When I was a kid, my siblings and I had three distinct wardrobes: church clothes, school clothes and play clothes. When we came home from school or church, we were instructed immediately to change into our play clothes. Those were the stained and/or torn clothes that might also be a little too small. Playing in our good clothes soon turned them into play clothes.
I still have play clothes. They are still the stained and/or torn clothes that are sometimes a little too small. However, they are perfect for gardening, house cleaning, and generally hanging around the house. I have lots of play clothes because after a while things just wear out or I spill something. Wearning my play clothes means my other casual clothes stay stain-free and tear-free longer. When they get really bad, I cut them up into rags and use them for dusting, cleaning and polishing. I have a very large basket of rags.
When I was working, I'd come home at the end of the day and change into my play clothes before cooking dinner or even just relaxing. Many evenings I had a meeting, so when I came home I skipped the play clothes and just went to bed. Since I didn't wear them a lot (a few evenings a week; one day, maybe two on weekends) they didn't wear out very fast.
Now I spend most of my time in my play clothes and I'm getting sick of them. And they're still not wearing out very fast. What's going on here? How come a nice new pair of sweatpants gets a tear or gets stained after a short period of time, but once it become play clothes, it seems to last forever? I was hoping that all these ratty sweat shirts and sweat pants and turtle neck jerseys would all disintegrate and I could buy lots of new ones.
Right now I'm actually wearing a turtle neck that is about 25 years old. It has a few holes in it, but it's still quite warm and the holes are easily covered with a sweatshirt. How can I cut it up into rags when it's still useful? The curse of the native New Englander.
If my current life style continues, I'll have ample opportunity to wear out my play clothes. But probably by that time, my newer casual clothes will be old enough and stained enough to be play clothes, too.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Whew!
All is back on track on the unemployment benefits front.
I arrived at the Career Center office at 8 a.m. (They open at 8:30) and I was 13th in line. The staff were being very efficient and trying to get as much paperwork ready even before the office opened. Overall, things went very well. We were allowed into the building (but not the office) so we did not have to wait out in the cold. I was hoping my number 13 would be lucky. At about 10:15 I was called into the representative's office.
She spotted the problem immediately and corrected it. She said she didn't understand why this hadn't been taken care of via telephone when I called yesterday or why I had been referred to the city of Springfield to resolve the issue.
My claim has been "re-opened", a check will soon be deposited into my account, and I'm ready to log on again on Sunday.
I wonder if I could make a living guiding others through this process :-).
I arrived at the Career Center office at 8 a.m. (They open at 8:30) and I was 13th in line. The staff were being very efficient and trying to get as much paperwork ready even before the office opened. Overall, things went very well. We were allowed into the building (but not the office) so we did not have to wait out in the cold. I was hoping my number 13 would be lucky. At about 10:15 I was called into the representative's office.
She spotted the problem immediately and corrected it. She said she didn't understand why this hadn't been taken care of via telephone when I called yesterday or why I had been referred to the city of Springfield to resolve the issue.
My claim has been "re-opened", a check will soon be deposited into my account, and I'm ready to log on again on Sunday.
I wonder if I could make a living guiding others through this process :-).
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Bureaucracy = Frustration
I'm having another go-'round with the unemployment bureaucracy. When I filed my weekly claim via computer on Sunday, December 12 (which went very quickly), I received a message in red saying "There has been a break in the reporting of your Partial Earnings. Please contact ..."
The computer system doesn't like the fact that I work a day or two for a few weeks, but then not at all for a few weeks. When I arrived at the career center at 9:00 a.m. (they open at 8:30) to see a representative, they were already booked for the day. I tried again two days later and was put into the queue. After about an hour's wait, I talked with a representative who re-opened my claim and said she needed to send paperwork to the city of Springfield (again) to verify there was no work for me.
When I logged on to my unemployment account on Sunday, the 12th, the red message was "Call the Telephone Claims Center. Additional information is required to determine your eligibility for benefits." No phone number; no hours of operation.
I stopped by the career center on Monday a little after 9. All filled for the day. The same on Tuesday. (I tried to arrive earlier, but other obligations prevented that.) Wednesday (one of the few days I'm allowed to call; it's determined by by SSN), I finally got through only to be told the city of Springfield says I started working again the Monday after Thanksgiving. That's news to me. After calling a couple of people at the library, I was directed to the personnel office for the city.
The personnel officer said he filled out the paperwork saying that I'm technically an employee of the city, but only as part of a substitute pool. He doesn't know why unemployment is giving me a hard time. Each person keeps referring me back to the other one to straighten it out.
Of course, this is a short week with the Christmas holiday (is this the place I say "Bah, humbug!"?). My plan is to arrive at the career center tomorrow before they open. I'll be bundled up since the temperature will be about 30 degrees at 8:00 a.m.
If this had to happen, I wish it had happened in warmer weather.
The computer system doesn't like the fact that I work a day or two for a few weeks, but then not at all for a few weeks. When I arrived at the career center at 9:00 a.m. (they open at 8:30) to see a representative, they were already booked for the day. I tried again two days later and was put into the queue. After about an hour's wait, I talked with a representative who re-opened my claim and said she needed to send paperwork to the city of Springfield (again) to verify there was no work for me.
When I logged on to my unemployment account on Sunday, the 12th, the red message was "Call the Telephone Claims Center. Additional information is required to determine your eligibility for benefits." No phone number; no hours of operation.
I stopped by the career center on Monday a little after 9. All filled for the day. The same on Tuesday. (I tried to arrive earlier, but other obligations prevented that.) Wednesday (one of the few days I'm allowed to call; it's determined by by SSN), I finally got through only to be told the city of Springfield says I started working again the Monday after Thanksgiving. That's news to me. After calling a couple of people at the library, I was directed to the personnel office for the city.
The personnel officer said he filled out the paperwork saying that I'm technically an employee of the city, but only as part of a substitute pool. He doesn't know why unemployment is giving me a hard time. Each person keeps referring me back to the other one to straighten it out.
Of course, this is a short week with the Christmas holiday (is this the place I say "Bah, humbug!"?). My plan is to arrive at the career center tomorrow before they open. I'll be bundled up since the temperature will be about 30 degrees at 8:00 a.m.
If this had to happen, I wish it had happened in warmer weather.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Passion, Inspiration, Motivation
There is a book by Marsha Sinetar called Do What You Love, The Money Will Follow. I've heard similar platitudes most of my life. The trouble is figuring out what I love.
I know people who have passions. They can't not do whatever it is they're doing, whether it brings money or not. Artists are like that. I remember going to a talk by Jane Yolen a few years ago. She described how her husband had been diagnosed with cancer and was beginning radiation treatments. She came home after the first day, sat at her computer and a sonnet "oozed" from her fingers. She wrote a sonnet every day of her husband's treatments and the result was a small book The Radiation Sonnets.
Perhaps I'm a late bloomer; I haven't yet discovered my passion. There are lots of things I enjoy doing, but no one thing that I must do.
When I was in high school and thinking about careers, I knew I wanted to go to college and have a profession. Beyond that, there were no specifics. I thought I would be a teacher, more because I couldn't think of anything else. Before I finished my BA, I landed a job in what was then the Goodell Library at UMass/Amherst. I liked the work and was good at it, so I continued on to Library School.
All these years that I've worked as a librarian I've considered a career change several times. I used to knit constantly but couldn't figure out how to make a living at that, though it might be fun to own a yarn store. For about 8 years I taught an aerobics class at the Greenfield YMCA and I considered a career in physical fitness. I even took classes and became an ACE certified fitness instructor. But no one, not even a spry 20-something (and I was a spry 40-something then) can teach aerobics all day. Most people in this field are personal trainers and I never made that leap.
I enjoy cooking and I'm a good cook. My live-in partner tells me that I can always open up a restaurant. But I know that having a dinner party for 8 is very different from owing a restaurant. My sister has a degree in Culinary Arts. She worked in the restaurant business for a few years and is now studying to be an elementary school teacher. She says cooking was too much work for too little money. (Wait till she starts teaching little kids!)
I enjoy a clean house. I even enjoy the process of getting it there, but I have NO interest in turning that into a career.
Since I've become comfortable with Public Speaking, I've considered becomming a motivational speaker. What a great blend: helping people and also being the center of attention. It appears that motivational speakers can make lots of money, too. But does the world really need another one? Do I have a unique enough point of view that people would hire me instead of someone else?
Back in my teen years, I wanted to be a writer. I've had various and sundry experiences that involved writing and I very much like writing this blog. I suppose I could explore ways to earn a living from my writing.
A couple of days ago, I taught 2 continuing education workshops for the Connecticut State Library. The classes went very well; I felt as if I really connected with the students. They were very responsive and we all had a good time. It was an extremely satisfying experience: helping people and "showing off" what I've learned over the years. Now that I'm an adjunct faculty member at Simmons GSLIS-west, it looks as if I've ended up back at the beginning. I'm a teacher. Perhaps it's not a passion, but I'm definitely inspired.
I know people who have passions. They can't not do whatever it is they're doing, whether it brings money or not. Artists are like that. I remember going to a talk by Jane Yolen a few years ago. She described how her husband had been diagnosed with cancer and was beginning radiation treatments. She came home after the first day, sat at her computer and a sonnet "oozed" from her fingers. She wrote a sonnet every day of her husband's treatments and the result was a small book The Radiation Sonnets.
Perhaps I'm a late bloomer; I haven't yet discovered my passion. There are lots of things I enjoy doing, but no one thing that I must do.
When I was in high school and thinking about careers, I knew I wanted to go to college and have a profession. Beyond that, there were no specifics. I thought I would be a teacher, more because I couldn't think of anything else. Before I finished my BA, I landed a job in what was then the Goodell Library at UMass/Amherst. I liked the work and was good at it, so I continued on to Library School.
All these years that I've worked as a librarian I've considered a career change several times. I used to knit constantly but couldn't figure out how to make a living at that, though it might be fun to own a yarn store. For about 8 years I taught an aerobics class at the Greenfield YMCA and I considered a career in physical fitness. I even took classes and became an ACE certified fitness instructor. But no one, not even a spry 20-something (and I was a spry 40-something then) can teach aerobics all day. Most people in this field are personal trainers and I never made that leap.
I enjoy cooking and I'm a good cook. My live-in partner tells me that I can always open up a restaurant. But I know that having a dinner party for 8 is very different from owing a restaurant. My sister has a degree in Culinary Arts. She worked in the restaurant business for a few years and is now studying to be an elementary school teacher. She says cooking was too much work for too little money. (Wait till she starts teaching little kids!)
I enjoy a clean house. I even enjoy the process of getting it there, but I have NO interest in turning that into a career.
Since I've become comfortable with Public Speaking, I've considered becomming a motivational speaker. What a great blend: helping people and also being the center of attention. It appears that motivational speakers can make lots of money, too. But does the world really need another one? Do I have a unique enough point of view that people would hire me instead of someone else?
Back in my teen years, I wanted to be a writer. I've had various and sundry experiences that involved writing and I very much like writing this blog. I suppose I could explore ways to earn a living from my writing.
A couple of days ago, I taught 2 continuing education workshops for the Connecticut State Library. The classes went very well; I felt as if I really connected with the students. They were very responsive and we all had a good time. It was an extremely satisfying experience: helping people and "showing off" what I've learned over the years. Now that I'm an adjunct faculty member at Simmons GSLIS-west, it looks as if I've ended up back at the beginning. I'm a teacher. Perhaps it's not a passion, but I'm definitely inspired.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
OMG! What Have I Done?
I've been hired to teach LS 415, Organization of Information, at Simmons GSLIS-west beginning in the spring semester. My first class is January 29 - a mere two months away. I've signed all of the paperwork and am now receiving emails about ordering textbooks and putting books on reserve.
What have I gotten myself into? I've taught before - for many years - but never at this level. I'm starting to have nightmares. How will I do this? Rather, how will I do this well? I don't want to shortchange the students; they've paid a lot of money to take this course. And I certainly don't want to embarrass myself.
I know I'll have a lot of support from the GSLIS office and from the people who have taught this course before me. Still, it's scary.
For years I've been doing a lot of cruising. I've been a cataloger for a very long time and I have a lot of experience. I know what I'm doing. But sometimes I have to stretch like when I began working on the Digital Treasures project with C/W MARS. I learned Dublin Core, not only well enough to use it, but also well enough to teach it. That was a stretch, but nothing like what I'll be doing for Simmons.
I can be pretty lazy, but if I want to teach this course and do a good job I'm going to have to get serious. I've been very good these last few months exercising my body and getting it into much better shape. Now it's time to banish those ANTs and exercise my mind.
Things for which to be grateful:
1. I'll get to learn how to use Moodle;
2. I'll meet lots of new and interesting people;
3. I'll be working on one of the most beautiful campuses in the country;
4. I'll be receiving a steady income (although not enough to live on);
5. I'll have more structure in my life (something I actually miss).
I have a great opportunity ahead of me. OMG!
