Up until now, we have had extensive grace periods that meant you were not charged fines unless the book was more than a month overdue. No more. all late books will now be fines at the rate of 10 cents per day we are open (50 cents per week). So return those books on time!
Or better yet, renew them yourself at My library
Monday, June 30, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Persnickety connection
Our connection between Del Norte and and Eureka campus is very touch and go today.
In addition, the library has to close at 1:30 today. See you on Monday!
In addition, the library has to close at 1:30 today. See you on Monday!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Two New books
We received two new books today. The first is the Atlas of Human Migration, a photo-rich coffeetable book showing how man has moved over the face of several different continents. The other is called War and The Soul and it focuses on the damage that war can do to our perceptions and morals.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
It's all about how you use it.
I am still trying to finish the Millennial Makeover book I told you about. Its current essence is that the internet, web 2.0 and associated technologies are not intrinsically political, effective or good. Success with technology depends to a great degree on how they are used. Just like guns, publishing houses, and even chocolate, both good and evil can be had depending on how they are used. The author is dedicated to his perception of the generalized empathetic and civilly minded personality of the Millennials.
I am not sold on the idea that generations have personalities. Or rather I am not convinced that the personalties we espouse as teenagers and college aged adults remain with us once we get jobs and families, dogs and cats. Most of the things I valued when I was that age no longer hold sway for me. And my mom has very little in similarity with the hippy she once was. I am not convinced personality of a population is maintainable.
Preferences on contact method change as well. Right now texting and IMing are popular, but they may not be in 20 years.
I am not sold on the idea that generations have personalities. Or rather I am not convinced that the personalties we espouse as teenagers and college aged adults remain with us once we get jobs and families, dogs and cats. Most of the things I valued when I was that age no longer hold sway for me. And my mom has very little in similarity with the hippy she once was. I am not convinced personality of a population is maintainable.
Preferences on contact method change as well. Right now texting and IMing are popular, but they may not be in 20 years.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
It's time to put on your big boy pants.
For too long, I am afraid we have coddled our students. However, college should be about preparing people for real life and that means being responsible for your own actions. Even when it comes to the library.
Starting July 1, 2008 there will be some changes to how we bill late fees. Currently, we have very long grace periods which basically guarantee that anyone who at least eventually brings a book back will not be charged more than $9. July 1 changes that. We will start enforcing late fees on books and DVDs and other library materials to the tune of 10 cents per day. Fines under $9 will be paid to a clerk (or me) in the library. Fines higher than that will still have to paid for at the main office.
More details to follow.
Starting July 1, 2008 there will be some changes to how we bill late fees. Currently, we have very long grace periods which basically guarantee that anyone who at least eventually brings a book back will not be charged more than $9. July 1 changes that. We will start enforcing late fees on books and DVDs and other library materials to the tune of 10 cents per day. Fines under $9 will be paid to a clerk (or me) in the library. Fines higher than that will still have to paid for at the main office.
More details to follow.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Connecting people with their passions
I think that headline is what most librarians really enjoy about their jobs. We don't get into the Library Business to make lots of money or even to read lots of books (although if we are lucky we might get to do a little of each of those things). No, we become passionate about libraries I think because we enjoy helping people find the things they are looking for. Or perhaps the things they didn't know they were looking for.
I found a 1980 video on the Pioneers of French Cinema while doing inventory today. Besides thinking of the hundreds of people who would not want to watch the video, I also thought of a young student who had recently checked out several books about reading and speaking French and couldn't help but glow as she gushed about how much she liked French.
She happened to come in today, and I looked at her blankly, knowing there was something I was supposed to tell her, but not remembering what. After 20 seconds I got it.
"Do you like watching French, too. Or just reading it?," I asked conspiratorially.
"I like anything French," came her answer. I showed her the video and she excitedly checked it out.
Another successful day for Lynn the Librarian.
I found a 1980 video on the Pioneers of French Cinema while doing inventory today. Besides thinking of the hundreds of people who would not want to watch the video, I also thought of a young student who had recently checked out several books about reading and speaking French and couldn't help but glow as she gushed about how much she liked French.
