Life goes on...

I've not posted anything on here since I finished CPD23. I feel a bit guilty about that, since much has actually gone through my mind and I've had plenty to muse over.

So what has been happening, well work has been busy, we've had events galore - the delights of working in a public library.

In one library we've had a history event, launching a DVD of the town. We used the event to also publicise our HertsMemories sites.

One of our local HertsMemories volunteers demonstrating the website

We also hired some oral history booths from our local university. We can set these up with specific questions and get members of the public to talk into them. We then put these videos onto our HertsMemories sites. Nifty bits of kit, huh??

The oral history booth

We've hosted an image roadshow for the local museum at another branch. They hired our Meetings Room and displayed photos from their collection along with our large collection of old photographs too. Then... we've also held a Family History Open Day. We have library subscriptions to Ancestry and FindMyPast, so we got a local family history group to come in and help as well. members of the public could come in for free and learn how to use the sites, amongst others such as FreeBMD, etc and our family history books.

We've also held a drawing event during the last week of October at another library. This was a combination of Family Learning Week and The Big Draw. Children were invited to draw what they thought their dream library would look like. I sat in the children's library with a lovely box of colouring pencils surrounded by children laying on the floor, sitting at the table, etc drawing pictures. It was good fun to do and gave me a chance to interact with them (believe it or not, the future of the country...)

We also had some contributions from big kids (staff to you and me...)

The posters are going to be displayed in our new library when it opens.

We're now in the process of organising the next set of events and displays. We've a new library opening in one town, so we're getting ready for that. The museum in another town has received funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to display a piece of furniture from the Victoria and Albert Museum, so we're tapping into events on the back of that. And that's just the start of it!

In the library world as a whole, I can't describe how brilliant the result is from the High Court ruling over Gloucestershire County Council. The full statement is on the Friends of Gloucestershire Libraries website. All I can say is well done Johanna, Demelza and all those involved in the campaign, you worked tirelessly for something you believed in to get a result. I am definitely in awe of you all. As much as I can support you from a distance, I know I could never have done so much as you all have. I feel proud to have worked with Johanna a couple of years ago and her enthusiasm is infectious!

The last thing I saw which interested me... The Times newspaper in the UK has been publishing a Graduate recruitment section on Tuesdays. On 8th November, they published an article about a graduate career in libraries and librarianship, entitled "Why life as a librarian can be an open book." The article basically described how to get into the profession through Graduate trainee schemes and studying for a Masters.

There is a description of the possible role we may take and the type of person we need to be. Annie Mauger quotes that we need to be "enthusiastic and proactive, asking 'what can we do for you'?" I do however disagree to some extent where she says "One of the big advantages of our profession is that you can move easily between sectors - public, private, education, commercial. It can be a very flexible career." From my experience this needs to be taken with a pinch of salt. I have moved between sectors and have not found it easy. Certainly you can move but don't expect to remain at an equivalent level. You will most likely go down. I came to my current post from managing a small university Learning Centre, with staffing and budgetary responsibilities. I now work for a public library with very little, if any responsibilities which I can call my own, I'm constantly checking if I can do something, have no staffing or budgetary responsibilities. When I tried to apply for an equivalent level post, I was told I didn't have enough public library knowledge... I've also moved from FE to HE, depending on the university, beware, since there is a definite pecking order and FE (and possibly where you did your Masters) does not count for some universities in the UK. If you want to change sectors, make sure you do your homework thoroughly and don't be afraid of rejection.

So possibly on the back of that, it's time to get my own CV up to date and ready following on from what I learned in CPD23...

Thing 23: The end, but not as we know it!

This is quite sad. I've really enjoyed doing this "course". I've virtually met so many interesting people and I'm going to miss the contact. I know we all say we'll continue writing our blogs, but will we? Certainly I doubt if I will write so many posts on this blog.

I have a lot to look forward to, however, and my SWOT gives me a lot to think about. Some points from my personal SWOT include:

Strengths
Much greater awareness of web 2.0 resources and software
The use of at least four or five things constantly in my daily work life meaning that I'm more organised and more productive
Willingness to exploit new technologies to show how they can improve our day-to-day working
Willingness to learn, even outside the work environment

Weaknesses
Not keeping on top of new technologies as much as I can, particularly now 23 Things has finished...
Not convinced by my brand, I have two currently, one professional, one not - how can I combine the two and make it look professional like Joeyanne Libraryanne?

Opportunities
The new technologies from 23 Things which were a great opportunity
Learning from other people by reading their blogs
My impending move to New Zealand - this is a BIG opportunity and is taking up a lot of my life currently

Threats
My impending move to New Zealand... I know I've repeated myself, but however much I ask questions from friends/colleagues, read up and rely on past visits, the country is still a relative unknown, particularly with the world of work. I'll be completely out of my "comfort zone" and will be a big change, but I'm up for it!!

So where DO I go from here? Well it's all a bit up in the air, my current job contract finishes next July (and most likely not renewed) and if I'm not in New Zealand by then, I'll be job hunting in the UK, mainly as a stop gap. Perhaps I can get involved with something locally for CILIP which may give me something else to aim for. I've never been a mentor, but I think it might be quite a rewarding thing to do, but starting training and finishing it before I move may be difficult. I have also considered Revalidation of my Chartership, but I think it's getting a bit late in the day to start that too.

In the meantime, I'm also trying to keep up with LIANZA and the job market in NZ. I may do best to see if I can join in with their activities from a distance.

This all seems quite indecisive, but it's difficult in my current position to say right, this is what I will do. It may be that I get to NZ and find I can't get an information post, in which case I'll be falling back on plans B or C... That means re-learning teaching methods and mathematics or doing lots of sewing to get my confidence up!

In the meantime, thanks 23 Things, this has been useful, interesting and I've a lot to take away from this. I won't say it's been easy, but how can I learn if it's all easy. I've had to do a lot of this at home, however, the main frustration I had over this, was the fact we have these fantastic technologies with which to improve our daily work and services, and they're blocked. What I need to do is to continue practising with them to ensure I don't forget them! I certainly will continue to read any blogs which are still updated, I've no end saved in my Google Reader!

As for a 6-word story, I may have to pass on that one, or could I put "Here's to the next 23..." Ooh, that's only five words - how's about that then? :-)

Thing 22: Volunteering

What an excellent post by Jo. So what are my own experiences of volunteers and volunteering?

Very much like Jo, after finishing my library qualification I found it hard to find employment. Jobs just didn't seem to exist. I'm possibly also guilty of trying to get my thesis finished and passing, that job applications were the last things on my mind!

