CPCP Meeting Tonight

Only three of us were able to meet tonight. The other three members were out of town on vacation - were trying to join us, but could not get into the Zone. So we met anyway and made decisions that the others will be informed about. For the last two weeks, our group has been posting information onto our common group page "buzzword". A first vision statement was posted and changes made accordingly. There was a version that was a rewriting of the one we had made changes to that we decided that we would use (if I might add, I had a hand in writing the new version). Anita and Wendy really liked it. Our other group members will have time to read it and make their adjustments accordingly.

Current vision statement:

Educational leaders are devoted to providing a student-centered educational program that strives for excellence. Through the development of technology skills, students will be better prepared to successfully complete his/her education as well as become life-long learners. These learned technology skills will be the catalyst to prepare students to become effective citizens whom are globally competitive in the 21st century.



We are planning one final meeting to make sure that we all agree on the vision statement that will be turned in. How wonderful that this is another assignment that I have completed. Mark it off list and see what is next......

Cross Program Collaborative Project

As I checked the buzzword document earlier this evening, a group member posted a rough draft of a vision statement for us to edit as we saw fit. I made some notes and referred to some information that I had posted on the document that we might incorporate as well. I then proceeded to "write" a different version of the vision for group evaluation. We have a scheduled meeting this Sunday 6/28/09 at 8:00p in Chit Chats.

S&D #1 and #2 questions answered

While I was at the library on Tuesday, I was able to get my S&D #1 and #2 questions answered. The process wasn't hard, it was just time-consuming. I am so glad that Dr. Rob had us note the reference source. I would probably still be looking for answers if not. It was a good assignment in that I got hands-on with resources that I haven't seen or heard of before - and because of my area of teaching would never use. Learning how each source was laid out so that the answer could be found was what I found to important right off the bat.

That's all for now............

Virtual Reference Interview

Heather and I completed our virtual interview Tuesday evening. Librarian Louise said we did a good job. I was nervous to help Heather, but as she asked her questions, surprisingly I knew where to go to show her what she needed. Not being able to see Heather's face as I was helping her was strange. Facial expressions are important to help you see how the patron may be reacting to you. Another concern would be no computer glitches - either on the part of the librarian or the patron. I was so worried as I was helping Heather that my computer wouldn't work. In talking with Librarian Louise afterwards, she reminded us that it is okay to admit that we don't know, but that trying to help the patron was very important. She also stated that a lot of people have the "McDonald's mentality" in that people want the answer right away. With virtual reference obviously that isn't going to happen; that it will take a little time to find was is being requested or asked.

All in all this was a good experience. I surprised myself in that I do know where some things are in the virtual world to help someone. We don't realize how much we do know until we have to show it.

Virtual Reference Interview

I am very nervous about my virtual interview this evening. I am to interview Heather Minton in the Zone tonight at 7p. I am afraid that I won't be able to help her with her questions. I am going to spend a few minutes in the information garden to remind myself of where the resources are - - hopefully I will remember what is where. UGH!!!!!! I am stressed over this :O

Part 1 S & D Assignment Completed!!

YIPEEEEEEE!!!!! I was able to get my S & D questions completed, emailed, and wikied. It feels so good to have that completed.

This was a good activity, but very time consuming. A problem I noticed with my topic is that there isn't a lot of up-to-date resources. I'm not sure if this is due to budget or because many patrons access the information on the internet meaning that the print sources aren't being used as frequently to warrant purchasing them. My educated guess would be the latter.

Collaborative Project

My group met in Chit Chats tonight from 8-9p to discuss the project. Present were me, Betsy, Teresa, Anita, and Jason. Wendy Davis was absent. Introductions were made, of course, and then we jumped right in to work (I like that). Apparently Betsy, Teresa, and Anita had met one time prior to this meeting, because they have set up an adobe buzzword document and posted some information for the group to review. This document allows all of us to be co-authors so each can add information as we come across it for the group to review. Pretty neat idea, eh? Jason was completely clueless about the project because his professor has not told them much about it except that they have to do it and their groups could be found in Wiki. Anita, Betsy, and Teresa stated that the ultimate goal of this project is to develop a vision statement for technology use in education in the 21st century. Hopefully through our review of the research, we will be able to develop a nice vision statement. Our next meeting dates are June 28, July 12, and July 26 at 8:00p. Until the next meeting each member is to contribute his/her findings to the buzzword document and take the time to review the postings so we may have a conversation about the research at the next meeting.

I really like my group. Everyone is courteous and respectful of each other's ideas and comments. This will be an interesting experience that I truly am looking forward to :)

Search and Discuss Questions

I have six more S & D questions to find: 1 for bibliographical, 2 for geographic resources, and 3 for special sources/government sources. My daughter has been sick since Friday, throwing up and diarrhea while my husband has been just throwing up. So as one can imagine, I haven't been able to focus on school work much over the past couple of days. Luckily, I don't have to work Monday, so here's to crossing my fingers and hoping to get my S & D questions done on Monday before class. Luckily Kim, Rebecca, and I were able to come up with an outline for our chapter 10 presentation to turn in Monday.

