LTIL 1300

ORQ1: Consider Ranganathan’s 5 Laws of Librarianship. Do these laws represent the philosophy of libraries and library and information professionals today? Explain your answer.

In 1931, Indian librarian S. R. Ranganathan proposed five basic tenets on the operation of a library system. These have become known as the Five Laws of Library Science and are as follows: books are for use, every person their book, every book its reader, save the time of the reader & the library is a growing organism. While I concede that these principals are as critical as ever, I endorse Carol Simpson’s compelling argument that they should be updated to reflect the ever-growing presence of other forms of media in the library. First of all, Ranganathan’s argument that books only realize their full potential when they are allowed to be circulated is equally applicable to other forms of media; forbidding their circulation is antithetical to the very nature of the library. The second law should also be expanded to include other forms of media, as non-print formats contain an ever-increasing bounty of knowledge. Third, many students learn most effectively through non-print media. Should we deny them an education simply because their preferred learning avenue is different from that of their peers? Fourth, audio & visual media can be even more efficient than traditional literature at conveying information to the patron, thus being even more effective time-savers. Finally, Ranganathan’s final axiom rings even more true today than it did 87 years ago. With the recognition of different kinds of learners & a better understanding of information richness theory, it has become essential for the library to fully embrace new forms of media for public usage. Rather than replacing books with technology, the library expands to encompass information from all forms of media, attracting new patrons. I can think of no better incentive for the library to wholeheartedly embrace new media.

 

I believe that the purpose of the library is to facilitate knowledge by providing free access to literature & other forms of media. I maintain this view because no other institution performs a similar function; as such, there is no proper replacement or substitute for the library. I agree with Ranganathan’s proposed laws in that I believe books & other forms of media should be used by patrons and that patrons should have access to the book or form of media they feel is appropriate for their circumstance.

Q2: Homework – post 2 – Library Literature – due Tuesday September 25th at 11:59pm

Citation:  HILL, NANCI MILONE. Public Libraries , Jul/Aug2018, Vol. 57 Issue 4, p11-13

In response to a controversy caused by an LGBTQ display erected for Pride Month at a Texas library, this article presents two essays by librarians on the morality of libraries. Anna Gooding-Call argues that the library is moral by its very nature; Amy Dean states her belief that regarding the library as moral can potentially result in censorship of collections. I find this article compelling because I feel that applying morals to a public institution such as the library is an interesting philosophical exercise; I selected it for this activity because I felt that it was relevant to modern hot-button issues.

Q3: Visit one library association’s website.  Read one article from a recent issue of one of their professional literature periodical publications (eg.  ALA – American Libraries, OLA – Open shelf). 

 -Cite this article in APA format on your website
-Summarize the article in two or three sentences, AND…
-Reflect on what you know about libraries and librarianship.  Why do you think this article is interesting, relevant or important?

due Tuesday September 25th at 11:59pm

This article (Schlipf & Moorman, 2018) is about the conversion of abandoned buildings into libraries. More specifically, it details the necessary steps to convert a building, reasons to convert instead of building a new library and an evaluation of the pros & cons of various buildings for conversion (Schlipf & Moorman, 2018). I feel this article is significant because this information can potentially inspire the creation of new public libraries, which would further the advancement of human knowledge.

Reference:

Schlipf, F., and Moorman, J. A., 2018. Repurpose with a Purpose: Converting Nonlibrary Spaces into Public Libraries. From The Practical Handbook of Library Architecture: Creating Building Spaces That Work (ALA Editions, 2018).

Q4: Part 1: Choose one of the Case Studies discussed in class and posted in DC Connect.

On your website, explain how you would respond to the situation if it happened in your library.  Support your position by citing the code of ethics or position statements that you read or that was discussed in class.

Michael Rogers’ 2005 case study “The Eye of the Beholder” details a situation where a painting featured in the library draws ire from a patron. Having reviewed the American Library Association Code of Ethics, I believe it would be most appropriate for the picture to stay in the library. Specifically, the Code mandates that “We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources”; any attempt to remove the piece described due to its perceived offensiveness amounts to little more than pure censorship.

Part 2:

On your website, cite one of the statements in one of the codes of ethics or position statements that you read or that was discussed in class, that you believe will be difficult for you to support or enforce when you work in a library.  Explain your answer.

The Code of Ethics of the American Library Association states that “We respect intellectual property rights and advocate balance between the interests of information users and rights holders.” While I agree that copyright is a vitally important concept, I believe maintaining it would be difficult for me due to the notorious intricacies of copyright law.

Q5: Reflect on what you learned from our guests (Allie, Aaron, Janet/Scholastic, Shelley/Blue Heron Books.  List at least three things that you learned that relate to the library and information science field.  You may post your answer in written format or as a verbal response on Flipgrid.  If you choose to use Flipgrid, insert this text as your homework answer:  “Please click this link to view my response on Flipgrid.”

I learned that interest in paper books among the general public still surpasses digital formats. I also learned that major retail stores have essentially the same book catalog across the country. Finally, I learned about the details of the publishing process.

