Day 5: Compilin'

August 30, 2016 (Tuesday), 8:30AM-5:00PM (½ hour lunch)
Hours completed: 8.00
Accumulated on-site hours completed: 21h 45m

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Today was my first full-day working on this project.

I began the day by compiling the statewide report I'd received and creating a few VLOOKUP columns in my spreadsheet that were able to bring in pay grades and position counts for each of the positions utilized by OBM. The State Library may be able to use this same methodology for other agencies, which is part of the practicum goal.

I spent some time going back to my Access to Information course materials to ground myself and prepare for an afternoon of searching for library materials. It was helpful to refresh myself on some of the concepts we covered - particularly search strategies, vocabulary control and Boolean statements. Some of the assigned reading we had done might even be useful for other projects at work. 

In the afternoon, I looked at the statewide competency of Analyzing Data or Information. I spent some time considering how to find resources related to this competency. I struggled a little bit because the state's competency system has four different context areas in which a competency could apply, and each one has a little bit of a different spin to it. For example, both a director position and an entry level position may require competence in analyzing data or information. For an entry level position, this competency could include successfully identifying inaccuracies when checking simple reports. For a director position, this competency could include analyzing information to forecast the future state of libraries in Ohio. 

I struggled a little with how to frame these guides - which context makes the most sense? I talked it over with Nicole and she provided some strategies and things to keep in mind. She also gave me a nice overview of the electronic resources that are available here at the State Library of Ohio.