PaLA's College and Research Division: Connect and Communicate Series

Last week, I participated in a new online discussion series from the Pennsylvania Library Association's College and Research Division, called Connect and Communicate. This session focused on technology in the classroom, and used Adobe Connect to connect librarians across the state for an hour (noon- 1:00 pm) to chat and share ideas. (To read the discussion notes, click here). While I have used Adobe Connect before, and attended professional networking events, this was the first time I had the opportunity to see what tools professional librarians are thinking about and using on a daily basis. It was a new perspective for me- as a student, I often think about tools that I personally use, or tools that I'm supposed to learn about. Seeing what my future colleagues are using, enjoying, and disliking, was a great way for me to see what I am already comfortable with, and what I need to learn more about.

The specifics: Librarians are using tools in ways that I had not considered; for example, one librarian mentioned using iPads as a way to teach "untethered" classes. He uses a computer to project onto a screen, but rather than stay tied to that computer, he is able to carry around an iPad with the same screen to show students specific, one-on-one examples. He can also move around to monitor students' understanding, a key aspect that is often limited when standing at a desktop. Librarians are also using video editing software to create short demos on how to use databases, for students to access virtually whenever a librarian isn't present to help. One thing that these academic librarians weren't loving, however, was clickers- they felt that clickers were often limiting, and controlled the lesson with stagnant questions that couldn't be adapted to fit the changing needs of the group. The conversation about technology lasted at least 45 minutes, and could easily have gone on for hours more.

What I learned: There's a lot of new, game-changing technology out there, and professionals want library students to be involved in learning about it, and sharing that knowledge! We are their future colleagues, and they want to know what we think. Also, many of these librarians were instructional librarians- they are teaching information literacy classes to students, and appreciate feedback from students on what worked, and what didn't. Joining an online discussion is an easy way to get involved with professional associations; you can participate as much, or as little, as you want. Also, you skip the awkward networking conversations and questions, because there is a specific topic to be discussed. For me, this was definitely an hour well-spent, and I look forward to participating in the discussion on September 11th!

Mid-Quarter Salutations!

Hello! SCALA would like to bid all of you iSchool students a merry mid-Quarter! We hope everyone is staying cool and enjoying school. As of tomorrow, we will only have a little over a month left of the Summer Quarter, which also means that the end of the 2011-2012 Academic Year is upon us. Some of you are preparing to graduate, while others are gearing up for another round of classes this fall. Whichever is the case for you, SCALA wants you to know that we’re rooting for you! Also, here are a few reminders for things to look forward to this week—

The second Archivists Being Awesome event at the Academy of Natural Science on Monday, July 30^th from 6:00-7:00 pm.

Our friends in DUSLA are hosting a Happy Hour event on Friday, August 3^rd at the City Tap House (3925 Walnut Street) at 5:30 pm. This will be a great chance to network with other iSchool students and information professionals. If you have come out to a DUSLA or SCALA event before, then why not bring someone new with you? 

All of this looks pretty great, right? So if you need a break from studying this week, try attending one of these events. 

Please check back soon to see what SCALA has planned for the rest of the summer!

THATCamp Philly

Philadelphia is hosting its second THATCamp "unconference" this upcoming September 28th and 29th at the Chemical Heritage Foundation. THATCamp (The Humanities and Technology Camp) is a free conference that offers digital humanitiies workshops for students and professionals on one conference day (Friday, the 28th) and discussion-based workshops focused on whatever the conference participants want to work with on the other day (Saturday, the 29th). It's a great way for students to get involved (for free!) with digital humanities, technology, and cultural heritage in the Philadelphia area (and network!).

For more information: http://thatcampphilly.org/

To follow them on Twitter: @THATCampPhilly

To like them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/THATCamp-Philly/100250903417368

And to register: http://thatcampphilly.org/registration/

March Networking Opportunites in Philly - Starting Tonight!

