Building on the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Librarians

The concept of the "7 Habits of Highly Effective Librarians" is inspired by Stephen R. Covey's influential book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People." While there isn't a universally recognized set of "7 habits" specifically tailored for librarians, many professionals in the library field have adapted and applied Covey's principles to their roles. Here's an adaptation that reflects the qualities and practices often associated with effective librarians:

1. Be Proactive:

• Take Initiative: Actively seek opportunities to enhance library services and address patrons' needs.
• Anticipate Needs: Proactively identify potential challenges and develop solutions to ensure smooth operations.

2. Begin with the End in Mind:

• Set Goals: Establish clear goals and objectives for library programs, services, and initiatives.
• Vision and Mission: Align actions with the library's mission and vision, focusing on long-term impact and sustainability.

3. Put First Things First:

• Prioritize Tasks: Focus on activities that align with strategic priorities and deliver the most significant impact.
• Time Management: Allocate time effectively, balancing daily responsibilities with long-term projects and professional development.

4. Think Win-Win:

• Collaborate: Foster collaborative relationships with colleagues, patrons, and community partners, emphasizing mutual benefits and shared goals.
• Negotiate Effectively: Seek solutions that meet the needs of all parties involved, promoting cooperation and positive outcomes.

5. Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood:

• Active Listening: Listen attentively to patrons' concerns, feedback, and information needs, demonstrating empathy and understanding.
• Effective Communication: Communicate clearly and respectfully, ensuring that information is conveyed accurately and comprehensively.

6. Synergize:

• Teamwork: Encourage teamwork and collaboration among library staff, leveraging diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.
• Partnerships: Build partnerships with other organizations, institutions, and stakeholders to enhance library services and community engagement.

7. Sharpen the Saw:

• Continuous Learning: Invest in professional development, staying informed about emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in library science.
• Self-Care: Prioritize personal well-being and work-life balance, recognizing the importance of self-care in sustaining long-term effectiveness and resilience.

While these habits provide a framework for excellence in librarianship, it's essential to adapt and personalize them to fit individual strengths, organizational contexts, and evolving professional landscapes. By embodying these principles, librarians can cultivate a culture of excellence, innovation, and service that benefits patrons, communities, and the broader field of library and information science.

Book Review #22: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Hobbit is a fantasy novel by English author J. R. R. Tolkien. It was first published in 1937 and is a children's book, although it is popular with audiences of all ages. The novel follows the hobbit Bilbo Baggins, who sets off on a quest to find the Lost Treasure of Smaug the dragon, accompanied by a wizard, thirteen dwarves, and a troll.

The Hobbit is one of Tolkien's most famous works, and is considered a major influence on the development of modern fantasy literature. The novel has sold over 100 million copies worldwide, and has been adapted into several films, radio plays, and video games.

The Hobbit is a classic adventure story that is sure to appeal to readers of all ages. It is a tale of friendship, courage, and adventure, and is filled with humour and wonder. Tolkien's vivid descriptions of Middle-earth bring the story to life, and his characters are both relatable and memorable.

I highly recommend The Hobbit to anyone who is looking for an exciting and engaging read. It is a timeless classic that is sure to be enjoyed for generations to come.

One-Day Awareness Programme on ORCID and INFLIBNET Services for Scholarly Communities on 19th January 2024

“One-Day Awareness Programme on ORCID and INFLIBNET Services for Scholarly Communities” on 19th January 2024 at Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune

The objectives of the program are;

• To bring more awareness of academic identities and ORCID;

• To discuss the use case of ORCID in scholarly communication activities;

• To bring more awareness about IRINS, ShodhChakra and other activities of INFLIBNET Centre;

• To demonstrate and implement ORICD, IRINS & ShodhChakra projects at the institute level, etc 

The programme will support the organisation in interlinking all the faculty member’s / researcher's scholarly activities, publications, datasets, and other research outputs. This interconnectedness improves the discoverability and visibility of academic works. 

The one-day user awareness programme registration is free, and seats will be reserved on a first-come, first basis. Those interested in attending the programme can register using the following link. The last date to register is 15th January 2024

Programme Registration Link:https://irins.inflibnet.ac.in/irins/orcid_outreach

Venue:

Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya Seminar Hall,1st Floor, Guest House, IISER Pune.

