23 Things for Professional Development: Practical and useful professional development course
I've really enjoyed following this course, ok at times I may have fell behind a little but I got here in the end and as someone said its not the destination its the journey that matters. On my journey I feel I have learned a lot about practical tools but also about myself. It's also given me a fresh motivation to complete my chartership portfolio and look into the areas I want to develop more.
It's helped my plan out my PPDP for chartership and will help me to develop that over the coming years. An area I would like to work on more is my presenting/public speaking skills. Also my communication skills such as writing for the web (thinking blog posts here!) and communicating across groups.
I've started a separate blog to record my CPD and experiences. I've found this course so useful I'm hoping to keep it up! You can view the blog here: http://sharonscpd.blogspot.com/
Wednesday 2 November 2011
Thing 22: Volunteering to get experience
I've never undertaken volunteer work in the profession as I've always been lucky enough to get paid work in some capacity, but it is something I would consider to gain more experience.
I think volunteering is a good thing as it gives someone a chance to try out aspects of the professiona before jumping in. A lot pf people have different, often stereotype, views of what a librarian is or does and this gives them a chance to see what really goes on. Not only that I would say that volunteers would be comitted to the work they want to do so we have a real opportunity to show what they can achieve in an information profession. Their are so many different aspects to librarianship/information work and volunteering could be a great way to explore what aspects you prefer to work on.
I think volunteering is a good thing as it gives someone a chance to try out aspects of the professiona before jumping in. A lot pf people have different, often stereotype, views of what a librarian is or does and this gives them a chance to see what really goes on. Not only that I would say that volunteers would be comitted to the work they want to do so we have a real opportunity to show what they can achieve in an information profession. Their are so many different aspects to librarianship/information work and volunteering could be a great way to explore what aspects you prefer to work on.
Thing 21: Promoting yourself in job applications and at interview
This is something I've been meaning to do for a while, working with a close team I've often thought about what strengths I can bring (apart from my sense of humour and the ability to find cake at short notice) to the team. So in terms of my task at work my interests and activities are:
- Organsing things - from emails to VLEs, reports to my desk drawer, I love organsing stuff!
- Networking - Meeting new people, introducing myself or the service, getting to know other professionals.
- Training events - Again more the organisational side, finding the right topic and promoting it rather than hosting them.
- Marketing and promotion - Either on the web or in person, creating materials
- Creating resources - Be it links in Delicious or a screen cast.
- Attending events - Conferences, training, meetings I think it comes back to my love of networking
- Visting libraries - I love to see different libraries and innovative services within them
- Working groups - I enjoy working on projects with a defined purpose.
- Current awareness - Keeping up to date with developments in the profession.
- Blogging/Tweeting - Passing on my knowledge in the hopes it helps someone else.
- Trying out new technology - Again so I can pass on my knowledge to help someone else.
In terms of life in general:
- Studying / learning something new - Thinking back I've studied "something" every year since I left high school!
- Knitting - Relaxing but again working on a project with a defined purpose.
- Swimming
- Computer games - PS3 especially, I enjoy all sorts of games
- Watching telly - I am slightly addicted to the Discovery Channel.
- Reading - I'm really enjoying reading from my new Kindle but still visit my local library :-)
Stuff I dislike:
- Presentations/public speaking
- Waffle
- People who think all librarians just say "Shhhh"
I get deep satisfaction from completing a post on here each time because I'm working towards something. Recently creating a screen cast to support a colleagues online training session was fantastic. Not only was I able to pass on my knowledge and create something but hopefully help out several people at the same time, well worth it. At the time I enjoyed it but didn't realise what an achievement it is and feel very proud of what I have created.
Looking at the lists above I would say my strengths are:
- Organisational skills
- Networking
- Creative thinking/problem solving
- Attention to detail
- Just try it attitude
My big interview tip is that not all your experience has to come from work. For example in a previous job role I was asked to organise events. At work I hadn't had much experience of that but I did help plan events as part of my student union so used my experiences from that.
Thing 18: Jing / screen capture / podcasts (making and following them)
I must admit I thought I would play around making screen casts to see what it was all about, and maybe even look at ways of incorporating them into my work so left this 'Thing' on the back burner. I then attended a web 2.0 training course for librarians from WISE Kids and part of our homework was to take what we had learnt and apply it to our working life, and yet again I thought of screen casts. Luckily for me my colleague Paul Richardson is holding a webinar this month and after some discussion he thought it would be useful for me to create some screen casts to support the session, so it all came together in the end.
I signed up for and used Jing to make my screen casts, I'm aware there are a lot out there but I decided on Jing under recommendation from JISC Digital Media and they know their stuff! It seemed like a quite simple process installing it and I like the sun icon at the top of my screen. I began with a few practice runs to get used to Jing but it didn't take long as its quite intuitive. I particuraly liked the 3, 2, 1 count down to the recording starting, it gave me a bit of time to get prepared and made me feel professional. Any here's what I have created: How_to_search_for_RSS_feeds_in_Google_Reader
The only thing I don't like is that although I can save the files to my computer they're not in a format I can watch, that might need some exploring, so for the moment I view them via the Jing screen cast sharing website called screencast.com.
