Showing posts with label Madame Director. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Madame Director. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Reaching Young Adults--More Ideas.
At the recent Public Library Association conference in Portland Oregon, there was a session on reaching out to GenX/Y/Millenials.
Monday, February 08, 2010
How to Win Friends and Make Sure Everyone Knows You at Work
At three jobs I've made a small but substantial investment in chocolate and hard candy. At the financial firm it was in a small jar on top of my desk, most recently here it's in a desk drawer--as small children are likely to walk in and I'd rather they not help themselves.
Everyone who works in the building, we proved during a staff scavenger hunt last September, knows where "Abigail's Chocolate Drawer" is and knows they are welcome to come get a piece during a bad day, when in need of a break or reward, etc.
I do this for multiple reasons.
1) I like chocolate. It means I have a steady supply. Having it always available takes the binging out of it and I'm more likely to just have "a" bite sized piece of chocolate rather than snarfing down a king-sized Snickers.
2) Other people like chocolate. How easy is it to make someone's day better with a little square of chocolate? I also usually have some kind of hard candy in there for the non-chocolate-noshers.
3) It provides a positive reason for people to stop by and see me. As I said, everyone in my building knows where the chocolate is and it's a good reason to head back to the children's area (we are kind of off in our own little corner). Madame Director makes ventures, Madame Storyteller always knows where her favorite type of bite-size candy bar is, Our Lady of the Business Office has been seen.
4) It means access to chocolate without the temptation of it being in their desk drawer. I can go several days without breaking into the chocolate stash. Others have said if they kept the chocolate by them it'd be gone. But since it's not officially "their chocolate" they can limit themselves to an occasional piece.
And this for maybe an occasional $15 investment we get peace, sanity, goodwill, and chocolate.
I get and certainly accept bags of Dove, Hershey's minibars, etc etc....pretty much anything but Hershey's Kisses, which no one but the teens seem to like. (Though I'm not above bribing tweens and teens for good behavior.)
Everyone who works in the building, we proved during a staff scavenger hunt last September, knows where "Abigail's Chocolate Drawer" is and knows they are welcome to come get a piece during a bad day, when in need of a break or reward, etc.
I do this for multiple reasons.
1) I like chocolate. It means I have a steady supply. Having it always available takes the binging out of it and I'm more likely to just have "a" bite sized piece of chocolate rather than snarfing down a king-sized Snickers.
2) Other people like chocolate. How easy is it to make someone's day better with a little square of chocolate? I also usually have some kind of hard candy in there for the non-chocolate-noshers.
3) It provides a positive reason for people to stop by and see me. As I said, everyone in my building knows where the chocolate is and it's a good reason to head back to the children's area (we are kind of off in our own little corner). Madame Director makes ventures, Madame Storyteller always knows where her favorite type of bite-size candy bar is, Our Lady of the Business Office has been seen.
4) It means access to chocolate without the temptation of it being in their desk drawer. I can go several days without breaking into the chocolate stash. Others have said if they kept the chocolate by them it'd be gone. But since it's not officially "their chocolate" they can limit themselves to an occasional piece.
And this for maybe an occasional $15 investment we get peace, sanity, goodwill, and chocolate.
I get and certainly accept bags of Dove, Hershey's minibars, etc etc....pretty much anything but Hershey's Kisses, which no one but the teens seem to like. (Though I'm not above bribing tweens and teens for good behavior.)
Monday, July 06, 2009
Mixed Management...
Jenica has a very thoughtful post about management, and the general attitude of library professionals towards management and managers. The attitude is skepticism, fear, mistrust, anger, and general frustration and she makes some excellent points about the comments that have been made to her since taking on a directorship for one of the SUNY schools.
The comment that best struck me was the "don't forget where you came from." Her answer is somewhat indignant and rightly so. And while I don't expect her to overnight turn into someone completely incapable of remember how to answer a reference question, it pointed out something that I have witnessed with managers and educators within the library profession. When moving into management or education, it seems to become beneath many to actually perform the everyday tasks called upon by the majority of your staff or students.
I have had the unfortunate experience of watching a reference librarian I respected advance to the directorship of a library. The power went to her head and I've watched her not only find the work of the library beneath her, including the work that falls into her job responsibilities, but also run off the good people who worked for her. It's become a toxic environment where the focus seems to have become building her legacy, as it certainly doesn't seem to be patrons, materials, staff or anything else. I've met managers who were firmly of the belief they should only ever work bank hours and certainly never on a public service desk (not because they were needed elsewhere--but because it was beneath them, keep that in mind). But then, I worked for a system that adamantly argued that I as a professional wasn't to shelve but conversely the pages who only shelved weren't allowed to do a "shelf check" for an item for someone from another location. If that isn't convoluted and setting people up with a "beneath me" mindset, I'm not sure what is...
And then there's the story that hit a week ago from Tulsa--where the Library CEO has had her position restructured so that she has no day-to-day responsibilities in the building and gets to work from home two days a week--with the same pay. They say it's having an effect on employee morale. Without day to day responsibilities in the building, or even having a presence in the space, it's rather unclear how the CEO is planning on staying aware of what is going on and what the needs of her staff are.
But for the ones that scare me to pieces, there are managers I have to point out my admiration for.
At present, I have the pleasure of working both with Madame Storyteller and Madame Director--neither of whom despite their lofty titles and extended experience--find shelving and checking out books beneath them. Granted, shelving isn't the everyday task of these two women, who have a lot of other things on their plate, but Madame Director takes a shift on the circulation desk nearly every week. It's one of the best places to catch her when I need something signed, because for those two hours, I can guarantee she'll be pretty much in one spot. But it also shows to our aides and the other managers that she values that work just as highly as any other professional work, and it's noticed and appreciated.
And there is a branch manager at CPL that I would have stayed for, had they let me work for her. She has the management of a west side branch and works, works with and for her staff, and is pretty awesome. As a result, people really want to work at her branch.
We do need a shift in our view of management, on that I agree with Jenica. But we need to find a way to highlight the managers who are doing it right, doing it well, and training other good leaders--as opposed to those who are most concerned with getting things out of it only for themselves, such as those banking hours and relief from the ref desk. Myself, though management wasn't my initial goal on entering the field, I see it as somewhere I'd like to go. I've managed people before and it's one of the few promotional paths available to me. I just have to remember what the Incredibly Patient Mother taught me about management long ago: one leads by example and a good manager won't ask you to do something he or she won't do*.
*with the caveat of course for things one physically can't do or don't have the appropriate training to do
The comment that best struck me was the "don't forget where you came from." Her answer is somewhat indignant and rightly so. And while I don't expect her to overnight turn into someone completely incapable of remember how to answer a reference question, it pointed out something that I have witnessed with managers and educators within the library profession. When moving into management or education, it seems to become beneath many to actually perform the everyday tasks called upon by the majority of your staff or students.
I have had the unfortunate experience of watching a reference librarian I respected advance to the directorship of a library. The power went to her head and I've watched her not only find the work of the library beneath her, including the work that falls into her job responsibilities, but also run off the good people who worked for her. It's become a toxic environment where the focus seems to have become building her legacy, as it certainly doesn't seem to be patrons, materials, staff or anything else. I've met managers who were firmly of the belief they should only ever work bank hours and certainly never on a public service desk (not because they were needed elsewhere--but because it was beneath them, keep that in mind). But then, I worked for a system that adamantly argued that I as a professional wasn't to shelve but conversely the pages who only shelved weren't allowed to do a "shelf check" for an item for someone from another location. If that isn't convoluted and setting people up with a "beneath me" mindset, I'm not sure what is...
