Diary 05/29

I just received this notice from ALA about Mentoring opportunities...

http://cro.ala.org/chapters/index.php?title=Mentoring

ALA has launched MentorConnect in ALA Connect so you can find or become a mentor.

MentorConnect is an informal mentoring network implemented within ALA Connect that allows all ALA members to participate and only requires that you actively choose to join the network in order to begin serving as a mentor or seeking a mentor.

Mentoring others is one of the most powerful ways you can give back to the profession, but it’s not a relationship to be entered into lightly. If you join MC, you’re making a commitment to help someone else. A strong mentoring relationship requires consistent contact between the mentor and mentee so think carefully about making this commitment before offering your services as a mentor.

Having effective mentors is important for your professional and personal growth. Asking someone to take the time to mentor you is a serious commitment. When someone agrees to mentor you, they’re making an investment in your future. Plan on spending time with your mentor via MentorConnect in order to get the most from this important relationship.

Diary 05/28

I'm still fiddling with the BP "reflection" paper due Sunday - It'll get done. I'm submitting whatever I have on Saturday. It's time to move on...

LRTL has a project due next week that I am a tad confused about. I'm going to review the assignment long and hard on Saturday. Hopefully, I'll gain some clarity. If not, I'll send the instructor a list of questions. She seems nice and low key. I don't think she'll mind.

In the mean time I plan to use this weekend to plant my seedlings outside. they have been hardened all week out in the sun and they've flourished. Now for the next test of placing them in the ground. I'm quite excited. My corn and cucumbers look like they are going to be beautiful.

BTW, some animal has been chewing the stalks off of my cherry tomatoes. If I catch that creature, I'm going to give it a good whack! The nerve.

TTYL

Dairy 05/23

I've finally started on my reflection paper for BP. It is barely two full pages. I am having the hardest time finding legitimate things to reflect upon. I still have a week until it is due but really I should have had this done weeks ago. I'm not sure what my problem is!

The LRTL course started on Friday. It looks like the instructor is very organized :o) I think I'll enjoy this course.

My field placement is going well. I am currently helping organize the library's participation in a community parade we participate in every summer that showcases businesses/organizations in the community. It should be great fun.

I'm not sure if I've mentioned that I am growing a garden again this summer. I am so excited. I have started seeds of corn, spinach, brussel sproats, cucumbers, beefsteak tomatoes, and basil. I started the seeds inside in a covered container. This is the first time they have been exposed to the sun. Next week I'm going to place them in the sun all week to make them hardy enough to plant in the soil.

I already have asparagus, cherry tomatoes, garlic, onions, lettuce and parsley, that returned from last summer, happily growing in the garden. I hope to have another great harvest.

TTYL. I want to go outside to enjoy the sun just like my veggies.

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Diary 05/19

We in cohort 9 have exactly one year until we are in the job market seeking a library job. I found this article...

Tips for library job applicants in a tight market

http://meredith.wolfwater.com/wordpress/2010/05/18/tips-for-library-job-applicants-in-a-tight-market/

Happy Reading!

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Diary 05/17

It is amazing how little interest I have on the final reflection paper, due on the
30 of this month, for Behavioral Perspectives.

I hope this lack of interest in writing papers will not be an ongoing theme for these final three semesters...

Diary 05/16

I found some interesting links I wanted to share. This link is a great resource for anyone, like me, interested in finding scholarship money to help pay for their MLIS. ALA Awards, Grants & Scholarships resources are now available to the public for searching.

http://www.ala.org/ala/awardsgrants/allawardsgrants/index.cfm

ALSO,

ALA has a Certified Public Library Administrator Program. Who Knew?!?!?! For those of us interested in becoming a supervisor, administrator, director etc. there are classes we can take that will provide us with the skills and knowledge necessary to move up the library ladder. (The CPLA program is a voluntary post-MLS certification program for public librarians with three years or more of supervisory experience and American Library Association accredited master’s degrees in library science). Here are links to further information:

Certified Public Librarian Application: http://www.ala-apa.org/certification/cpla.html

CPLA Course Providers: http"//www.ala-apa.org/certification/cplaproviders.html

CPLA Courses Offered: http://www.ala-apa.org/certification/cplacourses.html

Cut & paste the above links. For some reason I am unable to make them go straight to the site.

