This morning Daniel and I read that the county library has just been allocated an additional 195,000 for 2008. This news makes me think that the universe sometimes makes a whole lot of sense. Because as the article suggests, there were approx. 100 Friends of the library in attendance, and as motley as we are, library supporters have one thing in common--they have a passion for their libraries. It seems that the Board took all things into consideration and made an excellent decision. How I love reporting this.
Kudos to Derek Wolfgram and the Friends of the Libraries for organizing such support, and kudos to the Board of Supervisors for doing the right thing. I can't describe how good it feels for having been a small part of this decision-making process. I figure it's a good idea to write the Board a thank you note, then we'll be off to the library.
In other news, Wimbledon is on rain delay. Big surprise.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Software and Implementation: Oh, My.
I love our age of hyper-technology, I really and truly do. I love talking with people about technology. I love looking closely at new technologies and wondering how quickly I might be able to use them if I had one in my possession.
I even love the problems that are an inherent part of getting from purchase to implementation and even better, actual use by mortals. I really do. I love troubleshooting. I love checking my email during the summer--several times a day. Sure. I do. I actually do.
Technology makes me feel connected and even enabled me to behave like a real citizen this past Tuesday. Technology allowed me to write a good-looking letter of support for the Butte Co. Library system. It enabled me to quickly learn the whereabouts of the Board of Supervisors meeting and the designated meeting time. I was even able to pull up a digital map and have some confidence about my destination. At the meeting, technology allowed the Chief Administative Assistant (is there an oxymoron in there, somewhere?) to make a glowing .ppt that really did look pretty darn good and digestable for just about anyone in attendance.
Note to self: technology is good.
But there is something else that we need to hold on to, here, and tightly, and that's common sense. Nothing in the techno realm resembles common sense, not even a little bit. Students are not famous for being great evaluators of web information, for one example, and many adults aren't all that much savvier.
And because so much technology is so new, you naturally have in any given microcosm a great disparity between the techno-philes and -phobes. And with developments at the speed of DSL the chasm grows in what can be for some a scary-fast way.
But the only response is to paddle as fast as we can and grab a little flotsam along the way, even if we don't nail the buoy on the first try.
I even love the problems that are an inherent part of getting from purchase to implementation and even better, actual use by mortals. I really do. I love troubleshooting. I love checking my email during the summer--several times a day. Sure. I do. I actually do.
Technology makes me feel connected and even enabled me to behave like a real citizen this past Tuesday. Technology allowed me to write a good-looking letter of support for the Butte Co. Library system. It enabled me to quickly learn the whereabouts of the Board of Supervisors meeting and the designated meeting time. I was even able to pull up a digital map and have some confidence about my destination. At the meeting, technology allowed the Chief Administative Assistant (is there an oxymoron in there, somewhere?) to make a glowing .ppt that really did look pretty darn good and digestable for just about anyone in attendance.
Note to self: technology is good.
But there is something else that we need to hold on to, here, and tightly, and that's common sense. Nothing in the techno realm resembles common sense, not even a little bit. Students are not famous for being great evaluators of web information, for one example, and many adults aren't all that much savvier.
And because so much technology is so new, you naturally have in any given microcosm a great disparity between the techno-philes and -phobes. And with developments at the speed of DSL the chasm grows in what can be for some a scary-fast way.
But the only response is to paddle as fast as we can and grab a little flotsam along the way, even if we don't nail the buoy on the first try.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Monday, June 25, 2007
Special Topics in Calamity Physics
Please, please read this book. I need someone to talk to. If you have read this book, please email me.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
It's Almost As If I'm Calmer
It is truly amazing what a few days off can do for a librarian who really did need them (and her devoted fam of one son).
Reading feels great these days, and gardening feels even better, go figure. Lots to discuss with friends, including a potential relocation that shocked the living hell out of everyone I knew, including me.
See, there was this cherry position in Orinda, CA (and if you are a librarian living in the area, by all means you should apply because this position is going to ROCK). But the commute scene is not for me, and despite the fact that I was graciously offered said position, I was not prepared to return to coin laundry for the sake of any job, however much deep learning I might have done there. And for the record, it would have been deep. Here's the scenario: one library connected to one tech lab. Two aides, 25 hours in each location/week. Awe-inspiring and I so wanted to be the one to take it on, but again, could not see a place for Daniel and I to land that could in any way compare to the quality of life that we enjoy here in Chico.
Yes, it's hot here. Yes, there are some garden-variety rednecks in the vicinity (need proof? How about the pickup truck with 12" letters that spelled "WHITE BOY" (caps not mine). How about the pickup trucks (spotting a trend, here?) that continue to sport the confederate flag rather than a front license plate? Who in the hell are these people? And what in the hell are they thinking?
As for a book review, I'll get to that, I really will. Read Theodosia as soon as you can, though, I see her in the running for the book of the year next year. And if I haven't posted my deep and abiding love for Rick Riordan's work here, please see my review of Titan's Curse here:
Reading feels great these days, and gardening feels even better, go figure. Lots to discuss with friends, including a potential relocation that shocked the living hell out of everyone I knew, including me.
See, there was this cherry position in Orinda, CA (and if you are a librarian living in the area, by all means you should apply because this position is going to ROCK). But the commute scene is not for me, and despite the fact that I was graciously offered said position, I was not prepared to return to coin laundry for the sake of any job, however much deep learning I might have done there. And for the record, it would have been deep. Here's the scenario: one library connected to one tech lab. Two aides, 25 hours in each location/week. Awe-inspiring and I so wanted to be the one to take it on, but again, could not see a place for Daniel and I to land that could in any way compare to the quality of life that we enjoy here in Chico.
Yes, it's hot here. Yes, there are some garden-variety rednecks in the vicinity (need proof? How about the pickup truck with 12" letters that spelled "WHITE BOY" (caps not mine). How about the pickup trucks (spotting a trend, here?) that continue to sport the confederate flag rather than a front license plate? Who in the hell are these people? And what in the hell are they thinking?
As for a book review, I'll get to that, I really will. Read Theodosia as soon as you can, though, I see her in the running for the book of the year next year. And if I haven't posted my deep and abiding love for Rick Riordan's work here, please see my review of Titan's Curse here:
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