Friday Fun

Page Turner: The Game of Literary Chance
Instructions:
1). Get the book nearest to you. Right now. (Don't cheat and look for your favorite book, just grab the nearest.)
2). Go to page 85.
3). Find the 10th sentence.
4). Write this sentence - either here or on your blog.
5). Copy these instructions as commentary of your sentence.
Bonus:
The resulting sentence can possibly give you insight to a problem that you are having or just make you laugh. You can also send this challenge to friends or colleagues and see what they're reading. Or at least what book is close to them.
My result:
"There were men who did that, men who didn't change into anything other than their own form, men who were alive 24/7."
- Definitely Dead, by Charlaine Harris

Delicious Podcasting: Why kids eat it up

This fall Outreach had the opportunity to partner with Villa Heights Elementary. One of the programs that teachers were interested in having the students do was Podcasting. What is Podcasting and how do you use it with library patrons?

Well, here is a quick definition. As for library use, I think you’ll find that Podcasting is an excellent library program that works well with books, literacy, and technology….essentially all the things that we want people to associate with public libraries.

For this adventure I worked with the three 5th grade classes at Villa Heights. The teachers and I decided to have students pick their favorite book (or graphic novel or magazine) and Podcast about it. The program lasted for four weeks, each session lasting about 45 minutes. The first three sessions were Learn & Play days. Students were introduced to the concept of Podcasting, how to work the software, and then practiced their Podcasts. I had them play around with interviewing a partner and doing an individual Podcast. By the fourth and final session the students felt comfortable using the computers, had decided on either an interview Podcast or an individual Podcast and had a literary subject to talk about. Some students had scripts, some just winged it on their book talks, but the end result was nothing short of fabulous. What did Podcasting teach the kids?

1. Students learned how to navigate a new program and create MP3 files. Students also were exposed to new software, or gained a better understanding of programs they had previously used.

Programs used for the project were three free programs: Audacity, LAME, and iTunes.
However, you can use any combination of audio recording programs and digital media players. These are the ones that work for me.

2. Students utilize the library to find their Podcast subject, and the Podcast create a new forum for young readers to enjoy their books. After all, the Podcast is their opinion of the book they are reading. What better way to get students to discuss books and actually read them than asking their opinion?
3. This program also subtly fine tunes student public speaking and presentation skills. Students get to instantly hear what they sound like when they listen to their Podcast. Usually the first few efforts aren't very good. They talk too fast, stumble over words, lose their train of thought, and pepper their Podcast with “Uhh’s” and “Umm’s.” There is no better critique for students than listening to their own Podcasts. Usually it prompts students to work harder, to speak clearly and organize their booktalk so they sound more professional. Often times they will improve on their own because they want to do a good job. Having an example Podcast of both ‘good’ and ‘bad’ speakers at the beginning of class also help students get a feel for what makes an enjoyable Podcast.

The program has ended and now I am burning CDs for the kids to take home. I know, I know, CDs are so passé. This is a one time, extra mile service that I am offering to the school. Villa Heights has been a wonderful school to partner with, so I am happy to give them a CD for their efforts. However, in all future partnering I will burn the final Podcast to a student’s MP3 player or email the file. I also have plans to create a channel on several Podcasting directories, so that will grant access to everyone.

I am booked to use the Podcasting program at another elementary in the spring, and Villa Heights want to do the program for the 4th grade. I also intend to take it to Jail North with the youth offenders and turn it in to a poetry/ Podcasting class. We might do some Podcasting at Urban Ministries too. I think they would love it.

Check out this article here to see how a teacher uses Podcasting in their classroom, and click here for some wonderful guidelines from YALSA about creating and promoting your Podcast.

Now, go out there and dish up this delicious program!

Why I Enjoy Going to Jail

People ask me why I like teaching classes at the jail. By ‘people’ I mean everyone- colleagues, friends, family members, random strangers, my husband. I realize that it is a strange thing, but I actually look forward to going to Jail North. Why? This is why:

Below are a few examples of evaluations from my Flash Fiction class, adult inmates, Jail North:

“I would like to work harder with my writing and more on my Flash Fiction. I think this class helped me out a lot.”
“She (the instructor) made things fun and exciting. Also she made it understandable with an open mind. Thank you for your class, Peace & Blessings.”
“This class made me want to learn more.”

