Diary 06/27

I'm back from New Orleans, Louisiana - NOLA. NOLA is a very interesting place. We stayed on Bourbon street which is right in the center of all that is decadent in NOLA. Being an older Spectrum scholar, I was not overly affected. The younger scholars were a bit intimidated by the blatant prostitution, drunkenness, and foul smell. I focused on the stunning architecture and history that was all around us.

I also focused on all of the MANDATORY classes we had to attend. Everyday was booked until at least 2pm. I wish they had given us one full day to do as we wished. By the end of the booked days we were usually so brain fried that a nap was needed. After the nap there was only so much daylight left. I did not go out after 10pm. There was too much out there in those street that recommended caution.

Overall, the experience was worthwhile. I went to a couple of nice receptions - one where my library director attended. I met my YALSA mentor for lunch. I got tons of free swag at the convention center. And, finally I met some really nice, helpful people.

Next years annual is in Anaheim, California. I am plotting the course to get there right now...

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Diary 06/11

I know I've been neglectful... I've been gearing up for the ALA National meeting in New Orleans. There is sooo much to do before I'm ready to leave. I've signed up for all sorts of programs. I also have the mandatory meetings Spectrum meetings.

My current issue is figuring out what to pack that will fit in a single carry on and very large purse. My shoes alone can take up one case. Such a dilemma.

Another issue is finding time to see other conference goers socially. There are all sorts of friends and acquaintances who will be down in New Orleans. I feel overwhelmed! I'm trying to calendarize everything and everyone down to the last moment.

Being an annal perfectionist can be so challenging during times like this.

Diary 05/27

I'm getting ready for ALA in New Orleans - 6/23-28! http://www.alaannual.org/

I have mandatory Spectrum classes. Between those classes I have been busily signing up for classes during my down time that will benefit me in multiple ways - 1) It's hot in New Orleans - especially in late June - so I'm attempting to stay in the air conditioning 2) My sessions all offer free lunch, dinner, appetizers or dessert - I'm thinking about my expenses 3) I want as much exposure to other librarians as possible outside of my Spectrum cohort of current students or new graduates 4) Interviewing techniques - I have a good feeling that I'll already have a job by then but you can never be too knowledgeable.

I posted my resume on ALA JobLIST. I suggest everyone interested in an information science career do the same. Another strategic place to post a resume is on your regional library systems web site.

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Diary 05/15

It has been two glorious weeks since graduation. Glorious but not without a stressor or two...

I requested my official transcripts from the office of the registrar to submit to my employer. Guess what?!?!?! They sent them out with my name spelled INCORRECTLY!!!! This is one of the many reasons I stayed continually frustrated with Pitt during my two year tenure. Grrr. If my diploma comes misspelled I might EXPLODE!

I've just sent the registrars office an email requesting a correctly spelled document be re-issued to myself and my employer - immediately. I can't wait to see the response.

During these last two weeks I have had so much time on my hands it feels weird... A good weird but I must get back in gear. It is now time to update my e-portfolio with the final projects I did in the marketing class and my transcripts. I also must get the photos together from everyone from graduation so I can make a collage.

Speaking of graduation, I did see the name of that slacker in the list of graduates on my program. He did not come to graduation but he -despite doing nothing for our group project - did graduate. No matter, his lackadaisical ways will catch up with him sooner rather than later.

TTYL, it has been raining cat, dogs, pigs, and goats here in good old Cleveland Ohio, I have to check on my poor sodden garden.

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Diary 05/01

Today is G day :0D

I'm feeling emotional... The day I sometimes thought would never come is finally upon us. I am more than ready. We check out of the hotel at 7:30a in order to get to Pitt, park and register by 9a. We have a full day planned. It looks like we have a MLIS graduation at 9:30, followed by brunch, then a college commencement at 1p. We are taking all sorts of pictures.

I am wondering if the graduation and following commencement are the same thing and if we should to stay for both. I'm going to check with the group after the first ceremony and see how they feel. I miss my home and am ready to head back to my comfort zone. The sooner the better.

A huge thank you to everyone who has been here for me during this roll-a-coaster two years. You supported me emotionally, helped in any financial way - through scholarships, book donations, gas/toll money etc., prayed for me, sent me energy, read/critiqued my work and so on. Nothing was taken for granted and nothing will be forgotten. If you need me send up smoke signals, I'll come running.

