'6 word story'...23 great Things, LOTS of networking!
Reaching the final Thing is a great achievement, but also a sad moment. For the past few months there has been a challenge set every Monday morning...and sometimes a huge rush to get at least three things blogged before falling too far behind! I'll miss checking for the next Thing!
I recently submitted my Chartership application so have been in the habit of using a PPDP for the last two years. I intend to keep up the good practice. Glancing at it just now I see that participating in CPD23 has helped me to achieve a lot of my proposed actions. It has also made me aware of 'things' I need to brush up on/learn...which in turn will add new challenges to my PPDP!
I do hope something like CPD23 comes around again and I would like to thank all the people who contributed to make this one so successful.
I'll miss you!
Monday 17 October 2011
Thing 22 Volunteering to get experience
I've looked at this Thing from the opposite view!
My career in libraries started a long time ago (!) when jobs were much easier to get. Even when I sought to make changes there was always paid employment to apply for. I must admit I've stayed with my present employer for 21 years...though I have had various library roles in that time. I think I've done this because as I got older the thought of going through interviews became more daunting.
The last three years have been very difficult for employers and job security can no longer be guaranteed. I've started to look at flexible retirement and even voluntary redundancy. If this was to happen I may be looking to do some voluntary work in a local library!
I see this as a way of sharing my experience with new starters.
While I am still working I would be more than happy to have someone work with me in a voluntary capacity as a way for them to get on the career ladder.
My career in libraries started a long time ago (!) when jobs were much easier to get. Even when I sought to make changes there was always paid employment to apply for. I must admit I've stayed with my present employer for 21 years...though I have had various library roles in that time. I think I've done this because as I got older the thought of going through interviews became more daunting.
The last three years have been very difficult for employers and job security can no longer be guaranteed. I've started to look at flexible retirement and even voluntary redundancy. If this was to happen I may be looking to do some voluntary work in a local library!
I see this as a way of sharing my experience with new starters.
While I am still working I would be more than happy to have someone work with me in a voluntary capacity as a way for them to get on the career ladder.
Thing 21 Promoting yourself
The idea of 'identifying your strengths; capitalising on your interests' seemed new to me when I first read the introduction to Thing 21. As I read further, and began to make some notes, the link between the two became clear! The things we enjoy doing are the things we have the skills to be able to do well. By looking at what we do well in our personal lives we can transfer the skills to our working lives, ensuring we enjoy our time at work as well.
Fifth on my list of 'likes' is running a home! At first this may surprise you; the fact that it's there at all, not it's ranking! What soon becomes apparent, however, is that the skills I need to achieve that successfully are the main skills I use at work! Organising, keeping it fresh and up-to-date, balancing a budget, ensuring a safe environment...these are key points in my job description!
So I went to the top of my list to further test the theory!
I love visiting new places, home and abroad. I'm a member of the National Trust and try to support their work as much as possible. I also try to support events in my local area. In order to do any of these activities I need to do planning and research. Internet skills are vital to ensure best deals on travel and hotels. Reading up on places, maps, recommendations etc are all available via Google. Checking for events, dates, times etc can be achieved by joining emailing lists. Bookmarking favourite sites ensures further searches are quick and easy.
Hang on...isn't this what I help students with every day? Researching for information, evaluating what they find, saving links to enable them to be cited and referenced properly etc etc. So, once again, the skills I need to ensure I enjoy my leisure time are also used every day at work to enhance the student experience.
Even going to the theatre, gardening and reading require organisational skills just to fit them into a busy life! So, again, time management is a useful skill I can pass on at work...to students, and to staff I line manage.
Hey...I'm getting the hang of this!
I hadn't thought of the 'tools' I use every day as strengths...but of course they are. How else would I achieve what I do?