A friend of mine worked for BAe (British Aerospace) in Bristol at the time and managed to secure me work experience (voluntary work) in their information centre. I'd never worked in a special library and haven't worked in once since. However, I consider it a valuable experience. I loved the chance to deal with really complex in depth queries, sometimes working with confidential information. It was a very interesting place to work too. At the time they were building the wings for what is now the Airbus A380, all I'll say it, they certainly didn't call it the A380 then, it had just a slightly different codename!!

I'd love the chance to do this sort of work again, but due to my experience since, I think it would take quite a bit of persuasion, not to mention self-promotion to get the job I want in that sector. (Not to self: check Thing 21 again!)

I volunteered years ago to organise the music in my church choir library. I loved that, starting from scratch, but actually knowing I was making the music more accessible in the meantime. I also used to volunteer for the National Trust. Not libraries, but I learned basic budgeting, teamwork and leadership skills, so all in all a positive experience. Certainly in both of these, I felt valued - a great morale booster.

On the other side, I've not had a lot of experience from volunteers. We had a shelver when I worked in a college library, strangely enough, he now volunteers in the public library where I now work. He's been doing this volunteer shelving work for about ten years now, but is very reliable and helpful. Possibly one of the best volunteers you can get. He thrives on the thanks he gets from the library staff.

We also have a lot of volunteer editors for our local history site Herts Memories. We don't see these volunteers much, it's more of an electronic relationship! However, if we organise a local history event, they are often the first to come along to help publicise the sites, or encourage contributions.

If you count work experience as voluntary work, my experience of these has not been so good. Much of the time, they seem to find the work boring... How can work in a library be boring, there's always loads to do??

Currently my authority does not have many volunteers working regularly in the libraries. I know there are authorities which use volunteers on a regular basis and would be interested on how you work with these. What sort of work they do, how often they come in, etc. Plus there's the whole question of training volunteers, how does this get done?

It can certainly be a minefield, the whole volunteering experience, but I personally think it can be a positive experience for all involved.

Thing 21: Job applications and interviews

Over the years I've written so many job applications that I know what I'm doing - mm, OK, I'll believe myself!!

A couple of times recently I've been in the unfortunate position of either being made redundant or nearing the end of a fixed term contract which may or may not be continued. At these times, a list of what I've done has been invaluable.

I've got an old spreadsheet which has details of ALL the jobs I've done since I started work, including the part-time shop work while I was at school. (This may seem a tad over the top, but I learnt a lot about customer service skills and basic till use from that experience - so I dare anyone to mock it!) The only thing I haven't done with this spreadsheet is to include a brief description of my role and duties, this is still all in my head. So this may be a good time to create that database or Evernote folder with details which Maria suggests. I've also got a list of all the training I've done and conferences I've attended. My qualifications so far are mainly in my head, but I can easily check my certificates. Perhaps this is NOT the best way to record them! I have got a brief resume on LinkedIn, so I can turn to that if I get stuck too. :-)

The concrete details are the easy bit. The difficult bit is remembering my strengths. Every job application I do, I get my partner to read through. He is excellent at this and questions such as "why haven't in included that?" or "what about this" are getting less and less as I pick up skills. I read a job application, description and person spec thoroughly before starting any application, ticking off the essentials and desirables as I go, writing notes in the margins where something relates to my experience. I have at times used the exact wording in their descriptions to really plug the fact that I know what the job entails and I've got the skills to do it.

Application forms can sometimes be problematic, particularly if they have fixed word lengths on an online form and state that a covering letter will not be accepted. As you can probably tell from my posts, I can talk for England, but can I reduce the number of words by cutting out the rubbish - no I cannot!! My Masters thesis took ages to go through and cut out what was surplus to requirements!!

My downfall has always been interviews. About 18 months ago, I was applying for jobs left right and centre and I think my interview rate was about 85% or higher, but could I get a job - nope! I like Palely Loitering's comment from her friend “It’s not you, it’s them”. You can also tell if it's not been a good interview. I can't put my finger on what it is, there's just something which says it was not good. We also need to remember that going to an interview is not just about them finding out about you, but also you finding out about them. It's a two-way process and if your potential employer can't grasp that, then they are doing the process all wrong. Presentations are all very well, but I like the chance to chat to possible colleagues in a staff room or informal meeting. You can pick up a lot from faces, comments, etc in those situations.

I would be interested if there's anyone reading this about the length of a CV... In the UK here two sides of A4 is the maximum and then you bulk it out with a covering letter. I've recently been given a CV template for jobs in New Zealand and 2 sides just won't fill it. It goes on for pages and pages! Are there any Kiwis here who can help me??

My final word goes back to the detail and keeping a record. There are so many tools online to help us keep out details up to date for that moment in time, we really have no excuse. You may be ecstatically happy in your job, but they could come back to you tomorrow and say sorry we're closing down and you'll be made redundant. We all hope it won't happen to us, but sorry, it can, believe me, it can, so I recommend you keep that CV and database ready for that possible moment in time. Our job includes organising information in a way that it can be easily retrieved, so we should be excellent at organising our own information...

Thing 20: Roots and routes

Well I blogged quite thoroughly about my roots in librarianship in Thing 10. I've put a link to my blog on the Library Routes project site now. That wasn't without it's frustrations, someone else was trying to edit the page at the same time and it caused me endless frustration trying to save the page!! 'Tis done though!

Like Laura on CPD23 I'm a nosy so-and-so and have enjoyed reading through all the posts about roots. I've also been looking through other responses to Thing 20. Like many I didn't decide upon libraries for a career until the first choice of career fell apart and then discovered librarianship, not really knowing that it was a professional career for which you could get qualifications.

A lot of us seem to have a fondness for books, although I'm not sure if this will be as important in the future with so much technology around. Maybe a fondness for reading, but books to me mean a tangible object made of paper - no Kindle for me if I can help it, I can't rescue it if it falls in the bath!!

Looking around a lot seem to have come from more of a humanities/arts background. I know when I did my Masters that I was a minority having a science background. Being the show-off I am, I quite like that!!

There's also quite a lot of us, who somehow "fell" into libraries, Auntie Daniel, Laura's CDLC, and the Hobbit Hole, basically by helping out or doing some work for someone, or myself by doing some quiz in the university library during my final year of my undergrad course!

I certainly agree with Palely Loitering, I honestly don't think that going straight into a librarianship degree at at undergraduate level is best. I think we can bring so much more to the profession from our previous experiences and knowledge, ie Jan Learns 2.0 is using her teaching background, very much as I do given the chance to deliver training sessions.

