IST 511, Day Four

(Originally posted elsewhere on July 23rd.)

Today’s discussion was about ethics, our profession, and the many concepts and ideas that those phrases bring to mind. We started off by talking about the definition of what librarianship is to the public as well as how we define ourselves. I felt that this was a very interesting topic, and a great formal introduction for everyone in the class. This topic was followed by a broad discussion of ethics, and areas in which the ethics of our profession might conflict with other ethical schema. In all of these conflict areas, there is no easy or clear cut choice as to what one should do in those situations. It confirmed for me that librarianship is very much a dynamic field, and a profession I am proud to associate myself with.

We also talked briefly about how to resolve complaints in the library – specifically when patrons object to materials in a library collection. This discussion highlighted for me the need of libraries to have a broad array of well thought out policies to deal with a myriad of problem areas. This enables all library staff, and not just accredited librarians to make good, clear decisions according to pre-established guidelines.

After class, our group wrapped up our poster project by completing our brochure. I look forward to the opportunity to share what we have learned in this process with everyone who attends the poster session.

- Jason Dean

IST 511, Day Three

(Originally posted elsewhere on July 22nd.)

I think today was my favorite day of 511 so far.

We started off the day by talking about systems – an area of the library that is very interesting to me. Hearing Natasha explain systems, then having some librarians active in systems come in to talk to us was a great combination, and really introduced me to some new ideas and concepts that I can take back to my home library. I learned some about digital preservation, a field that interests me as well. It was a great morning.

But the afternoon was even better! We met Dr. Lavender, and he showed us some of the highlights from the special and rare collections here at SU. This is an area that very, very much fascinates me. He showed us some of the most wonderful works – including the most fantastic illuminated manuscript I have ever seen. It was really a great presentation, and I look forward to taking his class next summer. Wonderful! We also looked at different areas of preservation in the library. This was a great look into the two different ideas about conservation – for rare books, or for items that circulate regularly. I enjoyed both of those presentations – but like I said, Dr. Lavender’s part was my favorite.
Overall, a great day!

- Jason Dean

IST 511, Day Two

(Originally posted elsewhere on July 21.)

Dr. Nicholson discussed overall copyright ideas and issues with us this morning in 511. This is an area that librarians need to have some good knowledge of, but most people coming into library school have very little knowledge of the area. The broad introduction was very interesting to me – and actually will be a help to our group this week as we are talking about copyright issues on our poster. I think the main theme from copyright is “watch the money.” It’s the money trail that gives you a clear indication of a copyright violation, or a fair use issue. Also new to me was the knowledge that the US government does not reserve copyright on any of its works – unlike most other governments in the world. I think about how often I use images from the White House’s flickr, for example – and I am glad to love in the US, where the government does not hold on to those copyrights.

The second half of the day dealt with searching. We became more familiar with the resources of the SU Library though this, which is good. The most exciting part of the searching demonstration was the “what’s next” aspect. I really enjoyed seeing the beta site for the library, and I am excited about using that on a regular basis – seeing if it grows to meet the needs of the patron population here. I also enjoyed seeing the Summon search feature – something I will take home and discuss with the director of the museum library I work at. Overall, it was a very productive day capped by a presentation about commercial options for librarians. The presentation was very interesting, but not for me. The environment and purpose of Razorfish and other agencies like it seems to run counter to my own belief schema and I really don’t think I would be a good fit.

- Jason Dean

IST 511 First Day

(Originally posted elsewhere on July 20th.)

We just wrapped up our first day of IST 511, and we covered a great deal of information. We looked at the history of libraries – something that interests me because of my passion for history. We also talked a great deal about issues in the future of librarianship – what problems we will face when we graduate and go into libraries all over the country. It was a great day, and a wonderful – if a bit overwhelming – way to get started in this wonderful program. I want to say that the quality of the presentations, as well as the professors here at Syracuse, have been consistently very informative and very high quality.

I think my best “pearl” I took from the sea of knowledge given to us today would be the idea proposed by Dr. Nicholson that libraries should look at casinos. I laughed when he suggested it, along with the rest of the class, but he really does have a great point. Both spaces are designed to provide a variety of highly engaging activities for people who come in through the door. Of course, the end result of that engagement is very different, but studying casinos as a model for libraries would be helpful. The casino provides a place where its users want to stay for long periods of time, engaged in the services that the casino provides. The library provides a “fix” for the information addiction people have – and in whatever form people have it. I cannot point to any specific research or ideas, but the overall thought has been mulling around in my head all day, and will continue to do so.

- Jason Dean

My Apologies

Readers, I have not fallen off the side of earth. The previous two weeks have been challenging, and very busy. I am not the type to advertise those sorts of things, so let’s just say I was very busy with school (which I was). I apologize for falling behind a bit on the blog posts, but all is well again and I am back in the blogging groove. I am writing for the blog all afternoon, so have no fear.

I will also cross post the blogs from my Syracuse summer residency here, just to give you a taste of that - as well as my upcoming experiences doing reference work in a library.

Thanks for hanging in there!

- Jason Dean

A Tale of Two Videos

Readers, we will be out of town beginning tomorrow, and so I simply want to share two thought provoking videos that I think are very pertinent for this current time with you. Please feel free to comment about them in the comments section below. Have a great weekend!

Jason Dean

The Alamo

Readers, I am not sure how many of you have traveled to San Antonio and seen the Alamo. If you have, like Jen and I, you were more than likely very disappointed. Only two structures from the original mission compound remain - the famous chapel, and the convento, where the final parts of the battle played out. The rest of the Alamo is gone. Given up to hotels, Madame Tussaud’s, and really bad souvenir shops.

Did 183 (ish) men die in this place so we could view wax figures? I say they did not. Their legacy deserves a better memorial. I believe that the Alamo grounds should be reconstructed, so that visitors gain a greater sense of the battle, as well as the scale of Mexican San Antonio. This would be a much more fitting honor for those men, and would fit (or exceed) the expectations of visitors. Hopefully, we will soon see a change in governors here in Texas, and the new Governor will proceed with making this dream a reality - a state park for the Alamo. Not a national site, though - I think the Alamo should belong solely to our great state. If you’d like more information check out this article from the November 2008 issue of Texas Monthly.

You Aren’t Here, by Gary Cartwright

- Jason Dean