Why Must You Attend The Next Conference/Workshop?

Yesterday, this thought came to my mind and I am asking you "Why must you go to the next conference or workshop? Why can't you delegate another to go in your place? Can anyone do that? No! No!! But why is it important that you should strive to be at the next conference? I can not answer this question for you, but I may be able to advice. The first thing is note is that if the conference has no relevance to your line of professional development, do not go! Select the right person to do. Secondly, what do you hope to gain from the conference/workshop. I would not imagine a CEO of a library to atend an advanced HTML class meant for the IT Librarian in his organization or something designed for Secretaries and Librarians are struggling to go. Above all, I think, there are numerous reasons why we must to go to the next conference /workshop, but we need to be prepared. Hoping to hear from you soon.

What Motivates You As A LIP?

This is another issue that has 'troubled' my heart for a long time. I have seen many LIPs who will work with all their energy and at the same time I have also seen very lazy ones. The question is what motivates you as a professional? Is it money, which has its root in salary? Well, I know one thing; salary is has never been enough for anyone. Is it that, there is no equipment to work with? Yes, for all of us who work with some institutions is like we are destined not to have working tools to do our work. What of the leadership in our LICs? Don’t they de-mobilize us? Yes! This is common too, but certainly we must work with such.

Has anyone done a research on this in Nigeria or Africa? I am interested in knowing what motivates you?

I am currently reading some articles on this and here is what I found:

In this article Employee Motivation, Motivation was defined as "an ongoing process that starts at the first interview." A leader is expected to discover what motivates his/her employees. Motivating employees was also expatiated to mean:

"- Developing a partnership attitude.
- Creating camaraderie and team spirit.
- Improving attitudes and resulting behaviors.
- Stimulating and challenging employees to grow.
- Rewarding positive behaviors.
- Mentoring and enhancing lives.
- Building dedication and loyalty."
I wonder how many senior LIPs are doing this.

The next question is "What Motivates People" - Keep Employees (www.keepemployees.com) is an excellent site detailing motivational factors. "In a national survey, hundreds of employers were asked, “What motivates your employees?” The majority answered “More money.” But when their employees were queried, money ranks in the middle. Employees listed their morale boosters as: 1) Interesting work; 2) Appreciation and recognition; 3) Feeling “in on things”; 4) Job security and 5) Good wages. You’ll notice that all of these are subjective. Remember its how they feel about a situation (as opposed tothe facts) that counts. So how do you figure that out? You ask them. Morale is based on employees feeling that they are treated and paid fairly; valued, appreciated and recognized for their work; and that the work they do is important. So how do they know this? You tell them and show them – regularly."
---------------------------------
Excerpt from an Article titled Employee Motivation by Sharon L. Fullen (www.writesalot.com).

Do LIPs Really Need A PhD?

This has been a serious issue on my mind. I do not know about you. But I know for sure that it is a desireable thing to have a PhD, at least everyone can at least show you a measure of respect particularly your library users.

But my question is, do we really need a PhD to function effectively and efficiently? I have heard it said by some of our colleagues that it is a necessity especially if you are thinking of retirement. In addition to the point mentioned above, they felt, you need PhD if you are in academics. Thirdly, they also believe that even if you are not into academics, you need aPhD to research your services and environment effectively for better performance.

I was curious to learn what other colleagues elsewhere have brrn saying. So I conducted a research (a PhD candidate already) and found that some people have started discussing this already. I am really eager to read from you if you are inclined to do so. Will go for a PhD for the sake f it? or Will you do it for the love of it? What if it is mandatory as it is today in Nigerian Universities? What would you have done?

How easy is it for a practitioner to engage in this consedering the face that there is work to do and no one will give you study leave. I am just wondering how?

Please read this article on this issue titled:

• PhD- worth it?
• Another point about the PhD issue

You will also have the chance of reading reactions of other LIPs from all over. Why can't you add your voice to this debate.

Are Librarians Afraid of Retirement?

The issue of retirement to many LIPs is a very big one. The other day I met with a very senior colleague who was approaching retirement. It was very obvous that this person was not clear as to what he would do at retirement.



Again, I met another colleague who was already 'enjoying' his retirement. According to this fellow, it was very clear to him what he wanted to do for retirement, but he found it difficult to raise the needed finances to implement his dream job.



