See the libcampls wiki for details, add your ideas, cake recipes, directions, foody ideas and suggestions. Tell your friends! Book your ticket!

Major thanks go to Leeds Library and Information Service for supporting this Library Camp by giving us the venue for free! Say thanks by following them on twitter and Facebook.

Excited by all the library love? Put your spare cash towards sponsoring the next Big Library Camp in autumn – contact me for bank details or go to http://www.librarycamp.co.uk/.

Originally I wanted to knock a wall of shelving out but now I think we could make these bays into study carrels for users to book for private study.

I don’t have much time for http://floorplanner.com today, so this is what I came up with:

A 3D model would be perfect but I think my measurements are wrong, so I’m not sure I’d be able to build to scale properly at this point.

My ideal reference library is the Schiphol Airport Library, with their fancy iPads and lovely lighting. And I think iPad stands (click here for a picture) could really work for us to highlight main topic areas like Law & Citizens Rights and Business & Careers.

Dave Briggs (@davebriggs) and Andrew Beeken (@abeeken) from Kind of Digital led a very useful session, teaching WordPress from the bottom up. Here are my notes (sorry if they don’t make much sense – it might be a good idea to look at WordPress at the same time) :

• WordPress is an online publishing tool ( ”putting text in boxes”), open software community
• WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org
• WordPress.org is good if you do your webhosting/source codes -> you can download the software
• Pages are static, posts are dynamic
• dashboard: adding content: “create post”
• “link to existing content” -> refers to content on your own WordPress site
• you can use a picture as a link to somewhere else by changing the link url once you’ve uploaded the picture
• posts can be sorted into categories and subcategories; also use tags
• Comments are feedback -> not sure where to disable comments? -> go to ”screen options” -> discussions
• trackbacks and pingbacks are links from other sies to your own content -> recommendation: disale them, they don’t do anything for SEO anyway
• Settings -> discussion: here you can change your global comment settings -. previous post settings will need changing manually!
• embedding: possible from a variety of sources, e.g. YouTube, slideshare, issuu, google maps
• image editor: in Media
• Look and feel: Appearance -> Themes
• to find a new theme to use: Appearance -> Themes -> install themes -> search for themes -> install
• WordPress.orgg has the same selection of themes but they are downloadable as zip-files, which you can then upload into your system
• have a look at StudioPress.com for themes you can pay for
• you can have custom menus: Appearance -> Menus
• you can even have separate menus for different purposes
• Custom links: link to another site as part of your menu
• Appearance -> widgets -> sidebar
• text widgets also takes html, e.g. newsletter signup
• extended functionality: plugins, e.g. google analytics -> plugins are only availabel on WordPress.org!
• You can use WordPress as a social network by installing BuddyPress plugin, which has its own (sub-)plugins
• contact form plugin: contactform7 -> copy code and insert into a new page (* means “required field”)
• managing a WordPress site: update your themes, widgets, software regularly (site will send you alerts)
• backups: Tolls -> Export -> all content (XML file)
• static homepage: create two new pages, then go to Settings -> reading -> front page displays…
• kitchen sink (top of “edit post” window): paste from Word -> cleans it up; also: paste as plain text
• If something doesn’t work it might be disabled in the Theme you are using
• Examples of websites using WordPress: http://www.defra.gov.uk/, http://kindofdigital.com/

I have been speaking to some work colleagues and we are thinking of hosting a mini library camp in Leeds. Who would be interested to come, and would you prefer a Thursday or a Saturday? Also, who would be interested in a mini library camp just for public library people (and those passionate about public libraries)? Can you offer a free venue for up to 50 people?