We did a writing exercise today that I highly recommend- stream of consciousness writing. It’s great for the novice writer, or for those that think that they have nothing to say. I explained the concept to the class. They were to write in their journals for two minutes about whatever popped in their head, no editing, rewriting or formal writing, just let the words flow. For two minutes the guys furiously wrote in their journals and all I could hear was the scribbling of pencils. Pencils down, then we read what we wrote out loud. I had to edit a bit for content, but here is an example from one of my more quiet students:
“This class has been (good) for me. I’ve learned that this is a great group of guys, and I’ve learned some things about (myself). I didn’t believe in writing. I didn’t think that it would help anything. Now when I think about this class I think about what I have learned and the power of words. Writing makes it real, somehow, something that I can see. My words have worth like they never did before. Maybe they always did, but somehow I now see their value.”
The Flash Fiction class ended today and it was a humbling experience for me. People sometimes don’t connect prison reform and library services, but I believe that we really can fight crime through literacy. There are people like the Jail North library employees and other jail librarians all over the country that offer hope to inmates in a the form of a book or a poem.
One of the guys said in class today that if he had never been sent to jail, he would have never thought to read a book, or write in journal. He explained: “It’s not like I’m glad I’m here, but in a weird way, I’m glad I’m having this experience. Going to a class. Reading over 200 books. Keeping a journal, writing down my thoughts. I never thought I had anything worthwhile to say, but it turns out that I do, and it’s nice to find something positive here, you know?”
Yes, I do. And as I said, it is humbling to know that you have helped someone realize that.
We ended with the poem ‘Our Greatest Fear,’ by Marianne Williamson, which seemed appropriate. My favorite verse:
“And as we let our own light shine,we unconsciously give other peoplepermission to do the same.”
And so, whenever some one asks me why I enjoy teaching at the jail, I will reference this post and hopefully that will explain it.
Write on, my friends, write on!

Read these books NOW!!!

One of the absolute best things about my Young Adults Materials class is that I was 'forced' to read 20+ YA novels, log them in LibraryThing, and then do a booktalk about the subject of my choice. (Thank you, Dr. Feehan!)

I came across some excellent books, and I highly encourage you to read them too. Here are my top three, in no particular order. Enjoy!

Bad Monkeys by Matt Ruff. In this Science Fiction thriller, protagonist Jane Charlotte claims to be an agent for a secret organization devoted to fighting evil, called Bad Monkeys. This little confession sends Jane to the jail's psychiatric ward, where she tells her story to a doctor. The book is a clever and philosophical riff on American society where the lines between good versus evil constantly blur.

13 Reasons Why, by Jay Asher. 13 Reasons Why documents the thirteen reasons high student Hannah Baker used to justify her suicide. Before her death, Hannah recorded her reasons on audio tapes, made a list of the thirteen people that affected her decision and mailed it to the first person on her list. After the listener finishes the tapes, they are instructed to mail them to the next person on her list. Clay Jensen, a boy in Hannah's class that had a secret crush on her, is one of the recipients of the tapes. The book is Clay's journey with Hannah as she describes the cause of her unhappiness, and why she ultimately takes her life.

The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins. I think this book will be the next big thing. Suzanne Collins has created a chilling future world where TV is the ultimate judge, jury, executioner, and entertainment. Protagonist Katniss Everdeen takes the place of her younger sister for the Hunger Games. Although her name is kind of lame, Katniss proves to be a strong, capable female character that holds her own in this post apocalyptic world. Katniss is a killer with a bow and arrow, and proves to be deadly in the games. I like that she is a no-nonsense survivor, and though she is harsh, she shows compassion, strength, and leadership. The Games themselves are brutal- the one unspoken rule is that you can't eat the dead contestants- and reading it is like playing a gory video game. Teens will enjoy the love triangle between Katniss, and fellow contestants Peeta and Gale. Gale has 'smoldering good looks' and is an excellent hunter. Perhaps he's the new Edward? This is the first in a projected trilogy, and I eagerly await the next in the series.

BONUS:

The Graveyard Book, by Neil Gaiman.

Inspired by Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book, this is classic Neil Gaiman as he explores the underworld through the eyes of a human boy. I love you, Neil Gaiman.

Twilight has Zero Effect on me

Ah, Twilight, you mystical young adult vampire romance novel. Everyone is under your spell.

