Disqus - Latest Comments for vonburkhardt

Re: The Art of Problem Discovery (Invited Paper, ACRL 2013)

Andy Burkhardt — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 14:30:24 -0000

I used De Bono's six thinking hats a couple of times in the past several months and it is definitely nice to explore topics from different points of view. I also think it is really helpful that you address different ways of thinking. We're talking a lot at my institution about integrative thinking and making connections across disciplines. Often innovation happens at the nexus where different disciplines and ways of thinking overlap, but this paper helps in recognizing that that isn't the only place that it happens.

Re: Study Finds Eggs Are Really Good for You

Andy Burkhardt — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 15:58:03 -0000

What study was this? Names? Author? Link? Who is this "chief medical officer?"

Re: Innovating the Library Way

Andy Burkhardt — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:44:36 -0000

Imagination is clearly something that libraries are good at. Libraries are places where you can explore ideas and not be limited only by what's possible, or the bottom line, or making the numbers for next quarter. There definitely needs to be more of this in business. Some companies do it well (Apple, Disney, etc.) but a big reason why companies, industries, or institutions fail is from a lack of imagination. They can't picture themselves as doing anything else or being anything different. They don't take the time to explore, experiment, play and fail. That's where the real creativity and innovation happens. Maybe businesses need to take a page out of the books of libraries (not literally) and create safe spaces for people to bounce ideas off each other, create and fail together.

Re: Are We In The DIY Era? Helping patrons help themselves

Andy Burkhardt — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:16:56 -0000

I actually just noticed this the other day when I was looking at library websites. Hampshire college has a whole section dedicated to DIY: http://www.hampshire.edu/li...

Re: Why does my library use social media?

Andy Burkhardt — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 14:42:44 -0000

Brian, I really like the idea of not necessarily thinking about how can we get everyone to become a "fan" of us, but instead treating fans and followers as insiders and VIPs. The people who engage with the library on social media could really be vocal library ambassadors if we don't just push information at them. They clearly have some reason why they "liked" the library. Making them feel special on social media could definitely keep them coming back. I always want to return to places where I have great experiences and those are the places that are foremost in my mind. I think you are onto something for us to start thinking of social media users as a key niche market.

Re: Surviving ALA Annual 2011

Andy Burkhardt — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 11:31:15 -0000

Great post Aaron! It was great meeting you and hanging out at ALA.

Re: Holding Our Breath Till We Turn Blue

Andy Burkhardt — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 14:22:11 -0000

I like how you mentioned revolution Toby. It seems like this is in air lately: Tunisia, Egypt, Wisconsin. People are fed up with being mistreated. Whether it is poverty and no jobs, removal of bargaining rights, or libraries being put at the kids table on an issue like e-books.

I agree that boycotting may not be the right answer. But I do want people to get mad. To quote a great man, "this aggression will not stand." And I don't think we need to get hysterical in our madness, but it should fire in us some resolve. The future of e-books as well as the future of libraries is being decided right now. We have to use this time to make concerted efforts to have a seat at the table. I think this bill of rights is a great starting point. Now what?

Re: Information Sophistication

Andy Burkhardt — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 10:34:05 -0000

Our words can often have unintended effects. I try to choose my words carefully when working with the public. Among librarians, we can use terms like "interlibrary loan" or "journal holdings" but I try (sometimes I fail) to not use jargon like this around patrons. Some terms can confuse patrons or in the case of "information literacy" could possibly make them feel stupid. I try to explain things in clear positive language when I can.

Re: People Want to Feel Special

Andy Burkhardt — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 15:23:23 -0000

That seems like a pretty fun presentation. It's always fun trying to imagine what the future of the library will look like.

Re: People Want to Feel Special

Andy Burkhardt — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 20:46:55 -0000

Thanks for the comment Serdinç! I'm glad you found the post useful. I hope you're enjoying your studies. What sort of class was this for?

Re: New Ways to Discover Content

Andy Burkhardt — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 18:58:26 -0000

Micah, I think you're spot on about the increasing importance of curation. I really like your Postrank list that you've created. I'm probably going to go back to that and use it to find interesting content. Creating curated amalgams of content was something that we did with our RSS readers. But with readers it seems that they fill up and you feel like you need to read everything. With curated lists or sources of information, you can find what is popular or trending or getting people talking.

I created that "librarians" Twitter list, but it has 400+ people on it. But if I (or someone smarter than me) were to create a list of people who consistently share good content (Buffy Hamilton springs to mind) then I would love to follow it and use it for something like Flipboard. Content curation seems like it is due for a renaissance, and librarians are well positioned to be at the forefront.

Re: Library Thinker Series: If You Had The Time

Andy Burkhardt — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 10:22:58 -0000

How many sessions do you actually teach a semester. It seems like you do a lot more than most people I have talked to (even at ACRL Immersion). It seems like Immersion, if you could find the funds to go (scholarship?), would be perfect for you. You'd get to talk and interact with people just like you and then continue those conversations after the week is over. This year was East Coast, next year is Seattle. Maybe they're coming to Iowa next!

Re: Library Thinker Series: If You Had The Time

Andy Burkhardt — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 10:15:45 -0000

Copyright is an issue that we're dealing with at our college too. It would be great if someone here was a go-to person. I'm not sure if that is what I would want to focus on, but I wish our library was stronger in that area as well.

