STATEWIDE REFERENCE THINK TANK INTRODUCTION New technologies and evolving social trends are changing the way in which people find and use information. Everyone is a seeker of information. Ubiquitous access to online information resources and search engines have enabled every person with a computer or mobile device with access to the Internet to search for the information they need to navigate daily life. Knowing that all of these changes are taking place, how can we better understand the white spaces (places of opportunity) where people need information access and assistance? How can we be the leaders in the library profession by creating the future and not reacting to it? On August 25-26, 2008, the California State Library and Metropolitan Cooperative Library System will host a Statewide Reference Think Tank to rethink and redesign the California Statewide Reference model. The outcome of this Think Thank will be 5-8 scenarios that will be shared with libraries at the California Library Association Conference in November and other venues for more statewide input. The scenarios and feedback will be used to build a plan for implementation.
THINK TANK PARTICIPANTS We are seeking a special group of participants who are up for the challenge of thinking about emerging trends and future possibilities, and who want to develop transformational scenarios for providing information services to our communities. To be considered for participation in this high energy and big thinking event, please complete the I Want to Play Application Process. All applications are due July 17, 2008. The top 45 applications will be selected to participate. Registration is free, and the State Library will pay for lodging and meals at the hotel during the event. Each participant may request reimbursement for travel expenses up to $250.00. Any additional cost we ask that the local library jurisdiction pay. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Stacey Aldrich, Deputy State Librarian, at
[email protected] or 916-654-0188.
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STATEWIDE REFERENCE THINK TANK I WANT TO PLAY APPLICATION PROCESS Are you ready for the challenge? The application process is simple. We need some basic information about you and we’d like to know more about you through four questions. The format of your entire submission can be whatever you prefer (written-no more than 1 page per question, podcast, video, blog, etc…)
BASIC INFO – Please include this page or this information in your submission. NAME: Mark Rodriguez POSITION Librarian II TITLE LIBRARY: Thornton Branch Library Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library ADDRESS: 26341 N. Thornton Rd, Thornton, CA 95686 PHONE: 209-794-8077 EMAIL:
[email protected] FORMAT OF Microsoft Word APPLICATION:
TELL US MORE – Please answer all four questions.
ONE: Describe a project or activity that you have worked on that was outside your comfort zone. Why was it uncomfortable? How did you adapt? Were you glad you took on the project or activity? Would you do it again? I was selected to be an ambassador for a library summit that our system was having. This was a great honor because they selected staff members who were known for their outreach services and their customer service skills. I was also a little nervous about being selected not only because there was a lot at stake for the library but there would also be many city officials and dignitaries. I am used to working one on one with community leaders and other agency members but now I was being asked to sit at a table with these esteemed leaders and to facilitate discussions about the future of library services. I came into my own element as the discussions began to unfold. I felt right at home when we discussed where libraries were headed and what direction they should take. I also spoke of embracing popular culture in libraries and allowing video game tournaments to take place in the library. Speaking about my own experiences and hearing how others viewed the library really gave me a good sense how the outside perceives the library. This was a very worthwhile experience and I made contacts with several other agencies that I plan to collaborate with. It would be an honor to serve as an ambassador for the library any time I am called upon to do so since I feel like my role is to always support and promote the library’s services. 2008
TWO: If you were going to design a new house, what are the key elements that you would consider? Why? Having just bought a house last year, I can think of several things that I would have had the builders do differently when it was first built. I would have started with solar panels so the house could run on solar energy. This would be important to me because I believe in conserving energy as much as possible. Another thing I would have focused on is a den to relax in. This would be the area that I could go to after a long day of work and just replenish my energy. I wouldn’t have a computer or TV in this room as those things seem to just drain energy from the brain. Instead, this room would feature an MP3 player that was hooked up to a surround sound system and I would have a shelf of all the library books I have checked out. Music and books are what relax me most and I often require one or the other to be able to fall asleep. There would also be enough comfortable seating so I could enjoy this relaxing time either by myself or with my children. One other important feature of the house would be the yard. I want a yard that is inviting, meaning I want my kids to have adequate playing space and I also want it to look appealing. I would love to have a vegetable and flower garden. There is something therapeutic about being outdoors and working on your garden. It really feels like you are creating something as you see your garden blossom and change with the seasons. Overall, I do not want anything extravagant for my home. Just a comfortable place that I my family and I can live in and enjoy.
THREE: What concerns about the future of libraries keep you up at night? Why? What concerns me about the future of libraries is them being unappreciated by lawmakers. Their focus seems to be on public safety but what they don’t seem to understand is that libraries can be a deterrent to crime. That deterrent comes from the programs and resources that libraries provide. The library I supervise is a prime example of this. We are located in the vicinity of a Housing Authority and many of our patrons are children of migrant workers. We provide them with a recreation center atmosphere. On many days you can see groups of children at different tables participating in reading groups, board games, and crafts. This provides the children with a positive outlet and they have an alternative to roaming the streets like many did before when the library was only available 2 days a week. It is great having more open hours but now we have had our materials budget greatly reduced. This impacts our mission to create readers since we don’t have the books that our patrons want. What keeps me up at night is if future cuts force us to be open less days. Then I worry about where the community will turn to when they don’t have their library which is also their community center. Library advocates must make lawmakers realize that libraries are foundations in the community and are relied on by people for access to the outside world.
FOUR: What is the one 21st Century tool that you cannot live without? Why? The one tool I am completely dependent on is the internet. I use it to make my life easier from banking online, reading the news, and finding sports scores. I get all my information instantly. I love being able to keep tabs on my favorite team that is in another state. The internet connects me to friends who have moved away. I know many are fearful of the internet and places like Myspace and online games are frowned on by some librarians but I try to keep informed and jump right in. I think that helps me do my job better. It also helps me assist others. Many people tell me I am smart because I can solve many problems. I tell them that the internet is what makes me appear so smart. Library patrons will come to me and ask me to fix 2008
their iPod or PSP (Playstation Portable). They are amazed that I am able to fix it after reading an online forum about their particular issue. I also feel a sense of accomplishment when I teach someone else how to navigate the internet. I feel like I am empowering them to begin their journey in a vast pool of information, only now they won’t feel so lost since they have a guide.
DUE DATE All submissions or links to submissions must be sent to Stacey Aldrich, Deputy State Librarian, at
[email protected] by July 17, 2008.
PROCESS FOR SELECTION OF PARTICIPANTS All questions will be reviewed by the staff at the California State Library and a small review team of peers. Applications will be evaluated on 1) the ability of the applicants to articulate their answers clearly, 2) demonstration of broad/systems thinking and 3) creativity.
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