Fanzines From the ALA Expo Floor Part 2

Before blogs, before the Internet as we know it there were fanzines. The great news is that there are still fanzines being produced. On the ALA Expo floor was an exhibit of some of the publications.

Fanzines are small publications that focus in on a particular topic or niche subject area. They can be handwritten, assembled from found materials, photocopied or professionally produced.

The topics can range from surviving the workday after a bender to a catalog of every Tonka toy made. Whimsy or dead serious in content. Sometimes explicit. Sometime reveling in the mundane.

I remember finding fanzines on the floor of record stores next to the free alternative newspapers. That was one method of distribution. Another was mail sharing or trading. Fanzines could also be sold for subscription.

It was hit or miss. There could be one issue or seven or 130. It depended on the person. There are still a few folks producing fanzines in the U.S. but other countries are continuing the tradition.

 It was kinda cool to find this spot of creativity at the conference.

My View From the ALA Expo Floor - Part 1

It has been a few years since I graduated. Life and the general economic situation has lead me to unexpected paths away from brick and mortar libraries. I stay connected by dipping into the cyber equivalents.

I thought going to see the exhibits at the conference was a good way for me to re-connect. I have to say that I felt like an interloper.  Maybe I was, I'm not a librarian.

Which is the number one question I got when I stepped up to a table. "What library are your from?" "Who do you represent?" "Are You A Librarian?"

Totally understandable.

It would have been misleading to add the school library to my badge. I'm not a student any more. I don't work at a library. I can say that I have been applying what I have gained in the program to communicate and share information with various on-line communities that won't step foot in a physical library.

They should. They won't. I meet folks where they are.

But what about the other stakeholders in literacy, technology and freedom of information advocates? Should we not have come?

As I walked through the convention center (and it was huge) I had people flash a look at my badge. If it didn't display what they wanted to see they looked away, hoping I wouldn't walk over.

Why Would a Non-library Person come to ALA?

Beyond my personal reasons,  I could see what has changed and not changed since the last time I visited. Paper books are still important. There are vendors selling and librarians wanting audio CDs for their patrons. E-book vendors getting a bit more space on the floor.

A lot of things to think about and to share.

One City, One Story 2012

This year is Pasadena Public Library's (PPL) 10th year of One City, One Story with Geraldine Brooks', People of the Book. If you are interested in checking out this book, you can download an ebook, listen to an audiobook or get a print version with your PPL library card. Also, the Shatford Library at PCC has multiple print copies available to borrow as well.

If you have not had a chance to participate in any of the One City, One Story events, it is not too late to do so. Tomorrow Geraldine Brooks will be at Pasadena City College from 2-3:30pm at the Creveling Lounge. She will be discussing her experiences in writing historical fiction with a Q & A session following. Brooks will be signing books at this event as well.

Tomorrow at 7pm is Conversation with Geraldine Brooks at All Saints Church which is located at 132 N. Euclid Avenue. The director of PPL, Jan Sanders, will talk with Brooks' about her experiences writing People of the Book. A Q&A session will follow in addition to a book signing.

If you cannnot catch Brooks tomorrow night, she will also be at Caltech on Friday, March 23 at 3pm. in the Baxter Lecture Hall in Bldg. 77 which is at 1200 E. California Blvd.

Other events include Flavors of the Book, a cooking workshop presented by Old Town Cooking School at the San Rafael Branch located at 1240 Nithsdale Road on Saturday, March 24 at 11am.

For those interested in old manuscripts, Sara S. Hodson, Curator of the Literary Manuscripts of the Huntington Library, will be giving an illustrated talk on medieval manuscripts using examples from the Huntington Library's collections. This will take place in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at the Central Library at 285 E. Walnut Blvd at 2pm.

For those interested in participating in a book discussion, check out the La Pintoresca Branch Library which is located at 1344 N. Raymond Avenue on Saturday, March 24 at 1pm or the Lamanda Park Branch Library which is located at 140 S. Altadena Dr. on Monday, March 26 at 11am.

If you had a chance to attend any of the One City, One Story 2012 events, feel free to share your experiences. I will be attending Brooks' talk at PCC tomorrow and will share my experience in a future posting.

