Tuesday, June 23, 2009
from http://www.olc.org/news_story062009.asp
6/20/09 Governor’s Budget Proposal cuts the PLF 50%. Act Now!
Many of the Ohio’s 251 public libraries could close or face significant reductions in operations as a result of the Governor’s latest proposal to balance the state’s 2010-2011 biennium budget.
Public libraries in Ohio are funded primarily through the Public Library Fund (PLF), which receives 2.2% of the state’s tax revenue. Since 2001, public library funding has been on the decline. As a result of the current downturn in the economy and decreasing state tax revenues, public libraries are currently experiencing a drop in funding from the Public Library Fund (PLF) estimated at 20% or more as compared to 2008. At a news conference on Friday, June 19, the Governor proposed an additional cut in the PLF of $112.5 million in fiscal year 2010 and $114.8 million in 2011 as part of his “framework” to fill the $3.2 billion gap in the budget that must be balanced by Ohio General Assembly’s Conference Committee by June 30. This will mean a more than 50% cut in funding for many of Ohio ’s public libraries.
With some 70% of the state’s 251 public libraries relying solely on the PLF to fund their operations, the reduction in funding will mean that many will close completely, close branches, or drastically cut hours and services.
The Governor’s proposed funding cuts come at a time when Ohio’s public libraries are experiencing unprecedented increases in demands for services. In every community throughout the state, Ohioans are turning to their public library for free high speed Internet to access information on employment opportunities, children and teens are beginning summer reading programs, and people of all ages are turning to the library for information and entertainment.
Ohio ’s public libraries offer CRITICAL services to those looking for jobs and operating small businesses. Public libraries are an integral part of education, which Governor Strickland says is critical to the state’s economic recovery. But it is unlikely that many of Ohio ’s public library systems, especially those without local levies, can remain open with these proposed cuts.
About 30% of Ohio’s public libraries have local property tax levies that supplement the state’s funding. However, with the Governor’s proposed drastic cuts in the PLF, even those libraries will face decisions regarding substantial reductions in hours of operation, materials, and staffing.
During the next nine days, the Ohio General Assembly will decide whether or not to accept the Governor’s proposal. We cannot allow that to happen; we cannot wait. ALL public libraries throughout the state should immediately notify their patrons, by e-mail if possible, of the Governor’s proposed library funding cuts and the devastating effects that will result. Patrons should be urged to contact their state legislators and the Governor’s office by phone or e-mail to voice their strong opposition. We have no time for letters. Library boards of trustees should meet as soon as possible to evaluate the impact of the proposed funding reduction and formulate plans to reduce services or shut down their libraries. Make sure your patrons know immediately the actions you might have to take. This is a drastic measure proposed by the Governor and it will require a dramatic and immediate response from the libraries and our patrons.
The General Assembly Conference Committee will likely make their decision about this proposal this week. Here are the things that you should do IMMEDIATELY:
E-mail your patrons and ask them to e-mail or call your state representatives and the Governor (614-466-3555) Immediately!
Make signs and handouts for all of your buildings. In some cases, it is appropriate to say “This Branch May Close If The Governor’s 50% Cut Is Approved - Call the Governor at 614-466-3555 and State Representative(fill in yours) and State Senator (fill in yours).
Contact your editorial boards on Monday and ask for a meeting as soon as possible.
Hold an emergency meeting of your board to discuss this cut and make sure to invite your local press.
Put a message on your Web site and include links to your state legislators e-mail address and the Governor.
Do a press release on the impact this will have on your library. Remember this cut begins July 1!
Work together with other libraries in your area.
This must be accomplished THIS WEEK.
The OLC is working with the Ohio General Assembly to make sure they don’t accept this proposal. We are developing a press release for Monday morning (we will send that to all directors). We are working with Jon Iten on a memo that will review the legal steps necessary to close or merge libraries should that become necessary. We will keep you apprised of the situation.
For more information, contact:
Ohio Library Council - (614) 410-8092
Doug Evans, Executive Director - (614) 216-0678 (cell)
Lynda Murray, Director of Government and Legal Services - (614) 746-0895 (cell)
Mackenzie Betts, Director of Communications - (614) 203-2656
To find your Ohio Senator:
http://www.senate.state.oh.us/senators/SenateZipSearch.html
To find your Ohio Representative:
http://www.house.state.oh.us/
Showing posts with label library. Show all posts
Showing posts with label library. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Those bookish ones of you might know about the annual Edible Book Festival. This festival is held around April Fool's Day each year since 1999. The premise is that you create an edible creation that illustrates a book, book title, or literary pun. The "books" can be anywhere from complex to simple (as an example I put together three cups of tea for the book...wait for it... Three Cups of Tea). It is so much fun seeing how different people look at books and come up with fantastic edible creations.
