When two of my projects ended in mid-September, I hoped that it would be at least a couple of weeks before another one presented itself. I needed some respite. And since classes at Simmons-west had just started, I needed some prep time.
Be careful what you wish for. Except for a few days here and there, I haven't worked since.
The good thing is that I've had plenty of time to prepare for the class I'm teaching. It's going well. It's taking me just as long to prep as last semester since I'm reading each chapter with the students and reviewing all of the notes, etc. but being more familiar with the details of the course has made a big difference in my confidence level.
And the students are great. I have a smaller class (17) this semester than last (22) and they're a younger bunch overall. They are so bright and energetic I have great faith that libraries are in good hands.
Otherwise, I'm going through my periodic "What do I want to do with the rest of my life" phase. When I'm not working at least part-time, I'm "at sixes and sevens" - a phrase I've seen in British novels which means discombobulated, disoriented or just plain confused. There are lots of things I could do, but just don't feel all that motivated to do them.
I have lots of external factors on which to blame this feeling. Of course there was the October 29 snowstorm which left us without electricity for 6 days. My house is totally dependant on electricity. I have well water that needs electricity to be pumped into the house and an electric starter on the oil furnace. I do have lots of passive solar heating and a wood stove so we melted snow, cooked as if we were camping and were able to stay reasonably warm. My local public library was up and running after only a couple of days so I was able to charge my cell phone and use their Internet connection to communicate with the rest of the world.
But that was only one week of my life. What about the other 10 or so? I've done lots of reading, cooked some meals and frittered away many hours doing who-knows-what. I've had ample thoughts for posts, but they didn't travel to my fingers.
A few days ago I began to read Eat, Pray, Love. It's wonderful and I'm feeling very inspired. I've actually translated my mental To Do list onto paper and begun following through. One of the items was BLOG.
So let's hope this spurt of energy continues and I can become more productive than I have been the last few months. And maybe some external factors will also guide me along this journey called life.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
Closets and Basements
This could be a post about spring cleaning, but it's not.
Libraries are notorious for locating the Technical Services Department in out-of-the-way places like closets and basements. It's quite common not to have a window if you work as a cataloger.
For all of the years that I worked in the Tower Library (before it was named for the civil rights activist W.E.B. DuBois) at UMass/Amherst, I worked in an underground area where there was a view of a window from only a few places. Sometimes I'd go to work in the morning and when I left at the end of the day, the weather was so different I thought the seasons had changed.
Over the last few years, the design of that entire floor has been reconfigured and T.S. staff have been relocated to a section that looks out onto the Tippo Courtyard that looks like a beautiful postcard regardless of the time of year.
When I was a consultant for the Western and Central Mass. Regional Library Systems, I visited many libraries where Technical Services was located in some remote part of the building. I understand that libraries want patrons to see the best of the building and therefore staff who work with patrons do so in well-lit, attractive areas. Unfortunately, that sometimes leaves those who work behind the scenes in whatever is left - often basements or interior rooms.
Since I now work as a contract cataloger and my project is usually temporary, my desk is sometimes tucked where there is barely enough room. One of the places (several years ago) was actually the computer closet of a library. For 2 days each week for several months, I listened to the hum of the routers and servers as I created bib records. It was warm in there, but because of all the computer equipment, it was never allowed to get too hot.
I still spend more time than I like in windowless rooms, but I'm happy to report that several of the projects on which I'm working take place in lovely areas with lots of natural light.
If you happen to be involved in a library building project or renovation, please remember that there's lots of non-public library work to be done and those who do that work, do it better in pleasant surroundings.
Libraries are notorious for locating the Technical Services Department in out-of-the-way places like closets and basements. It's quite common not to have a window if you work as a cataloger.
For all of the years that I worked in the Tower Library (before it was named for the civil rights activist W.E.B. DuBois) at UMass/Amherst, I worked in an underground area where there was a view of a window from only a few places. Sometimes I'd go to work in the morning and when I left at the end of the day, the weather was so different I thought the seasons had changed.
Over the last few years, the design of that entire floor has been reconfigured and T.S. staff have been relocated to a section that looks out onto the Tippo Courtyard that looks like a beautiful postcard regardless of the time of year.
