Monday, July 21, 2014

Atlanta Emerging Librarians Event: Emerging Technologies - All New Librarians Must Know (08/16/2014)

Please join Atlanta Emerging Librarians for another exciting panel event called The Future of Librarianship: Emerging Technologies - All New Librarians Must Know

Date: Saturday, August 16
Time: 2-4 p.m.
Location: Toco-Hills Public Library

Register for this event

Curious how you can stay up-to-date on the latest technology as a librarian? Want to know what current professionals are doing with technology in their libraries? Join us for a discussion with three panelists about the importance of technology to the library profession and descriptions of technology use at a variety of libraries.

Our speakers include:
Chris Pollette – Emerging Technologies Librarian, Emory University. Topic: TBA
Robin Fay – LOR Portal Manager/Developer, Athens Technical College. Topic: Open Educational Resources, General Technology Trends
Elijah Scott – Director, Georgia Highlands College Libraries. Topic: 3-D Printing

2014 AEL Planning Committee
Jennifer Young
Mandi Goodsett
Courtney Baron
Tim Georges II

Monday, July 14, 2014

Atlanta Emerging Librarians Summer Field Trip


By  Mandi Goodsett
On Saturday, July 12th members of the Georgia chapter of SLA (Special Libraries Association) and the GLA group Atlanta Emerging Librarians (AEL) had the opportunity to tour a couple of special libraries in Atlanta. The first tour was of the Jimmy Carter Library, led by archivists Brittany Paris and Ceri McCarron. Tour participants were presented details about the presidential library, including its history, its exclusion from FOIA laws, and its relationship with the Jimmy Carter Museum. Participants asked lots of great questions about the library’s preservation techniques, treatment of sensitive materials, and the history of the name “presidential library” vs. archives (it was thought that the word “library” would be more recognizable by the public). After the presentation, Brittany and Ceri led the group to some of the library’s archives and showed us examples of some correspondence within their collection, such as letters between John Wayne and Jimmy Carter.

After the tour, SLA and GLA members had a networking lunch in the CNN building’s food court and gathered to take a tour of the CNN library led by reference librarian Lindsey Knight. Many of the fascinating things the tour participants learned we aren’t able to share due to confidentiality issues, but the group was privileged to learn more about CNN’s long history of prioritizing the existence of a company library and about the kinds of reference questions someone working as a news librarian encounters.

Tour participants gave lots of great feedback about the tours and expressed interest in participating in future tour events. If you couldn’t make it to this year’s tours day, please consider joining us for our next tour event! Ideas for tour locations or comments about the event can be directed to atlantaemerginglibrarians@yahoo.com . To learn about future events, join our Google Group at http://groups.google.com/group/atlanta-emerging-librarians or find us on Facebook!

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Professional Development Events in July

This list is provided by Jay Turner, Director of Continuing Education, Georgia Public Library Service.

The GPLS CE calendar has been updated with free, online continuing education events for July.

Some highlights include:
July 9 (11 AM–12 PM )
Is It Copyrighted? Can I Use It? (Nebraska Library Commission)

Copyright! Complicated, confusing, and not clear-cut. What does a librarian need to know? Michael Sauers and Laura Johnson, from the Nebraska Library Commission, will present scenarios to discuss, as we all shine a light on the subject and try to figure out what a librarian needs to do.

For more information and to register for this program, visit:

July 9 (10:30 AM–12:30 PM)
Essentials of RDA for Non-Catalogers (North Georgia Library Association)

RDA (Resource Description and Access) has become a reality for many libraries, especially following the Library of Congress' implementation in 2013. But how does it affect non-catalogers and library users? RDA is part of the ongoing transformation of library data, with an objective of responsiveness to user needs. This session will cover the major differences between AACR2 practices and RDA, focusing on how RDA affects display and navigation in local catalogs, WorldCat, and elsewhere.

For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://tinyurl.com/ngseofq

July 9 (2–3 PM)
Making Your Space: Creators and Makers in the Library (WebJunction)

There’s a transformation going on in libraries—a shift in emphasis from consuming information to convening and creating. Makerspaces in libraries are a big part of this conversation, where the learning and camaraderie are just as significant as tools like 3D printers. If the idea of a makerspace conjures up the hurdles for you (limited space, limited resources, or limited confidence in your own tech skills), this webinar will help you learn how to get started and grow a space in your library for creating. Together, we will debunk the hype, learn how to define your library’s scope and audience, get your board on board, and find creative partners in your community.

For more information and to register for this program, visit:

July 16 (11 AM–12 PM)
Engaging Writers with a Community Novel Project (Nebraska Library Commission)

Libraries are well positioned to encourage customers and community in fiction writing and content creation. The Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library's Community Novel Project is an opportunity for the Topeka community to work together to conceptualize, write, edit, narrate, and publish a complete novel. Each successive year we experiment and expand our annual project to model the evolving skill set necessary for writers wishing to self-publish their own work in digital, print on demand or audiobook formats. Engage with your community of writers and readers and establish the library as a trusted resource for 21st century writers!

