Interview Preparation

I decided to organize my questions into five headings, with the sixth heading for posting, as other. I supplied the library with the outline of information prior to my visit.

I. General Information- which included the Name, URL, etc
II. Technology
III. Facilities
IV. Circulation
V. Social Media
VI. Other

Blogging Adventures

I have spent lots of time figuring out Blogger and how to keep both of my blogs in the same place. I first attempted to add my library information as a tab, but I couldn't update it...that wouldn't work.

Many YouTube videos and help from my tech-savvy brother later and I have one blog with two pages. Now meeting the suggestions of a classmate and my instructor.

Library Visit...Scheduled then adapted

My daughter and I have been avid visitors to our local library for quite some time now. We frequent the children's floor and participate in a variety of library activities. Therefore, I felt very comfortable talking to the Children's Librarian about the interview I needed to conduct for my class. I had already talked to her about my classes and implied that I might be asking her questions. When returning books one day, I reminded her about the classes I was taking. She replied, " Oh yes, you threatened me with questions." She was laughing at the time (good sign)

I gave her the list of questions that I had compiled, they were extensive, and we scheduled an interview for June 27th. She called me a couple of days later and discussed that due to the extensive nature of the list, she had talked to the Library Director and he would be more than willing to meet with me to discuss my questions with me. I was so appreciative!!! She said that he had conducted interviews with other library students in the past and would be glad to help.

I am looking forward to meeting with him on Thursday and will be sharing what I learned.

Certificate in Information & Library Services

I am currently pursuing my Certificate in Information & Library Services through the University of Maine at Augusta. I am taking the final three courses this summer. They are:ILS 150 - Basic Reference and Database Searching (3 credits)
ILS 175 - Cataloging Technical Processes (3 credits)
ILS 225 - Introduction to Library Information Technology (3 credits) http://www.uma.edu/liscertificateprogram.html

I am learning a lot of practical information from the readings, professors and the discussion boards. The classes began in May and I am finally feeling like I am getting organized. It is certainly about time!!!

For ILS 150, I interviewed the reference librarian at my alma mater, Plymouth State University library.plymouth.edu . Gary McCool shared a great deal of valuable information with me and has stayed in touch providing me with current information regarding reference services within libraries.

For ILS 225, I will be learning about my local library and the technology within it. I first spoke to Jane Thompson the Children's Librarian about interviewing her. She called back once she reviewed the information and had set up a time with the Belfast Free Library Director, www.belfast.lib.me.us . I will be meeting with him on June 28th.

Classes began in May and I have been slowly becoming acclimated to organizing my time. I will be chronicling my learning on this blog. Specifically I will be blogging about my local library, the Belfast Free Library www.belfast.lib.me.us .