# ACRLog

> Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.2.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site.

Blogging by and for academic and research librarians

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://acrlog.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [You Can’t Ask the Librarian You Don’t Know Exists: Outreach Experiments](https://acrlog.org/2026/10/19/you-cant-ask-the-librarian-you-dont-know-exists-outreach-experiments/): Editor’s Note: Please join us in welcoming Hilary Turner, Business Librarian at Baylor University, as a new First Year Academic Librarian Experience blogger for the 2026-2027 year here at ACRLog. I'm New Here As a first-year academic librarian serving as the sole instruction and reference liaison to my institution’s business school, I’ve been thinking a
- [Disability Pride Month](https://acrlog.org/2026/10/10/disability-pride-month/): Last week, MSU held the third iteration of its Disability Summit, a symposium on disability and accessibility on campus and in academia more generally. The event brings in a guest speaker to discuss their work and the summit’s theme. Then, depending on the year, there are other panels and related events. At MSU, we celebrate
- [Three Pieces of Advice for First-Year Academic Librarians](https://acrlog.org/2026/09/26/three-pieces-of-advice-for-first-year-academic-librarians/): I thought my first year at Vanderbilt had flown by, but as it turns out, the first semester of my second year seems like it’s moving even more quickly! As I finish up the first five weeks of the semester, I’ve been thinking a lot about how different this year feels from last year, and
- [Making the Cross-Border Jump as an Academic Librarian](https://acrlog.org/2026/09/18/making-the-cross-border-jump-as-an-academic-librarian/): Moving to the United States, especially at this sociopolitical moment was not something I was expecting (re: see Violet’s most recent post here), however, a dream position came up that I couldn’t turn down! I wanted to take this first post as a regular contributor to ACRLog and mark this turn in my career in hopes
- [Library of Congress: "POTUS pawns"](https://acrlog.org/2026/09/12/library-of-congress-potus-pawns/): In March 2025, I wrote about anticipatory obedience at the Library of Congress, describing how LC fast tracked changes to the Library of Congress Subject Headings relating to the Gulf of Mexico and Mount Denali. When Trump issued an executive order on August 27th directing federal agencies to change Lake Ontario to Lake America, catalogers
- [The Allegory of the Meniscus or Accepting the Reality of Middle Management in Higher Education](https://acrlog.org/2026/09/01/the-allegory-of-the-meniscus-or-accepting-the-reality-of-middle-management-in-higher-education/): Editor’s note: We welcome a guest blog post from Dustin Fife, College Librarian at Colorado College Library. As with so many people who have recently completed a dissertation, I worry/assume that it will not find a broad audience, which is okay. However, there was one aspect of my study that felt so essential to the
- [A sensory room in the library](https://acrlog.org/2026/08/28/a-sensory-room-in-the-library/): As the new semester gets ready to kick off, among other things, I’m getting ready for a new Project SEARCH intern. In preparation, we’re thinking about the work they might do at the library, including working on our sensory room. Which brings me to the topic of this post: the sensory room itself. Before I
- [Q&A: Open Educational Resources as a New High-Impact Practice](https://acrlog.org/2026/08/20/qa-open-educational-resources-as-a-new-high-impact-practice/): If you follow open education news, you probably heard over the summer that AAC&U recognized Open Educational Resources (OER) as a High-Impact Practice (HIP). OER’s addition to the roster of 12 teaching and learning practices means AAC&U has deemed there to be “…significant educational benefits for students who participate in them—including and especially those from
- [A Born-Digital Librarian's Reflection on Digital Educational Tools](https://acrlog.org/2026/08/24/a-born-digital-librarians-reflection-on-digital-educational-tools/): Editor’s note: We welcome a guest blog post from Senka Stankovic, Head of User Services at the Jean-Léon Allie Library, Saint-Paul University. As an early-career librarian halfway through a year-long parental leave contract at Saint Paul University, I've noticed that digital tools are fundamental to how we ideate and deliver educational workshops. Born-digital, recently a
- [Seeking First Year Academic Librarian Bloggers for 2026-27](https://acrlog.org/2026/08/18/seeking-first-year-academic-librarian-bloggers-for-2026-27/): As we enter a new academic year, we’re looking to bring on a few new bloggers here at ACRLog. We’d like to thank our 2025-26 FYAL bloggers Lisa Shin, M. Roberts, and Eleanor Ball for their terrific posts this past year in our First Year Academic Librarian Experience series. We’d also like to encourage new
- [Learning from our Students as First Year Academic Librarians](https://acrlog.org/2026/08/12/learning-from-our-students-as-first-year-academic-librarians/): This marks the last collaborative post as First Year Academic Librarians, and we wanted to take a chance to share some of our most memorable experiences – learning directly from students. From instruction to outreach, none of the activities and events we do would be possible without an audience, and we often found that we learned more
- [First Year Reflections](https://acrlog.org/2026/08/10/first-year-reflections-2/): Tuesday of last week, August 4, marked one year in my role at Vanderbilt. The time has flown by! One of my goals for the summer was to reflect on my first year as a librarian and to plan for the second year based on what I’d learned. Although I haven’t had as much time
- [All About My AI Literacy Course](https://acrlog.org/2026/07/28/all-about-my-ai-literacy-course/): In my first ACRLog post, Teaching AI as an Anti-AI Librarian, I shared how I was approaching the task of teaching an AI literacy course as an anti-AI librarian. For my final post, I’d like to share a follow-up (which a few people have requested—thank you!) sharing a bit of practical information about how I
- [The academe is people and people are complicated](https://acrlog.org/2026/07/24/the-academe-is-people-and-people-are-complicated/): To fully understand the intricacies of your institution’s internal politics, you’d need a graduate level course on the subject.
- [Musings on Search Committees](https://acrlog.org/2026/07/17/musings-on-search-committees/): Job applications and interviews are nothing new to ACRLog. Violet finished off her series on being unemployed and interviewing in February, there are older posts about how to interview, and more recent ones about AI in the job search. Lately, though, I’ve been thinking about things from the other side: how do search committees work
- [Becoming an Audiobook Reader](https://acrlog.org/2026/07/13/becoming-an-audiobook-reader/): Editor’s note: We welcome a guest blog post from Sarah Clinton-McCausland, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Open Education Librarian at the University of Maryland. I never thought I'd lose my leisure reading habit. Leisure reading, pleasure reading, or "free voluntary reading" is "reading because you want to… [P]utting down a book you don't like and choosing
- [Developing a Teaching Style... In Style!](https://acrlog.org/2026/07/10/developing-a-teaching-style-in-style/): A commonality among this year's first-year academic librarian bloggers was the daunting task of standing in front of a class for the first time. We were curious to discuss the similarities and differences that exist between becoming a teacher for the first time in a post-secondary setting and how we developed our style over our
- [How to... Fre+nglish ](https://acrlog.org/2026/07/03/how-to-frenglish/): Although I took one psycho-linguistics course in undergrad (very interesting, by the way), I never thought I would be able to apply the theories and examples I learned in that class to real-life. As I navigated my first-year of academic librarianship in a bilingual French-English institution, I slowly began to accumulate routines and activities that worked for me the most. With French being
- [Developing an Evidence Synthesis Training Program](https://acrlog.org/2026/06/28/developing-an-evidence-synthesis-training-program/): Last May, when I was preparing for my in-person interview for my current position, I was lucky to have the opportunity to talk with librarians at my graduate institution about questions I might be asked and topics that might come up during my interview. One of the main themes that came up in those preparation
- [OER Legislation Update](https://acrlog.org/2026/07/15/oer-legislation-update/): Editor’s note: We welcome a guest blog post from Emma Wood, Scholarly Communication Librarian at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Library. I contributed a guest post to ACRLog in 2023 about the expansion of state legislation related to Open Educational Resources (OER). With the importance of administrative support to expand OER, it seems useful to
- [The MLS Is Not the Problem: A Response](https://acrlog.org/2026/06/25/the-mls-is-not-the-problem-a-response/): Editor’s note: We welcome a guest blog post from Ben Rawlins, Associate Dean for Outreach, Engagement and Collections at the University of Kentucky Libraries. Bryn Geffert's recent Inside Higher Ed essay argues that the MLS degree is an obstacle to hiring, a barrier to diversity, and an increasingly optional credential in academic libraries. His survey
- [A (Long Overdue) LOEX 2026 Recap](https://acrlog.org/2026/06/20/loex-2026/): I attended LOEX for the first time this year, and it was a wonderful experience! I returned to UNI with so many new connections across Libraryworld and exciting ideas for my classroom this fall. Today, I’d like to share my takeaways from a few critical conference sessions and take some time to discuss the future
- [Questions Middle Managers Ask: Ways of Seeing Everyday Work](https://acrlog.org/2026/06/15/questions-middle-managers-ask-ways-of-seeing-everyday-work/): This past semester, I participated in a professional development program at my institution targeting middle managers. My cohort included about a dozen such folks from across the university. While the size of our respective departments as well as the nature of our work varied, our shared experience as middle managers gave us a strong foundation
- [Mentoring MLIS Students on the Job Market: How to make mentorship work for you and your mentees](https://acrlog.org/2026/06/11/mentoring-mlis-students-on-the-job-market-how-to-make-mentorship-work-for-you-and-your-mentees/): Editor’s note: We welcome a guest blog post from Lexi Kadis, Teaching and Learning Librarian at the University of Maryland Libraries. I was in a state of perpetual déjà vu throughout the Spring 2026 semester. Just a year ago, I was on the academic librarian job market—revising CVs, writing cover letters, interviewing (rinse and repeat)—and
- [From the Reading Room to the Recording Room: What a Digital Project about Medieval Plainchant Taught Me About Collaboration](https://acrlog.org/2026/05/26/from-the-reading-room-to-the-recording-room-what-a-digital-project-about-medieval-plainchant-taught-me-about-collaboration/): Editor’s note: We welcome a guest blog post from Michael C. Weisenburg, Director of the Irvin Department of Rare Books and Special Collections at the University of South Carolina Libraries. The first time I hosted our early music class in special collections in the fall semester of 2015, I approached the session the way many
- [The Supposed Summer Slowdown ](https://acrlog.org/2026/06/06/the-supposed-summer-slowdown/): I started my academic librarian position in August 2025. During the first few weeks of my role, before most of the on-campus students returned and the school year started, fellow librarians told me two (main) things: that I should enjoy the calm before things got busy again, and that the first year in my role
- [The New ALA Workers Union, and Why It Matters](https://acrlog.org/2026/06/03/the-new-ala-workers-union-and-why-it-matters/): A hearty congratulations to the members of the newly formed ALA Workers United (ALAWU)! In March, employees at the American Library Association announced their intention to form a union, and last week, they voted on that proposal. More than 95% of the employees who voted were in favor of forming the new union. Now that
- [Keeping up with the (Asian) Librarians: An Asian Heritage Month Feature ](https://acrlog.org/2026/05/28/keeping-up-with-the-asian-librarians-an-asian-heritage-month-feature/): Inspired by a blog post, (Summer Plans | SSENSE Canada https://www.ssense.com/en-ca/editorial/culture/summer-plans-2025), I came up with some fun Asian-heritage related prompts to celebrate some of the coolest people I know! Read on to learn about their stories, favourite underrated desserts, and opinions on the latest trends! Talia Chung Your position: University Librarian and Dean of Libraries Library mentor: I have had a long career so there are honestly too many
- [All the Roads that Lead to Librarianship](https://acrlog.org/2026/05/19/all-the-roads-that-lead-to-librarianship/): Everyone’s path to academic libraries is a little different. Some of us start as public library pages in high school, some of us have been library student workers as undergrads, and some of us found libraries as a second career – whether the first one had to do with libraries or not. All of those paths
- [Summer Break Book Recommendations: Critical Pedagogy, AI, and More](https://acrlog.org/2026/05/14/summer-break-book-recommendations/): With summer break around the corner, I’m eagerly beginning to plan what books I might read this summer (maybe this is the year I’ll finally crack open Emily Wilson’s Iliad . . .). I’m also reflecting on the books I read this year as I prepared to teach my own course, an AI literacy elective,
- [Thinking about Contract Work... Positively!  ](https://acrlog.org/2026/05/08/thinking-about-contract-work-positively/): As a first-year academic librarian on a one-year contract, I am slowly feeling the pressure of time creeping on me as I navigate the job market once again. A previous blog post by YoonHee Lee, a former FYAL (first-year academic librarian, also Korean-Canadian :)), helped me to digest the precarity of contract positions in academic libraries with their thoughtful writing: https://acrlog.org/2019/12/21/reflecting-on-contract-work-and-precarity/ I wanted to build on this by sharing of
- [All we're doing is reading today.](https://acrlog.org/2026/04/30/all-were-doing-is-reading-today/): Sometimes, the simplest instruction turns out to be the best. A few weeks ago, I taught two classes that turned out so well that I’m still riding that wave as I write this now. The professor and I’s entire class plan was to bring down carts of books related to the class topic, have the students pick something they were interested in, and then read for about
- [Can You Manage Our Library's Instagram Account? ](https://acrlog.org/2026/04/27/can-you-manage-our-librarys-instagram-account/): In my very first ACRLog post, I talked a little about how librarianship is my second career, and that before I went back to school for my MSLS, I worked for six years in communications and public relations. A part of my work at the public relations firm involved running social media accounts. Building on
- [How Can We Teach Material We Know *Too* Well?](https://acrlog.org/2026/04/17/how-can-we-teach-material-we-know-too-well/): This semester, I’ve been participating in a multidisciplinary discussion group with other University of Northern Iowa faculty who teach general education courses. We’re reading How Learning Works by Ambrose et al. (1st edition) and discussing the unique strategies, challenges, and opportunities of teaching gen ed courses. We recently studied chapter four of How Learning Works,
- [Let's cultivate copyright confidence](https://acrlog.org/2026/04/22/lets-cultivate-copyright-confidence/): If you have a legally inclined librarian in your life, you may have heard them lament the state of copyright education in MLIS programs. If not, then allow me. Several studies have highlighted the widespread lack of sufficient copyright education across MLIS programs, both in North America and abroad (Cross & Edwards, 2011; Dryden, 2010;
- [Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and the Library](https://acrlog.org/2026/04/18/asian-american-and-pacific-islander-heritage-month-and-the-library/): At Michigan State University, we observe Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (Asian Pacific Islander Desi American and Asian Heritage Month on campus) from mid-March to mid-April because by the time May, the official month, rolls around, most students have left campus for the summer. This makes for an event-filled few weeks leading up
- [Supporting Evidence Syntheses in STEM](https://acrlog.org/2026/04/11/supporting-evidence-syntheses-in-stem/): Lately, I’ve been immersed in learning the steps of evidence syntheses (ES) projects. Starting off from shadowing consultations of librarians in my department, the growth of knowledge in supporting researchers’ systematic/scoping/other review projects has been immense since I first started this job late August. Where I Started When I was still in library school, being
- [The Chatbot Will See You Now: Concerns about Artificial Intelligence and Medicine](https://acrlog.org/2026/04/20/the-chatbot-will-see-you-now-concerns-about-artificial-intelligence-and-medicine/): Editor’s note: We welcome a guest blog post from Rebecca Kyser, Research and Instruction Librarian at Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library, The George Washington University. Disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this post are the author’s own and do not represent her place of work. As a medical librarian who specializes in medical misinformation and disinformation, I tend
- [Refusing (to let go of) AI: An Ignatian Pedagogy for a Real AI Literacy](https://acrlog.org/2026/03/31/refusing-to-let-go-of-ai-an-ignatian-pedagogy-for-a-real-ai-literacy/): Editor’s note: We welcome a guest blog post from Maxwell Gray, Digital Scholarship Librarian at Marquette University. My personal, professional relationship with generative AI (genAI) is complicated. Like many academic librarians, I identify as a deeply anti-AI librarian, who believes AI, especially genAI, designed and built by technocratic oligarchs outside any democratic process represents a
- [Takeaways from Two Virtual Library Conferences](https://acrlog.org/2026/03/27/takeaways-from-two-virtual-library-conferences/): Over the last few weeks, I had the opportunity to attend two virtual library conferences – the 2026 Southeast Collaborative Conference, and the Transforming Libraries for Graduate Students 2026 Virtual Conference. I wanted to use my blog for this month to reflect on what I learned from both of these experiences. Southeast Collaborative Conference This
- [“What are your research interests?” “Hmm. I’ll get back to you.”](https://acrlog.org/2026/03/26/what-are-your-research-interests-hmm-ill-get-back-to-you/): Commonalities across first-year academic librarians (FYALs) may or may not include imposter syndrome, teaching jitters, too much coffee, and navigating the life of an academic. A large part of what an academic is stems from their identity as a researcher, but as new librarians entering the university system for the first time, it is something
- [Supporting Library Workers Who Have Lost Their Jobs](https://acrlog.org/2026/03/21/supporting-library-workers-who-have-lost-their-jobs/): If you haven't had the experience of losing your job suddenly, of being laid off or fired, it might be difficult to imagine what it's like. The person who has lost their job is probably going through some form of grief. They're losing financial security, their professional identity, their expectations of a stable future. Much
- [Coaching as Critical Leadership Praxis](https://acrlog.org/2026/03/19/coaching-as-critical-leadership-praxis/): Editor’s note: We welcome a guest blog post from Angela Pashia, who was an academic librarian for 12 years before becoming an ICF-Certified (ACC) leadership coach. For the first half of my library career, I was adamant that I didn't want to move into any formal leadership role. I was an instruction and liaison librarian,
- [I Survived My First Faculty Evaluation (And So Will You)](https://acrlog.org/2026/03/16/i-survived-my-first-faculty-evaluation-and-so-will-you/): Like approximately half of all academic librarians, I’m classified as faculty. This year, I went through my first faculty evaluation . . . and our evaluations fall in mid-October, six weeks after I started my position. It was an intense six weeks. My portfolio is 80% teaching/librarianship and 20% service. In six weeks, I assembled
- [The Read & Publish Dilemma](https://acrlog.org/2026/03/11/the-read-publish-dilemma/): Read & Publish (R&P) agreements (referred to by many names, but most commonly “transformative agreements”) are package subscription deals offered to academic libraries by publishers, sometimes by way of library consortium negotiation. What distinguishes an R&P agreement from the classic “big deal” is the allure of open access (OA) publishing support: as part of the
- [Mic Drop: Belonging, Mentorship, and Professional Culture at the Music Library Association](https://acrlog.org/2026/03/06/mic-drop-belonging-mentorship-and-professional-culture-at-the-music-library-association/): When I attended my first conference hosted by the Music Library Association (MLA) in Salt Lake City, UT this year, I expected to learn about music collections, cataloging standards, and emerging research resources. I did learn those things. But what surprised me most—and became the central lesson of my experience—was the way the community’s professional
- [A bit about ADA Title II preparations](https://acrlog.org/2026/03/07/a-bit-about-ada-title-ii-preparations/): It’s March, which means the ADA Title II deadline for large institutions is looming near. I’m mainly the South and Southeast Asia librarian here at Michigan State, but I also spend roughly 25% of my time on accessibility, meaning that Title II is top of mind for me right now. The Americans with Disabilities Act
- [Tribute Post for Fobazi Ettarh](https://acrlog.org/2026/03/04/tribute-post-for-fobazi-ettarh/): With immense sadness, the writers of ACRLog acknowledge the passing of Fobazi Ettarh, library worker and influential LIS scholar. If you are able to contribute, there is a GoFundMe established for Fobazi’s wife, Elena, to assist with the significant medical and end-of-life expenses. This post will include some reflections from ACRLog members about their interactions
- [Exploring Coaching As a Leadership Skill](https://acrlog.org/2026/03/02/exploring-coaching-as-a-leadership-skill/): Editor’s note: We welcome a guest blog post from Angela Pashia, who was an academic librarian for 12 years before becoming an ICF-Certified (ACC) leadership coach. When you think of coaching, what comes to mind for you? I've been talking about this a lot over the past couple of years, since becoming a professional coach.
- [Learning from Lukewarm Library Instruction](https://acrlog.org/2026/02/25/learning-from-lukewarm-library-instruction/): I said in my November post that it wouldn’t be the only one I wrote about library instruction. As someone who is still new to teaching and class instruction, learning how to be an engaging, fun, and informative teacher is one of my biggest learning curves as a first-year academic librarian. So, a few months
- [Lessons Learned from Auditing 100 LibGuides](https://acrlog.org/2026/02/16/lessons-learned-from-auditing-100-libguides/): Last fall, my library undertook an ambitious—and necessary—overhaul of our LibGuide catalog. This was spurred on by the new requirements added to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 2024, which requires publicly-funded entities (such as universities) to ensure our digital content is accessible. However, before we could begin accessibility remediations, we needed
- [I Bought Slop: A Conversation on the Accidental Purchase of AI-Generated Material ](https://acrlog.org/2026/02/09/i-bought-slop-a-conversation-on-the-accidental-purchase-of-ai-generated-material/): Editor’s note: This guest blog post is by Natasha Finnegan, Cataloging and Metadata Librarian, Nicole Kulp, Serials and Electronic Resources Librarian, Sara Wheatley, Acquisitions Specialist, and Emily Zerrenner, Research and Instructional Services Librarian, all at Salisbury University. Emily is a regular ACRLog contributor, but because this post heavily features perspectives beyond her own, we have chosen to use the ACRLog Guest
- [Making the Academic Librarian Interview Less Painful](https://acrlog.org/2026/02/05/making-the-academic-librarian-interview-less-painful/): To be unexpectedly unemployed in the U.S. is to be in a state of desperation. If you haven’t been out of work lately, it’s a particularly challenging time. The labor market is cooling, and people are struggling to find work, especially younger workers and people of color. There has been a sharp increase in the
- [Going Back to School (For a Month… or More?)](https://acrlog.org/2026/01/30/going-back-to-school-for-a-month-or-more/): I’ve always been one of those students who really liked school. I love to learn and understand things, and as I’ve gotten older, that continues to be true. I think that’s one reason I chose librarianship – every time a student comes to me for help on a reference question, I get to learn something
- [OpenAlex and values-aligned tools](https://acrlog.org/2026/01/26/openalex-and-values-aligned-tools/): Academia needs to untangle from corporate entities our ability to understand and evaluate scholarly activity. Companies like Elsevier and Clarivate have effectively embedded evaluation methods into academia that rely on their proprietary tools (Scopus and SciVal; Web of Science and Journal Citation Reports and InCites, respectively). Conveniently, these products also cast judgement on the “legitimacy”
- [Let’s Discuss: How Should We Handle AI in One-Shots?](https://acrlog.org/2026/01/22/lets-discuss-how-should-we-handle-ai-in-one-shots/): Whenever I teach a one-shot, there’s an AI-shaped elephant in the room. The rapid advancement of AI technologies has changed so much about how students approach completing assignments, which shapes the dynamic in the one-shot classroom. I worry that students, never the most enthusiastic one-shot attendees, now feel that library research skills are less relevant
- [Finding Friends as a New Librarian ](https://acrlog.org/2026/01/17/finding-friends-as-a-new-librarian/): As someone who grew up being scared to present in front of an audience, even in front of family during holiday karaoke time, I never thought I would turn into an ambivert of sorts. Alone time is much appreciated; however, there is this warm sense of heartwarming feeling that is so unique to meeting and
- [Reflective Writing](https://acrlog.org/2026/01/20/reflective-writing/): Over the winter break, I completed a translation of a novel—the first novel I’ve ever translated. I’ve translated excerpts from novels before, as well as short story collections, but a complete novel was a new (and somewhat intimidating) experience for me. Ultimately, my process for translating the novel was no different from any other translation
- [Reconsidering Rest: Interruptions and Invitations (Part 2)](https://acrlog.org/2026/01/15/reconsidering-rest-interruptions-and-invitations-part-2/): Editor’s note: We welcome a guest blog post from Kaetrena Davis Kendrick, MSLS, Founder, Renewals. (Activation notice: This post shares information about harmful workplace experiences and impacts on the body and may (re-)surface negative memories and/or associated emotions. Please take the time you need to move through this post at your capacity, and contact your healthcare
- [A year of reading: 6 books from 2025](https://acrlog.org/2026/01/09/a-year-of-reading-6-books-from-2025/): Is it too late for a round-up post of the books I read this past year? I don’t really think so (or care, actually); I’d love to talk about a few of the 56 books I read this year. This has been my highest reading year since I was probably a middle schooler, and I’m really pleased with the mixture of work-related books versus the fiction
- [Reconsidering Rest: Interruptions and Invitations (Part 1)](https://acrlog.org/2026/01/08/reconsidering-rest-interruptions-and-invitations-part-1/): Editor’s note: We welcome a guest blog post from Kaetrena Davis Kendrick, MSLS, Founder, Renewals. (Activation notice: This post shares information about harmful workplace experiences and impacts on the body and may (re-)surface negative memories and/or associated emotions. Please take the time you need to move through this post at your capacity, and contact your healthcare
- [Reframing Traditional Models: Research Needs in the Performing Arts](https://acrlog.org/2025/10/02/reframing-traditional-models-research-needs-in-the-performing-arts/): Explore the evolving role of performing arts librarianship beyond traditional music specialization and the need for new frameworks and expertise.
- [Belonging, Power, and the Big Heart Building Work Between](https://acrlog.org/2025/12/19/belonging-power-and-the-big-heart-building-work-between/): This reflection considers narratives of belonging in librarianship while remaining accountable to power, position, and giving flowers without erasing inequity.
- [I Have a Budget to Buy Books?!](https://acrlog.org/2025/12/18/i-have-a-budget-to-buy-books/): Like many librarians, I love to read and can happily spend hours in pretty much any bookstore or library. So when I started my position at Vanderbilt, I was excited to explore the shelves in all the libraries on campus, including my library (the education library) and the main library (which has most of the
- [From Clay Tablets to Central Archives: How European History Shaped Canadian Archival Practices](https://acrlog.org/2025/12/11/from-clay-tablets-to-central-archives-how-european-history-shaped-canadian-archival-practices/): Editor’s note: We welcome a guest blog post from Scott Jones, MLIS, Class Facilitator at Mohawk College, Hamilton, Ontario. Archival theory and practice in Canada didn’t emerge in a vacuum—it’s deeply rooted in European traditions that stretch back thousands of years. Understanding this lineage helps us appreciate why certain principles, like respect des fonds, remain central
- [Let's Talk About It: AI and the Academic Librarian Job Search](https://acrlog.org/2025/12/09/ai-and-the-job-search/): Last week in the credit-bearing course I co-teach, we asked students to listen to a podcast episode from MIT Technology Review about how AI is impacting the job application process. Listening to the spirited classroom discussion led me to reflect on my own job search this year and the role AI may have—or may not
- [Anecdotes from a Film-Loving Health Science & STEM Librarian](https://acrlog.org/2025/12/07/anecdotes-from-a-film-loving-health-science-stem-librarian/): 3 months into my first academic librarian job, these last couple weeks have been by far the busiest, but most exciting! From getting posters accepted into conferences, planning a forum (Check out the upcoming student journal forum 2026! ), continuing to teach and do consultations, I have been feeling quite occupied and positively stressed. I decided to be share some of my
- [Reviewing peer review](https://acrlog.org/2025/08/29/reviewing-peer-review/): As a process that validates information credibility, peer review is undeniably and incredibly valuable—when it works. But sometimes it doesn’t work as well as we’d like.
- [Combating Library Hazing: Building a Safer Academic Environment](https://acrlog.org/2025/11/25/combating-library-hazing-building-a-safer-academic-environment/): Editor’s note: We welcome a guest blog post from Alejandro Marquez, Science and Engineering Librarian at the University of Denver Libraries. Hazing is the practice of initiation rituals often involving humiliation, danger, or abuse. It is a serious and deeply troubling issue within many groups. It is most commonly associated with fraternities, sororities, sports teams,
- [Teaching with Twenty-Four Hours’ Notice](https://acrlog.org/2025/11/20/teaching-with-twenty-four-hours-notice/): The Setup This likely won’t be my only FYAL blog post about library instruction. When I started my master’s degree, I initially looked for a path in an aspect of librarianship that didn’t include instruction. I’ve never enjoyed public speaking, and although I got better at it before I went back to grad school, standing
- [Technologies of the self in academic librarianship](https://acrlog.org/2025/10/08/technologies-of-the-self/): Premium skills I subscribe to Book Freak, a substack newsletter by Mark Frauenfelder. In short, each newsletter summarizes a few main takeaways from “great books and thinkers to help improve yourself, boost productivity, build the life you want, and generally live better.” I’ve found it a concise way to consider new ideas from authors I
- [A few takeaways from Open Education 2025](https://acrlog.org/2025/11/15/open-education-2025/): One of these days, Open Education Conference, I’ll attend you in person. In the meantime: thank you for providing a well-coordinated (and affordable) option for virtual attendance. This is my second year attending the Open Education Conference from afar and both occasions were well worth my time. I attended 20+ of the virtually available sessions,
- [What I Wish I Knew Before My First Library Conference](https://acrlog.org/2025/11/14/what-i-wish-i-knew-before-my-first-library-conference/): Last month, I gave my first lightning talk at a library conference, the Iowa Library Association Annual Conference (ILA). I’ve wanted to present at a conference since I started graduate school, so this was an exciting milestone. My lightning talk was about conducting an e-journal overlap analysis, and it went smoothly—but that’s not what I
- [The Unexpected Overlaps Between a Don and a Librarian ](https://acrlog.org/2025/11/08/the-unexpected-overlaps-between-a-don-and-a-librarian/): Something that I try to think more about these days, is to find meaningful intersections between my current career and the various experiences I had in the past. Maybe it’s due to my lack of confidence due to lack of experience as an academic librarian, but I always find myself leaning on my past experiences
- [A Zine Fest in the Library](https://acrlog.org/2025/11/07/a-zine-fest-in-the-library/): A couple of weeks ago, in conjunction with Open Access Week, my library held a zine fest featuring nonfiction zines. I had absolutely nothing to do with planning or running the event, but instead participated in a completely new way for me: tabling. For those of you who are new to zines, they’re generally described
- [Tenure-lite: Proving Value to Systems That Don't Value Us](https://acrlog.org/2025/11/06/tenure-lite-proving-value-to-systems-that-dont-value-us/): This essay examines the structural contradictions, ambiguous expectations, and systemic barriers that shape the probationary experience for academic librarians.
- [The High Cost of Being Laid Off](https://acrlog.org/2025/10/24/the-high-cost-of-being-laid-off/): As I mentioned in my last post, I was laid off from my job as a librarian at Northwestern University in July, along with 200 other employees. I’d like to take the opportunity to write about the costs of being laid off, from an employee perspective. Northwestern hadn’t discussed the possibility of layoffs after the
- [The Day-to-Day Life of a New Academic Librarian](https://acrlog.org/2025/10/27/the-day-to-day-life-of-a-new-academic-librarian/): Editor’s Note: Please join us in welcoming M. Roberts, Leadership, Policy, Organizations, and Online Engagement Librarian at Vanderbilt University, as a new First Year Academic Librarian Experience blogger for the 2025-26 year here at ACRLog When I decided to become a librarian, it meant a two-year return to school and a shift away from a
- [Teaching AI as an Anti-AI Librarian](https://acrlog.org/2025/10/20/teaching-ai-as-an-anti-ai-librarian/): Editor’s Note: Please join us in welcoming Eleanor Ball, Information Literacy & Liaison Librarian and Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of Northern Iowa, as a new First Year Academic Librarian Experience blogger for the 2025-26 year here at ACRLog. I’m about as anti-AI as they come. I’ve never used it, and I’m ethically
- [Transitioning from a Full-Time Student to a Full-Time Librarian](https://acrlog.org/2025/10/15/transitioning-from-a-full-time-student-to-a-full-time-librarian/): Editor’s Note: Please join us in welcoming Lisa Shin, Research Librarian (STEM and Health Sciences) at the University of Ottawa, as a new First Year Academic Librarian Experience blogger for the 2025-26 year here at ACRLog. It’s hard to believe that a full month has already gone by as I reflect on the last 30
- [EBS-No; or, a rant](https://acrlog.org/2025/10/03/ebs-no-or-a-rant/): Please, permit me to rant about EBSCO’s new UI for a little while. Ours changed over in August, and up until this point, I've been quite busy with teaching and the general chaos of the beginning of fall semester. I had time today to sit down and really lay out the issues I have. I
- [Funding Cuts and Collaboration](https://acrlog.org/2025/09/26/funding-cuts-and-collaboration/): A few months ago, I wrote about how federal funding for international studies education, including language programs, was likely going to be cut and, indeed, recently national resource centers around the country, focused on various areas of the world, received word that their programs were no longer a governmental priority. This will have wide-ranging effects
- [Laid Off, Again](https://acrlog.org/2025/09/12/laid-off-again/): On July 29th, I was enjoying a week of vacation, spending time with my spouse’s family in South Dakota. I got an out-of-the-blue text message asking me to join a meeting with my library’s director and human resources. Having been in this situation before, I knew what was coming—I was being laid off. The Story
- [Inheriting, Repairing, and Reimagining Collections](https://acrlog.org/2025/08/20/inheriting-repairing-and-reimagining-collections/): Discover how reimagining a historic collection can uncover hidden stories and foster inclusive community narratives in academia.
- [Seeking First Year Academic Librarian Bloggers](https://acrlog.org/2025/08/18/seeking-first-year-academic-librarian-bloggers-3/): As we enter a new academic year, we’re looking to bring on a few new bloggers here at ACRLog. We’d like to thank our 2024-25 FYAL bloggers Jonathan Rowe, Heidi Uhey, and Brianna Calomino for their terrific posts this past year in our First Year Academic Librarian Experience series. We’d also like to encourage new
- [What I did for my summer vacation: library edition](https://acrlog.org/2025/08/15/what-i-did-for-my-summer-vacation-library-edition/): The summer, for many academic librarians, brings a lull, and for me that sometimes means that I have the opportunity to travel. Budgets here, as I imagine they are in many institutions, are currently a mess, but I was luckily still able to visit Southeast Asia a few weeks ago. I didn’t do nearly as
- [Building My Career](https://acrlog.org/2025/08/08/building-my-career/): Why is professional identity important to you? For me, it helps to develop career goals, pursue professional development opportunities, and build confidence in the professional expertise I have to offer students, faculty, and library staff. As part of my professional identity, I no longer identify as an early-career librarian. If I had to pinpoint when
- [On Owing $93,605 in Student Loans; or, A Profession Built on Debt](https://acrlog.org/2025/07/24/on-owing-93605-in-student-loans-or-a-profession-built-on-debt/): I don't know the right metaphor to make you understand how this much debt physically feels. What it actually feels like is a pressure on my chest and shoulders, but maybe that's not evocative enough. What if I describe it as an anchor trailing behind me? Or being covered in molasses, trapping my energy and
- [In Search of Serendipity ](https://acrlog.org/2025/07/18/in-search-of-serendipity/): Wow, this year has been a lot. In every conversation with a colleague, it seems we’re talking about workload, institutional turbulence, the roller coaster of extreme weather, and/or the state of the world. I feel like I’m alternating between a head-down-and-muscle-through mindset and a frazzled lack of focus edging on burnout. Seeking some kind of
- […so what exactly is going on between publishers and the NIH?](https://acrlog.org/2025/07/15/so-what-exactly-is-going-on-between-publishers-and-the-nih/): Background If you work at a university, you’re likely aware of the current presidential administration’s dramatic mandates to federal agencies that fund research, most infamously requiring them to cancel thousands of active grants related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and attempting to significantly decrease indirect costs paid to universities for overseeing federal grant compliance. Interestingly,
- ["We Couldn’t Generate an Answer for your Question”](https://acrlog.org/2025/07/21/we-couldnt-generate-an-answer-for-your-question/): Editor’s note: We welcome a guest blog post from Jay Singley, Document Delivery and Circulation Desk Manager at North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. In March 2025, Ex Libris unveiled their AI-powered Research Assistant tool for institutions using Summon. Within a week, Summon users reported error messages with specific search terms and topics. The first
- [White Fragility in Decolonial Spaces: When Inclusion Becomes Extraction](https://acrlog.org/2025/07/09/white-fragility-in-decolonial-spaces-when-inclusion-becomes-extraction/): Reflections on facilitating difficult conversations about Indigenous knowledge and settler accountability in drama in education research. The Moment We were supposed to end the workshop with collaborative visioning and clear pathways forward. Instead, some participants felt confused and tense. Some thought they should avoid teaching Indigenous perspectives altogether. In contrast, others were uncertain about how
- [Conference Methods: Are there other options?](https://acrlog.org/2025/06/27/conference-methods-are-there-other-options/): As I sit here preparing myself for a weekend of ALA Annual, I find myself ruminating once again on other modes of conferencing and what is gained or lost depending on how a conference is organized. I, personally, come to ALA only for Asian Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA) events. Any activity related to my
- [Rethinking Wikipedia from a Library Perspective](https://acrlog.org/2025/06/23/rethinking-wikipedia-from-a-library-perspective/): Editor’s note: We welcome a guest blog post from Nathan Sonnenschein, User Services & Experience Librarian at Montana State University Billings. During my first year as an undergraduate, my community college's library handed out folders bearing a catchphrase: "Faster than Google. Better than Wikipedia. Your college library." This gave me the impression that academic libraries
- [Emerging from the Interim](https://acrlog.org/2025/06/20/emerging-from-the-interim/): I always found something comforting about the rhythms of the academic year. After each semester, there’s time to pause, reflect, and think about what’s next. As we make our way through June, heading towards a new fiscal year, I’m doing a lot of reflection. Since July 1, 2024, I’ve been in an Interim Associate Dean
- [AI Refusal in Libraries: A Starter Guide](https://acrlog.org/2025/06/11/ai-refusal-in-libraries-a-starter-guide/): This week I was on a panel at the Generative AI in Libraries (GAIL) virtual conference. Along with my fellow panelists Andrea Baer and Emily Zerrenner, I joined moderator Sarah Appedu to discuss the cognitive dissonance that we recognize between the widespread exhortations to adopt GenAI tools in libraries and the harms that we see
- [Musings on Reference Services as Instruction and Formation](https://acrlog.org/2025/06/04/musings-on-reference-services-as-instruction-and-formation/): Some thoughts on the reference desk as a space for teaching, student formation, and care It has been a few weeks since commencement, and the switch that many of my colleagues said would happen at the start of the summer when I began my role almost a year ago has happened. The reading rooms and
- [Integrating interns with disabilities at the library](https://acrlog.org/2025/05/30/integrating-interns-with-disabilities-at-the-library/): For the past three years, Michigan State University Libraries has participated as a job site in Spartan Project SEARCH, an MSU-based iteration of the larger Project SEARCH program. Project SEARCH is a transition program for young adults with developmental disabilities in which participants, often recent high school graduates, learn job skills such as how to
- [Open Letter to CRL from the academic wing of #CripLib](https://acrlog.org/2025/05/27/open-letter-to-crl-from-the-academic-wing-of-criplib/): Editor's note: We welcome a guest blog post from the academic librarians of #CripLib, which focuses on the intersection of disability and library work. Note: The focus is on our concerns about the quality of the article and the editorial process that led to it being published as research - NOT on the author as
- [Community-Centered Information Literacy for a New Era](https://acrlog.org/2025/05/22/community-centered-information-literacy-for-a-new-era/): Reflections on the power of collaboration at the LOEX Information Literacy Conference in Pasadena amid institutional uncertainty The world shifts instantly in the opening episode of HBO's The Last of Us. Infrastructure fails, panic erupts, and people must decide who to trust, what knowledge matters, and how to preserve what’s essential when systems collapse. But another phrase, "Look for the
- [Reconsidering research impact](https://acrlog.org/2025/05/20/reconsidering-research-impact/): I have a complicated relationship with bibliometrics (i.e. “research impact metrics”), as does the field of academic librarianship and academia itself, if we’re honest. On one hand, there is something undeniably fascinating about how statistical formulas can help us understand “scholarship as conversation” at a macro-level. As a field, bibliometrics has been heavily influenced by
- [Authors Against Book Bans](https://acrlog.org/2025/05/16/authors-against-book-bans/): Editor's note: We welcome a guest post from Jessica Olin, who was in the library field for close to twenty years, both as a librarian and a library director. For eight of those years, they were also responsible for the well known blog, Letters to a Young Librarian. Why is a former academic librarian and
- [Turning to the compassionate present: a counter](https://acrlog.org/2025/05/15/turning-to-the-compassionate-present-a-counter/): Active listening as care In my first semester of library school, I took a course called “Social Aspects of IT.” The topic of the course was exactly what it sounds like. For our final project, we conducted interviews with a population or community group of our choosing to determine the impact of COVID-19 on their
- [Targeting Books for Removal at U.S. Military Libraries](https://acrlog.org/2025/05/11/targeting-books-for-removal-at-u-s-military-libraries/): In the course of looking for resources relating to critical cataloging, I stumbled on a new memorandum from the U.S. Office of the Secretary of Defense, dated May 9th and titled “Reviewing the Department's Military Educational Institution Library Collections.” The memorandum directs the military schools and academies under the Department of Defense to use a
- [Continue operating as normal?](https://acrlog.org/2025/05/02/continue-operating-as-normal/): Not a day goes by that I don’t read a headline, article, or hear about something that really just punches me in the stomach. It’s not an easy time to be somebody in higher education or a library, and my lucky self happens to be both. The systematic dismantling of higher education, as well as
- [How Corporate Libraries Personally Prepared me for Academic Libraries](https://acrlog.org/2025/04/26/how-corporate-libraries-personally-prepared-me-for-academic-libraries/): My previous job was at an international engineering consulting company, where I worked with a 13-person library team (except it was not called a library, it was called a “knowledge center”). A corporate library is classified under the category of special libraries as it provides information and resources for very specific client needs. I worked
- [End-Semester Reflections on Librarian-Faculty Relationships](https://acrlog.org/2025/04/16/end-semester-reflections-on-librarian-faculty-relationships/): As the Spring semester wraps up over the next 4 ½ weeks, my work has shifted from formal classroom instruction to research consultations and reference interviews, sharing surveys with faculty and students, planning for the summer, and reflecting on the past four months. As I look back on the classes I taught and what further
- [Who are we gardening for?](https://acrlog.org/2025/04/14/who-are-we-gardening-for/): Editor’s note: We are pleased to welcome Sam Winemiller to the ACRLog team. Sam is the Open Knowledge & Research Impact Librarian at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Prior to librarianship, Sam received a Ph.D. in Kinesiology and Sport Studies and worked for the nonprofit advocacy organization Athlete Ally as a Senior Research Associate.
- [Anniversaries and Anecdotes: Shared reflections from year one as an academic librarian](https://acrlog.org/2025/04/11/anniversaries-and-anecdotes-shared-reflections-from-year-one-as-an-academic-librarian/): May 1st will be my one-year anniversary in my current position. Before sitting down to write this post, I sent out a call to my fellow liaison librarians at my institution asking if they would be willing to share a strand of wisdom with their first-year librarian selves. What follows are their reflections woven into
- [You'll Never Walk Alone: The Power of Showing Up](https://acrlog.org/2025/04/07/youll-never-walk-alone-the-power-of-showing-up/): & remember, loneliness is still time spent with the world. -Ocean Vuong, Night Sky With Exit Wounds1 Editor's note: We are pleased to welcome Caelin Ross to the ACRLog team. Caelin is the Performing Arts Librarian at Arizona State University Library. She earned her Master of Science in Library and Information Science from the University
- [A Reintroduction and Conference Report](https://acrlog.org/2025/04/04/a-reintroduction-and-conference-report/): Editor's note: We are pleased to welcome Zoë McLaughlin back to the ACRLog team. Zoë is the South and Southeast Asia librarian at Michigan State University. Besides collection and liaison work, she also catalogs, mainly in South and Southeast Asian languages, and works on physical and digital accessibility in libraries. When she can, she translates
- [Anticipatory Obedience at the Library of Congress](https://acrlog.org/2025/03/28/anticipatory-obedience-at-the-library-of-congress/): Editor's note: We are pleased to welcome Violet Fox to the ACRLog team. Violet is a Cataloging & Metadata Librarian at Northwestern University’s Galter Health Sciences Library. She is the creator of the Cataloging Lab, a wiki designed to encourage collaboration in library metadata. Violet is passionate about critical cataloging, zine librarianship, and promoting the
- [Contribution & Collaboration](https://acrlog.org/2025/03/31/contribution-collaboration/): Somehow, when the ACRL conference organizers were picking dates for their 2025 biennial conference, they didn’t consider that it falls at the same time as my kids’ school’s Spring Break. I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and although this year’s conference is just south of my city, beyond the 49th parallel, in Minneapolis, I just
- [Creating a Safe Space for Conversations on Academic Integrity ](https://acrlog.org/2025/03/21/creating-a-safe-space-for-conversations-on-academic-integrity/): Musings on Teaching a Difficult Topic Stepping into the classroom of an academic integrity session has a distinctively different energy than a regular university classroom. For one thing, almost no one in the room is there by choice - and you can feel it. The body language, the facial expressions, and the overall lack of
- [The forest and / or / versus the trees ](https://acrlog.org/2025/03/14/the-forest-and-or-versus-the-trees/): I was chatting with a friend the other day when she made a comment about an administrator at her institution with whom she’d had a difficult exchange: he was a “trees person,” not a “forest person.” As in, he couldn’t see the forest for the trees. I’ve been thinking a lot about this comment --
- [One-shot to make a first impression: a three-act library story](https://acrlog.org/2025/03/06/one-shot-to-make-a-first-impression-a-three-act-library-story/): Act 1: Last month, a professor contacted me to lead an instruction session for her undergraduate public health class. It was a class that hadn’t hosted a library instruction session before, but the task was simple enough—help students navigate the library databases to find articles for a grant proposal project. The class was one week
- [Some Thoughts on Showing Up for Students and Overcoming Discouragement](https://acrlog.org/2025/02/13/some-thoughts-on-showing-up-for-students-and-overcoming-discouragement/): I returned to library instruction this week bearing mixed emotions. On the one hand, I was excited to return to teaching after a pause between December and February that was replaced by other work priorities. I missed building connections in instruction sessions and individual consultations with first-year students and course instructors and navigating the library’s
- [Do not obey in advance](https://acrlog.org/2024/11/06/do-not-obey-in-advance/): As I sit here in the deep dread and horror of the U.S. results we woke up to, literally fighting the urge to throw up, I am thinking about the National Archives. Why? U.S. Archivist, Colleen Shogan, appointed by President Biden, is a textbook example of obeying in advance. She has “sought to de-emphasize negative
- ["Tell me about despair": the power of poetry for self-soothing](https://acrlog.org/2025/01/29/tell-me-about-despair-the-power-of-poetry-for-self-soothing/): When I tell someone that I’m a librarian, I often either get a joke about the Dewey Decimal System, or a sighed-out exclamation along the lines of, “Oh, I wish that I could spend all day reading books!” in response. To the former, I usually mumble something about LOC and move on, to the latter When I tell someone that I’m a librarian, I often either get a joke about the Dewey Decimal System, or a sighed-out exclamation along the lines of, “Oh, I wish that I could spend all day reading books!” in response. To the former, I usually mumble something about LOC and move on, to the latter
- [A strange, but rewarding, side quest](https://acrlog.org/2025/01/24/a-strange-but-rewarding-side-quest/): January has been a very long month. Many times, I’ve felt particularly useless in the era we’re living in, and that came to a head on January 20th. I posted a video on TikTok asking if folks wanted to learn how to find information, and when I woke up the next morning, I had 500
- [Immersion at UNLV: Revising and Reviving an ACRL Program](https://acrlog.org/2025/01/15/immersion-at-unlv-revising-and-reviving-an-acrl-program/): Editor's note: This guest post has been authored by Rosan Mitola and Melissa Bowles-Terry. Rosan is Head of Educational Initiatives and Melissa is the Sciences Librarian, both at UNLV Libraries. This post discusses their recent experience of offering an Immersion program at UNLV Libraries as a continuation of the recent "Discussing the 4 Pillars of
- [No Librarian is an Island](https://acrlog.org/2024/12/20/no-librarian-is-an-island/): If you were to walk into any university library during the last week of finals, some things are slowing down, while others remain. The thick air of stress, anxiety, and dread is slowly dissipating as more and more students depart for the winter break. Outside the reading rooms and study spaces, however, things are barely
- [Liaison Librarianship: A Trial By Fire (and 5 Takeaways)](https://acrlog.org/2024/12/20/liaison-librarianship-a-trial-by-fire-and-5-takeaways/): As my first semester as an Academic Librarian draws to a close this holiday season, I was assured that December is a time to finally take a deep breath as meetings slow down. Maybe it could be a time to catch up on the scholarship you’ve been putting off, or read through the listserv emails
- [A Tough Semester's Reflection](https://acrlog.org/2024/12/13/a-tough-semesters-reflection/): It’s finals week at my university, and naturally that leads to reflection on the semester that has just passed us by. I have learned, time and time again, that I do some of my best processing by writing about it. So let’s just come right out and say it: this has been an incredibly hard
- [Home For a Rest](https://acrlog.org/2024/12/17/home-for-a-rest/): It’s time for a break, to be—as Spirit of the West sings—home for a rest! I’m in the final week of our Fall term, with a two-week break to look forward to. I don’t know about you, but I always feel ready for an extended time off at this time of year. With my collections
- [Celebrating our interconnectedness in the season of annual reviews](https://acrlog.org/2024/12/10/celebrating-our-interconnectedness-in-the-season-of-annual-reviews/): This time of year, at my university, and perhaps at yours as well, we are preparing to submit documentation for our annual performance reviews. As I get my activity reports ready for my first cycle in this process, I can’t shake an idea surrounding the nature of academic evaluation. From report cards in elementary school
- [Learning Through Play: The Importance of Library Makerspaces](https://acrlog.org/2024/12/04/learning-through-play-the-importance-of-library-makerspaces/): One of the many hats I wear in my role involves covering LabNEXT at the University of Calgary, the library’s Makerspace. A Makerspace, also referred to as a Maker Studio, Fab Lab, Tech Shop, or Hackerspace, is a dedicated space in the library for hands-on access to technologies for DIY making and collaboration. In our
- [Join the ACRLog Blog Team! ](https://acrlog.org/2024/12/02/join-the-acrlog-blog-team-4/): Interested in writing for ACRLog? We’re looking for a few new bloggers to join our team! We aim to have a group of bloggers who represent diverse perspectives on and career stages in academic librarianship. We are especially seeking librarians interested in writing about technical services, scholarly communication, technology, and related areas and/or those working
- [LibParlor Online Learning is live(!) & takeaways from launching a big project](https://acrlog.org/2024/11/22/libparlor-online-learning-is-live-takeaways-from-launching-a-big-project/): This post serves two purposes – promotion of a new curriculum that launched this fall aimed at supporting LIS professionals in developing their research skills and a chance for me to reflect on some takeaways I had from launching a big (IMLS funded) project. In 2017, I helped start The Librarian Parlor, LibParlor for short.
- [The Trap of Knowing](https://acrlog.org/2024/11/20/the-trap-of-knowing/): I knew this moment would come, but I didn’t expect it to come as soon as it did. Until that moment, I had begun to settle into my first semester as an instruction librarian, my ease growing as the content I taught introducing our library’s resources, databases, and basic research and information literacy strategies to
- [On building the capacity to find rest.](https://acrlog.org/2024/11/14/on-building-the-capacity-to-find-rest/): Faster pace, faster burnout Before I decided to become a librarian, I spent a few years living in a remote area of Northern California. The tiny economy in this coastal redwood town necessitated that I employ myself through a combination of part-time jobs, one of which was working in the restaurant of a small, family-owned
- [Library Patron Loneliness: Strategies for Building Community and Connection](https://acrlog.org/2024/11/11/library-patron-loneliness-strategies-for-building-community-and-connection/): Editor’s Note: This guest post has been authored by Alejandro Marquez (Science and Engineering Librarian at the University of Denver Libraries) and Brady Niemitalo Woods (Patron Training Specialist at Jefferson County Public Library, Colorado). The fall semester started recently, marking the beginning of a new school year. Imagine a new student at a college or
- [Tired](https://acrlog.org/2024/11/08/tired/): I am so tired of waiting.Aren’t you,For the world to become goodAnd beautiful and kind?Let us take a knife And cut the world in two—And see what worms are eatingAt the rind.Langston Hughes, "Tired" To my American colleagues, I am anxious for your future. Who knows what will happen to post-secondary education under the new
- [IoT in Bangladesh Libraries: A Path to Transformation](https://acrlog.org/2024/11/04/iot-in-bangladesh-libraries-a-path-to-transformation/): Editor’s Note: This guest post has been authored by Shaharima Parvin (Senior Assistant Librarian at East West University in Dhaka, Bangladesh) and Md. Abdul Latif (Assistant Librarian at East West University in Dhaka, Bangladesh). Libraries have always been the centers of knowledge and community. With the advancement of technology, changes in libraries should also occur
- [Open Access: It’s Not Just a Nice Thing to Do](https://acrlog.org/2024/10/30/open-access-its-not-just-a-nice-thing-to-do/): Editor’s Note: Please join us in welcoming Brianna Calomino, Digital Projects Librarian at the University of Calgary, as a new First Year Academic Librarian Experience blogger for the 2024-2025 year here at ACRLog. As International Open Access Week 2024 comes to a close, I’m faced again with reflections on why switching to Open Access (OA)
- [Approaching First-year Library Instruction in an Election Season](https://acrlog.org/2024/10/21/approaching-first-year-library-instruction-in-an-election-season/): Editor’s Note: Please join us in welcoming Jonathan Rowe, Associate Instruction Services Librarian at Boston College, as a new First Year Academic Librarian Experience blogger for the 2024-2025 year here at ACRLog. As Brat Summer ends, we are entering what my spouse likes to call “Irish Autumn,” a season they say has fading sunshine, ever-growing
- [Information Literacy Beyond Fact-Checking](https://acrlog.org/2024/10/15/information-literacy-beyond-fact-checking/): Editor’s Note: Please join us in welcoming Heidi Yarger, Health Sciences Librarian at Baylor University, as a new First Year Academic Librarian Experience blogger for the 2024-2025 year here at ACRLog. In the spring of 2021, I was lucky enough to be one of four M.A. students accepted into Indiana University’s Folklore & Ethnomusicology Department.
