It's Academic

When I last posted, it was announced cuts were coming to our University. Last week the campus community received word additional cuts are coming and I feel I should give an update on how my planning went. The Library is continuing in its restructuring, with implementation beginning July of this year. My work moving forward will focus on information literacy instruction and student engagement. Currently, the semester is slow, but this does not make me regret last semester’s preparation. 

Saying “No”: It’s become the semester of saying “YES!”

I thought I would have less capacity for doing but that has not been the case. Instead, I find myself taking up every opportunity that comes my way and then some. As I have stated spring semester is typically slower and this year it is especially true. I have said yes to every class, committee, and volunteer opportunity. I do not see this as a failure; I want to be productive. My “no” is selective and more focused, I am taking my time and do not want to rush to complete a task just because it will look good. 

LibGuides: Revamping new guides but not touching the old ones

While I still adhere to the “one guide to rule them all” methodology, I experimented with new graphics, examples, etc. I created a new guide for a department within Health Sciences. I decided to take some time and update some images, phrases, and layouts that I use in the “one guide”. I have to say that I like this new style better and will implement it across all of them once the spring semester is over. 

Planning Ahead: It’s a bit fuzzy 

I prepped and sent out my emails in December, saving time in January. However, I have not needed to block out my schedule as much as I thought I would. I block time for professional development, reading, and research. I am focused on improving my instruction skills and making my presentations more accessible. The schedule keeps me accountable in areas I struggle with. Any other scheduled planning time I dedicate to restructuring.

Workshops: One more to go

I am still working on a Tableau for beginners workshop. I am still taking the Tableau overview course. The process is slow and ongoing but is relevant to my current work. There are several departments across campus that use the software. Providing an overview will help students and faculty using the software beginning their projects. 

Professional Development: Moving outside webinars

I continue to learn skills through webinars, free to low-cost conferences, classes, and organizations. The majority of classes I take are also free. I joined several new (to me) organizations on the national and local levels. Listservs and discussion boards are often insightful but also behind the paywall; I want to make new connections through participation. However, most of my efforts will focus on more local-level organization involvement. 

Goals: Remain flexible

I still write down my goals, but the list is divided January-June and July-December, signifying important dates in the restructure. My intentions for January-June are prioritizing classwork, research interests, and restructuring assistance. I do not have much for July-December outside of personal professional goals. Through all of this, still having a visual representation of what I have accomplished will remind me I am capable when I have imposter syndrome.

The word strange comes to mind when I reflect on my feelings of the restructure process. It has been a strange time, it is strange to think how these changes will affect my working relationships with not just faculty and students but my co-workers as well. But while I feel strange, I still enjoy my job. And I will continue to support the students and faculty I work with. Is there ever a time when you feel strange about your work? What about uncertainty about impending changes? Feel free to drop a comment below!