Everyone except for me.

That's right people. I'm going to sharpen my snarky claws on this one. I could take it when they were just books, but this Twilight movie thing is over kill and now it's time to get real with you.

I don't like the books. I have never liked the books. I faked liking the books so that I could bribe teens to read something. Anything. Even bad vampire fiction, and I usually like bad vampire fiction (I'm talking to you, Sookie Stackhouse. True Blood indeed).

Why am I not on the Twilight bandwagon? Hmm, well……

1. Bella annoys me. I found her to be needy, insecure, and far too wrapped up in her boyfriend. She ends up rearranging her whole life for this guy, blowing off college, her friends, and her family to fit in to his world. I don't think she's a strong female character, and she's not the type of girl that I would want to hang out with. And what the F is up with her being 'clumsy' and falling everywhere? Why is she so freaking helpless? Give me Hermione Granger any day- there's a smart, take charge kind of girl. Bella seems like she would die without Edward, and I prefer my heroines to be a little more self sufficient. And why are all these guys so hormonal about her? Jacob, Edward, and some random high school boys? And then the killer vamp? Does Bella show off some skin that we don't know about in the book? Because Meyer basically describes her as frumpy and clumsy, so how is that appealing to anyone, vampires or teenage boys? Bella = loser.

2. Edward is too good to be true. Curse you, Stephanie Meyer, why did you create this flawless boy for girls to lust after? Guys like Edward don't exist, and now there will be hoards of teenage girls forever looking for their Edward. It's like that guy from 16 Candles, Jake Ryan, who picks Molly Ringwald over the uber popular girl. That's not realistic, and neither is Edward. Ok, that's a lame reason to not be on board with Twilight. However, I find it kind of funny (and kind of sad) when I hear tween and teen girls swooning over Edward, comparing him to real life boys in their school. He's not real-life girls, that's why he's fiction. And I do find it extremely creepy that he sneaks in to Bella's bedroom to watch her sleep. In the real world, that is worthy of a restraining order.

3. Stephanie Meyer struggles with her plot… and her writing….and her characters. Twilight the series is badly written. There, I said it. Badly written. Is the premise bad? No, the idea is really good. The delivery, however, sucks as much as Edward does during meal times. Meyer's delivery of dialogue and plot falls flat. The characters are always standing around, waiting for the action to happen, but it never does. I found this to be true in the most current novel, Breaking Dawn. The book was building up to this big action sequence....and nothing. Repetitive, formulaic, and predictable. That's Twilight.

Now, that being said…

If I were a teen I would have jumped on board the Twilight train and made myself president of the Edward fan club. Oh yeah. But as an adult, I see plenty of holes in the story. And bad writing. Sorry, Stephanie Meyer. That also goes for your silly 'adult' book titled The Host. That female protagonist was just an alien version of Bella. And we know how I feel about Bella.

But, there are a few things that I like about Twilight. In fact, here are some of my favorite things about the series:

1. Jacob and his werewolf buddies are awesome.

2. Sparkling vampires are cool.

3. I would totally hang out with Alice and let her dress me.

And yes, I will shameless hustle this series to reluctant readers, and fake it like I love it, because I don't have to like the swill that the kids are reading, I am just so relieved that they are reading something.

Even if I want to smack Bella.

I feel much better.

This is a fun toy!

So, other than my most recent post of a few minutes ago, I haven't blogged in....well, forever. But don't worry! Here is a Lazy Bloggers Post Generator. And it's hilarious! Try it, it will change your blogging life.

Flash Fiction- The Genre that Transcends Incarceration

You have 500 words. No more, no less. Now, write about a party that you went to, and what adventures you had. Write about what it feels like to be the last man (or woman) on Earth. Write about a personal experience, but you only have 500 words. Ready? Go.

That, dear readers, is the genre of Flash Fiction. It has several names, Short Short Stories, Sudden Fiction, Micro Stories, or Post Card Stories. Call it what you like, but these stories are short, they are sweet, and they are like a snap shot of words.

