Author: aimeebs13

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Speaking to a Librarian About Diversity in Children Programs

http://www.mrl.nsw.gov.au/

Description

For this post, I interviewed Lindy Allan the Library Service and Collection Coordinator, who is currently in charge of children services at Macquarie Regional Library in NSW. Through virtual correspondence, Lindy discussed current children programs, steps they take to include diversity as well as problems they face due to lack of funding and limited staff.

 

What did you learn?

Due to a lack of resources and limited staff, regional libraries have difficulties meeting the needs of the culturally diverse backgrounds and specials needs of their communities (L. Allan, personal communication, January 13, 2019). Regional libraries only offer a small number of non-English, resources and having little or no equipment on site for special needs. Larger libraries such as the State Libraries are aware of the difficulties regional libraries face and offer assistance when possible (State Library of NSW, 2017, pp. 8-14). This means that the libraries have to rely on the larger libraries, school libraries and community help centres to borrow resources and equipment when the need arise which leaves clients having to wait (L. Allan, personal communication, January 13, 2019). Unfortunately, along with the lack of resources, none of the current children programs encouraged or targeted those with culturally diverse backgrounds or with special needs (Macquarie Regional Library, 2018). State Library of NSW released a report which highlighted the significance of having targeted promotions and service aimed at those of diverse background and needs (State Library of NSW, 2017, p. 7).

https://www.babycenter.com/0_how-to-talk-to-your-child-about-race-ages-5-to-8_3657097.bc

How was the activity relevant to your professional practice working with children and/or young adults?

It is the role of a public library “to provide free membership and free access to its range of services and resources which are provided to all members of the community” (Australian Library and Information Association, 2012). This included any children with special needs and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and it is the role of the librarian provide support and assistance to ensure they can access the information and resource provided. By working closely with the community, council and other libraries, to prioritise resources, with immediate purchases and resource that can be borrowed from other institutes on a need basis. Having understood the communities needs and resource available allows librarians to provide the best possible assistance when need to all clients.

 

What gaps in your knowledge were revealed and how might you fill those gaps?

I was not aware of the growing large number of diverse backgrounds in Dubbo, with India, Philippines and Nepal being the three largest of the non-English countries of migrant (Australia Bureau of Statistics, 2016). Through researching the last couple of Dubbo census (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2016) and local newspapers (Rayner, 2017), I was able to see the increase in diversity in Dubbo’s population with a large percentage of migrants moving to Dubbo being families. I was surprised to find that Macquarie Regional Library also suffered from a lack of data being collected regarding their children programs and diversity in the library, with Lindy only able to give me her rough estimates, with no record currently being recorded (personal communication, January 13, 2019). Without proper data, it becomes difficult to identify an issue and to create a plan to deal with it. This means a section of the regional community is not able to access the information they need or aware of services provided for them.

https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1078280/Children-s-library-books-vanishing-from-shelves

References

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2016). 2016 census quickstats. Retrieved from
http://quickstats.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2016/quickstat/SED10026

Australian Library and Information Association. (2012). Standards and guidelines for
Australian public libraries. Retrieved from https://www.alia.org.au/sites/default/files/documents/advocacy/PLSG_ALIA_2012.pdf

Macquarie Regional Library. (2018). Something for kids. Retrieved from
http://www.mrl.nsw.gov.au/programs-and-events/something-for-kids

Rayner, M. (2017, June 28). Dubbo becoming more culturally diverse according to ABS
statistics. Daily Liberal. Retrieved from https://www.dailyliberal.com.au/story/4758631/city-has-a-more-diverse-culture/

State Library of NSW. (2017). Multicultural library services in NSW public libraries 2017.
Retrieved from http://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/multiculturallibraryservices_nsw_2017.pdf

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Leanring How to Create a Blog

https://neilpatel.com/blog/lessons-learned-popular-blogs/

Description

To create the blog posts needed for INF330 I needed to learn how to use the tool, CSU Thinkspace. I first began looking at others blog post this included popular ones found in google, local libraries and other students. Looking for patterns and similarity, while also comparing the difference between new and professional bloggers. Once I had a theme and design in mind, I then visited the How To page of CSU Thinkspace and followed the tutorials and tips and created my blog INF330.

 

What did you learn?

