The Ontarian Librarian

Moving...(Technically moved)

2008-03-05T19:45:00.002-05:00

I've switched to Wordpress for the time being. I wanted to test out the platform, so I could recommend it to others.

Join me at http://ontarianlibrarian.wordpress.com/

bad weather + bad drivers = ?

2008-02-17T16:39:00.002-05:00

Accidents? Sure. Brushing off the car? Perhaps. A very wet Jess. Most definately.

The weather here is decidedly crappy today. While I enjoy the warmer temps (yay spring jacket!), I do not enjoy the combination of poor plowing on the part of the city of London and too much rain. Combine that with people in their cars who fail to slow down in the midst of puddles and you get a sopping wet version of me. I'm sure if I asked the nice people in their warm cars, they would say it was my fault for being on the sidewalks. Oh well...I'm warm now. Coffee+warm cookies = ??? That's right. Happy Jess.

See...I knew this was a bad idea...

2008-01-09T19:47:00.000-05:00

Now I'm staring at my page, wondering what to blog about, reviewing my average day, and avoiding the work I need to do for class tomorrow. It's times like these when I remember how great being a student could be, despite my countless hours of complaining whilst living said life. There is something quite glorious about being able to show up to class, wearing whatever (*note: whatever for me usually means jeans and a tank top [plus sweater in the winter]), drinking/eating whatever, and coasting into a seat prepared to ummmm "learn." Now, reality tells me that I must show up to class wearing something professional (*note: dress pants, tank top, and sweater, with fun shoes). I probably shouldn't be eating (I've tried...it's messy), and I really shouldn't sit while teaching (I've also tried...it's weird). This does not mean that I don't like my job. It just means that some days I miss the delightful laziness of being a student. I see them...sitting there with their sleepy eyes, staring at me as I blather on about some writing topic, and, for a split second, I want to trade places. Then I remember, being graded isn't so fun, doing homework isn't exactly awesome, and I went to school to have the "big girl" job I have now.

Tis but a moment of weakness I suppose. Human nature if you will. Grass always looks greener, right? Now, on to matters of true importance. What song will I play to start class tomorrow? Back to prep.

Backstreet's back, alright?

2008-01-09T00:15:00.000-05:00

So....apparently it has been awhile since I last blogged. The lingering insanity of 2007 has me hesitant to blog again, but with the OLA approaching and my presentation on blogging looming I am reminded that I, too, once used to blog with somewhat regularity.

Why did I stop blogging? Time, simply put. Apparently even though I'm only scheduled to teach 12 (formerly 10) hours a week, marking and prep takes far longer than I ever could have imagined. Am I complaining? Probably, but I really must insist that I love my job, even though it's not exactly what I went to school for. Sometimes life hands us surprises, nice ones. Other times, they're giant piles of ummm...lemons? As I've said before, when life throws you lemons, throw them at other people. I only enjoy lemonade in the summer. Even then, I prefer tea. Anyone wishing I had stayed away from blogging yet?

This is all to say that I promise to write with far more regularity, especially since I will soon be delving back into blogging research to prep for the conference. If anyone has read and interesting articles on blogging lately, could you please send them along?

In other news, I'm currently downloading In Rainbows. That's right...I'm branching out beyond the usual Top 40 mix that currently fills my hip hop/trendy cravings for booty-shaking tunes. Although, I feel creepily trendy still, listening to something that how many millions have already listened to/will listen to with great frequency? *sigh* One day I will develop a music taste all my own.

I need to go clothes shopping!

2007-09-24T13:11:00.000-04:00

In the past two weeks, I have managed to convince myself that I can wear jeans all the time so long as I'm wearing a cardigan. I think I have some terrible logic going on there. For all of the harping I do about professional communication and dressing professionally, I really haven't been practicing what I preach so loudly.

*sigh*

Time to suck it up and make a trip to the mall.

Dress for the job you want, right?

Here we go again...

2007-09-17T13:44:00.000-04:00

The Scotiabank Giller released the longlist today. Thank you Scotiabank for telling us what merits truly great literature because we can't decide on our own. Anyone feel obligated to read these books now?

