Thing 9

Just a short note on Evernote...

I had never used Evernote before, so I visited the website to learn more. I then created an account, and had a go at creating notes, and spent some time getting to know the other features. I can see the usefulness of Evernote. I do wish I had got to know Evernote before planning a recent trip to Dublin, as it would have been a good place to store travel information, and the sightseeing related research I had done beforehand. With this in mind, holiday planning is definitely one thing I would use Evernote for in the future. However, within the immediate future, I’m not sure how often I’ll use Evernote. I'm planning to get a new (more advanced) mobile soon, and I would be able to make more use of Evernote then, as I'll be able use it when I'm out and about.

Thing 9, like many ‘Things’ before it, has introduced me to a new tool. Whilst I’m not using Evernote to its full potential at the moment, at least I am now aware of what it has to offer. I can definitely see myself using Evernote more in the future, and I may well write ‘Thing 9: part 2’ at some point...

Thing 8

Continuing with the catch up, here are my thoughts on Thing 8, or Google Calendar...

I have never utilised Google Calendar before, so Thing 8 provided me with another opportunity to try something new. Setting up the calendar was straight forward, though I think I’ll need more time to explore and make use of further features etc. I created a Google Calendar for personal use; I don’t have a reason to create a calendar for shared use at the moment. For my own personal use, I still think I would find it easier/quicker to look at the actual calendar pinned on my wall when at home, or in my diary when out and about. Having said this, when I have a full-time job and have more things to manage/plan, I can see that it would be useful to be able to access the same calendar, at different locations. I can also see that a shared Google Calendar would be useful for staff members, and/or to highlight library events, opening times etc. So, although I may not use Google Calendar too much to start with, I can see the potential of this particular tool. I am glad that I now know how to use Google Calendar, as I can see myself coming back to it in the future.

Thing 7

Face-to-face networks and professional organisations

The only professional organisation that I am currently a member of is CILIP; I joined a few months after starting the MA. I joined as I could see that it would be useful for professional development, and also to keep up to date with relevant news and information. I started off as a member of two special interest groups, then increased this to four – there were so many potentially interesting groups to choose from! However, I think I’ll eventually reduce this to two again, as they vary in terms of value for money and what they offer/provide.

I have to admit that my actual involvement in CILIP matters/activities and so on, has been limited. I planned to get more involved after the MA, when I would have no essay/dissertation deadlines, and I was settled in a job. I keep putting off further involvement, mainly because I’m currently looking for a job, and as such I don’t know where I’ll be living/working. Once I’m more settled, I hope to have the opportunity to join a group/branch/committee.  I feel that this would enable me to connect to the wider profession, and also develop my skills. Many of the CILIP training courses/conferences have appealed to me in the past, but I’m a little wary of the cost.  I did, however, attend the (CILIP) Career Development Group’s 2010 New Professionals Conference, and I’m really glad that I did. The event was held at Sheffield University – where I was studying at the time – and I was lucky enough to gain a funded place. I helped out during the day, directing delegates, assisting with registration and a workshop etc. I also had the opportunity to attend some of the presentations. The day was inspiring, informative, and it also provided a good opportunity to network. After this experience, I do hope to attend more conferences and events in the future.

I’m not sure if being a member of CILIP has affected my career to any great extent. I think it is too early to tell as, aside from having completed the MA, I’ve not really started my ‘professional’ career. However, I am keen to embark on the CILIP Chartership process once I have gained some experience in a professional role. Obviously when I get to this stage, being a member of CILIP will be of great value. With this in mind, I will continue to be a member of CILIP for the foreseeable future.

I did join the more informal LISNPN (LIS New Professionals Network). I do find the forums/resources etc very interesting/informative, but I've yet to attend a face-to-face event. I suppose one reason for my reluctance to attend events, CILIP or otherwise, is due to living in a (northern) town, and I always have to travel to or via another city, which takes longer and is more expensive. Having said this, I know I should probably make more of an effort to attend face-to-face events, and I'll start to pay more attention to what is going on. I may also join some of the other, more sector specific organisations, as my career progresses.