What have I gotten myself into? I've taught before - for many years - but never at this level. I'm starting to have nightmares. How will I do this? Rather, how will I do this well? I don't want to shortchange the students; they've paid a lot of money to take this course. And I certainly don't want to embarrass myself.
I know I'll have a lot of support from the GSLIS office and from the people who have taught this course before me. Still, it's scary.
For years I've been doing a lot of cruising. I've been a cataloger for a very long time and I have a lot of experience. I know what I'm doing. But sometimes I have to stretch like when I began working on the Digital Treasures project with C/W MARS. I learned Dublin Core, not only well enough to use it, but also well enough to teach it. That was a stretch, but nothing like what I'll be doing for Simmons.
I can be pretty lazy, but if I want to teach this course and do a good job I'm going to have to get serious. I've been very good these last few months exercising my body and getting it into much better shape. Now it's time to banish those ANTs and exercise my mind.
Things for which to be grateful:
1. I'll get to learn how to use Moodle;
2. I'll meet lots of new and interesting people;
3. I'll be working on one of the most beautiful campuses in the country;
4. I'll be receiving a steady income (although not enough to live on);
5. I'll have more structure in my life (something I actually miss).
I have a great opportunity ahead of me. OMG!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
An Independent Consultant
A few weeks ago I taught a continuing education workshop for MLS. Assistant Director Carolyn Noah introduced me to the group as an Independent Consultant.
Until that point, I'd considered myself an unemployed librarian looking for a full-time, benefitted position and picking up odd jobs in the meantime. However, these "odd jobs" are increasing in frequency and perhaps my destiny is to be an Independent Consultant.
Overall, the life is pretty good. For the last few months, I've been working one or two days every week for a variety of organizations: MLS; Conn. State Library; Donohue Group, Inc.; and Springfield City Library. Recently I finalized plans for a consulting project with a public library in Massachusetts that wants to re-organize its Technical Services department and yesterday I received the paperwork to be appointed adjunct faculty at Simmons GSLIS-west starting with the spring semester. I'll be teaching LIS 415, Organization of Information.
While the money is not what I was earning as a full-time consultant with CMRLS, I love the variety. I do have to keep track of my schedule, though, and pay attention to where I'm supposed to be for the next few weeks as some of these gigs (e.g. the CE workshops) require preparation. That requires me to develop some new skills - or more accurately to sharpen skills I already have.
The major down side to all of this is that LIS 415 meets on Saturday afternoon - at the same time the opera is broadcast on WFCR. I love classical music and I look forward to the opera every Saturday. I'll miss hearing the arias and learning about the composers and performers. You can be sure I'll treasure listening for the next several weeks until classes start in January.
Until that point, I'd considered myself an unemployed librarian looking for a full-time, benefitted position and picking up odd jobs in the meantime. However, these "odd jobs" are increasing in frequency and perhaps my destiny is to be an Independent Consultant.
Overall, the life is pretty good. For the last few months, I've been working one or two days every week for a variety of organizations: MLS; Conn. State Library; Donohue Group, Inc.; and Springfield City Library. Recently I finalized plans for a consulting project with a public library in Massachusetts that wants to re-organize its Technical Services department and yesterday I received the paperwork to be appointed adjunct faculty at Simmons GSLIS-west starting with the spring semester. I'll be teaching LIS 415, Organization of Information.
While the money is not what I was earning as a full-time consultant with CMRLS, I love the variety. I do have to keep track of my schedule, though, and pay attention to where I'm supposed to be for the next few weeks as some of these gigs (e.g. the CE workshops) require preparation. That requires me to develop some new skills - or more accurately to sharpen skills I already have.
The major down side to all of this is that LIS 415 meets on Saturday afternoon - at the same time the opera is broadcast on WFCR. I love classical music and I look forward to the opera every Saturday. I'll miss hearing the arias and learning about the composers and performers. You can be sure I'll treasure listening for the next several weeks until classes start in January.
Monday, November 8, 2010
A Dead Car
I knew it was going to happen in the near future. I was just hoping it could hold out for a little while longer. My 2000 Subaru Impreza with 245,000 miles is dead. A new(er) car was next on my "to buy" list when I learned that I was getting laid off from CMRLS.
At least the car had the good manners to die not too far from home. I wasn't out of state or going 70 mph in the left lane of the Mass Pike. I was pulling into a parking lot at UMass/Amherst in the early afternoon when the engine shrieked and stopped running. I had planned to carpool with some people to a meeting in Boston, but that was not to be. They went without me.
I called AAA and a tow truck with a very nice driver took me and my car to the Subaru dealer in Northampton. From there, the dealer's chauffeur service brought me home. Today I learned that the car is beyond repair. Now I need to buy a car. How?
Can I get financing with no job? I have savings, but not enough for a decent car and I was planning to use those savings to pay the mortgage and utilities and things like that. Is this the time to dip into my IRA? Lots of questions to ask before I find any answers.
Periodically I wish I lived closer to town and near mass transportation. This is one of those times. Living in the Hatfield hills (yes, Hatfield has hills) I'm totally dependant on a car. Even my newspaper box is 1/2 mile away.
The good news (and there is good news) is that I've been hired as adjunct faculty in the Simmons GSLIS satellite program at Mount Holyoke College. I'll be teaching Organization of Information. I start in the spring - as long as I have a car to get me to So. Hadley.
At least the car had the good manners to die not too far from home. I wasn't out of state or going 70 mph in the left lane of the Mass Pike. I was pulling into a parking lot at UMass/Amherst in the early afternoon when the engine shrieked and stopped running. I had planned to carpool with some people to a meeting in Boston, but that was not to be. They went without me.
I called AAA and a tow truck with a very nice driver took me and my car to the Subaru dealer in Northampton. From there, the dealer's chauffeur service brought me home. Today I learned that the car is beyond repair. Now I need to buy a car. How?
Can I get financing with no job? I have savings, but not enough for a decent car and I was planning to use those savings to pay the mortgage and utilities and things like that. Is this the time to dip into my IRA? Lots of questions to ask before I find any answers.
Periodically I wish I lived closer to town and near mass transportation. This is one of those times. Living in the Hatfield hills (yes, Hatfield has hills) I'm totally dependant on a car. Even my newspaper box is 1/2 mile away.
The good news (and there is good news) is that I've been hired as adjunct faculty in the Simmons GSLIS satellite program at Mount Holyoke College. I'll be teaching Organization of Information. I start in the spring - as long as I have a car to get me to So. Hadley.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Bits 'n' Pieces
I've been pretty busy lately, working one or two days most weeks. I've been cataloging music CDs at the Springfield City Library, teaching workshops for the Connecticut State Library and the Massachusetts Library System, and my former employer Donohue Group, Inc. (2001-2005) asked me to work on a cataloging project. I worked one day for them last week and am scheduled for 2 more days over the next 3 weeks. I may also become an adjunct faculty member for Simmons GSLIS-west. It looks as if I'll be teaching LIS 415, Organization of Information beginning spring 2011 at the Mt. Holyoke College campus.
My life feels somewhat scattered, but not so much that I feel frantic. I just need to check my calendar regularly so that I know to what I've committed myself and where I'm supposed to be on any given day. Also included in the schedule are meetings related to the Hatfield Board of Library Trustees, Hatfield Public Library Building Committee and the Friends of UMass/Amherst Libraries. Whew! How do people work full time and get anything else done! :-)
Because I'm not working full time, I still log on weekly to the website for the Massachusetts Department of Workforce Development to claim my benefits. But something has changed in the last few weeks. Instead of taking 20 to 60 minutes to complete my claim (there's lots of waiting between pages), I've been able to finish the process in just 2-3 minutes. What happened? Has everyone found a job but me?
My life feels somewhat scattered, but not so much that I feel frantic. I just need to check my calendar regularly so that I know to what I've committed myself and where I'm supposed to be on any given day. Also included in the schedule are meetings related to the Hatfield Board of Library Trustees, Hatfield Public Library Building Committee and the Friends of UMass/Amherst Libraries. Whew! How do people work full time and get anything else done! :-)
Because I'm not working full time, I still log on weekly to the website for the Massachusetts Department of Workforce Development to claim my benefits. But something has changed in the last few weeks. Instead of taking 20 to 60 minutes to complete my claim (there's lots of waiting between pages), I've been able to finish the process in just 2-3 minutes. What happened? Has everyone found a job but me?
Monday, October 25, 2010
Well-Rested and Well-Read
Some might dispute the well-read part since I tend to favor mysteries and not classics. The mystery is such a popular genre and there are so many to choose from that I've even narrowed it down to female authors whose stories are set in the U.S. and feature female protagonists. I do vary from that pattern sometimes. For example, I like to read books by Carl Hiaasen and the late Dick Francis. And once in a while I slip a classic in there.
I read every night before I go to sleep. Since I'm not working right now, I get most of what I need to do done during the day. By 9:00 (sometimes earlier) I'm in bed, propped up with pillows and reading until my eyes get tired. Usually I have no specific time I have to get up in the morning, but I'm generally up by 7:00. This is such a luxury. For the last 5 years I've been getting up somewhere between 5:15 and 5:30.
When in need of a new read, I generally go to the library's New Book Shelf and look for the mystery sticker on the book spine. Since June 30, I've been reading about 3 or 4 books a week. So I've started looking for mystery stickers in the regular collection, too, and have discovered a couple of new (to me) authors that I really like.
I read Deborah Crombie's latest book, Necessary as Blood, and liked it so
much I checked out another by her, Where Memories Lie. The setting is London and I don't always understand the vernacular English, but the characters are well developed and interesting as are the plots.
much I checked out another by her, Where Memories Lie. The setting is London and I don't always understand the vernacular English, but the characters are well developed and interesting as are the plots.The book I just finished is Judas Child by Carol O'Connell. This was a
thriller I had a hard time putting down. Shortly after starting it, I woke up in the middle of the night and was compelled to keep reading it - for 4 hours. I was scheduled to work at Springfield City Library the next day and didn't have the option of sleeping past 7. Given my experience with this particular volume, maybe I'm not always as well-rested as I thought.
thriller I had a hard time putting down. Shortly after starting it, I woke up in the middle of the night and was compelled to keep reading it - for 4 hours. I was scheduled to work at Springfield City Library the next day and didn't have the option of sleeping past 7. Given my experience with this particular volume, maybe I'm not always as well-rested as I thought.Tuesday, October 19, 2010
New on my "To Read" List
In yesterday's Daily Hampshire Gazette, there was a brief article about a local (Longmeadow) author who has just published two new books both of which are of interest to me. The first is Fearless Job Hunting.
Even though I read the Help Wanted ads in the newspaper, I realize that it is unlikely I'll find a job for me that way - even though that is how I found the job at WMRLS back in 1984. I know I need to get creative and I'm hoping this book will help. So far, no C/W MARS member libraries in western Mass. own this book, so I requested that it be purchased at my local public library. After all, I'm not the only person out there looking for a job.
The second book is End Procrastination Now, although I may wait a bit for that one.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
The Kindness of Strangers
I've been feeling out of sorts all day today and I think I've figured out why. I'm angry.
Last week, I taught a copy cataloging workshop for MLS in West Stockbridge. Yesterday, I received an email from one of the attendees asking for some cataloging advice. If I were an MLS employee, I'd make an appointment to visit her, offer suggestions to her problem, and find out what other questions she might have. Instead, I spent a little time composing an email that explained the situation (it had to do with AACR2's choice of Main Entry), offered some suggestions, and included examples and links to information that might be helpful.
I'm angry for her and for myself because the Planning Committee in charge of reorganizing the Regional Library Systems decided MLS didn't need a full-time Technical Services Consultant on staff. Now this woman, a new librarian, is floundering around trying to figure out what to do. And I have no job, no steady income other than unemployment checks, and minimal health insurance. I'm also in a stage of my life that makes me difficult to employ: an older worker who was formerly well-paid. There are not a lot of options for me in Library Land.
There is a someone at MLS who is by default the TS Advisor and she readily admits this is not her area of expertise. Most of her time is spent on her primary responsibility and she doesn't have a lot of time to devote to general cataloging issues. I could have forwarded the librarian's question to her at MLS, but how easy or difficult would it have been for her to respond with a helpful answer? I knew exactly what to tell the new librarian. I can be a mentor even if I'm not employed.
When I learned that the 6 Regional Library Systems were to be merged into one, I supported that move. It seemed like a much better use of funds - diminishing or otherwise - instead of the duplication Regional Administrators, Assistant Regional Administrators, Business Managers, etc. I think centralizing makes a lot of sense. However, MLS, and the Regions before it, exists to help libraries. There should be enough Advisors available with the appropriate skills to help the library staff who need it. They shouldn't have to depend on the kindness of strangers.
Last week, I taught a copy cataloging workshop for MLS in West Stockbridge. Yesterday, I received an email from one of the attendees asking for some cataloging advice. If I were an MLS employee, I'd make an appointment to visit her, offer suggestions to her problem, and find out what other questions she might have. Instead, I spent a little time composing an email that explained the situation (it had to do with AACR2's choice of Main Entry), offered some suggestions, and included examples and links to information that might be helpful.