Cory Doctorow on New Vision for Libraries

Cory Doctorow is an author and he writes for the very popular blog, Boing Boing. This is a video of his ALA’s Privacy and Youth Conference talk about a possible change of focus for libraries.

The talk is about 22 minutes long and then there is a question and answer session after his main talk.

Preservation Week

If you haven't checked out the Preservation Week display in the Rotunda of the PCC Shatford Library, it will be up till April 29th. The west side of the Rotunda is dedicated to a glimpse of Pasadena City College history from how the campus went from being a high school to a community college. Memorabilia from the Archives can be viewed as well. The east side of the Rotunda focuses on the preservation and repair of materials. A slide show is also set-up showcasing pictures from PCC's history.

This display is in conjunction with the Pasadena Digital History Project which has been a collaboration between Pasadena Public Library, Pasadena Museum of History and PCC Shatford Library.

The American Library Association has more information about Preservation Week on their website. If you stop by, don't forget to grab one of the cool Preservation Week and Pasadena Digital History Project bookmarks.

2011 One City, One Story

It's not too late to participate in Pasadena's 2011 One City, One Story events. If you're on campus at Pasadena City College on Friday, March 25 from 10am-12:30pm, you can catch Hillary Jordan in the Crevelling Lounge as she shares her experiences as an author. This will most likely be a smaller event. One of the final events is Conversation with Author - Hillary Jordan on March 26 at 3:30-5:00pm at the Pasadena Convention Center Ballroom. The Pasadena High School student photography display at the Central Library in conjunction with this month long event will be up till March 31st. All events are free.

Google Newspaper Archive Collection

It seems once you land find one archive the rest sort of wander over to great you. On Google News there is a collection archive of scanned newspapers from various dates, cities and countries.


There are newspapers from the 1800s and 1900s as well as through the depression era and the 1960s in the US. Some of the newspapers only contain one issue and others have a full collection of publication.

It really is entertaining to read some of the early issues of various newspapers. The Covington Journal mission is to "cover politics, literature, education, agriculture and the news of the day."

You can perform a keyword search to find topics of interest. Keep in mind that usage and terminology has changed over time.

For example, suffrage was used in connection with slavery and then freed men and women. It later became a term connected to woman's suffrage. The term womens liberation came into use much later.

If you are looking for historical comparisons today's hot topics this is one of the places you should considers investigating.

AFRO Archives - African American Newspaper

There are web sites that have open newspaper archives but it has been hard to find a collection of historical African American newspapers on-line. That situation is improving thanks to a partnership between the AFRO American newspapers and Google.

The AFRO Archives allows visitors to read and examine newspapers from various time periods. The archives can tell you what the important news items of the day, commentary and opinion and a text snapshot of the goods, services and products being targeted to readers of the newspaper.

I read a few of the early papers and I was surprised about seeing the railroad schedules listed for the various rail lines. I made me wonder about the importance of the railroad in terms of employment and receiving goods from other places.

I could also get a sense that some of the issues that make the news today have historical connections. When reading the paper it is important to remember that this is a view into the thoughts and attitudes of the past. It took a moment to understand that the whitecaps mentioned in a news story referred to member of the Klan.

You can browse the archive or you can enter a search term to find articles that contain key words. When I entered "library" I was presented with articles about libraries trying to open or trying to prevent from being closed.

One of the articles that I read from 1947 wrote about the work of the YWCA in helping to open the library to all citizens except colored children under 16.

This is the beginning stage of the archive, more newspapers from the AFRO American newspaper chain need to be added. This is a neat research tool that libraries and schools and history buffs can enjoy and use.

International Literacy Day

Did you know that September 8 is International Literacy Day? Neither did I till very recently. One may think literacy isn't that huge of an issue but according to the International Reading Association, " More than 780 million of the world’s adults (nearly two-thirds of whom are women) do not know how to read or write, and between 94 and 115 million children lack access to education." Without literacy, simple things as such reading a label, filling out a job application, even getting around can be virtually impossible.

Want to get more involved? Check out the International Reading Association, ProLiteracy or even your local library. Often times libraries have literacy programs which they can always use volunteers for. See the Southern California Library Literacy Program website for a list of libraries. Even if you don't see a library listed near you, it's still possible there may be a literacy program there, so ask. For example, I live in Monrovia and even though they are not on the SCLLP list, I know they have a literacy program from looking on their website in the past. Last but not least, ALA (American Library Association) has lots of information on literacy from children's to adult literacy. Check out the Office for Literacy and Outreach.