Fifth on my list of 'likes' is running a home! At first this may surprise you; the fact that it's there at all, not it's ranking! What soon becomes apparent, however, is that the skills I need to achieve that successfully are the main skills I use at work! Organising, keeping it fresh and up-to-date, balancing a budget, ensuring a safe environment...these are key points in my job description!
So I went to the top of my list to further test the theory!
I love visiting new places, home and abroad. I'm a member of the National Trust and try to support their work as much as possible. I also try to support events in my local area. In order to do any of these activities I need to do planning and research. Internet skills are vital to ensure best deals on travel and hotels. Reading up on places, maps, recommendations etc are all available via Google. Checking for events, dates, times etc can be achieved by joining emailing lists. Bookmarking favourite sites ensures further searches are quick and easy.
Hang on...isn't this what I help students with every day? Researching for information, evaluating what they find, saving links to enable them to be cited and referenced properly etc etc. So, once again, the skills I need to ensure I enjoy my leisure time are also used every day at work to enhance the student experience.
Even going to the theatre, gardening and reading require organisational skills just to fit them into a busy life! So, again, time management is a useful skill I can pass on at work...to students, and to staff I line manage.
Hey...I'm getting the hang of this!
I hadn't thought of the 'tools' I use every day as strengths...but of course they are. How else would I achieve what I do?
Monday 10 October 2011
Personal branding
I do feel I'm more well-known 'out there' now...and I'm happy to be so!
New horizons!
Thing 19 Integrating 'things'
The 'thing' I use the most from CPD23 is Twitter. I already had an account before the course started but I never really 'got' the point of it. Facebook I used for socialising outside of work but Twitter wasn't as popular with the same crowd.
Then I started CPD23 and suddenly saw Twitter as a work tool. By using the hashtag I was able to follow #ub11 and that was my lightbulb moment! I then started to follow many of the librarians who had contributed to Umbrella 11 and instantly I felt I was part of a 'circle.' As the weeks went by the circle grew and as well as work chat there was a lot of fun chat as well. I found myself becoming interested in knitting, looking at beautiful pics and the arrival of new kittens!
This mix of library chat and fun really makes me feel as if I belong. Last week when I was stuck with 'Thing 20' I put out an appeal for help...it was offered within the hour. The librarian in question also emailed me twice the following day and stayed with me until the problem was fixed. I feel privileged to belong to such a friendly, helpful bunch of people.
Last Thursday I followed #uklibchat for almost two hours on the subject of CPD23! I really enjoyed that as my post 'a little extra...' outlines.
Each day I log into HootSuite, keep it on my taskbar and check it regularly to keep up-to-date. At one time I would have considered this as something I shouldn't be doing at work but now I see it as an essential part of the job!
I should be using LinkedIn more, though I do pick up on discussions from there via Google Reader. This is something else I discovered by doing #cpd23.
Creating this blog is also a proud achievement!
Google calendar is something I would really like to use...but as a team tool. As I now have a Learning Technologist and a Curriculum Liaison Officer to keep tabs on I think sharing a calendar would be a very useful thing. Even using it for the whole of the ILS cross college team would be even better! (As our communication, or lack of it, needs working on!)
I've noticed my posts getting longer so I feel I'm now reflecting on things a lot more than I used to. I submitted my Chartership portfolio in July and my biggest concern is that I haven't reflected enough in it. I'm not used to writing down my reflections though I'm sure that in practice I've reflected on my performance for years. Whenever I've planned something I've always tried to get feedback, and have have looked at what I would/wouldn't do again if I repeated the exercise. I still found it hard to put my thoughts into words. I feel sure this course has got me thinking/reflecting in a more constructive way and I'm more confident to share my reflections.
Reflecting on the course so far has made me realise how much I have learned already, and how this will help me in my day-to-day work. I don't think I'm quite the novice who started off back in June!
