December 17-18, 2007
Handed in Practicum Evaluation form to Hali Keeler with additional paperwork including copy of original ‘contract’ and printouts of this (B)Log up to this week.
12/17 (Practicum Hours: 11:30am-1pm)
Came in to find 2 full carts of books returned to reshelve. Despite having to go home sick, S, Robinson assisted in making this task take less than a half hour. Received Ballard Donation for ’07-’08 (8 boxes) to sort through for types/titles not on OPAC to sell at Summer Book Sale or add to collection. J. Montoya also helped me prepare 2 students for their Anthropology presentation utilizing DVD & VHS players. Got ILLs to return (sent back 12/18).
12/18 (PH: 8-9am)
Still waiting for some returns/overdue fees from patrons as of today. Logged in NYTimes while Shawn was out sick for a day. Updated voice message on Krieble main line to reflect winter break hours (or lack thereof). Deleted old emails from library’s email account. Note to self: Wrapping up chores at the end of the semester – try to remember to start ‘defragging’ computers and other general ‘housecleaning.’
Evaluation: This (B)Log may be renamed and will at least go on hiatus inre postings until sometime next semester but should be retained as a ‘networking tool.’
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
Week 15
December 10-13, 2007
This will be the last 4 day summary as next week will only comprise 2.5 hrs of Practicum time.
12/10 (Practicum Hours: 11:301m-1pm)
As a follow up to the previous week, received/collected overdue fees from students (all are due back a week from today, Monday 12/17)). Patron traffic in the last few hours of this shift was extremely sparse. Problem of file not printing from older PC diagnosed the following day by S. Robinson, who provided procedure for ‘defragging’ monitor then as well.
12/11 (PH: 11:30am-1pm)
Had received comments from (faculty? students?) on “noise levels” in library so will attend to keeping a better check on that at least during my shift. Finally got in touch w/ILL contact at Conn College (after playing ‘phone/e-tag’) inre, item ordered for student that was the right subject/wrong book. (This is not the first time this had happened w/an ILL from them – in the previous instance, the patron also found the material sent useful, if not exactly what was ordered.)
12/12 (PH: 11:30am-1pm)
Assisted students with minor computer queries while they were finishing up (albeit done at the last minute) papers for philosophy class, etc. Note to self: At the start of next semester, or rather, during ‘break’, I should familiarize myself even moreso with current class schedule and projects to investigate ways to aid students even further.
12/13 (PH: 11am-12:30pm)
Came in early, partially because of threat of inclement weather, also to prepare for interoffice Xmas party (rescheduled before my arrival it turned out). School was let out due to snowstorm, but thankfully managed to get 1.5 Practicum hours in. Note to self: following day (12/14) received call from Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library (Old Lyme’s public) that they had received a book that belonged to us and left message to have it sent back. (It was brought back Monday, 12/17).
Evaluation: With only 2.5 hours to go, read over previous posts to see how far I come since stating initial objectives in my contract written at signup for this Practicum. Keeping files, from ILL to acquisition orders, up to date has proven essential in keeping an amount of time available to handle unforeseen tasks. Assisting patrons “outside of the box” beyond general library tasks has proven not only enjoyable but necessary regarding the librarian’s function within Lyme Academy. Both Part-Time and Student Workers (Shawn Robinson and Jerry Montoya respectively) have proven invaluable not only in lending assistance with technical services in the job (which I need to keep learning/practicing more myself) but, more importantly, as emotional support. I am the only other full-time staffer there (besides Director Loree Bourgoin) but working as a team not only insures complete service in every facet for patrons, but my continual growth and strengthening in this employ after the completion of this Practicum.
This will be the last 4 day summary as next week will only comprise 2.5 hrs of Practicum time.
12/10 (Practicum Hours: 11:301m-1pm)
As a follow up to the previous week, received/collected overdue fees from students (all are due back a week from today, Monday 12/17)). Patron traffic in the last few hours of this shift was extremely sparse. Problem of file not printing from older PC diagnosed the following day by S. Robinson, who provided procedure for ‘defragging’ monitor then as well.