And then there's the story that hit a week ago from Tulsa--where the Library CEO has had her position restructured so that she has no day-to-day responsibilities in the building and gets to work from home two days a week--with the same pay. They say it's having an effect on employee morale. Without day to day responsibilities in the building, or even having a presence in the space, it's rather unclear how the CEO is planning on staying aware of what is going on and what the needs of her staff are.
But for the ones that scare me to pieces, there are managers I have to point out my admiration for.
At present, I have the pleasure of working both with Madame Storyteller and Madame Director--neither of whom despite their lofty titles and extended experience--find shelving and checking out books beneath them. Granted, shelving isn't the everyday task of these two women, who have a lot of other things on their plate, but Madame Director takes a shift on the circulation desk nearly every week. It's one of the best places to catch her when I need something signed, because for those two hours, I can guarantee she'll be pretty much in one spot. But it also shows to our aides and the other managers that she values that work just as highly as any other professional work, and it's noticed and appreciated.
And there is a branch manager at CPL that I would have stayed for, had they let me work for her. She has the management of a west side branch and works, works with and for her staff, and is pretty awesome. As a result, people really want to work at her branch.
We do need a shift in our view of management, on that I agree with Jenica. But we need to find a way to highlight the managers who are doing it right, doing it well, and training other good leaders--as opposed to those who are most concerned with getting things out of it only for themselves, such as those banking hours and relief from the ref desk. Myself, though management wasn't my initial goal on entering the field, I see it as somewhere I'd like to go. I've managed people before and it's one of the few promotional paths available to me. I just have to remember what the Incredibly Patient Mother taught me about management long ago: one leads by example and a good manager won't ask you to do something he or she won't do*.
*with the caveat of course for things one physically can't do or don't have the appropriate training to do
Friday, April 17, 2009
I Have a Difficult Question....
There's a difficult question sitting on my desk in the form of three books.
The books are from an engaging children's fantasy series. It's not a series I've read but comes recommended by other children's librarians I know.
The author is currently on trial for possession of inappropriate imagery of that age group for which he writes. (Link may not be safe for work) Forgive the obscure language as I try to figure out how not to be picked up in searches for the actual phrase.
At least one coworker strongly disagrees with my concern, believing the books should stand on their own merit and citing other author bad habits. Yes, Poe was a drunk and Orson Scott Card has been raked across the coals for his opinions, and we still read and suggest their works. I may not agree with their behavior or opinions, but it's not illegal. And it's true that I could come up with a long list of authors who have done illegal things--certainly some of them have gotten book deals BECAUSE of their illegal acts. But this is the accusation of an act against the young patrons I work with every day. And that triggers all kind of squeamish for me.
I've not yet worked somewhere that we were frequently challenged on books so I've not had the opportunity where I needed to borrow from Jamie LaRue's reasoned points.
What is pinging about my brain:
* Merit of the book v. Opinion on the Human Being who wrote it
* A man is innocent until proven guilty
* It is violence against children
* The news story is particularly strongly worded
* Censorship based on my reaction to the author
* Children like to contact the authors whose books they enjoy--guess what comes up when you type this author's name into a search engine.
Censorship is one of the strongest negative words in information. It's one Judith Krug spent her professional life fighting against, to the notice even of the New York Times.
Where I'm at now:
1) I need to go home this weekend and read the books. I don't imagine I'll find anything insidious in them, they've been read by many librarians before me but, as with any possible book challenge, it's good to know exactly what is in the pages.
2) I need to sit down with my immediate supervisor, Madame Storyteller, and possibly Madame Director and discuss all these questions. I'm a firm believer in gleaning wisdom from people I respect.
3) I need to review how the books have been circulating, as this is one of the collections I manage.
What I expect:
The books will probably go back on the shelf. So no one is blindsided by the issue should it arise, I'll make sure my youth services coworkers, Mesdames Storyteller and Director are aware of the trial and of what happens at the end of it.
And I personally will continue to be revolted at the idea of what this author is accused of having said and done.
The books are from an engaging children's fantasy series. It's not a series I've read but comes recommended by other children's librarians I know.
The author is currently on trial for possession of inappropriate imagery of that age group for which he writes. (Link may not be safe for work) Forgive the obscure language as I try to figure out how not to be picked up in searches for the actual phrase.
At least one coworker strongly disagrees with my concern, believing the books should stand on their own merit and citing other author bad habits. Yes, Poe was a drunk and Orson Scott Card has been raked across the coals for his opinions, and we still read and suggest their works. I may not agree with their behavior or opinions, but it's not illegal. And it's true that I could come up with a long list of authors who have done illegal things--certainly some of them have gotten book deals BECAUSE of their illegal acts. But this is the accusation of an act against the young patrons I work with every day. And that triggers all kind of squeamish for me.
I've not yet worked somewhere that we were frequently challenged on books so I've not had the opportunity where I needed to borrow from Jamie LaRue's reasoned points.
What is pinging about my brain:
* Merit of the book v. Opinion on the Human Being who wrote it
* A man is innocent until proven guilty
* It is violence against children
* The news story is particularly strongly worded
* Censorship based on my reaction to the author
* Children like to contact the authors whose books they enjoy--guess what comes up when you type this author's name into a search engine.
Censorship is one of the strongest negative words in information. It's one Judith Krug spent her professional life fighting against, to the notice even of the New York Times.
Where I'm at now:
1) I need to go home this weekend and read the books. I don't imagine I'll find anything insidious in them, they've been read by many librarians before me but, as with any possible book challenge, it's good to know exactly what is in the pages.
2) I need to sit down with my immediate supervisor, Madame Storyteller, and possibly Madame Director and discuss all these questions. I'm a firm believer in gleaning wisdom from people I respect.
3) I need to review how the books have been circulating, as this is one of the collections I manage.
What I expect:
The books will probably go back on the shelf. So no one is blindsided by the issue should it arise, I'll make sure my youth services coworkers, Mesdames Storyteller and Director are aware of the trial and of what happens at the end of it.
And I personally will continue to be revolted at the idea of what this author is accused of having said and done.
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Knitting in Public Day: The Results Show
I feel like an episode of a reality television show, only there wasn't any voting.
There were, however, knitters. Back up with me to the last week of March, won't you?
Tuesday evening I picked up Franklin from our local Amtrak station, which is very nice and old fashioned. It's also home to a really good BBQ place, in case you care to visit. We went downtown though for Mexican food (Tres Compadres was recommended) and had a lovely chat. It was unusual to be able to pull out my knitting at a meal and not have the other person look at me strangely. Granted, I'd brought only my "walking knitting"--garter stitch/log cabin afghan squares that yes, I do knit while walking.
Wednesday dawned early and it was off with a bang. By 10 a.m. I was through a trip to the grocery for fruit and veggie trays, had a coworker agree to pick up the coffee that was coming from a local shop, and was charging about the library. The first knitters (and a breakfast/lunch donut, courtesy of same sympathetic coworker) arrived just before noon.
