Hello All,
It's been a crazy week for me. Myself and two other fine gentlemen did a presentation about Graphic Novels and it went smashingly. Of course me being me, I had to put a massive amount of work into it. Sometimes I really wish I was one of those people who settle for the mediocre at work. Put no, I have to be the best. So I didn't really get any reading done this week. However I do have something to rant about so feel free to sit back and enjoy.
Anyone who follows the book blogs knows that it's Banned Books Week. As a public librarian I know that this is a big deal. Year after year it becomes one of those things that folks shake their fists at and shout "How dare you?" whenever the idea of banned literature is mentioned. Librarians, booksellers, and readers in general pat themselves on the back. Displays are set up so readers can shake their heads and say "I didn't think this was still done."
Here's where I'm going to say something that may stir the small readership of this blog. For all the individuals who I hear all the time who rail against the idea of banned books, I think that are an equal amount of folks who are perfectly fine with the idea. This must be true because the ALA faces book challenges all the time. Of course these challenges are always made in order to either 1) protect the children, or 2) protect the morals of the community. Now public libraries are run by government funding, hence citizens feel that they have a free say in what a library carries. This is worthy of debate. How much obligation does the common citizen have on the morality of it's community? I say none. The only obligation that I have is to my own moral code. It's the actions that I decide to take, not what I think in my mind.
Then there's the Law. Here in the U.S. we as a citizenry have decided that there are certain actions that an individual cannot do in order for us all to live together. I'm down with that, as long as none of that involves telling me how to think. I'm okay with crossing the street when the light is green, as long as a world of extreme anarchy can exist in my head.
Now I can tell you from experience that librarians take their jobs seriously. Collection development is not a joke. If a book contains material that is illegal ie. child pornography then it doesn't make it to the shelf. Why? Because as a society we have decided that child pornography is illegal. You also won't find pornographic magazines in the library I work for because they just end up getting stolen. And because in my state it is the law that pornography has to be kept out of view of kids. Again it's the law. At my library we take this very seriously.
I still cannot figure out why there are groups of people who believe they have a greater right to decide what I can read. Have they forgotten that the word "public" involves all of us? I may think that Twilight is tripe, however I would not tell someone that they have no right to read it. The great thing about a public library is that it is open to everyone. Yep that means "everyone." Until we as a community decide differently then every book has value. From Mein Kampf to the Bible to Huckleberry Finn. I would never tell anyone that they have no right to read a certain book. Why do others feel they have the right to tell me? Because in the end they feel they are morally superior. I wish they would stop. And then there would be no Banned Books Week and we'd all be better off.
Reading List
Books
Preacher
Arkham Asylum
Magazines
Newsweek
Comics
Gotham Sirens #4
Check Out Count: Lower than it's been in forever.
Comic Pull List:Amazing Spider-Man #607, Gotham City Sirens #4, Green Lantern #46, Runaways 3 #14, Superman #692, Wonder Woman #36
Have a great week! Book Slave.
Showing posts with label Librarians. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Librarians. Show all posts
2009-09-30
2008-11-22
A Day Without Computers
Hello folks,
Howse it going? Good I hope, I'm doing well. I had a fascinating day at the old bibliotech (that a fancy schmancy way of saying library folks). It's been awhile since I've thrown down here with some library talk. Yes to remind y'all I do spend time working as a librarian in a fabulous facility known for it's architecture. And I love it for many reasons.
The main reason is that it combines my love of books with the emotional wonderfulness of helping people. I won't lie, some days it can be trying. Crazy homeless people or teenage kids that forget you are a human being with feelings take time to get used to. Worse are when people lie to your face and then accuse you of doing wrong. There are some diamond hard-hearted librarians out there who don't care about books. I've worked really hard to stay positive and cling to the good experiences. Nothing beats putting a patron together with a great book.
Today was a real test. See when I got in this morning all the computers were down. No catalog, no internet, no computers at all. Yes it was back to old school brothers and sisters. Rather than be daunted by the lack of technology, however I loved it. It was a great challenge. Do you know your shelves? How well do you know books and authors? I enjoyed the test. Sometimes I fear that I'm chained to my desk. It's a problem in modern librarianship that people are stuck to their computer screens. So today there was no excuse whatsoever to be stuck at the desk. I wandered around, filled displays, even shelved some books. It was awesome. In fact, and this may be heresy, but I think we should do it every three months.
