Sessions
Keynote: How Search Engines Have Changed the Way We Consume Information
In the last 15 years, we've experienced a great behavioral shift in the ways we consume information. This shift has caused significant disruption for traditional content delivery, such as newspapers, television, and libraries. But the good news is that this shift has caused us to place even more value on content. But as information becomes more accessible, we are missing key curation tools to help us evaluate it. How can those in libraries use knowledge about searcher behavior to better engage with their audiences? How can libraries, as a key medium for delivering information, adapt with changing audience behavior? And how did Buffy the Vampire Slayer indisputably prove to society the true multifaceted value of librarians?
kthx! :>) working with teens online
Ian Duncanson, Beaverton City Library
Susan Smallsreed, Multnomah County Library
Have you ever wondered how to deal with the questions young online patrons ask? Do you wonder if they are serious? Are they pranks? Or, is it just part of being a teen? Join OYAN members Susan Smallsreed & Ian Duncanson to learn more about why teens are teens, what it means for online reference and how to handle them online.
:) R Us: Being There in VR
Bob Schroeder, Portland State University
We all have an image that we project at the reference desk – professional yet approachable, knowledgeable yet warm. How can we transfer this persona online, and why is it even important that we do? Come to this interactive session to find out how others manifest their good librarian selves online, and leave with some great tips you can apply in your VR session tomorrow.
How far would you go? Reflecting on theories and practice of reference
Karen Munro, Univeristy of Oregon
Caleb Tucker-Raymond, Multnomah County Library
What makes a question a reference question? Formal definitions of "reference" attempt to generalize a process that is highly individualized from library to library, from librarian to librarian and from patron to patron. But we use this phrase "reference question" all of the time. What do we mean by it? Participants will talk about it and decide for ourselves.
Intentional Reference: A Mindful Approach to Making Good Even Better
Dale Vidmar, Southern Oregon University
According to scholars such as Robert Slavin, a primary characteristic of an outstanding teacher is intentionality—having a purpose with which to cultivate informed reflection. If we consider our virtual reference in the same way we consider teaching, then would it not make sense to approach our L-Net shifts with the same kind of intentionality that a teacher does before entering the classroom.
Imagine asking yourself the following questions prior to your L-Net shift:
• What do you intend to do to make the session productive and meaningful as a teacher?
• What skills will you focus on to improve the teaching and learning process?
• What will you do to engage and connect with the patron?
Perhaps, more importantly, do you ever take the time to reflect upon what happened during a reference session? If the objective is to become more purposeful in our approach to virtual reference, then taking the time to reflect upon what occurs during a shift would allow librarians to use an L-Net session as a transformative learning experience to improve our craft.
To facilitate and promote intentional reference, this session aims to actively demonstrate and involve each participant in a process to think about what you are going to do before you begin your shift. Rather than taking the approach of fielding questions, you will actively engage in thinking of virtual reference as your craft which you improve upon through mindful practice. Simple, direct, and meaningful is the best description of this process to improve the art of virtual reference.
Be prepared to actively engage in conversations about your personal practice.
Gems of Oregon
Anne Hiller-Clark, Oregon Institute of Technology Shaw Historical Library
Beverly Stafford, Multnomah County Library
Cris Paschild, Portland State University
Steve Silver, Northwest Christian College
Uncover unique resources in our midst! This panel will feature representatives from around the state highlighting a variety of unique special collections. Ever wonder where you could find historical information on the Land of the Lakes region (Southern Oregon, Northern California and Northwest Nevada)? How about how to get your hands on muscial scores? Comic books? Former Portland Mayor Vera Katz's papers? Rare Bibles up to 600 years old? Captain Cook's journals?
In support of this session we've started an interactive "Gems of Oregon Field Guide". The content is user generated, so please, add your collection today! http://www.oregonlibraries.net/gems
Where's a Lawyer When I Need One?
Laura Orr, Washington County Law Library
Learn how to respond to online legal reference questions: Legal reference questions can and should make you nervous, very nervous. Detect questions that are potential sinkholes of sadness or ditches of despair, or sometimes just loaded with laughs. Acquire sample disclaimers and warnings and listen to a few scary, but also teachable-moment, legal reference stories.