Knitters trickled in. About half of my kids group arrived as well as a machine knitter who has brought her machine the last couple of years for demonstration. One of the ladies brought fiber and a drop spindle and by one p.m. had a pretty good circle going learning how to spin yarn. I'm a little afraid the kids are going to ask to learn that next fall. A lady from the local women's magazine dropped by to interview me about having a kid's group here at the library and encouraging kids to do handcraft. It was a good moment to talk about how knitting helps with self-esteem and self identity. Here's a chance to let a child choose how and what to make and design and to show that they can create. It's a very tangible reward to finish a hat or scarf or washcloth, which makes the craft highly appealing.
Raffle prizes also started at 1 p.m. I was very fortunate to be drawing from strong local businesses willing to donate. Overall we had more than 26 gift certificates, books, packages of yarn, etc to give away. I don't remember who got all of the gift certificates to the yarn stores--one of the mom's from my Mom Knit Mornings got one and one of the kids got another. To keep things surprising--each winner got an envelope. If they got a yellow post-it note, they got a package (book, yarn, patterns, etc). Otherwise it was whatever gift certificate they'd drawn.
The afternoon sped quickly by and I even had a little time to sit with my kids and correct a purling problem. The kids group had gotten a mention and a BIG picture in the paper the day before, so the Knitter Boy Age 10 was getting a lot of questions about his projects.
At 4 p.m. I made the call for yarn. Had you brought yarn for the swap? Many knitters had and it poured onto two tables. Tina helped me sort and pass out tickets. Then came one more question--how were we giving people access? I pulled off another strip of tickets, took note of first and last numbers, marked the backs and let each knitter who had donated grab one. They then picked in order of their tickets. This of course after they had to wait until 5 p.m., drooling over the selection.
And the yarn went!! I pulled last, having brought 30 skeins of my own that needed to leave the stash. What I pulled was for my kids group. I also received two big boxes of partial skeins in donation to the kids group and promise of more, so I'll have a refill of my work stash, which is definitely a good and needed thing! At the end of the swap I had two big garbage bags of yarn that will be donated to a RSVP, a local seniors volunteer program. I also, I looked up to see, had a speaker.
Franklin arrived around 5:30 to mingle and meet and greet. We space checked the auditorium and then slowly encouraged the knitters to go downstairs. (I might have done some herding.)
At 6:30 we presented knitted afghans, a community project spearheaded by one of my coworkers, to Place of Grace and the Salvation Army. And then I handed over the floor to Franklin.
He was wonderful. Amusing, engaging, open and honest about being a knitter, particularly a male knitter, and all the challenges that brings us. He reminded us how lucky we are that I take for granted having 4 (technically 5) stores in under a 30 minute drive. Franklin showed off his knitting (a lace shawl he claims is easy), the "angry baby" hood, and a Victorian night cap which has what was then "retro lace" edging.
Overall it was an incredibly successful day, welcoming a large community group and drawing in a lot of interest from passing patrons. And I'd have Franklin back to speak in a heartbeat. The following morning saw us to one of the independent coffee shops and then off to the train. And me back to work to tidy up before heading out to New York.
One note for next year though--in 2010 I want a dedicated all-day minion. Wonder if I can locate a uni or high school student needing volunteer hours.
There were, however, knitters. Back up with me to the last week of March, won't you?
Tuesday evening I picked up Franklin from our local Amtrak station, which is very nice and old fashioned. It's also home to a really good BBQ place, in case you care to visit. We went downtown though for Mexican food (Tres Compadres was recommended) and had a lovely chat. It was unusual to be able to pull out my knitting at a meal and not have the other person look at me strangely. Granted, I'd brought only my "walking knitting"--garter stitch/log cabin afghan squares that yes, I do knit while walking.
Wednesday dawned early and it was off with a bang. By 10 a.m. I was through a trip to the grocery for fruit and veggie trays, had a coworker agree to pick up the coffee that was coming from a local shop, and was charging about the library. The first knitters (and a breakfast/lunch donut, courtesy of same sympathetic coworker) arrived just before noon.
Knitters trickled in. About half of my kids group arrived as well as a machine knitter who has brought her machine the last couple of years for demonstration. One of the ladies brought fiber and a drop spindle and by one p.m. had a pretty good circle going learning how to spin yarn. I'm a little afraid the kids are going to ask to learn that next fall. A lady from the local women's magazine dropped by to interview me about having a kid's group here at the library and encouraging kids to do handcraft. It was a good moment to talk about how knitting helps with self-esteem and self identity. Here's a chance to let a child choose how and what to make and design and to show that they can create. It's a very tangible reward to finish a hat or scarf or washcloth, which makes the craft highly appealing.
Raffle prizes also started at 1 p.m. I was very fortunate to be drawing from strong local businesses willing to donate. Overall we had more than 26 gift certificates, books, packages of yarn, etc to give away. I don't remember who got all of the gift certificates to the yarn stores--one of the mom's from my Mom Knit Mornings got one and one of the kids got another. To keep things surprising--each winner got an envelope. If they got a yellow post-it note, they got a package (book, yarn, patterns, etc). Otherwise it was whatever gift certificate they'd drawn.
The afternoon sped quickly by and I even had a little time to sit with my kids and correct a purling problem. The kids group had gotten a mention and a BIG picture in the paper the day before, so the Knitter Boy Age 10 was getting a lot of questions about his projects.
At 4 p.m. I made the call for yarn. Had you brought yarn for the swap? Many knitters had and it poured onto two tables. Tina helped me sort and pass out tickets. Then came one more question--how were we giving people access? I pulled off another strip of tickets, took note of first and last numbers, marked the backs and let each knitter who had donated grab one. They then picked in order of their tickets. This of course after they had to wait until 5 p.m., drooling over the selection.
And the yarn went!! I pulled last, having brought 30 skeins of my own that needed to leave the stash. What I pulled was for my kids group. I also received two big boxes of partial skeins in donation to the kids group and promise of more, so I'll have a refill of my work stash, which is definitely a good and needed thing! At the end of the swap I had two big garbage bags of yarn that will be donated to a RSVP, a local seniors volunteer program. I also, I looked up to see, had a speaker.
Franklin arrived around 5:30 to mingle and meet and greet. We space checked the auditorium and then slowly encouraged the knitters to go downstairs. (I might have done some herding.)
At 6:30 we presented knitted afghans, a community project spearheaded by one of my coworkers, to Place of Grace and the Salvation Army. And then I handed over the floor to Franklin.
He was wonderful. Amusing, engaging, open and honest about being a knitter, particularly a male knitter, and all the challenges that brings us. He reminded us how lucky we are that I take for granted having 4 (technically 5) stores in under a 30 minute drive. Franklin showed off his knitting (a lace shawl he claims is easy), the "angry baby" hood, and a Victorian night cap which has what was then "retro lace" edging.
Afterwards he signed books (a local bookstore sent over an employee with 2 dozen) and we adjourned for dinner with a small group of the knitting faithful. Even Madame Director was able to join us (she'd had to make an appearance elsewhere in the evening).
(Franklin and I)
(Franklin and I)
Overall it was an incredibly successful day, welcoming a large community group and drawing in a lot of interest from passing patrons. And I'd have Franklin back to speak in a heartbeat. The following morning saw us to one of the independent coffee shops and then off to the train. And me back to work to tidy up before heading out to New York.
One note for next year though--in 2010 I want a dedicated all-day minion. Wonder if I can locate a uni or high school student needing volunteer hours.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Knitting is Part of My Job Description, Right?
I just keep finding new ways to sneak knitting into my day and job description. I've added Mom-Knit-Mornings, a child friendly parents knitting group to encourage some of the pre-school moms who have approached me curious about getting an opportunity to knit. It's a small group thus far, which I'm perfectly okay with. We're putting it in the newsletter for the first time for April.