Have a great weekend! Book Slave.
Howse it going? Good I hope, I'm doing well. I had a fascinating day at the old bibliotech (that a fancy schmancy way of saying library folks). It's been awhile since I've thrown down here with some library talk. Yes to remind y'all I do spend time working as a librarian in a fabulous facility known for it's architecture. And I love it for many reasons.
The main reason is that it combines my love of books with the emotional wonderfulness of helping people. I won't lie, some days it can be trying. Crazy homeless people or teenage kids that forget you are a human being with feelings take time to get used to. Worse are when people lie to your face and then accuse you of doing wrong. There are some diamond hard-hearted librarians out there who don't care about books. I've worked really hard to stay positive and cling to the good experiences. Nothing beats putting a patron together with a great book.
Today was a real test. See when I got in this morning all the computers were down. No catalog, no internet, no computers at all. Yes it was back to old school brothers and sisters. Rather than be daunted by the lack of technology, however I loved it. It was a great challenge. Do you know your shelves? How well do you know books and authors? I enjoyed the test. Sometimes I fear that I'm chained to my desk. It's a problem in modern librarianship that people are stuck to their computer screens. So today there was no excuse whatsoever to be stuck at the desk. I wandered around, filled displays, even shelved some books. It was awesome. In fact, and this may be heresy, but I think we should do it every three months.
Have a great weekend! Book Slave.
2008-06-17
Hot Time! Summer in the City!
Hello,
Yes I now live in an oven. It's the consequence of being surrounded by concrete I suppose. At least I work in air conditioned buildings. On days like today you couldn't pay me to be a construction worker.
On another front I am currently obsessed with Euro2008. Two international games a day! I'm in Heaven! However this does cut down on my reading time so rather than give you a short entry today I'm gonna combine entries. I've promised you a special focus on the book Quiet Please by Scott Douglas so I'm gonna throw it in here. Don't worry you'll also get a review and current reading list. Just gonna throw in a little extra. So let's get it going already!
Special Focus: Quiet Please
When I heard about this memoir I had to pick it up. Quiet Please: Dispatches from a Public Librarian written by Scott Douglas tells the story of a young man who starts out as a lowly page in the Anaheim Public library system. He decides reluctantly to become a librarian and the book chronicles his journey through 6 years of service. A little autobiography and context to start off. As any constant reader may surmise I spend some of my days as an assistant librarian. I have spent the majority of my life in libraries because my mom has served, and continues to do so, as a librarian for 30 years. Her dedication to public service deserves to be admired, and I am happy to follow her lead.
As I read this book I was struck by the author's raw, sometimes bitter, honesty about everything. This includes his fellow co-workers, patrons, and enemies. Having worked in libraries myself I often laughed and empathized with Douglas. His no hold barred honesty was refreshing and I think eye-opening.
In my opinion every librarian working today should read this memoir. Many co-workers I've had, young and old, have been burned-out by the negative experiences that they've had. Instead of glossing over those experiences Douglas brings them to light. When he states that he often fears that one of his patron will kill him he is half serious. Poignantly he discusses how there are problem patrons that drive him crazy, but he misses them when they disappear. These chapters were enjoyable and eye-opening.
I took Douglas's commentary to heart, especially when a co-worker reminds him "never to put himself above the public." Librarians are "public servants"-a fact that I think is often forgotten. Again I think that all librarians should read this book. I can't recommend it highly enough.
FYI Scott Douglas blogs here. Check it out.
Reviews
DC Comic Guide to Writing Comics
This instructional book by legendary comic writer Dennis O'Neill was very interesting and informative. I recommend this book to any teen/adult who wants to write comics. O'Neill offers technical and story advice in an easy fun format. He also includes great examples from real comics, however I would like to see an updated version that includes 52, a weekly series, or mega-events that are common today.
What's In My Bag
Comic
Rasl #1
Magazine
Film Comment
Books
Assassination Vacation
Suspicions of Mr. Whicher
Check Out Count: Under Control. I hope.
Alright time to sit in front of the fan and watch nations collide on the soccer field of battle. Enjoy! Book Slave.