Blogs began in the mid-1990’s with the term blog making its first appearance in 1995 (Wilde, 2007, pp. 401-403). With blogs being the first movement of average web users creating their own content, which makes blogs the first step to social media today (Wilde, 2007, p. 401). As an only occasional Facebook user, blogging was utterly new to me, but with the easy to follow Thinkspace tutorials I was able to create a basic blog. These tutorials guided me through the whole process of learning the settings, to choosing a theme and adding visuals (CSU Thinkspace, n.d.). I also watched Judy O’Connell’s (2014) YouTube video which taught me the importance of organising a blog and how to use categories and tags. An organised blog will make it easier in the future to locate a previous post.

 

How was the activity relevant to your professional practice working with children and/or young adults?

In today’s technology-driven world, social media and online tools are the primary way to collaborate and communicate (Salim & Mohammed, 2017, p. 22). Blogs can be a powerful tool for libraries to be used in marketing, to establish a flow of information and to connect to their patrons (Oguz & Holt, 2010, p. 174). Blogs allow librarians to engage in discussion with their user, but also allow users to engage with each other (Oguz & Holt, 2010, p. 174). Blogs are also a popular tool in school libraries, being used by teachers and student in class and assessments (Salim & Mohammed, 2017, p. 22). Blogs provide a different way to deliver information and feedback to students, while also creating a digital achieve of information that students can update or build on continually and access in the future (Salim & Mohammed, 2017, p. 35).

http://thinkspace.csu.edu.au/

What gaps in your knowledge were revealed and how might you fill those gaps?

While learning how to create a blog, I also researched how a library measures a blog success find one of the main ways being comment and discussions. With commenting and discussion being a vital part of a blog’s success, spam comments can be highly damaging (Oguz & Holt, 2010, pp. 174-175). Spam comments usually provide links to websites or unrelated text, with contents usually considered offensive (Oguz & Holt, 2010, pp. 174). The main target for blogs is teens aged 12-17 yrs, making spam comments dangerous and damaging to a library reputation (Oguz & Holt, 2010, pp. 175). Though I was aware that spam existed as an adult, I know what to look out for and how best to avoid it, a child or teen lacks the same knowledge and experience needed to properly avoid spam. There are many options to help prevent spam, these options generally in some way affect patron comments and using these prevention methods may discourage user to comments (Oguz & Holt, 2010, pp. 175-176). The battle to protect young blog user from offensive spam is a continuing battle, to understand more of this battle I also research some of the prevention methods (Oguz & Holt, 2010, pp. 175-177).

https://thenextweb.com/insider/2018/02/06/the-worst-idea-of-2018-so-far-is-this-email-spam-as-a-service-company/

References

CSU Thinkspace. (n.d.). Getting started. Retrieved from http://thinkspace.csu.edu.au/getting-started/

O’Connell, J. (2014, March 15). Managing your subjects in csu thinkspace (video file). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sslCiaLfoA

Oguz, F., & Holt, M. (2011). Library blogs and user participation: A survey about comment spam in library blogs. Library Hi Tech, 29(1), 173-188. doi:http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/10.1108/07378831111116994

Salim Said, A. K., & Mohammed, N. A. (2017). Utilizing blogs within library and information science curriculum: A case study of the department of information studies, oman. International Research : Journal of Library and Information Science, 7(1) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/docview/1923720004?accountid=10344

Wilde, E. (2008). Deconstructing blogs. Online Information Review, 32(3), 401-414.
doi:http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/10.1108/14684520810889691

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Self-Censorship and Censorship in Libraries

selfcensorshipandlibraryhistory.weebly.com/self-censorship.html

Description

This post is about censorship in libraries and the librarian’s role in partaking or preventing it. This is explored through analyse of Libraries, censors and self-censorship by Cora Moelledick a peer-reviewed journal article. The article begins by providing background with the history of censorship in public libraries in America, before going on to explain librarian role in censorship throughout history and how that changes to adapt with the times and public opinions. Moelledick showcases the views and reasoning of those affected by censorship on both sides, this includes authors, journalist, publishers, librarians and pro-organisations. Summarising that censorship is driven by fear and in the end, everyone is doing what they believe to be right to protect the children and the libraries.

 

What did you learn?

While reading this article, I was surprised to learn how much the fear of public opinion dictated a library, its collection and what role a librarian played in censorship. In the 18th to early 20th century when reading was considered frivolous and public libraries a waste of resources, librarians were leaders in censorships removing any books they fear harmful to young minds (Moelledick, 2009, p. 69). After WWI public views on the freedom of speech and censorship changed with librarians taking on the role of protecting the people’s right to information, with documents like the Library Bill of Rights supporting them (Moelledick, 2009, pp. 69-70). Though librarians should still be in the role of protecting against censorship, due to fear from the public made easier through social media and the internet there has been a rise in self-censorship (Moelledick, 2009, p. 72). Self-censorship is defined by “libraries and librarians attempting to avoid censorship battles with the general public or with organisations wishing to control what reading materials are available (O’Donnell, n.d.)

https://www.ladailypost.com/content/true-stories-library-censorship-battles

 
How was the activity relevant to your professional practice working with children and/or young adults?