She happened to come in today, and I looked at her blankly, knowing there was something I was supposed to tell her, but not remembering what. After 20 seconds I got it.
"Do you like watching French, too. Or just reading it?," I asked conspiratorially.
"I like anything French," came her answer. I showed her the video and she excitedly checked it out.
Another successful day for Lynn the Librarian.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Stuff to do this Saturday
There are a lot of things planned for Crescent City tomorrow, so if you are in town, I hope to see you there. Tomorrow is the first day for the Farmers' Market this year. I am excited to see what kinds of produce this lush area produces. The annual health fair is being held too, both events at the County Fairgrounds.
Downtown they are painting a Mural in a Day and having a variety of sidewalk sales and it should be lots of fun.
Downtown they are painting a Mural in a Day and having a variety of sidewalk sales and it should be lots of fun.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Inventory
I spent several hours today staring at a computer screen, trying to match the row of numbers for books we have with the row of numbers for the books the computer thinks we have. Now I have to figure out where 20 of my books went. That was just for the reference section.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Late Posting and plans
It is almost closing time. I have been calling students and handing out art all day today, if I didn't call you yet, I will unless you come in to pick up your painting or ceramic piece.
Some of you may be wondering how that book Millenial Makover turns out. Well, I still wonder myself, but I am halfway through. Some of his ideas are very interesting, which is why I keep reading. The cornerstone of the theory is that new technology brings with it a new way to contact and energize voters and whichever candidate utilizes the new technology the best wins over the new techno-savvy voters. Right now netroots (or grassroots merged with the internet) is winning over new democrats, primarily. using blogs, websites and emails.
Some of you may be wondering how that book Millenial Makover turns out. Well, I still wonder myself, but I am halfway through. Some of his ideas are very interesting, which is why I keep reading. The cornerstone of the theory is that new technology brings with it a new way to contact and energize voters and whichever candidate utilizes the new technology the best wins over the new techno-savvy voters. Right now netroots (or grassroots merged with the internet) is winning over new democrats, primarily. using blogs, websites and emails.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
More books to come check out!
We have four new books today.
The Secret Pulse of Time concentrates on helping each person to change their attitude toward time and thus to change their interactions with it. If you are convinced you are out of time and frantically react to that idea, you will achieve less than if you embrace time and its flightiness and utilize it better. At least that is what I got from the description. Leave a comment if you read this book and have anything to say about it.
The Encyclopedia of Judaism is a new Reference book we have. Trying to round off our religious offerings. Discovery is a new photo intense book which showcases some of the more recent archaeological discoveries with photos of the artifacts and human remains found as well as photographs and drawings of the digs where the items were found.
The last new book is called Facial Expression. It is a drawing book concentrating on that most difficult and yet tantalizing of objects to draw: the human face with all its expressions and moods. It examines the face as a whole as well as piece by piece from the eyes to the chin and everything in between.
The Secret Pulse of Time concentrates on helping each person to change their attitude toward time and thus to change their interactions with it. If you are convinced you are out of time and frantically react to that idea, you will achieve less than if you embrace time and its flightiness and utilize it better. At least that is what I got from the description. Leave a comment if you read this book and have anything to say about it.
The Encyclopedia of Judaism is a new Reference book we have. Trying to round off our religious offerings. Discovery is a new photo intense book which showcases some of the more recent archaeological discoveries with photos of the artifacts and human remains found as well as photographs and drawings of the digs where the items were found.
The last new book is called Facial Expression. It is a drawing book concentrating on that most difficult and yet tantalizing of objects to draw: the human face with all its expressions and moods. It examines the face as a whole as well as piece by piece from the eyes to the chin and everything in between.
Monday, June 16, 2008
CR Del Norte is Buzzing.
Classes start today for most of our summer students. I have had quite a few questions on English and Poli Sci books. Unfortunately, we only have books on reserve that professors give us. I am working on getting some publishers to send us desk copies to put on reserve, but that may take a while.