Graduation re-cap coming soon...

Diary 04/30

One day until graduation...

We got to Pittsburgh last evening. After the car debacle, I went to bed.

This morning was our "site seeing" day. We went to the PPM - got caught in National Rifle Association traffic going to the Convention Center - and did a quick perusal of the strip. We then went to some food place (the name escapes me) that is considered one of Pittsburgh 10 wonders. I WONDERED why - the food was mediocre at best. Finally we decided to go the the botanical garden. It cost an arm and a leg to get in so we decided to use that money to purchase some wine and sat on the patio drinking. Afterward we walked around the perimeter of the BG and looked in the windows.

A fun time indeed...

Diary 04/29

2 days until graduation
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT ?!?!?!?

My car is still in the shop. The mechanic said my "rear brake lines blew". Good thing I decided to have it towed instead of being testy and driving it. Of course when you go to the mechanic they always find another issue for you to pay for so my distributor cap is also cracked. I told them to just do it! I need that car fixed and out of their garage by 3pm today. Of course its gong to cost a small fortune but it must be done and I havent had to take her to the mechanic in almost a year. My next large purchase and graduation gift to myself will be a new car. It is time...

On another note, I am still not fully packed. I must pack and get my hair together ( a project all by itself). I have 6 hours to make it work. If all goes as planned the caravan - four cars - leaves at 4pm.

TTYL. I must get hoppin'

Diary 04/28

3 days until graduation!

It is not even 10am and my day has been a mess! I woke up to go to the gym. Turned on my car and the brake light came on. My first thought was that my emergency brake was on. Nope! I grabbed the manual and figured out that my brake fluid was low. I popped the hood and and saw that the brake reservoir was EMPTY! I poured in brake fluid, waited a moment, then turned on the car. the light was still on. I went back to the reservoir. It was empty AGAIN.

Now I'm stressed. I have to work today and I planned to run a ton of errands to get ready for Fridays departure to Pitt.

I called the gym to let them know I wouldn't be there - I'm such a regular, they worry when I'm not there.

I then called and left messages with two repair shops so they could contact me when they opened between 7:30 - 8am. By 8:30 no one had called !!!!! I guess in this economy they don't need my $$$. What happened to customer service? Anyway, I finally reached one mechanic them and then called AAA for a tow. AAA got to my house in an hour. The driver had to roll the car out of the driveway to the street keeping one foot out of the car to make up for no brakes - Flintstones style. Drama!

Now my baby - the car - is at the shop being looked at. I who have a 1pm mandatory meeting today am on public transportation. I am NOT fond of the bus... But as they say, "what needs must".

I pray they have my car fixed before noon Friday.

The day can only get better from here...

Diary 04/27

4 days until graduation

What a glorious day! this will be our 2nd day of 75 degree weather. I am so ready for summer and great weather.

I went into my garden this morning to look at soil conditions and begin planning which vegetables to plant and saw the most beautiful site... the asparagus that I have been cultivating for three years now is in full bloom. I got so excited I started talking to it. My neighbor probably thinks I'm loony - lol!

Anyway, the reason I'm so excited is because I started that asparagus from seed with no idea that it takes three years to fully grow. After year one I was confused because only some green wisps grew the entire summer. I looked it up on the internet and found out about the number of years. Year two, the little wisps grew into tall - 5ft - wisps but still no asparagus. At the end of the season I tied the wisps to the fence and hoped for the best. This winter some deer chewed on the wisps and I thought they had killed the asparagus because the wisps were dry, brown and dead looking. The internet did not tell me what to do about this...I went outside this morning to trim, what I thought were. dead wisps and found asparagus spears growing between the wisps. Some of it was already 10' long!

I'm going to look up recipes later. I read that asparagus is an annual plant. I wont have to plant again for at least 12 years and it will still grow and grow.

:o)

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Diary 4/26

5 days until graduation...

Iwatched the final panapto today. I did a final perusal of the discussion board and checked off all of the assignments to make sure I had 100% completed all of my work. I've checked grades but only see two signments graded. I assume I am getting an "A" but I'd love to know for sure.

Today we received an email from the instructor with the promise of 5 bonus points if anyone adds 1-2 pages of information about their marketing plan/project that can be used on the Class Website. She wants it by the 28th.