Yes I now live in an oven. It's the consequence of being surrounded by concrete I suppose. At least I work in air conditioned buildings. On days like today you couldn't pay me to be a construction worker.
On another front I am currently obsessed with Euro2008. Two international games a day! I'm in Heaven! However this does cut down on my reading time so rather than give you a short entry today I'm gonna combine entries. I've promised you a special focus on the book Quiet Please by Scott Douglas so I'm gonna throw it in here. Don't worry you'll also get a review and current reading list. Just gonna throw in a little extra. So let's get it going already!
Special Focus: Quiet Please
When I heard about this memoir I had to pick it up. Quiet Please: Dispatches from a Public Librarian written by Scott Douglas tells the story of a young man who starts out as a lowly page in the Anaheim Public library system. He decides reluctantly to become a librarian and the book chronicles his journey through 6 years of service. A little autobiography and context to start off. As any constant reader may surmise I spend some of my days as an assistant librarian. I have spent the majority of my life in libraries because my mom has served, and continues to do so, as a librarian for 30 years. Her dedication to public service deserves to be admired, and I am happy to follow her lead.
As I read this book I was struck by the author's raw, sometimes bitter, honesty about everything. This includes his fellow co-workers, patrons, and enemies. Having worked in libraries myself I often laughed and empathized with Douglas. His no hold barred honesty was refreshing and I think eye-opening.
In my opinion every librarian working today should read this memoir. Many co-workers I've had, young and old, have been burned-out by the negative experiences that they've had. Instead of glossing over those experiences Douglas brings them to light. When he states that he often fears that one of his patron will kill him he is half serious. Poignantly he discusses how there are problem patrons that drive him crazy, but he misses them when they disappear. These chapters were enjoyable and eye-opening.
I took Douglas's commentary to heart, especially when a co-worker reminds him "never to put himself above the public." Librarians are "public servants"-a fact that I think is often forgotten. Again I think that all librarians should read this book. I can't recommend it highly enough.
FYI Scott Douglas blogs here. Check it out.
Reviews
DC Comic Guide to Writing Comics
This instructional book by legendary comic writer Dennis O'Neill was very interesting and informative. I recommend this book to any teen/adult who wants to write comics. O'Neill offers technical and story advice in an easy fun format. He also includes great examples from real comics, however I would like to see an updated version that includes 52, a weekly series, or mega-events that are common today.
What's In My Bag
Comic
Rasl #1
Magazine
Film Comment
Books
Assassination Vacation
Suspicions of Mr. Whicher
Check Out Count: Under Control. I hope.
Alright time to sit in front of the fan and watch nations collide on the soccer field of battle. Enjoy! Book Slave.
2008-05-01
Difficult Management and Grand Theft Auto
Hello,
Today we are going to talk about a "difficult" topic that's pretty universal.
First some background: Management where I am employed has challenged me to improve staff relations in our department. How can I help us become more of a team? Now this is a difficult task in any industry, but especially difficult in a service industry like librarianship. Librarians serve the public on a long term basis. Let me tell you: working in a library is a pretty stable job. However it can take one bad patron experience to ruin your day.
(Now I warn you if this subject bores you to tears, then here's a fun treat, Enjoy)
Hopefully this will keep the teens occupied this weekend since the weather is turning nasty.(Hey teen services here's an idea: Grand Theft Auto tournament! Just throwing it out there)
Review and Some Library Applications
It is no surprise that over time negative experiences can create librarians that are known as crabs. One crab can then infect a whole team. So in order to gain some help in these matters I picked up a copy of "Dealing With Difficult People" written collaboratively by Harvard Business School Press. This book contains a series of short concise essays on the main topic. I was drawn by the promise of the timesaving guide logo on the cover. I found some chapters more easily applicable than others, whereas the latter half of the book was more geared toward managers/executives.
The most interesting/applicable chapter was titled "Crabs, Cranks, and Curmudgeons" written by Constantine von Hoffman. I highly agree with the notion that an effective manager must be able to use Emotional Intelligence (EI). EI is defined as "the capacity for recognizing our own feelings and those of others, for motivating ourselves and for managing emotions well in ourselves and our relationships with others. (38) How much of our judgements of our fellow co-workers is influenced by our own personal emotions? It is easier to change behaviors rather than personalities. Is that crab in your office a crab because it's their "way of life" or because of their position? Hoffman effectively emphasizes that it is a manager's job to ask these questions effectively and then make a plan of action. He emphasizes that it seems even worse to do nothing about it all.
