Well, I still haven't heard about an interview for the job I REALLY want, but Cool Librarian did pick up another freelance gig - so that's nice right before the holidays. I'll be doing some grant research for a local education/art non-profit. It's a fairly well-known group here, so it could lead to other jobs. Another bonus is that I enjoy grant research, so this should be a good way to spend my off time. Cool!
Also on the "moving along" front, I have seen a few of the logo design idea from Mary's students. Some interesting work. So far, my favorite design has nothing to do with librarianship visually (it's sort of a floral design), but I like it. Can't wait to see what I end up with for final choices. If I can't decide, I may need some help....
Totally Different Topic:
Any public librarians reading this? Is anyone doing anything for Ben Franklin's 300th birthday in their library? Apparently this is BIG DOINGS in some places, and my boss suggested I look into tossing together some sort of YA program - which is amusing, since we don't do any YA programming. Heh.
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Saturday, November 26, 2005
No, I haven't died...
I am still working (and apparently this work is taking place in my head, and not online) on figuring out what's next for the Cool Librarian website and blog. Actually, I have been doing a lot of reading of other library-ish blogs, trying to see where my blog might fit in. I have to say, we're a thorough lot - I doubt that any library blog of mine could add much new to the mix.
So, in my head, it becomes a matter of catering to your reader. And, um, I don't think I have many readers yet.
Also, I am waiting patiently (Call me! Call me NOW, for Pete's sake!!) to hear on a very nice full-time job as an outreach librarian. Hmmmm - full-time, with benefits, retirement, insurance - I can't even imagine.
While I'd like to think a full-time job will impact my online/freelance activities, um, who am I kidding? It's not like my freelance work take up much of my time at this point. But since my goal is to eventually have my own business (that can actually support me), I plan to keep coollibrarian.com online - and perhaps a new job will help me finance some advertising, and maybe a nifty css class so that I can build a better site.
So, in the meantime, I hope to do some blogging on social software. This is certainly an "old" and very talked about topic in libraryland, but since I think most people who might come across this blog are library consumers rather than librarians, it might be of interest.
So, in my head, it becomes a matter of catering to your reader. And, um, I don't think I have many readers yet.
Also, I am waiting patiently (Call me! Call me NOW, for Pete's sake!!) to hear on a very nice full-time job as an outreach librarian. Hmmmm - full-time, with benefits, retirement, insurance - I can't even imagine.
While I'd like to think a full-time job will impact my online/freelance activities, um, who am I kidding? It's not like my freelance work take up much of my time at this point. But since my goal is to eventually have my own business (that can actually support me), I plan to keep coollibrarian.com online - and perhaps a new job will help me finance some advertising, and maybe a nifty css class so that I can build a better site.
So, in the meantime, I hope to do some blogging on social software. This is certainly an "old" and very talked about topic in libraryland, but since I think most people who might come across this blog are library consumers rather than librarians, it might be of interest.
Friday, September 30, 2005
Moving Along - Sort Of...
It's been a busy month at the library, and a "busy" month for Cool Librarian as well. I just completed another project for my friends at Silktone Printing and Graphics and decided to barter for something I really need - a professionally designed logo. This will go a long way towards promoting the business and improving the website, which will undergo a visual re-design as soon as the logo and banner art are done.
On the blog front, I have been struggling with what, exactly, to write. There are a TON of excellent library blogs, all with great, timely information news - and I don't feel like I need to (or can, for that matter) repeat it. Also, I don't expect that this blog's readership will be comprised of librarians - so....
The world of "research" can be pretty dry - certainly people stumbling onto my blog do not care to hear the minutiae that is (or, in most cases, isn't) involved in finding the answer to an odd question. So, what to write? Um, any input here would be appreciated!
On the blog front, I have been struggling with what, exactly, to write. There are a TON of excellent library blogs, all with great, timely information news - and I don't feel like I need to (or can, for that matter) repeat it. Also, I don't expect that this blog's readership will be comprised of librarians - so....
