I recently came upon an article from American Libraries about 40 great mobile apps for outreach and reference. (See here). Because I usually have a queue of articles to read taller than I am, I almost put it at the bottom. Then, I remembered the session at ALA one of my colleagues attended and shared with me. The American Libraries article was beneficial, because it reiterated the message and resources from a small session months ago. I am tempted to download at least all of the free apps to be prepared for myself, but having the list seems to be more than enough. There are apps from homework help and language learning to lawyer advice and first aid information. My favorite app, for the simplicity and uniqueness, is Sit N Squat- an app that allows you to input your location and find the nearest open bathrooms. Funny now, but when you really need it, I bet it helps. Why is this noteworthy? It again shows that librarians are no longer contained in the four walls of their library. We don't just help with finding books or homework questions, we are there to help users get the information they need whenever they need it. Elizabeth Mahoney, my professor of many courses, said when you're a librarian, other people know it just by your demeanor. When you're in the grocery store, people are likely to come up and ask where the water chestnuts are and when you're at the gas station, they'll ask for directions to the movie theater. If you're like me, you have no clue when it comes to directions, but you always have the resources at your fingertips to find the information fast. Although I have yet to procure a career in the field, I am still hopeful I can be of help to people when I'm serving at work, at the farmers market, or in the park. I suppose this further illustrates my niche in library world. Disclaimer: I realize library outreach isn't new, but I still appreciate being reminded how easy it is to help people pretty much any time and any where. Also, the image is from the article, and links to it. :) Next post: Blogging for the San Mateo County Library
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In other words, I graduated! This time last year, I was scurrying around town gathering boxes and tape to move to Pittsburgh. I had turned down a library assistant job and an online MLS program to attend U.Pitt, begin an internship in ILL-land, and to live in a new city. Now, I have faithfully returned in hopes of procuring another career opportunity in one of the many amazing libraries in central Ohio. Although I pledged not to limit myself geographically, I cannot help but want to stay here--near my family and in an area that supports libraries so fully. In the event that nothing happens for me in the near future, I'll expand my horizons, but we'll see for now. So, graduation... The ceremony lasted 30 minutes for a program of 111 graduates, and I have no clue how they accomplished that. Everyone was happier for it, though. And despite feeling sad and somber about saying goodbye to some really genuine people with creative minds whom I am sure will have great influence over the library profession in the future, it is safe to say that we were all ready to say goodbye. A one-year program is intense, and having final assignments due as well as wrapping up internships and jobs the day before our ceremony was the end point. Although my thoughts on graduation are tied up with frustration with a lack of a career, I am excited to put what I have learned to use. I am finishing my MOOC (love it!), catching up on webinars, downloading articles before my access ends at Pitt, and catching up on the listserv emails I stored this past semester. Lots to do, and lots of time to do it. I'm also doing non-library activities as well, to keep sane and remind myself about what is out there. I have bought a new video game (Sid Meyer's Civilization V), am spending time with my grandmother, and will begin working out again tomorrow (I know--that's what they always say). All in all, I am happy to be finished, excited at the prospects that lie ahead, and cautious that everything won't work out exactly as I had planned. I hope this blog will help me use that English degree and stay engaged with the issues and discussions in the profession both now and in the future. |
Stephanie FreasRecent MLIS graduate & lover of writing. This is a narrative of my first look into the librarian profession. Archives
November 2013
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