- [Lessons learned from onboarding new colleagues](https://acrlog.org/2024/10/10/lessons-learned-from-onboarding-new-colleagues/): Back in March, I wrote about my experiences chairing a double search committee. I ended that blog post with questions around onboarding and what happens after a hire is successful. I’m happy to report our two searches were successful and our new folks started this summer. Now that our new departmental colleagues are settled, I
- [What to Do When You’ve Been Approached for a Potential Partnership](https://acrlog.org/2024/10/08/what-to-do-when-youve-been-approached-for-a-potential-partnership/): Editor's Note: This guest post has been authored by Amber Pierdinock-Weed. Amber is the Teaching and Learning Librarian at the University of Maryland, College Park, where she works closely with the First-Year Writing Program and Learning Living Communities on campus. In June 2023, I started a position as a Teaching and Learning Librarian at the
- [On being open to being open](https://acrlog.org/2024/10/04/on-being-open-to-being-open/): I’ve been thinking a lot recently about mindset and attitude. For starters, I’ve taken on an interim position at another campus within my institution this year while continuing to manage my ongoing position. So I’ve had one foot in that “new job” space, more or less, working in a new context and getting to know
- [Back to School](https://acrlog.org/2024/09/12/back-to-school/): Summer’s done, in case you haven’t heard. Tree leaves are turning yellow and being blown off their branches. We’re putting away our camp collar shirts, Birkenstocks, and frozen cocktails, and breaking out the wool sweaters, Blundstones, and hearty soup. Pool parties? More like gathering around a campfire late into the Fall – at least where
- [Seeking First Year Academic Librarian (FYAL) Bloggers](https://acrlog.org/2024/09/03/fyal-2024-recruitment/): As we enter a new academic year, we’re looking to bring on a few new first year academic librarian (FYAL) bloggers here at ACRLog. We’d like to thank our 2023-2024 FYAL bloggers Nery Alcivar-Estrella and Katie Kuipers for their terrific posts this past year in our First Year Academic Librarian Experience series. We’d also like
- [Discussing the 4 Pillars of Immersion: Community as Another Pillar?](https://acrlog.org/2024/08/27/discussing-the-4-pillars-of-immersion-community-as-another-pillar/): Editor’s note: This guest post has been authored by Jessie Loyer and Melissa Bowles-Terry. Jessie is Indigenous Engagement Librarian at University of Alberta. Melissa is the sciences librarian at University of Nevada, Las Vegas. This post is the fifth in our series, “Discussing the 4 Pillars of Immersion.” This series was inspired by conversations during
- [Technology is Physical](https://acrlog.org/2024/08/09/technology-is-physical/): When did we start to forget that computers, and everything they do, are still very much physical? The cobalt in the battery in my iPhone comes from Congo, the wifi starts with a router, cloud storage is stored in physical data farms across the world, and the processing required to run AI models like ChatGPT
- [Discussing the 4 Pillars of Immersion: Critical Reflective Practice](https://acrlog.org/2024/08/05/discussing-the-4-pillars-of-immersion-critical-reflective-practice/): Editor’s note: This guest post has been authored by Carlos Duarte and Mary Broussard. Carlos is the Associate College Librarian for Public Services at Colorado College. Mary is the Arts and Humanities Librarian at Bucknell University. This post is the fourth in a four-part series, “Discussing the 4 Pillars of Immersion.” This series was inspired
- [The Librarian - Counselor Connection](https://acrlog.org/2024/07/18/the-librarian-counselor-connection/): Editor’s note: This guest post has been authored by Jennifer Nardine. Jennifer (she/her) is a teaching and learning liaison, and Coordinator of International Outreach at the University Libraries of Virginia Tech. In addition to her interest in international librarianship, Jennifer is fascinated by the intersection of humans and information, especially as it relates to individual
- [Office Space](https://acrlog.org/2024/07/03/office-space/): I’m not going to sit here and lie to all you loyal readers and say I haven’t had “Damn It Feels Good to Be a Gangsta” by the Geto Boys playing in my head after I nail yet another info lit session, coming up with the perfect keywords and a search strategy chock full of
- [Discussing the 4 Pillars of Immersion: Leadership](https://acrlog.org/2024/06/11/discussing-the-4-pillars-of-immersion-leadership/): Editor’s note: This guest post has been authored by Jessie Loyer and Veronica Arellano Douglas. Jessie is the Indigenous Engagement Librarian at the University of Alberta. Veronica is the Interim Associate Dean for Research and Student Engagement at the University of Houston. This post is the third in a four-part series, “Discussing the 4 Pillars
- [Collaboration Moves at the Speed of Trust](https://acrlog.org/2024/05/29/collaboration-moves-at-the-speed-of-trust/): To work in higher ed these days is to grapple with institutional change. There’s no escaping it. Within our organizations, we’re experiencing structural, financial, curricular, pedagogical, or technological change -- likely some combination thereof. We are working in a turbulent time. This turbulence churns up doubt and creates strong ripple effects: suspicion and fear, not
- [Parenting as an Academic Librarian](https://acrlog.org/2024/05/21/parenting-as-an-academic-librarian/): Being a working parent is challenging; there’s a lot to manage and prioritize. Thinking of both your personal and professional lives -- how do you make it work with an extremely busy schedule? I recently read Courtney Stine’s, Sarah Frankel’s, and Anita Hall’s interview “Parenting and the Academic Library” in C&RL News. Hearing about other
- [Discussing the 4 Pillars of Immersion: The Educational Role of Librarians in Higher Education](https://acrlog.org/2024/04/29/discussing-the-4-pillars-of-immersion-the-educational-role-of-librarians-in-higher-education/): Editor’s note: This guest post has been authored by Daisy Benson and Melissa Bowles-Terry. Daisy is the instruction coordinator at the David W. Howe Library at University of Vermont. Melissa is the sciences librarian at University of Nevada, Las Vegas. This post is the second in a four-part series, “Discussing the 4 Pillars of Immersion.” Read
- [Work in Progress](https://acrlog.org/2024/04/16/work-in-progress/): Next month marks an important stage of my career, as I anticipate completing my two-year probation and entering a continuing appointment at my institution. This gives me a real sense of permanency, a role I can work in indefinitely, and a commitment to myself as librarian. Do you remember what it was like entering into
- [Discussing the 4 Pillars of Immersion: Information Literacy](https://acrlog.org/2024/04/11/discussing-the-4-pillars-of-immersion-information-literacy/): Editor's note: This guest post has been authored by Carlos Duarte and Rebecca Miller Waltz. Carlos is the Associate College Librarian for Public Services at Colorado College. Rebecca is the Associate Dean for Learning and Engagement at Penn State University. This post is the first in a four-part series, "Discussing the 4 Pillars of Immersion."
- [Engaging in Outreach Efforts & Meaningful Community Building](https://acrlog.org/2024/03/31/engaging-in-outreach-efforts-meaningful-community-building/): As a MLIS student at San Jose State University (SJSU), I often read about the importance of promoting library services through outreach efforts. During that time, I ran across the following quote that illustrates this point, and it continues to resonate with me: Gone are the days when libraries can simply open their doors and
- [Thoughts From A Search Committee Chair Running Two Searches](https://acrlog.org/2024/03/29/thoughts-from-a-search-committee-chair-running-two-searches/): This spring, I’m chairing concurrent searches for two new librarians role in my department. I’m thrilled to lead these search committees and bring new colleagues to the team. These roles opened up due to faculty retirements and gave the department and I a chance to reflect on what our institution needs right now. For weeks,
- [Turn it off and on again: digital literacy in college students](https://acrlog.org/2024/03/21/turn-it-off-and-on-again-digital-literacy-in-college-students/): What happened to digital literacy and competency? I’ll start this post with some examples of declining digital and computer literacy that me and my colleagues have noticed just in the past academic year with students. Tried to turn on a lab computer via the monitor, not the tower Manually added spaces for double-spaced paper Hitting
- [Dwindling Reference Questions](https://acrlog.org/2024/03/12/dwindling-reference-questions/): “If you build it, [will] they will come[?]” As another season of baseball is just around the corner, I’ve been thinking about ways to get hits and avoid strikes—so decided to break out a classic quotation from Field of Dreams and apply it to academic libraries. In recent years, our library has seen dwindling reference
- [Achilles’ Heel?, or Coping Strategies Turned Strengths](https://acrlog.org/2024/03/10/achilles-heel-or-coping-strategies-turned-strengths/): I stumbled across this article the other day. The gist is that leaders can and should embrace their confusion when confronted with illogical situations. Whereas some might see confusion as a liability to be concealed or let confusion debilitate them, strong leaders embrace their confusion as a productive tool. The author suggests that the Reflective
- [Building Community through Inclusive Research Guides  ](https://acrlog.org/2023/10/23/building-community-through-inclusive-research-guides/): Editor’s Note: Please join us in welcoming Nery Alcivar-Estrella, Reference and Instruction Librarian at California State University, Northridge, as a new First Year Academic Librarian Experience blogger for the 2023-2024 year here at ACRLog. As a first year Academic Librarian, I have become immersed in a project at Cal State University, Northridge (CSUN) with Lisa
- [Unveiling the Deceptive Duo: Inclusive Access and Equitable Access - A Threat to Student Choice and Library Reserves](https://acrlog.org/2024/02/02/unveiling-the-deceptive-duo-inclusive-access-and-equitable-access-a-threat-to-student-choice-and-library-reserves/): Academic libraries have a new battle on the horizon: inclusive access and equitable access. These two models are the newest ventures of bookstore vendors to get students to purchase costly textbooks and other course materials. Stealing library jargon to disguise the truth, bookstore vendors are advertising inclusive access and equitable access as being a positive
- [In search of community](https://acrlog.org/2024/01/31/in-search-of-community/): I've always felt a strong sense of professional community as a librarian. I had a close local cohort of friends in my distance MLIS program, a fantastic group of ALA Spectrum Scholars who helped me feel accepted and included, and great colleagues. I've been lucky to have worked at institutions that invest in the professional
- [What kind of institutional change are you encountering?](https://acrlog.org/2024/01/29/what-kind-of-institutional-change-are-you-encountering/): To kick off our institutional change theme, we asked some librarians this question: In the New Year, what kind of institutional change are you encountering? Are you looking forward to it, dreading it, or some kind of in-between feeling? Given the subject matter, we opted to anonymize this post. If you have thoughts on institutional
- [Navigating an Uncharted Path in Liaison Librarianship](https://acrlog.org/2024/01/22/navigating-an-unchartered-path-in-liaison-librarianship/): Towards the end of fall 2023, the STEM Librarian stepped down from her position at CSU Northridge. Throughout her tenure, she covered liaison duties that spanned across many Science and Engineering departments. I heard about this news during a monthly department meeting. Our department chair requested support and asked us to reach out if interested
- [More Media, Less Social](https://acrlog.org/2023/12/21/more-media-less-social/): As the year comes to a close, I’m seeing more and more people and organizations leave Twitter behind. This is not a new trend by any means -- many deactivated their accounts after the 2016 U.S. presidential election, and the increase in hate speech and harassment has only escalated since then (especially since the platform’s
- [Supervising a Makerspace: Musings from the Fall](https://acrlog.org/2023/12/18/supervising-a-makerspace-musings-from-the-fall/): This semester, Stego Studio, our library’s makerspace, moved into the department I oversee. This makerspace opened up around the time I arrived at my institution (fall 2021) and I’ve watched, from a distance, as the studio has grown and evolved. I was excited but also slightly overwhelmed when I was asked to oversee this space
- [Generative AI & the Evolution of Academic Librarianship](https://acrlog.org/2023/12/15/generative-ai-the-evolution-of-academic-librarianship/): During my first week as an academic librarian, many faculty discussions on campus were regarding the issue of generative AI software, such as ChatGPT. A majority of the faculty at a panel discussion held on campus about AI expressed concerns over plagiarism, copyright, academic integrity, etc. Those on the panel, however, commented on how beneficial
- [Contract Positions and Leave Coverage for Academic Librarians](https://acrlog.org/2023/12/12/contract-positions-and-leave-coverage-for-academic-librarians/): Contract and term positions are all too common for early-career academic librarians. Shrinking post-secondary budgets, demand for academic librarian positions, doing more with less, and persistent vacant positions means landing a permanent and continuing position can be challenging. Job precarity is a reality for many of our early-career colleagues. Sajni Lacey, in the article “Job
- [Focus on Institutional Change](https://acrlog.org/2023/12/08/focus-on-institutional-change/): The transformation of Higher Education institutions has been an ongoing journey, gaining momentum due to the sweeping changes triggered by COVID-19 and a growing awareness of existential threats like climate change, inflation, housing insecurity, and institutional discrimination. These shifts have left a lasting imprint on the way academic libraries operate, offer services, and stay relevant.
- [Embracing Vulnerability as a Perpetual Learner: Starting on the Tenure-Track as a Mid-Career Librarian](https://acrlog.org/2023/11/27/embracing-vulnerability-as-a-perpetual-learner-starting-on-the-tenure-track-as-a-mid-career-librarian/): Editor’s note: This guest post has been authored by Nimisha Bhat. Nimisha (she/her) is a subject librarian for social sciences at the University of Cincinnati, and is passionate about helping students make connections between ideas and information. I’m always telling prospective library school students that the best part of my job is learning something new
- [A First Year Academic Librarian’s Teaching Journey](https://acrlog.org/2023/11/21/a-first-year-academic-librarians-teaching-journey/): For this blog post, I decided to document my teaching journey so far as a first-year academic librarian. Before I secured my current position as a Reference & Instruction Librarian at Cal State University, Northridge (CSUN) in July 2023, I had already been an educator for over ten years. My teaching background was instrumental as
- [Reflecting on Open Access Week as a First-Year Academic Librarian](https://acrlog.org/2023/11/14/reflecting-on-open-access-week-as-a-first-year-academic-librarian/): As an Affordability & Digital Initiatives Librarian, planning, hosting, and executing events and workshops on campus for Open Access Week is an essential part of my position. For those unfamiliar with Open Access Week, Open Access Week is a designated week, typically towards the end of October, to celebrate and spread awareness of the open
- [Milestone](https://acrlog.org/2023/11/03/milestone/): During an especially busy Fall—especially in my professional life—I got sick and took some days off work. During this time, along with not feeling great, I felt the crush of my busy Fall. I took time to reflect on what was all going on at work and where I could re-prioritize. I was talking with
- [Vulnerability, Connection, and Reflection During a Global Pandemic: Bringing the Personal Back to the Profession During a Strange, Strange Time](https://acrlog.org/2021/06/04/vulnerability-connection-and-reflection-during-a-global-pandemic-bringing-the-personal-back-to-the-profession-during-a-strange-strange-time/): This guest post was submitted by Justin Fuhr, University of Manitoba. Never a forced smile from the sun in the sky Never the same cloud as it passes by As the earth takes shape, as so should I The weary are weary for they always ask, “why?” Daniel Romano, “Never a Forced Smile”[1] Introduction At
- [The Adventures of a Zillennial Librarian](https://acrlog.org/2023/11/01/the-adventures-of-a-zillennial-librarian/): In the past couple of weeks, I’ve attended a few library webinars focused on Generation Z out of my own curiosity. For full transparency, I am a fairly young librarian; I took one gap year in between undergrad and library school. I’m in that liminal space of not quite a millennial, not quite Generation Z
- [What We Don't Talk About Enough: Community Colleges](https://acrlog.org/2023/10/26/what-we-dont-talk-about-enough-community-colleges/): I think about community colleges a lot. This might sound like an obvious statement considering I work at one. But I think about how we, as a society, talk about and respond to community colleges—or don't. They are institutions that serve people of all ages, interests, and backgrounds, which I consider to be one of
- [Scared, but In a Good Way: Navigating My First Few Weeks as an Academic Librarian](https://acrlog.org/2023/10/16/scared-but-in-a-good-way-navigating-my-first-few-weeks-as-an-academic-librarian/): Editor’s Note: Please join us in welcoming Katie Kuipers, Assistant Professor and Affordability & Digital Initiatives Librarian at St. Cloud State University, as a new First Year Academic Librarian Experience blogger for the 2023-2024 year here at ACRLog. I spent the weeks following graduation in May as I imagine many graduates do: desperately applying for
- [Physical data visualization 2: The email data scarf returns](https://acrlog.org/2023/09/21/physical-data-visualization-2-the-email-data-scarf-returns/): In December last year, I made a post about tracking how many emails I sent every day from July 27th 2022-July 27th 2023. This encompasses my entire first year as a professional librarian, and I’m really happy to say that the scarf I was making to embody this data is now finished! Well, I need
- [From Technician to Librarian](https://acrlog.org/2023/09/19/from-technician-to-librarian/): I graduated with my Library & Information Technology diploma in Spring 2013. I went to Red River College in Winnipeg, Manitoba, being the only library-related program in the province. I can remember, in a pre-interview to the program, one of the instructors asking me, “how come you don’t you get your MLIS instead?” Good question–I
- [What is “research,” anyway?](https://acrlog.org/2023/09/11/what-is-research-anyway/): I’ve been thinking recently (or maybe my whole career) about what the word “research” actually means. It’s a word I use frequently: in conversation, in the classroom, in one-on-one consultations. And broadly, too -- in relation to acts of inquiry and information seeking, large and small, whether I’m helping a student look for an article
- [Seeking 2023-24 First Year Academic Librarian Bloggers](https://acrlog.org/2023/08/21/seeking-first-year-academic-librarian-bloggers-2/): As we enter a new academic year, we’re looking to bring on a few new bloggers here at ACRLog. We’d like to thank our 2022-2023 FYAL bloggers Rosemary Medrano and Emily Zerrenner for their terrific posts this past year in our First Year Academic Librarian Experience series. We’d also like to encourage new academic librarians
- [ALA’s 2023 Emerging Leaders Program](https://acrlog.org/2023/08/15/alas-2023-emerging-leaders-program/): Over this past year, I have been in ALA’s Emerging Leaders’ program, for the class of 2023. I consider myself very fortunate to have been selected to be a part of this year’s Emerging Leaders; it’s been a transformative experience. The people involved in putting this program on do an amazing job, and the people
- [Digging In: Reflecting on a Work Anniversary](https://acrlog.org/2023/08/11/digging-in-reflecting-on-a-work-anniversary/): This week, I celebrated my two year work anniversary. I feel like I say this a lot, but I both can’t believe I’ve been here two years and also feel like I just started. A lot has happened in a short amount of time! In addition to this anniversary, I’ve also spent most of July
- [Unraveling the Bylaws Web: A Fresh Perspective on Institutional Memory](https://acrlog.org/2023/08/04/unraveling-the-bylaws-web-a-fresh-perspective-on-institutional-memory/): Editor’s note: This guest post has been authored by Stephanie Bennett and Rebecca Shaw. Stephanie is the Liaison Librarian for the Sciences and Rebecca is the Music Librarian at Appalachian State University. Starting a new job can often feel like jumping into an unfamiliar river. You know how to swim, but you're uncertain about the
- [ChatGPT Can’t Envision Anything: It’s Actually BS-ing](https://acrlog.org/2023/07/21/chatgpt-cant-envision-anything-its-actually-bs-ing/): Since my first post on ChatGPT way back at the end of January (which feels like lifetimes ago), I’ve been keeping up with all things AI-related. As much as I can, anyway. My Zotero folder on the subject feels like it doubles in size all the time. One aspect of AI Literacy that I am
- [Summer Adventures in Weeding](https://acrlog.org/2023/06/23/summer-adventures-in-weeding/): It’s summer, there’s barely anyone here on campus, let alone the library. What does that mean? WEEDING! (Which has been talked about on ACRLog, of course: example 1 and example 2). I won’t lie; I love the process of weeding (or deselection). I really enjoy getting to see the thought processes of librarians past,
- [Joy is at the Heart of All Meaningful Work: Finding Meaning in Academic Librarianship](https://acrlog.org/2023/06/19/joy-is-at-the-heart-of-all-meaningful-work-finding-meaning-in-academic-librarianship/): “Joy is at the heart of all meaningful work.”Christopher P. Long I read this quotation by Christopher P. Long in early Spring 2022 and it stuck with me. Long is the Dean of the College of Arts and Letters at Michigan State University. He’s an advocate of what he calls ethical candor (“the cultivated disposition
- [So-called “soft” skills](https://acrlog.org/2023/06/14/so-called-soft-skills/): A few months ago, I attended the teaching demonstration of a candidate interviewing for a position at my campus. The topic of her demonstration was motivational interviewing in the healthcare context. As I understand it, motivational interviewing is a technique that healthcare practitioners use with patients to inspire change in their health-related behaviors--quitting smoking, for
- [Advocating with an Open Heart](https://acrlog.org/2023/06/26/advocating-with-an-open-heart/): Editor's note: This guest post has been authored by Alejandro Marquez. Alejandro is a Collection Development Librarian at the Auraria Library which serves the University of Colorado Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and the Community College of Denver. I recently heard a term in passing called guerilla librarianship which I envision is similar to
- [Divisive Concepts: Academic Freedom Under Attack in Tennessee](https://acrlog.org/2023/06/12/divisive-concepts-academic-freedom-under-attack-in-tennessee/): Editor’s note: This guest post has been authored by John LaDue. John is the Information Literacy Librarian at the Paul Meek Library which serves the University of Tennessee at Martin. In their latest attack on public education, the Tennessee legislature has voted to amend 2022’s so-called “divisive concepts” law to expand its reach further into
- [Learning from Public Libraries](https://acrlog.org/2023/05/30/learning-from-public-libraries/): Inspired by April Hines's recent tweet about what academic librarians can learn from public librarians, I’ve been thinking about the topic myself. It's been especially front of mind as someone who transitioned from working at public library branches to working at a community college library. Similar to April, I've also heard academic librarians shy away
- [(Academic) Year 1: Complete](https://acrlog.org/2023/05/24/academic-year-1-complete/): Well, that’s about it; we’re on the tail end of finals at Salisbury University, commencement ceremonies start on Wednesday night, and that’s a wrap on my first academic year as a librarian. It’s gone incredibly fast, and as I’ve been working on my first annual evaluation packet, I realize how much I accomplished this year.
- [Feeling Connected & Supported: An End of Academic Year Reflection](https://acrlog.org/2023/05/19/feeling-connected-supported-an-end-of-academic-year-reflection/): It’s summer here on campus. The library is quiet and I feel a sense of calm as I look at the things I want to accomplish this summer. As each academic year comes to a close, I find myself naturally reflecting on the year, to identify common themes, big successes, and challenges. One thing that
- [Sharing Our Work With Each Other](https://acrlog.org/2023/05/16/sharing-our-work-with-each-other/): As the spring and summer terms begin, we enter conference season. Recently I’ve been thinking about the ways that academic librarians share their work with one another. In terms of traditional, formal sharing, this happens at conferences, webinars, or other sorts of lectures, and of course, through publications. But there’s so many more opportunities to
- [When Librarianship Becomes a Dead End Job](https://acrlog.org/2023/05/23/when-librarianship-becomes-a-dead-end-job/): This post comes from a guest poster, Alejandro Marquez. Alejandro is a Collection Development Librarian at the Auraria Library which serves the University of Colorado Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and the Community College of Denver. The Bookish Blues: When Librarianship Becomes a Dead End Job Whenever I talk about the topic of dead
- [Notes on a Banned Books Class](https://acrlog.org/2023/04/18/notes-on-a-banned-books-class/): Last semester, I taught my first semester-long class at the community college where I work. Many community colleges offer both credit courses and classes that are for continuing education, workforce training, and recreation — my class was one of these, based on a class that a previous librarian taught. That librarian presented a series of
- [Communication & Leaving Things Behind](https://acrlog.org/2023/04/07/communication-leaving-things-behind/): In March, I attended ACRL. The first session I attended was a morning panel entitled “Academic Library Leaders Discuss Difficult Topics.” The panelists (Jee Davis, Trevor Dawes, and Violete Illik) covered a range of topics and shared their insights with a full house. I took away many tidbits however, one insight stood out. The panel
- [Mysteries of Liaison Librarianship](https://acrlog.org/2023/04/03/mysteries-of-liaison-librarianship/): I’m not saying I’m worried about faculty and students taking me seriously as a librarian, but harkening back to my days as a teenager who used to be a big fan of emo music: sometimes I feel misunderstood. I recently read the article “The Librarians Are Not OK: A years-long attack on their status is
- [First time attendee at ACRL 2023: Getting there can be enough ](https://acrlog.org/2023/03/31/first-time-attendee-at-acrl-2023-getting-there-can-be-enough/): March has gone by so fast, and that’s definitely in part because of the ACRL 2023 conference. I was extremely grateful to have my registration paid for by the Congress of Academic Library Directors (CALD) of Maryland. Truthfully, I almost didn’t go; less than 12 hours before I needed to leave for Pittsburgh, I was
- [Navigating Hard Times in the Higher Ed Landscape](https://acrlog.org/2023/03/22/navigating-hard-times-in-the-higher-ed-landscape/): We’ve been experiencing some staffing issues on my team in recent months. While these issues have been difficult to navigate, they are (fingers crossed) temporary and the end is in sight. (Maybe I’ll knock on wood, too, for good measure.) At the same time, though, we’re confronting broader and more lasting budget, staffing, and workload
- [Being a Liaison Librarian: Lessons Learned](https://acrlog.org/2023/03/03/being-a-liaison-librarian-lessons-learned/): When I started as a medical academic librarian four years ago, I have to admit that I was a little intimidated in the face of the list of departments I would serve as liaison librarian. It's an access services & instruction position, which I felt prepared for... but what did I know about dermatology, or
- [Getting started with professional development](https://acrlog.org/2023/03/02/getting-started-with-professional-development/): Last week, I did my first conference presentation as a tenure-track academic librarian! I’m actively resisting the urge to qualify or minimize that statement – it was virtual, it wasn’t about my own hardcore research, etc. I did it, and I’m proud of that! It got me thinking about professional activity as it relates to
- [Coming out of a January fog](https://acrlog.org/2023/02/23/coming-out-of-a-january-fog/): January and the first part of February is usually a tricky time of year for me. I’m both buoyed by the promise of a new year and bogged down by the weather and amount of daylight available to me. January feels like a slog; I’m just trying to make it through. There are moments during
- [<strong>Core-Skills Based or Task-Focused Academic Librarianship?</strong>](https://acrlog.org/2023/02/21/core-skills-based-or-task-focused-academic-librarianship/): In the forecourt of his temple were inscribed the words ‘Know yourself’, since it was only with self-knowledge that a human could unravel the confusing tangle of the priestess’s words.Charlotte Higgins, Greek Myths: A New Retelling I read an interesting column in University Affairs that argues work in academia is often task-focused. The authors, Alexander
- [State OER Policies on the Rise](https://acrlog.org/2023/02/28/state-oer-policies-on-the-rise/): This post is from a guest poster, Emma Wood. Emma (she/her), is the Scholarly Communication Librarian at UMass Dartmouth. As a Scholarly Communication Librarian, I have been thinking a lot about how best to expand Open Educational Resources (OER) awareness and use on campus. The key for OER success in higher education seems to be
- [<strong>Advocating for Mental Health Together: Why Library Professionals Should Be At The Forefront of Advocacy</strong>](https://acrlog.org/2023/03/13/advocating-for-mental-health-together-why-library-professionals-should-be-at-the-forefront-of-advocacy/): This post comes from a guest poster, Alejandro Marquez. Alejandro is a Collection Development Librarian at the Auraria Library which serves the University of Colorado Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and the Community College of Denver. The academic library is open the most staffed hours of any public building on campus. We open early
- [On-Boarding Colleagues: A Collaborative ACRLoggers Post](https://acrlog.org/2023/02/10/on-boarding-colleagues-a-collaborative-acrloggers-post/): Recently, I’ve found myself talking and thinking about on-boarding. How do you successfully bring a new colleague into your organization? What types of on-boarding have you experienced that have worked? If you could be in charge of on-boarding, how would you do it? How can every person in an organization be an active participant with
- [How Many Books? In What Formats?](https://acrlog.org/2023/02/07/how-many-books-in-what-formats/): This post comes from a guest poster, Scarlet Galvan. Scarlet is the Collection Strategist Librarian at Grand Valley State University. A blogger for Inside Higher Ed recently published a plea for a more nuanced understanding of IPEDS data on academic libraries. Like that blogger, I also wish data about academic libraries offered more detail about
- [A ChatGPT generated post (and a first year librarian's thoughts)](https://acrlog.org/2023/01/31/a-chatgpt-generated-post-and-a-first-year-librarians-thoughts/): Note: The ChatGPT generated content is in a linked Google Doc and labeled as such! As I’m sure anyone in academia is aware, ChatGPT and its AI counterparts are taking us by storm. I’ve seen it rolling around Twitter, in all-faculty emails at my institution, and of course in places like the Chronicle of Higher
- [Scrambled Thoughts Amidst Another US Mass Shooting](https://acrlog.org/2023/01/27/scrambled-thoughts-amidst-another-us-mass-shooting/): Content warning: mass shooting, death Bear with me; this might be all over the place. Despite its name, East Los Angeles College (ELAC) is a community college located in Monterey Park, a city in Los Angeles’ San Gabriel Valley. But yes, ELAC was once part of unincorporated East Los Angeles before being annexed in the
- [New Year, New Weed](https://acrlog.org/2023/01/19/new-year-new-weed/): I think a lot of us have New Year’s resolutions or goal-setting on our minds as we start the spring semester, but this time of the year has me thinking more about our fiscal year goals. Heading into January means that we’re wrapping up the second quarter, and we can evaluate how the collection is
- [Setting departmental goals: The process of one department head](https://acrlog.org/2023/01/13/setting-departmental-goals-the-process-of-one-department-head/): As my fellow blogger Justin wrote about earlier this week, the start of a new year means a focus on developing goals to guide us for the next 365ish days. As a department head, the development of individual goals means it’s also time to think about departmental goals. I’m a firm believer that if departmental
- [No Goals](https://acrlog.org/2023/01/09/no-goals/): It’s that time of the year again: a new year and new goals. Several years ago, my friend wrote a mini-comic entitled No Goals, about minor hockey culture. The title refers to scoring goals throughout a hockey season, but also puns on not having a clear direction in life, influenced by overarching life goals. I
- [Communication Successes and Challenges](https://acrlog.org/2022/12/22/communication-successes-and-challenges/): As the semester winds down to a close, I’m finding myself thinking often about communication within our libraries. Like many colleges and universities, mine is still firmly in a hybrid work mode -- on any given weekday we have some library personnel working onsite in the library, and others working remotely. Since this is my
- [Returning & Relearning](https://acrlog.org/2022/12/19/returning-relearning/): This month I returned to a yoga studio for the first time since March 2020. The studio I used to frequent did not make it through the pandemic, despite pivoting to online class offerings, so I spent the majority of the past 2.5 years with a fitness routine aimed primarily at boosting my mental health
- [Learning to Teach Credit-Bearing Courses](https://acrlog.org/2022/12/14/learning-to-teach-credit-bearing-courses/): One element that excited me about my current job was the opportunity to teach credit-bearing courses in our Library Informatics bachelor’s degree program. In my role as department head, I not only get the chance to teach and but also lead the program. For my first year, I mostly did the administrative work of leading
- [Physical data visualization & data literacy](https://acrlog.org/2022/12/12/physical-data-visualization-data-literacy/): It’s hard to believe that my first semester as an academic librarian is nearly over. Scheduling the reference desk and hiring a new student worker for spring semester have taken a lot of my attention these past few weeks. I’ve started a personal project based on my work in the meantime though, which was inspired
- [FYAL Observations](https://acrlog.org/2022/12/07/fyal-observations/): Editor’s Note: Please join us in welcoming Rosemary Medrano, Collections Management and Research Librarian at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, as a new First Year Academic Librarian blogger for the 2022-2023 year here at ACRLog. As I slide past the 3 month mark that concludes my probationary period as the Collections Manager and Research Librarian at
- [Prepared? Reflecting on grad school after 3.5 months on the job](https://acrlog.org/2022/11/15/prepared-reflecting-on-grad-school-after-3-5-months-on-the-job/): Lately, I’ve been thinking about how well my MS/LIS degree and its related experiences prepared me for my job now as a Research and Instructional Services Librarian. It’s important to note that I worked in my undergraduate library for three years while receiving my bachelors. I also worked in my hometown public library for a
- [Committing and Recommitting to Open](https://acrlog.org/2022/11/13/committing-and-recommitting-to-open/): This semester I’ve had a few opportunities to think and talk through my librarian and pre-librarian work, and especially my commitment to open scholarship and teaching. First I was delighted to welcome the graduate students from across the disciplines who are working with my smart library colleagues to develop OER in our open knowledge fellowship
- [A November Check-In from ACRLoggers](https://acrlog.org/2022/11/04/a-november-check-in-from-acrloggers/): Time is flying and somehow we are entering the last two months of the year. Where did 2022 go? As we head towards wrapping up this fall semester, we wanted to get a pulse on how our ACRLoggers are feeling. We hope some of these answers resonate with you! Feel free to use the comments section
- [Let’s Talk About Quiet Quitting: Why Work Drains Us and How to Build Better Lives ](https://acrlog.org/2022/10/27/lets-talk-about-quiet-quitting-why-work-drains-us-and-how-to-build-better-lives/): This post comes from a guest poster, Alejandro Marquez. Alejandro is a Collection Development Librarian at the Auraria Library which serves the University of Colorado Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and the Community College of Denver. I recently attended a diversity committee where we talked about the state of the university. We talked about
- [Bringing Disability to the Forefront](https://acrlog.org/2022/10/26/bringing-disability-to-the-forefront/): It’s been a busy semester at the reference desk. Amidst the busyness, I was elated to see that some of my coworkers created a display of books relating to chronic illness and disability. I was even more thrilled to see that students were often stopping by to look at the display, telling their friends about
- [Reflecting on the Leadership Orientations Questionnaire](https://acrlog.org/2022/10/21/reflecting-on-the-leadership-orientations-questionnaire/): Throughout this academic year I’m participating in a leadership institute at my university. I’m part of a cohort of nine colleagues, from across the university and in various leadership roles. We meet once a month to discuss chapters from Reframing Academic Leadership, hear from leaders across campus, learn how to be better leaders, and discuss
- [Your Invisible Board of Directors: Support Networks in Academic Librarianship](https://acrlog.org/2022/10/17/your-invisible-board-of-directors-support-networks-in-academic-librarianship/): Someone much more perceptive and experienced than I once told me to imagine I have an invisible board of directors in my life and career. There are people sitting at your table who have profound effect on your professional and personal life. These are people who offer you support, guidance, advice, perspective, empathy. They may
- [Landing the first librarian job](https://acrlog.org/2022/10/11/landing-the-first-librarian-job/): Editor's Note: Please join us in welcoming Emily Zerrenner, Research and Instructional Services Librarian at Salisbury University on Maryland's Eastern Shore, as a new First Year Academic Librarian blogger for the 2022-2023 year here at ACRLog. The process of landing my first academic job was a whirlwind with a steady downpour. From about February on,
- [New Year, New Job](https://acrlog.org/2022/10/02/new-year-new-job/): With the fall semester well underway, we’re all adjusting to more classes and services on the 25 campuses of my university than last year. There are more students on our campuses which is lovely, though there are still lots of hybrid and online classes and services, too. And this year has also featured a different
- [Story Swap](https://acrlog.org/2022/09/28/story-swap/): “If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a metaphor is worth a thousand pictures.” -George Lakoff and Mark Johnson, Metaphors We Live By In this collaborative post from our ACRLog team, we’re sharing some of the “stories”--allegories, analogies, anecdotes, images, memes, metaphors, and more--that we use across the domains of our work to
- [The Work We Do: Reflecting on CARL’s Competencies for Librarians in Canadian Research Libraries](https://acrlog.org/2022/09/12/the-work-we-do-reflecting-on-carls-competencies-for-librarians-in-canadian-research-libraries/): The CARL Competencies How do you envision your role as an academic librarian? With your job description? The vision and mission statements of your library or institution? Direction from your supervisor or administration? And do you have the knowledge, skills, and values to support this work? The Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) developed a
- [Call for FYAL Bloggers!](https://acrlog.org/2022/08/22/call-for-fyal-bloggers-3/): With the new academic year coming up soon (or perhaps, for some of you, already begun!), we’re looking to bring on a few new bloggers here at ACRLog. We’d like to thank our 2021-2022 FYAL bloggers Ramón García and Heather Bobrowicz . We’d also like to encourage new academic librarians — those who are just
- [Uncovering Expectations and Opportunities, Opening Doors ](https://acrlog.org/2022/09/02/uncovering-expectations-and-opportunities-opening-doors/): It’s hard to believe, but we’re already wrapping up week two of the fall semester at my campus. This means that my information literacy instruction responsibilities are starting to ramp up. Teaching has been a big part of every library job I’ve had since grad school. So it naturally follows that teaching dominates a lot
- [I Love How We Laugh: A Year into Being a Department Head](https://acrlog.org/2022/08/19/i-love-how-we-laugh-a-year-into-being-a-department-head/): Last week, I celebrated my one-year anniversary as a department head. The day consisted of teaching students, celebratory cookies, and a few reflective moments on the last 365 days. I can’t believe it has been a year! The last year has gone by quickly. We’ve adapted to changing pandemic seasons, dealt with staffing changes and
- [Informational Holism: Humanities librarianship, liberal arts, and the limitations of quantitative metrics](https://acrlog.org/2022/08/11/informational-holism-humanities-librarianship-liberal-arts-and-the-limitations-of-quantitative-metrics/): Benjamin Dueck is a General Librarian in the Arts & Humanities Division at The University of Manitoba Libraries. They are the liaison librarian for Religion, English, Catholic Studies, Theatre & Drama, and Peace & Conflict Studies. Their role includes collection development, teaching information literacy, and providing reference services for faculty, students, and staff. I am
- [Learning to Fly: Life as an Early-Career Academic Librarian](https://acrlog.org/2022/08/04/learning-to-fly-life-as-an-early-career-academic-librarian/): Editor’s note: We are pleased to welcome Justin Fuhr to the ACRLog team. Justin is a Science librarian at the University of Manitoba. His professional interests include reflective practice, librarian philosophies, organizational culture and community, and support for early-career librarians such as mentorship. His current research assesses researcher profile library workshops and profile usage at
- [Moving Forward, Not Backward](https://acrlog.org/2022/08/01/moving-forward-not-backward/): Editor’s note: We are pleased to welcome Cynthia Mari Orozco to the ACRLog team. Cynthia is the Equity + OER Librarian at East Los Angeles College and PhD Candidate in Information Studies at UCLA. She is a former resident librarian at Loyola Marymount University and tenure-track librarian at California State University Long Beach before moving
- [Playing with Fall Planning](https://acrlog.org/2022/07/18/playing-with-fall-planning/): Editor's note: We are pleased to welcome Jade E. Davis to the ACRLog team. Jade is Director of Educational Technology & Learning Management at the University of Pennsylvania Library. She leads a team committed to strategic technological innovation in library spaces, student engagement, play, teaching, research, and learning support. She was previously the inaugural Director
- [Holding Space for Students](https://acrlog.org/2022/07/25/holding-space-for-students/): Editor's note: We are pleased to welcome Stephanie Sendaula to the ACRLog team. Stephanie is an On-Call Reference Librarian at Mercer County Community College, West Windsor campus. Her professional background includes a transition from librarianship to publishing and back again, with a sideline in freelance writing. Her research interests include outreach, instruction, and information literacy.
- [Our TBR Lists](https://acrlog.org/2022/06/24/our-tbr-lists/): Summer is often the time where we hope we can dig into the articles and books we’ve put off reading during the academic semesters. In this collaborative post, ACRLoggers share what they have been reading, watching, or listening to and what’s on their TBR list for the summer. Things we have read, watched, or listened
- [In the Weeds](https://acrlog.org/2022/06/16/in-the-weeds/): This is my first summer keeping up with a whole yard’s worth of weeding. When I was a kid, weeding the family garden was a sweaty neck, mosquito bites, and work that never seemed to end. As an adult, I might still sweat and itch, but now I get the appeal of weeding -- it’s
- [Recruiting New Librarians](https://acrlog.org/2022/06/09/recruiting-new-librarians/): It's been such a tough pandemic for academic librarian job seekers, particularly new graduates. Enrollment declines led to shrinking budgets which in turn meant disappearing job opportunities when so many librarians needed them most. I feel very lucky to be in a library that has had the budget, personnel, and time to hire several new
- [Things I Didn’t Know I Needed to Know](https://acrlog.org/2022/05/27/things-i-didnt-know-i-needed-to-know/): Hindsight is 20/20, right? In this collaborative post from our ACRLog team, we’re reflecting on the lessons and truths about libraries, librarianship, and higher ed that we wish we had come to understand sooner -- the stuff we didn't know to ask about earlier on in our careers, the stuff we didn't know that we
- [Looking Back: A Yearly Wrap-Up](https://acrlog.org/2022/05/19/looking-back-a-yearly-wrap-up/): I’ve (almost) made it! As of May, I’m eleven months into my first not-so-new-anymore academic librarian position. Looking back on my first year in an academic library, there are a handful of lessons, moments, and people that come to mind – including just how fast time flies while working at a university. In the spirit
- [My First Conference (as an academic librarian)](https://acrlog.org/2022/05/10/my-first-conference-as-an-academic-librarian/): I promise I did not vanish into the abyss. I did, however, disappear into an incredibly busy March and April and I offer profound apologies to my fellow ACRL bloggers, though I’m quite sure they understand how these things go in the wild world of libraries. It’s not as bad in academic libraries. My colleagues
- [Bad Art Day in the (Academic) Library](https://acrlog.org/2022/05/02/bad-art-day-in-the-academic-library/): Last week, I hosted Bad Art Day, my second public program at Carroll Community College. Bad Art Day (or usually, Bad Art Night) is a popular program at public libraries, and it’s something I’ve wanted to try at an academic library for a while. The concept is pretty self-explanatory: you set out a bunch of
- [How are you doing? (redux)](https://acrlog.org/2022/04/29/how-are-you-doing-redux/): We’re coming to the end of another year of grappling with pandemic-related changes across higher education, and the ACRLog blog team thought this might be a good time to check in on how things are going for all of us in our libraries, as we’ve done around this time for the past two years. What’s
- [Who Gets to be a Researcher?](https://acrlog.org/2022/04/22/who-gets-to-be-a-researcher/): One of my favorite days of the academic year is Undergraduate Research Day. The Honors College and the Libraries collaborate to showcase undergraduate student research done through various scholarship programs, experiential learning programs, and independent research with faculty mentors. Our main library's second and third floors are filled with research posters from students in every
- [Service as a Resident Librarian](https://acrlog.org/2022/04/21/service-as-a-resident-librarian/): Though I often heard about the importance of membership in a professional organization and had some exposure to the concept of service as a graduate student, professional service is something I wasn’t very familiar until my current position. Part of the orientation process for my current position consisted of my department head going over and
- [How We Meet: Making Use of Departmental Time](https://acrlog.org/2022/04/05/how-we-meet-making-use-of-departmental-time/): During the last few weeks, I started planning for the summer. I like to think summer is still months away, but the spring temperatures have returned and we are entering the final stretch of the semester. Summer is approaching! For myself and the team I lead, summer will be busy. We’re slated to teach a
- [Thinking About Space, Still](https://acrlog.org/2022/03/18/thinking-about-space-still/): About a year ago I was knee-deep in scheduling focus group sessions with students at one of the colleges at my university, along with my fellow team members as part of our Data Doubles research. The focus groups were terrific -- I always appreciate the chance to talk with students and hear their perspectives, in
- [Outreach as a Resident Librarian](https://acrlog.org/2022/03/15/outreach-as-a-resident-librarian/): Being a library resident has made my first year as an academic librarian an interesting experience to say the least. Through my residency, I have a level of autonomy I’ve come to realize isn’t afford to every first-year librarian. Some of my responsibilities are non-negotiable. Being an information literacy librarian on a campus where librarians
- [A First Year Librarian's First Service](https://acrlog.org/2022/02/23/a-first-year-librarians-first-service/): Outreach has quickly become one of my favorite parts of being a librarian. I love the fact that I get to work and interact with students in several nonjudgmental capacities. Whether it’s a research consultation or a one-shot library session, I love telling students that the library isn’t here to judge you; it’s here to
- [What's Bringing You Joy? An ACRLogger Collaborative Post](https://acrlog.org/2022/02/14/whats-bringing-you-joy-an-acrlogger-collaborative-post/): For this month’s ACRLoggers collaborative blog post, we’re talking about things that are bringing us joy these days. We hope this post also brings you joy and or allows you to reflect on things bringing you joy this month. What’s something library-related (or non-library related) that you’re reading, watching, or listening to that is
- [Adulting 101](https://acrlog.org/2022/02/10/adulting-101/): One of the biggest shifts I’ve had to make since changing jobs has been reframing my thinking around the audience for any resources. I spent a good chunk of my professional “growing years” as a children’s librarian, and therefor have internalized a lot of stuff that mostly applies to kids. Simple language, simple topics, bright
- [The Back of the iPad Cart And Other Things I Didn’t Anticipate as a New Department Head](https://acrlog.org/2022/02/02/the-back-of-the-ipad-cart/): What felt like the longest month (January) is finally over. I don’t know about you, but the combination of cold temperatures, snow, the surge in COVID cases, and the push to “de-densify” the campus really put me in a pandemic funk. Each week felt out of my control and full of back-to-back virtual meetings. After
- [Recognizing and Citing Indigenous Oral Knowledge: An Interview with Lorisia MacLeod](https://acrlog.org/2022/01/25/recognizing-and-citing-indigenous-oral-knowledge-an-interview-with-lorisia-macleod/): In June of 2021, Lorisia MacLeod, a librarian from the James Smith Cree Nation, published an article called “More Than Personal Communication: Templates for Citing Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers,” presenting citation templates to recognize Indigenous knowledge in academia. Because both APA and MLA style guides encourage writers to cite any oral communication that does
- [Reflecting on Library Instruction](https://acrlog.org/2022/01/21/reflecting-on-library-instruction/): Palms are sweaty, knees weak but I’m not talking about spaghetti (sorry, Eminem); I’m talking about teaching a credit-bearing library course! This last Fall semester, I not only started my first official librarian position, but I also taught my own credit-bearing library course for the very first time. It’s something I’ve briefly mentioned in previous posts, but
- [Mentoring Musing](https://acrlog.org/2022/01/16/mentoring-musing/): We are still in the winter intersession at the college where I work, and I’m trying to use some of these quieter January days to work on projects that take a bit more focus (though I admit that focus is definitely a challenge right now with so much Covid uncertainty). I’m working with several colleagues
- [A love letter to bell hooks](https://acrlog.org/2022/01/14/a-love-letter-to-bell-hooks/): bell hooks died on December 15, 2021, at her home in Kentucky. I found out about her death on Twitter, then NPR. Like so many others, I was heartbroken. This brilliant woman I had never met fundamentally changed my approach to teaching and scholarship. In post after post people around the world have said the
- [Learning a new institution: Three insights from being a department head](https://acrlog.org/2021/10/15/learning-a-new-institution-three-insights-from-being-a-department-head/): In my first two months in a new job, I am feeling all sorts of things. After 16 months of working remotely from my one-bedroom apartment, I’m now back in the office five days a week. I’m commuting and packing my own lunch and wearing a mask and teaching in person. I feel I’m in
- [Faculty & Mental Health](https://acrlog.org/2021/10/07/faculty-mental-health/): “I’m sorry to be so disorganized this semester.” “I am struggling.” “Somehow Fall 2021 feels worse than Fall 2020 did.” “I’m sorry I haven’t gotten back to you til now, I kept meaning to...” These are things faculty have said to me in the last week. Morale on our campus feels low. As my coworker
- [Looking back, looking forward](https://acrlog.org/2021/12/10/looking-back-looking-forward/): It’s time for another collaborative post from your ACRLoggers! It’s been a grueling semester, and as we count down the days till winter break, let’s celebrate any and all triumphs from this year in spite of ~everything~, whether that’s a big achievement or something small you were finally able to check off your list. I
- [Impending Building Renovations](https://acrlog.org/2022/01/13/impending-building-renovations/): So last year when I started writing for the ACRL Blog, my first post was about the tightrope I was walking trying to balance programming during a pandemic. Things started to look up during fall semester, mostly because my college was able to lift some COVID restrictions. However, with the Omicron surge in our area,
- [Apply to join the ACRLog Blog Team!](https://acrlog.org/2022/01/03/apply-to-join-the-acrlog-blog-team/): Interested in writing for ACRLog? We’re looking for a few new bloggers to join our team! We aim to have a group of bloggers who represent diverse perspectives on and career stages in academic librarianship. We are especially seeking librarians interested in writing about technical services, scholarly communication, technology, and related areas and/or those working
- [The Struggle: Getting and Staying Organized](https://acrlog.org/2021/12/17/the-struggle-getting-and-staying-organized/): It’s slightly embarrassing to admit but staying organized is something I’ve had issues with since I was very little. From losing my homework in middle school to cramming all of my papers into a single binder in high school, it seems like every new stage in my life has been accompanied by a new
- [Things I mean to know](https://acrlog.org/2021/12/14/things-i-mean-to-know/): I’m a big fan of using low-stakes passive engagement activities to informally gather student perspectives. For me, this has most often been simply posting a question or poll related to a timely topic on a strategically-positioned whiteboard. I’m always interested to see what students post--I look eagerly for new responses every time I pass a
- [Finals Week is Different Now](https://acrlog.org/2021/12/09/finals-week-is-different-now/): It will be ten years since I earned a Bachelor’s degree this upcoming May. In 2012, I graduated from the University of New Mexico where I had attended classes in person since 2009. And while that both feels like forever ago and like it happened yesterday, I do remember one particular aspect of college student
- [Keeping in Touch: Maintaining Work Relationships After Changing Jobs](https://acrlog.org/2021/12/01/keeping-in-touch-maintaining-work-relationships-after-changing-jobs/): In my non-work life, I can be a persistent friend. I like reaching out and saying hi, letting friends know I’m thinking about them. I love catching up over the phone, FaceTiming to work on an embroidery project and gossip, or when travel allows, visiting friends and seeing their favorite spots in their city. Keeping
- [Join the ACRLog Blog Team!](https://acrlog.org/2021/11/18/join-the-acrlog-blog-team-3/): Interested in writing for ACRLog? We’re looking for a few new bloggers to join our team! We aim to have a group of bloggers who represent diverse perspectives on and career stages in academic librarianship. We are especially seeking librarians interested in writing about technical services, scholarly communication, technology, and related areas and/or those working
- [Virtual Holidays](https://acrlog.org/2021/11/16/virtual-holidays/): As cliché as it sounds, the holiday season is easily my favorite time of year. My apologies to all the diehard Halloween fans out there, but something about the holiday doesn’t translate that well to the first-generation immigrant experience. Though, in my opinion, that might have more to do with trusting strangers with candy than
- [Hiring During and Beyond the Pandemic](https://acrlog.org/2021/11/15/hiring-during-and-beyond-the-pandemic/): We're welcoming a new colleague to our library this semester. I’ve read some great pieces about transitioning to a new position this very unusual year, including from fellow ACRLogger Hailley Fargo. And I think that much of what I’ve read and what we’ve done at my place of work in the pre-pandemic years still holds
- [Virtual Events are Awesome! Here’s Why](https://acrlog.org/2021/11/04/virtual-events-are-awesome-heres-why/): I became an academic librarian in February of 2021. Starting a new position during a pandemic is… weird, to put it lightly. For one thing, I’ve only done one in-person event. Everything else has been virtual. If I want to be honest about it, I kind of want it to stay this way. Don’t get
- [From clicks toward concepts in the information literacy classroom](https://acrlog.org/2021/10/29/from-clicks-toward-concepts-in-the-information-literacy-classroom/): I was mindlessly scrolling through Twitter the other day when a tweet caught my eye. I wish I could find it again to do it justice, but it was essentially a critique of the author’s missteps in the classroom early in their career by way of a funny apology to students. It immediately transported me
- [Transitions](https://acrlog.org/2021/10/21/transitions/): Please join us in welcoming Ramón García, Resident Information Literacy Librarian & Assistant Professor at the University of Northern Colorado, as a new First Year Academic Librarian blogger for the 2021-2022 year here at ACRLog. Library schools do their best to prepare their students for the countless aspects of librarianship. From conducting reference interviews to
- [Pandemic Planning: A Balancing Act](https://acrlog.org/2021/10/04/pandemic-planning-a-balancing-act/): Please join us in welcoming Heather Bobrowicz, Programming Librarian at South Texas College, as a new First Year Academic Librarian blogger for the 2021-2022 year here at ACRLog. 2021 has been an interesting year so far. I began my first academic librarian position this year, in February to be precise. I’ve been spending a lot
- [Better Work Habits Through... Animal Crossing: New Horizons](https://acrlog.org/2021/10/02/better-work-habits-through-animal-crossing-new-horizons/): Remember March 2020? We didn’t really know what to expect from the next weeks or months, and sought comfort where we could find it… some baked bread, some finally learned to play guitar… I’m one of the ones who chose Animal Crossing: New Horizons. I’ve played almost every day since its release on March 20,
- [Short Cuts for the Easily Distracted](https://acrlog.org/2021/09/30/short-cuts-for-the-easily-distracted/): I’m a couple of weeks later than I’d hoped to be with this blogpost, one result of what’s continuing to be an unusually hectic and unusually uncertain semester for me (and probably for many of you, too). But I had a thought on my morning commute-substitute walk today: why not write small amounts on a
- [Librarianship: As We May Evolve](https://acrlog.org/2011/02/01/librarianship-as-we-may-evolve/): This month's post in our series of guest academic librarian bloggers is from Debra Kolah, head of the User Experience (UX) Office at Fondren Library, Rice University in Houston, Texas. She also blogs at the Effervescent Librarian. A 1947 film located in the online Wayback Archive, The Librarian, urges young people to become librarians, and
- [Enabling the Research 'Flow' and Serendipity in Today's Digital Library Environment](https://acrlog.org/2012/10/29/enabling-the-research-flow-and-serendipity-in-todays-digital-library-environment/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Bohyun Kim, the Digital Access Librarian at Florida International University Medical Library. She blogs at Library Hat (http://bohyunkim.net/blog) and can be found at @bohyunkim (http://twitter.com/bohyunkim) in Twitter. She also writes regularly on ACRL TechConnect blog. Today's library users do not carry pencils and notebooks to a library. They no
- [ACS Solutions: The Sturm und Drang](https://acrlog.org/2013/04/06/acs-solutions-the-sturm-und-drang/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Sue Wiegand, Periodicals Librarian at St. Mary's College in Notre Dame, IN. A chemical storm recently blew up across the blogosphere, involving the American Chemical Society journals, the serials crisis of unsustainably high prices, and one brave librarian, Jenica Rogers at SUNY Potsdam, who said "Enough!" The atmospheric conditions
- [55 Years Old with a 33 Year Library Career](https://acrlog.org/2013/05/06/55-years-old-with-a-33-year-library-career/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Kathy Parsons, Associate Professor and Head, Stacks and Media Department at Iowa State University. After reading the July 2012 Will’s World column “Your Mileage May Vary” in American Libraries, I found myself pondering library fatigue, retirement, and the value of my career. Was the librarian he described me? Did
- [Shared Governance and Library Faculty: Jazzing Academic Community](https://acrlog.org/2013/05/22/shared-governance-and-library-faculty-jazzing-academic-community/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Sue Wiegand, Periodicals Librarian at St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN. As Commencement season draws near, I thought again of lines from Dana Goia's poem: "Praise to the rituals that celebrate change…Because it is not the rituals we honor/but our trust in what they signify..." It's been two
- [Focusing the Mind, Practicing Attention in the One-Shot Library Session](https://acrlog.org/2013/11/18/focusing-the-mind-practicing-attention-in-the-one-shot-library-session/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Jill E. Luedke, Reference & Instruction Librarian at Temple University. Scenario: Students arrive at the library instruction session, get seated, and log on to a computer. Where is their attention? Is it on what I have to teach them? More likely, they're distracted by competing priorities like assignments, rent,
- [Nominations Sought for ALA Intellectual Freedom Award](https://acrlog.org/2013/12/31/nominations-sought-for-ala-intellectual-freedom-award/): We recently received an email from the ALA Intellectual Freedom Round Table letting us know that nominations are open for the John Phillip Immroth Memorial Award. See below for more details -- please consider nominating yourself or others. --- Dear Colleague, When you think a champion of intellectual freedom, who comes to mind? Do you
- [Tales of the Undead...Learning Theories: The Learning Pyramid](https://acrlog.org/2014/01/13/tales-of-the-undead-learning-theories-the-learning-pyramid/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Candice Benjes-Small, Head of Information Literacy and Outreach, and Alyssa Archer, Instruction Librarian at Radford University. “If I have to sit through YET ANOTHER freaking ‘professional development’ session based on these cockamamie theories, I am going to pluck my eyeballs out and throw them at whatever charlatan the administration
- [Accreditation Standards & Libraries: A Dangerous Ride Down a Devolving Course](https://acrlog.org/2014/01/27/accreditation-standards-libraries-a-dangerous-ride-down-a-devolving-course/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Beth Evans, Electronic Services Librarian and Africana Studies/PRLS/Women's Studies Specialist at Brooklyn College, CUNY. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE, or, Middle States) is looking for feedback on the proposed revisions to the Characteristics of Excellence, the MSCHE accreditation standards. If you work in a college or
- [Librarians Meet the Commissioners, Live: The Middle State Accreditation Standards Revisions Redux](https://acrlog.org/2014/04/28/librarians-meet-the-commissioners-live-the-middle-state-accreditation-standards-revisions-redux/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Beth Evans, Electronic Services Librarian and Africana Studies/PRLS/Women’s Studies Specialist at Brooklyn College, CUNY. If the recent town hall meeting of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) in Albany, New York had been a boxing match, you might have easily concluded that the librarians won in a
- [From Public to Academic: Reflections on a Transition](https://acrlog.org/2014/05/16/from-public-to-academic-reflections-on-a-transition/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Raymond Pun, Research and Reference Services Librarian at New York University, Shanghai, China. Tweet him anything @oboro85 (yes, he can tweet in China!). As this spring semester is coming to an end, I finally have the opportunity to reflect on my first year working as an academic librarian. This
- [Higher ‘Professional’ Ed, Lifelong Learning to Stay Employed, Quantified Self, and Libraries](https://acrlog.org/2014/04/01/higher-professional-ed-lifelong-learning-to-stay-employed-quantified-self-and-libraries/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Bohyun Kim, Associate Director for Library Applications and Knowledge Systems at University of Maryland, Baltimore, Health Sciences and Human Services Library. This post was originally published on our sister blog, ALA TechConnect. The 2014 Horizon Report is mostly a report on emerging technologies. Many academic librarians carefully read its
- [If At First You Don't Assess, Try, Try Again](https://acrlog.org/2014/08/01/if-at-first-you-dont-assess-try-try-again/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Katelyn Tucker & Alyssa Archer, Instruction Librarians at Radford University. Instruction librarians are always looking for new & flashy ways to engage our students in the classroom. New teaching methods are exciting, but how do we know if they’re working? Here at Radford University, we’ve been flipping and using
- [Shifting Scholarly Communication Practices and the Case of Dr. Salaita](https://acrlog.org/2014/09/15/shifting-scholarly-communication-practices-and-the-case-of-dr-salaita/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Sarah Crissinger, graduate student in library and information science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Many LIS practitioners are probably already familiar with this story, but here’s a quick recap just in case: In October 2013, Steven Salaita accepted a tenure-track position within the American Indian Studies program
- [Assisting College Military Veterans in Academic Libraries](https://acrlog.org/2014/09/29/assisting-college-military-veterans-in-academic-libraries/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Alejandro Marquez, Undergraduate Outreach and Instruction Librarian at North Dakota State University. Student retention has been a big issue here on the North Dakota State University (NDSU) campus. My position was recently created within the library to work as a cooperative liaison with other on-campus support services and entities
- [Intentional teaching, intentional learning: Toward threshold concepts through reflective practice](https://acrlog.org/2014/10/13/intentional-teaching-intentional-learning-toward-threshold-concepts-through-reflective-practice/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Jennifer Jarson, Information Literacy and Assessment Librarian at Muhlenberg College. This fall marked the start of my tenth academic year as a librarian. It startles me, to say the least, to count up the years and arrive at (almost) ten. Having spent the majority of my career so far
- [Managing the Overwhelm](https://acrlog.org/2014/10/24/managing-the-overwhelm/): Please welcome our new First Year Academic Librarian Experience blogger Lindsay O'Neill, Instructional Design Librarian at California State University, Fullerton. The minute I accepted Cal State Fullerton’s offer to become a tenure-track librarian at Pollak Library, I entered The Overwhelm. I had to negotiate an out-of-state move with my partner (who had recently returned home
- [Bit of a Steep Learning Curve](https://acrlog.org/2014/11/10/bit-of-a-steep-learning-curve/): Please welcome our new First Year Academic Librarian Experience blogger Erin Miller, Electronic Resources Librarian at the University of North Texas. Having worked as a librarian for more than a decade I feel fairly confident in my ability to navigate the various paths through my chosen profession. Before attending the School of Library & Information
- [An Open Letter Regarding the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education](https://acrlog.org/2015/01/07/an-open-letter-regarding-the-framework-for-information-literacy-for-higher-education/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Heather Dalal, Assistant Professor I-Librarian at Rider University. Some of the members of the ACRL-NJ/NJLA CUS User Education Committee and the VALE NJ Shared Information Literacy Committees have collaborated on an Open Letter Regarding the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education. We are appreciative of the work of
- [“Sunrise, Sunset”: A Reflection on Assessment and the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education](https://acrlog.org/2015/01/27/sunrise-sunset-a-reflection-on-assessment-and-the-framework-for-information-literacy-for-higher-education/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Donna Witek, Associate Professor and Public Services Librarian at the University of Scranton. Photo by Moyan Brenn on Flickr When I first learned about assessment at the very beginning of my professional work as a librarian, there was one aspect of the process that made complete sense to me.