12/11 (PH: 11:30am-1pm)
Had received comments from (faculty? students?) on “noise levels” in library so will attend to keeping a better check on that at least during my shift. Finally got in touch w/ILL contact at Conn College (after playing ‘phone/e-tag’) inre, item ordered for student that was the right subject/wrong book. (This is not the first time this had happened w/an ILL from them – in the previous instance, the patron also found the material sent useful, if not exactly what was ordered.)
12/12 (PH: 11:30am-1pm)
Assisted students with minor computer queries while they were finishing up (albeit done at the last minute) papers for philosophy class, etc. Note to self: At the start of next semester, or rather, during ‘break’, I should familiarize myself even moreso with current class schedule and projects to investigate ways to aid students even further.
12/13 (PH: 11am-12:30pm)
Came in early, partially because of threat of inclement weather, also to prepare for interoffice Xmas party (rescheduled before my arrival it turned out). School was let out due to snowstorm, but thankfully managed to get 1.5 Practicum hours in. Note to self: following day (12/14) received call from Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library (Old Lyme’s public) that they had received a book that belonged to us and left message to have it sent back. (It was brought back Monday, 12/17).
Evaluation: With only 2.5 hours to go, read over previous posts to see how far I come since stating initial objectives in my contract written at signup for this Practicum. Keeping files, from ILL to acquisition orders, up to date has proven essential in keeping an amount of time available to handle unforeseen tasks. Assisting patrons “outside of the box” beyond general library tasks has proven not only enjoyable but necessary regarding the librarian’s function within Lyme Academy. Both Part-Time and Student Workers (Shawn Robinson and Jerry Montoya respectively) have proven invaluable not only in lending assistance with technical services in the job (which I need to keep learning/practicing more myself) but, more importantly, as emotional support. I am the only other full-time staffer there (besides Director Loree Bourgoin) but working as a team not only insures complete service in every facet for patrons, but my continual growth and strengthening in this employ after the completion of this Practicum.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Week 14
December 3-6, 8
Extra hours worked on Saturday (12/8) to help complete.
12/3 (Practicum Hours: 11:30am-1pm)
Coming in, had to get “back in to swing of things” after weekend, ie, schedule, acquisition orders, filing to be done, etc. For example: started going over procedure to physically process exhibition catalog (Rodin [pamphlet] brought in.)
12/4 (PH: 11:30am-1pm)
Ordered 6 titles from Baker & Taylor, comparing procedure with previous orders done under supervision and also Procedure Manual. Went into ‘Booksale’ in ‘Library Admin’ file to update. L. Bourgoin had to go home early (sick). Found entire Turner section out of order and reshelved.
12/5 (PH: 11:30am-1pm)
Added title to B&T order and found/practiced procedure for deleting/adding to cart as well as establishing contact w/B&T tech support (Connie). Student Worker J. Montoya and I helped patron set up laptop projector in VR Room to check out ‘slideshow’ presentation. Also assisted patrons with minor computer problems.
12/6 (PH: 11:30am-1pm)
Printed out overdue notices (due 12/17) to be mailed out next day. Got some to patrons as they came in.
12/8 (PH: 1-5pm)
Took over shift as Jerry had extra class held at Wadsworth in Hartford. Did followup on overdue notices, collecting more returns from patrons. Fairly busy for a Saturday afternoon from what I’ve been told – then again, it is the end of the semester. Note to self: Check on ILLs and contact patrons with loans still out to get back ASAP, Monday, 12/10 to ship back to lending libraries.
Evaluation: More needs to be done on my own w/out supervision, just using Procedure Manual and/or intuition for personal problem-solving at this point. Practicum should be wrapped up Tuesday 12/18, with possibly additional posts for final evaluation by Loree or Hali.
Extra hours worked on Saturday (12/8) to help complete.