The following are my notes from the day. If you haven’t been to a library camp or un-conference before, here’s a link to explain a little what happens: http://www.librarycamp.co.uk/librarycamp

Session 1: Central library vs. branch libraries, pitched by @theatregrad

• library resources: where do they do the most good? In a branch library or in a central location -> depends on the resource and how it can be shared. Can it be cost-effective and is it affordable?
• is it “better” to close a branch library instead of refurbishing it -> look at opening times that accommodate the community, where does the money some from (can funding be sought)
• some public library users in the group felt that their local authority needed to be better at communicating/explaining their decisions, to be more open and take public’s needs into consideration
• do we actually know why people use the library, what they come for?
• do we see the library as a community space, with an important social aspect? -> harder for a central/city centre library to be a community space as community is not clearly defined
• central expertise needs to spread into branch libraries -> more travel, outreach, road shows
• branches need to be tailored to their community, not just be a scaled down version of central library
• statistcs don’t prove the social aspect -> it becomes harder to prove need of the space -> think homeless newspaper readers in a central library
• Manchester is currently restructuring to be able to offer bespoke service to branch libraries -> great idea, I would like to know more!
• to get use out of your libraries’ online resources you need to train your (potential) users
• does  central library have the same training potential as a branch library that can adapt services to their community -> maybe not, also because not everybody can get there
• central library very much a prestige thing
• central library can be very intimidating for (new) users -> old buildings create barriers but there is also potential here: get people in for the historical aspect
• signage is very important! also: should library staff wear uniforms? -> Bolton have abolished uniforms because of cost cuttings -> staff not always obvious enough to users though and users might walk out unsatisfied
• install confidence in your users by helping them, training them -> train your staff first, so they can help people
• the digital future: who gets excluded and how can libraries work on inclusion?
• digital libraries mainly aimed at Windows users -> do libraries have to staff expertise to change this?
• some library authorities, e.g Trafford, looking at uploading content on to people’s devices -> looking forward to hearing more
• other services ideas: tech support desk, music practice rooms -> get people to come to the library for un-library stuff! Be the living room of your city!
• shared services, e.g. share with registry office
• use of volunteers: volunteers need to enhance not replace -> what does a volunteer coordinator do?

Session 2: Public reference libraries – keep or abolish?, pitched by me

• the reference library as a physical space -> stepping into the past: positive when managed and stocked well -> can be a sacred space
• stock is often things that are not online, specialised, tactile
• another important use: local knowledge, community information, community services = local reference
• need to use the space to its best: e.g. run workshops, offer space to community groups
• work with other groups, promote other uses, .e.g. eco-literacy
• non-fiction reading groups
• business use: patents, IP, inventors
• example: Sheffield references library also includes art, music and social sciences stock, not just information generally
• some public libraries do not have a separate reference department now: reference stock is shelved within non-fiction lending stock
• try and get hold of university’s and college’s reading lists -> promote the stock that you hold that could be useful for students -> e.g. via twitter
• hold events
• have expert staff!
• library staff who don’t normally work in the reference library can be apprehensive when asked to work there -> fear of not knowing -> training needed
• encourage studying
• promote digital literacy -> great idea, would like to explore further
• experience: not enough demand for specialised sessions, apart from IP
• often what is classed as reference stock would be more useful to the public as lending stock -> what do you do about that? Is price the main reason to make something a reference copy now? -> stock criteria/strategy seem to differ in different authorities
• online resources only get used when enough training is offered, to both public and staff -> reassure people it’s okay not to know things
• why not run workshops on content creation -> for campaigns, fundraising, links with local groups -> e.g. Sheffield Access Space
• take the reference library elsewhere -> pop-up libraries, road shows, take iPads and stock to events to show -> great idea, would like to explore further
• need to market services within building and library service first -> surprising how little other staff know -> look into staff exchanges
• the group liked the idea of embedded librarians but we weren’t quite sure what it means -> anyone?

