ALAO Newsletter

Mark Eddy, Case Western Reserve University

ALAO seeks to promote research, and each year the ALAO Executive Board may award up to $1000.00 to support and encourage research projects proposed by ALAO members. Both ongoing and new research projects are considered. Grants are intended to help in funding such incremental research costs as the organization of data, the hiring of interviewers or other assistants, charges for computer time, and modest travel costs associated with research. Grants may not be used for purchase of equipment. Grants are limited to investigations related to issues in libraries, librarianship, and information science and technology.
HOW TO APPLY
Include the following in your application:
Completed ALAO Research Grant Application Form (http://www.alaoweb.org/Resources/Documents/grant-application-2012.doc)
A written proposal of no more than two pages, single-spaced. Include the objectives of the research, a brief discussion of previous work on the topic, the methodology that will be used, plans for evaluation, the potential importance of the research results, and an estimate of the amount of time to be spent at each stage of the project. Avoid the use of acronyms and jargon without appropriate reference to full names and definitions. Please be clear and complete with your proposal. The Committee evaluates each application as is and will not ask for further clarifications.
A current vita from the named applicant(s).
A budget sheet. Briefly list the projected expenses for the project. Consider all direct and indirect costs, such as staff time, printing and postage, supplies, and services required to complete the work. Note any other anticipated sources of support for the project and include supporting evidence (i.e., a letter from your institution). Clearly identify which expenditures will be met by ALAO Research Grant funds.
Please combine all four components listed above for the application into one MS Word document. You can copy and paste the grant application form listed above into your document.

Bridgette Billingslea, Kent State University
Recipient of the 2011-2012 ALAO Diversity Scholarship

The ALAO Diversity Scholarship helped tremendously with my LIS studies. I recently graduated with my MLIS from Kent State University on August 11, 2012. I am continuing my studies this autumn by working on my second Master’s degree in Health Informatics, also at Kent State University. The ALAO Diversity Scholarship acted as a bridge that connected me to beneficial resources, such as the ALAO Annual Conference in Toledo where I sat in on a lot of presentations and was able to meet new people and learn new things. I also traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana to attend the Midwest Chapter of the Medical Library Association where I met my ALAO diversity mentor, Sharon Purtee. My mentor was very communicative and approachable. She gave me good advice and helped me when I needed it. It really helps to have someone in the field as a mentor.
When I had difficulties finding a suitable practicum as required for graduation, I reached out to Diane Kolosionek, Chair of ALAO’s Diversity Committee. She arranged a meeting with Barbara Strauss, Assistant Director of Discovery Support Services at the Michael Schwartz Library at Cleveland State University. Barbara crafted a practicum experience for me that incorporated working with academic faculty, learning how to use the library’s electronic resources, and creating metadata to facilitate the publication of faculty works in the institutional repository at Cleveland State. As a result, I created a research guide using LibGuides (http://researchguides.csuohio.edu/hurston). This guide was tailored to fit an academic conference about Zora Neale Hurston in September 2012, as well as an academic class being taught during the upcoming year.
My advice to future scholarship recipients is to keep all of your options open, learn from all of your experiences, and if you need something academically or professionally don’t be afraid to ask. Librarians are very learned and approachable and generally always willing to help; but a “closed mouth does not get fed”, so don’t be afraid to ask. These experiences are a direct result of receiving the Diversity Scholarship from ALAO and I am grateful to have been chosen to receive it.

