Thing 23: What Next? A Final Reflection

The final note on the CPD23 course is to write a six word 'story' on my experience. So here goes:
Interesting, informative, steep learning curve.  I have found the whole experience enlightening and useful.Some of the tools are now part of my everyday working life, others I'm sure I'll get to in time. I do want to build on this knowledge as I'm a fiirm believer that you have to 'do' to learn, and if you don't use it you'll forget how. My employers are still undecided about using social networking from a departmental point of view but clearly use it far marketing purposes. Is this a bit of hypocracy, or am I wanting to run before I can walk?

I've put all of this into my Personal Development Plan. A wish list that you can aim for instead of drifting into things. I can see some gaps in my knowledge and they are in there too. The process of doing the plan is a bit like putting your CV together in reverse. Firstly, by identifying what you're good at and then what needs more work. I've tried not to be too ambitious because I know from past experience that plans rarely follow the route you want them to and have to be revised along the way. Time and money are significant issues, and opportunities tend to materialise where you least expect them.

In all the course has shown me that you're never to old to learn, and that you shouldn't be scared of technology and trying new things. After all the 'digital natives' take all of this in their stride.

Thank you CPD23. Can we do this all again in a couple of years time when things will have moved on even more? One request is that you do a 'thing' on teaching/training skills, not just presenting.

Thing 22 Volunteering

Yes volunteering is a good thing if you can afford to do it. In my school library I couldn't do my job without volunteers. My employers haven't taken on enough staff to do the job properly, and so I'm having to use volunteers more and more. However, I do agree with the premise that there should be payback, and that valuable experienced should be gained by those volunteering. I do my best in difficult circumstances. From my point of view, it's great to get an outsiders view. New eyes often hightlight issues that I may not have thought of. I train my volunteers to do the basics and they choose the hours that they can commit to. If they have particular skills such as artistic/creative abilities I use them to the full. I do try to make sure they aren't given all the boring jobs in order to keep them interested. Unfortunately, they do move on quite quickly, and the investment of time training is then lost and I have to start again. From the volunteers point of view, there are many hurdles still in place that have to be jumped over before they can work in our school. Not only do they have to the CRB check (as a given), the school insists on them filling out a FULL employment application form and then undergo an interview with senior management. I personally think it's a bit over the top and will put a lot of people off. Surely this red tape can be reduced for people who are doing us a huge favour?! But policy seems to be set in stone. As a means of gaining work experience I'm all for it. It shows intitiative, commitment to the profession and willingness to move forward. It bumps up the CV no end. So go for it!

Thing 21: Job Descriptions, Interviews & Self Promotion

I have updated my CV in the past 2 years due to the threat of redundancy. Everything noted on the CPD23 webpage is very apt. Really reading the Job Description closely and targeting your CV or application to those key qualities or skills is a bit like doing an exam question. As out teachers always said, read the question 3 times before putting pen to paper.

I firmly believe in keeping a running profolio, not just of good work and skills aquired, but a diary of whenever someone within the organisation actually says thank you, or well done! Sadly, these comments don't come often enough. Not because the work isn't up to scratch, but because people just don't seem to say thank you anymore. Instead, senior management rely on the old adage: 'You've all done very well' a phrase coined by Young Mr Grace in Are you Being Served! I believe a more personal approach has far more effect on anyone in the service industry let alone Libraraies.

As far as job seeking is concerned, where are the jobs?! We can prepare as much as we like, but there are so many of us going for the few jobs that appear, that its going to be tough out there. I have been lucky enough to be shortlisted 4 times in the past year for professional posts in school libraries. I must be doing something right. Then it's down to the interview. Employers seem to be very cautious about what sort of person they are actually looking for. If your face doesn't fit, then no amount of preparation will help. Although employers are obliged to give you information about why you have been rejected, again it's couched in very general terms that aren't particularly helpful. I also think that employers are ageist still, even if they don't admit it. Younger people are cheaper and they are looking at the economics as much as the person. I think it's a bit like going on a blind date! So much of the interview/date is about chemistry that you can't take things too personally if it all goes wrong.Ned Potter's blog post is fabulous advice. Prepre a many of those tricky questions as possible!