Session 3: Staff training, pitched by me

• problem with training budgets: often if you can’t afford it yourself you can’t go
• learn from other people/colleagues, shadowing
• focus on training and training needs in appraisals -> try and fit your needs into strategic plans to get what you want
• take an organisational development approach, rather than a personal one
• take people’s outside interests into consideration -> your staff might know things that are useful for the service but that you don’t know about
• staff time -> think about benefits to organisation, contacts made, change something as a result of training attended -> cascade your knowledge
• benefit from in-house training, cross-sector approach and regional training offers
• offer a venue and let trainers come to you -> cost savings
• get involved with professional organisations, network!
• prioritise
• go for bursaries -> not a lot of people do, so lots up for grabs
• convince managers that your staff need training -> don’t wait for them to come to you!

Session 4: The little things, pitched by @spoontragedy

This was a session about everything, from toilets via signage to mentoring.

• public buildings should open up their toilets
• people’s behaviour turns others off from using the library -> keep them in check -> get a full-time caretaker
• keep the social aspect of libraries in mind
• think about what is needed when extending opening hours: bins, more toilet roll, etc.
• user complaints often carry more weight than staff comments
• communication!
• what do you call your users? -> university community, readers, borrowers, users, customers, ladies, patrons
• Teesside University library has no access restrictions -> great idea for sharing services
• jargon/terminology -> needs to be useful/relevant to system user
• strategic plans vs. day-to-day operations
• ideal: bosses with open-door policy -> often people still won’t talk because they see status before person -> your director is human
• two-way communication important -> it’s okay to tell you boss stuff
• make an appointment with whoever you want to speak to
• mentor someone to learn about management and being in that position (small scale)

Some other bits from sessions I overheard:

• frontline staff are regarded as “librarians” -> does the public need to know job roles? Does it matter?
• take ownership of what you do!
• management want to push content but be in control at the same time -> difficult position for staff to be in when updating websites etc.
• all you need for a successful library camp is running water, a toilet and ideally wifi -> do it!

The webinar focused on Facebook, LinkedIn, twitter, foursquare, YouTube and diigo. WordPress and slideshare were also briefly mentioned.

Barnsley College was featured as a best practice example for Facebook, twitter, YouTube and foursquare. Another example was Craven College but we didn’t have time to look at their sites during the session.

Here are my brief notes on each social network that was discussed today:

Facebook: useful for

• staff-student communication
• peer support
• resource sharing
• debate
• research
• marketing
• alumni/keeping in touch
• emergency communication

Twitter: useful for

• information sourcing
• reflective diaries
• commentary on lectures/conferences
• marketing
• emergency communications
• networking

Twitter is very much about communication, even more than Facebook. It is also a fast-moving network, so if you use it for your organisation make sure you check it at least three times a day to respond to anything that comes up, e.g. questions, complaints.

foursquare: useful for

• induction
• community activities
• tips and guides (for organisations)
• marketing
• geocaching -> another example of something similar given by a participant was creating a mediascape

By creating your location (e.g. a branch library) on foursquare you can get free marketing and promotion via your users when they check in. Foursquare has a competitive element and everyone loves a competition (to become “mayor” of somewhere, in this case).

I like the idea of using geocaching as part of a library tour, highlighting building aspects or services. It also facilitates teamwork.

Flickr: useful for

• sourcing images
• portfolio building
• evidence gathering
• promotion, e.g. new buildings
• groups
• commentary

diigo: useful for

• peer assessed materials
• collaborative discussion around links
• links to VLE
• tag clouds
• corporate resources
• auto-post to blogs
• research
• discussion
• staying ahead of best practice

On diigo you can get an institutional account, so not every user needs their own account. It’s also useful for creating reading lists.

LinkedIn: useful for

• careers advice
• employability
• career building

Slideshare: useful for

• repository
• portfolio
• research
• discussion
• sharing of your expertise (add to LinkedIn)

YouTube: useful for

• sourcing videos
• video diaries
• corporate video for sharing
• CPD: sourcing “how to” videos, talks and lectures

And while I’m here…

I have decided to put Code Year on hold. I am still receiving the weekly emails, so I hope to go back to it sometime but I’m not in the right headspace for it at the moment.