Personally I watch quite a few screen casts (or captures) to learn how to do things, I find it easier than working through a page of instructions. This got me thinking about libraries and the amount of 'How to' sheets I see that could easily translate into screen casts.
I also follow quite a few podcasts, my work takes me on long journeys and I find podcasts a great way to catch up with whats happening in the world.
All in all I think screen captures/casts/whatevers and podcasts could make explaining library features more accessible and enjoyable. I hope to create more and maybe incorporating a screen cast into a video blog at some point.
I signed up for and used Jing to make my screen casts, I'm aware there are a lot out there but I decided on Jing under recommendation from JISC Digital Media and they know their stuff! It seemed like a quite simple process installing it and I like the sun icon at the top of my screen. I began with a few practice runs to get used to Jing but it didn't take long as its quite intuitive. I particuraly liked the 3, 2, 1 count down to the recording starting, it gave me a bit of time to get prepared and made me feel professional. Any here's what I have created: How_to_search_for_RSS_feeds_in_Google_Reader
The only thing I don't like is that although I can save the files to my computer they're not in a format I can watch, that might need some exploring, so for the moment I view them via the Jing screen cast sharing website called screencast.com.
Personally I watch quite a few screen casts (or captures) to learn how to do things, I find it easier than working through a page of instructions. This got me thinking about libraries and the amount of 'How to' sheets I see that could easily translate into screen casts.
I also follow quite a few podcasts, my work takes me on long journeys and I find podcasts a great way to catch up with whats happening in the world.
All in all I think screen captures/casts/whatevers and podcasts could make explaining library features more accessible and enjoyable. I hope to create more and maybe incorporating a screen cast into a video blog at some point.
Thursday 6 October 2011
Thing 20: The Library Routes Project
I blogged about how I got here in Thing 10 so won't bore you with it again here. I have had a look at soem of the other Library Routes on the Wiki and have to say it does look as if most of us didn't know we could do it as a career! Their is a good mix of how people ended up in library work but from several of the posts I've seen most have gone on to a postgraduate qualification in LIS whereas I'm going the other way doing an undergraduate course trying to decide which postgraduate course to do later...or as I think of it, when I properly grow up!
I still feel quite early on in my career but some tips I've picked up along the way:
I still feel quite early on in my career but some tips I've picked up along the way:
- Get as much experience of a variety of sectors as you can
- Current (and currant) awareness
Thing 19: Catch up week on integrating 'things'
I know I've jumped the gun and missed out "Thing 18" but it's soemthing that really interests me and I wanted to be able to spend a considerable amount of time before I blogged about it. I promise to come back to it however.
This week is supposed to be about looking back and reflecting on what I've done so far. Also looking at integrating some of the tools. I suppose in a way I have done this with many of them already as I was using them but have learnt lot about Evernote, Mendeley and others which I hadn't previously used. For work I use Skype a lot, amd I use it to keep in touch with a variety of groups. I recently found an add on for Skype that allows me to record a call and save it in Evernote. I haven't had a chance to use it yet but think this could be a lifesaver!
I've also fallen behind a lot on the blog front and spent a lot of my time catching up. However, I've enjoyed blogging and feel my writing is coming along. I tend to blog for work and have been blogging about Prezi and conferences I have attended. I would like my work blog to be more work focused and use this blog to discuss new tools, events, training all sorts. So I'm not going to end this when the "Things" end, instead I plan to carry on using it as my reflective space. I'm interested to see how my writing style changes too, any luck it will improve!
This week is supposed to be about looking back and reflecting on what I've done so far. Also looking at integrating some of the tools. I suppose in a way I have done this with many of them already as I was using them but have learnt lot about Evernote, Mendeley and others which I hadn't previously used. For work I use Skype a lot, amd I use it to keep in touch with a variety of groups. I recently found an add on for Skype that allows me to record a call and save it in Evernote. I haven't had a chance to use it yet but think this could be a lifesaver!
I've also fallen behind a lot on the blog front and spent a lot of my time catching up. However, I've enjoyed blogging and feel my writing is coming along. I tend to blog for work and have been blogging about Prezi and conferences I have attended. I would like my work blog to be more work focused and use this blog to discuss new tools, events, training all sorts. So I'm not going to end this when the "Things" end, instead I plan to carry on using it as my reflective space. I'm interested to see how my writing style changes too, any luck it will improve!
Thing 17: The Medium is the Message- Prezi and Slideshare
I recently took part in a Prezi webinar (they take place every Thursday from what I recall) and did a blog post for work here. I quite like the Prezi style and recently came across an excellent example by a friend at Aberystwyth University here so can see how it would be useful in a library setting. In my blog post I talk about the pro and cons of using one type of presentation software, not all organisations will have access to Prezi, but should it come to it I would really like to try Prezi instead of Powerpoint for a a change if nothing else.
