LIS 701 – Fall 2007 Discussion Blog

Comment on this post with a minimum 400 word report on the association you selected in class. Write as though you are presenting the information to your colleagues at a future library job. Cover these points:

What is the Associations full name? When was it formed? What is its purpose? Who can join? What are the fees/dues?

What type of conferences does it have? When and where is the next one?

What benefits does it provide?
Be sure to include appropriate stats, citations for your findings and any pertinent URLs

This week you have three discussion questions to respond to:

http://lis701fall2007.wordpress.com/2007/10/23/online-discussion-1-professions-do-not-stand-still/

http://lis701fall2007.wordpress.com/2007/10/23/online-discussion-2-the-information-revolution/

http://lis701fall2007.wordpress.com/2007/10/27/online-discussion-3-perceptions-of-libraries/

Aim for 2-3 paragraphs per question and revisit the posts often to see what your 701 colleagues are saying. Respond to their opinions as well. Sign your name to your posts!

Please explore http://www.oclc.org/reports/2005perceptions.htm Here are some of the findings about libraries reported in the study:

Information consumers use the library.

They use the library less and read less since they began using the Internet.

The majority of respondents anticipate their usage of libraries will be flat in the future. (Parts 1.1 and 3.7)

Borrowing print books is the library service used most.  (Part 2.1)

“Books” isthe librarybrand. There is no runner-up.  (Part 3.8)

Most information consumers are not aware of, nor do they use, most libraries’ electronic  information resources.  (Parts 1 and 2)

College students have the highest rate ofl ibrary use and broadest use of library resources, both physical and electronic. (Parts 1 and Part 2)

Only 10 percent of college students indicated that their library’s collection fulfilled their information needs after accessing the library Web site from a search engine.

Then read about the new OCLC study here:

http://freerangelibrarian.com/2007/10/24/oclcs-report-on-privacy-and-trust-the-nut-graf/ 

http://www.personal.psu.edu/esc10/blogs/E-Tech/2007/10/the_state_of_the_library_web_s_1.html 

As a new librarian, what might you make of these findings? What should librarians DO to improve perceptions and use of their institutions? What core values are threatened? How might we change our list of values to balance these feelings?

Respond with two – three paragraphs summarizing your thinking on this data.

Watch the video again:

Considering our readings and class discussion, how should librarians and libraries respond to the evolution of information? How might we enhance our definitions of the core values of librarianship to reflect a new info landscape.

Please compose a response and post it here. Sign your name and feel free to comment on other replies.

Please read:

http://blogaboutlibraries.com/2007/02/i-didnt-get-mls-to-do-that.html

In light of our readings and discussion last Monday, how would you respond to this statement?

AND, relate your answer to this the ALA Code of Ethics:

We provide the highest level of service to all library users through appropriate and usefully organized resources; equitable service policies; equitable access; and accurate, unbiased, and courteous responses to all requests.

We strive for excellence in the profession by maintaining and enhancing our own knowledge and skills, by encouraging the professional development of co-workers, and by fostering the aspirations of potential members of the profession.

Is it time to update the statements?

Please compose a response and post it here. Sign your name and feel free to comment on other replies.

This week we will have an online discussion.