AND FINALLY,

For those like me who are looking for ways to cut costs- to help offset the exorbitant fees charged for our MLIS - stop paying for national and international long-distance calls! There are a variety of ways to make and receive free calls. I myself use Skype. I’m going to also try Google Voice, my sister Tia swears by it. Here is a link to an article from PC Magazine:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2363435,00.asp

As you can see I have time on my hands :o) Both of my courses start next week. I hope for a great summer. I’ll let you know how it goes…

Diary 05/13

I completed my drop/add on Wednesday. Registration had mistakenly given me the incorrect number, no problem, its fixed and I've move on.

I cannot express how glad I am that I went with my gut and did an add/drop. I was on the DB perusing what the class entailed - the link was available due to my previously being registered - it does not look like they will be in for an easy time of it.

I want my summer to be stress free. Hopefully, my move has ensured that. One thing I forgot to do was look into WISE courses. After looking I saw a class at the University of British Columbia that I probably would love - Social Media for Information Professionals- I am so torn! Should I drop my LRTL class and attempt to add the WISE class? It would be fab not be required to come to Pitt in July. After reviewing the page, I'm not sure if I could get the course approved, etc, etc, etc before the deadline. It looks like I'll be schlepping it to Pitt in July after all.

Here is Pitts link to WISE class information if you're interested - http://www.ischool.pitt.edu/lis/courses/wise.php

I also looked carefully at Fall classes but they did not appeal to me. It looks like I'll be at Pitt for Fall FT too! Where is the justice?!?!?! How could I have forgotten about WISE courses? Why didn't Alman or Currier remind me of that option?!?!?! I am bordering on despondency. There are so many other ways I could spend the money I expend for travel to Pitt, hotel and food.

Oh well, I'll just have to get over it. Maybe WISE is an option for my final semester, if I remember! Though, I kind of want to take Alman's Marketing class in the Spring...

So much to decide.

TTYS - 637

Diary 05/11

I've just finished unpacking from last weeks visit to Pitt today. Nothing is put away but the luggage is empty - smile.

I've successfully dropped my Storytelling class and am attempting to get my Field Experience (FE) request added. I have instructor approval and permission from my advisor. Today registration sent me the permission code. IT DID NOT WORK!!!! Arg - Sigh. Oh well, no stress - yeah, right! Who am I kidding?- I'll try again Wednesday. I have until the 17th to complete add/drop without being penalized.

Due to this change in schedule I have a few more days in my school break. I start my FE the week of the 17th and my other class, The Library's Role in Teaching and Learning (LRTL), starts on the 21st.

Isn't that nice? I'm going to be able to catch up on work due before the fiscal year ends, read a few books and re-gather my energy. I am going to be sooo productive in the next few days.

This semester will be a good one... Lets start our praying and fasting now.

Diary 05/08

I'm hooooooome!

I've returned from a full week at Pitt taking LIS 2800 Behavioral Perspectives. Professor Alman made the class take a oath that "what happens in BP, stays in BP". I'm not allowed to tell you much about the class.

I can say that the course was very interesting and I recommend anyone interested in self improvement, personality type, communication, and group dynamic to take the course.

I knew a lot about myself but I found out even more. There are definite behavioral preferences that I need to work hard against...

I was exhausted by the time I got home Friday evening. Actually, I am still in bed almost 24 hours later. I'll get up/unpack on Sunday.

Monday begins summer term. I have a summer class I plan to drop and another I would like to add that I must quickly get the paperwork in place.

Next week will be busy. I have quite a bit to catch up on.

TTYL. I'm laying back down.

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