Infographics in Libraries

Recently I come across a new term “Infographics” which means Information graphics or graphic visual representations of information, data or knowledge.

I found Is Print Dead? (Infographic) very interesting.

The librarians can use this technique for displaying library usage, collection development, and expenditure analysis over a period of time. Generally this kind of information is given during committee meetings by means of PowerPoint presentations. But for display purpose the infographics is best way to communicate same data / information to the readers.

This may be used for library advocacy programme as suggested by Linda W Braun in How-To Use Infographics for Library Advocacy 

Another example I come across is Layola University in New Orleans where the students are guided about infographics.

Anatomy of a Librarian is another example for infographics. The accuracy of data given is not known but the picture gives an idea how infographics helps the readers to understand the concept in better way with visual representation.

Instead of giving data / statistical information in tabular forms infographics really works due to its meaningful presentation by use of charts, graphs & visualizations.

Also University of Texas Libraries is organizing special class / workshop Beyond PowerPoint: Say it with Infographics in October 2011.

This is something new hence sharing with all of you!!!!

A new beginning

It has been a long time since I updated my blog..

Most important reason is that I have changed my job and now working as Incharge Library at National Institute of Bank Management, Pune.

I remember my own post Changing job for librarians and presently experiencing it while working in new office. There are moments when I feel frustrated with new surroundings, starts comparing with previous job but I know eventually I will settle down at new job in near future. After all it is my own decision to move on!!

It has been 10 years that I worked in previous organization and hence changing a job was really a tough decision especially being a women and considering the responsibilities at home front. But thanks to my husband who always motivates me and helps me in achieving newer heights in my career.

Thanks to my well wishers, my friends who also supports and encourage me.

It's really a new beginning for me.. Wish me luck!!

Blogging experience for librarians

After the workshop, I realised that there is great need for library professionals to update their knowledge especially about the technological aspects as well as about library profession in general.

Creating a library blog and managing it is really an art. One should have creativity, innovative capability and a urge to do something new especially for your library users. You may add numerous gadgets to your blog to look it more attractive but it will not work until the contents on the blog are useful and educative from user's point of view.

There is also general observation, that many times professionals are always eager to learn new things thro' various workshops, conferences but when they go back it's up to them how they utilise their knowledge in their working schedule.

Library blogs are really useful if it is used to optimum level. Following are few examples listed but not limited to:

1. Announcements purpose:

• Change in time
• Library Holidays
• Exhibitions
• Library Orientation Session

    2.   User's Participation:

• Thro' Book reviews
• Ask a librarian
• Debate
• Survey about library services
• Ask their opinion as and when required
• Students' corner - to share their library experience / to announce their achievements
• Special lectures on specific topics / authors
• Online library orientation session
• Quiz

    3.    Information Services:

• New Arrivals
• News - General / Subject specific thro' Google News
• Thro' RSS Feeds from similar blogs
• Useful resources - (A list)
• RSS Feeds from Publishers for latest releases
• Sharing / displaying Twitter, Delicious etc accounts on blogs
• Posting latest happening in particular field of interest of users

    4.   Library information:

• Collection information
• Library Timings
• Virtual tour thr' pictures
• Special facilities if any
• Services provided
• E-collection
• Library OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue) Search facility
• Library Staff
• Contact details
• Holiday List
• Any other important aspect

The blog provides a medium for publishing the information online instantly. Now a days users are getting tech-savvy hence it also helps to create an image for library. Blog management is simpler as compared to website management and hence the librarians can do it for themselves.

Most important thing is, the web itself provides the vaiours blog creation and hosting software platforms and that too free!!! It's high time that librarians should get serious and apply these freely available latest techniques in otherwise budget crunch environment of library.