100 Best blogs for Librarians of the Future

Donna Scott (Learn-gasm)lists the 100 best Blogs for Librarians of the Future. Kudos to Geddes Davis (my significant other) on his blog The LibVocate making the list:

Here are the top twenty blogs under the category Technology and education:

Wired Librarian: Karen Kliegman is the Library Media Specialist at her elementary school and shares thoughts on library conventions, blogging, information literacy, and more.
Free Range Librarian: K.G. Schneider is Community Librarian for Evergreen open-source library software, and she blogs about writing, tech toys, and more.
Information Wants to Be Free: Meredith Farkas is the distance learning librarian at Norwich University. Learn about how libraries work in a distance learning environment from her posts.
Librarians Matter: This blog discusses how new technology systems can be used in libraries.
Libraryman: This young librarian likes stirring up new ideas and controversial new technology systems and trends for libraries.
LibrarianInBlack: Here, tech librarians will find all kinds of resources and discussions about keeping up with technology trends and developments.
ALA TechSource Blog: This multi-author blog contains information about ways to bring your library into the 21st century and beyond.
LITA Blog: The Library and Information Technology Association blogs here.
info-fetishist: Anne-Marie Deitering is the Franklin McEdward Professor for Undergraduate Learning Initiatives at Oregon State University Libraries, and she blogs about emerging web technologies and systems.
Theoretical Librarian: This blog reports on new technology systems and how they may or may not be able to be used in libraries.
iLibrarian: The OEDb’s Library blog is full of tech tips for librarians.
MichaelZimmer.org: For news and analysis on privacy, surveillance, new media, ethics and technology, check out this blog.
Peter Scott’s Library Blog: Peter Scott blogs about Google books, e-learning, web archiving, and more.
The Handheld Librarian: Librarians submit articles about computers and technology to this blog. Blog without a library: Learn about library and tech news and trends from Blog without a library.
The Ubiquitous Librarian: Brian Mathews blogs about media, design, the future of libraries, and more.
Hey Jude: Follow this blog if you want to discover more about "learning in an online world."
Social Networking Librarian: Find out if social networking is something you want to encourage in your library or not.
Connie Crosby: This Canadian law librarian is up-to-date on social media, e-commerce and more.
Tame the Web: On Tame the Web, Michael Stephens and his guest bloggers cover library 2.0, librarians and leadership, and more.

Hotlinks to OCLC Cataloging and Metadata meetings held at ALA 2009 Annual Conference

Recordings are now available for many of the OCLC Cataloging and metadata meetings held during last month’s ALA 2009 Annual Conference.

You can visit OCLC Web site to view the following hotlinks to listen to the recording and view the presentation slides.

Redesigning Technical Services Workflows – with presentations including:
Streamlining Book Metadata Workflow: A Report from NISO and OCLC presented by Todd Carpenter, NISO, and Renee Register, OCLC; The Only Constant is Change presented by Arlene Klair, University of Maryland Libraries; and Technical Services for a Radically New Reality presented by Rick Anderson, University of Utah.

Something for Everyone: How New Approaches to Metadata Management Enable Discovery – Ted Fons and Matt Goldner, OCLC, discuss how information seekers look for information and how cataloging practices can contribute to the user experience.

Integrating Technical Services and Preservation Workflows: Mainstreaming Digital Resources – After an introduction from Geri Bunker Ingram of OCLC, Amy Rudersdorf, Director, Digital Information Management Program, The State Library of North Carolina, discusses integrating a whole host of systems into a digital curation workflow, including OCLC’s Connexion tools, Digital Archive, WorldCat, Digital Collection Gateway and CONTENTdm.

WorldCat Selection Users Group – presentations included:
Lean Budgets and Staff Shortages: How the implementation of WorldCat Selection is helpful to Collections and Technical Services staff at Binghamton University, by Caryl Ward, Binghamton University and Selected Selector Selections: post-selection ordering workflows at Cornell, by Boaz Nadav-Manes, Cornell University Libraries.


