Texas A & M, Day 2

My schedule on day 2 was pretty much full. Met with the Head of Instructional Services who is a librarian. This department provides support to faculty who request training on library instruction, from organizing the sessions, pamphlets to teaching the students on the use of library resources. Usually done in liaison with subject librarian. Shared some cool tips and tricks. I noticed that the data projector projects onto a huge touch screen – pretty cool feature and ideal for training. Also makes use of a clicker which allows students to answer questions by clicking an instrument that records your responses which can be seen on the touch screen. This makes the session very interactive.

I then sat in on a digital repository practice session and bridge group. This group brings the librarians and techies onto a common platform so that they can understand each other. I was shown how an item is uploaded onto the repository using d-space.
Was then taken to lunch by two subject librarians and we chatted about collection development, liaison with faculty and brochures. Some librarians and now booking a space in the faculty for a few hours a week just to be closer to them. They are assigned a computer and staff don’t have to go to the library but can speak to the librarian one on one.

After lunch I met with another instructional services staff member who does all the cool stuff like making teaching videos with audio using various software like camtasia; flash professional;

Finally spent time with the Psychology subject librarian who gave me an overview of things. SL are in offices not in direct contact with public. Queries from the reference desk gets filtered to the Sl who may be called upon if a query is complex. SL also work at the Ref desk for 2 hours during the week and live chat feature.
Librarians here even tough they may not have subject knowledge in a discipline, are also onto a tenure track. This is reviewed after 5 years by several committees who will determine your promotion.