I'm angry for her and for myself because the Planning Committee in charge of reorganizing the Regional Library Systems decided MLS didn't need a full-time Technical Services Consultant on staff. Now this woman, a new librarian, is floundering around trying to figure out what to do. And I have no job, no steady income other than unemployment checks, and minimal health insurance. I'm also in a stage of my life that makes me difficult to employ: an older worker who was formerly well-paid. There are not a lot of options for me in Library Land.
There is a someone at MLS who is by default the TS Advisor and she readily admits this is not her area of expertise. Most of her time is spent on her primary responsibility and she doesn't have a lot of time to devote to general cataloging issues. I could have forwarded the librarian's question to her at MLS, but how easy or difficult would it have been for her to respond with a helpful answer? I knew exactly what to tell the new librarian. I can be a mentor even if I'm not employed.
When I learned that the 6 Regional Library Systems were to be merged into one, I supported that move. It seemed like a much better use of funds - diminishing or otherwise - instead of the duplication Regional Administrators, Assistant Regional Administrators, Business Managers, etc. I think centralizing makes a lot of sense. However, MLS, and the Regions before it, exists to help libraries. There should be enough Advisors available with the appropriate skills to help the library staff who need it. They shouldn't have to depend on the kindness of strangers.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
All's Well
At least for the time being.
I headed out first thing this morning to the Franklin Hampshire Career Center. I only waited a few minutes before a different pleasant woman ushered me into her cubby. I explained about my workshops and she reopened my claim. Since these workshops are considered "self-employment" (unlike my "on call" work at Sprinfield City Library where I'm considered an employee) there was no form to send to anyone.
I asked what will happen the first week of November when I'm scheduled to teach two workshops and will be in the same situation. She said just come back and we'll reopen your claim again. Just like that. Problem solved.
While I keep telling myself and others that this is a good time for a career change for me, I keep returning to cataloging. I just logged off of a webinar sponsored by Lyrasis. Before CMRLS actually closed, we were notified by Lyrasis that staff could register for CE workshops free of charge. It was their way of helping us to maintain our skills while searching for work.
Earlier in the summer, I attended a webinar on Online Resources for Technical Services. Today's program was Introduction to A/V Cataloging. I already have both of those topics in my own repertoire of workshops, but I like to see how others handle the material and the different ways the information can be presented. A specific explanation or example might resonate with the audience better than another and if so, I want to include it when I teach.
Tomorrow I'm heading slightly north to Whately to the Technical Services Roundtable which will be followed by a program on implementing RDA.
I still have that job search material that I received from the career counsellor on my coffee table. I'll get to it someday.
I headed out first thing this morning to the Franklin Hampshire Career Center. I only waited a few minutes before a different pleasant woman ushered me into her cubby. I explained about my workshops and she reopened my claim. Since these workshops are considered "self-employment" (unlike my "on call" work at Sprinfield City Library where I'm considered an employee) there was no form to send to anyone.
I asked what will happen the first week of November when I'm scheduled to teach two workshops and will be in the same situation. She said just come back and we'll reopen your claim again. Just like that. Problem solved.
While I keep telling myself and others that this is a good time for a career change for me, I keep returning to cataloging. I just logged off of a webinar sponsored by Lyrasis. Before CMRLS actually closed, we were notified by Lyrasis that staff could register for CE workshops free of charge. It was their way of helping us to maintain our skills while searching for work.
Earlier in the summer, I attended a webinar on Online Resources for Technical Services. Today's program was Introduction to A/V Cataloging. I already have both of those topics in my own repertoire of workshops, but I like to see how others handle the material and the different ways the information can be presented. A specific explanation or example might resonate with the audience better than another and if so, I want to include it when I teach.
Tomorrow I'm heading slightly north to Whately to the Technical Services Roundtable which will be followed by a program on implementing RDA.
I still have that job search material that I received from the career counsellor on my coffee table. I'll get to it someday.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Trials and Tribulations
Never having collected unemployment before, I haven't yet figured out all of the nuances.
Every Sunday, I get up before 7 a.m. so that I can file my claim for the week and not have to think about it until the following Sunday. Last Sunday, I logged on to the website, accessed my account and answered all of the questions: Did I look for work? Yes. Was I available for work? Yes. Did I work? No. Has my addressed changed? No. After watching the Explorer icon spinning for a while, my confirmation appeared telling me that there was a problem and that I would have to re-open my claim.
I figured this was something best done in person, so on Monday morning I drove to the career center in Northampton. I knew there would be a wait, and I brought along Finger Linkin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich. (Demand for it has settled down enough that I actually found it on the shelves of the Hatfield Public Library. I'm not even going to think about Sizzling Sixteen till sometime in 2011.)
After about 45 minutes, my name was called and I walked into a little cubby with a very pleasant woman who looked at my filing history. It appears that because I worked for 2 weeks in a row at Springfield City Library (5 hours and 8 hours respectively) the unemployment computer gods expected me to continue that pattern. I had not worked the next two weeks and that freaked them out. I explained about my "on call" status and the pleasant woman reopened my claim. She also was required to send a form to the city of Sprinfield asking why I worked for 2 weeks and then not for 2 weeks. I'm sure the staff there have dealt with this sort of situation before and will fill out the form in a way that does not endanger my status.
This week was a busy week for me. I taught a workshop for MLS in West Stockbridge on Tuesday, worked at Springfield CL for 5.5 hours on Thursday, and taught another workshop for the Connecticut State Library in Middletown CT on Friday. When I logged on this morning, answered all of the questions and said Yes, I did work, an additional screen appeared asking how much I made. I filled in the amount, and my confirmation said that was too much money to collect an unemployment check. Not a problem as I have plenty of money coming in from my week of work. However, it also said that if I was still unemployed, I needed to reopen my claim.
So I guess it's back to the Northampton career center on Tuesday. I'm armed with my contracts from CT State Library and MLS saying I'm an independent contractor hired to teach a few specific workshops. I have a schedule of the workshops I'll be teaching and I'm hoping all will be well - until the next time.
I also hope I find a real job soon.
Every Sunday, I get up before 7 a.m. so that I can file my claim for the week and not have to think about it until the following Sunday. Last Sunday, I logged on to the website, accessed my account and answered all of the questions: Did I look for work? Yes. Was I available for work? Yes. Did I work? No. Has my addressed changed? No. After watching the Explorer icon spinning for a while, my confirmation appeared telling me that there was a problem and that I would have to re-open my claim.
I figured this was something best done in person, so on Monday morning I drove to the career center in Northampton. I knew there would be a wait, and I brought along Finger Linkin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich. (Demand for it has settled down enough that I actually found it on the shelves of the Hatfield Public Library. I'm not even going to think about Sizzling Sixteen till sometime in 2011.)
After about 45 minutes, my name was called and I walked into a little cubby with a very pleasant woman who looked at my filing history. It appears that because I worked for 2 weeks in a row at Springfield City Library (5 hours and 8 hours respectively) the unemployment computer gods expected me to continue that pattern. I had not worked the next two weeks and that freaked them out. I explained about my "on call" status and the pleasant woman reopened my claim. She also was required to send a form to the city of Sprinfield asking why I worked for 2 weeks and then not for 2 weeks. I'm sure the staff there have dealt with this sort of situation before and will fill out the form in a way that does not endanger my status.
This week was a busy week for me. I taught a workshop for MLS in West Stockbridge on Tuesday, worked at Springfield CL for 5.5 hours on Thursday, and taught another workshop for the Connecticut State Library in Middletown CT on Friday. When I logged on this morning, answered all of the questions and said Yes, I did work, an additional screen appeared asking how much I made. I filled in the amount, and my confirmation said that was too much money to collect an unemployment check. Not a problem as I have plenty of money coming in from my week of work. However, it also said that if I was still unemployed, I needed to reopen my claim.
So I guess it's back to the Northampton career center on Tuesday. I'm armed with my contracts from CT State Library and MLS saying I'm an independent contractor hired to teach a few specific workshops. I have a schedule of the workshops I'll be teaching and I'm hoping all will be well - until the next time.
I also hope I find a real job soon.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Back in the Saddle Again
Only temporarily, but it feels good.
Yesterday, I sat in on the Vermont Catalogers' Roundtable and then went to lunch with several of the group. Next week will be very busy as I have 2 workshops to teach (one in Connecticut and one in West Stockbridge, Mass.) and I will be be playing substitute cataloger at Sprinfield City Library for part of a day.
I spent a lot of last week preparing for next weeks' workshops. The handouts always need reviewing and revising and I often think of a slightly different way to present the material which sometimes means a prop. If so, that means I have to obtain an appropriate prop. I decided to use a very specific book when I teach "Behind the Bibliographic Record" on Tuesday. It's an older book and I found a used copy via Amazon.com for 1 cent. Of course the postage is $3.99. Since I wasn't willing to pay more for expedited shipping, I'm not sure it will be delivered in time for the workshop on Tuesday. I hunted down a copy in a local library and picked it up in person. The handouts are all photocopied and I'm all set for that workshop.
I have another on Friday on MARC records. The handouts need one more going over, I added a quiz at the end and I want to add another. I read in the New York Times recently that taking a quiz enhances learning of the material because in the process of taking the quiz, the person is thinking about the subject matter in a different way, strengthening its place in the brain. The quizzes are not difficult (although if you're new to MARC they probably are), we'll review the correct answers in class, and they won't be getting a grade - all in an attempt to make the learning process as unintimidating as possible.
Now I just need to think up an amusing anecdote or two.
Yesterday, I sat in on the Vermont Catalogers' Roundtable and then went to lunch with several of the group. Next week will be very busy as I have 2 workshops to teach (one in Connecticut and one in West Stockbridge, Mass.) and I will be be playing substitute cataloger at Sprinfield City Library for part of a day.
I spent a lot of last week preparing for next weeks' workshops. The handouts always need reviewing and revising and I often think of a slightly different way to present the material which sometimes means a prop. If so, that means I have to obtain an appropriate prop. I decided to use a very specific book when I teach "Behind the Bibliographic Record" on Tuesday. It's an older book and I found a used copy via Amazon.com for 1 cent. Of course the postage is $3.99. Since I wasn't willing to pay more for expedited shipping, I'm not sure it will be delivered in time for the workshop on Tuesday. I hunted down a copy in a local library and picked it up in person. The handouts are all photocopied and I'm all set for that workshop.
I have another on Friday on MARC records. The handouts need one more going over, I added a quiz at the end and I want to add another. I read in the New York Times recently that taking a quiz enhances learning of the material because in the process of taking the quiz, the person is thinking about the subject matter in a different way, strengthening its place in the brain. The quizzes are not difficult (although if you're new to MARC they probably are), we'll review the correct answers in class, and they won't be getting a grade - all in an attempt to make the learning process as unintimidating as possible.
Now I just need to think up an amusing anecdote or two.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Big Plans, Fewer Results, No Regrets
When I first learned that I was not hired by the "new entity" MLS and realized I would have the summer off, I began to make plans with what to do with all my free time. Thoroughly clean the house was one. Keep up-to-date with what's happening in the cataloging world. Create this blog and post every day. Go through all of the material that had been given to me by a career counselor and pursue a new career. Exercise every day.
Well, of course, I haven't quite met all of those goals, but I've done okay by my estimation which is the one that counts.
The house is getting cleaned - and thoroughly - although at a slower pace than I had originally thought. Slowly enough that the rooms I first scoured within an inch of their lives are now ready for a re-do and I still have a couple of rooms to go. I live in a very large house with lots of nooks and crannies as well as lots of windows and sliding glass doors. It is not easy to clean.
I subscribed to AUTOCAT and OLAC-L and read most of the emails, but not in detail and save very few. I had signed up for a free trial of the RDA site, but never looked at it before it expired on August 31. My cataloging feels rusty, but I have been able to practice a little through my substitute librarian job at Springfield City Library.
I've posted to this blog once or twice every week or so and always when I have some burning issue that needs to be expressed. I think of things to post more often, but what's in my head doesn't always make it to my fingertips. I was also going to investigate more sophisticated ways of using blogs. Maybe I'll do that soon.
The career search materials are sitting on my coffee table within easy reach. I'm feeling more inclined towards picking them up and seriously beginning a job search. That will happen soon.
The one goal that I've fulfilled is to exercise (almost) every day. For many years I've used a series of Yoga audio tapes. One set I bought about 25 years ago. I used them sporadically for the first 15 years (I was teaching aerobics at the Greenfield YMCA most of that time) and more regularly for the last 12. About 12 years ago, I purchased the tapes that accompany Jon Kabat-Zinn's book Full Catastrophe Living and have alternated among all of these while also going to Curves 2-3 days/week for the last 3 1/2 years.
