You are currently browsing the monthly archive for June, 2006.
I've returned from the annual CLA Conference that was held in Ottawa. While I couldn't attend the whole conference, I did manage to attend the Access to Government Information Interest Group (AGIIG) track, the first AGIIG track at a CLA conference. I was official notetaker, so I couldn't blog directly from the conference, but I will be posting highlights of the sessions I attended. Unfortunately, these postings may be a little late, as I try to get everything done before dashing off to the ALA Conference in New Orleans at the end of this week. Top on the list of things to do, is updating the course manual and exercises for a course I'll be teaching in the fall. Starting in September, I will be teaching (through Distance Education) Information Work 420, the second part of a reference course (dealing with directories, handbooks, statistics, government information, GIS and the reference process) for Mohawk College's Library and Information Technician's Diploma program. So, until that's done, the conference postings will be on the back burner (sorry). But, once done, there will be conference postings galore, as I will have all the details on ALA too! Stay tuned!
A CNN newsreport makes mention of a survey of 1200 college students that was taken to find out what they consider to be the "in" by undergrads. Tops on the list: iPod. Second Place: Tie between Facebook and Beer. Pretty telling as to what the students are into at the moment. The survey also provides support for those who want to see the library have a presence on Facebook (the students are obviously there) or introduce podcasting to the library. Oh, and the last time the 18 year survey saw beer dethroned from the top spot: 1997, by the Internet.
We are just finishing up a Reference Week where I work. It's been a wonderful week of getting back to the basics of Reference Service and a great opportunity to find out what's new and what's changed in the world of reference. In this world of fast-changing products and services, I recommend that all take a moment to think about the basics, as well as the best way to serve our patrons. It helps us remember why we wanted to join this profession and can help reignite our passions. This also comes at a time when major conferences are about to occur (CLA, ALA), another excellent means to reignite passions.
As a complete aside, take a look at this article from the New York Times about the US government considering the possibility of Website Companies keeping web use statistics.