People, people everywhere and not a moment to spare

2007-09-17T13:10:00.000-04:00

I've often wondered why people who are inherently anti-social creatures enter into the library program. We've all heard the stereotype of the librarian as a quiet, introverted, bun/beard-wearing (hopefully not at the same time, but, if so, okay...) person. By nature I would say that I'm freakishly social, by which I mean I LOVE being around people. I can have a completely packed social calendar for the week, and I'm 100% happy. I rarely need time alone to "recharge," and find myself fueled by others. Sometimes, I think that's why the library (and lately teaching) has been a good fit for my personality. Not a day goes by where you can avoid talking to people and dealing with their various issues, be it a coworker or client. I love listening to what people have to say (for the most part), and helping find the information they're looking for. Although being "on" all the time in the classroom can be exhausting, it's fun to be talking to people all the time and I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy the attention just a bit (only-child syndrome, perhaps).

That being said, being alone can be a little more interesting...I often don't quite know what to do with myself (despite the ever-present need to clean/grade/prep/sleep). With the impending absence of television in my life, how will I fill the void of time? Dare I read more? Take up a new hobby? Actually blog? Spend MORE time on Facebook? I don't think it's possible...

Anyone want to hangout tonight? ;)

P.S. I would like to add to Michelle's various bus rants, stating that if you think not being able to get a seat is bad, try regularly seeing your students on the bus and grappling with the "do I talk to them, or do i ignore them?" issue...and then, then when you decide that perhaps it's best to leave them be, have them come up to you looking moderately hurt and commenting on your frequent iPod usage on the bus. I would take not getting a seat to have a taste of sweet, sweet anonymity...

The end of my blogging days...

2007-09-16T19:55:00.000-04:00

It's been almost two weeks since I've updated this thing. In the interest of not becoming one of those people who never update their blog, I'm going to seriously contemplate shutting her down. Being outside of the library community has given me little to blog about, unless I should be posting my seemingly endless rants about teaching and the foibles of my students. We'll see what the next couple of weeks brings.

Teaching is like...

2007-09-04T18:52:00.000-04:00

having a homework assignment due every, single day. I've never felt the pressure to be "on" so acutely as I do now. Wow...just wow.

Floating around in limbo...

2007-09-03T11:03:00.000-04:00

Lately, I've felt caught between two worlds. I've expressed my concern to some people that I'm feeling utterly disconnected from the library community, yet I don't really feel like a teacher either. Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled to be teaching (tomorrow!), but when I've spent the last year of the life preparing for something else, it just feels plain old weird. It's still a shock to think that one year ago, I was headed to my very first library school class, and, now, I sit here preping to teach my very first communications class. The world operates in very interesting ways.

So, I'm trying to think of ways to stay connected to librarianship, while keeping myself immersed in teaching, and here's what I've come up with so far:

1) Stay active in the professional organizations to which I belong: OLA, CLA, SLA. (*maybe I should ammend that to get more active with SLA, since I haven't explored the full benefits of that particular one). That reminds me...

2) Renew association memberships!

3) Keep using the library. I tend to forget it exists sometimes when I'm wandering around Chapters contemplating all of the books I could buy.

4) Read blogs of fellow librarians to see what's new in the community. There are so many great library-related blogs out there, that I'll never lack for entertainment, even when I'm lacking time.

I'm off to delve into the wonderful world of classroom prep! Did I ever mention learning how to use Power Point was perhaps one of the most useful things I gleaned over the last year? Countless presentations in library school actually have practical application in the real world--who knew?

Teaching is close to librarianship, right?

2007-08-31T19:03:00.000-04:00

It's hard to turn a job down, especially when you're fresh out of school after six years. So, I've turned to teaching at a college! Despite spending the last year in library school, I am now putting the other degree to use...So, I'll warn you in advance that my posts will probably take on a more random focus, including libraries, teaching stuff, and just life in general.

More to come in the next few days as I plow through a pile of classroom prep!

What does it all mean?

2007-08-17T15:06:00.000-04:00

I'll begin with the quick and obligatory apology for my lack of bloggery as of late. I've been busy with the end of school, which is finally approaching with the conclusion of my guided research project!