For summer classes, we currently have the book for Biol 1, Psych 33 and Spch 1.
Also, if Prof. Sara took your artwork up to Brookings for the art show, it is now available for pick up in the library. I will call you soon if I do not see you in the next few days.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
The Library is Closed Thursday and Friday
And I know that is hard for a lot of you. But, to make it up to you, a student will be in the writing lab from 10 am to 3pm. You can use the internet, do your online classes, write papers and use email in there just like you can in the library. But you don't get me and you don't get the books.
I will see you on Monday.
I will see you on Monday.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
New Books PC to RG
We now have a book for Bilingual (English and Spanish) kids which may help our ECE students better communicate with their students.
We also got The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 Nice compact set. Although there is no year, which is weird. They are not brand new and they look in extraordinarily good shape, but I wish I knew the year. They have the old style ragged cut edges. Anyway, they were published posthumously, we can all be sure.
One of our professors from Mendicino County took a sabbatical to write a book and we have a pre-publication copy in reference and one in general circulation as well. It is called The Explorer's Guide to The Natural World of Mendicino County. Now we just need to convince someone to do the same thing for Del Norte County. That would be so cool. Any volunteers?
Medicine Women is a book filled with photographs and biographies of women involved with medicine from Greek and Roman times through the modern age. Not inclusive by any means, as it is fewer than 100 women, but it is interesting how medicine and the women who practiced it have changed over the centuries.
Finally we got the Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth by Shelia Kitzinger. We did not have any books on this subject from the last couple decades, so I thought it time to get some updated information for our pregnant students as well as our CNA and LVN students.
We also got The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 Nice compact set. Although there is no year, which is weird. They are not brand new and they look in extraordinarily good shape, but I wish I knew the year. They have the old style ragged cut edges. Anyway, they were published posthumously, we can all be sure.
One of our professors from Mendicino County took a sabbatical to write a book and we have a pre-publication copy in reference and one in general circulation as well. It is called The Explorer's Guide to The Natural World of Mendicino County. Now we just need to convince someone to do the same thing for Del Norte County. That would be so cool. Any volunteers?
Medicine Women is a book filled with photographs and biographies of women involved with medicine from Greek and Roman times through the modern age. Not inclusive by any means, as it is fewer than 100 women, but it is interesting how medicine and the women who practiced it have changed over the centuries.
Finally we got the Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth by Shelia Kitzinger. We did not have any books on this subject from the last couple decades, so I thought it time to get some updated information for our pregnant students as well as our CNA and LVN students.
Monday, June 9, 2008
BL to NC new books
While doing more inventory scannin, I was surprised by the secretary carrying in a box of new books. Seems like that is going to make the inventory problematic...
oh well
We got books in a huge variety of subjects. I will tell you about the first half today.
Pilgrimage is an interesting photo intensive book following twenty different pilgrimages across many cultures and religions. First Families is an interesting photo intensive book featuring photographs of Native Americans in California from the last century, with descriptions and tribes identified in each photo.
Revolutionary Characters: What made the founders Different seeks to paint written portraits of eight of the original "American Worthies" from George Washington and Thomas Jefferson to Aaron Burr. Should be an interesting read for any history buff.
How to Flunk out of Community College offers 101 proven ways to mess up college, but a lot more suggestions on how to overcome your own foibles and succeed. We also got the Animator's Survival Kit: a big paperback which details how to be an animator, from angles and multiple images to expressions and more. I had a student complain that the art teacher did not like her cartoon images (I could not blame the art teacher, who was trying to teach realistic drawing techniques, not every subject related to drawing every student might ever want to learn). It got me thinking, though that once a student knows how to draw reasonably well, he or she may wish to develop further skills like animation and comic styles (coming in a future shipment).
oh well
We got books in a huge variety of subjects. I will tell you about the first half today.
Pilgrimage is an interesting photo intensive book following twenty different pilgrimages across many cultures and religions. First Families is an interesting photo intensive book featuring photographs of Native Americans in California from the last century, with descriptions and tribes identified in each photo.