12/3 (Practicum Hours: 11:30am-1pm)
Coming in, had to get “back in to swing of things” after weekend, ie, schedule, acquisition orders, filing to be done, etc. For example: started going over procedure to physically process exhibition catalog (Rodin [pamphlet] brought in.)
12/4 (PH: 11:30am-1pm)
Ordered 6 titles from Baker & Taylor, comparing procedure with previous orders done under supervision and also Procedure Manual. Went into ‘Booksale’ in ‘Library Admin’ file to update. L. Bourgoin had to go home early (sick). Found entire Turner section out of order and reshelved.
12/5 (PH: 11:30am-1pm)
Added title to B&T order and found/practiced procedure for deleting/adding to cart as well as establishing contact w/B&T tech support (Connie). Student Worker J. Montoya and I helped patron set up laptop projector in VR Room to check out ‘slideshow’ presentation. Also assisted patrons with minor computer problems.
12/6 (PH: 11:30am-1pm)
Printed out overdue notices (due 12/17) to be mailed out next day. Got some to patrons as they came in.
12/8 (PH: 1-5pm)
Took over shift as Jerry had extra class held at Wadsworth in Hartford. Did followup on overdue notices, collecting more returns from patrons. Fairly busy for a Saturday afternoon from what I’ve been told – then again, it is the end of the semester. Note to self: Check on ILLs and contact patrons with loans still out to get back ASAP, Monday, 12/10 to ship back to lending libraries.
Evaluation: More needs to be done on my own w/out supervision, just using Procedure Manual and/or intuition for personal problem-solving at this point. Practicum should be wrapped up Tuesday 12/18, with possibly additional posts for final evaluation by Loree or Hali.
Monday, December 3, 2007
November 26-29, 2007
Due to extra 2 hours worked this week (see below), Saturday shift on December 8th will be only 1 hour (unless inclement weather, etc. forces makeup for Practicum total.
Mon 11/26 (Practicum Hours: 11:30am-1pm, 4-5pm)
Assisted patrons more frequently inre reference questions as end of the semester projects (papers?) are due. Had computer shutting down/restarting because of surge protector (diagnosed correctly by S. Robinson, 11/27) and put in maintenance e-mail (Austin). Extra hour worked towards Practicum in afternoon as Student worker J. Montoya did not come/call in.
Tues 11/27 (PH: 11:30am-1pm, 4-5pm)
Minor supervision of Volunteer Karen Newton on slide scanning project. Austin came in and assisted w/pdf-making on VR Room pc – essentially, pdfs were not “showing up” once made or being directed to correct folder. Changed ink cartridge on copier.
Wed 11/28 (PH: 11:30am-1pm)
Helped patrons twice on rear room Mac changing “DvoraK” back into English (problem first encountered 11/13). Also assisted another w/printing jpg from PC in VR Room (had to save on desktop first, etc.) Showed students how to search on OPAC.
Thurs 11/29 (PH: 11:30am-1pm)
Assisted instructor Don Gale in VR Room. Also checked magazine (Art on Paper) status in Periodical Index for Printing Instructor Jim Reed. Helped patrons with minor printing issues.
Evaluation: Because I have to work extra hours for Practicum, working through Mon & Tues shifts was doable (due to lack of Student worker) but in future was told to just close the library for dinner break if needed. Parts of this week’s patron traffic was actually rather sparse despite having the end of the semester approaching – perhaps The Calm Before The Storm?
Due to extra 2 hours worked this week (see below), Saturday shift on December 8th will be only 1 hour (unless inclement weather, etc. forces makeup for Practicum total.
Mon 11/26 (Practicum Hours: 11:30am-1pm, 4-5pm)
Assisted patrons more frequently inre reference questions as end of the semester projects (papers?) are due. Had computer shutting down/restarting because of surge protector (diagnosed correctly by S. Robinson, 11/27) and put in maintenance e-mail (Austin). Extra hour worked towards Practicum in afternoon as Student worker J. Montoya did not come/call in.