I discontinued my Curves membership in June figuring I could spend that money on other things. I also borrowed some DVDs on Pilates and Yoga from my local public libraries (I use 2 that are the same distance from my house) for variety. One, Katrina Fitness presents Ease Into Pilates, I purchased.
So now when I wake up each morning, depending on my energy level and the amount of time I have, I can do one of two easy 45-minute (no tree postures) Yoga routines; one of two harder 45-minute (tree and other balancing postures) routines; one 20-minute Yoga routine; one 30-minute Pilates routine (a little more rugged than the harder Yoga); or an aerobic walk to the end of my road (1 mile) and back (1 mile, inclined up). I generally take Sunday off unless I missed a day during the week.
The best thing about exercising at home is that I don't have to make myself presentable to the outside world, not even when I walk.
What a great way to start every day.
Friday, September 24, 2010
A Disappointment
Two weeks ago I interviewed for a job in which I was really interested. Today I learned I didn't get hired. The position went to an in-house candidate. I feel better about that than I would if someone outside of the organization got "my" job; an insider always has a head start.
For one job many years ago, I was the in-house person who was hired. It was my first professional library position and it started me on a great career. I 'm glad someone else has now had that opportunity, although I still wish they had hired me.
My job search actually started back in October of 2009 when I learned that CMRLS would undergo a major change as of July 1, 2010. We knew than that many people among the 6 Regional Library Systems would not be continuing with what we began to call the "new entity". In November, I had my first interview for a pretty interesting library position in Connecticut. I didn't get it, but I figured I still had lots of time.
It was the end of May that I was told I was not chosen to be one of the Advisors for MLS. By that time I had applied for another interesting library job nearby, for which I was not interviewed. Today's disappointment was not the first.
I've been checking the MBLC job listings and reading the Help Wanted Ads in the local paper. There are several open positions for Reference/Instructional librarian, and the Instruction part sounds good, but I'm a cataloger and don't know if I could (or want to) make the transition to Reference Librarian.
Anyway, NO ANTs. While I may be disappointed in the outcome of this job search, it could very well mean that there is something bigger and better waiting for me.
I am grateful that
1. I still have money in my savings account to last me for a while
2. My partner is making a lot of money right now and can support us for a while
3. I can collect unemployment benefits
4. I have some part-time work for a few additional dollars
5. I'm an intelligent, energetic, and resourseful person and will soon fine gainful employment.
For one job many years ago, I was the in-house person who was hired. It was my first professional library position and it started me on a great career. I 'm glad someone else has now had that opportunity, although I still wish they had hired me.
My job search actually started back in October of 2009 when I learned that CMRLS would undergo a major change as of July 1, 2010. We knew than that many people among the 6 Regional Library Systems would not be continuing with what we began to call the "new entity". In November, I had my first interview for a pretty interesting library position in Connecticut. I didn't get it, but I figured I still had lots of time.
It was the end of May that I was told I was not chosen to be one of the Advisors for MLS. By that time I had applied for another interesting library job nearby, for which I was not interviewed. Today's disappointment was not the first.
I've been checking the MBLC job listings and reading the Help Wanted Ads in the local paper. There are several open positions for Reference/Instructional librarian, and the Instruction part sounds good, but I'm a cataloger and don't know if I could (or want to) make the transition to Reference Librarian.
Anyway, NO ANTs. While I may be disappointed in the outcome of this job search, it could very well mean that there is something bigger and better waiting for me.
I am grateful that
1. I still have money in my savings account to last me for a while
2. My partner is making a lot of money right now and can support us for a while
3. I can collect unemployment benefits
4. I have some part-time work for a few additional dollars
5. I'm an intelligent, energetic, and resourseful person and will soon fine gainful employment.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Public v. Private Sector
I was offered a job today. It sounds like an interesting job and it's for a great company, but doesn't pay very well - at least for my needs right now. So I turned it down.
If a private company has an opening, the person in charge can call someone he/she knows will do a good job and ask "Would you like this job?" During my career, I've been hired that way twice. These were not jobs that were advertised, but I was found via word-of-mouth. There was sort of a job interview beforehand, although it was really more of a conversation to see if we were both interested in each other.
In many ways, hiring in the private sector is much easier than the public sector - which is where I've worked for most of my life. There are other differences between the two. There is an energy level in a private company that just doesn't exist in a state or municipally funded organization. Perhaps it's that awareness of the bottom line and the fact that if a private company doesn't earn more than it spends, it ceases to exist.
However, there is a level of stress involved and those billable hours mean your job is pretty much on the line all the time.
As I search for a job, I'm wondering if I would prefer to work for a private or public organization. Ultimately, I may not have a choice. I may have to accept whatever is offered. But until then, I'm pondering.
If a private company has an opening, the person in charge can call someone he/she knows will do a good job and ask "Would you like this job?" During my career, I've been hired that way twice. These were not jobs that were advertised, but I was found via word-of-mouth. There was sort of a job interview beforehand, although it was really more of a conversation to see if we were both interested in each other.
In many ways, hiring in the private sector is much easier than the public sector - which is where I've worked for most of my life. There are other differences between the two. There is an energy level in a private company that just doesn't exist in a state or municipally funded organization. Perhaps it's that awareness of the bottom line and the fact that if a private company doesn't earn more than it spends, it ceases to exist.
However, there is a level of stress involved and those billable hours mean your job is pretty much on the line all the time.
As I search for a job, I'm wondering if I would prefer to work for a private or public organization. Ultimately, I may not have a choice. I may have to accept whatever is offered. But until then, I'm pondering.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Life Goes On
The last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind of activity.
I was hired as the on-call cataloger at Sprinfield City Library. Working for a municipality (this is my first experience) requires a LOT of paperwork. First, I was sent several forms to fill out and mail back. This was all the stuff for withholding federal and state taxes and the city retirement fund. Then I had to go to Springfield and meet with the city HR person, bring my passport to make sure I'm legal to work in the U.S. and fill out more forms.
Then I was sent to Mercy Hospital for a quick physical and drug test, both of which I passed.
Last week, I attended an orientation with the Diversity Officer for all new people hired by the city (there was one other person) where we learned about ethical conduct (good) and sexual harrassment (how to avoid it, not how to do it). Then I went to the Library for "training".
As an on-call person, I can only work when the regular cataloger is out, but I do get up to 8 hours of training. Since I'm not familiar with the specific work flow at SCL, I needed to learn that and also get up to speed with my original cataloging as I haven't done any at all in a while and very little for the last few years. This will also give me some current field experience which will definitely help when I teach cataloging.
This week, I'll get more training and I actually get to work for one full day. The change in my routine (more on that later) is good and I get to earn a few extra dollars on top of my unemployment benefit.
I also had a job interview on Friday. I don't want to go into details about what or where until I know more, but it's not a library position.
Today, I need to do some preparation for cataloging workshops that I have scheduled in a few weeks both in Massachusetts and Connecticut. October seems far away, but I know better.
There is one kind of discouraging thing about all of this thorough housecleaning that I've been doing the last couple of months. I'm about three-quarters of the way through the house and the first rooms I did need cleaning again. At least it won't take so long to do them this time since I probably won't unscrew the light bulbs or switch plates.
I was hired as the on-call cataloger at Sprinfield City Library. Working for a municipality (this is my first experience) requires a LOT of paperwork. First, I was sent several forms to fill out and mail back. This was all the stuff for withholding federal and state taxes and the city retirement fund. Then I had to go to Springfield and meet with the city HR person, bring my passport to make sure I'm legal to work in the U.S. and fill out more forms.
Then I was sent to Mercy Hospital for a quick physical and drug test, both of which I passed.
Last week, I attended an orientation with the Diversity Officer for all new people hired by the city (there was one other person) where we learned about ethical conduct (good) and sexual harrassment (how to avoid it, not how to do it). Then I went to the Library for "training".
As an on-call person, I can only work when the regular cataloger is out, but I do get up to 8 hours of training. Since I'm not familiar with the specific work flow at SCL, I needed to learn that and also get up to speed with my original cataloging as I haven't done any at all in a while and very little for the last few years. This will also give me some current field experience which will definitely help when I teach cataloging.
This week, I'll get more training and I actually get to work for one full day. The change in my routine (more on that later) is good and I get to earn a few extra dollars on top of my unemployment benefit.
I also had a job interview on Friday. I don't want to go into details about what or where until I know more, but it's not a library position.
Today, I need to do some preparation for cataloging workshops that I have scheduled in a few weeks both in Massachusetts and Connecticut. October seems far away, but I know better.
There is one kind of discouraging thing about all of this thorough housecleaning that I've been doing the last couple of months. I'm about three-quarters of the way through the house and the first rooms I did need cleaning again. At least it won't take so long to do them this time since I probably won't unscrew the light bulbs or switch plates.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Cleaning and Careers
Nearly every day I've been spending a few hours doing some very deep house cleaning. I'm the type who unscrews light bulbs and switch plates so that I can dust them (the light bulbs) and wash them (the switch plates). I've been working on the pantry lately.
I wish I could say that I've tossed a lot of stuff, but I'm not much of a hoarder and I only keep what I use or really love or to which I have an incredible sentimental attachment. Everything that was in the pantry is still there except for a few jars of condiments that were very old. After dusting and washing all the shelves, I made sure the labels of all the cans faced forward. They look beautiful and every time I open the door, I'm so pleased.
Washing shelves and arranging cans of beans and tomatoes gives me plenty of time to think about what I want to do with the rest of my life.
I didn't set out to be a librarian. Like many other people, it happened by accident. I had dropped out of UMass/Amherst after 2 years and needed a job. I went to the personnel office in the administration building and filled out a general application. After taking the typing test I was told there was an opening in the library. I was not thrilled. I wanted something more glamorous, but I needed the paycheck.
Shortly after starting there, I was assigned to a project reclassifying some 250,000 books from the Dewey Decimal System to the Library of Congress System. What an education! And I decided I liked the work. So after finishing my BA (with tuition waivers because I was full time staff), I attended library school at Simmons College in Boston.
It's been a great career. I've done a lot of traveling and met lots of interesting people along the way. I'm well known throughout Massachusetts and also Connecticut because I've taught lots of cataloging workshops. But do I want to continue doing this? Is this a good time to try something different? If so, what?
I actually made a career change once. I sold textbooks for the College Division of what was then Harper & Row Publishers. I was an okay sales rep but not great. After 5 years of my job being on the line every minute, I made the transition back to libraries. I had missed working in a library.
I've thought about other careers. I was a part-time aerobics instructor at the Greenfield YMCA for about 8 years. I was even certified by the American Council on Exercise. (I thought it quite interesting that after earning my MS at Simmons I didn't have to do another thing to continue being a librarian, but I continually had to take courses to maintain my certification as a fitness instructor.)
Not even an energetic 20-year-old can be a full-time aerobics instructor. In order to make a living, one usually becomes a personal trainer or something similar, and for whatever reason I never made that leap. When I moved from Greenfield, I left that volunteer position along with any intentions of pursuing a career in fitness.
So what's next for me? I'll let you know as soon as I find out.
I wish I could say that I've tossed a lot of stuff, but I'm not much of a hoarder and I only keep what I use or really love or to which I have an incredible sentimental attachment. Everything that was in the pantry is still there except for a few jars of condiments that were very old. After dusting and washing all the shelves, I made sure the labels of all the cans faced forward. They look beautiful and every time I open the door, I'm so pleased.
Washing shelves and arranging cans of beans and tomatoes gives me plenty of time to think about what I want to do with the rest of my life.
I didn't set out to be a librarian. Like many other people, it happened by accident. I had dropped out of UMass/Amherst after 2 years and needed a job. I went to the personnel office in the administration building and filled out a general application. After taking the typing test I was told there was an opening in the library. I was not thrilled. I wanted something more glamorous, but I needed the paycheck.
Shortly after starting there, I was assigned to a project reclassifying some 250,000 books from the Dewey Decimal System to the Library of Congress System. What an education! And I decided I liked the work. So after finishing my BA (with tuition waivers because I was full time staff), I attended library school at Simmons College in Boston.
It's been a great career. I've done a lot of traveling and met lots of interesting people along the way. I'm well known throughout Massachusetts and also Connecticut because I've taught lots of cataloging workshops. But do I want to continue doing this? Is this a good time to try something different? If so, what?
I actually made a career change once. I sold textbooks for the College Division of what was then Harper & Row Publishers. I was an okay sales rep but not great. After 5 years of my job being on the line every minute, I made the transition back to libraries. I had missed working in a library.
I've thought about other careers. I was a part-time aerobics instructor at the Greenfield YMCA for about 8 years. I was even certified by the American Council on Exercise. (I thought it quite interesting that after earning my MS at Simmons I didn't have to do another thing to continue being a librarian, but I continually had to take courses to maintain my certification as a fitness instructor.)
Not even an energetic 20-year-old can be a full-time aerobics instructor. In order to make a living, one usually becomes a personal trainer or something similar, and for whatever reason I never made that leap. When I moved from Greenfield, I left that volunteer position along with any intentions of pursuing a career in fitness.