What about all those other interests? I for one have very little time running a home, family and a full-time job, so watching my son play sport at the weekend doesn't look that great! So a little bit of stretching the truth to go back to a time when I did have time is all that I can muster. However, by doing a bit of research on the organisation can help: If it's a forward looking employer with lots of technology that gives a few clues, as does a tradition set up. Volunteering shows a bit of commitment, and helping to run an organisation such as a football team shows leadership skills. As Tesco says "every little helps".

Thing 19 Catch Up & Thing 20 Library Routes

A short autobiography of my life in Libraries. Where to begin. At my advanced age, my career in Libraries has been varied. At 16 my school was reoorganised into a tertiary college, where for the first time the library was a big deal. I was drawn to the space and the staff and had my first incling that this would be a good place to work. The summer before I went to Universtiy to study History, I worked as a summer relief person in Richmond County libraries, so had a taste of the Public library sector. I loved the variety of work and community spirit of the branch libraries, but hated the regimentaiton of the large County Library (this was in the 1980s!). All through University I had no idea what to do once I qualified. Careers information wasn't that great. Many of my contemporaries went into teaching or accountancy, neither of which I thought was for me at the time. So I signed up for a Postgraduate course at North London Polytechnic as it was then known. Computers had only just been intorduced, so this was an interesting time. I had my pre-course placement at University of London, Senate house library and during the course went to a Special Library in a computer services firm, where my first computer was a PC with 10mb hard drive! After qualifiying, I finally got a job with the same computing firm in London. I'd obviously made an impression! It was here I really started to learn my trade, dealing with enquiries, learning about online searching, new technology and moving an entire library from London to Milton Keynes, involving re-designing the space. During this time I became a Chartered Librarian with the then Library Association. Then came children and it was hard to find work which fitted kids hours, so I ran my own peripatetic music teaching business, whilst volunteering at my kids primary school as librarian and parent 'listener' helping youngsters to read. Finally, I landed a job in a local secondary school, which was a huge learning curve getting up to date with all the changes that had happened in libraries during my absence. The CILIP library was really helpful in lending items on new and current trends. Again, the library was transformed during a re-building programme. After a few years I moved from the State sector to the Independent sector, where I am now. I'm undergoing a big development project at my current school over the next few months with a few to transforming not only the Library space but the services that are offered to make our department worthy of a 21st century facility and to support our community in the way that they want to work.

As to advice to those joining the profession, don't go into it for the money! I think we'd all agree that it's poorly paid and doesn't receive the recognition and status that it should. In these days of information, you'd think that the Information Professional would be heralded, but no. Unless you can prove a direct link to profit outcomes, it's not. It is however, a satisfying and fulfilling career that can overtake your entire life if you let it. In my experience the fault is with management who do not take the trouble to find out exactly what we do.. They just expect it to be done. Often we are so complying and people pleasers that it is hard to avoid being taken advantage of. Our multi-level and lateral range of skills are rarely acknowledged. On the other hand it only takes one successful conversation pointing a user in the right direction to make a huge difference to that person on many levels. It's those small things that make it all worth while. I had a member of teaching staff actually say thank you last week, and I was emotionally overwhelmed because it was such a rare occurrance. It's a professional I take pride and joy in doing, but others need to go in with their eyes open.

Thing 19 Reflection

Well some time to reflect at last! It's part of our new school 'Values' which we are working on, so very apt. This course has been extremely useful in pointing me to tools that would help in my daily life. My favourite tools, some of which I already use, are: RSS, Twitter, Dropbox, Prezi, Evernote and learning much more about blogs. Many of the other tools I well come back to as my working life gets far more complex. I have signed up to communicate online with many librarian type groups as well. The problem here is finding the time to keep up with it all. I have completed many Prezi inductions this week and am getting used to the ebb and flow of the software which is indeed much easier than Powerpoint to control, but takes longer to put together a 'profesisonal' looking presentation. Dropbox has proved invaluable for not only accessing my documents anywhere, but also in sharing documents. Some tools seem to be blocked by the school network or unavailable except on Firefox, but at least there are plenty of alternatives. RSS is a quick and easy way to stay up to date without getting too involved in other online groups. My question is how do these librarians have the time to be constantly posting? I want their jobs! Even Twitter is becoming alarming to keep up with and I will need to 'weed' the groups I am following in order to reduce the number of posts I have to plough through. I need to spend time sifting in order to black out so much 'white noise' and make life a little simpler but more productive. I hope the links to all of the web 2.0 tools will stay on the CPD23 wepages for a little while after the end of the course in order to revisit them when time and circumstances dictate. If nothing else, having the knowledge of what's available and the confidence to explore is a huge step forward. As a digital immigrant as apposed to the natives under 20, this has allowed me to keep one step ahead. I've become a bit of a school guru to whom some members of the teaching staff come to for advice, which is always a plus in my book as it creates a stronger relationship with other departments in many ways. What we need next is more information from Librarians on the next generation of tools used on mobile technologues such as ipads. It's all very well getting Apps designers to 'sell' their wares, but reviews from those on the ground would be very useful!