Censorship has always been a major issue in public libraries and is mostly targeted at children and youth. Censorship in libraries is closely linked to intellectual freedoms attacks from parents or concerned citizens (American Library Association, 2017). They believe that they are protecting children; however, ALA believes in ensuring censorship does not occur is protecting children and their rights (American Library Association, 2017). Self-censorship is most common in school libraries and is difficult to fight because it can be an unconscious bias and be invisible in nature (O’Donnell, n.d.). It is crucial that a librarian is always aware of self-censorship and not to influence by fear of public opinion. ALA offers self-censorship guidelines and checklist that can be used when making material selections to help limit unconscious censorships (American Library Association, 2017). Librarians were once head censors, with the support of organisations like ALA and freedom document, they then became leaders in protecting against censorship, now with boards, organisations and social media librarian are slipping back into censorship roles (Moelledick, 2009, p. 73). Librarians must continually stay self-aware so to not show bias, but also support each other and be aware that their organisation like ALA provide guidance and support.

 

What gaps in your knowledge were revealed and how might you fill those gaps?

Before reading the article, I was not aware that self-censorship existed and how proficient it is today. Self-censorship can include allocating books meant for younger readers to the adult’s section, showing bias or placing a book out of direct view of the public e.g. behind the desk (O’Donnell, n.d.) American Library Association also considered labelling as a type of censorship (Antell & Strothmann, 2012, p. 90). It can also be difficult to tell what self-censorship is and what is simply selection, I did find that there were areas were lines became blurred especially because the librarians themselves might be unconsciously censoring materials. Through further investigation I built a more clear understanding of self-censorship and being aware that it is there is part of the battle, I hope by being aware and having access to documents to assist me that I do not partake in self-censorship.

 

Reference

American Library Association. (2017). First amendment and censorship. Retrieved from
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/censorship

Antell, K. & Stothmann, M. (2012). Does labelling children’s book constitute censorship.
Reference & User Quarterly, 52(2), 90-92. doi: 10.5860/rusq.52n2.90

Moellendick, C. M. (2009). Libraries, censors and self-censorship. PNLA Quarterly, 73(4),
68-76. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.csu.edu.au/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lih&AN=43256203&site=ehost-live

O’Donnell, S. (n.d.). Self-censorship. Retrieved from
http://selfcensorshipandlibraryhistory.weebly.com/self-censorship.html

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This Year Winner of the CBCA Early Childhood Award Activity

https://www.psychologicalscience.org/news/releases/mixed-age-head-start-classes-hinders-kids-academic-progress.html

Description

My activity is a book review on this year winner of the Early Childhood Award from Children’s Book Council of Australian (CBCA) titled “Rodney Rabbit Loses It” authored by Michael Gerard Bauer and illustrated by Chrissie Krebs (Children’s Book Council of Australia, 2018a). It is a story about a rabbit who loses his favourite pen and goes on a chaotic search to recover it. The illustrations are simple but effective by building on the humour. Well suited for the target audience 0-7 yrs and received high praise from the judges.
The CBCA was established in 1945 to celebrate passionate people who encourage youths to read (Children Book Council of Australia, 2018a). The award ceremony was designed to encourage and promote Australian authors and publishers in a time where libraries were filled with English and American books (Kett, 2016). In 2001, the award categories increased, and the Early Childhood was one of the new categories (Buckley & Kirkland, 2010, p. 16).

What did you learn?

In all categories literature is judged on setting, characterisation, plot and themes. During the age of 0-7yrs, kids are beginning to develop their literacy skills and starting to read themselves. The Early Childhood award takes into consideration that the children will also be reading the books and pays attention to:
• Font size, style and placement
• Illustrations
• Page layout
• Editing (while learning to read misspelt words can confuse).
(Children’s Book Council of Australia, 2018b, p. 1).

The CBCA book week begins the following day after winners are announced, the event is held in Australian libraries to encourage kids to read, and the winners of the awards are promoted or chosen for the event (Children’s Book Council of Australia, 2018a). This provides excellent promotion for the winners but also promotes CBCA who rely on donations for the awards to continue.

http://archive.cbca.org.au/licences.htm

How was the activity relevant to your professional practice working with children and/or young adults?

