Computers in Libraries, Day 1

I'm attending Computers in Libraries 2011. It is my first time at CiL. I decided this year in my new role as head librarian it might be interesting and useful for me to attend. I also signed up to blog the conference, so they made the snazzy QR code above for my blog.

I flew to D.C. early this morning. The conference is being held at the Hilton Washington. I did not sign up for a pre-conference, but I was sure to get here in time for the "Gaming & Gadgets Petting Zoo". There were tables set up for people to talk about a variety of gadgets including smart phones and tablets.

I spent the majority of my time gaming. I won two games of Wii Bowling, and I think I had the evening's first perfect aka flawless victory against Andy Woodworth on the gladiator game for the PS3 and Playstation Move.

Library Renewal provided copies of their posters as door prizes. Jason Griffey, member of the Library Renewal board, presented the posters. Two very lucky librarians each won a poster.

I was happy to see some familiar faces including Jason Puckett. I also got to meet Sarah Houghton-Jan and Maurice Coleman. I'd say it was a good start to the conference.

Professional Travel for Spring 2011

The ALA Midwinter Meeting in San Diego was over two months ago. Must be time for me to get back on the road!

March 20-25: Computers in Libraries, Washington, D.C.
March 30-April 2: ACRL, Philadelphia
April 7-11: ALA Executive Board Spring Meeting, Chicago
April 25-26: ALA BARC Spring Meeting, Chicago

Then I start the University's Mastering SuperVision course and go to the Penn State Erie campus:
April 27-29
May 18-20
June 1-3
June 15-16

By that point, I'm practically to the ALA Annual Conference in New Orleans, June 22-29.

Selected!

Library Journal's Movers and Shakers 2011

Wow.

I'm speechless, happy, trilled, and giddy. I'm even happier than I was at the photo shoot.

Thank you to my colleagues for nominating me and Library Journal for recognizing me as a Change Agent -- Driven to Diversify.

p.s. wait till you see the cover!

New Librarian Flashback

One of the fun things about moving is unearthing forgotten stuff. One of the many items I've found during my latest move preparation cleanup is the 1998 Simmons College GSLIS catalog. I was featured as a recent graduate. I am actually impressed with what I wrote. It is also longer than the rest of the featured alumni's blurbs that year, but I'm sure that comes as no surprise.



I think they should feature me again.

Three cheers for Rachel

Today was my reference librarian's last day. Rachel is headed to the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh's Business & Downtown Library. Just in time for tax season! We'll definitely miss her here at Kelly Library. She did not want a big party or send off, but we compromised and had a late morning tea with muffins on March 3, 2011.

I was responsible for the muffins. Rachel approved.
Chocolate muffins three ways | Blueberry muffins

Of course there was a big "Congratulations" card and gifts.

I'm glad I had the opportunity to work with Rachel, although five months was simply not long enough. I'm glad I've gained a good colleague and a friend. Now she just has to put up with me socially, where we'll probably continue to talk about librarianship, shoes, and pop culture.

Job Hunting Simplified : Tips and Tricks to finding your dream job!

Check out the ALA press release for the YALSA webinar I'm presenting April 21. The session title is "Job Hunting Simplified : Tips and Tricks to finding your dream job!" I'm very excited to partner with YASLA and offer strategies and a perspective to new graduates and early career librarians.

There will be madness

March has arrived. Evaluation season is in full swing. In addition to getting my own evaluation materials in order, I'm preparing to be on the other side of the process. There are plenty of resources and people to ask to make sure the process goes smoothly. I can also see how it can be a rewarding experience. To think I've only been here five months.

Although I haven't done any work or conference related travel since Midwinter (shocker!), I've kept myself busy. On a personal note, I received an offer on my house and will be closing on the 14th. This makes me very happy, but my new housing search has been challenging. I'm happy to report I have found a place to live closer to my new job. I'll sign the lease and move next week. It's been a tight window since my realtor advised me to wait until we had a final commitment letter from the buyer. Thankfully it came through on Friday, a week earlier than anticipated. Fingers crossed I pull off the shortest move of my life.

After spring break (next week) and the students return, I'll be back on the road. Conferences and meetings await. Thank goodness for a move to break up the monotony!