Why is Data Science a Good Extension Career for Librarians?

As a librarian with a degree in library science, pursuing a second course can enhance your skills, broaden your expertise, and open up new career opportunities.

If you're a librarian looking to expand his or her career, here is a good option for you: data science.

Why Data Science?

Data Management Skills

Data science courses will equip you with skills in data analysis, management, and visualization, which are becoming increasingly important in libraries for handling large datasets and digital collections. These skills enable you to efficiently organize and analyze large volumes of information, making data more accessible and useful to library patrons.

Research Enhancement

Understanding data science can enhance your ability to support researchers and academics in data-driven research. By gaining proficiency in data science, you can assist in developing research methodologies, managing research data, and providing advanced data analytics services. This can make your library an invaluable resource for researchers seeking comprehensive data support.

Decision Making

Improve the library's decision-making processes through data-driven insights. Data science allows librarians to analyze user behavior, track library usage patterns, and measure the impact of various services. These insights can guide strategic planning, resource allocation, and service improvements, leading to a more efficient and responsive library.

Career Advancement

Adding data science to your skill set can significantly enhance your career prospects. With data literacy becoming a crucial skill in many industries, librarians with expertise in data science are well-positioned for roles in data management, information technology, and research support. This interdisciplinary knowledge opens up opportunities beyond traditional library roles, such as data analyst or data manager positions in various sectors.

Recommended Course

Coursera offers a "Data Science Specialization" by Johns Hopkins University, covering essential data science tools and methods. This specialization includes courses on the R programming language, data visualization, and machine learning, providing a comprehensive foundation in data science.

By completing this specialization, you will be well-equipped to apply data science principles to library and information science, enhancing your professional capabilities and broadening your career opportunities.

Embarking on this educational path can transform your role within the library, making you a key player in leveraging data for better library services and user experiences.

Better Library Shelfing by Colocation: Grouping Similar Items

As librarians, we've all faced the challenge of making the most of our shelf space. It's like a puzzle, figuring out where each book belongs so that people can find what they need without a treasure map. This is where colocation – or putting similar things together – comes into play. It's a simple idea, but it can make a huge difference in how we manage our shelves and help our library users find their way around. Let's talk about how this approach can make our libraries more user-friendly and efficient. Why Colocation Matters Imagine you're looking for a cookbook. You go to the section where cookbooks are supposed to be, but instead of finding them all in one spot, they're scattered all over. Some are with the gardening books, others are near the science fiction. Frustrating, right? That's the problem colocation solves. By keeping similar items together – all the cookbooks in one place, all the science fiction in another – we make life easier for everyone....

What Librarians Do in 2024: Keeping Up with Everyone's Needs

Libraries are accessible to everyone... and we mean EVERYONE! Hey there! I'm a librarian, and if there's one thing I know, it's that libraries are not just about books anymore. They're about people – all kinds of people. And in 2024, our job is to make sure we're keeping up with what everyone needs, even as those needs keep changing. So, how do we do that? Let's dive in. Getting to Know You First up, we need to really understand who's using the library. This means looking beyond just the numbers and getting to know the community. What languages do they speak? What kind of information are they looking for? Do they need places to study, meet, or even just hang out? The more we know, the better we can be at making the library a welcoming place for everyone. Technology is Our Friend These days, almost everyone uses some form of technology, whether it's smartphones, tablets, or laptops. As librarians, we're jumping on this tech train too. We'r...

Library Management Brainstorming: Get Patrons Involved

Brainstorming is a dynamic and flexible tool that can be applied to library management. By engaging a diverse group of stakeholders in the brainstorming process, libraries can tap into a wealth of ideas that pave the way for innovative services, enhanced user experience, and efficient operations. The structured approach to brainstorming, from idea generation to selection, ensures that libraries can systematically explore and implement solutions that meet the evolving needs of their communities. Through continuous innovation and adaptability, libraries can remain vital centers for learning, creativity, and community engagement. Librarians don't need to do it alone. After all, patrons are also the ones who would benefit from improvements in the library. Hence, tapping them for ideas is a good call. Topics for Library Management Brainstorming Improving User Engagement: A library looking to increase patron visits might brainstorm ideas leading to initiatives like a community bo...

Why the Banned Book 1984 by George Orwell Seems Prophetic Now

In George Orwell's book '1984', we are transported to a totalitarian state that is uncannily like the very world we are living in. It's a politico-social novel that tells a lot about how power can be a dangerous thing when placed in the hands of a remorseless totalitarian government that punishes with impunity and rewards only those that cooperate. It's so borderline non-fiction that many libraries have banned it a short time after it has been published. They say it's fear-mongering, but as many of us in the 21st century now know, it was somewhat prophetic.