Betsy Blankenship, Ohio State University Marion

I’ve been teaching a newly revised online course about Information. Brian Leaf, who just presented at the ALAO conference, is the course designer. He has filled the course with readings that are designed to get the students thinking about various aspects of information; what it is, what it is not, how do you know, who creates it, why, etc. My students often have to respond to these readings in some context through assignments. One reading really got me thinking, too. Entitled “Are you an Expert”, (http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/2009/02/are-you-an-expert.html), blog author Jeff Atwood discusses some key points about how people perceive an “expert” and what constitutes an expert. He says, “Being an expert isn’t telling other people what you know. It’s understanding what questions to ask, and flexibly applying your knowledge to the specific situation at hand.” When you think about it, how so very true it is. I have one child; I do not claim to be an expert in child rearing. But those folks who have raised four, five, six children – now that certainly makes them more of an expert than me. My assistant Pat is way more tech savvy than me. I see her as an expert when trying to resolve computer issues. I do know, however, how to ask questions when someone needs help, in order to better understand their need and resolve it. Once I know that, I can make a decision on what to do next.
We as librarians tend to think of ourselves as experts because we have a degree or we have specialized knowledge in different areas. But think about it; most of our patrons consider anyone working in a library to be a librarian. They don’t care that we have a degree or even three degrees. They do see us as trusted sources who can answer their questions which is why they seek us out. If anyone can be perceived as an “expert,” how then do we ensure that patrons leave satisfied? By making sure we ask the right questions so that we can point them in the right direction or show them where the answer can be found. Ever wonder why the reference interview is so handy? If helps clarify what is known, what is needed and what steps to take. Then we can apply our knowledge of our sources and answer that information need.
So simple, isn’t it? And it’s what we do so well, if we remember to ask the right questions and not just “tell” people what we know.
And finally, another great quote from our recent Leadership Retreat:
“I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means getting along with people.” – Indira Gandhi
I took this to mean that to be a good leader, you need to be flexible. To be flexible, you have to be willing to ask questions and provide good feedback and encourage others. You need to know how to work as a team, to mold and meld the talents you have around you so that they complement each other; and be willing to seek out ideas and suggestions to improve your organization or institution. ALAO is a great example of this. We are a volunteer organization; the change in leadership on committees and interest groups and the board is constant. Those in leadership positions have to know to ask questions about what has been done before, but also need to be flexible enough to take the talent that exists and get them to work together in a successful manner. Success means a great workshop, a great conference, an informative newsletter, an active website, and a vibrant and active board.
So what does it mean to you?

From the Interest Group Coordinator
Kathryn Venditti, Ashland University
It’s alive! Thanks to renewed interest from ALAO members who stepped up, two of our defunct interest groups have been revived. Ginna Witte and Derek Malone volunteered to co-chair the Support Staff Interest Group (SSIG). Phil Flynn and Julie Deardorff the new co-chairs of the Collection Management Interest Group (CMIG). Both groups had an information table at the ALAO Annual conference where they shared plans about their new group and collected ideas from interested, potential members. The other Interest Groups had information tables and sponsored a conference session. In addition, the Special Collections and Archives, Distance Learning, Instruction and Curriculum Materials Center Interest Groups also hosted round tables at the conference to engage in deeper conversations with their members. Make sure to check out the Interest Group newsletter articles for more details!

Collection Management Interest Group
Phil Flynn, Wright State University

SSSSHHHH! It’s a secret you MUST share. ALAO CMIG is back!
It’s no secret that library collections are changing. The Collection Management Interest Group will offer a spring workshop on Patron Driven Acquisitions. What product options are available? Who has tried PDA and how did it work? How do ebook collections and PDA affect the strength of the statewide collection? CMIG plans to address each of these questions in the spring workshop.
Look for registration information in January.
We promise not to keep it secret.
CMIG is co-chaired by Phil Flynn (Wright State University) and Julie Deardorff (Cedarville University).

Curriculum Materials Center Interest Group
Stephanie Bange, Wright State University

The CMCIG hosted both a program and a Roudtable Meeting at the Conference.
The Curriculum Materials Center Interest Group gathered for a Roundtable meeting at the recent ALAO Conference. Discussion was lead by Kathy Yoder (BGSU). The upcoming CMCIG 2013 Spring Workshop was planned for Friday, May 17, 2013 at the University of Cincinnati with the theme, “Common Core State Standards Unraveled.” The Common Core State Standards were also discussed by the participant at the roundtable and resource/ material ideas for use at CMC were shared. For an online guide to the CCSS Roundtable discussion please see http://libguides.bgsu.edu/commoncore.
In the afternoon, CMCIG hosted the program, Storytime at the Academic Library. Dr. Jennifer Smith (Northern Kentucky University) opened the program with a reading of the c2012 picture book “Little Nelly’s Big Book” by Pippa Goodhart and Andy Rowland. She went on to describe her experience of developing a storytime at her library, talking about the myriad of details that need to be addressed and met with each storytime. A very interesting concept, indeed!