I also browse Slideshare and must admit had never opened an account until recently. What did make me open an account was this presentation on putting together a business case for social media presence.
Having the account means I can now save my favourites and follow all those people I see at conferences and events. Again, I don't do many (if any) presentations but should the time come I'll be sharing my work via Slideshare.
I think it would work as something to expand upon my CV but not replace it entirely. One of the great things about web 2.0 is the ease of sharing and they are great places to get the CV up there to share so it can be seen. It would also work well being able to expand on aspects of it, e.g. if I do ever do any presentations I can link to them so they can be seen by prospective employers.
I also browse Slideshare and must admit had never opened an account until recently. What did make me open an account was this presentation on putting together a business case for social media presence.
Having the account means I can now save my favourites and follow all those people I see at conferences and events. Again, I don't do many (if any) presentations but should the time come I'll be sharing my work via Slideshare.
I think it would work as something to expand upon my CV but not replace it entirely. One of the great things about web 2.0 is the ease of sharing and they are great places to get the CV up there to share so it can be seen. It would also work well being able to expand on aspects of it, e.g. if I do ever do any presentations I can link to them so they can be seen by prospective employers.
Thing 16: Advocacy, speaking up for the profession and getting published
I think advocacy is a very important part of being a professional especially as it about convincing those outside of our libraries sphere that we do/provide helps so many people and that the skills of our community are important to us.
In my previous role I worked with all sectors of libraries and happily advocated on behalf of each one. I was fortunate enough to be part of many library campaigns and promotions including "Happy Days" and "Fancy that" and this year will be promoting a 2 weeks library festival. In my current role I tend to work closer with FE libraries and some HE libraries. This hasn't stopped my advocacy band wagon and I have helped in the development of various library promotional films (see this YouTube channel for more or visit http://library.wales.org/ )
Libraries are important but its the highly skilled, approachable and friendly staff that really make the difference! I follow the work of Voices for the Library and I'm so impressed by what these people have achieved, it goes to show how important libraries are to a whole range of people.
In my previous role I worked with all sectors of libraries and happily advocated on behalf of each one. I was fortunate enough to be part of many library campaigns and promotions including "Happy Days" and "Fancy that" and this year will be promoting a 2 weeks library festival. In my current role I tend to work closer with FE libraries and some HE libraries. This hasn't stopped my advocacy band wagon and I have helped in the development of various library promotional films (see this YouTube channel for more or visit http://library.wales.org/ )
Libraries are important but its the highly skilled, approachable and friendly staff that really make the difference! I follow the work of Voices for the Library and I'm so impressed by what these people have achieved, it goes to show how important libraries are to a whole range of people.
Thing 15: Attending, presenting at and organising seminars, conferences and other events
Don’t worry - we’re not now asking you to organise a conference. Instead, think about your experiences attending/speaking and/or organising professional events.
I am very lucky with the jobs I've been in recently that I have been able to attend a large variety of events and organise my own. In terms of events I've attended the one of the things that makes or breaks it for me is the surroundings. You can have the best speaker in the world but if the room is too hot/cold, big or small I find it hard to get enthusiastic about what they are discussing. So getting the environment right, shortly followed by the catering, is very important. Based on my experiences you have more of a chance talking with people over coffee breaks than at any other time, have a walk around and I always try and introduce myself to at least one person I haven't met before. If I can I try and chat with the speakers, they often have more to say on a subject than what they could fit into their presentation!
Since 2007 I have attended the CILIP Wales, Libraries, Archives and Museums Conference and plan on attending for as long as I can! I find it interesting each year and a great chance to meet up with library colleagues from all over the country. I would at some point like to attend one of the larger conferences like LILAC or Umbrella too. But this is just attending, I'm not a confident public speaker and the thought of presenting on a subject in front of my peers fills me with dread!
As I said before I've been lucky in my recent jobs to be able to help organise events and at the moment I'm leading on organising a series of online webinars as well as a conference event for next year. The online webinars are an excellent way to reach people all over Wales (and beyond!) without the expense of travel, time away from the office etc. These webinars can be simple and effective ways to meet the needs of a variety of people without major hassle and expense. Although their are still many considerations when organising an online event (i.e. technical support, welcoming participants, feedback) their are a lot more to larger face to face events. I'm looking forward to leading on these over the next year, if a little nervous!
I am very lucky with the jobs I've been in recently that I have been able to attend a large variety of events and organise my own. In terms of events I've attended the one of the things that makes or breaks it for me is the surroundings. You can have the best speaker in the world but if the room is too hot/cold, big or small I find it hard to get enthusiastic about what they are discussing. So getting the environment right, shortly followed by the catering, is very important. Based on my experiences you have more of a chance talking with people over coffee breaks than at any other time, have a walk around and I always try and introduce myself to at least one person I haven't met before. If I can I try and chat with the speakers, they often have more to say on a subject than what they could fit into their presentation!