Yet another time I met an elderly man who retired as a library officer from one of the higher institutions in Oyo state, Nigeria. He started by selling stationeries to libraries and at a point got job with the primary and nursery schools as Librarian. Not long after, luck smiled at him when he came in contact with another colleague who was having a field day at retirement. This guy was involved with a lot of new library start-ups in Law chambers, schools ... From there, that library officer had to pick up his cataloguing tools and started raking in money from many start-up libraries starting from Ibadan.



The question that comes to mind is when should we start preparing for retirement? Because, many start when it is too late. I think the answer is "start the very day you got that job" Start preparing your retirement" Even when you leave your paid emplyemnt you can easily move on and re-fire rather than retire.



Again, if you have reitrement at heart from the beginning of your career, you can then plan to develop the kind of skills that will be useful for you at retirement. This can be achieved by taking courses of specific areas of need.



Retirement is what many do not consider. They often think that everything witll continue the same way even after retirement. It is not so. Many have even been retired suddenly and that has caused them untold hardships. We should start now to plan for retirement NOW!!!



Do you agree with this?

Towards the Achievement of IT-driven Nigerian Society: The Odds, Realities and Challenges to the Library and Information Professionals

Dear Colleagues

I am forwarding my opinions on the above perhaps the views that I hold may be something that may be of use, first to individual colleagues, our professional body and to our nation in general.

Foremost, let me state that there is no perfect system in the world, not even in the so-called "world super powers". Hence, every effort by various individuals or as collective, be it as a team of professionals or established associations/professional bodies and even at a governmental level, is to attain the best desirable height that can guarantee optimal productivity and quality services, for enviable relevance in any niche.

Therefore, the issues relating to an IT-driven Society vis-a-vis the expected contributions from all stakeholders, including Library and Information Professionals in Africa generally and in particular Nigeria, cannot be isolated from the position earlier identified above. There is no exaggeration in the general assertion that the third world countries are retarding the pace of World technological advancements and thereby limiting the frontier of scientific discoveries, especially in the sphere of information work - the main rationale for a slight tilt of focus on Africa in most of the programmes of the developed nations, regardless of any hidden selfish interests that we may suspect them to have.

IT, ICT, e-book, Electronic Library, legislations (Copyright Protection, Freedom of Information Act, etc.) associated with publishing, state of affairs on library technical procedures for knowledge organisation (cataloguing, classification, abstracting, indexing, etc) apart from tasks relating to information resources and its management (equal access, assured storage, uninhibited retrieval and uncensored dissemination) for the intended purposes, amongst other sensitive issues should begin to have more values to us in our daily practice as Library and information work professionals.

As concerned professionals from the so-called giant of Africa, we must know where we are coming from and our present state before we plan on how to leap to another level. The crucial factors for attainment of a functional and vibrant Information Society include: reliable energy source, workable infrastructure, abundance of IT-skilled manpower and genuine commitment and goodwill on the part of the nation's government to support the required efforts at reaching the desired goals.

In the light of the foregoing, all hands need to be on deck possibly using the forum of the Nigerian Library Association to package a programmed action geared towards:

a) gaining the attention of the ruling class and convincing them of the need to facilitate the achievement of required enabling environment through adequate funding for the provision of IT/ICT infrastructure, energy source;
b) significant empowerment of all practising Library and Information professionals through Continuing Professional Development (or Capacity Building), as to be abreast of development in the field as well as acquisition of IT knowledge and skills for performing advance searches and other professional tasks to support their clients.

In conclusion, every professional need to strive to brush him/herself up as to be able to remain being kept informed adequately of the trends in the career, especially as to make him/herself relevant within the parent organisation that he/she works. These are the main impetus for us to assert our competence in the services being provided to the clients of the Library or the Information Centre that we serve.

Ayo Onatola
Librarian
St. Christopher's College of Medicine
Luton, Beds, UK.

P.S.:

The above article is an abridged version of what has been previously posted to the NLA Online Forum, in response to the call by Mr. Abraham Azubuike, on "what should be the contributions of Nigerian Library and Information Professionals to the current issues at the World Summit on Information Society".