Although I've been promising myself that I wouldn't come on here until I was done the paper, I couldn't resist. I was at work yesterday, reading The Globe and Mail's bestseller lists for paperback and hardcover fiction and non-fiction. I think it's always helpful to have an idea of what's popular because I cannot even count the number of times someone has come in asking for a book "that's, you know, on that list, in the newspaper." I was surprised to note (again) that the two top non-fiction hardcovers are God is Not Great, by Christopher Hitchens and The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins. I am no expert on religion, but I find it disconcerting that there are the top two books right now. So I ask, what does it all mean? Is it perfectly normal that people are always seeking new answers to things they do not fully understand? Are they just good books and I'm missing out? I have no good answers, but something does not settle well with me.

More posts to follow...I've been reading Library Journal for fun again ;)

Oh the shame...

2007-08-05T20:53:00.000-04:00

Most of you already know, but I shall confess anyway:

I joined Facebook! *sigh*

How the mighty have fallen. I really have nothing to say beyond the fact that it's been quite fun. I'm discovering all of these professional associations that have groups I can join to connect with people. Oh the possibilities!

Anyway, school is horribly busy right now as the end draws near. I'll post more when things calm down a bit.

And post #31 goes to...

2007-07-29T13:14:00.000-04:00

romance novels...I really owe this post to Jen, who gave me a wonderful book entitled Hidden Obsession, for my birthday. This book is the ultimate RA recommendation. Not only does it have romance, but it comes complete with time travel, mystery, and the "erotic education" of one Linnet Welbourne, an innocent medieval gentlewoman.

Thank you Jen for enriching my reading ;)

A review of this scintillating read to follow...

TPL's library board cuts $1.2 million in spending

2007-07-26T09:44:00.000-04:00

When I said I would do a post about Ontario and libraries, I never imagined reading something like this in the news. Here's the summary of the cuts:

*16 branches closed on Sundays starting in September, including the downtown reference library (savings, $400,000)

*Put a freeze on hiring.

*Delayed reopening the Jane-Dundas branch, currently under renovation, to save $200,000. There will be no bookmobile service while it's closed.

*Cancelled the purchase of 14,000 items, including books and periodicals, to save $330,000.

*Cut its Storyteller in Residence program, and a program that forgives some teens overdue fines, to save $23,000.

*Reduced training and travel and some IT spending to save $272,000.

*Trimmed its printing and advertising budget by $10,000.

The freeze on hiring is especially problematic for those in the program that just interviewed for TPL yesterday. Although all of these ostensible 'savings' look good on paper, what about the cost to the community? *sigh* It's a sad day for Toronto...

And I'm back...

2007-07-24T14:39:00.001-04:00

So, I had a complaint about my lack of bloggery, but I assure you there is reason! Do I really want to blog again about my disgust with Facebook (and my possible, unrequited desire to cave and join...)? Do you really want to glance at another post on professional development/communication? Perhaps the end of library school is responsible for the fizzling passions of blogging. That, and I haven't really had time to think about things beyond my immediate relationships and assignments. Since I refuse to blog about my personal life for the most part on here that leaves me with classes to talk about, and that's not going to happen either.

I promise a post relevant to both Ontario and library-related jazz in the near future....

Love,
Jess

Romance at the Library?

2007-07-17T22:42:00.000-04:00

I've been reading quite a few romance novels lately, and it has always intrigued me how many times librarians tend to appear as prominent characters. While I think we are a rather attractive bunch, I cannot help but wonder what exactly is so darn appealing about libraries/librarians that prompt bookish characters and settings to spring up in these sultry, sumptuous soft covers. I'm trying to think of my own experiences at the library as both a patron and employee...

I've wandered the stacks of many libraries countless times, and while knowledge is indeed quite sexy, I do no know if I feel the stirrings of romance amongst the dusty books and metal shelving.
As many of us move away from dressing in librarian chic (bun, loafers, glasses...), we are not likely fulfilling any ostensible 'naughty librarian fantasies'--unless the fantasies have changed along with the fashion. Although, I do still wear the cardigan on a regular basis ;)
I just can't imagine anyone becoming particularly aroused or intrigued by my ability to place a hold, find a particular title, or perform a Google/database search.
The library is a public place and romance is such a private thing. These days, when I think of the library, I think community outreach, newcomers, and helping patrons. Maybe I'm old fashioned and need to redefine my ideas of romance?
Really, I just can't get over the dust some days! I wonder if they'd let me swiffer at work...

