Is It A Bird? Is It a Plane? No, It’s A Librarian!

Do we actually really know where we are headed in life or should we rely on fate? I ask that because there is an abundant amount of information to learn. You spend so much time learning about something and when you least expect it, another learning opportunity arises. This week’s class lecture was particularly interesting because we got to hear a “Dean’s Academic Standpoint” which basically revolved around having a vision and a plan to get things off of the ground. Along with that is also being aggressive to meet fundraising needs. A positive of librarianship is the rewards that are received via the positive thoughts of others.

Now, this brings us to another concern. How far are we willing to go to make our dreams come true? According to a Director of Reference Services at a 4 year University, you have to be able to recognize your plight and be able to respond to it appropriately, even it means relocating to another company or state. “Information literacy means being aware of your needs and knowing how to satisfy them; you can teach things, but if the ones being taught can’t apply reasoning for use then it may not be necessary.” It got me to thinking that a Librarian’s plight is similar to that of a bird. The sky is the limit. Individuals have to experience a variety of settings and environments in order to find the one that is the most rewarding.

The hardest thing about this is the time that it takes one to get to where he/she wants to be. Even harder is being bold enough to go for it. It is important to be patient, while also taking each and every opportunity as it comes. This means applying for and accepting jobs in other fields or places. Sometimes, even though you may be hired for one thing, you may be able to display the other talents you have there as well. I really commend individuals who are able to accept the transition of a home or job relocation to another state or country. I think that is the bravest thing of all. So, if you want to succeed think about a bird’s plight, or why not just ask around; the person next to you may have a plight that could not only surprise you, but inspire you altogether. So in the words of Nelly Fertado, “Fly Like a Bird!”

 

 

 

 

 

Let Me Get One Partnership To Go……No Make That A Consortium Instead!

The idea of this title derived from the fact that I was unfamiliar with the term consortium. Although I heard it’s use plenty of times, I never actually knew what it meant. I cherish seeking higher education because it allows one to venture off into a whole new world without even realizing it. When you look up, you have a totally different perspective, which could be very contrary to the belief you initially had; sometimes it’s positive, sometimes it’s negative. Regardless of the outcome you know more now than you did then.

According to dictionary.com a partnership is the state or condition of being a partner; participation; association; joint interest. According to the same source, a consortium is a combination of financial institutions, capitalists, etc., for carrying to effect some financial operation requiring large resources of capital; any association, partnership, or union. Consortia partnerships are good mechanisms for increasing library resources and services; therefore they are the key to assisting libraries in fulfilling missions and promises.

It is not hard to decide which one would rather be chosen. In the academic arena there are academic stipulations and fundraising becomes a must. If you are not willing to assist in bringing money into an organization, you might as well pack your bags. Even if it is just participating in local fundraising events, either “University” or “Corporate” related. I would even suggest having a garage sale. Any type of opportunity to add to one’s resume would be a start.

I could use my own advice because I know how successful they can be, but it also gives one a sense of satisfaction and confidence, which ultimately leads to greater confidence in pursuing the goals that one has in mind. It is very important to choose ‘life careers of interest.’ Being in a chosen area makes the job worthwhile, thus launching the need and want to rise above and beyond expectations.  So, I would rather have a consortium or a group of entities that can positively impact my future. Then again, that’s just my opinion. Until then….   

Networking Your Net Worth

Am I the only one that questions whether or not people are listening to me when I talk? Why does it seem like people are not focusing? Maybe because I am right, people are not listening and they wish that I would shut up. Or maybe I am too “needy” and I crave attention that the outside world can’t give. Since effective communication involves the transmission of information between a sender and a receiver, why is it necessary for that person to look at you when you are speaking to them? Good information professionals know that eye contact is a must when dealing with clients or anyone else in the general public for that matter. I can actually say at times, though, I am guilty of the thing I dislike the most, not paying attention.

Important information can be missed when individuals do not fully focus on the task or person at hand. We are all too busy running around like mice and we don’t want to slow down. What about that time when we could not “wait to leave” a social function, which could have potentially been a great networking opportunity, but we “had to go”. Another scenario occurs when we brush off that phone call or visit we should have made to a loved one. Even closer to home is the act of assuming that no one is paying attention because “they are not looking”. Sometimes we have to break out of our comfort zone and offer assistance, with a smile.

Individuals are very complex and unique, therefore there are myriads of ways to get a message across. Nonetheless, there are tons of ways that individuals receive those messages. Instead of worrying about whether or not you are getting your message across, try to focus on giving a good message instead. Effective communicators use more than one channel to convey a message. In order to do that, one has to find his/her voice, but yet translate that voice to an audience without being “too” offensive. Concentrating on the message you send to others doesn’t necessarily mean that you are effectively communicating with “them”, but, at least, you tried.

 

To Be or Not To Be, Academic? Should That Really Be A Question?

We are told everyday to go to school and get an education, in order to get a better job, in order to matriculate through this challenging society….blah, blah, blah! We are spending years going to school, majoring in a particular field, only to get the job working right beside someone whose plight was just a little shorter. Or we spend all of our time educating ourselves, only to find the job that pays less than “Suzie’s and she has no degree.” So why seek additional education to be a part of this madness? Why should individuals go to community colleges, universities, or other institutes of higher learning altogether? How do we decide when and where to scratch the Academic surface? 

Why should anyone want to seek higher learning? Well, the advantages definitely outweigh the disadvantages. The advantage of extending one’s education lies in getting to know who and what else is out there. There is so much information surfacing everyday, therefore it is necessary for one to assume the responsibility of knowing what “it” is. Equally important is finding out who’s producing the new information, because there is so much out there to learn. A disadvantage persists when one feels that he is not where he ultimately wants to be in life, thus the need to seek a new perspective.

Whether it is a community college, university, trade school or workshop, it can provide another dimension of learning that can truly be beneficial. It is important to seek a point-of-view other than your own; even it involves reading a book or an article. The key is growth and upward mental mobility should be the goal. Location, income, time or lack of it are all factors to consider when deciding upon an educational endeavor. So, if you are questioning whether or not to go “back to school”, you must be “alive”. Most importantly though, is to find the avenue that will fit best with your income and time schedule.  Remember just as no question is a dumb question, you are never too old to learn. Beauty really is skin deep and ignorance definitely lies in the eyes of the beholder.