Last year at this time I was doing my practicum (aka library internship) at Denison University where they hold an Edible Books Festival each April 1st. My inspiration book was Pompeii by Robert Harris. My edible book was a red velvet layer cake in the shape of a volcano. At the top, I put a shot glass half full of unset red jello and lemon juice. When the judges came around, I added baking soda to the mix and *boom* we had lava coursing down the volcano. (Can you tell I really enjoyed making that cake?) I won the Best in Show and got a trophy and everything!
This year, I wasn't able to get time off to go to the event but I still wanted to make a book. I originally thought of doing the book Sushi for Beginners by Marian Keyes because it would be simple and my parents wouldn't have to worry about transporting anything complicated to the library. Then I flipped through the book, Hello, Cupcake! , and it was all over. If you've never seen this book, it is a fabulous cupcake decorating book. The authors of it really make you feel like you can make all of the designs in the book. They have one example in the animal section for a flock/swarm of monarch butterflies. Well, you can just see what happened, can't you?
I had noticed the day before that some of the grocery stores had melting chocolate in all sorts of different colors out for Easter. When I saw the chocolate monarchs in Hello, Cupcake, I knew I had my book.
After a few mishaps (who knew you couldn't add liquid food coloring to melted chocolate?) and broken wings, I had a whole bunch of different wing sizes. I decided to make all of the wings and antennae the night before and to put everything together the morning of the event.
Those brown dots are mounds of chocolate that set the wings on with frosting and more melted chocolate. They helped to prop the wings up and look like the butterflies were fluttering. I'm acutally surprised how quickly everything came together. Once I did a couple of sets of wings, everything was much easier. The same was true of putting the butterflies together. Once you did a few, it was simple. Well, some people might say my version of simple is a little skewed.
Dad took my cupcake platter over before the festival/tea was to begin. I managed to get over to the library over my lunch break and got to see the other edible books in person. Everyone was so creative! If you would like to see the other entries, follow this link. Here are a couple of my favorites:
The "sand" is actually raw sugar and the scrolls are made out of phyllo dough
Aren't they cute?! The artichoke is a wolf!
And my absolute favorite. . .
Isn't that funny?! I love the tail. It makes me laugh hysterially.
I had to run back to work before the judging and passed Dad on my way out. He stayed for the judging and eating (who wouldn't?!). The sly guy didn't call me to tell me anything about the results. He was out on an ambulance run when I came home before riding and then was at a meeting until 9:30. It turns out that I had won. . .
. . . Best in Show!
**Eta: I'm glad I didn't do Sushi for Beginners because it turns out another person did that exact book. She made her "sushi" out of rice krispie treats, fruit roll-ups and candy fish. Her's turned out so much better than mine would have. Every time I look at the picture I crave sushi!
Last year at this time I was doing my practicum (aka library internship) at Denison University where they hold an Edible Books Festival each April 1st. My inspiration book was Pompeii by Robert Harris. My edible book was a red velvet layer cake in the shape of a volcano. At the top, I put a shot glass half full of unset red jello and lemon juice. When the judges came around, I added baking soda to the mix and *boom* we had lava coursing down the volcano. (Can you tell I really enjoyed making that cake?) I won the Best in Show and got a trophy and everything!
This year, I wasn't able to get time off to go to the event but I still wanted to make a book. I originally thought of doing the book Sushi for Beginners by Marian Keyes because it would be simple and my parents wouldn't have to worry about transporting anything complicated to the library. Then I flipped through the book, Hello, Cupcake! , and it was all over. If you've never seen this book, it is a fabulous cupcake decorating book. The authors of it really make you feel like you can make all of the designs in the book. They have one example in the animal section for a flock/swarm of monarch butterflies. Well, you can just see what happened, can't you?
I had noticed the day before that some of the grocery stores had melting chocolate in all sorts of different colors out for Easter. When I saw the chocolate monarchs in Hello, Cupcake, I knew I had my book.
After a few mishaps (who knew you couldn't add liquid food coloring to melted chocolate?) and broken wings, I had a whole bunch of different wing sizes. I decided to make all of the wings and antennae the night before and to put everything together the morning of the event.
Those brown dots are mounds of chocolate that set the wings on with frosting and more melted chocolate. They helped to prop the wings up and look like the butterflies were fluttering. I'm acutally surprised how quickly everything came together. Once I did a couple of sets of wings, everything was much easier. The same was true of putting the butterflies together. Once you did a few, it was simple. Well, some people might say my version of simple is a little skewed.
Dad took my cupcake platter over before the festival/tea was to begin. I managed to get over to the library over my lunch break and got to see the other edible books in person. Everyone was so creative! If you would like to see the other entries, follow this link. Here are a couple of my favorites:
The "sand" is actually raw sugar and the scrolls are made out of phyllo dough
Aren't they cute?! The artichoke is a wolf!And my absolute favorite. . .
