Reflections…

November 22, 2008

Reflections…

I’ve been home for a month now and I have had plenty of time to reflect on my experience.  I had a wonderful time and I was fortunate enough to make many new friends.  And a  few very important lessons learned during my trip to San Miguel de Allende have provided a foundation for my educational and professional development.

First, I learned that it is necessary to help whenever possible.  Many libraries in the United States and abroad lack the needed resources to provide services to their communities.  As an information professional who is lucky enough to work in a well funded organization, it is easy to take for granted all the things libraries need to operate effectively and efficiently.  Librarians should network to find ways to share resources.  A French speaker might volunteer to catalog a small libraries French collection.  A few staff members might volunteer their time to help shelf shift, or with a relabeling project.  There are countless ways to share expertise within the field and many libraries would greatly benefit even from just a few hours of volunteering.  But time is not our only resource.  Donating resources that are no longer usable in your institution could be another great way to help.  Everything from books to computers to furniture could probably find a new home at a library in need.  By networking with other libraries we can share resources and provide better services for all communities.

Next, I learned that while cataloging with MARC and AACR2 will rarely stray from well known standards, the functions that libraries utilize to meet those standards can vary widely.  Additionally, sometimes standards take a back seat in order to quickly move materials through the system.  While this is understandable in institutions where resources are lacking, it can create problems in the future.  Libraries transitioning to an integrated system might experience display and usability issues if records have been imported with mistakes or incomplete information.  While speed is always important, as a cataloger, I recognize the greater importance of accuracy.  And until a better system is developed, accurate coding is essential for the long term success and usability of the library catalog.

Lastly, I learned that no matter what community you serve, all public libraries share common goals.  All public libraries strive to provide excellent services and to exceed the expectations of their communities.  Even with very few resources, libraries are able to allocate funds in ways that most benefit their costumers.  Librarians are able to develop programs that educate and entertain their patrons based on local needs and trends.  All libraries want to be well used and relevant to their communities. 

I had a wonderful time in San Miguel de Allende.  Everyone, was warm and welcoming.  I am thankful for the opportunity and I hope the work we accomplished will leave a mark on the community, because the community certainly left a mark on me.  

   

 

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