Tu 10/30, 5:00-8:30
Duties: Asked Loree inre: ordering office supplies and found it is done “as needed”. That said, it still might be a good idea to maintain a checklist of items in short supply to make sure we can capitalize of funding when available. She instructed me to check for incoming requests from external libraries online (in “ILL Lending” file) daily despite orders from other libraries being low. I also familiarized myself with a project assignment for English Comp class that will be in the library next week (11/6) in order to assist students. Went over ILLS that were late/due (one was found to be mislabeled by me), and therefore needing renewal — waiting to hear on three requests as of 10/31. Called one patron to alert her of ILL article fax available as of last week, who then had a friend pick it up. Made note of computer shortcuts to set up on workstation’s monitor once working full-time (11/5). Minor check-in of books on tables.
Evaluation: Must pay more attention/take time – not only on ILLS, but everything to eliminate mistakes.
Note to self: Go over MLA format, online references, etc. to help answer any queries from class more effectively next week.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Week 8
Tu 10/23, 5:00-8:30
Duties: Minor general circulation chores enabled me to attend to other projects. Had to redo/tighten mylar covers for books processed previous session as they were too loose/not ‘up to snuff.’ Started ILL process for magazine article request and got as far this session as identifying ISSN through iConn/ReQuest. Made time (outside of shift) to start investigating online resources/databases [finally] and make notes, to whit --
1) ARTstor Digital Library: More user-friendly than most other sites.
2) Art FULLText/Retro: Have gone previously into Thomson/Gale while doing ILL searches. iConn/ReQuest has worked better for me personally.
3) Pathway to Internet (on Krieble page [KP]): A good general intro for students & instructors.
4) Pathways to Other Libraries (KP): Have used ReQuest and Consuls before, in the case of the latter, frequently.
5) Reference Titles & Online Books (KP):
a. Information Please and
b. Occupational Outlook Handbook – were examined in TRCC Online Reference class.
c. Artists Rights Society and
d. Historical Anatomies on The Web – were looked at being esp. ‘art specific’, the latter looking extremely valuable.
e. How to Prepare an Annotated Bibliography – esp. helpful in class being taught by L. Bourgoin 10/30 and
f. Writing an Annotated Bibliography –good for a more indepth approach of criteria to use while setting one up.
Evaluation: More time might have to be taken in the future to ensure doing assignments correctly (ex. physical processing) the first time as well as time made to check up on additional material to do job better in general (ex. database research).
Wed 10/24, 5:00-7:00
Duties: Instructed in ‘remote’ scanning of circulation materials [books] left on tables by S. Robinson. Finished processing ILL for magazine article – faxed 14 page copy sent back from ECSU in less than an hour! Asked Shawn to notify requesting patron next day that it was ready for pickup. In printing the copy, fax machine ran out of ink, so had to replace cartridge. Also prepared 2 ILLs for return next day (10/25) but also asked Shawn to alert another patron of 2 other books borrowed from the same source (Conn College) to be returned (at the least renewed) in the same ‘batch.’
Evaluation: Because Eastern did their job, they not only look good, but made ME look good. *Note to Self: Send a ‘thank you’ to ECSU.* Maintaining the fax machine is simple enough, but not having done so before made me feel self-sufficient in doing so. A good bit of the first hour in this session was spent going over assignments, etc. w/L.Bourgoin who I had not physically seen for several weeks besides keeping in touch via e-mail.
Note to Self: Ask Loree where other cartridges for fax machine. etc are and schedule/get instruction on ordering supplies in general. Also inquire where (online? file?) to check for incoming requests from external libraries are and add to the “to do” list.
Duties: Minor general circulation chores enabled me to attend to other projects. Had to redo/tighten mylar covers for books processed previous session as they were too loose/not ‘up to snuff.’ Started ILL process for magazine article request and got as far this session as identifying ISSN through iConn/ReQuest. Made time (outside of shift) to start investigating online resources/databases [finally] and make notes, to whit --
1) ARTstor Digital Library: More user-friendly than most other sites.
2) Art FULLText/Retro: Have gone previously into Thomson/Gale while doing ILL searches. iConn/ReQuest has worked better for me personally.