Isn't that funny?! I love the tail. It makes me laugh hysterially.I had to run back to work before the judging and passed Dad on my way out. He stayed for the judging and eating (who wouldn't?!). The sly guy didn't call me to tell me anything about the results. He was out on an ambulance run when I came home before riding and then was at a meeting until 9:30. It turns out that I had won. . .
. . . Best in Show!
**Eta: I'm glad I didn't do Sushi for Beginners because it turns out another person did that exact book. She made her "sushi" out of rice krispie treats, fruit roll-ups and candy fish. Her's turned out so much better than mine would have. Every time I look at the picture I crave sushi!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
A good random occurance
Something absolutely random happened this afternoon that I forgot to write about. I got a copy of this book in the mail!
Apparently, I had signed up to get a copy on a blog (I hate to say that I can't remember which one) contest. Or maybe they were giving away a copy. All I know it that it made a strange day much better!
Apparently, I had signed up to get a copy on a blog (I hate to say that I can't remember which one) contest. Or maybe they were giving away a copy. All I know it that it made a strange day much better!
Full Moon
You know what they say about full moons? That everything crazy happens then? That is definitely true in libraries. It always seems like a day or two before and after are the zone of insanity. Strange patrons and even stranger problems come up. If someone has fines, they throw a hissy fit to end all hissy fits. Strange requests are made for things like tax forms from 2006. Strange things happens to people's common sense. (And if this kid doesn't leave the desk I'm going to start screaming) People get stuck in the elevator prompting calls to the front desk like "Hi, it's the elevator. I have people stuck in me." In short, it's always a "fun" time to work. I've just about reached my limit for it tonight (and my limit for the video on a loop promoting a program in November with Amazing Grace-like music playing ad nauseum). I'll just think about knitting (and mentally scream) until all of this is over.
I finished the pair of socks I mentioned last post. They are a Riverbed sockitechture from Cat Bordhi's New Pathways for Sock Knitters. Have I mentioned how much I like that pattern? It really fits your foot well. The garter stitch toe worked out nicely. It's funny though, without classes, it takes me longer to finish a pair of socks. With class, I could finish a pair in a week. Now, it took me 12 days to do it. This was even a plain vanilla pair!
Right after binding off, I started another pair, Clessidra from Knitty. This pair of knee-highs have been on my to-knit list ever since it came out in the Spring 07 issue. I went out and bought the yarn (actually the same brand as the pattern used! that never happens) right after I first saw those socks. I'm using Regia Silk Shine in navy. The shine is extremely subtle and catches the light every so often. It should be really interesting to see how it highlights the cables.
The pattern is clearly written but last night I just couldn't get it to work in my head. You work these from the top down (not my preferred way of doing socks) and have 4 different cables as well as seed stitch and stockinette stitch panels all going on at the same time. So I did something which is probably just making it more complicated. I charted everything. All of the different cables and panels are now next to each other in the correct order. I think this probably says something about how comfortable I am using charts versus written instructions.
Another thing I'm doing with these which is probably complicating the process is I'm working them 2 at a time on circs. The pattern was written for DPNs so there are instructions for how many stitches should be on each needle. I'll just ignore all of that. It will probably take me longer working them at the same time but it is more likely that I will actually have a finished pair in the end. If I did them one at a time, there would only be a small, small chance. Here's hoping I can finish them by the end of October. . .
I finished the pair of socks I mentioned last post. They are a Riverbed sockitechture from Cat Bordhi's New Pathways for Sock Knitters. Have I mentioned how much I like that pattern? It really fits your foot well. The garter stitch toe worked out nicely. It's funny though, without classes, it takes me longer to finish a pair of socks. With class, I could finish a pair in a week. Now, it took me 12 days to do it. This was even a plain vanilla pair!
Right after binding off, I started another pair, Clessidra from Knitty. This pair of knee-highs have been on my to-knit list ever since it came out in the Spring 07 issue. I went out and bought the yarn (actually the same brand as the pattern used! that never happens) right after I first saw those socks. I'm using Regia Silk Shine in navy. The shine is extremely subtle and catches the light every so often. It should be really interesting to see how it highlights the cables.
The pattern is clearly written but last night I just couldn't get it to work in my head. You work these from the top down (not my preferred way of doing socks) and have 4 different cables as well as seed stitch and stockinette stitch panels all going on at the same time. So I did something which is probably just making it more complicated. I charted everything. All of the different cables and panels are now next to each other in the correct order. I think this probably says something about how comfortable I am using charts versus written instructions.
Another thing I'm doing with these which is probably complicating the process is I'm working them 2 at a time on circs. The pattern was written for DPNs so there are instructions for how many stitches should be on each needle. I'll just ignore all of that. It will probably take me longer working them at the same time but it is more likely that I will actually have a finished pair in the end. If I did them one at a time, there would only be a small, small chance. Here's hoping I can finish them by the end of October. . .