The world of "research" can be pretty dry - certainly people stumbling onto my blog do not care to hear the minutiae that is (or, in most cases, isn't) involved in finding the answer to an odd question. So, what to write? Um, any input here would be appreciated!
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Vacation - Of Sorts
Just back from a brief trip to VT, and my DSL is FINALLY connected! Looks like tomorrow will be spent catching up online.
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Monday, August 15, 2005
I'm IT!
I cannot even express how thrilled I am that I have been tagged! Really! A big "thank you" to Erica at Librarian Avengers for tagging me. I know, some people hate this stuff, but, hey, what else have I got to do? Fun!
On to the merriment...
1. How Many Books Do I Own?
Well, I am embarrassed to admit that I own very few books - only about 125 or so. This is a paltry number, ESPECIALLY for a librarian and voracious reader. So, why is that? Well, I'm poor, and my "disposable income" goes for things like rent, food, and right now, GAS. And, I find that in the case of fiction, unless I LOVE it, I move it along after I am done with it. My collection is comprised predominantly of non-fiction titles, reference books, and my cookbook collection. A few favorite fiction titles, in hardcover, some signed works. For the most part, right now at least, my reading material comes from the library - who knew. Oh, and at any given time there are probably 50 or so titles floating around the give away/trade/recycle/eventually go to BookCrossing pile.
2. Last Book I Bought:
The new edition of the Feminine Mystique. Last book I took out of the library (yesterday) was The Boundaries of her Body. Hmmmm, I see a pattern...
3. Last Book I Read:
Shut the Door - a YA title with not such YA stuff going on in it. See my post from the other day to see why I am reading YA fiction about 20 years too late.
4. Five Books that Mean A Lot to Me:
Nickel and Dimed - A truly real look at what it means to be "working poor" in America. The
Complete Signet Classic Shakespeare - I cannot give up this book with all of its memories of my favorite class and favorite teacher, and the insane writing in the margins.
Tie: Illumination Night and Here on Earth. The first introduced me to one of my favorite fiction writers, Alice Hoffman, and the latter is perhaps my favorite of her titles.
The Silent Partner by Judith Greber. This is my "comfort book." I read it when I am sick or anxious. I don't know why, there is nothing special about the story or the writing, but reading it makes me feel better and I know it by heart. It's no longer in print, so my copy is pretty beat.
Sweet Miniatures . My absolute favorite and most used cookbook. I am on my second copy. This is the book that lead to my being crowned "Queen of Pastry" in my social circle.
5. Tag Five More:
Um, I'm new to this blogging scene, so I'll have to think about this - I'll let you know.
On to the merriment...
1. How Many Books Do I Own?
Well, I am embarrassed to admit that I own very few books - only about 125 or so. This is a paltry number, ESPECIALLY for a librarian and voracious reader. So, why is that? Well, I'm poor, and my "disposable income" goes for things like rent, food, and right now, GAS. And, I find that in the case of fiction, unless I LOVE it, I move it along after I am done with it. My collection is comprised predominantly of non-fiction titles, reference books, and my cookbook collection. A few favorite fiction titles, in hardcover, some signed works. For the most part, right now at least, my reading material comes from the library - who knew. Oh, and at any given time there are probably 50 or so titles floating around the give away/trade/recycle/eventually go to BookCrossing pile.
2. Last Book I Bought:
The new edition of the Feminine Mystique. Last book I took out of the library (yesterday) was The Boundaries of her Body. Hmmmm, I see a pattern...
3. Last Book I Read:
Shut the Door - a YA title with not such YA stuff going on in it. See my post from the other day to see why I am reading YA fiction about 20 years too late.
4. Five Books that Mean A Lot to Me:
Nickel and Dimed - A truly real look at what it means to be "working poor" in America. The
Complete Signet Classic Shakespeare - I cannot give up this book with all of its memories of my favorite class and favorite teacher, and the insane writing in the margins.
