Thing 13

What a brilliant idea and how timely! I created a document last night which I wanted to share for potential editing and didn't know these sites existed, so it was such a coincidence to come into work today and read all about thiese "Things". I've opened a Dropbox account and as with Google calendar can see that I will be using it a lot both at home and work. I'll post an update at a later stage perhaps when I've had a chance to use it a bit more and explored it's use as a tool for file sharing at work. I can also see how valuable Wiki's are for networking and sharing information between small groups or to reach a worldwide audience. I've had a brief look at the contributions on the Library Day in the Life Wiki which I think is a great idea. I shall certainly revisit and I might even be tempted to join in the next round!

Thing 12

CPD23 has certainly increased my personal use of social networks and introduced me to new contacts, but I haven't really considered their use for Library promotion. This is mainly because no one in the Hospital can access any social networks so it currently seems a bit futile! We do have a Library Blog which was set up and is updated by a colleague but I'm unsure as to how much this is viewed. We couldn't have a Library Twitter account at the moment that's for sure!

Things 10 & 11

Working in Libraries was never a conscious decision for me, it just sort of happened. When my eldest daughter was about 18 months old I needed to get back to work to earn money, so when a 15 hour a week post was advertised in my local village Library it seemed like the perfect option (I'd been in retail management before and had no intention of returning to that!) I worked as a Library Assistant there for nearly ten years, holding story-times on a Friday afternoon for pre-school children, hosting school visits and "work experience" sessions for year 6 children from the local Junior school, all of which I loved. The job suited my circumstances at that time, but as my children were growing up I thought I should pursue more of a career for myself so applied for and gained a place on a PGCE course. Sadly this didn't work out (it's a long story which is best left untold I think) but I was fortunate to get a new job as a part time Library Assistant in our local Hospital Library where I have worked for the past 10 years, now as Senior Library Assistant. The environment and work is completely different to the Public Library, but interesting, challenging at times and diverse on occasion. We are part of a network of NHS Libraries across the South West and South of England with a reciprocal ILL agreement, so we can acquire most of the evidence the staff need from our partner Libraries. I also have lots of opportunity to attend courses and pursue any CPD opportunities that come my way, as my Manager is encouraging and generous in allowing me time to attend within my working hours. I still don't know if I want to further my career in Libraries and become a professional for a whole host of reasons which I couldn't list here, but if I do decide to I know that having a good Mentor will be invaluable. In fact I was thinking that finding a Mentor may well give me the push I need to make a positive decision towards gaining that qualification!