Perspectives – K.C. Boyd

Perspectives, an interview series that will highlight the work of librarians in different fields and professional specializations. Our series will focus on the experiences of our participants, what they do, what they have learned, and offer advice to those interested in librarianship and various fields. To our readers, our committee hopes this column will highlight the valuable labor these individuals perform on an everyday basis. Our interviews will provide perspective on what labor in these fields entails and current issues that affect librarianship, employment, etc. On behalf of the Communications Committee, we hope you find this new column illuminating, informative, and inspiring!

Meet K.C. Boyd, Library Media Specialist! Find out more about K.C. here: http://www.kcboyd.com/

What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?

There are countless things that I enjoy about my job. Connecting kids to books that they will enjoy or assisting them with the use of any form of technology bring me joy. The celebration of reading is what keeps me fueled up to face each day working in this field that I love. Seeing that lightbulb appear over their heads or the spark in their eyes once they have enjoyed a book or gotten the hang of an app, for example, is a precious moment for me. It’s also obvious that I love being surrounded by books. Having access to a wealth of books that represent various views, opinions, experiences, and stories is also one of the things that make my job fun and has driven me in over 20 years of service.

Can you describe a memorable moment in your career?

The most memorable moment in my career was when I served on the 2020 Newbery Awards Selection Committee.  It was a privilege to be on this prestigious committee, and I was so proud to have served with such a distinguished, insightful, experienced, and a professional group of librarians.  Unfortunately, the committee will not be able to meet the authors face-to-face at ALA Annual in Chicago.   My hope is that there will be an opportunity to celebrate all of the authors in person and the near future.

What kinds of professional development do you do?

For students/teachers/parents

Encouragement of leisure reading, enjoyment of literature, use of digital application and tools, digital literacy, digital citizenship, Makerspace activities, and of course advocating for the use of the school library program.

Librarians

Library program administration, connecting digital literacy to the K-12 curriculum,  advocacy/marketing/branding your library media center program, leadership, use of social media for the library program, digital Makerspace programming and ideas, and so much more!

Is there one piece of advice you have received in your career thus far that stands out the most (that you carry with you in your work)?

This bit of advice was given to me from my late father when I first began teaching.  

  1. Have knowledge of your subject matter (school libraries)
  2. Patience
  3. A sense of humor

This advice has sustained me for over 20 years while working in this wonderful field.

What are some things you know now about your job/librarianship, that you wish you had known before entering the field?

The main thing that I wish I would have known before entering the field is how much of an advocate I would have to be for my program with my peers.  I automatically thought that educators would ‘understand’ libraries, and I learned quickly that some have a somewhat archaic view of the profession and the program.  Because of this, I’ve learned quickly that how much of an advocate I had to become for my own program.  This advocacy has had many benefits, I’ve learned how to become more strategic, plan my actions with purpose and has driven me out of an introverted/shy state to a more outspoken and vocal person.

What do you think some misconceptions about librarians/libraries/librarianship are?

In terms of school libraries, some educators/administrators mistakenly believe that we read not only the books in our collection but also policy and procedure that school districts are mandated to follow at the local, state, and national levels.  When our rights are violated, school librarians are known for serving on the front line of fighting for justice for our programs and our positions within the school/district.

What are some current professional obstacles in this field that upcoming professionals should know about?

In some school districts, there is a disconnect from the Superintendent down to the classroom teacher about the importance, role, and skill base of the school librarian and the impact this literacy/technology specialist has on the learning community.   In my opinion, as special education is emphasized during the training of our superintendents and principals, the school library program/librarians need to be inserted into that same instruction so that these new leaders will be knowledgeable and seek to hire the best-trained library media specialists for their districts/schools.

What professional advice would you give to graduate students who are about to enter this line of work?

Serving as a school library media specialist the best job on the planet!  Remain positive, up to date on best practices and always keep service to students, teachers, and the community as the forefront for all decisions and actions that you perform day-to-day in your library media program.  Lastly, just have fun….it’s exciting to engage in books and technology.  Learn from your students as they will learn from you.

