Read this blog - something for every adult
February 12, 2009, 12:17 amThe beginning of the year brought lots of renewed interest in Abraham Lincoln, highlighted by the new - 44th - president's own ties to the 16th president.
I found this blog from a circuitous route. I subscribe to an art blog, and the writer sometimes cross-publishes there, too.
The most popular categories are Politics, History and Culture, which happen to be my faves, too. Though not necessarily in that order.
This month, Lincoln and Darwin are featured. I was happy to see that one of the writers interviewed is the author of the book I'm reading currently, Paris to the Moon. The book is about an American's look at the France of the late 1990's, as well as the French view of America. As I am always interested in various POVs, this is compelling to me.
Take a look at Britannica Blog, and tell me what you read that you enjoyed. Talk amongst yourselves, but share, too!
The real work of a librarian, part one
February 9, 2009, 1:23 am
I’ve been too close to it to write about it, but with some time and space, I’ve given this some thought.
What IS the real work of a librarian?
(Librarians may wish to stop reading, as you already know this. The following is for civilians until I say otherwise.)
Do you think librarians read books every day? That we are the ones who choose, buy and shelve them?
The reality is librarians have little time to actually read the books in their libraries, unless they are children’s librarians, and it happens to be story time. And the books we choose are limited by the mission of our institution – public, private, non-profit, school, public or academic. Or books are requested or recommended by staff or faculty. Choices are limited by the subjects of materials in the library, the ages and interests of our patrons. And most recently, they are affected by the economic downturn.
(Librarians may want to resume reading here, and compare with their own situation. Or not.)
Last night, I spoke to a classmate/friend/librarian who says the public library has NO budget for new books. With more patrons every day, how will they fill the shelves in public libraries? The only funds available for book purchase are from overdue fines and lost book fees. Friends of Libraries are friends, indeed.
Even if we have the money to buy them, some of us work in private institutions and cooperate by agreeing to exchange books and other publications. I never knew this until I worked in such a place. I also didn’t realize staff could point out to the librarian those books they felt did not belong in the library, and which did based solely on their own requirements!
But that is another story, and this is the end of part one.
What IS the real work of a librarian?
(Librarians may wish to stop reading, as you already know this. The following is for civilians until I say otherwise.)
Do you think librarians read books every day? That we are the ones who choose, buy and shelve them?
The reality is librarians have little time to actually read the books in their libraries, unless they are children’s librarians, and it happens to be story time. And the books we choose are limited by the mission of our institution – public, private, non-profit, school, public or academic. Or books are requested or recommended by staff or faculty. Choices are limited by the subjects of materials in the library, the ages and interests of our patrons. And most recently, they are affected by the economic downturn.
(Librarians may want to resume reading here, and compare with their own situation. Or not.)
Last night, I spoke to a classmate/friend/librarian who says the public library has NO budget for new books. With more patrons every day, how will they fill the shelves in public libraries? The only funds available for book purchase are from overdue fines and lost book fees. Friends of Libraries are friends, indeed.
Even if we have the money to buy them, some of us work in private institutions and cooperate by agreeing to exchange books and other publications. I never knew this until I worked in such a place. I also didn’t realize staff could point out to the librarian those books they felt did not belong in the library, and which did based solely on their own requirements!
But that is another story, and this is the end of part one.
Five reasons why I’m not going there
February 8, 2009, 10:29 pm
Where? MyBook or FaceSpace
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- Do not wanna deal with being poked or having to respond to that
- Not a drama queen – don’t need to make new friends - or reject them. Yes, I’ve heard the horror stories, and this is in FAMILIES!
- Have no need OR time to decorate my “space”
- Feel disinclined to share the latest grouchy photo of myself - much less a failure or triumph!
- Know who my friends are IRL and choose to talk to them over the phone or share a beverage in ACTUAL time and space
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