So what's next for me? I'll let you know as soon as I find out.
Monday, August 23, 2010
The Gremlin
It happened again. A couple of weeks ago I received a call from my local public library that I book I requested via C/W MARS had arrived. I don't remember requesting this book. I have a very good memory and I'm sure I'm not getting senile, so I have some theories on what happened. One is that once I requested the title, there was no reason for me to remember that I had done so. I knew the process would work itself through and it did. My other theory is that there is a benevolent gremlin who decides there are some books I really should read, gets into my C/W MARS account and requests them for me.
This time the title is Inventing the Rest of Our Lives by Suzanne Braun
Levine. Being the anal retentive person I am, I'm sure I'll finish this book, but so far it's not striking any major chords with me.
Some of the situations don't really apply to me. I don't have kids so I haven't had to juggle that aspect of my personal life with my work life. And I won't have to contend with "emply nest syndrome" either.
I went through a major work/personal crisis back in my early thirties and another the year I turned 50. I've resolved (at least somewhat) many of the issues Levine discusses.
However, one chapter that I have been dwelling on is called the "Fertile Void". Since I was laid off and am no longer working, I've started to seriously think about what I want to do with the rest of my life.
I've always worked and most of that time I've worked in the library field. Even though I talked about retiring "someday" I always envisioned myself working. Every day that I'm not working in a library is creating more and more distance between me and a library career. (I'm still a Trustee at Hatfield Public Library and on the board of the Friends of UMass/Amherst Libraries - that's different.) I have less and less motivation to read the posts on the email discussion list AUTOCAT or read the electronic newsletter from the American Library Association. It's been weeks since I looked at a library-related blog.
I still check the MBLC job postings, but I'm thinking that my next job will not be in a library. Or maybe I'll actually retire.
This time the title is Inventing the Rest of Our Lives by Suzanne Braun
Levine. Being the anal retentive person I am, I'm sure I'll finish this book, but so far it's not striking any major chords with me.Some of the situations don't really apply to me. I don't have kids so I haven't had to juggle that aspect of my personal life with my work life. And I won't have to contend with "emply nest syndrome" either.
I went through a major work/personal crisis back in my early thirties and another the year I turned 50. I've resolved (at least somewhat) many of the issues Levine discusses.
However, one chapter that I have been dwelling on is called the "Fertile Void". Since I was laid off and am no longer working, I've started to seriously think about what I want to do with the rest of my life.
I've always worked and most of that time I've worked in the library field. Even though I talked about retiring "someday" I always envisioned myself working. Every day that I'm not working in a library is creating more and more distance between me and a library career. (I'm still a Trustee at Hatfield Public Library and on the board of the Friends of UMass/Amherst Libraries - that's different.) I have less and less motivation to read the posts on the email discussion list AUTOCAT or read the electronic newsletter from the American Library Association. It's been weeks since I looked at a library-related blog.
I still check the MBLC job postings, but I'm thinking that my next job will not be in a library. Or maybe I'll actually retire.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Still Searching
This week I applied for another job and received two rejection notices. Actually, one of the rejections had been in my spam box for a couple of weeks (I get so little spam with gmail I sometimes forget to check it) so maybe the score is actually 1-1.
Neither the job for which I applied nor the most recent rejection are in libraries. I've been checking the MBLC job search site regularly, and there are some interesting positions available. As usual, many of them are not within commuting distance and a very high priority for me right now is a short commute. For the last 5 years, my daily drive has been a minimum of an hour and 20 minutes each way. When I carpooled, (which was most days for the last 2 years) the time was longer.
For the 4 1/2 years before that, the commute was usually an hour and the traffic was terrible. Connecticut drivers on I-91 are fast and aggressive. When I was assigned to a project in a library, I often had a shorter and easier drive (Brattleboro VT, So. Hadley MA), but occasionally it was much longer (Rutland VT, Londonderry NH, Boston MA). Those longer trips generally involved staying overnight.
My dream is to have a job within 1/2 hour of my home, although I like an occasional longer drive. I feel differently about driving long distances to different places (a fun adventure) and driving a long distance to the same place day after day (I'd rather not).
While I've worked in libraries for many years, I sometimes think about a career change. I'm at that stage now. I love libraries and believe in them, but I also want to experience more of the non-library world. The skills I've been using are transferable to many other areas. My job now is to find out where those skills are most needed.
Neither the job for which I applied nor the most recent rejection are in libraries. I've been checking the MBLC job search site regularly, and there are some interesting positions available. As usual, many of them are not within commuting distance and a very high priority for me right now is a short commute. For the last 5 years, my daily drive has been a minimum of an hour and 20 minutes each way. When I carpooled, (which was most days for the last 2 years) the time was longer.
For the 4 1/2 years before that, the commute was usually an hour and the traffic was terrible. Connecticut drivers on I-91 are fast and aggressive. When I was assigned to a project in a library, I often had a shorter and easier drive (Brattleboro VT, So. Hadley MA), but occasionally it was much longer (Rutland VT, Londonderry NH, Boston MA). Those longer trips generally involved staying overnight.
My dream is to have a job within 1/2 hour of my home, although I like an occasional longer drive. I feel differently about driving long distances to different places (a fun adventure) and driving a long distance to the same place day after day (I'd rather not).
While I've worked in libraries for many years, I sometimes think about a career change. I'm at that stage now. I love libraries and believe in them, but I also want to experience more of the non-library world. The skills I've been using are transferable to many other areas. My job now is to find out where those skills are most needed.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Cooking
Anyone who knows me knows I love to cook. I love the entire process: selecting a recipe, arranging the ingredients, slicing, dicing, stirring and especially eating. My main complaint about all of this hot and humid weather is that I don't want to turn on my stove and I especially don't want to turn on the oven and make the house even hotter.
While I haven't been doing much cooking, I have been making Gazpacho - the perfect antidote to New England pretending to be New Orleans. (When I was in Mexico, the weather was hotter, but drier.)
While this Gazpacho recipe calls for 1/4 cup of oil, I use less than half that amount. And I never bother to peel or seed tomatoes. As soon as I publish this post I'm going to make some Gazpacho. There is just enough time for it to chill before lunch.
GAZPACHO
3 lb. (6 c.) tomatoes, peeled, seeded & cut up
1 onion, cut in chunks
1/2 c. green pepper chunks
1/2 c. cucumber chunks
2 c. tomato juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp ground cumin
salt & pepper to taste
1/4 c. olive oil
1/4 c. red wine vinegar
Combine tomato, onion, green pepper & cucumber in blender or food processor & puree until smooth; transfer to bowl or tureen. Stir in tomato juice, garlic, cumin, and s & p. Cover and chill. Before serving, stir in oil & vinegar. Serve with garnishes.
Garnishes:
1 c. peeled, seeded & finely chopped tomato
1/2 c. finely chopped onion
1/2 c. finely choped green pepper
1/2 c. finely chopped cucumber
garlic croutons
While I haven't been doing much cooking, I have been making Gazpacho - the perfect antidote to New England pretending to be New Orleans. (When I was in Mexico, the weather was hotter, but drier.)
While this Gazpacho recipe calls for 1/4 cup of oil, I use less than half that amount. And I never bother to peel or seed tomatoes. As soon as I publish this post I'm going to make some Gazpacho. There is just enough time for it to chill before lunch.
GAZPACHO
3 lb. (6 c.) tomatoes, peeled, seeded & cut up
1 onion, cut in chunks
1/2 c. green pepper chunks
1/2 c. cucumber chunks
2 c. tomato juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp ground cumin
salt & pepper to taste
1/4 c. olive oil
1/4 c. red wine vinegar
Combine tomato, onion, green pepper & cucumber in blender or food processor & puree until smooth; transfer to bowl or tureen. Stir in tomato juice, garlic, cumin, and s & p. Cover and chill. Before serving, stir in oil & vinegar. Serve with garnishes.
Garnishes:
1 c. peeled, seeded & finely chopped tomato
1/2 c. finely chopped onion
1/2 c. finely choped green pepper
1/2 c. finely chopped cucumber
garlic croutons
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Health Insurance
I've been putting this off for as long as I can. Today I decided to face the fact that since I'm not quite old enough for Medicare, I need to find some affordable health insurance until I'm once again employed.
Fortunately, I'm pretty healthy. I eat (more or less - mostly more) healthful meals, drink plenty of water, get enough sleep and exercise regularly. I pay attention to my stress level and this health insurance issue is beginning to cause me some stress, so I need to tackle it.
For most of my life my medical costs have been limited to routine check-ups and tests. There have been just enough serious diseases in my family that I know it *can* happen to me event though it probably won't. Back in 1973, I fell while climbing Mt. Monadnock and broke my ankle. A few years back I had some problems with arthritis that required seeing a specialist and also some physical therapy. Yoga has kept the stiffness under control.
Since CMRLS no longer exists, COBRA is not available to me. I logged onto Mass Health Connector to see what my options are. At CMRLS, I was covered by Blue Cross/Blue Shield so I also called them for a quote.
Given my medical history and because I'm sure I'll be covered by an employer's health insurance plan soon, I'm choosing a Bronze Plan. That has the lowest monthly premiums and the highest deductables, but covers basic wellness visits for just a co-pay.
In the meantime, I'll continue regular Yoga exercises and I'll stay away from Mt. Monadnock.
Fortunately, I'm pretty healthy. I eat (more or less - mostly more) healthful meals, drink plenty of water, get enough sleep and exercise regularly. I pay attention to my stress level and this health insurance issue is beginning to cause me some stress, so I need to tackle it.
For most of my life my medical costs have been limited to routine check-ups and tests. There have been just enough serious diseases in my family that I know it *can* happen to me event though it probably won't. Back in 1973, I fell while climbing Mt. Monadnock and broke my ankle. A few years back I had some problems with arthritis that required seeing a specialist and also some physical therapy. Yoga has kept the stiffness under control.
Since CMRLS no longer exists, COBRA is not available to me. I logged onto Mass Health Connector to see what my options are. At CMRLS, I was covered by Blue Cross/Blue Shield so I also called them for a quote.
Given my medical history and because I'm sure I'll be covered by an employer's health insurance plan soon, I'm choosing a Bronze Plan. That has the lowest monthly premiums and the highest deductables, but covers basic wellness visits for just a co-pay.
In the meantime, I'll continue regular Yoga exercises and I'll stay away from Mt. Monadnock.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
ANTs in My Brain - Yuck!
If I posted more regularly, I wouldn't have to talk about what I did last week.
Last week, I dressed in business casual clothes, got in my car, and went to work - at least for the day. A K-8 art school teacher from outside of Massachusetts had contacted me looking for a basic workshop on cataloging and MARC format. She had been assigned responsibility for the library and wanted to do a good job. Her school is in the process of purchasing Follett's Destiny as their online catalog.
The previous librarian had also been a teacher assigned to take care of the library and things are organized in a somewhat idiosyncratic way. My student had found the Catalogers Pages on the CMRLS website and wanted to know what options she had during the summer. I pointed out some links on the site to free tutorials and also told her I was available to give a one-on-one workshop.
It was fun. My student was bright and had already done a lot of work looking at bibliographic records and trying to identify the fields she needed. She asked lots of good questions (like Why are biographies sometimes shelved together and sometimes integrated with the rest of the non-fiction collection?). We spent several hours together talking about cataloging and what she needs to know as a minimum to keep her library running adequately.
We had met at a public library that was convenient for the two of us and we spent time in their children's room looking at the way books were organized and cataloged even though a school will do some things differently. At least she now has a foundation on which to build.
The ANTs? ANTs stands for Automatic Negative Thoughts according to Dr. Daniel Amen in Change Your Brain, Change Your Body. They are all of those lies (Dr. Amen's word) for those thoughts that just pop into your brain. If you believe them, they can undermine all of your goals. Fortunately, I haven't been plagued with a lot of them recently. I'm having too good a time reading, deep cleaning my house, doing a (very) little yard work, trying new recipes and just enjoying myself.
However, soon I'm going to have to get serious and begin a real job search. I realized as I headed for the workshop with the school librarian how much I miss going to work. Even if I'm not assaulted with ANTs, it's going to take some Positive Thinking to keep me energized for the trek.
Last week, I dressed in business casual clothes, got in my car, and went to work - at least for the day. A K-8 art school teacher from outside of Massachusetts had contacted me looking for a basic workshop on cataloging and MARC format. She had been assigned responsibility for the library and wanted to do a good job. Her school is in the process of purchasing Follett's Destiny as their online catalog.
The previous librarian had also been a teacher assigned to take care of the library and things are organized in a somewhat idiosyncratic way. My student had found the Catalogers Pages on the CMRLS website and wanted to know what options she had during the summer. I pointed out some links on the site to free tutorials and also told her I was available to give a one-on-one workshop.
It was fun. My student was bright and had already done a lot of work looking at bibliographic records and trying to identify the fields she needed. She asked lots of good questions (like Why are biographies sometimes shelved together and sometimes integrated with the rest of the non-fiction collection?). We spent several hours together talking about cataloging and what she needs to know as a minimum to keep her library running adequately.