I have also just finished reading A Leadership Primer for New Librarians: Tools for Helping Today’s Early-career Librarians Become Tomorrow’s Library Leaders by Suzanne Byke and Dawn Lowe-Wincentsen. A lot of the content is common sense but it’s well written (reading it feels a little like chatting with a mentor), there are some good suggestions for further reading and it’s a good reminder of what you need to think about in your work life/career, both to be successful and satisfied. Don’t be scared, take initiative, ask and offer help, have ethics – just a few points raised in the book. I would recommend it to anyone who works with other people, in any position.

How do you go about motivating yourself when you are trying to learn something because you feel you should but have no direct use for it (yet?). How will you use JavaScript in your working life? Please share your motivations and ideas with me, as I find it difficult to see an application in my work at the moment but would love to think that there is one. Thanks!

I found that I need to concentrate a lot and go back to my notes. I guess it is very similar to learning any language – you need to learn your vocabulary and grammar!

The first session was about the very basics:

• Typing my name: “Carolin” <- the quotation marks are vital. Without them you get an error message
• Finding out how many letters there are in my name: “Carolin”.length
• Do basic maths, such as 2+2 (needs no extra programming)

• Confirmation window to make the programme more interactive: confirm (“message“); same with alert windows: alert (“message“)

• Creating a variable. This is so the programme remembers things, e.g. my name: var MyName
• Variables are case-sensitive, and to assign a variable you use the equal sign. var myName = “Carolin”

I wonder how much time is estimated for each session. Does anyone know of any guidelines?

In the book, the author shares her own experiences and experiments with new toys and tools, that alter out social lives and behaviour. Here are my notes:

