Lib 3 - Inforamtion Competency - Project 1: Library Visit

On Saturday, June 21, 2008, I visited the Orange County Public Library, Cypress Branch. The address is 5331 Orange Avenue, Cypress, CA 90630. The building is located in the Cypress Civic Center, next to the Cypress Police Department. The Cypress Library is one of several branch libraries associated with Santiego Library Systems

I live in Seal Beach and often frequent the Rossmore Library. I chose the Cypress Library for this assignment because it was larger than the Rossmore Library and thought there would be more to share with you for this assignment.

Upon entering the Cypress Library, I came to the “Check-Out” counter (about 30 feet from the front entrance). To the left of me was a very large room, quartered off with bookshelves and/or partitions. The room was divided into specific areas.

The first area I came to was the Young Adult Section. It seemed to be more of a study area. There were eight tables with a minimum of 4 chairs to each table. There was a partition, which held numerous brochures on various topics and served to separate the Young Adult Section from the area designated for Magazines/Periodicals/Newspapers.

The Magazines/Periodicals/Newspapers were in an area that was furnished with comfortable cushy chairs (no tables) for relaxed reading (and probably snoozing) and perusal of the material in that particular area. This area was squared off by an additional row of shorter bookcases, which met the partition, leaving what appeared to be an entrance to the Magazine/Periodical/Newspaper seating area. Each of the aforementioned areas probably measured out to be approximately 40x40 ft. each.

Directly in front of the short book cases 8-9 standard size (tall) wooden bookshelves that housed Books on Tape; Large Print Books; Adult Fiction (alpha by Author); their Music Section (containing books, sheet music and a dedicated Music Reference section). There were also paperbacks housed separately on turn-table type racks (for lack of a better description). Lastly in that room were Videos, DVDs, CDs. I then rounded the corner to find myself back at the lobby entrance.

I crossed to the other side, entering an equally large room as the left side of the library. The Information Desk was located there, along with Reference Books, and all the computers and a copier. Also in this area are books and a study area for elementary school age children (books, videos, cds, tables, chairs). All computers were located in this area as well.

Some of the online catalogs are: OCPL Catalog; EBSCO, which is a magazine/periodical/ literature system; California Library Catalog, and several others.

Three services available are: internet access, catalog research, various standard software programs.

Cypress Library is a public library that utilizes the Dewey Decimal classification system. I found it interesting that this particular library is a test branch for a new method of handling certain reference books. As I understand it, they are inter-filing reference books with non-fiction. These particular reference books have a 7-Day Only sticker placed on the spine of the book. After undergoing some studies, it was apparent that the reference sections of many libraries are seldom used. They thought by interfiling these reference books with non-fiction they would be more accessible to the patrons. The downside of this is that some of these books are valuable and could possibly be lost/not returned. They are only in the 2nd month of this test study. I should have asked how long the test period would be. They still have certain reference books that are not allowed to be checked out. They are kept directly behind the Information Desk.

What I like most about the Cypress Library is that the personnel (from the clerk at the front desk to the Senior Administrative Librarian) were all helpful, personable, polite, and knowledgeable about every aspect of their library. They clearly enjoy their jobs and are very willing to help the patrons if needed.

I spoke briefly with one of the librarians there, Ms. Malinda Todora, and told her about the online class I was taking and that my goal was to obtain certification as a Library Technician. She said she began a similar program years ago through Fullerton, but the program was dropped (not enough people responded). She asked if I was doing this through Santa Ana College, who is known for offering this certification. I proudly said, no, Long Beach Community College is offering this new program in the Fall of 2008 and that the online class I was now taking is one of the required classes of the that program. She said she would be happy to post the hand-out at the various libraries they are affiliated with. So, I followed-up this evening with an email containing the hand-out with the information (obtained from Kim Barcley of Long Beach Community College). I sure hope this helps to inform interested people that this program is being offered. I guess we shall see.

Well, there should be just about 500 words here. But in case a few more words are needed, I found the grounds outside of the building nicely kept. I enjoyed this project as well.

Blog Reflection No. 1 - Comments on Lib 3 Course So Far...

I feel this class has given me an excellent view of the research process and how important it is to know what resources are available. It also instills the need to organize your thoughts and material, which ultimately makes your task easier. We began doing research papers since elementary school with very little understanding of how the process works or how to simplify the process. The average person will spend 12 to 16 years in school and will be required to do research of some sort. I realize there are many books and online information available to get the answers you need, but what happens to the person who doesn’t know what questions to ask? This course has taught me not to be fearful of doing a research paper. It gives unending detailed information for every assignment. I feel certain this class would have benefited me greatly in my earlier years in school and feel this class will certainly benefit me with my continuing education.
Excellent class, Ms. Laney.

