New! Access Services Conference fall 2009

I'm pleased to announce about the launch of a new conference taking place this fall: Access Services Conference 2009, “Unlocking the 21st Century Library”. This year's event will be held at Georgia Tech Global Learning Center in Atlanta, GA from November 11-13, 2009.

This event is being planned by library staff from across the country and some very creative folks. It was an idea started by folks at GA Tech library and they are working hard on planning it. I'm serving on the program planning committee and will post updates on the conference as we get moving.

Here's the call for proposals:

On behalf of the Conference Organizing Committee, we would like to invite you to submit a proposal for the Access Services Conference 2009, “Unlocking the 21st Century Library”. This year's event will be held at Georgia Tech Global Learning Center in Atlanta, GA from November 11-13, 2009.

The Access Services Conference is an opportunity for individuals working in all areas of Access Service in libraries to gather information and communicate with other professionals about Circulation, Reserves, Interlibrary Loan, Student Worker Management, Security, Stacks Maintenance, and other topics of interest.

We invite program proposals from March 30 until 5pm, July 15, 2009.

Accepted program proposal submissions should be able to fit within a 50 minute segment. Proposals might focus on any of the following areas:

Customer Service

Circulation

Interlibrary Loan

Consortia Agreements

Marketing

Reserves

Security

Space Management

Stacks Maintenance

Student Workers Management

Current technology for access service enhancement

Program Proposal guidelines:

Please submit an abstract, 300 words or less, with the program title and your name. Program proposals will be reviewed by the program committee and those presenters who are selected will be notified by August 15, 2009. In order to submit a proposal, please create an account at the conference website http://conferences.library.gatech.edu/access/index.php/access/access09/login,

login and select the “Author” link to submit your proposal.

Please direct any questions to Denita Hampton dahampton@gsu.edu

Computers in Libraries posts--Coming soon!

If your waiting for my posts on presentation don't despair! I do have notes on the presentations that I've attended and I'll be putting those up over the next couple of days. I took notes and I'm trying to clean them up a bit before I post. I'm not quite as good as some other folks like Librarian by day and librarianinblack at gathering their notes so fast (seriously those 2 are freaking awesome at their coverage!)

I've enjoyed my time at CIL and get to participate in an on the fly T is for Training last night which was a lot of fun. Once it's posted take a listen to it. And if you haven't listened to it before check it out! Maurice Coleman puts together a great podcast every two weeks and there's a great list of people that participate (such as Librarian by Day.)

CIL and me

This is my second year being at Computers in Libraries. Last year was my first time attending a library conference of this scale comprised of librarians across the country...and people whose blogs that I follow. I have to admit that I was a bit intimidated last year. I met and talked to a few folks whose blogs that I followed the longest and a couple of other really cool people, but for the most part I stayed back from the crowd.

This year is a bit different. Over the past year I've gotten to "meet" a lot of really cool people virtually. People that I missed last year at CiL. When some of these folks heard that I didn't talk to many people last year they told me the next time I can back I'd better talk to people or else. So because I really did want to meet some of those folks (and that "or else" was kinda of scary) I've been trying to talk and meet more of the people that I know virtually. And I've really enjoyed it. It's made the time go by faster, definately made the conference more interesting (and yes it's only the 1st day), and given me ideas of what I can take back.

I look forward to meeting more folks and attending some good presentations (already heard a few...posts coming!) If I haven't met you yet it's either cause I'm not sure its you or I'm a bit intimidated, so just walk up to me or something :)

Computers in Libraries 2009!

I'm a bit late at posting this, but I'm at Computers in Libraries 2009. I'll be blogging the presentations that I attend for the next few days so that you can hear what I hear. If you're here at CIL and wanna meet up, leave a comment and let me know where and when. My schedule is pretty much wide open. Look forward to meeting some of you folks that are here and listening to some great presentations!

Well wishes and good thoughts to Greg and UV

There are a large number of us that have listened to and followed the podcast Uncontrolled Vocabulary, a place for librarians to come and discuss current news in the library world. The shows founder and host, Greg S is taking a well deserved hiatus to focus on his family. I admire Greg, for the fact that he started the show when there was nothing like it (still isn't!) and that he's able to step back to take care of something even more important than the show.

I regret that I only participated in the chat and never did call in, but I always enjoyed listening to the show and appreciate the fact that it's still around to enjoy. So I'll just say see you soon Uncontrolled Vocab.

Heroes--common, uncommon, and otherwise

One of the radio stations that I listen to has been running a promo the past couple of weeks called "uncommon heroes" where listeners had a chance to call in and share about someone that they considered an "uncommon hero." I'm not quite sure what makes someone an "uncommon" hero since heroes can be made of anyone, but many folks shared about teachers or parents, but the variety was kinda of amazing to hear.

And I wondered how many of the people that were brought up knew that they were heroes to someone? I mean think about it who starts out there day really thinking I'm going to be a hero to someone today! I know Dr.'s, police officers, fire fighters, etc. save people's lives everyday, but do they think about being someone's hero? It reminded me of a story I heard while I was student teaching about how a teacher saved a student's life, all because of a simple act of placing an arm around the student's shoulder. The student realizing that there were people that cared found the help that she needed to go on. I don't know if the story is true or not, but it's always made me try to think about my actions.

So on that note I thought I'd ask y'all who are you heroes? Whose someone that's touched your life, whether they knew it or not?

