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Part-Time Author, Full-Time Librarian

0. Part-Time Author, Full-Time Librarian. Writing for the Professional Press. John J. Burke, MSLS 2005 Ohio Library Council Annual Conference. “Writing and reading is to me synonymous with existing.” -- Getrude Stein “Omit needless words.” -- Strunk and White, The Elements of Style.

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Part-Time Author, Full-Time Librarian

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  1. 0 Part-Time Author, Full-Time Librarian Writing for the Professional Press John J. Burke, MSLS 2005 Ohio Library Council Annual Conference

  2. “Writing and reading is to me synonymous with existing.” -- Getrude Stein “Omit needless words.” -- Strunk and White, The Elements of Style

  3. Goals for the session • Why do I think you should write? • My case example • Motivation for writing • Strategies for pursuing publication • Thoughts on the writing process

  4. Writing for ourselves • Practicing library staff writing for practicing library staff • Sharing experiences • Giving back for the good of the field • If you don’t write about it, who will?

  5. Two approaches • What do you know – what can you share with others? • What would you like to know more about? • Professional needs • Personal interests

  6. The part-time author . . . • 3 books (1996, 1999, 2001) • 1 new edition in progress (out in early 2006) • Articles and book reviews in peer-reviewed journals, newspapers, newsletters, and campus publications. . . . the full-time librarian • 12 years in libraries (Fairmont State College (WV), the University of Cincinnati, and Miami University) • 7+ years of teaching library-related credit courses

  7. Why do I write? • How it all began • Writing I want to do • Writing I have to do • Have something to fall back on • Open yourself up to opportunities

  8. Your motivation 0 • The four Ps: • Passion • Professional development • Promotion (“publish or perish”) • Pocketbook • Picture the outcome • How far will your motivation carry you?

  9. Falsehoods of writing • Only experts can write. • You need an agent to get published. • It’s too hard to write. • You have to drink a lot. • I’ll never be on Oprah.

  10. What makes you a writer? • Writing! – write on a regular basis • Are you good at: • Explaining things to others? • Writing documentation? • Communicating your ideas verbally or in text? • Gathering facts and doing research • Attention to detail: grammar and punctuation • Reading! – not just library documents • Keeping track of trends and developments

  11. Your professional opportunities • Books • Library literature (research and practical articles) • Association periodicals and newsletters • Library e-journals and web sites • Blogs • Local opportunities: newspaper columns, organizational newsletters, press releases, etc. • Library-related and beyond • Crossover content

  12. Your strategy for publication • Start with what you know • A “story to tell” or a gap • Brainstorm – find your focus • Get reactions from colleagues • Decide on a direction – where • Books – sign contract first, then write • Articles – write and submit • Consider how long it will take – when • Prepare a proposal (formal or informal)

  13. Plan writing into your life – how and where • Start writing • Finish writing • Get comments and proofread the work • Submit it to publisher • Make corrections and resubmit • Finalize work for publication • Get published (your name in print) • Promote your work! • Read reviews (start all over again)

  14. Between 8 and 9 • Don’t expect perfection in the first draft • Just write • Blocks will come, and blocks will go • Need to set time aside (make it a habit) • Set goals within the larger deadline

  15. What about the time? • Time to write • Time to think • Time to learn • Time to read • Time to wait

  16. Resources to consult • The Library Writer’s Blog (http://librarywriting.blogspot.com) • Resources for Library Writers (http://library.utoledo.edu/userhomes/cseeman/writers) • Crawford, Walt. First Have Something to Say: Writing for the Library Profession. Chicago: American Library Association, 2003. • Bell, Steven J. “What Works For Me: 10 Tips for Getting Published.” Ex Libris 225 & 226 (http://marylaine.com/exlibris/xlib225.html)

  17. My recommendations • Start small and think big • Try a conference presentation • Watch for opportunities and move quickly • Never doubt you can do it • Don’t quit your day job

  18. Questions? Don’t forget! – Neal-Schuman Library Technology Companion (2nd ed.) is out in early 2006! John J. Burke Miami University Middletown burkejj@muohio.edu 513-727-3293 http://www.users.muohio.edu/burkejj/ (for presentation)

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