Successful admin rep workshop

I had been prepared to show the Admission Reps the library introduction I use during student orientation. There are a few 'high-maintenance" reps who simply are too stubborn to use any of my previous suggestions, and in the spirit that repetition makes a consistent pattern, I was going to share with them how I introduce the library resources.

Of course, the ones that tend to be the "high-maintenance" reps were not there. I had only 4 of the 9 present, so I had them log onto the student portal and I took them through a 20 minute library session, and it was fantastic.

We went through the library website. I pointed out the meebo online reference box. We looked at the catalog, the ebooks, the journal article databases our students need to use. We looked at the APA citation help and showed them where they can see for themselves how papers need to be written look like. I showed them and encouraged them to log onto NoodleBib so they can experience the wonder that is NoodleBib.

It went really well. The 4 that were present are fantastic reps, and they do their job really well. They seemed to appreciate me going through the library website and its resources with them, and it has given me some ideas as to how we can follow up on this!

:)

subbing at Rockford

I spent two days at the Rockford Campus, and it reminded me about how awesome it is to be involved in this type of organization and part of this team. Everyone was so very nice and welcoming, and I was able to do a workshop and help a couple of students. Spending a lot of time in another environment helped me come up with some other ways of doing things, find other resources I'd like to add to my collection, and talk with other staff and faculty about resources and ideas.

I think it also helped the students have another viewpoint - a different way of teaching other than what they might have already had. If you ever have a chance, and I think we all should do this at least once, I highly recommend spending a few days elsewhere. Geee... this is starting to sound like an exchange program!

:)

Kudos to Cynthia! The library looks wonderfully organized.

Meeting with the Admission Reps...

I met with the Reps on Friday and, all in all, it went well. I started off very generally - I used the opportunity for a lesson in what librarianship is about and the various hats I wear.

I had a packet of stuff for them, everything from the ALA's Bill of Rights to how the RCLS is set up. I used a version of Chandra's RCLS sheet, as well as a run-down on the services and materials we as a system hold.

I ended with two ABSOLUTES they needed to always remember, especially when they give tours:

• Whenever possible, ALWAYS bring in potential students into the library. I've had many just by-pass the library all together. No one is here right now. There is no reason not to come into the library.
  
• NEVER start off by saying, "I know this library is small, but ...." Instead, I suggested something like, "What you see here is the tip of the iceberg for all of the resources that are available to you."

Thanks to all of you who assisted and made recommendations!

Blerb for Admission Reps

I'm meeting with my campus' admission reps on Friday to tell them what TO say (and what not to say) to prospective students. Has anyone else done so? Success? What exactly did you tell them? Any and all guidance and particulars would be appreciated!