I'm going to walk in faith and believe that I do not need those 5 points. Hopefully I'm correct.

Diary 04/25

6 days until graduation!

I've gotten my equivalent to Fast Track weekend all hammered out with the instructor. My family, friends and I will go to the public market to see all that has been accomplished. We'll visit the satellite library branch, meet Molly of CLP then go eat. I don't need to come back to Pitt for an on campus meeting - Phew!

Graduation gift idea above - hint! hint! :oD

diary 04/24

The real graduation count down begins today.

At this exact time - 2pm - next week I will be in Pittsburgh, wearing graduation regalia, sitting with my fellow MLIS students, waiting to hear my name called from the podium...

I cannot wait!

Diary 04/23

FREE AT LAST!

FREE AT LAST!

THANK GOD ALMIGHTY!

I'M FREE AT LAST!

I submitted my final piece of work pertaining to my MLIS degree at 6:44:08 AM EDT!

I cannot even believe it.

I am breathless with joy. There are truly no words to describe my relief. I'll try...

• I can now go back to giving a reasonable level of customer service at the library where I work part time :o)

• I can stop snapping at the children who want my attention in the school where I work as an educator full time ;oD

• I can go to the gym, out to eat, on vacation ect. without the concern that I am forgetting something :oO

I exhale, the burden has been lifted...

Today, in celebration, I think I'll go shopping for my graduation outfit. There is nothing like retail therapy - lol!

Diary 04/22

Is anyone sending me energy? It sure does not feel like it...

Today I have forced myself to respond to our final DB on library websites and collateral material. It was harder than it should have been.

I've also started my first draft of the evaluative report due Monday. I hope to complete it Saturday, do a final critique then submit it Sunday.

The final class Panapto will be Monday. I pray it will be short.

Saturday I, my family and friends will be going to the Public Market to see what our class accomplished with the CLP LYNCS project.

Sunday I graduate! 9 days

Oh! I almost forgot Pitt provides 100 free ($7 for shipping) business cards to its students. Here is the link

http://www.ooprint.com/us/dynamic/public/chooser.shtml?cat_label=EN_PITTSBURGH-BUSINESS-CARDS_0

I started to order some but as well as lacking energy, I'm feeling cheap - LOL! I'll probably order them before graduation. They're not bad looking and will be great to pass out as I conduct my job search.

Diary 04/19

I AM BURNED OUT !!!!

I still have to write an evaluative report and comment on three DB items. I don't have the energy to do either thing.

I just finished watching/listening to the class Panapto. It's wonderful that our hard work was noted by a prominent Pittsburgh council person and has precipitated/forged a fledgling relationship for other marketing classes to do similar projects.

It has definitely been an experience managing a project of this magnitude online with no concept of what the venue or surrounding area consists of but it got done. My team ROCKED!!!!!

Someone PLEASE send me some energy.

11 days until graduation...

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Diary 04/16

This is the culmination of all the Project Promotions/Web Development group has been working on all semester.

This weekend the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh opened a satellite offfice in the "Strip District". The event was covered by print (the Post Gazette and Tribune Review) and television (WPXI and KDKA TV).

Here is the article featured on the front page of today's the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

New library branch in the Strip more like a twig

Saturday, April 16, 2011

By Diana Nelson Jones, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pam Panchak/Post-Gazette

David Yake of Polish Hill, a teen librarian in Bridgeville and a volunteer for the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh's experimental micro-branch in the Strip District, helps John Stuparitz from East Liberty.

It's the size of some New York City apartments and smells like chocolate and lavender, but there was no mistaking that what bloomed near the entrance of the Public Market in the Strip District Friday morning was a library.

A shoebox branch, this experiment in outreach is the Carnegie Library system's first effort to bring a presence to the people where they gather. The initiative -- called "the library in your community neighborhood and school," or LYNCS -- is a partnership between the library system and the University of Pittsburgh.

Sarah Loudenslager, a master's student in library information sciences at Pitt, is a project manager at the micro-branch and was part of a team that spent February snagging Public Market shoppers to ask them what it should offer.

Besides its tiny browsing collection, it offers pretty much what any branch location offers. Whatever book you can't find you can reserve at this location for delivery to your local branch. You can apply for a library card and use the library's data base and the Internet.

You can even sit at a little table and read -- but here you can read while munching on slices of smoked duck, a Greek salad or pulled pork sandwich.

