Saturday, July 12, 2008
Not a blogger...
Ok, I've decided that, aside from not being particularly good at it, I'm not cut out to blog--at least not without a work-related reason. Especially considering how my life runs right now, it takes too much time away from other things I'd rather do. So I'm going to stop blogging for now--if I decide to come back to it in a few months or so, I'll need to have a better purpose in mind. It was a good idea for giving updates to those interested in my library school career and for classes, but now is basically defunct. Still, it was a fun chance to learn how blogging works! Now back to real life!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Job Searching and Gregor
Only have time for a quick post. Job searching for part-time jobs is a little complicated since I want to work part-time at certain hours. Still, I've turned in several applications and had a good (I think) interview this week...I'll try to write more later.
I just read the second book in the Gregor the Overlander series--it's been over a year since I read the first, and I forgot how much I enjoyed that world:
Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane by Suzanne Collins
rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love Gregor as a low-key hero and I love his love for Boots (his sister) and his determination to do the right thing--now I want to go back and read the original.
View all my reviews.
I just read the second book in the Gregor the Overlander series--it's been over a year since I read the first, and I forgot how much I enjoyed that world:
Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane by Suzanne CollinsMy review
rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love Gregor as a low-key hero and I love his love for Boots (his sister) and his determination to do the right thing--now I want to go back and read the original.
View all my reviews.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Book Review trial
Attempting to include my most recent Goodreads review--of Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! by Laura Amy Schlitz:
Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!: Voices from a Medieval Village by Laura Amy Schlitz
rating: 3 of 5 stars
Excellent portrayal of the Middle Ages--made me cry at some parts even though I don't think that's her aim. I think nerdy kids like me would like it and a lot of kids would like it if they got to play the parts, but not one of those that most kids will pick up from the shelves on their own.
View all my reviews.
Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!: Voices from a Medieval Village by Laura Amy SchlitzMy review
rating: 3 of 5 stars
Excellent portrayal of the Middle Ages--made me cry at some parts even though I don't think that's her aim. I think nerdy kids like me would like it and a lot of kids would like it if they got to play the parts, but not one of those that most kids will pick up from the shelves on their own.
View all my reviews.
Graduation and Other News from the Last 6 Months
So, I haven't posted in 6 months (doesn't truly matter, since I don't think I have any readers!). I've now graduated from library school. I am currently not employed (more in a minute). I don't have any glorious revelations about either libraries or life. However...I don't want to give up on this blog just yet, partly because I like playing around on the computer when I should be doing other things, partly because I like the idea of blogs well done--and practice makes perfect.
My last semester was good but busy, especially considering I was only taking two classes along with my master's paper. The biggest recent news, though, is not from library school, but the fact that my husband and I welcomed our first child into the world. We've decided that he doesn't need any sort of Internet life until he's old enough to do it himself (probably with arguments over what he's allowed to do himself), so I won't be sharing any pictures of him here. He's exceedingly adorable, and you'll just have to take my word for it! So, with his arrival in late April, the most notable aspect of the end of my library school career was finishing!
N decided to start making his appearance on the day of my last class, and did so in an amusingly library-related way. I had attended my very last class (YA Lit), then went to the library where I was working part-time to do my last desk-shift, with my last storytime scheduled for the following day. While at the desk, my water broke (several weeks before it was expected to)! My friend/colleague/fellow student had the presence of mind to call 911 before our branch manager (my first concern was that she couldn't staff the place alone--aren't I committed?--or maybe I should be!). Apparently, I gave the branch the most excitement it's had in months by going to the hospital via ambulance. Luckily, everything proceeded smoothly after that, and baby's early arrival made it possible for both him and his mother to attend SILS graduation two weeks later!
Now it's July and I am in the job search process. It's a little more complicated than my previous job searches, because I need to earn a decent amount of money (as in, more than minimum wage), but need to work at hours when my husband is not. We are not willing or able to do regular daycare, so we are trying to figure out how to pass the baby between our two schedules. I actually have an interview for next week, and several more applications out. In the meantime, I've gotten to be (and will be until employed) a stay-at-home mom, which is awesome and frightening at the same time. Awesome because I get to be with N all the time and frightening for the same reason--especially when I can't calm him down, as happened yesterday. Also frightening because I don't get much housework done, I'm not contributing economically the household, and the days just seem to slip by before my eyes (of course, wasting time online probably doesn't help...). Overall, though, I like that our son is always with either me or my husband in his first months of life.
One of the things I do a surprising amount of is reading, since there's not a lot else I can do while nursing, and this kid can eat a lot!! For my next post, I'm going to try to import on of my book reviews from my Goodreads account--so there will still be some library-related stuff in this blog after all!
