Dewey Decimal Classification

Helicopter Librarian: Expect the Unexpected

"Helicopter Librarian: Expect the Unexpected." Library Journal / Felicia A. Smith.
Iowa: Library Journal, August 28th 2012.

"There is no existing concept called “Helicopter Librarians” (trademark pending?) but the concept is a logical evolution based on the prevalence of Helicopter Parents. Current students have different expectations and are used to a greater level of support. This is an opportunity to transform the profession regardless of emerging technology trends or fiscal constraints. This Helicopter Librarians approach does not require intensive training; that is why I do not include any checklists to follow. I am not developing any metrics; and I am not advocating for data-driven anything! This is a holistic approach to a human interaction based on individuality and genuine compassion.

A study based on the 2007 National Survey of Student Engagement reports that, contrary to popular belief; children of Helicopter Parents excelled in deeper learning activities and reported higher levels of educational gains as well as greater satisfaction with their college experience. The prevailing perception of Helicopter Parents is that their over-involvement is detrimental to their child’s growth. However, such support appeared to be welcomed by most students and actually beneficial to their overall well-being. Thus the first positive attribute of Helicopter Parents is the fact that they are sincerely concerned with the success of their children. This genuine concern has to be shared by Helicopter Librarians."

Librarian Chic

NYLON

Libraries Connect Communities

Libraries Connect Communities: Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study 2011-2012 / ALA.
Chicago: American Libraries Association Digital Supplement, Summer 2012.

Libraries, Patrons, & E-Books

Libraries, Patrons, & E-Books / Pew Internet & American Life Project.
Washington: Pew Research Center, June 22nd 2012.

"58% of Americans have a library card, and 69% say that their local library is important to them and their family."

Support Your Local Library

Support Your Local Library / State Stats.

Fantastic Infographic!!!

Library Nap

That's good sleeping!

Students Develop Obscure Study Habits in Library When Stressed

"Students Develop Obscure Study Habits in Library When Stressed." The Daily Californian / Franklin Krbechek.
California: The Daily Californian Online, December 4th 2011.

"According to [Alina] Christian, students often sleep on the library’s floor, rest on book racks or curl into individual cubicles to nap.  Additionally, breaks during the dead week can range from talking to friends to even sexual intercourse.  Condoms have been found in the library study halls, proof of intimate relations between the books, according to [Morgan] Hulsey."

Survey Results Will Help Predict Future of Campus Libraries

"Survey Results Will Help Predict Future of Campus Libraries." Daily Californian / Alyssa Neumann.
Califormia: The Daily Californian Online, Monday August 20th 2012.

"Of the roughly 4,000 people who took the survey, nearly 70 percent said they rely heavily on the libraries, according to University Librarian Thomas Leonard.  

“We were taken (aback) by the love of libraries, and how much people seem to connect to them,” Leonard said. “People agreed they were really important for their sense of community.”

Leonard said the results also showed undergraduate students are very concerned about library hours and having a place to study, and that faculty are largely concerned about the quality of the collections.  Respondents also opposed spending less money on collections, but accepted that in the long run, a new library service model was necessary due to lowered budget and staff reductions.  After discussion with both the Library Committee of the Berkeley Division of the Academic Senate and campus library staff, the survey sought input on two proposed models, a “Full Service Libraries” model and a “Hub and Cluster” plan, both of which would reduce the current number of library branches and available research consultation locations."

Librarians A Neglected Lot

"Librarians A Neglected Lot." The Pioneer / Zafar Alam Khan.

India: The Daily Pioneer Online, August 20th 2012.

"A librarian is considered to be a specialist in the care and management of a library, trained in library science and engaged in library services. A librarian has many important roles to play. Unfortunately, their lot remains neglected due to varied reasons, including the indifferent attitude of the policy makers, perhaps because of their lesser numbers.  SR Ranganathan, considered as father of library science, developed five laws in 1931. He said:
Books are for use
Every reader his or her book
Every book its reader
Save the time of the reader
The library is a growing organism
With a few simple adaptations, Ranganathan’s laws hold good even today. ... Librarians are considered not more than clerks. Even the authorities concerned have failed to implement a proper service structure, and have not come up with an effective promotion formula till today. Further obstacles that hinder the recognition of librarianship as a noble profession enlist the attitude and working habits of supporting staff in libraries."

You Tell 'Em Sister!

How Should Academic Libraries Communicate Their Own Value?

"How Should Academic Libraries Communicate Their Own Value?" The Guardian / Stephen Barr.
UK: The Guardian Online, August 20th 2012.

"For librarians to understand the perceptions of faculty and students and know how to reach and influence them, requires effective marketing - but this isn't just a question of promotion. The research found that in delivering shared services, Purdue University emphasizes the importance of framing services from a faculty rather than from a librarian perspective."

User-centric framework! 

Librarians are Completely Awesome

"Librarians are Completely Awesome." Education Week / Justin Reich.
Bethesda, MD: Education Week Online, August 16th 2012.

"As online resources become more complex, we need wise humans to help act as guides. Librarians know how to do that better than you do. Ask them for help. They also, typically, are warm, curious, helpful people."

Librarian Stereotype on TV

9 Reasons to Save Public Libraries

"9 Reasons to Save Public Libraries." Independent Voter Network / Emmily Bristol.
San Diego, CA: Independent Voter Network Online, August 8th 2012.

"But more than that, it may just be the last free space that is truly free and there for everyone — homeless, young, old, rich, poor, and any race under the sun. We are all welcome there. We are all equal there."

Theory & Politics in Public Librarianship

"Theory & Politics in Public Librarianship." Progressive Librarian / Jason Burton.
Lawrenceville NJ: Progressive Librarian 32 2009, 21-28.

"Public libraries, as with a great deal of libraries, exist in the political world of public institutions. Libraries by this point alone are not neutral. They must participate in the political process for their own survival and well being, & by doing this have destroyed claims of absolute neutrality."

I'm Back, Baby!