Molly Krichten, the LYNCS coordinator, said she relished the location "in the best smelling part of the market."

Flanked by a Sustenance Bakery and Third-Day Luxury Soaps, the market library is just inside the entrance on the right. It got pretty crowded at one point before noon yesterday, when Paula Taggart's almost-3-year-old Mary was doing laps around a display of craft books.

Ms. Taggart said that while some library branches have limited weekend hours, this one's Friday-Sunday schedule fills "a great need." The hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Besides being handy for people who live and work in the Strip, she said, it could come in handy in all sorts of ways, say, to a tourist in the Strip who might want to print out his boarding pass back to St. Paul.

Several vendors said a library on the scene has exciting potential for them.

"It already has helped my business," said Cynthia Hill, owner of Third-Day Luxury Soaps. "Fridays are usually kind of slow and already" -- an hour after the grand opening at 10 a.m. -- "I've made a few dollars."

Business has been pretty good for Clarion River Organics, said Shauna Frantz-Deppe, the booth manager, "but I'm excited about the library and the mix of vendors that have come in. And soon, the farmers will be here with produce."

In the cafe area at noon yesterday, a group of librarians performed book reviews in opening-day ceremonies. The "30 books in 30 minutes" show is one of several special events planned for the weekend.

LeighAnne Vrabel held up the Alex Horne book, "Word Watching," and touted its lively contents on word play and word coinage: "If books were food," she said, "this would be a dry white wine."

From 9 to 11:30 a.m. today, the library has scheduled a drop-in storytelling session and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m., library staff will show visitors how to use an eReader and MP3 player with the library's downloadable services. If you don't have a gadget, you can use the library's.

The 235-square-foot space belies the scope of the project and the mission, said Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh spokeswoman Suzanne Thinnes.

"It was a lot of work to figure out how to be as comprehensive as possible in the space we have," she said. "It reminds me of what the Genie said in "Aladdin:" 'Phenomenal cosmic powers! Itty bitty living space.'

How exciting to see our hard work come to fruition...

Diary 04/14

I submitted my 2nd to last assignment today an entire four days early. I'm so proud of myself. Now I have a final evaluative report to write and a few comments to make on the DB and I'm done.

Friday the 29th we drive down to Pitt. Saturday the 30th I will be going to the Pittsburgh Public Market to see all that I've heard about on the Panapto's and read about in multiple emails/DB's.

Going to the PPM will be my Fast Track class. It turns out that I am the only person who did not go to FT Weekend so the instructor suggested I go to the Public Market.

No problem for me. I love to shop/eat. The website (http://pittsburghpublicmarket.org/) looks very similar to what we call the farmers market in Cleveland. I'll make a day of it with my family.

I havent been able to do much site seeing while attending Pitt. Saturday will be the one, final day to make up for all of that. I doubt that I'll be coming back to Pittsburgh anytime soon...

17 days to graduation. I'm packed and ready to go!

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Diary 04/09

Yesterday evening I received my graduation regalia (cap, gown, tassel, chord). I paid for these items over a month ago, finally they are here. I now have something tangible that confirms my graduation. I tried everything on, each item fit perfectly. I've now packed them into my suitcase which is already - mostly - packed to go to Pitt at the end of the month.

I'm essentially finished with the assignment due on the 18th and the last minute project given to the group I managed is being handled brilliantly by that cohort of people.

The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter and brighter.

One final thing... The Library Leadership and Management Association - LLMA has a free webinar recording available for recent or pending MLS graduates who are job hunting. If you aren't able to participate in the YALSA webinar one coming up on the 21st, this should be helpful.

http://www.llama.ala.org/llamaleads/?p=814

Don't forget to fill out the evaluation at the end of the webinar.

TTYL!

Diary 04/08

I have finally been able to put a face to the name. The group member who did not participate in our Marketing group project was on the 04/04 class Panapto. I had no idea he was an on-campus student since he did not come to fast-track weekend. Anyway, he and the class had to introduce themselves to the guest speaker. He said his name and then said "This is supposedly my last semester at Pitt". I wish you could have seen how disgruntled he looked. I wonder if he is in danger of failing this class and others due to his lack of participation. This can be the only reason I can think of for his statement.

I'll see if his name is read at graduation in 23 days!