• “Technology is seductive when what it offers meets our human vulnerabilities.”
• “But if we are always on, we may deny ourselves the rewards of solitude.”
• Robots and computers don’t have shared experiences with humans.
• Creating an avatar enables you to explore your self, e.g. by choosing different age or gender. Time spent online is time that you could have spent differently, e.g. with family.
• “echnology makes it easy to communicate when we wish and disengage at will.”
• Which attachments and feelings are evoked in humans when using machines/robots? Users can fool themselves into thinking there’s a relationship
• Humans happy to fill in the blanks when a robot or computer leaves gaps of behaviour. Children see robots as “kind of alive”
• Tamagotchis and Furbies. Children know they are robots but give them human traits. They can’t necessarily work out what makes Furbies different from humans.
• “upside-down test”: how long can you hold a Barbie doll, a Ferby (that cries and says “me scared” when held upside diwn) or a gerbil upside down. People feel guilt even though they know Furby is a robot toy.
• Can a computer/robot be a better confidante than a human because it’s “knowledge”/”experience” (database) is larger? -> I don’t think so!
• Inner states can lead to same outward appearance, e.g. Happy smile or fake smile. Does inside state matter then? Children seem confused
• “With robot pets, children can give enough to feel attached, but then they can turn away. They are learning a way of feeling connected on which they have permission to think only of themselves.”
• “Dependence on a robot presents itself as risk free. But when one becomes accustomed to “companionship” without demands, life with people may seem overwhelming.” “the loveable as safe and made to measure”
• Japanese people might hire actors to visit their parents instead of visiting their parents themselves. Why not use robots? -> really?!?
• “Children imagine sociable machines as substitutes for the people missing in their lives.” “What we ask of robots shows us what we need.”
• Case studies of elderly: some might prefer interaction with robots as robots have fewer demands than people
• Japan: robots as companions for elderly, as there are not enough people to take care of them. Robots are also more patient
• Talking to pets is thinking out loud. Most owners realise that. People treat robots more like humans. Robots offer opportunity to talk privately, voice thoughts. -> therapeutic
• Robot for self-reflection, people will adapt their actions to fit robot’s capabilities
• People can pretend to care but robots can’t care and therefore only (!) pretend.
• Japanese culture sees a life-force in inanimate things. Japanese accept that mobiles etc create social isolation. They see robots as “facilitators of human contact”
• The Internet gives us a free space to explore identity. -> try different roles
• By being connected via phone or Internet all the time we never leave home, might miss out on experiences that way.
• “When someone holds a phone, it can be hard to know if you have that person’s attention.” People can be “paused” -> eg conversation stops when phone rings
• Multitasking feels more efficient but isn’t.
• Work-life balance disappears when you’re expected to be online/available all the time. People feel they need to hide on vacation, to have a good “excuse” to be offline
• Enquiries have changed to allow quick response, complicated problems often not given space for consideration -> have noticed that in work already
• People deny themselves “downtime” or “thinking time” – time is filled with doing stuff on mobiles etc.
• People don’t have/need patience.
• technology sets expectations about speed
• “In solitude we don’t reject the world but have the space to think our own thoughts.”
• Objects=people. People=objects?
• Independence used to equal being grown up. Now parents are only a call/text away – always. Also hinders independence!
• Videogames/mobiles/emails -> evoke similar behaviour to gambling addiction
• examples: Chatroulette, confessional websites
• “Venting feelings comes to feel like sharing them.”
• Empathetic “transactions” become less
• Anonymity doesn’t protect from emotional investment
• Online it’s easy to bully
• “confessional sites are often taken as therapy and they are not”
• Facebook etc. are more like clubs, not communities (not broad enough)
• Online you can never be sure who you are talking to
• Reading online always invites you to explore places outside the text: links, networks, etc. – interruptions. “Normal” books invite personal views, thinking and associations
• Trauma of 9/11 childhood: “to feel safe, you have to be connected”
• “As teenagers turn stalking into part of their lives, they become resigned to incursions into their privacy.”
• Teens/people not necessarily aware of what protection/privacy they are “entitled” to, what is “over the line”
• Will digital memory that can’t be erased create a more tolerant society because everyone has indiscretions online?
• People think Facebook will do whatever it wants anyway -> Given up? Don’t care?
• Online is never private, can always be recorded and brought back up
• Being able to easily stay in touch with people from all your life stages: new but can’t leave behind as easily and take on new identities
• Less attention is paid to other individuals, stuff is often shared as blog/wall post/etc.
• Online communication (can be) impersonal. People forget how to “read” others, e.g. expressions, faces
• Simulation doesn’t work for human relationships
• “loneliness is failed solitude”
• Stillness makes people “trained by the Net” (i.e. “digital natives”) anxious -> renewed interest in meditation, yoga, slowness, religions
• Necessary: finding a new balance, room for reflection – rather than just “slowing down”
• Do we really want to dump memories into computers rather than keep memories in our heads?
• Microsoft’s “Life Browser” watches your behaviour and concludes who you are based on what you do. -> Google uses a similar thing, I believe
• People want to document their lives -> examples
• “To live most fully, perhaps we need at least the fiction that we are not archiving. For surely, in the archived life, we begin to live for the record, for how we shall be seen.”

There is already a hashtag for library people: #libcodeyear – so we can support each other.

On the World Book Night blog, Julia writes about her new year’s resolutions.
She has some good ones there, e.g. reading aloud (I can totally recommend!!) and reading outside your comfort zone.
Also: Give up on a book if you’re not enjoying it. So true! Life’s just too short to waste time with books you don’t enjoy. Maybe that’s why I’m not a member of a book club. Although I like reading outside my usual reading choices – and a book club is excellent for that – I like my own choices too much. I read all across the spectrum anyway, which surely comes from working in a public library and coming across so many different books on a daily basis.

A tip from me: Use your phone/iPod to read on. That way you don’t waste time with emails, social networks or games when you’re waiting for the bus (and such) but can read whenever you got some spare time. Even ten minutes make me happy if it’s a book I enjoy.

 
Join me on Goodreads if you fancy sharing what you read.