When I was a consultant for the Western and Central Mass. Regional Library Systems, I visited many libraries where Technical Services was located in some remote part of the building. I understand that libraries want patrons to see the best of the building and therefore staff who work with patrons do so in well-lit, attractive areas. Unfortunately, that sometimes leaves those who work behind the scenes in whatever is left - often basements or interior rooms.
Since I now work as a contract cataloger and my project is usually temporary, my desk is sometimes tucked where there is barely enough room. One of the places (several years ago) was actually the computer closet of a library. For 2 days each week for several months, I listened to the hum of the routers and servers as I created bib records. It was warm in there, but because of all the computer equipment, it was never allowed to get too hot.
I still spend more time than I like in windowless rooms, but I'm happy to report that several of the projects on which I'm working take place in lovely areas with lots of natural light.
If you happen to be involved in a library building project or renovation, please remember that there's lots of non-public library work to be done and those who do that work, do it better in pleasant surroundings.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Getting Sloppy
Not with my cataloging. NEVER!
For the last few weeks, when I wake up, rather than practicing Yoga or Pilates or going for a walk, I've been brewing a cup of coffee and toasting a slice or two of whole wheat bread. Then I sit on the sofa and watch the birds at the feeder and listen to the waterfall on the very little pond we've constructed near the house.
But as cozy as that scene is, I'm noticing that I feel stiffer and I'm not sleeping as well at night (although that could be caused by the suddenly hot and humid weather). So this morning (Monday is always a good day to begin good habits) I put on one of the easier Yoga audio tapes and spent 45 minutes stretching and breathing.
Then I brewed a cup of coffee and toasted 2 slices of whole wheat bread.
My perpetually changing schedule makes it difficult for me to get into a routine of exercising, but that's something I really need to work on. Last week I started my new project at MassCat cleaning up that database. I'm finding possible duplicate bibliographic records, determining if they really are duplicates, and merging all of the libraries' holdings onto one. I'm also upgrading skimpy records that were imported from other systems when the library joined MassCat. It's tedious work, but very gratifying. MassCat will have a squeeky clean database when I'm finished with it.
Cataloging for the private O'More Library is nearly complete so I only have to make one or two more trips to Cambridge.
And I need to start seriously preparing for LIS415. Now that I've re-energized my exercise program, can that be far behind?
For the last few weeks, when I wake up, rather than practicing Yoga or Pilates or going for a walk, I've been brewing a cup of coffee and toasting a slice or two of whole wheat bread. Then I sit on the sofa and watch the birds at the feeder and listen to the waterfall on the very little pond we've constructed near the house.
But as cozy as that scene is, I'm noticing that I feel stiffer and I'm not sleeping as well at night (although that could be caused by the suddenly hot and humid weather). So this morning (Monday is always a good day to begin good habits) I put on one of the easier Yoga audio tapes and spent 45 minutes stretching and breathing.
Then I brewed a cup of coffee and toasted 2 slices of whole wheat bread.
My perpetually changing schedule makes it difficult for me to get into a routine of exercising, but that's something I really need to work on. Last week I started my new project at MassCat cleaning up that database. I'm finding possible duplicate bibliographic records, determining if they really are duplicates, and merging all of the libraries' holdings onto one. I'm also upgrading skimpy records that were imported from other systems when the library joined MassCat. It's tedious work, but very gratifying. MassCat will have a squeeky clean database when I'm finished with it.
Cataloging for the private O'More Library is nearly complete so I only have to make one or two more trips to Cambridge.
And I need to start seriously preparing for LIS415. Now that I've re-energized my exercise program, can that be far behind?
Monday, July 4, 2011
Librarian Chic
"For people my age, being a Librarian is the thing to do. It's very chic." So said a twenty-something library staff member at a retirement party I attended recently.
I didn't know that, but it explains why so many people are enrolled in the Simmons GSLIS programs - both east (Boston) and west (Mt. Holyoke College). Until I actually worked in a library (at UMass/Amherst) I didn't know there was such a thing as a Masters degree in Library Science. I wonder how the profession became so hip. I guess all the PR over the years has finally begun to have an effect.
Given the current state of financial support for libraries, one might consider getting a Library degree to be a little risky. But I firmly believe that attending Library School helps develop some valuable skills that will come in handy in the future regardless of where you work. And there are a lot of library-related occupations out there where people can earn a living without working in a traditional library setting.
