Special Librarians: Continuing Education for Personal Enrichment
Special librarians must see self-education as a form of self-care; skills for special librarians include a desire to learn for learning’s sake
Continuing Professional Education Resources for Special Librarians
Engaging in self-directed continuing professional education is key for staying active and engaged in the special library profession.
10 Tools for Organizing Virtual Work
Special librarians increasingly work remotely; there are many free tools to organize projects and enhance the ability to work virtually
Special Librarians Should Plan for the Unexpected
Skills for special librarians include developing disaster response plans proactively. Document decisions made during a disaster, know what worked.
The Virtual Special Library Whitepaper: The Next Normal?
Whitepaper on virtual special libraries; success factors, challenges, supporting processes and technologies, how professional development is affected
Open Access: An Important Resource for Special Libraries
Content needed by special libraries is widely available in open formats; knowing what resources are available is important for special librarians.
Maintaining Networks as Teleworkers
Teleworking separates us from our colleagues and the active exchange of information. As teleworkers we must maintain our professional networks
For Librarians who Telework: Separating Work from Home, Part II
Skills for special librarians who telework include focus, self-renewal, fighting depression; read for tips from a freelance consultant
Special Librarians and Recognition Networks: The “What” of Learning
Skills for special librarians include using UDL, “a framework to improve and optimize teaching and learning … based on scientific insights”.
For Librarians who Telework: Separating Work from Home
Skills for special librarians who telework include setting boundaries to separate work life from home life; suggestions from a freelance consultant
10 Online Tools for Virtual Libraries
Special librarians increasingly work in virtual settings; there are many free tools to create online resources to information and work virtually
Using Science to Teach in Special Libraries: Universal Design for Learning
Skills for special librarians include using the Universal Design for Learning framework to develop meaningful training for users of special libraries
Transformative, Integrated, Measurable Request Management – SLA Hot Topics Whitepaper
Skills for special librarians include leveraging statistics from a request research management system to demonstrate value and organizational impact
The Value of Lifelong Learning and Reflective Practice in Special Libraries
Skills for special librarians include a commitment to lifelong learning; reflective practice supports professional development and improved service
The Paul Martin Law Library’s Template for KM Success
Inmagic Presto enabled the University of Windsor’s Paul Martin Law Library to capture, organize, make accessible critical policies and documents
Setting Educational Goals for Your Special Library
Special librarians can set professional goals throughout the year, using SLA’s enabling competencies as thought starters, and the SMART goals model
Active Reading is a Key Skill for Information Professionals
Skills for special librarians and virtual librarians include active reading which increases comprehension and retention of information.
Museum Forecast 2020
Skills for special librarians and virtual librarians are awareness of trends, new technologies and resources, and building subject specialties
Creating a Culture of Learning in Your Library: Developing Growth Mindsets
Skills for special librarians in managerial roles include building a growth mindset in library staff that will help them navigate change.
Consider the Special Library User Experience: Usability
Special librarians can work with a user experience (UX) designer to create virtual online spaces (intranets, websites) that are intuitive for users
How Librarians Can Create Experiences for Learning
Offering experience-based learning is an important way for special librarians to facilitate deeper engagement with resources.
Applying Adult Learning Theory in Virtual Libraries
As physical libraries are reduced and resources go digital virtual services increase meaning librarians must creatively reach virtual library users.
Knowledge Ecosystems and the Pivotal Role of the Special Librarian
Special librarians play a key role in knowledge ecosystems. Data professionals, information professionals, and knowledge workers are different.
Versatility: A Crucial Skill for Virtual Librarians
Classic skills for special librarians include versatility and generalist knowledge; these translate seamlessly into a virtual library environment
Want to Know What Your End Users are Thinking?
Tips for special library survey design. Surveys are great for collecting user data that informs special library strategy and changes.