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.
24 February 2009
23 February 2009
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.
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.
26 January 2009
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!).
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.
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
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.
Asking questions and when to say when
Wow..OK I started this post back in October with every intention of getting up, yet somehow things got away. So trying again.
Back in October 2008 I had the opportunity to speak with a recent MLIS graduate who just landed her first professional job. She had interned at our library over the summer and somehow she came away with the impression that I knew what I was talking about (not quite sure why...) and I of course was honored that she wanted to talk to me. So we sat and talked for over 2 hours on what type of things I did as a reference and instruction librarian. I shared various bits of advice that I had picked up and learned along the way.
I tried to make sure she knew other people did things differently than I did (which is a good thing we need diversity!) and I explained how I handled certain situations, such as giving instruction at the desk. Since I'm ILL/Circulation I sometimes take a different view of things and highlight different areas. For example, I try to make sure that folks know how ILL works and that generally they won't get their items the next day and that it probably won't help them for that paper that's due in 2 hours. As such, I tend (or at least try) to show resources that we have locally or that can be found online that might still have what they need. I also talked about how I conducted a reference interview, how I interacted with faculty, how I explained the library, conducted classes, etc. It was a good wide ranging discussion on all types of experiences, questions, and thoughts on the future of the library.
I shared two things that I wanted to pass on that I think are important for any librarian starting out.
The first was ask your colleagues questions. Get to know them, find out what their skills are and learn from them. Don't be afraid to ask them questions, because they want to help you succeed (or should!). They know the resources, they know whose who on campus, and are your best bet for navigating those first few months. And more importantly it will help you find out who to go to when you have something that you need a specific skill set to answer, such as using a certain science database. While it would be nice to be an expert in everything, it's just not possible to do so. So learn about the people around you, so you can go to them when you have a question or when you have a patron that has a question.
And the 2nd, was knowing when to say when when helping someone, whether patron or co-worker. We all want to do everything humanly possible to help our patrons. We'll go to the ends of the earth to find the information that they want or need. However, it sometimes seems like we don't know when to step back and say I've helped you all that I can and we need to try a different approach or you need to someone else for assistance. For example, when to let the person know that your chatting with on IM that their multi part research question can really be answered best in person or a phone call when you're not on the desk so that you can give them the help that they need. Or when to walk away from the patron that just won't stop talking about his new conspiracy on the government controlling the aliens from Mars. Librarians love helping their patrons. It's why we're here. But you can't always do everything they want and we need to know when to say when.
So what words of wisdom would you offer to those just starting out in library science?
Back in October 2008 I had the opportunity to speak with a recent MLIS graduate who just landed her first professional job. She had interned at our library over the summer and somehow she came away with the impression that I knew what I was talking about (not quite sure why...) and I of course was honored that she wanted to talk to me. So we sat and talked for over 2 hours on what type of things I did as a reference and instruction librarian. I shared various bits of advice that I had picked up and learned along the way.
I tried to make sure she knew other people did things differently than I did (which is a good thing we need diversity!) and I explained how I handled certain situations, such as giving instruction at the desk. Since I'm ILL/Circulation I sometimes take a different view of things and highlight different areas. For example, I try to make sure that folks know how ILL works and that generally they won't get their items the next day and that it probably won't help them for that paper that's due in 2 hours. As such, I tend (or at least try) to show resources that we have locally or that can be found online that might still have what they need. I also talked about how I conducted a reference interview, how I interacted with faculty, how I explained the library, conducted classes, etc. It was a good wide ranging discussion on all types of experiences, questions, and thoughts on the future of the library.
I shared two things that I wanted to pass on that I think are important for any librarian starting out.
The first was ask your colleagues questions. Get to know them, find out what their skills are and learn from them. Don't be afraid to ask them questions, because they want to help you succeed (or should!). They know the resources, they know whose who on campus, and are your best bet for navigating those first few months. And more importantly it will help you find out who to go to when you have something that you need a specific skill set to answer, such as using a certain science database. While it would be nice to be an expert in everything, it's just not possible to do so. So learn about the people around you, so you can go to them when you have a question or when you have a patron that has a question.
And the 2nd, was knowing when to say when when helping someone, whether patron or co-worker. We all want to do everything humanly possible to help our patrons. We'll go to the ends of the earth to find the information that they want or need. However, it sometimes seems like we don't know when to step back and say I've helped you all that I can and we need to try a different approach or you need to someone else for assistance. For example, when to let the person know that your chatting with on IM that their multi part research question can really be answered best in person or a phone call when you're not on the desk so that you can give them the help that they need. Or when to walk away from the patron that just won't stop talking about his new conspiracy on the government controlling the aliens from Mars. Librarians love helping their patrons. It's why we're here. But you can't always do everything they want and we need to know when to say when.
So what words of wisdom would you offer to those just starting out in library science?
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