More information about 

ORCID: https://orcid.org

IRINS: https://irins.inflibnet.ac.in 

ShodhChakra: https://shodhchakra.inflibnet.ac.in/

The programme flyer is enclosed for your information. If you have any further queries, kindly communicate with us through email (librarian@iiserpune.ac.in/ irins@inflibnet.ac.in)  or contact  Dr. Umeshareddy Kacherki, Librarian at IISER, Pune

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Team IRINS

INFLIBNET Centre, Gandhinagar

(An IUC of University Grants Commission)

Opps. DAIICT, Infocity, Gandhinagar - 382007, Gujarat

Email: irins@inflibnet.ac.in; kannan@inflibnet.ac.in; 

          pallab@inflibnet.ac.in;

Contact No: 079-2326-8230, 8281, 8251 

Book Review #21: When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

Paul Kalanithi was a brilliant neurosurgeon on the cusp of a promising career when he was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. In this poignant memoir, he chronicles his journey from doctor to patient, confronting the fragility of life and the meaning of existence.

A Moving and Thought-Provoking Reflection

Kalanithi's writing is both beautiful and profound. He interweaves his personal story with reflections on philosophy, medicine, and the human condition. His insights are both insightful and comforting, reminding us that even in the face of death, life is still worth living.

A Must-Read for Anyone Facing Life's Challenges

When Breath Becomes Air is a must-read for anyone facing life's challenges, whether it be an illness, a loss, or simply the weight of everyday life. Kalanithi's story is a reminder that we should all strive to live our lives to the fullest, and to cherish every moment we have.

The Book's Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Beautifully written and thought-provoking
• Insightful and comforting
• A must-read for anyone facing life's challenges

Weaknesses:

• Some readers may find the book to be too heavy

Overall, When Breath Becomes Air is a powerful and moving memoir that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

Book Rating: 5/5 Stars

Who Should Read This Book?

• If you are facing a difficult time in your life, this book can offer some much-needed inspiration and comfort.
• If you are interested in the intersection of medicine, philosophy, and the human condition, this book is a must-read.
• If you are simply looking for a beautiful and well-written memoir, this book will not disappoint.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a thought-provoking and inspiring read. It is a book that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

How to create your ORCID ID, its Uses and Benefits

ORCID (Open Researcher and Contributor ID) is a free, unique identifier for researchers and scholars across all disciplines. It's like a digital fingerprint that helps distinguish you from others with similar names and ensures your research contributions are properly attributed to you.

Steps to Get Your ORCID ID:

1. Visit the ORCID website: https://orcid.org/
2. Click "Register for an ORCID ID"
3. Fill in the basic information: First name, last name, email address (twice for confirmation)
4. Optional: Add an additional email address, other name variations, and your affiliation(s)
5. Create a password and click "Register"
6. Verify your email: Check your inbox and click the verification link in the email from ORCID
7. Congratulations! You now have an ORCID ID.

How to Use Your ORCID ID:

1. Add your ORCID ID to your publications, grants, and profiles: Include it in author bylines, grant proposals, academic profiles, and anywhere else your research contributions are mentioned.
2. Connect your ORCID ID to research platforms: Link it to your accounts on research platforms like Crossref, Publons, and Mendeley. This automatically links your publications and activities to your ORCID record.
3. Claim your research outputs: Search for your publications and other research outputs and link them to your ORCID record. This ensures you get credit for all your work.
4. Showcase your research achievements: Share your ORCID profile with colleagues, collaborators, and potential funders. It's a comprehensive overview of your research career.
5. Collaborate with ease: Use your ORCID ID to easily find and connect with other researchers on various platforms.

Benefits of Using an ORCID ID:

• Increased visibility: Makes your research more discoverable by search engines and funding agencies.
• Reduced errors: Eliminates confusion due to similar names and ensures proper attribution of your work.
• Simplified workflows: Streamlines grant applications and data sharing by providing a single identifier.
• Enhanced collaboration: Facilitates connections with colleagues and fosters international research partnerships.
• Recognition and reward: Helps track your research impact and contributions, leading to potential career advancements.

ORCID ID is not just an identifier; it's a powerful tool for researchers to manage their careers and maximize the impact of their work. Get yours today and join the global research community!