Feel you just don't have the time, then take the time to sign the ProLiteracy and Literacy Powerline's Declaration for the Right to Literacy scroll which will be presented to President Obama.

One City, One Story 2010

If you haven't heard yet, this year's One City, One Story taking place in Pasadena is Alan Drew's novel, "Gardens of Water." There are various events taking place this month all over Pasadena. Even though we're partially done with this month, there are still many events left to catch. Take a look at the Calendar of Events to see what's happening. One can catch a Turkish cooking demonstration on Saturday, March 20 at the San Rafael Branch Library at 11am. If you're interested in participating in a book discussion of Gardens of Water, check the Calendar of Events for various dates and locations. You can also see a compiled list of all the events on the Shatford Library's website as well.

This Sunday, March 14, you can spend An Afternoon with Alan Drew at the Pasadena Convention Center from 3:30-5:30pm. Unfortunately, I probably will not be in attendance but I highly recommend going if you can. I was in attendance for last year's One City, One Story 2009 final event, An Afternoon with author Luis Alberto Urrea. I thoroughly enjoyed that afternoon listening to Luis Alberto Urrea talk about writing "The Hummingbird's Daughter."

In addition, Alan Drew will be on campus tomorrow, March 12 at 9am in the Creveling Lounge located in the new Campus Center. For other related events to be held on the PCC campuses, check out the schedule on the Shatford Library's website.

Last year was the first year I ever participated in a One City, One Story event and it was exciting as a sideline participant. This year, I will be an active participant in a One City, One Story event of the adaptation of "Romeo and Juliet" based on Alan Drew's novel, "Gardens of Water" here at Pasadena City College. When I started getting back into theatre again, little did I know I could and would be able to combine these two passions of mine together. I'm very honored and excited to be a part of this year's One City, One Story. Show times are at 8pm, Thursday, March 25-Saturday, March 27 and at 2pm Saturday, March 27 in the Little Theater (C-106). Admission is free but seating is limited to about 100 people. Free tickets will be distributed starting 45 minutes before the show starts on a first come, first serve basis.

If you haven't yet read "Gardens of Water," I highly recommend it. Alan Drew captured my attention from the first page of his novel. Right now, most of the copies here at Shatford Library are checked out. If you attend this Sunday's event, you can buy the book and meet the author as well. A win-win situation that I'm still considering myself. If you've never taken part in a One City, One Story before, you're missing out on a great series of community events. So take the plunge, and dive into an incredible experience awaiting you.

Out In the Stacks - Library Assistant Stories

What is like in there real world of library service? Well, you are dealing with real people. Not always on good behavior. Sometimes acting as if the have divine rights that are higher than yours and otherwise can be a pill.

There are those library paraprofessional that have gone before you. Have they got stories! The hard part is for these folks to have the time to write them. Our challenge here at the blog is to find the rascals.

For your reading pleasure or for those that like tales of terror, here you go.

At Once Upon A Time T. Kim Nguyen spins a lament about access, patrons and plumbing.

In crime news, a Las Vegas Library Assistant was arrested after being caught being orally fixated on a 17 year old.

Folks, I don't talk about social media and software just because I'm a tech junkie. The television station pulled the woman's photo from Facebook. Do not have sex with people under 17 years and 364 days. And as an added tip, do nothing in the vicinity of a high school. This is not debatable.

Clover is making a mental note to focus on job and not blog. This ties in with a recent post on when patrons ask for things you can't pronounce and don't have a clue as to what they are talking about.

Well this is scary. Not all library assistants are going to be human. I just found out about DiLiA. Forgive me, but I hope it never gets out of Alpha.

That all for now. Remember don't break the spine if you can't do the time.

Sunday Morning Reflections

I'm avoiding doing the list of things I swore I was going to do today. They will get done but I wanted to put down a few thoughts about life, and the library program.

I've received my certificate months ago. My idea was to start working in a library as I continue other adventures. I didn't think that was going to be a problem. I did not anticipate the mortgage and related financial crises putting a serious crimp in my plans.