I don't think careers advisers (possibly along with 90% of the population) know what a librarian does, but then our profession is so varied and different depending on the sector we work in, how can they?? As the Hobbit Hole suggests, we do need to market ourselves at careers fairs, but in doing this we need to make sure we have a representative from the major sectors to give a fuller picture.

So yes, I think all in all my route into the world of librarianship has been typical. My recommendation to anyone entering the career is get some experience behind you before doing the qualification. It makes so much more sense. I am lucky to have worked in both a public library, an academic library and even three weeks voluntary work in a special library before I did my MA and it broadened my mind considerably. I actually enjoyed going back to uni to do the Masters. For me personally, studying for the qualification there gave me the chance to discuss experiences with my peers, which I certainly wouldn't have got if ACLIP had been around then.

I think Paulamarie sums up the profession in her last few paragraphs, illustrating what a rewarding career we actually have the privilege to work in. Libraries are certainly not on their way out, we'll just be working in a different way. There will always be a need for organising information in a way in which it can be found when the certain person asks that certain question. I know from experience that many have not a clue how to search and cannot find the information they need. Who can show them how to do this?? Yep, it's us, those with hair in a bun, glasses, twinset and two piece... (And don't get me started on the image...)

Image from Bookworms: The Changing Image of Librarians in Society

Delicious? Tasteless!

Have you seen the mess they've made of Delicious?

I thought I'd look through the list of bloggers registered with CPD23 and I couldn't search them using the tags. I even tried my own personal list and tags are gone along with some sites!

And then I saw this blog post from Phil Bradley. Yep, it looks like it's not just me, it's thousands of us in the same boat. I'm lucky in some ways that I haven't been relying on just Delicious, but mainly use Xmarks. This is sync-ed with my PC at home (where I use Firefox) and I can also log in at work to the Xmarks website.

Here we are though, relying on these wonderful pieces of software where everything is hosted externally (and not using up space on our own hard drives), making it easy for us to access the information wherever we are... Perhaps the web 2.0 world is just moving too quickly? I'm not saying don't embrace web 2.0 technologies, but perhaps we're just relying on them all a tad too much?

What do you think? Do you think we have the right as account holders to have a say in how these sites should be developed? (Particularly in the case of Delicious and possibly Facebook, when they have so many users and hold so much of our personal information.)

Thing 17: Presentations

Well I love using PowerPoint, but obviously I'm behind the times here! Plus it's not very often that I sing the praises of microshaft software.

I can't get either Prezi or Slideshare to work at work, so I've had to leave them both to check at home - again! I even had one of our Development Librarians tell me to check a presentation he'd put on Prezi. I had to politely inform him that his laptop obviously had better and more up to date software on than our standard staff PCs (which run via WYSE terminals!) ARGH!! Bane of my life! I've already asked for the additional software to be installed, but it "may be some time".

Anyway to the matter in hand...

Prezi
Having had a look, it certainly makes what might be a simple presentation all singing all dancing, but is it just me that gets a bit queasy with the zooming in and out? (I'm not drunk by the way!) Looking at some other responses to this, it seems to be quite easy to use (WalkingLibrarianNZ) and has some positive reviews (Continuous Learning). I'll have a look and see if I can make an all-singing, all-dancing presentation to wow the masses! I might not feel quite so queasy if I design my own presentation!

Slideshare
This looks more usable. I think I could actually make something of this. I like the visual resume. I'll have a bit more of a look at this one too.

Seeing as I can't use them for work, I certainly think I might have a look at how to use them personally. I might be looking for a job in the next six months and creating my own CV using either of these would be good practice and might give me a few Brownie points. Although I think they both need excellent images and/or graphics, which may be the stumbling block...

Thing 19: Catching up

What a long list of "Things"! I can't believe how much we've covered and also how much I've learnt. I used to be on top of all this software and have got way behind in what's available and what it can be used for. I hate to say it, but I'm going to blame it on the sector I work in... I've worked in acdemic libraries for ages and there is a need to be on top of these resources, knowing what's there and what they can be used for and also needing to know about it yesterday. The emphasis in the public sector and I'd imagine in some others as well is completely different and we seem to be happy to be one step behind!

I will try to pick out my top three or so!

My Personal Brand
This now seems to be constantly on my mind whenever I register for something online. It doesn't matter what it is, I'm thinking of my username, etc. Trouble is, I started out not thinking of this at all and some are still quite a mishmash of brands. My plan will be to create something that is me and me only, I love what Joeyanne Libraryanne has done, so maybe in the future it could happen! Most of my friends seeing this would wonder where the elephant is, so I think my brand may have to develop over the years...

Google Calendar
I may have mocked this a bit in my post back in August, saying that I would never use it, I don't have the time and I have to use Outlook calendar at work, etc, etc. I've persevered and now I find it invaluable. I tend to use it instead of a diary at home now! I've got two online calendars on the go, one in Outlook for work and one in Google for work and life! It is proving to be a lifesaver sometimes. Thank you so much CPD23, I completely swallow my words and take back everything I said at the time!

Evernote
I'm not using this as much as it can be used and still find myself thinking I could do a lot more with it, but it's getting used! I tend to use it mainly for personal notes, since I have to use the web version at work (which tends to be quite slow), but I think it's great the fact I can note something at home and check it later on my phone and at work.

Screencasting
Not something I thought I'd be adding to this list. It's not being used currently, but I can see the potential, particularly for training purposes. I really need to look into it more and see where it can be used before I make a case to the powers that be.

I already had a blog and followed people before this, but I do it a lot more (it's taking me away from Facebook, which is possibly a good thing!) I've also had a LinkedIn profile before starting this, but I can't say I do a lot more with it. I've not got involved in any discussions - must try harder!

This blog, I'd like to think it continues, but I'm not sure. It has a specific purpose currently, but the title I chose meant that I should be able to muse and think about libraries, etc into the future.

One thing though, I'm more aware of what's out there. I can suggest something feeling confident I know it works and it's used in libraries elsewhere. I just hope I can remember it all!

So as a postscript, I feel this is image is apt...

 I need to take a lesson from these who never forget!

Thing 18: Screening and podcasting

I got confused for a minute, I thought I'd missed a Thing somehow, then remembered!! You can tell it's been a bit of a busy time recently. I've got to a point where the world of work is spinning and I'm getting dizzy hoping it'll end soon! Event planning is coming out of our ears, in addition to the day job which still bumbles along... More of the events later methinks. OK back to the matter in hand!

Jing
I tried to use this at home and was really impressed. Shame we can't use it at work, it would be a nice addition to the "useful pieces of software". I might suggest it for the new staff image (if it happens!) Anyway, we do have a pretty good alternative in...