Tie: Illumination Night and Here on Earth. The first introduced me to one of my favorite fiction writers, Alice Hoffman, and the latter is perhaps my favorite of her titles.
The Silent Partner by Judith Greber. This is my "comfort book." I read it when I am sick or anxious. I don't know why, there is nothing special about the story or the writing, but reading it makes me feel better and I know it by heart. It's no longer in print, so my copy is pretty beat.
Sweet Miniatures . My absolute favorite and most used cookbook. I am on my second copy. This is the book that lead to my being crowned "Queen of Pastry" in my social circle.
5. Tag Five More:
Um, I'm new to this blogging scene, so I'll have to think about this - I'll let you know.
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
A Little Updating
As I continue to organize my blogging and blog reading, I have posted some additional blogs in the BlogRoll. These library blogs run the gamut - check some of them out.
I have also added my list from All Consuming. This site could easily become addictive - be safe out there!
I have also added my list from All Consuming. This site could easily become addictive - be safe out there!
Saturday, August 06, 2005
A Book Post
Came across this blog while randomly surfing - if you are into the publishing side of books, it looks interesting.
Since I have been entrusted to purchase the Young Adult fiction, I thought it might be a good idea to read some (I missed YA fiction altogether as a teen - went from The Secret Garden straight into Rita Mae Brown's Rubyfruit Jungle at age 12). I picked up Shut the Door and read the bulk of it last night. Wow. This is not your mom's YA fiction. I disagree with the PW's review, or, should I say, think they missed the point - I think it's supposed to be emotionally flat in places - Harry is emotionally flat. At any rate, YA or not, it's quite a piece of work from a young girl - makes me wish I had talent. Pick it up if you get a chance.
Since I have been entrusted to purchase the Young Adult fiction, I thought it might be a good idea to read some (I missed YA fiction altogether as a teen - went from The Secret Garden straight into Rita Mae Brown's Rubyfruit Jungle at age 12). I picked up Shut the Door and read the bulk of it last night. Wow. This is not your mom's YA fiction. I disagree with the PW's review, or, should I say, think they missed the point - I think it's supposed to be emotionally flat in places - Harry is emotionally flat. At any rate, YA or not, it's quite a piece of work from a young girl - makes me wish I had talent. Pick it up if you get a chance.
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Holy Stick, Batman!
Thanks to the Rhodarian for pointing out Computer on a Stick.
If this works as well as it claims, this could be a great tool for libraries - especially those libraries that may not have the most up-to-date office software (or any office software, for that matter). And the price is right, too. I may have to get one of these to play with.... If anyone is using one now, please feel free to comment here.
If this works as well as it claims, this could be a great tool for libraries - especially those libraries that may not have the most up-to-date office software (or any office software, for that matter). And the price is right, too. I may have to get one of these to play with.... If anyone is using one now, please feel free to comment here.
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Wow
Gee, I feel like I've hit the big-time.
During a slow moment, I Googled cool librarian (as is, no quotes or signs) and was treated to this sight - third on the list! I of course realize that this has little to do with popularity at this point, but it's cool nonetheless.
During a slow moment, I Googled cool librarian (as is, no quotes or signs) and was treated to this sight - third on the list! I of course realize that this has little to do with popularity at this point, but it's cool nonetheless.
Friday, July 22, 2005
Patriot Act Vote
"WASHINGTON - The House voted to extend indefinitely the anti-terrorist USA Patriot Act, while limiting to 10 years two provisions of the law that have become linchpins in the ongoing congressional debate: allowing federal agents to use roving wiretaps and to search library and medical records. " Read the "whole story" here.
More from me on this in a bit.
More from me on this in a bit.
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
So, do you want to know how it ends?