I also didn't anticipate a series of life events to knock the stuffing out of me. If this should happen to you I'd tell you honestly to do the best you can and quit worrying.

This is why they call it life, you take what you are giving, using the skills you have and find a way of dealing with the dreary and the impossible.

I am optimistic.

I've heard through the various grapevines that I am involved with that there are cities around the country that are closing libraries for two weeks cold. Not even the libraries web sites will be active.

Other libraries are having mandatory furlough days for their employees. In California, who knows how the hammer is gonna come down on state and certain local libraries but make no mistake there will be an impact.

Because there is still a need for what librarians, paraprofessionals, librarian assistants and technicians. It might be we will need to look at opportunities in the private sector.

Large law firms certain have librarians and library assistants but with the (hopeful) changes in health care there should be more options for our services.

I can tell you the software programmers and entrepreneurs definitely need our services but they don't know it. For those that have an interest in cataloging, open source development, taxonomy or programming you could make hand over fist money. You might have to convince folks of your value but I'm telling you the computing industry needs us.

That is one of the keys - having more than one skill set. I am doing a lot of writing these days. I will tell you that everything I learned in the program is being used on a daily basis.

Sometimes I use those skills to help colleagues find or verify information. I can use my writing as a way to point to credible or alternative information sources using the guidelines on how to evaluate a source.

Many times I'm researching topics I have little or no information about and I want to understand both sides. I can't tell you how many times I've been able to find what I need to prove a point with factual information by following the processes we learned in class.

You know, let me be straight with folks.

I know some of you are or were in the program because your job required it. All you want to do is keep your job, shelve books and do what you are told. You aren't interested in technology or the next new thing. You want the paycheck, health care and two weeks in July.

That is cool. I understand and respect that point of view.

There are others of you that want to be librarians in physical buildings assisting patrons, sniffing book dust and being of service, even if it means chasing the pervs out of computer room.

That is cool too. If I get the financials in place I hope to be one of Tsk-Tskers myself someday.

No matter how you see your life/work path keep learning. I don't care if you are 18 or 80 you have to keep informed. For your financial safety you have to have more than one body of knowledge or set of skills that you can call upon.

What do you know that another person might value?

I'm not necessarily talking about academic knowledge, thought that is certainly important. Knitting. Fishing. Knowing the difference between the Red Skull and the Red Claw.

Knowing the differences in BBQ styles in the country from mustard, vinegar or those that apply the magic rub. Whatever you know that is special, even if it is your family history, adds value to what you bring to any so-call job or employment.

This is a time of social networking. Well, networking has always been social but instead of face to face it is now includes keystroke to keystroke. You now have the opportunity to make connections beyond your immediate physical area.

The point I am taking way too long to make is to implore you to engage in some form of networking or electronic social networking. You should also continue to add to your personal knowledge base and take care of yourself and your loved ones.

Oh and have some fun too. Very important.

So I will be still posting on the blog from time to time. Not as much as I would like. I feel bad when I don't post a gem that I think the LT community would be interested in or you should know about.

Don't forget to dive into the archives - there might be something that answers a question from long ago that pops up again and again.

Missing in Action

It didn't seem that much time had passed since I last posted. But lo and behold, it's been over a month. For those of you that haven't seen me around, I've been busy with my other 2 part-time jobs, 3 classes, starting up two new programs at a local library, tackling grad school applications and more.

For the first month of this semester, I've been working extra shifts here at the PCC Library. In the past due to my schedule, I wasn't able to work extra shifts especially during the first two weeks of the semester. Since I was finally available, I felt I should help out as needed. I've also put in extra time at the elementary school library as well this past month or so due to our bi-yearly Scholastic Book Fair and Open House.

Even though I'm taking "fun" classes this semester, they've still been taking up a certain amount of my time. Two of my classes, Art in Childhood Education and Beginning Acting, are directly related to library programs/activities I'm getting involved in now. One of the new programs I'm starting up is an ASL (American Sign Language) storytime at one of the Pasadena Public branches. Right now, I'm teamed up with a library tech that does a family storytime on Thursday afternoons to get some on-the-job training as a volunteer. Eventually, I'll move into my own spot which will be an actual ASL storytime in the near future hopefully. It is also my hope to go to a couple of other local libraries and start up similar programs in whatever free time I still have.