WorldCat Selection partners and recent enhancements to the service by David Whitehair of OCLC. The presentations were repeated for recording after ALA.

ONIX to MARC and Back Again: New Metadata Service Options at OCLC – Renee Register, OCLC, introduces OCLC Metadata Services for Publishers and describes the process of enriching publisher title metadata to create an ONIX file for use in the publisher supply chain.

For Catalogers: - My thoughts on RDA (Resource Description and Access) the new AACR2

American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference, Chicago July 9-July 15 - Report on Pre-conference RDA , FRBR and FRAD : Making the Connection
http://presentations.ala.org/index.php?title=Friday%2C_July_10



For catalogers and others with an interest in information organization and access RDA (Resource Description and Access) is the new set of cataloging rules/standards which will replace Anglo American Cataloging Rules AACR2. RDA is based on the FRBR (Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records) and FRAD (Functional Requirements for Authority Data) conceptual models. RDA was developed to simplify the patron’s task in finding, identifying, selecting and obtaining the resources they need in the library’s catalog.



Some perceived advantages of RDA for Cataloging:
· Although RDA is built on some of the key principles of AACR2, it has been described as a more comprehensive set of instructions and guidelines for describing all types of resources – traditional as well as digital and web based resources. Rules for cataloging digital and web based resources were not adequately covered by AACR2. For example, if cataloging Internet resources using the current AACR2 rules a cataloger would need to consult at least 3 chapters in describing this resource. RDA was developed specifically for libraries operating in a digital environment. (A comparison of AACR2 and RDA is adequately covered by Tom Delsey, editor of RDA at the ALCTS sponsored session Look before you Leap: Taking RDA for a Test Drive http://presentations.ala.org/index.php?title=Saturday%2C_July_11)


· RDA is based on the FRBR conceptual model which emphasizes the relationship between a person’s work, the expression and manifestation of this work and the work’s physical copy (item). This enhances the clustering of bibliographic records to allow for better displays in library catalogs. For example, users will be able to view all the different editions, translations and physical formats of books and other resources in one macro/summary level cataloging record. OCLC WorldCat.org provides one example of a catalog which has been FRBR-ized. http://www.worldcat.org/. Another is OCLC Fiction finder http://fictionfinder.oclc.org/

· RDA is compatible with the MARC21 format. This compatibility is beneficial for catalogers as there will be no need to re-catalog older bibliographic or authority records. New fields have been added to the MARC format to accommodate RDA rules for description of digital and web resources: Field 336 (use to described content such as cartographic dataset, cartographic image); Field 337 (used to describe media such as microform, audio); Field 338 (used to describe Carrier type such as audio disc, microform cartridge).

· RDA was developed with input and suggestions from groups within and outside the library community. This allows for the standard to be readily adapted for use by information communities other than libraries. For example, organizations which use and support Dublin Core elements and the ONIX standard (publishing community) in creating metadata can easily adapt RDA to meet their needs.

· RDA emphasizes the rule “take what information you see on the resource you are cataloging”. This is advantageous for automating cataloging workflows. Technical Services departments in libraries can create workflows which utilize automatic machine–capture or harvesting of metadata already embedded in the resource. This is a time saver and can be viewed as more efficient as less time will be spent by catalogers on editing these machine-generated records.

· RDA is being developed as an online, web-based tool with no immediate plans for a print version. As an online product it offers the following advantages:

·The interface can be easily customized to fit specific workflows and to catalog specific types of materials. Additionally, documents with local cataloging rules, policies and procedures can be easily integrated into RDA online.

· RDA will display the current rules and guidelines and the old AACR2 rules simultaneously in a single viewing pane.

· Catalogers can add personal notes and highlight rules useful to their workflow using a personal login.

RDA has not been officially released as a paid for product. October 2009 is the schedule date for testing by different library types in the US. The distribution date for the online product is 2010.

