A lot of customers want to use the Resume Wizard in Microsoft Word, which can be an easy way to quickly create a resume if the customer is familiar with using Word. However, if the customer is not familiar with Word, the Resume Wizard can be complicated and challenging to update in the future.
One great place to find a user friendly resume template is on the Maryland Workforce Exchange Web site. Your customers do have to create a username and password in order to use the template, but after that hurdle is cleared, the resume builder should be fairly straight forward. The customer is given boxes to fill in for each section of the resume (work history, certifications, military history, etc.), which is similar to an online job application. After all the information is inputted, the customer has the option to save and display a printable resume or a Word document. In both cases, the formatting has been done for the customer. The Word document can also be saved on a flash drive or floppy disk for future use.
Another useful Web site is Emurse. Customers will have to register in order to use this Web site. It also has the customer fill out the resume as if it were an online job application and provides downloadable resumes in several different formats, including as a Word document, PDF, HTML, or Plain Text. Customers can chose a variety of different formats for presenting their resume. Emurse allows the customer to save up to two resumes for free on the site and create a personalized online resume.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
I’m interested in keeping up with library trends and continuing my library education. Can I do this for free?
Yes, there are a number of ways you can continue your library education.
One of the most important ways is to read the current journals and these are available at the library and in many cases online. Some of the journals published by the American Library Association and others are Library Journal, American Libraries, and Public Libraries. All of these have important articles which help you to keep up with the current news, issues, and developments in the field. More specialized periodicals include Library Administration & Management, The Reference Librarian, and Computers in Libraries.
The American Library Association has an excellent Web site with an Issues and Advocacy section, information on Education and Careers, and Ongoing Professional Development. To keep up with local library issues, the Maryland Library Association also has a Web site with links to local free meetings, panels, and other events. The Special Libraries Association has access to podcasts and articles as well.
Up-to-date books about the library profession are available including such topics as programming for adults, young adults, and children, alternative careers, technology, and collection development.
Finally, don’t forget to network. Talking to colleagues, reading blogs, and attending open meetings are excellent ways to keep up with the profession.
One of the most important ways is to read the current journals and these are available at the library and in many cases online. Some of the journals published by the American Library Association and others are Library Journal, American Libraries, and Public Libraries. All of these have important articles which help you to keep up with the current news, issues, and developments in the field. More specialized periodicals include Library Administration & Management, The Reference Librarian, and Computers in Libraries.
The American Library Association has an excellent Web site with an Issues and Advocacy section, information on Education and Careers, and Ongoing Professional Development. To keep up with local library issues, the Maryland Library Association also has a Web site with links to local free meetings, panels, and other events. The Special Libraries Association has access to podcasts and articles as well.
Up-to-date books about the library profession are available including such topics as programming for adults, young adults, and children, alternative careers, technology, and collection development.
Finally, don’t forget to network. Talking to colleagues, reading blogs, and attending open meetings are excellent ways to keep up with the profession.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
How do I put together a good looking display in limited space?
An attractive book display can be put together in any type of space. Whether you have a large table, a book truck, or the corner of a shelf shouldn’t matter. Once you know where the display is going to be, the next thing you have to do is pick a display subject. Find some attractive books on the display subject t
o see what you have to work with.
Start putting the books in the display area – it’s a good idea to visualize the shape of the display first. A couple of common display shapes are the pyramid and class picture (big books in the middle or at the top, smaller books on the outside corners). Remember, you don’t have to use all of the books at once. It’s nice to have a few extra titles put aside to fill in the gaps as books get checked out. If there are multiple copies of titles feel free to use them – standing up one book on top of the same title can add some height to the display.
Once the books are displayed stand back and look at it. Can you see the titles of all of the books? Is there an eye catching cover that will draw the patron over? Is the display subject clear? You may not get the display right the first time, but that’s part of the fun!
You can find more photos of displays done at both SLRC and other Maryland County libraries on Flickr.
To read some articles about the importance of book displays visit our Delicious page.
o see what you have to work with.Start putting the books in the display area – it’s a good idea to visualize the shape of the display first. A couple of common display shapes are the pyramid and class picture (big books in the middle or at the top, smaller books on the outside corners). Remember, you don’t have to use all of the books at once. It’s nice to have a few extra titles put aside to fill in the gaps as books get checked out. If there are multiple copies of titles feel free to use them – standing up one book on top of the same title can add some height to the display.