- [Moving Beyond Standards: A Response to the Open Letter Regarding the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education](https://acrlog.org/2015/01/15/moving-beyond-standards-a-response-to-the-open-letter-regarding-the-framework-for-information-literacy-for-higher-education/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Ian Beilin, Instruction Librarian and Assistant Professor at New York City College of Technology, CUNY, and Nancy Foasberg, Humanities Librarian and Assistant Professor at Queens College, CUNY. We would like to answer some of the points made in the widely distributed Open Letter Regarding the Framework for Information Literacy
- [Scholarship as Conversation: The Response to the Framework for Information Literacy](https://acrlog.org/2015/01/21/scholarship-as-conversation-the-response-to-the-framework-for-information-literacy/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Jacob Berg, Director of Library Services at Trinity Washington University. The Association of College and Research Library's (ACRL) Framework for Information Literacy in Higher Education (pdf) has gone through three drafts, and was sent to the ACRL Board of Directors for approval earlier this month. It was possible to do an excellent job
- [What’s the Matter with Threshold Concepts?](https://acrlog.org/2015/01/30/whats-the-matter-with-threshold-concepts/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Lori Townsend, Learning Services Coordinator at the University of New Mexico; Silvia Lu, Reference and Social Media Librarian and Assistant Professor, LaGuardia Community College, CUNY; Amy R. Hofer, Coordinator, Statewide Open Education Library Services, Linn-Benton Community College; and Korey Brunetti, Librarian at City College of San Francisco. Recent conversations
- [Teaching with Big Ideas: How a Late Addition to the ACRL Framework Might Make Us Rethink Threshold Concepts](https://acrlog.org/2015/03/16/teaching-with-big-ideas-how-a-late-addition-to-the-acrl-framework-might-make-us-rethink-threshold-concepts/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Eveline Houtman, Coordinator of Undergraduate Library Instruction at the Robarts Library, University of Toronto. We see the Framework draft as a part of an ongoing conversation and an attempt to nudge our profession in a positive direction toward conceptual teaching. Threshold concepts gave the Task Force one starting place
- [A Conceptual Model for Interdisciplinary Collaboration](https://acrlog.org/2015/05/14/a-conceptual-model-for-interdisciplinary-collaboration/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Laura MacLeod Mulligan, M.L.S., Information Services Librarian, and Dr. Adam J. Kuban, Assistant Professor of Journalism, both at Ball State University. Academic buzzwords such as “interdisciplinary” and “collaboration” get paid ample lip service in university administration strategic plans and current scholarship, but practically speaking it can be difficult to
- [Collecting Cats: Library Lessons from Neko Atsume](https://acrlog.org/2015/06/15/collecting-cats-library-lessons-from-neko-atsume/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Kelly Blanchat, Electronic Resources Librarian at Queens College, CUNY, and Megan Brooks, Director of Research Services at Wellesley College. This blog post is the culmination of a Twitter conversation between librarians talking about their experiences playing a phone game. The game is called Nekoatsume and it involves taking care
- [Reorienting Reference](https://acrlog.org/2015/07/02/reorienting-reference/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Judith Logan, Reference Librarian at the University of Toronto. The job title in my email signature is “Reference Librarian.” Every time I send a message to a new faculty member, student, or other non-library person, I always worry that they won’t know what that means. There’s good evidence that
- [One Instructional Philosophy to Unite Them All](https://acrlog.org/2015/07/16/one-instructional-philosophy-to-unite-them-all/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Nicole Pagowsky, Research & Learning Librarian and Instruction Coordinator at the University of Arizona Libraries. You can find her on Twitter at @pumpedlibrarian. When I first thought about writing this post, I considered how boring it would sound to read an article about a library’s instructional philosophy. Who is
- [Revising the Standards for Proficiencies for Instruction Librarians and Coordinators](https://acrlog.org/2015/07/27/revising-the-standards-for-proficiencies-for-instruction-librarians-and-coordinators/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Sara Harrington, Head of Arts and Archives at Ohio University Libraries. Your thoughts and feedback are invited! The Instruction Section has charged a Task Force to Revise the 2007 document “Standards for Proficiencies for Instruction Librarians and Coordinators” as part of the Section’s cyclical review of standards. The work
- [Refocusing with Daily Themes: A Strategy for Summer Productivity](https://acrlog.org/2015/08/03/refocusing-with-daily-themes-a-strategy-for-summer-productivity/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Julia Feerrar, Learning Services Librarian at Virginia Tech. I'm currently experiencing my first summer as a full-time academic librarian and it has taken me a while to adjust to the academic “offseason.” As Jennifer Jarson points out in her recent post on summer doldrums, we might expect summer to
- [Standing in Front: The Lecture in One-Time Library Instruction Sessions](https://acrlog.org/2015/11/04/standing-in-front-the-lecture-in-one-time-library-instruction-sessions/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Amber Gray, Social Sciences and Humanities Librarian at the University of Maine. There's been some discussion lately, quite a bit of it spurred by a recent New York Times editorial, about the potential benefits or detriments of the lecture format as well as the potential benefits or detriments of
- [Update on the Standards for Proficiencies for Instruction Librarians and Coordinators](https://acrlog.org/2015/11/24/update-on-the-standards-for-proficiencies-for-instruction-librarians-and-coordinators/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Sara Harrington, Head of Arts and Archives at Ohio University Libraries. The Standards for Proficiencies for Instruction Librarians and Coordinators are being revised by a Task Force appointed by the Instruction Section Executive Committee. A July 27, 2015 post on the ACRLog described the goals in revising these standards. This
- [Why GLAM Wiki: Wikipedia and Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums](https://acrlog.org/2015/12/15/why-glam-wiki-wikipedia-and-galleries-libraries-archives-and-museums/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Siân Evans, Senior Implementation Manager at Artstor. In the fall of 2013, I was thinking about how every year I attend the ARLiS Women and Art Special Interest Group at ARLiS NA’s annual conference. And, every year, we as a group would lament the lack of representation of cis
- [Publishing Practice: Developing a Professional Identity](https://acrlog.org/2016/04/26/publishing-practice-developing-a-professional-identity/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Chelsea Heinbach, MLIS student at the University of Denver; Cyndi Landis, MLIS student at Emporia State University, and Alison Hicks, faculty at the University of Colorado, Boulder. How can we bridge the divide between learning about library instruction and engaging more concretely with a teaching librarian’s values and responsibilities?
- [#libeyrianship: Pop Culture and #critlib in Information Literacy Programs](https://acrlog.org/2016/05/23/libeyrianship-pop-culture-and-critlib-in-information-literacy-programs/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Jennifer Ferretti, Digital Initiatives Librarian, and Siân Evans, Instructional Librarian, at the Maryland Institute College of Art. Beyoncé's new album 'Lemonade' dropped April 23, 2016 as both a traditional album and a "visual album." The visual album weaves poetry, music, cinematography, fashion, and literary and film references into an
- [Breaking Big: Transitioning from Small to Large Academic Libraries](https://acrlog.org/2016/07/15/breaking-big-transitioning-from-small-to-large-academic-libraries/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Michael Rodriguez, Electronic Resources Librarian at the University of Connecticut. Navigating the transition from large to small academic library employers, or vice versa, can be challenging. Early-career librarians in particular can find themselves navigating radically new landscapes: specialized, bureaucratic, and complex. Recently I moved from a small, career-focused, private,
- [#WeNeedDiverseBooks in Academic Libraries](https://acrlog.org/2016/08/23/weneeddiversebooks-in-academic-libraries/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from AJ Robinson, Islamic Studies & South Asian Studies Librarian at Washington University in St. Louis. "Some people don’t expect to see themselves in the library." This comment from Vivek Shraya, 2015 recipient of the South Asia Book Award, was a moment of clarity at the Conference on South Asia
- [Starting from the bottom and teaching my way to the top](https://acrlog.org/2016/08/29/starting-from-the-bottom-and-teaching-my-way-to-the-top/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Jessica Kiebler, Reference/Instruction Librarian at Berkeley College. My journey into the world of librarianship started with my failure to get a job as an elementary education teacher. I’ll never know if that was due to the over saturated job market or my newbie skills, but one would think that
- [Test for E.C.H.O.](https://acrlog.org/2016/09/23/test-for-e-c-h-o/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Marc Mason, Library Undergraduate Services Associate at Arizona State University Libraries. I had one of those days today. One of those rare ones, the kind of day where you walk around with a little more bounce in your step, your chin tilted a bit higher. It was a day
- [Roles and Strengths of Teaching Librarians in Higher Education](https://acrlog.org/2016/11/08/roles-and-strengths-of-teaching-librarians-in-higher-education/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Sara Harrington, Head of Arts and Archives at Ohio University Libraries. The ACRL Instruction Section charged a Task Force with revising the Standards for Proficiencies for Instruction Librarians and Coordinators. On November 2, 2016 the new draft document "Roles and Strengths of Teaching Librarians in Higher Education" was released
- [Make it Work! Starting a Makerspace in an Academic Library, Phase 1](https://acrlog.org/2016/12/02/make-it-work-starting-a-makerspace-in-an-academic-library-phase-1/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Hannah Pope, Emerging Technologies Librarian at Appalachian State University. Makerspaces are cropping up in libraries everywhere, but the process for creating one of these areas in an academic library can often be layered and confusing. This is especially true for librarians and staff who have had very little prior
- [Information Literacy and Fake News](https://acrlog.org/2017/01/22/information-literacy-and-fake-news/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Candice Benjes-Small, Head of Information Literacy and Faculty Outreach, and Scott Dunn, Associate Professor of Communication, at Radford University. One day in September, a relative emailed me a link and asked, “Should I share this on Facebook?” I took a look at the linked article, which had an extremely
- [Make it Work!: Starting a Makerspace in an Academic Library Phase 2](https://acrlog.org/2017/04/03/make-it-work-starting-a-makerspace-in-an-academic-library-phase-2/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Hannah Pope, Emerging Technologies Librarian at Appalachian State University. As anyone who has gone through the steps of creating a new library space knows, it can be a long process. Once the space is identified and the equipment has been purchased, then comes the hard part - actually pulling
- [Your Library Is a (Job-Seeker's) Wonderland](https://acrlog.org/2017/03/06/your-library-is-a-job-seekers-wonderland/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Megan Mall, Director of Content Strategy at the American Association of Law Libraries. In my previous position, I worked as a librarian in a university career center. In short, I helped students locate companies of interest and prepare for interviews. The idea that a librarian could help students with
- [A Collective Kind of Conference](https://acrlog.org/2017/04/18/a-collective-kind-of-conference/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Mollie Peuler, eLearning Librarian at Central Piedmont Community College. I recently attended my first Collective Conference in Knoxville, TN and found the two-day conference a valuable and—dare I say—fun experience. If you’ve not heard of the Collective, the event promotes itself as a non-traditional conference with an emphasis on
- [Holistic Advocacy, or The Case of the Annoyingly-Optimistic Librarian](https://acrlog.org/2017/05/29/holistic-advocacy-or-the-case-of-the-annoyingly-optimistic-librarian/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Courtney Block, Instruction, Reference, and User Engagement Librarian at Indiana University Southeast. Storytellers. It's what all professional librarians end up being in addition to our other specific roles or niches. But it's not something they really prepare you for when you're getting your MLS. There might be an occasional
- [Peer Coaching for Professional Learning](https://acrlog.org/2017/06/19/peer-coaching-for-professional-learning/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Marisa Méndez-Brady, Science Librarian, and Jennifer Bonnet, Social Sciences & Humanities Librarian, at the University of Maine. Finding the time and resources to devote to professional learning can be a challenge, especially at institutions that are less geographically proximate to the broader library community. The University of Maine is
- [Finalizing the “Roles and Strengths of Teaching Librarians in Higher Education”](https://acrlog.org/2017/06/26/finalizing-the-roles-and-strengths-of-teaching-librarians-in-higher-education/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Sara Harrington, Head of Arts and Archives at Ohio University Libraries. The Task Force is pleased to announce the release of the Roles and Strengths of Teaching Librarians in Higher Education document. The Task Force revising the “Standards for Proficiencies for Instruction Librarians and Coordinators” now called “Roles and
- [Information in the Indignation Age](https://acrlog.org/2017/07/18/information-in-the-indignation-age/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Mark Lenker, Teaching & Learning Librarian at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. As a librarian, I worry about the ways that emotion, especially anger, influences our interactions with information. So much of our political discourse is intended to arouse indignation, and I’m concerned about indignation’s impact on one’s
- [Tales of the Undead... Learning Theories: Learning Styles](https://acrlog.org/2017/08/29/tales-of-the-undead-learning-theories-learning-styles/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Candice Benjes-Small, Head of Information Literacy and Outreach, and Alyssa Archer, Instruction Librarian at Radford University. “I need to drop this class because I’m a visual learner and my professor doesn’t use PowerPoint.” - A student, overheard by one of the co-authors What do we mean when we say
- [Pink Collar Labor and the Reluctant Librarian](https://acrlog.org/2017/12/06/pink-labor-and-the-reluctant-librarian/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Siân Evans, Information Literacy & Instructional Design Librarian at Maryland Institute College of Art. “One of the hardest things to admit is that you’re not doing okay. We want to be always glowing and effusive, charming and graceful but most of us hide little pits of darkness, ever growing
- [Ghosts in the Library - A Collaborative Approach to Game-Based Pedagogy](https://acrlog.org/2018/04/11/ghosts-in-the-library-a-collaborative-approach-to-game-based-pedagogy/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Mandy Babirad, Instructional Services Librarian at SUNY Morrisville State College, Heather Shimon, Science and Engineering Librarian at the University of Wisconsin Madison, and Lydia Willoughby, Reference Librarian, Research and Education, at SUNY New Paltz. Mandy Babirad (now at SUNY Morrisville), Heather Shimon (now at UW-Madison), and Lydia Willoughby (SUNY
- [Developing a Campus Framework for Digital Literacy](https://acrlog.org/2018/05/02/developing-a-campus-framework-for-digital-literacy/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Julia Feerrar, Head of Digital Literacy Initiatives at Virginia Tech. During the summer of 2016 my library began to envision a more coordinated effort around supporting digital literacy on our campus. We began by examining the scope of digital literacy at Virginia Tech and have since developed a framework to
- [Saying Good-Bye in Slow-Motion: Keeping a Student-Centered Focus Amidst Great Change](https://acrlog.org/2018/10/29/saying-good-bye-in-slow-motion-keeping-a-student-centered-focus-amidst-great-change/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Jennifer Joe, Owensboro Campus Librarian at Western Kentucky University. I will be leaving my students at the end of this semester. That’s the first time I’ve written that out (though by the time this is published, everyone will know.) I will be moving on to a new position, at
- [The Quiet Solidarity of National Coming Out Day Through Queer Storytelling and Coffee](https://acrlog.org/2019/01/09/the-quiet-solidarity-of-national-coming-out-day-through-queer-storytelling-and-coffee/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Adrianna Martinez, Reference and Instruction Librarian at New York Institute of Technology. In the Fall of 2018, I started my first full time librarian position. I work at New York Institute of Technology in Long Island, and I hold the position of reference and instruction librarian. As a queer
- [Scholarship, Service and Scholarly Growth as a First Year Academic Librarian](https://acrlog.org/2019/02/28/scholarship-service-and-scholarly-growth-as-a-first-year-academic-librarian/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Megan Donnelly, Adjunct Research Librarian at the Millersville University of Pennsylvania. I am an Adjunct Research Librarian at the Millersville University of Pennsylvania’s Francine G. McNairy Library and Learning Forum, where I have worked for the past year. My role is public services focused. I teach information literacy instruction,
- [How To Be the Youngest Person in the Room](https://acrlog.org/2019/05/15/how-to-be-the-youngest-person-in-the-room/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Catie Carlson, Director of Pfeiffer Library at Tiffin University. If you were a traditional student who went straight to library school and then found themselves working in an academic library shortly later, you probably experienced it. It being the confident, new librarian who wants to help students succeed only
- [Gotta Catch ‘Em All: Campus Engagement with Pokémon Go](https://acrlog.org/2019/07/24/gotta-catch-em-all-campus-engagement-with-pokemon-go/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Beth M. Whittaker, Director of the Kenneth Spencer Research Library and Associate Dean of Distinctive Collections at the University of Kansas. I’m not ashamed to say it: “I play Pokémon Go.” Or perhaps, more accurately, “I STILL play Pokémon Go!” Although much of the excitement of the popular AR-based
- [Information Literacy:  What’s the Question?](https://acrlog.org/2019/09/25/information-literacy-whats-the-question/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Mark Lenker, Teaching & Learning Librarian at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Do you have an arch-frenemy book or article from the literature of library science? Mine has to be Edward K. Owusu-Ansah’s 2005 “Debating Definitions of Information Literacy: Enough is Enough!” Owusu-Ansah argues persuasively that we have
- [Conferencing while Chronically Ill](https://acrlog.org/2019/10/27/conferencing-while-chronically-ill/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Katie Quirin Manwiller, Evening Public Services and Assessment Librarian at DeSales University, Center Valley, PA. Travel time, packed schedules, and constant networking can make conferences exhausting for even the most outgoing librarians. For those of us who face mental and physical exhaustion as part of daily life, attending conferences
- [Big Transitions: Changing Jobs within and between Libraries](https://acrlog.org/2020/01/07/big-transitions-changing-jobs-within-and-between-libraries/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Karen Sobel, Teaching & Learning Librarian, Auraria Library, Denver, CO. Happy new year, everyone! During the ACRL Webcast that I presented, titled “Making Yourself Marketable for Academic Librarian Positions” (12 November 2019), many attendees asked questions about transitions. In particular, they asked whether it’s possible to transfer from one
- [Reflections on Shame and the Library Profession](https://acrlog.org/2020/01/09/reflections-on-shame-and-the-library-profession/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Jenn Monnin, Scholarly Engagement Librarian, Health Sciences Library, West Virginia University. Last October, I had the opportunity to attend the Mid-Atlantic Chapter Conference of the Medical Librarian Association in Durham, North Carolina. The theme was Rising to the Occasion, and talks ranged from information management in emergency planning to
- [For the Public Good: Social Distancing with Online Events](https://acrlog.org/2020/05/13/for-the-public-good-social-distancing-with-online-events/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Verletta Kern, Digital Scholarship Librarian, and Madeline Mundt, Head of the Research Commons at University of Washington Libraries. Everything was going smoothly! This was an event we had planned twice before--third time’s a charm, right? We had been planning since September and were just hitting our stride when news
- [Credentials, Credentials!: Demonstrating Your Potential Value in Academic Libraries](https://acrlog.org/2020/03/03/credentials-credentials-demonstrating-your-potential-value-in-academic-libraries/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Karen Sobel, Teaching & Learning Librarian, Auraria Library, Denver, CO. The ACRL Webcast that I presented last fall, “Making Yourself Marketable for Academic Librarian Positions” had a particularly lively Q&A session. Attendees shared detailed questions about how different types of credentials and work experience will support their case as
- [Remote Managing in the Time of Corona](https://acrlog.org/2020/04/29/remote-managing-in-the-time-of-corona/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Candice Benjes-Small, Head of Research Services, William & Mary Libraries. When my university moved us to remote work on March 16, I immediately began thinking about how I could best support the colleagues I manage. Most of the articles for work from home management focus on productivity and accountability,
- [Dane Ward: Teacher, Leader, Friend](https://acrlog.org/2020/07/28/dane-ward-teacher-leader-friend/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Craig Gibson, Professor & Professional Development Coordinator, Ohio State University Libraries. “Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in a lifetime; therefore, we must be saved by hope.”—Reinhold Niebuhr One bright summer day in 2002, I saw in my email box a message from longtime colleague and friend
- [Special Collections and the COVID-19 Return to Campus](https://acrlog.org/2020/06/29/special-collections-and-the-covid-19-return-to-campus/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Paul Doty, Librarian for Special Collections & University Archives, St. Lawrence University. With the Coronavirus Spring of 2020 behind colleges and universities, the time to reflect on a semester compelled online has immediately rebooted to planning for an uncertain fall. Attention turns from helping students cope with the dashed
- [Where Are They Now? A FYAL Update](https://acrlog.org/2020/07/21/where-are-they-now-a-fyal-update/): Since 2008, ACRLog’s “First Year Academic Librarian (FYAL) Experience” series has annually featured 1-2 academic librarians in their first year on the job in an academic library. This new series, “Where Are They Now? Former FYALs Reflect,” features posts from past FYAL bloggers as they look back on their trajectories since their first year. This
- [Lily Troia Asks: Who are We When We Leave "The Library"?](https://acrlog.org/2020/09/17/where-are-they-now-former-fyals-reflect-lily-troia-asks-who-are-we-when-we-leave-the-library/): Since 2008, ACRLog’s “First Year Academic Librarian (FYAL) Experience” series has annually featured 1-2 academic librarians in their first year on the job in an academic library. This new series, “Where Are They Now? Former FYALs Reflect,” features posts from past FYAL bloggers as they look back on their trajectories since their first year. This
- [Privacy, Consent, and the Virtual One-Shot](https://acrlog.org/2020/11/13/privacy-consent-and-the-virtual-one-shot/): Guest poster Nora Almeida is an instruction and outreach librarian at the New York City College of Technology (CUNY) and a volunteer at Interference Archive. Nora researches and writes about critical pedagogy, social justice, neoliberalism, performance, and place. You can find her on twitter: @nora_almeida. In April 2020, when the City University of New York (CUNY)
- [From the Other Side of the Table: Academic Search Committee from the Inside](https://acrlog.org/2020/12/11/from-the-other-side-of-the-table-academic-search-committee-from-the-inside/): This guest post comes to us from Ruth Monnier, who is an Assistant Professor and Learning Outreach Librarian at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. She provides reference and instruction services and engages with the greater campus and community. Last year, I was job hunting and, like many others, was worried about CVs, resumes, cover
- [Where Are They Now? Former FYALs Reflect : An Update from Nisha Mody](https://acrlog.org/2021/01/21/where-are-they-now-former-fyals-reflect-nisha-mody/): Since 2008, ACRLog’s “First Year Academic Librarian (FYAL) Experience” series has annually featured 1-2 academic librarians in their first year on the job in an academic library. This new series, “Where Are They Now? Former FYALs Reflect,” features posts from past FYAL bloggers as they look back on their trajectories since their first year. This
- [On Being a New Librarian During a Global Pandemic](https://acrlog.org/2021/01/25/8564/): This post comes from guest Giovanna Colosi, who is the Education Librarian, Subject Instruction Lead at Syracuse University Libraries in Syracuse, NY and Board of Trustee Member of Northern Onondaga Public Libraries. I joined my university’s library in July 2018 as my first full-time library job post MLIS. It was a career change for me
- [Starting Anew, but not Starting Over: Finding Academic Librarianship from Other Career Pathways](https://acrlog.org/2021/02/05/starting-anew-but-not-starting-over-finding-academic-librarianship-from-other-career-pathways/): This guest post was provided by Deborah Cooper, Digital & Special Collections Librarian, Mann Library, Cornell University (dsc255@cornell.edu) and Hannah Gunderman, Research Data Management Consultant, Carnegie Mellon University Libraries (hgunderm@andrew.cmu.edu). One of the oft-repeated clichés of librarianship is the variety of experiences that are welcomed into the profession, such as customer service in retail, teaching
- [From Cyber Attacks to Pandemics: Reflections on Trying to Work During Times of Crisis](https://acrlog.org/2021/02/18/from-cyber-attacks-to-pandemics-reflections-on-trying-to-work-during-times-of-crisis/): Since 2008, ACRLog’s “First Year Academic Librarian (FYAL) Experience” series has annually featured 1-2 academic librarians in their first year on the job in an academic library. This new series, “Where Are They Now? Former FYALs Reflect,” features posts from past FYAL bloggers as they look back on their trajectories since their first year. This
- [Complex or clickbait?: The problematic Media Bias Chart](https://acrlog.org/2021/02/23/complex-or-clickbait-the-problematic-media-bias-chart/): This guest post was submitted by Candice Benjes-Small, Head of Research at William & Mary, and Nathan Elwood, Library Administrator at the Missouri Legislative Library. The Media Bias Chart, commonly referred to simply as “The Chart,” has become ubiquitous in discussion of information literacy and news evaluation. The Chart, for those unaware, attempts to differentiate
- [Preparing for (Other Kinds of) Disasters](https://acrlog.org/2021/03/17/preparing-for-other-kinds-of-disasters/): This guest post is from Garrison Libby, a community college librarian. When COVID-19 swept the world last year, librarians were forced to adapt their services on the fly. Over the past year, we’ve probably all become very good at disaster planning. However, it’s worth thinking about the disasters that you haven’t planned for, and to
- [The Inaccessibility of ACRL 2021](https://acrlog.org/2021/05/26/the-inaccessibility-of-acrl-2021/): This guest post is provided by Katie Quirin Manwiller, MLIS, Instruction & Assessment Librarian at DeSales University. After the 2019 ACRL Conference, I wrote a guest ACRLog post about conferencing while chronically ill and the challenges I faced attending my first national library conference. At the time, I thought it was my responsibility to adapt
- [Cameras Off: Transitioning from Virtual to In-Person Instruction](https://acrlog.org/2021/04/26/cameras-off-transitioning-from-virtual-to-in-person-instruction/): This guest post comes from Grace Spiewak, the Instructional Services Librarian at Aurora University. Virtual instruction is my normal – not my new normal, but the only normal I’ve known since becoming a librarian. I started my first professional librarian position in August 2020, right after completing my last one and a half semesters of
- [Dreading Decisions and Making a Change](https://acrlog.org/2021/04/26/dreading-decisions-and-making-a-change/): This guest post is from Abigail Gulya, Metadata Librarian at University of Pittsburgh. I make a lot of choices throughout the day. Some of them are pretty simple. Will I have coffee today? (Yes. Many times.) Some of them are a little more complex. I have three projects, and all of them are due immediately.
- [Call for FYAL Bloggers!](https://acrlog.org/2021/08/26/call-for-fyal-bloggers-2/): With the new academic year coming up soon (or perhaps, for some of you, already begun!), we’re looking to bring on a few new bloggers here at ACRLog. We’d like to thank our 2020-2021 FYAL bloggers Valerie Moore and Kevin Adams. We’d also like to encourage new academic librarians — those who are just beginning in
- [Scenes from the start of the fall semester](https://acrlog.org/2021/08/26/scenes-from-the-start-of-the-fall-semester/): I work at an institution with no mask mandate and no vaccine requirement. The emphasis is on personal responsibility, sphere of influence, and individual liberty. Our Access Services workers have kept our building open over the last year and a half while I and my other liaison services colleagues have been able to work from
- [The impossibility of tying up loose ends](https://acrlog.org/2021/08/13/the-impossibility-of-tying-up-loose-ends/): This week, I’m writing this blog post from a new location and from a new job. Since April, things have been hectic and frantic and frankly, (not to be dramatic but) life-changing. I wrapped up a job I had been in for four years, moved eight hours to a new city, and started a new
- [Every Year is Someone’s First Year in Academic Librarianship](https://acrlog.org/2021/07/15/every-year-is-someones-first-year-in-academic-librarianship/): With all of the changes in our work over the past year, I know I’m not the only one who’s spent lots of time recently thinking about both the pre-pandemic past as well as the always uncertain future. This historical turn has had the ACRLog blogteam thinking about the past and future of our First
- [Another post on burnout, or A pep talk on cultivating an empathic attitude](https://acrlog.org/2021/07/01/another-post-on-burnout-or-a-pep-talk-on-cultivating-an-empathic-attitude/): I’ve been in this profession long enough to know that it’s often around this time of year that I usually start to feel really burnt out. Looking back through some of my old ACRLog posts, I found one from some time ago where I reflected on this very feeling...and tried to see past it. It
- [A different summer vibe](https://acrlog.org/2021/06/25/a-different-summer-vibe/): Writing, especially blog writing, has been tough in 2021. I keep looking at open and blank documents, trying to think of something new to say. Spoiler: that strategy hasn’t been working too well. And frankly, I, like many others, are tired. This past spring semester, I did what I needed to do but didn’t try
- [Trust and Teaching](https://acrlog.org/2021/06/02/trust-and-teaching/): In late April I (virtually) presented alongside Shawn(ta) Smith-Cruz and Elvis Bakaitis at the CUNY Mina Reese Library's event, Towards a Critical, Decolonized Pedagogy: An Interactive (Re)Visioning. Shawn presented a thought-provoking and compelling search for ancestral connection through pedagogy, while my portion of the workshop centered on the idea of trust in critical pedagogy. I
- [Reflections on ACRL 2021](https://acrlog.org/2021/05/13/reflections-on-acrl-2021/): As I logged into the ACRL 2021 Virtual Conference Opening Keynote, I was excited and nervous for the conference. I didn’t know what to expect. Would I find new and inspiring ideas? Would I find old and tired conversations that I’ve participated in over and over again? Would I find the virtual format engaging? Who
- [The End of the Beginning](https://acrlog.org/2021/05/20/the-end-of-the-beginning/): “Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.” Winston Churchill Today marks the end of our school year at Prairie State College, and the end of my first school year as an academic librarian. In the meantime, I took
- [Re-envisioning an Instruction Program with Critical Information Literacy in Mind](https://acrlog.org/2020/10/14/re-envisioning-an-instruction-program-with-critical-information-literacy-in-mind/): My name is Kevin Adams and I am one of the new First Year Academic Librarian (FYAL) bloggers! My pronouns are he/him/his. I am interested in critical information literacy, pedagogy, all things punk, and a bunch of other stuff. I am so happy to be writing for this blog and I hope that by sharing
- [Strategies for Collaboration](https://acrlog.org/2021/03/12/strategies-for-collaboration/): While completing my master’s program, I was surprised by how frequently team projects were assigned. Collaboration was one of the most commonly used words at my institution, to the point that the manager for my graduate assistant position would excitedly (and sometimes sarcastically) refer to collaborative projects as “collabos.” It wasn’t until my final semester
- [Librarianship in the Time of COVID](https://acrlog.org/2020/10/17/librarianship-in-the-time-of-covid/): As I write this, I’m entering my third month as an Outreach and Engagement Librarian. I’m excited to be starting this new position in a new field, but must admit that this is a strange time to be starting anything well…new. Yet, 2020 has been nothing but new adjustments in our household as we also
- [On Tenure](https://acrlog.org/2020/11/19/on-tenure/): My position is on the tenure track. This is something I find a mixture of daunting, humbling, exciting, and embarrassing. Part of me is still looking for the adult in the room and then realizing it is me. The other part wonders why I have so much cartilage damage in my knees because balance is
- [The December Post](https://acrlog.org/2020/12/19/the-december-post/): I don’t have a title for this post, so I will simply call it, “The December Post.” Our semester finished at the end of last week. While I remember the academic calendar particularly from my high school and undergraduate years, I’m still getting used to it at work. Things slowly ramp up with two peaks:
- [Your Personal Librarian](https://acrlog.org/2021/01/20/your-personal-librarian/): My daughter has a book called, Your Personal Penguin by Sandra Boynton, which is one of my favorites. In the book, a penguin follows a hippopotamus asking for its friendship. As with other children’s books, there aren’t many words, but the illustrations hint at the potential for a great friendship. I’ve found Sandra Boynton’s books
- [A Student (Doesn’t) Walk into a Library During a Pandemic](https://acrlog.org/2021/02/15/a-student-doesnt-walk-into-a-library-during-a-pandemic/): I’ve restarted the library's blog to create a space just for students. The idea was to help them navigate the college experience through the lens of the library. Naturally we feature heavily in the messaging. I already have a newsletter for faculty, which they seem? to read, but we didn’t have anything for students. The
- [It's The End Of The World as We Know It, and I'm Not Fine](https://acrlog.org/2021/03/20/its-the-end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it-and-im-not-fine/): This is a hard time of year even under better circumstances in Chicago. We are over winter, but winter isn’t over us. Spring is such a tease with a week of blue skies and sunshine, followed by one of sleet. These beautiful days give us a false sense of hope, leading to a harder betrayal
- [How to avoid spreading myself too thin (and still get tenure)](https://acrlog.org/2021/04/20/how-to-avoid-spreading-myself-too-thin-and-still-get-tenure/): My position is on the tenure track. Our process is shorter than usual at only three years, but there isn’t an expectation of publication. The tenure process revolves around learning to be a better instructor and librarian. Essentially the process is designed to help you grow into your role. I do not have a PhD,
- [How are you doing? (part 2)](https://acrlog.org/2021/05/05/how-are-you-doing-part-2/): Last April, some ACRLog team members reflected on how things were going in our respective libraries. At that time, we were in the very early days of the pandemic and had no idea what was ahead of us, or for how long. Now, over a year later, we’re all still navigating an uncertain and stressful
- [Time out! In defense of taking vacation](https://acrlog.org/2021/03/31/time-out-in-defense-of-taking-vacation/): During a bit of downtime last week, I sat down with my calendar and penciled in a few long weekends and a full week of vacation this summer. 15 whole days! During most of 2020, it felt “pointless” to take a vacation if I couldn’t go anywhere new or visit anyone I loved. At most,
- [Evaluating Evaluations During a Continuing Crisis](https://acrlog.org/2021/03/31/evaluating-evaluations-during-a-continuing-crisis/): As we enter year two of this pandemic, I’m thinking about annual evaluations. At my university our annual evaluation schedule has library faculty writing our own annual reports and our appointments committee holding evaluation meetings in late Spring, and reappointment and tenure votes happen in the early Fall. And while schedules may differ at other
- [You Can Only Lend a Helping Hand if Your Hands Aren't Full](https://acrlog.org/2021/03/19/you-can-only-lend-a-helping-hand-if-your-hands-arent-full/): Self-care is so important. I think we’ve all learned that in one way or another over the past year. We’ve also learned that there are a lot of different types of self-care: responsibilities to ourselves (eat right, get exercise, sleep the right amount), doing fun things (eat your favorite food without thinking about calories for
- [Pulling Back the Curtain on Library Magic](https://acrlog.org/2021/02/25/pulling-back-the-curtain-on-library-magic/): Some Context While we're making dinner, my husband (also in academia) and I will usually talk about our workday, despite the fact that, at the moment, our offices are separated by only one wall. These conversations usually devolve into what I'll politely refer to in a public forum as "academia garbage talk," in which we
- [Combatting Imposter Syndrome with Comradery and Critical Pedagogy](https://acrlog.org/2021/02/10/combatting-imposter-syndrome-with-comradery-and-critical-pedagogy/): One of my friends from my graduate program is currently an instruction librarian at another institution. At the beginning of the academic school year, he asked if I would like to join him in reading partnership centered on instruction and pedagogy through a critical lens. So far this year, we have read bell hooks’ Teaching
- [Institutional and Departmental Diversity Statements](https://acrlog.org/2021/02/06/institutional-and-departmental-diversity-statements/): Your institution probably has a diversity or DEI (diversity, equity, & inclusion) statement. Take a minute and go read it, even if you’ve seen it before. Now check the diversity statements of a few other institutions; they’re pretty similar, aren’t they? This is not a bad thing. The purpose of an institutional diversity statement is
- [Planning with Uncertainty](https://acrlog.org/2021/02/02/planning-with-uncertainty/): Since 2008, ACRLog’s “First Year Academic Librarian (FYAL) Experience” series has annually featured 1-2 academic librarians in their first year on the job in an academic library. This new series, “Where Are They Now? Former FYALs Reflect,” features posts from past FYAL bloggers as they look back on their trajectories since their first year. This
- [Lost in Exigency, Baby.](https://acrlog.org/2021/01/29/lost-in-exigency-baby/): As a researcher of organizational communication, I have spent much of the past year observing and analyzing crisis communication by university and library leadership. Often I'm in the minority, praising communication and transparency I’ve observed from university responses to the pandemic, where others have been quick to find fault. Far from an apologist, my unpopular
- [Working Like Normal?](https://acrlog.org/2021/01/19/working-like-normal/): Man, am I struggling. It’s felt like a day of mistakes, exacerbated by the fact that I haven’t seen my boss or colleagues in person for weeks. I’m isolated, and suffering from a lack of structure and routine. Deadlines are sneaking up on me and I’m remembering meetings at the last second, tying up my
- [Virtual Holiday Parties](https://acrlog.org/2020/12/10/virtual-holiday-parties/): With the holidays starting, yet another surreal “I guess this is COVID” moment is upon us: we’re really going to go a whole December without office holiday parties? Did we ever think we would miss such a thing? I have only worked in three libraries, but I have been fortunate enough to work in three
- [Finding the "yes and..." and getting out of my head](https://acrlog.org/2020/12/04/finding-the-yes-and-and-getting-out-of-my-head/): As the semester and end of the year approaches, I find myself reflecting on this question more frequently: “Am I currently just trying to make it through the day or do I have the capacity and bandwidth to do other things?” I, like many of you reading this post, am tired. I feel like I’m
- [Seeking Creativity in the Pandemic](https://acrlog.org/2020/12/08/seeking-creativity-in-the-pandemic/): I have always struggled with forced creativity. Working in an office, working at a desk, working at a computer have always been stifling. Good thing I chose to be a librarian, right? Of course, I have developed several strategies to help cope with this and inspire creativity and positivity in my work: multitasking, going for
- [Similarities and Differences](https://acrlog.org/2020/11/25/similarities-and-differences/): I’ve spent all semester struggling with writer’s block here at ACRLog, feeling a lack of both focus and ideas. Which is not at all surprising (or unique to me) given the many crises unfolding simultaneously in the U.S. and the world right now. I think what I keep getting stuck on is the desire to
- [Where Have I Been?](https://acrlog.org/2020/11/18/where-have-i-been/): Since 2008, ACRLog’s “First Year Academic Librarian (FYAL) Experience” series has annually featured 1-2 academic librarians in their first year on the job in an academic library. This new series, “Where Are They Now? Former FYALs Reflect,” features posts from past FYAL bloggers as they look back on their trajectories since their first year. This
- [What Does Engagement  Mean?](https://acrlog.org/2020/11/16/what-does-engagement-mean/): Our library now has an Inclusive Pedagogy Community of Practice (CoP) spearheaded by my excellent colleague, Emily Deal. Next week we're meeting to discuss Not Enough Voices, a chapter from An Urgency of Teachers by Sean Michael Morris and Jesse Stommel. It's such a rich chapter that I fear I won't do it justice by
- [Transitioning Supervision Models](https://acrlog.org/2020/11/11/transitioning-supervision-models/): Three years ago I would start my day by opening a restaurant – taking down the chairs, laying out the silverware, starting the coffee, turning on the food warmers, setting up the bar, and commiserating with coworkers. On long days, I would end my day 14 hours later closing up a different restaurant – putting
- [Student clubs and making zines](https://acrlog.org/2020/10/30/student-clubs-and-making-zines/): Slowly but surely we’re making it through this fall semester. For a librarian focused on student engagement and outreach, this semester has been a pivot (probably a large understatement). As Valerie discusses in her first FYAL post, part of the challenge for our work is finding ways to connect with our students. With limited hours
- [Facilitating Class Conversations: Learning to Listen](https://acrlog.org/2020/11/02/facilitating-class-conversations-learning-to-listen/): Last month, my institution hosted a workshop on facilitating discussions on difficult issues, specifically in the classroom. We discussed how to engage in constructive dialogue and practiced handling unanticipated remarks that fall outside of our comfort zone. The first half of the workshop focused on active listening. The facilitator acknowledged that listening is hard; it’s
- [Open Libraries, Closed Spaces](https://acrlog.org/2020/09/26/open-libraries-closed-spaces/): Though we're a month into this unprecedented continuing pandemic semester at the college and university where I work, I'm still finding myself getting used to these remote working conditions. I work at a commuter college in New York City; at our university campuses have been mostly closed since last March, and we're offering classes overwhelmingly
- [Learning From Virtual 3rd Grade](https://acrlog.org/2020/09/28/learning-from-virtual-3rd-grade/): How are you hanging in there, academic librarians who are also parents and caregivers? I'm not great. My guess is you are tired, frustrated, grateful, sad, motivated, and every other emotion in the full range of human feeling. Some of us have had to send our children back to school or daycare. Some of us
- [A hook to grab onto: Creating context cues in online instruction](https://acrlog.org/2020/09/22/a-hook-to-grab-onto-creating-context-cues-in-online-instruction/): In a recent meeting, I found myself yet again wondering if I had already shared a particular bit of news with my colleagues or was I thinking of the previous meeting? My schedule, probably much like yours, is usually full of meetings. In the pre-pandemic world, my schedule reflected a mix of online and in-person
- [A fall semester zine check-in](https://acrlog.org/2020/09/04/a-fall-semester-zine-check-in/): I don't know about everyone else, but writing has been tough for me during the pandemic. As I racked my mind for what to write about this month for ACRLog, I decided to make a zine instead. During the pandemic, I've found myself making a lot of these one page (turned into 8 pages) zine.
- [Reflecting on Seven Years of Librarianship](https://acrlog.org/2020/08/31/reflecting-on-seven-years-of-librarianship/): Since 2008, ACRLog’s “First Year Academic Librarian (FYAL) Experience” series has annually featured 1-2 academic librarians in their first year on the job in an academic library. This new series, “Where Are They Now?: Former FYALs Reflect,” features posts from past FYAL bloggers as they look back on their trajectories since their first year. This
- [Call for FYAL Bloggers](https://acrlog.org/2020/08/24/call-for-fyal-bloggers/): With the new academic year coming up soon (or perhaps, for some of you, already begun!), we’re looking to bring on a few new bloggers here at ACRLog. We’d like to thank our 2019-2020 FYAL bloggers Karina Hagelin and Yoonhee Lee for their terrific posts this past year in our First Year Academic Librarian Experience
- [What a little bug with a sword taught me about learning](https://acrlog.org/2020/08/24/what-a-little-bug-with-a-sword-taught-me-about-learning/): These last few months at home, I’ve been playing a lot of video games. I started with relaxing ones, like Stardew Valley, tried my hand at some first person shooters like Overwatch (not my greatest strength), and replayed a few old favorites from childhood, like Mario Kart. I definitely do not identify as a hardcore
- [Performance](https://acrlog.org/2020/08/17/performance/): We have tents and grand speeches, branded masks and slogans, rehearsals and schematics and all of the plans that accompany major performative events. And to be honest, that's exactly what college, university, and academic library reopenings feel like to me: A Performance. We're reopening because of political pressure and financial need, not because it's suddenly
- [An Ode to My Library Friends and Colleagues](https://acrlog.org/2020/08/14/an-ode-to-my-library-friends-and-colleagues/): This is my last post as a blogger for the First Year Academic Librarian (FYAL) Experience series. My first year as a librarian has been a whirlwind. I just finished writing my annual self-evaluation report reflecting on my year, and I’m reminded again that reflection is hard and challenging work. I’ve strived to be a
- [So Long, Farewell: Reflections  + Takeaways From My Diversity Fellowship at Cornell University](https://acrlog.org/2020/08/12/so-long-farewell-reflections-takeaways-from-my-diversity-fellowship-at-cornell-university/): My diversity fellowship at Cornell University has been such a transformative journey, with so many opportunities to learn, grow, and expand as an academic librarian. I spent the first six months of my fellowship working as an Assistant Archivist in Rare and Manuscript Collections (RMC). During this time, I worked with the Human Sexuality Collection
- [Reflecting on library space through the lens of the pandemic](https://acrlog.org/2020/07/31/reflecting-on-library-space-through-the-lens-of-the-pandemic/): Before the pandemic turned our world upside down, I was working on some space-related projects at my library. A recent update to a small lounge area had a notable payoff. Collaboration with my colleague in the Learning Center was making slow but steady progress toward a renovation to expand and enhance our spaces and services
- [And, We're Back! Re-Opening Our Library](https://acrlog.org/2020/07/17/and-were-back-re-opening-our-library/): As a medical school library, we already have students beginning a new academic year. Between nurse, PA, and MD programs, residents, and the non-stop functioning of a hospital we support, we knew we would be among the early returners... the guinea pigs, if you will. Some upsides: The majority of our user base is already
- [Getting out of the funk](https://acrlog.org/2020/07/10/getting-out-of-the-funk/): If I were in a movie, we would be at the part where the scene speeds up and you see me, moving through the weeks. My outfits change, and I move around my one-bedroom apartment, sitting and standing in all different places as I work and try to get my work done. Some days I
- [Moving Towards Healing: A Trauma-Informed Librarianship Primer](https://acrlog.org/2020/06/23/moving-towards-healing-a-trauma-informed-librarianship-primer/): Art by @gabriellarosie I recently had the opportunity to teach several webinars for the Southeast Florida Library Information Network. One of the topics they asked me to speak about was trauma-informed librarianship, something I have been teaching on, incorporating into my practices and pedagogy, and continuing to learn about. Today, I’d like to share a
- [Here. Still.](https://acrlog.org/2020/05/21/here-still/): Here we are friends. Things are still weird, wrong, scary, annoying, infuriating, comforting, isolating, easy, difficult, slow-paced, and overwhelming. I'm sitting at the IKEA desk I hastily bought before Texas shut down all non-essential business in April. It's positioned at a window that overlooks two dumpsters and a parking garage, but the light is good
- [Burning with Your Own Passions](https://acrlog.org/2020/05/20/burning-with-your-own-passions/): Since 2008, ACRLog’s “First Year Academic Librarian (FYAL) Experience” series has annually featured 1-2 academic librarians in their first year on the job in an academic library. This new series, “Where Are They Now? Former FYALs Reflect,” features posts from past FYAL bloggers as they look back on their trajectories since their first year. This
- [Not-So-Empty Library Spaces](https://acrlog.org/2020/05/08/not-so-empty-library-spaces/): You probably, to some degree, miss the physical space of your library right around now. It’s been about eight weeks since you’ve seen each other, after all. Whether it’s a dual-monitor setup in your office or that weird stain on the carpet that you swear looks like an alligator from the right angle, there’s got
- [Clarinets and crafts: Observations from my apartment](https://acrlog.org/2020/05/01/clarinets-and-crafts-observations-from-my-apartment/): Seven weeks ago, I wrote about week one of teleworking. A lot was changing then, and a lot has changed since. By this point, many of our semesters are wrapping up, we’ve taught at least once in this remote setting, and we’ve found new routines that govern our day-to-day. For me, I’ve led an online
- [How are you doing?](https://acrlog.org/2020/04/24/how-are-you-doing/): Support from friends has helped me keep my chin up in the face of cabin fever and low-key panic, and I’ve been casting about for the same support at work. So I asked fellow ACRLoggers to share how things are going where they work: What's the situation at your institution, at the time of writing?
- [A Wrinkle in Time](https://acrlog.org/2020/04/20/a-wrinkle-in-time/): Since 2008, ACRLog’s “First Year Academic Librarian (FYAL) Experience” series has annually featured 1-2 academic librarians in their first year on the job in an academic library. This new series, “Where Are They Now? Former FYALs Reflect,” features posts from past FYAL bloggers as they look back on their trajectories since their first year. This
- [What Does Teaching Online Look Like Now?](https://acrlog.org/2020/04/09/what-does-teaching-online-look-like-now/): This is not a post about tools and software for teaching online, holding class lectures via Zoom or Microsoft Teams, editing on-the-fly instructional videos, or developing interactive lessons in Articulate Rise 360. Yes, my colleagues and I are doing these things and trying our best at them. But we are also anxious, tired, busy, scared,
- [A Weekly Log of an Atypical Month](https://acrlog.org/2020/03/29/a-weekly-log-of-an-atypical-month/): I don’t know what to say about COVID-19, and all the different ways we are experiencing loss at this time. I thought writing about it would help me process and reflect, but I’ve been struggling to focus. I realized that all of the anxieties I have about being a new librarian on a contract has
- [Work-From-Home: Part-Timers & Student Workers](https://acrlog.org/2020/03/27/work-from-home-part-timers-student-workers/): Most academic library employees across the country have been working from home for the better part of two weeks now, and will be doing so for an unknown amount of time this spring (and summer?) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. What about our part-timers and student workers? In my library, I have two dozen part-time
- [The Teleworking Diaries: Initial Thoughts from Working Remote](https://acrlog.org/2020/03/20/the-teleworking-diaries-initial-thoughts-from-working-remote/): Last week, things didn’t seem so bad and I told myself I wasn’t going to write about the coronavirus for this month’s blog post. I told myself I would write about a project I’m working on or an element of librarianship I wanted to do a bit of a deep dive into. But this, this
- [Seven years later](https://acrlog.org/2020/03/17/seven-years-later/): Since 2008, ACRLog’s “First Year Academic Librarian (FYAL) Experience” series has annually featured 1-2 academic librarians in their first year on the job in an academic library. This new series, “Where Are They Now? Former FYALs Reflect,” features posts from past FYAL bloggers as they look back on their trajectories since their first year. This
- [7 Tips for Starting Small and Coping with Overwhelm](https://acrlog.org/2020/03/09/7-tips-for-starting-small-and-coping-with-overwhelm/): I’ve been feeling overwhelmed lately: botched anesthesia during a surgery left me traumatized and everything became too much almost overnight. I’m sure many of you can relate to these feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, and burnout. Kaetrena Davis Kendrick has created so much amazing work librarians experiencing low morale, documenting and validating our journeys as we
- [Metaphors That Resonate](https://acrlog.org/2020/03/05/metaphors-that-resonate/): This Change magazine article, “#HashtagPedagogies: Improving Literacy and Course Relevance Through Social Media Metaphors,” which suggests using social media vocabulary to describe academic concepts that are familiar to faculty and professionals, but not students, has been rattling around my head this month. The author, Micah Oelze, models his strategy by choosing a central hashtag for
- [What the Numbers Say and Don’t Say](https://acrlog.org/2020/02/28/what-the-numbers-say-and-dont-say/): I am not a numbers person. Likely, due to my humanities background, I am unfamiliar with numbers and also suspicious of them. Yet, I find myself constantly thinking about numbers at work. I count: the number of classes I’ve taught, the number of consultations, the number of conferences I’m going to, the number of hours
- [We Have Already Made It](https://acrlog.org/2020/02/19/we-have-already-made-it/): I've spent the last few weeks of what has been an unusually hectic start to the semester thinking lots about Emily's post from last month, Breaking the "Fake It" Habit. If you haven't read it yet, I recommend that you head on over and do, I can wait. Emily writes about fear of not knowing
- [Will this work?](https://acrlog.org/2020/02/07/will-this-work/): In May 2017, I had an idea. I wanted to create a credit-bearing course, one that would provide students the foundation they needed to be peer research consultants (PRCs) within the libraries. The class would have the same vibes as writing tutor classes that are taught across the United States and called many different names
- [Being okay with confusion](https://acrlog.org/2020/02/02/being-okay-with-confusion/): I do a one minute paper for most of my library instruction sessions, where I ask students: what was the most useful or interesting they learned, what remains confusing or unclear. I also give them the space to add any additional comments or questions they have. Most leave that section blank, or provide quick feedback,
- [Maintaining the Day Away](https://acrlog.org/2020/01/23/maintaining-the-day-away/): I've been back at work after Winter Break for 17 days now. The Spring semester started 10 days ago. I've scheduled classes, emailed instructors about their scheduled class details, assigned classes to librarian colleagues, and added those classes to calendars with relevant details about assignments. I've replied to questions over email, asked questions over email,
- [Breaking the "Fake It" Habit](https://acrlog.org/2020/01/28/breaking-the-fake-it-habit/): You ever start Googling “[library topic] for dummies,” desperately trying to find some blog post from 2007 that explains what a threshold concept is, or how a proxy server works? It’s particularly awkward when you get the sense it’s a 101 topic that everyone around you seems to understand. That scenario makes me feel like
- [Creating Cultures of Radical Vulnerability and Empathy: 5 Ways to Support Colleagues Who Are Survivors](https://acrlog.org/2020/01/13/creating-cultures-of-radical-vulnerability-and-empathy-5-ways-to-support-colleagues-who-are-survivors/): I recently had the opportunity to take a class on trauma-informed librarianship with S. Bryce Kozla. This course gave us the skills to describe the importance of trauma-informed care in library spaces and services, consider ways to keep an interaction from escalating (and to keep calm and present in a potentially stressful situation,) name some
- [Reflecting on contract work and precarity](https://acrlog.org/2019/12/21/reflecting-on-contract-work-and-precarity/): Like many others, as the year is coming to an end, I’ve been in a reflective mood. Last year around this time, I was anxious about graduating, the job hunting process, and the potential for un/underemployment in the spring. A lot has changed since then. I left the city I lived in for over a
- [Celebrate Your Cheerleaders!](https://acrlog.org/2019/12/18/celebrate-your-cheerleaders/): Last month, we had a small reception in our library to celebrate a handful of individuals who are strong supporters of the library and promote the use of library resources and services by students, faculty, and staff. Despite being new to this library this year, I was familiar with this program, because the “READ” posters
- [Ending the year with questions](https://acrlog.org/2019/12/14/ending-the-year-with-questions/): It’s the end of the year and all the things I expect are happening. Students are camping out in the library, I’m working on end-of-the-semester recaps, and I’m already thinking ahead to 2020. With the way the holiday lines up, I’ll leave campus before finals are over and graduation has occurred and when I return,
- [Five Healthy Coping Strategies for Dealing with Rejection in Academic Librarianship](https://acrlog.org/2019/12/09/five-healthy-coping-strategies-for-dealing-with-rejection-in-academic-librarianship/): Photo by Ian Kim on Unsplash “Do not fear failure but rather fear not trying.” Roy T. Bennett I put myself out there. A lot. I’ve lost count of the number of awards and scholarships I’ve applied to throughout my education and career. I do remember that I was rejected for every single one of them. I really
- [Liasion Bricolage: Making Do, Gaining Responsibilities and Burnout](https://acrlog.org/2019/12/06/liasion-bricolage-making-do-gaining-responsibilities-and-burnout/): My work dramatically changed when I dropped scholarly communication for liaison librarianship last Spring. It has not been a clean break. I was a functional specialist with liaison duties at Utah State and I find myself a liaison with functional duties at the University of Washington. In part because my former job gives me an
- [Feeling my way as a teacher](https://acrlog.org/2019/11/27/feeling-my-way-as-a-teacher/): This month, I’ve been participating in the Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW), an intensive three-day program that involves presenting mini-lessons, peer feedback, and discussions on learner-centred teaching practices. My experience with teaching is not extensive. While I did have opportunities to assist with library instruction and co-teach some classes in library school, I had never designed
- [When Did Efficiency Become the End-Goal?](https://acrlog.org/2019/11/15/when-did-efficiency-become-the-end-goal/): Earlier this week I read the latest Library Trends article by Karen P. Nicholson, Nicole Pagowsky, and Maura Seale, Just-in-Time or Just-in-Case? Time, Learning Analytics, and the Academic Library (also available via the University of Arizona Repository. If you haven't read it yet, stop reading this blog post and head on over to that article
- [Room to Breathe](https://acrlog.org/2019/11/22/room-to-breathe/): I like working in an academic environment because it follows a predictable emotional pattern—busy times in September and October, a little lull before Thanksgiving, the quietest January in the world. Of course, this depends on your job roles and how your school structures semesters, but I like knowing that across institutions, we’re all on a
- [Diversity Fellowships: Finding Your Place in Academic Librarianship](https://acrlog.org/2019/11/13/diversity-fellowships-finding-your-place-in-academic-librarianship/): Please welcome our new First Year Academic Librarian Experience blogger Karina Hagelin, Outreach and Instruction Librarian and Diversity Fellow at Cornell University Library. Hello there, colleagues and comrades. I’m Karina and I’m one of your new First-Year Academic Librarian bloggers! I’m currently a Diversity Fellow and Outreach and Instruction Librarian at Cornell University Library (CUL).