In addition, I have been developing a Deaf Book Club program which will meet for the very first time next Saturday morning at the same Pasadena Public branch I'm doing storytime at. It's been a bit more work than I anticipated but I'm very excited about this new program and am enjoying the work thoroughly. Unlike the storytime which is a weekly event, this will only be a monthly event.

Last Sunday, I was able to participate in a One City, One Story event for the first time ever as I arranged to get a sign language interpreter for the finale program at the newly opened Pasadena Convention Center. I will confess that it was no easy feat getting this to happen. In the end, it was one of my friends who is studying to be an interpreter who volunteered to do the honor. I am hoping that all these things are just the beginning of what I hope for the future for the deaf/HOH and disabled within the library community. One has to start small even for big dreams.

Last but certainly not least, I've been tackling library graduate school applications as well. Between taking the MAT test, writing essays, gathering up recommendations, studying up for the GRE, it's been a whirlwind of activity to say the least. God willing, I get in at least one school. But as one of my former instructors said to me recently, "So many doors are opening up for you right now. Even if you don't get in right now, it would be a disappointment but not detrimental. And you can always apply again." So true! One thing I've learned so far is if you really want this, you can't give up that easily. This may not be an easy road but it's been one of my most enjoyable journeys so far which I don't anticipate ending anytime soon.

Stay tuned for more regular postings in the next week and an upcoming blog event to get more interaction happening here!

COLT - Is It Too Late? Can We Offer Assistance?

I feel very odd about writing this. I've earned my certificate but I am unable to find a paraprofessional job that would provide for my living and continued educational expenses. In my day job I use some of my skills. My writing and other activities also draw upon all what I have learned in the program.

I haven't worked in a actual library in many years. I'd love too but no one could have predicted this financial insanity that is before us. I have kept the Counsel of Library Technicians Listserv active to keep an eye out for positions and to find out what folks are talking about in the profession.

Let me cut to the chase; there will not be a professional association if library workers, clerks and paraprofessionals and interested others don't step up and lend a hand. I think there are a number of things that could help the situation. But I am not a member.

It might not be appropriate for me to stick my two cents in but sometimes an outside perspective can help. I don't have magic up my sleeve. This is my opinion, not the LT program, the library or anyone associated with PCC.

This is a extract from a post:

It's great that you've been a member for over 10 years, but I must comment that this is the first time I've seen a posting from you. So - if the end result of the unwanted posting is to get people commenting, I find that a good thing.

The COLT web site is still active, but I just tried it also and couldn't connect. Possibly where it's being housed is down. The COLT Board will look into it. (It seems to be ok now.) I'm going to take this opportunity as a last communication before our July Board meeting to state COLT's needs.

Basically, we need a Board -
a.. Vice/President/ President
b.. Secretary
c.. Treasurer
d.. Members' Registrar
e.. & 5 Regional Directors
The current Board has stayed on for an extra year trying to work on things. We've asked for input from the membership and have received NOTHING. Tricia, that's was annoys me - the continual silence we've received. I can tell by your response that not hearing anything didn't sit well with you either. Yes - we've received messages about how it would be a shame for COLT to end, but it cannot keep going without members getting involved.

The current Board recognizes that for COLT to be viable, changes to its mission and way of doing things need restructuring. We need members who will take on the challenge. COLT will be holding a Board meeting in Chicago on July 10. ALA hasn't assigned our room yet, but when they do, we will post it to the list. This meeting is open to all. If you are going to be in Chicago, please attend and give us your ideas, your minds, your bodies!!! Keep posting to the list,

Jackie Lakatos
COLT Past President
Members' Registrar

I know how hard it is to find resources pertaining to library paraprofessionals and library workers. It is an old/new concept. From Pages, to Clerks to ??? who are we and what is our identity?

Many of us would like to be full time librarians but some of us would be happy pushing carts and sniffing book dust. What if we would like to just help out? Is there a place for us at COLT?

When I look at the listserve it is mainly job listings. I don't get a sense of community. Every once in a while a question will pop up or an announcement of interest but I don't know the members of COLT or have the same sense of community like I can get from the INFOLIT or FARLTR listservs. Those folks ask questions, pass on information and have wonderful discussions.