Then I started CPD23 and suddenly saw Twitter as a work tool. By using the hashtag I was able to follow #ub11 and that was my lightbulb moment! I then started to follow many of the librarians who had contributed to Umbrella 11 and instantly I felt I was part of a 'circle.' As the weeks went by the circle grew and as well as work chat there was a lot of fun chat as well. I found myself becoming interested in knitting, looking at beautiful pics and the arrival of new kittens!
This mix of library chat and fun really makes me feel as if I belong. Last week when I was stuck with 'Thing 20' I put out an appeal for help...it was offered within the hour. The librarian in question also emailed me twice the following day and stayed with me until the problem was fixed. I feel privileged to belong to such a friendly, helpful bunch of people.
Last Thursday I followed #uklibchat for almost two hours on the subject of CPD23! I really enjoyed that as my post 'a little extra...' outlines.
And on Saturday I followed #libcampuk11, wishing I was there! I was meant to be doing some serious housework, but couldn't resist frequent breaks to check Twitter!
Each day I log into HootSuite, keep it on my taskbar and check it regularly to keep up-to-date. At one time I would have considered this as something I shouldn't be doing at work but now I see it as an essential part of the job!
I should be using LinkedIn more, though I do pick up on discussions from there via Google Reader. This is something else I discovered by doing #cpd23.
Creating this blog is also a proud achievement!
Google calendar is something I would really like to use...but as a team tool. As I now have a Learning Technologist and a Curriculum Liaison Officer to keep tabs on I think sharing a calendar would be a very useful thing. Even using it for the whole of the ILS cross college team would be even better! (As our communication, or lack of it, needs working on!)
I've noticed my posts getting longer so I feel I'm now reflecting on things a lot more than I used to. I submitted my Chartership portfolio in July and my biggest concern is that I haven't reflected enough in it. I'm not used to writing down my reflections though I'm sure that in practice I've reflected on my performance for years. Whenever I've planned something I've always tried to get feedback, and have have looked at what I would/wouldn't do again if I repeated the exercise. I still found it hard to put my thoughts into words. I feel sure this course has got me thinking/reflecting in a more constructive way and I'm more confident to share my reflections.
Reflecting on the course so far has made me realise how much I have learned already, and how this will help me in my day-to-day work. I don't think I'm quite the novice who started off back in June!
Friday 7 October 2011
A little extra...
Yesterday I saw an event advertised for that evening..#uklibchat on the subject of CPD23. 6.30pm - 8.30pm. Ummmm...what am I usually doing then? Preparing food, eating food, slumped in front of the TV watching Eastenders that I don't even follow!!! Would I even remember the 'chat' once I was away from work?
I got home and got myself organised. Even had time to prepare some veg for the freezer before I cooked my evening meal. Sat down in a comfy chair with my food around 6.15pm still thinking...I'll join in with the chat if I can be bothered!
6.30pm came and I was curious...clicked on Twitter app on my iphone!
And was hooked!
Lively chat with some very interesting people soon took off. It was good to pose questions and get instant answers. Soon realised all of us participants in the same boat re techy probs and time constraints! Was like being in the same room as each other! We even got a pic of someones' dinner!
Talking of which...I had managed to finish mine (just!) when the chat started, but realised I still had a plate balanced on my lap one and a half hours later! I'd been so absorbed by the chat I hadn't even put it down on the floor!
I vote the event a TREMENDOUS success! I didn't get to a 'meet-up' earlier in the course but felt this was the next best thing!
Many thanks to those who organised it...and to those who took part and engaged in a lively chat!
Monday 3 October 2011
Thing 20 Roots/Routes
My dad
was responsible for me getting into libraries. Throughout my school years I was an avid reader and a constant user of public libraries. (We lived in a small village that was served by a mobile library which we all used to call the 'bus library!')But what to do?
Dad was obviously sick of me mooching around the house and one evening wafted the 'Situations Vacant' section of the local paper under my nose! In it was an advert for a library assistant at the then Sunderland Polytechnic. 'You love books...and libraries' he said, as if it was a foregone conclusion I would get the job!