Revolutionary Characters: What made the founders Different seeks to paint written portraits of eight of the original "American Worthies" from George Washington and Thomas Jefferson to Aaron Burr. Should be an interesting read for any history buff.
How to Flunk out of Community College offers 101 proven ways to mess up college, but a lot more suggestions on how to overcome your own foibles and succeed. We also got the Animator's Survival Kit: a big paperback which details how to be an animator, from angles and multiple images to expressions and more. I had a student complain that the art teacher did not like her cartoon images (I could not blame the art teacher, who was trying to teach realistic drawing techniques, not every subject related to drawing every student might ever want to learn). It got me thinking, though that once a student knows how to draw reasonably well, he or she may wish to develop further skills like animation and comic styles (coming in a future shipment).
Friday, June 6, 2008
Summer Days
Things were slow again today. But there is always inventory to do and mending the books I find during inventory.
Please note: the library will be closed next Thursday and Friday. There will be a student in the writing lab from 10 am to 3pm. So if you need to use the computers in the library for a class or so forth, I will direct you to the writing lab during those hours.
Please note: the library will be closed next Thursday and Friday. There will be a student in the writing lab from 10 am to 3pm. So if you need to use the computers in the library for a class or so forth, I will direct you to the writing lab during those hours.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
The Books go marching one by one
Today (and yesterday and probably tomorrow) I am doing inventory. This means I am going to scan each book in the library, and double-check those against the list of books we think we have. I am interested to see how they mesh.
This week has been painfully slow. All the students are off enjoying their break. Or working.
I have a few stalwart souls who are using the library right now, but earlier today it was hauntingly empty. All the chairs lined up and pushed in at tables. the computers humming, but no tapping or shuffling. Just silence.
This week has been painfully slow. All the students are off enjoying their break. Or working.
I have a few stalwart souls who are using the library right now, but earlier today it was hauntingly empty. All the chairs lined up and pushed in at tables. the computers humming, but no tapping or shuffling. Just silence.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Benadryl
Today I am on benadryl and I feel like my body and brain are going in slow motion. Did you know that Benadryl was invented by George Rieveschl working at the University of Cincinnati. Rieveschl experimented on lots of ideas, usually trying to stop muscle spasms. Instead he discovered the first antihistamine, used for allergy sufferers.
I don't have allergies, at least I never have had them. But when your legs and back start itching uncontrollably, you are willing to at least try something to make it stop.
I still itch, but not as badly.
But none of this has to do with the library, now does it?
You would think that on a rainy day, you would want to come to the library and stay all day. Not here in Crescent City. There were hardly any visitors to the library today. I can only contribute it to the dreary weather outside.
I don't have allergies, at least I never have had them. But when your legs and back start itching uncontrollably, you are willing to at least try something to make it stop.
I still itch, but not as badly.
But none of this has to do with the library, now does it?
You would think that on a rainy day, you would want to come to the library and stay all day. Not here in Crescent City. There were hardly any visitors to the library today. I can only contribute it to the dreary weather outside.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Is it Monday already?
Some weekends are just not long enough. But then again, neither are some Mondays. I did not get everything done today I was hoping to.
This week, I will be starting an inventory on the books in the library. So if you have a book on your shelf at home, now is the time to turn it in. Once I discover it's missing, I am going to be calling you.....
Just a heads up, next Thursday and Friday (June 12 and 13) the library will be closed. For those students needing to use the computers, we will have the writing lab open from 10 am to 3 pm. Library related questions will have to wait until Monday the 16. Or ask me before the 12th. I will post signs today reminding your friends who don't check my blog yet.
This week, I will be starting an inventory on the books in the library. So if you have a book on your shelf at home, now is the time to turn it in. Once I discover it's missing, I am going to be calling you.....
Just a heads up, next Thursday and Friday (June 12 and 13) the library will be closed. For those students needing to use the computers, we will have the writing lab open from 10 am to 3 pm. Library related questions will have to wait until Monday the 16. Or ask me before the 12th. I will post signs today reminding your friends who don't check my blog yet.
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