I have two more projects for this class - well three considering a last minute request received yesterday (!) - after those are complete, other than coming to one class on the 30th, I AM DONE!

I have been circulating my e-portfolio around to different people for review and potential job offers.

I expect some requests for interviews to start rolling in during the first two weeks in May. I'll keep you posted.

Diary 04/03

The group project is DONE! and it looks GREAT. Other than the ex- group members shenanigans we worked everything out. We can be proud of our effort and the end result.

In a previous post talked about the e-portfolio we were doing for this class and the meeting with the Library Director I had scheduled. Well, the meeting went extremely well. I emailed my portfolio to him 24 hours before we were scheduled to meet. He actually reviewed it and had pertinent questions about the portfolio, my work history and some of the projects I had featured in the portfolio. We spoke for an entire hour. I am really feeling good about our talk and he seemed very impressed with the portfolio and me - smile.

This is a portfolio I would have never even thought about making if not for the Marketing class - thanks Dr. Alman! I already have a job that I am interested in that I will be applying for May 2. I think I can get it. I'm starting my research next week...

For my e-portfolio I decided to use webs.com. A former classmate shared the website with me after I tried three different free e-portfolio sites with limited success. Webs.com was much easier to use than the Google Doc recommended in class and it had fancier options. I am very proud of how my portfolio turned out. I would suggest that EVERYONE in this day and e-media age have one.

Here is a link to my e-portfolio if you're interested http://aphutson.webs.com/ feel free to use some of my examples in your own e-portfolio and let me know your thoughts/suggestions for improving mine.

That's all for now. I have two more assignments to complete before the Marketing class ends. One is due on the 18th and the other one a week later so, I must get crackin'

Ta! Ta!

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Diary 04/01

The slacker in my group REALLY is a horrible mess! The one person that I have knitched about and maligned this term truly deserved it. Our project is due Monday. He anwered one email out of over 70. Missed or ignored every opportunity and deadline sent to him. Now, he has contacted the instructor and head of the department with a sob story about why he couldn't participate and how he is now ready to work with the group. You have got to be F***ing kidding me!!!! The group and I rallied with a response sent to the head of LIS letting her know that the project is done. How dare he think he could slide in 4 days before the project was due and reap the benefits of out hard work - I DO NOT THINK SO BUDDY!!!!! We received an email response back from the instructor to acknowledge receipt of our response and saying she is meeting with him next week. Without our 20 group project points he can only get a B- at best. I do not wish him any luck. If we had not decided to each take a portion of his work in order to complete the project then our entire group grade would have been toast. As my students would say, "later for him"

On another note, in exactly one month I will be walking across the stage to receive my MLIS degree.

Happier days are coming...

Diary 03/27

Remember that one group member - in the marketing class - that just would NOT answer emails? Well he finally responded with the excuse that this semester is sooo stressful to him and requested understarending. Frankly, I do not GAF! We are all stressed out and juggling classes, jobs, lives etc. He has not even done his portion of the project now due in one week. I mean we have this lovely PPT presentation with a gaping hole in it because of him. WTF does he expect us to do? I am truly disgusted with him. It looks like the rest of the group is going to have to step in and do small bits of his work in order not to jepordize our group grade. Aarg! This is the main reason that I cannot stand group work. Even if he does, by some miracle, turn in his portion. I am going to give him a harsh summary and grade on the evaluation.

In other news - LOL - the CLP project seems to moving right along. This weekend was fast track but as an upcoming graduate - DID I MENTION I'M GRADUATING SOON????? IN EXACTLY 5 WEEKS - I was not required to be there. Thank god.

Next week is spring break in my school district so, Monday I'm taking a group of 20 kids to an environmental science camp. I would not have been any good if I did not have this weekend to decompress before a week of "fun and learning" in the woods. That's sarcasm for those of you who do not know that I am the least outdoor friendly person in the universe but if it helps my students to learn I suck it up and plow through.

Ok, TTYL - I must get to comparing and contrasting similarities and differences in public library annual reports. You know, what the other team member was supposed to have turned in to the group yesterday...

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Diary 03/22

Uh Oh! The hardest working member of my annual reports group is sounding a bit snippy with the group. She and I are the only ones who have contributed to the Google Doc and we have less than two weeks to submit the assignment. Yesterday I sent out a reminder email to the group about our time line and re-sending the link to the GD. I must admit Ive been busy with the CLP opening duties as project promotions manager and have neglected my own portion of the assignment but I have done something. the other three members haven't done squat. One has never even responded to email. This group better not screw up my grade.