Thing 18: Screen Capture and Podcasting

I love the idea of screen capture videos.  I can see some wonderful applications for screen capturing use in the LRC such as: How to access the catalogue and do simple searches; how to access our subscription databases; how to find a physical resouces in the library. These can then be stored on our VLE. I have experienced problems downloading the software at school because of permissions, so I'll attempt plan B and ask for the firewall to accept this tool. I can see this as a useful training tool for student helpers as well. Our ICT teaching department has used this kind of tool in conjuntion with Youtube to teach staff how to develop and use GoogleApps documents.

As for Podcasting, I've experienced many of these myself when exploring new technologies. Is this the same as Webinars that appear in various websites? I suspect this is the American terminology for a Podcast on the web. For my own CPD these are very useful. However, I have tried to use them in school and they have fallen on 'deaf' ears so to speak. Our students prefer the visual element to keep them engaged. We have looked at purchasing a service called 'GCSE POD' which is very expensive. Itunes U also have some interetsing and free podcasts, but again the videos are preferred. My attempt to get students to record their book reviews for others to hear was a complete failure. Somehow our students (aged 11-18) only think of 'listening' on MP3 players or iplayers in terms of music, not school related things. Maybe it's an age thing? Kids don't listen to 'talk' radio either! I can see it working in Higher Education, especially where lectures etc are missed, or for revision. However, for the visually impaired, it may well be a fabulous development! Occasionally, there has been something book or library related on the BBC radio podcasts which are easy to download. However it's usually only 2 or 3 minutes that are relevant, and you can't edit the BBC podasts yourself, so you need to capture the entire thing. Somewhat limiting. Our languages department uses Audacity software to record students practising their language spoken exams. As a coaching tool I can see this being of great use. In short, if podcasts are going to be used as part of my learning resources centre, we have a big job to persuade the students to actually use them. I suppose it's worth trying to change this attitude, but it's way down the list of priorities.

Thing 17 Prezi, Slidehare

And so to slideshare. This is a great way of viewing other people's slideshows, but as yet I haven't produced anything for others to follow. I'm concentrating on Prezi and all it's machinations which is automatically available for others to view. I've viewed some of the slideshows and presentations from the CILIP SLG conference and some fabulous display ideas for our LRC. It could be a way to show off remorselessly because you can stop 'copying' by others and allow viewing only. This isn't a new tool, but has been around for some time in the background. Those who belong to the SLN on Yahoo groups will know and love it well. The slideshare on Presentations from last weeks Thing was brilliant. http://www.slideshare.net/thewikiman/stop-breaking-the-basic-rules-of-presenting I also agree that it can become your own personal online protfolio. So here goes. I'm off to experiment!

Prezi is a wondrous tool tha keeps developing and getting more sophisticated every time I look at it. I use for Induction sessions to all new students and for the basis for my Information Literacy lessons with year 12. The school are starting to encourage students to get going on Prezi too. My only complaint that is that to make a good Prezi, an awful lot of time has to be taken up in planning. I suppose practise makes perfect. I have uploaded old powerpoints into Prezi, but I'm afraid they still look very stilted in comparison. The tips listed in Thing 17 are very useful. I wonder what the next big thing in presentations will be? 3D perhaps?