And then there's the annual Knitting in Public day which is....next week. Wow has time flown since January, when I sent a polite and very hopeful little email towards Chicago. Said email was fruitful and last night I sent out the "one week out" email with details and final itinerary.
It's my fan-girl pleasure to welcome Franklin Habit to La Crosse Public Library next week. Franklin, author of a popular knitting blog, minder of a rather troublesome sheep named Dolores and some sock yarn named Harry, photographer, and cartoonist, is coming up to speak to us. Our theme for the day, coined by co-partner with pointy sticks Madame Director, is Keeping You in Stitches: Knitting and Humor. Franklin published a fabulous book of knitting cartoons: I cried from laughing so hard the first time I read it. I'm so excited about next week.
There will be raffles and snacks, we'll be doing a stash swap, a gentleman who learned to knit in Korea is dropping by to talk about his experiences, it's going to be a crazy fun afternoon/evening. I just have decide if I wear the shirt with the knitting ninjas or the shirt that says "Seize the Wool" in Latin.
Last weekend, all in the name of handing out flyers and talking up the event, Our Lady of the Business Office and I went over to the Madison Knitter's Guild Knit In. Seriously, getting Stephanie Pearl-McPhee to sign the rest of her books for me, catching up for a few minutes with last year's Knit in Public Day speaker Joyce Williams, and possibly getting some of world's squishest alpaca yarn had NOTHING to do with it. Just because everyone I've shown the yarn to has tried to sneak off with it.
I hope I've remembered nearly everything we'll need, the clock is ticking. And unfortunately all this knitting doesn't include the really fast approaching deadlines of knitting I have to do before next week.
My life's been taken over by my pointy sticks--that's a good thing.
And then there's the annual Knitting in Public day which is....next week. Wow has time flown since January, when I sent a polite and very hopeful little email towards Chicago. Said email was fruitful and last night I sent out the "one week out" email with details and final itinerary.
It's my fan-girl pleasure to welcome Franklin Habit to La Crosse Public Library next week. Franklin, author of a popular knitting blog, minder of a rather troublesome sheep named Dolores and some sock yarn named Harry, photographer, and cartoonist, is coming up to speak to us. Our theme for the day, coined by co-partner with pointy sticks Madame Director, is Keeping You in Stitches: Knitting and Humor. Franklin published a fabulous book of knitting cartoons: I cried from laughing so hard the first time I read it. I'm so excited about next week.
There will be raffles and snacks, we'll be doing a stash swap, a gentleman who learned to knit in Korea is dropping by to talk about his experiences, it's going to be a crazy fun afternoon/evening. I just have decide if I wear the shirt with the knitting ninjas or the shirt that says "Seize the Wool" in Latin.
Last weekend, all in the name of handing out flyers and talking up the event, Our Lady of the Business Office and I went over to the Madison Knitter's Guild Knit In. Seriously, getting Stephanie Pearl-McPhee to sign the rest of her books for me, catching up for a few minutes with last year's Knit in Public Day speaker Joyce Williams, and possibly getting some of world's squishest alpaca yarn had NOTHING to do with it. Just because everyone I've shown the yarn to has tried to sneak off with it.
I hope I've remembered nearly everything we'll need, the clock is ticking. And unfortunately all this knitting doesn't include the really fast approaching deadlines of knitting I have to do before next week.
My life's been taken over by my pointy sticks--that's a good thing.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Have to Keep Hopping....
There's an interesting sorta-meme going around called "Day in the Life of a Librarian." While I will refrain from a full minute by minute, I thought I'd share an account of yesterday, so you have an idea.
Times approximate
8:35 --Call WebGuy to let him know that I will be a few minutes late for the meeting: I have to drop the car at the shop because the power steering has decided it doesn't want to play nice.
8:37 --Since the walk from the car shop to the library takes me right past the doughnut shop...well....
9:05 --Hustle upstairs, box of doughnuts in hand (people in my dept duly doughnuted)
9:06 -- Meeting with RA and WebGuy. Discuss some details for new website. Conclude with need for me to draw squares and return them to WebGuy as promptly as possible.
10:20 -- Turn on computer, check email, check intranet for new incident reports and blog posts. Send emails to Madame Director and Madame Immediate Supervisor asking them for five minutes when they get it (separately--different topics/times); Add patron request to acquisition system; Email title to Teen Librarian to confer if I should buy a book or she should.
10:50 --Get call from Acquisitions Guru to understand that this particular sub-series in American Girl does not come through on the standing order but will be ordered today for patron requests. Bow to the wisdom of the Acquisitions Guru. Get call from machine knitter-- should she bring machine again? What day? Yes, March 25.
11:00 --Write out children's dept requirements for registration module for new calendar program
11:30 - 1 -- Draw physical layouts for children's website--where I want editable boxes for staff (draw squares--write in content specifications); Confirm some money details for Knit in Public day; Rewrite current to-do list and attempt to figure out what I can wade through in afternoon.
1 -5: On Desk- Answering reference questions, walking patrons to shelves, putting books on hold, pulling a teacher collection, create registration form for upcoming children's program, reseting children's game computers that require log out to get a game to end (several times), registering patrons for storytimes. Yes, we have tongue twister books --No, all of our copies of the Sneetches are out, can I put it on hold for you?
1:05 Madame Immediate Supervisor swings past desk to review layout of website main page and primary sub pages. Brief discussion on what will need to be updated, how often, and by whom. Meebo WebGuy to say I have my layouts ready.
1:15 Zooming on the computer screen doesn't mean it's going to print out a full sized page. It will print the original size of that image. No, we don't have a color printer down here. There is one upstairs in reference.
1:30 p.m. Review Knit In timeline and other details with Madame Director. Get approval for some purchases, discuss possibility of interviews with unique knitters in the community, debate where to get snacks from and where we can keep snacks for least amount of mess.
3:00 p.m. Is it three already? I've been sending out emails and confirming with my speaker, hammering out other details, begging for flyer expertise from Sibling-the-Elder [a graphic designer: I am not], WebGuy makes flying pass through children's to pick up layouts and point out immediate problems. I promise to discuss next week and have Parents/Educators site mapped out. As he leaves I advise not to lose my square layouts-- he just took my master copy!!
3:30 Visit from one of my pre-schoolers who is in day care now and can't come to storytime as regularly. I hear that the Mike Myers version of the Cat in the Hat movie was "Icky" and was turned off after ten minutes.
3:40 Teen Librarian comes by to discuss book purchases, make a recommendation, talk about Teen website layout, debate the hiring of new Gaming Assistant now that Former GA has moved across an ocean. Teen Librarian exits stage left serving as pied piper of gaming teen boys.
3:45 [phone] No I haven't seen your brother and we've talked about the fact I can't give out information like that over the phone --two minutes later brother walks out of the stacks--Your sister is looking for you. Brother mumbles okay and settles down at game computer with headphones on.
3:50 -- Who's working the weekend? Me. Learn of mayoral candidate to be in children's room on Saturday for meet and greet. (We're having all the primary candidates in for this little gathering. Not a debate, just a chance for voters to come by and ask questions in separate spaces in library.) Note to self: put on a little extra make-up Saturday morning--the press will be probably be here.
4:00-- Attempting to locate various picture books for 3 themes a day care provider is looking for. Success on most of the books. One appears to have vamoosed somewhere between circulation and the shelf in the past 24 hours.
