Misadventures of the Monster Librarian

As I've mentioned before, Sticks is fortunate in that it has Sticks College in town, which brings a flair and energy to this sleepy, rural town (for at least 9 months out of the year). Though the natives seem to enjoy summer and the sleeping university--void of most of its noisy inhabitants--I prefer the school term and even the loud and sometimes annoying college kids. I love the excitement of watching the cars coming into town bringing nervous new students, as well as tested old hands; love watching as students in pairs and packs roam about this sometimes boring town, breathing life into it just by their very presence, their very differentness. So, it was with much excitement that Prairie Dawn and I headed over to Sticks College recently to set up a table for the Freshman Welcome--a day where students can acquaint themselves with all the various students organizations and groups--which gave us the opportunity to meet and greet new students, but most importantly of all, to give ...

If you haven't seen this video (which a few of my friends shared with me via FB), you're missing out. It's great. Librarians take on Beastie Boys' " Sabotage ." Also, bestie, Mummy Dearest, posted this gem on FB--can't wait to tackle some of these books Was sick Monday night and yesterday, feeling better, just a little weak. Glad I got it out of my system before this crazy, busy weekend...more soon!

We got our yearly press release for this year's grant/award winners--can we say Midwest represent!! The Midwest, especially Ohio, made a spectacular showing this year. WOOT WOOT!! " PLA award winners represent excellence in public libraries CHICAGO - The Public Library Association ( PLA ) has announced 11 2013 award winners honoring the best in public library service, innovation and outreach. The Allie Beth Martin Award , sponsored by Baker & Taylor, recognizes a public librarian for demonstrating a range and depth of knowledge about books and other library materials and for having the distinguished ability to share that knowledge. This year’s award of $3,000 will be presented to Bill Kelly , branch manager, Cuyahoga County (Ohio) Public Library, for his creative and effective efforts to deliver personalized readers’ advisory through a unique blend of customer service and technology. The Baker & Taylor Entertainment Audio Music/Video Product Award  in...

Today marks the beginning of my 3rd week back in Library Land. I started at an odd time of year, as things are coming to an end for before the holiday season, but my duties are becoming more clear and things are rolling like a snowball  down a hill. First let me say that I am really impressed with OHCity Library. I am not just saying this because I work there and I want it to sound glamorous. No, what we do is pretty amazing.On top of the Children's Department norm which consists of staffing the Children's Dept. Reference/Info desk and doing library storytimes and programs on a variety of themes, we: Do tons of school visits to all of the elementary schools in the area, and also visit some of the bigger apartment complexes in OHCity. Our webpage (which is open to anyone, not just OHCity resident), not only has a page of links to homework help sites, but also has a monthly themed information page on varying subjects. We've gotten up to 2,000 hits on that page in a mont...

I love working at the library, but today felt like a doozie. I have one of those amazingly annoying colds with the runny nose that just won't stop, sneezing and one eye which just won't stop tearing. Aside from the congested sinuses I feel fine, though I smell terrible--that hospital-ish hand sanitizer smell lingers around me, as that is what I apply to my hands every fifteen minutes or so when I blow my nose and sound off like a flock of honking geese! The patrons have at least been lovely--very patient, many acknowledging that I sound terrible and should be home. Today has been busy, a constant flow of questions and tech related problems has helped the day pass faster. One thing I like about my job is that when I am searching for something with others I learn something too. What did I learn today in LibraryLand, you ask? Well, I learned: the call number for sharks is 597.3 Renaissance is spelled R-e-n-a-i-s-s-a-n-c-e. That "i" is tricky! In Massachusetts Form 1...

Much like the countdown that I have been keeping for the release of the 7th Harry Potter book: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, I have been counting down the end of my Masters Program (Dec. ’07-5 more months! Woo Hoo!), but closer than that is the end of the Spring/Summer semester. Finals for me fall between the week of 7/23-7/30. One take-home final due 7/23. One in-class written final on 7/24. And a final paper/presentation due 7/30. Turned the case study from hell in last night. Actually, once I got going I was able to write enough (8 pages, 9 with the Bibliography. However, after last nights’ class I am feeling as though I should have resolved the situation in the case study differently. It was about an unruly, long-time employee. I got the impression that the professor thought that we should “can” her, but I guess I am too nice. I said that we should offer her a different position within the library, somewhere less in contact with the public, on a trial basis, with the unders...

I have been keeping my eyes peeled, constantly checking the Library listing for open positions, and today I found a job that I would love to take...and it is not far from where I used to live out East. TORTURE. To know that I could do the job, and do it well, and live where I want to be-out East...to be able to cast my eyes out on the sea of Berkshire green...sigh... The posting: 6/22/07 ___, MA, Youth Services Supervisor, ___Library AssociationQUAL: MLS from ALA accredited institution required, with experience in children's library service preferred. Must be creative, energetic yet organized; able to build upon a high level of service in an expanded & renovated facility. Extensive knowledge of children's literature balanced with strong computer & web skills. Heavy emphasis on programming for wide age range demands imagination, stamina & energy. Must be flexible and problem solver; able to work well with all ages. Physical Requirements: Bending, stooping, reaching, ...