Sorry I've been MIA this week. As my first full week in ILL, I've been learning a lot of new things and it's been pretty busy. I've also been taking advantage of the fact that I now have a lunch break to explore the great food options Madison has to offer! I should curtail that though, I can't get used to spending money for lunch every day! :)
This week has also been my first without homework, since I finished up grad school last weekend. I had a lovely dinner out with my family to celebrate, now I'm just waiting for the professional job offers to start rolling in... in my dreams! It's still a very tough market out there. I'm lucky I finished my degree already having a job, otherwise I wouldn't have been so well off.
We're also just slightly over a month away from the wedding, as if I needed more to do! Though, that too is going quite smoothly - just a few last minute details to worry about.
All in all, life is good - to use my father's favorite quote. Thanks for sticking with me during this time of transition! Hopefully, I'll have more time next week to get caught up on my RSS feed and find some great stuff to share with you all!
8.17.2011
Lots of changes, Max... Lots of changes
Today is my last day as Operations Manager of the Google Book Project. I have worked, with various titles, on this project for over two and a half years. I came to this job because I had recently graduated from my undergraduate studies and was on my way to completing my master's degree and I needed full-time work in a library.
This is a library - and they had full time work.
...That was basically the only draw.
It was not what I wanted: it was not a public service position, it was not in a public library, it was not near my house, I could not drive to work (and therefore could not have much freedom during the day)... But, it was relatively gainful employment that would perhaps move me closer to my goals. So I took it.
I was never not applying for other jobs while here. Pretty much every public library job within a 50 mile radius was researched, applied for, pined after, and eventually mourned as it slipped away; a graceful, yet curt, form letter arriving in the mail. I applied for the jobs I knew I'd never get (seriously, HOW does one gain 'professional experience' when no one will hire you for a professional job?!), the ones that were geographically impossible, and even the ones that devalued the profession (professional librarians are PROFESSIONALS, we have degrees and we need them every day! Please, don't refuse me basic health care!). But, here I stayed.
Eventually, I began to gain new experiences and found new opportunities. I got to go to my first professional conference (WLA). I began to take InfoDesk shifts in the Reference Department and Circulation Desk shifts each week. I became an active member of the Staff Development Committee, I got to know more people across campus. I attended local conferences, talks, and programming. I grew as a person and as a Information Professional.
I kept working on my MLIS. (I even got reimbursed for some of my tuition!)
Now, I'm sitting at a bit of a crossroads - both personally and professionally. I will be awarded my degree very soon, and I'm getting married this Fall.
And, I'm changing jobs.
Tomorrow will be my first day in the Interlibrary Loan Department of the Memorial Library.
This is still not my 'dream job' - it is still in a basement, it still has limited patron interaction (though, more then before), I'm still in an academic library that I cannot drive myself to everyday. I will have to start taking lunches, which will lengthen my day by an hour - which admittedly won't be AS bad now that I won't have to do homework every night...
But, it is a stepping stone. Another in a long trail across a river of doubt and uncertainty that every early-career professional meets.
I plan to add this next notch to my belt, so to say, and take from this new experience as much as I can - just as I've done with every new set of duties, commitment, position and new opportunity I've taken.
Wish me luck!
This is a library - and they had full time work.
...That was basically the only draw.
It was not what I wanted: it was not a public service position, it was not in a public library, it was not near my house, I could not drive to work (and therefore could not have much freedom during the day)... But, it was relatively gainful employment that would perhaps move me closer to my goals. So I took it.
I was never not applying for other jobs while here. Pretty much every public library job within a 50 mile radius was researched, applied for, pined after, and eventually mourned as it slipped away; a graceful, yet curt, form letter arriving in the mail. I applied for the jobs I knew I'd never get (seriously, HOW does one gain 'professional experience' when no one will hire you for a professional job?!), the ones that were geographically impossible, and even the ones that devalued the profession (professional librarians are PROFESSIONALS, we have degrees and we need them every day! Please, don't refuse me basic health care!). But, here I stayed.
Eventually, I began to gain new experiences and found new opportunities. I got to go to my first professional conference (WLA). I began to take InfoDesk shifts in the Reference Department and Circulation Desk shifts each week. I became an active member of the Staff Development Committee, I got to know more people across campus. I attended local conferences, talks, and programming. I grew as a person and as a Information Professional.
I kept working on my MLIS. (I even got reimbursed for some of my tuition!)
Now, I'm sitting at a bit of a crossroads - both personally and professionally. I will be awarded my degree very soon, and I'm getting married this Fall.
