1. Describe 2 highlights that caught your attention in our readings or discussions for this week. Why was it significant for you?
First was the connection I made between my retail experience and my goals/expectations as a reference librarian. I was blown away by exactly how similar my job was to how the book laid it out. I literally thought to myself, "Wow, I was at a meeting about this..." Second was how the book detailed how to conduct a proper search online, to which I thought "Um, doesn't everyone know this?" Even though it seemed old hat, it occurred to me that to some people it might not be, and my students may well be those people.
2. What do you think about the Big 6?
This seems to be a fairly intuitive library research instruction model. My basic attitudes toward instruction in general follow these. It strikes me of being cognizant of Bloom's Taxonomy.
3. Are you pretty comfortable doing a Reference Interview?
Absolutely. I was a great salesman in a pro-customer sort of way. I never made a ton of money for the company, but customers LOVED me. People would ask for my help quite a bit.
4. How is the Internet Log coming? Questions/concerns?
It's on time for it's scheduled arrival. Make sure you seats are in the upright position and all trays are up.
5. Questions about your Online Database Presentation or your Library Lesson? What is your topic?
Not at this time. I'm thinking about exploring and/or teaching BrainPop. It's cool. And fun. And my kids love it.
6. (Louis Question) – How has our class and this week’s activities effected you in your professional life? Discuss two things that you have learned about this week.
The retail sales thing was a big one. I am probably walking away from class with that as my biggest Ah-Ha moment of the night. It's somewhat tangential, but I found that I was pretty good leading a sort-of impromptu discussion (with a partner). I can fly by the seat of my pants and not get too much rug-burn, it would seem.
I agree with your thoughts on how to conduct a proper online search. I got to that part in the book and thought how simple it was, but then as I got reading it I realized that it was much more detailed then I remember from my time in school. It was a great refresher. I think it's so important to remember that even though it seems second nature to one person it isn't necessarily like that to someone else. I think it's important to remember that in so many aspects of teaching.
ReplyDeleteI think you are exactly right about the similarities between our library media jobs and life in retail. Customer service is huge and many of the same strategies apply. Searching does seem to be quite easy for many people, but others struggle to find just what they need. That's why we have to always be questioning, observing and listening to what our patrons want and need, and to how they are progressing. We also need many strategies to assist them. To do that, knowing about a variety of search engines and search strategies is so important. I think BrainPop would be a great search engine to present to our class. Thanks, too, for your part in leading our discussion on the various chapters. Nicely done.
ReplyDeleteI have been where you are. Little did I know that being a LMS would be like a hospitality job...which it is. So needless to say, I agree that working in retail and hospitality had helped me in my current job.
ReplyDeleteI thought your correlation between the skills you developed as an employee at Best Buy and how they can be used in your current position was excellent. It provided a real life comparison between the two roles.
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