Screencast-o-matic
This works on a work PC!! Wehay!! I am happy! I've not created any useful videos as yet, it's been too chaotic to do that, but I can see so many uses. We often write so many instruction manuals and it would make instructions so much easier to follow. Not really certain about where the files could be stored either (our shared drive is a bit all over the place following the restructure). I am however determined to try out a test instruction file and send it to staff to see what they think. We could be onto a winner here! I'm feeling positive!

Podcasting
I can see this may be useful. It would be nice for some of our speaker events to be made available after the event for a certain period of time. Our LitFest in March is very popular and tickets for some authors are gone in days. If the authors agree it would be a nice thing to offer podcasts of the event. (I'm glossing over the possible extra cost involved here!)

There's no point in making any audio files available on a staff PC, we have no sound on them!!

As a user, I subscribe to podcasts from the BBC and listen to the files at a later stage on my iPod. I was wary at first, not really sure how it would work, but it's so easy and just like subscribing to a blog! However, I've not looked around to see what other podcasts may be available for me to subscribe to. It's still a bit of a new thing for me, so I need to look around. Are there any you listen to, which you recommend?

Thing 16: Advocacy

This is hard! OK, here goes!

Well I certainly try to stand up for the profession and libraries as a whole. It's difficult at the the moment because I work in a UK public library and I'm on a fixed term contract, which means I can be got rid of a lot more easily than if I was permanent.

We've had our RFID self-issue units in most of our libraries for over a year. Certainly a number of members of the public commented and said that they hoped it wouldn't mean staff were going... We always said no, but we've gone through a massive transformation (restructure) where lots of jobs were deleted from the structure. Supposedly people have gone through natural wastage, retirement, voluntary redundancy, etc... I'll leave you to read that as you will.

When Save our Libraries Day took place in February we didn't have many extra people in the library, but a few came in to ask what we were organising. Locally, there was quite a lot of apathy, which surprised me, although possibly we had a few more people suddenly join (where they are now I don't know!)

We advertised new opening hours in June this year as part of the transformation, suddenly everyone came out of the woodwork complaining! By this time there was little we could do, the consultation period for the new hours took place in November last year...

I certainly and very fond of fighting off the stereotypical view of libraries. One of the sewing blogs I read thought it would be wonderful to be a librarian, stamping books all day; The TV show Silent Library, which I believe has been in Japan and the States before it came here - ARGH, now that programme really does wind me up!! I'll be the first one out there sticking up for us to say how wrong they are.

I'm certainly in awe of people who stand up for us so much. I'm lucky to have worked with Johanna from Friends of Gloucestershire Libraries and she is amazing. So enthusiastic - I don't know where you find the energy Jo!! Her latest blog post about advocacy, is possibly the best comment about this "Thing" I've seen. The quote I'll take from her post is

As a librarian you have to be involved in advocacy and if you are not then you are in the wrong job.

I wish I could take part in Read-ins like Annie from The Hobbit Hole has done, but I'd have to go outside county for fear of my job!

I think I'm probably getting to the point in a round about way! I do stand up for us and will the the first person to notice an article and make sure people read it. I tend to publicise these on my Facebook page (not all my friends know what a library can offer). The latest article which I felt supported libraries was one written by Caitlin Moran in The Times newspaper. Unfortunately this is behind The Times pay wall so I can't provide a link. The most unfortunate thing about this article was the strapline, which many of my colleagues read as anti-libraries. Not good to get people reading.

By the time the economy gets back to normal our libraries will be coffee shops, Lidls and pubs.

 A response to this article is viewable though on the Voices for the Library website.

I have stood up for the library and service at risk of a complaint once or twice, but it's not an easy thing to do. We run Baby Rhyme Time sessions in most of our libraries. Our Young People's sections are not always separate from the main library, so the sound of parents and babies can be heard throughout the library. I once had a member of the public come in and complain about the noise of the parents singing and the babies laughing. He said

Libraries are silent places and this is disgraceful. Either they go or I go.

My reply ran along the lines of

I'm sorry if you feel this way, sir, but this is something which happens every week at this time. You could come into the library at another time during the week.

His look was of astonishment, so I continued...

Whether we like it or not, these are the adults of the future in this country and may be running the country. It's good to encourage them into libraries from an early age.

It was nice to have a another reader come up to me later on and say she thought my reply was brilliant and if we'd got rid of one adult reader, it was better to have 20 new young readers. I have to say I'm completely in agreement with her!

All in all though, I think possibly "Must try harder" applies to me in this situation!

Thing 15: Conferences, seminars, events

A post I'm happy to go on for hours about, so I'll try to keep this as short and sweet as possible!

I've been lucky enough to attend a few conferences. I can remember in 1995 before I went to my first ever residential conference that it would be like a training course. How wrong I was! It was the School Library Association conference in Sheffield. I can remember really getting involved, networking with all and sundry, etc. I came back with so much enthusiasm for the job. It was a real eye-opener to actually get lots of networking time, which doesn't seem to happen on training courses.

Eleven years later in September 2006, I attended the European EndUsers Conference in Edinburgh, for users of Endeavor's library software, such as Voyager, Metalib, SFX, etc. Flights all behaved, and we had time to look around the city (at least two items ticked off on Joeyanne's list!) The conference dinner was held in the Advocates Library along the Royal Mile, which is a really lovely building. I had plenty of chance to network (another from Joeyanne's list), papers from sessions which clashed were available to pick-up and chat to the presenters to find out more. I managed to make contacts from around the world, who I'm still in contact with, even though I don't work with Voyager anymore!

The last ever International EndUser took place in Chicago six months' later. I applied and was granted one of the ten Bon Voyage grants which paid for the majority of the fees. I agreed to do a joint presentation with a colleague from another institution. Presenters often get cheaper fees or sometimes get to go for free, so it's a good thing to do if you're brave enough. My first international conference and first conference presentation - not to mention my first ever trip to the States!! We arranged to get there in advance to give time to get over the jetlag, we had a couple of days to check out the city (even booking up tickets for the Chicago Cubs baseball in advance!) First time presenting is nerve-racking. I'm certainly guilty of a couple of Ned's bugbears. I do say "sort of" and "things like that" and "etc". I can, however, laugh off things which go wrong. My colleague fortunately was an experienced presenter and so it was possibly a lot easier than it could have been!

I was invited to repeat it six months later in Brno, Czech Republic. Unfortunately my colleague had to present on their own, as my employer couldn't afford even the reduced presenters fees.