Once the books are displayed stand back and look at it. Can you see the titles of all of the books? Is there an eye catching cover that will draw the patron over? Is the display subject clear? You may not get the display right the first time, but that’s part of the fun!
You can find more photos of displays done at both SLRC and other Maryland County libraries on Flickr.
To read some articles about the importance of book displays visit our Delicious page.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
A customer at the library is interested in researching her family history. Where is a good place to get started researching Maryland genealogy?
There are some basic sources and databases that will help point a customer in the right direction in researching their Maryland family history. But before you jump in, you need to ask three basic questions. They are:
1. What time period are you interested in?
If the customer wants to know if their ancestor arrived with the first Maryland settlers on the Ark and Dove in 1634, then there is no reason to look at the U.S. Census which began in 1790. You first need to establish the time period before you can direct them to an appropriate source.
2. Which county or region of Maryland are you searching?
The volume of information varies greatly by county. Some have quite a bit, others very little. Establishing the county or area they’re focusing on can help identify where you need to refer. At the very least you can recommend a genealogical or historical society in the county of interest.
3. Where have you already searched?
This is important in establishing whether you have a novice in front of you or someone who is well beyond your expertise. In addition, you don’t want to reinvent the wheel, that is, show them sources that they have already searched.
If the customer is beginning or looking for a place to start your best bet are census records. U.S. Census enumerations are easily available to anyone in the state on HeritageQuest. HeritageQuest can be accessed through most county library systems or via Sailor. You may also be able to find census records online through Ancestry Library Edition. Ancestry is usually only available within the library, so check your system’s database list.
However, the latest census enumerations are from 1930. What if you need something later?
At SLRC, we have done a lot of work with finding aids and how-to and subject guides for genealogy. The best starting point for Maryland genealogy is Starting Your Own Genealogical Research, which is part of the Genealogy subject guide produced by the Maryland Department at SLRC. Don’t forget to search the catalog at SLRC for the type of record. You only need type in the keyword (e.g., death, for death notices), county (e.g., Frederick) and limit the library to Maryland Department. If you find something, contact the department to have them check the source and get you the information if appropriate.
If the customer, or you, still needs assistance contact the Maryland Department at SLRC.
1. What time period are you interested in?
If the customer wants to know if their ancestor arrived with the first Maryland settlers on the Ark and Dove in 1634, then there is no reason to look at the U.S. Census which began in 1790. You first need to establish the time period before you can direct them to an appropriate source.
2. Which county or region of Maryland are you searching?
The volume of information varies greatly by county. Some have quite a bit, others very little. Establishing the county or area they’re focusing on can help identify where you need to refer. At the very least you can recommend a genealogical or historical society in the county of interest.
3. Where have you already searched?
This is important in establishing whether you have a novice in front of you or someone who is well beyond your expertise. In addition, you don’t want to reinvent the wheel, that is, show them sources that they have already searched.
If the customer is beginning or looking for a place to start your best bet are census records. U.S. Census enumerations are easily available to anyone in the state on HeritageQuest. HeritageQuest can be accessed through most county library systems or via Sailor. You may also be able to find census records online through Ancestry Library Edition. Ancestry is usually only available within the library, so check your system’s database list.
However, the latest census enumerations are from 1930. What if you need something later?
At SLRC, we have done a lot of work with finding aids and how-to and subject guides for genealogy. The best starting point for Maryland genealogy is Starting Your Own Genealogical Research, which is part of the Genealogy subject guide produced by the Maryland Department at SLRC. Don’t forget to search the catalog at SLRC for the type of record. You only need type in the keyword (e.g., death, for death notices), county (e.g., Frederick) and limit the library to Maryland Department. If you find something, contact the department to have them check the source and get you the information if appropriate.
If the customer, or you, still needs assistance contact the Maryland Department at SLRC.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
A student approaches the reference desk needing to research a specific country. What are some good resources I can use to help them?
Let’s make sure we get off on the right track by using our model reference behaviors to determine the specific type of information our customer wants. Is our customer a young student looking for basic geographic and political information including a picture of the country’s flag? Is it an older student trying to find out about a country’s history, culture, and customs? Or is our customer someone planning a visit to a particular country?