- [Doing Less with Less](https://acrlog.org/2019/11/09/doing-less-with-less/): Like so many of us in academic libraries and public higher education more generally, at my college and university we’ve experienced several successive years of budget cuts. My colleagues and I have done what we can to make changes that reduce costs with minimal impact to patrons, but unfortunately we are now at the point
- [If our spaces could speak, what would they say?](https://acrlog.org/2019/11/07/if-our-spaces-could-speak-what-would-they-say/): Over the summer, we updated a small lounge area in my library. We had multiple goals for this project; chief among them was to add seats in our often packed-to-the-gills library and also reduce noise problems that the area seemed to foster. Previously, this area was home to two clusters of chairs separated by a
- [Being Pro-Pronouns](https://acrlog.org/2019/11/01/being-pro-pronouns/): October is a time for National Coming Out Day, International Pronouns Day, and also happened to be the month in which I was added to our institution’s Diversity Council and attended my first meeting thereof. So I’ve been thinking about pronouns more than usual (which is actually pretty often to begin with) for a few
- [Work weeks, schedules, and supporting students](https://acrlog.org/2019/10/24/work-weeks-schedules-and-supporting-students/): Recently, Facebook reminded me of a picture I posted when I was in undergrad. It’s a picture of my Google calendar, in the fall of 2012. I was a busy undergrad, especially that fall, but my caption when I reposted this picture was something like, “If only 2012 Hailley knew what 2019 Hailley’s calendar would
- [Introducing Yourself When You’re a New Librarian](https://acrlog.org/2019/10/21/introducing-yourself-when-youre-a-new-librarian/): Please welcome our new First Year Academic Librarian Experience blogger Yoonhee Lee, Learning & Curriculum Support Librarian at McLaughlin Library at the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada. “So, tell me about yourself…” is a question that I dread. Whether it’s in an interview situation or when you’re meeting someone for the first time in a
- [“Student Needs Are Academic Needs”: My 2 Cents](https://acrlog.org/2019/10/09/student-needs-are-academic-needs-my-2-cents/): This week I watched a new report, “Student Needs Are Academic Needs,” make the rounds of community college listserv discussions. I watched the discourse around this report get kinda heated, so I thought I’d share my reaction. As a community college librarian, I was interested to read a study with community college students in mind.
- [Learning to Learn](https://acrlog.org/2019/10/04/learning-to-learn/): Yesterday I attended a presentation and tour of a private school for children with learning differences (everything from dyslexia and dysgraphia, to autism, ADHD, anxiety, and processing issues, etc.). I've written about my son's issues with learning within a school setting before, in part as a means of processing my own feelings about standardized education,
- ["One: Librarians Are Not Wearing Enough Hats"](https://acrlog.org/2019/09/20/one-librarians-are-not-wearing-enough-hats/): If you’re familiar with Monty Python’s “The Meaning of Life,” you might recognize this joke. For the uninitiated, here’s the relevant clip, (less than two minutes), but I’ll explain. In a boardroom, there is a report being given about a team’s findings on the meaning of life thus far, and it starts with, “One: people
- [Embracing the Coordinator Role](https://acrlog.org/2019/09/13/embracing-the-coordinator-role/): Earlier this week, my boss went into our HR system and changed my title. I went from the Student Engagement & Outreach Librarian to Student Engagement Coordinator. The change happened for many reasons, some political, and others, more practical. As a whole, the change recognizes the work I have done in this role the past
- [Nothing New Under the Sun](https://acrlog.org/2019/08/26/nothing-new-under-the-sun/): At my community college, we’re piloting new information literacy instruction for English 101. The director hopes to move away from powerpoint lectures to give students more hands-on opportunities, and since I’m the liaison for the English department I’ve been spending a lot of my summer on this project, brainstorming, reading, and chewing the ends off
- [Applying Counter-Narratives to Academic Librarianship](https://acrlog.org/2019/08/22/applying-counter-narratives-to-academic-librarianship/): Late July and early August were a whirlwind of travel for me. First up: ACRL Immersion, where I had the privilege of observing the program as a new facilitator. This was followed up by a quick trip to Columbus, Ohio for IDEAL 2019, the Advancing Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility in Libraries & Archives Conference.
- [Supporting Each Other as Librarian Researchers](https://acrlog.org/2019/08/19/supporting-each-other-as-librarian-researchers/): We're at an interesting stage in the library where I work. Retirements and folks moving on to other opportunities have meant that we've done a fair amount of hiring over the past almost-five years. The result is that right now we have more untenured library faculty than tenured, and most of our tenured library faculty
- [Seeking First Year Academic Librarian Bloggers](https://acrlog.org/2019/08/12/seeking-first-year-academic-librarian-bloggers/): With the new academic year coming up soon (or perhaps, for some, already begun!), we’re looking to bring on a few new bloggers here at ACRLog. We’d like to thank our 2018-2019 FYAL bloggers Melissa DeWitt and Zoë McLaughlin for their terrific posts this past year in our First Year Academic Librarian Experience series. We’d
- [More Final Reflections](https://acrlog.org/2019/08/01/more-final-reflections/): Like Melissa, the time for my farewell post has come. I’ve greatly enjoyed my time writing for ACRLog—I’ve always found that writing helps me to process my thoughts and to reflect on my experiences. ACRLog has allowed me to do just that as I took my first steps into the life of a library professional.
- [Am I Productive or Just Busy?](https://acrlog.org/2019/07/26/am-i-productive-or-just-busy/): Since I’m new to medical libraries / academic medical centers this year, my summer takes a slightly different shape from what I’m used to. We get waves of new users starting at the end of June when the new residents show up, then a new group (nursing, PAs, etc.) every few weeks or so until
- [You Should Really Think About Publishing Something](https://acrlog.org/2019/07/21/you-should-really-think-about-publishing-something/): It's a piece of "advice" we've all received at some point or another in our academic librarian career. We may be on the tenure-track, in a continuing appointment position, promotion eligible, or classified as administrative staff. But at some point we've all heard some variation of the following statement: You should really think about publishing
- [Posters, Infographics, & Ways of Showcasing Student Engagement](https://acrlog.org/2019/07/19/posters-infographics-ways-of-showcasing-student-engagement/): This summer, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about posters. In early June, NPR shared a story of Mike Morrison, a graduate student who has been trying to transform the academic research poster landscape. In Mike’s almost 20 minute video, he explains what’s wrong about current academic posters and proposes a new layout in
- [“Wait a minute Honey, I’m gonna add it up:” Kanopies, DRM, and the Permanence of the Collection](https://acrlog.org/2019/07/08/wait-a-minute-honey-im-gonna-add-it-up-kanopies-drm-and-the-permanence-of-the-collection/): In my new position at the University of Washington I have a long commute, as one would expect, in a large city like Seattle. On this commute I listen to music and read and on the bus last week I reached for an old Midwestern standby, The Violent Femmes only to find that their first
- [Final Thoughts on My First Year](https://acrlog.org/2019/07/03/final-thoughts-on-my-first-year/): It’s already July, and I’m not really sure when that happened. Summer is starting to wind down and planning for the upcoming semester is in full swing. This is also my last post as an First Year Academic Librarian Experience (FYAL) blogger for ACRLog. I’ve had a great time writing posts, reflecting on my experiences
- [On secondary assignments and exploration](https://acrlog.org/2019/06/28/on-secondary-assignments-and-exploration/): One of the things that got me excited—almost a year ago now—when I was applying for my job, was that here at the Michigan State University Libraries, it’s commonplace to have what we refer to as a secondary assignment. Essentially, this means that at least 25% of any given librarian’s week is spent working in
- [Thoughts on the OWL/Chegg partnership](https://acrlog.org/2019/06/25/thoughts-on-the-owl-chegg-partnership/): On the ILI-L (Information Literacy Instruction) listserv, there’s been a discussion of the relatively new partnership between the Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL) and Chegg, the for-profit textbook rental company (also the creator of the Citation Machine service). The folks on the listserv caught me up on the implications of this partnership and Chegg’s
- [Falling Off, Getting Back On](https://acrlog.org/2019/06/21/falling-off-getting-back-on/): I can’t be the only person in academia who heads into summer thinking of new year’s resolutions. I’d guess that the lure of making resolutions at multiple points in the calendar year is kind of an occupational hazard for resolution-inclined folks who work in higher education. Our workload and responsibilities can shift fairly dramatically between
- [Puzzles: A Problem-Solving Approach](https://acrlog.org/2019/06/14/puzzles-a-problem-solving-approach/): I attended The Innovative Library Classroom (TILC) at William & Mary last week. It is my favorite conference, and I wanted to give it a shout-out just because it’s great (big enough to meet new people and get lots of new ideas, small enough that you can see everything you want to, the organizers are
- [Making the space: Researching beyond IRDL](https://acrlog.org/2019/06/08/making-the-space-researching-beyond-irdl/): I’ve spent the last week at the Institute of Research Design in Librarianship (IRDL). Most of the workshop has happened in the beautiful William H. Hannon Library on Loyola Marymount’s campus. Last month on the blog I talked about my preparation for this week-long research workshop. The week has been a whirlwind and it’s hard
- [Assumptions & Expectations](https://acrlog.org/2019/06/05/assumptions-expectations/): May 31st was my son's last day of first grade. His class had a pizza party, complete with cupcakes and cookies to round out the celebration. He had a fantastic year at this new school after a terrible one at his old school. He received two "awards" from his teacher, who handed out different award
- [Accessibility and Universal Design: A report on the BTAA Library Conference](https://acrlog.org/2019/05/31/accessibility-and-universal-design-a-report-on-the-btaa-library-conference/): This month, along with several others from my library, I was able to attend the Big Ten Academic Alliance Library Conference. Every year, the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) chooses a topic of interest to libraries, finds experts and organizes speakers, and holds a conference on that topic. This year, the conference was about accessibility,
- [Culturally Responsive Teaching: Reflections from MILEX](https://acrlog.org/2019/05/28/culturally-responsive-teaching-reflections-from-milex/): Last month I attended MILEX, a Maryland library conference. The subject was Culturally Responsive Teaching in Libraries, and it gave me a lot to think about. The timing was great: I’ve been looking forward to reflecting on my teaching practices this summer. As I’ve written in the past, library school did not prepare me for
- [Quality Time: The Presentation That Changed My Work Life](https://acrlog.org/2018/11/19/quality-time-the-presentation-that-changed-my-work-life/): Have you ever learned something that radically changed the way you work? I experienced that kind of paradigm shift this summer during a Professional Development Day on my campus. The session was on time management, led by David Gurzick, a professor of management at Hood College. I walked in expecting to hear about tools like
- [What Student Employees Have Taught Me](https://acrlog.org/2019/05/24/what-student-employees-have-taught-me/): As a new librarian, and as someone who is new to working at a university, there’s a lot to learn. I’ve learned about some of the university’s history and how it affects day-to-day operations, the degree programs and course offerings, different colleges on campus, how each college has their own rules regarding faculty promotion and
- [Pulling back the curtain: Conversations about process and information literacy](https://acrlog.org/2019/05/22/pulling-back-the-curtain-conversations-about-process-and-information-literacy/): My colleague Kate Morgan and I developed a series of panel discussions this past year that we called “From Concept to Creation: Uncovering the Making of Scholarly and Creative Accomplishments.” We invited campus faculty and staff to select a piece of research or creative work and discuss some aspects of its making. By sharing a
- [Supporting the other side](https://acrlog.org/2019/03/04/supporting-the-other-side/): So far in my research career, I’ve put a lot of stock, energy, and passion around the benefits of hiring and supporting student employment in the library. It’s the topic that gets me most fired up at conferences, the thing I’ll tweet about until I can’t tweet anymore, and one part of my job that
- [Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: What to Do with Conference Notes & Handouts?](https://acrlog.org/2019/05/17/conference-notes-handouts/): It’s conference season! So, I have a question you should consider before you leave for your next conference, workshop, professional development day, or seminar: What do you do with the notes and handouts you bring back? Obviously, you’re going to a conference or other professional development event because you intend to learn something from it.
- [Preparing for my IRDL experience](https://acrlog.org/2019/05/07/preparing-for-my-irdl-experience/): This past weekend, I spent a large amount of time at my dining room table, reading Collecting Qualitative Data: A Field Manual for Applied Research by Greg Guest, Emily E. Namey, and Marilyn L. Mitchell. And I was enjoying it. Now granted, this wasn’t a book I just happened to pick up as a fun
- [Library Open Mic](https://acrlog.org/2019/05/01/library-open-mic/): I work in a large library, and even after eight months, there are still people I barely know and certainly people whose work remains nebulous to me. And I continue to come up with new questions about one thing or another without any idea of who to ask. Which then means I have to direct
- [Herd Immunity](https://acrlog.org/2019/04/25/herd-immunity/): I'll add to the post-ACRL 2019 conference reflection writing with a nod to the presentation I can't stop thinking about and sharing with colleagues: When Research Gets Trolled: Digital Safety for Open Researchersby Reed Garber-Pearson, Verletta Kern, Madeline Mundt, Elliot Stevens, and Madison Sullivan This group of librarians from the University of Washington advocate for
- [Study Hacks and Student Survival](https://acrlog.org/2019/04/23/study-hacks-and-student-survival/): I know it’s not true, but I feel like one of the only academic librarians who didn’t make the trip to Ohio last weekend! I’m looking forward to my fellow ACRLog bloggers recapping what inspired them, and I thought in the meantime I’d share something I learned from a past ACRL paper that has changed
- [Student "Ownership" of the Library](https://acrlog.org/2019/04/19/student-ownership-of-the-library/): You’ve met them: the students who feel more comfortable in the library than most. They walk in confidently, they know where to find amenities and the section that houses their favorite topic or author, and they have no qualms about approaching a service desk to ask for information or assistance. We love these students! Many
- [#ACRL2019 reflection: My first, large conference](https://acrlog.org/2019/04/19/acrl2019-reflection-my-first-large-conference/): Last week, I attended ACRL 2019, which was my first, major conference. I prepared for the conference by selecting anything that looked interesting on the app (everything looked interesting. Woops), reading through posts like Hailley's, and talking to my my ACRL buddy that I was paired with. I’m still thinking through the panels and sessions
- [Preparing for #ACRL2019](https://acrlog.org/2019/04/09/preparing-for-acrl2019/): The time has come, our slides and posters are hopefully published online, our bags are (mostly) packed, preconferences are about to begin, and we are ready to be in Cleveland this week. It seems a little wild to me that it’s time for ACRL again. In 2017, this ended up being a pretty pivotal conference
- [Reflections after the Association for Asian Studies Conference](https://acrlog.org/2019/04/05/reflections-after-the-association-for-asian-studies-conference/): A few weeks ago, I attended the Association for Asian Studies annual conference. This conference has been a staple of my repertoire since I started library school, because along with all the usual scholarly panels, there are also several meetings of librarians. With two years under my belt, I was excited to approach this conference
- [Desperately Seeking Sense-Making](https://acrlog.org/2019/03/31/desperately-seeking-sense-making/): If you know a little about me, you know my practice of librarianship -- what I like to call truthbrarianship -- desperately seeks to express a deeper connection to the communicative side of our profession, whether that’s information-seeking or information-management. I’m still working on an alternative word for the latter, but my truth-seeking approach is inspired by Brenda
- [When Busy Leads to Block](https://acrlog.org/2019/03/28/when-busy-leads-to-block/): I had an idea for my post this week, and came to work this morning thinking it would be relatively easy to get the words on the page (type the letters on the screen). I'm working on revisions right now for a chapter for a book about service and identity in academic librarianship and, somewhat
- [The Benefits of Library Twitter](https://acrlog.org/2019/03/22/cheers-to-library-twitter/): I first created a Twitter account back in 2008 because I heard that it was going to be A Thing. Back then, I used my account in a similar way I was using Facebook: to connect with people I already knew and talked to everyday. I also used it to chat with the Harry Potter
- [Library Jargon](https://acrlog.org/2019/03/18/library-jargon/): This is my first post for ACRLog in my new position as a community college librarian! Starting a new job, I see everything in a new light. Circulation processes, internal record-keeping, who to email for what: all this is fresh for me at this institution. My brain has to work much harder than when
- [(Academic) Library of Things](https://acrlog.org/2019/03/13/academic-library-of-things/): I don’t know about the rest of you, but I get really excited when I see an article about “The Most Interesting Things You Didn’t Know You Could Check Out at Your Library,” or some similarly clickbaity title. It’s a sure way to get me to click on a link, if I’m being honest; Libraries
- [When do new librarians start publishing anyway?](https://acrlog.org/2019/02/21/when-do-new-librarians-start-publishing-anyway/): Confession: I’m 10 months into my first job in an academic library and I haven’t published anything. I haven’t been on a conference panel, and I haven’t given a full length presentation about my research. I’m not tenure track, so there’s no pressure to publish or perish; but conducting research, presenting ideas, and publishing papers
- [Thoughts on the DISC assessment](https://acrlog.org/2019/02/26/thoughts-on-the-disc-assessment/): Earlier this year, everyone in my little division of the library, area studies, took a DISC assessment in order to learn more about dynamics within our group. The DISC assessment (trademarked DiSC for the particular version that we took) is based off the William Moulton Marston’s 1928 book Emotions of Normal People. Marston posited that
- [From MLA to MLA: Citing at Different Libraries](https://acrlog.org/2019/02/12/from-mla-to-mla-citing-at-different-libraries/): Alex Harrington has recently moved from her Reference & Instruction Librarian position at Tidewater Community College in Virginia Beach, VA, to take the position of Access Services & Instruction Librarian at Penn State University's Harrell Health Sciences Library in Hershey, PA. ----- Let’s talk about everyone’s favorite library activity: citing your sources! Citation is woven
- [Digital Musings on the High School to College Transition](https://acrlog.org/2019/02/08/digital-musings-on-the-high-school-to-college-transition/): This year my kid is a senior in high school, and we've spent the past month recuperating from the flurry of college application activity last fall. As should not be a surprise, college admissions have changed lots since I applied to colleges in the pre-internet era, though I somehow still found parts of the process
- [Celebrating friendships in academia](https://acrlog.org/2019/02/05/celebrating-friendships-in-academia/): I would love to see more conversations about the importance of friendship in academia. Speaking just from my experience, it matters. A lot. — Jessica Preece (@jrpjrpjrp) January 14, 2019 I first saw this tweet in a direct message between myself, Chelsea, and Charissa, after we got back from a little writing weekend in Austin.
- [Resolutions for Failure](https://acrlog.org/2019/02/01/resolutions-for-failure/): How bout that January, eh? Lots of memes out lately about the longest month ever. Yet, like this reddit thread, I don’t really get it. I mean, despite my Oklahoma-born, summer-loving upbringing, I do expect that January is supposed to be snowy and damn cold. I also don't love, but expect annual evaluations. They provide
- [#1Lib1Ref: An Easy Gateway to Wikipedia Editing](https://acrlog.org/2019/01/29/1lib1ref-an-easy-gateway-to-wikipedia-editing/): If you haven’t heard yet, the latest round of #1Lib1Ref is currently underway. This initiative, running from January 15 to February 5 this round, encourages librarians to add one missing citation to a Wikipedia article. Much has been written before about Wikipedia, its uses in libraries, and how librarians can help to improve Wikipedia. Check
- [Taking Care of my Mental Health](https://acrlog.org/2019/01/24/taking-care-of-my-mental-health/): It’s not LIS Mental Health Week, but I’ve been thinking about mental health since starting my job as a librarian. In academic libraries, we work with students who are dealing with their own mental health issues. In my first, full semester as a librarian, I saw a student break down after she found out she
- [Student Workers: What do they owe us, and what do we owe them?](https://acrlog.org/2019/01/21/student-workers-what-do-they-owe-us-and-what-do-we-owe-them/): Whether you want to start a new habit or break an old one, the new year is a popular time to reconsider our patterns. In the academic library, the switch between semesters gives us a chance to start over – in the classroom, with our colleagues, and with our student workers. The questions I’ve been
- [Displays in Academic Libraries](https://acrlog.org/2019/01/18/displays-in-academic-libraries/): Whenever I’m running low on display ideas, I have my favorite go-to methods for finding ideas and inspiration: Consult Chase’s to find interesting or relevant upcoming holidays or anniversaries! Refer to my (admittedly, somewhat neglected) Pinterest board of ideas I wanted to remember for later! Or, when I’m really at a loss… just Google it
- [You Can't Die of Impostor Syndrome, Right?](https://acrlog.org/2019/01/16/you-cant-die-of-impostor-syndrome-right/): Like a good old millennial I was Gchatting with a friend, a fellow old millennial, and asked, "Can a person die of imposter syndrome?" And yes, I did misspell "impostor" in that question. I was met with a "hahahahahaha" and some emojis, along with a much needed pep talk. No, it didn't end that feeling
- [Chatting with Penn State's Student Engagement & Outreach Intern](https://acrlog.org/2019/01/11/chatting-with-penn-states-student-engagement-outreach-intern/): This school year myself and our Outreach Coordinator had the opportunity to hire a Student Engagement & Outreach intern. We had been wanting to have an intern for a while, both to help us plan programming and also to give us some insight into the world of a Penn State undergraduate. In the work we
- [Weaving It Together](https://acrlog.org/2018/12/28/weaving-it-together/): I recently finished writing my narrative statement for my second year tenure review file. It felt like pulling teeth. The statement required me to weave together the aspects of my work as well as my research and service to tell a meaningful personal story about my professional purpose and goals. The other sections of the
- [How I'm setting my goals for this year](https://acrlog.org/2019/01/01/how-im-setting-my-goals-for-this-year/): When I started at my job four months ago, one of my first tasks after getting settled was to write out a list of goals for the year. All the librarians here do this as part of the evaluation process, and for me personally I’ve found it very helpful to be able to look back
- [Assessment as Care](https://acrlog.org/2018/12/04/assessment-as-care/): I'm in a weird head space at the moment. I attended the Critical Librarianship and Pedagogy Symposium (CLAPS) last month and am about to attend the Library Assessment Conference (LAC) later this week. Based on what I experienced at CLAPS and what I've read about LAC, the two conferences couldn't feel more different. I am very
- [How to Make it to Winter Break](https://acrlog.org/2018/12/17/how-to-make-it-to-winter-break/): It’s finally here: Finals Week. I’ve been reflecting on the emotional state of our students – I see a blend of exhaustion, procrastination, and shame that forms a vicious cycle in the last month of the semester. And although I’m not facing exams or major papers, I can relate. In fact, the general atmosphere of
- [How Vs. Why: A New Way to Look at Incorporating the Framework](https://acrlog.org/2018/12/13/how-vs-why-a-new-way-to-look-at-incorporating-the-framework/): This piece started out as my attempt to figure out how to write about the difficulties my community college colleagues and I have encountered when trying to find effective ways to incorporate the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education into our one-shot library instruction sessions. As I sorted out my thoughts on that
- [Tales from an Unintentional Science Liaison](https://acrlog.org/2018/12/19/tales-from-an-unintentional-science-liaison/): I’m sure this comes as a surprise to literally no one, but I have a B.A. in English Literature, which, along with History, is one of the most common, librarian backgrounds. Many of the librarians at my current workplace have a similar background to my own, though some librarians have second Master’s degrees in areas
- [Leisure reading collections in the academic library](https://acrlog.org/2018/12/03/leisure-reading-collections-in-the-academic-library/): Here’s my honest opinion: I wasn’t a big fan of collection development during graduate school. When I was supervising the residence halls libraries at Illinois, putting new books in my virtual cart was always at the bottom of my to-do list. I didn’t have a good system of finding new books and once I found
- [Thank You, Next? (Consortia Edition)](https://acrlog.org/2018/11/30/thank-you-next-consortia-edition/): As November calls for an attitude of gratitude, I will try to frame this post accordingly despite my exhaustion from this past month's activities. I’m not, as you may expect, referring to Thanksgiving dinner, holiday travel, or family arguments, but to journal package renewals — a critical annual activity for acquisitions and collection management librarians, vendors,
- [Finding my footing and imposter syndrome](https://acrlog.org/2018/11/28/finding-my-footing-and-imposter-syndrome/): Like Quetzalli, who started blogging for ACRLog a few years ago, I am dipping my toes into the world of academic libraries by starting with a residency position. While there is some discussion to be had on critiques of residencies and whether a residency is a good choice for any given individual, for my own
- [Valuing Student Experience](https://acrlog.org/2018/11/23/valuing-student-experience/): Discussions surrounding student experiences and how to incorporate those experiences during library instruction have been a hot topic in library land and is something I’ve thought about as well. How can I best value student experiences and ensure that what I’m teaching is relevant to them? What do I need to do to make my
- [My "Step-Library": A Joint-Use Library Experience](https://acrlog.org/2018/11/14/my-step-library-a-joint-use-library-experience/): Do any of you have step-families? I do, and I recently realized how relevant that experience is to working at a joint-use library. Starting out, there may be concerns on both sides about merging, just like with step-families. There may be assumptions and stereotypes to overcome: step-families get a bad rap (see: evil step-sisters; red-headed
- [Navigating uncharted territory: Short Edition at Penn State](https://acrlog.org/2018/11/05/navigating-uncharted-territory-short-edition-at-penn-state/): So, you might have heard of a machine that disenspers short stories. You’ll find these dispensers at airports, hospitals, gig cities, malls, and community spaces. With a press of a button, you can print off 1, 3, or 5 minute short stories or poetry. These dispensers are made by Short Edition, a company based in
- [Notes on the National Joint Conference of Librarians of Color](https://acrlog.org/2018/11/01/notes-on-the-national-joint-conference-of-librarians-of-color/): Please welcome our new First Year Academic Librarian Experience blogger Zoë McLaughlin, Resident Librarian at Michigan State University. At the end of September, I had the opportunity, as part of my diversity resident librarian position, to attend the National Joint Conference of Librarians of Color (JCLC). This conference is sponsored by ALA’s five ethnic affiliates
- [Were You Taught to Teach?](https://acrlog.org/2018/10/26/were-you-taught-to-teach/): Earlier this year on a search committee, I had an embarrassing realization: I couldn’t answer one of my own interview questions. “What is your teaching philosophy?” Until now, I haven’t had to face this question head-on. I’ve always felt like I learned how to teach by sneaking in the back door: on-the-job trial and error.
- [Grappling with My Faculty Identity](https://acrlog.org/2018/10/22/grappling-with-my-faculty-identity/): Please welcome our new First Year Academic Librarian Experience blogger Melissa DeWitt, Research and Instruction Librarian at the Regis University, Denver, Colorado. When I began applying for academic library jobs late last year, I was introduced to the wild world of academic personnel classification. First, I figured out what tenure was and what that might
- [One of Today's Lucky Ten Thousand](https://acrlog.org/2018/10/18/one-of-todays-lucky-ten-thousand/): If you aren’t familiar with the webcomic XKCD, go take a look now. I have been a huge fan for years, and find his comics relevant to many areas of life. Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about this one: As a reference librarian, I get a lot of the same questions day in and
- [Emerging as a Community-Engaged Librarian: Reflections on the Emerging Engagement Scholars Workshop](https://acrlog.org/2018/10/04/emerging-as-a-community-engaged-librarian/): Context of the workshop Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to participate in the Emerging Engagement Scholars Workshop (EESW), sponsored by the Engagement Scholarship Consortium. This workshop is meant for PhD students and junior faculty who consider themselves engaged scholars or aspire to be engaged scholars. For those who don’t know about engaged scholarship,
- ["But I Work with Adults": What Academic Librarians Can Learn from Working with Children](https://acrlog.org/2018/09/21/but-i-work-with-adults-what-academic-librarians-can-learn-from-working-with-children/): Editor’s Note: We welcome Alex Harrington to the ACRLog team. Alex is a Reference and Instruction Librarian at Tidewater Community College, at the Virginia Beach campus Joint-Use Library. Her research interests include classroom technology, improving UX in libraries, marketing & outreach, and diversity and inclusion. As a college librarian and a self-described “not a kid
- [Recommended Reading: White Fragility](https://acrlog.org/2018/10/01/recommended-reading-white-fragility/): I spent most of last weekend home sick with a cold, sniffling under blankets and cats, though the unexpected bright spot was the time to finish a book that was so fantastic that I can't not recommend it. White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk about Racism, by antiracist educator Robin
- [Finding My Voice](https://acrlog.org/2018/09/25/finding-my-voice/): Editor’s Note: We welcome Emily Hampton Haynes to the ACRLog team. Emily is a Reference and Education Services Librarian at Hood College of Maryland. Her research interests include information literacy, pedagogy, and outreach. After grad school and learning on the job, I have been trying to ease into the discourse of our profession. One big
- [Let It Go: A Non-Frozen Story](https://acrlog.org/2018/09/13/let-it-go/): Editor’s Note: We welcome Hailley Fargo to the ACRLog team. Hailley is the Student Engagement & Outreach Librarian at Penn State University, University Park campus. Her research interests include peer-to-peer services in academic libraries, critical librarianship, digital and information literacy, outreach, and undergraduate research. I’ve always had a hard time letting things go. I remember when
- [Academic Library Job Search Roundup](https://acrlog.org/2018/09/06/academic-library-job-search-roundup/): The fall semester is in full swing at most U.S. colleges and universities. While many folks finish up their graduate library degree in the spring, others finish at the end of the summer or after fall. And as I was scrolling through Twitter last week I was reminded that the academic library job search can
- [Question Everything: Librarian Research and #IRDL](https://acrlog.org/2018/08/29/question-everything-librarian-research-and-irdl/): How is the fall semester already in swing, but I’ve not yet shared my amazing research experience as an IRDL Scholar this summer? California livin' @IRDLonline #IRDL2018 pic.twitter.com/n9jw5EZzrR — Sophie Rondeau (@smrondeau1) June 7, 2018 IRDL stands for the Institute for Research Design in Librarianship. It is itself the product of an IMLS grant-funded research
- [Agency, Not Use](https://acrlog.org/2018/08/13/agency-not-use/): The body is an agent, not a resource -Donna Haraway This quote appeared on a slide during Carrie Wade's presentation at the Gender and Sexuality in Information Studies Colloquium last month. Her talk, Making the Librarian Body, was a part of a four woman panel, (Re)productive Labor and Information Work, which also included the excellent work
- [Open Access and the Benevolence of Multinational Corporations](https://acrlog.org/2018/08/08/open-access-and-the-benevolence-of-multinational-corporations/): As with much of its history the academic library is at a crossroads. The exploding budgets for journal subscriptions which are necessary to the living and breathing research institution is slowly strangling libraries. This, of course, is obvious and much maligned and talked about. Getting back to the perceived roots of librarianship and the values
- [Lesson: Culture is Hungry](https://acrlog.org/2018/08/02/culture-is-hungry-and-farewell/): Two weeks ago, I attended the Minnesota Institute for Early Career Librarians at the University of Minnesota. The Institute is a week-long program focusing upon academic librarians within their first three years of librarianship from diverse backgrounds. The main faculty are Kathryn Deiss and DeEtta Jones. This week, I am writing my last post as
- [Expectations of Expertise](https://acrlog.org/2018/07/31/expectations-of-expertise/): With the slower summer days I'm better able to keep up with library and higher education news, blogs, and Twitter, though I have to admit that sometimes I wish I didn't. I'm not going to link to the very snarky, and, frankly, mean piece currently making the rounds in which a researcher belittles the work
- [Another Goodbye](https://acrlog.org/2018/07/13/another-goodbye/): Well, today is my last post for ACRLog. When I started writing last October, I was in the middle of my first year of librarianship. Now I’ve got a year and half under my belt, and I don’t think I can claim the mantle of “first year experience” anymore. It’s time for me to move
- [Telling the stories of our spaces](https://acrlog.org/2018/07/06/telling-the-stories-of-our-spaces/): Space is a challenge in my library. With limited square footage, we sometimes don’t have enough seating for the number of students seeking to use our space. We can’t accommodate all the furniture types and configurations we need for students’ assorted library space uses. We’re further challenged by the competition of different space uses (read:
- [A Farewell to you all](https://acrlog.org/2018/07/02/a-farewell-to-you-all/): I wanted to come on here to say a good bye. This will be my last blog post for ACRLog. I began writing for ACRLog about 3 years ago, when I was right out of library school and starting my first professional job. ACRLog has allowed me the opportunity to voice my thoughts about not
- [Thoughts on Writing From a First-Time Author](https://acrlog.org/2018/06/15/thoughts-on-writing-from-a-first-time-author/): One of my performance goals this year is to write more. My position isn’t tenure-track so there’s no pressure to publish, but finding meaning in my work is important to me and the best way I know how to that is drawing connections between what I’m doing all day and the broader environment in which
- [In and out of context: Musings on information literacy, institutional, and higher ed landscapes](https://acrlog.org/2018/06/01/in-and-out-of-context-musings-on-information-literacy-institutional-and-higher-ed-landscapes/): After more than a decade at a private small liberal arts college, my recent transition to a large, public research university has been full of learning opportunities regarding both the content of my work and the culture of this organization. Since arriving, I’ve identified a need for jumpstarting and growing a dormant information literacy program.
- [Amping up Diversity & Inclusivity in Medical Librarianship](https://acrlog.org/2018/05/25/amping-up-diversity-inclusivity-in-medical-librarianship/): This past week, I attended the 118th Medical Library Association (MLA) Annual Meeting in Atlanta, GA. While it was a standard conference in many respects, it was also a historic one. Beverly Murphy was named the first African American president of MLA since it was incepted in 1898. When I first considered becoming a librarian,
- [The Emphasis on Text(s)](https://acrlog.org/2018/05/15/the-emphasis-on-texts/): The current dominant paradigm of information literacy emphasizes the importance of connecting with textual information. This produces a deficit model of information literacy which does not take into account the importance of information learning or other sources of information which are accessed through communication or action. --Annemaree Lloyd, Information Literacy: Different Contexts, Different Concepts, Different Truths?
- [Finishing up a Library Residency: My Final Thoughts](https://acrlog.org/2018/05/11/finishing-up-a-library-residency-my-final-thoughts/): It has been almost three years since I moved to Washington DC for the Resident Librarian position at American University. My contract was for three years and this July, that contract will end. As I am preparing for my next steps, applying to jobs, and going through life changes, I am inclined to reflect on
- [Failure and Feelings](https://acrlog.org/2018/05/09/failure-and-feelings/): This semester I’m co-teaching a graduate class at my university in a certificate program in interactive technology and pedagogy. It’s a course I’ve taught before, though it changes somewhat each time I teach it, in part because it rotates between several different faculty members every year or so. The course focuses on the practice of
- [Hack the Stacks: Outreach and Activism in Patron Driven Acquisitions](https://acrlog.org/2018/04/14/hack-the-stacks-outreach-and-activism-in-patron-driven-acquisitions/): As many others have said more eloquently than I could, everyday in libraries we make decisions about how to spend our resources: time, space, attention, but perhaps most obviously, money. In 2015, the average library expenditures for collections at doctoral institutions was over 5 million dollars. What we choose to spend that money on is an
- [What is library space for?: Reflecting on space use and noise management](https://acrlog.org/2018/04/08/what-is-library-space-for-reflecting-on-space-use-and-noise-management/): On some days, my library feels like it’s bursting at the seams with students. The library is a popular destination for students seeking space for their varying work needs, not to mention the myriad other reasons libraries make a great destination. Yet our space is quite small. And, as you might imagine, lots of people
- [I Liked, I Wished, I Wondered: A One-Year Review](https://acrlog.org/2018/03/30/i-liked-i-wished-i-wondered-a-one-year-review/): One year ago today I flew one-way from ORD to LAX for my first real librarian job (and obviously for the weather). I’m going to take an assessment nugget I once learned from Jennifer Brown, Emerging Technologies Librarian at Columbia University and reflect upon this time using the following measurements: I Liked, I Wished, I
- [Digital Empathy, #ThinkTanks, and Grievances](https://acrlog.org/2018/03/27/digital-empathy-thinktanks-and-grievances/): We live in an unprecedented time. Our web connected lives let us go in and out of conversations, of our colleagues’ lives, and, on occasion, into the fray of online controversies. Such a controversy sprung up in our field over the last two weeks. Chris Bourg, Director of Libraries at MIT, was the target of
- [Supported Vulnerability and Help-Seeking](https://acrlog.org/2018/03/21/supported-vulnerability-and-help-seeking/): Early in my career I was my library's liaison to the Graduate College of Social Work. The commonly held sentiment among my colleagues was that I would have no trouble encouraging social work students to meet with me or ask for help outside of class. In fact, the trouble I might have would be in
- ['To Meet or Not to Meet?' That is NOT the question.](https://acrlog.org/2018/03/19/to-meet-or-not-to-meet-that-is-not-the-question/): A day in the life of a librarian involves a lot of meetings, am I right? Particularly, as the type-casting goes, academic librarians. We all complain about this. We all wish we had more time and fewer meetings. So why haven't we solved this? What would we measure in order to do so? I've been
- [Responding to Communities in Crisis](https://acrlog.org/2018/03/15/responding-to-communities-in-crisis/): Charlottesville and the University of Virginia have been in the news a lot recently. In Summer 2017, a series of white supremacist rallies took place in Charlottesville, culminating in the August 2017 Unite the Right rally which erupted in violence between counter-protestors and the white supremacists. In 2014, UVA was the focal point of a
- [Puzzling Over Interdisciplinary Publishing](https://acrlog.org/2018/03/03/puzzling-over-interdisciplinary-publishing/): This semester I've been working on an article sharing the results of the research I did while on sabbatical last year. I was interested in how undergraduates access and complete (or don't complete) their course reading, and I interviewed students at three colleges in my urban public university to learn about their experiences. My interest
- [Developing a Peer Support Group](https://acrlog.org/2018/02/15/developing-a-peer-support-group/): There’s been a lot written here on ACRLog about the importance of mentorship, and I echo what many others have said: there is enormous value in learning from and being supporting by experienced librarians. There’s a separate kind of mentorship, one that doesn’t necessarily fall under the traditional mentor-mentee model, that has also been hugely
- [Librarianship and Project Management Skills](https://acrlog.org/2018/02/22/librarianship-and-project-management-skills/): I am almost a year into my tenure as a Health & Life Sciences Librarian at UCLA, so I’m starting to get a hang of things. I have a better understanding of our resources, I am able to dissect a research question more efficiently, and I am figuring out how my library actually works. My
- [Classroom Woes: What to do when class does not go as planned](https://acrlog.org/2018/02/18/classroom-woes-what-to-do-when-class-does-not-go-as-planned/): As librarians and teachers, there have been times in the classroom where we have encountered testing situations. We have all had our good and not-so-good classes, but for the most part, we come out of those classrooms feeling confident that we showed and taught students the resources that will be most useful to them. We
- [Energy and Expectations](https://acrlog.org/2018/02/05/energy-and-expectations/): Sunday evening I went to a hot yoga class. It's my way of starting off the week feeling refreshed and relaxed, which is much needed these days. The usual class instructor was out sick, but rather than cancel, the studio assigned a substitute teacher. She was perfectly kind and good at yoga instruction, but the
- [You say you want a resolution...keep going!](https://acrlog.org/2018/01/31/you-say-you-want-a-resolution-keep-going/): Is it too late in January to talk about New Year’s Resolutions? Because, strangely, I don’t recall hearing much from friends or social media feeds about any of it, did you? January seemed to just slip into 2018 unobtrusively. I investigated news sources citing “New Year’s Resolutions” for a more statistical snapshot, and looky there,
- [Narrative as Evidence](https://acrlog.org/2018/01/26/narrative-as-evidence/): This past week I attended the MLGSCA & NCNMLG Joint Meeting in Scottsdale, AZ. What do all these letters mean, you ask? They stand for the Medical Library Group of Southern California and Arizona and Northern California and Nevada Medical Library Group. So basically it was a western regional meeting of medical librarians. I attended
- [On the Mend: Falling Into and Out of Overwork](https://acrlog.org/2018/01/19/on-the-mend-falling-into-and-out-of-overwork/): I’d meant to write this post earlier in the week. Actually I’d meant to write an entirely different post earlier in the week. But after weeks of avoiding the winter cold going around at the end of last semester, and weeks of colder than usual temperatures where I live, last week my time was up.
- [Vocational Awe and Professional Identity](https://acrlog.org/2018/01/12/vocational-awe-and-professional-identity/): A few days ago, In the Library with the Lead Pipe published an article by Fobazi Ettarh titled Vocational Awe and Librarianship: The Lies We Tell Ourselves. Ettarh uses the term “vocational awe” to “refer to the set of ideas, values, and assumptions librarians have about themselves and the profession that result in beliefs that
- [The Rock and the Hard Place (Part 3): Being Open For Change](https://acrlog.org/2016/12/10/the-rock-and-the-hard-place-part-3-being-open-for-change/): Two years ago the department in which I work was charged with developing a new organizational structure in response to changes in the scholarly publishing landscape. Reflecting, presenting, and writing in various venues about this, it’s hard to avoid the ad nauseam reference to change – change is the new normal; embrace change; anticipate change;
- [The Rock and the Hard Place (Part 2): Opening Up License Negotiation](https://acrlog.org/2016/10/07/the-rock-and-the-hard-place-part-2-opening-up-license-negotiation/): The following is the second in a series of posts on the subscription-based model and open access alternatives, and how each get stuck from their respective ends of the scholarly information supply chain. In addition to the usual disclaimer regarding my own opinions expressed here, these should also not be interpreted as a substitute for
- [The Rock and the Hard Place (Part 1): Renewal Season, No Big Deal?](https://acrlog.org/2016/09/07/the-rock-and-the-hard-place-part-1-renewal-season-no-big-deal/): The following is the first in a series of posts on the subscription-based model and open access alternatives, and how each get stuck from their respective ends of the scholarly information supply chain. As a reminder: Opinions expressed here are my own and do not express the views or opinions of my employer or of
- [From Mentor to Mentee: Navigating Peer-to-Peer Relationships](https://acrlog.org/2018/01/08/from-mentor-to-mentee-navigating-peer-to-peer-relationships/): As I am writing this blog, I am sitting in my bedroom. It’s an odd combination of the hot air coming from the vents, but the freezing air coming from the window. Like everyone and their grandmas, the pipes at our house have frozen a couple times this week. Living in DC, we don’t experience
- [Small Steps, Big Picture](https://acrlog.org/2017/12/22/small-steps-big-picture/): As I thought about composing a blog post this week, I felt that familiar frustration of searching not only for a good idea, but a big one. I feel like I’m often striving (read: struggling!) to make space for big picture thinking. I’m either consumed by small to-do list items that, while important, feel piecemeal
- [Questioning the Evidence-Based Pyramid](https://acrlog.org/2017/12/20/questioning-the-evidence-based-pyramid/): As a first year health sciences librarian, I have not yet conducted a systematic review. However, as a speech-language pathologist, I learned about evidence-based medicine and the importance of clinical expertise combined with clinical evidence and patient values. As a librarian, I’m now able to combine these experiences, allowing me to view see evidence-based medicine
- [An instruction librarian, a digital scholarship librarian, and a scientist enter a Twitter chat...](https://acrlog.org/2017/12/19/a-twitter-chat/): A quick note to preface this post: Thank you, Dylan Burns. After reading your post--What We Know and What They Know: Scholarly Communication, Usability, and Un-Usability--I can't stop thinking about this weird nebula of article access, entitlement, ignorance, and resistance. Your blog post has done what every good blog post should do: Make me think.
- [Keeping Track of Your Commitments](https://acrlog.org/2017/12/12/keeping-track-of-your-commitments/): I’m not the first FYAL blogger to note this, but there are significant differences between professional and student life. Lindsay O’Neill previously wrote about the culture shock of academic life, as well as her techniques for time management, and how the amount of freedom you have to shape your own days is both liberating and
- [What We Know and What They Know: Scholarly Communication, Usability, and Un-Usability.](https://acrlog.org/2017/12/08/what-we-know-and-what-they-know-scholarly-communication-usability-and-un-usability/): Over the past handful of years, a lot of digital ink has been spilled on library responses to #icanhazpdf, SciHub, and, most recently, the #Twitterlibraryloan movement. This hit home in my life because in recent discussion with students at my University, we found that students told us outright that they used SciHub because of its
- [Personal Development As Professional Development](https://acrlog.org/2017/12/02/personal-development-as-professional-development/): Like many of us I was dismayed by the results of the last US presidential election, and at one year in I'm even more concerned for the nation and the people who live here. One of the things I resolved to do in the aftermath was to make the time for some training that I'd
- [No, Fair! Evolving Perspectives on Excessive Use in Research](https://acrlog.org/2017/11/29/no-fair-evolving-perspectives-on-excessive-use-in-research/): Midterm brings its share of bustle to the library with last minute research questions to ask and copiers and printers to locate. Library staff are also busy negotiating licenses, finalizing renewals, and troubleshooting access to the resources on which faculty and students rely. I'd like to shed some light on a subtler side of the
- [Digging for Gratitude](https://acrlog.org/2017/11/21/digging-for-gratitude/): A little over a year ago, I took a flight to Los Angeles to interview for my job at UCLA - it was the night before the election. At the time, natives and their allies were fighting to re-route Dakota Access Pipeline. I found out towards the end of my flight to LA, that the
- [Library Job Hunt: Round Two](https://acrlog.org/2017/11/19/library-job-hunt-round-two/): Recently, I was at an on-campus interview for a position at a large academic library. Early on in the day, I found myself being relaxed and calm. I was not sure if the environment was so welcoming, that it made me feel this way or if I had just gotten better at interviewing. I’d like
- [How Did You Learn to Teach?](https://acrlog.org/2017/11/14/how-did-you-learn-to-teach/): If there’s one regret I have about graduate school, it’s that I never learned to teach. No courses on education are required as part of the curriculum, and the one class I remember being available was offered during an already overloaded semester for me. None of the internships I had involved information literacy instruction. So,
- [Trust Me](https://acrlog.org/2017/11/08/trust-me-2/): Reading Annie Downey's Critical Information Literacy was like looking into a mirror that only shows your most awkward professional reflection. Her interviews with "critical" librarians (those who adopt a critical approach to information literacy and practice critical pedagogy) are some of the most honest, true-to-life experiences I've read from those of us who consider ourselves teaching
- [Reflecting on Reference Services](https://acrlog.org/2017/10/22/reflecting-on-reference-services/): A colleague recently invited me to speak in an LIS graduate class she teaches on information services. I was delighted to have the chance to talk with her students; it was even more of a treat since I attended the same graduate program for my MLIS, and the information services course was the very first
- [Crossing the Bridge: Library School to Library Job](https://acrlog.org/2017/10/18/crossing-the-bridge-library-school-to-library-job/): Please welcome our new First Year Academic Librarian Experience blogger Nisha Mody, Health & Life Sciences Librarian at the Louise M. Darling Biomedical Library at the University of California, Los Angeles. In the summer of 2016, I decided to start applying for librarian jobs. I wouldn’t graduate until May 2017 at the earliest, but a
- [Looking out for your community: Librarians and DACA](https://acrlog.org/2017/10/15/looking-out-for-your-community-librarians-and-daca/): A couple of weeks ago, rumors started to swirl that President Trump and his administration would rescind the Deferred Action for Child Arrivals Act (DACA). A couple of days later, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced, that DACA would indeed be rescinded. Many felt frightened, betrayed, sad, and angry. As I was thinking of writing this
- [On Being a New Liaison](https://acrlog.org/2017/10/10/on-being-a-new-liaison/): Please welcome our new First Year Academic Librarian Experience blogger Abby Flanigan, Research Librarian for Music and Performing Arts at the University of Virginia. Last January, I joined the University of Virginia Libraries as the Research Librarian for Music and Performing Arts. This is my first professional position after graduating from the University of North
- [Words, Censor, and Professionalism when WTF?!](https://acrlog.org/2017/10/05/words-censor-and-professionalism-when-wtf/): That quaint blog post I published last month squeaked out just before Nazi rioters marched, threatened, and violently harmed counter protesters (killing one) in Charlottesville, VA. This post comes at the heels of the “worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history” (1) at a Las Vegas music festival. My first ever post for ACRLog was
- [HLS/ACRLog: Tweet your heart out?: Social Media and Expanding Professional Development](https://acrlog.org/2017/09/27/hlsacrlog-tweet-your-heart-out-social-media-and-expanding-professional-development/): Today we welcome a post by Zohra Saulat as part of our collaboration with Hack Library School. Zohra Saulat is a second-year MLIS student and graduate assistant at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She plans on becoming an instructional and reference librarian. Through librarianship, she hopes to do her part in making information accessible. She likes
- [HLS/ACRLog: First Generation College Students and the Job Search with an MLIS](https://acrlog.org/2017/09/13/hlsacrlog-first-generation-college-students-and-the-job-search-with-an-mlis/): Today we welcome a post by Chloe Waryan as part of our collaboration with Hack Library School . Chloe Waryan is a MLIS candidate at the University of Iowa. She entered into the library field by way of urban public libraries, as a patron, a volunteer, and eventually an employee. She now works as a technical editor
- [HLS/ACRlog: How to Encourage and Assist New Subject Librarians](https://acrlog.org/2017/09/20/hlsacrlog-how-to-encourage-and-assist-new-subject-librarians/): Today we welcome a post by Zoë McLaughlin as part of our collaboration with Hack Library School . Zoë McLaughlin is a Master’s student at the University of Michigan’s School of Information. She plans to become an area studies librarian focused on Southeast Asia. Her main area of focus is Indonesia, though lately she spends a lot
- [HLS/ACRLog: Academic Librarianship: alt-ac and plan A, all in one](https://acrlog.org/2017/09/06/hlsacrlog-academic-librarianship-alt-ac-and-plan-a-all-in-one/): Today we welcome a post by Ian Harmon as part of our collaboration with Hack Library School . Ian Harmon is an MSLIS student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Graduate Assistant in the Scholarly Commons, the University Library’s digital scholarship center. Prior to entering library school, he earned a PhD in Philosophy at
- [Love for Houston, Love for Texas](https://acrlog.org/2017/09/01/love-for-houston-love-for-texas/): The August 29th issue of American Libraries (AL) Direct included a notice about the relief efforts in Houston, Rockport, and Corpus Christi in the wake of devastating flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey. Because it's AL Direct, the announcement focused on libraries that sustained damage and ways in which the library community can help libraries. This
- [Professionalism in the Workplace](https://acrlog.org/2017/08/27/professionalism-in-the-workplace/): What does professionalism mean to you? It might be that I was not paying attention, but I remember my professors in library school only touching on professionalism a couple of times. Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary defines professionalism as “the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person” This could be
- [Conscientious Engagement and the Framework for Information Literacy](https://acrlog.org/2017/07/31/conscientious-engagement-and-the-framework-for-information-literacy/): In April 2017, an article written by Geographers Carrie Mott and Daniel Cockayne was published in Gender, Place & Culture entitled “Citation matters: mobilizing the politics of citation toward a practice of ‘conscientious engagement’” (http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0966369X.2017.1339022?journalCode=cgpc20) Mott and Cockayne problematized the ways in which certain voices are privileged in scholarly circles. As with many other feminist
- [We’re All Ears: Learning By Listening](https://acrlog.org/2017/08/18/were-all-ears-learning-by-listening/): This post has been co-authored by Maura Smale and Jen Jarson. The context Jen: I started a new job at a new institution about two and a half weeks ago after 11 years at my previous institution. This new institution is rather different than my former one. That was a residential, small liberal arts college.
- [Relationship Priorities from the Forest to the Library](https://acrlog.org/2017/08/11/relationship-priorities-from-the-forest-to-the-library/): A post shared by True Rath (@truerathbrarian) on Aug 4, 2017 at 12:34pm PDT I just returned from my annual family vacation in Colorado. Amidst the forest bathing and a slower daily pace, I always experience a deep dive into relationship building on these trips. Riding in a compact Fit for the eight hours it
- [I Can't Think of Anything to Ask](https://acrlog.org/2017/08/10/i-cant-think-of-anything-to-ask/): My family and I have been deep in the health care system these past few weeks, in and out of hospitals and doctor's offices, on the phone scheduling appointments, and in line at pharmacies. Everyone is home, everyone is as fine as can be expected, and long-term plans are being made for maintenance and healing
- [Going to ACRL Immersion 2017: Reflection and more reflection.](https://acrlog.org/2017/07/30/going-to-acrl-immersion-2017-reflection-and-more-reflection/): First, I do apologize for the late blog, but I wanted some days to collect my thoughts. A couple of months ago, I found that I had been accepted to the Teacher Track for ACRL Immersion. This program was to take place in Burlington, Vermont. Last Sunday, I arrived and the program concluded last Friday.
- [Musing on Maintenance](https://acrlog.org/2017/07/21/musing-on-maintenance/): I've been on sabbatical for almost six months, which has temporarily alleviated my need to use the New York City subway system with any regularity. This has come at almost exactly the same time that the subways (and the rail systems that use Penn Station) have experienced a sharply increasing wave of delays and failures.
- [Silent Fireworks, HRC, and #ALAAC2017](https://acrlog.org/2017/07/06/silent-fireworks-hrc-and-alaac2017/): Battling summer sinobronchitis -- not allergies as it turns out -- certainly puts a damper on conference travel. It has also contributed to feeling less than celebratory leading up to the Independence Day holiday. The fact that July 4th fell on a Tuesday made celebrating all the more awkward. This year I noticed recirculated articles
- [Changing Roles: Mentee to Mentor](https://acrlog.org/2017/07/02/changing-roles-mentee-to-mentor/): Like many of you, I just came back from ALA Annual in Chicago. I had the opportunity to attend some interesting sessions, meet new people, catch up with some old classmates, and see some librarians that I knew in library school. In my previous ACRLog post, I talked a little about finding your own cohort.
- [What does your student-centered lens on library practice look like?](https://acrlog.org/2017/06/23/what-does-your-student-centered-lens-on-library-practice-look-like/): Perhaps you, too, have been following some of the recent instances of student shaming and blaming. I’m referring particularly to the piece in the Chronicle of Higher Education in which the author suggests a fictional student is lying about a grandmother’s death as a way to get out of finals. I’m also referring to the
- [Failure is an Option or When Things Go Wrong](https://acrlog.org/2017/06/15/failure-is-an-option-or-when-things-go-wrong/): Several times I thought about writing about my experiences as a first-year librarian at ACRL in Baltimore, but many others wrote about the controversies, the twitter fights, and the OA panel better than I could have. Zoe Fisher's post about the twitter fiasco is a must read as well as Veronica's post on ACRL. As a
- [Confessions on Owning and Honing Your Weaknesses](https://acrlog.org/2017/06/08/confessions-on-owning-and-honing-your-weaknesses/): The month of June marks the ramp up to fiscal close in my neck of the library wood. In the otherwise quiet summer of academia there is this corner of buzzing frenzy. Staff work though last minute orders, pay invoices, troubleshoot problems, answer questions about the various statuses of the cash flow, and pull and
- [You Are What is Killing Librarianship](https://acrlog.org/2017/06/12/you-are-what-is-killing-librarianship/): Last week I had a conversation with a colleague at a different academic library about potential large-scale (read: scary) changes to our information literacy instruction program models. We talked through rationale, pain-points, and strategies for cultivating buy-in from our colleagues. At a certain point in our discussion, we recognized that this was going to be a
- [The Importance of Community](https://acrlog.org/2017/05/27/the-importance-of-community/): As everyone knows, library land is small. Having a profession where we all know each other or know of each other, can be a plus (but also has its drawbacks). This allows us to form our own smaller networks and build our own community. Being an early career librarian, I have quickly realized that while I
- [Here We Go Again: Net Neutrality](https://acrlog.org/2017/05/15/here-we-go-again-net-neutrality/): With so much in the news since the new federal administration took office earlier this year it's easy to be overwhelmed -- I certainly have been, especially in recent weeks. So you might have missed the announcement that the Federal Communications Committee has proposed to repeal regulations on commercial internet providers that guarantee net neutrality.