And, I'm changing jobs.
Tomorrow will be my first day in the Interlibrary Loan Department of the Memorial Library.
This is still not my 'dream job' - it is still in a basement, it still has limited patron interaction (though, more then before), I'm still in an academic library that I cannot drive myself to everyday. I will have to start taking lunches, which will lengthen my day by an hour - which admittedly won't be AS bad now that I won't have to do homework every night...
But, it is a stepping stone. Another in a long trail across a river of doubt and uncertainty that every early-career professional meets.
I plan to add this next notch to my belt, so to say, and take from this new experience as much as I can - just as I've done with every new set of duties, commitment, position and new opportunity I've taken.
Wish me luck!
8.12.2011
University of Minnesota researchers reveal Wikipedia gender biases : UMNews : University of Minnesota
This is a very interesting article and something that I'm a bit embarrassed to say I wouldn't have noticed. So much of how we write, what we remember and how we share is dependent on our gender and when we're using an information resource that is solely based on perspective, it is very important to keep those biases in mind. As information professionals, it is also something we should be incorporating into our instruction - just like the importance of conveying appropriateness of resources, our patrons should be made aware of possible inherent bias in sources like Wikipedia.
~~~~~~~~~~
8.11.2011
Attempting to remember my place, and suceeding - but while suceeding, failing in other much more important ways
The title is purposefully cryptic and annoying because that's how I feel. Allow me to explain...
I should remind my reader that I currently hold two library jobs - one, which garners a certain amount of respect and authority (whether real or imagined...) and one which, although engaging, fun, and in the type of library where I would like to work the rest of my life - is much lower on the totem pole, so to say.
So, last night while doing the second of those two jobs, I was asked a relatively simple question by a patron. Whenever this happens, I always have a moment of self-doubt. I am not doubting my ability, mind you, rather, I am doubting the appropriateness of answering said question given my official position in the library. Believe me, I'm not trying to sound like I'm one of those "that's-not-in-my-job-description" people - I'm not. Honestly, I don't think there's any place for that in libraries because we all must be team players to present an attractive front for our users... but I digress...
I *do* pause though, and think the following thoughts: a) note to self: I'm a shelver. b) I don't want to give the wrong impression of either the position or the library by overstepping my bounds. c) ...how stupid is that? d) well, I'd better take this patron over to the desk before they think I'm some sort of robot who's just powered down in front of them...
Needless to say, I find myself arriving at that last thought and then kicking myself the rest of the night. I took this job to get back into the public library and show the folks there that I am worthy of a full time appointment. And, sometimes I really feel I'm doing myself a disservice.
I should remind my reader that I currently hold two library jobs - one, which garners a certain amount of respect and authority (whether real or imagined...) and one which, although engaging, fun, and in the type of library where I would like to work the rest of my life - is much lower on the totem pole, so to say.
So, last night while doing the second of those two jobs, I was asked a relatively simple question by a patron. Whenever this happens, I always have a moment of self-doubt. I am not doubting my ability, mind you, rather, I am doubting the appropriateness of answering said question given my official position in the library. Believe me, I'm not trying to sound like I'm one of those "that's-not-in-my-job-description" people - I'm not. Honestly, I don't think there's any place for that in libraries because we all must be team players to present an attractive front for our users... but I digress...
I *do* pause though, and think the following thoughts: a) note to self: I'm a shelver. b) I don't want to give the wrong impression of either the position or the library by overstepping my bounds. c) ...how stupid is that? d) well, I'd better take this patron over to the desk before they think I'm some sort of robot who's just powered down in front of them...
Needless to say, I find myself arriving at that last thought and then kicking myself the rest of the night. I took this job to get back into the public library and show the folks there that I am worthy of a full time appointment. And, sometimes I really feel I'm doing myself a disservice.
8.10.2011
What People Don't Get About Working In a Library
This should be required reading... !
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What People Don't Get About Working In a Library: "
Article by Derek Thompson in The Atlantic Magazine.
The Librarian #1
'We are not mere cart pushers. This job requires a Masters degree for a reason.'
People have made an extremely strong link between librarians, libraries and books. This is only natural, but it really sells short the full value of libraries and the full scope of librarian work. Libraries offer so much more than moldy old books. There's also music, movies, tv shows, video games, and electronic databases that span a whole galaxy of scholarly and practical information unavailable to any level of googling. Additionally, libraries offer free internet access that is utterly vital in many poor and rural communities. As government services migrate online, good citizenship almost requires an internet connection. Libraries also provide a free space for local groups and communities and have been at the forefront of job search training and computer instruction. Coordinating all of this are the humble librarians. We are not mere cart pushers, let me assure you. This job requires a Masters degree for a reason.