The World Book Encyclopedia is a great place to start our research whether we’re using the print or electronic version. The articles are well-organized, clearly written, and offer maps and illustrations. The following websites are particularly useful for general information about specific countries:
Sometimes students will come to the library searching for information on culture and customs. Greenwood Press publishes several series of books that are perfect for this type of question. Some examples of these series with titles on individual countries are Culture and Customs of Africa, Culture and Customs of Asia, Culture and Customs of Europe, and Culture and Customs of Latin America and the Caribbean.
Another useful source for this type of information is a set entitled Culturgrams: the Nations around Us. Some libraries may have access to the electronic version of this wonderful resource.
Interested in a Web source that explores the culture and etiquette of a specific country? Try Kwintessential’s Global Guide to Culture, Customs and Etiquette.
Older students may be searching for in-depth sources of statistics. Here are some Web possibilities:
Customers interested in foreign travel will find a number of the above-named websites useful. They may also benefit from the following:
The World Book Encyclopedia is a great place to start our research whether we’re using the print or electronic version. The articles are well-organized, clearly written, and offer maps and illustrations. The following websites are particularly useful for general information about specific countries:
- CIA World Factbook
- Country Studies – Federal Research Division, Library of Congress
- InfoPlease – Countries of the World
- Portals to the World from the Library of Congress
- U.S. Department of State Background Notes
Sometimes students will come to the library searching for information on culture and customs. Greenwood Press publishes several series of books that are perfect for this type of question. Some examples of these series with titles on individual countries are Culture and Customs of Africa, Culture and Customs of Asia, Culture and Customs of Europe, and Culture and Customs of Latin America and the Caribbean.
Another useful source for this type of information is a set entitled Culturgrams: the Nations around Us. Some libraries may have access to the electronic version of this wonderful resource.
Interested in a Web source that explores the culture and etiquette of a specific country? Try Kwintessential’s Global Guide to Culture, Customs and Etiquette.
Older students may be searching for in-depth sources of statistics. Here are some Web possibilities:
- NationMaster
- University of Michigan Statistical Resources on the Web: Foreign Government Data Sources
Customers interested in foreign travel will find a number of the above-named websites useful. They may also benefit from the following:
Thursday, May 21, 2009
I have a lot of customers that need help with using the computer. Are there any good resources online that can help them learn how to use a computer?
Many Maryland libraries offer classes to assist customers in using computers. Librarians can make sure to let people know details about the classes and encourage them to sign up or show up, depending on your system’s arrangement.
For some patrons, particularly those who have never used computers and for whom it may have taken some nerve to come to the desk and tell you that they would like to learn something today, getting them started immediately is important. On the other hand, in many cases you may be the only librarian on the desk and your time is limited.
For customers that have never used computers there is a New User Tutorial that you can show them to get them started. If you open the site for them and show them the enter key, they most likely will be able to work through teaching themselves basic clicking, scrolling and introductory features.
Once they have grown comfortable using the mouse, they may vary in what they would like to learn.
Keyboard Tutorial will teach customers keyboard basics and about the various keys
A lot of people come to the library in order to access the Internet. To familiarize people with the basic terminology, the Basic Guide to the Internet is a good place to start, but some users might want to skip this page if they are not interested in the vocabulary of the web.
For libraries who offer the Internet Explorer (IE) browser, an IE Tutorial can provide information on how to use IE, although some of the icons are somewhat different from those currently used.
Many customers need help opening an email account. Consider whether the new computer user needs to spend the lengthy time creating an email account as it is a one-time activity. If it fits your institution’s policies, you may be able to help them by creating the account quickly at your reference desk. For customers trying to apply for jobs who find that they need an email address, consider an easy logon (maybe first initial, last name and street address number), easy password that they will remember (family member’s name or their birthday numerically) and quickly read a few of the question choices. If you are not able to assist an individual, the Enoch Pratt Free Library's How to Get an Email Account guide should help them
Customers may also be interested in writing a letter, completing a resume or creating some other document. In order to do this, many patrons will use Microsoft Word. The Word 2003 Tutorial is a good place to get started.
For some patrons, particularly those who have never used computers and for whom it may have taken some nerve to come to the desk and tell you that they would like to learn something today, getting them started immediately is important. On the other hand, in many cases you may be the only librarian on the desk and your time is limited.
For customers that have never used computers there is a New User Tutorial that you can show them to get them started. If you open the site for them and show them the enter key, they most likely will be able to work through teaching themselves basic clicking, scrolling and introductory features.
Once they have grown comfortable using the mouse, they may vary in what they would like to learn.