Sigh... When will it be over? 40 days until we walk across the stage.

Diary 03/16

I am so over being in library school. 46 days until graduation.

Being a fast-track student is such a pain. I have to rely on others responding to my emails, texts, calls ect. I do not appreciate the lack of control. There is one person in my group who has never responded to emails yet he's on the DB religiously commenting on class topics. If I was in Pittsburgh he wouldn't be able to get away with that s*%$.

I also feel like as a CLP project manager, with two other people who live in Pittsburgh, that I am being - unintentionally - left out of meetings etc.

Library school has really taught me that I cannot control everything. I guess I am learning something ;oD

Diary 03/14

Six weeks to go until g day. I've just RSVP'd for the Brunch following graduation.

I am waiting by the door for the cap and gown that I paid for a month ago - I may have to follow up on that...

My e-portfolio is due next week and coming along nicely. I'll place the link in the blog when its complete. Let me know your thoughts/suggestions for improvement.

The CLP project is moving along. The promotions group that I Manage is brilliant. Everyone is impressed with them.

Next week I meet with the Director of my library to discuss my career goals. I'm excited!

Don't forget the YALSA job hunting tips seminar next week. The link is in the previous weeks blog entry.

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Diary 03/04

The largest thing on my mind right now - besides acing my Marketing class - is getting a full time job upon graduation with my MLIS. With that in mind here are a few areas of interest for people with the same mindset...

Beginning with the March 17 issue, ALA JobLIST Direct will be sent only to those who have specifically opted in to receive the newsletter.

To subscribe use this link http://ala.informz.net/ala/profile.asp?fid=1494

There is no charge or membership requirement to subscribe to the newsletter.

ALSO,

The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) is offering “Job Hunting Simplified,” a Webinar discussing practical job hunting tips for new graduates and early career librarians, at 2 p.m. EDT on April 21. The Webinar will be free to all YALSA members and $49 for non-members. YALSA members who wish to register should do so by contacting Eve Gaus, YALSA's program officer for continuing education, at egaus@ala.org or (800) 545-2433, ext. 5293. Nonmembers may register at www.ala.org/yalsa/webinars.

I hope to see you there!

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Diary 02/25

The city of Cleveland is SHUT DOWN! Both of my jobs - the school and library -have closed due to a really nasty storm.

When I turned on the news at 4am there were already 8 accidents. You dont have to tell me twice not to leave the house, I did not go to the gym. Instead I stayed online monitoring school closings and praying that my school would close. The library closed before my school did but no complaints I do not have to brave this weather.

Instead, I will be working on my assignments for the marketing class. I have to write a press release and get crackin' on my e-portfolio. I'll also have the opportunity to do a thorough read of tge DB to see if anyone placed any tid bits of wisdom on there that will help me with my resume/cover letter.

I hope everyone else is inside, warm and safe.

TTYL :o)

BTW - I paid for my cap and gown and I have my graduation invitations (2 months and 5 days until graduation)

Diary 02/16

OMG! The Republican run House of Representatives is considering two amendments critical to the future of libraries. See information below...

This week, the House of Representatives will consider two amendments to the FY2011 Continuing Resolution that are critical to libraries – one that would eliminate all the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) funding including Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding and another that would halt all funding for Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) orders seeking libraries and bookstore records of U.S. citizens.

An amendment submitted by U.S. Rep. Scott Garret (R-NJ), seeks to zero out the Institute of Museum and Library Services, eliminating all federal funding specifically for libraries.

Message to Your Representative:

• Libraries are essential to every community, and federal funding is critical for ensuring library resources and services remain available to their constituents.
• LSTA supports all kinds of libraries including school, academic, and public libraries.
• Public libraries are the primary source of no-fee access to the Internet and are active in assisting the public with online job searches, e-government services, and lifelong learning.

Call your representative at (202) 224-3121 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (202) 224-3121 end_of_the_skype_highlighting today and tell him or her to oppose Amendment #35 to the Continuing Resolution!

An amendment, sponsored by U.S. Rep. John Conyers (D-MI), would halt all funding for FISA orders seeking libraries and bookstore records of U.S. citizens. Currently, this vote is scheduled for this Thursday, February 17.