The inmates at Jail North have really taken to the concept of Flash Fiction. Yes, it’s a challenge for them to write something so brief, but they like the idea and boundaries of the assignments. How do you facilitate it? Well, here is my Flash Fiction guide:

1. Get a volume or two of Flash Fiction stories and introduce your participants to the genre. Flash Fiction Forward is an excellent collection. Stories like Jumper Down, The Voices in My Head, and Toasters are excellent character studies. They also give participants an idea of how to create a character within one or two paragraphs. It’s not easy.
2. I’ve been using Stephen King’s On Writing to give students an idea of how to improve their writing skills. Specifically, I’ve been using the Toolbox chapter, where Stephen King talks about building a better story through proper grammar, vocabulary, and writing style. I also used King’s The Stand, which has a brief interlude to the story in Chapter 38 and is actually a collection of Flash Fiction stories. This is where I got the idea for the Last Man on Earth assignment. Thank you, Stephen King.
3. Brainstorm with your participants. I had a big white board and I wrote the assignment in the middle (The Last Man on Earth). Then I had the guys give me ideas about potential stories. I explained that anything goes, this is just the planning period. We talked about perspective; would they write it from their perspective as the last person on Earth, or someone else’s? The guys wrote everything down as used it as a guide for their own story.
4. Read stories out loud! Giving feedback is crucial, especially to participants who might have never gotten any type of feedback on their writing before this class. I always took notes when a participant read his story, and I encouraged the guys to take notes while critiquing other stories too. I set up the feedback portion of the class as a way to provide helpful critique, not hurtful, and of course, to respect the person who is reading. I have not had a problem with the critiques; the inmates were very constructive and supportive of each other’s work.
5. Edit, and then edit again. The idea of editing might be second nature to some of us, but for others editing is the most difficult process. The participants in my Flash Fiction class had a hard time ‘cutting down’ their stories because they really liked them. However, I pointed out that many of their descriptions could be edited down to a few sentences, not a few paragraphs. Because the inmates had to hand-write their stories, I tell them that 500 words is roughly one page of written material, front and back.

The class has gone well and I have been very impressed with the quality of work the participants have written. There are several in my class of nine who say that they are not writers, but they love to hear the stories. I let these guys stay in the class because they were very active in the discussions and critique, and provided good insight into several stories. Next week is the last class, and while I am sorry to see it end I am so glad that I was able to introduce these guys to this exciting genre.
Feel free to take this program and use it wt your library (or school). It works well both in jail and out.

Taking the Resumes to the Jails, Part 1

On Tuesday I sat down with six young men and one older gentleman at Jail North and talked about how to create a working resume. These men were close to being released and wanted to know how to create and utilize a resume. Many of the guys had little to no job experience and were wondering how that would affect their job prospects. Then there is the problem of having been incarcerated, but I wanted to take it one issue at a time. Here is what I told them about resumes and job hunting via a Power Point presentation at the beginning of class:

1). A resume is not geared to get you a job per se, but is trying to get you an interview. As you create and submit resumes, don’t worry about getting the job so much as getting that face time with a potential employer during an interview. An interview is when you start worrying about landing the job.

2). Send out as many resumes to as many jobs as you can find. Job hunting truly becomes a numbers game and eventually you will get an interview, you just have to keep sending out applications.

3). Be honest on your resume. Even people who have not been incarcerated are tempted to lie on resumes, and that is an excellent way to not get hired, or worse, get hired and then fired when they find out you are not qualified or you lied about your past.

Then we started the the task of creating a useable resume. I was saddened by the lack of computer skills, but impressed by their efforts. Although many couldn’t type, they knew how to handle Microsoft Word and the resume templates helped. The class was supposed to be 90 minutes, but it ended up being 2 hours as we got more into editing the resumes and making them look professional. I ended the class with my standard plug for the library for resources of resume books and computers. Of all the classes I have taught at the jail so far, these guys seemed the most intrigued by the resources of the library. I hope they come visit a branch after they are released.

I have the same class again next week for Resume Writing Round 2, where we will look at examples of finished resumes and polish up their resume. I am concerned about the lack of computer skills and have talked with the arts coordinator about potentially having an introductory computer class at the jail

PLCMC is nothing if not full service.

PLCMC Mobile Literacy Vehicle- A New Spin on the Bookmobile

PLCMC Mobile Literacy Vehicle
Originally uploaded by PLCMC

No excuses for not posting. I have been busy, but who hasn’t. At least I have been busy with exciting projects and school work.
Look at our new toy!