Re: Library Thinker Series: If You Had The Time

Andy Burkhardt — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 18:50:26 -0000

I like the idea of teaching a full class. You'd be able to see what it would be like to build a longer term class relationship and carry lessons on into other classes. It would also be a really good way to get to know some students and be more fully integrated as a faculty member.

Another one I just thought of today was being able to take a management seminar or classes. I thought that class was interesting in library school and I'd find it valuable to understand management more in depth. It would help me as a rank and file librarian understand the challenges of managers more, and it would be beneficial if I ever wanted to do something in more of a leadership role.

Re: Library Thinker Series: What Skills Must a Librarian Have?

Andy Burkhardt — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 14:27:04 -0000

Thinking critically is a good addition Becky, especially since that is what we ask our student to do in the classroom. Critical thinking is all about asking questions. Why did I choose this source? What is the author's credentials and motives? Et cetera.

Thinking creatively is tied to the idea of adapting to change. The same solutions and methods we've been using may not fit this new world we're in. To come up with new solutions we will have to be creative in how we approach problems. That is why I like having brainstorming sessions where you are not constrained by time or money or feasibility. You can free up your mind, think in a different way, and sometimes come up with the beginnings of great ideas.

Re: Library Thinker Series: What Skills Must a Librarian Have?

Andy Burkhardt — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 21:07:57 -0000

I'd agree Ginger. I don't think we can really help patrons unless we are working well together or at least with some level of respect. I think that same respect should extend not just among librarians, but with non-MLS staff as well. At my institution we're lucky to have a great level of collegiality among librarians, staff and faculty. And I would hope to try to continue that if I ever go to another institution.

Re: Library Thinker Series: What Skills Must a Librarian Have?

Andy Burkhardt — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 13:41:05 -0000

Marleah and Eric, I think you are both on a similar track. I love all those words: adaptable, flexible, learn, evolve. That willingness to change our perspectives and how we do things is necessary in our field. Technological and societal shifts are reshaping libraries (and almost everything else). We need to change as our users are changing to be able to serve them. If that doesn't happen then they'll outgrow us. But as long as we keep them and their current (and probably future) needs in mind, and not be afraid to adapt and evolve and take risks, we'll be fine.

Re: Library Thinker Series: What Skills Must a Librarian Have?

Andy Burkhardt — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 13:21:19 -0000

I forget that one sometimes. Either during reference or teaching, patience is often necessary. Let the patron explain their question to you, let them try out searches and ask them questions. Too often I think I forget to slow down and be patient during a reference encounter. I want to show something or explain something, but that isn't always what is best for the student or what they need.

Re: Giving thanks - Librarians who I have never met and yet learnt from

Andy Burkhardt — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 12:27:07 -0000

Aaron, thanks for including me on this list. I love reading your thoughtful posts and tweets and always learn a lot from you too.

Re: 7 Ways to Cross-Pollinate Yourself and Your Staff

Andy Burkhardt — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:17:06 -0000

Thanks for the info Becky! That might be useful for Aaron. Seeing another country as a librarian would be really fun.

Re: Library Thinker Series: How do we get non-users to become users?

Andy Burkhardt — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 08:00:01 -0000

Veronica, you make a great point. In some instances (like library instruction) we get the chance to reach every student. So what we do with this time is really important. I know when I am teaching first semester freshmen, the most important thing I want them to walk away with is that there are librarians and they are friendly and eager to help you succeed. If they don't remember specific library resources it's OK. In my opinion, we need to make these classes interactive and fun so students remember them and think well of libraries and librarians. I think you are right on though; instruction is a golden opportunity to turn non-users into users.

Re: Library Thinker Series: How do we get non-users to become users?

Andy Burkhardt — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:01:37 -0000

I like how you describe the library as warm, quiet and open at night. Not everyone needs that environment. But that sounds like a really inviting place (it kind of makes me want a fireplace in our library). It's a place that is not work and not home, but a different place where you can either undertake work or leisure. Sometimes simply changing your environment can change the way you feel and think. There's a student here who I talk to that goes to the library because he lives with five other guys and the library is the only place he could get work done.

I never thought about people who used to be users but no longer go to the library because of a bad experience, but I'm sure that is true. I think it's important for us to try to minimize those bad experiences so we don't drive people away. Whether it is changing policies or having people who are friendly and like helping others working at the library.

Re: Meebo Bar for Libraries

Andy Burkhardt — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 14:47:42 -0000

Thanks Slaven! That's really helpful. An optional toolbar could be a really cool feature for libguides. I can't wait to hear if you decide to develop it.

Re: Meebo Bar for Libraries

Andy Burkhardt — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 09:18:18 -0000

I read your blog post and it looks like a great experiment that you're trying out! I hope that it allows you to help a lot of students and teachers at your school. It can be a really easy way to allow people to reach you instantly. Let me know how it works for you.

Re: Meebo Bar for Libraries

Andy Burkhardt — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 15:23:48 -0000

Oooh, I think that's a great idea Aaron. A lib guide or subject guide would be a great place to use something like this. We are using wikis for ours. I may have to try experimenting with this there. Do Libguides allow that level of customization and control for adding a piece of javascript? I haven't actually tried playing with them.