3) Pathway to Internet (on Krieble page [KP]): A good general intro for students & instructors.
4) Pathways to Other Libraries (KP): Have used ReQuest and Consuls before, in the case of the latter, frequently.
5) Reference Titles & Online Books (KP):
a. Information Please and
b. Occupational Outlook Handbook – were examined in TRCC Online Reference class.
c. Artists Rights Society and
d. Historical Anatomies on The Web – were looked at being esp. ‘art specific’, the latter looking extremely valuable.
e. How to Prepare an Annotated Bibliography – esp. helpful in class being taught by L. Bourgoin 10/30 and
f. Writing an Annotated Bibliography –good for a more indepth approach of criteria to use while setting one up.
Evaluation: More time might have to be taken in the future to ensure doing assignments correctly (ex. physical processing) the first time as well as time made to check up on additional material to do job better in general (ex. database research).
Wed 10/24, 5:00-7:00
Duties: Instructed in ‘remote’ scanning of circulation materials [books] left on tables by S. Robinson. Finished processing ILL for magazine article – faxed 14 page copy sent back from ECSU in less than an hour! Asked Shawn to notify requesting patron next day that it was ready for pickup. In printing the copy, fax machine ran out of ink, so had to replace cartridge. Also prepared 2 ILLs for return next day (10/25) but also asked Shawn to alert another patron of 2 other books borrowed from the same source (Conn College) to be returned (at the least renewed) in the same ‘batch.’
Evaluation: Because Eastern did their job, they not only look good, but made ME look good. *Note to Self: Send a ‘thank you’ to ECSU.* Maintaining the fax machine is simple enough, but not having done so before made me feel self-sufficient in doing so. A good bit of the first hour in this session was spent going over assignments, etc. w/L.Bourgoin who I had not physically seen for several weeks besides keeping in touch via e-mail.
Note to Self: Ask Loree where other cartridges for fax machine. etc are and schedule/get instruction on ordering supplies in general. Also inquire where (online? file?) to check for incoming requests from external libraries are and add to the “to do” list.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Practicum Midterm Self-Evaluation
This accompanies the form to be put in L. Bourgoin’s mailbox (Tues, 10/23) to assist in Midterm Evaluation due 10/30.
Start (7 weeks ago): Basic circulation duties were successfully assimilated into routine roughly by the first 3 weeks of Practicum.
Currently: Helping patrons and handling problems projects as they present themselves. Have a pretty good ‘grip’ on ILL process from start to finish. Did some tasks pertaining to ‘sub-system operations’ and should do more in ensuing weeks, in particular setting up ‘routine’ for checking patrons’ files, etc. Have started to supervise volunteer help. While working well with part-time help (J. Montoya, S. Robinson), also have worked w/out supervision physically present in past several weeks, adjusting to new tasks as they are given to me.
Learning Objectives: Continual improvement of time management skills will aid in the “identifying terminology” part of my Practicum Contract. Still have to make time for going over various online reference sources, which, with more hours, should be easier to do (an ex. being ‘pesky’ National Geographic source to find for reference).
My/LTA’s role in library: Will need further defining as tasks/projects are assigned. That said, I feel to be already providing solid support to L. Bourgoin, maintaining the library responsibly when on my own.
Start (7 weeks ago): Basic circulation duties were successfully assimilated into routine roughly by the first 3 weeks of Practicum.
Currently: Helping patrons and handling problems projects as they present themselves. Have a pretty good ‘grip’ on ILL process from start to finish. Did some tasks pertaining to ‘sub-system operations’ and should do more in ensuing weeks, in particular setting up ‘routine’ for checking patrons’ files, etc. Have started to supervise volunteer help. While working well with part-time help (J. Montoya, S. Robinson), also have worked w/out supervision physically present in past several weeks, adjusting to new tasks as they are given to me.
Learning Objectives: Continual improvement of time management skills will aid in the “identifying terminology” part of my Practicum Contract. Still have to make time for going over various online reference sources, which, with more hours, should be easier to do (an ex. being ‘pesky’ National Geographic source to find for reference).