We had met at a public library that was convenient for the two of us and we spent time in their children's room looking at the way books were organized and cataloged even though a school will do some things differently. At least she now has a foundation on which to build.
The ANTs? ANTs stands for Automatic Negative Thoughts according to Dr. Daniel Amen in Change Your Brain, Change Your Body. They are all of those lies (Dr. Amen's word) for those thoughts that just pop into your brain. If you believe them, they can undermine all of your goals. Fortunately, I haven't been plagued with a lot of them recently. I'm having too good a time reading, deep cleaning my house, doing a (very) little yard work, trying new recipes and just enjoying myself.
However, soon I'm going to have to get serious and begin a real job search. I realized as I headed for the workshop with the school librarian how much I miss going to work. Even if I'm not assaulted with ANTs, it's going to take some Positive Thinking to keep me energized for the trek.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Enjoying Life
I wish I could say I haven't posted recently because I've been so incredibly busy. In fact, I've been incredibly lazy. I could get used to this lifestyle. I have been reading a lot. I finished Sue Grafton's latest book U is for Undertow.
The Hatfield Public Library has done lots of much needed weeding in the last year. For some reason, Fanny Flagg's first book, Coming Attractions, was missed and I'm glad. It's old and in rough shape but I checked it out anyway. I love all the books I've read by Fanny Flagg. Remember Fried Green Tomatoes? The term that comes to mind most often is "feel good" and this one was no exception. It's funny, witty, thought-provoking and the characters are worthy of Janet Evanovich and Carl Hiaason and yet totally believable and unique.
Simultaneously I'm still reading Change Your Brain, Change Your Body. I just finished the chapter on stress which I found valuable although learned nothing new. Dr. Amen does include laughter as a stress reducer. Reading Janet Evanovich, Carl Hiaason and Fanny Flagg helps with that.
Now I'm reading the chapter on memory and the fact that, like muscles in your body, your brain deteriorates if you don't stimulate it. A lazy brain increases your chances of memory loss and also dementia as you age. I had intended to use this free time to improve my computer skills which would enhance my resume. Now I have more reason to do so.
Last week, I attended a Toastmasters meeting. I used to be a member of the Northampton club, Speakeasy, but after several productive years I reached the point where I knew I was going to have to put a lot more work into my speaches in order to improve. And at that time, I just didn't feel like it. Rather than attend meetings and languish, I chose to terminate my membership. I've thought about going back and this is a good time. In addition to getting me out of the house and socializing, attending Toastmasters meetings is a good opportunity to network and improve my public speaking skills. Good public speaking is an asset in so many ways: giving reports at a meeting, speaking at Town Meeting, giving a presentation at a conference, etc. And even if you don't do any of those things, just being able to get up in front of a group of people and speak knowledgeably on a subject is a great way to develop self-confidence. Having good public speaking skills helps to project a polished and professional demeanor - definitely an asset in job hunting.
And it 's great exercise for the brain.
The Hatfield Public Library has done lots of much needed weeding in the last year. For some reason, Fanny Flagg's first book, Coming Attractions, was missed and I'm glad. It's old and in rough shape but I checked it out anyway. I love all the books I've read by Fanny Flagg. Remember Fried Green Tomatoes? The term that comes to mind most often is "feel good" and this one was no exception. It's funny, witty, thought-provoking and the characters are worthy of Janet Evanovich and Carl Hiaason and yet totally believable and unique.
Simultaneously I'm still reading Change Your Brain, Change Your Body. I just finished the chapter on stress which I found valuable although learned nothing new. Dr. Amen does include laughter as a stress reducer. Reading Janet Evanovich, Carl Hiaason and Fanny Flagg helps with that.
Now I'm reading the chapter on memory and the fact that, like muscles in your body, your brain deteriorates if you don't stimulate it. A lazy brain increases your chances of memory loss and also dementia as you age. I had intended to use this free time to improve my computer skills which would enhance my resume. Now I have more reason to do so.
Last week, I attended a Toastmasters meeting. I used to be a member of the Northampton club, Speakeasy, but after several productive years I reached the point where I knew I was going to have to put a lot more work into my speaches in order to improve. And at that time, I just didn't feel like it. Rather than attend meetings and languish, I chose to terminate my membership. I've thought about going back and this is a good time. In addition to getting me out of the house and socializing, attending Toastmasters meetings is a good opportunity to network and improve my public speaking skills. Good public speaking is an asset in so many ways: giving reports at a meeting, speaking at Town Meeting, giving a presentation at a conference, etc. And even if you don't do any of those things, just being able to get up in front of a group of people and speak knowledgeably on a subject is a great way to develop self-confidence. Having good public speaking skills helps to project a polished and professional demeanor - definitely an asset in job hunting.
And it 's great exercise for the brain.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
An On-Call Cataloger?
While perusing the Library Jobs on the site of the Mass. Board of Library Commissioners, I saw a listing for a part-time on-call Cataloger at the Springfield City Library. I've never heard of an on-call cataloger. Usually, if the cataloger goes on vacation there are back-up staff to handle rush items and everything else just waits.
I applied since that's what I'm supposed to be doing - looking for work. Other than the automatic response that they received my online application, I haven't heard a peep.
Several years ago while I was working for Donohue Group, Inc., I was sent to Washington D.C. to the InterAmerican Development Bank to be the cataloger for 1 week. The regular cataloger was out on sick leave and IADB didn't want the work to pile up. It was SO MUCH FUN! I flew down to D.C. on a Sunday afternoon, checked into a hotel on DuPont Circle and every morning took the metro to IADB. Then I flew back home on Friday evening. I felt so cosmopolitan!
Their collection is mostly on topics like sustainable development, agriculture, low-income housing, etc. Much of it is in Spanish, but they have a lot of English as well as some French and German. They also use the Dewey Decimal System, which surprised me. I would have thought they would use the Library of Congress Classification System, but then I realized that Dewey is more of an international system than LC. The people were wonderful and very helpful since every library has its own way of doing things. I actually had to get thumb-printed and use my thumb to get into the building as well as the picture ID they made for me.
Yesterday, I received my first check from the Mass. Division of Unemployment Assistance. I thought it was going to take much longer for the checks to start coming. I just signed up for direct deposit, so all future paychecks will be going directly into my bank account.
I've been pretty good about morning Yoga. Now I need to add some aerobic exercise and more strength training for a good balance.
I applied since that's what I'm supposed to be doing - looking for work. Other than the automatic response that they received my online application, I haven't heard a peep.
Several years ago while I was working for Donohue Group, Inc., I was sent to Washington D.C. to the InterAmerican Development Bank to be the cataloger for 1 week. The regular cataloger was out on sick leave and IADB didn't want the work to pile up. It was SO MUCH FUN! I flew down to D.C. on a Sunday afternoon, checked into a hotel on DuPont Circle and every morning took the metro to IADB. Then I flew back home on Friday evening. I felt so cosmopolitan!
Their collection is mostly on topics like sustainable development, agriculture, low-income housing, etc. Much of it is in Spanish, but they have a lot of English as well as some French and German. They also use the Dewey Decimal System, which surprised me. I would have thought they would use the Library of Congress Classification System, but then I realized that Dewey is more of an international system than LC. The people were wonderful and very helpful since every library has its own way of doing things. I actually had to get thumb-printed and use my thumb to get into the building as well as the picture ID they made for me.
Yesterday, I received my first check from the Mass. Division of Unemployment Assistance. I thought it was going to take much longer for the checks to start coming. I just signed up for direct deposit, so all future paychecks will be going directly into my bank account.
I've been pretty good about morning Yoga. Now I need to add some aerobic exercise and more strength training for a good balance.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Money and Other Stuff
I met with my financial advisor yesterday. We looked at my various retirement funds and what I have for Social Security. We discussed moving some funds around given my stage in life and, while hoping for the best, considered the worst possible scenario - if I can't find a job.
I like my financial advisor and I consider her a friend. We sometimes socialize. I met her through a professional organization to which we once both belonged (I think she still does) and our social/business circles overlap. We had a nice lunch and chatted about other things that we have in common.
However, after I left her office, I felt kind of depressed. Not because of anything that happened with her, but rather over the fact that during the last few years I've developed a nice system of long-term and short-term saving and now it's gone because I don't have a job. When I received my paycheck every two weeks (or actually the statement since the money was deposited directly), I would transfer a certain amount to my savings account and make a payment toward a particular loan. I loved looking at one account grow and the other diminish. Sure, both figures changed slowly, but I loved the process. I always had big plans for the growing account, but something would happen: new hot water heater, new brakes for the car, etc. And I would begin again.
But I don't have to believe any negative thoughts that pass through my mind. I know I'll find a job and do so in the not-too-distant future. And in that spirit, here are the 5 things I'm grateful for today:
1. I'm grateful for the rain watering my garden.
2. I'm grateful I have savings to tide me over for a while.
3. I'm grateful I have wonderful siblings that I can turn to for emotional support if needed.
4. I'm grateful for my friends - we're going to have supper with 2 of them tonight.
5. I'm grateful for my computer and Internet connection so that I can continue my job search.
Hey! I actually feel better.
Today, I spent the morning revising my resume and creating a cover letter for a job I saw advertised in the local paper. It's not a library job, but it's with a company that I respect and my library skills are very appropriate. I'll keep you posted.
I like my financial advisor and I consider her a friend. We sometimes socialize. I met her through a professional organization to which we once both belonged (I think she still does) and our social/business circles overlap. We had a nice lunch and chatted about other things that we have in common.
However, after I left her office, I felt kind of depressed. Not because of anything that happened with her, but rather over the fact that during the last few years I've developed a nice system of long-term and short-term saving and now it's gone because I don't have a job. When I received my paycheck every two weeks (or actually the statement since the money was deposited directly), I would transfer a certain amount to my savings account and make a payment toward a particular loan. I loved looking at one account grow and the other diminish. Sure, both figures changed slowly, but I loved the process. I always had big plans for the growing account, but something would happen: new hot water heater, new brakes for the car, etc. And I would begin again.
But I don't have to believe any negative thoughts that pass through my mind. I know I'll find a job and do so in the not-too-distant future. And in that spirit, here are the 5 things I'm grateful for today:
1. I'm grateful for the rain watering my garden.
2. I'm grateful I have savings to tide me over for a while.
3. I'm grateful I have wonderful siblings that I can turn to for emotional support if needed.
4. I'm grateful for my friends - we're going to have supper with 2 of them tonight.
5. I'm grateful for my computer and Internet connection so that I can continue my job search.
Hey! I actually feel better.
Today, I spent the morning revising my resume and creating a cover letter for a job I saw advertised in the local paper. It's not a library job, but it's with a company that I respect and my library skills are very appropriate. I'll keep you posted.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Making Lots of Progress
Finally! I think I'm adapting to this new (albeit temporary) life. Monday was a bust, but on Tuesday I finally installed the racks that hold hanging files into my desk and filled those 2 drawers with all of my workshop materials. I have a cataloging tutorial scheduled for next week and I've just signed a contract with the Connecticut State Library to teach some cataloging workshops beginning in October. At the very least, I have bits and pieces of work.
I also gathered a bag of lovely clothes that no longer fit me (and never will) and took them to a consignment shop in Northampton. There are several items that are probably going to follow them, but I'm doing the closet cleaning in bits and pieces. I feel very good about the progress so far.
Today, I cleaned out and reordered my personal files. I tossed a lot of old stuff. Usually I put paid bills, receipts, etc. in a file and sort through it a few times during the year before I pay my income taxes. I'll have to sort at least one more time before tax time, but today I did a pretty thorough cleaning and the next sorting will go much faster.
I'm also practicing keeping positive thoughts. I have a tendancy toward depression. It used to get worse during the winter months, but regular exercise and a vitamin D supplement have helped. Still, life's disappointments can get me down and I've had a few since I learned that CMRLS would be closing.
I started another book yesterday - one of those titles that I borrowed via C/W MARS a while ago and forgot all about. This one is Change your Brain, Change your Body by Daniel G. Amen, M.D.
Two things have stood out so far. The first is that you don't have to believe every negative thought that comes into your brain. If I happen to think I just can't get organized, can't stop eating sweets, I won't be able to find a job and I hold on to that line of thinking, I've just given myself permission to do or not do all of those things. As soon as a negative thought appears, I can give myself a little pep talk and realize I have choices and control over my life.
The other memorable comment from Dr. Amen is to be grateful for 5 things every day and write them down.
1. I'm grateful I have a lovely home;
2. I'm grateful for the verdant view out of the windows;
3. I'm grateful that I'm healthy;
4. I'm grateful for my loving partner;
5. I'm grateful for the energy to continue my job search.
I also gathered a bag of lovely clothes that no longer fit me (and never will) and took them to a consignment shop in Northampton. There are several items that are probably going to follow them, but I'm doing the closet cleaning in bits and pieces. I feel very good about the progress so far.