Right now, I'm doing okay as a contract cataloger working for libraries that have projects but don't want to hire staff. Even though I don't get benefits like health insurance and vacation time, I have flexible hours and I really enjoy the variety of going to different places and using different software. If nothing else, it keeps my brain nimble and I get to meet lots of interesting people.
So I'm glad being a Librarian is now the "in" thing to do. If only we made more money, too!
I didn't know that, but it explains why so many people are enrolled in the Simmons GSLIS programs - both east (Boston) and west (Mt. Holyoke College). Until I actually worked in a library (at UMass/Amherst) I didn't know there was such a thing as a Masters degree in Library Science. I wonder how the profession became so hip. I guess all the PR over the years has finally begun to have an effect.
Given the current state of financial support for libraries, one might consider getting a Library degree to be a little risky. But I firmly believe that attending Library School helps develop some valuable skills that will come in handy in the future regardless of where you work. And there are a lot of library-related occupations out there where people can earn a living without working in a traditional library setting.
Right now, I'm doing okay as a contract cataloger working for libraries that have projects but don't want to hire staff. Even though I don't get benefits like health insurance and vacation time, I have flexible hours and I really enjoy the variety of going to different places and using different software. If nothing else, it keeps my brain nimble and I get to meet lots of interesting people.
So I'm glad being a Librarian is now the "in" thing to do. If only we made more money, too!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Conflicts
I've been re-hired to teach LIS415 in the fall. I just signed the contract and it will be in tomorrow's mail. I'm psyched. I'm looking forward to implementing revisions and trying some new things (nothing too radical).
However, I also realize I've just committed every Saturday afternoon from September 10 through December 10 to Simmons College and Organization of Information and there are other things I also would like to do but teaching takes priority right now.
I read recently about a Leadership Institute offered by the Women's Fund of Western Mass. I went to the website and was just about ready to apply for 2011-2012 when I saw that the group meets Saturdays from 9:30 to 4:30. Too bad. It looks like a great opportunity and I'm at a point in my life where I think I could really benefit from participating in an institute like this.
Toward the end of September, Provincetown, Mass. hosts the annual Tennessee Williams Festival. I stumbled upon it a few years ago and loved the variety of plays, movies, and other events all focusing on Tennessee Williams. My partner and I returned two years ago and were treated once again to many creative events held throughout the town. I received an email not long ago encouraging me to buy tickets. The dates: September 22-25. We could attend the first 2 days, but I'd need to be back in western Mass. on the 24th.
And then there're the Friends of UMass/Amherst Library and I'm the President. The board only meets twice a year: a Saturday in the spring and a Sunday in the fall. I regretfully missed the spring meeting because I didn't want to skip teaching a class during my first semester. I was looking forward to the Sunday meeting in the fall - only to find out it's been switched to a Saturday to take advantage of some other campus events happening on Saturday. I haven't yet decided what to do. I could find a substitute instructor or I could record my lecture via Camtasia or similar software or I could miss the Friends board meeting once again.
What I really need is a TiVo for my life.
However, I also realize I've just committed every Saturday afternoon from September 10 through December 10 to Simmons College and Organization of Information and there are other things I also would like to do but teaching takes priority right now.
I read recently about a Leadership Institute offered by the Women's Fund of Western Mass. I went to the website and was just about ready to apply for 2011-2012 when I saw that the group meets Saturdays from 9:30 to 4:30. Too bad. It looks like a great opportunity and I'm at a point in my life where I think I could really benefit from participating in an institute like this.
Toward the end of September, Provincetown, Mass. hosts the annual Tennessee Williams Festival. I stumbled upon it a few years ago and loved the variety of plays, movies, and other events all focusing on Tennessee Williams. My partner and I returned two years ago and were treated once again to many creative events held throughout the town. I received an email not long ago encouraging me to buy tickets. The dates: September 22-25. We could attend the first 2 days, but I'd need to be back in western Mass. on the 24th.
And then there're the Friends of UMass/Amherst Library and I'm the President. The board only meets twice a year: a Saturday in the spring and a Sunday in the fall. I regretfully missed the spring meeting because I didn't want to skip teaching a class during my first semester. I was looking forward to the Sunday meeting in the fall - only to find out it's been switched to a Saturday to take advantage of some other campus events happening on Saturday. I haven't yet decided what to do. I could find a substitute instructor or I could record my lecture via Camtasia or similar software or I could miss the Friends board meeting once again.