Thing 16 Advocacy

I have to admit always having trouble with this subject. I like many Librarians am not good at sounding my own trumpet and therein lies the problem. We are professionals and expect others to treat us as such, but the wicked world out there doesn't view us in the same way. Trying to change our image is often like hitting out at a brick wall. However, the recent Campagin for the book, Voices for the Library, CILIP's Shoutabout and now the Mass lobby for School Libraries and many others has proved that we can take advantage of the surge of publicity on Public Libraries to finally get our voices heard.I have tried to do my small bit wherever I could with each of these. I am not a great 'activist' as Johanna  suggests in her blog http://johannaboanderson.wordpress.com/2011/08/23/activism-advocacy-and-professional-identity/ However I have always been an advocate of libraries and librarians. I feel at last CILIP is getting to grips with representing us as a profession in Government circles. The arguments will go on, but I fear will be compromised against us in the end. As a lone librarian working in a school I have always felt undervalued for my professional capabilities and the subsequent salary that goes with it. On the SLN forum recent posts have bemoaned the fact that employers are taking advantage of the current economic situation to advertise jobs that are paid a pittance even in affluent London. Rarely is there anything similar to a living wage on offer, compared to teachers pay. An NQT is offered more in salary and better working conditions, pensions etc than a librarian of 20 years experience. I fear I am preaching to the converted, which is again another problem with getting our voice heard. What I would like to see is employers and managers actually walking a mile in our shoes to see first hand the levels of skills and knowledge needed to do our job effectively. Items like the article in the Guardian are useful, but are the right people reading them? http://careers.guardian.co.uk/job-of-21st-century-librarian

Getting published is one thing, but I feel that a huge number of Librarians will need to get published before the situation changes. I am hopeful for those qualifying now, but I fear it's too late for the old guard.

A note on getting published. Online and e-publishing isn't going to go away. It may well change it's character through rapid progress, so whilst I applaud the 'That's not online' website for demostrating very clearly the need for Librarians as 'gatekeepers' (although I hate the phrase it does say it all) I don't see us going back to just print. Indeed this and other Blogs are a form of publsihing in itself...so CPD23 the challeng to get Published? We already are!

Thing 15 Professional Events

Thank you to CPD23 for this one. I find that attendance at any professional events, be they Conferences, Training or local get togethers, are the life blood that keeps my enthusiasm for the job going. Without them I would feel extremely isolated working in a school library. My favourites are the big conferences such at Lighting the Future this June which I was fortunate enough to attend. The mix of discussions, authors, workshops and networking was second to none. I only wish my employer had paid for the entire weekend and not just a day. With budgets ever tighter, I do accept that this is a luxury, but salaries are not big either, so I can see the writing on the wall for the big boys. However, training sessions are just as valuable. Again, I was lucky enough to have funded a day in London to attend one of Phil Bradly's training courses on Web 2.0 tools and technology. I came away buzzing with ideas from that one, and several new contacts to network with in the future. This course was relatively inexpensive, put on by Tower Hamlets School Library Service. My local SLS has been cut back and cut back and so haven't been able to support many training courses in the last couple of years. Our only option is to do this ourselves. I did manage to put on a short training/information session led by our Public Library who have a really good online information service. I invited all the local area school librarians to come along. It was quite successful. My only advice is just as with an author visit, this needs all your 'ducks in a row' to be successful...and test the technology before everyone arrives! I have also hosted local Librarian's get togethers or Teach Meets. Again, this is informal but needs a bit of organising of place, technology & refreshments. The next step for me is to go into speaking at a conference. But as CPD23 suggests, what can I speak about? More thought needed there. NB I love the link to webpages on the Thing 15 page on presentation. Very amusing and useful! Another conference that has caught my eye is the Information Librarian conference in October. However, even with the CILIP discount, this is too expensive. I feel that the way forward has to be online webinars or video conferencing for professionals, and indeed online e-learning such as this course itself, in order to bring costs down. They do exist, but a clearer path to finding out about them is needed. Maybe CILIP could help here. However, the downside of this is the lack of face to face networking which cannot be underestimated. How else do you have the re-inforced idea that 'you're not alone' out there. I'm afraid the Blog & Forum community can never do that for me!