My/LTA’s role in library: Will need further defining as tasks/projects are assigned. That said, I feel to be already providing solid support to L. Bourgoin, maintaining the library responsibly when on my own.
Week 7
Tu 10/16, 5:00-8:30
Duties: Successfully physically processed 5 books (still left 2 trade paperbacks to cover with mylar at end of this week). Supervised volunteer for ½ hour on alumni slide scan project, showing cropping/rotation tools and instructing on how to archive them faster. Checked in materials left on tables.
Evaluation: As volunteer came in at 7, I was able to attend to processing books, etc. until then. This enabled me to reacquaint myself with scanner/project which I had not worked on in awhile. K. Newton said she would be coming in afternoons, hence I would probably not see/supervise her again until regular/November schedule sets in (Karen only actually worked tonight until 7:30, however).
Wed 10/17, 5:00-7:00
Duties: Processed two ILLS – one incoming, one ‘outgoing’ (rounding out my experience doing an ILL from start to finish). Asked S. Robinson to alert patron of the one ready for pickup the following day (10/18). Received audiovisual material back – which had not been correctly signed out beforehand. Assisted patron in making color copy of material with guidance of Shawn.
Evaluation: I look forward to working more hours in order to complete projects from start to finish, alert patrons of ILLs, etc. In the future, make sure I find out from student returning AV material which instructor borrowed it and have them sign out correctly next time. Inre. the patron we helped make a color copy … She had interesting questions/subject to research and so was a pleasure to help but … as I mentioned to Shawn, I have to not allow my time to be ‘monopolized’ as much. She also mentioned that she had applied for the Krieble LTA position (recently filled) and hadn’t heard anything regarding an interview and came in to see “what’s up.” Feeling a bit ‘put on the spot’ I did say *I* had been hired, but she seemed to take it graciously and left saying she would be back to do further research as her experience was a good one.
Duties: Successfully physically processed 5 books (still left 2 trade paperbacks to cover with mylar at end of this week). Supervised volunteer for ½ hour on alumni slide scan project, showing cropping/rotation tools and instructing on how to archive them faster. Checked in materials left on tables.
Evaluation: As volunteer came in at 7, I was able to attend to processing books, etc. until then. This enabled me to reacquaint myself with scanner/project which I had not worked on in awhile. K. Newton said she would be coming in afternoons, hence I would probably not see/supervise her again until regular/November schedule sets in (Karen only actually worked tonight until 7:30, however).
Wed 10/17, 5:00-7:00
Duties: Processed two ILLS – one incoming, one ‘outgoing’ (rounding out my experience doing an ILL from start to finish). Asked S. Robinson to alert patron of the one ready for pickup the following day (10/18). Received audiovisual material back – which had not been correctly signed out beforehand. Assisted patron in making color copy of material with guidance of Shawn.
Evaluation: I look forward to working more hours in order to complete projects from start to finish, alert patrons of ILLs, etc. In the future, make sure I find out from student returning AV material which instructor borrowed it and have them sign out correctly next time. Inre. the patron we helped make a color copy … She had interesting questions/subject to research and so was a pleasure to help but … as I mentioned to Shawn, I have to not allow my time to be ‘monopolized’ as much. She also mentioned that she had applied for the Krieble LTA position (recently filled) and hadn’t heard anything regarding an interview and came in to see “what’s up.” Feeling a bit ‘put on the spot’ I did say *I* had been hired, but she seemed to take it graciously and left saying she would be back to do further research as her experience was a good one.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Week 6
Tu 10/9, 5:00-8:30
Duties: Minor reshelving of checked-in books both nights this week. Created online copy records for two books in acquisitions (procedure written down in notes, but will check Procedure Manual to find actual steps.). These two and four others ordered received from Amazon.com. Photocopier ‘rattling’ proved unsolvable by J. Montoya or myself. Left Postit for S. Robinson to try to fix and/or call for maintenance repair.
Evaluation: Sent out one ILL for patron – procedure ‘many-stepped’, but seemed to go easier after having done before. Advice from Ms. S. Johnson on copying files THEN changing appropriate information (in ‘fields’ or otherwise) came in handy while processing this.