Tues 11/27 (PH: 11:30am-1pm, 4-5pm)
Minor supervision of Volunteer Karen Newton on slide scanning project. Austin came in and assisted w/pdf-making on VR Room pc – essentially, pdfs were not “showing up” once made or being directed to correct folder. Changed ink cartridge on copier.
Wed 11/28 (PH: 11:30am-1pm)
Helped patrons twice on rear room Mac changing “DvoraK” back into English (problem first encountered 11/13). Also assisted another w/printing jpg from PC in VR Room (had to save on desktop first, etc.) Showed students how to search on OPAC.
Thurs 11/29 (PH: 11:30am-1pm)
Assisted instructor Don Gale in VR Room. Also checked magazine (Art on Paper) status in Periodical Index for Printing Instructor Jim Reed. Helped patrons with minor printing issues.
Evaluation: Because I have to work extra hours for Practicum, working through Mon & Tues shifts was doable (due to lack of Student worker) but in future was told to just close the library for dinner break if needed. Parts of this week’s patron traffic was actually rather sparse despite having the end of the semester approaching – perhaps The Calm Before The Storm?
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Week 12
November 19-20, 2007
Short week due to Thanksgiving break hence only 2 days had Practicum hours worked.
Mon 11/19 (Practicum Hours: 11:30am-1pm)
Encountered problem w/pc in VR Room -- Adobe Reader not enabling Word file to turn into a pdf (contacted Cashman to attend to this). Went over overdue fines with some patrons (due to lateness have been instructed by L. Bourgoin to refer expensive cases to her first before as of 11/20).
Tues 11/20 (PH: 11:30am-1pm)
Helped patron decide on anatomical drawings to use as reference for class. Prepared ILL to loan out to borrowing library (shipped out 11/21). Made list of FYA ILLs for possible collection development. Supervised Student Worker J. Montoya's checking of titles available for that as well on Baker & Taylor.
Evaluation: Will have to send out overdue notices on a more regular basis to prevent long overdues despite it being patron's responsibility. On a plus side this week -- have gotten positive feedback from students and faculty inre my approach to helping them/find research materials.
Short week due to Thanksgiving break hence only 2 days had Practicum hours worked.
Mon 11/19 (Practicum Hours: 11:30am-1pm)
Encountered problem w/pc in VR Room -- Adobe Reader not enabling Word file to turn into a pdf (contacted Cashman to attend to this). Went over overdue fines with some patrons (due to lateness have been instructed by L. Bourgoin to refer expensive cases to her first before as of 11/20).
Tues 11/20 (PH: 11:30am-1pm)
Helped patron decide on anatomical drawings to use as reference for class. Prepared ILL to loan out to borrowing library (shipped out 11/21). Made list of FYA ILLs for possible collection development. Supervised Student Worker J. Montoya's checking of titles available for that as well on Baker & Taylor.
Evaluation: Will have to send out overdue notices on a more regular basis to prevent long overdues despite it being patron's responsibility. On a plus side this week -- have gotten positive feedback from students and faculty inre my approach to helping them/find research materials.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Week 11
November 12-15, 2007
Practicum hours are now estimated to be completed as of Wednesday, December 19th, with a Saturday shift of 1-4pm to be worked on Dec 8th. ILL processing will be added to general circulation duties not written up in this (B)Log unless special circumstances are to be noted.
Mon 11/12 (Practicum Hours: 11:30am-1pm)
Put in requisition order for copier paper (ordered CD-R disks following day). Saved copy of library materials suggestion form to reformat as pdf for web.
Tues 11/6 (PH: 11:30am-1pm)
Updated/verified list of books not on shelves in circulation, then did same with overdue list. An ILL borrowed from Krieble came back extremely late, due to library rate sent among other factors. Made a point to pay more attention to hourly use of computer stations/reading/vr rooms on form at circulation desk. Had patron encounter difficulty with 'language change' on Mac monitor (perhaps because of key command hit inadvertently).