Collaborative Group Meeting

After several email exchanges, my group has been able to establish a meeting time and place: Sunday 6/14 at 8p in Chit Chats couch 4. This is really going to be interesting. I can already tell from the emails who is the "leader". I will post tomorrow night after our group meeting.

Resource Presentation

Rebecca, Kim, and I are planning to meet at the Patrick Beaver Library this Thursday @ 5:00p to work on our outline and presentation for Chpt. 10 Geographical.

Heather is also going to meet us so we can work on our 18 SD questions that are due by Monday.

That's all for now...........

Collaborative Project

In class tonight Dr. Rob gave us the go-ahead for the collaborative project. I did not realize that my group had a meeting last night in the zone. I let Dr. Rob know this. I did email my group members tonight and ask someone to fill me in on what they met about last night. Hopefully I will get a nice email back and not a mean one. This will be an interesting project..........

Professional Reference Librarian Interview/Observation Reflection

I honestly enjoyed the meeting with Regina at the Newton Library. It was an eye-opening experience that gives me a greater appreciation for the reference librarians. In the public library, there are specific jobs that different librarians perform, whereas in the school setting, the media coordinator does all of the jobs. I am not sure which I would like best, but my track is school, so I will be doing all of the jobs. Another reason for the school media position is that I will have summers off whereas in the public library one works year round. A nicety that the public library has that schools don't is the budget. Schools would love to have a $400,000.00 book budget for the year.

All-in-all it was a good hands-on experience that helped to confirm that I am going to enjoy changing to the library from the classroom. I cannot wait to make the change.

That's all for now...........

Reference Desk Observations

I observed Regina Reitzel on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 from 4:30 - 6:30p. When I entered the library and made my way to the reference desk, I was asked if I could be helped - with a smile - and I stated that I was meeting Regina Reitzel for an interview and observation. She smiled even larger and stated, "I am Regina." While I was observing, there were 9 patrons who approached the desk. Regina's approachability was very satisfactory. She greeted each patron and was entirely focused on the inquiry. She maintained eye contact throughout the assistance.

When necessary, Regina attempted to clarify the patron's questions by asking open-ended questions to find out how much the patron knew about the subject and how much more they wanted to know. She in no way made any value judgements related to the information needed.

Regina used print and electronic sources to help the patron find the information requested. In doing so, she explained the search process and provided instruction on how to conduct successful searches.

When the information was found, Regina encouraged the patron to let her know if additional help or information was needed. She did not refer the patron to additional resources outside the library.

General Observations

An elderly lady needed help making copies - the machine "wouldn't take my money"; then she couldn't make the kind of copies she wanted, so we (Regina and I) showed her how to turn the book to copy what she wanted. She was appreciative of our help.

We showed a gentleman how to use the computer catalog to find his books and how to read the codes.

A lady just received her library card and needed a pin number to access her account. Regina assigned her a number and we showed her how to use the computer catalog to search for books as well.

There were teenagers that were horseplaying in the computer lab, so Regina had to correct them.

A lady stopped by and asked how to order a book through the interlibrary loan - so we showed her how.

A teenager needed help finding the books on interpreting dreams. We took her to the stacks and showed her where they were located.

A gentleman approached the desk needing the Labor Law Books and Regina showed him where they were, and told him to let her know if she could help him find anything.

A student from CVCC approached and asked where else to look for statistical data for a paper she was writing on homelessness and unemployment. Regina used the computer to help her find information in the databases. Regina told her that sometimes you have to keep trying different "key words" until you find what you are looking for. After several searches, Regina found the right "key word" that provided the information that the student was looking for. (The student was a former Bandys student - so we recognized each other right off the bat).

A young boy asked for help with the computer catalog to find a book, and we helped him.


After each patron was assisted, I noticed that Regina would reach for a packet, turn a page or two and make a mark. I asked her what she was doing and she said that they keep a tally sheet for assistance and it is used to see what services/help are given each month. There were items already typed in to be marked, such as: assist with PC printing, copies, trouble shooting, instruct using OPAC, pin numbers, Hickory newspaper, telephone reference questions, register for a computer class, etc. Then there were pages to list/write-in information that there wasn't a box for, such as: proctor an exam, order a book, books on world religions, etc. For it to only have been June 3, there were a lot of tally marks and write-ins. I can only imagine what it will look like at the end of the month.

It was really helpful to be able to observe and tag along during the assistance to see what is going on. I am excited about the internship that we will be doing later in our coursework. Hands-on stuff is what I like :)

Reference Desk Interview

On Wednesday, June 3, 2009 I interviewed Regina Reitzel, Professional Reference Librarian, at the Newton Library. She has been with the library for five years and stated that she loves it. She graduated from UNC-G with her MLS degree.