Thing 14 Web 2.0 tools: Mendeley, Zotero & Citeulike

So, in investigating web 2.0 tools such as Mendeley for organising and referencing, my obvious response is : make sure you have a backup of everything you save! Mendeley looks good, and could be useful to students in particular. There seem to be so many choices of different tools in this area, I would say see what suits you best. Mendeley doesn't seem to do much more than Dropbox and Neil's toolbox put together in one place, although I may be underestimating it's power having not fully explored all its capabilities. I do like the fact that you can attach articles, which will prove useful for Extended Essay & IB students. It has a fancy 'dashboard' but I didn't find it intuitive to use and had a very American 'look'. In my view simple is good. For our 6th form students, Studyvibe from Autrialia seems better presented and a one stop shop for research tools. As ever, time is an issue with finding out more. Zotero and Citeulike have slightly different perspectives. Citeulike could be very good for collaborative learning again with IB students in particular. I have shown 6th formers these kinds of tools in IL lessons. You can only take a horse to water! I do however think that just showing the Library staff know about these things does change the perception of us as just the 'caretakers of books'. It has meant over the past year that individual students are happier to approach us with questions about sourcing articles, websites and referencing. If only teaching staff would do the same! All good stuff though. I do like the first part of  Thing 14 which succinctly describes what students need whether they are 6th formers, IB students or undergraduates.

Thing 13 Collaboration and sharing

And now something I've already dabbled with and a few solutions that could prove very useful! I already have a Drop Box account. Not particularly for collaboration, but because I work on documents on many different computers. As our school has been undergoing many changes over the summer, this has proved vital in getting access to My Documents, which aren't web-based, but local network based. It does take a bit of forethought as to what should be put into the drop box as the storage is limited, unless I want to pay for more. I've also added in the usernames etc of some of the new systems and services to remind me how to get back to them. Sharing documents with my colleagues is easy as well.  However, to keep my stuff private and share only truely collaborative documents with others I've now explored Google Docs. This will be a godsend in September when we have a new member of staff, so they will be able to access things over the internet, not just the local network. The big advantage over wikis is that Google is NOT BLOCKED by the school web-filter, whereas certain wiki sites that could potentially attract viruses are. I have used wikis in the past (pbwiki being particularly easy to use) to connect book club members together. However, I seemed to be the only one adding comments. I am a member of a local Librarians group that use a wiki. All tools like this have proved useful. Facebook groups seem more productive, as it's the place where most of our members already hang out in cyberspace. The wiki got forgotten very easily. Our school has also recently introduced Google Apps where documents can be edited and shared in real time. Awe inspiring when you first see it. I'm using it to create a library lessons timetable with our Junior School staff. They can sign up whenever they want without having to go through me. My student book groups are also contacted using google apps, where they can comment on anything posted as well, a bit like a blog. This has to be the way forward in our profession.

Thing 12: Social Networking Reflection

I discovered Social Networking on a personal level with Facebook when my children went to University, as a way of keeping up with what they were doing. Once our school was going through a merger I joined 'Linked In' as a way of job seeking and developing my CV. Since then I've joined the SLN a Yahoo group and Twitter for professional development. CPD23 didn't necessarily help me go further with these, but highlighted aspects such as user groups that have helped. I do believe the social networking can help sole Librarians with a sense of community and support in a very real way. Once sphere I have noted is that social netowrking has enabled a much faster response to events that affect the profession eg. petitions on library closures, the recent remarks about copyright etc. I have recently joined the Facebook Group on the 'Mass Lobby for School Libraries', having seen the success of the use of social networking in lobbying against Public Library Closures last year. I firmly believe that Social networking can be a very powerful tool for political change in our profession. In addition I have set up a Facebook Group for our staff book club to keep in touch and pass comment on what they're reading. SN help is instantly at hand point the direction to documents and statements that make a difference to understanding of problems and possible solutions. SN gives librarians a voice that they never had before. However, I believe that face to face contact is also essential for both community feeling and professional development and shouldn't be pushed to the sidelines in a wave to hop onto the next big thing. We need to have both. After all, we can all see the demise of MySpace. Who knows how long each of these services will last? Librarians are a great breed adapting to change, and these days it seems the only way to survive. So yes, SN leads to better & faster communication, leads to collaborative working, build an online community and gives easy access to other areas of our profession. In a few years time we'll wonder how we ever did without it!

Thing 11 Mentoring

Mentoring is a wonderful thing. I haven't done this in a formal way, but was on the receiving end whilst qualifying for my chartership way back in the 80's. As a school librarian I have found it one of the most important aspects of my work to share with other school librarians locally. This I consider a form of mentoring. In addition, I have two younger Library Assistants, one of whom is trying to qualify for associate membership of CILIP and one engaged in distance learning for her MSc. Whilst I can't be the official mentor for either as their line manager, I do have discussions about where the profession is going and try to come up with practical solutions to their study problems. In broader terms, by working in a school library I am constantly bombarded with problems from our students be it boyfriend issues, bullying etc. Of course there is a pastoral chain of command which I adhere to, but sometimes students just want a friendly ear who doesn't sit in judgement. Just goes to show you what a multi-facteted and skilled job a Librarian does. What I'd really like is a listening ear to my problems amongst senior management! A common problem I suspect. Thanks for the links CPD23. I will certainly investigate.