The community, not the technology sets that kind of engagement. Where is the Southern California library paraprofessional community? The national or international community? Outside of our LT program I don't know.

I do know about burnout. You can't keep asking the same people to pull the wagon and do the work without support. I've had that experience and it is not fun. Obligation will only take you so far.

What Can Be Done About It?

Yeah, I'd thought that might come up as a question. Well I'm going to take a risk here. I am going to ask a question on Twitter and some of the other social networking sites to see if there would be an interest in keeping COLT or being a part of it. I'm going to ask if there is or isn't a value could they drop a comment in the comments.

Not sure that I will get any responses. But if there are I'd like to know what they would want from an organization, what do they expect and what could the contribute? Not necessarily money.

I know one thing I'd change is the look of that COLT web site. No disrespect intended but it is so 1997 -ish. I bet it is hard to change information and have folks contribute if they don't know HTML. There are probably other constrictions as well.

I am bias, I think a monitored blog format works well for groups and it allows for updates when needed and not when the IT person can find the time to do them. A well designed web site could allow for easy uploading and changing of information as well.

Anyway, we'll see what does and does not happen. I certainly will pass on any comments to the organization. Feel free to put in your ideas as well.

Quote of the Week

"It's a good thing when children enjoy books, isn't it?" Judy Blume (New York Times article, 22 October 1999)

While I enjoy my library position at the Circulation desk here at the PCC library, I have to confess that I absolutely love my library aide position at the elementary school where I work three days a week. I look forward to seeing the young faces that come in week after week to return books they've had the pleasure of reading for a week in exchange for a new book. One thing that always touches me is when students point to a book amidst the piles of returned books on my desk and say how much he liked that book. Or they wait to hand a book to me just to let me know that was his book for the week as opposed to putting it in the bookdrop. Seeing the books I put on display being picked up and looked at is a wonderful feeling. Even better is when they're actually checked out which is quite often.

One thing I have encouraged is greater use of the library at the elementary school. Before the middle school students could only check out one book at a time but I decided they should be able to check out 2 at a time since I knew at the high school level, they can check out 3 books at a time. What better way to encourage enjoyment of more books! Often times, the school staff have not realized they could check out books as well but I have done my best to let them know of the opportunity there. Now I have a few of the D/HOH (deaf/hard of hearing) aides regularly checking out books for their young children at home. In addition, I get to hear how much their kids loved the various books they borrowed for them.

More recently, most of the middle graders haven't had the pleasure of coming into the library due their teachers not taking the time to bring the class in. In a continued effort, I am soon going to be having the library open during their recess time so they can come in on their own. Even though it was something I had started to look into due to the classes not coming in, what surprised me was having the older students come up to me in the hallway asking when they'll be able to come to the library.

I have always enjoyed books since I was growing up and still do. That is what I hope to bring to these kids at this elementary school. Another interesting thing has been when kids make the effort to finally bring in their signed library contract just so they can check out a book I've put on hold for them. All those books waiting for them are now available for their pleasure. And that's my quote of the day from one of my favorite children's authors of all time.

Reflections - Part 3

I was enjoying my first class, LIB 101, while learning a great deal in a short time as we covered what seemed a vast amount of information about the library field. Through many guest speakers from various libraries, field trips, homework, and multiple projects, I felt I was getting a solid grasp of what opportunities were out there for the taking. But questions were still haunting me.

• Could I really get a job in the library field with my hearing loss?
• Would someone be willing to hire me for Circulation since that's heavy customer service?
• Should I stay in the PCC program or just go on to Graduate school?

Bravely, I shared my questions and fears with our instructor, Ann Dallavalle. She was quite patient in answering my questions and calming my fears. She told me that she didn't think my hearing loss would be a hindrance in getting a job in the field, even in an entry level job such as working at a Circulation desk. As for staying in the program, I wondered if it would be like double work and time wasted if I decided to go on to get a MLIS later. While she said the decision was ultimately mine, she did say going through the Library Tech Program at PCC would make the journey through grad school easier.