PLCMC’s Mobil Literacy Vehicle. PLCMC has put a whole new spin on the traditional book mobile. For one, it’s more colorful. For another, the patrons get to keep the books. That’s right; we are giving away free books. For twelve weeks we have visited Druid Hills Elementary and Allenbrook Elementary, plus the surrounding neighborhoods. We have met so many great people, and I know that we have gotten a lot of kid and families reading. Although the truck is hot, I really enjoy going out and have had a lot of fun with my co-workers this summer.
There are some excellent pictures of the program in action. Again, I will post them as soon as I have downloaded them.

Here are some quick updates:
1. I survived my three summer courses. I loved Materials for Early Childhood. I read 100 fabulous picture books and found some great resources for future programs. I muddled through my Research class and my Technology class. I don’t know the final grades for Technology (as I said, muddled through) but I think I did alright. Just an FYI: taking three summer sources and working full time is as hard as everyone said it would be, but doable. You just don’t sleep very much.
2. I survived Tricycle Music Festival 2008! We had three fabulous bands: They Might Be Giants, The Jellydots, and Frances England. Each band was unique and fun to work with. Once I get the pictures uploaded I will post them here and at my much-neglected Tricycle Blog.

Until then, Cheers!

They Might Be Giants Might Be At ImaginOn Today!

Classic Giants
Originally uploaded by ryan.kane

I know I have been MIA these last few weeks, but I've been busy with school, assignments, reading for my classes.... and planning the They Might Be Giants concert.

That's right, They Might Be Giants are here at ImaginOn for a one day, two concert extravaganza! I've been working on this for months and finally, the big day is here!

This is part of the PLCMC Tricycle Music Festival. We have three bands playing throughout the summer, the Giants being our biggest act of course.

The band has not arrived yet, the Children's Theatre of Charlotte and Paragon Productions is getting ready for the sound check at 11 am. The first concert is at 1 pm, and I know our wonderful photographers will get some fantastic photos!

They Might Be Fabulous!

Joy! I got a scholarship!!!

Joy
Originally uploaded by ~ Paige ~

Today a wonderful email dropped in to my in-box letting me know that I have been selected as a recipient of the 2008 Carla E. DuPuy Scholarship!!!

Once a year, the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County gives a scholarship to a staff member who is enrolled in a MLIS program, and this year I am that person!!!!

What an honor! What a suprise!

I am full of joy right now. It's a good day.

Beatnik Cafe, Simply Science, and Away Games

Beatnik Cafe
Originally uploaded by toran23

May has been a busy month. Recently I have started offering several of my portable workshops to teachers as a classroom visit. My portable school programs are simply library programs that have worked in the branches and I take them on the road. If ImainOn is my home court, then the portable school programs are the away games.
Currently I offer Beatnik Café and Simply Science and they have both proved very popular with both students and teachers. Beatnik Café is a poetry program (obviously). As you have guessed by the title, Beatniks are part of the formula. I dress up in black, wear a beret and play the bongos while reciting poems. After my antics have loosened up the kids, I encourage them to come up and read a poem while I accompany on the bongos. Sometimes the kids read poems they have written; sometimes they use one of the many poetry books I bring and find inspiration there. I always bring an extra set of bongos and have an assistant bongo player. Then I hand over my bongos to an eager student and keep the Café moving. By the end of the program all of the kids (even the shy ones) have either read or poem or played a bongo. Sometimes the teachers jump in. I wrap up the program with a plug for the 811 poetry section in non-fiction. The kids leave thinking how cool the library is. Can you dig it, man?
Simply Science is a great hands-on program that introduces basic science concepts to kids. It started as a workshop I did for teachers and then I realized that it could be easily adjusted for a classroom visit. I keep the experiments simple. For example; baking soda and vinegar mixed together make a cold reaction (endothermic) and peroxide and yeast make a hot reaction (exothermic). Discuss. I made a nifty little Science Notebook that the kids can use to record their observations and hypothesis. I end the class with a reference to the 500’s science section, a list of cool science books, and a hopefully a burning thirst for more science knowledge.
The sad thing is that many of the kids have not been to their local library. Sure they know that there is a library filled with books, but why would they want to go there? What can the library possible offer them? Well, it can tell you more about rockets and exothermic reactions, for one thing. Not to mention the plethora of awesome, FREE programs that are offered, for any age group.
This interests the kids. They have rockets at the library? Beatniks too? So the library is….kind of cool?
It’s the problem of the modern librarian: We offer these fabulous, free programs that are just as spectacular as video games (and some of them are video games) but we need to get the word out that This Is Not Your Momma’s Library. Kids are welcome, we are here for you.
Now I don’t really care if kids think librarians are cool, but I do care if they think the library is relevant. And I think that the away games are a great way to do that.
I have one more Simply Science tomorrow, then I’m winding down for the summer. However, I already have several requests for the fall and I am developing new away games (literacy games, anyone?) that hopefully will continue to delight young patrons.
If anyone would like the write ups for Simply Science or Beatnik Café, leave a comment and I will be happy email them to you. I also send the teachers evaluations, so I can send the template with the program. As always, feel free to use and adjust.

