I love learning, and that is no secret. Through the MIS program, I have gained in-depth understanding on information literacy, information management, preservation of digital information and web content management. However, since I am going into the library of the information profession, I wish I had more in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience about cataloguing, indexing, etc. To attempt to bridge the gap, I went on an exchange abroad in Wales where their program has a specific library stream where I was able to take classes on Rare Books and Special Collections, Collection Management and Post-Medieval Palaeography to give me knowledge that I felt would prove to be useful in my future career.
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Knowledge
Knowledge about the different types of leadership, as well as the difference between management and leadership. This includes the essential competencies of a leader and how personality traits can influence the type of leadership. Additionally, extensive knowledge on how to lead, motivate and train staff as well as how to manage change.
Change management is essential to know, especially in an environment such as ours since the digital age has our working environments change and evolve so rapidly. Change management includes being able to manage organisational conflicts, manage projets, control risks and assess the quality, value and impact of the organisation’s performance.
Change Management Case Study [Word Document – 276KB]
Communication is key in any work environment, especially in a management position. The theories learned in our management courses on change management focused on the fact that efficient and constant communication with your team and peers is central to the team’s and the organisation’s good performance.
Knowledge of social media analytics, such as how to analyse data and networks on social media sites such as Twitter and how to create networks with data sets using VosViewer and Gephi.
Extensive knowledge on social media and blogging for professional purposes, such as how to analyze the implications and its potential for an organization in addition on how develop a successful social media strategy for information services.
Witchgrapht and Vizardry [PDF]
Ability to describe and evaluate the main features of medieval and modern transcripts, and identify the principal characteristics of printed books in the hand-press period (up to 1850) which is essential knowledge to be able to work in Rare Books Libraries and Special Collections. Practical and technical skills in reading and transcribing of manuscript material in post medieval palaeography and diplomatic. This includes knowledge in the historical development of handwriting (palaeography) in Britain between 1450 and 1800, the characteristics of specific types of script, the principles of transcription and other editorial methods, and the development of common form in formal documents (diplomatic).
Understanding of the importance of the value of a written collection development policy and knowledge of the major selection and acquisition methods employed by libraries. A good understanding of the fundamental principles of a document’s lifecycle and collection management in terms of preservation, conservation and digital resource planning and management. Knowledge of the principles and issues of collection promotion.
Knowledge on how to conduct a reference interview and how to effectuate a scoping review. Ability to critically analyze sources of information for credibility as well as the ability to assess the information needs of particular user groups and develop information resources and services to meet their needs.
Scoping Review [Word Document – 85.4KB]
As mentioned on my homepage, I have extensive knowledge on my chosen client group, young adults, by keeping involved as much as possible within the realm of Young Adult Librarianship by watching webinars, adhering to newsletters and attending conferences geared towards young adults as often as possible to make sure stay up-to-date in terms of the practices and the material.
Young Adults Needs for Information and Library Services [PDF]
Knowledge of copyright laws and intellectual property and the issues that digitizing archival material can bring in terms of copyright. Copyright laws often get in the way of open access to material and as information professionals it is important that we advocate for fair laws to support the access to information for all citizens. Knowledge of the current issues on privacy and how to inform patrons to protect their information when using the web.
Knowledge on various types of organization structures and methods to facilitate access and retrieval of information. Knowledge of the concepts of aboutness, subjectivity and relevance and why its important in terms of how users interact with knowledge organization systems.
Knowledge of methods of information organization, such as cataloguing and indexing.
Resource Discovery Using Social Tagging Sites [Word Document – 1.5MB]
As previously mentioned, I stay updated through newsletters that rank new and upcoming materials and by attending book conferences and panels focused on young adult culture and literature. Additionally, I am a book reviewer for young adult books exclusively for publishers such as Riveted by SimonTeen, HMH Teen, The Novl, etc. These permit me to read material prior to them being published, offer honest reviews to both publishers and authors, giving a voice to the importance of themes and diversity in the genre, and to offer more thoughtful recommendations.