Competency 6: Databases - WorldCat/Citation Pearl-Growing(Cont.)

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Description/Reflection: Citation pearl growing, aka, the snowballing approach is meant to improve recall (more hits). Leadership(topic) in public library(library type) is my default search target. When I practiced this search, I had a vague idea what I would like to find through the search. Instead of using the targeted name I utilized where that person had lived. In addition to the default terms the descriptor, "dallas" was used to expand the search.

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Description/Reflection: The second hit was what I expected to find. "Lillian Bradshaw"

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Description: "Lillian Bradshaw" was the first female director in Dallas Public Library.

Competency 6: Databases - LibLit/Browsing Search(Cont.)

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Description/Reflection: Since the public library is my selected library type and leadership is my chosen topic, I exercised this snowballing approach by using "leadership in public library" to see what surprise would come out. I did get one after browsing through the listed 120 hits. In fact, there are more interesting terms showing up by browsing through the hits. Terms like "mentoring," "challenge," "education," and "collaboration" imply there are more related topics in the similar field.

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Description/Reflection: The 32th hit titled "Staff and Leadership Shortages? Grow Your Own" got my attention; actually I am currently member of Grow Your Own program in our public library.

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Description/Reflection: Here is the image of the Full Text HTML I copied from clicking the 32th hit. The title is "Staff and Leadership Shortages? Grow Your Own."

Competency 6: Databases - ERIC/Building Block Approach(Cont.)

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Description/Reflection: I know from the beginning what I would like to retrieve from doing this search. From recent recurrences of global calamities, it is evident that efficient exercise of leadership in a crisis is crucial. So, in this practice, my first approach and concept are to find out terms from leadership to public library then to crisis. I came to the following-"crisis" in exercise of leadership in public library. Through multiple-concept search combining "crisis of leadership in public library" I got 4 hits. The 3rd titled "Finding Opportunity:Darcy Cahill--Baltimore County Public Library" got my attention.


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The final result by the most specific facet first approach search--"Finding Opportunity: Darcy Cahill--Baltimore County Public Library"

Competency 6: Databases - ASC/The Most Specific facet First Approach

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Description/Reflection: Starting with the first and the most concept search, "leadership," I got 103,389 hits. Then I tried my second approach using "public library" and got 33,836 hits. My third search try "innovation" got me 123,450 hits. Combining those three using "AND" operators I narrowed the search results to 5 hits. The 5th hit, "The New Public Library Directors" is what I expected to have.

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Description: Among the 5 hits, the 5th on the list titled "The New Public Library Director," is what I have an interest in reading.

Competency 5: Tagging/Cataloging(Cont.)

1)biography,2)business,3classic,4)classics,5)economics,6)fantasy,7)fiction,8)history,9)leadership,10)literature,11)management,12)non-fiction,13)novel,14)own,15)philosophy,16)politics,17)productivity,18)psychology,19)read,20)sci-fi,21)science fiction,22)self-help,23)sociology,24)unread,25)war,

http://www.librarything.com/tag/leadership,+library

Competency 5: Tagging/Cataloging

Link to Librarything: http://www.librarything.com/work/70021

Not surprisingly, I found the book "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu through searching leadership over a tag cloud. The tactics and strategies described in the book are practical and suitable for any field in need of delicate leadership and efficient management, including libraries. This book, though written centuries ago, is what I would name a "vantage" classic title. Vantage books are those that won't vanish, or be forgotten as time flies. Their influence and impact upon human society are deep and wide.

I am an employee of a public library. The topic of leadership sneaked into my mind as I became mentee of my branch manager. His remarkable, cool equilibrium and open-minded attitude not only demonstrate what kind of person he represents himself, but also set a fabulous model for being a leader. If, one day, when situations call for the exercise of leadership I will be well equipped by learned knowledge and, fortunately, his friendly support and generous assistance. A teacher one day will be a mentor the rest of my life.

Link to Librarything: http://www.librarything.com/work/4014541

Competency 4: RSS Feed

Through powerful Google search engine, I came upon this LLN highlights. LLN stands for "Library Leadership Network." This RSS feed is very informative and up-to-date in the field of library leadership. There are features so that users and readers can tell right from the beginning what's included in this feed and what to expect. Features include: Articles in Read and Learn, Leader's Digest, Planning, innovation and more on the LLN, Technology Trends and more on the LLN, Refreshing and Expanding the LLN, Leadership, Obstacles and more at the LLN, New and Updated Articles, Engaging the Community and more at LLN and Future Catalogs and an Update on Blogging at LLN.

For whoever is working in the field of library science and aiming for higher goals, this feed will be of great help to keep the person up-to-date, well informed and properly educated.

Competency 3: Podcast

I found the Eurekaleadership podcast through a Google search. The description the speaker used attracted my attention right away. She said and indicated that it is two way street, two way relationship between a librarian and her/his patron. Mutual is the keyword she pinpointed to describe the interaction between a librarian and the patron; it also applies to a leader and her/his staff. A leader in a library has to see her/himself as a learner and be able to know what kind of person s/he wants to be. Being able to listen and to observe is a must for a library leader.