SLA Downtowners Meetup
Dear SLA Philadelphia Professionals, Drexel SLA and ALA Student Chapter Members:  The March "First Friday" Downtowners casual networking event will be on the second Friday, March 9th (just for this month) at 6PM.  The venue is the Khyber Pass at 56 S. 2nd Street in Old City Philadelphia. Come out and enjoy the networking!  RSVP's helpful but not required: duslaonline@gmail.com

Drexel Library Student Social 
Join the library student groups for an informal social at Khyber Pass Pub. restaurant (56 S. 2nd St., Philadelphia, PA) on Friday, March 9 at 7:30 PM.  Come hang out with classmates, enjoy snacks and beverages, and meet the new officers of SCALA & DUSLA. RSVPs are appreciated, but not required. Please email drexelscala@gmail.com.

iSchool Networking Reception during PLA
Get it on the benefits of having PLA in Philly, whether you're registered for the conference or not.  The iSchool is hosting a networking reception on Wednesday, March 14 from 6:30-8:30 PM at The Field House (1150 Filbert Street - corner of 11th & Filbert) with appetizers, beer and wine (21+). This event is FREE but you do have to RSVP: https://www.ischool.drexel.edu/home/about/calendar/rsvp?ID=2154

#Phillybrarians Meet-Up 
Philly Librarians are gathering at Rising Tide in Chinatown on Saturday, March 17th at 1:30PM for post-PLA conversation, food and drinks. Here's your chance to eat at a great place in Chinatown, meet your fellow librarians, library students and library allies and network!  This is a sit-down lunch and RSVPs are required. Please contact Phillybrarians [at] gmail.com.

#Phillybrarians hold monthly meet-ups so even if you can't make it this time, join the Facebook group to learn about future events: https://www.facebook.com/phillybrarians

March 9: Chemical Heritage Foundation Library Visit & Student Social

We've arranged a behind-the-scenes peek at the fascinating collections of the Chemical Heritage Foundation with the Director of the Library. The CHF resources are valuable in the sciences but are also used for interesting research in a range of disciplines and as inspiration for the arts. Come learn more! The tour is Friday, March 9 at 5:30 PM and will be followed by an informal social in Old City (see below).  

To save your spot, please email drexelscala@gmail.com. Details and directions will be sent with RSVP confirmation.

SCALA & DUSLA Student Social

Join the library student groups for an informal social at Khyber Pass Pub. restaurant (56 S. 2nd St., Philadelphia, PA) on Friday, March 9 at 7:30 PM.  Come hang out with classmates, enjoy snacks and beverages, and meet the new officers of SCALA & DUSLA.  

RSVPs are appreciated, but not required. Please email drexelscala@gmail.com.

Image: Detail of Elementa Chemiae (1718) from CHF Flikr

Feb. 3: Guided Tour of the American Philosophical Society

The American Philosophical Society, the country's oldest learned society, has played an important role in American cultural and intellectual life for over 250 years.  Its library houses an incredible collection, including many priceless first editions and much of Benjamin Franklin’s personal library. Don’t miss it!

Friday, February 3 from 3 – 5 PM

There are 12 spots on the tour. Reserve your space by e-mailing duslaonline@gmail.com by Wednesday, February 1st.

Join SCALA & DUSLA for a Guided Tour of the Rosenbach Museum & Library

The Rosenbach collection includes many rare and one-of-a-kind books, manuscripts and works of art.  Don’t miss this special opportunity to visit some of Philadelphia’s singular treasures!

Friday, January 20^th

Noon – 2 PM

There are 10 spots on the tour. Reserve your space by e-mailing duslaonline@gmail.com by Wednesday, January 18.

To learn more about the collection, visit www.rosenbach.org

The Rosenbach Museum and Library is located at 2008-2010 Delancey Place, Philadelphia.  Directions and travel arrangements will be sent with RSVP confirmation.

Photo via Flickr (P Donovan)

iConnect Networking Event October 14-15 on campus & online!

Join us and other professional associations at iConnect.  R.S.V.P. for the events and webcast at http://www.ischool.drexel.edu/iconnect. See you there!

Back-to-School Social * Friday, September 30

RSVP at our Facebook event or email duslaonline@gmail.com.

Back-to-School Events Round Up!

Here's a week of ways to celebrate the new term, socialize and network.  Welcome back!

Graduate Student Association (GSA) Welcome Back Event
Celebrate with GSA, EGA and DIG at this social event for all graduate students. Two free drinks and endless appetizers.  More info...

• Friday, September 23 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM
• Landmark Americana (on the Drexel campus - 3333 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104)

Special Event with Jane Meyers of Lubuto Library Project ONLINE too!
The Lubuto Library Project builds libraries for AIDS orphans and street children in Southern Africa. Come learn about how libraries make a difference in third world communities—and how you can get involved. More info...