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NMRT Happy Hour & Awards Ceremony!

On Friday, June 19th, NMRT will be hosting a happy hour meet-up on Zoom!
Socialize with your fellow committee members! If you are new to NMRT, meet your fellow members, and make new friends! Find out how to get involved! We look forward to meeting you! Please join us!

Courtesy of St. Anthony’s School

During Happy Hour, NMRT will also host an Award Recognition Ceremony. The roundtable will present awards for the Shirley Olofson Memorial, the NMRT Professional Development Grant, and the Student Chapter of the Year Award. Help us celebrate this special moment!

After the ceremony, NMRT will be hosting trivia! So, in addition to the
celebration, we hope you will stay and have some fun with your fellow NMRT members! It will be a fantastic evening!

Please register for the event here.
https://ala-events.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ns7Fn6AtSB25FnRQg9iZQQ
An emailed link to the event will follow after registration.

On behalf of the New Members Round Table, we look forward to “meeting” you!

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Let’s Catch up! February NMRT Online Discussion: Technology Tools in Libraries

Catching up with online discussion that may have been missed!

By Jessica Kiebler

Hello readers, my name is Jessica Kiebler and I am writing as a member of the NMRT Online Discussion Forum Committee to provide you with an update from our February discussion, hosted on the NMRT-L listserv.

February’s discussion topic asked about the technology tools that librarians are using to improve the ways they reach patrons in a variety of ways from making eye-catching graphics or engaging with them on social media to keeping themselves organized. 

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/EEyD5rleA_fiqdBWViKDLtJPf3BZLdGureT-WBD0PTRRQxKOqop8qUsIxlT3S5OpeSmvSdj5zwA7MvhflDMbnR3WtMXo64U_gmVNFukMrTBOxcXFn02pTPVlzkiSAv6GeVAZpUoj

The discussion questions encouraged sharing resources as well as personal experiences from both seasoned and newer library leaders about how they’re using technology.  

  1. What are your favorite technology tools that you use? 
  2. What are your favorite technology tools that improve your daily workflow? 
  3. Does your library check out technology to patrons or teach them how to use it? Are there any challenges/benefits that come with this?
  4. How do you try to balance concerns about privacy, user data and transparency when considering new tech tools? Is there technology that you use which can be used to improve privacy?

Organization Tools

Librarians in our online chat made suggestions about the organizational tools that they use at their libraries. 

Trello

One technology tool discussed was Trello, which allows users to create project boards for individual use or group projects. If you wear a lot of hats at your library and need to keep track of a variety of tasks, workflow tools such as Trello can provide a visual way to organize your work. Boards can be collaborative as well, providing groups or managers to work together on assigned tasks, create due dates and receive reminders when tasks are overdue. 

One great suggestion for using Trello was offered by a librarian in our chat to keep an archived column within Trello.  These projects and tasks are completed but can be looked at to compile employee reviews or annual reports! Trello boards can also be used to organize specific tasks in planning outreach events, instruction planning or collection development projects. 

Feedly

Feedly is an RSS reader that aggregates blog posts, website articles and other content into an easy to organize column. Readers can organize the content into groupings for easy reading. This tool can be valuable for librarians because it brings together many sources of information that can be organized, saved and shared. Each article has a toolbar which includes features to share the article via social networks or links, save to a board or email. 

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/A0CDHhuHSq56Jgzq8ofrPmycUZxAjoFCUZDeLoKgwoidQYF7YU0IReEJ6md2Ke4Nux8NH2qo9S-NunjZRLEO5kjKve74vWOBjIDmGtBtJZ7OqxBGJKIyQc15pm_kQUZmivSn3aGy

(Screenshot from an article in Feedly)

Evernote 

Another tool for collecting information and taking notes is Evernote. Librarians can create separate “notebooks” where they can collect and organize ideas and access it from anywhere with an Internet connection – including a phone app. Information can be typed into an empty note, like a Word processing document, and include images. If you download the Evernote browser extension, full page articles or snippets from webpages can be saved as individual notes. Evernote also has a search function to help find notes, a calendar function to remind you to check back on something saved and the ability to save things in multiple formats – HTML, PDF, or a screenshot. 

