2010-2011 Online Discussion Forum

October

• Distance Learning

Distance learning has grown rapidly in recent years. What are some of the things your library has done specifically to reach distance learning library users (providing new services, reaching out to faculty, training, technology, etc.)? Do you have a designated “Distance Learning Librarian” at your library?

November

• Job Search

How do you approach the job search from the initial stages? What are some different places to find jobs, beyond ALA JobLIST and CareerBuilder, and any tips people may have on tracking jobs, etc?

December

• Outreach

What are some ways that libraries can do outreach and create partnerships?

January

• Reference 2.0 and Social Media

What are some of the innovative ways libraries are using social media and reference 2.0 technologies to engage their users and what will that future look like? For instance, Springshare’s LibGuides service and now LibAnswers service. What does the future of reference services hold in this regard?

February

• Working for a Vendor

Have you ever considered working at a vendor as an initial career option? What are some the steps involved when transitioning from working in a library to working for a vendor?

March

• Online Publication

Are having thriving online publications (blogs, tweets, etc.) equal to, better, or worse than having traditional publications? What are some of the possible differences between seeking online community vs. print publication in scholarship?

April

• Presentation Tools

What are some tips, techniques, or tools that you find especially useful when conducting presentations? (For example, using cloud-based presentation tools such as Prezi, using icebreakers, etc.)

May

• Online Networking

What are some best practices and examples of online communities used for online networking by librarians and educators?