Today, I cleaned out and reordered my personal files. I tossed a lot of old stuff. Usually I put paid bills, receipts, etc. in a file and sort through it a few times during the year before I pay my income taxes. I'll have to sort at least one more time before tax time, but today I did a pretty thorough cleaning and the next sorting will go much faster.
I'm also practicing keeping positive thoughts. I have a tendancy toward depression. It used to get worse during the winter months, but regular exercise and a vitamin D supplement have helped. Still, life's disappointments can get me down and I've had a few since I learned that CMRLS would be closing.
I started another book yesterday - one of those titles that I borrowed via C/W MARS a while ago and forgot all about. This one is Change your Brain, Change your Body by Daniel G. Amen, M.D.
Two things have stood out so far. The first is that you don't have to believe every negative thought that comes into your brain. If I happen to think I just can't get organized, can't stop eating sweets, I won't be able to find a job and I hold on to that line of thinking, I've just given myself permission to do or not do all of those things. As soon as a negative thought appears, I can give myself a little pep talk and realize I have choices and control over my life.
The other memorable comment from Dr. Amen is to be grateful for 5 things every day and write them down.
1. I'm grateful I have a lovely home;
2. I'm grateful for the verdant view out of the windows;
3. I'm grateful that I'm healthy;
4. I'm grateful for my loving partner;
5. I'm grateful for the energy to continue my job search.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Keeping My Spirits Up
It's been over 2 weeks since I had to go to work. While I was still working, I had great plans for all the things I was going to do while I was unemployed. I've done almost none of them.
Partly, it's because the weather has been so hot and humid it's hard to do anything but sit. I'm still trying to find a schedule that will keep me moving but allow for a lot of flexibility. I've decided that Yoga first thing every morning is a good way to get started. I tried a walk a few days ago and even with a light-weight hooded sweatshirt and long pants, the bugs were too bad. And even in the early morning the clothes were too hot. The walk is a good, strenuous one. I live on a dead end street so I only have one option: Walk to the end of the street (about a mile) and back. It's all downhill from where I live which means it's all uphill on the way back. It's a pretty walk and a really good aerobic workout.
Yoga will keep me moving until we've past bug season.
While I was still working, I ordered a book via C/W MARS which I just
received this week. I'm not certain why I ordered it. It was probably an impulse order while I was reading a review. The book is What to Wear for the Rest of Your Life: Ageless Secrets of Style. For the first few pages, I thought it was silly and frivolous and why was I reading it. But I kept going. The author talks about how our bodies change as we get older and the clothes we once wore and looked great on us no longer work. It's not just weight-gain; even at the same weight, the shape of our bodies shifts.
Being the frugal person I am, I have clothes that are over 20 years old. I find I like them less and wear them less often. As a result, I have a closet full of clothes that don't inspire me. It's kind of depressing. Kim Johnson Gross, the author of the book, found the same thing. She offers really good tips for selecting the clothes to keep, how to update them, discarding those you no longer want, and things to look for when buying new clothes. I feel as if I've found a new friend. While I'm not going about the process exactly the way she recommends, I've adapted it in a way that's been working for me.
I'm finally be able to say good-bye to some lovely clothes that for the last few years I've been thinking I might one day be able to fit into again. It's not going to happen. They will find a good home.
And I will have one less thing weighing me down and that is good.
Partly, it's because the weather has been so hot and humid it's hard to do anything but sit. I'm still trying to find a schedule that will keep me moving but allow for a lot of flexibility. I've decided that Yoga first thing every morning is a good way to get started. I tried a walk a few days ago and even with a light-weight hooded sweatshirt and long pants, the bugs were too bad. And even in the early morning the clothes were too hot. The walk is a good, strenuous one. I live on a dead end street so I only have one option: Walk to the end of the street (about a mile) and back. It's all downhill from where I live which means it's all uphill on the way back. It's a pretty walk and a really good aerobic workout.
Yoga will keep me moving until we've past bug season.
While I was still working, I ordered a book via C/W MARS which I just
received this week. I'm not certain why I ordered it. It was probably an impulse order while I was reading a review. The book is What to Wear for the Rest of Your Life: Ageless Secrets of Style. For the first few pages, I thought it was silly and frivolous and why was I reading it. But I kept going. The author talks about how our bodies change as we get older and the clothes we once wore and looked great on us no longer work. It's not just weight-gain; even at the same weight, the shape of our bodies shifts.Being the frugal person I am, I have clothes that are over 20 years old. I find I like them less and wear them less often. As a result, I have a closet full of clothes that don't inspire me. It's kind of depressing. Kim Johnson Gross, the author of the book, found the same thing. She offers really good tips for selecting the clothes to keep, how to update them, discarding those you no longer want, and things to look for when buying new clothes. I feel as if I've found a new friend. While I'm not going about the process exactly the way she recommends, I've adapted it in a way that's been working for me.
I'm finally be able to say good-bye to some lovely clothes that for the last few years I've been thinking I might one day be able to fit into again. It's not going to happen. They will find a good home.
And I will have one less thing weighing me down and that is good.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
I Need Structure
I've been working full time since I was 20 years old. I worked full time while I finished my BA at UMass/Amherst. I worked full time while I commuted to Boston for my MS in Library Science.
I've almost always had a place where I had to show up at a certain time and stay till a certain time. Or something similar. For 5 years I was a traveling sales representative for the College Division of a major publishing company, so I had to arrive on campus early enough and stay late enough to get a certain amount of work accomplished.
All of the other things I wanted to do had to be fit in before work, after work, or on weekends, so I was pretty tightly scheduled.
Now that I'm not working full time (or any time) and I can set my own schedule, I'm having some trouble doing that. There are very few places I "have" to be at a particular time.
I know that I work better (i.e. am more productive) with a schedule and I'm trying to figure out what works best for me. I know that I prefer to exercise first thing in the morning, so I've been practicing with my Yoga tapes when I first get up. Trouble is, I don't have to be up by any particular time and that kind of throws me off.
For a change, I sometimes walk in the morning, but right now there are too many bugs buzzing around my head to make walking pleasant (although buzzing bugs is certainly motivation to walk fast). When I worked at CMRLS, I walked at lunch time. I mapped out a one-mile route which I walked as fast as I could. The CMRLS location was not very conducive to walking (industrial section of Rte. 20; no sidewalks unless I crossed a busy street). I thought it was ironic that shortly before CMRLS closed, the town began a major street project using federal stimulus money and laid out beautiful sidewalks which were not quite finished by June 30. I would have loved to try them out.
I need to set up my home office. I sorted out the files I want for teaching cataloging workshops. A few days ago I bought some racks for hanging folders to put in the drawers. Now I need to label the hanging folders and put them on the racks. That is on my "to do" list.
Today I received material from the Division of Unemployment Assistance (DUA). My job for the rest of the day is to read through the material to make sure I'm doing everything I'm supposed to do. I don't want to put my payments in jeopardy - but I do want them deposited directly into my checking account.
I also have some other job-search reading material which I want to read and blog about.
The truth is, I've never had much free time and I'm loving just being able to plop myself on the sofa, look at the verdant view through the sliding glass doors, and read mystery after mystery. Considering the heat and humidity there's not much motivation for doing anything else, though I did buy some colorful annual flowers to enhance the view.
I've almost always had a place where I had to show up at a certain time and stay till a certain time. Or something similar. For 5 years I was a traveling sales representative for the College Division of a major publishing company, so I had to arrive on campus early enough and stay late enough to get a certain amount of work accomplished.
All of the other things I wanted to do had to be fit in before work, after work, or on weekends, so I was pretty tightly scheduled.
Now that I'm not working full time (or any time) and I can set my own schedule, I'm having some trouble doing that. There are very few places I "have" to be at a particular time.
I know that I work better (i.e. am more productive) with a schedule and I'm trying to figure out what works best for me. I know that I prefer to exercise first thing in the morning, so I've been practicing with my Yoga tapes when I first get up. Trouble is, I don't have to be up by any particular time and that kind of throws me off.
For a change, I sometimes walk in the morning, but right now there are too many bugs buzzing around my head to make walking pleasant (although buzzing bugs is certainly motivation to walk fast). When I worked at CMRLS, I walked at lunch time. I mapped out a one-mile route which I walked as fast as I could. The CMRLS location was not very conducive to walking (industrial section of Rte. 20; no sidewalks unless I crossed a busy street). I thought it was ironic that shortly before CMRLS closed, the town began a major street project using federal stimulus money and laid out beautiful sidewalks which were not quite finished by June 30. I would have loved to try them out.
I need to set up my home office. I sorted out the files I want for teaching cataloging workshops. A few days ago I bought some racks for hanging folders to put in the drawers. Now I need to label the hanging folders and put them on the racks. That is on my "to do" list.
Today I received material from the Division of Unemployment Assistance (DUA). My job for the rest of the day is to read through the material to make sure I'm doing everything I'm supposed to do. I don't want to put my payments in jeopardy - but I do want them deposited directly into my checking account.
I also have some other job-search reading material which I want to read and blog about.
The truth is, I've never had much free time and I'm loving just being able to plop myself on the sofa, look at the verdant view through the sliding glass doors, and read mystery after mystery. Considering the heat and humidity there's not much motivation for doing anything else, though I did buy some colorful annual flowers to enhance the view.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Two Books
I read a lot. Mostly I read mysteries. My favorite reading time is just before I go to sleep which is not a good time for serious, intellectual thought and mysteries are a good break between real life and sleep.
I do, however, read other books and there are two, both of which I read between 12 and 15 years ago, that had a major effect on my life and continue to do so.
The first is Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez
. There is now a revised version. This book was highly recommended at a conference I attended in about 1995 called "Women and Money". The authors first talk about how as children, all of our rewards come from outside of ourselves. Food, comfort from parents, pets, etc. As we grow older, it is natural to continue that pattern and so we buy things. After a while, we're not getting as much satisfaction as we used to, so we buy more and more and more and wonder why that behavior pattern is no longer working. At some point, we have to realize that more does not necessarily equal better.
. There is now a revised version. This book was highly recommended at a conference I attended in about 1995 called "Women and Money". The authors first talk about how as children, all of our rewards come from outside of ourselves. Food, comfort from parents, pets, etc. As we grow older, it is natural to continue that pattern and so we buy things. After a while, we're not getting as much satisfaction as we used to, so we buy more and more and more and wonder why that behavior pattern is no longer working. At some point, we have to realize that more does not necessarily equal better. There is an exercise in the book to track all of your spending for one week. No judgments, no second guessing, just spend normally. After one week (or maybe it's a month - it's been a while since I read the book), look at what you've bought and assign a satisfaction number to each item. Economists call this satisfaction "utility" and it is totally subjective. I might get a lot of utility from a pair of earrings and none from attending a NASCAR race. You might be the exact opposite.
So lets say I buy an expensive cup of coffee every day, but do it out of habit and get little or no utility from it. Perhaps I should eliminate it, or buy it only once a week. The point is, we all spend money on things that bring us limited or no real satisfaction and we should be using our dollars to purchase those things that provide us with real utility. Almost immediately, we'll likely have more dollars (or have less debt).
Obviously, I have to pay the mortgage and electric bill, but I always (usually) think before spending money and buy only things that bring me true satisfaction or utility. While I admire someone else's new shoes, for example, I feel free from "having" to buy everything I like.
The second book is Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn.
The "full catastrophe" comes from the movie Zorba the Greek. Zorba's new friend asks Zorba if he is married and Zorba says "Am I not a man? And is not a man stupid? I’m a man. So I married. Wife, children, house, everything. The full catastrophe."
The "full catastrophe" comes from the movie Zorba the Greek. Zorba's new friend asks Zorba if he is married and Zorba says "Am I not a man? And is not a man stupid? I’m a man. So I married. Wife, children, house, everything. The full catastrophe."The theme of this book is that you can't change life, but you can change the way you perceive life and change your attitute toward it. Do you react to situations or do you respond to them? Things happen. You may not like those things, but you must accept that they have happened. That doesn't mean you are resigned to them. You may be able to change them - but you may not be able to change them. So say something happens and you react by getting upset or angry. What then? Or perhaps your initial reaction is to be upset or angry, but you quickly realize that you cannot change what has happened. You can, however, respond to the situation in a way that diffuses it, or modifies it or some other positive outcome.
I've been laid off from my job. I can't change that. I accept it. Getting upset, angry, depressed will not help me unless I take those emotions and chanel them into something positive. Reacting doesn't help me, but I can respond. I can look for another job, I can volunteer, I can use a blog to help me sort out my thoughts and help me plan a course of action.
Both of these books are again helping me through what could be a difficult time.
And I have good news on the filing-a-claim-for-unemployment front. Yesterday, after making 7 calls and not getting through I went to the unemployment office in Northampton. It was about 1:00 p.m and there was a sign on the door saying something like "We have accepted the maximum number of new claims for the day". I went inside anyway and explained to the woman at the desk that I'd been trying to call all week with no luck. She said that it would take until closing to interview all of the people who were already there and waiting. She said to come back on Monday and that there is always a line when the doors open at 8:30. She gave me a form that needs to be filled out so that I could complete that ahead of time and speed up the process.
