Series 2: Lesson 11 Challenge

I definitely have an online personal learning network, which changes from time to time as my goals, activities, and responsibilities change. A large part of my PLN is online sources, but I often turn to colleagues for ideas and insights as well.

When I was approaching graduation and my main priority was finding a professional librarian job, I followed INALJ, Hiring Librarians, and blogs and websites that were relevant to my areas of interest (Children's and Teen Services). I got interview, cover letter, and resume advice, as well as programming ideas and tips. Another thing I am very glad I did around the time of my job hunt was ask my library supervisor and HR department for help and advice. I was lucky enough to be working in a library while getting my degree, with similar responsibilities to a Library Assistant here in SAPL. The manager of services and collections was kind enough to do a mock interview with me, really focusing on important questions and how I put my answers together, and the Human Resources specialist did a resume review with me. I'm certain that these in-person PLN pieces had a lot to do with my successful job hunt. After I came here and started working as a Teen Services librarian, I focused more heavily on teen-centered and education- and technology-focused resources, like YALSA, Teen Librarian Toolbox, SparkFun, Evil Mad Scientist, and Make:. Through these resources, I've learned about new projects and tools, and I've gotten insights on important questions and issues having to do with teens and advocacy for teens in the library. Having recently moved out to a branch, I have been looking for ways to manage my time more effectively, so that has certainly influenced my PLN recently.