Eeekkk... it's been a while!

Argh! So, once again, it's been a long time since I've written. Never fear though, I'm only a keyboard away.

Something seen at the library this week:
Man, sucking back his coffee as he passes the reference desk. Loudly throws cup in the garbage. Approaches the ref desk.
Me, 'Sir, next time could you please take your drink outside. There's no eating or drinking in the library.'
Man, 'What? I wasn't drinking anything! Do you have a study room?'
Me, 'No, they are all booked for the rest of the day.'
Man, 'Not even one free?'

Ok, that's my life....

You can come in, if you know the right words...

...so, working in one large(ish) public library system for many years, I wasn't really aware of what was going on around me. I mean, hey, I didn't even know much about the library system of the city in which I live (if that sentence makes sense to you, where do you get your coffee?).

Anyways, now that some doors have magically opened for me (I got a better gig than the one I was at, and man, were people shocked when I told them!), I realize that there's so much more out there.

I just finished reading Library Hotline. I never knew this existed before. And here, at my new job, I get to read it. I'll also make sure my staff gets to read it as well. I mean, there's no harm in knowing the magic words: "open seasame," right?

Because I care

Yeah, here's a review of a reference work I recently submitted (I'm known for being frank):

Origin of Everyday Things
Acton, Johnny
978-1-40274-302-3

I had hoped to write a glowing review of a book that promised fun and useful information for trivia buffs. Unfortunately, the book that contains this quirky piece of information on the origin of pretzels as “[t]he treat that nearly finished off George W. Bush…” (pg. 196), falls far below par when objectively reviewed as an information reference source. This work does not contain a table of contents (gasp) nor an index! The only entry for “X” is x-ray—what will those curious minds who want to know about the origin of Xanax do (Prozac is listed under “p” after all)? Its value as a credible information seeking tool is null and void. I wouldn’t even recommend this book as a gift to a bitter enemy.

Uhh.... your blood pressure's a bit high...

...how can that happen, you ask? After all, you're a public librarian! What do you do all day, read books?

Aha, not so!

Let's just say that last Thursday was a day from, well, that hot place down there.

It all started bright and early with a phone call. Did you know that some authors charge about $7500 for a visit? Yes. You read me right, I didn't typo, &7500 for a freaking two hour visit! Uhm hmmmm... so, when I spoke with the author's "people" they seemed a bit shocked that a non-profit, public institution could not afford to pay that much. I counter-offered $4500. Needless to say, I was turned down. I'm a little pissed, after all, in a few months, I'll be promoting this author's works to a city of 70 000, not to mention the surrounding area of over 1 000 000 000 (nope, not a typo!)

So, that was start #1.

#2, Uh... did you know that as a supervisor, you have to keep track of employee hours DUH! What an idiot! I made a mistake, and the part timer worked more than the full timer. I suck.

#3, No, it's not lunch burning! Some kids decided it would be fun to burn a pay stub in the library. Um hmmm... that's unlawful burning to all you interested parties. Ok, so the police came, I figured out how to work the surveillance equipment, problem solved.

#4, Um hmmm, you guessed it, graffiti in the men's room. Geez, you all have a hard enough time controlling your own pen in there, what are you doing with a marker?

Needless to say, Friday am (after I got off the phone with the Officer investigating the burning, graffiti, etc) at the md's office, my blood pressure was 'elevated.'

How was your week?

Let's get it started (again...)

So, I tried to start this blog about two years ago, but well, it fell by the wayside. So, now, revitalized, I'll try again!

I've been through some downs, but am again on the upside. Man, work can sure drain the life out of you! (especially the work of a public librarian in a politically charged situation. I'm sure I'll talk about it later ;)

Ok, keep your eyes peeled, so good things are sure to come.