Assignment prep: Visit two library association websites.  Read two articles from recent issues of their professional literature periodical publications (eg.  ALA – American Libraries, OLA – Open shelf). 

 -Cite these articles in APA format on your website
-Summarize the articles in two or three sentences each, AND…
-Reflect on what you know about libraries and librarianship.  Why do you think these articles are interesting, relevant or important?

The first article (Schlipf & Moorman, 2018) is about the conversion of abandoned buildings into libraries. More specifically, it details the necessary steps to convert a building, reasons to convert instead of building a new library and an evaluation of the pros & cons of various buildings for conversion (Schlipf & Moorman, 2018). I feel this article is significant because this information can potentially inspire the creation of new public libraries, which would further the advancement of human knowledge. The second article (Kelsey, 2018) is about ways that the public library can expand its services to accommodate patrons suffering from dementia & Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to listing various useful services, the article also includes a brief outline of pertinent facts regarding the disease. I believe this article is vitally important due to its potential role in expanding the library to be of use to those who are suffering with this & potentially many other ailments, which can only help the community grow stronger.

References:

Schlipf, F., and Moorman, J. A., 2018. Repurpose with a Purpose: Converting Nonlibrary Spaces into Public Libraries. From The Practical Handbook of Library Architecture: Creating Building Spaces That Work (ALA Editions, 2018).

Kelsey, David J. “Reaching for Memories: Expanding Services and Programming to Patrons Living with Alzheimer’s Disease.” Public Libraries, July-Aug. 2018, p. 26+. Information Science and Library Issues Collection, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A553904781/PPIS?u=ko_acd_dc&sid=PPIS&xid=12a53776. Accessed 2 Oct. 2018.

Academic Libraries

Q6 Part one: Read the description of the LibQual survey. LibQual survey results can provide statistical evidence to support proposed initiatives or purchases, measure the success of recently implemented strategies, or identify areas of strength (to continue) and weakness (to address) for planning purposes. Read the Western Library report (pages 18-19 – student comments – hours, noise) and the Humber College report (page 15 – faculty comments). How can Western use the evidence from this survey to address the issue of library as place?  What issues should be priorities for library administration at Humber College?

Answer: Western can use the provided evidence to extend their hours & enforce their noise policies. Humber’s top priorities should be improving access to electronic resources, quiet spaces & technology.

Q6 Part two: Read the UOIT news release about their LibQual results. If YOU were part of the Strategic Planning Committee for the UOIT library, how would you use this feedback for planning services, collections, staffing and building for the next ten years?

Answer: I would add more space, enforce noise regulations & extend hours.

Q7: Reflect on your visit to St. Stephen Catholic SS library.  Identify at least three ways that the library’s staffing and services address or reflect the recommendations in the Together For Learning OSLA document.

For example, state, “the OSLA document recommends… (in-text citation referencing page number from Together for Learning document), and the St. Stephen school library does…”

The OSLA document recommends addressing multiple learning styles, providing access for all & integrating technology with collaboration (p. 8). The St. Stephen school library humbly succeeds at all three of these goals by using advanced technology such as smartboards & its intuitive, accessible layout.

Q8: Find a job-posting for a special library job.
Hint:  Use this link to a job posting  https://careers.sla.org/job/library-technician-full-time-ref-1862-rc/43063045/
If you would like to search for a different posting use this: https://careers.sla.org/jobs/

1. Identify the skills or knowledge listed in the posting that you will learn or acquire by the time you graduate.

This position requires knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word & PowerPoint as well as interpersonal & communication skills.

2. What courses have you taken that will help you acquire the skills needed to work in a special library? Explain your answer.

Computer class will help with the necessary software. Communications will cover interpersonal & communication skills.

Q9: Do some research.  Explore the resources and services for First Nations public libraries on the Learn HQ website and the OLS-N website.  Visit the Chippewas of Rama First Nation website, including the pages for the library.

 1.  Identify and write a description of at least THREE of these resources or services.

The First Nations Library Service helps maintain public libraries. The Annual Survey of Public Libraries allows libraries to apply for grants. The Skills Development Team helps with cataloging issues.

 2. In your opinion, what special challenges do First Nations libraries have when delivering services to their community?  Why do you have this opinion?

They may be hampered by the perception that they are strictly for Indigenous people since they are called First Nations libraries.

 3. In your opinion, what opportunities does the Chippewas of Rama First Nation Public Library have that other First Nations communities might not have?  Explain your answer.

They appear to provide post-secondary education, which other First Nations libraries may not have the budget for.

 4. Review the notes posted in DC Connect for the week we studied school libraries.  What is a joint use library?  Prepare at least one question to ask Danielle about joint use libraries.

A joint-use library is a building shared by a public library & a school or academic library. I would like to know more about how these libraries work.

 5. After our visit… reflect on what you saw and what you learned about public libraries.  What is your current belief about the role of a public library in a community?  Has this changed since you started the program?  Explain your answer.

I feel that the public library’s role is to serve the community by freely provide knowledge & related services. Before I began this program, I was unaware of the many other services provided by the library, but this knowledge has expanded my horizons.