Advocacy: The Danger of Keeping Quiet

Definitions of advocacy on the Web:

• active support of an idea or cause etc.; especially the act of pleading or arguing for something
  wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn
• Advocacy is an umbrella term for organized activism related to a particular set of issues.
  en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advocacy
A campaign that an individual or organization undertakes to promote any measure that would broadly benefit society. A Canadian example of advocacy is ParticipAction, which promoted the benefits of exercise.
www.canadacouncil.ca/help/lj127228791697343750.htm
• The act of pleading or arguing in favor of something such as and idea, or a policy.
  hafoundation.org/about/glossary/
• Speaking out on issues of concern. This can mean something as formal as sitting down and talking to your legislator; as intensive as engaging in efforts to change a change in laws or policies; or as simple as telling your neighbor about the impact of a law.
  www.npaction.org/article/articleview/381/1/227

Advocacy involves representing an organization through articulating the mission and supporting and defending the organization's message. Advocacy also relates to representing and defending the rights of individuals with disabilities.
www.isa1.com/glossary/a-dgloss.htm

1. I think, first we need to be educated about how to do it. We need training. ho can give this to Librarians in Nigeria? We need help here.
2. We need dedicated people who can lead this cause.
3. We need contacts who can also open some of the closed doors.
4. We also need you to help in whatever way to achieve the above ... but more forour respective institutions

Networking: The Trick That Opens Doors

You know I love sharing from my experiences. Recently, I was at A University in Nigeria - Obafemi Awolowo University. I took my better -half to do her examinations. Thus, I was to while away hours while she is busy with her examinations. It was not that I did not have my plans, but the guy that was to take her disappointed us. I got into the institution and lo and behold I turned into my constituency - the University library. All I did at the gate was to cal few names I could remember at that point. Ofcourse, the door opened. I go to the last floor and I saw and insription - OUT OF BOUNDS TO NON-STAFF. I stepped in and lo and behold all I did was just to mention my name and that was it. The RULE was kept aside. I had a wonderful day. It was as if I planned it. I was well taken care of and we shared their valuable time discussing issues of common concerns to the LIPs - Copyrights issues (More on this another time)

Many do want open doors, but are not ready to network. When they are invited to programs. They still miingle with the 'usual' people. They never venture to meet new people. Even at conferences/Workshops/Seminars which was supposed to be networking events, many LIPs just look around and if they do find people they are familiar with, they waste the whole time.

I had a bad experience, last year on my way to Salzburg seminar (November 2004). I saw a lady who sat accross my seat for almost three houses while we were waiting to catch the next flight. Unknown to me, she was heading to the same direction. When we finally got talking later at the program, I doscovered she was from a Funding Agency in the USA. In fact, she came to recruit institution they might recruit into their programs. According to her, even if my program or so do not fit into their palns, at least she could show me the way. I tried to make up after the conference, but I missed out. Please learn to network and door will be opened to you.

I you are keen on reading more on this issue, here is one article that I read titled Networking http://www.jinfo.com/newsletter/Jinfo-Newsletter-99.txt

Mentoring - The Missing Link in the Development of The Young LIPs

Paperless Libraries (or Book-Free) Libraries Are Here to Stay?

Non-LIPs Venture Into Libray-related Services

Today, I had an august visitor in my office. You can not believe this, a very young man of less that 23 years old came visiting my library today. His interest was to discuss with me what he does for a living. Among all the knowledge-based services that he provides, he stated that he can set-up libraries for anybody. When I probed further to find out whether he is a LIP, to my ammasement, I found out that he was a student in one of our universities. He has nothing to do with Librarianship, yet he is going about with letters and business cards stating that he can do it.



Before he left my office, I was able to convince him to get some education before going about pretending to be a consultant. He agreed he was a novice , but that he needed to work that was wh he is into it.



That bring me the issue of why non-LIPs seem to be interested in providing these services and many LIPs seem not to know that their services are needed out there. I must confess that this is not the first time that non-LIP will visit me. I am wondering whether we need to lay more emphasis on provision of services or better still, we need some push into the business realm. This second guy found literature search very lucrative that he had to move his base from Ibadan to Lagos.



What do we do?

Presentation Skills: A Must for All Librarians

The other day, I was priviledged to sit at a seminar presented by a colleague. The colleague was ruffled throughout the presentation. She wasn't her best. On top of this, she was struggling with the laptop and PowerPoint presentation. I pitied her so much? But, who are we to blame here? No one, but the presenter! Why? Well, let me itemize a little about what I think went wrong:

1. She was not good at using the laptop. But the organizers forced this on her. I think she must have practised using it effectively before her presentation. I will not use a tool I am not familiar with. What if she did not have access to one? That is not an excuse, let her look for one and practice with it. Period!

2. I do not think she ever read anything about presentation or how do a presentation? No where to read? It is lie! There are a lot on the Internet that you can read. You may wish to check this list here You surely have a lot to read. Let her read and prepare accordingly. Again, many LIPs have never gone for a course on Public Speaking or Presentations. All they know is from the trial and error they do within their organization. There must be a change at least for a professional like you.