Library applications: Look at your co-workers and use some EI to evaluate where you fit into your team.
Another effective chapter titled "Don't Just Do Something-Sit There" written by David Whitemyer discussed how to use conflicts to improve the interactions of the group. As a feminist I always get huffy about the idea that women are more apt to make "tempests out of teapots" whereas men just "have it out" and are done. I do find that a women driven industry such as librarianship it seems more difficult to resolve simple conflicts. It's up to the manager to decide when to step in and how to resolve. Whitemyer emphasizes the importance of the manager to realize the difference between institutional issues and interpersonal conflicts.
Library applications: Take a look and evaluate what team conflicts are resolvable through one-on-one dialogue. When does management need to step in?
The rest of the book centers around conflict resolution and performance appraisals. The heavy emphasis here indicates to me that these are the biggest issues for a manager. I also have a suspicion that the management book/coaching industry would have us believe this in order to sell books/seminars. Perhaps I am wrong. Managers are people too (I guess) especially in libraries. Libraries tend to have long-term employees and managers who do not want to "rock the boat." However I think that constant evaluation is the only way towards improvement. This book seems to emphasize that in it's final chapters. I found this book to be an easily concise and step-oriented book that I recommend to future managers.
Have an excellent Weekend! Book Slave.
Today we are going to talk about a "difficult" topic that's pretty universal.
First some background: Management where I am employed has challenged me to improve staff relations in our department. How can I help us become more of a team? Now this is a difficult task in any industry, but especially difficult in a service industry like librarianship. Librarians serve the public on a long term basis. Let me tell you: working in a library is a pretty stable job. However it can take one bad patron experience to ruin your day.
(Now I warn you if this subject bores you to tears, then here's a fun treat, Enjoy)
Hopefully this will keep the teens occupied this weekend since the weather is turning nasty.(Hey teen services here's an idea: Grand Theft Auto tournament! Just throwing it out there)
Review and Some Library Applications
It is no surprise that over time negative experiences can create librarians that are known as crabs. One crab can then infect a whole team. So in order to gain some help in these matters I picked up a copy of "Dealing With Difficult People" written collaboratively by Harvard Business School Press. This book contains a series of short concise essays on the main topic. I was drawn by the promise of the timesaving guide logo on the cover. I found some chapters more easily applicable than others, whereas the latter half of the book was more geared toward managers/executives.
The most interesting/applicable chapter was titled "Crabs, Cranks, and Curmudgeons" written by Constantine von Hoffman. I highly agree with the notion that an effective manager must be able to use Emotional Intelligence (EI). EI is defined as "the capacity for recognizing our own feelings and those of others, for motivating ourselves and for managing emotions well in ourselves and our relationships with others. (38) How much of our judgements of our fellow co-workers is influenced by our own personal emotions? It is easier to change behaviors rather than personalities. Is that crab in your office a crab because it's their "way of life" or because of their position? Hoffman effectively emphasizes that it is a manager's job to ask these questions effectively and then make a plan of action. He emphasizes that it seems even worse to do nothing about it all.
Library applications: Look at your co-workers and use some EI to evaluate where you fit into your team.
Another effective chapter titled "Don't Just Do Something-Sit There" written by David Whitemyer discussed how to use conflicts to improve the interactions of the group. As a feminist I always get huffy about the idea that women are more apt to make "tempests out of teapots" whereas men just "have it out" and are done. I do find that a women driven industry such as librarianship it seems more difficult to resolve simple conflicts. It's up to the manager to decide when to step in and how to resolve. Whitemyer emphasizes the importance of the manager to realize the difference between institutional issues and interpersonal conflicts.
Library applications: Take a look and evaluate what team conflicts are resolvable through one-on-one dialogue. When does management need to step in?