Note to self: L. Bourgoin has said I will be supervising volunteer Karen Newton on faculty slide scan project(?etc.) a week from today. Also – appended to next week’s Practicum (B)Log will be a self-evaluation of progress made up to this point, acc. to Practicum goals to be used in her midterm critique of my performance.
Wed 10/10, 5:00-7:00
Duties: Two ILLS came in for patron and were processed to ready them for pickup. Shown how to do physical processing of books (acquired previous night) by Shawn.
Evaluation: While processing hardcovers with dustjackets seems fairly easy, applying sticky mylar to trade paperbacks will need practice. Did not finish one example of that due to time constraints.
Duties: Minor reshelving of checked-in books both nights this week. Created online copy records for two books in acquisitions (procedure written down in notes, but will check Procedure Manual to find actual steps.). These two and four others ordered received from Amazon.com. Photocopier ‘rattling’ proved unsolvable by J. Montoya or myself. Left Postit for S. Robinson to try to fix and/or call for maintenance repair.
Evaluation: Sent out one ILL for patron – procedure ‘many-stepped’, but seemed to go easier after having done before. Advice from Ms. S. Johnson on copying files THEN changing appropriate information (in ‘fields’ or otherwise) came in handy while processing this.
Note to self: L. Bourgoin has said I will be supervising volunteer Karen Newton on faculty slide scan project(?etc.) a week from today. Also – appended to next week’s Practicum (B)Log will be a self-evaluation of progress made up to this point, acc. to Practicum goals to be used in her midterm critique of my performance.
Wed 10/10, 5:00-7:00
Duties: Two ILLS came in for patron and were processed to ready them for pickup. Shown how to do physical processing of books (acquired previous night) by Shawn.
Evaluation: While processing hardcovers with dustjackets seems fairly easy, applying sticky mylar to trade paperbacks will need practice. Did not finish one example of that due to time constraints.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Week 5
Tu 10/2, 5:00-8:30
Duties: Circulation Subsystem tasks involved adding notes on students that need to complete Library Seminar Requirement. (According to L. Bourgoin, this is a greater number than supposed, as there are no penalties for late completion.) A couple ‘problem’ patrons needed updating, but most were already designated if they had to finish the assignment. Verified titles considered as acquisitions – ex. Andy Warhol DVD seems apparently the same as VHS (#55) on shelf in Video Resource Room. Other acquisition tasks entailed checking on the status of titles ordered. Light shelving and patron use tonight. Finished ILL logins – received 7 out of 9 titles ordered and did processing up to “Step 5” in procedure – need to find ILL ‘straps’, etc. to complete physical processing.
Evaluation: Worked an hour alone as sole staff and despite duties listed above encountered no difficulties.
Wed 10/3, 5:30-7:00
Duties: In short time allotted tonight, completed ILLs. Got materials to one student, while the other came in following day.
Evaluation: Many steps are needed to complete ILLs but these are necessary in dealing with ‘security’ of another institution’s materials. This procedure is (increasingly) a part of everyday library work. That said, it is greatly satisfying to me to be able to aid patrons in completing research beyond usual circulation duties.
Note to self: See L. Bourgoin inre. tasks slated for next week’s sessions (10/9-10).
Duties: Circulation Subsystem tasks involved adding notes on students that need to complete Library Seminar Requirement. (According to L. Bourgoin, this is a greater number than supposed, as there are no penalties for late completion.) A couple ‘problem’ patrons needed updating, but most were already designated if they had to finish the assignment. Verified titles considered as acquisitions – ex. Andy Warhol DVD seems apparently the same as VHS (#55) on shelf in Video Resource Room. Other acquisition tasks entailed checking on the status of titles ordered. Light shelving and patron use tonight. Finished ILL logins – received 7 out of 9 titles ordered and did processing up to “Step 5” in procedure – need to find ILL ‘straps’, etc. to complete physical processing.
Evaluation: Worked an hour alone as sole staff and despite duties listed above encountered no difficulties.
Wed 10/3, 5:30-7:00
Duties: In short time allotted tonight, completed ILLs. Got materials to one student, while the other came in following day.