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Display pictures
I'm gearing up my library for our Book Buffet program on July 19th. It seemed like it was so far away but now it is July somehow. Anyway, this is the display case I set up to show people what edible books actually are (or rather, some examples of what an edible book could be). It is a pretty abstract concept for most people to get. Click on the picture for the title of each "book."
In order to be able to display these "books" for two weeks in the display cakes, I tried to make everything in there non-edible. The "cakes" are actually styrofoam covered in spackle. The "tea" in the cups in the upper right hand corner is actually brown food coloring and water. I'm especially proud of that one.
I did cave and the gummi worms are actual food but I figure that there are so many preservatives in them that it will probably be fine. I think the dog bones will be fine, too. The candy bars are wrapped but I think they should probably be thrown away after 2 weeks in a closed container and lots of spackle.
The display had already encouraged sign-ups. I put it in yesterday and, that night, three people signed up to participate in the program! Yay!
In order to be able to display these "books" for two weeks in the display cakes, I tried to make everything in there non-edible. The "cakes" are actually styrofoam covered in spackle. The "tea" in the cups in the upper right hand corner is actually brown food coloring and water. I'm especially proud of that one. I did cave and the gummi worms are actual food but I figure that there are so many preservatives in them that it will probably be fine. I think the dog bones will be fine, too. The candy bars are wrapped but I think they should probably be thrown away after 2 weeks in a closed container and lots of spackle.
The display had already encouraged sign-ups. I put it in yesterday and, that night, three people signed up to participate in the program! Yay!
Thursday, March 06, 2008
So very tired
This post is probably going to be very boring and not about knitting. It is all about tired Anne. What riviting drama. I'm very happy this week is coming to an end. I can't remember if I've talked about my practicum on this blog much. If not, I'll give you a short recap. If I have, please excuse the tired mind. Doing a practicum, or working in a library, is one option for my library science masters. (The other option is writing a thesis. See why I chose to do the practicum?) Practicums are great for people who have never worked in a library setting before. You get to actually work as a librarian and do all sorts of different work depending on your library.
I've been building webpages, working the reference desk, collecting materials for library instruction, coming up with a podcast/series of instructional segments and author talks, and attending staff meetings. I'm sure I've done more but it is hard to think of it right now. As interesting as the work is, I'm just tired.
The praticum is 100 hours with an additional 50 hours on a project or paper. Today I wrapped up 80 hours. I've been working at my practicum site 10 hours a week since the middle of January. Most of the weeks, I've worked one morning 9-12 and then gone to my actual job to work 12:30-9 and then worked 9-4:30 on Friday at the practicum. The past two weeks, however, I've had to work at my job on Friday so that messes up the practicum schedule. So I've been working at least 2 mornings and a couple of hours on Saturday when the reference desk is staffed. This week, however, is even more different because I've worked 3 mornings at the practicum. Three 12 hour days in one week sucks. I don't know how people do it! The library will be closed on Saturday because that is when Spring Break starts.
I can't even tell you how much I am looking forward to it! I will have the whole week off from anything to do with the practicum. Then as a bonus, my practicum supervisor will be out of town the next week so I will have that week off too! (From the practicum, at least. I still have to go to my actual job obviously!) Well, I might have to go in Friday to help record some author book talks but that will be a lot shorter than a 9-4:30 day and will be very interesting.
On Monday, I recorded a sound bite/instructional segment about using the library catalog and requesting books from other institutions. Next, I added screenshots to the sound. It was pretty good if I do say so myself :)
In other library related news, I'm going to be doing a book talk for a group of retired schoolteachers/other influential ladies of the community in April. This will be my first chance to do a booktalk and I'm really excited/nervous. Trying to find books which interest them is really challenging because a) I've never done this before and b) I have no idea what they might like. There is a book called The Booktalker's Bible from which I will be borrowing heavily. I will also be talking about Tom Brokaw's book, Boom, because we are doing that for a One Book, One Community program during National Library Week. I really should get on reading that. How in the world am I going to be able to talk to a group of people who lived through the 60s when I wasn't even born for another 20 years?! Anyway, I hope this book talk will go well. If it does, I will be able to go to a lot of other groups. You would be amazed the number of places that want someone to come to talk to them about books. Now if only I could find a way to combine the knitting and the book talking :)
I've been building webpages, working the reference desk, collecting materials for library instruction, coming up with a podcast/series of instructional segments and author talks, and attending staff meetings. I'm sure I've done more but it is hard to think of it right now. As interesting as the work is, I'm just tired.
The praticum is 100 hours with an additional 50 hours on a project or paper. Today I wrapped up 80 hours. I've been working at my practicum site 10 hours a week since the middle of January. Most of the weeks, I've worked one morning 9-12 and then gone to my actual job to work 12:30-9 and then worked 9-4:30 on Friday at the practicum. The past two weeks, however, I've had to work at my job on Friday so that messes up the practicum schedule. So I've been working at least 2 mornings and a couple of hours on Saturday when the reference desk is staffed. This week, however, is even more different because I've worked 3 mornings at the practicum. Three 12 hour days in one week sucks. I don't know how people do it! The library will be closed on Saturday because that is when Spring Break starts.