Librarians can use this tool to gather and organize inspiration for lesson plans, outreach events, conferences or any relevant topics. The versatility of the notes allows librarians to also use it to take notes at meetings and conferences and organize them alongside website screenshots and saved articles. 

Microsoft 365 Suite 

The Microsoft 365 Suite of tools is used at many companies, including libraries, and includes an app called Planner. Planner is similar to Trello in its  visual design that allows users to create themed boards, schedule tasks and share responsibility for the tasks with others. 

Do you have other technology tools that you use at your library? Share in the comments below!

Image Credits: View of Vintage Camera Photo by Karol D from Pexels

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NMRT Open Letter Regarding Black Lives Matter

Yesterday, NMRT released an open letter affirming the ALA Executive Board Statement standing with BCALA. For more information, please see the NMRT Bulletin released yesterday. You may also find this bulletin attached within the NMRT Connect board. If you have questions, please let us know.

Thank you. Please take care and reach out.

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May NMRT Online Discussion Board Article: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Efforts

By Jessica Kiebler

Our May Twitter chat focused on equity, diversity and inclusion efforts across different library institutions. The goal of EDI initiatives is to dismantle white supremacy in the library profession, including the hiring and retaining of underrepresented groups and dismantling systems that promote inequality. This work can often be challenging, especially when working within established systems, so new librarians entering the field should be aware of these efforts taking place in librarianship, the culture within their institutions and how they can contribute.

The discussion questions encouraged librarians to share their personal experiences and information on how their institutions are supporting EDI efforts as well. 

  • How does your library institution support equity, diversity and inclusion efforts? How could that support be improved? 
  • In what aspects of librarianship do you see the most urgent need for EDI efforts to be focused?
  • Since this is a new members chat, what are the ways that new librarians can contribute to creating more equitable and diverse workplaces?
  • What resources on EDI in librarianship would you recommend to new librarians? 

Our discussion mostly included librarians from academic institutions, although across departments. However, the major takeaways below could be applied to any library.

Existing EDI Efforts

A variety of existing equity, diversity and inclusion efforts were discussed ranging from building updates to strategic plan review. A few librarians discussed implementation of single-user/all gender restrooms and lactation spaces. However, it was noted that sometimes these spaces are not always accessible which limits their effectiveness. 

In addition, librarians discussed how EDI updates were made to hiring processes to ensure they were inclusive and that EDI was also included in strategic plans and department goals. There was also a discussion regarding EDI activity being required in yearly reviews, however, those can lead to it feeling like a check-box to be filled and not authentic. There should be discussions of how to ensure people are engaging in order for authentic change. 

Formation of EDI groups was also something currently happening at a few institutions. The group charge can range from implementing diversity programming for education, inclusive teaching interest groups or committees that assist in hosting difficult discussions about EDI. These groups can be instrumental in retention efforts by allowing for difficult conversations that lead to more inclusive communities. However, the group discussed the ways that white librarians should be prepared to engage in these conversations effectively, including understanding the concept of white fragility. 

Future EDI Efforts & What New Librarians Can Do

There were a variety of suggestions new librarians to make change through future initiatives: 

  • New librarians should ask about EDI in interviews and ask specific questions about what libraries are doing around it
  • As the newest hire, ask what policies and initiatives are currently in place. Being new provides an opportunity to be inquisitive and challenge the status quo. 
  • Find out what campus-level diversity organizations exist and offer to join them.
  • Actively look for ways to build relationships with students and leaders. These relationships can be essential in facilitating change. 

Resources for New (and seasoned!) Librarians

What do equity, diversity and inclusion efforts look like at your library and what resources would you share with new librarians to educate themselves on changing oppressive structures in libraries? 