Since 2007 I have attended the CILIP Wales, Libraries, Archives and Museums Conference and plan on attending for as long as I can! I find it interesting each year and a great chance to meet up with library colleagues from all over the country. I would at some point like to attend one of the larger conferences like LILAC or Umbrella too. But this is just attending, I'm not a confident public speaker and the thought of presenting on a subject in front of my peers fills me with dread!
As I said before I've been lucky in my recent jobs to be able to help organise events and at the moment I'm leading on organising a series of online webinars as well as a conference event for next year. The online webinars are an excellent way to reach people all over Wales (and beyond!) without the expense of travel, time away from the office etc. These webinars can be simple and effective ways to meet the needs of a variety of people without major hassle and expense. Although their are still many considerations when organising an online event (i.e. technical support, welcoming participants, feedback) their are a lot more to larger face to face events. I'm looking forward to leading on these over the next year, if a little nervous!
Thing 14: Zotero / Mendeley / citeulike
For this 'thing' I tried using Mendeley. I picked this one out of the list because I had heard it mentioned by colleagues before although never used it personally.
I've found it quite useful in organising my PDFs, especially on the variety of topics I'm interested in but I have separate folders set up on the computer for these topics anyway, where I keep all these notes/documents etc. However I can see how it would be useful for students and especially like the app for the iPhone. It could also be useful for library to keep records of printed guides/documents for individual subjects so can see its uses (I would be interested to hear if anyone has done this?).
To be honest I've had it loaded on the laptop for a while now and don't seem to use it all that often so not entirely sure it's all that useful to me. Although it could be one of those tools the more I use it the more use it will be.
I've found it quite useful in organising my PDFs, especially on the variety of topics I'm interested in but I have separate folders set up on the computer for these topics anyway, where I keep all these notes/documents etc. However I can see how it would be useful for students and especially like the app for the iPhone. It could also be useful for library to keep records of printed guides/documents for individual subjects so can see its uses (I would be interested to hear if anyone has done this?).
To be honest I've had it loaded on the laptop for a while now and don't seem to use it all that often so not entirely sure it's all that useful to me. Although it could be one of those tools the more I use it the more use it will be.
Friday 19 August 2011
Thing 13: Google docs, Wikis and Dropbox
I use Google docs for my own personal use as well as for work so feel very comfortable creating, editing and sharing files (and folders). I've always liked the look of Google docs and find it very user friendly, as with most Google services. We use Google Docs at work to share our diarys for the week, planning documents (such as events planning) and collating feedback from events. We also use it to comment on our annual action plan and what our aim are. It seems a much easier way to share documents by sending out a link rather than clogging up someones inbox with documents.
I've been thinking about future uses for Google Docs specifically with regards to my own CPD and think it would be a useful place to store my Personal and Professional Development Plan (PPDP). I would be able to access it from wherever as well as send a link to my line manger for comments/ideas. It's also a place where I could keep notes on any courses/events I attend as I tend to take a netbook with me I could keep reflective notes in Google docs which again I can access from wherever I am in the world. I have decided therefor to create a seperate folder in my Google Docs account called (imaginitivly!) CPD where I will keep notes from events and my PPDP. I already have a folder there for my MCLIP portfolio which when I've completed I will move into the CPD folder.
I've never used Dropbox before so I set about downloading it. It's very easy to use and have even manged to share a file with you via the public folder, see here. I think Dropbox could be very useful for my chartership portfolio in that I can send a link to files to my mentor rather than clogging up there inbox!
I'm quite comfortable with using Wikis and again use them both personally (Wikipedia) and for work. I had never used MediaWiki though and went to have a look. At first I tried to download it but couldn't get the files to open, but then in dawned on me, what do I want a Wiki for? I have no use for one at the moment but it could be useful when working on projects or planning events for the future. In particular I think it could be of use to those of us on the CDG Wales committee for our event planning for the year as we are so geographically spread out and often don't get a chance to meet face to face. However for now I have no need to start one...so haven't :-)
Friday 12 August 2011
Thing 12 - Putting the social into social media
I've at least done one thing in that I have added more contacts on LinkedIn this week, mainly people I don't see every day but it's good to keep up to date with them and see what they are working on at the moment.
I think another benefit of social networks is the ability to promote professional/special interest groups. For example the CDG Wales has a Facebook page. It means members aren't having to visit the website to keep up to date or get in touch but importantly I could come up as a recommendation for someone to join. They might never have thought of joining before but I feel it makes the group that much more accessible.
I know I definitely will use social networks for my professional development. I would say namely Twitter and Google + but I have enjoyed (when I remember) blogging here which is something I think I would like to continue. I feel it gives me an arena to express my thoughts and opinions, allows me to think out loud and hopefully my writing skills are improving too!