I guess I'll just have to keep reading romance novels until the mystery unveils itself. Really this post was just an excuse for me to justify my romance novel reading habit. One a day keeps the doctor away...

Just because I can't resist...

2007-07-15T16:54:00.001-04:00

The pressure to join Facebook is mounting as school comes to an end. Will the end of school bring the eating of much crow as I give in and slink over to the dark side? Why do I have a bad feeling that I will soon be dining on humble pie, followed by a dessert of my own words? How many bad expressions can I use in one post? Are there answers to any of these questions? I'm going to stop now.

Another Insightful Post, or the Insipid Musings of a Sleep Deprived (soon to be) Librarian?

2007-07-12T20:14:00.000-04:00

I was just realizing today that, once again, it's been far too long since I've posted anything. So, I've been racking my brain all day long to think of something to post. I have always been told to write what you know, so what do I know right now?

1) There actually is a point at which one can take on a little too much.

2) Along with that, there are times when we all have to ask for help, and I'm just lucky enough to have friends who are always there to lend a hand (or two on the really rough days).

3) Library school has gone way too fast! As much as I'll be happy to have a break from school for at least a year, I'll be sad to leave.

4) I really like cake. Ace of Cakes is on the tube-o-vision right now, and man do they look yummy.

5) Trivia is fun, even when one is terrible at it.

6) Dancing is also fun, and we should all go out more often!

7) This post has little or nothing to do with libraries. I'll have to work on that. Perhaps the last four weeks for school will inspire a flurry of intellectual thought. One can only hope!

Why I love web design class...

2007-07-11T11:49:00.000-04:00

Is it fair to blame computers?

2007-07-07T21:46:00.000-04:00

Lately, I've realized that my IM [instant messaging] typing skills have gone downhill. No longer do I heed the grammar monkey in my mind that screams for proper diction; instead, I am consumed by the need to type as fast as I speak. This has resulted in some embarrassingly egregious typos, and I fear that each error will one day damage my English major credibility. I’ve noticed the same problem often creeping up in MS Word when I do assignments, which alerts me to the fact that I’ve become dependent on my spellchecker. How does one recapture the buzz of the spelling bee that used to fly so freely in and out of my life? I see some self-administered spelling tests in the near future, either that or less time on IM.

*Note: Yes, a spellchecker was involved in this post. ;)

"Hello. I'm looking for a good book to read. Can you recommend something?"

2007-07-06T09:50:00.000-04:00

Perhaps the most feared of all questions that a librarian can be asked at the reference desk, I frequently ponder what I would do. Readers' advisory tends to creep into my mind every time I read a new book, and I wonder when the day will come when someone asks me that question. The following are some of the options that I have contemplated:

Novelist, despite the fact that LPL has yet to link it directly to their catalogue (soon they promise!)
Some form of book list--I frequently the Globe & Mail's bestseller list of top fiction/non-fiction
A book that I've enjoyed in the past if the patron's tastes seem to align with mine (based on a well-articulated RA interview, of course!)
Keeping a record of all of the books I have read, with annotations (at times it feels too late to start this now)
*blink* *stare* Ummmm...throw some magic dust and hope the perfect book appears (probably a less likely option)
Take the person over to shelf and start looking for something based on aesthetic appeal alone. I've found many good books this way!
If all else fails, I'll just look at a literary prize list and recommend a book off of there. If it has won a prize, it has to be good, right (despite a wholly subjective judging process with little or no formal criteria for what constitutes a 'good' book)?

"Et tu, Erin?"

2007-07-05T00:36:00.001-04:00

What's a girl to do when she finds out that her dearest friend has joined Facebook? Scorn her friend, join the ranks, remain stubborn? I think we all know the answer ;)

I really like my hometown, but...

2007-07-04T10:26:00.000-04:00

this is just odd! I think it's lovely that Owen Sound is happily celebrating its 150th year anniversary, but this is just cheesy. I refuse to walk around the city as an honourary 'Owen'...it is weird on many levels (those of you who know me best, might know why).