Public Library at the County Jail: Wii Progams Unite Everyone

Fists over R
Originally uploaded by bdmckeown

Public Library programs in jail? Why not.

I have been partnered with Jail North since September 2007. Jail North is one of the county jails of Mecklenburg and houses male inmates. I’ve had great success with the Jail North programs, mainly because I run them as I would a normal library program and the inmates respond to that. My first few classes were poetry classes. The guys loved writing, especially poetry, so it was an easy class to facilitate. Classes were small (8-10 participants) and lasted 90 minutes once a week for 4 weeks. I would bring in poems from Gil Scott-Heron, Gwendolyn Brooks, T.S.Elliot, Maya Angelo, Allen Ginsburg, and Jack Kerouac to name a few. I would also use songs from artists like Mos Def, Common, Notorious B.I.G., Jimi Hendrix and Lauren Hill and have the guys analyze the lyrics. We wrapped up each class with a writing assignment (for example, Jack Kerouac has a very distinct writing style called stream of consciousness. Try writing in this style). Often the guys drew amazing parallels between the lessons and real life and wrote wonderful poems that reflected their thoughts. I hope to post future inmate poems on this blog.

This month we had two Learn and Play days at Jail North with the Nintendo Wii. The Outreach department has the Wii Sports game that came with the system. Wii Sports has bowling, baseball, tennis, boxing, and golf. Participants can team up or play the games individually. We have used it with seniors and other adult groups and they loved it. However, would a room full of adult male inmates like it too?

I decided to go for it and pitched the Wii program as a great team building, cooperative video game program for inmates. The Wii is a more non-traditional gaming system, but the premise of the Learn and Play days is to introduce new technology to the inmates. I proposed that inmates would be playing together in a team environment and learning something new. Jail North liked the idea so they approved the program. Although I’m new to inmate gaming, another library colleague has been facilitating Madden football game tournaments to youth offenders for a year and she said that they loved it. Why not give Wii a chance too?

To say that the Jail North Wii class exceeded my expectations is an understatement. My first class had 6 adult men and they loved it. The class was very eager to try all five games and they worked well together. They took turns playing, helped other participants work the remote and encouraged each player. True, there was the usual amount of trash talking but it wasn’t any worse than you would hear in a normal setting. The class lasted 90 minutes (because you can’t really play a video game in an hour) and the inmates were very appreciative of the opportunity to try something new.

Was this a fluke? Not at all. My colleague Jason and I went again to Jail North today and had another wonderful experience. Once again, we had a class of about 6 men and they loved the Wii. This time the game of choice was boxing. While some might hesitate to let inmates play a boxing game, Wii boxing is very mild and does not have graphic, bloody fight scenes. Plus it’s a great workout. Once again, the guys were encouraging and helpful to each other, which was nice to see. Jason remarked that it did not feel like a jail program and felt more like an adult gamming night at one of the branches. Jail North was happy at the positive nature of the games and how well the inmates worked together. While it may sound like a simple concept, gaming allowed these men to relax and have fun, but they were also inadvertently developing social skills and communicating in a positive way.

This is one of those feel good, pat-on-the-back programs that makes me love the library even more. I know we probably didn’t change anyone’s lives, but we made a great connection with the inmates and encouraged them to visit the library with their families when they are released.

Next up with Jail North, a Youth Offenders Graphic Novels class, complete with a visiting artist! Should be fun, I’ll post more later on.