Do I think that social networks help foster a community? I think that has already been answered this week in regards to the UK riots. Social networks being used to organise these terrible acts of thuggery but also being used for clean up operations. They were used to debate the riots, and for people to show support for victims. But one blog post from this morning really caught my eye. It was discussing the idea of the PM closing down social networks. The blog post debated and then was on the side of the PM, this coming from one of my favourite web 2.0 supporters! But at the end of the post was the comment "Close the roads...that is what they mean, right?" and it really made me laugh. Online social networks are a tool for communication, you can create a community by meeting in a library, pub, church hall, wherever but online social networks allow you the freedom to access communities all over the world. Which if the tool is used correctly is never a bad thing.
I think another benefit of social networks is the ability to promote professional/special interest groups. For example the CDG Wales has a Facebook page. It means members aren't having to visit the website to keep up to date or get in touch but importantly I could come up as a recommendation for someone to join. They might never have thought of joining before but I feel it makes the group that much more accessible.
I know I definitely will use social networks for my professional development. I would say namely Twitter and Google + but I have enjoyed (when I remember) blogging here which is something I think I would like to continue. I feel it gives me an arena to express my thoughts and opinions, allows me to think out loud and hopefully my writing skills are improving too!
Do I think that social networks help foster a community? I think that has already been answered this week in regards to the UK riots. Social networks being used to organise these terrible acts of thuggery but also being used for clean up operations. They were used to debate the riots, and for people to show support for victims. But one blog post from this morning really caught my eye. It was discussing the idea of the PM closing down social networks. The blog post debated and then was on the side of the PM, this coming from one of my favourite web 2.0 supporters! But at the end of the post was the comment "Close the roads...that is what they mean, right?" and it really made me laugh. Online social networks are a tool for communication, you can create a community by meeting in a library, pub, church hall, wherever but online social networks allow you the freedom to access communities all over the world. Which if the tool is used correctly is never a bad thing.
Thing 11: Mentoring
I have been lucky I have had a variety of mentors in my career so far. I have an official mentor for my chartership who is also a colleague on the CDG Wales committee. She's been a good friend and my mentor for so long she is almost part of the family! I look at my chartership mentor as a critical friend and able to look at the bigger picture when giving advice and guidance.
I've also worked in quite a few steering groups where I have met some amazing people that have been able to mentor me through my first professional post. Sometimes without me or them even realising it. These are people I look up to and respect who are also keen to help with my development. I've often said of these people (you know who you are!) that when I grow up I want to be a librarian (or in some cases just a grown up) like them.
I have found these mentor/mentee relationships invaluable especially in my current and previous position and have learned a great deal. I would like to think that they have learned from me too, from my perspective and sometimes over eager enthusiasm. Although I have kept these many of my mentors informal I am beginning to think that maybe a more formal mentoring relationship would be worthwhile. I am always keen to learn knew things and appreciate the time constraints that we all have. I could always add this to my to-do list in Evernote now :-)
I've also worked in quite a few steering groups where I have met some amazing people that have been able to mentor me through my first professional post. Sometimes without me or them even realising it. These are people I look up to and respect who are also keen to help with my development. I've often said of these people (you know who you are!) that when I grow up I want to be a librarian (or in some cases just a grown up) like them.
I have found these mentor/mentee relationships invaluable especially in my current and previous position and have learned a great deal. I would like to think that they have learned from me too, from my perspective and sometimes over eager enthusiasm. Although I have kept these many of my mentors informal I am beginning to think that maybe a more formal mentoring relationship would be worthwhile. I am always keen to learn knew things and appreciate the time constraints that we all have. I could always add this to my to-do list in Evernote now :-)
Thing 10 - Graduate traineeships, Masters Degrees, Chartership, Accreditation
As I mentioned in a previous post I am already working towards Chartership. It's been a lengthy process as I had quite major time off work (due to family bereavement) when I was due to complete and just never got back into the way of things again. However I feel this blog has given me renewed spark and I am determined to finish by the end of the year.
I feel chartership is important to me as it shows my commitment to continuing professional development and I see it as a next step from my degree. I decided to study full time for a degree in Information and Library Studies at Aberystwyth University after working as a Library Assistant for 6 years in a University. I knew if I wanted to progress I would need qualifications and during my time as a Library Assistant I studied (distance learning) for a HNC in Library and Information Science from Edinburgh's Telford College. I thoroughly enjoyed studying both qualifications and felt I had the right mix of experience to go with them. After completing my degree I did struggle to find work for a few months and took up a position in the local public library as a library assistant. It was my first time in the public library sector as I had only worked in HE up to that point.
I then applied for a job as a Regional Development Officer for a library partnership project, which I was successful and this took me to my first professional post. I had some experience and the qualifications but this was a steep learning curve! Not only did I have to learn very quickly about project management, I also had to learn about the various sectors the project worked across including HE, FE, public and health libraries. I learnt so much from this role and thought it was a great opportunity to begin chartership.
The project came to an end at the start of the year and I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to work with an amazing team at JISC RSC Wales as an e-learning advisor (learning resources). I would say this is my second professional post and everything I have learned along the way is useful. I have also been able to maintain contacts with various sectors but also work with experts in a variety of fields. The team still astonish me with their professionalism and expertise every day and its from this team I am thinking of my next steps.