4:40 Do NOT vault over the side of the boat. [3 foot drop] You could get hurt and I don't want anything happening. Alright? Look at me...alright? Okay.
4:42 Okay, off the boat. Yes I know it was him this time and not you but I just spoke to both of you and you're done for the day on the boat.
5:00 Hello Reference? Me. Is Head of TS still up there? This computer won't let me access the F: drive from a website. Yes the F: drive is functioning. On his way down? Awesome.
5:06 [phone] Hello Youth Services....yes, that was me calling from my cell. Five minutes? Okay...
5:10 He's off the boat, she's waiting for Head of TS--he'll be down in five, this teacher collection isn't fully pulled, I've got to get outside for the nice person driving me home. Would you list me on the intranet out until Saturday?
5:11 This pile on my desk; this pile in my bag. And there was no weeding done today. But I did get four things crossed off my to-do list!!
Times approximate
8:35 --Call WebGuy to let him know that I will be a few minutes late for the meeting: I have to drop the car at the shop because the power steering has decided it doesn't want to play nice.
8:37 --Since the walk from the car shop to the library takes me right past the doughnut shop...well....
9:05 --Hustle upstairs, box of doughnuts in hand (people in my dept duly doughnuted)
9:06 -- Meeting with RA and WebGuy. Discuss some details for new website. Conclude with need for me to draw squares and return them to WebGuy as promptly as possible.
10:20 -- Turn on computer, check email, check intranet for new incident reports and blog posts. Send emails to Madame Director and Madame Immediate Supervisor asking them for five minutes when they get it (separately--different topics/times); Add patron request to acquisition system; Email title to Teen Librarian to confer if I should buy a book or she should.
10:50 --Get call from Acquisitions Guru to understand that this particular sub-series in American Girl does not come through on the standing order but will be ordered today for patron requests. Bow to the wisdom of the Acquisitions Guru. Get call from machine knitter-- should she bring machine again? What day? Yes, March 25.
11:00 --Write out children's dept requirements for registration module for new calendar program
11:30 - 1 -- Draw physical layouts for children's website--where I want editable boxes for staff (draw squares--write in content specifications); Confirm some money details for Knit in Public day; Rewrite current to-do list and attempt to figure out what I can wade through in afternoon.
1 -5: On Desk- Answering reference questions, walking patrons to shelves, putting books on hold, pulling a teacher collection, create registration form for upcoming children's program, reseting children's game computers that require log out to get a game to end (several times), registering patrons for storytimes. Yes, we have tongue twister books --No, all of our copies of the Sneetches are out, can I put it on hold for you?
1:05 Madame Immediate Supervisor swings past desk to review layout of website main page and primary sub pages. Brief discussion on what will need to be updated, how often, and by whom. Meebo WebGuy to say I have my layouts ready.
1:15 Zooming on the computer screen doesn't mean it's going to print out a full sized page. It will print the original size of that image. No, we don't have a color printer down here. There is one upstairs in reference.
1:30 p.m. Review Knit In timeline and other details with Madame Director. Get approval for some purchases, discuss possibility of interviews with unique knitters in the community, debate where to get snacks from and where we can keep snacks for least amount of mess.
3:00 p.m. Is it three already? I've been sending out emails and confirming with my speaker, hammering out other details, begging for flyer expertise from Sibling-the-Elder [a graphic designer: I am not], WebGuy makes flying pass through children's to pick up layouts and point out immediate problems. I promise to discuss next week and have Parents/Educators site mapped out. As he leaves I advise not to lose my square layouts-- he just took my master copy!!
3:30 Visit from one of my pre-schoolers who is in day care now and can't come to storytime as regularly. I hear that the Mike Myers version of the Cat in the Hat movie was "Icky" and was turned off after ten minutes.
3:40 Teen Librarian comes by to discuss book purchases, make a recommendation, talk about Teen website layout, debate the hiring of new Gaming Assistant now that Former GA has moved across an ocean. Teen Librarian exits stage left serving as pied piper of gaming teen boys.
3:45 [phone] No I haven't seen your brother and we've talked about the fact I can't give out information like that over the phone --two minutes later brother walks out of the stacks--Your sister is looking for you. Brother mumbles okay and settles down at game computer with headphones on.
3:50 -- Who's working the weekend? Me. Learn of mayoral candidate to be in children's room on Saturday for meet and greet. (We're having all the primary candidates in for this little gathering. Not a debate, just a chance for voters to come by and ask questions in separate spaces in library.) Note to self: put on a little extra make-up Saturday morning--the press will be probably be here.
4:00-- Attempting to locate various picture books for 3 themes a day care provider is looking for. Success on most of the books. One appears to have vamoosed somewhere between circulation and the shelf in the past 24 hours.
4:40 Do NOT vault over the side of the boat. [3 foot drop] You could get hurt and I don't want anything happening. Alright? Look at me...alright? Okay.
4:42 Okay, off the boat. Yes I know it was him this time and not you but I just spoke to both of you and you're done for the day on the boat.
5:00 Hello Reference? Me. Is Head of TS still up there? This computer won't let me access the F: drive from a website. Yes the F: drive is functioning. On his way down? Awesome.
5:06 [phone] Hello Youth Services....yes, that was me calling from my cell. Five minutes? Okay...
5:10 He's off the boat, she's waiting for Head of TS--he'll be down in five, this teacher collection isn't fully pulled, I've got to get outside for the nice person driving me home. Would you list me on the intranet out until Saturday?
5:11 This pile on my desk; this pile in my bag. And there was no weeding done today. But I did get four things crossed off my to-do list!!
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Book Review: Robe of Skulls by Vivian French
The Robe of Skulls
Vivian French
Vivian French is currently best known among the little girls of La Crosse Public Library's Children's Room as the author of the incredibly popular Tiara Club series. These are short chapter books about a boarding school for princesses, with a dose of manners and friendship and mean girls tossed in. I recommend them to parents moving out of the Disney princess phase because, occasionally too insipid for words or not, good manners are a focus. Also, at the end of the day the friends are friends again...though one always hopes the more passive of the bad twins will shake off the more active of the pair and turn into a decent person.
Anyway, Tiara Club aside (apologies--I've read about a half dozen of those books), French's new book came out recently and I was torn. The reviews were pretty positive--the cover I found a turn off. (Madame Director and I do not agree on the cover.) So it followed me home and landed in the wicker basket that houses library books at Chez Hedgehog (if they go anywhere else they get lost among my books).
The tale is a lightly romping fractured fairy tale. An "evil" but aging sorceress, who seems to mostly be permanently bad-tempered, desires a stunning new dress. But how will she pay for it? At the same time a young girl is trying to escape an evil step-father and step-sister and the younger of twin boy princes is trying to determine his own independence. It's a toss up of "because a, then b" and "then x happened, which was good--well yes, but it's also bad." There's a troll servant but he's a pathetic comic creature that one pities and chuckles at rather than fears.
What I noticed the most was consistency of author's voice. And to some degree that's not a compliment. It was immediately apparent to me that I was reading the same writer behind the Tiara Club series and I'd hoped for something a little more mature. Other than the length and breaking out from the repetitive storyline, I'm not sure I got it. And while I can easily sell sparkly pink covers to our rising seven year olds, handing them a book with skulls on the cover general results in "ewwww, I don't wanna read that..."
