Developing a Librarian PLN

The work behind networking...

Networking always has an intimidating ring to it. Perhaps because it has the word "work" in it. However, that is essentially what networking is: the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contact. Yikes! Sounds like a lot of work right? 

Don't worry! No matter if you are an extrovert or an introvert, networking can be simple if you create a plan and stick to it. Just how you wouldn't put a cabinet together without instructions, you wouldn't start networking without a structured plan, or a PLN.

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What is a PLN?

PLNs are short for Professional Learning Networks. It is a great way to ease yourself into the networking pool. Below is an infographic I made that shows how you can build on your PLN with the resources available to you.

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Not sure where to start? I recommend joining a Twitter Chat! Below is a step-by-step guide on how to participate in those.

Twitter/X Experience

In order to begin this new professional journey I started with Twitter. I created a Twitter account with the same name as my blog, Librarian Who:

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The first step I took to create a network is to follow all of the major libraries, museums, and organizations:

1. Library of Congress @librarycongress

2. US National Archives @USNatArchives

3. Smithsonian @smithsonian

4. Smithsonian Libraries and Archives @SILibraries

5. National Gallery of Art @ngadc

6. American Library Association @ALALibrary 

7. New York Public Library @nypl

8. Library Journal @LibraryJournal

I then branched out to local libraries in the Maryland and DC area:

1. Anne Arundel County Public Libraries @aacpl - my local library

2. Pratt Library @prattlibrary

3. DC Public Libraries @dcpl

4. Maryland State Library @MDStateLibrary

5. Folger Shakespeare Library @FolgerLibrary

And through those official channels I found those gem Twitter accounts that are active in the library profession:

1. @shannonmmiller - she is a teacher librarian who is active in education

2. MARCHIVE @cleancatalog - a great account that highlights library programs

3. @LibnOfCongress  - the official account of the 14th librarian of Congress

While following these accounts I re-posted posts I found interesting and are related to my future field. Here are some examples:

 

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Twitter Chats

Okay so I have found organizations to follow on Twitter... now what?

The next step is to join a Twitter Chat! This is different from replying and re-posting with other Twitter users. A Twitter Chat is when you attend a scheduled "Q & A" online using the appropriate hashtags. 

The moderator will start a question with Q1,2,3 etc. and then you answer with A1,2,3 etc. while using all of the appropriate hashtags.

REMINDER: In order to participate in the chat and for people to like and reply to your comments your profile must be put on PUBLIC.  

Do you need to be in a Twitter Community to join the chat?

No! Anyone can join the chat. What you need to do is get the hashtags used and the time when the chat will take place. This chat was at 10pm EST so at around 9:55 I went to the search page and put the hashtags in. The moderator for the chat was sending tweets counting down when the chat will start. 

REMINDER: The entirety of the chat takes place on the "search" page of Twitter. Make sure you are on the "Latest" tab and continually press the refresh browser button to receive new updates to the chat.

 

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Once the chat started, the moderator introduced himself and asked others for their introductions and their favorite childhood book.

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After some participants introduced themselves with the appropriate hashtag(s), the moderator moved on the first question labeling it "Q1":

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In order to answer you must put A1 in front your answer with the appropriate hashtags, otherwise no one will see it!

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Throughout the chat, you just stay in the search page with the hashtags copied on the search bar. Pressing "refresh" will show new answers and questions. Here is my Q2 and A2 example:

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NOTE: My first couple answers were missing two hashtags, but I was still part of the chat and could see the answers. If you are not sure what hashtags to use, just copy the hashtags the moderator uses for the questions to your answers.

 In addition to answering questions, you can also reply to others in the chat. Here is an example of me replying to a participant's A3:

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REMINDER: Make sure to add the hashtags to replies as well, so people can see your response in the chat. 

Honestly, I felt a bit out of my depth during this chat. I am not a professional librarian or teacher, I am just in the training stage, so I didn't feel like I could answer the other questions, but that shouldn't stop you from reading replies and answers. Kayla Towner provided a wonderful example called choice boards to Question 4. 

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Choice Boards

I have never heard of choice boards! Then again, I am also neither a teacher nor in the profession so it is probably common knowledge to most, but for me it was a great new tool to learn about.

 

Choice boards are what the name implies... the student chooses the activity related to the subject matter from a board. It is a fantastic way to raise the student engagement level while assessing their reading comprehension. You can find choice boards online and some websites provide free downloads, all you need to do is give your email. The link below the picture provides free downloads:

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 As with all discussions... there comes a time when it ends. The moderator ended the chat on a lighter note, which I definitely felt confident to answer!

 

 

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The chat officially ended when the moderator gave his thanks and farewells. He also said that the chat will be archived in case you missed some of the chat, or weren't able to make it.

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Reflections on my first Twitter Chat

As I mentioned above, I felt like I was completely out of my comfort zone. I am not in the profession nor do I feel like I can contribute anything of substance. Honestly, I feel more comfortable meeting people in person than online because you have to compose a message instead of just having a conversation.

However, once I was in the chat... I had fun! Before I knew it, that hour flew by. I learned some new techniques and gained some confidence. If you haven't tried it, I highly recommend!

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