Evaluation: Many steps are needed to complete ILLs but these are necessary in dealing with ‘security’ of another institution’s materials. This procedure is (increasingly) a part of everyday library work. That said, it is greatly satisfying to me to be able to aid patrons in completing research beyond usual circulation duties.
Note to self: See L. Bourgoin inre. tasks slated for next week’s sessions (10/9-10).
Monday, October 1, 2007
Week 4
Tu 9/25, 5:00-8:30
Duties: Did less (basic) circulation duties this week (it seemed). Processed nine interlibrary loans (still have to log in, though). Met volunteer who is working on archiving faculty work electronically (as I had done for the past year or so) and asked some questions – may advise/supervise her if needed. Worked a half hour (6-6:30) without supervision, allowing the library to keep open (will do this in the following weeks until full staffing is re-established). J. Montoya found ‘glitch’ in Microsoft on computer (thankfully) only on one particular terminal. Helped Jerry pick up books from tables and make sure they were sensitized etc. for reshelving.
Evaluation: Despite additional ½ hour use towards Practicum and lack of patron ‘traffic’, still needed more time to ‘complete’ ILLs. Jerry’s diagnosis of this computer problem points to the absolute need for staff to not only work together, but to “know what the other hand is doing”, in order to save staff and patrons time.
Note to self: Make sure L. Bourgoin knows of these computer ‘findings’ if she is not told previous to my session on Wednesday [Loree was – jps 9/30].
Wed 9/26, 5:00-7:00
Duties: Looked for online sources for National Geographic (1955-present) which may be weeded out due to space limitations and found complete cd set of every issue of NG – unfortunately, not in upgraded format. S. Robinson instructed me in logging in serials electronically after physically processing them.
Evaluation: Much shorter time worked on this shift made time that much more valuable. Shawn is fairly ‘no-nonsense’ so this helps a lot. Current scheduled instruction seems to fill Practicum hours (and then some) – which is a good thing. Must research sources for Geographic(s) though further – am not satisfied with quick search result.
Note to self: *Log in 9 ILLs from 9/25 ASAP next session (10/2).* Check library seminar packet before then if possible, as some students may still be coming in to finish that project (late, as due date was Tuesday, 9/25). This might get me used to working w/patrons on assignments “due last Tues” at the end of the semester. Also go over session record of L. Bourgoin dealing with InfoAnytime.
Duties: Did less (basic) circulation duties this week (it seemed). Processed nine interlibrary loans (still have to log in, though). Met volunteer who is working on archiving faculty work electronically (as I had done for the past year or so) and asked some questions – may advise/supervise her if needed. Worked a half hour (6-6:30) without supervision, allowing the library to keep open (will do this in the following weeks until full staffing is re-established). J. Montoya found ‘glitch’ in Microsoft on computer (thankfully) only on one particular terminal. Helped Jerry pick up books from tables and make sure they were sensitized etc. for reshelving.
Evaluation: Despite additional ½ hour use towards Practicum and lack of patron ‘traffic’, still needed more time to ‘complete’ ILLs. Jerry’s diagnosis of this computer problem points to the absolute need for staff to not only work together, but to “know what the other hand is doing”, in order to save staff and patrons time.
Note to self: Make sure L. Bourgoin knows of these computer ‘findings’ if she is not told previous to my session on Wednesday [Loree was – jps 9/30].
Wed 9/26, 5:00-7:00
Duties: Looked for online sources for National Geographic (1955-present) which may be weeded out due to space limitations and found complete cd set of every issue of NG – unfortunately, not in upgraded format. S. Robinson instructed me in logging in serials electronically after physically processing them.
Evaluation: Much shorter time worked on this shift made time that much more valuable. Shawn is fairly ‘no-nonsense’ so this helps a lot. Current scheduled instruction seems to fill Practicum hours (and then some) – which is a good thing. Must research sources for Geographic(s) though further – am not satisfied with quick search result.
Note to self: *Log in 9 ILLs from 9/25 ASAP next session (10/2).* Check library seminar packet before then if possible, as some students may still be coming in to finish that project (late, as due date was Tuesday, 9/25). This might get me used to working w/patrons on assignments “due last Tues” at the end of the semester. Also go over session record of L. Bourgoin dealing with InfoAnytime.
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