Message to Your Representative:

• Vote YES on the Conyers amendment to the FY11C.R. to halt funding for Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) orders that would seek library and bookstore records of U.S. citizens;
• The Conyers amendment seeks to protect individual privacy and personal reading records from inappropriate access by law enforcement;
• Like previous reader privacy bills, this amendment has bipartisan support;
• Law enforcement access to the reading habits of individuals should be held to a higher legal standard in order to protect civil liberties and the right to read and access information.

Call your representative at (202) 224-3121 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (202) 224-3121 end_of_the_skype_highlighting today and tell him or her to support Conyers’ amendment to the Continuing Resolution!

More information and ways to respond can be found at http://capwiz.com/ala/issues/alert/?alertid=28204516

Diary 02/11

In my Marketing class, we are working on making electronic portfolios. This week the topic is cover letters and resumes. I am sooo glad I am taking this course. I am going to be well prepared to get - not look for but get - an excellent job when I graduate. It is my belief that I will have the job of my dreams by July 31, 2011. I am putting this knowledge out into the universe for further power.

Here is a link for you to get YOUR dream job upon graduation from library school from School Library Journal "Hang in There: How to get a library job against all odds" http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/slj/home/888610-312/hang_in_there_how_to.html.csp

TTYL :o)

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Diary 02/05

I'm working hard with the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP) promotion team. So far so good.

Not much is going on with my Annual reports group but it's early.

The only thing of note that has occured thus far this semester is the letter I received addressed to "Outstanding MLIS Students" inviting me to learn about Pitts MLIS Doctoral program. I saw nothing about them paying my way... I also did not see an area I would like to pursue. I am interested in directorship or marketing neither were even alluded to.

I am thinking about going to law school after this is over. I know, I'm a glutton for punishment. I'm studying for the LSAT. What I score on the test will be my deciding factor. The test is a mind game to the extreme.

Oh, I paid for my cap and gown this week. I'm all ready to cross the stage. 2 months and 26 days to go...

Diary 01/29

My Saturday school program was a SUCCESS!!!! Attendance was high and so was the enthuisiasm. I am so happy that that is out of the way.

This evening I will submit my first graded assignment the DB.

I hope never to have a week like this again.

Sunday, I sleep...

Diary 01/27

With graduation near I am dusting off my resume to make the addition of my MLIS.

While doing this I came across a helpful article on terms and phrases to keep off of a resume. To my horror, I noticed that my resume is chock full of these words.

I'll share it with you so that you too can have a resume that is not filled with , per the article, over used cliches.

http://www.aarp.org/work/job-hunting/info-01-2011/ask_sid_resume_tips.html

Diary 1/25

As I said in the previous post, I have a work presentation on Saturday. The team met Monday and hashed out specifics. By late Monday afternoon I sent everyone my portion for review.

Monday evening I had a late meeting with the team Managers of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh new branch launch. I set my timer and woke up 15 minutes before the webex meeting. When I entered the chat - exactly on time - they were already well underway with planning and discussion. At the end we were given the assignment to outline what had been said was needed from our specific groups - my group is promotions - I was lost, sleepy and surly. I think the instructor and ta could tell so they sent me the recording of the meeting to review.

I attempted the review the recording at work. It was a 45 minute recording that took me three hours to listen to because everyone wanted help - the nerve (lol!). I finally got done with the recording and tried to make the outline but it was late and I had to go to a scheduled work meeting. In between all of this a tooth chipped - I have no clue how/why. A piece of tooth just broke.

During the meeting my head was pounding.

After the meeting, ignoring my persisting headache, I again attempted to work on the format for promotions. As I worked, I checked my work email and saw that my Saturday group had sent me a ton of items to review critique. I ignored them and continued working on my school work.

This evening after finally submitting my promotions information. I began checking, reformatting, adding information and slides to PPT presentations etc. Now that too is done. For tonight.

I am pooped. I finally looked up my dentists number to call tomorrow so I can set up an appointment - hopefully on Thursday (I'll use a sick day).

Tomorrow I have to buy supplies for the Saturday meeting.

The rest of the week I have to find time to work on the first graded school assignment. I know it won't be Sunday because I'll be ready to sleep all day by then.