Here is the testing timeline as described by the Library of Congress:
· Test Days 1 through 90: Test partners use this three-month period to become familiar with the content of RDA and with navigating RDA Online.
· Test Days 91 through 180: Test partners produce records in the test and share them with the US National Libraries RDA Test Steering Committee.
· Post-Test Days 1-90: The US National Libraries RDA Test Steering Committee analyzes the results of the test and prepares its report to the management of the three national libraries.
· After Post-Test Day 91: The report is shared with the US library community.
To view more information about the proposed methodology for testing RDA visit http://www.loc.gov/bibliographic-future/rda/

For more information on RDA visit http://www.rda-jsc.org/rda.html

For an overview of RDA with screen shots of the current version, and to view RDA in VTLS ILS system visit the following URL link to the ALCTS RDA Implementation Task Force session “Look Before You Leap: Taking RDA For a Test-Drive” http://presentations.ala.org/index.php?title=Saturday%2C_July_11

American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference, Chicago July 9-July 15 - Report

I attended the annual ALA 2009 conference in Chicago July 10-July 12. The conference wiki is available at: http://presentations.ala.org/index.php?title=Main_Page

Here is a summary of some of the sessions I attended:

Saturday , July 11, Workflow Tools for Automating Metadata Creation and Maintenance
http://presentations.ala.org/index.php?title=Workflow_Tools_for_Automating_Metadata_Creation_and_Maintenance
Many academic libraries are recognizing that digitization is a value-added way of increasing visibility of unique and special collections to local and global communities. As libraries embark on these digital projects, staffs at all levels are mindful of the costs involved and are searching for ways to maintain cost effective projects. This session provided examples of work flows in current digital projects where tools such as macros have been used to automate the creation and maintenance of data.

Saturday July 11 – Library of Congress and Web 2.0 Technologies
There was a presentation at the LC exhibit booth on how LC has successfully embraced Web 2.0 technologies by integrating collections and services in high volume social networking sites like Flickr, Twitter, FaceBook, You Tube, and Itunes The Library of Congress on iTunes U.

Sunday July 12, OCLC Update Breakfast. Streaming video of this session is available at http://www.oclc.org/us/en/news/events/presentations/default.htm

· OCLC announced its intention to develop a web-scale cooperative library management system which will rival competing ILS vendors such as "Innovative, Sirsi Dynix, Aleph, and VTLS. This library management system will provide tools for managing library collections through modules such as circulation and delivery, print and licensed acquisitions, and license management. These new services will complement existing OCLC services.

· OCLC has centralized its product and services support functions. Support and service calls will no longer be handled by OCLC service partners such as SOLINET. The telephone number for OCLC support is 1-800 848 5800.

· WorldCat.org will soon be launched as the new interface or platform providing access to OCLC content such as FirstSearch, the WorldCat database, ArchiveGrid – database of over 1 million archival collections, CAMIO – a catalog of art museum and images online, and OAISTER – a union catalog of more than 19 million cords of digital resources from more than 1,000 contributors. This new interface will take the form of a single-search box, which can be branded with the library’s logo and placed anywhere on the library’s home page. This search box can be downloaded by users and added to their favorite websites. This product is available free of charge with current OCLC FirstSearch subscription. Access to the current FirstSearch interface will not be discontinued and will be available to OCLC users until 2011.

· WorldCat Local “quick start” will soon be included in subscriptions to the FirstSearch service at no additional charge. Content in WorldCat Local and the new Worldcat.org platform can be synchronized and delivered in the same customizable search box. WorldCat Local provides content from three sources: local library resources, content available through a consortia and global content such as what is available via the WorldCat database.

· With the expansion of the FirstSearch package users will have access to CONTENTdm Quickstart –an entry level hosted version of OCLC CONTENTdm Digital Collection Management Software which allows libraries to host 3,000 digital objects free of charge on OCLC server.

