Resource Curation
Lifelong learning is an integral part of the journey as a librarian or information professional. Below, I have curated 13 resources, including professional organizations, podcasts, blogs, and other library-related media.
After completing my library visits, I realized that I was interested in working in an academic library setting. This professional organization, “the largest division of the American Library Association, develops programs, products, and services to help those working in academic and research libraries learn, innovate, and lead within the academic community” (Association of College, 2011).
Association of College and Research Libraries. (n.d.). [Logo].
This organization bridges the gap between information science practice and research. Members include librarians and professionals from the computer science, engineering, law, medicine, and education fields. This will benefit me as I progress in my career because I am very interested in learning about new types of technology and metadata.
Association for Information Science and Technology. (n.d.). [Logo].
I found this organization to be exciting. Founded in 1971, it’s the leading organization for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to achieve business growth, social change, and innovation” (Association for Women, n.d.). It would be beneficial to join a group of women from various STEM backgrounds for professional development and networking opportunities.
Association for Women in Science. (n.d.). [Logo].
North Carolina Library Association. (n.d.). [Logo].
I am a North Carolina citizen, and although I am very open to moving to another state upon graduation, it made sense to include this organization until then. I need to be connected to library and information professionals in whatever state I reside in. The NCLA provides continuing education opportunities and even offers a leadership institute. These will be very helpful as I progress in my career.
This podcast’s host is Steve Thomas, who works at a public library in Atlanta. Steve has different guest hosts to discuss their work and passions. These hosts include librarians, authors, journalists, and other library lovers. I like this podcast because it facilitates conversations about current trends and topics surrounding libraries. I like to listen to podcasts when working or at the gym. It’s a great way to be plugged into what’s happening in today’s library world.
Circulating Ideas. (n.d.). [Logo]. https://circulatingideas.com
This is probably one of my favorite resources I’ve highlighted. This podcast discusses the data and strategies behind library marketing campaigns. I used to be a Digital Media Specialist for a public library, and marketing is crucial. I held this position almost a decade ago, and so much has changed since then. This podcast will be an excellent resource for staying on top of the latest marketing trends in the library world.
Library Figures. (n.d.). [Logo]. https://meetpiola.com/library-figures
This peer-reviewed journal discusses the importance of metadata and its significance for information retrieval. As we continue to live in a world with more information than ever before, it’s crucial to be on top of metadata practices. I found this journal to be intriguing and extremely helpful as I embark on my journey as an information professional.
Journal of Library Metadata. (n.d.). [Logo]. https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/wjlm20/current
This is an open-access, peer-reviewed journal funded and run by a team of librarians. These articles address issues that are sometimes hard conversations to have in the library world, but are very important. These topics include white supremacy, LGBTQ+ and minority censorship, and more. This is a crucial resource to hear real-world librarians discuss these issues and provide solutions for these problems. This resource is great for understanding and hearing diverse perspectives and will help me become a more culturally responsible LIS professional.
In the Library with the Lead Pipe. (n.d.). [Logo]. https://www.inthelibrarywiththeleadpipe.org/
EveryLibrary is a non-profit that helps libraries of all types secure local and federal funding through voter initiatives and other grassroots operations. EveryLibrary teamed up with ALA immediately once IMLS was defunded earlier this year. Their news & updates page will be a critical resource to see what legal battles are happening in libraries across the United States. It also provides librarians with call-to-action strategies such as petitions to help provide real-world solutions against book bans, limited funding, and more. This is an incredible resource for me to stay on top of what is happening in the library world and how we can fight back legally and ethically.
EveryLibrary. (n.d.). [Logo]. https://www.everylibrary.org/news_and_updates
Library Trends is a scholarly publication that covers a specific thematic topic in each issue. This will be crucial for my career as I investigate what new developments are trending in library science.
It will also help me stay on top of advances in this field and introduce me to new ideas.
Library Trends. (n.d.). [Logo]. https://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/library-trends
Libraries Learn. (n.d.). [Logo]. https://www.librarieslearn.org
My background is in public libraries, and I’m still very open to returning and working for one. I found this incredible resource hub built and maintained by the Colorado State Library. It includes tutorials, webinars, and other continuing education resources that help librarians and library workers. Topics include: collection management, community engagement, customer service, leadership, and more. This fantastic free and online resource will help me continue to grow, expand, and hone my LIS skills as I progress in my career.
American Libraries Live is another fantastic and free continuing education resource that provides 60-minute discussions on modern librarianship issues. The archives are all online through Vimeo. The archives from 2012-2016 are all available through YouTube. This will be a great asset for my toolkit as I move forward and can reference it as I progress in my career. The topics are diverse and range from covering the COVID crisis to data analytics, accessibility through furniture design, and more.
American Libraries Live. (n.d.). [Logo]. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/al-live/
While I stated in an above resource that I am interested in working in an Academic Library, my library roots started in a one-room rural public library. Thus, I felt that I had to include the Association of Rural & Small Libraries. I also utilized data and demographics from the Bedford Central Library in Bedford, VA in numerous assignments, which is a rural Appalachian library system. I have a heart for rural and small communities, and this population of individuals is often overlooked. I would be honored to serve in a position in a rural and small library again and I felt that it was crucial to have this organization to be a part of my resource page.
The Association of Rural & Small Libraries. (n.d.). [Logo]. https://www.arsl.org
References
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Association of College and Research Libraries. (2011, August 2). About ACRL. American Library Association.
https://www.ala.org/acrl/about-acrl
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Association for Women in Science. (n.d.). AWIS History. Association for Women in Science. https://awis.org/about-awis/awis-history/