WebJunction Refreshes Popular Article

"Interesting Patron Questions"

In 2015, WebJunction conducted a poll of its members, asking them to share their most interesting, unusual, or favorite reference questions their staff had fielded.  WJ staff turned the responses into a very relatable article for its readers.  Last month, the authors behind the poll recently refreshed the 2015 article with new responses to “weird reference questions,” proving that some of the funniest and interesting conversations happen every day in public libraries.

From WebJunction:  “While there are definitely many humorous submissions, we also know that every day, library staff answer important patron questions that help in so many ways. From completing homework assignments to applications for college, from supporting job-seekers to those looking to better understand the symptoms and effects of various diseases—library staff help  people find the information that they need to live informed and productive lives. And some days, it's just really entertaining…”

Here are some WebJunction’s favorite submissions, read the new article from April 2022 at the button below.  

- "Which county in New York State has the most cows per person?" 

- "I'm looking for the book How to Kill a Mockingbird"

-  “I have a photo of Lincoln delivering the Gettysburg Address, but what I need really need is film footage”

 - “I need a photo of dinosaurs, not drawings”

 - "When is Yellowstone National Park due for a volcanic eruption?” (the librarian found some help in Apocalypse Not Now, which posits that a Yellowstone volcanic eruption is predictable up to 10 years in advance) 

- "I need information on Pope Malcolm the Tenth" (the student really needed information on Malcolm X for a Black History Month project)

- "Does this look infected to you?"

If your library staff collects favorite reference questions, do you share the Q&A in any way?  Stripping any personal or private information, do you share questions with your board, with each other?  Read more at the WebJunction article.

WJ Article "Interesting Patron Questions"

The month of May is designated “Older Americans Month.”  In 1963, this celebration was originally titled “Senior Citizens Month” by President Kennedy; it was President Carter’s administration that re-named it Older Americans Month in 1980.

The 2022 theme is “Age My Way,” a theme selected to focus on aging in place – how older adults can plan to stay in their homes and live independently in their communities for as long as possible. From the Older Americans Month website: “ In 2022, 'Age My Way' sets up an opportunity to look at the many ways older adults can remain in and be involved with their communities.  Programming can center on how planning, participation, accessibility, and making connections all play a role in aging in place—emphasizing that what each person needs and prefers is unique."

The OAM website suggests ideas such as asking older adults to share or read stories, perhaps in connection with a senior center.  Ask local school students to interview older adults in the community and help them write their biographies, then plan a program at which the students read aloud their stories.

Every President since JFK has issued a formal proclamation in May asking that the entire nation pay tribute in some way to older persons in their communities.  Making Older Americans Month a perfect occasion for library book displays, bulletin boards, social media shout-outs.  Find more at the button below, including posters to help with your local promotions, along with activities and resources to use in local planning. Learn more about Older Americans Month and share your plans with each other on LIBRARY TALK!

Older Americans Month

Continuing Education This Month ...

In-Person and Online

May is quite the month for continuing education.  With much to choose from, here’s a summary:

Director Roundtables:  Various dates and in-person locations statewide. 

Big Ideas Book Discussion--Crucial Conversations:  May 17 @ 9:30AM Online. 

POP YS Live:  May 19 @ 2:00PM Online.

POP YS Live Book Club:  May 23 @ 11:00AM Online.

The Boardroom--Facing Crucial Conversations:  May 26 @ 6:00PM Online.

Register in IALearns

ARPA Grant Correction

To all libraries that received an ARPA grant last summer: remember that a final project evaluation is part of the package.  We had originally published an evaluation due date of April 29 in correspondence and on our website, but that date was incorrect--the grant evaluation due date is actually June 30, 2022.  A link to the final project evaluation will be emailed directly to all ARPA recipient libraries on Monday May 2nd.  Emily Bainter has updated our website with this information, all corrected dates are there.  Find ARPA grant information at the button below.

ARPA Grant Information