My contribution to the Library Routes project: I decided to become a librarian in of one of those blithe, accepting-the-good-advice of my elders-and-wisers-without-exactly-realizing-it moments. I had been out of Reed College for about a year, twisting in the damp post-liberal arts Portland wind with more than my share of ambivalence. My History degree (now paying... Continue Reading →
action/reaction at ucb.
About a month after the UCB student library study-in protest and two months after the UC-wide walkout, Friday is another day of actions and striking at UC Berkeley and at other UC campuses in reaction to the 32% fee hike that was approved by the UC regents yesterday. This morning students occupied Wheeler Hall and... Continue Reading →
i before e: my year of ontological balancing.
As anyone with visible tattoos, hairless cats, or a penchant for decorating with look-but-don't-use vintage objects such as ornamental table napkins can attest: the more esoteric you are, the more you end up having to explain yourself. When your mystifying characteristic, animal, or possession attracts attention, you have a choice: A) explain clearly in a... Continue Reading →
one two three.
I recently gave three very similar presentations on Informing Innovation at two very different conferences, LAUC-B 2009 and Internet Librarian 2009. I've posted my slides from each event, which, from a design perspective, was an interesting exercise in repurposing content make similar points to distinct audiences. Reusing/recycling is one of my instructional design absolutes (e.g.,... Continue Reading →
resolution.
In an excellent turn of events, the Berkeley student "Study-In" protest and resulting parent donations I posted about a few weeks ago have allowed the University Library to resume Saturday service, as well as provide our traditional 24 hour staffing during finals. Along with a number of other librarians, I volunteered to provide a staff... Continue Reading →
in memoriam.
I have been fortunate to benefit from many strong and lasting mentorships, which have invariably brought a great deal of richness to my learning/working experience. It was therefore with great sadness that I received news today that a loved and respected teacher and mentor of mine, Dr. Sandra "Sandy" Turner, passed away this week after... Continue Reading →
postcards from saturn, part one.
In the past few months, I have finally started to feel like I’m entering the home stretch of a long and fierce Saturn Return. If you are dimly versed in pseudo-astrological wooness, this is the period around your 28th year where life kicks the proverbial shit out of you. More like what makes you you,... Continue Reading →
this is how we do it.
I'm having one of those weeks that help me realize that true meaning of "library community," which at Berkeley is characteristically fierce. To make a long story somewhat short: due to system-wide funding issues this year (20% across-the-board budget cut in our case), almost all campus libraries have been forced to close on Saturdays, as... Continue Reading →
manners v. hospitality, revisited (or, posi v. judgy).
I have a motto in life and work that has been coming in especially handy lately - chin up, head down. This is a clear manifestation of my southern upbringing, where maintaining a good disposition while not drawing too much fire/attention (e.g., "kicking up a fuss") in any context is something of a religion. This is... Continue Reading →
metacognitive strategizing.
Although the moment has passed, I was recently mulling over Meredith Farkas' reply to a piece by Sarah Cohen about her rationale for not participating in Library Day in the Life. Did reporting on our daily ins and outs represent an exercise in professional insight, or was it evidence of some sort of collective librarian... Continue Reading →
info-mational 