Keyboard Tutorial will teach customers keyboard basics and about the various keys
A lot of people come to the library in order to access the Internet. To familiarize people with the basic terminology, the Basic Guide to the Internet is a good place to start, but some users might want to skip this page if they are not interested in the vocabulary of the web.
For libraries who offer the Internet Explorer (IE) browser, an IE Tutorial can provide information on how to use IE, although some of the icons are somewhat different from those currently used.
Many customers need help opening an email account. Consider whether the new computer user needs to spend the lengthy time creating an email account as it is a one-time activity. If it fits your institution’s policies, you may be able to help them by creating the account quickly at your reference desk. For customers trying to apply for jobs who find that they need an email address, consider an easy logon (maybe first initial, last name and street address number), easy password that they will remember (family member’s name or their birthday numerically) and quickly read a few of the question choices. If you are not able to assist an individual, the Enoch Pratt Free Library's How to Get an Email Account guide should help them
Customers may also be interested in writing a letter, completing a resume or creating some other document. In order to do this, many patrons will use Microsoft Word. The Word 2003 Tutorial is a good place to get started.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Tips for Excellent Customer Service to Teens
Smile and say hello to every teen that enters your department – even if they’re listening to headphones or walking with their heads down. Noticing teens in a positive way makes them feel more comfortable, and it also makes them more aware of their surroundings.
Ask repeat teen customers their names and remember them. Teens spend much of their time feeling alienated. If you call them by name they will feel like they belong. This will make them more comfortable approaching you with questions and will positively affect their behavior.
Be sure you understand the question. Teens often mumble and may use hip slang that you might not get. Instead of guessing, always apologize for not understanding them and ask them to restate their question more slowly and clearly.
Learn at least the basics of whichever social networking site is the most popular at your library. If you can’t answer a simple question about MySpace, some teens will lose faith in your ability to answer questions about anything at all. The best way to learn is to create your own profile. You can make a fake one if you aren’t actually interested in social networking. Don’t know where to begin? Ask a coworker or a teen with whom you have good rapport. Most sites also include tutorials.
Read outside your favorite genres. Teens will appreciate it when you’re able to recommend and discuss the kinds of books that appeal to them. A good goal is to read at least the first book in most of the popular teen series that your library owns.
Be respectful at all times. When asking teens to follow rules approach them with the same level of professionalism that you would an adult. Teens can be naturally aggravating, but if you let them know that they get to you they will often become intentionally annoying.
The best approach to improving the behavior of a teen breaking the rules:
Ask repeat teen customers their names and remember them. Teens spend much of their time feeling alienated. If you call them by name they will feel like they belong. This will make them more comfortable approaching you with questions and will positively affect their behavior.
Be sure you understand the question. Teens often mumble and may use hip slang that you might not get. Instead of guessing, always apologize for not understanding them and ask them to restate their question more slowly and clearly.
Learn at least the basics of whichever social networking site is the most popular at your library. If you can’t answer a simple question about MySpace, some teens will lose faith in your ability to answer questions about anything at all. The best way to learn is to create your own profile. You can make a fake one if you aren’t actually interested in social networking. Don’t know where to begin? Ask a coworker or a teen with whom you have good rapport. Most sites also include tutorials.
Read outside your favorite genres. Teens will appreciate it when you’re able to recommend and discuss the kinds of books that appeal to them. A good goal is to read at least the first book in most of the popular teen series that your library owns.
Be respectful at all times. When asking teens to follow rules approach them with the same level of professionalism that you would an adult. Teens can be naturally aggravating, but if you let them know that they get to you they will often become intentionally annoying.
The best approach to improving the behavior of a teen breaking the rules:
- Walk over to where the offender is located. NEVER scold a patron from behind the desk.
- Calmly and politely ask him to alter his behavior.
- If the behavior persists, explain to her that this has been her first warning. She will receive one more warning. The third time she breaks the rules she will be asked to leave. Wait for an acknowledgement that she has understood this information.
- Thank him for calming down.
- If a teen persists in misbehaving stick to your own policy. Don’t let her sweet talk you into letting it go one more time. You want to be kind and professional, but not a pushover.
- If you do need to ask a teen to leave or if you call a security guard, continue to act in a calm and professional manner.
- Don’t hold grudges. Teens can be moody and unpredictable. A teen that gets kicked out one day may stay and help you push in chairs the next – especially if you smile and greet him like yesterday didn’t happen.
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