Information Overload

A Card Catalogue in the Wrong Hands
Originally uploaded by BookMonger

I might have bitten off more than I can chew for the summer as I plan to take three grad school courses in my attempt to graduate in December 2009. Crazy, right? Right.

Truth be told, my introduction class for the spring semester wasn't that bad. I thoroughly enjoyed the content, the readings, the assignments... OK, I am a perpetual nerd, so the school work didn't bother me. I aced the course, now I have a break in May until June 2nd, when my Materials for Early Childhood and Introduction to Research in Library and Information Science classes begin.

On the surface Summer 1 doesn't look so bad... read 100 picture books and review them for Materials (should be fun) watch the classroom DVD, learn about puppets, flannel boards, story times, and round out the class with a few papers and a campus visit. I'm in the distance education program so a face to face lecture should be fun. For Research I read two-three chapters a week and will have a research project due. Online participation and class discussion postings via Blackboard are mandatory for each class, natch.

I'm not think about Summer 2 until, well, later.

Here's the thing: I believe that what will make me a good librarian will be the things that I am experiencing in my current job, and skills I have learned in past jobs. There's not really a flannel board that can teach you how to facilitate a graphic novels class to youth offenders in county jail, 'ya know? But more on that issue later.

That being said, I have to say that I am enjoying the degree itself and the book learning that is coming with it. I think right now I have the best of both worlds- working in a library while working on my MLIS- and I do intend to make the most of it.

So yes, I might be taking on a lot but really, you only live once and I want to go full throttle on this degree and get the most out of it that I can. I am very interested to see how this summer will shape up.

Cheers, Snarky Readers.

Librarian by day....

Librarian by day, Bacardi by night
Originally uploaded by library_mistress

Hmmm, I wonder how much library student enrollment would jump if universities posted this on their webpage?

To get the full effect, click on the ad and make sure to read the tag line.

Urban Ministries Library Fieldtrip

Dentistry Library: Stacks
Originally uploaded by rosefirerising

I followed through with my idea for a library field trip with the Urban Ministries folks. My purpose for the fieldtrip was to connect homeless patrons with library services and employees that could help them find a job, a place to live, brush up on their computer skills, and to find that perfect book to read. It was a great success with a larger number of folks coming from Urban Ministries than I thought. At one point we had 14 people, and I was seriously expecting maybe 5 or 6. What a pleasant surprise!

Here is my formula for a successful fieldtrip:
1. Contact everyone within the library. I mean everyone. I contacted the heads of security, circulation, reference, and Virtual Village asking if they would like to participate in the fieldtrip and discuss their areas, and cc’d every library manager I could think of. I did not want to leave anyone out and I wanted staff to well-informed about this endeavor. I am fortunate to have very supportive colleagues and was met with an enthusiastic response.
2. Ask the patrons what areas they are interested in learning more about and then have a solid schedule for them. I put just as much effort planning the Urban Ministry fieldtrip as I did planning for my high-end book clubs. After making sure all the staff was on-board, I emailed everyone at PLCMC and Urban Ministries a schedule. On the day of the fieldtrip, I had a well rounded visit planned out for the patrons, showcasing areas like Virtual Village and reference. Something for everyone.
3. Have food. It unites people.
4. Make it a monthly occurrence. Or a quarterly occurrence, or a seasonal occurrence, but if possible try to offer again. It builds a great rapport with the community and the patrons did learn about library services that they were not aware of before.
5. Send thank you’s to the library staff. You can never say thank you enough.


Part of my motivation for the fieldtrip was to attempt to improve relations between the library and homeless patrons. Sometimes the homeless patrons feel intimidated by library staff; sometimes library staff feels intimidated by the homeless patrons. On the flip side, there does not seem to be a lot of friendly communication between the two groups. I’m sure that most library systems (and homeless patrons) can relate. Hopefully, these fieldtrip will remedy that.
After the fieldtrip one of the Urban Ministry patrons told me, “Well, now that I’ve met you all, you all seem like real people to me.”
That’s a very interesting and powerful thought, the concept of what makes one person real to another. Is it when we talk to someone? Is it when we have positive interactions? Or is it as simple as when we say hello? Food for thought.
Urban Ministries has expressed an interest in making another trip, and the library staff told me they will support it. Go team, go. Let’s become real to some people.

Book Clubs: The Snarky Librarian Staple

Snarky Librarians thrive on book clubs. Truly, nothing is better than introducing a wonderful book to a group and then listening to them talk about it.