3. If I had the chance of discussing with this wonderful lady, I would have volunteered to be he guinea pig for her presentation. What do I mean by this? She should have done a MOCK presentation to a group of friends or colleagues before mounting the stand. Even, Presidents and Heads of State do it. Why not you?

4. Generally, I think the incomming generation of Librarians should be trained to do presentations. There should be a full-credit course on this. Well, you may not agree with this, but I think we need this.

5. You may also read from this blog http://www.greatpublicspeaking.blogspot.com/

Contact Address Palavar

WIll There Be Libraries in the 21st Century?

This is a big concern for all LIPs all over the world.



Are you bothered about this? Yes! we should all be! In fact that was the theme of the Seminar put together by Salzburg Seminar in October, 2004. One of the outcomes of the seminar is this statement:

"The library is a place where knowledge and information freely dwell to define, empower, preserve, challenge, connect, entertain and transform individuals, cultures and communities...." Read further @ http://www.salzburgseminar.org/mediafiles/MEDIA14268.pdf.



The summary is that Libraries and LIPs will still be relevant in the 21st century.

Automation? Not That Again!

• Thinking About a Library Automation System? A Guide for Library Professionals About the Planning Process http://www.tlcdelivers.com/tlc/pdf/automatewp041404.pdf
• From automation to transformation: 40 years of libraries and information technology in Higher education http://www.educause.edu/pub/er/erm00/pp060068.pdf
• Opportunities and Challenges for the Academic Libraries of Carnegie Grantees in East and West Africa http://www.library.uiuc.edu/mortenson/Documents/Africa%20report.doc
• Standards in Libraries: What's Ahead http://www.tlcdelivers.com/tlc/pdf/standardswp.pdf
• The RFP Writer's Guide to Standards for Library Systems http://www.niso.org/standards/resources/RFP_Writers_Guide.pdf
• The Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in African Public Library Services (INASP infobrief 3: July 2004) http://www.inasp.info/pubs/infobrief/inasp_infobrief_ICT.pdf
• List of Automation software form Google directory http://directory.google.com/Top/Reference/Libraries/Library_and_Information_Science/Software/

GATEWAY 2005: How to Keep Your Contacts

One of the great things you remember about any conference is the people you networked with especially new contacts.

I made some contacts at this conference. One of the people I met was this young graduate librarian introduced to me by the M.C. of the conference. The contact did what many LIPs would not do - she called to follow-up on our discussion. Though I promised to assist my contact, but that phone call did the magic.

How many LIPs do follow-up on contacts they made during conferences.

It is important to keep contacts after you have met them. You might not really need their services now, but might be very helpful another time.

These are some of the ideas you may wish to try out the next two weeks:

1. Pick up a phone and call telling the contact how much you valued the time you spent together.
2. Follow-up on your previous conversations; needs, assistance ...
3. Think of areas that you can work together with the contact for now and/or in the future.
4. Read more about networking from LIS Career

Blogging

I feel this is the trend of things to come.

Gateway 2005 Matters Arising

Shouldn't we be talking about our role as mediators in
knowledge management rather than theoretical matters

Digital Reference Service Desired

I think it is time we set up a digital reference service for queries specific to Nigeria. Many of us are repositories of knowledge but do not have the means to share this knowledge when it is required. This might be one way to do it. Does anyone share my view on this?

Do you Want to Laugh?

Librarians do not laugh. Do they?  Well I stumbled on a web site with library cartoons and humor. It is called Unshelved - The Library Comic Strip @ http://www.overduemedia.com  Please check it out and let me know what you think.

The Pains of Preparing for a Conference

We are deeply involved in the planning of a Workshop. I must confess that it has not been an easy experience at all. When you consider all that go into planning a workshop, conference or seminar, you cannot but appreciate the sacrifices people have made in order to make participants enjoy the program.

By the time you are reading this, most probably we must have been neck-deep into the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) National Conference tagged Gateway 2005. I wish you a memorable time at the conference.

Let me help you a bit in your preparation for this conference:

1. You may wish to read this experience of a colleague though from a technical point of view.
2. You may also learn from this beautiful write-up on Maximizing your conference experience.
3. Lastly, this one from Special Libraries Association (SLA) titled Getting the Most Out of Your SLA Annual Conference Experience — And Living to Attend Another Year (The Collective Wisdom of Our Many Conference—Going Years)

I believe you will have a very nice time at Abeokuta.

What Shoud Be The Focus of the Nigerian LIPs?