For more information and to register for this program, visit:


July 16 (12–1 PM)
Libraries as Drivers of Community Development: Global Edition (WebJunction)

Around the world, libraries are at the heart of community transformation. Instead of aiming to be responsive to emerging needs, libraries can actively push their communities to develop and thrive. Hear stories from around the globe about libraries that are a force to be reckoned with. Join us for this webinar that shares examples of libraries at the leading edge of positive change in communities in Honduras, Guatemala, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Asia. Learn about and bring home successful, practical grassroots approaches to library-driven community development.

For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/libraries-as-drivers.html

July 16 (2–4 PM)
20 Questions: Genealogy Basics (Florida Library Webinars)

In this two-hour online class, students will explore 20 of the most commonly used genealogy web sites where librarians find answers to questions like, “I think my great, great uncle was a civil war soldier – where can I find out more?” After this class, students will: Understand frequently asked genealogy questions, Identify free online resources to help answer specific genealogy questions, Use online resources to locate even more genealogy resources.

For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://floridalibrarywebinars.org/events/20- questions-genealogy-basics-3/

July 16 (2–3 PM)
Welcoming Mobile Devices in Your Library: Space & Staffing (TechSoup)

How does your library welcome users with mobile devices like tablets, laptops, and smartphones? More people are opting to bring their own devices, and this has an impact on the way libraries provide services. Library space is being used differently, and library staff are being asked to provide assistance in new ways. Come to this free webinar to learn how to meet the mobile needs of your community by adapting your library space and providing support to staff.

For more information and to register for this program, visit:

July 22 (3–4 PM)
Makerspaces in Libraries: Legal Considerations (Infopeople)

Your community is supercharged about the new makerspace planned for your library. All systems are full speed ahead, and the staff is ready. But wait. Have you considered all the issues? For instance, Do you know about the liability issues inherent in makerspace programs? What can your library do to protect itself from liability? What elements should be in user waivers and in partnership agreements? Can the library protect itself from intellectual property liability when patrons use library equipment to create and copy all types of works using library tools and equipment such as 3D printers?

For more information and to register for this program, visit:


July 30 (1–2 PM)
Net Neutrality: Recent Changes in Legislation (Georgia Library Association)

"There is one Internet. It must be fast, robust and it must be open. The prospect of a gate keeper choosing winners and losers on the Internet is unacceptable...." – FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler. The addresses what, until now, has been a given - that with an Internet connection, anyone has access to all information available via an Internet Service Provider. That changed in January 2014 when a major court decision stripped the FCC of its power to enforce network neutrality protections, providing an opening for telecom companies to begin exploiting technologies by monitoring and controlling data sent via their networks. In this webinar co-coordinated with the GLA Governmental Relations Committee, Emily Almond, Director of Information Technology for the Georgia Public Library Service, will explore the implications of the current state of net neutrality.

For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://gla.georgialibraries.org/mediawiki/index.php/Carterette_Series_Webinars

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Horace W. Sturgis Library of the Kennesaw State University in the Spotlight!

By Ariel  Turner

Located in the bustling North Metro Atlanta community of Kennesaw, Georgia, Kennesaw State University is the third-largest public institution in Georgia, with an enrollment approaching 25,000 students. Located on the heart of campus is the Horace W. Sturgis Library.

Built in 1981, the Horace W. Sturgis Library has witnessed the massive, rapid growth of the university over the years, from a student population of just over 3,500 to nearly 25,000. The library has undergone several renovations to keep up with student needs, including a renovation of the first floor into an Information Commons in 2009, a renovation of the ground floor into "Owlspace" in 2011, the renovation and creation of a Graduate Library on the third floor in 2012, the recently opened "Owlspace 2" on the ground floor and the impending complete renovation of the ground, first, and second floors.

Library users have access to fifteen study rooms of varying capacity, and can check out iPads, laptops and Macbooks for use in the building. The first floor, or Information Commons, provides an array of computers for student use, and features rotating student art exhibitions on the walls and in a central display case. The Owlspace on the ground floor offers a congenial, noise-friendly studying or meeting space and vending room, while the Graduate Library on the third floor provides silent study for users.

Horace W. Sturgis Library Owlspace
The Horace W. Sturgis Library also maintains several virtual spaces, including virtual reference, research guides, and the Digital Commons @ Kennesaw State University. The Digital Commons hosts scholarly and creative works produced by KSU students, faculty, and other affiliates, including the Georgia Library Association's Georgia Library Quarterly.
Under the leadership of Dean and Assistant Vice President for Library Services Dr. David Evans and Associate Dean and Director Dr. Linda Golian-Lui, the library has undergone several changes in the past few years, including the creation of both a Graduate Library and an off-site book repository, the introduction of 24/7 chat reference service, and a new Subject Liaison Program, pairing each librarian with an academic department.

The Horace W. Sturgis Library holds over 350,000 print and 160,000 electronic titles, with access to over 50,000 journals. The library subscribes to over 200 databases, with access to hundreds more through GALILEO. As a Federal Depository Library, the library is also proud to provide access to thousands of print, electronic and microfiche Government Documents.
The library currently employs 56 staff and faculty, consisting of 23 librarians (including administrators), 16 paraprofessionals, 14 student assistants, 2 graduate research assistants, and 1 administrative associate.

To learn more about the Horace W. Sturgis Library, please visit our website at http://www.kennesaw.edu/library.