Librarian Resources: Books on the Passion of Christ

Offer your patrons several reading choices for Lent. Here is a list of notable books that delve into the passion of Christ, each offering a unique perspective on this profound subject: 1. "The Passion of Jesus Christ: Fifty Reasons Why He Came to Die" by John Piper - Synopsis: This book offers fifty clear reasons why Jesus Christ underwent the suffering of the cross, according to the Bible. John Piper delves into the theological and spiritual implications of Christ's Passion, aiming to deepen the reader's appreciation and understanding of Christ's sacrifice. 2. "The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ" by Anne Catherine Emmerich - Synopsis: Based on the visions of the German mystic, Anne Catherine Emmerich, this book provides a detailed account of the events leading up to and including the crucifixion of Jesus. Emmerich's vivid descriptions bring to life the sufferings of Christ in a way that encourages empathy and reflection. 3. "Je...

Do Small Libraries Need a Hard Copy of the Library Bibliographic Data?

Get your paperback copy of Library Bibliographic Data book from Amazon through this link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B7QBGNKR A hard copy of something is simply a physical ink-on-paper version of what is in the library database. Some librarians say it is cumbersome to keep a hard copy when the soft copy is already there, one simply has to log into the system. But the hard copy of library bibliographic data can be an essential resource for small libraries for several reasons: 1. Backup for Digital Records : While many libraries have digital systems for cataloging their collections, hardcopies serve as a reliable backup in case of digital data loss due to system failures, cyber-attacks, or other unforeseen events. This ensures that the library's catalog remains accessible even in the face of technical difficulties. 2. Accessibility : Not all library patrons may be comfortable or familiar with digital search systems. Hardcopy bibliographies allow these patrons to access bibliograph...

Content Creators Need to Try Creative Fabrica

Hey there, fellow creators! Whether you're a seasoned artist, a passionate designer, or a content creator just starting your journey, you know that the right tools and resources can make a world of difference. That’s why I’m excited to introduce you to Creative Fabrica , a fantastic platform that's like a treasure trove for all your creative needs. Why Creative Fabrica? You might be wondering, "What makes Creative Fabrica so special?" Well, let me tell you: 1. Endless Resource s: Creative Fabrica offers an extensive library of fonts, graphics, templates, and even digital crafts. It's like having a bottomless toolbox, ready to help you bring your wildest ideas to life. 2. Affordable Pricing : Quality resources can be expensive, but Creative Fabrica provides budget-friendly options, including subscription plans that give you unlimited access to their vast collection. It's a small investment for a huge creative payoff. 3. ...

Simple Way to Ask Library Users to Rate the Library Service

Library users do not always share their thoughts on how the librarian or school can improve their library service. In fact, some won't ever, unless prompted. Soliciting their thoughts using a suggestion box is also not as good a strategy as it is predicted to be. After all, the blank piece of paper near the suggestion box doesn't really guide the user. I also noticed that users would only use the suggestion box if they have a complaint, but not if they just want to go about their business and leave. There must be a more pro-active way to solicit users' opinion. A simple solution would be to offer a short survey to measure how successfully users were able to complete some common activities in the library. This assessment uses the Likert scale, which is typically a five, seven, or nine-point agreement scale used to measure respondents' agreement with various statements. For example, the scale can range from "very unsuccessful" to "very successful."...

Making Travel Plans: 2015 vs 2024

We're travelling! It's hectic making travel plans in whatever year, but things have definitely improved from when I last booked our family trip to Singapore in 2015. Here are some of the main differences. Aspect 2015 2024 Research and Booking - Relied on travel blogs, Lonely Planet guides, and recommendations from friends. - Use of comprehensive travel apps that integrate flights, accommodations, and activities. - Balance between online platforms and travel agencies. - AI-driven travel planners offering personalized itineraries based on preferences. - Booking flights via airline websites or price comparison sites like Skyscanner and Kayak. - Seamless booking through integrated platforms like Google Travel or Expedia. Accommodation - Agoda and TripAdvisor for finding and booking hotels. - Instant booking and reviews on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com. Documentation - Printed tickets, hotel vouchers, and visa documents. - E-tickets, digital hotel confirmations, and e-visas...

Lecture Notes on Philippine Toy Library, Collaborations, and Linguistic Diversity Campaign

Part I: Takeaways from PLAI 2018:“Connected Actions, Collective Vision: Libraries Transforming Society” 1. Lecture Title: “Philippine Toy Library” Website http://www.philippinetoylibrary.org/ Partnership page: http://www.philippinetoylibrary.org/donate-share-or-partner-with-ptl/ What is it? A special library built by partnerships between and among organizations Toys become tools to reinforce love for reading. Books and toys in the same space. Philippine Toy Library (PTL) transforms idle spaces in barangays, schools, parishes, and partner organizations into fun and educational playrooms for the children in the community. Playtime is associated with library time. The toy library’s popularity has become a beacon for national government agencies (NGAs) and non-government organizations (NGOs) to implement their own programs, e.g., “handwashing day at the PTL” and “storytelling at PTL by community leaders” Children are encouraged to read by being promised a toy after several visi...

Ruby Galvez, RL

Search This Blog