Overall it's a light amusing read that I put on hold for Patron Age 9 who just came by and told me she's reading magic books now (magic being chapter books with a light sprinkling of fairy godmothers and kittens that transform into princes). It was a little too cute for me, but may just appeal to the alternative princess readers.
Other Recommendations for the Growing Princesses:
Just Ella by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Making an Effort....Or at Least Trying to
There's been growing discussion on the boards the last couple of weeks about participation in our national organizations. For the majority of us, this seems to be a sore topic full of frustration. I particularly liked Emily Ford's discussion of it, self-identifying somewhere around Level 2 (trying to be involved but generally feeling stifled).
I did finally re-up for another year of ALA, after much pondering, many consultations, and not a few rounds of ranting how this was resume filler that didn't seem to be doing much good to/for anyone. I appealed to NMRT, Madame Director, the RefQueen, and a ridiculous number of non-librarians (who don't particularly care) on their opinion of if I should rejoin. It meant I reconnected with one of my libschool cohorts but didn't provide much in the way of clarity.
Ultimately, I decided to give Library and Information Technology Association (LITA) a try. It's a division of ALA, such that to join what I was interested in, I had to join the overhead. With optimism of how welcoming they are, and the knowledge that I had a few friends in there already, I sent away the hard earned funds and the committee form. I signed up on the LITA list....
Thus far....that's been it. No one has emailed regarding committees and while the list has had a couple of interesting conversations, I've not really seen anything I felt inclined to dive into. This is rather dissatisfying as I was looking to actually get involved in doing something more than read lists.
Granted, I actually can identify projects LITA has taken on (e.g BIGWIG) and I know a number of the names and faces around LITA. But when I've brought the topic up on other library related networking places it's been met without much response. And that's kind of frustrating. I'm not sure if everyone is just focused elsewhere or if it's based on my inability to go to both conferences.
So tonight I fling myself at the list again, hoping to spark something. Not sure what yet, but something....
And yes, in the interim, there is the LSW.
I did finally re-up for another year of ALA, after much pondering, many consultations, and not a few rounds of ranting how this was resume filler that didn't seem to be doing much good to/for anyone. I appealed to NMRT, Madame Director, the RefQueen, and a ridiculous number of non-librarians (who don't particularly care) on their opinion of if I should rejoin. It meant I reconnected with one of my libschool cohorts but didn't provide much in the way of clarity.
Ultimately, I decided to give Library and Information Technology Association (LITA) a try. It's a division of ALA, such that to join what I was interested in, I had to join the overhead. With optimism of how welcoming they are, and the knowledge that I had a few friends in there already, I sent away the hard earned funds and the committee form. I signed up on the LITA list....
Thus far....that's been it. No one has emailed regarding committees and while the list has had a couple of interesting conversations, I've not really seen anything I felt inclined to dive into. This is rather dissatisfying as I was looking to actually get involved in doing something more than read lists.
Granted, I actually can identify projects LITA has taken on (e.g BIGWIG) and I know a number of the names and faces around LITA. But when I've brought the topic up on other library related networking places it's been met without much response. And that's kind of frustrating. I'm not sure if everyone is just focused elsewhere or if it's based on my inability to go to both conferences.
So tonight I fling myself at the list again, hoping to spark something. Not sure what yet, but something....
And yes, in the interim, there is the LSW.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Random Quote Sunday: I'm in Colorado....
At least, I will be on Sunday. I'm hanging out with the one of my best friends and his parents.
In preparation of getting ready to go:
"I forgot to plan around the orange hat. I'm going to have to go home and reevaluate. Can a pink tank top work with a burnt orange hat?"
Discussing seafood--which I don't eat:
"When the eating instructions at the table involve "cut/tear the head off..." and it's not a marshmallow peep or chocolate rabbit..."
And what are we on?
"Plan Q...because we know I passed plans A, B and C a looooong time ago."
While Madame Director found it both amusing and...strangely normal, I still don't think she was expecting me to announce that I was going to an alpaca festival over the weekend. Hiking and fishing, okay... alpaca and Stephen King? But the 50SPF and I are off having a marvelous time. The alpaca yarn and I will be home soon.
(Have I mentioned how much I love scheduling posts in advance?)
In preparation of getting ready to go:
"I forgot to plan around the orange hat. I'm going to have to go home and reevaluate. Can a pink tank top work with a burnt orange hat?"
Discussing seafood--which I don't eat:
"When the eating instructions at the table involve "cut/tear the head off..." and it's not a marshmallow peep or chocolate rabbit..."
And what are we on?
"Plan Q...because we know I passed plans A, B and C a looooong time ago."
While Madame Director found it both amusing and...strangely normal, I still don't think she was expecting me to announce that I was going to an alpaca festival over the weekend. Hiking and fishing, okay... alpaca and Stephen King? But the 50SPF and I are off having a marvelous time. The alpaca yarn and I will be home soon.
(Have I mentioned how much I love scheduling posts in advance?)
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
An Oink Free Storytime
This morning I did a pig-themed storytime. Discussing it just now with Madame Director I came to a rather startling realization. In four books, two rhymes, and nearly forty minutes--I didn't have the kids oink.
How does one miss oinking during a PIG storytime?
We read:
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by A. Wolf (as told to Jon Scieszka)
(Wolf's point of view, so no oinking)
Olivia by Ian Falconer
(Olivia is anthropomorphized--no oinking)
Twenty Hungry Piggies by Trudy Harris
(Again, anthropomorphized....wolf growls but no oinks)
Piggies in a Polka by Kathi Appelt
(Pigs dancing, singing, using various obscure dance and party terms)
And though they aren't really the best for storytime (the art doesn't work so well with a room full of kids--very detailed), I did bring in all the Toot and Puddle books for the kids to take with them. Holly Hobbie does incredible artwork and really beautiful stories. That's me....raising the circulation on the pig picture books.
But apparently not oinking.
How does one miss oinking during a PIG storytime?
We read:
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by A. Wolf (as told to Jon Scieszka)
(Wolf's point of view, so no oinking)
Olivia by Ian Falconer
(Olivia is anthropomorphized--no oinking)
Twenty Hungry Piggies by Trudy Harris
(Again, anthropomorphized....wolf growls but no oinks)
Piggies in a Polka by Kathi Appelt
(Pigs dancing, singing, using various obscure dance and party terms)
And though they aren't really the best for storytime (the art doesn't work so well with a room full of kids--very detailed), I did bring in all the Toot and Puddle books for the kids to take with them. Holly Hobbie does incredible artwork and really beautiful stories. That's me....raising the circulation on the pig picture books.
But apparently not oinking.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
What's on Display?: All About the Girls
We have this weird cubby hole at work where two stand up OPACs* used to reside. When I came to LPL a year ago this was affectionately known as the Harry Potter Shrine. It housed all eleventy-two thousand copies of the seven books in print and audiobook format. Somewhere around January we agreed to dismantle the shrine (even Deathly Hallows wasn't on hold for anyone anymore) and interfile the books, with a healthy handful going into storage as replacement copies for when some of them wore out.
Thus began the advent of me, back to the rest of the room, crawling around three and a half feet off the ground putting up various backdrops. Wallpapered concrete is not the easiest to decorate--but I'm pretty good with a role of tape and Madame Director and our Guru of Facilities just said they'd get me cork board to make my life easier going forward.