- [Invisibility and Ubiquitousness: How Digital Libraries Should Tell Their Story.](https://acrlog.org/2017/05/10/invisibility-and-ubiquitousness-how-digital-libraries-should-tell-their-story/): Under pressure from the presumed loss of influence, the contemporary academic library is often in the business of staking claims on campus. We see new technology or innovations as opportunities to ingrained ourselves deeper in the future of the institution. Partially, this is a reaction to the change in the world and a move away from
- [“Just…why?”: Coming to terms with ambiguity, resilience, and acceptance](https://acrlog.org/2017/05/06/justwhy-coming-to-terms-with-ambiguity-resilience-and-acceptance/): As a former electronic resources librarian, along with what I’ll call my own unique set of life experiences, I’ve found the practice of radical acceptance has served me well. Acceptance as an ongoing practice is not optimism or permissiveness, but healthily recognizing how and when to let go, and knowing that acceptance is not the
- [Privacy and Academic Libraries Right Now](https://acrlog.org/2017/04/28/privacy-and-academic-libraries-right-now/): I have a kid in high school whom I've often jokingly referred to as my in-house research subject. I've been interested to observe and think about the ways that he accesses information for school and non-school reasons, especially as he gets closer to the age of many of the students who use the library where
- [The Season is Here: Conference Do's and Don'ts](https://acrlog.org/2017/04/25/the-season-is-here-conference-dos-and-donts/): Conference season is upon us! With LOEX and ALA coming up, a lot of us are gearing up to travel and/or present at these conferences. Even with school coming to an end, conferences will certainly keep us librarians busy for the months to come. The first library conference I attended was during my last semester
- [Building OER Momentum with a Mini-Grant Program](https://acrlog.org/2017/04/22/building-oer-momentum-with-a-mini-grant-program/): At my institution, we’ve been talking more about open education in the past year. Open access has long been on our agenda, but open education is such a large umbrella. We’ve begun to bring other open education-related work to the fore. I wrote about open pedagogy in the context of information literacy in a blog
- [A Revised Model for First Year Seminar IL Integration](https://acrlog.org/2017/04/13/a-revised-model-for-first-year-seminar-il-integration/): In December I wrote about possible changes to our librarians' involvement in our college's first year and transfer liberal arts seminar. As victims of our success, our instruction model has become unsustainable. Teaching and support of this course leaves us with little mental energy for our other teaching and librarian responsibilities, which is problematic when
- [My Peeps, My Conference #acrl2017](https://acrlog.org/2017/04/07/my-peeps-my-conference-acrl2017/): Feeling so fortunate for the opportunity to attend ACRL in Baltimore, especially to meet my fellow ACRLoggers face-to-face! With a plethora of conferences and development opportunities, it can be hard to justify attendance at a conference most people perceive as out of scope for a technical services librarian. In a technical service-focused session I attended,
- [The Merging of ACRL and the Diversity Alliance](https://acrlog.org/2017/03/31/the-merging-of-acrl-and-the-diversity-alliance/): As many of you know, I am a resident librarian at American University in Washington, DC. In my first post for ACRLog, I posted that my residency is part of a program called the Diversity Alliance. This program began with four schools. American University, West Virginia University, University of Iowa, and Virginia Tech University. These schools
- [Leading By Example: The Idealis highlights expert-curated open access LIS research](https://acrlog.org/2017/03/29/leading-by-example-the-idealis-highlights-expert-curated-open-access-lis-research/): As I began crafting this sixth (and final1) piece as a First Year Librarian Blogger for ACRLog, I realized I’d come full circle thematically over the course of my posts, closing with a more focused call to action inspired by my work with The Idealis, which I discuss below. Last October during Open Access Week, in my
- [Out of Office (For the Semester)](https://acrlog.org/2017/03/21/out-of-office-for-the-semester/): This semester I'm on sabbatical from the library. At my university librarians are faculty and eligible for research leaves, and I'm grateful to have been granted one for the spring and early summer. I'm using the time to work on a few writing projects with collaborators and I've also started a new research project. I'll
- [Indies, Vanity, and Predators: Helping Faculty and Students Find Publishers](https://acrlog.org/2017/03/16/indies-vanity-and-predators-helping-faculty-and-students-find-publishers/): How many times have you or your faculty received this message? Dear Dr. Colleague, We at Intellectual and Smart Publishers would love to talk to you about publishing “INSERT PAPER TITLE HERE” in our issue of Smart Things in Science. We offer expedited review! So and So, Intellectual and Smart Publishers When the Framework for
- [Things Left Unsaid](https://acrlog.org/2017/03/15/things-left-unsaid/): There are moments of confluence in our day-to-day lives that can impact the way we see ourselves in the world. Sometimes they are moments of revelation and other times they are just a slight shift in perception, a tweak in the way we experience life. This month, which just so happens to be Women's History Month,
- [On Leadership: Doing it Right, but Dancing](https://acrlog.org/2017/03/09/on-leadership-doing-it-right-but-dancing/): Lots of things leading up to a post on leadership lately, such as contemplating my own privilege, planning strategic priorities, and experiencing the challenges of parenting tweenagers. But mostly, I think this post is in typical response to evaluation time, which requires me to describe competencies and expectations of leadership, both for managers and for
- [CORE and the Commons: Digital Scholarship, Collaboration, and Open Access in the Humanities](https://acrlog.org/2017/03/02/core-and-the-commons-digital-scholarship-collaboration-and-open-access-in-the-humanities/): This week it was reported that Berlin-based ResearchGate, a social networking site designed for scientists to share research, received $52.6m in investment funds from a variety of sources, including BIll Gates (previous investor), Goldman Sachs, and The Wellcome Trust. This news is another development in a continuing saga and conversation surrounding commercial services (i.e., ResearchGate, Academia.edu,
- [Should’ve, Would’ve, Could’ve: The Library Job Hunt](https://acrlog.org/2017/03/02/shouldve-wouldve-couldve-the-library-job-hunt/): About two years ago, I was already applying for jobs in preparation of graduating from library school. I spent countless hours looking at job posts, writing cover letters, preparing for phone interviews and being anxious about that coveted on-campus interviews. Throughout my residency at American University, I have been able to participate in two (and
- [More than a Mausoleum: The Library at the Forefront of Digital Pedagogy](https://acrlog.org/2017/02/23/more-than-a-mausoleum-the-library-at-the-forefront-of-digital-pedagogy/): This is adapted from a talk at the Utah Symposium on Digital Humanities, February 11th 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Over the last decade, we’ve witnessed a shift in the ways in both everyday folk and academics encounter the world. The promise of web 2.0 and the rise of the network has seen the input
- [Microaggressions, Faculty, and Academic Librarians: a study in intersectionality](https://acrlog.org/2017/02/22/microaggressions-faculty-and-academic-librarians-a-study-in-intersectionality/): I've been a follower of LISMicroaggressions on Tumblr for a while now, and even managed to pick up a zine or two in person at various library conferences. Their posts are a much needed reminder that as liberal and well-meaning as we all think/hope/claim/want our libraries to be, the day-to-day experiences of library workers can
- [People and place: Musings on organizational culture](https://acrlog.org/2016/04/23/people-and-place-musings-on-organizational-culture/): Last year, a few of my colleagues and I were awarded a small grant to develop an information literacy learning community for faculty, librarians, and staff in regional colleges and universities. In this first year of our grant, we’ve been facilitating discussion groups with stakeholders to better understand information literacy practices and needs at each
- [Exploring artifacts of students’ learning trajectories, or The view from here](https://acrlog.org/2016/11/16/exploring-artifacts-of-students-learning-trajectories-or-the-view-from-here/): I’ve been serving on the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at my institution for a little over a year now. If you’re not familiar with the purpose and scope of an IRB, it’s generally the group’s charge to review, approve, and monitor research conducted with human subjects. It’s the IRB’s responsibility to ensure that researchers are
- [Asking questions to create opportunities for conversation and learning](https://acrlog.org/2016/05/13/asking-questions-to-create-opportunities-for-conversation-and-learning/): I was chatting with one of my colleagues the other day about challenges he’s been experiencing recently in some of his one-shot information literacy classes. He regularly makes time in class for students to work on their own research and to consult with them individually. Yet he described difficulty engaging students in one-on-one conversation about
- [Statements On Future Of Libraries](https://acrlog.org/2005/09/20/statements-on-future-of-libraries/): Kept-Up Academic Librarian featured a post today about an article from the summer 2005 issue of Tennessee Libraries that offers interviews with 25 librarians on the future of libraries. The interviewees mostly discuss academic libraries. I found myself agreeing with as many as I disagreed with. I tend to see the importance of user education
- [Reflections on library instruction](https://acrlog.org/2017/02/10/reflections-on-library-instruction/): Happy 2017 to all ACRLog Readers! Like many other librarians, I have hit the road running. For those of you who do not know, I live in Washington DC and with inauguration last week, I was barely at the office. I also attended the Women’s March and it was a mix of emotions, all at
- [Growing a peer digital learning program](https://acrlog.org/2017/02/10/growing-a-peer-digital-learning-program/): I’ve been working with colleagues at my institution over the course of the past year to launch a peer digital learning initiative. The program kicked off this past August with our "Learning in the Digital Age" pre-orientation program. Each year, my institution offers a few four-day pre-orientation programs to incoming undergraduate students. These programs give
- [Frye Leadership Institute 2006](https://acrlog.org/2005/09/21/frye-leadership-institute-2006/): EDUCAUSE has announced the opening of the application process for the 2006 Frye Leadership Institute. The Frye home page hasn’t been completely updated, yet, Ed.D. but the key information from the e-mail I received this morning is: The Frye Leadership Institute will be held June 4 – 16, Kooks, 2006 at Emory University. Applicants must
- [ACRL Announces Immersion '06](https://acrlog.org/2005/09/21/acrl-announces-immersion-06/): I’ve never The attended ?????????????????2830???????SIM?????????????????? one, but one y of the Valencia librarians I work with has and wholesale jerseys it was certainly beneficial to her development as cheap nba jerseys our Information Literacy cheap jerseys from China Coordinator. The information literacy Immersion Institute is where you definitely cheap jerseys want to ??????? go to
- [The Ed.D. Still Makes Sense For Us](https://acrlog.org/2005/09/21/the-edd-still-makes-sense-for-us/): This week’s Chronicle of Higher Education features a story about Arthur Levine, President wordpress???????! of the Columbia University Teacher’s College, and a somewhat controversial report he wrote back in March 2005. The report focuses on the education of school leaders. Levine’s suggestion to eliminate the Ed.D. degree caused a particularly strong reaction from education schools.
- [Hypothes.is and the dream of universal web annotation](https://acrlog.org/2017/01/25/hyopthes-is-and-the-dream-of-universal-web-annotation/): Digital, networked technology has irrevocably altered the way humans process, analyze, and share information, a reality not lost on those in scholarly communications, where traditional modes research and publishing are (albeit slowly) evolving to embrace the potential these advancements offer. Some developments include the rise in open access publishing, an increase in scholarly blogging, sharing
- [Library (and Library-relevant) Events and the Inauguration](https://acrlog.org/2017/01/19/library-and-library-relevant-events-and-the-inauguration/): The U.S. Presidential Inauguration is scheduled for tomorrow, and many organizations have planned programming, displays, and other ways to engage their communities in conversations around issues raised since the election and during the transition. At my college and university we're still in our winter intersession -- our Spring semester doesn't begin until the end of
- [A Reference Redo](https://acrlog.org/2017/01/16/a-reference-redo/): Our reference desk is in an odd spot. Rather than describe the situation, I created the following hasty floor plan: When students enter the library they don't see an actual person until they are well past the stairs to the second floor. The circulation desk dwarfs the reference desk, and the reference desk is obscured
- [Second Semesters: Meeting Expectations and Setting Goals](https://acrlog.org/2017/01/12/second-semesters-meeting-expectations-and-setting-goals/): Classes started this week. Utah State University seems to go back to school earlier than other institutions I’ve been associated with, whether this is a truth or just a feeling based on my always busy and never resting natural state I can’t know. As you might recall from my first post on ACRLog, I felt
- [Meta Top Ten: An Infinitely Regressive New Year to You!](https://acrlog.org/2017/01/05/meta-top-ten-an-infinitely-regressive-new-year-to-you/): One of my favorite things to do as a kid while my mother practiced the organ was play in the church’s bridal suite. It had this closet of two large mirrored doors opening to a floor-to-ceiling mirror. I’d close the mirrors on my leg or arm, slide around in there and watch my appendages travel
- [Theory as a keel: Developing a critical framework for open education, Part 2](https://acrlog.org/2016/12/26/theory-as-a-keel-developing-a-critical-framework-for-open-education-part-2/): “If open is the answer, then what is the question?” was posed by educator and researcher Catherine Cronin (National University of Ireland, Galway) in her keynote address for the Open Education Conference 2016 in Edinburgh, UK last April. This question challenges our community to explore the why behind the how driving open education initiatives, and
- [Goals for the New Year](https://acrlog.org/2016/12/30/goals-for-the-new-year/): I am sure people have said it, but the semester is over! The holiday's are almost over, with New Years just around the corner. With that in mind, I thought I would make some goals for myself in regards to information literacy and my other job duties. I have not done New Years resolutions in
- [Does this post make me look vulnerable? Vulnerability and Leadership](https://acrlog.org/2016/12/23/does-this-post-make-me-look-vulnerable-vulnerability-and-leadership/): ACRLog welcomes guest co-author Michelle Millet, Library Director at John Carroll University. Maura: As so often happens to me, the idea for this post began with a conversation on Twitter. I'm trying to decide if I blog about showing vulnerability as the bosslady or understanding politics when you start a new job. — Michelle (@winelibrarian)
- [Straight talk: Inviting students’ perspectives on information literacy teaching and learning](https://acrlog.org/2016/12/21/straight-talk-inviting-students-perspectives-on-information-literacy-teaching-and-learning/): My colleagues and I received a grant from our regional consortium to develop information literacy continuing education opportunities for faculty, librarians, and other stakeholders at our institutions. As part of this initiative, we’re planning a one-day symposium during which participants can share successes and challenges in information literacy teaching and learning and that inspires intercampus
- [The Grossly Exaggerated Death of the Library, or Why I Don’t Discourage Students from Attending Library School.](https://acrlog.org/2016/12/14/the-grossly-exaggerated-death-of-the-library-or-why-i-dont-discourage-students-from-attending-library-school/): What do you say to the next generation of Librarians? Since I’m a First-Year Academic Librarian Experience I would assume the “next generation” is probably me, and it is a little too soon to play the grizzled older “in my day” type librarian. Because I work in a University Library, I know students finishing their
- [Alternative Library Instruction Models, or What Happens When You Want Back Out](https://acrlog.org/2016/12/12/alternative-library-instruction-models-or-what-happens-when-you-want-back-out/): I've been an instruction librarian since 2007, and over the years my perspective on library instruction has shifted from How can I convince my liaison department faculty to schedule a class? to How can I make my classes more scaffolded within the curriculum? to How can I possibly do all of this teaching in one semester
- [Theory as a keel: Developing a critical framework for open education](https://acrlog.org/2016/11/28/theory-as-a-keel-developing-a-critical-framework-for-open-education/): Virginians involved in education were extremely fortunate to have the 13th Annual Open Education Conference held in Richmond, at the Great Richmond Convention Center November 2nd through 4th, 2016. The conference, billed as the “premiere venue for sharing research, development, advocacy, design, and other work relating the open education,” offers librarians a unique opportunity to
- [Self-Care: Focusing on you](https://acrlog.org/2016/11/21/self-care-focusing-on-you/): This fall semester has brought a full load of classes, projects, and committee work. Add on the election and the stress doubles. Since I began my job as an academic librarian, I have constantly heard “self care, self care.” However, being the stubborn person I am, I did not really understand the importance of setting
- [On Critical Habits of Mind](https://acrlog.org/2016/11/18/on-critical-habits-of-mind/): This semester I've been working with a First Year Seminar on Business Ethics & Corporate Responsibility. For their semester-long research assignment, each student selected a company from the 2016 Forbes Most Ethical Companies list. They were asked to investigate the company's relationship to its customers, employees, the environment, and international suppliers (if applicable), and how
- [Is Open Access Enough? Strategies for Healthier OA.](https://acrlog.org/2016/11/12/is-open-access-enough-strategies-for-healthier-oa/): I'm a salesman, and the hardest part of my job is encouraging people to buy. As a Digital Scholarship librarian I manage the Institutional Repository (IR) and peddle Open Access (OA) to students and faculty, who, despite enthusiasm in our field are sometimes skeptical about web based and OA resources. For a long time, librarians have championed OA in
- [Supporting Our Communities](https://acrlog.org/2016/11/10/supporting-our-communities/): I'd originally planned a different post for today, but now it seems like that can wait. The election of Donald Trump as the next President of the United States has come as a surprise to many. I'm still wrapping my head around it, both personally and professionally, as a librarian at a public college in
- [My Space, Your Space, Our Space, New Space?](https://acrlog.org/2016/11/05/my-space-your-space-our-space-new-space/): For this week’s post, I had the unique opportunity to review a recently published white paper by Brian Mathews, associate dean at Virginia Tech Libraries and Jenizza Badua, interior design student at Virginia Tech entitled, Curating the Campus, Curating Change. This fascinating conceptual piece is based on a mixture of ideas, conversations, and some actual
- [What does open pedagogy for information literacy look like?](https://acrlog.org/2016/10/19/open-pedagogy-for-information-literacy/): We’re launching Domain of One’s Own at my institution this year. If you haven’t heard of Domains, it’s a program that helps institutions offer students, faculty, and staff online spaces that they control. Domains grew out of a project at the University of Mary Washington (UMW). Co-founders Jim Groom and Tim Owens have since spun
- [Out of the Margins: Reflections on Open Access Week 2016](https://acrlog.org/2016/10/27/out-of-the-margins-reflections-on-open-access-week-2016/): Please welcome our new First Year Academic Librarian Experience blogger Lily Troia (@LilyTroia), Digital Services Librarian at the College of William and Mary, primarily working at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science in digital scholarship, open access, and research data management. This year marks the 9th annual International Open Access Week, a celebration that engages
- [Library Residency Programs: The pros and cons of residency positions as written by a current resident](https://acrlog.org/2016/10/24/library-residency-programs-the-pros-and-cons-of-residency-positions-as-written-by-a-current-resident/): This past Friday, I had the pleasure of attending the 2016 Conference on Diversity and Inclusion in Library Science (CIDLIS). I was able to not only attend, but to present. I was lucky enough to be put in the same group with LaVerne Gray, whose presentation “Outsider-Within Blues: Black feminist auto-ethnographic critique of diversity librarian
- [Director at the Desk](https://acrlog.org/2016/10/21/director-at-the-desk/): On the reference desk until 10:30pm for the first time in a long time AMA. — Maura Smale (@mauraweb) October 18, 2016 This week I’m trying something I’ve never done before: I’m working one evening and one weekend shift at our Reference Desk. All librarians in the library where I work take a few short
- [When is the Struggle TOO Real?](https://acrlog.org/2016/10/14/struggle/): One of the advantages of having a partner who happens to be a math professor is that we can talk academic shop. A few weeks ago, over a serious dishwasher unloading, we started talking about a recurring theme manifesting itself in our college's faculty Facebook group: toughening up college students. From debates about trigger warnings to
- [Taming Tenure as a Newbrarian](https://acrlog.org/2016/10/12/taming-tenure-as-a-newbrarian/): Please welcome our new First Year Academic Librarian Experience blogger Dylan Burns, Digital Scholarship Librarian at Utah State University. This month I’ll end my first “year” at Utah State University, only about 3 months in real human time. That is when my tenure calendar, which trudged on before I was a glint in the eye
- [Following the road of assessment](https://acrlog.org/2016/09/26/assessment-follow-the-yellow-brick-road/): This Fall semester has been taking off like a rocket. It’s been a little less than a month, but library instruction has been taking up a good chunk of my time. At my institution, American University, we have a program called College Writing. This program requires all incoming freshman to take at least one section
- [Lingering Lockout Questions](https://acrlog.org/2016/09/21/lingering-lockout-questions/): It's been a week since the faculty -- including library faculty -- at Long Island University's Brooklyn campus returned to the Fall semester. Just before the semester began, they were locked out by the university administration when their contract expired and before they could vote on a new contract. I know many of the librarians
- [I Want You to Like Me](https://acrlog.org/2016/09/16/i-want-you-to-like-me/): I know, intellectually, how naive it is to assume that other people, especially students, are here to help me fulfill myself—naive at best and arrogant at worst. But . . . my own growth as a teacher requires that I face such awkward facts. To become a better teacher, I must nurture a sense of
- [Just Add Water: Resolutions for the New Semester](https://acrlog.org/2016/09/01/just-add-water-resolutions-for-the-new-semester/): I'm firmly in the midcareer stage of librarianship, but every fall I'm still a little bit surprised by how quickly the campus and library go from quiet intersession to full and busy when classes begin. Our semester started last week at the college where I work. It's like an instant soup mix: just add water
- [August Thoughts on the National Diversity in Libraries Conference](https://acrlog.org/2016/08/19/august-thoughts-on-the-national-diversity-in-libraries-conference/): As the school year is about to begin, it seems like August is the month to scramble. At least, that’s how it feels for me. It’s been a month of deadlines, projects, vacation, but also conferences. I had the opportunity to attend the National Diversity in Libraries Conference (NDLC) at the University of California Los
- [Finding and Valuing My Own Voice](https://acrlog.org/2016/08/12/voice/): Today is my birthday. I am 24 years old. Today also marks the end of my time as an ACRLog blogger. I wanted to use this last blog post to reflect on how much blogging for ACRLog has been foundational to my development, not only a librarian but as a whole person. When I started
- [Attempting to complicate students’ news consumption](https://acrlog.org/2016/08/09/attempting-to-complicate-students-news-consumption/): “Anyone who isn't confused doesn't really understand the situation.” --Edward R. Murrow This past semester, per usual, a faculty member who teaches political science at my institution asked her students to read and watch the news. My colleague incorporated, as she normally does, discussion of current events into class time. The presidential primaries and accompanying
- [Our Responsibility to Voters: What Librarianship Should Look Like During the 2016 Presidential Election Season](https://acrlog.org/2016/08/03/our-responsibility-to-voters-what-librarianship-should-look-like-during-the-2016-presidential-election-season/): Since the RNC and DNC have taken place, the 2016 general election is at the forefront of everyone’s minds and news feeds. I wanted to use my final FYAL ACRLog post to talk about this topic of great relevance and importance to all of us while considering the role we should play as librarians at
- [Bite-sized Change](https://acrlog.org/2016/07/27/bite-sized-change/): Editor's Note: We welcome Veronica Arellano-Douglas to the ACRLog team. Veronica is a Research and Instruction Librarian at St. Mary's College of Maryland. Her research interests include critical librarianship, information literacy, and pedagogy; graphic design and visual communication in libraries; and diversity, equity, and inclusion in LIS. For years I believed that for change to
- [Put a Process On It!](https://acrlog.org/2016/07/23/put-a-process-on-it/): Editor's Note: We welcome Angela Rathmel to the ACRLog team. Angela is the head of Acquisitions & Resource Sharing at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas. Her research focuses on libraries' organizational response to changes in scholarly publishing, acquisition, and access, particularly with respect to organizational communication, information seeking, and knowledge management. Working in
- [Do I Have to Be An Expert? Helping Students Understand and Confront Imposter Syndrome](https://acrlog.org/2016/04/15/do-i-have-to-be-an-expert-helping-students-understand-and-confront-imposter-syndrome/): Imposter syndrome hit me hard as soon as I entered the job market. As I perused job announcements and skimmed the required and preferred qualification sections, a sinking feeling crept into my chest: How will anyone ever hire me without experience? How will I gain this necessary experience when all of these job announcements want
- [Critical Information Literacy for First-Generation College Students](https://acrlog.org/2016/07/12/critical-information-literacy-for-first-generation-college-students/): Last week, I re-read James Elmborg’s seminal article “Critical Information Literacy: Implications for Instructional Practice” as part of a homework assignment for an upcoming ACRL Immersion workshop. Every time I read it I engage with the text from a different perspective, and I always learn something new. It had been over a year since my
- [Reflections on the past year](https://acrlog.org/2016/07/06/reflections-on-the-past-year/): It’s been almost one year since I moved to Washington DC and began my residency position at American University. Last year, for my very first ACRLog post, I wrote a little about my job description as a Resident Librarian. Next month will mark my one year anniversary at American University. I am glad to say
- [The Time is Now: Scholarly Communication and Undergraduates](https://acrlog.org/2016/06/28/scholcomm-undergrads/): “Open Access empowers all scholars, not just those with a Ph.D appended to their last names.” ~char booth, open access as pedagogy Several recent developments in the scholarly communication world have left the future feeling bleak. An April news piece in Science concluded that millions of pirated papers continue to be downloaded from Sci-Hub. The
- [On “Everything”: Reflections on working in a field that is all-encompassing](https://acrlog.org/2016/06/16/on-everything-reflections-on-working-in-a-field-that-is-all-encompassing/): Everything is information. Even some physicists and philosophers believe that information might be the basis of reality itself. According to a physicist quoted in a PBS blog post, one can imagine a universe without matter or energy, but one cannot imagine a universe without information. Hegel, the philosopher, also famously stated, “The real is the
- [Invisible Disabilities, Self Care, and a Generous Heart](https://acrlog.org/2016/05/31/invisible-disabilities-self-care-and-a-generous-heart/): This has all been said before, and better than by me. Not to bury the lede – practice self care and have a generous heart. One of the insights I’ve gained as I’ve grown older, is how deeply and comprehensively injuries and illness can effect someone. Or non medical issues – the regular ups and
- [First-Generation College Students - How Can the Library Help?](https://acrlog.org/2016/06/10/first-generation-college-students-how-can-the-library-help/): Three months into my current position, I realized that one of my biggest professional goals was to work with first-generation college students (FGCS). Inspired by a presentation about FGCS on campus at a Teaching with Technology conference sponsored by the campus Center for Teaching and Learning, I immediately marched into my reporting officer’s office seeking
- [“Playable, not just performable”: Telling the story of information literacy](https://acrlog.org/2016/06/07/playable-not-just-performable-telling-the-story-of-information-literacy/): I was reading Carrie Brownstein’s book, Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl: A Memoir, a month or two ago, and a particular passage grabbed me so much that I keep going back to it. If you don’t know Carrie’s work, the short version is that she’s an indie rock/punk icon (best known for her band
- [Shifting Gears for Summer in the Library](https://acrlog.org/2016/05/27/shifting-gears-for-summer-in-the-library/): At my workplace -- the City University of New York -- our semesters run later than many others, and finals just ended for us yesterday. Today the library's practically a ghost town, nearly empty of students during our short intersession before summer classes begin next Thursday. As I imagine many of us do, I've been
- [Mentorship in your first year](https://acrlog.org/2016/05/17/mentorship-in-your-first-year/): Entering a new workplace is scary. Entering a new profession, environment, and career all at the same time, is scarier. However, with a little help, the transition can be smooth. Before I even began my position at American University, I was assigned a mentor, another librarian at the AU Library. I had never had one
- [A Tip of the Hat to Tenure: Realizations in my First Year](https://acrlog.org/2016/05/03/a-tip-of-the-hat-to-tenure-realizations-in-my-first-year/): Recently, I’m discovering more and more that there are certain advantages to being tenure-track, and this affects my professional identity in multiple ways. It is causing me to take on responsibilities that I wouldn’t normally volunteer for, and allowing me to do research that is challenging and significant. I’m realizing that my decision to apply
- [Maintaining in Academic Libraries](https://acrlog.org/2016/04/29/maintaining-in-academic-libraries/): The spring conference season is in full swing, and one weekend earlier this month it seemed like there were conferences of interest to me all over the place, judging from the hashtags in my Twitter timeline: #PLA2016, #SAA2016 (Society of American Archaeologists), #OAH2016 (Organization of American Historians), #DifferentGames2016, and #AERA16 (American Educational Research Association), just
- [OER Outreach for Newbies, Part III: Embracing the Messiness](https://acrlog.org/2016/04/12/oer-part3/): This post is the third in a three-part series devoted to OER outreach (here are the first and second posts). I’ll use this post to advocate for more transparency from the library open education community in order to encourage OER newbies to take risks and share mistakes. The most important thing I’m going to do
- [OER Outreach for Newbies, Part II: Moving Forward](https://acrlog.org/2016/04/08/oer-part2/): This post is the second in a three-part series devoted to OER outreach. Find the first post here. I’ll use this post to reflect on my next steps for OER outreach. I’ll also suggest that OER outreach has to look different for liberal arts colleges, particularly those that aren’t using textbooks—traditional or open—in a majority
- [Saying No](https://acrlog.org/2016/04/04/saying-no/): No. A word in the English language that we probably use every single day. The definition is “a negative used to express dissent, denial, or refusal, as in response to a question or request.” We use it in our everyday life. However, when it comes to the workplace, it can be hard saying “no.” As
- [OER Outreach for Newbies, Part I: What I Would Do Differently](https://acrlog.org/2016/04/01/oer-part1/): My library, in partnership with our Center for Teaching and Learning, recently launched a faculty stipend program for faculty interested in either replacing their traditional course materials with OER or sharing their students’ work as OER for other educators’ use. We awarded four stipends this January and I’ve been working with those faculty to
- [The Sexy Librarian is (Un)Dead. OR I’m a rock star (and so are you).](https://acrlog.org/2016/03/15/the-sexy-librarian-is-undead-or-im-a-rock-star-and-so-are-you/): For this blog post, I decided to take a break from my previous pattern of expressing librarian existentialist angst (i.e. professional identity issues) and instead focus on what makes us so awesome. Through this, I’ll be indirectly addressing those professional identity issues. I’ll also come to my eventual conclusions via a discussion of the infamous
- [Working on Wikipedia Redux](https://acrlog.org/2016/03/11/working-on-wikipedia-redux/): Last weekend I had a great time participating in the Wikipedia Art+Feminism editathon, an annual event to increase the representation and coverage of women in the arts on Wikipedia. You may remember Art+Feminism co-organizer Siân Evans's guest post last December -- Why GLAM Wiki -- which well-explains the editathon's aims and accomplishments. I'm a huge
- [Information literacy strategies and student agency:  Connecting the dots with “dissection” activities](https://acrlog.org/2016/03/04/information-literacy-strategies-and-student-agency-connecting-the-dots-with-dissection-activities/): I’ve mentioned before (like here, here, and here, for example) that I’ve been trying to get students to think metacognitively about the strategy of their work. Such a lens helps students turn a concrete experience into a framework of best practices for their future application. In the case of the common information literacy session devoted
- [More Than Just Meetings: Thinking about Service to the Institution](https://acrlog.org/2016/02/26/more-than-just-meetings-thinking-about-service-to-the-institution/): Today was a Friday full of meetings for me that mostly took place outside of the library. I started out in the morning at the monthly(-ish) meeting of my college's General Education Committee, along with other faculty and administrators from departments across the college. The college where I work is just beginning our preparation for
- [Something's Always Wrong - Depression and the First Year](https://acrlog.org/2016/02/23/somethings-always-wrong-depression-and-the-first-year/): I intended to write about something else entirely, but the past two months have been particularly difficult so I decided to share my story now. To be clear, I am not depressed because I am a first-year librarian; I am a depressed person who is a first-year librarian. I was undiagnosed until my early twenties, but
- [Making strategy more transparent](https://acrlog.org/2016/02/13/making-strategy-more-transparent/): I’m not one to make new year’s resolutions, per se. Still, I have been trying to work on something resolution-esque in the past few months, or maybe even for a year now, although it didn’t begin with any formal shape or label. However, it’s mid-February. It’s the end of week four of the semester and
- [Getting rejected in the library world. What now?](https://acrlog.org/2016/02/15/getting-rejected-in-the-library-world-what-now/): I would like to address something that might be slightly uncomfortable topic for some. Rejection. I know it’s definitely uncomfortable for me. I had planned to write about this topic, but I had planned to write about it near the end of my tenure at ACRLog. Rejection comes in many forms, but the rejection that
- [Peer Mentoring in the Profession](https://acrlog.org/2016/02/10/peer-mentoring-in-the-profession/): I talk a lot about peer mentoring and my network in some of my other ACRLog posts (see “Don’t Underestimate Your Peers” in my tips for LIS students post). The last few months of being a new librarian, publishing my first peer-reviewed article, and presenting at conferences—all of which I couldn’t have done without
- [The Born Librarian: My Professional Identity in Librarianship](https://acrlog.org/2016/02/01/the-born-librarian-my-professional-identity-in-librarianship/): You may have noticed from my last post that lately I have been grappling with questions of my professional identity. For example, I tried to understand or argue for the importance of libraries, and my best answer was that libraries’ most important role is their role as a public space and gatekeeper of information.
- [Wrapping Up Our Collaboration (And Many Thanks)](https://acrlog.org/2016/01/29/hls-wrapup/): Our collaboration with Hack Library School (HLS) ends today. The collaboration helped bring a lot of new voices to both of our blogs and, we think, fostered really invigorating and important conversations about librarianship. We’d like to thank Hack Library School for agreeing to team up with us. We’d also like to thank all of
- [Experience Necessary](https://acrlog.org/2016/01/28/experience-necessary/): Check out our post on HLS today too! Nicole Helregel, ACRLog guest blogger and former HLS blogger, provides some tips for how to get involved in ALA and ACRL. See more information about the HLS/ ACRLog collaboration here. Dylan Burns is a current Master’s Candidate in Library and Information Science at the University of Illinois at
- [The Slow Gradual Veer to Academic Librarianship](https://acrlog.org/2016/01/25/the-slow-gradual-veer/): Check out our post on HLS today too! Jen Jarson, ACRLog blogger, reflects on the importance of place and work environment in “Room to Grow?” See more information about the HLS/ ACRLog collaboration here. Hailley Fargo is a second year masters student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. When she's not in school, Hailley is
- [Librarianship Doesn’t Need Professionals](https://acrlog.org/2016/01/19/professionalism/): Check out our post on HLS today too! Heidi Johnson, ACRLog FYAL blogger, reflects on the greatest differences between grad school and professional life in “Structuring My Time.” See more information about the HLS/ ACRLog collaboration here. Madison Sullivan is a NCSU Libraries Fellow at North Carolina State University, where she is a librarian for Research and
- [Academic Libraries and Mental Health: LIS Mental Health Week](https://acrlog.org/2016/01/18/academic-libraries-and-mental-health-lis-mental-health-week/): This week is LIS Mental Health Week, organized by Cecily Walker and Kelly McElroy. The event involves "a week-long series of posts, Twitter chats, podcasts, and resource sharing about mental health issues for people who suffer and for their loved ones" (from a post earlier this month in which Cecily kicked things off on her
- [Academic Interviews from Both Sides](https://acrlog.org/2016/01/21/academic-interviews/): Brenna and Maura were asked to write collaboratively to explore academic interviews from both sides-- job applicants and administrators. HLS is also featuring this post today. Brenna is a student at the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and managing editor of Hack Library School. She has
- [Mentorship & LIS Students](https://acrlog.org/2016/01/14/mentorship-lis-students/): Check out our post on HLS today too! Sveta Stoytcheva, ACRLog Guest FYAL blogger, reflects on how the academy shapes work/life balance in “Reflections on Work/Life Balance and Academic Librarianship.” See more information about the HLS/ ACRLog collaboration here. Victoria Henry holds a Bachelors of Arts in History and a Bachelors of Music in Flute Performance
- [Professional Development as a Student](https://acrlog.org/2016/01/11/professional-development-as-a-student/): Check out our post on HLS today too! Quetzalli Barrientos, ACRLog FYAL blogger, reflects on her job search in “Job Search Tips.” See more information about the HLS/ ACRLog collaboration here. Emily Minehart is a second year MSLIS student pursuing a Certificate in Special Collections at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is a Graduate
- [Practitioner Engagement in LIS Education](https://acrlog.org/2016/01/07/practitioner-engagement-in-lis-education/): Check out our post on HLS today too! Callie Wiygul, ACRLog FYAL blogger, compares the challenges of graduate school to her experience in the academy in “The Perils of Seeing a Job as Your Endgame.” See more information about the HLS/ ACRLog collaboration here. Elizabeth Lieutenant is a current MSL(I)S student who will be graduating
- [January 2016 Collaboration with Hack Library School](https://acrlog.org/2016/01/04/hlscollaboration/): ACRLog will be kicking 2016 off in a new and exciting way! Last fall, the ACRLog administrators had a discussion about the need for more LIS student voices on the blog. During our discussion, we recognized that Hack Library School (HLS) is the premier blog for LIS student communication. We knew that we wanted to
- [Happy Holidays, and Thanks](https://acrlog.org/2015/12/29/happy-holidays-and-thanks/): With the calendar year winding down and the semester wrapped up, I wanted to take a quick moment on behalf of the ACRLog team to share our best wishes with you, our readers. Thanks for reading, commenting, tweeting, retweeting, and sharing our ACRLog posts this year. We hope everyone's getting some time to rest and
- [Generosity at work](https://acrlog.org/2015/12/23/generosity-at-work/): It seems to me that the interconnectedness of our work makes us library folk frequent collaborators. It often takes a number of people working together, for example, to select, acquire, receive, catalog, and provide access to resources. Or, for instance, how does a librarian have access to students for in-class instruction if not through collaboration
- [Stating Your Case: The Annual Review](https://acrlog.org/2015/12/10/stating-your-case-the-annual-review/): This year marks my first year as a professional librarian and, as such, January 2016 is the due date of my first full performance review packet. Librarians at my university are considered faculty and are on a continuing appointment track, which is similar to tenure but different in structure. While this is the first full
- [The Best Work I Do is at the Intersections](https://acrlog.org/2015/12/07/intersections/): November was a whirlwind. I felt both overwhelmed and enlightened after #OpenEd15 in Vancouver last week. The conference empowered me to see a different side of the Open Education movement, which helped me realize just how much I still have to learn. Still, I found myself yearning for more critical, strategic conversations about openness. Both
- [Achieving a work/Life balance: A little harder than it sounds](https://acrlog.org/2015/12/03/achieving-a-worklife-balance-a-little-harder-than-it-sounds/): As December begins, my first semester as an academic librarian comes to an end. This fall semester, I was able to do instruction sessions, participate in a panel, collaborate with colleagues on projects, and gained experience with submitting proposals. Most importantly, I was able to do the thing that I love best--talk with students about
- [En/Countering a Cliché](https://acrlog.org/2015/11/18/encountering-a-cliche/): One of the tools I use for my instruction sessions is a cartoon of a librarian sitting at the reference desk with her “Librarian” sign sticking out of the trash, replaced by a sign that says “Search Engine.” I use this as an attention grabber, both to insert a bit of self-deprecating humor as well
- [Changing College, Changing Library](https://acrlog.org/2015/11/12/changing-college-changing-library/): One of the things I like most about my job is being part of my college and university community. CUNY (the City University of New York) is a unique institution -- the largest urban public university system in the U.S. -- and New York City College of Technology (typically referred to as City Tech), where
- [Keeping Our Batteries Charged](https://acrlog.org/2015/10/30/keeping-our-batteries-charged/): Now that I'm in my second year as Chief Librarian, the questions about what I miss about my prior role as Instruction Coordinator come much less often. My answer is the same, though: I still miss teaching and reference, and the opportunities they offer to work with our students. I'd guess that's common among folks
- [Finding Your Niche and Establishing Yourself in the Academy: What You Didn’t Learn in Graduate School](https://acrlog.org/2015/10/27/finding-your-niche-and-establishing-yourself-in-the-academy-what-you-didnt-learn-in-graduate-school/): Please welcome our new First Year Academic Librarian Experience blogger Callie Wiygul, Social Work Librarian at the University of Southern California. Seven months ago, I started a new job as a social work librarian in a city thousands of miles from home fresh out of graduate school. Since then, I’ve been trying to find my
- [A Midwestern Girl in the Land of Politics](https://acrlog.org/2015/10/23/a-midwestern-girl-in-the-land-of-politics/): Please welcome our new First Year Academic Librarian Experience blogger Quetzalli Barrientos, Resident Librarian at American University. I have been at my new job for two and half months as the current Resident Librarian at American University (located in Washington, DC). My main job duties consist of reference and instruction, with the freedom to pursue
- [Versus / and / or: The relationship between information literacy and digital literacy](https://acrlog.org/2015/10/20/versus-and-or-the-relationship-between-information-literacy-and-digital-literacy/): For years now, I’ve been working to both simplify and deepen how I think and talk about information literacy. These goals may perhaps seem at odds, but they feel rather complementary to me. Essentially, I’m trying to hone my ideas, language, and examples so that information literacy is both accessible and meaningful to my audience.
- [Being “Human” In the Classroom: A Case for Personal Testimony in Pedagogy](https://acrlog.org/2015/10/14/being-human-in-the-classroom/): I’m three months into my first year as an academic librarian and it has been a whirlwind. Conversations with many of my LIS friends confirm that the transition to professional librarianship presents invigorating ups as well as exhausting downs. Something I have been trying to focus on is embracing the ups and moving quickly and
- [What Happens in Vegas… How My Location (and all the Vegas Truisms) Impact My Job](https://acrlog.org/2015/10/07/what-happens-in-vegas-how-my-location-and-all-the-vegas-truisms-impact-my-job/): Please welcome our new First Year Academic Librarian Experience blogger Heidi Johnson, Social Sciences Librarian at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Photograph of gamblers at a craps table in the El Rancho Vegas (Las Vegas), 1950s, courtesy of UNLV Libraries Digital Collections. When I first accepted my position as Social Sciences Librarian at University
- [Somewhat Off-the-Cuff Thoughts About the Print Vs Ebook Debates](https://acrlog.org/2015/09/23/somewhat-off-the-cuff-thoughts-about-the-print-vs-ebook-debates/): I opened the paper this morning to an article discussing the continuing fight for market share between print books and ebooks. In a headline sure to lure in every librarian and avid reader -- The Plot Twist: E-Book Sales Slip, and Print Is Far From Dead -- the New York Times reports that: E-book sales
- [Dear diary: Using a reflective teaching journal for improvement and assessment?](https://acrlog.org/2015/09/04/dear-diary-using-a-reflective-teaching-journal-for-improvement-and-assessment/): A few months ago, I posted about how I’ve shifted to using more constructivist activities and formative assessments in classes. I wrote about how I think these pedagogical frameworks have helped me to strengthen student learning and engagement. I said things about how--by developing opportunities for students to experiment in classes with tools, strategies, and
- [Digging Into My Non-Library Past](https://acrlog.org/2015/08/24/digging-into-my-non-library-past/): Like many academic libraries, library faculty at my college and university are required to have a second graduate degree in addition to the ML(I)S. I came to librarianship after a couple of other careers, and one of the things that attracted me to the field (and to academic librarianship specifically) was the opportunity to use
- [Still Lost in the Academy: The Importance of #L1S and Other First Generation Initiatives](https://acrlog.org/2015/08/10/still-lost-in-the-academy/): Disclaimer: This post is only about my experience as a first generation student. My experience is not truth. While I try to highlight some research done on this topic and point to others’ reflections, it’s worth stating that first generation student’s experiences are as diverse as they are. Sometimes I get comfortable. I start to
- [A Year Down, 211 Miles to Go](https://acrlog.org/2015/07/20/a-year-down-211-miles-to-go/): This weekend* I’m leaving to hike the John Muir Trail. I’ll hike the 211 mile trail in about three weeks. While I’m hiking, my official one-year anniversary of working as an academic librarian will pass, so taking a break from work sounds like an excellent way to celebrate. While the trail will be physically demanding,
- [No Longer an FYAL](https://acrlog.org/2015/07/13/no-longer-an-fyal/): Exactly 365 days ago I was exactly ten days into my job as the Electronic Resources Librarian at the University of North Texas. Well, actually – 365 days ago from today, July 13, 2015, was a Sunday (not a Monday) and I was flying to Texas after a belated going-away party back home. How do
- [Summer doldrums: Regenerating some mojo, or How sweet it really is](https://acrlog.org/2015/07/07/summer-doldrums-regenerating-some-mojo-or-how-sweet-it-really-is/): The end of the semester / start of summer can be a difficult time. A hectic and demanding (and fun, to be sure) semester can be draining, and my motivation sometimes wanes. I’m not the only one plagued by this lethargy. It’s a common complaint for (and bond between!) those of us in higher ed.
- [Considering Conferencing](https://acrlog.org/2015/06/29/considering-conferencing/): Like many of us I was #alaleftbehind this past weekend. I spent some time sitting on the sofa scrolling through Twitter catching up on the programs and happenings at ALA Annual, and I'm grateful to folks who're livetweeting the sessions and those who've posted their talks and slides for all to see. But it's not
- [Navigating (New) Relationships with Faculty: Valuing Service](https://acrlog.org/2015/06/24/navigating-new-relationships/): I start my first professional position in less than a month. I repeat: less than a month! I’ll be one of three Information Literacy Librarians on Davidson College’s team. I have been thinking about what the transition will be like a lot lately and one topic really continues to stick with me, worry me, and
- [Culture Shock! and Other Discoveries of a New Academic Librarian](https://acrlog.org/2015/06/20/culture-shock-and-other-discoveries-of-a-new-academic-librarian/): Academia is weird. I did three academic library internships and worked as two years as academic library staff before becoming an academic librarian at Cal State Fullerton. But I didn’t truly realize how weird academic was until I became, well, an academic. Now that I’ve achieved a full (academic) year of librarianship, I thought that
- [It Takes All Kinds](https://acrlog.org/2015/06/10/it-takes-all-kinds/): I am a huge sucker for personality tests. It started young, I think – I’ve known I was an INFJ/ENFJ since I was a kid. Over the years I’ve branched out from the Myers-Briggs and taken a wide variety of tests, usually in either a school or work setting. Most recently the Collection Management division
- [The Assistantship as Ethnography: A New Lens for LIS Students](https://acrlog.org/2015/05/28/the-assistantship-as-ethnography/): “I wish to make the argument here for usability as a motive, ethnography as a practice, anthropology as a worldview” This was the first sentence of Donna Lanclos’ recent keynote speech at UX Libs, an international conference devoted to user experience in libraries. I find Donna’s speech to be moving and eloquent while still offering
- [Let's Assess!](https://acrlog.org/2015/05/20/lets-assess/): The California State University system has been considering a move to performance-based funding. Librarians here have expressed a lot of consternation about how we can show we’re worth funding, let alone why we should have to show it at all. At the same time, Cal State Fullerton is making a big push towards implementing and
- [A World with No Meetings?!](https://acrlog.org/2015/05/11/5530/): If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be: meetings. -- Dave Barry, "25 Things I Have Learned in 50 Years" As funny as I think Dave Barry can be, and in spite of the fact
- [The Good Kind of Contagious](https://acrlog.org/2015/05/03/the-good-kind-of-contagious/): I haven't written an ACRLog post in a long time. It's an all too typical story of the combination short-on-time + writer's block sort: a busy late Winter/early Spring (such a wintery late Winter, too), and I've had conference and other presentation preparations to do as well as the usual work stuff. And since this
- [Going National at ACRL](https://acrlog.org/2015/04/20/going-national-at-acrl/): I had the great privilege to attend ACRL last month in Portland – my first national conference! ACRL veterans had given me the scare that ACRL conferences are intimidatingly large and difficult to get around, but I planned out what I wanted to see in advance and found the conference very approachable, especially after attending
- [(Un)Written Tips for New LIS Students (Or, What I Learned In Grad School)](https://acrlog.org/2015/04/16/unwritten-tips-for-new-lis-students-or-what-i-learned-in-grad-school/): It’s mid-April and so many things are wrapping up. Most of my class projects have been turned in. I’m calculating the last hours I owe at each graduate assistantship. I just landed my first professional position! And—maybe most excitingly—one of my largest projects, the 2015 Symposium on LIS Education just happened last weekend. I’m finding
- [Facilitating student learning and engagement with formative assessment](https://acrlog.org/2015/04/09/facilitating-student-learning-and-engagement-with-formative-assessment/): Information literacy instruction is a big part of my job. For a little context, I teach somewhere in the range of 35-45 classes per semester at my small liberal arts college. While a few of the sessions might sometimes be repeats for a course with multiple sections, they’re mostly unique classes running 75 minutes each.
- [Focus and Spring Fevers](https://acrlog.org/2015/04/10/focus-and-spring-fevers/): It always seems so unfair that people tend to get sick in the springtime. Just as the weeks of perfect temperatures and sunshine get underway and you want to be outside all the time just soaking in the gorgeous weather along come allergies, and sinus infections, colds and flu, etc. This year I was lucky
- [Open Education Week 2015: A Reflection on IP, Infrastructure, and Interest](https://acrlog.org/2015/03/23/open-education-week/): This year, Open Education Week ran from March 9th to March 13th. Open Education Week, like Open Access Week, is a celebration of what has been accomplished and what is currently being done within the greater open movement. The Open Education Consortium sponsors the week by compiling resources, marketing materials, and educational tools for librarians, faculty,
- [The Key Word is Scalability](https://acrlog.org/2015/03/20/the-key-word-is-scalability/): Cal State Fullerton is a campus of 38,000 students and 2,000 faculty. We have about sixteen instruction librarians (figuring in part-time people). That’s 2,375 students and 125 faculty for each librarian. From these numbers, you won’t be surprised when I tell you that we are very interested in exploring scalable solutions to reach more of
- [Conferences Full of Academic Librarians](https://acrlog.org/2015/03/10/conferences-full-of-academic-librarians/): I never gave it much thought, but I can remember wondering briefly in the past why the majority of librarians at many conferences seemed to be from academia. And now I know; it is probably because those of us who are academic librarians are required to attend academic conferences! I was even more interested to learn than
- [How to Become an Academic Librarian](https://acrlog.org/2015/02/20/how-to-become-an-academic-librarian/): Becoming an academic librarian is like entering an amnesic whirlwind. I can hardly recall what came prior because my work life is now a frenetic series of emails, meetings, conference proposals, meetings, reference desk hours, and meetings. Sometimes I indulge in a short break to quietly cry under my desk (kidding). Slowly the academic life,
- [Don't Write the Comments?](https://acrlog.org/2015/02/16/dont-write-the-comments/): We had a month of especially active blogging in January and early February this year here at ACRLog. In addition to the regularly scheduled posts from Erin and Lindsay in our First Year Academic Librarian Experience series, there were also great posts about the upcoming Symposium on LIS Education from Sarah, and on better communicating
- [A Day (or 3) in the Life](https://acrlog.org/2015/02/10/a-day-or-3-in-the-life/): Yesterday I spent an hour going through my inbox, turning each email that needs attention into a task, saving the ones that I need into relevant folders on a shared drive, deleting some, categorizing some and then dropping some into an inbox folder so that I can keyword search them if I ever need them again.
- [Reflections on the Job Hunt: Writing a Teaching Philosophy ](https://acrlog.org/2015/02/23/teaching-philosophy/): As an LIS student graduating in May 2015, the job search is on my mind a lot these days. One of my more recent applications required a one-page teaching philosophy, in addition to a letter of interest and resume. Like many people that write a teaching philosophy for the first time, I have years of
- [Mixed messages, missed opportunities? Writing it better](https://acrlog.org/2015/02/07/mixed-messages-missed-opportunities-writing-it-better/): At the Bucknell Digital Scholarship Conference a few months ago, Zeynep Tufekci gave a great keynote presentation. Tufekci, who grew up in Turkey’s media-controlled environment, researches how technology impacts social and political change. She described how the accessibility of social media enhanced the scale and visibility of, for example, the Gezi Park protests. In her
- [Tapping Your Inner Entrepreneur](https://acrlog.org/2009/06/24/tapping-your-inner-entrepreneur/): Are you a Librarian Entrepreneur? You might be. Would you answer "yes" to these questions: I am an opportunist. I am a creative genius (or part of a creative work team) I am persistent I am customer focused I connect the dots I am passionate I am a risk taker According to my research in
- [Students Taking Back the Conversation: The 2015 LIS Symposium on Education](https://acrlog.org/2015/01/23/students-taking-back-the-conversation-the-2015-lis-symposium-on-education/): I wouldn’t normally use this space to discuss or promote upcoming professional development opportunities. However, as an LIS graduate student contributing to a national platform like ACRLog, I feel compelled to share LIS students’ current concerns and activities, especially if they affect the rest of the professional body. LIS students have been discussing placement, pay
- [The Making of an Instructional Design Librarian](https://acrlog.org/2015/01/20/the-making-of-an-instructional-design-librarian/): I’m now in my sixth month and second semester as a tenure-track Instructional Design Librarian, which is a new position at my library. In December I completed my second master’s in Educational Technology (specializing in instructional design) so now I can call myself an instructional designer with confidence. I’m a new academic librarian AND a
- [Low Self-Esteem and the Academic Librarian. Maybe it is just me. It is probably just me. ](https://acrlog.org/2015/01/15/low-self-esteem-and-the-academic-librarian-maybe-it-is-just-me-it-is-probably-just-me/): Until I actually started writing my FYAL entry for January my plan was to write about academic interviews – how they are horrible (they kind of are!) but also what I like about them. However, I am really focusing on something else right now, still related to getting and keeping a faculty position: the curriculum vitae
- [Across Divides: Librarian as Translator](https://acrlog.org/2014/12/16/across-divides-librarian-as-translator/): Editor's Note: We welcome Jennifer Jarson to the ACRLog team. Jennifer is the Information Literacy and Assessment Librarian and Social Sciences Subject Specialist at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA. Her research interests include information literacy and student learning pedagogy and assessment, as well as issues regarding communication, collaboration, and leadership. A few weeks ago, I
- [Lost Time is Never Found](https://acrlog.org/2014/12/20/lost-time-is-never-found/): It was three months before I realized: each week I was working four hours on the reference desk, but my assignment sheet said I was supposed to be scheduled to work three. One hour – that’s not a big deal, right? I wrestled with this discovery for days! Should I speak up? Was I being
- [Apply Yourself](https://acrlog.org/2014/12/10/apply-yourself/): I have been thinking about the hiring process lately. Partly because I’ve so recently managed to get myself hired at the University of North Texas. I am also serving on a search committee for an open position here at UNT and so have spent some time reviewing applications, cover letters and curricula vitae. Finally, it’s
- [Like a Real Library?](https://acrlog.org/2014/12/07/like-a-real-library/): I'm a regular reader of Matt Reed's Confessions of a Community College Dean blog over at Inside Higher Ed, and last week he published a post that has had me thinking ever since. His post "Like a Real College" reflects on the experiences that hybrid and online learning in colleges and universities sometimes leave behind,
- [Using the New Framework to Teach Ferguson](https://acrlog.org/2014/12/01/using-the-new-framework-to-teach-ferguson/): In moments like the reaction to Brown’s death, we need more engagement, not less, and each of us has something to offer. –#FergusonSyllabus by David M. Perry Last week, on November 24th, the grand jury of St Louis County announced their decision not to indict Darren Wilson for the August 9th murder of Michael Brown.
