So 2 weeks in and I'm already playing catch up. Still branding is an interesting topic which gave me lots to read and lots to consider. Like many other participants, I hate the idea of googling myself, but I did it. Most of what came up related to my previous incarnation as a community librarian in Kent Libraries & Archives. I moved on from there nearly four years ago, but the life of a school librarian is by it's very nature more insular so there was next to nothing online about me.
As for social media, I joined Facebook and Twitter a couple of years ago. I have kept up with facebook as it has been incredibly useful in keeping in contact with (and recontacting) friends - definitely a resource for the personal side of my life only. Interestingly, I recently returned to Twitter. But I use it almost exclusively for following interesting blogs in the library/information world - so a professional development/keeping up with best practice thing.
What I have yet try is LinkedIn. My husband uses it a lot both for contacts and job leads - both with some success. So far, however, I have not been convinced that I need LinkedIn, given the field I work in (I can see from the cpd23 schedule that I may have to reflect further on that in week 5).
So I think I have the personal and professional fairly delineated. But the process of checking and considering these applications and their use has once again made me ponder a bit further. What image do I aim to portray? How well do I achieve that aim? I recently went through some fairly major physical changes and I had a very clearly idea of how I wanted to style myself afterwards. I think that was in part fed by the stereotype of librarians. I wanted to dispel the myth. Not throw out the twinset and pearls, but vamp it up!
I can see that I need to make simailar decisions about my professional image as well. Ultimately, I hope I portray, the image of an up to date, skilled professional who can be taken seriously. I'd like to think that I can help dispel the public notions of librarians as old ladies who push trolleys and stamp books. I don't think I'm there yet with my online branding, but I'm making a start and I think I know where I'm going, which is surely half the battle?
Sunday 27 May 2012
Friday 11 May 2012
A Lurker No More...
It felt like such a big deal posting on Monday evening, I never really expected anyone to read it. However, when showing a colleague on Tuesday, I was astounded to discover that someone had actually commented. I was really excited that someone wholly unconnected with me would find value in my random thoughts.
So as I moved on to Thing 2, I had this excitement, this sense of validation in the back of my mind as I explored a variety of other blogs. There are some amazing examples out there and it can make you feel a bit inadequate. I have been reading a range of blogs on a range of topics for the last year or so, but I never (or rarely) took the time to post a comment when something struck a cord with me. I was a 'lurker'. Why was that? How many times could I have put someone in a good mood, made them feel good about themselves, or backed up their thoughts with my own experience or suggestions.
We all have to start somewhere. As I got to grips with CPD23 this week, I have been trying to leave a comment or two behind me. Some words of encouragement. Agreement with someone's thoughts. Or simply an introduction. Just to say "This is me. I agree with/enjoyed/thought about what you posted." At the end of the day, it's a much friendlier way to interact electronically and, as a librarian, I am all about being approachable and friendly!
So as I moved on to Thing 2, I had this excitement, this sense of validation in the back of my mind as I explored a variety of other blogs. There are some amazing examples out there and it can make you feel a bit inadequate. I have been reading a range of blogs on a range of topics for the last year or so, but I never (or rarely) took the time to post a comment when something struck a cord with me. I was a 'lurker'. Why was that? How many times could I have put someone in a good mood, made them feel good about themselves, or backed up their thoughts with my own experience or suggestions.
We all have to start somewhere. As I got to grips with CPD23 this week, I have been trying to leave a comment or two behind me. Some words of encouragement. Agreement with someone's thoughts. Or simply an introduction. Just to say "This is me. I agree with/enjoyed/thought about what you posted." At the end of the day, it's a much friendlier way to interact electronically and, as a librarian, I am all about being approachable and friendly!
Monday 7 May 2012
23 Things start with 1 step
So here I am, taking my first steps on CPD23. It seems slightly surreal, as I only came across 23 Things last week when it was retweeted. And yet it immediately got my interest...
I have been trying to get started on my CILIP chartership since January - my employers have been financially supportive, my line manager the most encouraging I could wish for. But the main issue has been finding a mentor - and whilst I started off all keen, did the portfolio-building course, etc. I can feel my resolve slipping with every very advice-laden, but polite rejection. I have been keeping up with the blogs, lurking around the chartership chats on twitter and generally researching everything I should be doing. But all in all, I feel almost paralysed by lack of direction.
Everything I have read talks of chartership being a journey of 'reflection'. However, I feel most panicked that I won't be able to do that??? But why? I am a library professional with over a decade of experience. If I am honest, something has changed recently. My children are older, I'm full-time again (juggling everything is manic, but I love it!) and my career sudden feels important again, rather than something to bring in a few extra pounds. It's exciting, but scary at the same time. Suddenly my CPD matters to me again.
So why did CPD23 resonate so immediately? I can see that it will simply act as a guide for all the things I want to try, as a focus for my chartership journey, as a push to get me started. I mean, look at me already... reflecting.
I have been trying to get started on my CILIP chartership since January - my employers have been financially supportive, my line manager the most encouraging I could wish for. But the main issue has been finding a mentor - and whilst I started off all keen, did the portfolio-building course, etc. I can feel my resolve slipping with every very advice-laden, but polite rejection. I have been keeping up with the blogs, lurking around the chartership chats on twitter and generally researching everything I should be doing. But all in all, I feel almost paralysed by lack of direction.
Everything I have read talks of chartership being a journey of 'reflection'. However, I feel most panicked that I won't be able to do that??? But why? I am a library professional with over a decade of experience. If I am honest, something has changed recently. My children are older, I'm full-time again (juggling everything is manic, but I love it!) and my career sudden feels important again, rather than something to bring in a few extra pounds. It's exciting, but scary at the same time. Suddenly my CPD matters to me again.
So why did CPD23 resonate so immediately? I can see that it will simply act as a guide for all the things I want to try, as a focus for my chartership journey, as a push to get me started. I mean, look at me already... reflecting.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)