With all the Harry Potter frenzy, many people - people who aren't all that into the series but pay some attention - want to know who dies in this installment. I personally couldn't care less as this is not my genre, but for those of you who want the answer - without doing all of that silly reading - you might want to check out The Book Spoiler. This site appears to deal with the bestsellers, and relies on submissions from readers. Hmmmm, I can't decide if I will take advantage of this or not...
Saturday, July 16, 2005
wiki wiki wiki wiki
Peg Riley sent me a great link to the ALA Chicago 2005 Wiki. This wonderful resource, put together by Meredith Farkas, offers an incredible amount of information on the conference, and much of it is as helpful now, if not more so, than before and during the conference. A great place to post your experiences (if you went) and get pointers if you plan to attend an ALA conference in the future.
For those of you who missed my lame 80s musical reference in the title...
For those of you who missed my lame 80s musical reference in the title...
Cool Utility
A friend of mine just sent me a link via TinyURL, and I immediately thought about how useful it would be when using online databases. As online database searches often result in unwieldy dynamic URLs, this neat little utility could make e-mailing your search results a lot easier. Check out the site for other usage ideas, and even the code to add the utility to your web page.
Monday, July 11, 2005
Random Tidbit
Today someone asked me what the benefits of Epsom Salts are. Hmmmm, I knew they are good for muscle aches, but why, I couldn't say. The encyclopedia had some basic info, but a quick search lead me to the Epsom Salt Industry Council - who knew?
So, what is it that I do?
Because I sometimes have a hard time explaining what, exactly, it is I can do / have done for patrons and clients, I will periodically throw an example at you.
Right now I am working on an uncomplicated project for Express Surveying. ES is a small company, and as such, the owner doesn't have the time (or in this case the desire) to do basic research - and this is where I come in. Currently, I am creating a database of fencing contractors that will be used in ES's latest marketing campaign. While this is not an intellectually taxing project, I am actually enjoying it quite a bit. As a librarian, I love to find (and compile) things - it really doesn't matter what the "things" are.
Right now I am working on an uncomplicated project for Express Surveying. ES is a small company, and as such, the owner doesn't have the time (or in this case the desire) to do basic research - and this is where I come in. Currently, I am creating a database of fencing contractors that will be used in ES's latest marketing campaign. While this is not an intellectually taxing project, I am actually enjoying it quite a bit. As a librarian, I love to find (and compile) things - it really doesn't matter what the "things" are.
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Welcome to the Blog
Welcome to the maiden voyage of the Cool Librarian Blog.
If all goes as planned (and it rarely does), this blog will serve to keep folks (who are interested) updated on the goings on at Cool Librarian Research - projects, promotions, interesting questions and interesting answers, etc. It will also be a place to find random (ie: what I find interesting) morsels about librarians/librarianship, information, and books.
While it's nice when blogs are updated daily, I would expect to find new posts here 2-3 times a week - perhaps more. If you would like to "subscribe" to the blog, please see the links under "Syndicate / Subscribe" for some options. Not sure what this means? Oh, look, a short explanation of RSS and site syndication. Need more info? If you need a news reader or aggregator, you can try Pluck (Windows or web based), Bloglines (web based), NetNewsWire (Mac OS), Straw (Linux), Newsgator (web based), or, My Yahoo or My MSN. See that, information about information already!
If all goes as planned (and it rarely does), this blog will serve to keep folks (who are interested) updated on the goings on at Cool Librarian Research - projects, promotions, interesting questions and interesting answers, etc. It will also be a place to find random (ie: what I find interesting) morsels about librarians/librarianship, information, and books.
While it's nice when blogs are updated daily, I would expect to find new posts here 2-3 times a week - perhaps more. If you would like to "subscribe" to the blog, please see the links under "Syndicate / Subscribe" for some options. Not sure what this means? Oh, look, a short explanation of RSS and site syndication. Need more info? If you need a news reader or aggregator, you can try Pluck (Windows or web based), Bloglines (web based), NetNewsWire (Mac OS), Straw (Linux), Newsgator (web based), or, My Yahoo or My MSN. See that, information about information already!
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