Yes, this is my first online class. I must say that at first I was apprehensive, not knowing what to expect. I think the online discussions are great. Strange that none of us will ever meet, but I have to say that this has truly been the friendliest class I have ever been in. Clearly we all tend to encourage one another and help if we can . . . very rare these days.

What I like about the online class: Everyone is working on a project and we have the opportunity to learn from each other through our discussions and interaction. We share our experiences both positive and sometimes negative. I feel this is important because it tells us all that we are in this together. I feel the assignments are well paced and, we know we can contact you easily enough if we have a question. I don’t feel pressured so far. It’s been a great experience.

As for my “a-ha” moment…I had that moment yesterday when I didn’t “think” I was at the right spot, but rather “knew” I was at the right spot for Project Gutenberg. It felt good.

Additional Information on the Long Beach Public Library...

Relative to Project 1: Library Visit. Of the many services offered by the Long Beach Public Library, I utilized three (3): Online Catalogs and databases; Library of Congress, which consist of four (4) large volumes; and their DVD/CDs area. The Long Beach Library is a public library that utilizes the dewey decimal classification system. As for their Reference Section, I only had time to see CQ Volumes at a glance, and used the Library of Congress subject heading volumes. I liked the fact that they provide many computers for public use. No one had to wait to use them. They also had computers for library members(login in required) which provides greater access to difference databases, etc.

The Long Beach Public Library is in the County of Los Angeles and located at 101 Pacific Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90622. Their phone number is 562-570-7500. The Long Beach Public Library has 11 branch libraries.

My First Visit to the Long Beach Public Library...

Yikes! Well, I now have something to write about. You won't believe it...I even had to pinch myself to see if I was having a nightmare last Saturday.

My intent was to utilize the Library of Congress volumes for an assignment, and acquaint myself with the Long Beach Public Library. Upon approaching he building I noticed a number of homeless people on the lawn and at the entrance to the library.

My first impression when entering the library was that it was quite spacious. The front counter was for checking library materials in/out. Three people were at that station. I proceeded further in to their Information Desk. With notebook in hand, I approached the first librarian and asked for the Library of Congress volumes. I asked if she would give me a few minutes of her time to familiarize me with the Library of Congress volumes, and stated that I would be using them for a class project. She looked looked at me with a somber expression, crossed her arms and said: "If someone else needs my help, you will have to wait because I have to take care of their needs first." Well, I did not quite understand that one, but I told her that would not be a problem. Further, she said: "I hope you don't expect me to do your assignment for you." Needless to say, I was shocked, embarrassed by her comments. She then asked what my assignment was and I proceeded to show her the assignment paper. She put both hands up in surpise, like it was a hold-up, and said: "I don't want to touch that paper after you touched your mouth and handled the paper." With that I walked away, staying clear of her for the rest of the afternoon. I consulted other librarians who were helpful and polite.

The LBPL is have many computers available for use by the public, a large reference area, a special separate area for students to do homework assignments if they wish, with volunteers to assist.

I was quite stressed by the entire incident and was anxious to leave. Upon getting my things together, and heading for the exit, my earlier experience resurfaced. I just couldn't let someone like that get away with treating me like that. I asked to see the head librarian and put in a complaint. The head librarian apologized a number of times, and as much as I appreciated her attempt to smooth things over, she was not the one who offended me. I was told my complaint would be brought to the attention of the librarian-in-question supervsor. The head supervisor took everything I said down and provided me with a form to submit a complaint, which I have done.

Moral to the story, sometimes we may not always be aware how we come off to other people. Some days are better than others for most of us, and I hope by bringing this to that librarian's attention, she will have a new found awareness about her attitude with the public. Hopefully she just had an off-day, or at least I would like to think so.

Hopefully none of you ever experience anything close to this awful incident. Good luck with future research and beware of somber looking librarians ready to show you just how much you don't know.

All joking aside, my experience with other librarians has always been positive, so I feel this was merely an isolated incident. Happy research everyone!

"Hello World!"

A fun experience. Nothing fancy, but I completed the task. I didn't realize that in logging in, the system was case sensitive and therefore kept me from accessing my blog in a timely manner. I have not read any other blogs, but will do so once I've completed this note. Your input is appreciated.

Collaboratation

Testing the waters...a first attempt. Not too shabby, at least I ventured out. You don't learn unless you stumble a few times.