As for collection development, Regina stated that their budget was $2.4 million dollars. While most of that is for salaries, the library gets $400,000.00 for book money. (How awesome would that be?!!) She informed me that the Catawba County Library System (7 branches) is only 1% of the total county budget. Due to the state budget problems, she said that next year the State will keep about 10% and the County will keep about 5%. She specifically works on the fiction, nonfiction, and the AV collection. Orders have to be made every month to ensure that the allottment is spent. I asked Regina if she has ever had a book challenged that she ordered and she said, "Yes, two books, but not by patrons, by staff." One of the books the director allowed to be on the shelf (she couldn't remember the name), but the other book regarding sex was pulled by the director. Regina said she was not happy about this because she felt it was censorship. She continued to state that as librarians, we have to be careful to NOT let our feelings determine what should/should not be on the shelves - and she feels that this is what happened with this particular book. While she says that the Library Director is very good, she feels that she is conservative as well. The cataloging system used is ILS which costs $36,000.00/year. Luckily that doesn't come out of her book money. There are 200,000 books in the Catawba County Library System with 100,000 of them in the Newton branch alone. Weeding is done on a quarterly schedule using the CREW method. She uses Amazon, Baker & Taylor (discount books), and Alibris (used books).

***Regina gave me a copy of the Catawba County Library System Collection Development Plan, the ALA Library Bill of Rights, Weeding information, as well as a May 2009 list of the new non-fiction added to the collection. She went over each one with me.

I asked Regina what was the most bizarre reference question she has had and she just smiled. She said that she has had many over the years, but at the moment the only one she could come up with was a lady who needed help finding information about how to become a surrogate mother. (The Service Specialist Librarian stated her most bizarre was that a lady came in and asked for information on "where she could sell her eggs." After probing questions, Wanda found out that the lady was looking to sell her biological eggs.) The most commonly asked for information is for divorce forms - although there had been less requests made in the last couple of months. The busiest time of the day is Monday and Tuesday afternoons, after school, and during the summer.

When someone approaches the desk, Regina stated that it is important to greet the person and make eye contact. While some patrons will ask for their needs directly, others have to be asked more probing questions to find out exactly what is being looked for. Sometimes she is approached by a patron that is very frustated or agitated, and she tries conflict resolution to calm the person down and try to help them. It works for some, but not all. Regina's favorite resource that she uses time and time again to help patrons is the World Almanac (she loves World Almanac) and online databases. She said that technology has totally changed the reference library - and she likes it. I asked her if anyone uses the encyclopedias anymore - as the encyclopedias were sitting on the shelf where we were sitting - and she said, "No, everyone looks for their information online." Some of the older encyclopedias are sold by the Friends organization.

The most stressful part of her job is theft and debts (paying fines). Regina said that a section of her 500s is always having books stolen. It is the section on dreams, psychics, the supernatural, etc. She said the Sylvia Brown books cannot be kept on the shelf. The books are either stolen, or they are checked out but never returned (and not paid for). Another stressful part of her job is dealing with "crazy people" and their outbursts and poor interactions with other patrons.

I asked Regina if there was competition between the County Library and Patrick Beaver and she said, "Yes." She stated that a lot of people feel that the county library is not as good as the city library. Contrary to popular belief, the county library is better that the city library per Regina. The city library does not have nearly the monetary support as the county, which means their collection is not as developed as the county's. I asked how the county library was trying to change this notion and she said by participating in the Big Read. This has been a joint venture with CVCC, LRU, and the Patrick Beaver Library for about 4 years. Regina feels that the message is getting out there that the county library is not in any way inferior to the city library.

Another piece of information that Regina shared with me was that there is a State Library in Raleigh (I did not know this). It provides services for the blind, AV equipment, and resources to public libraries and community college libraries. She also provided me with a brochure about nclive.org with a password.

This was a wonderful interview. Regina talked so openly about everything - so much so that I couldn't write, I had to just sit and listen. She wished me well and good luck to find a media coordinator position and stated that she thought I would make a good librarian. That made my day!!!! I was so pleased to hear that.

First class

Tonight's class was good but a lot of work is ahead. I am concerned about our first assignment(s) due next Monday night. This is the last three days before we start final exams - EOCs - on Friday and continue through next Wednesday, so the final push to get a major unit on Ecology finished by Thursday is stressful. Hopefully I will be able to schedule an interview and observation time for the weekend. The other concern is that it seems that some of my classmates may come from surrounding areas to Hickory to observe and interview - which may be redundant for the reference librarians. Maybe my classmates are in the same boat so maybe I will "get a jump" on them for the information. We'll see.

That's all for now........................