- [What We’ve Always Done? User Experience and the Library](https://acrlog.org/2014/11/24/what-weve-always-done-user-experience-and-the-library/): Editor’s Note: We welcome Sarah Crissinger to the ACRLog blog team. Sarah is a graduate student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, completing her second year as a GSLIS student. She holds assistantships in the Reference, Research, and Scholarly Services (RRSS) and Office of Information Literacy and Instruction departments within UIUC’s library system. Her
- [Transition: Making it as a librarian](https://acrlog.org/2014/11/20/transition-making-it-as-a-librarian/): When do you become a librarian? When you get your MLIS? When you start your first professional librarian job? Debates can rage over this, but I didn’t start calling myself a librarian until I started my current position. I earned my MLIS in May 2011 and was hired into my first paid library staff position
- [On Working and Not-working](https://acrlog.org/2014/11/17/on-working-and-not-working/): What'd you do this past weekend? Though I'm in NYC I was unfortunately unable to attend the Digital Labor conference at the New School, which looked like a terrific and interesting event. Instead I planned to follow along on Twitter, but that ended up not happening because I had a bunch of things to catch
- [Digging Into Institutional Data](https://acrlog.org/2014/11/03/digging-into-institutional-data/): I have both a professional and scholarly interest in how the students at the college where I work do their academic work, and (of course) whether and how they use the library. In my own research I’m much more likely to use qualitative than quantitative methods. I prefer interviews and other qualitative methods because they
- [Appreciating Open Access Advocates](https://acrlog.org/2014/10/20/appreciating-open-access-advocates/): Happy Open Access Week, everyone! Though maybe it's not the happiest of weeks this year... Last Friday the news broke about the appeal of the Georgia State University e-reserves case. It looks like many of the rulings in favor of fair use from the initial suit may be overturned, though it's not certain exactly how
- [Handling It: Under New Management](https://acrlog.org/2014/10/06/handling-it-under-new-management/): I've recently moved into a new role at the college library where I work. Our former Chief Librarian retired, and I applied for the job and was appointed as the new Chief at the beginning of the semester. My new job is exciting and challenging -- I'm fortunate to continue to work with my terrific
- [All the News, In Print](https://acrlog.org/2014/09/22/all-the-news-in-print/): My household recently started getting the print edition of our local newspaper again. I know what you're thinking: Really? Print? In 2014? When everyone in the house is fortunate enough to have a device on which they could read the electronic version (if they were so inclined)? I'm old enough that I've spent most of
- [Serendipity's Not Just for the Stacks](https://acrlog.org/2014/09/08/serendipitys-not-just-for-the-stacks/): The past week or so has been filled with the rush and excitement of the beginning of the academic year, new and returning faculty and students arriving on campus, a huge change from the quiet days of summer. I've just finished up a couple of commitments at my college and university that seem quite different
- [First Year Reflections](https://acrlog.org/2014/08/18/first-year-reflections/): This is my last post for ACRLog, and it's a little hard to believe so much time has passed already. Not only is it the end of my term as a First Year Academic Librarian Experience writer for ACRLog, but last week marked the one year anniversary from when I started my current job. Looking back
- [Serenity Now, Insanity Later: why slow summers are only *sort of* a myth](https://acrlog.org/2014/08/05/serenity-now-insanity-later-why-slow-summers-are-only-sort-of-a-myth/): Some say that the ‘summertime slowdown’ is a myth. While that may be true for some librarians, I must admit that as I write these words I am taking an hour away from my desk to sit in my favorite campus coffee shop. Unitasking, no less! I can’t even imagine being able to do this
- [Thinking Tenure Thoughts](https://acrlog.org/2014/07/29/thinking-tenure-thoughts/): Last week Meredith Farkas wrote a thoughtful post on her blog, Information Wants to Be Free, about tenure status for academic librarians. Spirited discussion ensued in Meredith's blog comments and on libraryland Twitter (much of which Meredith Storified) which has continued to today. The conversation has included many varied perspectives on the advantages and disadvantages
- [Publishing!?](https://acrlog.org/2014/07/25/publishing/): Scholarship and publishing: both the blessing and the curse of a tenure-track academic position. Of the three requirements for tenure and promotion, scholarship seems to be the most stressful requirement for many tenure-track librarians to meet. It is a frequent topic of conversation among younger faculty, reflective of the stress associated with this requirement. I
- [The Varied Life of an Academic Librarian](https://acrlog.org/2014/07/20/the-varied-life-of-an-academic-librarian/): Earlier this week, I represented the UI Libraries and Learning Commons at an Orientation Information Fair. It’s your standard “tabling” event where we put out a variety of handouts and other materials (one might say “swag”…pens, post-its, buttons, even squishy brain-shaped stress-relief balls) and chat with incoming freshman and their families. In the lulls between
- [Professional Conference Lurker No More!](https://acrlog.org/2014/07/07/professional-conference-lurker-no-more/): Hello there. My name is Chloe. Long time conference lurker, first time participant. In the language of the internet, a ‘lurker’ is someone who observes online forums or communities without actively participating. This is the way I have approached conferences until recently...hovering at the fringes, without much direction or purpose. In June, I attended the
- [Summertime Space in the Library](https://acrlog.org/2014/07/01/summertime-space-in-the-library/): After a long, cold winter in much of the U.S., summer is finally, definitively here. Many of us in academic libraries are taking advantage of the slower summer months to work on projects — both big and small — that may be difficult to get to during the academic year. Hopefully we’re getting the chance
- [Thoughts for 2014 MLIS Grads from a Newbie Librarian](https://acrlog.org/2014/06/05/thoughts-for-2014-mlis-grads-from-a-newbie-librarian/): At my college reunion last month, I watched an energetic crop of newly minted liberal arts graduates receive their diplomas from my east coast alma mater. The University of Washington operates on a quarter system and our students graduate in June, so now that I’m back at my post I get to watch the whole
- [New Academic Librarian On The Road](https://acrlog.org/2014/06/29/new-academic-librarian-on-the-road/): This post is coming to you live from the McCarran Airport in warm and dry Las Vegas Nevada. I imagine many of you know why I am here, but for those of you that don't, the annual ALA meeting is here, concluding mid-week. But ALA was not my primary motivation to come to Vegas. I
- [Musings on Outreach as Instruction](https://acrlog.org/2014/06/18/musings-on-outreach-as-instruction/): Last week, librarians from many branches of our university gathered for a Teaching Librarians Retreat. The retreat was organized and hosted by a few wonderful colleagues, who I cannot thank enough for their efforts and a fantastic event. The goal for the retreat was to promote a community of sharing, peer support, and ongoing learning
- [Academic Libraries and the Adjunct Crisis](https://acrlog.org/2014/05/31/academic-libraries-and-the-adjunct-crisis-2/): The large and growing number of faculty members working off the tenure track at U.S. colleges and universities has been well-documented. Recent years have seen frequent articles in the higher ed media including the Chronicle of Higher Education and Inside Higher Ed, as well as major media outlets like the New York Times. You may
- [Experiences in Collaboration](https://acrlog.org/2014/05/23/experiences-in-collaboration/): In seventh grade, my English teacher required us to read a book each month and write a report on it. Naturally, there was an approved list of titles one could choose from, and on it were the works of Agatha Christie. My suspicion is that I’d seen one of the Poirot episodes on A&E and
- [Embedding, Flipping, and More at LOEX 2014](https://acrlog.org/2014/05/19/embedding-flipping-and-more-at-loex-2014/): I was fortunate to be able to attend the LOEX Conference this year, which took place May 8-10 in Grand Rapids, MI. I have only ever heard great things about this conference, and accordingly, I had a great experience. This was my first time attending the LOEX Conference and I only became aware of it
- [Professionalism--are we there yet?](https://acrlog.org/2014/05/05/professionalism-are-we-there-yet/): Next week, I will travel to the other side of the county for my 10 year undergraduate college reunion. I’m excited and nervous about going back to my old college haunts. Part of the nervousness comes with the territory at any reunion: will I have met an acceptable number of life-milestones in order to not
- [Beyond Livetweeting: Twitter Chats for Professional Development](https://acrlog.org/2014/04/21/beyond-livetweeting-twitter-chats-for-professional-development/): This time 11 days ago I was grumpy. It was the last Friday before Spring Break, and I was prepping to teach an English Comp I session the next morning — not just a Saturday class but the Saturday before the break week. Our English Comp I sessions are typically assignment-driven, as we've found that
- [The Urge to Do Everything](https://acrlog.org/2014/04/18/the-urge-to-do-everything/): This week marks eight months into my first professional librarian position (man, does time fly, or what?) and as I get closer to the one-year mark, I’m thinking about what I’ve accomplished so far and starting to form goals for next year. Reflecting and goal-setting are good practices in general, but I’m making a conscious
- [New Growth](https://acrlog.org/2014/04/07/new-growth/): April has arrived, and with it the first week of Spring quarter here at the University of Washington. The blossoms are blooming on the lovely old cherry trees that line our quad. Throngs of people; UW students, locals, and tourists alike, have been mobbing our campus for a glimpse at this spring ritual. It’s a
- [On users, now and future](https://acrlog.org/2014/03/25/on-users-now-and-future/): Almost every morning I come in the west side of the building, the original entrance for Mullins Library. On the way to my office, I pass a travelling exhibition that is here for the spring semester - a display of books from the Remnant Trust. As a part of my service activities for the library,
- [Wondering About Workshops](https://acrlog.org/2014/03/23/wondering-about-workshops/): Like many academic librarians, my colleagues and I teach several drop-in workshops each semester for faculty and staff at the college on topics like citation managers, Google Scholar and other specialized research tools, and instructional web design, among others. I've written a couple of times here about these workshops: we consider them to be opportunities
- [Tactics for Organization: Making Progress](https://acrlog.org/2014/03/19/tactics-for-organization-making-progress/): I started my job as the Undergraduate Services Resident Librarian back in August, and I remember often not knowing what to do with my time during the day. I think that’s normal when you start in a new position, especially a newly created one like mine. For at least the first month or two I
- [Working With Undergraduate Student Employees: An Appreciation](https://acrlog.org/2014/03/05/working-with-undergraduate-student-employees-an-appreciation/): At my library we are celebrating “student appreciation week” this week, and it’s got me thinking about the wonderful students I work with, and all of the ways that my own position has evolved and adapted to meet the challenges of supervising them. I am the junior member of a two-woman librarian staff in my
- [On Being A Faculty](https://acrlog.org/2014/02/25/on-being-a-faculty/): This clip from Spies Like Us is a great introduction to my topic for this post: The line at the end - we’re not doctors - brings me back to my first post here in October where I touched on the idea of feeling a bit out of place with the wider faculty - something
- [Getting Started with Instruction](https://acrlog.org/2014/02/21/getting-started-with-instruction/): This semester marks a significant step for me as I’m finally getting into doing instruction sessions on my own. Throughout last fall, I observed a lot of instruction sessions from several librarians and across a range of subjects. I also co-taught a handful of classes with a colleague, but it wasn’t until this month that
- [Fitting In Reading](https://acrlog.org/2014/02/11/fitting-in-reading/): It seems like every year one of my New Year's resolutions is to read more. Read more? But I'm a librarian, I read all the time, right? Over the 7 years that I've been a librarian I've heard that misconception all too often upon meeting new people. "Oh, you're a librarian? You must read all
- [Hurry up and Reflect! February’s Dynamic Duality ](https://acrlog.org/2014/02/05/hurry-up-and-reflect-februarys-dynamic-duality/): February, the shortest month of the year, has always seemed pretty rushed and hectic to me. Holidays and observances like Superbowl Sunday (yay Seahawks!), Groundhog Day, Black History Month, Valentine’s Day and President’s Day jostle for our attention. Students at my university are studying for midterms, and the Research Commons is starting to get busier
- [The Sweetest Fruits are Further Up](https://acrlog.org/2014/01/30/the-sweetest-fruits-are-further-up/): Part of my experience as a first year academic librarian has also been my experience as a new tenure track faculty member. As a part of this tenure process for library faculty, I must go through an annual reappointment review. The review includes my direct supervisor, as well as a committee of tenured library faculty.
- [Navigating a New Campus](https://acrlog.org/2014/01/17/navigating-a-new-campus/): One of the challenges I’ve encountered as a new academic librarian – that I’m sure other new professionals can relate to – is navigating the campus outside the library. I don’t mean physically navigating (although we all may get lost in a new building every once in a while), but figuring out the connections between
- [Serendipity Without Stacks](https://acrlog.org/2014/01/06/serendipity-without-stacks/): Timeliness, structure, and willingness to perform process-oriented tasks and maintain operations with consistency are some of the work behaviors that I associate with librarians who have experience as hourly library workers. For those reasons, I value the years that I spent as a full-time library staff person before being offered my first librarian role. But
- [First Year Wrap](https://acrlog.org/2013/12/22/first-year-wrap/): So on July 23rd, the 2012-13 first year academic experience bloggers got this from blogging dynamo Maura Smale, “If you'd like to write a summing up post sometime this summer, that would be great –" . This was good news; I did want to summarize my experiences for new librarians before the school year. I
- [Perks and Quirks of a Single Service Point](https://acrlog.org/2013/12/20/perks-and-quirks-of-a-single-service-point/): In my last post I talked a little bit about the Learning Commons that opened in August at my library, a major renovation that brought exciting changes to the first floor of the Main Library. Although I wasn’t here to see the “before,” the “after” is bright, shiny, and new. It’s an appealing place with
- [Use it or lose it](https://acrlog.org/2013/12/13/use-it-or-lose-it/): I’d never even heard of a Math Emporium until six months ago. For those of you in a similar boat, a Math Emporium is a large computer lab with associated tutoring and supplemental instruction space used to offer remedial and lower-level math instruction via online, self-paced modules. I am not qualified to speak to its
- [Shelfless Acts: Beginning a Non-Traditional Library Job](https://acrlog.org/2013/12/06/shelfless-acts-beginning-a-non-traditional-library-job/): I work in a library without any books. Yes, that’s right...no books. What we do as librarians is difficult enough to explain to people outside our field as it is...misconceptions about shushing and horn-rimmed glasses abound...but add a non traditional job description into the mix and most people just can’t contextualize you at all; they
- [New Academic Librarian In The Desert](https://acrlog.org/2013/12/25/new-academic-librarian-in-the-desert/): It's amusing and convenient that this post goes up on Christmas day. First, happy holidays, intrepid readers. As you read this, I am in one of my favorite places on earth - Marfa, Texas. This small west Texas town is home to major installations by some of the most significant abstract and minimal artists of
- [Expanding Our (Conference) Audience](https://acrlog.org/2013/12/01/expanding-our-conference-audience/): The week before Thanksgiving I joined thousands of anthropologists and others who descended on Chicago for the American Anthropological Association conference. My research partner Mariana Regalado and I participated in a roundtable session with colleagues from four other institutions who are also doing ethnographic work in libraries and higher education: Andrew Asher, Lesley Gourlay, Lori
- [Special <del>Forces</del> Formats](https://acrlog.org/2013/11/25/special-forces-formats/): My business card states that I am head of the special formats cataloging unit. It's an odd title - one of the many unusual titles that people who work in libraries have. Even speaking to an audience of librarians, special formats is such a broad classification that it requires some explication. Organizationally, I work in the
- [Jumping In](https://acrlog.org/2013/11/16/jumping-in/): Please welcome our new First Year Academic Librarian Experience blogger Ariana Santiago, Undergraduate Services Resident Librarian at the University of Iowa. How did I get here? I find myself wondering this sometimes. I moved from Florida to Iowa for my first academic librarian position, to someplace I never imagined I would be, and in a
- [Strategies for That Time Again](https://acrlog.org/2013/11/13/strategies-for-that-time-again/): It's that time of the semester again, the time when I find myself responding to requests by saying "When is this due? It's that time again." And beginning conversations with the same phrase: "How are you?" "Busy," is usually the response. "Me too -- it's that time again." At my university the weeks between Halloween
- [Starting To See the Light](https://acrlog.org/2013/11/05/starting-to-see-the-light/): Please welcome our new First Year Academic Librarian Experience blogger Chloe Horning, Assistant Research Commons Librarian at the University of Washington. It's a bright cold day in November and the clocks are striking...9 A.M. As I hurry across campus towards my office, my boot heels crunching in the newly fallen leaves, I can't help but
- [Autumn and New Beginnings](https://acrlog.org/2013/10/25/autumn-and-new-beginnings/): Please welcome our new First Year Academic Librarian Experience blogger Jason Dean, Assistant Librarian and Head of Special Formats Cataloging at the University of Arkansas. It was only after I started in my new tenure-track position at the University of Arkansas Libraries that I learned how scarce these positions are in academia. Almost every issue
- [Happy Open Access Week!](https://acrlog.org/2013/10/22/happy-open-access-week/): The 6th annual international Open Access Week is here! This has been another banner year for open access publishing -- as reported on Science Insider (a blog at Science), over half of all scholarly papers are now available open access and free of charge no later than 24 months after they're first published. That's a
- [Curiouser and Curiouser: Guiding Students through the Information Wonderland](https://acrlog.org/2013/10/04/curiouser-and-curiouser-guiding-students-through-the-information-wonderland/): This week I taught a research instruction session for a learning community that pairs an introductory English Composition course with a Speech course. I love teaching this class because I get to work with colleagues in our English and Humanities Departments with whom I've long collaborated; we have a good rapport in the classroom and
- [ISO New Academic and Research Librarians!](https://acrlog.org/2013/09/18/iso-new-academic-and-research-librarians/): With the onset of cardigan weather we're settling into a new academic year, and that's got us thinking about colleagues who are embarking on their first library jobs. Did you just begin a position as an academic or research librarian? We're looking for a few folks to blog about their experiences each month during the
- [Library Research and the IRB: Is It Generalizable?](https://acrlog.org/2013/09/16/library-research-and-the-irb-is-it-generalizable/): By Nicole Pagowsky and Maura Smale There are generally two types of research that take place in the LIS field, one is more rare and is capital-R-Research, typically evidence or theory-based and generalizable; the other, more prevalent, is lowercase-r-research, typically anecdotal, immediate, and written in the style of "how we did it good." The latter
- [Searching For the Answers](https://acrlog.org/2013/09/01/searching-for-the-answers/): An updated website is one of the most useful tools that academic libraries have to communicate with the students, faculty, and staff we serve at our colleges and universities. Our websites offer access to information sources, provide help with research, and list our policies and basic information about the library: where we’re located, when we’re
- [How Much Is Enough?](https://acrlog.org/2010/12/13/how-much-is-enough/): I've been hearing more and more, recently, about people dropping out of service and professional development opportunities because they cannot secure funding from their institutions to attend. A member of a statewide committee I am on said this fall her continued membership would be contingent on her institution's ability to pay for her travel to
- [New at the DPLA: There's an App for That](https://acrlog.org/2013/08/15/new-at-the-dpla-theres-an-app-for-that/): Like many librarians in all kinds of libraries I was delighted when the Digital Public Library of America launched last Spring. I'm probably not alone in having lost time searching through the content that the DPLA's portal website provides access to, marveling at the images, objects, and information held by libraries, archives, and museums across
- [Promises, Promises](https://acrlog.org/2013/08/07/promises-promises/): I’ve always been a big supporter of working with vendors. I love talking to my vendors, because I feel they know a lot about the industry and what other libraries are doing, and they get to talk to many librarians in my region more than I do. I always spend hours on the exhibit floor
- [Today’s Computer Commons is Tomorrow's Card Catalog](https://acrlog.org/2013/07/29/todays-computer-commons-is-tomorrows-card-catalog/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Steven Bell, Associate University Librarian at Temple University, and founding blogger at ACRLog. Anyone who worked in an academic research library in the 1970s-1980s remembers the vast amount of library real estate devoted to the physical card catalog. For those newer-to-the-profession colleagues who are unable to picture this –
- [Office Space in Academic Libraries: Lumpers or Splitters?](https://acrlog.org/2013/07/20/office-space-in-academic-libraries-lumpers-or-splitters/): Several colleagues and I took a field trip last week to Bronx Community College (BCC), one of the other colleges in our university system, the City University of New York. The library at BCC recently moved into brand new digs in a freshly-constructed building, a rarity for colleges here in the space-challenged NYC metropolitan area.
- [Monograph Musings](https://acrlog.org/2013/07/02/monograph-musings/): As the scholarly communications landscape shifts and changes, what's the role of traditional academic monograph publishing? That's a question much on my mind of late for a number of reasons. About a week and a half ago was the American Association of University Press's annual meeting, which filled my Twitter stream with the hashtag #aaup13.
- [Ebooks Are not Electronic Journals](https://acrlog.org/2013/06/17/ebooks-are-not-electronic-journals/): As a physical science librarian I know journals are the primary form of scholarly communication in the sciences. While the particle physicists have arXiv and some of the cool-kids will tout non-traditional knowledge transfer though social media, my chemists use journals and are pretty comfortable with that. Of course, electronic journals are greatly preferred –
- [What I Gained With My MLIS](https://acrlog.org/2013/05/23/what-i-gained-with-my-mlis/): As my Facebook and Instagram feeds are flooded with graduation photos, it’s time to reflect on my education, now that I graduated with my MLIS almost exactly a year ago. In the last few weeks, I’ve seen a lot of criticism of the MLIS curricula, and for good reason. Education is expensive and job outlooks
- [3-D Printers](https://acrlog.org/2013/03/02/3-d-printers/): One aspect of being a new librarian is the feeling of having arrived late to a party where everyone is already deep in conversation. You lurk with your drink and canapés hoping to hear something that resonates on which you can say something intelligent. Or perhaps you just blurt out what you’re thinking to the
- [Analyzing Authority @ the ACRL Conference](https://acrlog.org/2013/06/03/analyzing-authority-the-acrl-conference/): On the last morning of my last day at the ACRL Conference I tweeted out a quick observation: Would be interesting to text mine #acrl2013 tweets for the word "authority" -- seems to be coming up in lots of contexts/sessions. — Maura Smale (@mauraweb) April 13, 2013 I got a couple of retweets and even
- [Just Thinking: Starting and Failing](https://acrlog.org/2013/04/29/just-thinking-starting-and-failing/): It's hard for me to believe that this time last year I had just completed the on-campus interview for my current job, and then a few days later walked in my masters graduation ceremony. As my first year as a librarian winds down and the adrenaline rush of the academic schedule starts to wane, I find myself
- [Participatory Learning, Active Application: Reflections on the ACRL Conference](https://acrlog.org/2013/04/25/participatory-learning-active-application-reflections-on-the-acrl-conference/): With the month winding down folks are getting back into the swing of things following this year's ACRL Conference in Indianapolis a couple of weeks ago. Several of us ACRLoggers were in attendance -- we took the opportunity to meet face to face and chat, and in those conversations the idea of a collaborative post-conference
- [Evaluating Information: The Light Side of Open Access](https://acrlog.org/2013/04/14/evaluating-information-the-light-side-of-open-access/): Early last week I opened the New York Times and was surprised to see a front-page article about sham academic publishers and conferences. The article discussed something we in the library world have been aware of for some time: open access publishers with low (or no) standards for peer review and acceptance, sometimes even with
- [Information Literacy at the Reference Desk](https://acrlog.org/2013/04/08/information-literacy-at-the-reference-desk/): I’ve been lucky enough to find myself in a challenging and stimulating project: developing an information literacy curriculum for my campus. If it seems like a long time coming--it is. While my library has consistently been providing reference and instruction services to our students for a long time, its only been recently that we’ve had
- [The Romanian Patent From Hell](https://acrlog.org/2013/04/03/the-romanian-patent-from-hell/): (tl;dr version – tell students to look up this patent if they ever claim, like Thomas Friedman, that “Everything is on Google.”) A few weeks ago, in my SciFinder key contact role I received this innocuous request: This is the lowest hanging fruit among my reference requests – click the “Full Text” link, another click
- [Flipping Out: Reflections Upon Landing](https://acrlog.org/2013/03/28/flipping-out-reflections-upon-landing/): Last month, I shared my plans for creating “flipped” library instruction sessions. Now, after wrapping up my last flipped session, along with several conversations with my colleauges, and the opportunity to co-facilitate a “Flipped Classroom” faculty workshop, I am still digesting and evaluating all that I have learned. However, there are a few key takeaways
- [JLA Lights the Way](https://acrlog.org/2013/03/25/jla-lights-the-way/): Last Spring, while we were in the middle of the debate over the Research Works Act, former ACRLog blogger Barbara Fister issued “a call to action.” As she wrote: “Many of our scholarly journals are published by the very corporations that supported the Research Works Act and which will continue to do what they can
- [The Beginning of the Middle](https://acrlog.org/2013/03/18/the-beginning-of-the-middle/): Today is the 5th anniversary of my job as an information literacy librarian, my first full-time library position. Five years: while it's not all that long -- certainly many of my colleagues have much more experience than I do -- it seems momentous in some ways. In my previous two careers I had serious reservations
- [Flipping Out: Preflip Planning](https://acrlog.org/2013/02/25/flipping-out-preflip-planning/): One of my current professional goals is to experiment with new ways to improve my library instruction sessions and grow as an instructor. So when our residency librarian decided to lead a group of instruction librarians to test the "flipped classroom" in library instruction, I welcomed the opportunity to discover how “flipping” might transform my
- [Revising The Cephalonian Method](https://acrlog.org/2013/02/20/revising-the-cephalonian-method/): A couple weeks ago I had the opportunity to test out the Cephalonian Method in one of my library orientation sessions. The Cephalonian Method is an active learning technique developed by librarians at Cardiff University in 2002. The technique has been written about in several articles, which are listed on Cardiff's "Official Cephalonian Method Page."
- [Academic Research A Painful Process For Students](https://acrlog.org/2009/02/18/academic-research-a-painful-process-for-students/): There's a certain type of research that most academic librarians would be doing on their own campuses if they had the time and resources. That would be organizing student focus groups or even one-on-one conversations in order to gain better insights into how the students conduct their research. That might allow us to better understand
- [Faculty Involvement Makes All The Difference](https://acrlog.org/2009/02/24/faculty-involvement-makes-all-the-difference/): In a previous post I expressed my vision for the future of information literacy - and in that vision it's not the librarians teaching students the skills needed to be wise consumers of information - it's the faculty. That's why this Wired Campus post caught my attention. It's about two faculty members who wrote a
- [Scholarly Publishing: Still Not Making Sense](https://acrlog.org/2013/02/09/scholarly-publishing-still-not-making-sense/): A little bit more than a year ago ACRLog covered the Research Works Act, legislation that intended to stop federal funding agencies from requiring grantees to make the results of their research freely available to all. Luckily, RWA was quickly withdrawn, thanks to pressure from academics and librarians worldwide. However, the scholarly publishing universe continues
- ["In-house Document Request"](https://acrlog.org/2013/01/31/in-house-document-request/): One of the first duties I inherited in my new job was becoming the campus key contact for SciFinder. SciFinder is, at least here, the favored chemical search database of the students and faculty. Like many databases, SciFinder has an assist to get to the full-text, in this case CAS Full-Text Options – a collaboration
- [The Library is Open](https://acrlog.org/2013/01/30/the-library-is-open/): For the past couple of years I've been wearing two main hats at my job: one as an information literacy librarian and the other as a lead on a collegewide pedagogical grant. I’ve had several opportunities to connect the two, which I think strengthens both my library and my grant work. This year the connection
- [Not as simple as "click-by-click"](https://acrlog.org/2013/01/27/not-as-simple-as-click-by-click/): One of the projects I inherited as emerging technologies librarian is managing our library’s collection of “help guides.” The online learning objects in this collection are designed to provide asynchronous guidance to students when completing research-related tasks. Over the last few months, my focus has been on updating existing guides to reflect website and database
- [Building a Pedagogy](https://acrlog.org/2013/01/22/building-a-pedagogy/): Lately I've been thinking a lot about pedagogy. To tell you the truth, throughout graduate school I thought very infrequently about pedagogy, assuming that even as an instruction librarian, something as theoretical as pedagogy would be outside of my professional bounds. Though the instruction course offered at my university did touch on the aspects of
- [A Librarian at the MLA](https://acrlog.org/2013/01/10/a-librarian-at-the-mla/): I recently attended the Modern Language Association’s annual convention. The theme of the conference, “Avenues of Access,” encouraged reflection on how scholars, students, and publics access the humanities within institutions and on their margins. What does access mean for students when many American universities are eliminating humanities departments and programs? What does access mean for
- [Finding a Successful Work/Life Balance](https://acrlog.org/2013/01/08/finding-a-successful-worklife-balance/): When you work in academia, it can be very hard to find a good work/life balance. I’ve always considered myself pretty good at it—so it sort of took me by surprise when in the middle of December, I experienced a mild case of burnout. Burnout is defined as the experience of long-term exhaustion, which can
- [The Polymer Librarian?](https://acrlog.org/2012/12/31/the-polymer-librarian/): Happy 2013 everyone, it will be incrementally different than 2012. In my new position one of my primary responsibilities (depending on whom you ask, THE primary responsibility) is providing support to our departments of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering. Akron is the historic home of the rubber industry and the regional research focus on rubber
- [Thoughts on Weeding](https://acrlog.org/2012/12/20/thoughts-on-weeding/): As much as I enjoy the technology-focused projects I work on as an emerging technologies librarian, I also don't spend as much time as I might like with our print collection. Since I am also a our psychology liaison, I do have collection development responsibilities which require a better familiarity with relevant areas of the
- [In the Wake of the Storm: How CUNY Libraries Adjusted After Hurricane Sandy](https://acrlog.org/2012/12/14/in-the-wake-of-the-storm-how-cuny-libraries-adjusted-after-hurricane-sandy/): When Hurricane Sandy hit New York and New Jersey at the end of October, most of the twenty-three schools that make up the City University of New York were in the midst of midterm exams. With the devastation wrought by Sandy, the university was closed after the storm, as were many others in the area.
- [Professional Jurisdiction](https://acrlog.org/2012/11/27/professional-jurisdiction/): One of the many things I love about my position is that I’m one of only 3 librarians. This means I have a fairly liberal allowance for things I can get away with, professionally speaking. If I want to create my own outreach events, my boss invariably says “Go for it!” If I want to
- [The Unexpected Benefits of a Varied Life](https://acrlog.org/2012/11/19/the-unexpected-benefits-of-a-varied-life/): This post originally was about using my liberal arts social science background as a physical science librarian. But a comment from “Bob” on my last post got to me when he mentioned some “dead ends” in his background. So here’s a roundup of ways I’ve tapped by wealth of experience to perhaps demonstrate the use
- [Conference Highlights](https://acrlog.org/2012/11/13/conference-highlights/): A few weeks ago I attended the 2012 Library Assessment Conference in Charlottesville, VA. In addition to being a great opportunity to learn more about a huge variety of library assessment activities, LAC12 was also my first experience at a professional library conference. After three straight days of listening to paper and plenary sessions, perusing posters,
- [Waiting on Wikipedia](https://acrlog.org/2012/11/11/waiting-on-wikipedia/): Recently while I was teaching a class the instructor asked me whether I thought that Wikipedia would ever come to be considered a generally trustworthy, credible source. I always talk about Wikipedia in my one-shot instruction sessions, especially with first year students, but this was the first time I’d ever gotten a question along those
- ["Power Searching" with Google](https://acrlog.org/2012/10/23/power-searching-with-google/): Google, common "frenemy" of academic librarians everywhere, has put together a short online class called Power Searching. The course is designed to teach you how to find good, quality information more quickly and easily while searching Google. When I first heard about this course, my first thought was “Ah, Google is stealing my job!” After
- [The Transition](https://acrlog.org/2012/10/18/the-transition/): Please welcome our new First Year Academic Librarian Experience blogger Rebecca Halpern, Reference and Instruction Librarian at Antioch University Los Angeles. I very recently began my position as a reference and instruction librarian (though all opinions herein are entirely my own). Our library is teeny-tiny and I'm part of only a two-person librarian team. The
- [Making Things in Academic Libraries](https://acrlog.org/2012/10/16/making-things-in-academic-libraries/): The past few months have seen lots of discussion about makerspaces in libraries. What's a makerspace? Buffy Hamilton's great post over at the Unquiet Librarian has a couple of good definitions, but essentially it's a place for folks to make things, perhaps writing and illustrating a zine, using the open source Arduino computing platform to
- [First Day Reflections](https://acrlog.org/2012/10/11/first-day-reflections/): Please welcome our new First Year Academic Librarian Experience blogger Kim Miller, Research and Instruction Librarian for Emerging Technologies at Towson University. This fall, as new-student orientation and move-in wrapped up, the campus at my new institution was noticeably abuzz with the promise of a new start - a new semester, new students, and new
- [A New Career](https://acrlog.org/2012/10/04/a-new-career/): Please welcome our new First Year Academic Librarian Experience blogger Ian McCullough, Physical Sciences Librarian at the University of Akron. Librarianship seems like a career that many come to later, after some career missteps or dead ends. My career path falls into this broad category as I've switched from a relatively promising career in lab
- [Commuting is Not Distance Learning](https://acrlog.org/2012/09/24/commuting-is-not-distance-learning/): The other day I met the student who won the prize drawing in my library's new student orientation scavenger hunt this semester. She was delighted as I handed her the gift card to the college bookstore, and I was delighted that she had the chance not only to win the prize but also to get
- [Active Learning and Teaching the Teacher](https://acrlog.org/2012/09/19/active-learning-and-teaching-the-teacher/): Ever since I attended ACRL's Immersion Teacher Track about a year ago, I’ve been trying to incorporate more active learning strategies into my classes—and surprisingly, it’s been a lot of fun! One unintended benefit of these activities has been the opportunity for me to see inside the minds of students by seeing and hearing how
- [Yeas, Nays, and Next Steps](https://acrlog.org/2012/09/02/yeas-nays-and-next-steps/): I was in the midst of a particularly busy day last Wednesday when the decisions on the ACRL 2013 Conference contributed paper, panel, preconference, and workshop submissions were sent out, so it was a few hours later that I had a chance to catch up on Twitter. Suddenly my feed was full of happy tweets
- [Failing Forward, Supporting Students](https://acrlog.org/2012/08/29/failing-forward-supporting-students/): My son starts middle school in a week, so I’ve been more susceptible than usual to headlines about how parents can help their kids succeed academically. A couple of recent articles in the New York Times caught my eye. First was an opinion piece by psychologist Madeline Levine called Raising Successful Children. Levine is the
- [Leaves of Graph](https://acrlog.org/2012/08/23/leaves-of-graph/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Pete Coco, the Humanities Liaison at Wheaton College in Norton, MA, and Managing Editor at Each Moment a Mountain. Note: This post makes heavy use of web content from Google Search and Knowledge Graph. Because this content can vary by user and is subject to change at anytime, this
- [The end of the book as we know it, and I feel (mostly) fine.](https://acrlog.org/2012/08/15/the-end-of-the-book-as-we-know-it-and-i-feel-mostly-fine/): I’m packing for an upcoming vacation and assembling my reading material. In addition to a backlog of unread New Yorkers, I’ll bring novels (mostly new fantasy and speculative fiction) that will keep me company in airports and at the lake. I’m trying to spend as little money as possible, and so I’m gathering Kindle books
- [Summer Projects](https://acrlog.org/2012/08/09/summer-projects/): Ah, summer! A time when we all get to take a deep breath and work on all those things we put off during the school year. I've always thought that summer at an academic library is sort of a strange time. Even though it feels more relaxed in and around campus, we're still quite busy
- [The Bearer of Bad News](https://acrlog.org/2011/09/27/the-bearer-of-bad-news/): One of the college service projects I'm working on involves the creation of a new digital platform for teaching and learning at my college. As faculty have begun to use the platform for their courses this semester, I'm finding that there's been an uptick in the number of questions I field about posting course readings
- [Information wants to be free - but Viacom is holding it hostage](https://acrlog.org/2012/07/12/information-wants-to-be-free-but-viacom-is-holding-it-hostage/): Last night during dinner I went to watch Tuesday’s Daily Show online, as I frequently do, only to be confronted with a bizarre pop-up ad about DirecTV (which seemed to have nothing to do with me, since I don’t have DirecTV, or, indeed, a TV at all) and a message saying that full episodes were
- [Breaking Through the Block](https://acrlog.org/2012/07/09/breaking-through-the-block/): One of the reasons I like to blog is that it keeps me writing regularly. Like lots of academic librarians my job comes with expectations for research and scholarship, so I need to be able to write up the work that I do and get it published. Writing is hard — I think writing comes
- [Digital Badges for Library Research?](https://acrlog.org/2012/06/28/digital-badges-for-library-research/): The world of higher education has been abuzz this past year with the idea of digital badges. Many see digital badges as an alternative to higher education’s system of transcripts and post-secondary degrees, which are constantly being critically scrutinized for their value and ability demonstrate that students are ready for a competitive workforce. There have
- [Responding to Change](https://acrlog.org/2012/06/13/responding-to-change/): Recently I had the pleasure of hearing Paul Courant, Dean of Libraries at the University of Michigan, and John Unsworth, vice provost for Library and Technology Services at Brandeis University, speak on The Hathi Trust, Google Books, and the Future of Research. The event was the part of the BNN Symposium on the Future of
- [Reflections on Reflecting](https://acrlog.org/2012/06/05/reflections-on-reflecting/): As is custom around the end of May, the staff and faculty at my library are all working on our annual reviews. Annual reviews can be a bit frustrating because they sometimes seem tedious and they’re not always the best tool for giving and receiving constructive feedback. They are also intimidating political documents, which can
- [Push-Us-Over-the-Edge Friday?](https://acrlog.org/2012/06/01/push-us-over-the-edge-friday/): By now you've probably heard all about #OAMonday: May 21st, when the folks behind the open access advocacy site access2research.org unveiled the site and kicked off the push to petition the White House to allow public access to the results of taxpayer-funded research. The message has spread far and wide throughout the academic and library
- [Open Access Beyond Academia](https://acrlog.org/2012/05/18/open-access-beyond-the-academia/): I live in New York City and have been following the Occupy Wall Street activities here (and associated activities elsewhere) since they began last fall. I hadn’t been directly involved, but recently that changed, and on May Day I facilitated an open access teach-in with my fantastic colleagues Jill Cirasella and Alycia Sellie from the
- [Georgia State E-reserves Case Roundup](https://acrlog.org/2012/05/14/georgia-state-e-reserves-case-roundup/): Last Friday the Judge finally handed down a decision in the Georgia State University e-reserves case, a year after the trial and three years after the suit was brought by academic publishers SAGE, Cambridge University Press, and Oxford University Press. These publishers sued GSU for allowing faculty to upload course readings excerpted from books to
- [The New York Public Library Central Library Plan and its Critics](https://acrlog.org/2012/05/07/the-new-york-public-library-central-library-plan-and-its-critics/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Polly Thistlethwaite, Acting Chief Librarian at the City University of New York Graduate Center Library. NYPL made public its general plans for Reimagining the 42nd St. Schwarzman Building (now called the Central Library Plan or CLP) in February 2012 following December 2011 publication of Scott Sherman’s alarm in the
- [Reflections on the 2012 California Conference on Library Instruction](https://acrlog.org/2012/05/04/reflections-on-the-2012-california-conference-on-library-instruction/): Last Friday I attended the California Conference on Library Instruction. This one-day conference featured three presentations centered on the theme, “Embedded Librarians: Reaching People Where They Learn.” Cass Kvenild, Distance Learning Librarian at the University of Wyoming, spoke on best practices for embedded librarianship. She explored all the different ways librarians could embed themselves—particularly within
- [Can We Flip the Library Classroom?](https://acrlog.org/2012/04/30/can-we-flip-the-library-classroom/): Recently there have been lots of articles in my feedreader about "flipping" the classroom. This pedagogical strategy aims to reverse the order of operations in traditional lecture-based classes. Instead of the professor lecturing during class and the students completing homework in between sessions, proponents of flipped classrooms move problem-solving into the classroom, and often assign
- [The Ebook of My Dreams](https://acrlog.org/2012/04/18/the-ebook-of-my-dreams/): We all have our frustrations with ebooks. The problem isn’t just one of print vs electronic or Luddite vs early adopter. Even as I happily consume Kindle books on my iPad and the new Project Muse collection for work, I find that ebooks simply don’t do the things I want them to do – the
- [Wearing Different Hats: Academic Service and Librarianship](https://acrlog.org/2012/04/11/academic-service-librarianshi/): Like many academic librarians, I’m on the tenure track, and with that comes the opportunity and requirement for academic service. I genuinely enjoy most of my service work, which ranges from membership in our faculty governance body to work on committees dealing with academic technology and curriculum development, among others. Right now I’m in the
- [Teaching Workload and New Librarians](https://acrlog.org/2012/04/05/teaching-workload-and-new-librarians/): The following story is true. However, the names have been changed to protect the innocent. Meredith, an acquaintance of mine from library school, is an extraordinarily bright person with an amazing attitude. The moment I met her, I knew she would make an amazing librarian. Despite the small number of jobs available to academic librarians
- [The Trouble With Books](https://acrlog.org/2012/03/18/the-trouble-with-books/): Last week I had the opportunity to participate in a conversation with faculty in the library and in other academic departments about undergraduate research assignments. We discussed some of the stumbling blocks that our students seem to face, especially as they search for sources for their papers. It's hard for us to put ourselves back
- [Change--The Encyclopedia Britannica Editors Say “It’s Okay”](https://acrlog.org/2012/03/14/change-the-encyclopedia-britannica-editors-say-its-okay/): If you were saving some of your budget to purchase the next print edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica, I have some bad news for you. Yesterday the editors announced that after 244 years of publication, they are going to stop printing bound volumes and instead will focus on digital editions. This decision is not altogether
- [Three Cheers and Two Questions for the DPLA](https://acrlog.org/2012/03/05/three-cheers-and-two-questions-for-the-dpla/): Robert Darnton gave a talk at my institution last week about the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA). He presented a progress report, the details of which he has outlined in the New York Review of Books. The first prototype of the DPLA, using technology developed in the project’s “Beta Sprint” competition, should be released
- [Reflections on the 2012 EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative Meeting](https://acrlog.org/2012/03/01/reflections-on-the-2012-educause-learning-initiative-meeting/): Two weeks ago I attended the EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative (ELI) meeting in Austin, Texas. EDUCAUSE is focused on furthering higher education by promoting the intelligent use of information technology. ELI is an EDUCAUSE community dedicated to the development of learning through technology innovation. This was my first EDUCAUSE conference and it was exciting to attend
- [What Are the Next Steps?](https://acrlog.org/2012/02/24/what-are-the-next-steps/): It's a phrase often heard at the end of a meeting: what are our next steps? When I worked as a web editor and project manager we called them action items (which is, admittedly, corporate jargon, but also makes them sound kind of fun). What does each person at the meeting need to do to
- [Digital Library, Virtual Place?](https://acrlog.org/2012/02/11/digital-library-virtual-place-2/): All of our academic library services and resources have their origins in the physical world, but many of them can be and are replicated online fairly easily. Access to collections in multiple formats (text, image, audio, video), reference services, and library and information literacy instruction all have digital variants, and examples of each are out
- [Learning to Embrace the Uncomfortable](https://acrlog.org/2012/02/02/learning-to-embrace-the-uncomfortable/): Please welcome Veronica Wells to the ACRLog team. Veronica is the Access Services/Music Librarian at University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. She is currently in her first professional position after earning an MLIS and Master of Arts in Music from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Veronica's research interests include assessment of music information literacy instruction,
- [Game Up Your Unconference](https://acrlog.org/2012/01/30/game-up-your-unconference/): Last weekend I was delighted to head down to the University of Maryland for THATCamp Games, an instance of the popular humanities and technology unconference devoted specifically to games in education. It's been a while since I attended an unconference -- my last one was LibCampNYC in 2009 -- and THATCamp Games reminded me how
- [Convenience and its Discontents: Teaching Web-Scale Discovery in the Context of Google](https://acrlog.org/2012/01/27/convenience-and-its-discontents-teaching-web-scale-discovery-in-the-context-of-google/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Pete Coco, formerly of Grand Valley State University, now Humanities Liaison at Wheaton College in Norton, MA. With the continued improvements being made to web-scale discovery tools like Proquest's Summon and EBSCO's Discovery Service, access to library resources is reaching a singularity of sorts: frictionless searching. Providing a unified
- [Collision Spaces](https://acrlog.org/2012/01/24/collision-spaces/): Please welcome Laura Braunstein to the ACRLog team. Laura is the English Language and Literature Librarian at Dartmouth College's Baker-Berry Library. She has a doctorate in English from Northwestern University, where she taught writing and literature classes. She has worked as an index editor for the MLA International Bibliography, and serves as a consultant for
- [Stop Making Sense (Scholarly Publishing Edition)](https://acrlog.org/2012/01/06/stop-making-sense-scholarly-publishing-edition/): Yesterday I was flabbergasted to read about the Research Works Act (hat tip to @CopyrightLibn and @RepoRat), legislation which is strongly supported by the Association of American Publishers. As described on the AAP website: The Research Works Act will prohibit federal agencies from unauthorized free public dissemination of journal articles that report on research which,
- [Unpacking Assessment](https://acrlog.org/2011/12/27/unpacking-assessment/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Lisa Horowitz, Assessment Librarian at MIT Libraries. As an assessment librarian, I am always looking for different ways to think about assessment. Most librarians aren't statisticians, and for some, even the word itself, assessment, is daunting in that its meaning is unclear. Additionally, it's such a broad topic that
- [Considering Conferences](https://acrlog.org/2011/12/20/considering-conferences/): This semester I went to two academic conferences that weren't library conferences. While I've attended conferences outside of librarianship in the past, both before I was a librarian as well as more recently, this is the first time in my library career that I've intentionally gone to non-library conferences. At both conferences I was making
- [The Limits of Mobility](https://acrlog.org/2011/12/07/the-limits-of-mobility/): Some interesting articles about mobile technology caught my eye last week as I was finishing up the leftover turkey. Apple has come under fire for the reported inability of Siri, the voice recognition application on the new iPhone 4S, to find abortion clinics. As reported by CNN, quoting the American Civil Liberties Union: "Although it
- [On Technologies and Library Space](https://acrlog.org/2011/11/28/on-technologies-and-library-space/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Maura Seale, Research and Instruction Librarian at Georgetown University Library. Now that the fall semester instruction rush is over, I have been able to spend some time catching up on my library blog reading as well as my own research. I recently read this post on Academic Librarian about
- [Clickers, or Does Technology Really Cure What Ails You?](https://acrlog.org/2011/11/22/clickers-or-does-technology-really-cure-what-ails-you/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Cori Strickler, Information Literacy Librarian at Bridgewater College. During idle times at the reference desk, or when the students are gone for a break, I find myself creating instruction "wish lists" of tools or gadgets that I'd love to have for my sessions. One item that has been on
- [Once More to the Breach](https://acrlog.org/2011/11/18/once-more-to-the-breach/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Mark Herring, Dean of Library Services at Winthrop University. Summer's over, I know, but we must go once more to the breach of web privacy. A California librarian recently complained about Amazon's new Kindle ebooks lending program for libraries. The complaint focuses on Amazon's privacy policy and advertising. In
- [Faculty Connections with Website Flair](https://acrlog.org/2011/11/15/faculty-connections-with-website-flair/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Marcia Dority Baker, the Access Services Librarian at the University of Nebraska College of Law, Schmid Law Library. One of the great things about being an academic librarian at a law college is the ability to interact with a variety of departments. One such opportunity is a work in
- [Smartphones in the Library](https://acrlog.org/2011/11/12/smartphones-in-the-library/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Jane-Rebecca Cannarella, a student at Arcadia University in Philadelphia who completing is her Masters with a focus in School Library Media Specialty. Finding the right technology to use in the library, particularly the kind of devices that will best suit the largest number of patrons, can be an arduous
- [A Tale of Two Sessions](https://acrlog.org/2011/04/29/a-tale-of-two-sessions/): Not long ago I taught two library sessions for two introductory composition classes with the same professor and the same assignment on the same day. I love it when the schedule serendipitously works out to make that happen, in part because it gives me the chance to informally evaluate my teaching: both what I tend
- ["We Don't Read That Way"](https://acrlog.org/2011/11/09/we-dont-read-that-way/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Laura Braunstein, English Language and Literature Librarian at Dartmouth College. I was chatting recently with a professor in my liaison department who was beginning research for a new book. Did she have everything she needed? Was there anything I should look into ordering? Yes, she said, the library was
- [Publishing Fat Cats, Collection Curation, and Serving Today's Patron](https://acrlog.org/2011/11/03/publishing-fat-cats-collection-curation-and-serving-todays-patron/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Heidi Steiner, Distance Learning Librarian at Norwich University. The greatest reflection I find myself having following this year's LJ/SLJ Ebook Summit is only vaguely about ebooks. Instead my mind is circling around balance. I tuned in to the "Marketing Ebooks to Students" panel ready for ideas about how I
- [If You Give a Student an iPad...](https://acrlog.org/2011/10/30/if-you-give-a-student-an-ipad/): ACRLog welcomes a guest post from Veronica A. Wells, Access Services/Music Librarian at University of the Pacific. You can find her online at Euterpean Librarian. If you give a student an iPad...she will ask for Angry Birds. This is one of the many lessons I learned when I handed four students each an iPad at
- [Open Access Week Tidbits](https://acrlog.org/2011/10/25/open-access-week-tidbits/): It's not actually a holiday, but for me Open Access Week seems more exciting than ever this year. There's lots going on during this 5th annual international advocacy event, which runs from October 24-30. Here are a few highlights: Kicking things off last week, John Dupuis over at Confessions of a Science Librarian blogged about
- [Experiencing the Shift](https://acrlog.org/2011/10/17/experiencing-the-shift/): I spent a few days last week at a fascinating conference called MobilityShifts held at The New School in NYC (full disclosure: I was also a presenter). The tagline for the conference is An International Future of Learning Summit, which I definitely found true: attendees from all over the world ranged from faculty and administrators
- [Finding Footnotes and Chasing Citations](https://acrlog.org/2011/10/11/finding-footnotes-and-chasing-citations/): This week's New York Times Book Review includes an essay by Alexandra Horowitz straightforwardly-titled Will the E-Book Kill the Footnote?, in which she laments that footnotes become endnotes when books move from paper to screen. Horowitz suggests that while this change means that the main text of a book may be more easily read from
- [Evaluating Research By the Numbers](https://acrlog.org/2011/10/03/evaluating-research-by-the-numbers/): This month’s post in our series of guest academic librarian bloggers is by Bonnie Swoger, Science and Technology Librarian at the State University of New York (SUNY) Geneseo. She blogs at The Undergraduate Science Librarian. Last week I taught an information literacy class to a group of senior Chemistry students. We didn't talk about databases or
- [Tackling Textbooks](https://acrlog.org/2011/09/20/tackling-textbooks/): Many libraries grapple with whether to buy textbooks to put on reserve for students to use. At my college we do acquire textbooks, though of course we purchase many other books for circulating use as well. I've usually thought about the textbook issue from the perspective of the library, for example, our materials costs vs.
- [Personal Content Capitalism](https://acrlog.org/2011/09/08/personal-content-capitalism/): I've been hearing less and less about Google+ lately, the social network launched by the search giant over the summer. I can't comment on its functionality because I haven't tried it; while I'm interested, I've got a couple of big projects going on and don't have the bandwidth right now for an additional flavor of
- [Searching the Library Website and Beyond: A Graduate Student Perspective](https://acrlog.org/2011/09/01/searching-the-library-website-and-beyond-a-graduate-student-perspective/): This month's post in our series of guest academic librarian bloggers is by Julia Skinner, a first year Information Studies doctoral student at Florida State University. She blogs at Julia's Library Research. I just finished my MLS, and one of the issues raised frequently both in and out of the classroom was how to get
- [Nothing Right about This Copyright Ruling](https://acrlog.org/2011/08/30/nothing-right-about-this-copyright-ruling/): The world of copyright litigation is getting downright surreal. Recently a court struck down an appeal of a NY case involving reselling books from overseas in the U.S. Essentially, the court ruled that the first sale doctrine applies only to works manufactured in the United States. As reported in Library Journal: The 2nd U.S. Circuit
- [No Sentimental Farewells From This Blogger](https://acrlog.org/2011/08/23/no-sentimental-farewells-from-this-blogger/): Going back to March 15, it was a really busy time for me between then and ALA Annual. Here's a rundown to give you a better picture: Presentations to students, faculty and library staff at the LIS schools at the University of Missouri and IUPUI At the end of March, a paper and CZS presentation
- [If You Can't Reach Everyone Aim For The Passionate Users](https://acrlog.org/2011/08/02/if-you-cant-reach-everyone-aim-for-the-passionate-users/): Does your town still have a video store? Most do not. I don't mean a Blockbuster or some other big chain store. Those are getting harder to find too. I'm referring to a small, independent, niche type video rental store. I recall that when movies first became available on VHS the rental stores soon began
- [Research Librarianship in Crisis: Mediate When, Where, and How?](https://acrlog.org/2011/08/01/research-librarianship-in-crisis-mediate-when-where-and-how/): This month’s post in our series of guest academic librarian bloggers is by Bohyun Kim, Digital Access Librarian, Florida International University Medical Library. She blogs at Library Hat. The talk about the crisis of librarianship is nothing new. Most recently, back in May, Seth Godin, a marketing guru, has written on his blog a post
- [Do You Have The Tao In Your Toolkit?](https://acrlog.org/2011/07/26/do-you-have-the-tao-in-your-toolkit/): In his blog post, The Tao of Librarianship, Andy Burkhardt reminds us how we can apply the ancient wisdom of Taoism to library policies and services. Burkhardt addresses library food policies, space design, planned abandonment of outdated formats and services, and adapting to change through the lens of Taoist philosophy, which he summarizes as, “instead
- [Are You Thinking About Going Corporate](https://acrlog.org/2011/07/22/are-you-thinking-about-going-corporate/): I had two jobs before I started my first academic library position. Going through library school I was thinking special libraries. I never really thought much about academic librarianship as a career option. The prospects of working on more in depth research projects for others appealed to me. One of the special library jobs was
- [Stranger Than Fiction](https://acrlog.org/2011/07/20/stranger-than-fiction/): My head's been buzzing since I first read yesterday on the New York Times Bits Blog that coder and activist Aaron Swartz was indicted under federal hacking laws for illegally downloading millions of articles from JSTOR (the full text of the indictment is embedded at the bottom of the post). Since then I've read through
- [Context Matters](https://acrlog.org/2011/04/11/context-matters/): This month's post in our series of guest academic librarian bloggers is by Catherine Pellegrino, Reference Librarian and Instruction Coordinator at Saint Mary's College. She blogs at Spurious Tuples. Ever since I went to ACRL's Institute for Information Literacy Immersion program in the summer of 2009, I've been fascinated by the idea of the library
- [Who Reads and How?](https://acrlog.org/2011/07/12/who-reads-and-how/): Barry Cull, Information Services Librarian at the University of New Brunswick, Canada, has written Reading Revolutions: Online digital text and implications for reading in academe, a valuable review article on reading research that investigates important questions and provides a corrective to the idea (we’re looking at you NEA and Steve Jobs) that “no one reads
- [Thinking About 'The Filter Bubble'](https://acrlog.org/2011/07/07/thinking-about-the-filter-bubble/): This month's post in our series of guest academic librarian bloggers is by Jessica Hagman, Reference and Instruction Librarian at Ohio University. She blogs at Jess in Ohio. Last fall, I taught a one-credit learning community seminar. During the week where we discussed research and library resources, I showed the class this video from Google,
- [Is It Just Me Or Does It Seem Like Some Startup Is Always Stealing Our Great Ideas](https://acrlog.org/2011/07/06/is-it-just-me-or-does-it-seem-like-some-start-up-is-always-stealing-our-great-ideas/): Social networking and media are attractive tools for academic librarians. While we are still looking for the killer application for an academic library, our experiments and efforts to leverage social media to connect with students are worth pursuing and occasionally produce good results. There is evidence that having a presence in Facebook, Twitter and YouTube
- [Our Non-MLS Director is Great! Compared to What?](https://acrlog.org/2011/07/04/our-non-mls-director-is-great-compared-to-what/): One of the programs I attended at the ALA Conference in New Orleans was titled "Hiring Non-MLS Librarians: Trends and Training Implications." The first panelist shared some research findings from a survey in which library directors were asked about the positions in their libraries that they believed did or did not require an MLS. The
- [Ideas For Innovation Are All Around Us](https://acrlog.org/2011/06/28/ideas-for-innovation-are-all-around-us/): We are subject to a non-stop barrage of information about innovation. Experts give us advice on how to be more innovative. The stories we read in our library literature share news about innovative libraries. Yet we rarely learn how to be innovative. Ask a few librarians what it means to be innovative and you'll get
- [Social Hacking at the Library](https://acrlog.org/2011/06/22/social-hacking-at-the-library/): I'm always interested to read about ideas that folks outside of librarianship have about libraries. The other day my partner forwarded me a tweet from tech publisher Tim O'Reilly: Interesting note about an MIT professor who "hacked" (socially) the library as a way of recruiting interesting students http://bit.ly/k4qzrl O'Reilly links to Harvard's Library Innovation Lab
- [Just Connect: Getting Involved In ACRL](https://acrlog.org/2011/06/14/just-connect-getting-involved-in-acrl/): Editor’s Note: This is the finale of our series of posts from the ACRL Emerging Leaders Team about the upcoming ALA Conference in New Orleans. Is it hard to get involved in ACRL? Not really. But if you need some advice on how to get started Tabatha Farney, Web Services Librarian, University of Colorado at
- [Go To ALA To Find New Ideas For Experimentation](https://acrlog.org/2011/06/10/go-to-ala-to-find-new-ideas-for-experimentation/): Editor's Note: In this next post, in a series about the upcoming ALA Conference in New Orleans, William Breitbach, a Librarian from California State University-Fullerton sponsored by CLS Section of ACRL, shares his thoughts on how to get more out of your conference experience by going to programs where one is likely to find new
- [You Can Tell Everyone About This PHITE Club](https://acrlog.org/2011/06/07/you-can-tell-everyone-about-this-phite-club/): Editor's Note: Here at ACRLog we are always open to guest posts from academic librarians who want to share a story about an interesting or innovative project at their library. I was attending the Texas Library Association conference when I came upon just such a project at the poster sessions. I had to know what
- [Getting Social At ALA](https://acrlog.org/2011/06/03/getting-social-at-ala/): Editor's Note: In this third in a series of posts about the upcoming ALA Conference in New Orleans, Megan Hodge, Circulation Supervisor at Randolph-Macon College and Adjunct Instructor at Bryant & Stratton College, reminds us that even after our long conference days we need to get social at night - and gives us a preview
- [Lengthening Our (Out)reach](https://acrlog.org/2011/06/02/lengthening-our-outreach/): I've written before about the faculty workshops we offer at my library. When we started to expand our offerings a few years ago we thought it would be a good opportunity both to promote our resources for faculty as well as engage in some general library outreach. While we're a small college library we do
- [Embracing Discovery](https://acrlog.org/2011/05/26/embracing-discovery/): This summer my library, like over 60 others, is implementing Summon. Serials Solutions’ discovery layer is meant to provide our users with that “one search solution” we’ve all been waiting for for so long by sucking all our resources (catalog records, local digital collections, and database content) into one central index that searches it all
- [Showing Emotion? Keep It Real](https://acrlog.org/2011/05/23/showing-emotion-keep-it-real/): You've no doubt had that experience where you go to a store, hotel or some other setting where you receive service, and the person (or people) serving you is doing all the right things to be nice - but you know it's an act being put on for your benefit. We accept this because we
- [Seven Tips For Highly Effective Networkers](https://acrlog.org/2011/05/13/seven-tips-for-highly-effective-networkers/): Editor’s Note: In this third in a series of posts about the upcoming ALA Conference in New Orleans, Elizabeth Berman, Science & Engineering Librarian at the University of Vermont, and Breanne Kirsch, Evening Public Services Librarian at the University of South Carolina Upstate, provide seven useful strategies for improving your conference networking. We’ll be hearing
- [The What Versus The Why](https://acrlog.org/2011/05/10/the-what-versus-the-why/): When the topic of conversation turns to change, it's not uncommon to hear an academic librarian say something along the lines of "before we change we need to really understand why we do what we do - what is it that defines what we are all about". Others might describe that as having the ability
- [Collaboration In Librarian Scholarship Part II](https://acrlog.org/2011/04/22/collaboration-in-librarian-scholarship-part-ii/): Thanks for all the comments on my earlier post How Do We Evaluate Collaboration in Librarian Scholarship? Here's what we came up with at my place of work as a revision (still a draft) for our disciplinary standards for Librarian scholarship. We wanted to honor both sole-author and collaborative works: "First or sole-authored works are
- [Finishing Strong: Manage The Ending](https://acrlog.org/2011/04/19/finishing-strong-manage-the-ending/): When it comes to things like the reference transaction, library instruction or our personal presentations, we often are advised to get things off to a good start. Ask the right questions to quickly find out what the user really wants. Start with an attention grabber to draw in the learner. Make eye contact and be
- [Commit To Sharing Three Things You Learn At ALA](https://acrlog.org/2011/04/18/commit-to-sharing-three-things-you-learn-at-ala/): Editor’s Note: In this second in a series of posts about the upcoming ALA Conference in New Orleans, William Breitbach, a Librarian from California State University-Fullerton sponsored by CLS Section of ACRL, shares his thoughts on how to get more out of your conference experience by sharing what you know after the conference. We’ll be
- [How Do We Evaluate Collaboration in Librarian Scholarship?](https://acrlog.org/2011/04/15/how-do-we-evaluate-collaboration-in-librarian-scholarship/): Librarianship is a collaborative field. We're always trying to collaborate with someone--teaching faculty, IT people, students, even (gasp!) other librarians. In terms of librarian scholarship, co-authored and multi-authored works are common if not the norm. When it's time to evaluate multi-authored works for reappointment, tenure and promotion, how do we estimate contribution and assign credit?