Thing 10 Qualifications

I have a Degree in History, Postgraduate Diploma in Library Studies and Chartered status achieved in 1986. Since then I have undertaken various training courses associated with work. The only new official qualification I have is one gained a couple of years ago: ECDL levels 1&2. I undertook this to have some offical ICT qualification on my cv, as this wasn't around when I qualified. Computers were only just being introduced into libraries in 1986! As I now work in a school, I do believe that a teaching qualification designed for librarians should be added to my protfolio. Also, as I go up the management ladder, some sort of management achievement in addition to Chartership might be useful too. Courses are available through CILIP  & SLA, but they are few and far between, and often expensive. I would challenge both organisations to try to do something with e-learning qualifications which would make following courses easier for distance learners with limited resources. I firmly believe in continuing CPD, hence the reason for doing this course. However, often information gained through 'modules' or day courses don't carry any kind of qualification, only a certificate. A personal PDP mentioned later in this course is a good way to identify gaps.
It's an interesting issue. Thanks CPD23 for raising it.

Reflection on CPD

On CPD 23 this week, reflecting on CPD. A very interesting insight. I too am an older CPD23er. Not having spent all time working life in libraries I have dabbled elsewhere. Upskilling seems to be essential in retaining employment in our economically challenged times. As a solo librarian in a school I feel there are huge barriers to increased status and salaries a) largely we are a female based workforce and b) school managers do not recognise our contribution to teaching and learning sufficiently to equate us on all levels with teachers. It appears the only way to move on is to seek employment in other careers. Again this makes upskilling and alternative CPD essential. I like the idea onsliding into unconscious incompetence, but there's no room for that in my working life when jobs are on the line.

Thing 9 Evernote

Evernote is a wonderful tool that I've been using for about a year. I have serious trouble remembering all the passwords to various tools, forums etc and this is where I store them. Is it secure? Well I suspect it would be more than the business is worth to lose a reputation based on information being hacked. I haven't managed to fill the free version's space limit. It's certainly one to recommend to students as a useful 'tracking' tool when they do their research. In comparison to Diigo I find it easier to use.

Thing 8 Google Calendar

I'm really impressed with Google Calendar and it's email alerts. When I get around to getting a Smart phone this will be even more valuable. I do like the fact that you can share the calendar, which will be invaluable if I set this up for my Library Assistant to share which will save a lot of crossed wires. Even better, it actually works in school without having firewall problems. A small comment is that the alerts only come in on the day you've added event in. Sometimes it's actually useful to have that information the day before, so a practical solution is to add alerts on the day before as well. Microsoft's Office version on Outlook is preferred tool in school, so maybe having two claendars will be too confusing. Watch this space to see who wins out!

Thing 7Real-life networks

Professional organisations. I have found belonging to CILIP & SLA vital to my professional development and for support in times of crisis. I  managed to go to the Lighting the Future conference run jointly by SLG, SLA & YLG where face to face networking is a huge part of the weekend as well as updating on all the latest technologies etc. Locally, I belong to the county School Librarians group which again provides support and CPD opportunites locally. As a librarian in an independent school, I and others are trying to get a group of us together in our local region. SLA were our first port of call for information on who we can conatct, but they haven't been very forthcoming. We may have to spread this by word of mouth/online using various groups. But then I've signed up for so many, that shouldn't be too hard! Cost has become an important factor in belonging to more professional organisations other than keeping up to date online. After all, librarians aren't paid that much!

Thing 6 Networking Online

I already have accounts with Facebook, Twitter and Linked In, but need to sort the latter profile to be more efficient. I have added the groups to my profile and continue to receive updates. I find links in Facebook and Twitter to be the best form of gleaning info on CILIP, although email alerts often get to me first. Many of the posts on various forums are irrelevant to me so thankfully, I have managed to speed up the scanning process . I've signed up for so many  groups or info feeds online that I have somehow to find the time to read everything?! This time around I have signed up to the LAT site. Interesting, if a little confusing on the web page navigation. Librarians as teachers is an area needing development in my personal development plan or PDP, but needs more resources not just comments. LISNPN looks good, but does it do anything more than our very own SLN on Yahoo groups?Had a quick scan of Pinterest. Looks great fun, but is it anything more than a visual version of Evernote? Great for visual learners in school though. So many groups! What we need is a one stop shop...CILIP can you help?