But after a summer of butterfly boxes where we grew two rounds of Brassica Butterflies (the first set we hatched did the whole mating thing) and talked about caterpillars and how they eat cabbage and plants in the mustard family, it was time for a change. So break out the purple backdrop, it's time for the girl books.
There are a lot of emerging female protagonists who have some nice backbone as well as some classics. A few (not comprehensive) recommendations for elementary aged girls:
Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls: Moving Day (Meg Cabot)
(E.B. White)
Thus began the advent of me, back to the rest of the room, crawling around three and a half feet off the ground putting up various backdrops. Wallpapered concrete is not the easiest to decorate--but I'm pretty good with a role of tape and Madame Director and our Guru of Facilities just said they'd get me cork board to make my life easier going forward.
But after a summer of butterfly boxes where we grew two rounds of Brassica Butterflies (the first set we hatched did the whole mating thing) and talked about caterpillars and how they eat cabbage and plants in the mustard family, it was time for a change. So break out the purple backdrop, it's time for the girl books.
There are a lot of emerging female protagonists who have some nice backbone as well as some classics. A few (not comprehensive) recommendations for elementary aged girls:
Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls: Moving Day (Meg Cabot)
Sarah Simpson's Rules for Living (Rebecca Rupp)
Moxy Maxwell Does Not Like Writing Thank You Notes (Peggy Gifford)
Judy Moody (Megan McDonald)
Mallory (Laurie Friedman)
Enola Holmes (Nancy Springer)Mercy Watson (Kate DiCamillo)The Mysterious Case of the Allbright Academy (Diane Stanley)Beacon Street Girls (Annie Bryant) Main Street Girls (Ann M. Martin) Rodzina (Karen Cushman)
Ramona (Beverly Cleary)
The Alice Books (Phyllis Reynolds Naylor)
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle (Betty MacDonald)
Harriet the Spy (Louise Fitzhugh)
Matilda (Roald Dahl)
Charlotte's Web
Nancy Drew (Carolyn Keene)
Ella Enchanted (Gail Carson Levine)
I'm using LibraryThing's Free Covers!! This is most incredibly awesome.
*OPAC-- computers that just have the library catalog on them
Thursday, July 17, 2008
My Starbucks is Closing!!
Though certainly not as bad as it was when I lived in New York and passed three Starbucks on my way to work, I have a mild addiction to Starbucks. In the winter, it's vanilla lattes and blueberry scones. In the summer, venti iced green tea with a single pump of classic. I wrote my undergraduate thesis at one on the north side of Indianapolis; I have had innumerable talks with friends, addressing all kinds of drama at others.
It was something Sibling-the-Elder pointed out as a bonus when I moved to La Crosse that I wasn't really that far from the local Starbucks. Not an around the corner stroll but certainly right on the way to work and I could rollerblade.
It's one of the 600 they are closing.
There's a lot of whining going on at Chez Hedgehog. It was a super long tough day filled with completely uncontrolled children, parents who are more interested in their laptop screens than they are their four year olds (seriously--one got outside today before anyone noticed), and just not enough sanity to go around. My business manager and Madame Director both came by for piece of chocolate and I think the RefQueen was headed down for it this evening.
Ah well, there's still three independent coffee shops downtown and I own an espresso machine and a coffee maker. And a tea kettle that gets a ridiculous amount of use when it's not eleventy-hundred degrees out.
I suppose I'll survive. Somehow.
It was something Sibling-the-Elder pointed out as a bonus when I moved to La Crosse that I wasn't really that far from the local Starbucks. Not an around the corner stroll but certainly right on the way to work and I could rollerblade.
It's one of the 600 they are closing.
There's a lot of whining going on at Chez Hedgehog. It was a super long tough day filled with completely uncontrolled children, parents who are more interested in their laptop screens than they are their four year olds (seriously--one got outside today before anyone noticed), and just not enough sanity to go around. My business manager and Madame Director both came by for piece of chocolate and I think the RefQueen was headed down for it this evening.
Ah well, there's still three independent coffee shops downtown and I own an espresso machine and a coffee maker. And a tea kettle that gets a ridiculous amount of use when it's not eleventy-hundred degrees out.
I suppose I'll survive. Somehow.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Official Posting Notice for Youth Service Manager Job
Madame Director informs me that the formal job posting is up and I've seen it on a number of job boards. To the resumes!!
Seriously, if you are interested at all, I do recommend applying. There is a lot of potential for growth and development of this department. There is also a lot of potential for baked goods and (if I'm productive) occasional knitted surprises.
What do I think we're looking for? Someone dynamic, enthusiastic, leadership, whimsy, forward thinking, and ready to experiment. Are we willing to look nationally? Absolutely. I came from IL/NY, another reference librarian from OR and a new hire starting next month in another department is from FL. So there's an interesting mix between people who have lived here their entire years and people brand new to the area (and yes, brand new lasts the first 10 years of residence).
Please check out my other post and the job ad. Again, please feel free to send questions my way (email on the blog site) and pass to those you think should be applying.
Seriously, if you are interested at all, I do recommend applying. There is a lot of potential for growth and development of this department. There is also a lot of potential for baked goods and (if I'm productive) occasional knitted surprises.
What do I think we're looking for? Someone dynamic, enthusiastic, leadership, whimsy, forward thinking, and ready to experiment. Are we willing to look nationally? Absolutely. I came from IL/NY, another reference librarian from OR and a new hire starting next month in another department is from FL. So there's an interesting mix between people who have lived here their entire years and people brand new to the area (and yes, brand new lasts the first 10 years of residence).
Please check out my other post and the job ad. Again, please feel free to send questions my way (email on the blog site) and pass to those you think should be applying.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Random Quote Sunday: Old School
"I recommend the punch!"
A quote from a party I attended four or five years ago. We all said it enough and used it in every day conversations for a while. Was haunting me this week--had to text the Blonde to get source. But seriously...good punch.
"Now that we've gotten mutual apologies and natural disasters out of the way...how are you?"
My phone--her email acting up; I have floods, thunderstorms and potential tornadoes--she has fires. Makes for an interesting conversation.
Oh..and btw...that building I described in detail last week? Yeah...former bordello. Thank you, Madame Director. (Although I'm told it's coolness factor just went WAY up by my-friend-the-lawyer.)
A quote from a party I attended four or five years ago. We all said it enough and used it in every day conversations for a while. Was haunting me this week--had to text the Blonde to get source. But seriously...good punch.
"Now that we've gotten mutual apologies and natural disasters out of the way...how are you?"
My phone--her email acting up; I have floods, thunderstorms and potential tornadoes--she has fires. Makes for an interesting conversation.
Oh..and btw...that building I described in detail last week? Yeah...former bordello. Thank you, Madame Director. (Although I'm told it's coolness factor just went WAY up by my-friend-the-lawyer.)
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Want to Work With Me? Head of YS at LPL Position
I've been given a green light to start circulating this information though I don't have a formal job posting available for you as yet.
My immediate supervisor, our Head of Youth Services, will be retiring the first week of August. We are beginning a search for a replacement.
La Crosse, WI is a town of 50,000 on the banks of the Mississippi with a Main Library and two satellite branch libraries. Our youth services department is very lively, with highly attended storytimes and I've got a healthy knitting group that meets on Wednesdays. Our teen librarian does a lot with gaming, which draws in a high number of young men, and we're doing a lock-in in August. The community heavily uses the library and loves coming into our bright and cheerful children's area, where we have computers, puzzles, highly beloved bean bag chairs, and a vintage giraffe. It's a space built and intended for children and has the added benefit of being a little bit separated from the rest of the building, allowing for children to be a little noisier.