Wed 11/7 (PH: 11:30am-1pm)
Continued processing overdue notices. Alerted Cashman Computer Support that my acct needed to be hooked up to Circulation under Follet (should try to check on progress, Tuesday 11/20, when Tech Support is in). Brushed up on setting up i.d./printing for one staff member. Went over 'Social Bookmarking' information forwarded by L. Bourgoin. Did some physical processing of serials to free up S. Robinson for any of his regular work on return from vacation Thursday.
Thurs 11/8 (PH: 9:30-11am)
Finished processing overdue notices and sent out in the mail (happily needing minimum assistance in process from Karen Lockwood in the front office) Shawn successfully diagnosed a color printing problem on one Mac as being a need to refill one color. Put list of donated books (see (B)Log, 11/50 in system and forwarded to Loree. was given assignment to compile list of FYA ILLs with assistance of student worker, J. Montoya.
Evaluation: Still am working on learning/handling time management of duties performed. Should try yo continue to 'pick up slack' whenever possible even if another's duties, as all library staff will be affected positively if done so.
Practicum hours are now estimated to be completed as of Wednesday, December 19th, with a Saturday shift of 1-4pm to be worked on Dec 8th. ILL processing will be added to general circulation duties not written up in this (B)Log unless special circumstances are to be noted.
Mon 11/12 (Practicum Hours: 11:30am-1pm)
Put in requisition order for copier paper (ordered CD-R disks following day). Saved copy of library materials suggestion form to reformat as pdf for web.
Tues 11/6 (PH: 11:30am-1pm)
Updated/verified list of books not on shelves in circulation, then did same with overdue list. An ILL borrowed from Krieble came back extremely late, due to library rate sent among other factors. Made a point to pay more attention to hourly use of computer stations/reading/vr rooms on form at circulation desk. Had patron encounter difficulty with 'language change' on Mac monitor (perhaps because of key command hit inadvertently).
Wed 11/7 (PH: 11:30am-1pm)
Continued processing overdue notices. Alerted Cashman Computer Support that my acct needed to be hooked up to Circulation under Follet (should try to check on progress, Tuesday 11/20, when Tech Support is in). Brushed up on setting up i.d./printing for one staff member. Went over 'Social Bookmarking' information forwarded by L. Bourgoin. Did some physical processing of serials to free up S. Robinson for any of his regular work on return from vacation Thursday.
Thurs 11/8 (PH: 9:30-11am)
Finished processing overdue notices and sent out in the mail (happily needing minimum assistance in process from Karen Lockwood in the front office) Shawn successfully diagnosed a color printing problem on one Mac as being a need to refill one color. Put list of donated books (see (B)Log, 11/50 in system and forwarded to Loree. was given assignment to compile list of FYA ILLs with assistance of student worker, J. Montoya.
Evaluation: Still am working on learning/handling time management of duties performed. Should try yo continue to 'pick up slack' whenever possible even if another's duties, as all library staff will be affected positively if done so.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Week 10
November 5-8, 2007
The format of the (B)Log changes slightly to note the days Practicum hours are worked in addition to a regular full-time schedule at Krieble Library at Lyme Academy -- roughly, 1.5 hours extra Monday through Thursday. No extra hours will be worked on Fridays, but a regular shift is worked that day as well, allowing ‘follow-up’/completion of projects started earlier in the week. Additional Saturday hours will probably be added in December to round off the 90 hours needed to complete the Practicum. ‘General’ circulation duties such as checking out/checking in books for/from patrons and reshelving/shelf-reading will henceforth be taken for granted, with mention made of new duties learned/special tasks performed.
Mon 11/5 (Practicum Hours: 9:30-11am)
Typed list of books donated to be logged in system. Shown where in main office to post ILLs for return (processed 12 ILLs today). Put mylar cover on small trade pbk under instruction of S. Robinson.