Also, does the city really think Oprah is going to show?

I am proud, however, to see that Owen Sound made the Toronto Star in a positive manner--one small leap for one small city.

This had nothing to do with libraries, but I maintain its relevance under the 'Ontarian' claim in the blog's name. Yay rhymes.

Reading week joys...

2007-07-04T00:11:00.000-04:00

1) Sleep.

2) Catching up on school work: nerdy, but necessary.

3) Not having a regular schedule to follow. Since this is one of the the last times I will live in the sweet, sweet paradise of school, I intend to enjoy it!

4) Catching up with friends.

5) Blogging about things that have nothing to do with libraries.

Yikes!

2007-06-25T01:24:00.000-04:00

Someone needs to conduct a session on "How to Write an Effective Conference Blurb!" I just agonized over mine and then settled on something that I'm still not sure will draw people in. Perhaps they will allow for modifications later...Hmmmm...It really is tricky to write something short and sweet that interests people. I read over some of the old ones from CLA, and tried to glean ideas, but they were all so different. Practice makes perfect, right? I guess I'll just have to keep attending conferences until it becomes a science. For that matter, a session on "How to Write a Conference Proposal" would probably also be rather useful to those interested in presenting at something like CLA or OLA. Something to think about for the professional communication class, if it is ever taught again.

Linwood Barclay is my new hero.

2007-06-25T00:23:00.000-04:00

Given a previous post on dressing professionally, I think that Barclay's article is very important to those of us who constantly agonize over what to wear. This is one of the many reasons I do not own light coloured 'bottoms' of any sort.

Since I'm on the topic of clothing, I found myself in a dress very recently (I know...how did that happen?), and I was completely uncomfortable. I've always been a jeans kind of gal, with the occasional dress pant thrown in for good measure. As I was standing there awkwardly wondering exactly what was being exposed by said dress, I thought to myself that never again will I dress in something I'm not happy in. I couldn't imagine being stuck in that thing while trying to present a paper or moving around at a conference. I just like pants! I don't have to think about sitting down/getting up with any kind of strategy. I do a lot of reaching and bending at work as well, so I'm happy that I do not have to worry about exposure of any kind. Thank goodness skirts are not a requirement for librarians *phew* So in response to Barclay, yes...pants are totally worth the trouble.

A solid reason to join Facebook?

2007-06-22T21:29:00.000-04:00

If writers are going to preview/release their latest works on Facebook I might have to give in and join. Read more here. I solemnly swear to join if Margaret Atwood publishes/releases/previews her next novel on Facebook.

Sorry...

2007-06-20T18:40:00.000-04:00

I don't know who exactly I'm apologizing to, but I really feel terrible for not updating the blog in so long. Today in class, my instructor mentioned that having a blog is hard work and that you have to update regularly to maintain a loyal readership---that's when the guilt hit full force. So, here I am, trying to think of something to post. Something library-related would probably be useful.

So, I went to BookExpo on June 10th...yowza...that was awhile ago. It was lots of fun and I scored many a free book, but I couldn't help but wonder why librarians would attend. I don't think I learned anything particularly pertinent to libraries, especially academic libraries, since I think only the trade divisions of publishing companies were there. I also didn't see any wheeling and dealing (is that the right expression?) between book vendors and librarians. Although, a woman did very kindly give me catalogues to read through for "my library"--I didn't have the heart to tell her that I didn't even have me degree yet (for the record, there was no option to choose 'library student' when I was getting my badge). Aside from the free books, I'm confused as to the purpose of BookExpo. I did learn about some new titles, which was interesting, and it was great to meet some of the so-called "big names," but I have no power to promise to buy books. So, why are librarians invited to attend? I'll choose to believe it's because we love books.
The highlight of the entire trip was meeting former PM Jean Chrétien! I even had my picture taken with him! Such a sweet and lovely man.

Dr. Jess?

