Job Pathfinder - Join the race

Show Your Business Plan

Top Ten Ways to Find a Law Library Job

A Cover Letter Pinpointing Their Needs and Your Skills