· In Feb 2009 OCLC began a pilot project where cataloging members with full level authorizations can enhance WorldCat records (previously there was a limit to the number of fields libraries could edit or enhance). This experiment will end in August 2009. More information is available at www.oclc.org/worldcat/catalog/quality/expert

Sunday July 12 Dr. John C. Tyson Award Committee of the Black Caucus of the American Library Program
As a member of the Dr. John C. Tyson Award Committee of the Black Caucus of the American Library Association I helped organized a panel presentation titled "What do I Need to Know? Strategies for Career Growth and Promotion." This panel discussion focused on highlighting career strategies for new and mid-level librarians preparing for promotion and leadership. Three experienced librarians discussed their career path to higher management positions and outlined strategies for advancement for Millennial Librarians.

Presenters:
Steven J. Bell bells@temple.edu "Hills and Valleys: Moving Strategically On the Long Road of Your Library Career"
Associate University Librarian for Research and Instructional Services Temple University

Jon E. Cawthorne jcawthor@rohan.sdsu.edu "Know thyself help will follow"
Interim Library Dean
San Diego State University

Virginia L. Cairns Virginia-Cairns@utc.edu "Make the best of what you've
got: creating the opportunities you need to advance your career"
Head, Reference and Instruction Services University of Tennessee, Chattanooga

Sunday July 12 Catalog Use and Usability Studies: What Do They Show and How Should This Evidence Affect Our Decision-Making?

A new report released by OCLC on Online Catalogs what Users and Librarians want http://www.oclc.org/us/en/reports/onlinecatalogs/default.htm suggests that end users want the following from the library online catalog:
· direct links to online content – text and media formats
· evaluative content such as summaries/abstracts, tables of contents and excerpts
· relevant search results
· item and availability information - if the item is available and how to get it
· simple keyword search with an advanced, guided search option.
Karen Calhoun (one of the authors of the report, gave a detailed overview of the findings) in her presentation which is available is available at:
http://presentations.ala.org/images/5/59/Calhoun_Online_Catalogs_ALA_July_2009.pdf

ALA Toolkit provides answers for finding a job in a tough economy

From the ALA website:
The “Getting a Job in a Tough Economy” toolkit is an interactive website with tips, narrative and suggested links and readings, comments, podcasts, and activities/checklists for new librarians and support staff, those looking to change position, people who have been laid off, and others who are having difficulty finding the right position. The site is a one-stop resource including and/or linking to information prepared for members from units within ALA, as well as linking to information about best practices in job searching from any field. The toolkit will shine a spotlight on the resources that ALA already offers, highlighting why they are especially valuable in the current economy.

ALA Job search resources on the site:

Especially In A Tough Job Market
How do I network?
How do I plan a job search strategy?
How do I uncover my strengths, talents, and work values?
What do I do if I’m laid off?
Where are the jobs?

In Any Job Market
How do I craft a resume?
How do I get ready for interviews?
How do I write cover letters?
Once I get the job, how do I negotiate for my salary and benefits?
What do I need to know about the job?

ALA 2009

I attended the annual ALA conference in Chicago. A full report on sessions I attended will follow. Here are some interesting facts I can share with you:

1. Tired of standing in line at your library circulation desk to borrow your favorite book. The Espresso Book Machine (EBM) is a new innovation for you. EBM is a print on demand (POD) machine that prints, collates, covers, and binds a single book in a few minutes, and can potentially allow readers to obtain any book title, even books that are out of print. A single machine can cost approximately $175,000 and seems like a great investment for libraries with high volume traffic.

2. For catalogers and others with an interest in information organization and access RDA (Resource Description and Access) is the new set of cataloging rules and will replace AACR. RDA is based on the FRBR conceptual model, and was created to fullfil the patron's task of finding, identifying, selecting and obtaining the resources they need. Testing of the new rules by select libraries is scheduled for October and publication date for this totally online product is early 2011.

3. Library of Congress has successfully embraced Web 2.0 technologies and has a prescence in high volume social networking sites like Flickr, Twitter, FaceBook, You Tube, The Library of Congress on iTunes U

4. OCLC has announced its intention to develop a web-scale library management system which will rival competing ILS vendors such as "Innovative, Sirsi Dynix, Aleph, and VTLS.

5. Libraries are continuing to provide innovative services despite a reduction in budget allocations.