On a positive note I did make it to the bank so my wallet is no longer empty :o)

I hope I make it through the week without getting sick - everyone at work is sick! I pray next week is slow...

1035

Diary 1/23

I'm already feeling burned out. It is not the classes fault. It's everything - school, life, work. ..

After reading the OCLC report, I laid it down and took a nap. I could not even force myself to compose a DB post let alone get the first graded assignment done. Thankfully, in my anal way, I have all of the information compiled for the assignment. It's not due until next week but I really wanted to get ahead so that I could work on projects that need to be completed outside of Pitt.

I have a work presentation to prepare for Saturday with two other co-workers that I have not even begun to outline. Neither have they - lol. I cannot imagine what we are going to throw together for the students and their parents.

Additionally, my refrigerator is running on empty as is my wallet. I have so many errands that need to be run - groceries, bank, etc - it is ridiculous.

I've been through this cycle before and persevered. I shall again.

Diary 1/22

I have LOTS on my plate:

I woke up this morning working on the Annual Reports group project - thus far 4/5 members of the group seem committed. There is one member we have not heard from at all - I will wait before I start lambasting him as lazy and shiftless - LOL!

This afternoon I'll respond to the DB question on an OCLC report issued on the public's perception of libraries. Over 100 pages - I'll be reading all afternoon - sigh...

By Sunday I hope to complete our first graded assignment of highlighting a John Cotton Dana Award recipient. I chose Anythink Libraries in Colorado. the won the 2011 JCD award. http://www.anythinklibraries.org/news-item/anythink-receives-2011-john-cotton-dana-award
The assignment is only 500 words so should not be too stressful but I'm sure I'll worry it to death anyway.

Monday we Project managers meet with the professor and TA to get the projects timeline and receive information on which team we will manage. Hopefully this meeting will give me an idea of exactly what The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh project is... I'm still lost.

Once again, I am glad that this is my only class.

Dairy 01/18

The assignments for the MPR class are set. I am going to be a one of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh's Project Managers. Doing this successfully will be 40% of my grade. I have to - according to the syllabus:

1. Have MAXIMUM ENTHUSIASM
2. Have a close working relationship with the Teachers Assistant (TA) and Team Leaders
3. Be the Go-To Person for Questions from TA and Team Leaders
4. Have working knowledge of time line and changes
5. Monitor Progress of Teams and Keep Teams on Track
6. Opening Weekend Availability— This won't happen since I am in Ohio
7. Write and evaluative Report

The instructor sent us a link to a website giving information about "qualities of a great project manager". http://www.martinbauer.com/Articles/Qualities-of-a-Great-Project-Manager Sounds daunting. I think I am up to the task - even though I am not sure EXACTLY what the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh project is...

I am also aware of my (final. Hopefully forever) group project and most of it's members. One is Nicole - YEAH! - from my cohort. I have a good feeling about this group. We have until April before the presentation so no rush. I've already emailed everyone from both groups to get the ball(s) rolling.

Here we go.

1022

Diary 01/11

Okay, this is it. Class has started in earnest. I have already signed up for a group project, requested to be one of 2-3 group leaders for the course and introduced myself to the group. One person in the class - Nicole - is from cohort 9. I hope we have the opportunity to work together.

Today I am going to watch the Panapto to make sure I make no mistakes/leave no assignment incomplete. Like I said before, this instructor is a stickler for follwing directions/perfection.

Later this week I have to set up an Avatar and Word Cloud. I have no idea how to do either so this will definitely be interesting. One thing I can say about this instructor, she does give pretty explicit instructions. So I do not expect any issues with this portion of the class. I just wonder what we are supposed to do with these things. I am sure she'll figure something(s) out

Let the games begin!

Update: My WC is - or should be - next to this post (on the right). If you click on it you'll get the large version. Not bad looking if I say so myself (smile). My Avatar is under the WC - I made a full body but I am only using the head shot here because her clothing choices were atrocious.

TTYL!

Diary 01/05

This is day one of my * F * I * N * A * L * (Yeah! Yippee! Woo Hoo!) class at Pitt.

My MLIS is in clear site.

I have received no emails from the instructor, nor is the class listed under my blackboard courses. I'll check again Thursday. I know a flurry of activity is upcoming.

I've girded my loins. LOL!

Stay tuned.

997 - WOW! Almost 1000 hits to my blog...