• Monday, September 26 from 5:00 -6:00 PM
• Hagerty Library Room 033 on the Drexel Campus and online at http://bit.ly/SCALAevent
• R.S.V.P to drexelscala@gmail.com
  

iSchool Alumni Association (ISTA) Networking Happy Hour
Make connections with former classmates, iSchool alums, and graduating students. FREE for iSchool alumni and students. $10 per guest. More info...

• Thursday, September 29 from 5:00 – 7:30 PM
• World Café Live (3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104)
• Click here to R.S.V.P.

DUSLA & SCALA Back-to-School Social 
Kick off the new term with DUSLA and SCALA. Appetizers and beverages are on us. Come meet classmates and discuss upcoming events. New students welcome! More info...

• Friday, September 30 from 5:00 -7:00 PM
• Landmark Americana (on the Drexel campus - 3333 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104)
• Click here to R.S.V.P. or email duslaonline@gmail.com

A Conversation with Jane Meyers of the Lubuto Library Project

Please join us for a very special event with Jane Meyers, Founder and CEO of the Lubuto Library Project. The Lubuto Library Project builds libraries for AIDS orphans and street children in Southern Africa (mostly Zambia). Come learn about how libraries make a difference in third world communities—and how you can get involved. For more information visit www.lubuto.org.

WHEN: Monday, September 26 from 5-6 PM

WHERE: Hagerty Library Room 033 on the Drexel Campus - Refreshments will be served. This event will also be simulcast live online at http://bit.ly/SCALAevent 

image credit: Lubuto Library Project

Celebrate the end of the Spring term with SCALA, DUSLA and DUSAA!

We'll be sharing a delicious dinner at New Delhi in University City (4004 Chestnut St.) on Friday, June 3 at 7 PM.

The dinner buffet is awesome and costs $11.95 (and there's also a full bar).

We hope to see you there! Questions? Email gbt25@drexel.edu.

Cool Careers: Culinary Library & Federal Archives

It's field trip time! Join us for an exciting library career event on Thursday, May 19 at The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College.

Library Tour: Feast your eyes on the culinary and hospitality collection.

Networking Reception: Mingle in the on-campus restaurant. Wine, cheese and appetizers will be generously provided by the The Restaurant School.

Career Panel: A conversation with dynamic librarians about their career paths, interesting collections and advice for students entering the field:

Madeline Copp, Academic Librarian at The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College, which grants Culinary Arts, Pastry Arts and Hospitality Management degrees.

Beth Bensman, Archives Specialist for The National Archives at Philadelphia, which maintains the historically significant Mid-Atlantic federal records from 1970 to the present.

This event is FREE but reservations are required.  If you would like to attend, please RSVP to drexelscala@gmail.com by Monday, May 16.

First Friday at Yards in Philly

Join student groups SCALA, DUSLA and DUSAA for a casual networking event this Friday night. This is a public event—friends and partners welcome.

Yards Brewery's very first First Friday event: Local beer, food, art & crafts! Fudge & cupcakes from Betty's Speakeasy and local cheese & sausage from Birchrun Hills Farms. Paintings by Brad Carney and Brian Potash (Devilfish Ink). Local art & craft vendors. Live music by Gringo Motel, Chalk & The Beige Americans, and The Sideshow Prophets. Draft specials all night!

WHEN: Friday, May 6 from 5 pm - Midnight
$5.00 door charge starting at 7:30pm for the bands

WHERE: Yards Brewing Company, 901 N. Delaware Avenue - just north of Spring Garden Street at the intersection of Poplar Street and Delaware Avenue in Philadelphia

Get directions and SEPTA info.

No RSVP necessary, but check out the Facebook event.

Professional Library Association Networking Event

Happy National Library Week!

To celebrate, the iSchool at Drexel is hosting a Professional Library Association Networking Event this Tuesday, April 12 from 5 -7 pm.

This event is FREE and open to anyone who is interested in librarianship.  Students, alumni, and friends are welcome. Wine and appetizers will be served.

Network: Meet representatives from professional library associations and student chapters.  This is a great opportunity to learn about the different kinds of librarianship, student discounts and the chance to network with library professionals. Association involvement is one of the best LIS job-hunt secrets.