2007-05-27T19:20:00.000-04:00

Thoughts of doing a Ph.D have been echoing in the caverns of my mind. Crazy, right? I these thoughts derive from the impending end of school. For the first time in far too many years I will not be going to school in September. Since school is the only thing that I've really ever known, I'm not surprised the Ph.D proves a tempting and alluring object of desire. Although I won't go running back to school for a while yet, I still wonder how many years it will be before I go back? Will I make it through the year before the temptation gets to me?

Because I like lists...

2007-05-26T00:07:00.000-04:00

1. I understand why librarians wear sturdy, practical shoes. An eight-hour shift spent mostly on one's feet = *ouch*

2. I cannot seem to update my "currently reading" list fast enough. Too much reading, and not enough homeworking makes Jess go something something...

3. The Toronto Star crossword is far too addictive. It's gotten to the point when I've started eagerly anticipating the new clues. One day I will conquer Sunday, but, for now, I'll stick to Monday.

And the debate rages on...

2007-05-22T22:31:00.000-04:00

So, those of you who read this blog are probably deathly sick of my indecision concerning Facebook. Some days I believe it is my duty as a new, technologically savvy librarian to join the ranks and explore an unknown social universe replete with new and old connections. Other days, I cannot stand the idea of having to spend another several hours in front of my computer to update, maintain, and post on other peoples’ pages (if that’s even how it works…). Also, I will forever find the distinction between friendship and “friendship” troubling. After hearing some people talk about it today I remain undecided (again): connecting with people = good…connecting with people that I would rather not talk to, but who have been mutually sought out for the purpose of adding another “friend” = not so good.

How can my friendship values be balanced within the boundaries of Facebook? Although I would not have to talk to everyone on my list, I would feel incredibly rude for not adding them. I’m not anti-social by any means, but I remain undecided.

On another note: I now spend far too much time reading Unshelved, laughing quietly to myself, and thinking “omg…it’s so true!” I don't know if I remember what people are wearing, but after awhile you do start to remember the books that people have checked out, especially with the regular patrons. Did I mention that I LOVE my job? *smile*

Paying Someone to be Your Friend?

2007-05-22T09:07:00.000-04:00

I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with school and work these days, so the posts will be off and on for the next little bit. I saw this article in the Globe&Mail this morning and thought it needed to be shared.

I remember joking with friends that I'd had to pay them to hang out with me or vise versa, but this is too extreme, even for me. I suppose these people would be considered "friends" instead of friends, but still...I can't imagine that many relationships that start of this way have the potential for longevity and meaningful connections.

Facebook here to stay?

2007-05-07T08:58:00.000-04:00

I'll admit it: At times I've wavered during the "to Facebook, or not to Facebook" debate. Sometimes it seems inevitable as I receive those little emails telling me that yet another person I know has hopped on the bandwagon. Yet, the thought of potential employers finding me and deciding that my content is unfavorable, is extremely unappealing.

Do I owe it to my chosen profession to join the ranks of Facebook? According to the Toronto Star, "Facebook is here to stay." Perhaps the real question is, can I squeeze another 2 hours out of the day to spend online? Probably not. So, for now, I will continue to avoid Facebook until a more persuasive argument than "everyone is doing it" comes along.

Ha ha...

2007-05-03T09:06:00.000-04:00

Facebook has been banned for provincial government officials who like to use the popular social networking site while at work. Nice to know that really *important* issues are being dealt with in parliament...

Professional Communimication

2007-04-24T11:49:00.000-04:00

Last Tuesday, I attended the MLIS Retreat. While the entire conference was quite enlightening as to the past, present, and future of the program, I was particularly struck by the emphasis on soft skills. There seems to be, for the most part, a noticeable lack of soft skills development within the program, despite the instructors' best efforts to encourage us to develop them through assignments and presentations.

What exactly is a soft-skill you ask? John Fracasso, the Computing Services Manager at FIMS, wrote a paper answering this question and emphasizing the importance of soft skills to librarianship. Here, you can take a test to see if you are "Soft-Skills Savvy" and get a better idea of what exactly these qualities entail. John did an excellent job of citing the gap in evaluation of soft skills: how students acquire them, how these skills are used in the job, and if the program is adequately fostering them within their graduates. After the session, a fellow student informed me that FIMS actually offers a Professional Communication course (LIS-594), which has not been taught in several years. All of these ideas together have been lingering in the back of my mind each time I go to work or enter into a situation where communicating in a professional manner is essential to my success (emails, presentations, and I suppose we could include blogging...).

