Monday Morning Blog

 In the past 10 years, we have seen massive changes in library technical services.  Old processes and practices are gradually becoming obsolete.   Technical services workers often find themselves scrambling to update their knowledge and skills.   A particular challenge comes along when library leaders need to make a choice about what new services or practices to adopt.  Because of the rate of change, it is simply difficult to keep up to date.  With a shrinking workforce and increasing workloads, there often is little time to spend learning about what is new and upcoming in the field.  How can these leaders feel confident in their choices when they simply don't feel that they have the information they need?   Those who are new to the field face another challenge.  Employers often look to "new graduates" to have the latest skills and knowledge.  These new employees may be relied upon to have expertise in the new practices and processes.  The reality is that many of our scho

Welcome back to my blog.  After a short recess, I will return to writing and publishing content again.    The May 2019 issue of Teaching Librarian  (click title to get free access), a trade magazine put out by the Ontario School Library Association, is a great resource for anyone working in a school or public library.  Interesting articles in this issue include: A discussion of GoodMinds.com as a tool for locating and selecting indigenous books and other materials Building a Culturally Relevant and Responsive School Library Learning Commons  French Indigenous Resources What happens when you create a culture of respect, trust, and innovation in school library spaces?  What Can I Contribute to Meaningful Reconciliation? Respectful Relationships in Libraries: Where Should We Start? It can be very hard to find resources such as this and many teaching librarians and library techs are scrambling now that schools have placed an increased emphasis on teaching for reconciliation.  So, if you kn