HealthCampNYC: Using Collective Knowledge to Improve Health Literacy and Community Health Through Unconferences

I recently presented a poster session on HealthCampNYC: Using Collective Knowledge to Improve Health Literacy and Community Health Through Unconferences at the Medical Library Association 2013 Conference – One Health: Information in an Interdependent World.

More info
HealthCampNYC
HealthCampNYC wiki
HealthCampNYC summary report
LibGuide on unconferences

The unconference concept is new to some attendees. Many of the attendees are interested in organizing unconferences at their libraries and organizations.

Unconferences is one of our areas of focus. Contact us for more info.

Backpack, Backpack!

Recently, on a successful jaunt to Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS), I found the backpack of my dreams. I’ve spent time looking for a day pack sans all the padding that adds weight to the pack. Most packs I’ve seen are expensive, canvas and weighted 13 oz- 1lb empty. I find most packs have extraneous padding, straps and buckles. I’m not Dora, I don’t need a purple talking backpack. My needs are pretty simple.

Just as I was about to walk out of EMS, I stopped at a bin by the exit that carried these $40 packs. These nylon, 9 oz packs can be stuffed into its top pocket for easy storage. There are water-bottle holders on the sides. The packs have about 1500 cu. in. of volume. The downsides are that the pack is not waterproof and do not have the built-in internal frame for carrying comfort.  All in all, for a $40 pack I’m very pleased. Take that Dora!

What’s your backpack story? Do you use backpacks? Do you have the backpack of your dreams? 

How to Spring Clean Your Online Presence

Flowers are blooming. Birds are chirping. Spring is here. It’s time to spring clean your online presence.

Here are some ways to get you started:

Update your LinkedIn profile.
Add new information (i.e. attended any classes/training recently?). Clean up your LinkedIn group memberships.

Update your e-portfolio.
Look for and fix broken links. (I just fixed some links on my e-portfolio. Some library associations and groups have recently launched redesigned websites, resulting in broken links.)

Google yourself and/or set a Google Alert.
What’s out there about you?

Monthly Method Spotlight: 5 Whys

What: 5 Whys

When/why: This method is a quick and easy way of problem solving or a conversation starter to get to the root cause of a problem.

How: 1. Write down the specific problem or issue. E.g. a patron’s item hold is not waiting on the hold shelf for them.

2. Ask a why question & write the answer down. – Q: Why was the patron notified if the item is not there? A: The item was registered but not put on the shelf

3. Repeat step 2 four more times with a different why question related to the specific problem or issue. You may ask more or less than 5 why questions to get to the root cause.

Tips: “If you don’t ask the right questions, you don’t get the right answers. A question asked in the right way often points to its own answer. Asking questions is the ABC of diagnosis. Only the inquiring mind solves problems.” – Edward Hodnett

 

Interested in using/applying these methods in your work? Contact us for more info.

Providing a Collaborative Environment for Learning, Sharing, and Relationship-Building – HealthCampNYC Unconference Poster Session at MLA 2013

Are you going to MLA 2013?

Stop by Sunday, May 5th at 1:30-2:30pm at poster #129 in Level 2 Exhibit Hall. I will be presenting a poster session on “HealthCampNYC: Using Collective Knowledge to Improve Health Literacy and Community Health Through Unconferences”.

HealthCampNYC was a regional unconference that brought together over eighty-five educators, librarians, literacy professionals, public health and medical professionals, and people interested in sharing their work, skills, and knowledge about health literacy and community health. The content of the unconference is determined and managed by the attendees. HealthCampNYC offered a collaborative environment with unique opportunities for learning, sharing, and relationship-building.

Learn more about unconferences.