I have now caught myself, only a few times albeit, saying "yeah," "nope," "no prob," etc. on the job. While I have managed to correct myself with the more appropriate yes, no, not a problem (some variation of the above), I wonder where I learned these skills? I remember my parents correcting my speech when I was younger, but other than that, I cannot remember a time when I was "taught" how to communicate professionally, to my peers, to colleagues, to employers, etc. I do not think that the MLIS program has shown me these skills or taught me them. Yet, the constant emphasis on the professional aspect of the program reminds me that I must keep working on my own soft-skills. There are also things that I know I must improve in order to better communicate in the workplace. For instance, my memo-writing skills could use some work.

With the elimination of 505 as a required course, I would argue that 594 should take its place as a requirement for students entering the program. For those of us who have spent most of our lives in academia, we might be unsure of how to adapt our writing to the professional community. There is a large difference between the beautiful flowing sentences of a wonderfully crafted sentence and the brief, yet informative, communication of an important message and/or idea. Also, conference, networking, and interviewing skills are those unfamiliar to many individuals. In order to succeed, then, in the professional community, we need to critically reflect on the soft skills that we have, those that need improving, and those that we must develop.

For more on professional communication, see Catherine Ross and Patricia Dewdney's monograph entitled Communicating Professionally. I have yet to read it, but it is definitely on my "to buy" list!

What to Wear at Work

2007-04-23T10:05:00.000-04:00

Much to my dismay, I just realized that ten days has passed without a posting (notice the direct correlation with the end of term). Thank you to Jason for the mention on his blog, Head Tale! You've encouraged me back into blogging action, although I do not know if I will ever be quite as prolific in the library blogging community. We shall see...

Today's topic is one much dear to my heart, especially since I have recently re-entered the working world after a VERY long hiatus. The last six years of my life have largely be spent in school, save a few summer jobs and part-time employment throughout the school year. Those jobs, for the most part, have also been in a kitchen environment, where your work attire is decided for you (chef's jacket and very unattractive, yet practical, pants---I've had chili pepper pants and checkered pants, but alas, no chef's hat). Depending on where you go to school, you can wear pretty much anything to classes (and to my side job as a research assistant): from the ever popular business short, right down to jogging pants. Even in the library program, there seems to be no standardized dress code for students who wear whatever they want. Recently, Wendy Newman's talk (below), made me reconsider my own decidedly causal wardrobe in a new light. Certainly, my instructors do no frequent classes in jeans and t-shirts/tank tops, nor do they wear jogging pants. If they can take the time to make themselves look professional, shouldn't I?

Yet, what exactly does it mean to "dress seriously to be taken seriously"? Does this entail the famous navy blue suit that Martha has frequently mentioned in Management (506)? Should I go out a purchase my very first suit/skirt combination? What would Stacy and Clinton say? In my daily routine through the news (The Star, The Globe and Mail, CBC.ca, etc...), I saw this article. While the author purports to answer the infamous question "What's a woman to wear" in the workplace, she offers few real suggestions for women who constantly grapple with this issue. Beyond the typical "dress for the job you aspire to" or "[l]ook at the head of your department," Gerson does not seem to know what to tell people. I concede, however, that this is probably not her fault since, as she indicates, dress codes differ from place to place. I was hoping that the article would answer the what to wear to work question for me, but alas, I will have to continue to contemplate the answer as I stand behind the desk, looking at my co-workers wondering, indeed, if I should go shopping. Some days, I miss the simplicity of the uniform...

As I wander through the mall, attempting to create a work wardrobe that I'm comfortable in, I will keep both Wendy and Gerson's advice in my mind, along with the occasion nagging snippet of what I've gleaned from "What Not to Wear." While this has perhaps seemed as a somewhat frivolous post, I would argue that this is a very real problem for women especially, who are now entering the professional community. For those of you who have figured out the what-to-wear conundrum, please share your sage advice with those of us who cannot seem to figure out which shoes go with which outfit, or even how to put an outfit together.

