Information Update - Fall 2005

Where We’ve Been, Where We’re Going: Keeping NEPA Libraries and Librarians Connected

Librarians know the importance of preserving the past but are also proficient at accepting change in looking for new ways of providing high quality library services in the future. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Library Network (NPLN) and the Northeast Chapter of the Pennsylvania Library Association (NEPaLA) annual spring workshop examined a variety of ways to keep our past current as well as exciting technologies and services that will define the future of communication and information in libraries.
 
The June 8, 2005 workshop was held in the Sheehy-Farmer Center at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre. Breakout sessions included: Digital Expectations with Zhong Geng the Systems/Electronic Resources Librarian and Head of Technical Processing at Marywood University, a detailed presentation on the use of Hyperion, a proprietary product from Sirsi, currently being used at Marywood University’s Learning Resource Center (Library.); Gotta Self Serve Somebody: Self-Checkout Systems in the Library presented by Scott Thomas, Head of Information Technologies at the Albright Memorial Library in Scranton; Collaboration and Innovation at Hospital Libraries with Elaine Curry of the Greater Hazleton Health Alliance Hospital Library, and Rosemary Taylor of the Wyoming Valley Health Care System Library; and Preserving our Past: Archives 101, presented by Jesse Teitelbaum, the Executive Director of the Luzerne County Historical Society, a demonstration on the topic of handling fragile rare and valuable books and historic materials.
 
Steven M. Cohen, librarian at PubSub Concepts, Inc in New York City and creator of Library Stuff weblog (http:www.librarystuff.net/), was the keynote speaker; he gave an energetic and unique presentation filled with practical suggestions and fun methods for librarians to stay current, focusing on using blogs and RSS (real simple syndication) in libraries. Blogs can be a means of internal communication, outreach to patrons, interactive bulletin boards, and tools for management. The amazing technology of RSS is being put to savvy and practical use, linking to journal and catalog updates and library news and events.
Clara Hudson
Pride, Passion, Promise: Experience Our Jesuit Tradition