Here are a few of mine:
Couch Garrett was one of the soccer coaches that I had growing up during my teen years (AYSO soccer) and probably the best one that I ever encountered. Instead of being all about winning and playing the best players while the scrubs sat on the sidelines, he actually took time to nurture players who weren't the best (like myself) and ensure that we all had fun playing. Every single player got to play, every single player was honored at the end of the year for their accomplishments, and we all played as a team. Every game we cheered each other on and supported each other. Parents could complain all they wanted to about how their son should play more because they wanted to win, but coach wouldn't have any of it. We actually did make it to a tournament that year and finished second. It wasn't because the best players played all the time, it was because coach ensured that we knew the meaning of being a team.

Mr. Tucker was my middle school art teacher. Now think about that for a second, he was an art teacher with a bunch of middle school students. Hormones running rampant, adolescent confusion, insecurity, the whole nine yards, plus being a male teacher. But he survived and helped us excel. Everyone that entered that room knew that he cared about them. He treated us like we were human beings. He didn't talk down to us, but talked to us. I can't say it was on an adult level, but he talked to us and listened to us, which is what so many of us needed. He made sure that if we needed help with our projects we got it. He nurtured us to be more than we were and to succeed beyond what we could ever imagine. I owe so much of what I accomplished in art to him.

Rev. Lyndon Harris was one of my priest's growing up. I can't say that I really remember everything that he did while I was there (during my teen years), but watch this YouTube video and you'll get a sense of who he is. And if you want to know more check out this page.

Others: Dr. Davis, Dr Parris, Rev. Clay Turner, and so many more.

No this isn't everyone, but it's some.

Please feel free to share yours in the comments or post to blog and link back or whatever makes you happiest.

The 99 thing meme

Yes I'm a bit slow on this, but meh, y'all survived right? :) Saw in multiple places starting with David Lee King but also on these other fine folks blogs (which means you should go check them out! Seriously these guys are awesome at what they do!).

THE 99 THINGS MEME

Things you’ve already done: bold
Things you want to do: italicize
Things you haven’t done and don’t want to - leave in plain font

1. Started your own blog.
2. Slept under the stars. (I traveled cross country one summer, slept in a tent, but also slept in the back of my 4runner with the door open.)
3. Played in a band.
4. Visited Hawaii.
5. Watched a meteor shower.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to Disneyland/world.
8. Climbed a mountain. (Small ones up in Yellowstone)
9. Held a praying mantis.
10. Sang a solo.
11. Bungee jumped. (No desire to ever do this, I hate heights)
12. Visited Paris.
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch. (I've sorta taught myself how to cut mats--I had someone show me once, other than that I observed. I've also taught myself, again sorta of, how to paint watercolors. Not very good, but passable.)
15. Adopted a child.
16. Had food poisoning.
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty.
18. Grown your own vegetables. (We had a family garden plot that had tomatoes and I grew a sunflower once)
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France.
20. Slept on an overnight train.
21. Had a pillow fight.
22. Hitch hiked.
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill.
24. Built a snow fort. (Ummm...well it wasn't like what you see in books, but we called in a snow fort)
25. Held a lamb.
26. Gone skinny dipping.
27. Run a marathon.
28. Ridden a gondola in Venice.
29. Seen a total eclipse.
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset. Watched multiple sunsets (helps that it sets early in the winter) and seen a few sunrises.
31. Hit a home run.
32. Been on a cruise.
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person.
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors. (umm...where is this? It depends on how far back I go for ancestors)
35. Seen an Amish community.
36. Taught yourself a new language. (HTML and CSS, working on others)
37.Had enough money to be truly satisfied.
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person.
39. Gone rock climbing.
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David in person.
41. Sung Karaoke. (we shall never speak of it though, cause I'm really bad)
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt.
43. Bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant.
44. Visited Africa.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight.
46. Been transported in an ambulance. (Cut the top of my head while at work one day)
47. Had your portrait painted.
48. Gone deep sea fishing.
49. Seen the Sistine chapel in person.
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling.
52. Kissed in the rain.
53. Played in the mud.
54. Gone to a drive-in theater.
55. Been in a movie.
56. Visited the Great Wall of China.
57. Started a business.
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia.
60. Served at a soup kitchen.
61. Sold Girl Scout cookies.
62. Gone whale watching.
63. Gotten flowers for no reason.
64. Donated blood.
65. Gone sky diving.
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check.
68. Flown in a helicopter.
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy.
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial.
71. Eaten Caviar.
72. Pieced a quilt.
73. Stood in Times Square.
74. Toured the Everglades.
75. Been fired from a job.
76. Seen the Changing of the Guard in London.
77. Broken a bone. (A broken toe counts right?)
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle.
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person.
80. Published a book.
81. Visited the Vatican.
82. Bought a brand new car.
83. Walked in Jerusalem.
84. Had your picture in the newspaper.
85. Read the entire Bible.
86. Visited the White House. (seen the outside of it at least, never been inside)
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating.
88. Had chickenpox.
89. Saved someone’s life.
90. Sat on a jury.
91. Met someone famous. (Met Brooks Robinson and Bob Feller at different baseball signings. If I could library bloggers I met a few at Computers in Libraries last year :)
92. Joined a book club.
93. Lost a loved one.
94. Had a baby.
95. Seen the Alamo in person.
96. Swum in the Great Salt Lake.
97. Been involved in a law suit.
98. Owned a cell phone.
99. Been stung by a bee.