Tips for the Future

2007-04-13T12:40:00.000-04:00

On April 10th, I went to see a talk by Wendy Newman (past CLA president and very experienced librarian!. She gave a great talk, and offered the 10 things that she wished someone had told her when she entered the profession. Just thought I'd share:

1)There is bound to be tension between your role as an employee and your role as a professional. As such, it's important for you to be both!

2)Become immersed in "timeless" library values and personalize them for what you believe in. Most importantly, know what you believe in.

3)In your first three years in the profession, becoming a ranking expert in at least one thing.

4) You, and not your employer, are responsible for your own morale:
a) know what's going on-ask questions and read!
b) decide what you can do about it and then do it
c) spend time with positive people
d) get career advice from people you admire (ask what makes them happy and
proud to be who they are)

5) Present yourself professionally:
a) dress seriously to be taken seriously
b) master public speaking--even if it kills you
c) write concisely
d) proof-read everything
e) never send a silly or offending email, no matter how funny you think it is

6) Look at the long-view: part-time and/or temporary jobs are still experience and can teach you valuable skills.
a) hire people/work for people smarter than you
b) avoid people who complain about the boss
c) remember: the library community is a small one!
d) cultivate positive relationships (accommodate people in your environment)
e) become someone who is efficient, someone who gets it right

7) Association work is important! Volunteer and go to conferences.

8) The higher up you go, the more ambiguity you will have to deal with.

9) You will need to be a skilled advocate--it's part of your professional responsibility.

10) You need to know when it's time to quit.

Exercise for Librarians

2007-04-08T20:45:00.000-04:00

Have a few minutes between patrons? A second to spare between RQs? Take some helpful tips from Betty Glover's '87 workout regime for librarians!

Creepy or Cool?

2007-04-08T20:31:00.000-04:00

Many of us have heard of Second Life...if you haven't, this article explains it fairly well. It's like playing The Sims, only instead of interacting with fictional characters, you're connecting with real people (identities ultimately unknown) who are represented through avatars. The imagined community it creates is truly amazing in terms of social software because you can virtually interact with anyone the same way you do in "real" (or your "first??!?") life. Communication changes when you can see the individuals with whom you interact, and I wonder to what extent a program like this can replace face-to-face...

Nonetheless, the whole concept of having a second life is still far to disturbing for me to handle and it will likely be a very long while before I venture into the world with "Avatar Jess." The fact that there are prostitutes and drug dealers in the Second Life world as well, also makes me wonder. If you could have a second life, is that the one you'd imagine for yourself? I wonder how you would fit into Second Life if you were truly yourself? Would the interactions you have with individuals be similar to the ones you have in the fleshy world? Maybe one day I'll cave, join facebook, myspace, and second life all in one fell swoop.

Calgary Public Library Ad!

2007-04-04T11:52:00.000-04:00

Most people will have already seen this because they are in 506! If you have not had a chance to see it, give the ad at watch!

Warning: You might have to watch it twice and have someone else point out what is actually going on *cough* Me... *cough* Mark had to explain the commercial! It was much better after he did so. Quite witty in fact!

Too exciting!!!

2007-04-03T21:34:00.000-04:00

Today, I answered by first RQ. As Mark pointed out, the question could have been ANYTHING, and I would have been equally as excited! I love libraries! That is all.

He didn't want to be a hero. He only wanted a job.

2007-04-01T17:12:00.000-04:00

Once in awhile, a movie comes around that promises to change the way society views librarians, depicting them as chic, sophisticated individuals...The Librarian is not that movie. Not only does it reinforce that people do not need an M.L.I.S. to become a librarian, but the movie implies that magic fills the library world as job invitations come floating in at just the opportune time, the public library system has priceless possessions (and therefore funding!) that we have only heard about in stories, and librarians guard the world's treasures-which, incidentally, are not books. Flynn Carsen ("the librarian") does not even want to be a librarian at first---he just wants a job. I'll end my review there, since I do not want to spoil the movie for others. Movie night next term anyone?

One Amongst Many

2007-04-01T00:01:00.000-04:00

In an attempt to resist the rise of Facebook and MySpace, I've created my own blog. Is this really any better? Probably not...Cheers to another blog amongst many in the vast social network!