In addition, I got some additional inspiration from Jan Sanders, Library Director of Pasadena Public Library, on our field trip to their library. We were lucky enough to have her come and take some time from her busy schedule to speak with us. During our short break, she spoke with me and told me of a wonderful deaf librarian she had known years ago. This was the third deaf librarian I had heard of. Those numbers along with my confidence was growing.

I will admit even though I knew the journey was probably not going to be an easy one by any means, I decided to keep going. One thing I mentioned briefly in Part 2 was the many friends and acquaintances I have made while being in the program. Ann Dallavalle had encouraged us from day one to get to know our classmates as it may be very likely that in the future, we'd be working with each other whether on school projects or in actual jobs. In cultivating friendships with my classmates, I came to see that I wasn't so alone with my fears and everything else that came along with being back in school. And hopefully, others who go through the program will see that as well, no matter what you feel your shortcomings are or the fears you have.

Holiday Shopping at Your Local Library

Looking for great bargains on books and other items? Then look no further than your local library! Many have a little bookstore run by the Friends of the Library for that particular library. You'd be amazed at what finds you can stumble upon. I have found many very gently used or practically new books at these various bookstores right in the library for simply amazing rock-bottom prices. Granted, most people think of going to the library to borrow books. But if you're looking for books for people on your holiday shopping list or even for yourself, this can be an excellent place to start.

One place I venture a lot lately is at Pasadena Central Library since I volunteer there weekly. After doing my volunteer hours, I have been heading to their bookstore to check out what is new in their stock. Before they were only open on Saturdays, but they have recently been able to be open during the week as well for limited hours. Upon speaking with one of the volunteers, she said the best day to come in if you can is on Thursdays (which is when I volunteer!) since they re-stock the bookstore with new donations on Wednesday nights. Next week due to the holidays, the newest donations will be put out on Tuesday night and the store will be open on Wednesday, Dec. 24 which is Christmas Eve. The library will be closing at 1pm though so that doesn't leave much time. The bookstore should be open for about 2-3 hours if interested in stopping by.

Other recommended places are Glendale Central Library, Burbank Central Library, and South Pasadena Public Library. I've seen rare books for truly wonderfuly prices as well as cool coffee table books at all of these places. I have to say I've never walked out without finding something of interest in all of these places. If you have a library bookstore that you can recommend, drop a comment and let us know! I'd love to discover more worthwhile places to find wonderful books while also supporting our local libraries.

Now if you're one of those that prefer to shop online, then head to PCC's Shatford Library website and click on the Amazon link. If you use this link, a small portion of any purchase you make will be donated to the Library - at no additional cost to you!

So remember these great sources for gifts at this time of the year or any other gift giving times.

National Treasures, Local Treasures Coming To LAPL

Attention library junkies, bibliophiles and bookaholics; clear your schedules for December 12, 2008 between 10am - 12noon. The Library of Congress is having an event at the Los Angeles Public Library. This is a portion of the planned festivities that was received via e-mail to Krista Goguen.

Interim City Librarian Kristina Morita will accept, on behalf of the Los Angeles Public Library, a facsimile of a 1937 "map of the stars" from the collections of the Library of Congress.

On the program from the Library of Congress are John Y. Cole, director of the Center for the Book, Guy Lamolinara, the center's communications officer, and Gail Petri, educational outreach specialist from the Office of Strategic Initiatives. The program will include the screening of a special feature available with the DVD for "National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets," filmed in part in the Library's extraordinary Thomas Jefferson Building.

During this event, a student from Upland in the Letters About Literature contest will read her winning letter to an author. Novelist Nina Revoyr will also speak, about how research at LAPL has helped her succeed as an author.

The "National Treasures" program will include demonstrations by Library of Congress educational specialists on how to bring California history alive with rare primary-source materials available on the Library's Web site at www.loc.gov.

There will also be an online demonstration of the interactive Library of Congress Experience which brings unique historic and cultural treasures to attendees through cutting-edge interactive technology. The Experience comprises a series of new exhibitions and a continuing online educational experience on this personalized Web site.

These include:

"The Art and Architecture of the Thomas Jefferson Building," a tour through this exuberant 1897 masterpiece of American craftsmanship.

"Creating the United States," which tells the story of how our Founding Fathers used creativity, collaboration and compromise to form our nation, with a focus on the words and phrases that created the republic.

