Constant Changes

Well, the library tech. who has been running circulation here at our library has accepted a job and will be leaving us. So, I have been trying to spend as much time with him as possible to learn the ins and outs of what he does each day. Upon his departure, I will be taking on all of the tasks and duties that he is currently responsible for. I have been fortunate to have his help up until this point, freeing me to concentrate on other aspects of my job. I will now turn more of my attention to directing the circulation department.
I have also decided to focus more of my attention on Facebook, rather than Myspace, when it comes to Social Networking sites. I think that it looks more professional and many students seem to be migrating toward Facebook. I should be ready to go live with the Facebook page and our self check-out starting at the beginning of our winter inter-session.

Holidays

In preparation for the end of the semester and the Holidays, I have worked with the circulation staff to clean up our reserves. We have sent notices to all instructors with reserves and have heard back from most about what materials to keep and what to return to them. We have also been preparing for the various holiday parties that will take place next week. All of which should be fun.
As I finish the semester, I have been working hard to plan for the Library 10A course that I will teach during the Winter intersession and during Spring semester. I have written my syllabus and created a web page with links to all assignments and readings. I have also created a wiki that I intend to use with the class. Things are going well as the semester comes to an end, and I am finding myself wiped out at the end of each day. Im looking forward to the break.

Update

So, I have been negligent in paying attention to my blog. But I have returned.
The new signs for "Quiet" are up and seem to be working. I am also currently working with Ken and Jeff to get our self check-out system up and running. After talking with some people at UCLA, I believe we have addressed most of the problems that were occurring and I think that the self check-out should definetly be up and running by the Winter Inter-Session.
I have also been given the Library 10A class to teach during Winter and have begun my preparation. I must have at least my syllabus and first two weeks lessons prepared before leaving for Italy in December, because I teach almost immediately when I return.
Finally, I have also sent out letters to faculty members to have them review what materials they have placed on reserve so that I can remove and return unnecessary items in order to save space and in order to update the reserves for the Spring semester.

MySpace and Shatford Library

Well, today I will unveil the MySpace page that I have created for the library. It is a work in progress, and I already see changes that must be made. Some of the circulation staff are already becoming friends of the library, and hopefully students will also. I am now seeing this page as more of an information provider than a communication tool, but hope that students will use the email features to ask questions of the library staff. I also hope that the pictures will allow students to identify who works in the library for when they do need assistance. I have included the URL, and would love comments from you the reader and invite you to become a friend of the Shatford Library if you have a MySpace page.
myspace.com/shatfordlibrary

New signs to help keep the Peace (and Quiet)

The new "Quiet" signs and bookmarks have arrived and are now placed at the entrances to the library. I have received very positive feedback about how professional they look and that they seem to be working. Now it is important that the staff and I enforce the silence we are requesting so that students take it seriously. Here are some pictures of the new signs.

Liaison duties and Budget

This week I attended the languages division meeting to introduce myself as the library liaison. All of the instructors were very friendly, and I was able to offer my assistance in creating a Wiki should they want to do so. I also attended a workshop introducing the PCC budget to me. This helps in understanding where our funding comes from and why it can take so long to get monies.
I also have continued with my teaching of Bibliographic Instruction classes and have received praise from the instructors I have worked with. I think I enjoy teaching these classes most of all of my duties here.
Today I also had a telephone conversation with the Emerging Technologies Librarian at UCLA, Michelle Jacobs. I was able to get her input on using social networking sites in the library. She prefers Facebook, as does my own dean and I may have to re-focus my attentions on Facebook as opposed to Myspace.

Signage

The new signs for the library are finally finished. I also have bookmarks designed to hand out to rowdy students to help bring down the noise. The Circle K club on campus may help as well with patrolling the library to keep it quiet, but they have not contacted me yet with their ideas and needs.
Some other options have been discussed in our staff meetings for maintaining the third floor as a Silent Study Area. I think moving large "group study" type tables downstairs may be the best idea. Having solo study carrels on the third floor would definetly discourage group chatter.
Today, we also had visitors from UCLA come to explore librarianship at the community college level. It was fun to show off our library a bit and talk about my recent experiences with job hunting and interviews.