I have realised areas I'm not too confident in that my colleagues as amazing, such as training, presentations, research and would like to work towards a training qualification at some point but also keen to learn from them. I am keen to stay in the library sector but now have a growing interest in learning technologies in education as well as training and staff development. For now though I feel I should complete my chartership and see where I stand.
I feel chartership is important to me as it shows my commitment to continuing professional development and I see it as a next step from my degree. I decided to study full time for a degree in Information and Library Studies at Aberystwyth University after working as a Library Assistant for 6 years in a University. I knew if I wanted to progress I would need qualifications and during my time as a Library Assistant I studied (distance learning) for a HNC in Library and Information Science from Edinburgh's Telford College. I thoroughly enjoyed studying both qualifications and felt I had the right mix of experience to go with them. After completing my degree I did struggle to find work for a few months and took up a position in the local public library as a library assistant. It was my first time in the public library sector as I had only worked in HE up to that point.
I then applied for a job as a Regional Development Officer for a library partnership project, which I was successful and this took me to my first professional post. I had some experience and the qualifications but this was a steep learning curve! Not only did I have to learn very quickly about project management, I also had to learn about the various sectors the project worked across including HE, FE, public and health libraries. I learnt so much from this role and thought it was a great opportunity to begin chartership.
The project came to an end at the start of the year and I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to work with an amazing team at JISC RSC Wales as an e-learning advisor (learning resources). I would say this is my second professional post and everything I have learned along the way is useful. I have also been able to maintain contacts with various sectors but also work with experts in a variety of fields. The team still astonish me with their professionalism and expertise every day and its from this team I am thinking of my next steps.
I have realised areas I'm not too confident in that my colleagues as amazing, such as training, presentations, research and would like to work towards a training qualification at some point but also keen to learn from them. I am keen to stay in the library sector but now have a growing interest in learning technologies in education as well as training and staff development. For now though I feel I should complete my chartership and see where I stand.
Thing 9: Evernote
I've never used Evernote before, I had heard of it just never got around to using it, so took this as an opportunity to have a play around. I recently installed Diigo for organising bookmarks (as opposed to Delicious) which also allows me to save images, web pages, text into tags/folders so in a way I was looking at how Evernote could improve upon this too.
The first thing I noticed is that I can also install the app to my smart phones...I should state, I love apps and I love when I can sync accounts between my computer and phone, so already this was looking good! After installing Evernote I read through the start page and noticed a few features I know I'm going to like:
Update: I came across this in an Evernote email, being a keen knitter myself I'm keen to give it a try!
The first thing I noticed is that I can also install the app to my smart phones...I should state, I love apps and I love when I can sync accounts between my computer and phone, so already this was looking good! After installing Evernote I read through the start page and noticed a few features I know I'm going to like:
- Text in any images becomes searchable
- Create to do's - what can I say I'm a list makeer!
- Search and find everything - and they mean everything
- Save Twitter messages
Update: I came across this in an Evernote email, being a keen knitter myself I'm keen to give it a try!
Thing 8: Google Calendar
I use Google Calendar a lot! I use it to track my work appointments and have synced it with my Outlook calendar. After discussion with a colleague I also have a Google Calendar which I share with my boyfriend so we can see where each other are week to week (we travel a lot!). I have a personal calendar which I use for tracking swim sessions and the local swimming pool, birthdays, holidays, when to pay bills etc. In short I love it. I can access all the calendars from any computer and from my smart phones, I would be completely lost without it!
Thing 7: Face-to-face networks and professional organisations
I regularly keep up to date with the goings on in professional organisations, mainly CILIP (Chartered Insitute of Library and Information Professionals) and I'm proud to be a member of one of the Special Interest Groups the Career Development Group Wales (CDG Wales). I joined the committee back in 2008 as an Events Co-Ordinator and have enjoyed my role.
The role involves me advertising events across Wales which I use a variety of email lists for, taking bookings and answering any enquires. I attend the commitee meetings when I can but that has proven difficult recently with a change in job. However, I keep up to date with teh rest of the commitee through JISC Mail discussion lists and through Facebook.
I've learned a lot from being on this committee and it has certainly helped me both with my chartership and my work. A lot of the issues and barriers regarding career development come up in CDG Wales meetings and the various steering groups I'm a member of for work. I've learned about the different roles in a commitee, how they work and relate to other roles, improved my minute taking and met some really good friends along the way.
At first I continued my membership of CILIP (a monthly subscription) so that I could work towards chartership and continue working with CDG Wales, but now I feel that I have that extra level of support when it comes to professional and employment issues. I was made redundant from my last post and knowing I could contact CILIP for help and advice was a great comfort to me. I also enjoy receiving the publications and keeping up to date with the professional world. In Wales we have an annual conference in May which I have attended for the past five years, and each year I have learned something new. It also gives me an opportunity to network with other information professionals outside me sector.
I would sya being a member of CILIP and part of CDG Wales has affected my career as it shows my commitment to the profession as well as my own professional and personal development.
