Response to readings in Week 1

The Gilman article (2007) on the role of reference librarians in a university struck a chord with me. I worked as a reference librarian at a university over 10 years ago, and the refrain was the same; students although unable to use the library effectively did not value information literacy training, and much time and effort was concentrated on the wrong types of training. I would like to be open minded about how I engage students and am determined to become adept at Web 2.0 tools including blogging, social bookmarking etc. If you aren't responsive to need, no matter how skilled you are, it is to no avail. I plan to visit a few more university libraries online to see what they are doing.

Loved the time management article - great for all areas of the life where there are lots of jobs which need to be prioritised and not enough time - every library job I had fell into this category. I want to adopt the slogan on page http://www.time-management-success.com/time-management-for-teachers.html:
Decide what to do.
Start it.
Finish it.
Accept it.
Also knowing what to give your 100% to, and what to accept an unperfect job,
There was a hint about having 4 different lists for things of different priorities. I wont go to 4, but 3 headed, important, deadline approaching in the next few days, and important when I have time may seem less stressful


I remember conflict or conflicting goals occuring in the university and college library I worked in. This sometimes involved management or clients; and the win/win strategy outlined in Sanders (1994) was rarely applied. I think when one knows their role, what is expected of them and what they can reasonably achieve, they are more able to negotiate in a conflict. This strategy reminds me that I should think more about where the other person is coming from, e.g assignment deadline looming, budget cuts or a reason I am anware of, before negating their point of view or expectation. The article also emphasises the need for preparation if possible. I hope to remember when the need arises that a refresher on non inflammatory language and the need to see their point of view is essential.