Distance Learning Interest Group
Jessie Long, Miami University Middletown

Do YOU know a “Distance Learning Visionary? DLIG is now accepting applications for our research and presentation grant. In addition to earning the award title, the chosen recipient will receive a $150.00 presentation grant for sharing their innovative ideas at the DLIG/IIG co-sponsored Spring Workshop (remote participation is permissible). For more details, see the DLIG page on the ALAO website or follow the DLIG blog at http://distancelibrarians.wordpress.com.
DLIG is also excited to have sponsored a wonderful session at the ALAO Annual Conference on October 26th, 2012. Kent State University librarian Ken Burhanna, our 2012 Distance Learning Visionary, shared research and tips about successful embedded librarianship in his presentation, “Academic Libraries & Course Management Systems: Can You be Embedded without being Buried?” DLIG also led a roundtable discussion that covered everything from the basics of distance learning to our list on the “Best Practices for Embedded Librarianship.”

Instruction Interest Group
Lauren Wahman, University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College Library

The Instruction Interest Group (IIG) sponsored a well-attended session (38 people) at the ALAO Annual Conference on October 26, 2012. Brian Leaf and Karen Diaz, Ohio State University, presented “Change Course? Let’s Change Wikipedia Instead ‐ Rethinking Information Literacy.” Given the number of librarians involved in teaching credit courses, this presentation provided a great way to integrate Wikipedia into the classroom. In addition, IIG created an Information Table display with information about IIG, how to get involved, and teaching resource ideas and facilitated a successful Roundtable session with 11 attendees. Roundtable topics discussed included active learning in the classroom and teaching tips as well as compiling a list of future workshop ideas.

Special Collections & Archives Interest Group
Stefanie Hunker, Bowling Green State University

Thank you to everyone who attended the SCAIG roundtable discussion at the conference! Highlights include:

• the topic for our first workshop as an interest group – Outreach
• Dates for the spring workshop – some day in May
• Our first workshop planning committee (Kim Tully [SCAIG Co-Chair] from Miami, Chris Mannix from Columbus College of Art & Design, Angelyn Hellman from Clark State, Suzanne Maggard from U. of Cinncinnati, and Stefanie Hunker [SCAIG Co-Chair] from Bowling Green).

We’ll continue to keep you posted as we get the planning going. Ideas from everyone are welcome!
If anyone is interested in joining or working with the Special Collections & Archives Interest Group, email either Stefanie Hunker (sdennis@bgsu.edu) or Kim Tully (tullykk@miamioh.edu). Also, check out our new listserv at https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/alao-scaig

Support Staff Interest Group
Ginna White, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College

As the new SSIG co-chair, I’m excited to work with our members to ensure support staff have a voice in ALAO and to create opportunities to help members network and grow professionally.
An electronic survey was sent out at the end of October via ALAO to all current and former SSIG members; 16 members completed the survey. 13 of 16 respondents indicated that they felt SSIG was still needed to ensure Support Staff had representation in ALAO. Just over 2/3 of the respondents typically attend OLSSI. Group members gave the highest ratings to the following 3 activities in terms of what the group should focus on: sponsoring sessions at the ALAO Conference for support staff, maintaining a blog or other group web space to post PD opportunities and questions, and advocating for SS at ALAO functions. 6 of the respondents also provided comments at the end of the survey. Comments from respondents included requests for more SS focused PD (4 comments – i.e. working with OLSSI and creating a committee to generate topics), a request for opportunities for online training since SS don’t always have access to travel funds, and a comment regarding the need to continue to advocate and express the worth of SS in academic libraries.
This feedback will be used to shape the group’s activities over the next few months. Thank you to everyone who took time to complete the survey and provide feedback.

Case Western Reserve University
There have been many new hires and promotions in the past few months. Congratulations to all!
Daniela Solomon was hired as Research Librarian 2 for Research Services on July 2, 2012.
Patrick Feeley was hired as Analyst Programmer 2 for Scholarly Resources & Special Collections on July 16, 2012.
Cheryl Seme was promoted to Librarian 1 for Digital and Learning Services on August 20, 2012.
Carl Mariani was hired as Library Assistant 4 for Access and Delivery Services on August 27, 2012.
Suzhen Chen was promoted to Librarian 2 for Acquisitions and Metadata Services on October 1, 2012.
Stephanie Church was promoted to Librarian 2 for Acquisitions and Metadata Services on October 1, 2012.
Elanor Drushel was hired as Library Assistant 3 for Access and Delivery Services on October 8, 2012.
W. Eric Bassett was hired as Library Assistant 3 for Access and Delivery Services on October 15, 2012.