In 2008, I applied to give a poster presentation at IGeLU. If you'd like to try presenting at conferences, try a poster presentation. I think these originated in the States, so if you don't know what a poster presentation is, here goes... Basically, the presentation is represented by a poster and not by stand up and talk. Generally there is a section at the conference where poster presenters are required to be by their posters and talk to delegates who are interested in the subject/presentation. It's a lot easier, in my opinion, than a stand up presentation.Yes, handouts are expected, but you don't have to talk to masses, only one or two at a time, which is much easier on the nerves, not to mention the voice (if they don't have microphones). There's no producing all-singing, all-dancing PowerPoint presentations and no worrying about equipment going wrong.

Me and my poster, Madrid 2008

Although at the last minute at this conference, I was asked to provide a .pdf of the presentation and deliver this to the whole conference at the introductory session!! You try talking to this lecture theatre full of international delegates from this stage... :-)

I've never organised a conference in my life, I think it would be fun to do, I'm a very organised person, and would probably enjoy doing it. The closest I've ever come is to organising events at the library!

So in a nutshell, I certainly agree with Joeyanne's ten pieces of conference advice. Conferences are full on and you need to have some me time, even if it's just to sit down with a cuppa for more than the 15 minute breaktime. Organising your travel so delays in flights, etc don't mean you make a bit too much of an entrance is recommended. As is, factoring in time to look around the location, this too can be a great time to network with others. Comfortable clothing is definitely recommended, but check the weather first! Madrid in September is decidedly hotter than the UK!!

If you're shy of standing up in front of hundreds delivering a presentation, try to find someone to join up with, or try a poster presentation. The latter are becoming increasingly popular and really do relieve some of the stress and nerves. Doing a presentation is often also a good way to go cheaply, as many presenters are offered reduced fees. It gives you kudos within the conference and also within your organisation. Many organisations like the thought of their name (as well as yours) up in lights!

I often see conferences I'd like to attend, but have found in my current organisation that many higher up in the pecking order are often chosen first... I was even hoping to have gone to the LIANZA conference this year, but something makes me think I'll not be in New Zealand by then!!

Thing 14 revisted: Zotero

I've installed Zotero on my laptop at home now and had a look. It looks easy to use and with a nice front end.

I have managed to save some quotes from the CPD23 blogs and have retreived them by logging into the web version at work. However, the web version won't allow me to add any new quotes, so I can really only make use of the software at home. I'll try and see how I get on, I think it's nice to mention others in posts, comments, thoughts and ideas often come from hearing others.

We get students in our libraries, but they never ask about anything like citing software. It can't see it being added to the new image for our public PCs, even though we now have Firefox going on the public PCs (what about the staff ones?) If we offer the software, we would also need staff in each library trained in using it, which would be impossible to offer. Public library staff cannot offer the same level of IT skills as academic library staff.

Thing 14: Citing stuff!

Well I've been a bit quiet since my last burst of creative juices over a week ago! Thanks for all your comments, they all help and have suggested some ideas of what I could do to get access to these resources. I'm still here, but have been reading all the blogs I subscribe too and also updating my other blog (for which I've now signed up for a challenge!), so it's certainly all go!

Like Isla and some other blogs I've read, these tools certainly weren't available to me at University. I'd have been laughing if they were. I was the sort of person who wrote it down on a scrap of paper to lose it about an hour later and then not know where the reference came from! I ended up with an address file box for my Masters, which helped no end. I think it is also helpful which form of referencing you use. At least with Harvard I could just stick the name and date in and worry about the rest at a later stage. When I first started writing long word processed reports, it was almost like using a typewriter and everything had to be planned in advance (no I'm not that old, but...)

I'm at work now and can't check out any of the free software, so I'm off to Evernote to remind me to check those at home!

I've certainly used EndNote. I previously worked for an academic library and we subscribed to that, part of my role was to demonstrate to students how it worked. I also updated the Referencing and Plagiarism section of their website, so there's very little I don't know about Harvard referencing! I think I could tell the developers if they're software is producing the bibliography in the correct format! I'm proud to say that I worked with Jo of the Friends of Gloucestershire Libraries (before she came famous in the UK for her advocacy work - more in a later post methinks!) That's my claim to fame over with!

As for how I would use them. At the moment I don't have a need to use any of these tools in my work, so as Isla suggests it would be as well for me to be aware of what is out there and particularly if it's free. A job doesn't always last for life and knowledge of different software, etc goes down well on a CV!

To quote my title - this is all 'Citing stuff

Frustration reigns!

I'm beginning to get a little frustrated... I will try to keep calm, but wanted to know if others are really experiencing the problems I'm experiencing with this now. Any suggestions would be helpful!

I started CPD23 in all good faith, trying to do this during work hours to improve my professional knowledge of web 2.0 and library 2.0. Trying to network online with like minded people, and pass on what I learn to my colleagues (many of whom aren't aware of this, even though I've talked about it until I'm hoarse!) and to use what I've learnt in my day to day work.

The problem I'm experiencing is that many of these fantastic tools just don't work on our PCs at work. I cannot log into personal webmail, I can't install additional software or Internet add-ons, and many sites come up with an error message in the HTML in Internet Explorer. The latest issue I'm finding is that I can't even comment on others blogs because my account details won't carry over on the work network and I end up being Annoymous. That's fine, but in many circumstances, I'd rather be a person. Anon is so common, even more so than Trad, I believe. :-)

Consequently I'm reluctant to share much of what I'm learning with work because I'm now doing much of this at home. I'm happy to do these things at home, because I'm so determined to come out with something positive when there's such little staff development available (I also hate failing).

What I'd like to know, is there anyone else who experiences these problems? Are there others who are getting more frustrated because of these great tools which we can't use in our work? Have you get any unblocked or working correctly? How have you gone about this? Can anyone help?

That's my rant over with for now, but I'm certainly intrigued how others networks and Internet access are configuered. I'll try not to get too techy, but do others log into PCs or do you have a virtual machine which you log into? How often is the software updated and do you run the latest? I realise now I've opened a whole new subject and possibly a very large can of worms!!

PS I've managed to write this at work, but I won't be able to see any comments until I get home!!

Thing 13: Google docs, Dropbox and Wikis

I've got all behind again. I intended to write all sorts of interesting things on here last week, but they just didn't happen, I succumbed to my first cold/virus of the season and spent the last few days lazing at home reading and sewing! With any luck, my planned pearls of wisdom will be written this week instead!

Google docs
I use this as much as I can and purely for selfish reasons! We have so few computers at work where I can access to my personal drive, so I save documents I work on regularly in Google docs, so I can access them on any PC. Unfortunately, this is one of the problems with having a restructure (sorry, it's called transformation here - apparently it's a more positive word).

