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Like many in our profession, I was dismayed to hear the administration of St. Cloud (Minn.) State University has laid off four tenured faculty librarians as part of its cost-cutting [...]

Cultural fit is often difficult to describe but refers to how well an employee matches the environment and values of their organization. Despite its ineffability, fit can play a significant [...]

The article reports on a survey conducted by the author of librarians who maintain blogs about their professional activities. Among a number of discoveries the author found that the blogs that have the widest readership and the greatest impact were those that focussed on library technology and its use in the improvement of library services.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses articles in the issue on topics including Vocational Awe and Librarianship, marginalization, racism, and exclusion experienced.

The author comments on the process of reflection. She mentions how reflection can promote improvement on the job and dispel negativity, how it can uncover biases that may influence relationships with patrons, and the need to make time to develop this practice.

The author discusses the difficulties that face librarians when attempting to determine the trustworthiness of information sources in mass media and social media and examines the concept of fake news.

The article offers information on professional development for librarians. Particular focus is given to how older librarians can mentor the next generation of library professionals. Additional topics discussed include the first year spent working in a library, implementing the ideas of younger librarians and the author's work as a librarian at the Portland, Oregon, Community College.

In this article, the author reflects upon privacy in the 21st-century. Particular focus is given to how this relates to the work of libraries and librarians. Additional topics discussed include how librarians must keep up with the values of their institutions, the ALA (American Libraries Association) Office for Intellectual Freedom and how librarians can educate the public on the importance of being good stewards of information.

The author reflects on factors which can help explain resistance to change in libraries and other organizations. She states sometimes ideas may be a bad fit for a setting or in trying to solve problems that don't exist. She talks about the unwritten rules and shared values of corporate culture and the need not to ignore the culture when presenting ideas. She comments on how ambiguity can result in resistance to new ideas and mentions how she resisted efforts to purchase iPads for classrooms.

The article discusses the evaluation of online tools and collections by librarians. Topics discussed include the accessibility of online tools in the library, the importance of online tools protecting library user data, and the need to see if the tools provide a good return on investment (ROI) in an effort to ensure limited funding is spent in the most useful way.

The article presents information on how librarians can get involved and create change. The author looks at the Twitter social networking service hashtag #makeithappen from librarian J.P. Porcaro, online professional development opportunities, and the future of libraries. She also discusses her experience creating the "Five Weeks to a Social Library" free online learning program.

The article discusses the use of microblogging and social networking Web sites Twitter and FriendFeed by librarians for professional networking. Benefits of social networking for building professional relationships, keeping track of professional trends, and finding help are discussed. Ways of developing networks on Twitter and FriendFeed are provided and suggestions for managing social networking sites are included.

The article discusses the importance of a good online identity that will have an impact on young adults' future job prospects, as well as an organization's brand consciousness. It cites the efforts done by many librarians to teach the young adults on how to develop social networking sites and the importance of maintaining a good online identity. It presents the bad effects of having derogatory posts and other things such as compromising photographs. It also offers suggestions on what libraries can do when faced by bad publicity online.

The article offers information on custom search engines (CSE), which allow librarians to make their web guides searchable. Using a custom search engine, the creator determines which sites will be searched, so instead of going through millions of websites to find what the searcher is looking for, the custom search engine is only searching those sites previously specified. Considered the most popular CSE tools to date are Google CSE and Rollyo.

The article features Wordpress, a free, open-source blogging platform used by many librarians. An increasing number of libraries are starting to use tools like blogs, wikis, and open-source content management systems to manage their website content. Many libraries have Wordpress blogs that they use to keep their patrons up to date with what is new at the library, to share knowledge, and to solicit feedback.

The article discusses available Web courses that educate university librarians who cannot attend local conferences. Such online alternatives let them connect with experts in the field and learn from them. In some cases, they can even interact directly, asking questions and participating in the conversation. Among such Web sites are Online Programming for All Libraries at www.opal-online.org and the SirsiDynix Institute at www.sirsidynixinstitute.com.

The article offers tips for successfully implementing technologies in libraries. Librarians are asked to develop a risk-tolerant environment and should consider the population of the library. The article advises that the best way to get everyone committed to a new technology is to involve staff from all levels in planning. Librarians are also suggested to consider sustainability and maintenance issues. When it comes to marketing, librarians are also proposed to focus on the functionality.

The article focuses on the use of online conferences, citing the HigherEd BlogCon as an example. The advantages of online conference programs being offered by library associations to librarians are stated. The usage of blogs by librarians to share information and ideas is mentioned. The HigherEd BlogCon--Transforming Academies Communities with New Tools of the Social Web is aimed at examining the use the social software in higher education.