23 Things

We have a self-taught course called, 23 Things at TPL offered at work (it's a 10 week workshop). I finally decided to work on the assignments today, I still have alot of assignments for school awaiting for me...so I am most likely to fall behind again with this.

Here is the cool site (for anyone who wants to learn more about blogging): http://tpl23things.blogspot.com/

This is my work assignment blog, http://tpl-faye.blogspot.com/. I've learned alot of cool things :) I hope I can keep it up!

The term: Library

Where does the historical term library come from?

Libraries were not called such, but rather archives with unpublished records, such as the temples of Sumer. These included clay tablets in cuneiform script, similarly with Ancient Egypt and their papyrus scripts. While the first private or personal library (consisting of fictional and non-fictional books) appeared in classical Greece during the 5th century BC. Two famous libraries include: The Boston Public Library and The New York Public Library (retrieved at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library ). This also reminds me of a course I took last year, the history of records and records keeping taught by Professor Craig. I have yet to take Rare books and Manuscripts.

See also:

Davies, David William. (1974).Public libraries as culture and social centers: the origin of the concept. Metuchen, N.J. : Scarecrow Press.

Dilevko, Juris. B. (2007). Readers' advisory service in North American public libraries, 1870-2005 : a history and critical analysis. Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland & Company.

Polastron, Lucien X. (2007). Books on fire: the destruction of libraries throughout history. Rochester: Inner Traditions.

Imagination Library..

It was awhile ago, but I remember watching Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. It really was transformative because of the ability of one person, who used her fame to promote literacy for chidlren. To this day, I can recall that Dolly Parton became involved with children and reading, because of her father, who was illiterate. It was a painful experience growing up for her and knowing that her father couldn't read that brought about this idea. Though she could not have children of her own, Dolly's love for children also aspired this project to come true.
This is her site: http://www.imaginationlibrary.com/

I know others such as Oprah who have helped young girls obtain a better education. Her site is:
http://www.oprah.com/presents/2007/academy/academy_main.jhtml

Ontario Early Years

There's this really cool program called Ontario Early Years (Family Day) that is offered in my community. Here is the link to their home page:
http://www.ontarioearlyyears.ca/oeyc/en/home.htm

The reason why I've included this in my blog, is that this program basically offers activities that help with parents learn with their child, and that involves reading! It's a free two hour program for kids and parents/guardian, or nannies/babysitters and kids (based on a first come first serve basis), which includes a variety of programs such as Baby Time for ages 0-18 mths, CPNP Prenatal program, Family Time, Toddler Time ages 19-36 mths


One of the reasons, why it's great, is that they provide articles and pamphlets about reading activities. For example, Reading Aloud with Children of All Ages by Derry Koralek, which emphasizes that reading aloud assist children learn about the world around them through scaffolding of parents and professionals. It also offers tips with reading aloud with babies, such as associating reading with books that are warm and pleasant, words that have patterns, sounds or rhythms. By asking engaging questions babies and/or children develop cognitive and comprehensive skills. In other words, not only do kids become aquainted with reading, interaction with their peers and professionals, but it also educates parents/guardians the imporantance of reading. Some parents may already know this, but there maybe some parents who are not aware about the significance of reading in a child's development.

References:

Schickedanz, J.A. (1999). Much More than the ABCs: The Early Stages of Reading and Writing. Washington: DC: NAEYC.

Trelease, J. (2001). The Read Alound Handbook (5th ed.). New York: Penguin Putnam

Green Gables and Library Landmarks...

One of the visits to P.E.I (Cavendish), is the Green Gables, which inspired the stories of Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Also, here is a link more about this wonderful building, http://www.gov.pe.ca/greengables/. I remember watching Anne of Green Gables played by Megan Follows, as a child, I have yet to re-watch and read the books (again). I wonder if I still like them?? I'm sure as most of us read various types of books in our lives, it's always interesting to compare if we still like them; as a childhood compared to as an adult.

Also, there will be a new T.V series of Anne of Green Gables played by Anne Shirley (Retrieved on October 21, 2007 at http://jam.canoe.ca/Television/2007/10/15/4578373-cp.html)


Visit to the Saint John Public library in P.E.I:


This is the old Public Library in Saint John, P.E.I. which is now an Art Gallery/ Museum







The new Public Library in Saint John, P.E.I


I haven't travelled as extensively as I wish I could, but these are a couple of architectural libraries in P.E.I. I have yet to find the picture of the National Library of Quebec, from my travels, which features a really nice area for children and youths, who can watch dvds in the library!! It's very modern, and as I recall, the library opens til 10pm!
For now, you'll have to settle for the website version: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grande_Bibliothèque_du_Québec


Also, a friend of a friend, works at an architectural company, A.J. Diamond, Donald Schmitt and Company, which designed the Central Library in Richmond. Though he was not working there at the time of the construction, it's just cool to know!
More information here at: http://www.rhpl.richmondhill.on.ca/Libraries/CentralLibrary.cfm

Young Voices Conference 2007

"Young Voices Writers Conference. Work with professional writers on your creative writing! Meet other youth who like to write. ..."

Being one of participates, I was very honoured to help out with the Young Voices Writer's Conference, which was held yesterday. It enabled me to see a small glimpse as to some of the big responsibilities that entailed being a Y.A (Young Adult) Librarian. It's not an easy job, but I'm sure it is rewarding! (ramp.torontopubliclibrary.ca/secondary/stufftodo/events/youngvoiceswritersconference/three-content.jsp)

There were about 165 students that registered for this awesome workshop, and the turn out was great! Guest speakers included Wayson Choy (writer of "All that Matters" and the "Jade Peony"), Jean Paul (comedian writer), Karen Crossingly (I believe that is how you spell her last name? who is an editor), to name a few. It made me realize how fortune teens in this generation have resources they can turn to, esp. in public libraries. Although I was born in Toronto, I don't recall having such wonderful events as a teen growing up here. I hope events and activities promoted by public libraries continue to thrive, so we can have inspiring young authors, poets and artists always!

The Toronto Public Library has a great resource for teens on their website called Ramp (http://ramp.torontopubliclibrary.ca/)

Conclusion: The Rise of Library 2.0 by Talis et al.

The notion of “readily available information” that is accessible anywhere and anytime (Chad and Miller,p.4) forces users, such as ourselves, to question Library 2.0. As stated in the article, it is a library service that has the ability to fulfill the needs of the modern user and their expectations (Chad and Miller, p.4,8). However, as pointed out by Chad and Miller, one of the limitations such as “up front charges” may be a barrier in enabling the notion of “readily available information”. Thus, How can we further evaluate the benefits and cons? What are some of the criterions that can be used as a level of indicator? Are there articles that offer a different point of view about Library 2.0 (i.e. more insight towards Library 2.0, negative impacts or downside of Library 2.0). Overall, the notion of Library 2.0 appears to be a “rational” concept because of its ability to adapt to change in order to meet the demands of the users and their expectations. While encouraging participation feedback, it is also a system that provides information that is more “easily obtainable” through a “user-driven” method (Curran et al, p.288). However, we need to ask ourselves if such a concept is viable and practical?

Currently Reading..

Currently Reading: The Cupid Chronicles by Coleen M. Paratore

Bramble Cape Cod's only library is facing dangers of closure, til thirteen year old Willa Havisham decides to help! (Putting her crush, Joey Kennelly on hold)....

just some light reading, no blogs on technology or other computer related stuff here :( (Next time!)