I can't even tell you how much I am looking forward to it! I will have the whole week off from anything to do with the practicum. Then as a bonus, my practicum supervisor will be out of town the next week so I will have that week off too! (From the practicum, at least. I still have to go to my actual job obviously!) Well, I might have to go in Friday to help record some author book talks but that will be a lot shorter than a 9-4:30 day and will be very interesting.
On Monday, I recorded a sound bite/instructional segment about using the library catalog and requesting books from other institutions. Next, I added screenshots to the sound. It was pretty good if I do say so myself :)
In other library related news, I'm going to be doing a book talk for a group of retired schoolteachers/other influential ladies of the community in April. This will be my first chance to do a booktalk and I'm really excited/nervous. Trying to find books which interest them is really challenging because a) I've never done this before and b) I have no idea what they might like. There is a book called The Booktalker's Bible from which I will be borrowing heavily. I will also be talking about Tom Brokaw's book, Boom, because we are doing that for a One Book, One Community program during National Library Week. I really should get on reading that. How in the world am I going to be able to talk to a group of people who lived through the 60s when I wasn't even born for another 20 years?! Anyway, I hope this book talk will go well. If it does, I will be able to go to a lot of other groups. You would be amazed the number of places that want someone to come to talk to them about books. Now if only I could find a way to combine the knitting and the book talking :)
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Pirates, grog and seaweed, oh, my!
Our summer reading theme is the sea this year but really it has evolved into pirates.
I created this reading map for the theme. And this is my pirate name. Arrrr.
I created this reading map for the theme. And this is my pirate name. Arrrr.My pirate name is:
Mad Anne Flint
Every pirate is a little bit crazy. You, though, are more than just a little bit. Like the rock flint, you're hard and sharp. But, also like flint, you're easily chipped, and sparky. Arr!
part of the fidius.org network Monday, April 16, 2007
The Machine is Us/ing Us (Final Version)
Call me a web 2.0 dork. I have a workshop for my MLIS this weekend about web 2.0 and what it means for libraries. One of the library blogs on my Bloglines list mentioned this video and it is definitely worth watching.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Snow again!
It is flurrying again! :) I am very excited. It hasn't felt like winter without some snow on the ground.
My program on Tuesday went really well. I had three ladies come and one brought her granddaughter. Two knew how to knit and crochet and one was relearning. Once she started, her hands definitely remembered how to do it. We made 3 blanket squares that night. One of the ladies was going to rush home and look through her yarn stash to see what she could use to make squares.
Speaking of stash . . . . I was worried that I might not have enough yarn for people to use and would have to buy some. Then I started looking through my stash . . .
A full tote bag and a shopping bag! (I think I had enough yarn.) This is just the junk yarn and none of my good stuff! I don't even know where all of this was hiding!
Peacock shawl . . . I was finishing up another pair of Fetching last night so not much progress has been made. I am on the 96th row and the feathers have started to appear. I love it though I need to pick up more books on tape/CD because it is definitely a project that I can't knit and read at the same time!
My program on Tuesday went really well. I had three ladies come and one brought her granddaughter. Two knew how to knit and crochet and one was relearning. Once she started, her hands definitely remembered how to do it. We made 3 blanket squares that night. One of the ladies was going to rush home and look through her yarn stash to see what she could use to make squares.
Speaking of stash . . . . I was worried that I might not have enough yarn for people to use and would have to buy some. Then I started looking through my stash . . .
A full tote bag and a shopping bag! (I think I had enough yarn.) This is just the junk yarn and none of my good stuff! I don't even know where all of this was hiding!Peacock shawl . . . I was finishing up another pair of Fetching last night so not much progress has been made. I am on the 96th row and the feathers have started to appear. I love it though I need to pick up more books on tape/CD because it is definitely a project that I can't knit and read at the same time!
Monday, January 22, 2007
Warm up America!
I am really nervous for tomorrow.
I work in a small branch library which is relatively new (opened in Sept. 2005). Before we opened, the only library service this community had was the bookmobile. Most of the time we don't have a huge number of participants in our programs. For instance, the last program I had (free blood pressure checks) only had 2 people come. One of those was a library employee who I begged and the other was a man who came in to use the Internet. Discouraging to say the least.
Tomorrow, I am having a program for Warm Up America!, a really great non-profit foundation. The whole point is to make enough 7 x 9 inch squares to make up a blanket. I am going to be teaching people how to knit or crochet if they don't already know how to do so. It should be a lot of fun since I love teaching / infecting others with the yarn sickness ;)
No, what I am nervous about is whether or not anyone will actually come. I've had a couple of ladies say they will but we have had other people say they will come to events then not show up. Blah. I always get very nervous before each of my programs and it looks like this time is no different!