And I did! Me, from my little village was going to work 'in town' in a very grand building. Would you believe I actually got a weekly wage packet with real money in it?!!!
And so began my love of working in libraries which I'm still doing today...36 years on. Not the same one I hasten to add...I've travelled about the country and across the sectors!
I stayed at the 'Poly' for nearly 4 years and in that time achieved my City and Guilds Library Assistants' Certificate. My teacher on the course was Lawrence Tagg, and for those of you who knew him you'll know I had a thorough grounding in the basics of librarianship! Back in the 1970s he wanted to pioneer qualifications for para professionals...it took until the next millenium before that actually happened!
Armed with my 'Certificate' I applied for a job at our local general hospital...in the Postgraduate Medical Library. It wasn't as grand as it sounded (this was the first proper library service the doctors had...they were used to having their loans written on a scrap of paper on the secretary's desk!))but it did give me more experience to add to my CV. I also met another librarian who inspired me.
After a year in this job I found myself moving to London (husband relocating for his job.) Once again (1980) jobs were a lot easier to come by...I simply wrote to both Kingston and Sutton library authorities asking about the possibility of work and both offered me interviews! I chose the Sutton offer and spent a wonderful 8 years working in a very dynamic, go-ahead service. I started in the branch libraries but was soon moved to the most impressive central library. Here I worked with some wonderful people who were keen to promote and advance public libraries. One summer I spent my working hours selling tickets for the Bubble Theatre performances in Nonsuch Park! And I remember fondly the Local History tours and fascinating books which were published. June Broughton was a great librarian to work for.
Again, with hindsight, I wish I had used those years to qualify as a professional librarian as there was no career structure for library assistants in those days. Still, I did gather a lot of practical experience and a tremendous enthusiasm for the profession.
Those happy years came to an end when my husband developed a brain tumour, and we moved back to the north-east as we needed the support of both families. I didn't work for a couple of years while I looked after him, then recovered after his death.
By the summer of 1990 I felt ready to 'get back to normal' and saw an advert in the local paper (the same one my dad had spotted the advert for Sunderland Poly in way back in 1975!) for a senior library assistant. This time the job was for a local FE college, in the library at their sixth form centre. 21 years later I'm still with the College...but am now Campus Librarian at its' newest sixth form build.
Yes...during these years things changed at CILIP! A new Framework of Qualifications was introduced which allowed me to acquire ACLIP status. Having that helped me to be appointed to a campus librarian role in 2008. And , of course, being in a professional role allowed me to prepare a portfolio for Chartership which I submitted this summer. I've got everything crossed that I'm accepted as a Chartered member as I will feel that, at last, I'm there!
Talk about doing things the hard way! If I achieve Chartership status it will have taken me 36 years to 'arrive'
However, I'm proud that I stuck at it, did lots of CPD even when it wasn't trendy to do so and took advantage of the Framework when it came along. I've worked with some amazing people who inspired me (and some who seemed to actively discourage me for whatever reason.)
In the last year the College has employed a Consultant to completely review and restructure Learning Services. She has changed my job title from campus librarian (which I was so proud of) to Learning Centre Co-ordinator (I've yet to meet anyone who can define this role!) I usually manage change well, but am finding this radical new way difficult to adapt to.
Have I finally reached the end of the road? My next birthday puts me in a position where I can make choices regarding flexible retirement. I'm tempted!
But if I achieve Chartership status you can bet your life I'll be looking for a new challenge!
I can't define exactly what has kept me in the profession for the whole of my working life. I haven't made huge strides like many others have. Personally, though, I have achieved a lot. A great sense of helping people to realise their potential. Lifelong friends. Just lately a good social networking scene.
If it really came to it would I walk away without a backward glance...I don't think so. As dad spotted all those years ago, a love of books and reading opened the door to a wonderful world of learning for me. I hope, along the way, I've been able to inspire this in many others.
Libraries forever!
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