Through various social media I also keep up to date with other professional groups such as International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). Although I'm not as heavily involved (yet).
The role involves me advertising events across Wales which I use a variety of email lists for, taking bookings and answering any enquires. I attend the commitee meetings when I can but that has proven difficult recently with a change in job. However, I keep up to date with teh rest of the commitee through JISC Mail discussion lists and through Facebook.
I've learned a lot from being on this committee and it has certainly helped me both with my chartership and my work. A lot of the issues and barriers regarding career development come up in CDG Wales meetings and the various steering groups I'm a member of for work. I've learned about the different roles in a commitee, how they work and relate to other roles, improved my minute taking and met some really good friends along the way.
At first I continued my membership of CILIP (a monthly subscription) so that I could work towards chartership and continue working with CDG Wales, but now I feel that I have that extra level of support when it comes to professional and employment issues. I was made redundant from my last post and knowing I could contact CILIP for help and advice was a great comfort to me. I also enjoy receiving the publications and keeping up to date with the professional world. In Wales we have an annual conference in May which I have attended for the past five years, and each year I have learned something new. It also gives me an opportunity to network with other information professionals outside me sector.
I would sya being a member of CILIP and part of CDG Wales has affected my career as it shows my commitment to the profession as well as my own professional and personal development.
Through various social media I also keep up to date with other professional groups such as International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). Although I'm not as heavily involved (yet).
Thursday 11 August 2011
Thing 6: Online Networks
Well I'm goodness knows how many weeks behind now as it's been a manic few weeks at work. But I refuse to give up and I know how much catching up I have to do which is why I'm thankful this 'thing' is about online networks which I use a lot...so not much research required (yay).
A good place to start this post would be to explain what online networks I find most useful and why. Following on from the 'thing' I use LinkedIn, Facebook, CILIP Communities as well as Google +. I find LinkedIn useful for my professional side, I've linked my 'work' Twitter account to my profile and joined a few professional groups. I find it useful for keeping up to date with the profession and keeping track of my own professional development.
Facebook on the other hand I tend to use outside of work. I do however still follow a few library pages such as Career Development Group Wales, Orkeny Library Service and Swansea Public Libraries. However I wouldn't use Facebook for my proffessional work and tend to change my privacy settings. As I mentioned in a previous post I prefere to seperate out my work/proffessional identity from my personal identity. I was glad when Google + arrived as it meant I could experiement with yet another social netowrk (yay once more) but have decided to keep that as mostly professional. Another reason for this is that most of my (non professional) friends are still on Facebook and i have yet to find one of them on Google +, and I don't have time to explain to my mum how to use Google + it's taken nearly a year for her to understand Facebook!
I have signed up to CILIP Communities but must admit I rarely look at it and I haven't looked at LISNPN or the Librarians As Teachers Network yet, but no doubt will. I'm hesitant to look though as being a member of so many social networks I feel I get what I need from them already, please no more emails or sites to check! It comes back to one of my earlier points of information overload. I would find it overly stressful, not to mention time consuming, checking/updating every social network I was a member of...however I don't want to miss out on the latest gossip, or upcoming news. Rock vs Hard Place!
A good place to start this post would be to explain what online networks I find most useful and why. Following on from the 'thing' I use LinkedIn, Facebook, CILIP Communities as well as Google +. I find LinkedIn useful for my professional side, I've linked my 'work' Twitter account to my profile and joined a few professional groups. I find it useful for keeping up to date with the profession and keeping track of my own professional development.
Facebook on the other hand I tend to use outside of work. I do however still follow a few library pages such as Career Development Group Wales, Orkeny Library Service and Swansea Public Libraries. However I wouldn't use Facebook for my proffessional work and tend to change my privacy settings. As I mentioned in a previous post I prefere to seperate out my work/proffessional identity from my personal identity. I was glad when Google + arrived as it meant I could experiement with yet another social netowrk (yay once more) but have decided to keep that as mostly professional. Another reason for this is that most of my (non professional) friends are still on Facebook and i have yet to find one of them on Google +, and I don't have time to explain to my mum how to use Google + it's taken nearly a year for her to understand Facebook!
I have signed up to CILIP Communities but must admit I rarely look at it and I haven't looked at LISNPN or the Librarians As Teachers Network yet, but no doubt will. I'm hesitant to look though as being a member of so many social networks I feel I get what I need from them already, please no more emails or sites to check! It comes back to one of my earlier points of information overload. I would find it overly stressful, not to mention time consuming, checking/updating every social network I was a member of...however I don't want to miss out on the latest gossip, or upcoming news. Rock vs Hard Place!
Monday 18 July 2011
Thing 5: Reflective Practice
Writing reflectively I find very difficult. I have been working towards chartership for (mumble) a couple of years (mumble...and some) but one thing I struggle to do is write reflectively. For some reason it has been easier in some of these blogs posts but can still see the strong thread of descriptive narrative coming through.