- [Why All The Fuss Over PhD Academic Librarians](https://acrlog.org/2011/04/13/why-all-the-fuss-over-phd-academic-librarians/): While no one has called it Trzeciakgate yet, I can't help but see some similarities between what's happening now with his presentation at Penn State University and the whole Michael Gorman firestorm (then labeled "Gormangate") of 2005. Are you too new to the profession to remember Gormangate? You can read all about it here. Suffice
- [Citations Needed](https://acrlog.org/2011/04/12/citations-needed/): Yesterday there was a fascinating article on Inside Higher Ed about a presentation at the recent Conference on College Composition and Communication. The presentation reported on research undertaken by composition faculty members Rebecca Moore Howard and Sandra Jamieson in their Citation Project, which focuses on understanding how students approach their research writing to help instructors
- [ACRL 2011: Walking The Talk](https://acrlog.org/2011/04/06/acrl-2011-walking-the-talk/): If you attended ACRL 2011 I hope you enjoyed it. I just completed the evaluation (be sure to complete it if you attended), and gave the conference high marks (disclosure: I co-chaired the keynotes committee). One of the things I really like about the ACRL conference is that it constantly evolves. A number of new
- [News From An Academic Library in Japan](https://acrlog.org/2011/03/29/news-from-an-academic-library-in-japan/): It is now just over two weeks since the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan. We have all seen the images of massive destruction, heard and read the stories of death and suffering, and witnessed the fortitude of the Japanese citizens as they attempt to return to normalcy despite the ongoing severity of the crisis
- [Countdown to the Conference](https://acrlog.org/2011/03/24/countdown-to-the-conference/): I've found myself with less time than usual for blogging lately as I've been busy working on the poster I'm presenting with colleagues at the upcoming ACRL National Conference. In the handful of years since I've been a librarian I've been to many smaller conferences and symposia in and around New York City (where I
- [Plan Ahead For Your First Time On The Exhibit Floor](https://acrlog.org/2011/03/22/plan-ahead-for-your-first-time-on-the-exhibit-floor/): Editor's Note: In this first in a series of posts about the ALA Conference, John Meier, Science Librarian at Penn State University, shares his experiences as a new librarian attending the ALA conference exhibits - and hopes you can avoid some of the newbie errors he made. We'll be hearing more about the ALA Conference
- [Q & A With The Librarians Who Made That Winning Video](https://acrlog.org/2011/03/15/q-a-with-the-librarians-who-made-that-winning-video/): While I can't say enough about the importance of video as a communication and learning tool, I'm hardly enamored with most librarian videos - especially the ones that involve lip synching to pop tunes. That's why I was particularly impressed by the creativity and craftsmanship demonstrated by the now well known video that won top
- [ACRLog Welcomes Its New Team Of Emerging Leaders](https://acrlog.org/2011/03/04/acrlog-welcomes-its-new-team-of-emerging-leaders/): Editor’s Note: ACRLog is pleased to announce that once again a group of ALA Emerging Leaders was assigned to work with the ACRLog blog team (and ACRL Insider too), and use our little blog to share ideas that will enhance ALA conference attendance for both first-timers and veterans alike. Over the next few months we’ll
- [In Praise of Ideas](https://acrlog.org/2011/03/02/in-praise-of-ideas/): This month's post in our series of guest academic librarian bloggers is by Emily Drabinski, Electronic Resources and Instruction Librarian at Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY. She's the editor (with Alana Kumbier and Maria Accardi) of Critical Library Instruction: Theories and Methods, published by Library Juice Press. I just completed a thesis in the
- [Working Together: Tips for Vendors](https://acrlog.org/2011/02/28/working-together-tips-for-vendors/): When I was in library school, Lynn Wiley (who was at that time head of interlibrary loan at UIUC) said something about library vendors that made a big impression on me. She said that vendors are our partners – we could not do what we do without the content and service products they provide, and
- [Lifelong Learning? I Need A Real Job.](https://acrlog.org/2011/02/24/lifelong-learning-i-need-a-job/): Academic librarians connect with students during their college years in different ways, but we often know little about what happens to them once they depart our halls of learning. Sometimes we do keep in touch with those we met as students, possibly just by being Facebook friends, or a stronger friendship develops. Perhaps you've had
- [Whither the Research Paper?](https://acrlog.org/2011/02/18/whither-the-research-paper/): I teach a 3-credit information literacy course at my college, and the research paper I assign is a large portion of students' grade for the class. The assignment is divided into multiple scaffolds: a research proposal, an annotated bibliography, a first draft (which includes one class session spent peer reviewing), and the final paper. Students
- [After The Values Study](https://acrlog.org/2011/02/15/after-the-values-study/): ACRL has received a considerable amount of positive feedback about the Values of Academic Libraries Study. Perhaps you've had an opportunity to catch one of the presentations about the study that Megan Oakleaf, author of the study, or ACRL President Lisa Hinchliffe, have conducted at a number of different conferences. At the Midwinter conference, during
- [Sudden Thoughts And Second Thoughts](https://acrlog.org/2011/02/11/sudden-thoughts-and-second-thoughts-30/): How Usage Shapes Technology Application Scanning the October 2010 issue of The Charleston Advisor I came across a review of the web-based movie making site called Xtranormal. Even if you didn't know that name, you'd instantly recognize one of the movies created on the Xtranormal site. The review, by Ellen Metter is well done, and
- [Consumer Advocacy and Scholarly Publishing](https://acrlog.org/2011/02/04/consumer-advocacy-and-scholarly-publishing/): I could be wrong, but I don't think we've had a law librarian appear as a guest here. So I was happy that Michael Ginsborg was willing to share some of his thoughts on how we might respond to the high cost of legal resources using ... uh, legal remedies. His is, in a sense,
- [Selective Perceptions (on Ebooks and the New Resource Management)](https://acrlog.org/2011/01/30/selective-perceptions-on-ebooks-and-the-new-resource-management/): I went to a packed panel at Midwinter sponsored by the ALCTS Collection Management and Development Section called “Is Selection Dead?” Rick Anderson (University of Utah), Steve Bosch (University of Arizona), Nancy Gibbs (Duke University) and Reeta Sinha (YBP) all concluded (with varying levels of acceptance) that, yeah, it is. (For an excellent summary of
- [ACRL Update: Change Ahead](https://acrlog.org/2011/01/25/acrl-update-change-ahead/): Before getting to the core of this column, how about a round of applause for the newest winners of ACRL's top awards, Academic/Research Librarian of the Year and the Excellence in Academic Libraries Award. They are: 2011 Association of College and Research Libraries’ (ACRL) Academic/Research Librarian of the Year Janice Welburn, dean of university libraries
- [OA: Just Another Business Model](https://acrlog.org/2011/01/16/oa-just-another-business-model/): Steven Bell kindly pointed me toward an interview published in InformationToday with Derk Haank, former Elsevier executive who now is CEO of Springer. I wrote about it earlier at Library Journal's Academic Newswire, but now that it's available online, I thought I'd share it here, in case you're having trouble staying awake or suffer from
- [They Need Us, They Really Need Us](https://acrlog.org/2011/01/13/they-need-us-they-really-need-us/): Yesterday morning a friend's retweet caught my eye. Apparently last week the productivity blog Lifehacker ran a survey in which readers were asked whether Google's search results seemed increasingly full of spam and less useful. About 10,000 Lifehacker readers took the survey, and the top responses were eye-opening: Nearly 34% of those who replied chose:
- [Your To-Do List: Print, Digital, Hybrid](https://acrlog.org/2011/01/10/your-to-do-list-print-digital-hybrid/): The start of a new year is a time for resolutions, and getting more organized and getting things done (GTD) is right there at the top of many resolution lists. For many of us, the common "to-do" list is our go-to indispensable tool for accomplishing both tasks. There are lots of different approaches to compiling
- [Don't Make It Easy For Them](https://acrlog.org/2011/01/04/dont-make-it-easy-for-them/): This month's post in our series of guest academic librarian bloggers is from Andy Burkhardt, Emerging Technologies Librarian at Champlain College in Vermont. He also blogs at Information Tyrannosaur. I love customer service in libraries. I love improving our systems and services so they are more user-friendly. I love helping students with their research and
- [Incorporating Failure Into Library Instruction](https://acrlog.org/2010/12/22/incorporating-failure-into-library-instruction/): Failure is what's getting a fair amount of attention right now, especially when the conversation turns to learning. I wouldn't necessarily describe it as a growing consensus, but I'm hearing and reading more about the importance of allowing students to learn through authentic practice, what some call experiential learning, that puts them into situations where
- [A Day for Design](https://acrlog.org/2010/12/20/a-day-for-design/): Last week I attended the ACRL/NY Symposium here in New York City. It was the first time I'd been to my local chapter's annual program and a fun day: great speakers and posters and a nice opportunity to catch up with colleagues from libraries in the NYC metro area. The theme of this year's program
- [Academic Library Data For Prospective Students](https://acrlog.org/2010/12/15/academic-library-data-for-prospective-students/): One area in which higher education has underperformed is in providing prospective students with fair, balanced and objective information about colleges and universities that could help in the college choice decision-making process. Most students and their parents end up gravitating to U.S. News and World Report rankings for this information, and we know that content
- [The Art Of The Electronic Message Display](https://acrlog.org/2010/03/02/the-art-of-the-electronic-message-display/): Editor's Note: At MPOW we are ramping up to use a prominently positioned video display near our entrance for promotion. I realized I had no idea how to approach it. It seems so many academic libraries are using electronic display monitors to promote the library. I was wondering if there were best practices? So I
- [The Distributed Library: Our Two-Year Experiment](https://acrlog.org/2010/12/08/the-distributed-library/): This month’s post in our series of guest academic librarian bloggers is from Erin Dorney, Outreach Librarian at Millersville University, Pennsylvania. She also blogs at Library Scenester. Last week, a small fire* forced all faculty, staff, and library users out of our nine-floor building for about an hour. As I stood the requisite 50 feet
- [The Academic Librarian's Identity Conflict](https://acrlog.org/2010/12/01/the-academic-librarians-identity-conflict/): Just exactly what role do we play in higher education? Where do we fit into the structure of colleges and universities? On a day-to-day basis I suspect that most of us don't think about this question. We identify ourselves within the structure of our own academic library organizations: cataloger; reference librarian; bibliographer. Our identification may
- [Focus on Flexibility](https://acrlog.org/2010/11/23/focus-on-flexibility/): This semester the information literacy course that I’m teaching started off in our main library classroom. It’s a fairly typical instructional space with rows of desks topped with computers, an instructor computer at the front, and a couple of projection screens. It’s a nice room – we got 30 new, faster student computers over the
- [Interview Questions Are A Two Way Street](https://acrlog.org/2010/11/16/interview-questions-are-a-two-way-street/): If there's one thing current and prospective academic librarians are always looking for it's advice about job interviews. One of the most important parts of the interview process are the questions. You know you'll be getting them, and you already know to anticipate them and be as prepared as possible. For example, you know someone
- [Going Corporate - Guilty As Charged](https://acrlog.org/2010/11/12/going-corporate-guilty-as-charged/): In his recent Chronicle essay titled “Library Inc.”, which was part of special Chronicle Review focusing on the corporatization of higher education, Daniel Goldstein takes academic librarianship to task for selling out to corporate America. Judging by the comments shared by readers the reaction to the essay is mixed; while some agree others take Goldstein
- [Building Smart Collections for Today's Users](https://acrlog.org/2010/11/09/building-smart-collections-for-todays-users/): This month's post in our series of guest academic librarian bloggers is from Anna Creech, Electronic Resources Librarian at the University of Richmond, Virginia. She also blogs at Eclectic Librarian. Some days I look at my projects list and tasks and wonder how in the world I ended up here. They often appear to be
- [Not Halfway But It Could Be A Start](https://acrlog.org/2010/11/07/not-halfway-but-it-could-be-a-start/): Are you attending ALA Midwinter – assuming you still think there should even be a Midwinter conference? How about ACRL 2011 in Philadelphia? A west coast colleague recently asked me for some advice on getting to the Convention Center from the airport. It made me realize ACRL 2011 is not that far off if the
- [Do We Need a Bigger Carrot?](https://acrlog.org/2010/11/01/do-we-need-a-bigger-carrot/): I coordinate the instruction program at my library, and I spend an enormous amount of time contemplating ACRL Information Literacy Standard 3: “The information literate student evaluates information and its sources critically and incorporates selected information into his or her knowledge base and value system.” I feel that it’s one of the most critical standards
- [Experience vs. Reality](https://acrlog.org/2010/10/26/experience-vs-reality/): Last week I was at the ARLIS/NA Midstates Chapter fall meeting, graciously hosted by Chapter president Rebecca Price and the University of Michigan Libraries. In a panel discussion, Ray Silverman (director of the Museum Studies program at the University of Michigan) and Jennifer Gustafson (Practicum Coordinator for the School of Library & Information Science at
- [Earning Full Citizenship: A Response To “Seeking Full Citizenship”](https://acrlog.org/2010/10/26/earning-full-citizenship-a-response-to-“seeking-full-citizenship”/): Editor's Note: ACRLog is pleased to offer a guest post on the long-debated topic of the appropriateness of tenure for academic librarians. In this post, Karen G. Schneider, Director of the Cushing Library at Holy Names University, responds to an article that appears in the September 2010 issue of College & Research Libraries titled "Seeking
- [Seat Saving At Library Conferences! WTF?](https://acrlog.org/2010/10/25/seat-saving-at-library-conferences-wtf/): So I'm at the Library Assessment Conference in Baltimore, my first time attending this one. Assessment is on my portfolio at work, so with it being so close by, I was glad to have the opportunity to attend. Twice already today I came into the meeting room, not late or anything. I like an aisle
- [Technical Drudgery Revisited](https://acrlog.org/2010/10/21/technical-drudgery-revisited/): On October 7, NISO sponsored a workshop in Chicago called “E-Resource Management: From Start to Finish (and Back Again).” In the opening keynote, Norm Medeiros of the Tri-Colleges (Haverford, Bryn Mawr, and Swarthmore) asked what value electronic resource management (ERM) systems bring to libraries. His answer? Not much, yet. If what your library needs most
- [Why I'm Not In The Mood To Celebrate Open Access Week](https://acrlog.org/2010/10/18/why-im-not-in-the-mood-to-celebrate-open-access-week/): It's Open Access Week, a time to "present the individual and collective benefits of free online access to research". It's a time to celebrate the many accomplishments and progress made on the scholarly communications front. And some of those accomplishments are indeed significant: SPARC; OA resolutions at a growing number of institutions; NIH policy requiring
- [Turning the Research Lens on Ourselves](https://acrlog.org/2010/10/10/turning-the-research-lens-on-ourselves/): I'm working on a research project again this year exploring the scholarly habits of undergraduate students at my university. One of the methods we're using to collect data is a mapping diary. We ask students to record all of their movements through the course of one typical school day--time, location and activity--and draw a map
- [The Age of Big Access](https://acrlog.org/2010/10/05/the-age-of-big-access/): This month marks the second in our new series of guest posts from academic librarians around the biblioblogosphere. October's post is from Iris Jastram, the Reference & Instruction Librarian for Languages and Literature at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. She also blogs at Pegasus Librarian. While we were all busy wondering what it means to
- [Managing E-Resources For Users, 100%](https://acrlog.org/2010/09/29/managing-e-resources-for-users-100/): I returned to electronic resources librarianship – and full-time work – 16 months ago in a brand-new e-resources coordinator position at an academic library. The catch? It was in public services. Not many e-resources librarians live among the folks in reference and instruction – link resolvers, proxy servers, A-Z lists, COUNTER compliance, and ERMs usually
- [Underground Resource Sharing](https://acrlog.org/2010/09/29/underground-resource-sharing/): One outcome of the Netflix discussion that took place in the library community is that there seems to be general agreement that adhering to licensing agreements is the right thing for academic librarians to do for a number of good reasons. Not only is it a good way to avoid a potential lawsuit from Netflix
- [Sudden Thoughts And Second Thoughts](https://acrlog.org/2010/09/29/sudden-thoughts-and-second-thoughts-29/): A Beloit Mindset Moment As part of our Library event for incoming freshmen we organized a scavenger hunt. They are pretty popular right now, and putting one together takes some thought and effort. But we got the participants to get around the entire library, visit a few service areas, try our text-a-librarian and cell phone
- [On Being Valuable: Point-Counterpoint](https://acrlog.org/2010/09/17/on-being-valuable/): The POINT: Amy Fry On Tuesday, September 14, ACRL released Value of Academic Libraries: A Comprehensive Research Review and Report by Dr. Megan Oakleaf. The report lays out the current landscape of academic library assessment and seeks to provide strategies for libraries to demonstrate and quantify their value within the context of institutional missions and
- [A Personal Touch](https://acrlog.org/2010/09/17/a-personal-touch/): Earlier this week the Chron reported on the new Personal Librarian Program at Drexel University. Every incoming freshman student this year has been assigned an individual librarian, and students are encouraged to contact their personal librarians throughout the semester whenever they have questions about doing research or using the library. While Drexel is not the
- [Ready, Set, Teach: You in the Classroom](https://acrlog.org/2010/09/08/ready-set-teach-you-in-the-classroom/): We're introducing a new feature here at ACRLog for the new academic year. We know there are lots of great academic librarian bloggers out there who don't often get as much attention as they should. They're the bloggers who don't show up on those publisher "best librarian blog" lists -- and hey, why should we
- [Taxonomy of Collaboration](https://acrlog.org/2010/08/29/taxonomy-of-collaboration/): Back to school means back to library instruction, and while gearing up for the busy fall season I've found myself mulling over a few instruction issues. Outreach to faculty is something I think about often, especially outreach to those who either don't know about or don't seem interested in library instruction. Most of these faculty
- [Sudden Thoughts And Second Thoughts](https://acrlog.org/2010/08/27/sudden-thoughts-and-second-thoughts-28/): Even Lightning Gets More Time I like lightning talks. I have given four of them now. It's a challenge to come up with a sensible presentation that still manages a good learning experience while hopefully entertaining the crowd. All have been in the 5 minute range. That's precious little time to say anything of much
- [New and Improved - or Not?](https://acrlog.org/2010/08/24/new-and-improved-or-not/): One of the lovely surprises awaiting those who have been away from the reference desk for a while is the numerous spanking new database interfaces that have sprouted up. There seem to be more than usual this year, and while some are improvements, others, frankly, need a good spanking. One that has us particularly flummoxed
- [Is There A "Rescue Plan" At Your Library](https://acrlog.org/2010/08/23/is-there-a-rescue-plan-at-your-library/): There are two kinds of academic librarians. The ones who immediately knew what this post is about, and those who have no clue. Until a short while ago, I'd have put myself in the latter group. That was before I attended this conference session on the topic of staff development. The speakers demonstrated a method
- [Is A Response Even Worth Our Time](https://acrlog.org/2010/08/18/is-a-response-even-worth-our-time/): A Facebook friend messaged me to say "ACRLog needs to take this on", in reference to this comment associated with a Slate piece on why tenure should be abolished. Andrew Sullivan who blogs for The Atlantic shared a few paragraphs from the Slate piece with his readers. It generated a fair number of comments in
- [Just Around the Corner](https://acrlog.org/2010/08/18/just-around-the-corner/): It's the middle of August, which means that the Fall semester is coming up fast. Posts about beginning the new academic year on the right foot are starting to pop up all over the higher ed blogosphere. Here's a couple that have caught my eye recently: 1. Earlier this month Tenured Radical* encouraged us to
- [Scenes From A Conference](https://acrlog.org/2010/08/16/scenes-from-a-conference/): Scenes from a Conference – Part 1 Speaker: I hate PowerPoint. That’s why I’m using Prezi for my presentation today. Who (asks audience) uses Prezi? (a few hands go up). Speaker: Yeah! (fist pump) Prezi is so cool. Speaker’s first slide: Two bullet points. Speaker proceeds to talk over first slide for five minutes with
- [Learning From The Alumni](https://acrlog.org/2010/08/10/learning-from-the-alumni/): I came across an interesting piece of news about how some IHEs are just asking their alumni questions - and listening to the answers. The calls are not about hitting the alums up for contributions. The folks in charge of alumni offices are realizing that they need to learn much more about their instituiton's graduates.
- [Is There A Social Media Librarian In Your Library's Future](https://acrlog.org/2010/08/03/is-there-a-social-media-librarian-in-your-librarys-future/): Academic libraries are leveraging social networks to increase opportunities to connect with students and faculty. Facebook or Twitter are the primary social media tools used for this purpose, but others are exploring how geo-location sites may play into a social strategy. It's not clear how academic libraries are tackling these new methods of marketing and
- [In The Sweatshop Or Reaping The Lottery Win](https://acrlog.org/2010/07/27/in-the-sweatshop-or-reaping-the-lottery-win/): Are you feeling overworked these days? Do you feel the pressure to publish, present and serve on a dozen different committees? Does it seem like you are trying to do the work of two librarians, and that you just never have time to get much of anything truly constructive done? If so, welcome to the
- [Let's Not (Just) Do the Numbers](https://acrlog.org/2010/07/26/lets-not-just-do-the-numbers/): Meredith Farkas has a thoughtful post at Information Wants to be Free on our love of numbers and how little they tell us without context. Less traffic at the reference desk: what does that mean? It could mean that students don't find the help they get there useful, or that your redesigned website or new
- [In Google They Trust](https://acrlog.org/2010/07/25/in-google-they-trust/): An interesting article swam through my Twitterstream recently that's a perfect complement to the Project Information Literacy report that Barbara mentioned last week. It's a recent publication of research by the Web Use Project led by Eszter Hargittai, a professor of Communication Studies at Northwestern University. The article, Trust Online: Young Adults' Evaluation of Web
- [Sudden Thoughts And Second Thoughts](https://acrlog.org/2010/07/22/sudden-thoughts-and-second-thoughts-27/): ALA Demo Hell I usually avoid the orchestrated demos many vendors offer at ALA – you know the ones I mean. There is a small seating area and there’s an infomercial-type presenter – or even worse an annoying robot or Elvis impersonator. My preference is to have a rep take me through a one-on-demo where
- [Reading Between the Assignment's Lines](https://acrlog.org/2010/07/13/reading-between-the-assignments-lines/): Project Information Literacy has a new study out that complements their earlier work. In the new study, PIL researchers collected and examined research assignment prompts to see how they guide students toward good sources, and discovered that ... they don't. That is, the assignments tend to be fairly specific about the surface features of what
- [A Guide, or a Crutch?](https://acrlog.org/2010/07/11/a-guide-or-a-crutch/): We're moving the subject guides on our library website from HTML pages into a wiki, which we hope will make them easier for us to update and customize. It's been a nice opportunity to freshen the content, weed out the dead links, etc. We plan to encourage faculty across the college to contribute to the
- [Does Where You Work Define Who You Are As An Academic Librarian](https://acrlog.org/2010/07/07/does-where-you-work-define-who-you-are-as-an-academic-librarian/): The great thing about our higher education system is the enormous diversity found in the approximately 4,000 institutions that offer degree programs. Having too many options is sometimes a challenge, but a more significant issue in American higher education is the disparity between the have's and the have not's. The same could be said of
- [Add Cyberwar Contingencies To Your Disaster Plan](https://acrlog.org/2010/06/29/add-cyberwar-contingencies-to-your-disaster-plan/): Two new reports from ACRL serve to remind the academic library community that our future is increasingly one based on digital collections and a virtual presence. Both the Futures Thinking for Academic Librarians: Higher Education in 2025 and the 2010 Top Ten Trends in Academic Libraries point to the importance of paying attention to our
- [Caught Between the Old and the New](https://acrlog.org/2010/06/26/caught-between-the-old-and-the-new/): Over the past academic year I've worked on a research project with a colleague to study the ways that students do their scholarly work, similar to the project at the University of Rochester a few years ago. We finished with data collection for this year and are spending the summer analyzing our results. We've gotten
- [Planning Out Your Presentation](https://acrlog.org/2010/06/22/planning-out-your-presentation/): With June comes the ALA Conference (except for Chicago years), and when it ends that also signals a close what I would call the library “presentation season” for both academic librarians who present and those who attend. While there are programs throughout the year, I find that the months between April and June bring the
- [Not a Crisis, a Transition](https://acrlog.org/2010/06/21/not-a-crisis-a-transition/): Chronicle staffer Jennifer Howard reported from the annual meeting of the Association of American University Presses, where the incoming president, Richard Brown of Georgetown University Press, challenged the idea that scholarly publishing is in crisis. A crisis, when it isn't resolved for decades, becomes a way of life, and his preferred description for that way
- [One Idea Can Make A Difference](https://acrlog.org/2010/05/25/one-idea-can-make-a-difference/): A few weeks ago I had the great honor of serving as the Emcee for the TEDxNJLibs conference held at the Princeton Public Library in New Jersey. You probably know all about TED and the famous talks. You may be less familiar with TEDx which seeks to replicate the vibe and excitement of the annual
- [Reflections On Blogging](https://acrlog.org/2010/06/14/reflections-on-blogging/): Editor’s Note: ACRLog is hosting a team of ALA Emerging Leaders. Each month one of our Emerging Leaders will contribute a guest post, and each will focus on some aspect of gearing up for the ALA Annual Conference in Washington, DC. This month the series takes on a slightly different topic than the Annual Conference.
- [A Full Day of Information Literacy](https://acrlog.org/2010/06/12/a-full-day-of-information-literacy/): Last week I went to the ACRL New England chapter's Library Instruction Group (NELIG) annual program Meeting Digital Natives Where They Are: New Standards for the New Student. This was my first conference entirely devoted to library instruction, and it was great to have the opportunity to think and talk about information literacy all day.
- [Do Open Academic Libraries Need Academic Librarians](https://acrlog.org/2010/06/10/do-open-academic-libraries-need-academic-librarians/): I started the day by doing a quick dive into an open course on education futures. Open courses are nothing new. MIT began offering them some time ago, and a number of institutions have followed suit. This one caught my attention because it was being offered by two education gurus in a totally independent setting.
- [The High Fidelity Challenge](https://acrlog.org/2010/06/08/the-high-fidelity-challenge/): Students no longer care about using high quality information. Students are all too willing to satisfice for whatever content they can find along the path of least resistance. Students are too dependent on search tools that facilitate their use of low quality sources. These are common concerns we academic librarians have about our undergraduates. We
- [Get Involved In ACRL Regional Chapters](https://acrlog.org/2010/06/02/get-involved-in-acrl-regional-chapters/): Editor’s Note: ACRLog is hosting a team of ALA Emerging Leaders. Each month one of our Emerging Leaders will contribute a guest post, and each will focus on some aspect of gearing up for the ALA Annual Conference in Washington, DC. This month we have Amanda Dinscore, Public Services Librarian at California State University, Fresno,
- [Reflections on Service](https://acrlog.org/2010/05/29/reflections-on-service/): By now I'm sure everyone's seen Thomas Benton's article in praise of academic librarians in last week's Chronicle of Higher Education. It's getting a lot of link love in the blogosphere, and was in the top five most viewed and emailed articles on the Chron's website early this week. I love being a librarian and
- [ACRL 2011 National Conference Update - Paper/Panel Submissions](https://acrlog.org/2010/05/27/acrl-2011-national-conference-update-paperpanel-submissions/): Just in! Some data on the number of submissions for the contributed paper and panel sessions (plus workshops and preconferences) for ACRL's National Conference in Philadelphia in 2011. As you might expect - the number of submissions (mostly) continues to increase. Here's the data: Contributed Papers Number of submissions - 238 Number that can be
- [Sudden Thoughts And Second Thoughts](https://acrlog.org/2010/05/20/sudden-thoughts-and-second-thoughts-26/): Sign of the Times Here's an interesting new blog started by the Chronicle, "Campus Cuts". Too depressing maybe? On the other hand, when posts to this blog grow few and far between that will be a good sign. If you do need some cheering up stay away from the Chronicle and just stick with this.
- [Making Conferencing Comfortable](https://acrlog.org/2010/05/12/making-conferencing-comfortable/): Editor’s Note: ACRLog is hosting a team of ALA Emerging Leaders. Each month one of our Emerging Leaders will contribute a guest post, and each will focus on some aspect of gearing up for the ALA Annual Conference in Washington, DC. Next up in the series is a personal reflection on being mentored at the
- [Practice, Practice, Practice](https://acrlog.org/2010/05/10/practice-practice-practice/): The semester is drawing to a close at my college and students in the information literacy course that I'm teaching are deep into their work on their final projects. I’m taking a breath before the grading begins and already starting to reflect on the semester: what worked well, what didn't, what I'll tweak over the
- [Washington Post Improves Its Higher Ed Coverage](https://acrlog.org/2010/05/03/washington-post-improves-its-higher-ed-coverage/): When I last wrote about newspapers that are at the top of my list for best higher education reporting I did mention the Washington Post. However I noted that "The Post has been a consistent performer over the years although I have noticed a decline in the number of higher education articles being reported in
- [Humility Is A Form Of Presence Too](https://acrlog.org/2010/04/27/humility-is-a-form-of-presence-too/): Management and leadership issues, while of interest to a good many academic librarians, are just one of many topics we cover here at ACRLog. We do so mostly when it applies to some issue of the day or a debate within higher education. In the past we've talked about being an "involved library administrator", creating
- [Envisioning the Academy's Digital Future](https://acrlog.org/2010/04/23/envisioning-the-academys-digital-future/): Earlier this week I was lucky enough to attend a fantastic symposium: The Digital University: Power Relations, Publishing, Authority and Community in the 21st Century Academy, held at the CUNY Graduate Center here in New York City. The day was chock full of presentations and conversations on the implications of digital technologies on teaching, learning,
- [Ways To Engage With ACRL](https://acrlog.org/2010/04/20/ways-to-engage-with-acrl/): Editor’s Note: ACRLog is hosting a team of ALA Emerging Leaders. Each month one of our Emerging Leaders will contribute a guest post, and each will focus on some aspect of gearing up for the ALA Annual Conference in Washington, DC. Next up in the series is a personal reflection on ACRL 101 from Hui-Fen
- [Breakfast of Librarians](https://acrlog.org/2010/04/18/breakfast-of-librarians/): I feel guilty that I haven't posted in a while. Weekly deadlines for Library Journal columns have kept me hopping. I should take notes on how Steven Bell manages his deadlines. He's the ultimate kept-up librarian. But I thought I'd share something fun we've been doing this spring at my library - we started a
- [Designing A Library For Learning](https://acrlog.org/2010/04/13/designing-a-library-for-learning/): We would all agree that learning takes place in an academic library - and other library buildings too. When members of the user community are at our libraries using a computer to find information it can result in learning. When student groups prepare for an assignment in a library study room it can facilitate learning.
- [Latest Ithaka Study On Faculty - A Small Step Forward](https://acrlog.org/2010/04/07/latest-ithaka-study-on-faculty-a-small-step-forward/): Today we learned from both Inside Higher Ed and the Chronicle that the Ithaka Group released their Faculty Study 2009. I'm not going to write about the latest report in any great detail. You should read what these other sources had to say about it, and take a look at all the comments (I left
- [Zen and the Art of Information Literacy](https://acrlog.org/2010/04/02/zen-and-the-art-of-information-literacy/): Last month marks two years that I've been at my job as an Information Literacy Librarian, and I've spent some time recently reflecting on how much has changed. There are certainly more students on campus (as at many colleges and universities), which means more bodies in the library, more classes to teach, more questions at
- [This Librarian's Blog Name Says It All](https://acrlog.org/2010/03/23/this-librarians-blog-name-says-it-all/): In a recent Sudden Thoughts and Second Thoughts I asked - in a not so direct way - what ACRLog readers wanted us to write about - and a few of you shared your thoughts - though I really didn't expect that. One comment in particular stood out and I wanted to share it with
- [Maureen Sullivan - ACRL Academic/Research Librarian Of The Year](https://acrlog.org/2010/01/24/maureen-sullivan-acrl-acdemicresearch-librarian-of-the-year/): Maureen Sullivan, owner of Maureen Sullivan Associates and Professor of Practice in the Simmons College Graduate School of Library and Information Science Ph.D. Program in Managerial Leadership, is the 2010 Association of College and Research Libraries' (ACRL) Academic/Research Librarian of the Year. The award, sponsored by YBP Library Services, recognizes an outstanding member of the
- [Seeking The Killer Connector For A Social Academic Library Site](https://acrlog.org/2010/03/15/seeking-the-killer-connector-for-a-social-academic-library-site/): Editors Note: I recently had the great pleasure of delivering a talk at the McKeldin Library at the University of Maryland. Afterwards Gavin Brown, Manager, Digital Technology Interface Services at the University of Maryland Libraries, and I chatted about ways in which academic libraries could do more to make their web sites social. Brown had
- [Not So Native?](https://acrlog.org/2010/03/14/not-so-native/): You may have seen a few news items recently about the millennial generation and technology. Last month's issue of Sociological Inquiry published an article by Eszter Hargittai describing differences in internet skills among college students. And an article in The Economist last week quotes several scholars who emphasize that digital natives are not necessarily as
- [Sudden Thoughts And Second Thoughts](https://acrlog.org/2010/03/11/sudden-thoughts-and-second-thoughts-25/): Have Your Librarian Buy My Outrageously Expensive Book It was quite considerate of this blogger to share with his readers news of his soon-to-be-available book, and to show deep concern and remorse for their inability to purchase it because a print copy for individuals costs a mere $180. Not to worry if you can't afford
- [Now Is The Time To Get ALA Annual On Your Mind](https://acrlog.org/2010/03/09/now-is-the-time-to-get-ala-annual-on-your-mind/): Editor's Note: Last month we shared news about our new ACRLog-ALA Emerging Leaders Group. Each month one of our Emerging Leaders will contribute a guest post, and each will focus on some aspect of gearing up for the ALA Annual Conference in Washington, DC. To get the series started this month's post is from Wendy
- [Introducing Our New First Year Bloggers - Dealing With Vegetable Bribes](https://acrlog.org/2008/10/07/introducing-our-new-first-year-bloggers-dealing-with-vegetable-bribes/): We've selected two new librarians, Susanna Smith and Olivia Nellums, to blog about their experiences during their first year in academic libraries. Here's one of the winning posts, from Susanna Smith of Gadsden State Community College in Alabama. Susanna says, I work at a community college library, which comes with its own sets of challenges.
- [Accountability and Open Access](https://acrlog.org/2010/03/01/accountability-and-open-access/): Hey, have you heard there's a recession on? (Yes, that's a rhetorical question.) It's nearly impossible to avoid news from all sectors--including higher education--about the continued economic challenges facing the country. Stories about funding difficulties for both public and private institutions, rising tuition, and declining endowments fill news outlets daily. And of course academic libraries
- [Sudden Thoughts And Second Thoughts](https://acrlog.org/2010/02/25/sudden-thoughts-and-second-thoughts-24/): The Mezzanine is Where? I was really excited when the sign installers delivered a new directory totem for our library. It's only about 46 years late. I am sure that most of your library buildings have some sort of quite obvious building directory near the entrance so that visitors can immediately get a sense of
- [Paper Or Poster Session At ACRL: Making The Choice](https://acrlog.org/2010/02/22/paper-or-poster-session-at-acrl-making-the-choice/): Given a choice between preparing and submitting a proposal for a contributed paper or a poster session at ACRL's 2011(15th) national conference, which do you think most academic librarians would choose. I need less than 2 seconds to think about this one. It's the paper. When it comes to ACRL's national conference my take is
- [ACRLog Welcomes Its Emerging Leaders](https://acrlog.org/2010/02/17/acrlog-welcomes-its-emerging-leaders/): Editor's Note: ACRLog is pleased to announce that a group of ALA Emerging Leaders was assigned to work with the ACRLog blog team (and ACRL Insider too), and use our little blog to share ideas that will enhance ALA conference attendance for both first-timers and veterans alike. Over the next few months we'll feature occasional
- [Must Scheduling be Sisyphean?](https://acrlog.org/2010/02/15/must-scheduling-be-sisyphean/): I was planning to post last week about something interesting I'd read in the library or higher ed news and literature, but I haven't kept up with my reading as much as usual recently. The task that's been occupying my time? Scheduling our English Comp library instruction sessions. It's not the most glamorous or fun
- [Give Me A Chat Box](https://acrlog.org/2010/02/12/give-me-a-chat-box/): If you haven't been taking advantage of webcasts/webinars (whichever you like to call them), you probably will be soon enough. When John Shank and I started doing webcasts at the Blended Librarians Community back in 2005 there weren't many opportunity for academic librarians to take advantage of webcasts for professional development. Now there are so
- [Keeping Up With Learning Technologists](https://acrlog.org/2010/02/10/keeping-up-with-learning-technologists/): On Thursday May 21, 2009 John Shank and I had the pleasure of co-hosting an important webcast event held by the Blended Librarians Online Learning Community. Josh Kim and Barbara Knauff, Senior Learning Technologists at Dartmouth College co-presented a webcast titled "Becoming an Educational Change Agent". The presentation was based on an article Kim and
- [Interest Group Advances Services To International Students](https://acrlog.org/2010/02/03/interest-group-advances-services-to-international-students/): Did you know that the number of international students at about 3,000 U.S. colleges and universities rose 8% last year to a new high of 671,616. Big increases in students from China helped fuel the rise. As in other recent years, India once again sent the most students to the U.S., followed by China, South
- [Staying the Course](https://acrlog.org/2010/02/01/staying-the-course/): Classes started at my college last Thursday, officially bringing the winter intersession to an end. While the library was fairly quiet in January, I kept myself busy with a couple of big projects, including getting ready to teach our library's first credit-bearing course this semester. It's been exciting (and, I admit it, a little scary)

## Pages

- [Who We Are](https://acrlog.org/who-we-are/): ACRLog Coordinators Blog Team Coordinator: Jen Jarson has been the Head Librarian at the Penn State University, Lehigh Valley campus since 2017 and the Interim Head Librarian at the Penn State University, Schuylkill campus since 2024. Previously, she worked at Muhlenberg College as the Information Literacy and Assessment Librarian, Social Sciences Subject Specialist, and Head
- [Interested in Writing for ACRLog?](https://acrlog.org/acrlog-tip-page/): We welcome a wide range of ideas and voices about academic librarianship on ACRLog. This includes perspectives from library workers in research, college, university, community college, and other academic library settings. Guest Posts: Do you have a post idea or noteworthy information related to academic librarianship? Email ACRLog Guest Post Coordinator Maura Smale at msmale
- [ACRLog Guidelines](https://acrlog.org/acrlog-guidelines/): ALA Code of Conduct Participation on this site is regulated by ALA’s Online Code of Conduct, available at https://www.ala.org/user-guidelines. Comments and Discussion We appreciate the time that our authors and readers spend sharing ideas. We value and invite comments and discussion about ACRLog posts. Because we want all conversation on ACRLog to be constructive and
- [Why An ACRL Blog](https://acrlog.org/why-an-acrl-blog/): ACRLog is a blog for academic and research librarians. We hope you will turn to ACRLog for ideas, commentary, and reflection on the professional issues of the day. But there are thousands of blogs on a multitude of topics, including several ALA division blogs. So, why would ACRL venture into the blogosphere morass? ACRLog has
- [Special Features](https://acrlog.org/special-features/): From time to time ACRLog will provide special reports or information that exceeds the size of a normal post or deserves some special attention. Those posts are found in our special features area.
- [Academic Freedom Quiz Answers](https://acrlog.org/special-features/academic-freedom-quiz-answers/): Here are the answers to the quiz questions: 1. Academic freedom is: a) an inherent right granted to faculty b) a protection guaranteed to those who have a faculty contract c) a privilege granted to faculty by individual institutions d) all of the above The answer is (c). According to the article "a key to
- [Posted Remarks From The Great Information Literacy Debate](https://acrlog.org/special-features/posted-remarks-from-the-great-information-literacy-debate/): Here you will find the remarks from those presenters who supplied them to ACRLog. Gary Radford's Remarks To be asked to argue that information literacy is not a waste of librarian’s time and talent could itself be considered to be a waste of time and talent, especially when that argument is being presented to an

## Articles

- [Responding to Communities in Crisis](https://acrlog.org/?dpsfa_article=article-created-at-1521558621): Charlottesville and the University of Virginia have been in the news a lot recently. In Summer 2017, a series of white supremacist rallies took place in Charlottesville, culminating in the August 2017 Unite the Right rally which erupted in violence between counter-protestors and the white supremacists. In 2014, UVA was the focal point of a
- [Developing a Peer Support Group](https://acrlog.org/?dpsfa_article=article-created-at-1518724897): There’s been a lot written here on ACRLog about the importance of mentorship, and I echo what many others have said: there is enormous value in learning from and being supporting by experienced librarians. There’s a separate kind of mentorship, one that doesn’t necessarily fall under the traditional mentor-mentee model, that has also been hugely
- [An instruction librarian, a digital scholarship librarian, and a scientist enter a Twitter chat...](https://acrlog.org/?dpsfa_article=article-created-at-1513787943): A quick note to preface this post: Thank you, Dylan Burns. After reading your post--What We Know and What They Know: Scholarly Communication, Usability, and Un-Usability--I can't stop thinking about this weird nebula of article access, entitlement, ignorance, and resistance. Your blog post has done what every good blog post should do: Make me think.
- [Personal Development As Professional Development](https://acrlog.org/?dpsfa_article=article-created-at-1512403258): Like many of us I was dismayed by the results of the last US presidential election, and at one year in I'm even more concerned for the nation and the people who live here. One of the things I resolved to do in the aftermath was to make the time for some training that I'd
- [Trust Me](https://acrlog.org/?dpsfa_article=article-created-at-1510678640): Reading Annie Downey's Critical Information Literacy was like looking into a mirror that only shows your most awkward professional reflection. Her interviews with "critical" librarians (those who adopt a critical approach to information literacy and practice critical pedagogy) are some of the most honest, true-to-life experiences I've read from those of us who consider ourselves teaching
- [How Did You Learn to Teach?](https://acrlog.org/?dpsfa_article=article-created-at-1510678639): If there’s one regret I have about graduate school, it’s that I never learned to teach. No courses on education are required as part of the curriculum, and the one class I remember being available was offered during an already overloaded semester for me. None of the internships I had involved information literacy instruction. So,
- [Reflecting on Reference Services](https://acrlog.org/?dpsfa_article=article-created-at-1508771833): A colleague recently invited me to speak in an LIS graduate class she teaches on information services. I was delighted to have the chance to talk with her students; it was even more of a treat since I attended the same graduate program for my MLIS, and the information services course was the very first
- [HLS/ACRLog: Tweet your heart out?: Social Media and Expanding Professional Development](https://acrlog.org/?dpsfa_article=article-created-at-1507145087): Today we welcome a post by Zohra Saulat as part of our collaboration with Hack Library School. Zohra Saulat is a second-year MLIS student and graduate assistant at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She plans on becoming an instructional and reference librarian. Through librarianship, she hopes to do her part in making information accessible. She likes

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://acrlog.org/categories/uncategorized/)
- [Worth Reading](https://acrlog.org/categories/worth-reading/): For postings that mention a good article, book, study, etc.
- [Higher Education](https://acrlog.org/categories/higher-education/): Postings about the higher education industry.
- [ACRL News](https://acrlog.org/categories/acrl-news/): For ACRL announcements, events, etc.
- [Professional Development](https://acrlog.org/categories/professional-development/): For announcement of professional development opportunities and for discussions of professional development in academic librarianship or higher education.
- [Information Ethics](https://acrlog.org/categories/information-ethics/)
- [Libraries and Learning](https://acrlog.org/categories/libraries-and-learning/): For postings about information literacy, learning commons, and the role of libraries in higher education.
- [Buildings](https://acrlog.org/categories/buildings/)
- [Technology Issues](https://acrlog.org/categories/technology-issues/): For posts about teaching technologies, library technology issues, new technology
- [Conference Blogging](https://acrlog.org/categories/conference-blogging/): Includes the blogging of conference programs
- [Research Issues](https://acrlog.org/categories/research-issues/): Use this category for posts related to research projects, research conducted by librarians, the need for certain types of research, research in higher education
- [Top Issues](https://acrlog.org/categories/top-issues/): For postings related to ACRL’s “Top Issues Facing Academic Libraries” (2002).
- [Scholarly Communications](https://acrlog.org/categories/scholarly-communications/): For postings related to scholarly communications issues, including open access, copyright management, and institutional repositories.
- [Student Issues](https://acrlog.org/categories/student-issues/): Use this category for posts about our students, student services, and other issues involving students.
- [Just Thinking](https://acrlog.org/categories/just-thinking/): Use this category for raising questions and thinking out loud or reflecting on writings for which there is no real specific topic.
- [Administration/Leadership](https://acrlog.org/categories/administrationleadership/): Use for postings that discuss the administrative aspects of academic librarianship, including managing and leading in the field.
- [Privacy](https://acrlog.org/categories/privacy/)
- [Simplicity vs. Complexity](https://acrlog.org/categories/simplicity-vs-complexity/): Use this category for items that relate to an ongoing discussion of finding a balance between givin users simplicity or expecting them to deal with complexity.
