Unconference

Had a great time at the State library's Unconference on thursday.  I got to hear Erik and Jaap from the DOK Library Concept Center talk abit about their library, but mostly about the LBI Shanaachie Tour.  I really liked their ideas about 'making stories, telling stories and keeping stories'.  Library staff often have the most amazing stories to tell, so taking an active role in capturing this history is important.  They also talked about library as an experience, and what we can do as staff to facilitate this.

The rest of the day was broken down into concurrent sessions.  I learnt about meebo as a tool for online reference and the importance of evaluating any new programs and services that staff run.  I was absolutely amazed and inspired by Dave West and Anne Spelman from the Moreton Bay Regional Shire talk about the Mash it Up Festival. This project brings young people together and uses emerging technology and social networking in  new ways.  The staff from the State Library also did some presentations on some new tech tools which I also enjoyed.

In her post on encouraging organisational innovation Helene Blowers included this quote which to me sums up my day at Unconference. 

Learning and innovation go hand in hand.  The arrogance of success is to think that what you did yesterday will be sufficient for tomorrow. 
William Pollard

PS - Was so taken in by the day that I forgot to take photos - can you believe that?

New friends

Had a very cool thing happen at work today.  I was helping shelve books when I saw a couple standing in the foyer of the library.  I looked, and then had another look, and walked over and said, 'Excuse me, are you Catyquilter?'  And she said yes! Thank goodness it was her, not quite sure what I would have done if she'd said no!

I have been reading Catyquilter's blog for some time now, and along the way realised we had some things in common:  a love of technology, owning a poodle, quilting, the library - I work there and she borrows book from there:) - and of course blogging!

Blogging truly is a wonderful tool that allows for amazing conversations on both a global and yet deeply personal level.  Am so glad to have met a fellow blogger, and look forward to having lunch one day.

iPhone

http://www.flickr.com/photos/zkyo/353699064/

I can't remember if I have said lately how much I love my iphone.  I spent the weekend playing on it (I can do this with no guilt as I have finished uni) and added some new applications and moved some bits and pieces about.  I decided to create a new ringtone, add it to my itunes and then sync it to my iphone.  Simple right?  Not so.  Creating my new ringtone was easy, and if it worked would sound excellent!!!!  It all sounded so easy in theory.  After a few hours, reinforcements (my husband) and a dozen or more forums on the topic I am not conceding defeat, just taking a breather.

It should work.  The forums are split 50/50 on being able to do it and swearing at apple.  So, if there is anyone out there who has done this (and it worked), please help.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I still love my iphone though :)

Continuous improvement

I have decided to be proactive.  There will be no job as a librarian where I currently work as a library assistant, and no way to gain any experience there either.  My wise husband asked me if I would consider volunteering my time in order to gain experience.  Hell yes!  So, I am now volunteering for one day a week in a local private high school library.  I had my first day last wednesday and it was great.  What amazed me most was the sheer amount of knowledge that the staff  have in order to keep up with their students!  I was so impressed with that attitude of continuous learning that was very prevalent.

Speaking of continuous learning, on the weekend I attended another webinar from the Webjunction/Maintain IT folks in the States.  I really am enjoying these and learn so much from them.  Branding libraries and their services was the topic, and was led by Michael Leach from Harvard Uni.  He covered topics such as why brand, how to sell services, what audience is the target, how to market the brand, and some current branding models.  We looked at colours and then some examples of library brands from across America.  What spoke to me was the 'when' to use your brand - all the time!!!

'People need to see the brand before they can associate with it' - Michael Leach

It should be on websites, stationary, check out slips, program flyers, and anywhere the library 'is'.  Over 86 librarians participated from all across America and Canada and only me from Australia!!!  For me participating in these webinars helps me stay up to date on current issues, which is vital since I am not working as a librarian.