Blog Reflection #4

I must say if I was managing a library, I would definitely purchase more electronic resources. Since we are in such an electronic age, I feel that the convenience of resources like this would be more useful to patrons. I feel like libraries are becoming less and less popular, especially since so much information can be found on the internet. Most people (like myself) have very little time to go to libraries to begin with, so any type of easy access to info that a library would have is definitely helpful. So, I would definitely purchase materials that  people could purchase from their home computers, in comparison to more hard copy materials. I strongly believe that print resources are becoming obsolete due to electronic resources.

Our world is all about convenience and flexibility, especially since most people have jobs and families. Personally, I would much rather look something up real quick on an electronic resource, than have to search through different books. I am sure there are more than a few people who would agree with me on this. I am the biggest electronic buff, and I rely on the internets resources, as well as any other electronic resource I can get my hands on. I am the biggest fan of the kindle, and do not know what I would do without mine. Paperbacks and hardcover books are completely obsolete to me since I got one, and I know many people that would agree.

I have an idea that things will only get more computerized and electronic in the coming future, and the old way of doing things will be out the window pretty soon. I am sure libraries will still be around, but more electronic resources that are available in and out of a library will be utilized more often. I personally embrace the change, and welcome many more like it. I am a modern girl, and happily leave the past in the past. I hope I do not offend too  many people with my viewpoints, but I have to say what I feel.

Library 204 Class-Project #1

The library I visited is called Victorville City Library and is the main library for the city of Victorville, California (about an hour and half away from Long Beach, where I currently live). This library caters to patrons of all ages, from young to elderly and especially students. Younger patrons seem to be looking for children’s books, and activity centers along with youth reading groups ( all available here).This library holds preschool story times, bilingual story times, along with afternoon story times and crafts for children.  Older students seem to be looking for resources to help with their assignments, (such as reference materials, computer usage, books etc.) All of those resources are also available at this library. Adults can take weekend computer classes that are offered here, as well as beginning computer classes for Spanish speakers.  Older patrons seem to be looking for a nice quiet place to do research and read books, newspapers and magazines. They can also take crocheting classes which are offered twice a month at this facility. 

The reference area is a nice sized area, with enough seating capacity for at least 30 or more people. The layout is comfortable and “inviting,” not cold and unwelcoming. The reference services are all laid out before you with easy to read signs, there are computers to look up information, as well as reference desk librarians that can look up any info you may need in their system / catalogues etc. There is also a study area for students who need to study for their assignments, tests, etc. The online reference services are made through the San Bernardino county library, and include an online library catalogue in English and Spanish, along with branch information, library job openings, and help with internet searches. There is also a frequently asked questions section that offers everything from how to get a library card, to getting reference help.

The classes / workshops offered at this library are instruction in computer usage, in English and Spanish, as well as story times, with arts and crafts for children. They also offer crocheting classes for adults. The reference collection includes resources like, reference books, assistance with online databases, interlibrary loan requests, and printed lists of items not found in the catalogue such as, newspapers, school year books, telephone directories, college course catalogues, and local history sources. 

The online catalogue system seemed pretty user friendly, and was located in several places throughout the library, (such as near the reference desk). The reference desk librarians were also on hand to provide assistance for using this system. The reference handouts that were available provide an array of material on how to choose and find collections, services, and electronic resources including the library catalog, and how to locate and format documentation from journal articles, among other topics.

The internet policy is limited to 90 minutes of computer use, with an extended time that can be given if there is not waiting list there did not seem to be any limitations on research access on the computers and I found it pretty easy to search for many different topics and areas of interest.  Patrons also have access to printers if they need to print any materials. 

Two of the most popular electronic / online resources are American History online and World Book online resources. These are most commonly used to assist school aged children with their studies and assignments. More frequently used resources are Science online and Amazing Animals of the World. These resources are targeted for younger audiences and are mostly used by elementary students. 

The reference desk was very approachable and had clear to read signs around it. The reference librarian was happy to help me as I asked for her help on an unimportant topic. She assisted me in searching the library catalogue, and gave me some more information well.

I can honestly say that I do not have many complaints about the service given at this library. Things were run well, and signs were posted clearly and easy to read. I did have to wait a little longer than expected to be helped since there was only one person at the reference desk, but all in all I was still satisfied with my results. I would definitely visit this library again (if I had the time of course).

 

Blog Reflection #3

I have to say that I am a Bing / Google girl...I actually prefer using search engines for practically ANYTHING that I want to know. And, I commonly use them to find answers on simple questions that have nothing to do with school work. After researching different ways to find information for the class this week, I see that there are various methods to use (such as Worldcat) when researching information for class work. I actually found Worldcat to be quick, easy to use and very informative, so I will use this in the future to find information needed for an assignment. I found the school library websites easy and informative as well, but I think I would rather use Worldcat. My very favorite ways of finding information will always be Bing or Google, since I like having alot to choose from, as well as having more than enough information at my fingertips.

 I am just like the majority of students who go straight to their computer and look up the information they need, it would be extremely hard to change this trend in most people. Today's world is so electronic and computerized that it would be very hard to get people to do things differently. Although I do believe that using different search methods is not only useful but informative, I also find it even harder to convince others of this. Many people are stuck in their own ways and do not like change, for example using Wikipedi as their only search method.

The only way to break this habit would be to get the word out the best we can. I think if students were better informed of using different search methods and the benefits of doing so, may help these students gain a better idea of these options. Maybe even a workshop or class that teaches students how to use different search methods would help as well. From this last assignment, my own eyes were opened to using other methods (worldcat) so if I can be persuaded, than I am sure other people can be as well.