We have more staff in libraries in the workrooms looking to use a PC and when there's only two or three in each library, it's not easy. Fortunately I can access my email on a couple of extra PCs and I can use Google docs to access the work - simples! We're not allowed to use memory sticks and to be honest, with Google docs why do I need to, I can't lose Google docs and the beauty of it is, I can use my gmail username and password - hooray!!

I will try to share a document with a colleague who does the same job as me, it'll be really helpful for us to share combined files this way. So watch this space, but I can see it's plus points. Until now, it's been as easy to email a document, but now we're doing the same job, I think this will really help particularly if we can both edit it. I'll post an update on this once I get going.

Dropbox
I can't use this one at work, it's blocked... The only reason I'd use this would be for documents at home and I don't tend to share them with other people, I may stick them in Google docs to send to work to print, but that's all.

Oops! Don't think I'll get far with this!

I'll have a look at home on this one, but it won't be used as part of my day-to-day work for obvious reasons!

Wikis
Mmm, don't get me started on Wikipedia!! Having worked in an academic library I have an aversion to the site simply because so much on it at the time was completely incorrect. It's a long time since I've used it and really don't know if it's any better. I'm happy to be proved otherwise, so feel free to say so!

I have however, used lots of other wikis. As a singer, I often use the ChoralWiki to find music and listen to midi files. I've found this site invaluable over the years. I have even used the TravelWiki on and off. It gives an interesting insight into places to go... (Some of this to be taken with a large pinch of salt!) 

The Day in the Life Project is as Jennifer says invaluable for learning about the many different "librarianship" careers. I'd not heard of the Library Routes Project, but because of my general nosiness I love to find out how others have got into libraries. It's a bit like reading lots of Thing 10 on one website!

Working for my previous employer we discussed a number of ways that we could make our Information Adviser work available to the students. We considered using a wiki to try to publicise what we were doing, although I think we decided it wasn't going to work in the right way and so didn't get much further than that.

I'm not sure how I can use a wiki at work. I've a feeling something like that may possibly be frowned upon. A lot of these things have to have an excellent business case for using...


However, I feel quite positive about these three tools, although I've a feeling Google docs will take place of Dropbox. The two seem to do very similar things, and it'll probably come down to which is the easiest to use and access.

Thing 12: Am I sociable?

Well looking back over my previous posts I guess I am a sociable person, regardless of how I socialise!

Facebook and LinkedIn are old friends, having joined up with them both some time ago. I'm still getting used to Twitter, I really can't think of short statements to write, so I'm still very much a follower rather than a tweeter. I'm sure eventually I'll get there, but...

CPD23 has certainly helped me contact other people I would never have been able to contact before. I've got contacts and colleagues around the world, which is brilliant because I can learn something about libraries in different countries. It's so nice to have comments too, to give you something to work towards and also to ponder over (I'm a great one for pondering, cogitating and ruminating!)

The problem I'm finding though is the number of blogs I'm following. Finding the time to read them is not always easy (it took over a week to get through all the posts which came in while I was away for two weeks!) I don't just follow cpd23 blogs, I've got a lot of blogs covering sewing, dressmaking, crafts and general library stuff which keep filling up that Google Reader page. I think this is the main disadvantage so far. Does anyone else find this? Can you suggest a way for me to prioritise my feeds??

My other slight negative thing is my lack of access to some sites at work and not being able to use them to their full advantage, simply because I can only use a web version or it's just completely blocked. I also use my gmail account for my blogs and personal emails are a complete no-no unless I can find a spare People's Network (public) PC to log into... This seems to be a constant gripe for me, possibly because I've mainly worked in academic libraries where there is much more access to web 2.0 stuff, etc. Debby Raven in the July 2011 edition of CILIP Update includes some comments from Sarah Hammond who researched blogging in public libraries for her MA...

I think this is a common problem and I'm hoping the publicity and take-up from cpd23 will show how important library 2.0 and web 2.0 are for libraries.

As for a sense of community... This is definitely there. This is evident with links to blogs within blog posts, not to mention comments encouraging bloggers to look at different things and the virtual meet-ups. My dressmaking and sewing bloggers are a definite community, arranging online sew-ins, and occassionally meeting up.

I intend to continue to I hope others do. I think this blog will evenutally end up being my thoughts on what's happening in the library world, etc. Here's to the future community of librarians/information professionals worldwide!

References: Opportunities not to be missed by Debby Raven in CILIP Update, July 2011, pg. 43-45.

Thing 11: Mentoring

Now this is something where I have to admit I have not done well, in that since Chartering, I haven't really had an official mentor.

When I was doing my graduate trainee year, my manager was my mentor holding meetings with me and discussing what I'd like to learn next. I also had a mentor when working for Chartership, following what used to be Route B (a Professional Development Report without following a recognised training scheme), my mentor was invaluable, as to be honest I was completely confused by the whole thing and really didn't know what way I was heading. I possibly owe him considerably more than I gave credit for at the time.

Since then, I've not really had a mentor. Like a number of cpd23 bloggers, I've mainly looked up to people and tried to emmulate what I thought was good and asked them for advice when I felt I needed it. I think this has helped in that I've tended to pick who is most likely to understand my situation. These haven't always been in the same organisation as myself and this I find is useful, since they can often give better advice being apart from what is happening.

In my current post, my line manager holds a one-to-one meeting once a month with me. This is useful for airing any problems we may have and to ask for advice. I've just changed line managers and I don't see my current manager as much as I'd like (sometimes only once everytwo or three weeks), so I often have a great long list of questions. I used to see my previous line manager at least three days a week and could just knock on the door with an "Only me!" comment. I think I found I got a lot from that manager/mentor relationship.

I would like to offer to be a mentor to someone, but no one has asked me (not sure what that says!) I also find that throughout the profession as a whole, librarians tend to be sharing and helpful and if you help them, they will help you in return. It is a friendly profession as a whole and I enjoy that.

Thing 10: How I got here...

I'm catching up slowly on the missed weeks, we'll get there, simply because I find this so interesting learning about others jobs, what they think about everything. With 13 things to go, so not even half way through, I'm beginning to think this is the best CPD I've done in my career. Thanks CPD23!

To get to the task in hand... (I know this is going to be a long post from me, but am not sure how I'll shorten it yet!)

Well I originally trained as a maths teacher at Loughborough University. OK, well to those in the UK, you'll know Loughborough as one of the main/best? places to study librarianship in the country (well certainly in the early 90s!) I had plenty of friends studying in the department and I was finding my own course difficult and wondering if I'd chosen the right career. In my final year, the main Pilkington University Library ran a quiz, where students were encouraged to find out answers to questions using the many different resources, early online databases, microfilm, etc. I loved it and got so much from it. Needless to say, I won the quiz and the book token prize. I was hooked by this time and looked about how to train as a librarian.