This morning (Saturday) the phone lines open at 8:00. I called at 7:56 and the recorded message said the office was not open. I called at 7:59, went through the 4 minute process of listening to recorded messages and entering data and heard that staff were busy helping other customers, and I could call back or wait on the phone for about 20 minutes. I waited and it was only about 15 minutes when I FINALLY talked to a representative and gave him all of my data. A packet of information is supposed to be in the mail to me on Monday.
I also got to listen to classical music (my favorite) while on hold.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Thinking about Joan Rivers
A couple of nights ago, my significant other and I drove to Amherst to see the documentary about Joan Rivers at the Amherst Cinema. I think Joan Rivers is funny. I've only ever seen her on network television (Johnny Carson show, etc.) so I haven't seen some of her raunchier routines. Regardless, her language doesn't bother me. I've heard as bad (worse) from young kids on city streets. An incentive for going to a movie on Wednesday was that the theater is air conditioned and my house is not.
What resonated most with me however, is that Joan is 75 years old. Over the years she has been a much-sought-after, "hot" commodity; now she's having trouble finding work, even though she's willing to do almost anything. She feels she can still make a contribution to entertainment, but the venues where she played to sold-out audiences don't want to hire an old lady.
I'm not as old as Joan Rivers, but I'm a lot older than the average library school graduate. The thought has crossed my mind that libraries might not want to hire someone my age. I have a lot of experience. I've worked as a cataloger for many years. I teach cataloging. Obviously, I command a higher salary than many librarians looking for work.
Also, if a library hires me, how much longer will I be working? Will they have to go through another search in 2-3 years? I'm sure I'll be an engaged and viable cataloger at 75, but will I have Joan's drive?
When Joan's stand-up comedy career began to falter, she reinvented herself. She wrote books, wrote and acted in plays, now she's involved in this documentary. She even performed on Celebrity Apprentice with Donald Trump. She's keeping her name out there.
I've already begun making the transition to metadata from cataloging; it's a natural progression. I may even have a more drastic metamorphosis (see the post I Have Options). In that way I am also like Joan. I'm certainly not ready to quit yet - even at my age.
An update on my attempts to file an unemployment claim:
Obviously Wednesday's strategy didn't work (waiting a few hours between calls), so today I decided to call every 20 minutes or so. Between 8:36 and 10:30 I made 6 calls - all ending with the message that they have an "unusually high number of calls" and to try later. I even tried what I thought was a fool-proof method and called while having my breakfast. I thought for sure a live person would answer while I had a mouth full of English muffin. Nope!
What resonated most with me however, is that Joan is 75 years old. Over the years she has been a much-sought-after, "hot" commodity; now she's having trouble finding work, even though she's willing to do almost anything. She feels she can still make a contribution to entertainment, but the venues where she played to sold-out audiences don't want to hire an old lady.
I'm not as old as Joan Rivers, but I'm a lot older than the average library school graduate. The thought has crossed my mind that libraries might not want to hire someone my age. I have a lot of experience. I've worked as a cataloger for many years. I teach cataloging. Obviously, I command a higher salary than many librarians looking for work.
Also, if a library hires me, how much longer will I be working? Will they have to go through another search in 2-3 years? I'm sure I'll be an engaged and viable cataloger at 75, but will I have Joan's drive?
When Joan's stand-up comedy career began to falter, she reinvented herself. She wrote books, wrote and acted in plays, now she's involved in this documentary. She even performed on Celebrity Apprentice with Donald Trump. She's keeping her name out there.
I've already begun making the transition to metadata from cataloging; it's a natural progression. I may even have a more drastic metamorphosis (see the post I Have Options). In that way I am also like Joan. I'm certainly not ready to quit yet - even at my age.
An update on my attempts to file an unemployment claim:
Obviously Wednesday's strategy didn't work (waiting a few hours between calls), so today I decided to call every 20 minutes or so. Between 8:36 and 10:30 I made 6 calls - all ending with the message that they have an "unusually high number of calls" and to try later. I even tried what I thought was a fool-proof method and called while having my breakfast. I thought for sure a live person would answer while I had a mouth full of English muffin. Nope!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
I Have Options
I've been a cataloger for many years and I love the precision and detail. I also keep in mind the desired end result. I want to make sure I catalog items in a way that people will be able to find them. I try to bring out important aspects so that if someone is doing research on a particular topic and the item I'm cataloging could be of use, the researcher will find it in the search.
Overall, I believe in Libraries and their immense benefits to everyone. To that end, I'm Chair of the Board of Library Trustees at my local public library. Before I was elected to that board, I was President of the Friends of Hatfield Public Library.
In 2000, I was asked to serve on the Board of the Friends of UMass/Amherst Libraries. I'm a UMass/Amherst alum and UMass/Amherst is where I began my library career (quite by accident, but that's another post). Two years ago, I was elected President and I've just begun my second two-year term.
Being on this board has really opened my eyes to a whole area of libraries that I'd never much thought of before: Development. For as long as most of us can remember, the state or municipality financed the library. That is no longer the case. While I firmly believe that Libraries (and state universities) should be publicly supported, those institutions also need to take some of the responsibility for their financial support. Libraries are beginning to do just that.
Library Development is one of my options. Using my local library online
catalog, I discovered a slim book called Becoming a fundraiser : the principles and practice of library development / by Victoria Steele and Stephen D. Elder. I borrowed it, read some of it, liked what I read, but had to return it by its due date. I borrowed it again, but again, didn't finish reading it by the due date. Yesterday, I ordered a used copy from Better World Books via Amazon. Now I don't have to return it. And I can write in it, too.
catalog, I discovered a slim book called Becoming a fundraiser : the principles and practice of library development / by Victoria Steele and Stephen D. Elder. I borrowed it, read some of it, liked what I read, but had to return it by its due date. I borrowed it again, but again, didn't finish reading it by the due date. Yesterday, I ordered a used copy from Better World Books via Amazon. Now I don't have to return it. And I can write in it, too.I plan to read this entire book, talk with people who are in this line of work and spend more time with the development staff at the DuBois Library at UMass. I had the great fortune of seeing Emily Silverman, the former Director of Development, in action. Emily's become my role model for fundraising. While asking for money may be onerous to some, I can do it for something in which I truly believe.
Development is so much more than just asking for money. It involves building relationships with people and working toward a common goal. When people are looking for a way to "give back", to make a contribution, to help ensure an education for others, a good Director of Development can help them find something that meets those needs - just like a good cataloger.
I can't finish this post until I've documented my attempts to file a claim with the Department of Unemployment Assistance. I called two more times during the day, listened to the polite recorded messages, entered my SSN, listened some more, entered my year of birth, listened some more and heard that there is an "unusually high number of calls" and to try again later or on Friday or Saturday. To be continued.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Day one - sort of
Wednesday, June 30 was my last day at the Central Massachusetts Regional Library System (CMRLS). For the last 5 years I have been the Consultant for Bibliographic and Technical Services. I loved the job.
It was my responsibility to keep up-to-date with all of the happenings in the field of Technical Services in libraries: collection development, acquisitions, cataloging (my specialty), and processing. Technical Services librarians are now often involved in metadata (a fancy word for cataloging) and digital projects.
With all of the information I gathered, I would develop workshops to present to the library staff in the Central Region. I would also visit individual libraries and talk with staff about the Integrated Library System (ILS) they used (many were members of C/W MARS) and ways they could organize their workflow to make the best use of the ILS.
Many very small libraries are not part of C/W MARS. In that case we would discuss their options. I encouraged public libraries to be a part of that system, but for some it was not economically feasible. In that case, there was MassCat or one of the many stand-alone systems. In my opinion most libraries are better off as part of a network. Very small libraries generally don't have the technical expertise on staff to maintain on online catalog and with C/W MARS or MassCat, the network takes on that responsibility.
Shortly after I started working at CMRLS, I became involved with Digital Treasures, a digital repository for libraries in central and western Mass. The purpose of DT is to expose the multitude of historical photographs and documents that libraries have but are usually unavailable to the public. Most of the time these great pictures and other memorabelia are stored in boxes in closets or attics. Possibly the boxes are organized and labeled; often they're not. I've worked with many libraries giving them guidance in selecting images.
When I first became involved in this project, I attended some conferences on digitization. I also took a workshop on a metadata schema called Dublin Core which is one of several standards used in describing digital images. I spent time on other sites and extracted information on Dublin Core which I synthesized into a simple workshop to present to area librarians. I also visited individual libraries and worked with staff as they practiced using the Dublin Core principles to describe their photos.
Using my experiences with the Digital Treasures project, I've co-authored a chapter in a book tentatively titled Digitization in the Real World. I believe it is due to be published later this year.
So now I'm trying to parlay the above skills (plus a lot of others I have) into a new job. Fortunately, because of a severance package and unemployment insurance, I'm not in a panic to grab the first vacant job I see.
But first I have to file an unemployment claim and so far I'm running into obstacles.
I have a packet of information about filing for benefits. The instructions say (and I'm good at following instructions) to file the first full week that I'm not working. That's this week. The instructions say that if things are busy, I may be asked to call on a specific day according to the last digit of my social security number (SSN). Putting all of this together, I was to call yesterday (Tuesday). I wondered if the Monday holiday would shift the schedule. I guess it did.
The first time I called: busy signal. I called back a few minutes later, listened to the polite recorded messages and entered my SSN. I was told given that number, I needed to call back on Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday.
So now it's Wednesday. I called, listened to the polite recorded messages and entered my SSN. Then I listened to a few more messages, entered more data and was told by a recorded message that everyone was busy. I can call back later today or Friday or Saturday.
Since I had intended to start this blog to help me work through my options, posting is a good way to bide my time until I can call the Department of Unemployment Assistance again.
I'm happy to have company on this journey. Feel free to offer advice and point me in interesting directions. I'll let you know what happens next.
It was my responsibility to keep up-to-date with all of the happenings in the field of Technical Services in libraries: collection development, acquisitions, cataloging (my specialty), and processing. Technical Services librarians are now often involved in metadata (a fancy word for cataloging) and digital projects.
With all of the information I gathered, I would develop workshops to present to the library staff in the Central Region. I would also visit individual libraries and talk with staff about the Integrated Library System (ILS) they used (many were members of C/W MARS) and ways they could organize their workflow to make the best use of the ILS.
Many very small libraries are not part of C/W MARS. In that case we would discuss their options. I encouraged public libraries to be a part of that system, but for some it was not economically feasible. In that case, there was MassCat or one of the many stand-alone systems. In my opinion most libraries are better off as part of a network. Very small libraries generally don't have the technical expertise on staff to maintain on online catalog and with C/W MARS or MassCat, the network takes on that responsibility.
Shortly after I started working at CMRLS, I became involved with Digital Treasures, a digital repository for libraries in central and western Mass. The purpose of DT is to expose the multitude of historical photographs and documents that libraries have but are usually unavailable to the public. Most of the time these great pictures and other memorabelia are stored in boxes in closets or attics. Possibly the boxes are organized and labeled; often they're not. I've worked with many libraries giving them guidance in selecting images.
When I first became involved in this project, I attended some conferences on digitization. I also took a workshop on a metadata schema called Dublin Core which is one of several standards used in describing digital images. I spent time on other sites and extracted information on Dublin Core which I synthesized into a simple workshop to present to area librarians. I also visited individual libraries and worked with staff as they practiced using the Dublin Core principles to describe their photos.
Using my experiences with the Digital Treasures project, I've co-authored a chapter in a book tentatively titled Digitization in the Real World. I believe it is due to be published later this year.
So now I'm trying to parlay the above skills (plus a lot of others I have) into a new job. Fortunately, because of a severance package and unemployment insurance, I'm not in a panic to grab the first vacant job I see.
But first I have to file an unemployment claim and so far I'm running into obstacles.
I have a packet of information about filing for benefits. The instructions say (and I'm good at following instructions) to file the first full week that I'm not working. That's this week. The instructions say that if things are busy, I may be asked to call on a specific day according to the last digit of my social security number (SSN). Putting all of this together, I was to call yesterday (Tuesday). I wondered if the Monday holiday would shift the schedule. I guess it did.
The first time I called: busy signal. I called back a few minutes later, listened to the polite recorded messages and entered my SSN. I was told given that number, I needed to call back on Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday.
So now it's Wednesday. I called, listened to the polite recorded messages and entered my SSN. Then I listened to a few more messages, entered more data and was told by a recorded message that everyone was busy. I can call back later today or Friday or Saturday.
Since I had intended to start this blog to help me work through my options, posting is a good way to bide my time until I can call the Department of Unemployment Assistance again.
I'm happy to have company on this journey. Feel free to offer advice and point me in interesting directions. I'll let you know what happens next.
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