- [Faculty](https://acrlog.org/categories/faculty/)
- [Innovation](https://acrlog.org/categories/innovation/)
- [Events](https://acrlog.org/categories/events/)
- [Information Literacy](https://acrlog.org/categories/information-literacy/)
- [In The Disciplines](https://acrlog.org/categories/in-the-disciplines/)
- [Books](https://acrlog.org/categories/books/)
- [Plagiarism](https://acrlog.org/categories/plagiarism/)
- [Copyright](https://acrlog.org/categories/copyright/)
- [Public Services](https://acrlog.org/categories/public-services/)
- [Google](https://acrlog.org/categories/google/)
- [Commercialization](https://acrlog.org/categories/commercialization/)
- [Authority](https://acrlog.org/categories/authority/)
- [Gaming](https://acrlog.org/categories/gaming/)
- [ACRL Chapters](https://acrlog.org/categories/acrl-chapters/)
- [Political political](https://acrlog.org/categories/political-political/)
- [Wikipedia](https://acrlog.org/categories/wikipedia/)
- [Libraries and Community](https://acrlog.org/categories/libraries-and-community/)
- [Peer Review](https://acrlog.org/categories/peer-review/)
- [information industries](https://acrlog.org/categories/information-industries/)
- [Open Access](https://acrlog.org/categories/open-access/)
- [ACRLog News](https://acrlog.org/categories/acrlog-news/)
- [Idiocy](https://acrlog.org/categories/idiocy/)
- [Librarians in Film](https://acrlog.org/categories/librarians-in-film/)
- [International](https://acrlog.org/categories/international/)
- [LIS Education](https://acrlog.org/categories/lis-education/)
- [Teaching](https://acrlog.org/categories/teaching/)
- [Marketing](https://acrlog.org/categories/marketing/)
- [library careers](https://acrlog.org/categories/library-careers/)
- [First Year Academic Librarian Experience](https://acrlog.org/categories/first-year-academic-librarian-experience/)
- [Graduate Students](https://acrlog.org/categories/graduate-students/)
- [Assessment](https://acrlog.org/categories/assessment/)
- [Community Colleges](https://acrlog.org/categories/community-colleges/)
- [sudden thoughts](https://acrlog.org/categories/sudden-thoughts/)
- [Academia](https://acrlog.org/categories/academia-2/)
- [Instructional Design](https://acrlog.org/categories/instructional-design-2/)
- [Professional image](https://acrlog.org/categories/professional-image/)
- [Open Education](https://acrlog.org/categories/open-education/)
- [Mentorship](https://acrlog.org/categories/mentorship/)
- [Technical Services](https://acrlog.org/categories/technical-services/)
- [UX](https://acrlog.org/categories/ux/)
- [Collections](https://acrlog.org/categories/collections/)
- [Where Are They Now? Former FYALs Reflect](https://acrlog.org/categories/former-fyals-reflect/): For posts in the Where Are They Now: Former FYALs Reflect series
- [Programming](https://acrlog.org/categories/programming/)
- [Institutional Change](https://acrlog.org/categories/institutional-change/)
- [Remote and Hybrid Work](https://acrlog.org/categories/remote-and-hybrid-work/)
- [Tribute](https://acrlog.org/categories/tribute/)

## Tags

- [student_retention](https://acrlog.org/tag/student_retention/)
- [research_studies](https://acrlog.org/tag/research_studies/)
- [idiocracy](https://acrlog.org/tag/idiocracy/)
- [National Institutes of Health](https://acrlog.org/tag/national-institutes-of-health/)
- [James Inhofe](https://acrlog.org/tag/james-inhofe/)
- [Reed Elsevier](https://acrlog.org/tag/reed-elsevier/)
- [noise](https://acrlog.org/tag/noise/)
- [quiet](https://acrlog.org/tag/quiet/)
- [library_buildings](https://acrlog.org/tag/library_buildings/)
- [leadership](https://acrlog.org/tag/leadership/)
- [faculty_blogging](https://acrlog.org/tag/faculty_blogging/)
- [oclc_report](https://acrlog.org/tag/oclc_report/)
- [social networking](https://acrlog.org/tag/social-networking/)
- [leadership_programs](https://acrlog.org/tag/leadership_programs/)
- [web_2.0](https://acrlog.org/tag/web_20/)
- [acrl_dvc](https://acrlog.org/tag/acrl_dvc/)
- [virtual_reference](https://acrlog.org/tag/virtual_reference/)
- [credentials](https://acrlog.org/tag/credentials/)
- [tenure](https://acrlog.org/tag/tenure/)
- [canadian_academic_libraries](https://acrlog.org/tag/canadian_academic_libraries/)
- [scott_carlson](https://acrlog.org/tag/scott_carlson/)
- [chronicle](https://acrlog.org/tag/chronicle/)
- [reference_desk](https://acrlog.org/tag/reference_desk/)
- [rick_anderson](https://acrlog.org/tag/rick_anderson/)
- [administration](https://acrlog.org/tag/administration/)
- [careers](https://acrlog.org/tag/careers/)
- [user_education](https://acrlog.org/tag/user_education/)
- [Kindle](https://acrlog.org/tag/kindle/)
- [National_Endowment_for_the_Arts](https://acrlog.org/tag/national_endowment_for_the_arts/)
- [reading](https://acrlog.org/tag/reading/)
- [professional development](https://acrlog.org/tag/professional_development/)
- [Midwinter](https://acrlog.org/tag/midwinter/)
- [ALA](https://acrlog.org/tag/ala/)
- [research](https://acrlog.org/tag/research/)
- [portal](https://acrlog.org/tag/portal/)
- [federated_search](https://acrlog.org/tag/federated_search/)
- [c&rl](https://acrlog.org/tag/crl/)
- [NEA](https://acrlog.org/tag/nea/)
- [Facebook](https://acrlog.org/tag/facebook/)
- [brainstorm](https://acrlog.org/tag/brainstorm/)
- [talent](https://acrlog.org/tag/talent/)
- [blog_rankings](https://acrlog.org/tag/blog_rankings/)
- [blogging](https://acrlog.org/tag/blogging/)
- [cynefin](https://acrlog.org/tag/cynefin/)
- [decision_making](https://acrlog.org/tag/decision_making/)
- [clir](https://acrlog.org/tag/clir/)
- [design_thinking](https://acrlog.org/tag/design_thinking/)
- [user_experiences](https://acrlog.org/tag/user_experiences/)
- [bad_librarian good_librarian](https://acrlog.org/tag/bad_librarian-good_librarian/)
- [OCLC](https://acrlog.org/tag/oclc/)
- [Pew](https://acrlog.org/tag/pew/)
- [Rudibrarian](https://acrlog.org/tag/rudibrarian/)
- [](https://acrlog.org/tag/107/)
- [faculty_status](https://acrlog.org/tag/faculty_status/)
- [time management](https://acrlog.org/tag/time-management/)
- [National_Institutes_of_Health](https://acrlog.org/tag/national_institutes_of_health/)
- [pew_internet](https://acrlog.org/tag/pew_internet/)
- [library_use](https://acrlog.org/tag/library_use/)
- [information_search](https://acrlog.org/tag/information_search/)
- [trendspotting](https://acrlog.org/tag/trendspotting/)
- [soaring_to_excellence](https://acrlog.org/tag/soaring_to_excellence/)
- [virtual_worlds](https://acrlog.org/tag/virtual_worlds/)
- [public domain](https://acrlog.org/tag/public-domain/)
- [](https://acrlog.org/tag/118/)
- [environmental_scan](https://acrlog.org/tag/environmental_scan/)
- [top_ten_assumptions](https://acrlog.org/tag/top_ten_assumptions/)
- [acrl_insider](https://acrlog.org/tag/acrl_insider/)
- [oclc_symposium](https://acrlog.org/tag/oclc_symposium/)
- [social_networking](https://acrlog.org/tag/social_networking/)
- [student_research](https://acrlog.org/tag/student_research/)
- [steve_jobs](https://acrlog.org/tag/steve_jobs/)
- [educause](https://acrlog.org/tag/educause/)
- [information literacy](https://acrlog.org/tag/information_literacy/)
- [library_administrators](https://acrlog.org/tag/library_administrators/)
- [library_directors](https://acrlog.org/tag/library_directors/)
- [lis_education](https://acrlog.org/tag/lis_education/)
- [philosophy of librarianship](https://acrlog.org/tag/philosophy-of-librarianship/)
- [Why I Teach](https://acrlog.org/tag/why-i-teach/)
- [Free Exchange on Campus](https://acrlog.org/tag/free-exchange-on-campus/)
- [academic_research_librarian](https://acrlog.org/tag/academic_research_librarian/)
- [excellence](https://acrlog.org/tag/excellence/)
- [acrl_awards](https://acrlog.org/tag/acrl_awards/)
- [repositories](https://acrlog.org/tag/repositories/)
- [Danah Boyd](https://acrlog.org/tag/danah-boyd/)
- [librarian_demographics presentations innovation](https://acrlog.org/tag/librarian_demographics-presentations-innovation/)
- [library_journals](https://acrlog.org/tag/library_journals/)
- [obsolete_skills](https://acrlog.org/tag/obsolete_skills/)
- [barbara_gross_davis](https://acrlog.org/tag/barbara_gross_davis/)
- [library_research](https://acrlog.org/tag/library_research/)
- [Columbia UP](https://acrlog.org/tag/columbia-up/)
- [history](https://acrlog.org/tag/history/)
- [e-books](https://acrlog.org/tag/e-books/)
- [acrlog](https://acrlog.org/tag/acrlog/)
- [first_year_experience](https://acrlog.org/tag/first_year_experience/)
- [collaboration_with_librarians](https://acrlog.org/tag/collaboration_with_librarians/)
- [library_conference](https://acrlog.org/tag/library_conference/)
- [presidential libraries](https://acrlog.org/tag/presidential-libraries/)
- [journal_survey](https://acrlog.org/tag/journal_survey/)
- [library_literature](https://acrlog.org/tag/library_literature/)
- [cabelas](https://acrlog.org/tag/cabelas/)
- [acrl_springboard](https://acrlog.org/tag/acrl_springboard/)
- [research_skills](https://acrlog.org/tag/research_skills/)
- [finding_versus_searching](https://acrlog.org/tag/finding_versus_searching/)
- [one_shot_sessions](https://acrlog.org/tag/one_shot_sessions/)
- [perpetual_super_novice](https://acrlog.org/tag/perpetual_super_novice/)
- [obsolete_libraries](https://acrlog.org/tag/obsolete_libraries/)
- [University of Iowa](https://acrlog.org/tag/university-of-iowa/)
- [Iowa Writers' Workshop](https://acrlog.org/tag/iowa-writers-workshop/)
- [electronic theses](https://acrlog.org/tag/electronic-theses/)
- [electronic dissertations](https://acrlog.org/tag/electronic-dissertations/)
- [search_skills](https://acrlog.org/tag/search_skills/)
- [nielsen](https://acrlog.org/tag/nielsen/)
- [exercise_facilities](https://acrlog.org/tag/exercise_facilities/)
- [physical_fitness](https://acrlog.org/tag/physical_fitness/)
- [academic_freedom](https://acrlog.org/tag/academic_freedom/)
- [instructional_design](https://acrlog.org/tag/instructional_design/)
- [Popline](https://acrlog.org/tag/popline/)
- [abortion](https://acrlog.org/tag/abortion/)
- [stop words](https://acrlog.org/tag/stop-words/)
- [censorship](https://acrlog.org/tag/censorship/)
- [university presses](https://acrlog.org/tag/university-presses/)
- [publishing](https://acrlog.org/tag/publishing/)
- [academic_librarianship](https://acrlog.org/tag/academic_librarianship/)
- [next-gen_librarians](https://acrlog.org/tag/next-gen_librarians/)
- [e-reserves](https://acrlog.org/tag/e-reserves/)
- [lawsuit](https://acrlog.org/tag/lawsuit/)
- [Georgia State](https://acrlog.org/tag/georgia-state/)
- [news media](https://acrlog.org/tag/news-media/)
- [Pentagon](https://acrlog.org/tag/pentagon/)
- [](https://acrlog.org/tag/190/)
- [signature_statement](https://acrlog.org/tag/signature_statement/)
- [academic librarianship course](https://acrlog.org/tag/academic_librarianship_course/)
- [bezos](https://acrlog.org/tag/bezos/)
- [amazon](https://acrlog.org/tag/amazon/)
- [web 2.0](https://acrlog.org/tag/web-20/)
- [creepy treehouse](https://acrlog.org/tag/creepy-treehouse/)
- [Blackboard](https://acrlog.org/tag/blackboard/)
- [core_values](https://acrlog.org/tag/core_values/)
- [russian_academic_libraries](https://acrlog.org/tag/russian_academic_libraries/)
- [ala conference](https://acrlog.org/tag/ala_conference/)
- [california_dreaming](https://acrlog.org/tag/california_dreaming/)
- [scholarly websites](https://acrlog.org/tag/scholarly-websites/)
- [tenure and promotion](https://acrlog.org/tag/tenure-and-promotion/)
- [airline_industry](https://acrlog.org/tag/airline_industry/)
- [crisis_management](https://acrlog.org/tag/crisis_management/)
- [newspaper_industry](https://acrlog.org/tag/newspaper_industry/)
- [online_surveys](https://acrlog.org/tag/online_surveys/)
- [presentation_resources](https://acrlog.org/tag/presentation_resources/)
- [fair use](https://acrlog.org/tag/fair-use/)
- [Georgia State University](https://acrlog.org/tag/georgia-state-university/)
- [lawsuits](https://acrlog.org/tag/lawsuits/)
- [course management systems](https://acrlog.org/tag/course-management-systems/)
- [blog_attack](https://acrlog.org/tag/blog_attack/)
- [wired](https://acrlog.org/tag/wired/)
- [Stanford University School of Education](https://acrlog.org/tag/stanford-university-school-of-education/)
- [fauclty resolution](https://acrlog.org/tag/fauclty-resolution/)
- [ariely](https://acrlog.org/tag/ariely/)
- [acrl_presidents_program](https://acrlog.org/tag/acrl_presidents_program/)
- [hernon](https://acrlog.org/tag/hernon/)
- [acrl_booth](https://acrlog.org/tag/acrl_booth/)
- [anaheim](https://acrlog.org/tag/anaheim/)
- [chunkit](https://acrlog.org/tag/chunkit/)
- [search_engines](https://acrlog.org/tag/search_engines/)
- [e-participation](https://acrlog.org/tag/e-participation/)
- [hybrid_association](https://acrlog.org/tag/hybrid_association/)
- [urban_library_journal](https://acrlog.org/tag/urban_library_journal/)
- [creative_libraries](https://acrlog.org/tag/creative_libraries/)
- [wiifm](https://acrlog.org/tag/wiifm/)
- [writing instruction](https://acrlog.org/tag/writing-instruction/)
- [composition](https://acrlog.org/tag/composition/)
- [Lunsford](https://acrlog.org/tag/lunsford/)
- [writing from sources](https://acrlog.org/tag/writing-from-sources/)
- [September Project](https://acrlog.org/tag/september-project/)
- [outreach](https://acrlog.org/tag/outreach/)
- [civic engagement](https://acrlog.org/tag/civic-engagement/)
- [nces_data](https://acrlog.org/tag/nces_data/)
- [success](https://acrlog.org/tag/success/)
- [library_instruction](https://acrlog.org/tag/library_instruction/)
- [student_disruptions](https://acrlog.org/tag/student_disruptions/)
- [college_rankings](https://acrlog.org/tag/college_rankings/)
- [information_technology](https://acrlog.org/tag/information_technology/)
- [ithaka_report](https://acrlog.org/tag/ithaka_report/)
- [digital_libraries](https://acrlog.org/tag/digital_libraries/)
- [ifla](https://acrlog.org/tag/ifla/)
- [information_literacy_logo](https://acrlog.org/tag/information_literacy_logo/)
- [blog_posts](https://acrlog.org/tag/blog_posts/)
- [college_libraries_section](https://acrlog.org/tag/college_libraries_section/)
- [university_libraries_section](https://acrlog.org/tag/university_libraries_section/)
- [student_gadgets](https://acrlog.org/tag/student_gadgets/)
- [journalism](https://acrlog.org/tag/journalism/)
- [aggregators](https://acrlog.org/tag/aggregators/)
- [business sources](https://acrlog.org/tag/business-sources/)
- [Google News](https://acrlog.org/tag/google-news/)
- [stupidity](https://acrlog.org/tag/stupidity/)
- [thomas_benton](https://acrlog.org/tag/thomas_benton/)
- [harvard_libraries](https://acrlog.org/tag/harvard_libraries/)
- [toc_alerts](https://acrlog.org/tag/toc_alerts/)
- [conferences](https://acrlog.org/tag/conferences/)
- [presenting](https://acrlog.org/tag/presenting/)
- [open source software](https://acrlog.org/tag/open-source-software/)
- [Zotero](https://acrlog.org/tag/zotero/)
- [Endnote](https://acrlog.org/tag/endnote/)
- [intellectual property law](https://acrlog.org/tag/intellectual-property-law/)
- [book publishing](https://acrlog.org/tag/book-publishing/)
- [Association of American University Presses](https://acrlog.org/tag/association-of-american-university-presses/)
- [Tizra](https://acrlog.org/tag/tizra/)
- [Bloomsbury](https://acrlog.org/tag/bloomsbury/)
- [Creative Commons](https://acrlog.org/tag/creative-commons/)
- [acrl conference](https://acrlog.org/tag/acrl_conference/)
- [conference_proposals](https://acrlog.org/tag/conference_proposals/)
- [conference_rejections](https://acrlog.org/tag/conference_rejections/)
- [gifts](https://acrlog.org/tag/gifts/)
- [ignorant_students](https://acrlog.org/tag/ignorant_students/)
- [library instruction](https://acrlog.org/tag/library-instruction/)
- [new librarian](https://acrlog.org/tag/new-librarian/)
- [library_budgets](https://acrlog.org/tag/library_budgets/)
- [seattle](https://acrlog.org/tag/seattle/)
- [ecar](https://acrlog.org/tag/ecar/)
- [student_technology](https://acrlog.org/tag/student_technology/)
- [ACRL annual conference](https://acrlog.org/tag/acrl-annual-conference/)
- [unconference](https://acrlog.org/tag/unconference/)
- [Radical Reference](https://acrlog.org/tag/radical-reference/)
- [Google Book Search](https://acrlog.org/tag/google-book-search/)
- [digitization](https://acrlog.org/tag/digitization/)
- [settlement](https://acrlog.org/tag/settlement/)
- [reference desk](https://acrlog.org/tag/reference-desk/)
- [student assistance](https://acrlog.org/tag/student-assistance/)
- [newbie librarian](https://acrlog.org/tag/newbie-librarian/)
- [reference_librarianship](https://acrlog.org/tag/reference_librarianship/)
- [alumni_magazines](https://acrlog.org/tag/alumni_magazines/)
- [fair_use](https://acrlog.org/tag/fair_use/)
- [media_literacy](https://acrlog.org/tag/media_literacy/)
- [scholarly_resources](https://acrlog.org/tag/scholarly_resources/)
- [digital_scholarly_resources](https://acrlog.org/tag/digital_scholarly_resources/)
- [newspapers](https://acrlog.org/tag/newspapers/)
- [higher_education_reporting](https://acrlog.org/tag/higher_education_reporting/)
- [new_frugality](https://acrlog.org/tag/new_frugality/)
- [user_experience](https://acrlog.org/tag/user_experience/)
- [economic_crisis](https://acrlog.org/tag/economic_crisis/)
- [motivation in teaching](https://acrlog.org/tag/motivation-in-teaching/)
- [teaching theory](https://acrlog.org/tag/teaching-theory/)
- [directions](https://acrlog.org/tag/directions/)
- [gadgets](https://acrlog.org/tag/gadgets/)
- [incivility](https://acrlog.org/tag/incivility/)
- [databases](https://acrlog.org/tag/databases/)
- [licenses](https://acrlog.org/tag/licenses/)
- [Harvard Business Review](https://acrlog.org/tag/harvard-business-review/)
- [retirement](https://acrlog.org/tag/retirement/)
- [twitter](https://acrlog.org/tag/twitter/)
- [presentations](https://acrlog.org/tag/presentations/)
- [presentation_skills](https://acrlog.org/tag/presentation_skills/)
- [acrl](https://acrlog.org/tag/acrl/)
- [excellence_awards](https://acrlog.org/tag/excellence_awards/)
- [gradshare](https://acrlog.org/tag/gradshare/)
- [proquest](https://acrlog.org/tag/proquest/)
- [textbooks](https://acrlog.org/tag/textbooks/)
- [student_interaction](https://acrlog.org/tag/student_interaction/)
- [reference_services](https://acrlog.org/tag/reference_services/)
- [arl](https://acrlog.org/tag/arl/)
- [technology](https://acrlog.org/tag/technology/)
- [sudden_thoughts](https://acrlog.org/tag/sudden_thoughts/)
- [classification](https://acrlog.org/tag/classification/)
- [open_educational_resources](https://acrlog.org/tag/open_educational_resources/)
- [booksellers](https://acrlog.org/tag/booksellers/)
- [Espresso Machine](https://acrlog.org/tag/espresso-machine/)
- [Kirtas](https://acrlog.org/tag/kirtas/)
- [print on demand](https://acrlog.org/tag/print-on-demand/)
- [mass digitization](https://acrlog.org/tag/mass-digitization/)
- [instructional_technology](https://acrlog.org/tag/instructional_technology/)
- [educational_technology](https://acrlog.org/tag/educational_technology/)
- [ownership](https://acrlog.org/tag/ownership/)
- [access](https://acrlog.org/tag/access/)
- [budget _cuts](https://acrlog.org/tag/budget-_cuts/)
- [what_to_wear](https://acrlog.org/tag/what_to_wear/)
- [strategic](https://acrlog.org/tag/strategic/)
- [taiga_forum](https://acrlog.org/tag/taiga_forum/)
- [provocative_statements](https://acrlog.org/tag/provocative_statements/)
- [conference_bag](https://acrlog.org/tag/conference_bag/)
- [green_conference](https://acrlog.org/tag/green_conference/)
- [acrl_strategic_thinking](https://acrlog.org/tag/acrl_strategic_thinking/)
- [new_economy](https://acrlog.org/tag/new_economy/)
- [dean_dad](https://acrlog.org/tag/dean_dad/)
- [discourse](https://acrlog.org/tag/discourse/)
- [professionalism](https://acrlog.org/tag/professionalism/)
- [Taiga Forum](https://acrlog.org/tag/taiga-forum/)
- [Provocative Statements](https://acrlog.org/tag/provocative-statements/)
- [Darien Statements](https://acrlog.org/tag/darien-statements/)
- [library values](https://acrlog.org/tag/library-values/)
- [library practice](https://acrlog.org/tag/library-practice/)
- [intellectual freedom](https://acrlog.org/tag/intellectual-freedom/)
- [discrimination](https://acrlog.org/tag/discrimination/)
- [academic freedom](https://acrlog.org/tag/academic-freedom/)
- [Judith Krug](https://acrlog.org/tag/judith-krug/)
- [agnotology](https://acrlog.org/tag/agnotology/)
- [Joel Best](https://acrlog.org/tag/joel-best/)
- [Free Exchane on Campus](https://acrlog.org/tag/free-exchane-on-campus/)
- [David Horowitz](https://acrlog.org/tag/david-horowitz/)
- [common reading programs](https://acrlog.org/tag/common-reading-programs/)
- [public relations](https://acrlog.org/tag/public-relations/)
- [facebook friends](https://acrlog.org/tag/facebook-friends/)
- [acrl_election](https://acrlog.org/tag/acrl_election/)
- [hinchliffe](https://acrlog.org/tag/hinchliffe/)
- [abrams](https://acrlog.org/tag/abrams/)
- [spoilers](https://acrlog.org/tag/spoilers/)
- [e-textbooks](https://acrlog.org/tag/e-textbooks/)
- [Elsevier](https://acrlog.org/tag/elsevier/)
- [pharmaceutical corporations](https://acrlog.org/tag/pharmaceutical-corporations/)
- [scholarly journals](https://acrlog.org/tag/scholarly-journals/)
- [higher_education_industry](https://acrlog.org/tag/higher_education_industry/)
- [open access mandates](https://acrlog.org/tag/open-access-mandates/)
- [student_preparedness](https://acrlog.org/tag/student_preparedness/)
- [cataloging](https://acrlog.org/tag/cataloging/)
- [students](https://acrlog.org/tag/students/)
- [Robin Brown](https://acrlog.org/tag/robin-brown/)
- [career advice](https://acrlog.org/tag/career-advice/)
- [community service](https://acrlog.org/tag/community-service/)
- [strategic_planning](https://acrlog.org/tag/strategic_planning/)
- [cell phones](https://acrlog.org/tag/cell-phones/)
- [ACRL Insider](https://acrlog.org/tag/acrl-insider/)
- [research_teams](https://acrlog.org/tag/research_teams/)
- [reference](https://acrlog.org/tag/reference/)
- [critical pedagogy](https://acrlog.org/tag/critical-pedagogy/)
- [librarian_entrepreneur](https://acrlog.org/tag/librarian_entrepreneur/)
- [entrepreneurship](https://acrlog.org/tag/entrepreneurship/)
- [AAUP](https://acrlog.org/tag/aaup/)
- [conference_survey](https://acrlog.org/tag/conference_survey/)
- [tutorials](https://acrlog.org/tag/tutorials/)
- [usability](https://acrlog.org/tag/usability/)
- [listservs](https://acrlog.org/tag/listservs/)
- [discussion_lists](https://acrlog.org/tag/discussion_lists/)
- [library_catalogs](https://acrlog.org/tag/library_catalogs/)
- [simplicity](https://acrlog.org/tag/simplicity/)
- [teaching_and_learning](https://acrlog.org/tag/teaching_and_learning/)
- [presentation_style](https://acrlog.org/tag/presentation_style/)
- [future_predictions](https://acrlog.org/tag/future_predictions/)
- [higher_education](https://acrlog.org/tag/higher_education/)
- [community_colleges](https://acrlog.org/tag/community_colleges/)
- [neufeld](https://acrlog.org/tag/neufeld/)
- [writing](https://acrlog.org/tag/writing/)
- [inspiration](https://acrlog.org/tag/inspiration/)
- [usability_studies](https://acrlog.org/tag/usability_studies/)
- [worldcat_local](https://acrlog.org/tag/worldcat_local/)
- [cirque_du_soleil](https://acrlog.org/tag/cirque_du_soleil/)
- [david_rockwell](https://acrlog.org/tag/david_rockwell/)
- [bogus_sites](https://acrlog.org/tag/bogus_sites/)
- [publication](https://acrlog.org/tag/publication/)
- [grit](https://acrlog.org/tag/grit/)
- [real-time_library](https://acrlog.org/tag/real-time_library/)
- [librarian_blogs](https://acrlog.org/tag/librarian_blogs/)
- [collegiality](https://acrlog.org/tag/collegiality/)
- [keeping up](https://acrlog.org/tag/keeping-up/)
- [library literature](https://acrlog.org/tag/library-literature/)
- [persistence](https://acrlog.org/tag/persistence/)
- [garbage_can_theory](https://acrlog.org/tag/garbage_can_theory/)
- [real-time_web](https://acrlog.org/tag/real-time_web/)
- [pedagogy](https://acrlog.org/tag/pedagogy/)
- [productivity](https://acrlog.org/tag/productivity/)
- [work-life balance](https://acrlog.org/tag/work-life-balance/)
- [journals](https://acrlog.org/tag/journals/)
- [AAC&U](https://acrlog.org/tag/aacu/)
- [Stanely Wilder](https://acrlog.org/tag/stanely-wilder/)
- [instruction](https://acrlog.org/tag/instruction/)
- [millennial_students](https://acrlog.org/tag/millennial_students/)
- [mediacommons](https://acrlog.org/tag/mediacommons/)
- [commentpress](https://acrlog.org/tag/commentpress/)
- [sarah_long](https://acrlog.org/tag/sarah_long/)
- [workshop](https://acrlog.org/tag/workshop/)
- [courseware](https://acrlog.org/tag/courseware/)
- [style manuals](https://acrlog.org/tag/style-manuals/)
- [APA](https://acrlog.org/tag/apa/)
- [MLA](https://acrlog.org/tag/mla/)
- [passion](https://acrlog.org/tag/passion/)
- [open access week](https://acrlog.org/tag/open-access-week/)
- [open journal systems](https://acrlog.org/tag/open-journal-systems/)
- [overconfidence](https://acrlog.org/tag/overconfidence/)
- [meetings](https://acrlog.org/tag/meetings/)
- [ala connect](https://acrlog.org/tag/ala_connect/)
- [lacuny](https://acrlog.org/tag/lacuny/)
- [library_leadership](https://acrlog.org/tag/library_leadership/)
- [presence](https://acrlog.org/tag/presence/)
- [tenure an](https://acrlog.org/tag/tenure-an/)
- [engagement](https://acrlog.org/tag/engagement/)
- [neem](https://acrlog.org/tag/neem/)
- [titles](https://acrlog.org/tag/titles/)
- [risk-taking](https://acrlog.org/tag/risk-taking/)
- [waterline_risk](https://acrlog.org/tag/waterline_risk/)
- [mr._science](https://acrlog.org/tag/mr-_science/)
- [inside_higher_ed](https://acrlog.org/tag/inside_higher_ed/)
- [instruction_videos](https://acrlog.org/tag/instruction_videos/)
- [amtrak](https://acrlog.org/tag/amtrak/)
- [program planning](https://acrlog.org/tag/program-planning/)
- [scholarly work](https://acrlog.org/tag/scholarly-work/)
- [one-shot sessions](https://acrlog.org/tag/one-shot-sessions/)
- [swag](https://acrlog.org/tag/swag/)
- [power_down](https://acrlog.org/tag/power_down/)
- [disconnect](https://acrlog.org/tag/disconnect/)
- [Project Information Literacy](https://acrlog.org/tag/project-information-literacy/)
- [josh_kim](https://acrlog.org/tag/josh_kim/)
- [learning_technologists](https://acrlog.org/tag/learning_technologists/)
- [browsing](https://acrlog.org/tag/browsing/)
- [discovery](https://acrlog.org/tag/discovery/)
- [future](https://acrlog.org/tag/future/)
- [sullivan](https://acrlog.org/tag/sullivan/)
- [slow_down](https://acrlog.org/tag/slow_down/)
- [leclerc](https://acrlog.org/tag/leclerc/)
- [international_students](https://acrlog.org/tag/international_students/)
- [course](https://acrlog.org/tag/course/)
- [college credit](https://acrlog.org/tag/college-credit/)
- [conference posters](https://acrlog.org/tag/conference-posters/)
- [conference papers](https://acrlog.org/tag/conference-papers/)
- [acrl conference](https://acrlog.org/tag/acrl-conference/)
- [schedule](https://acrlog.org/tag/schedule/)
- [calendar](https://acrlog.org/tag/calendar/)
- [workflow](https://acrlog.org/tag/workflow/)
- [webcasts](https://acrlog.org/tag/webcasts/)
- [webinars](https://acrlog.org/tag/webinars/)
- [online learning](https://acrlog.org/tag/online-learning/)
- [mezzanine](https://acrlog.org/tag/mezzanine/)
- [display_monitors](https://acrlog.org/tag/display_monitors/)
- [signage](https://acrlog.org/tag/signage/)
- [recession](https://acrlog.org/tag/recession/)
- [funding](https://acrlog.org/tag/funding/)
- [budgets](https://acrlog.org/tag/budgets/)
- [accountability](https://acrlog.org/tag/accountability/)
- [conference_tips](https://acrlog.org/tag/conference_tips/)
- [social_website](https://acrlog.org/tag/social_website/)
- [ala emerging leaders](https://acrlog.org/tag/ala_emerging_leaders/)
- [social_libraries](https://acrlog.org/tag/social_libraries/)
- [IBM](https://acrlog.org/tag/ibm/)
- [keeping_up](https://acrlog.org/tag/keeping_up/)
- [digital natives](https://acrlog.org/tag/digital-natives/)
- [employment](https://acrlog.org/tag/employment/)
- [job_advice](https://acrlog.org/tag/job_advice/)
- [campus_cuts](https://acrlog.org/tag/campus_cuts/)
- [capella](https://acrlog.org/tag/capella/)
- [strategic planning](https://acrlog.org/tag/strategic-planning/)
- [teaching and learning](https://acrlog.org/tag/teaching-and-learning/)
- [faculty_survey](https://acrlog.org/tag/faculty_survey/)
- [learning_libraries](https://acrlog.org/tag/learning_libraries/)
- [scott_bennett](https://acrlog.org/tag/scott_bennett/)
- [humility](https://acrlog.org/tag/humility/)
- [journal club](https://acrlog.org/tag/journal-club/)
- [digital scholarship](https://acrlog.org/tag/digital-scholarship/)
- [academic publishing](https://acrlog.org/tag/academic-publishing/)
- [academic authority](https://acrlog.org/tag/academic-authority/)
- [economic crisis](https://acrlog.org/tag/economic-crisis/)
- [conference](https://acrlog.org/tag/conference/)
- [academe](https://acrlog.org/tag/academe/)
- [washington_post](https://acrlog.org/tag/washington_post/)
- [service](https://acrlog.org/tag/service/)
- [ACRL_national_conference](https://acrlog.org/tag/acrl_national_conference/)
- [fidelity](https://acrlog.org/tag/fidelity/)
- [millennial students](https://acrlog.org/tag/millennial-students/)
- [student engagement](https://acrlog.org/tag/student-engagement/)
- [open_academic_library](https://acrlog.org/tag/open_academic_library/)
- [open_movement](https://acrlog.org/tag/open_movement/)
- [cyberwar](https://acrlog.org/tag/cyberwar/)
- [cyberterrorism](https://acrlog.org/tag/cyberterrorism/)
- [disaster_planning](https://acrlog.org/tag/disaster_planning/)
- [subject guide](https://acrlog.org/tag/subject-guide/)
- [pathfinder](https://acrlog.org/tag/pathfinder/)
- [vendor_exhibits](https://acrlog.org/tag/vendor_exhibits/)
- [research assignments](https://acrlog.org/tag/research-assignments/)
- [conference_food](https://acrlog.org/tag/conference_food/)
- [search engines](https://acrlog.org/tag/search-engines/)
- [student research](https://acrlog.org/tag/student-research/)
- [website evaluation](https://acrlog.org/tag/website-evaluation/)
- [workplace](https://acrlog.org/tag/workplace/)
- [academia](https://acrlog.org/tag/academia/)
- ["administrative bloat"](https://acrlog.org/tag/administrative-bloat/)
- [social_media](https://acrlog.org/tag/social_media/)
- [stress](https://acrlog.org/tag/stress/)
- [organization](https://acrlog.org/tag/organization/)
- [job_interviews](https://acrlog.org/tag/job_interviews/)
- [interview_questions](https://acrlog.org/tag/interview_questions/)
- [alumni](https://acrlog.org/tag/alumni/)
- [alumni_offices](https://acrlog.org/tag/alumni_offices/)
- [powerpoint](https://acrlog.org/tag/powerpoint/)
- [atlantic](https://acrlog.org/tag/atlantic/)
- [andrew_sullivan](https://acrlog.org/tag/andrew_sullivan/)
- [rescue_plan](https://acrlog.org/tag/rescue_plan/)
- [difficult_patron](https://acrlog.org/tag/difficult_patron/)
- [public_services](https://acrlog.org/tag/public_services/)
- [JSTOR](https://acrlog.org/tag/jstor/)
- [interfaces](https://acrlog.org/tag/interfaces/)
- [discovery tools](https://acrlog.org/tag/discovery-tools/)
- [lightning_talk](https://acrlog.org/tag/lightning_talk/)
- [lawyers](https://acrlog.org/tag/lawyers/)
- [job_market](https://acrlog.org/tag/job_market/)
- [beloit_mindset](https://acrlog.org/tag/beloit_mindset/)
- [bogart](https://acrlog.org/tag/bogart/)
- [collaboration](https://acrlog.org/tag/collaboration/)
- [preparation](https://acrlog.org/tag/preparation/)
- [effective teaching strategies](https://acrlog.org/tag/effective-teaching-strategies/)
- [teaching style](https://acrlog.org/tag/teaching-style/)
- [student interaction](https://acrlog.org/tag/student-interaction/)
- [reflection](https://acrlog.org/tag/reflection/)
- [personal librarian](https://acrlog.org/tag/personal-librarian/)
- [freshmen](https://acrlog.org/tag/freshmen/)
- [Drexel University](https://acrlog.org/tag/drexel-university/)
- [diary](https://acrlog.org/tag/diary/)
- [time log](https://acrlog.org/tag/time-log/)
- [database_access](https://acrlog.org/tag/database_access/)
- [alumni access](https://acrlog.org/tag/alumni_access/)
- [licensing_agreements](https://acrlog.org/tag/licensing_agreements/)
- [scholarly publishing](https://acrlog.org/tag/scholarly-publishing/)
- [berry](https://acrlog.org/tag/berry/)
- [library_conferences](https://acrlog.org/tag/library_conferences/)
- [seat_saving](https://acrlog.org/tag/seat_saving/)
- [evaluation](https://acrlog.org/tag/evaluation/)
- [information sources](https://acrlog.org/tag/information-sources/)
- [collections](https://acrlog.org/tag/collections/)
- [resource management](https://acrlog.org/tag/resource-management/)
- [electronic resources](https://acrlog.org/tag/electronic-resources/)
- [usage statistics](https://acrlog.org/tag/usage-statistics/)
- [facilities](https://acrlog.org/tag/facilities/)
- [space planning](https://acrlog.org/tag/space-planning/)
- [library_data](https://acrlog.org/tag/library_data/)
- [statistics](https://acrlog.org/tag/statistics/)
- [prospective_students](https://acrlog.org/tag/prospective_students/)
- [renovation](https://acrlog.org/tag/renovation/)
- [embedded librarians](https://acrlog.org/tag/embedded-librarians/)
- [design](https://acrlog.org/tag/design/)
- [user experience](https://acrlog.org/tag/user-experience/)
- [instructional design](https://acrlog.org/tag/instructional-design/)
- [learning](https://acrlog.org/tag/learning/)
- [failure](https://acrlog.org/tag/failure/)
- [customer service](https://acrlog.org/tag/customer-service/)
- [to-do_lists](https://acrlog.org/tag/to-do_lists/)
- [GTD](https://acrlog.org/tag/gtd/)
- [escience](https://acrlog.org/tag/escience/)
- [changing roles](https://acrlog.org/tag/changing-roles/)
- [information science](https://acrlog.org/tag/information-science/)
- [consumer protection](https://acrlog.org/tag/consumer-protection/)
- [consumer advocacy](https://acrlog.org/tag/consumer-advocacy/)
- [law libraries](https://acrlog.org/tag/law-libraries/)
- [AALL](https://acrlog.org/tag/aall/)
- [Values_Study](https://acrlog.org/tag/values_study/)
- [research paper](https://acrlog.org/tag/research-paper/)
- [career_research](https://acrlog.org/tag/career_research/)
- [emerging_leaders](https://acrlog.org/tag/emerging_leaders/)
- [acrl_101](https://acrlog.org/tag/acrl_101/)
- [kairos](https://acrlog.org/tag/kairos/)
- [library_video](https://acrlog.org/tag/library_video/)
- [speakers](https://acrlog.org/tag/speakers/)
- [classroom management](https://acrlog.org/tag/classroom-management/)
- [citations](https://acrlog.org/tag/citations/)
- [trzeciak](https://acrlog.org/tag/trzeciak/)
- [phds](https://acrlog.org/tag/phds/)
- [complexity](https://acrlog.org/tag/complexity/)
- [endings](https://acrlog.org/tag/endings/)
- [classroom m](https://acrlog.org/tag/classroom-m/)
- [networking](https://acrlog.org/tag/networking/)
- [what](https://acrlog.org/tag/what/)
- [why](https://acrlog.org/tag/why/)
- [golden_circle](https://acrlog.org/tag/golden_circle/)
- [sinek](https://acrlog.org/tag/sinek/)
- [faculty scholarship](https://acrlog.org/tag/faculty-scholarship/)
- [faculty resources](https://acrlog.org/tag/faculty-resources/)
- [new_ideas](https://acrlog.org/tag/new_ideas/)
- [entrepreneurial_librarianship](https://acrlog.org/tag/entrepreneurial_librarianship/)
- [PHITE_Club](https://acrlog.org/tag/phite_club/)
- [special_libraries](https://acrlog.org/tag/special_libraries/)
- [corporate_libraries](https://acrlog.org/tag/corporate_libraries/)
- [acrl_membership](https://acrlog.org/tag/acrl_membership/)
- [social media](https://acrlog.org/tag/social-media/)
- [library resources](https://acrlog.org/tag/library-resources/)
- [library catalogs](https://acrlog.org/tag/library-catalogs/)
- [piazza](https://acrlog.org/tag/piazza/)
- [embedded_librarians](https://acrlog.org/tag/embedded_librarians/)
- [filter bubbles](https://acrlog.org/tag/filter-bubbles/)
- [personalization](https://acrlog.org/tag/personalization/)
- [web searching](https://acrlog.org/tag/web-searching/)
- [Aaron Swartz](https://acrlog.org/tag/aaron-swartz/)
- [journal articles](https://acrlog.org/tag/journal-articles/)
- [downloading](https://acrlog.org/tag/downloading/)
- [career_change](https://acrlog.org/tag/career_change/)
- [acrl_activity](https://acrlog.org/tag/acrl_activity/)
- [video_stores](https://acrlog.org/tag/video_stores/)
- [business_models](https://acrlog.org/tag/business_models/)
- [experiences](https://acrlog.org/tag/experiences/)
- [research libraries](https://acrlog.org/tag/research-libraries/)
- [mediation](https://acrlog.org/tag/mediation/)
- [acrl_leadership](https://acrlog.org/tag/acrl_leadership/)
- [first sale](https://acrlog.org/tag/first-sale/)
- [manufacturers](https://acrlog.org/tag/manufacturers/)
- [library website](https://acrlog.org/tag/library-website/)
- [searching](https://acrlog.org/tag/searching/)
- [internet](https://acrlog.org/tag/internet/)
- [reserve](https://acrlog.org/tag/reserve/)
- [copyright legislation](https://acrlog.org/tag/copyright-legislation/)
- [impact factor](https://acrlog.org/tag/impact-factor/)
- [h-index](https://acrlog.org/tag/h-index/)
- [ranking](https://acrlog.org/tag/ranking/)
- [influence](https://acrlog.org/tag/influence/)
- [chemistry](https://acrlog.org/tag/chemistry/)
- [footnotes](https://acrlog.org/tag/footnotes/)
- [endnotes](https://acrlog.org/tag/endnotes/)
- [references](https://acrlog.org/tag/references/)
- [MobilityShifts](https://acrlog.org/tag/mobilityshifts/)
- [media literacy](https://acrlog.org/tag/media-literacy/)
- [copyright](https://acrlog.org/tag/copyright-2/)
- [pledge](https://acrlog.org/tag/pledge/)
- [OpenAccessHulk](https://acrlog.org/tag/openaccesshulk/)
- [Barbara Fister](https://acrlog.org/tag/barbara-fister/)
- [Alex Holcombe](https://acrlog.org/tag/alex-holcombe/)
- [John Dupuis](https://acrlog.org/tag/john-dupuis/)
- [occupyscholcomm](https://acrlog.org/tag/occupyscholcomm/)
- [iPad](https://acrlog.org/tag/ipad/)
- [tablet computing](https://acrlog.org/tag/tablet-computing/)
- [library workshop](https://acrlog.org/tag/library-workshop/)
- [patron-driven acquisition](https://acrlog.org/tag/patron-driven-acquisition/)
- [ebooks](https://acrlog.org/tag/ebooks/)
- [distance learning](https://acrlog.org/tag/distance-learning/)
- [scholarship](https://acrlog.org/tag/scholarship/)
- [QR codes](https://acrlog.org/tag/qr-codes/)
- [smartphones](https://acrlog.org/tag/smartphones/)
- [web toolbar](https://acrlog.org/tag/web-toolbar/)
- [research resources](https://acrlog.org/tag/research-resources/)
- [institutional repository](https://acrlog.org/tag/institutional-repository/)
- [ereaders](https://acrlog.org/tag/ereaders/)
- [web](https://acrlog.org/tag/web/)
- [clickers](https://acrlog.org/tag/clickers/)
- [experimentation](https://acrlog.org/tag/experimentation/)
- [library as place](https://acrlog.org/tag/library-as-place/)
- [photo study](https://acrlog.org/tag/photo-study/)
- [printers](https://acrlog.org/tag/printers/)
- [mobile](https://acrlog.org/tag/mobile/)
- [smartphone](https://acrlog.org/tag/smartphone/)
- [Apple](https://acrlog.org/tag/apple/)
- [Android](https://acrlog.org/tag/android/)
- [disciplines](https://acrlog.org/tag/disciplines/)
- [anthropology](https://acrlog.org/tag/anthropology/)
- [data](https://acrlog.org/tag/data/)
- [SOPA](https://acrlog.org/tag/sopa/)
- [Research Works Act](https://acrlog.org/tag/research-works-act/)
- [legislation](https://acrlog.org/tag/legislation/)
- [toll access publishing](https://acrlog.org/tag/toll-access-publishing/)
- [advocacy](https://acrlog.org/tag/advocacy/)
- [community](https://acrlog.org/tag/community/)
- [games](https://acrlog.org/tag/games/)
- [games-based learning](https://acrlog.org/tag/games-based-learning/)
- [THATCamp](https://acrlog.org/tag/thatcamp/)
- [educational technology](https://acrlog.org/tag/educational-technology/)
- [group activities](https://acrlog.org/tag/group-activities/)
- [classroom teaching](https://acrlog.org/tag/classroom-teaching/)
- [comfort zone](https://acrlog.org/tag/comfort-zone/)
- [studying](https://acrlog.org/tag/studying/)
- [FRPAA](https://acrlog.org/tag/frpaa/)
- [research topic](https://acrlog.org/tag/research-topic/)
- [just in time](https://acrlog.org/tag/just-in-time/)
- [academic service](https://acrlog.org/tag/academic-service/)
- [college service](https://acrlog.org/tag/college-service/)
- [university service](https://acrlog.org/tag/university-service/)
- [faculty status](https://acrlog.org/tag/faculty-status/)
- [committee work](https://acrlog.org/tag/committee-work/)
- [flipped classroom](https://acrlog.org/tag/flipped-classroom/)
- [New York Public Library](https://acrlog.org/tag/new-york-public-library/)
- [City University of New York](https://acrlog.org/tag/city-university-of-new-york/)
- [public-academic library partnerships](https://acrlog.org/tag/public-academic-library-partnerships/)
- [litigation](https://acrlog.org/tag/litigation/)
- [course readings](https://acrlog.org/tag/course-readings/)
- [SAGE](https://acrlog.org/tag/sage/)
- [Cambridge](https://acrlog.org/tag/cambridge/)
- [Oxford](https://acrlog.org/tag/oxford/)
- [Free University NYC](https://acrlog.org/tag/free-university-nyc/)
- [Occupy](https://acrlog.org/tag/occupy/)
- [teach-in](https://acrlog.org/tag/teach-in/)
- [petition](https://acrlog.org/tag/petition/)
- [#OAMonday](https://acrlog.org/tag/oamonday/)
- [open science](https://acrlog.org/tag/open-science/)
- [writer's block](https://acrlog.org/tag/writers-block/)
- [Google Knowledge Graph](https://acrlog.org/tag/google-knowledge-graph/)
- [student support](https://acrlog.org/tag/student-support/)
- [student learning](https://acrlog.org/tag/student-learning/)
- [ACRL 2013 Conference](https://acrlog.org/tag/acrl-2013-conference/)
- [proposals](https://acrlog.org/tag/proposals/)
- [commuter](https://acrlog.org/tag/commuter/)
- [science librarian](https://acrlog.org/tag/science-librarian/)
- [library building](https://acrlog.org/tag/library-building/)
- [mentors](https://acrlog.org/tag/mentors/)
- [coping skills](https://acrlog.org/tag/coping-skills/)
- [library school](https://acrlog.org/tag/library-school/)
- [graduate school](https://acrlog.org/tag/graduate-school/)
- [transition](https://acrlog.org/tag/transition/)
- [makerspaces](https://acrlog.org/tag/makerspaces/)
- [creativity](https://acrlog.org/tag/creativity/)
- [participatory culture](https://acrlog.org/tag/participatory-culture/)
- [DIY](https://acrlog.org/tag/diy/)
- [digital libraries](https://acrlog.org/tag/digital-libraries/)
- [expertise](https://acrlog.org/tag/expertise/)
- [credible source](https://acrlog.org/tag/credible-source/)
- [CUNY](https://acrlog.org/tag/cuny/)
- [Hurricane Sandy](https://acrlog.org/tag/hurricane-sandy/)
- [New York City](https://acrlog.org/tag/new-york-city/)
- [disaster recovery](https://acrlog.org/tag/disaster-recovery/)
- [collection development](https://acrlog.org/tag/collection-development/)
- [LMS](https://acrlog.org/tag/lms/)
- [Wordpress](https://acrlog.org/tag/wordpress/)
- [learning management system](https://acrlog.org/tag/learning-management-system/)
- [digital learning objects](https://acrlog.org/tag/digital-learning-objects/)
- [Canadian academic libraries](https://acrlog.org/tag/canadian-academic-libraries/)
- [work experience](https://acrlog.org/tag/work-experience/)
- [author rights](https://acrlog.org/tag/author-rights/)
- [Journal of Library Administration](https://acrlog.org/tag/journal-of-library-administration/)
- [ACS](https://acrlog.org/tag/acs/)
- [big deal](https://acrlog.org/tag/big-deal/)
- [predatory publishers](https://acrlog.org/tag/predatory-publishers/)
- [authors' fees](https://acrlog.org/tag/authors-fees/)
- [panel](https://acrlog.org/tag/panel/)
- [presentation](https://acrlog.org/tag/presentation/)
- [takeaways](https://acrlog.org/tag/takeaways/)
- [motivation](https://acrlog.org/tag/motivation/)
- [guest post](https://acrlog.org/tag/guest-post/)
- [academic integrity](https://acrlog.org/tag/academic-integrity/)
- [promotion](https://acrlog.org/tag/promotion/)
- [shared governance](https://acrlog.org/tag/shared-governance/)
- [college governance](https://acrlog.org/tag/college-governance/)
- [authority](https://acrlog.org/tag/authority-2/)
- [power](https://acrlog.org/tag/power/)
- [offices](https://acrlog.org/tag/offices/)
- [space use](https://acrlog.org/tag/space-use/)
- [observation](https://acrlog.org/tag/observation/)
- [computers "computer commons" desktops](https://acrlog.org/tag/computers-computer-commons-desktops/)
- [Digital Public Library of America](https://acrlog.org/tag/digital-public-library-of-america/)
- [DPLA](https://acrlog.org/tag/dpla/)
- [plugin](https://acrlog.org/tag/plugin/)
- [Center for History and New Media](https://acrlog.org/tag/center-for-history-and-new-media/)
- [IRB](https://acrlog.org/tag/irb/)
- [Institutional Review Board](https://acrlog.org/tag/institutional-review-board/)
- [library research](https://acrlog.org/tag/library-research/)
- [algorithm-generated content](https://acrlog.org/tag/algorithm-generated-content/)
- [open access publishing](https://acrlog.org/tag/open-access-publishing/)
- [book chapters](https://acrlog.org/tag/book-chapters/)
- [advice](https://acrlog.org/tag/advice/)
- [new library faculty](https://acrlog.org/tag/new-library-faculty/)
- [schedules](https://acrlog.org/tag/schedules/)
- [graveyard shift](https://acrlog.org/tag/graveyard-shift/)
- [relocating](https://acrlog.org/tag/relocating/)
- [learning commons](https://acrlog.org/tag/learning-commons/)
- [meditation](https://acrlog.org/tag/meditation/)
- [focus](https://acrlog.org/tag/focus/)
- [attention](https://acrlog.org/tag/attention/)
- [CONTENTdm](https://acrlog.org/tag/contentdm/)
- [audience](https://acrlog.org/tag/audience/)
- [conference attendees](https://acrlog.org/tag/conference-attendees/)
- [academic library users](https://acrlog.org/tag/academic-library-users/)
- [roundtable](https://acrlog.org/tag/roundtable/)
- [nominations](https://acrlog.org/tag/nominations/)
- [award](https://acrlog.org/tag/award/)
- [learning theories](https://acrlog.org/tag/learning-theories/)
- [learning period](https://acrlog.org/tag/learning-period/)
- [accreditation](https://acrlog.org/tag/accreditation/)
- [Middle States](https://acrlog.org/tag/middle-states/)
- [information literacy standards](https://acrlog.org/tag/information-literacy-standards/)
- [management](https://acrlog.org/tag/management/)
- [research workshop](https://acrlog.org/tag/research-workshop/)
- [emerging technologies](https://acrlog.org/tag/emerging-technologies/)
- [lifelong learning](https://acrlog.org/tag/lifelong-learning/)
- [learning analytics](https://acrlog.org/tag/learning-analytics/)
- [gamification](https://acrlog.org/tag/gamification/)
- [chat](https://acrlog.org/tag/chat/)
- [public libraries](https://acrlog.org/tag/public-libraries/)
- [new academic librarian](https://acrlog.org/tag/new-academic-librarian/)
- [Shanghai](https://acrlog.org/tag/shanghai/)
- [adjuncts](https://acrlog.org/tag/adjuncts/)
- [contingent workers](https://acrlog.org/tag/contingent-workers/)
- [part-time](https://acrlog.org/tag/part-time/)
- [summer](https://acrlog.org/tag/summer/)
- [academic year](https://acrlog.org/tag/academic-year/)
- [crowding](https://acrlog.org/tag/crowding/)
- [variety](https://acrlog.org/tag/variety/)
- [failing forward](https://acrlog.org/tag/failing-forward/)
- [interdisciplinary](https://acrlog.org/tag/interdisciplinary/)
- [hiring](https://acrlog.org/tag/hiring/)
- [print](https://acrlog.org/tag/print/)
- [website](https://acrlog.org/tag/website/)
- [news](https://acrlog.org/tag/news/)
- [veterans](https://acrlog.org/tag/veterans/)
- [military](https://acrlog.org/tag/military/)
- [armed forces](https://acrlog.org/tag/armed-forces/)
- [threshold concepts](https://acrlog.org/tag/threshold-concepts/)
- [metacognition](https://acrlog.org/tag/metacognition/)
- [open educational resources](https://acrlog.org/tag/open-educational-resources/)
- [job transition](https://acrlog.org/tag/job-transition/)
- [institutional research](https://acrlog.org/tag/institutional-research/)
- [student surveys](https://acrlog.org/tag/student-surveys/)
- [qualitative data](https://acrlog.org/tag/qualitative-data/)
- [NSSE](https://acrlog.org/tag/nsse/)
- [student experience](https://acrlog.org/tag/student-experience/)
- [vacation](https://acrlog.org/tag/vacation/)
- [leave](https://acrlog.org/tag/leave/)
- [ux](https://acrlog.org/tag/ux/)
- [ferguson](https://acrlog.org/tag/ferguson/)
- [framework](https://acrlog.org/tag/framework/)
- [ferguson syllabus](https://acrlog.org/tag/ferguson-syllabus/)
- [hybrid courses](https://acrlog.org/tag/hybrid-courses/)
- [campus](https://acrlog.org/tag/campus/)
- [campus relationships](https://acrlog.org/tag/campus-relationships/)
- [communication](https://acrlog.org/tag/communication/)
- [fyal](https://acrlog.org/tag/fyal/)
- [teaching philosophy](https://acrlog.org/tag/teaching-philosophy/)
- [job search](https://acrlog.org/tag/job-search/)
- [comments](https://acrlog.org/tag/comments/)
- [job hunting](https://acrlog.org/tag/job-hunting/)
- [scalability](https://acrlog.org/tag/scalability/)
- [learning objects](https://acrlog.org/tag/learning-objects/)
- [acrl 2015](https://acrlog.org/tag/acrl-2015/)
- [attitude](https://acrlog.org/tag/attitude/)
- [emotions](https://acrlog.org/tag/emotions/)
- [positivity](https://acrlog.org/tag/positivity/)
- [negativity](https://acrlog.org/tag/negativity/)
- [badges](https://acrlog.org/tag/badges/)
- [ACRL_AiA](https://acrlog.org/tag/acrl_aia/)
- [ethnography](https://acrlog.org/tag/ethnography/)
- [pre-professional](https://acrlog.org/tag/pre-professional/)
- [graduate student](https://acrlog.org/tag/graduate-student/)
- [LIS student](https://acrlog.org/tag/lis-student/)
- [research tools](https://acrlog.org/tag/research-tools/)
- [cats](https://acrlog.org/tag/cats/)
- [value](https://acrlog.org/tag/value/)
- [culture shock](https://acrlog.org/tag/culture-shock/)
- [buzzwords](https://acrlog.org/tag/buzzwords/)
- [reference services](https://acrlog.org/tag/reference-services/)
- [archaeology](https://acrlog.org/tag/archaeology/)
- [library faculty](https://acrlog.org/tag/library-faculty/)
- [ALA Annual](https://acrlog.org/tag/ala-annual/)
- [burnout](https://acrlog.org/tag/burnout/)
- [instruction program](https://acrlog.org/tag/instruction-program/)
- [first generation](https://acrlog.org/tag/first-generation/)
- [#l1s](https://acrlog.org/tag/l1s/)
- [class](https://acrlog.org/tag/class/)
- [Higher Education](https://acrlog.org/tag/higher-education/)
- [ACRL News](https://acrlog.org/tag/acrl-news/)
- [Scholarly Communications](https://acrlog.org/tag/scholarly-communications/)
- [Faculty](https://acrlog.org/tag/faculty/)
- [Innovation](https://acrlog.org/tag/innovation/)
- [Information Literacy](https://acrlog.org/tag/information-literacy/)
- [Books](https://acrlog.org/tag/books/)
- [Plagiarism](https://acrlog.org/tag/plagiarism/)
- [Google](https://acrlog.org/tag/google/)
- [Wikipedia](https://acrlog.org/tag/wikipedia/)
- [Peer Review](https://acrlog.org/tag/peer-review/)
- [Open Access](https://acrlog.org/tag/open-access/)
- [International](https://acrlog.org/tag/international/)
- [LIS Education](https://acrlog.org/tag/lis-education/)
- [Teaching](https://acrlog.org/tag/teaching/)
- [Marketing](https://acrlog.org/tag/marketing/)
- [library careers](https://acrlog.org/tag/library-careers/)
- [First Year Academic Librarian Experience](https://acrlog.org/tag/first-year-academic-librarian-experience/)
- [Assessment](https://acrlog.org/tag/assessment/)
- [journal](https://acrlog.org/tag/journal/)
- [place](https://acrlog.org/tag/place/)
- [personal experience](https://acrlog.org/tag/personal-experience/)
- [research process](https://acrlog.org/tag/research-process/)
- [digital literacy](https://acrlog.org/tag/digital-literacy/)
- [resident program](https://acrlog.org/tag/resident-program/)
- [residency](https://acrlog.org/tag/residency/)
- [lecture](https://acrlog.org/tag/lecture/)
- [interviews](https://acrlog.org/tag/interviews/)
- [comprehensive college](https://acrlog.org/tag/comprehensive-college/)
- [editathon](https://acrlog.org/tag/editathon/)
- [hack library school](https://acrlog.org/tag/hack-library-school/)
- [attitudes](https://acrlog.org/tag/attitudes/)
- [boss](https://acrlog.org/tag/boss/)
- [colleague](https://acrlog.org/tag/colleague/)
- [leader](https://acrlog.org/tag/leader/)
- [mentor](https://acrlog.org/tag/mentor/)
- [supervisor](https://acrlog.org/tag/supervisor/)
- [constituent engagement](https://acrlog.org/tag/constituent-engagement/)
- [student groups](https://acrlog.org/tag/student-groups/)
- [job market](https://acrlog.org/tag/job-market/)
- [applications](https://acrlog.org/tag/applications/)
- [mental health](https://acrlog.org/tag/mental-health/)
- [#LISMentalHealth](https://acrlog.org/tag/lismentalhealth/)
- [library neutrality](https://acrlog.org/tag/library-neutrality/)
- [experience](https://acrlog.org/tag/experience/)
- [graduate assistantship](https://acrlog.org/tag/graduate-assistantship/)
- [professional identity](https://acrlog.org/tag/professional-identity/)
- [peer mentor](https://acrlog.org/tag/peer-mentor/)
- [network](https://acrlog.org/tag/network/)
- [strategy](https://acrlog.org/tag/strategy/)
- [planning](https://acrlog.org/tag/planning/)
- [big picture](https://acrlog.org/tag/big-picture/)
- [committees](https://acrlog.org/tag/committees/)
- [archives](https://acrlog.org/tag/archives/)
- [bias](https://acrlog.org/tag/bias/)
- [gender gap](https://acrlog.org/tag/gender-gap/)
- [gender bias](https://acrlog.org/tag/gender-bias/)
- [stereotypes](https://acrlog.org/tag/stereotypes/)
- [OER](https://acrlog.org/tag/oer/)
- [liberal arts college](https://acrlog.org/tag/liberal-arts-college/)
- [repository](https://acrlog.org/tag/repository/)
- [transparency](https://acrlog.org/tag/transparency/)
- [organizational culture](https://acrlog.org/tag/organizational-culture/)
- [change](https://acrlog.org/tag/change/)
- [maintenance](https://acrlog.org/tag/maintenance/)
- [questions](https://acrlog.org/tag/questions/)
- [agency](https://acrlog.org/tag/agency/)
- [formative assessment](https://acrlog.org/tag/formative-assessment/)
- [listening](https://acrlog.org/tag/listening/)
- [mentorship](https://acrlog.org/tag/mentorship/)
- [art librarianship](https://acrlog.org/tag/art-librarianship/)
- [popular culture](https://acrlog.org/tag/popular-culture/)
- [summer projects](https://acrlog.org/tag/summer-projects/)
- [first-generation college students](https://acrlog.org/tag/first-generation-college-students/)
- [sci-hub](https://acrlog.org/tag/sci-hub/)
- [imposter syndrome](https://acrlog.org/tag/imposter-syndrome/)
- [new hire](https://acrlog.org/tag/new-hire/)
- [sense making](https://acrlog.org/tag/sense-making/)
- [technical services](https://acrlog.org/tag/technical-services/)
- [participatory action research](https://acrlog.org/tag/participatory-action-research/)
- [process](https://acrlog.org/tag/process/)
- [news literacy](https://acrlog.org/tag/news-literacy/)
- [diversity](https://acrlog.org/tag/diversity/)
- [inclusion](https://acrlog.org/tag/inclusion/)
- [representation](https://acrlog.org/tag/representation/)
- [solo librarian](https://acrlog.org/tag/solo-librarian/)
- [teaching strategies](https://acrlog.org/tag/teaching-strategies/)
- [resolutions](https://acrlog.org/tag/resolutions/)
- [scheduling](https://acrlog.org/tag/scheduling/)
- [subscriptions](https://acrlog.org/tag/subscriptions/)
- [identity](https://acrlog.org/tag/identity/)
- [ego](https://acrlog.org/tag/ego/)
- [union](https://acrlog.org/tag/union/)
- [lockout](https://acrlog.org/tag/lockout/)
- [contract](https://acrlog.org/tag/contract/)
- [international students](https://acrlog.org/tag/international-students/)
- [student orientation](https://acrlog.org/tag/student-orientation/)
- [modelling](https://acrlog.org/tag/modelling/)
- [open pedagogy](https://acrlog.org/tag/open-pedagogy/)
- [domain of one's own](https://acrlog.org/tag/domain-of-ones-own/)
- [jim groom](https://acrlog.org/tag/jim-groom/)
- [library use](https://acrlog.org/tag/library-use/)
- [evening](https://acrlog.org/tag/evening/)
- [weekend](https://acrlog.org/tag/weekend/)
- [design thinking](https://acrlog.org/tag/design-thinking/)
- [interaction science](https://acrlog.org/tag/interaction-science/)
- [partnership](https://acrlog.org/tag/partnership/)
- [standards](https://acrlog.org/tag/standards/)
- [proficiencies](https://acrlog.org/tag/proficiencies/)
- [instruction librarian](https://acrlog.org/tag/instruction-librarian/)
- [Scholarly Communication](https://acrlog.org/tag/scholarly-communication/)
- [information ethics](https://acrlog.org/tag/information-ethics/)
- [perspective](https://acrlog.org/tag/perspective/)
- [open education](https://acrlog.org/tag/open-education/)
- [first year instruction](https://acrlog.org/tag/first-year-instruction/)
- [undergraduates](https://acrlog.org/tag/undergraduates/)
- [vulnerability](https://acrlog.org/tag/vulnerability/)
- [gender assumptions](https://acrlog.org/tag/gender-assumptions/)
- [community colleges](https://acrlog.org/tag/community-colleges/)
- [critical theory](https://acrlog.org/tag/critical-theory/)
- [death](https://acrlog.org/tag/death/)
- [critlib](https://acrlog.org/tag/critlib/)
- [beta spaces](https://acrlog.org/tag/beta-spaces/)
- [credibility](https://acrlog.org/tag/credibility/)
- [hoax](https://acrlog.org/tag/hoax/)
- [web annotation](https://acrlog.org/tag/web-annotation/)
- [Hypothesis](https://acrlog.org/tag/hypothesis/)
- [annotations](https://acrlog.org/tag/annotations/)
- [peer learning](https://acrlog.org/tag/peer-learning/)
- [digital identity](https://acrlog.org/tag/digital-identity/)
- [digital learning](https://acrlog.org/tag/digital-learning/)
- [peer teaching](https://acrlog.org/tag/peer-teaching/)
- [microaggressions](https://acrlog.org/tag/microaggressions/)
- [faculty-librarian relationships](https://acrlog.org/tag/faculty-librarian-relationships/)
- [Und