Oh, the shawl is flying by. I can't get enough of it! I am on the 90th row and the 3rd of 8 total charts. You can really see the feathers starting to develop. But I should set it aside tonight (gasp) and make some squares for the blanket tomorrow. Time to practice different stitches!
I work in a small branch library which is relatively new (opened in Sept. 2005). Before we opened, the only library service this community had was the bookmobile. Most of the time we don't have a huge number of participants in our programs. For instance, the last program I had (free blood pressure checks) only had 2 people come. One of those was a library employee who I begged and the other was a man who came in to use the Internet. Discouraging to say the least.
Tomorrow, I am having a program for Warm Up America!, a really great non-profit foundation. The whole point is to make enough 7 x 9 inch squares to make up a blanket. I am going to be teaching people how to knit or crochet if they don't already know how to do so. It should be a lot of fun since I love teaching / infecting others with the yarn sickness ;)
No, what I am nervous about is whether or not anyone will actually come. I've had a couple of ladies say they will but we have had other people say they will come to events then not show up. Blah. I always get very nervous before each of my programs and it looks like this time is no different!
Oh, the shawl is flying by. I can't get enough of it! I am on the 90th row and the 3rd of 8 total charts. You can really see the feathers starting to develop. But I should set it aside tonight (gasp) and make some squares for the blanket tomorrow. Time to practice different stitches!
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Finally, Blogger!
I tried to get onto Blogger all day yesterday and it was doing something very odd.
I am going to be a huge library dork and talk all about the OCLC tour I went on yesterday. Someone from Kent State arranged to have a tour there. They had to drive down to Kent and I didn't because I live near Dublin. I've also taken a class at OCLC with the woman who gave the tour (I heart Nancy because I am basically her mini me.) We never got to have a tour there during class because it was held in the evenings when most of the people have already gone home.
Anyway, Nancy gave a brief talk about the history of OCLC and a little bit of what they do there. Then we went on the tour. We got to see the usability lab and talked to the man who runs it. One of my papers this month was about website usability so I definitely knew what he was talking about. The amount of cameras in that room was amazing.
Then we got to see where they manage/observe the 200+ servers. In a way, it kind of reminded me of a NASA control room, lots of monitors and projected images. If there is ever a problem with one of the servers no matter where it is located, they know about it in a couple of seconds and track down what is the problem. The people who work there work in 12 hour shifts (!) and the room is staffed 24/7, 365 days/year.
We took a tour of the OCLC library. (Talk about a special library.) They had a lot of periodicals and books available to the staff. The library is open round the clock, too, but it is not staffed around the clock. Any of the staff members can pick a book of the shelves and check it out themselves. They don't have any due dates because they figure it is easier to purchase a replacement.
The one building on the campus was built around the original hulking computer systems. It used to occupy 3 floors of the building. With the new technologies, they need a whole lot less space for the computers so now they rent out the space to other people. We were able to go to an observation room and look at the OCLC computers. It was kind of freaky all of the white space, computers and no one around.
We got to see where they print the catalog cards (yes, some libraries still use catalog cards). I think the noise of the ribbon printers would have driven me crazy very quickly if I worked there.
**Lunch Break** :)
We went to one of the other buildings and got to see where they do cataloging. The number of languages they can catalog in is staggering. They have specifically hired people with cataloging experience and who speak at least one other language. We met one of the Russian specialists.
Then we saw the foreign language collection. If a library discovers they have a need of a foreign language collection, they can call OCLC and will be sent a ready-made collection. All of the cataloging is already done and there are a variety of books in the collection. Amazing!
It was funny that, in all of the public areas, the grounds, and (most) work areas, the architecture and interior design was very nice. The hallways, however, made you think of an underground bunker. No joke. Kind of narrow, few doors, no windows and painted a beige-ish color. The places where the public can go (which isn't far without an escort) are simply amazing. The courtyard of the Kilgour Building is an atrium with a grove of live trees in it and plants all around the walls. They had white Christmas lights all around the tree trunks. Very pretty. It kind of reminded me of the Seattle Public Library plant beds which are inside the building.
It was a fun day all in all.
I tried to get onto Blogger all day yesterday and it was doing something very odd.
I am going to be a huge library dork and talk all about the OCLC tour I went on yesterday. Someone from Kent State arranged to have a tour there. They had to drive down to Kent and I didn't because I live near Dublin. I've also taken a class at OCLC with the woman who gave the tour (I heart Nancy because I am basically her mini me.) We never got to have a tour there during class because it was held in the evenings when most of the people have already gone home.
