Alvarez, Liza

Stroup Tristao, M. (2017). Sources unknown: Confirmation bias. Retrieved from https://www.sjpl.org/blog/sources-unknown-confirmation-bias

Sources Unknown: Confirmation Bias 

This is a video clip and article explaining “confirmation bias” on the San Jose Public Library Blog by librarian Megan Tirstao. The video features an example of an interviewer testing people to see if they can catch their own confirmation bias with brain exercise to find a pattern. Time after time the participants continue to incorrectly answer the puzzle because of their “conformation bias”. The article goes on to describe the concept in further detail providing examples as well as tips on how to avoid “confirmation bias”  by expanding routine media sources, relying more on primary sources, and verifying the information against more than one other source.

The article provides links to other blogs about data literacy, fact INFOchecking and “fake news”. I find this type of article and material extremely pertinent to the public in general, but very apropos of the social and political climate in the United States at the moment. Not only does this topic inform the populace on how to be more discriminatory in order to find accurate information, but it is one of much interest across the nation and can contribute to a more educated and democratic population.

Collection Development and Management

Chase, Matthew
Fall 2016

Citation:

Lehman, K. A. (2014). Collection development and management: An overview of the literature 2011-12. Library Resources & Technical Services, 58, 169-177.

Summary:

This article provides comprehensive insight into the collection development literature published during 2011 and 2012. The author examined the issues confronting librarians as budget cuts, space limitations, and the increasing emergence of digital resources arise. In order to thrive in the new digital world, Lehman pays special attention to how collection development and acquisitions strategies are shifting toward patron-driven demand. The issues presented by the author have also provided libraries with the opportunity of innovative thinking as they strive for balance between print anddigital collections with open access resources, shared collection building, and re-purposing space beyond ownership.

Evaluation:

In addition to being a bibliographic treasure of citations on collection development trends, the article also proves to be a valuable glimpse into the ever-changing direction of the subject. In particular, it offers innovative strategies drawn from other libraries on how to address issues affecting many communities today such as budgetary and space limitations. Yet these very limitations, as the author points out, have led to new ways of building collections that better reflect their intended users.

20 Great Ways Libraries Are Using Pinterest

Johnson, Stacey

 

Lofland, Lee (2013). 20 Great Ways Libraries Are Using Pinterest. Retrieved from

http://www.leelofland.com/wordpress/20-great-ways-libraries-are-using-pinterest/

•  A list of ways to use Pinterest (or maybe other social media) to connect with patrons.
• Although this may not be specifically collection development, letting patrons now about new or special items in the collection is very important too. The article had some great ideas about promoting a library through Pinterest, especially pinning book covers to highlight new books or perhaps holiday books? Also using pins to highlight a historical collection or other special collection, especially an ebook or database resource that may not be so visible to patrons. This would be a great way to highlight any items or parts of the library collection that patrons might not know about.