The rest of the book centers around conflict resolution and performance appraisals. The heavy emphasis here indicates to me that these are the biggest issues for a manager. I also have a suspicion that the management book/coaching industry would have us believe this in order to sell books/seminars. Perhaps I am wrong. Managers are people too (I guess) especially in libraries. Libraries tend to have long-term employees and managers who do not want to "rock the boat." However I think that constant evaluation is the only way towards improvement. This book seems to emphasize that in it's final chapters. I found this book to be an easily concise and step-oriented book that I recommend to future managers.
Have an excellent Weekend! Book Slave.
2008-04-25
Better late than Never
Hey, apologies for the lateness of this post. Sometimes the words aren't a-flowing as much as they should. So today's topic: Graphic Novels and Libraries.
In the library where I work I have come to love our graphic novel section. It has a wide variety of titles, several different genres, and is currently the second highest circulating items (behind AV materials, like DVDs, CDs, etc.). When I was first employed, I admit that my knowledge was somewhat limited. Due to this inexperience I dedicated myself to reading at least 10-12 a year. As I dug in further that number tripled. I also decided to look into the benefits of graphic novels when it comes to those who have reading difficulties. Kids with limited reading skills benefit from the combination of art and words. This helps with comprehension. Also the fact that these books are usually 100-150 pages long. As the reader is able to get through a series there confidence grows and they decide to raise the stakes quicker.
Let's also not forget that these stories are fun. Yeah I said it. The links to sci-fi and fantasy are obvious, however there is also an escapism. Entire new worlds are developed and histories created. Kids and adults can easily lose themselves in these stories. On the other hand, recent graphic novels have expanded their storytelling to the autobiographical. Modern classics along these lines include Persepolis, American Splendor, and Blankets. So readers get the best of all worlds.
I also decided to work on my fellow librarians to give graphic novels a shot. There was some resistance. At least one librarian told me "I will never read those (graphic novels) I don't have time." I'm still working on that one. However I was ecstatic this week when an older librarian told me she was going to try her first graphic novel: Persepolis. I had given this same book to my mom for Christmas as her first graphic novel and it was a success. So I now consider Persepolis a great gateway reccomendation.
Anyway I've assembled an "If you like..." list here for anyone's whose interested:
If you like mysteries such as those written by Sue Grafton or the "V.I. Warshawski" series try Whiteout written by Greg Rucka.
If you like apocalyptic tales like I am Legend or The Road try The Walking Dead written by Robert Kirkman.
If you are looking for books for the tween girl inside try Spiderman Loves Mary Jane written by Sean McKeever.
If you like autobiograhical romance try Blankets by Craig Thompson.
If you like true crime try From Hell by Alan Moore.
If you like adventure and classic british literature try The League of Extraordinary Gentleman written by Alan Moore.
(Okay well basically anything by Alan Moore)
If you like crazy cosmic anarchy try The Invisibles written by Grant Morrison.
If you like political thrillers try Ex Machina by Brian K. Vaughan.
If you like fables with a modern twist try Fables written by Bill Willingham.
If you like Children of Men try Y the Last Man by Brian K. Vaughan.
As you can see there really is something for everyone. It's not just super-hero stuff. Have a great weekend! Book Slave.
In the library where I work I have come to love our graphic novel section. It has a wide variety of titles, several different genres, and is currently the second highest circulating items (behind AV materials, like DVDs, CDs, etc.). When I was first employed, I admit that my knowledge was somewhat limited. Due to this inexperience I dedicated myself to reading at least 10-12 a year. As I dug in further that number tripled. I also decided to look into the benefits of graphic novels when it comes to those who have reading difficulties. Kids with limited reading skills benefit from the combination of art and words. This helps with comprehension. Also the fact that these books are usually 100-150 pages long. As the reader is able to get through a series there confidence grows and they decide to raise the stakes quicker.
Let's also not forget that these stories are fun. Yeah I said it. The links to sci-fi and fantasy are obvious, however there is also an escapism. Entire new worlds are developed and histories created. Kids and adults can easily lose themselves in these stories. On the other hand, recent graphic novels have expanded their storytelling to the autobiographical. Modern classics along these lines include Persepolis, American Splendor, and Blankets. So readers get the best of all worlds.
