Lowrider Librarian

Facebook is a cesspool of invalid information.  Image is public Domain. Dear readers, I used to be a huge proponent of FB.  I am a librarian and early on I realized the potential of social media for networking, sharing information and as a medium for learning.  This is no longer the case. I used to believe FB was a great tool to share information. It is not even a good tool for sharing information.   I am an information professional.  Part of my job is teaching students information literacy.  Here is a definition of Information Literacy that ALA uses: Information literacy is a set of abilities requiring individuals to "recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information."   This has much to do with the the person's ability to search for and find valid information.   Most dictionaries define validity as: "The quality of being logically or factually sound; ...

There is currently a discussion on the librarian Facebook group ALATT concerning cultural appropriation. You should hear some of the rationalizations! Everything from the insulting: "Let me tell you a secret: All Culture is appropriated!" Then people go on to say, "Yes--like agriculture, rock n roll..." and other absurd comparisons. This seemingly funny statement, is passive aggressive to the extreme. These statements belittle people's feelings about their heritage and culture.  This is especially true then aspects of their culture are used in inappropriate manners such as when White people run 'Native American' sweat lodges that allow anyone who pays to come sweat and pray--that is fucking absurd and spits in the face of indigenous tradition! You may be asking yourself, "Why is Max getting all bent out of shape about this?" Please watch this video for a better understanding: I hope more librarians become more empathetic and...

It is all about relationships.  Even in subject search terms it is about relationships most often.  Lets try to build relationships that are mutually beneficial, create an atmosphere, or community even that allows questions to be asked, information to be shared, collaborations to take place and a structure for future generations.  Since the recent announcement the Criticas is ceasing publication I've been thinking about how to supplement the ensuing vacuum with some meaningful content.  So, to further this endeavor I've started a campaign to contact as many libraries and librarians as I can that speak Spanish, who are on Facebook.  If we build some sort of contact infrastructure, first by communicating with one another, and then implementing strategies to collaborate, share, and aid one another then we will go a long way toward filling the vacuum.  We can leverage the power of networking and collaboration to build something that will not be as threatened an entity as a magazin...

Social Searching On The Web View more presentations from maxmacias .