Tues 11/6 (PH: 9:30-11am)
Processed 5 ILLs while returning others brought back. Supervised Volunteer Karen Newton on scanning slides for alumni project.
Wed 11/7 (PH: 11:30am-1pm)
Redid signage for library in Microsoft Word. Contacted patron inre. OTF (‘On The Fly’) request. Replied to Iconn Office Supplies with meter reading/i.d. number of canon copier. S. Robinson and I advised Joyce (publicity dept. for Lyme?) on software, etc. needed to edit pdf file. Helped Instructor Don Gale look up scanner online (L. Bourgoin followed up on order next day). Took sick call from Student Worker J. Montoya and therefore had to borrow Shawn’s keys (as well as get directions) for closing library.
Thurs 11/8 (PH: 9:30-11am)
Helped Don Gale identify 2 Italian anatomy books (ordered next day). 3 ILLS processed for patrons. Finally got acct (online at Lyme), but did work on ‘staff’ acct before that to facilitate work flow.
Evaluation: the first full week working at Krieble presented new tasks to handle, sometimes arriving unexpectedly and needing quick resolution. That said, workdays seem to go by fairly quickly and w/out any feelings of being ‘overwhelmed’ (I will need to try to take afternoon breaks regularly 11:30-9:30 pm days though). There are still procedures to be practiced, ex. steps in the acquisition of books ordered on Friday. On the whole though, it is satisfying to see some procedures/projects from start to finish and even moreso to help patrons, faculty and students, in an ongoing process in proving my worth to them and more importantly to myself.
The format of the (B)Log changes slightly to note the days Practicum hours are worked in addition to a regular full-time schedule at Krieble Library at Lyme Academy -- roughly, 1.5 hours extra Monday through Thursday. No extra hours will be worked on Fridays, but a regular shift is worked that day as well, allowing ‘follow-up’/completion of projects started earlier in the week. Additional Saturday hours will probably be added in December to round off the 90 hours needed to complete the Practicum. ‘General’ circulation duties such as checking out/checking in books for/from patrons and reshelving/shelf-reading will henceforth be taken for granted, with mention made of new duties learned/special tasks performed.
Mon 11/5 (Practicum Hours: 9:30-11am)
Typed list of books donated to be logged in system. Shown where in main office to post ILLs for return (processed 12 ILLs today). Put mylar cover on small trade pbk under instruction of S. Robinson.
Tues 11/6 (PH: 9:30-11am)
Processed 5 ILLs while returning others brought back. Supervised Volunteer Karen Newton on scanning slides for alumni project.
Wed 11/7 (PH: 11:30am-1pm)
Redid signage for library in Microsoft Word. Contacted patron inre. OTF (‘On The Fly’) request. Replied to Iconn Office Supplies with meter reading/i.d. number of canon copier. S. Robinson and I advised Joyce (publicity dept. for Lyme?) on software, etc. needed to edit pdf file. Helped Instructor Don Gale look up scanner online (L. Bourgoin followed up on order next day). Took sick call from Student Worker J. Montoya and therefore had to borrow Shawn’s keys (as well as get directions) for closing library.
Thurs 11/8 (PH: 9:30-11am)
Helped Don Gale identify 2 Italian anatomy books (ordered next day). 3 ILLS processed for patrons. Finally got acct (online at Lyme), but did work on ‘staff’ acct before that to facilitate work flow.
Evaluation: the first full week working at Krieble presented new tasks to handle, sometimes arriving unexpectedly and needing quick resolution. That said, workdays seem to go by fairly quickly and w/out any feelings of being ‘overwhelmed’ (I will need to try to take afternoon breaks regularly 11:30-9:30 pm days though). There are still procedures to be practiced, ex. steps in the acquisition of books ordered on Friday. On the whole though, it is satisfying to see some procedures/projects from start to finish and even moreso to help patrons, faculty and students, in an ongoing process in proving my worth to them and more importantly to myself.
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