"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What People Don't Get About Working In a Library: "
Article by Derek Thompson in The Atlantic Magazine.
The Librarian #1
'We are not mere cart pushers. This job requires a Masters degree for a reason.'
People have made an extremely strong link between librarians, libraries and books. This is only natural, but it really sells short the full value of libraries and the full scope of librarian work. Libraries offer so much more than moldy old books. There's also music, movies, tv shows, video games, and electronic databases that span a whole galaxy of scholarly and practical information unavailable to any level of googling. Additionally, libraries offer free internet access that is utterly vital in many poor and rural communities. As government services migrate online, good citizenship almost requires an internet connection. Libraries also provide a free space for local groups and communities and have been at the forefront of job search training and computer instruction. Coordinating all of this are the humble librarians. We are not mere cart pushers, let me assure you. This job requires a Masters degree for a reason.
"
8.08.2011
Vonnegut Library: we just want you to read it and decide for yourself
YES!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Vonnegut Library: we just want you to read it and decide for yourself: "
'The KVML will be giving away free copies of Slaughterhouse Five to students from Republic, Missouri’s high school (yes, the school that banned Slaughterhouse Five last week from their curriculum and school library). If you are a student at Republic High School, please e-mail us to request your free copy of the book. Please provide us with your name, address, and grade level. We have up to 150 books to share, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor. We think it’s important for everyone to have their First Amendment rights. We’re not telling you to like the book… we just want you to read it and decide for yourself. We will not share your request or any of your personal information with anyone else.'
"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Vonnegut Library: we just want you to read it and decide for yourself: "
'The KVML will be giving away free copies of Slaughterhouse Five to students from Republic, Missouri’s high school (yes, the school that banned Slaughterhouse Five last week from their curriculum and school library). If you are a student at Republic High School, please e-mail us to request your free copy of the book. Please provide us with your name, address, and grade level. We have up to 150 books to share, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor. We think it’s important for everyone to have their First Amendment rights. We’re not telling you to like the book… we just want you to read it and decide for yourself. We will not share your request or any of your personal information with anyone else.'
"
8.05.2011
Libraries are More Important Than Ever & Stats Confirm It
There! Proof! Our degrees are not useless! :) Also - great job Downey City Library for keeping yourselves relevant!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Libraries are More Important Than Ever & Stats Confirm It: "
Downey, CA Patriot: If you thought libraries were going the way of the dinosaur, think again. Recently, on a sunny Thursday morning at 9:50, there was a group of about 20 people anxiously waiting for the Downey City Library to open its doors. At 10 a.m., the pacing hordes darted inside, many claiming computers in the computer lab, while the rest headed for the adult and children’s sections.
Libraries have long been considered an essential part of having an educated and literate population and while library budgets continue to get slashed, it could be argued that they are more essential now than ever before. Many assume that the digital age we’re living in will soon render libraries obsolete, but library attendance says otherwise.
Last year, 416,605 visits were made to the Downey City Library, which is an increase from 2009. The checkout of library materials also increased by 4 percent, with 491,355 items being loaned out. It’s more than a numbers game, however. The services that the library provides to the community are irreplaceable and so are its librarians.
Senior librarian Jan Palen has been with the Downey City Library for 16 years and as California’s economic climate becomes more volatile, the free programs that Palen and her team provide to the city become all the more crucial. One has to wonder, however: How much importance does the city place on books and reading?
"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Libraries are More Important Than Ever & Stats Confirm It: "
Downey, CA Patriot: If you thought libraries were going the way of the dinosaur, think again. Recently, on a sunny Thursday morning at 9:50, there was a group of about 20 people anxiously waiting for the Downey City Library to open its doors. At 10 a.m., the pacing hordes darted inside, many claiming computers in the computer lab, while the rest headed for the adult and children’s sections.
Libraries have long been considered an essential part of having an educated and literate population and while library budgets continue to get slashed, it could be argued that they are more essential now than ever before. Many assume that the digital age we’re living in will soon render libraries obsolete, but library attendance says otherwise.
Last year, 416,605 visits were made to the Downey City Library, which is an increase from 2009. The checkout of library materials also increased by 4 percent, with 491,355 items being loaned out. It’s more than a numbers game, however. The services that the library provides to the community are irreplaceable and so are its librarians.