Pilkington Libraray, Loughborough University, my introduction to a career in libraries

The teaching probationary year was scrapped, so to all intents of purposes I was a maths teacher. So after graduating, instead of looking for a teaching post, I decided to look for a library job. By this time, many of the graduate trainee posts had gone, so I began to look locally. It took until the November, when I got a library assistant post for Kent County Council. They were very good and gave me a few extra things to do, since they knew I wanted to qualify in libraries. In those days many of the graduate trainee posts were advertised centrally, so I applied for a number of posts. I next became the Graduate Trainee at the University of the West of England in Bristol working on what used to be the Education College site in Redland.

This post was a dream, I was learning about the "professional" side of librarianship and working with students training to teach. I knew exactly what they were going through and could empathise with time-keeping problems, staying up late to catch up on lesson planning, striving to find materials to make lessons interesting.

After the twelve months there, I went on to do the Masters at what was the University of Central England in Birmingham. (I tried Loughborough, but couldn't get the funding.) I initially was only going to do the Diploma, but me being me, it wasn't enough and managed to get the Masters (I'm not sure my tutor thought I would!)

Anyway, that's the early years, since then, I worked for a public library for about 9 months, then went on to be a school librarian for about 18 months (this I consider to be my first professional post). Then I moved to an FE college as a Learning Resources Adviser, delivering skills sessions and also taking on the library management system. (Not to mention teaching A-level maths along the way!) I then took a post as a Systems Librarian for another FE college. I was still delivering skills sessions as well as managing all electronic resources and the LMS. This is my longest post to date (about eight years).

From there I went to work for a small university managing the campus library. This was a school of education library, so again I was dealing with students learning to teach. I loved the post, ti gave me an introduction to management, but the campus was unfortunately closed and I was forced to leave. Which takes me on to my current post, as an Information Services Librarian for Herts County Council. I've come full circle back into public libraries. I actually quite enjoy my role (it's changed recently and I'm still getting my head around it!) I now deal with local studies, all paper and online reference stock and the use of the public PCs (People's Network). I've got events to work at and I'm expected to train staff on the Enquiry Desk. I'm happy!

In the meantime, I've managed to get my Chartership (when it was still the Library Association), I've achieved numerous certificates, such as ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence), Frontline Reader Development, etc. I've also managed to achieve a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies.

I'm pleased with what I've achieved. I'm also pleased that I've managed to keep my "professional" skills quite varied, although I really enjoy delivering training sessions and also playing around with the intricacies of a Library Management System.

As for the future, well... This is a big question... My partner and I have visas to emigrate to New Zealand and we'll be off as soon as we're sold up. I'm hoping I can get a library post in NZ. I'll be happy to take a post in which ever sector, but where it is will depend on where he can get a job, as he's the major applicant and also likely to earn considerably more than me! From what I've learned from friends in NZ (although may be Kiwi colleagues on here may correct me), that libraries are much more the centre of the community in the country and therefore are used much more than in the UK. I can't wait to learn more about libraries in NZ and also I'm intending to find a beginners course in Maori. I'm one of these people who loves to learn something new and love a new challenge. I can't wait!

Thing 9: Evernote

Where do I start with this? It's brilliant. Although I can't install it on PCs at work, I can easily log into a web version, I can also put it on my mobile. Here's to a new organised Nikki!! [Famous last words!]

It's easy to use, the screen is clear and best of all it has an elephant logo! [I'm a sucker for anything with an elephant on!]

I love the options to add tags allowing you to view saved items under one single "subject" (for want of a better word). So far I've really only saved websites and couple of images, but already, it's been a life saver in my home life. Like Anne-Maree of the WalkingLibrarianNZ, I think it would be brilliant at the Enquiry Desk to help deal with out of the ordinary enquiries or even common ones. We're trialling Delicious at work for this sort of thing, but I think Evernote can take us that much further.

I've only used this for personal things at the moment, but am itching to get into work to check I can log into the site there and see I can use it at work.

As for the elephants, I thought I would add a couple of photos from my holiday, where I spent a lovely afternoon in the company of lots of elephants at the Pattaya Elephant Village, a sort of retirement home for ex-working elephants. I got to feed them, climb on their backs, take them for a bathe, etc... I was in heaven!!

Unfortunately by this time I'd run out of food!

This is what you call teamwork.

Thing 8: Google calendar

Well a bit of a break so I could go on holiday, but now I've got four things to catch up on! Help, I'd best get on.

Google Calendar... Well I already have the 23 Things Google calendar set up, which I've used since coming back to check up on things which I may have missed or to see the theme for each week, but that's it. It seems easy to use and is quite clear and I like the way that all calendars can be viewed together clearly (a bit of a plus compared to viewing lots of calendars in Outlook.)

I have Outlook at work which I have to use for my email and so I use the Outlook calendar for work. I also take a diary around with wherever I go, since there's not always a PC free or available. It does mean that I'm duplicating effort, but I've learned to work like that. We've only just moved to Outlook from Lotus Notes and many staff are still getting to grips with how Outlook deals with email, so even the Outlook calendar is still not really used by many staff. I am glad to have got rid of Lotus Notes calendar, that really was not the nicest of calendars to use!

At home I just can't use a PC to check up what's happening all the time, so I'll stick to a paper calendar and diary I think. I also use Thunderbird to check my mail at home as I have a couple of email accounts which I can check together. Using the Google calendar means it's just another thing to log in and check or update. I have an Android mobile, but the Internet, etc, are only set up for when there's a wi-fi network available. OK, I know I can set it otherwise, but I can't afford that on my lowly librarian salary! Another reason for sticking to a paper diary at home is so that everyone can see what's happening and we can have a combined diary/calendar.

It's interesting to see how libraries are using the library calendar. Unfortunately, I can't see it as something which our authority is likely to take up easily or with open arms. I can see the library service being interested, but things like this would most likely have to go to a higher level or involve different departments, which is when things get interesting... There is also a small matter of staff time and making sure we have a member of staff to set all this up. Currently we have details on our website under each library which states when events are happening, these are only allowed to be inputted on the site by certain members of staff.

I'll keep this one on the back burner methinks for a while, as I can see where it's useful and how it can be used to advantage for libraries. As for home, I'll stick to paper...

Thing 7: Professional Associations and networking

I'm definitely on a roll today (my excuse is that I'm off on holiday and wanted to get these typed before I went). Perhaps getting up early woke up my creative juices...