University of Botswana Gate

Briefly, I was in the Universtiy last week of May 2005. I was fascinated by the buildings most especially their new library complex. I was fascinated so much by it. This type of library is very scarce in Africa. Every level is well equipped with computers. Can you imagine entering into a library and you see books and computers. Any time you are in Botswana you must check this library.

Why Sweat it Out alone? Get Online and Get Going!

If you are able to read this, it certainly mean you are online. But how many of my African colleagues especially in Nigeria access the Internet regularly. We often feel too lonely and downcast when we are alone. You will never be alone if you cultivate the habit of visiting the net regularly. How regular? You may start now by visiting this web site called WebJunction http://www.webjunction.org/

WebJunction "is an online community where library staff meet to share ideas, solve problems, take online courses - and have fun. Register now (it's free)" What can you gain there. Many things! First, for general overview of the website, please visit the site map http://www.webjunction.org/do/SiteMap and you will be amazed the amount of resources available to you
· Policies and Practice
· Technology resources
· Buying and Funding
· Services to Libraries
· Learning center
· Community center

What I found very amazing were the fulltext articles on problems we are grappling with here in the third world.

You May Find This Logo Handy

I have found it absolutely necessary to always have this logo handy so that I can use it whenever I need it especially for web design. Just right click on it and it is yours! Absolutely free!

Searching for Book Fairs in the U.S.A and Around the World?

This page will be very useful for those who are planning on participating in Book Fairs. The Library of Congress has put a comprehensive list together on this page http://www.loc.gov/loc/cfbook/bookfair.html.

However, LIPs in Nigeria can make available resources of this nature in the nearest future. I will want to be part of it.

About

Library and Information Professionals (LIPs) Common Concerns evolved over time when the Blogger was asked to teach his professional colleagues "How to Blog?" at a national conference. He decided to set up a demo blog which has now become a big player in the sector especially in Africa.


In 2005, I defined the purpose of the blog as "Over the years I have been priviledged to see many Library and Information Professionals (LIPs) struggle over issues that need not have over-burdened them. A look at these issues show that they are indeed issues of Common Concerns. This weblog will therefore address some of these concerns from my perspective. I welcome you to read as well as react when necessary."


Till date, we still struggle with such issues and so we have a lot to share. Isn't it?

Training: Why You Must Train Yourself

You may be wondering why I am writing on this at this time. Over the years, I have come across many LIPs who complain that their institutions have failed to train them. I always laugh when I hear things like that. The other day a young and promising guy came to visit me and was complaining bitterly that his institution has refused to train him all these years but that they want him to perform. I told him point blank that he must take his destiny in his hands. He must train himself. Years of complaints have brought him nothing. Until you take the first step to train yourself, you will alwys remain redundant.

Do not misunderstand me. I am not saying that the your institution should not train you. My emphasis is on the aspect of training yourself even after such trainings. You can never get trained by attending a training program, but by practising what you learned at such training programs.

What if you had no chance of attending such, what can you do? These are some of the ideas you may try without paying a dime.

1. Visit a cyber-cafe and search for tutorials relating to the area you want to study - any topic will do. For instance if you want to learn how to use Microsoft Word; Type ~help Microsoft-Word into Google.com and see a lot of guides you can use.
2. Register for an evening lesson, but request along with this a time for practice (twice the time for theory)
3. Visit a colleague who can put you through the whole process. You may enlist with four different colleagues during your next vacation.
4. What if you do not have a job yet? That is great! You have all the time to volunteer your services to Libraries and Information Centers (LICs) and in return get hands-on training.
5. Where do I get time to do all this while in office? You may arrange with your boss and get one or two 15 minutes slots at break or after office hours.
6. Volunteer to serve at any training program in your locality where cognate skills are to be taught. Be very active so that they can call you another time.
7. Do a write-up of such training programs and submit for publicaitons in the Newspapers. This will publicise the organizers and will also get your name in print.
8. Another idea that has worked for me is the strategy of tieing an important and time-bound assignment with the learning of a software. I was forced to learn the software by all means in order to do the assignment.
9. Remember no one can train you better than yourself. Go ahead and train yourself this week.
10. Try it now!!!

I hope these help. If you found it useful why can you share it with other LIPs.

Purpose of this Blog

Over the years I have been priviledged to see many Library and Information Professionals (LIPs) struggle over issues that need not have over-burdened them. Not only them, there are a lot of library patrons who are struggling with the new technology as well. This weblog will therefore address some of these issues from my perspective. I welcome you to read as well as react when necessary.

Samuel Eyitayo