Win: Stop by the SCALA table and enter to win a student ALA membership or a copy of This Book Is Overdue!: How Librarians and Cybrarians Can Save Us All.

Resume review: Two career services representatives will be in attendance; bring your resume for feedback.

Location: Drexel University – Main Campus, Paul Peck Alumni Center, 32nd and Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Click here to RSVP.

Online students: The event will be recorded and available online for viewing.  If you'd like to enter the giveaway, email us.

See you there!

Volunteers Needed for the Philadelphia Book Festival

The 2011 Philadelphia Book Festival is looking for volunteers to help run various author events, musical performances, interactive programs, and a festival street fair. From April 11th - 16th, the Central branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia will be bustling with activity and they need your help to make it happen. Get more details on the Book Festival's website about volunteering.

Image: (c) 2011 Mikey Burton

End of the Quarter Happy Hour

Are you jumping for joy knowing the quarter is almost over? SCALA wants to celebrate with you!

End of the Quarter Happy Hour
Wednesday, March 16th
5-7 pm
Landmark Restaurant
(Market St between 33rd & 34th Sts)
FREE APPETIZERS & SPECIAL DRINK PRICES!

Answer the poll below!

Are you coming to the Happy Hour?

• Yes
• Maybe
• No

View Results
Create a Blog Poll

Image Credit: flickr.com - elston - CC license

Breaking the Mold: LIS Careers Outside the Library

Want to know what other careers are available to MSLIS students?

Join SCALA, Drexel University Special Libraries Association (DUSLA), and a panel of information professionals Wednesday, February 23 for “Breaking the Mold: LIS Careers Outside the Library.”

The panel discussion starts at 5 p.m. in Rush 209. The event will also be simulcast LIVE at http://bit.ly/DUSLAtalk AND http://bit.ly/SCALAevent for online students' convenience. As always, there will be free pizza!

The speakers will describe their current positions and career paths before a Q&A session. These information professionals have a wide range of professional experience, including academic libraries, vendors, corporate information centers, and knowledge management.

Amy Graham, a Drexel MSLIS alumna, has worked as a one-person information center for the technical support department of a computer retailer; a research associate at an executive search firm; a college library cataloger; and now works for an authority control vendor.

Richard Townsend, MS, R.Ph., is Manager, Strategic Business Intelligence, at Global Competitive.

Susan Zalenski, another iSchool alumna, is Senior Manager of Scientific Information at Cephalon. She also has worked at Thomson Reuters/Dialog as a trainer and consultant and at AstraZeneca as a knowledge manager. She previously participated in a panel on Non-Traditional Library Careers at the SLA Annual Meeting.

For more information, email drexelscala@gmail.com.

Image Credit: Flickr - Shannon K - CC license

LibraryTube - Private Viewing Room URL

LibraryTube is happening tonight! This is SCALA's first event of 2011. If you want to get involved in SCALA, or you're just looking to take a short break from studying to hang out with other iSchoolers, this is the perfect opportunity!

To join fellow SCALA members and iSchool students in this library video extravaganza, log online at 9PM EST and go to the following web address: http://www.synchtube.com/r/K6Wr.

Pop some popcorn, grab a glass of wine, and meet us tonight for LibraryTube!

Email drexelscala@gmail.com if you have any questions. :)

LibraryTube - Video Suggestions Needed!

As another iSchool quarter begins, so does another quarter of SCALA events! Next Tuesday night (1/11/11) at 9pm EST, join us for a night of LibraryTube.

LibraryTube goes something like this:

• Everyone suggests their favorite funny or inspirational library-themed YouTube videos to SCALA co-chair Lindsay Cummings (lindsaysc@gmail.com).
• Then join your fellow online (or on-campus but online) classmates for a synchronized screening of great library videos on Tuesday, 1/11 at 9PM EST.
• LibraryTube will take place on SynchTube in a private viewing room open only to iSchool students. We can watch the videos together simultaneously and chat at the same time!

But we need your help! Send Lindsay (lindsaysc@gmail.com) your library-themed YouTube video suggestions to make this event a success!

Keep an eye out on the blog and Google group for the link to the LibraryTube private viewing room soon.

Image Credit: Flickr - Corie Howell - CC license