Over the years, I've actually been a member of a number of professional associations. CILIP has always been at the forefront and I was even a member of the Institute of Information Scientists and  the Library Association before they combined to become CILIP.

I worked in a school library for a while and so joined the School Library Association. I attended a their conference in Sheffield in (I think) 1997. It was the first professional conference I attended and it was such an eye-opener. I was young and full of enthusiasm for my new post. I can remember getting so much out of it and going back full of ideas. I'm sure I found the face-to-face networking easier then! I remember the SLA being a very friendly organisation with lots of resources, courses and relaxed local meetings. If I remember rightly, I was even encouraged to be the main local contact for Somerset, organising meetings and training! Things do change!!

A few years ago, I was awarded a Diploma in Management Studies and that was when I joined the Chartered Management Institute. I possibly could have joined at a higher lever (ie as a Member rather than Associate), but at the time I was not having a great time at work and preferred to keep my membership of the Institute unknown to my manager. Joining as an Associate I didn't need to have my manager to back my qualifications and credentials. I honestly don't remember gaining much from their membership. I received the magazines and duly read them, but I think I really only got anything useful from the small articles at the front of the Management Today. I could have got more out of it, but there was little funding for courses which were general management (and I wasn't employed to be a manager as such, just senior staff providing support and management in the absence of the campus managers). My professional development at the time was based around CILIP training.

I've attended a number of CILIP training events, all of which I've found to be really beneficial and useful. I just wish I had the space to keep hold of all the training notes I received from their courses. I've not been a committee member for any group, I think the problem as been that I've moved around considerably and as soon as I feel brave enough to put myself forward, I end up moving on!

A couple of years ago, I attended a joint conference for ELG and LISE (Librarians in Schools of Education). This actually ended up being the last conference for LISE, who folded not long after. At the conference I agreed with a colleague that we would try to develop some training sites, etc. However, the group had to fold and unfortunately about a month or two later, I found out that my campus was closing and I was going to be made redundant. My enthusiasm to take part and join in was curtailed! I did, however, write a review of the conference for the ELG newsletter.

Now I'm looking elsewhere... As mentioned in my previous post, I'm in the throes of moving to the other side of the world and so in preparation, I have already joined LIANZA the New Zealand equivalent of CILIP as an overseas member. The memorandum of understanding on qualifications signed by Bob McKee at IFLA last year has come at just the right time! (Both Associations are rightly very positive by the news, here's the CILIP view...)

(image taken from the full agreement found on the LIANZA website)

I've been lucky enough to attend a couple of international conferences for library management systems (LMS) or integrated library systems (ILS) as they are often called. The first co-delivering a presentation and the second a poster presentation. I've managed to make some contacts through these.

It may not seem like it from my posts, but I certainly find it difficult to network face-to-face, but giving the presentations has given my something to talk about and introduce myself with. Reading Jo Alcock's post  I'm definitely an introvert. I love giving presentations and teaching (I get a positive kick from them). (I ought to get hold of the book somehow, it's not on our library catalogue!!) I'm determined to get better at the art of networking, my mantra for the past few years has been "it's not what you know, but who you know" and networking is key to this mantra. Contacts can lead to all sorts of things... (I already know a member of LIANZA who just happens to be on their conference organising committee for this year - very useful contact!) We've also got a new library management system at work which is an Australian system, I'm hoping the contacts I've made through that will also help...

My decision to join or not to join is often based on money - that horrible word. We need it to live, but sometimes we just have to prioritise. I had to leave CMI as I felt I wasn't getting enough out of the membership to continue paying them (although they very kindly allowed me to have a year at half the cost when I pleaded poverty!) CILIP has always had to come first. Certainly in my current public library role, Chartership is still considered important and so I needed to keep my CILIP membership alive to retain this. I'm not sure what I will manage to do once I move to New Zealand, but LIANZA will then come at the top of my agenda.

Thing 6: Online Networks

I've been really looking forward to this weeks' things, but now we're here I'm not sure what to say!

I've both Facebook and LinkedIn profiles. I've had a Facebook profile for some time now, it's definitely for play only, although I do try to keep any status updates and information on there as clean and PC as possible. I've also made sure that it's relatively locked down with only my friends being able to see updates, photos, etc.

I created a LinkedIn profile about two years' ago. I've only recently begun to see how it may work. I've found it's take-up quite slow in the UK from my own point of view and to my knowledge it's certainly never been used for professional networking. I've also recently given my profile a proper re-vamp with job descriptions and details brought across from my CV. I currently have few Connections, but since LinkedIn is professional and work based, I don't expect to have that many (compared to my friends on Facebook).

We're in the process of completely upping sticks and moving to the other side of the world and both of us have already been asked by prospective employers if we have LinkedIn profiles. It's a brilliant way of sharing your CV internationally without having to worry about an email and attachment getting lost in the ether. LinkedIn also has good security, in that people outside your network cannot see a thing, apart from your name and current job role. I'm still really learning how to use LinkedIn, but I'm certainly hooked.

I do agree with Reid Hoffman. The whole front-end to LinkedIn is considerably more professional than Facebook and I treat them as such.

As for Google+, I've not had an invitation to join, so I assume I'm not at the top of Google's priorities! I have a friend in the States who just seems to have had no end of problems with the site. I've also seen all Phil Bradley's reviews on his blog. Phil has added a large number of images and reviews on searching, etc. It's good to see what they have to offer, but really do we have time for yet another networking site. Particularly when sites such as Facebook are so established. Certainly at the moment, I can't see it taking over the world, like Google seems to have with many other web-type things, even if it does have those lovely bright Google colours that intice you to go further...

(image taken from Phil Bradley's weblog)

As for the librarian-based communities/networks, I'm a member on the CILIP site, but haven't used the CILIP communities before. I'll have a look and comment at a later date. I intended to join Johanna's Librarians as Teachers as I used to work with Johanna (my claim to fame) and think she's an inspiration with so much energy! I also felt it was an excellent group, as many librarians, particularly in academic and education libraries do a large amount of teaching (and many, unlike me, have never trained to teach.) The trouble was, that was as far as I got and completely forgot about it until mentioned in this Thing. I will endeavour to check them out again.

I've never considered LISNPN, I assumed it was for new professionals and really didn't think I'd get much from it. Perhaps I'm looking at it the wrong way, I can join in and offer some of my experience to new professionals. I've been qualified for 20 years and Chartered five years later and having worked in a number of different sectors, I have some experience to offer. I'll definitely give it a look.

So going back to my first paragraph, I've managed to write/type quite a bit! I've certainly learned about new communities/networking sites which may be useful. I've even been reflective (go steady!) with my comments about LISNPN. Let's keep going...