Denison University
Shannon Robinson joined our staff as Fine Arts Liaison Librarian on September 10th. Shannon received her B.A. from Montclair State University in 2002, an M.F.A. from Tyler School of Art of Temple University in 2006 and her M.S. in Library and Information Science from Drexel University.

Kent State University
The Kent State University Libraries’ Department of Special Collections and Archives is pleased to announce the appointment of Penny White and Stephen M. Krason II as the 2012-2013 Dr. Gerald H. and Victoria C. T. Read Graduate Assistants. Ms. White is a 2009 graduate of Wright State University, with a degree in art history. Her prior experience includes work as a graduate student assistant in Special Collections and Archives, significant retail experience, as well as two positions with the Dayton Art Institute as a summer art camp teacher and an education department intern. She is completing her second year in the School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) Master’s program. Mr. Krason began his SLIS graduate studies this fall. He is a 2009 graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, with a double major in history and communication arts. He has held prior positions as a research intern for the Institute of World Politics in Washington, DC, as an interlibrary loan assistant, and was most recently Production Technician/Creative Services at WTOV-TV 9 in Steubenville.
A program of the Kent State University Libraries, the assistantship is funded by a generous donation from the Dr. Gerald H. and Victoria C. T. Read family and is intended to provide intensive pre-professional experience in special collections and archives to Master’s level library and information science students at Kent State University.

Ohio Library Support Staff Institute
OLSSI has announced that it will hold its 12th annual conference July 28 – 30, 2013 at Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio. OLSSI 2013 will have a “mystery/noir” theme.

Ohio State University Marion
Betsy Blankenship was recognized at a luncheon on November 14, 2012 for 25 years of service by The Ohio State University Libraries and will be recognized by The Ohio State University on December 13, 2012. She has served at the Marion campus for all 25 years.

Betsy Blankenship has a blog posting at ALA’s Programming Librarian website entitled “Express Yourself!” http://www.programminglibrarian.org/blog/2012/november-2012/express-yourself.html

Pat Wood will begin covering Academic KnowItNow chat service shifts in January 2013.

Ohio Wesleyan University
In November 2012, Ben Daigle joined OWU Libraries in a newly created position­­—Discovery Services Librarian. Ben is responsible for helping users more efficiently and effectively uncover and connect information for their varying research needs. Ben received an MLIS from Kent State University in 2009 and a BA in English from Temple University in Philadelphia. You can connect to Ben via email at bldaigle@owu.edu.

In July 2012, Melissa Hill joined the OWU Libraries staff as Serials and Government Documents Manager. She has responsibility for managing print and microfilm subscriptions, and assisting in the acquisition of electronic journals and journal databases, along with managing and processing government documents. She earned Bachelor’s degrees in diplomacy and foreign affairs and in international studies from Miami University and an MLIS from Kent State University. You can connect to Melissa at mkhill@owu.edu.

Haley Kuhn is the new Circulation Manager at the OWU Libraries. Haley has steadily taken on more responsibilities and has, for a couple of years, managed personnel, overseen daily circulation procedures and workflows, and created user-centered processes and services. Haley earned a BS in Computer Information Management from Ohio Dominican University and an MLIS from Kent State University. You can connect to Haley at hakuhn@owu.edu.

OHIONET
OHIONET celebrates its 35th anniversary on December 20. In 1977, nine trustees came together to “create and maintain a library network in Ohio, consisting of and supported by its Members as defined herein, which network will: Facilitate the availability and sharing of bibliographic and other library information and resources, to and among its Members and the citizens of Ohio; encourage and facilitate the institution of cost-effective operational practices and procedures by its Members, by means

Dudley, Joseph. (2012). Building online special mini collections for the Bryant & Stratton College Virtual Library. Library 2.012 Online Conference. https://sas.elluminate.com/drtbl?sid=2008350&suid=D.4394AC326B3C65F1E1CB88A292BC90

Lehman, Douglas. (2012). Moving at warp speed: The (past, present and) future of academic libraries. Presentation,Mississippi Library Association Annual Conference. Natchez, Mississippi.

Schneider, Tina & Plantinga, Harry. (2012). Hymnary.org: The use of a new database in Hymnology. Advances in the Study of Information and Religion. http://drc.library.kent.edu/handle/2374.KENT/1440