I also decided to work on my fellow librarians to give graphic novels a shot. There was some resistance. At least one librarian told me "I will never read those (graphic novels) I don't have time." I'm still working on that one. However I was ecstatic this week when an older librarian told me she was going to try her first graphic novel: Persepolis. I had given this same book to my mom for Christmas as her first graphic novel and it was a success. So I now consider Persepolis a great gateway reccomendation.
Anyway I've assembled an "If you like..." list here for anyone's whose interested:
If you like mysteries such as those written by Sue Grafton or the "V.I. Warshawski" series try Whiteout written by Greg Rucka.
If you like apocalyptic tales like I am Legend or The Road try The Walking Dead written by Robert Kirkman.
If you are looking for books for the tween girl inside try Spiderman Loves Mary Jane written by Sean McKeever.
If you like autobiograhical romance try Blankets by Craig Thompson.
If you like true crime try From Hell by Alan Moore.
If you like adventure and classic british literature try The League of Extraordinary Gentleman written by Alan Moore.
(Okay well basically anything by Alan Moore)
If you like crazy cosmic anarchy try The Invisibles written by Grant Morrison.
If you like political thrillers try Ex Machina by Brian K. Vaughan.
If you like fables with a modern twist try Fables written by Bill Willingham.
If you like Children of Men try Y the Last Man by Brian K. Vaughan.
As you can see there really is something for everyone. It's not just super-hero stuff. Have a great weekend! Book Slave.
2008-04-17
Library 2.0 and the future
Hello folks,
Today I am going to discuss a general topic that libraries are taking to heart at the moment. A new idea has slipped into library philosophy called "Library 2.0." Library 2.0, as I understand it, involves the idea that technology can bring information to patrons. With information being more easily available it's questionable where libraries physically fit. It's a scary idea to those in the profession that there will be no need for librarians because patrons will look up everything on computers. Alarmists also like to scream that there will be no need for books in our future paper-less society.
I call BS on these fears, but I understand the existential angst. In terms of technology encroachment, the only options libraries have is to evolve. Let's face it, you can't push back the tide, man. Librarians need to train themselves to use these technologies to help patrons better. Technology does not equal extinction. Patrons, and human beings in general, will always want human contact. They trust human beings to answer there questions, or at least confirm what they already know, more than machines.
As a reader I believe that there will always be printed books. Haven't had the chance to use the new Amazon Kindle. However there's nothing new about digital ebooks, just visit Project Gutenberg. I think that digital representations of books lack a major psychological pull: the turning of the page. In this way the reader is physically able to move forward and feel accomplishment. It's not the same reading off a screen and clicking forward. Plus books are smaller, and don't need batteries or a power outlet.
So in the end Libraries/Librarians need to evolve and learn new technologies. It's hard to keep up, but I'm glad that I've had the chance to learn some new things. In the future I'm sure there will be a Library 3.0 where we can learn even more.
Have an awesome weekend. Book Slave.
Today I am going to discuss a general topic that libraries are taking to heart at the moment. A new idea has slipped into library philosophy called "Library 2.0." Library 2.0, as I understand it, involves the idea that technology can bring information to patrons. With information being more easily available it's questionable where libraries physically fit. It's a scary idea to those in the profession that there will be no need for librarians because patrons will look up everything on computers. Alarmists also like to scream that there will be no need for books in our future paper-less society.
I call BS on these fears, but I understand the existential angst. In terms of technology encroachment, the only options libraries have is to evolve. Let's face it, you can't push back the tide, man. Librarians need to train themselves to use these technologies to help patrons better. Technology does not equal extinction. Patrons, and human beings in general, will always want human contact. They trust human beings to answer there questions, or at least confirm what they already know, more than machines.
As a reader I believe that there will always be printed books. Haven't had the chance to use the new Amazon Kindle. However there's nothing new about digital ebooks, just visit Project Gutenberg. I think that digital representations of books lack a major psychological pull: the turning of the page. In this way the reader is physically able to move forward and feel accomplishment. It's not the same reading off a screen and clicking forward. Plus books are smaller, and don't need batteries or a power outlet.
So in the end Libraries/Librarians need to evolve and learn new technologies. It's hard to keep up, but I'm glad that I've had the chance to learn some new things. In the future I'm sure there will be a Library 3.0 where we can learn even more.
Have an awesome weekend. Book Slave.
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