It is important for librarians to know popular books and authors to stay up-to-date and provides an opportunity to promote a library’s collection. A key part of the librarian job is to choose materials for their library that is diverse and meets their client’s needs. With such a large variety of high-quality work, one must be able to identify the target audience and critical analyses the resources to make a calculated decision when purchasing new materials. This is done by understanding the targets audience needs and preferences while keeping up with relevant trends. As well as seeing the possible learning tools the stories provide, so children can grow emotionally and mentally while having fun. When reviewing a book, you do not just look at the story; illustrations also play a large role especially in books targeted at younger children, it is not important for the art to be of high quality what matter is the ability to inspire the imagination and add to the story.

What gaps in your knowledge were revealed and how might you fill those gaps?

Something that became apparent to me during my review and research into the CBCA awards was my understanding of why the winners were chosen. As previously stated, the fields in which a book is judged is clearly outlined, however, the ability to understand what children of each generation will enjoy is a skill that comes with experience. Judges chosen will have at least 10yrs experience with children literature, to develop the ability to not only analyse the literature but also to understand the target audience. In each report about the winners and honours of the award, I learnt something new about the book but also about the target audience, things the judges considered that never occurred to me. The ability to analyse and understand the target audience can be achieved by continuing reading and reviewing of books as well as working in the industry, which I one day hope to do.

https://www.facebook.com/MichaelGerardBauerAuthor/photos/d41d8cd9/1509586542432087/

References

Buckley, T., & Kirkland, M. (2010). The children’s book council of Australia. Access
(10300155), 24(3), 16-19. Retrieved from http://web.a.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=1&sid=f4f1412c-78af-4986-a0a4-2f13f4f9030e%40sdc-v-sessmgr04

 

Children’s Book Council of Australia. (2018a). Appendix 2: Additional Judging Criteria.
Retrieved from https://cbcacloud.blob.core.windows.net/documents/Awards%20Policy%20-%20Appendix%202%20Additional%20Judging%20Criteria.pdf

 

Children’s Book Council of Australia. (2018b). CBCA, Retrieved from
https://www.cbca.org.au/

 

Kett, M. R. (2016, August 11). How to Choose Award-winning children’s books (Blog post).
Retrieved from
http://education.abc.net.au/newsandarticles/blog/-/b/2034637/how-to-choose-award-winning-childrens-books

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“Rodney Rabbit Loses It” Book Review

https://michaelgerardbauer.com/rodney-loses-it/

The story centres around a grey, long-eared rabbit who wears a purple bow tie and glasses named Rodney. Rodney loves to draw more than anything else and has a favourite pen which he calls Penny. One day he loses Penny and goes on a crazy search for Penny which escalates quickly.

In the story has Rodney discover his pen is missing and instead of performing a methodical search or asking for help, he wastes energy doing a wild search which only makes a mess and causes damage. At the end he is unable to locate his pen, he then throws a tantrum which causes his pen to fall on the table from behind his ear. This bad behaviour displayed in the book can be used as a teaching tool to show children how not to act when things go wrong and to think about their actions. However, in the end, Rodney’s tantrum leads to him finding his pen, which might show children that throwing a tantrum can work. He also did not learn his lesson as after finding his pen he loses his glasses, and on the last page we see him about to have another tantrum. His behaviour can be used in a discussion with a child about appropriate behaviour however, I feel the story would be a more effective learning tool if Rodney learnt that tantrums do not get you what you want.

The text is large and easy to read, always placed on a background which allows it to stand out. There is rhythm and rhyming which makes it easy and fun to read-aloud or together. However, some of the language used might confuse younger readers; on page one “tedious” is used, this word is above some under six children’s reading level. Also, on page twenty-one the word “caper” is used. I needed to search for the definition, which is a “playful skipping movement”. In the illustration Rodney is dancing, and since I was not aware of the definition, then I believe children and some adult readers might also be confused. I also considered whether it was a spelling error and was meant to read “paper” which would also fit the context.

The simple, colourful illustrations provide a character full of energy and personality. The unfussy design allows children to easily spot objects from the story such as items previously mentioned at the beginning for example the slinky dangling from the chandelier. The illustration builds on the story but also add to the jokes such as seeing that Penny is behind Rodney’s ear the whole time.

I found this, for the most part, a fun, easy read that both children and adults can enjoy and have a laugh. The illustration and story work well together matching and building on each other. With a fun, passionate character and relatable story it offers a chance to teach a lesson and help children think about their action. There is room for improvement to make the lesson more effective. It is a good book that will resonate with its target audience of 0-6yrs old’s and make an acceptable addition to a library’s collection.

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