Reflecting on the CPD 23 Things I feel that I may not have learnt many news 'things' or tools but having that time out of the day or working week to explore my own CPD has been useful. I've looked at my working practice as well as my approach to chartership in a whole new light. Although I might not always necessarily have the time I find that I make time, even if its only 5 minutes to draft a blog post to go back to later on.
For work I am often asked to write a blog post on a subject of event I have attended and have been finding it difficult to do, and often difficult to get started. This blog as well as the 'things' so far have helped me to develop my writing skills and I feel more comfortable writing posts.
I've discovered my second wind regarding my chartership too and have more of a focus on how I want it to look. I've been struggling with the reflective writing piece as part of the portfolio and have decided to look at it in sections, take a section and write it as I would one of these posts.
So reflecting on the CPD 23 Things, so far I feel I have developed already in some areas...wonder how I will feel by the 23rd Thing!
Thing 4: Current Awareness - RSS, Twitter, Pushnote
This week (thing!?) I have been looking at using different media for current awareness. I use both RSS feeds and Twitter regularly for work, professional development and my own personal life. I follow many blogs/news feeds/etc using the RSS feeds through either Outlook or Google reader. I find them a useful way to keep up to date with what's going on in the world but also what other peoples opinions are about different topics.
I started using Twitter a few years ago and loved it, then hated it, then loved it again...I'm still in the love it phase! I've set up two separate accounts, one for work and one for my personal use. I also Tweet on behalf of JISC RSC Wales (so have three accounts running on Tweetdeck). I found Twitter useful for current awareness but also use hash tags to follow events such as conferences and general chat around subjects.
Pushnote I have never heard of and consequently have never used! So I have signed up and had a play around. I've visited a few websites but no comments have come up so I'm not entirely sure it is relevant for me. Also I tend to go on my own judgement of whether a website is useful or not so I'm not sure on Pushnote.
I started using Twitter a few years ago and loved it, then hated it, then loved it again...I'm still in the love it phase! I've set up two separate accounts, one for work and one for my personal use. I also Tweet on behalf of JISC RSC Wales (so have three accounts running on Tweetdeck). I found Twitter useful for current awareness but also use hash tags to follow events such as conferences and general chat around subjects.
Pushnote I have never heard of and consequently have never used! So I have signed up and had a play around. I've visited a few websites but no comments have come up so I'm not entirely sure it is relevant for me. Also I tend to go on my own judgement of whether a website is useful or not so I'm not sure on Pushnote.
One issue I have is sometimes I feel completely overwhelmed trying to keep up to date with everything that is happening. I read through my RSS feeds, I check Twitter several times a day, I also subscribe to a vast amount of email discussion lists and use various other social media. Linking accounts has helped so that if I update Twitter for example it updates my LinkedIn profile, but often feel I could do with hiring someone to sift through all this news and give me the gems!
Monday 27 June 2011
Thing 3: Consider your personal brand
I've been thinking about this a lot recently and had some very interesting discussions with colleagues. Personally I prefer to keep my accounts separate so I have a personal ID and a professional one. I tend to use libshari for professional networks/work...with the exception of this blog where I have used my full name as I feel that my own CPD relates to both my professional and personal life.
I was brave and decided to Google all versions of my online ID or professional brand, and have to admit I'm quite satisfied with the results. To me anyway it looks as though I have managed to separate them quite well.
I never considered using the same branding (i.e. colours/design/etc) across networks and think it may be a useful way of separating out my online IDs even more.
I was brave and decided to Google all versions of my online ID or professional brand, and have to admit I'm quite satisfied with the results. To me anyway it looks as though I have managed to separate them quite well.
I never considered using the same branding (i.e. colours/design/etc) across networks and think it may be a useful way of separating out my online IDs even more.
Thing 2: Investigate some other blogs
Well already I've managed to fall behind but using today to catch up :-)
I've had a look around some of the other blogs, and even left a comment which I don't think I've ever done before. Their are some serial bloggers out there and some just starting up (either for this or their own amusement), it's great to see a variety. I've even subscribed to a few of them through RSS feeds.
I've had a look around some of the other blogs, and even left a comment which I don't think I've ever done before. Their are some serial bloggers out there and some just starting up (either for this or their own amusement), it's great to see a variety. I've even subscribed to a few of them through RSS feeds.
Monday 20 June 2011
Hello...and my first post!
Well hello world J I decided to sign up for the CPD 23 Things as I have recently changed jobs. Previously I worked for three years on a library project called Libraries for Life, as a Regional Development Officer and my first professional post. I am now working as an E-learning advisor (Learning Resources) which I am greatly enjoying and get to do more on the IT side of things that I enjoy such as social media, digital literacy, information literacy etc.
I’m hoping from CPD 23 to learn how to be more reflective, and I’m looking forward to all of the ‘things’ as I’m much more of a ‘learn by doing’ kind of person. I’m also looking forward to improving my blog posts; currently I write a blog for the RSC Wales – Learning Resources Blog and feel I could improve my writing style.
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