Image Credits:

  • Group of Five Women Gathering Inside Office Photo by Christina Morillo from Pexels
  • Man Wearing Brown Suit Jacket Photo by fauxels from Pexels
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Using Mindfulness Meditation and Emotional Intelligence to Navigate the Stress of Life

Post contributed by: Carrie P. Mastley

On Thursday, May 7, 2020, ALA’s NMRT Online Programs Committee hosted an event featuring guest speaker, Ashley Moye. Moye is a former law librarian who earned her mindfulness meditation certification in 2017 and currently serves as the Director of Communications & Marketing and Lead Instructor at Youth Meditation, where she shares these techniques with local high-risk youth. Moye generously agreed to present on the topic “Using Mindfulness Meditation and Emotional Intelligence to Navigate the Stress of Life.”

In the presentation, Moye spoke about the unique challenges of librarianship. She indicated that librarianship has an “environment of impermanence” that is often coupled with a “constant pressure to prove value,” which can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety. According to Moye, building one’s emotional intelligence has several benefits to librarians, including clarity of vision, better attention and intuition; happiness; and mindfulness even during stressful moments. She also encouraged meditation for increased mental clarity, relaxation, and better sleep. Moye said the two coupled together could help librarians (or anyone) better manage stress because it teaches one’s brain to respond to stress instead of reacting to it.

Throughout her talk, Moye led participants through a series of exercises. She first taught the group to breathe with a focus on the exhalation. She encouraged participants to breathe through their noses, hold their breath, and then exhale completely through their mouths. Later in the presentation, Moye also led a brief meditation session. She indicated that proper meditation form included: sitting with one’s feet planted on the floor with a straight back; resting one’s hands in an open position; closing one’s eyes or focusing on a singular spot; concentrating on one’s breath and letting one’s thoughts come and go like waves on a beach. After this brief exercise, some group members noted how relaxed they were, while others had questions related to sensations they felt while practicing. One participant noted that the exercise made her feel nauseated and was curious if that was normal. Moye indicated that it was a commonly experienced sensation that could potentially point to increased awareness of one’s physical or emotional needs and feelings.

When asked how often one should meditate, Moye indicated that one should try to practice twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed. She explained beginning with eight meaningful breaths followed by a five-, ten-, or fifteen-minute meditation session is ideal. However, she also indicated that one should practice mindfulness in the moment throughout the day by being aware of one’s thoughts when stressed. She added that this awareness did not include fixing or judging these thoughts; instead, one should acknowledge these thoughts, take some deep breaths, and then focus on the task(s) at hand.

Moye concluded her talk by sharing how to live mindfully when going about one’s day-to-day life. She explained that training one’s brain to focus is key, especially given the internal and external distractions one faces each day. She added that this focus allows one to not only listen to oneself more clearly, but it also allows one to listen to others more mindfully, too. She emphasized that everything could be done mindfully if done purposefully and with the presence of mind.

If you were unable to attend Moye’s talk, a recording of this presentation could be found here. If you would like to learn more about mindfulness meditation and emotional intelligence, Moye can be reached via email at ashley@charmadvisors.org. She also recommends the following resources: Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn; The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh; Mindfulness: An Eight Week Plan by Mark Williams; Search Inside Yourself by Chad-Meng Tan; The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor; The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown; and Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman.

Members of the NMRT Online Programs Committee include:

LaQuanda T. Onyemeh, MLIS, M.Ed (Committee Chair)
Training & Consultant Partner ProQuest, WOC+Lib Co-Founder

Hannah Chapman Tripp, MLIS
Biosciences Liaison Librarian, University of Texas at Austin

Kathleen Flynn, MLIS
Subject Librarian for Physical Sciences, Math & Statistics, Computer Science, & Engineering, University at Albany Libraries

Carrie P. Mastley, MA, MLIS
Assistant Professor/Manuscripts Librarian, Mississippi State University Libraries

Colleen Quinn, MLIS
Reference & Instruction Librarian, University of Maryland Global Campus

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NMRT Happy Hour! May 15th!