"Thomas Jefferson's Library," which features thousands of original volumes that provided the foundation for the Library of Congress and its universal collections.

"Exploring the Early Americas," which tells the story of the Americas before the time of Columbus, as well as the periods of contact, conquest and their aftermath. Jay I. Kislak's extensive collection of rare books, manuscripts, historic documents, maps and art of the Americas comprises the major portion of this exhibition, which also features Martin Waldseemüller's 1507 Map of the World, the first document to use the word "America.

The event is sponsored by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, the Los Angeles Public Library and the California Center for the Book.

The Library of Congress Center for the Book was established by Congress in 1977 "to use the resources and prestige of the Library of Congress to promote books, reading, literacy and libraries."

The address of the Los Angeles Public Library - Central branch is 630 W. 5th Street in downtown Los Angeles. So if you have the time and the inclination hop the Gold Line and then transfer to the Red Line to Pershing Square station. The library is a block and a half from the station.

Swiss Army Librarian - On The Front Line of the Reference Desk

Folks talk a lot about library 2.0 and technology. I know I do it but I'm a book loving nerd with a thing for gadgets. But what if we are being distracted from what is really necessary? Serving the patrons at the various level of services that they need.

Swiss Amery Librarian thought about this and he graphically should what is necessary and what is possible in today's public library.


This is a quote from his post:

It is the role of the library to take what we can get, and do the best we can with it to meet the needs of our patrons. Sometimes this means offering limited or abridged services, or services that sort of do what we want, but aren’t ideal (i.e., the current state of downloadable audiobooks). But even by working within the constraints placed on us by the groups that support us, we should always strive to provide patrons with services tailored to meet their needs.

That is getting harder to do with budget being squeezed, patrons increasing use of libraries and limited staffing hours. Yet, librarians and library workers make it happen every day.

It is a good post and has given me much to think about. I'm not giving up my gadgets just yet.

Library News - Never A Dull Moment

I don't know why people think libraries are boring, stuffy places. Yes libraries contain books, DVDs and wireless connections but libraries also contain people. People are not boring and this is a current round-up of libraries in the news.

International Library News

From the Times of India there is an column by Gurcharan Das who explains how he started going to the library, how the library system works in India and the different between a lending library and a free library in India.

The Yomiuri Shimbun via The Daily Yomiuri in Japan reports that many library books are returned damaged. This is beyond normal wear and tear damage. Food damage, animal bits and writing the "who done it" on the first page of mystery novels revels a different understanding of respect for a library book means in some cutures.

To quote a passage from the article:

About six months ago, a staff member at a public library in the Kinki district found a picture book that had been returned with nearly all the pages covered in crayon scribbles. When a library worker brought the damage to the attention of the woman who returned the book, the borrower said, "this [damage] should be permissible since we are paying taxes," the staff member said.

Tourism

The William J. Clinton Library in Arkansas is not only good for the community but it also draws tourist from around the world to visit the museum. Arkansas Matters has a report and a video clip of the anniversary celebration

Libraries Closures and Reduced Hours

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that there was not full disclosure about the statistic responsible for closing 11 libraries in the city. Many of the libraries being closed were built by Andrew Carnegie. WPVI Channel 6 has a short video of the community being concerned about a local branch being closed.

The Union.com that covers Grass Valley and Nevada County California also reports budget troubles. Temporary workers could lose their jobs and branch hours may be cut to make up a budget shortage.

Until the economy brightens, the library has discontinued several online search databases and postponed regular maintenance, such as fresh coats of paint.
Ironically, the state of the economy has driven many to the library for free books, music CDs and movie rentals.

Homework Over Gaming

The Daily Herald reports that the Eagle Mountain library will ban afternoon online gaming at the library. Seem it was too popular with the game players and school kids that needed to do homework were left out in the cold.

Entertainment News

The Cat Channel, Meryl Streep might play the role of librarian/author Vicki Myron of the book "Dewey: A Small Town Library Cat that Touched The World" According to the Canadian Broadcasting Company (CBC) it is a done deal. No word yet on the feline selected for the staring role.

Well that a quick look at library news. There is always something happening at your local branch or at a library across the world.