....change of heart.....

Currently, I'm working two jobs, both are "temporary part time."  Exactly what you don't want to land when you are looking for a full time job with benefits.  However, I'm working and have moola coming in.  More fortunate than many.

One of the positions I'm in is a professional reference librarian at Palo Alto College in San Antonio.  As we start the new semester, the library has a series of classes to help the students learn and develop their research skills.  I was assigned to teach the class focusing on Web Research, how to conduct, find reliable sources and how to evaluate if the sources are indeed, reliable.

My first response was to remain very calm while inside I was thinking....the first class is 10 days away and I'm not an expert in this subject, I've never taught (other than "mouse 101 for seniors" as I call my intro to computers for senior citizens, a very very informal class).  I'm in line for a full time position at my other part time temp job so I automatically thought....I need that job so I can QUIT here!  I don't want to do this!

So.....here I am, Monday.  First day back at the job since I got the assignment due to bad weather days.  Really, really not a big deal after all.  In the past two hours I've helped a number of students and I've got my course outline done, am putting final touches on the pre- and post- tests and will finalize the evaluation form.  I'm actually looking forward to teaching it.  That kind of scares me in that there is something in there that totally enjoyed this mega-nerdy crap.  Guess I've been too intent for too many years avoiding being a nerd. And yet when I'm almost 50 I get my Master's Degree in Library Science and officially become a librarian? Nerdiest.  But cool still, right?  Please?  Give me that.....

No shushing allowed

Mention libraries and people automatically go into shush mode.  I'm sorry but libraries are changing and public libraries especially.  We have to change to stay relevant professionals.  Technology is taking over.  Cell phones are our number one method of communicating whether text or vocally.  I can not tell you how often library members need to access an account online and talk on their phone to the representative.  I have no problem with this.  Bring out the cell phones.  Bring your lunch or a drink (just not at the computers).

More important, libraries are becoming the center of the community.  Not just for information, but for hanging out and chatting, meeting up, playing games.  Talking requires a bit of noise.  I'm all for it.  I want to share information, laugh, have fun.  No more stereo types at my library about shushing librarians, or the librarian from the black lagoon.  We're not monsters.  Typically we're happy, a bit off kilter, goofy, people that like to laugh, love artists of all kinds, enjoy diversity and love to chat.  Come on, visit with us.....I promise, no shushing from THIS librarian.

Made it to the big screen

So, the bank the library does business with calls, wanting to do a print ad with a picture talking about why it's easy doing business with them.  Fine.  I hate pictures of myself, but little Liberty Hill, small newspaper that half the town doesn't read, what's the harm, right?

Well, picture taken, THEN they tell us that not only will it be in the local paper, BUT....and a big BUT this is.....it will be on the CityLights Theater screens for the month of December during the promo/ad time before all the movies.  BIG SCREEN....UGH!  Up side?  Send my kids to the movies and mortify them when they see my picture up there ..... BIG!

Oh well, such is life.  I, for one, won't be in Georgetown at the theaters in the month of December.

*in picture:  Steve Stinson, LH Library Trustee and First Texas Bank Manager; April Hoffmann Library Assitant; Sandy Schultz Library Director; Alma Jellison, First Texas Bank Branch Manager*

My Storytime Kids

So, how can you NOT love your job when you have little ones like these screaming your name out, running to you and jumping into your arms with a big ole hug? This phenomenal brother and sister, along with their mom, come to storytime religiously. They are so appreciative of what we do and offer, constantly bringing cards, flowers, and most of all....love.

I've watched them blossom...from very quiet and shy, barely able to look at me....to these joyous children, singing, dancing, laughing, chattering, hugging.