What I really need is a TiVo for my life.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Evaluations
Recently, I received copies of the students' evaluations for LIS 415. Overall, they were pretty good and I'm glad. There were several good suggestions from students and I agree with them.
I'll probably be teaching the course in the fall and I plan to incorporate more in-class projects, to divide up the at-home assignments (make them shorter but more frequent), and spend more class time going over the assignments. Shorter lectures and more in-class discussion is also on the agenda.
Another goal is to spend more time in the first few classes explaining what is expected, when and why. Students want to know how to plan their time during the semester; that's a totally reasonable request.
A disappointment is that one person was not satisfied with the class. Obviously, I was not able to communicate as well as I would have liked with everyone. I wish he/she had let me know earlier in the semester and perhaps we could have resolved the issue(s). I know that when I was a student, every once in a while I would have a teacher with whom I had absolutely no rapport. I don't want that to happen with my students.
I hope that with less lecturing on my part and more in-class work and discussion, I can keep all channels of communication open and ensure a postitive learning experience for all students and a positive teaching experience for me.
I'll probably be teaching the course in the fall and I plan to incorporate more in-class projects, to divide up the at-home assignments (make them shorter but more frequent), and spend more class time going over the assignments. Shorter lectures and more in-class discussion is also on the agenda.
Another goal is to spend more time in the first few classes explaining what is expected, when and why. Students want to know how to plan their time during the semester; that's a totally reasonable request.
A disappointment is that one person was not satisfied with the class. Obviously, I was not able to communicate as well as I would have liked with everyone. I wish he/she had let me know earlier in the semester and perhaps we could have resolved the issue(s). I know that when I was a student, every once in a while I would have a teacher with whom I had absolutely no rapport. I don't want that to happen with my students.
I hope that with less lecturing on my part and more in-class work and discussion, I can keep all channels of communication open and ensure a postitive learning experience for all students and a positive teaching experience for me.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Another Job Application
MassCat is looking for a temporary, part-time cataloger. Guess what? That's just what I am/do.
Yesterday, I updated my resume, wrote a cover letter, decided the 3 people who could best attest to my skills in this capacity and put their names and contact information on a separate sheet of references. Then I emailed everything to the MassCat manager. Now I wait.
It shouldn't be too long since the ad said review of applications begins June 3. That's Friday.
As I approach my 1 year anniversary of being laid off (or being self-employed, depending how you look at it), I find myself beginning a period of reassessment. A year ago, I was seriously contemplating a new career. What I'm doing now is a career shift. Do I want to stay here? Do I want to put in the time and effort either to put my knowledge and skills toward something entirely different or to develop entirely new knowledge and skills?
On the last day of classes at Simmons west, one of my students was telling me she wasn't sure what she would do - or even be able to do - with this degree she had begun to pursue. She said she had just turned 60. This is the time many people begin contemplating retirement - not a career.
I've been working with a financial advisor looking at my various retirement funds and calculating the best use of them. As long as I am also able to produce income, I might as well. But it would be a relief knowing that if that next part-time temporary position does not come along, I'll still be able to eat.
Or, who knows, maybe I'll win the lottery!
The journey continues.
Yesterday, I updated my resume, wrote a cover letter, decided the 3 people who could best attest to my skills in this capacity and put their names and contact information on a separate sheet of references. Then I emailed everything to the MassCat manager. Now I wait.
It shouldn't be too long since the ad said review of applications begins June 3. That's Friday.
As I approach my 1 year anniversary of being laid off (or being self-employed, depending how you look at it), I find myself beginning a period of reassessment. A year ago, I was seriously contemplating a new career. What I'm doing now is a career shift. Do I want to stay here? Do I want to put in the time and effort either to put my knowledge and skills toward something entirely different or to develop entirely new knowledge and skills?
On the last day of classes at Simmons west, one of my students was telling me she wasn't sure what she would do - or even be able to do - with this degree she had begun to pursue. She said she had just turned 60. This is the time many people begin contemplating retirement - not a career.
I've been working with a financial advisor looking at my various retirement funds and calculating the best use of them. As long as I am also able to produce income, I might as well. But it would be a relief knowing that if that next part-time temporary position does not come along, I'll still be able to eat.
Or, who knows, maybe I'll win the lottery!
The journey continues.
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