Senior librarian Jan Palen has been with the Downey City Library for 16 years and as California’s economic climate becomes more volatile, the free programs that Palen and her team provide to the city become all the more crucial. One has to wonder, however: How much importance does the city place on books and reading?
"
8.04.2011
on vacation
Love this post from Monster Librarian - the poem quoted below is a great one!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
on vacation: "
"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
on vacation: "
I again have a packed bag waiting in my car. All I have to do it climb in and drive over an hour to the airport. That bag and I will fold ourselves into the small spaces of airplanes and head for foreign shores. I love vacations. I love airports. I love just going.
'Vacation' I love the hour before takeoff,
that stretch of no time, no home
but the gray vinyl seats linked like
unfolding paper dolls. Soon we shall
be summoned to the gate, soon enough
there’ll be the clumsy procedure of row numbers
and perforated stubs—but for now
I can look at these ragtag nuclear families
with their cooing and bickering
or the heeled bachelorette trying
to ignore a baby’s wail and the baby’s
exhausted mother waiting to be called up early
while the athlete, one monstrous hand
asleep on his duffel bag, listens,
perched like a seal trained for the plunge.
Even the lone executive
who has wandered this far into summer
with his lasered itinerary, briefcase
knocking his knees—even he
has worked for the pleasure of bearing
no more than a scrap of himself
into this hall. He’ll dine out, she’ll sleep late,
they’ll let the sun burn them happy all morning
—a little hope, a little whimsy
before the loudspeaker blurts
and we leap up to become
Flight 828, now boarding at Gate 17.-- Rita Dove
Illegal for school librarians to friend students?
My suggestion: the teacher or the school should just make a page on facebook which would allow for virtual interaction without the possibility of untoward behavior... The teach could still "meet the kids where they are" and keep the parents happy too!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Illegal for school librarians to friend students?: "
Missouri Outlaws Student-Teacher Facebook Friendship
A law signed into law last month in Missouri is making waves nationally, this week. A small part of the wide-ranging SB54, makes it illegal for teachers to be 'friends' with students on any social networking site that allows private communication.
That means teachers and students can't be friends on Facebook or can't follow each other on Twitter for example.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/08/02/138932276/missouri-outlaws-student-teacher-facebook-friendship
"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Illegal for school librarians to friend students?: "
Missouri Outlaws Student-Teacher Facebook Friendship
A law signed into law last month in Missouri is making waves nationally, this week. A small part of the wide-ranging SB54, makes it illegal for teachers to be 'friends' with students on any social networking site that allows private communication.
That means teachers and students can't be friends on Facebook or can't follow each other on Twitter for example.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/08/02/138932276/missouri-outlaws-student-teacher-facebook-friendship
"
8.02.2011
How Google Dominates Us [The New York Review of Books]
Though I disagree with the idea that Google makes reference librarians "redundant" - this is an interesting article... even if it foretells an eerily _Feed_-like future...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
How Google Dominates Us [The New York Review of Books]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
How Google Dominates Us [The New York Review of Books]
Internet Archive Digital Librarian Seeks One of Every Book Written
So, Noah built himself a library...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Internet Archive Digital Librarian Seeks One of Every Book Written: "
'Tucked away in a small warehouse on a dead-end street, an Internet pioneer is building a bunker to protect an endangered species: the printed word...So far, (Brewster) Kahle has gathered about 500,000 books. He thinks the warehouse itself is large enough to hold about 1 million titles...'
Read more from the Associated Press via the Globe Gazette.
"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Internet Archive Digital Librarian Seeks One of Every Book Written: "
'Tucked away in a small warehouse on a dead-end street, an Internet pioneer is building a bunker to protect an endangered species: the printed word...So far, (Brewster) Kahle has gathered about 500,000 books. He thinks the warehouse itself is large enough to hold about 1 million titles...'
Read more from the Associated Press via the Globe Gazette.
"
8.01.2011
Ich koche!
Tonight, I made Käsespätzle for Andrew! I've wanted to try making it since I got home from Germany, but I haven't had the chance. I found this recipe on allrecipes, and I picked this one based mainly on the review from the American living in Stuttgart (!) who claimed this was the most authentic recipe they'd seen.
The recipe was actually a lot easier then I though it would be...
The recipe was actually a lot easier then I though it would be...
So far, so good!
The rest of the experience:
Browning the onions
It's a spätzle maker... believe me :)
Master Chef!
See, I told you it was a spätzle maker!
Spätzle comes to the top of the boiling water when it's ready
Mmm!
Adding in the Käse!
Broiling for a bit of extra color
Yummy!
Final product
Happy Erin! :)
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