Thing 5 Reflection

This is my second time around with CPD23, so you could say that the whole course is a reflective practise for me. I wanted to see how far I'd come in a year, what tools I use on a regular basis, as well as getting updated on new things. I agree that reflective practise should be cyclical, analytical and should feed into further development. I often learn more from the difficulties than those things that go smoothly, so those who read this and think the Librarians have an easy life...better think again! One issue that crops up is the ever changing tools, so that a tool like Evernote works one day, but not the next. Very frustrating, but I think it's them not me! What I am bad at is recording, so having this blog helps me enormously.  One thing I have found difficult following last year's course (which was truely enlightening,) is using that knowledge to persuade senior management that these tools need to be integrated across the entire organisation. Maybe CPD23 could do a 'Thing' on how to influence managers??? As to the 'Things' so far this year, I have managed to integrate a lot of them into my daily life except for Storify which isn't available in school because of restrictions on Java script and browsers. I can get this from home, but that means there is limited access for our students too. Yes I even sound like I know all the geek speak too!

Thing 4 Storify

I've just been playing with Storify. What a fun and very easy tool to use. I can see a simple application in libraries. I have been trying to set up Resource pages specifically for projects and topics for 6th formers and IB students, just as Anne Robinson has done at Dixie Grammar. Storify would help certain subjects such as PHSE with some current awareness information/resources by collecting links all in one place. They may well go out of date quickly, but that's the nature of social networking. Fab tool!

Thing 4 Current Awareness

Some things have changed since I last looked at this. Twitter is proving to be a valuable tool for keeping up with what's going on in the Porofessional and I use it to follow fellow librarians rather than friends. However, certain professionals don't do the same and I often see their holidays snaps as well as the latest on Library issues! However it's my favourite method of keeping in touch. Note to self: 'must post more'! RSS is fabulous too, as I've managed to link RSS feeds into our intranet. Those that get directed into my web browser are a little lost because I have to remember to click on the right tab. That's as much my fault as browser inefficiency.
I failed to look at Push note last time around but was sad to see a farewell note online when I checked http://www.pushnote.com/farewell. Maybe something will replace it eventually. However, it does demonstrate the fickle nature of web 2.0 tools if they aren't popular enough. It seems that we need to stay with the big ones like Twitter, Facebook, Dropbox & Evernote which are my current favourites. One area not included in the CPD23 list is an online forum. I belong to the SLN forum which goes directly into my email inbox. I find this invaluable in connecting with the latest and very specific issues that are affecting school libraries in particular. It also helps those who are one man bands feel connected.

Thing 3

Have googled myself and found loads of other people with my name! How do I make sure that people who want to find me and me alone can do so? Mind you, some of the others have fabulous jobs such as 'Professor' or a 'Radio Presenter'. I'm thinking I ought to do some more tweeting. I tend to be a bit of a voyeur in the social networking field. Also, I have organised some local Librarians meetings to discuss e-books recently. They don't appear on the internet, so blogging may be the way forward? I'm still trying to persuade my emplyers a year after taking on the job, that I need an online presence. They are paranoid about their own brand, so I don't have permission yet, but I'm wearing them down!

Some of the extra reading listed in Thing3 is very interesting. More please CPD23!

Thing 2

Exploring blogs. My favourite one has to be Phil Bradley's:
http://www.philbradley.typepad.com/

So many good things for Librarians on his blog.

Also a plug for an author I know personally: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3006397.Mike_Shevdon/blog

There's so much out there in the cloud, it's hard to keep up!

CPD 23 2012

I've signed up to cpd23, an online professional development course in order to update some ICT skills with new applications. Our new school, Bedford Girls' School was officicially in September 2011 and our Grand Opening was on 4th May 2012. I would like to use my blog and other applications as a way of connecting to the student body in a space that they understand, available 24/7

Joining CPD23

Dear All

Joining CPD23 for a second time. I got a lot out of it last year, so hoping to re-visit and get more out of it this year!