Friday, May 15th, 6:30 – 7:30 EST, 5:30-6:30 CST, 3:30-4:30 PST.

A virtual meet-up event through Zoom!

  • Want to find out more about NMRT?!
  • Meet your fellow NMRT members?!
  • Get out of your routine for an evening!

Now it is your opportunity! On Friday, May 15th, NMRT will be hosting a virtual meet-up on Zoom. No better way to have fun while maintaining appropriate social distancing! Connect, converse. Did we mention games!!!! We hope to see many of our NMRT members there! Ain’t no party like a librarian party!

Please register for the event here. https://ala-events.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dIfYPZ9hSe-022Yw9Mbksg. An emailed link to the event will follow after registration.

On behalf of the New Members Roundtable, we look forward to “meeting” you!

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NMRT Call for Volunteers 2020-2021

New Members Round Table 2020-2021 committee volunteer applications are now open! The New Members Round Table (NMRT) is looking for volunteers for committee chairs and members for the 2020-2021 year. Committees are the lifeline of NMRT; we can’t do it without you!

Please complete the committee volunteer form and select NMRT. The list of these committees reflect the work of some of these committees and their dedicated members.

While applications for NMRT committees will be accepted through July 1, 2020, applications received by May 30, 2020, receive first consideration for committee selection. Please contact Jennifer Wilhelm, NMRT Vice-President with any questions about committee appointments. Committee positions begin immediately after ALA Annual Conference 2020.

Take care and thank you!

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NMRT May Live Chat: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

When: Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Time: 2:00pm to 3:00pm, US/Eastern

1:00pm to 2:00pm, US/Central

11:00am-12:00pm, US/Pacific

The goal of EDI initiatives is to dismantle white supremacy in the library profession, including the hiring and retaining of underrepresented groups and dismantling systems that promote inequality. This work can often be challenging, especially when working within established systems, so new librarians entering the field should be aware of these efforts taking place in librarianship, the culture within their institutions, and how they can contribute.

This chat will be happening on Twitter. To join and follow the chat, follow Jessica Kiebler @ LibraryGeek611 and/or follow the hashtag #nmrtchat.

You can follow the tweets by typing #nmrtchat into Twitter’s search box or use a tool like TweetDeck or Hootsuite to filter the tweets. The most important thing is to include #nmrtchat in all of your tweets to make them visible for all participants.

When the chat starts, we will start with a tweet to introduce yourself! It’s always helpful to know who everyone is.

Jessica, the chat moderator will be asking 4 questions in the Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 format, and followers will use the #nmrtchat and answer in the A1, A2, A3 and A4 format.

Feel free to retweet any comments you like or agree with, and share any articles or blogs of interest.

Look forward to seeing you all at #nmrtchat!

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Publish During a Pandemic

Contact the Endnotes Editors, nmrtendnotesjournal@gmail.com
Also, visit https://journals.ala.org/index.php/endnotes

Endnotes isn’t going to just claim to be here for you like those car commercials. We need you right now as much as you need us. 

While life is on hold, let Endnotes and NMRT help you out with your future. Take control of any fears over your career by publishing with Endnotes. You will get experience with publishing and the peer review process, and our committee members gain experience with being peer reviewers. Think of anything you have worked on as a student or as part of any library jobs: public, grad students, staff, faculty, academic, social media posters, bloggers, tweeters, we read and publish them all. No project is too big or too small, if it would benefit another library, we would love to consider it for our publication. 

Past articles have been about:

  • first-year students
  • storytime
  • bloggers
  • the job search 
  • library instruction

We also take book reviews. So if you’re looking for an excuse to read a book for professional development, write a review of it and submit it for publication. Obviously, it must be library-related. 

Your articles keep our publication going. 

We would love to be a line on your resume. 

Other ways to be involved
If you’re not interested in publishing but would like to join a committee and up your professional service portion of your resume or cv, please look at ways to join an NMRT committee. There is an incredible variety of areas you can participate in. 

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