Best of the Web: Questions and Answers

We couldn't address all of the questions that we received during the actual teleconference, so we're providing the questions and our answers below. Feel free to add your responses to the questions or to ask new questions! If you are adding to responses, remember to continue the dialogue by adding your thoughts, not deleting what the person before you has said!

Q:

Is there a wiki like the ATN Reading List with more of an adult emphasis?

A:

Debra says: I recommend a wiki called Library Success: A Best Practices Wiki started as a library collaborative project by Meredith Farkas. The entire wiki contains great resources, but your question will be answered by looking at the section entitled recommending books located in the readers' advisory section. I think that you'll find some interesting links to adult readers' advisory information.

Q:

Some of these tools could be crucial for rural, one-person libraries. Are your panelists seeing more activity from these libraries?

A:

Debra says: You are so right! The tools provided in the teleconference are intended to improve the efficiency and quality of service delivered by all library employees not to mention saving time (as Kelly so eloquently discussed and demonstrated). One-person libraries will definitely benefit from utilizing the tips and tricks that we shared. As for whether or not we are seeing more activity from these libraries, do you mean are they contributing more or utilizing available online resources more? While they may not have time to routinely contribute to the body of knowledge existing online, they certainly have time to access the resources and use our "best of the web" resources to make their daily tasks less frustrating and more time-efficient!

Q:

It is hard to keep calm when patrons expect us to instantly know the answers to their questions. What are some things that we can say to "pushy" patrons while we search for their answers?

A:

Debra says: It is never easy to work under pressure and false expectations. Don't let yourself get frustrated or upset, just be honest and include them in your search process. Most people will calm down if they know that you are actively seeking to assist them. I usually will start out by saying, "Your question is a good one and I don't have the answer handy, but I know several good reference places where we can start looking." I then proceed to the resource (whether online or in print) and explain to the patron why I selected it and how I might find the answer. I encourage the patrons to assist me in the location process (a teachable moment!). Most of the time, this technique works, but there will always be one or two individuals that expect instant results and can be nasty when that doesn't happen. Just remember that we are not trained to be omniscient, we are trained to seek and find information. Questing for information can take time. If the patron continues to pressure you, suggest getting their name and contact information so that they can leave and you can continue researching. Assure them that you will get back to them when you've found the answer.

Q:

Just wondering what is the possibility of technology resources and tools becoming a mandatory course in all Masters Library Science courses.

A:

Debra says: Wouldn't that be great? the ALA has set standards for the accreditation of Masters Programs in Library and Information Studies. Click here to review the standards. The standards do address that programs should be teaching technology and information pertinent to the field of Librarianship. But each program is given the freedom to create its own unique blend of courses so the interpretations can vary from school to school. I think that Library 2.0 resources are quickly proving that they aren't going away and are viable, useful resources for library staff as well as our clients. Therefore, more and more LIS programs are adopting these technologies into their curriculum. My advice to individuals seeking MA degrees in Library Science (Studies) is to carefully review the curricular offerings of the different programs and pick one that addresses not only your interests but also one that has kept up with the changes in technology and is including the types of resources we demonstrated in the teleconference. Many schools today are not only teaching Library 2.0, they are expecting students to use it in collaborative group projects, online journals/assignments, etc.!