Anyway, Nancy gave a brief talk about the history of OCLC and a little bit of what they do there. Then we went on the tour. We got to see the usability lab and talked to the man who runs it. One of my papers this month was about website usability so I definitely knew what he was talking about. The amount of cameras in that room was amazing.
Then we got to see where they manage/observe the 200+ servers. In a way, it kind of reminded me of a NASA control room, lots of monitors and projected images. If there is ever a problem with one of the servers no matter where it is located, they know about it in a couple of seconds and track down what is the problem. The people who work there work in 12 hour shifts (!) and the room is staffed 24/7, 365 days/year.
We took a tour of the OCLC library. (Talk about a special library.) They had a lot of periodicals and books available to the staff. The library is open round the clock, too, but it is not staffed around the clock. Any of the staff members can pick a book of the shelves and check it out themselves. They don't have any due dates because they figure it is easier to purchase a replacement.
The one building on the campus was built around the original hulking computer systems. It used to occupy 3 floors of the building. With the new technologies, they need a whole lot less space for the computers so now they rent out the space to other people. We were able to go to an observation room and look at the OCLC computers. It was kind of freaky all of the white space, computers and no one around.
We got to see where they print the catalog cards (yes, some libraries still use catalog cards). I think the noise of the ribbon printers would have driven me crazy very quickly if I worked there.
We went to one of the other buildings and got to see where they do cataloging. The number of languages they can catalog in is staggering. They have specifically hired people with cataloging experience and who speak at least one other language. We met one of the Russian specialists.
Then we saw the foreign language collection. If a library discovers they have a need of a foreign language collection, they can call OCLC and will be sent a ready-made collection. All of the cataloging is already done and there are a variety of books in the collection. Amazing!
It was funny that, in all of the public areas, the grounds, and (most) work areas, the architecture and interior design was very nice. The hallways, however, made you think of an underground bunker. No joke. Kind of narrow, few doors, no windows and painted a beige-ish color. The places where the public can go (which isn't far without an escort) are simply amazing. The courtyard of the Kilgour Building is an atrium with a grove of live trees in it and plants all around the walls. They had white Christmas lights all around the tree trunks. Very pretty. It kind of reminded me of the Seattle Public Library plant beds which are inside the building.
It was a fun day all in all.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Library Humour
This comes from the PubLib listserv. Ah, library humour. ;)
Let reference librarians conduct their business in the same manner as Dr.House of the eponymous TV series -- i.e., as long as we give ultimately brilliant service, we should be allowed to insult the patrons.
Patron: "This is a dumb question . . . "
House the Librarian: "I'm sure it is, probably dumber than a lot ofthem I get. But go ahead anyway."
Patron: "I'm looking for the book by this dude, Les Miserables."
House: "Here is 50 cents. I want you to go outside to the pay phone, call your mother, and tell her there is very little chance of your attending college."
Patron: "I have the title but not the author. I guess you can't help me."
House: "No, no, I don't suppose so. It's one of those book things, isn't it? And I'm just the librarian."
Patron: "I need something on doing psychic readings on cats."
House: "Have you been this way ever since you crashed at Roswell?"
Patron: "What a wonderful job! Paid to just sit and read!"
House: "Oh indeed. If you'll excuse me now, it's my turn in the staff jacuzzi."
Patron: "Can I check out these books marked REFERENCE?"
House: "Ordinarily not. But if you're not exactly the sharpest knife in the drawer, we make an exception."
Get enough Houses on your staff, and you'll never have to worry about the impression of encouraging friendship.
Good luck.
Joe Schallan
Phoenix
:D Good to know that I am not the only one out there thinking this kind of stuff!
This comes from the PubLib listserv. Ah, library humour. ;)
Let reference librarians conduct their business in the same manner as Dr.House of the eponymous TV series -- i.e., as long as we give ultimately brilliant service, we should be allowed to insult the patrons.
Patron: "This is a dumb question . . . "
House the Librarian: "I'm sure it is, probably dumber than a lot ofthem I get. But go ahead anyway."
Patron: "I'm looking for the book by this dude, Les Miserables."
House: "Here is 50 cents. I want you to go outside to the pay phone, call your mother, and tell her there is very little chance of your attending college."
Patron: "I have the title but not the author. I guess you can't help me."
House: "No, no, I don't suppose so. It's one of those book things, isn't it? And I'm just the librarian."
Patron: "I need something on doing psychic readings on cats."
House: "Have you been this way ever since you crashed at Roswell?"
Patron: "What a wonderful job! Paid to just sit and read!"
House: "Oh indeed. If you'll excuse me now, it's my turn in the staff jacuzzi."
Patron: "Can I check out these books marked REFERENCE?"
House: "Ordinarily not. But if you're not exactly the sharpest knife in the drawer, we make an exception."
Get enough Houses on your staff, and you'll never have to worry about the impression of encouraging friendship.
Good luck.
Joe Schallan
Phoenix
:D Good to know that I am not the only one out there thinking this kind of stuff!