The youth services staff (head, 4FT, 2PT, 5 aides) is based at the main branch with forays to the branches for programming and collection development responsibilities. We had a dozen at tie-dying at one of the branches last week and eighty for a program on bi-lingual bugs. We are supported by the community and are blessed with an extremely dynamic director. The staff as a whole is coming to embrace social networking tools with internal blogs, wikis, etc. Our current website is being revamped, yours truly is responsible for the new youth and teen sites when they go up (October).
As many of you know, I came to LPL from Chicago Public Library last November. The staff has been very welcoming. The winter was one of the harsher ones I've survived--but the natives were saying that too, so apparently it wasn't just me. Three local coffee shops within a ten minute walk of the library--one of which makes good soup, another good donuts. If you want to buy there are a lot of houses for sale or there are a number of nice apartment complexes. And I know where to get good waffle fries but have not yet explored the banana splits.
If this sounds interesting, please email me questions and I'll be happy to answer what I can (my email is on my blog website). If you know someone who would be interested, please forward this on to them.
Once the official job posting goes out, I'll let you know.
And, as I said with our last position: We've got a hedgehog and a raccoon-- what can you add to the mix?
My immediate supervisor, our Head of Youth Services, will be retiring the first week of August. We are beginning a search for a replacement.
La Crosse, WI is a town of 50,000 on the banks of the Mississippi with a Main Library and two satellite branch libraries. Our youth services department is very lively, with highly attended storytimes and I've got a healthy knitting group that meets on Wednesdays. Our teen librarian does a lot with gaming, which draws in a high number of young men, and we're doing a lock-in in August. The community heavily uses the library and loves coming into our bright and cheerful children's area, where we have computers, puzzles, highly beloved bean bag chairs, and a vintage giraffe. It's a space built and intended for children and has the added benefit of being a little bit separated from the rest of the building, allowing for children to be a little noisier.
The youth services staff (head, 4FT, 2PT, 5 aides) is based at the main branch with forays to the branches for programming and collection development responsibilities. We had a dozen at tie-dying at one of the branches last week and eighty for a program on bi-lingual bugs. We are supported by the community and are blessed with an extremely dynamic director. The staff as a whole is coming to embrace social networking tools with internal blogs, wikis, etc. Our current website is being revamped, yours truly is responsible for the new youth and teen sites when they go up (October).
As many of you know, I came to LPL from Chicago Public Library last November. The staff has been very welcoming. The winter was one of the harsher ones I've survived--but the natives were saying that too, so apparently it wasn't just me. Three local coffee shops within a ten minute walk of the library--one of which makes good soup, another good donuts. If you want to buy there are a lot of houses for sale or there are a number of nice apartment complexes. And I know where to get good waffle fries but have not yet explored the banana splits.
If this sounds interesting, please email me questions and I'll be happy to answer what I can (my email is on my blog website). If you know someone who would be interested, please forward this on to them.
Once the official job posting goes out, I'll let you know.
And, as I said with our last position: We've got a hedgehog and a raccoon-- what can you add to the mix?
Friday, May 02, 2008
180 Days...
Today marks my 6 months at La Crosse Public Library. *blows a small noisemaker*
This may not sound like a lot but to give you perspective--I gave my three week's notice the same week of my six month anniversary at CPL.**
I'm honestly baffled that it's already been six months. It feels like it's only been a few weeks since I got started and here I am, almost fully endowed with vacation and able to take my sick time. That actually all does have to wait until June 1 but I'm working on it. There are a lot of plans in the works and I'm looking forward to the summer farmers market and lunches spent strolling down to grab some fresh produce. And a season without snow.
To Becky and Tim, who joined the same time I did--congratulations. We made it this far.
**No, Madame Director, you shouldn't expect my notice on your desk before COB today.
This may not sound like a lot but to give you perspective--I gave my three week's notice the same week of my six month anniversary at CPL.**
I'm honestly baffled that it's already been six months. It feels like it's only been a few weeks since I got started and here I am, almost fully endowed with vacation and able to take my sick time. That actually all does have to wait until June 1 but I'm working on it. There are a lot of plans in the works and I'm looking forward to the summer farmers market and lunches spent strolling down to grab some fresh produce. And a season without snow.
To Becky and Tim, who joined the same time I did--congratulations. We made it this far.
**No, Madame Director, you shouldn't expect my notice on your desk before COB today.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Library Humor....
I really want this pin to wear to work.
Somehow I imagine Madame Director wouldn't approve, even though she'd probably find it very funny.
Somehow I imagine Madame Director wouldn't approve, even though she'd probably find it very funny.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
These ARE My Comfortable Shoes (and other PLA stuff)
You might not agree, but I've stood for eight hours in those shoes while trying to lure doctors into signing up for free online CME. Trust me, you add some Dr. Scholl's gel pads and you are golden.
Thus shod, I was up at the incredibly unholy hour of five a.m. to make the trek up to the Twin Cities for a day at the Public Library Association Conference. My only fortunate discovery before nine a.m. was that my local Starbucks drive-thru opens at 5:30 a.m. I'm not sure if I'll ever need that piece of information again but in the event that I do--I'd better be coming home rather than leaving it.
Madame Director sent as many of us as possible up to conference, at least for a day, and my day was Friday. Upon arriving I was duly laden with a bag containing two books I've already given away and a conference schedule I never consulted--and then it was off to the exhibits. There I walked in (as did my teen librarian) nearly twenty minutes before they opened. Apparently if one is dressed in slacks, sweater and a smidge of make up---one can pass for a vendor.
I spent just over two and a half hours blissfully trudging the exhibits. Up and down I strolled, choosing when to make eye contact, asking the occasional awkward question, and shutting down all attempts to get me to "sit through a presentation for a free t-shirt." Free books that interest me or would be good to add to my collection are one thing; free t-shirts are extra weight that I can't give away.
I spent a very amusing twenty minutes with the guys from Unshelved. They were having some slowness with the credit card machine. But they signed the books I bought and were good company. My shoulders already needed the rest by that point. I stopped by LibraryThing and we debated what type of battery the Rhinos would need to roar. (Hopefully they'll have them by CiL) I also got to meet Nicole! I caught up with her just after second session started so it was quiet enough to chat without her having to rush off to someone who wasn't familiar with Koha and LibLime.
Lunch was at Brit's Pub (at David's recommendation) and over the a cheeseburger and iced tea, I got to meet two girls from NexGenLib! It was amazing how three women who'd never "really" met before could sit down and comfortably chat about various subjects in libraries across the country (PA, WI, and CO). We had a lot of common ground and a wide variety of challenges. It was an incredibly unifying moment.
The afternoon was session. First was an eye-opening hour from MediaWise. Hearing of the things that are already and are yet to come and really thinking about how much screen time is influencing both the current and future generations makes the mind boggle. Had we had a couple of hours of presentation, I would have gladly sat through it--an hour was just too short. I recommend the site and if the presenter does get his slides online, I will definitely link to them.
The second session was people speed reading from powerpoint presentations and being self-congratulatory. As I'm capable of reading for myself, I chose not to stay.
The drive home was trading tales of just how much we packed into our bags. I had managed to get 10 free Playaways for my children's department, about which I was very chuffed. All in all it was a fun conference day and I expect many new emails and piles of flyers to land on my desk now that the vendors have all made it home.
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