Check out 25 Ways Libraries Can Serve Book Groups from Book Group Buzz.

Other book clubs ideas that can be used in a library setting:
1. Pair a book with a movie. Have participants read the book, screen the movie, and talk about the transition from page to screen. My experience has been that the movie element works well as a hook for teens, and as a great visual aide for senior groups or ESL groups. Bonus challenge: Read a script instead of a book and compare it to the movie version. Six Degrees of Separation is a good place to start.
2. On the library webpage, have a place where author websites are book marked. Often authors have book club questions about their books.
3. Start a library book club blog (the Snarky Book Club, perhaps?) and use it as a virtual Book Club. This is a great tool to use for library outreach; groups such as busy professionals, stay at home parents, or the disabled and homebound. Blogs are fun and FREE!

The Digital Divide: My Nemesis

Jaisalmer :: Digital Divide
Originally uploaded by Avesao

I have found my Nemesis, my Arch-Enemy, and she is named Digital Divide.

The term digital divide refers to the gap between those people with effective access to information technology and the knowledge to use it, and those that do not. It’s the old story of the haves and the have-nots. The modern twist is that the lack of basic computer skills and technological access for the have-nots is not only affecting their ability to find a job, but to function in our society. The DD is the Joker to my Batman, and I will use all the bat-gadgets in my utility belt to defeat it.

As a library science student my professors covered the DD concept accurately and thoroughly. As an employee of the public library I come across it almost daily. Currently I work in the Youth & Outreach department and am partnered with an array of groups across Mecklenburg County. One group is the Urban Ministries center. Urban Ministries is an inter-faith organization that serves those that face homelessness and poverty. I run several monthly programs at Urban, the newest being a resume class where the digital dived was painfully evident.

Starting out I envisioned having several laptops at Urban for the patron’s use with internet access. I thought that I would be there in a support capacity and that the patrons would be writing up their own resumes and posting them online. Nope. The program ended up being very hands-on as the patrons I served did not know how to type, much less post the finished product on Careerbuilders.com. Many of them did not even have an email address. Take a moment and imagine not having an email address. It might be nice to be unplugged, but think about trying to operate in today’s world with out one. Now think about applying for a job without email. How does a potential employer contact you? How would you communicate with jobs of interest and send applications? Sure, there’s the phone, but realistically homeless patrons don’t have easy access to that either. Many of my homeless patrons are part of the digital divide have-nots and don’t know about free email accounts, posting resumes online, or job search engines. I’m not saying that you can’t find a job without those tools, but it sure is easier with them, don’t you think?

I adapted quickly and the program took a very interesting turn as I helped with resumes, job postings, and opening free email accounts. My digital divide nemesis almost took the day, but library services prevailed. I have decided to take it a step further and will start scheduling Urban fieldtrips to the Public Library to better connect them to our wonderful, free services. Down with DD!

Welcome to the Snark!

The Old Library
Originally uploaded by (Erik)

Welcome all, to the Snarky Librarian. This is my first of many entries. To begin, let’s clarify what a Snarky Librarian really is. As defined by Urban Dictionary:

Snarky-
A witty mannerism, personality, or behavior that is a combination of sarcasm and cynicism. Any language that contains quips, comments or satirical witticisms intended as blunt irony. Usually accepted as a complimentary term, snark is sometimes mistaken for a snotty or arrogant attitude, but is intended to amuse and entertain.

Librarian-
A librarian is a person who is trained to help you find whatever information you might be looking for. Many people have an outdated stereotype of a librarian as an unmarried middle-aged woman who only cares about keeping kids away from her dusty old books. The truth is that the modern librarian comes in all shapes, sizes, genders and ages. More importantly, they aspire to make a difference in a constantly changing world, are some of the most interesting individuals you will ever meet and are more excited about technology then you think.

Snarky Librarian:
A witty, sarcastic person who is trained to help you find whatever information you might be looking for. Snarky Librarians often share amusing quips or satirical witticisms that are as entertaining as they are blunt. Snarky Librarians love (in no certain order) books, literacy, reading nooks, technology, gadgets, blogs, blogging, dynamic library programs, dynamic library people. A Snarky Librarian is a good person to have on your side.

Now that the definition is out of the way, the fun can begin!