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Create your own card catalog cards
I am dork enough to think of creating my own virtual card catalog cards? Debatable. Check out (ha! I crack myself up) this blog to find out more information.
Friday, September 01, 2006
Random ramblin's of a 'rarian
After waiting for the flea guy to treat the library (yes, my library is infested with fleas which is a long story), I am now waiting for my parents to pick me up. We're travelling down to visit the cousins in TN for the Labor Day weekend. Because we are jumping on the interstate right near where I work, we didn't want to have 2 cars down here. The only thing is now I have to wait in a chemically smelly library because it is raining outside. Joy. The thing is, my family is never on time for anything. It takes me at least 3 tries to get out of the door whenever I leave. So I guess it was too much to expect them to be here right at 3.30. *sigh*
At least, the car trip will give me the chance to do some more knitting. I will just have to make the tough decision of whether or not I want to start a pair of lime green socks or a pair of dark blue ones. Choices, choices! ;)
Oh, so you want to hear more about the fleas? Ever since we opened last year, the library has been infested. Apparently, fleas are a big problem around the water. I had no idea! Anyway, the theory is that one of our regular patrons have an infestation problem. Because they are a regular, they keep bringing the little buggers into the library. We spray regularly but, when it is close to the time for another spraying, the fleas start eating the staff alive. One of the other workers is more appetizing to the fleas so I am mostly spared. I usually only have 2-3 bites per day. Yipee. I've made up some eucalyptus oil spray which is supposed to deter the fleas. I wonder if people could be doused in it?
After waiting for the flea guy to treat the library (yes, my library is infested with fleas which is a long story), I am now waiting for my parents to pick me up. We're travelling down to visit the cousins in TN for the Labor Day weekend. Because we are jumping on the interstate right near where I work, we didn't want to have 2 cars down here. The only thing is now I have to wait in a chemically smelly library because it is raining outside. Joy. The thing is, my family is never on time for anything. It takes me at least 3 tries to get out of the door whenever I leave. So I guess it was too much to expect them to be here right at 3.30. *sigh*
At least, the car trip will give me the chance to do some more knitting. I will just have to make the tough decision of whether or not I want to start a pair of lime green socks or a pair of dark blue ones. Choices, choices! ;)
Oh, so you want to hear more about the fleas? Ever since we opened last year, the library has been infested. Apparently, fleas are a big problem around the water. I had no idea! Anyway, the theory is that one of our regular patrons have an infestation problem. Because they are a regular, they keep bringing the little buggers into the library. We spray regularly but, when it is close to the time for another spraying, the fleas start eating the staff alive. One of the other workers is more appetizing to the fleas so I am mostly spared. I usually only have 2-3 bites per day. Yipee. I've made up some eucalyptus oil spray which is supposed to deter the fleas. I wonder if people could be doused in it?
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
People, in the library! *gasp*
Yesterday, it was beyond dead at work. We only had 6 people use the internet not to mention only a small number of people checking out items. It is really sad when, over the span of 4 hours, you can count the number of patrons on one hand.
Today, however, has been completely different! It was so busy that we had people waiting to use the internet, requesting books and were signing people up for new cards. I hope this is a trend that continues.
Yesterday, it was beyond dead at work. We only had 6 people use the internet not to mention only a small number of people checking out items. It is really sad when, over the span of 4 hours, you can count the number of patrons on one hand.
Today, however, has been completely different! It was so busy that we had people waiting to use the internet, requesting books and were signing people up for new cards. I hope this is a trend that continues.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
And I shall call you "Cologne Boy."
I love how some patrons lend themselves to nicknames. Some nicknames are memory triggers like "Cookies lady" for the woman who loves making cookies and gives them to everyone. Or "Newspaper Man" for the kind gentleman who comes in almost everyday to read the paper, check his e-mail and pass the time of day.
Other nicknames are not so nice. "That fox purse lady" for the woman who is sooooo proud of the bright purple and white fox purse (oh, wouldn't you LOVE to see that one?) and wants you to compliment her on it. Or the newly created one for "Cologne Boy," a man who thinks, if a little cologne is good, bathing in it would be even better. Ugh. The entire place stinks for hours after he has left. Air freshener, here I come.
I love how some patrons lend themselves to nicknames. Some nicknames are memory triggers like "Cookies lady" for the woman who loves making cookies and gives them to everyone. Or "Newspaper Man" for the kind gentleman who comes in almost everyday to read the paper, check his e-mail and pass the time of day.
Other nicknames are not so nice. "That fox purse lady" for the woman who is sooooo proud of the bright purple and white fox purse (oh, wouldn't you LOVE to see that one?) and wants you to compliment her on it. Or the newly created one for "Cologne Boy," a man who thinks, if a little cologne is good, bathing in it would be even better. Ugh. The entire place stinks for hours after he has left. Air freshener, here I come.
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