My last semester was good but busy, especially considering I was only taking two classes along with my master's paper. The biggest recent news, though, is not from library school, but the fact that my husband and I welcomed our first child into the world. We've decided that he doesn't need any sort of Internet life until he's old enough to do it himself (probably with arguments over what he's allowed to do himself), so I won't be sharing any pictures of him here. He's exceedingly adorable, and you'll just have to take my word for it! So, with his arrival in late April, the most notable aspect of the end of my library school career was finishing!
N decided to start making his appearance on the day of my last class, and did so in an amusingly library-related way. I had attended my very last class (YA Lit), then went to the library where I was working part-time to do my last desk-shift, with my last storytime scheduled for the following day. While at the desk, my water broke (several weeks before it was expected to)! My friend/colleague/fellow student had the presence of mind to call 911 before our branch manager (my first concern was that she couldn't staff the place alone--aren't I committed?--or maybe I should be!). Apparently, I gave the branch the most excitement it's had in months by going to the hospital via ambulance. Luckily, everything proceeded smoothly after that, and baby's early arrival made it possible for both him and his mother to attend SILS graduation two weeks later!
Now it's July and I am in the job search process. It's a little more complicated than my previous job searches, because I need to earn a decent amount of money (as in, more than minimum wage), but need to work at hours when my husband is not. We are not willing or able to do regular daycare, so we are trying to figure out how to pass the baby between our two schedules. I actually have an interview for next week, and several more applications out. In the meantime, I've gotten to be (and will be until employed) a stay-at-home mom, which is awesome and frightening at the same time. Awesome because I get to be with N all the time and frightening for the same reason--especially when I can't calm him down, as happened yesterday. Also frightening because I don't get much housework done, I'm not contributing economically the household, and the days just seem to slip by before my eyes (of course, wasting time online probably doesn't help...). Overall, though, I like that our son is always with either me or my husband in his first months of life.
One of the things I do a surprising amount of is reading, since there's not a lot else I can do while nursing, and this kid can eat a lot!! For my next post, I'm going to try to import on of my book reviews from my Goodreads account--so there will still be some library-related stuff in this blog after all!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Personality Tests (for Management)
Well, when I first went to take these, my laptop's internet browsers (yes, browsers plural!) kept telling me that both sites "timed out" every time. Turns out it was something with the on-campus wireless. I don't know if my frustration with this reflects something about my personality, but there it is!
While I was trying unsuccessfully to get to the Myers-Briggs type test, I found another Myers-Briggs type that I took instead. It was interesting in that it didn't just give me one type. It said I shared 77% of the profile for both ISFP and ESFP, 76% with ESFJ, and 75% with ISFJ. One thing that doesn't surprise me about this is that I tend to be right on the line for I/E. I see this in my life: sometimes I just want to be left alone to read my book, but sometimes I don't want to be alone at all, even if the other person and I are just going to sit next to each other engaged in "parallel play" with occasional comments to each other. Apparently, this shows that I'm on the line for P/J, too, which is weird, because when I finally got to the "official" practice test for class, I came off as a very strong "J." I'm not sure what really defines the judger vs. the perceiver; however, when speaking about my overall type, ISFJ according to this test, it talked a lot about being concerned with propriety, and that definitely defines me.
Both the information from the Myers-Briggs and from the Enneagram, where I got the highest score in the "helper" type, talked about liking to help others, but more in a low-key, from the sidelines way. That is definitely true. I don't think I want to be the CEO. I don't mind the idea of being a branch manager, but I don't ever want to be the library director. This is partly because of the weight of responsibility, but also because I like to be a "big fish in a little pond." I like to help people in my little universe, fixing things that can actually be fixed.
One somewhat funny result, considering this is Management class and we're talking about Leadership this week, is that I got a 0 for the "Leader" type on the Enneagram. Granted, the description looks like it's talking about a more high-profile leader than some of what we've discussed in class, but I thought it was funny.
Overall, since I've taken personality tests before, I was unsurprised by the results. Still, it's nice to see that I tend to be consistent in different personality tests given at different times--seems like there may actually be something to them! :-)
While I was trying unsuccessfully to get to the Myers-Briggs type test, I found another Myers-Briggs type that I took instead. It was interesting in that it didn't just give me one type. It said I shared 77% of the profile for both ISFP and ESFP, 76% with ESFJ, and 75% with ISFJ. One thing that doesn't surprise me about this is that I tend to be right on the line for I/E. I see this in my life: sometimes I just want to be left alone to read my book, but sometimes I don't want to be alone at all, even if the other person and I are just going to sit next to each other engaged in "parallel play" with occasional comments to each other. Apparently, this shows that I'm on the line for P/J, too, which is weird, because when I finally got to the "official" practice test for class, I came off as a very strong "J." I'm not sure what really defines the judger vs. the perceiver; however, when speaking about my overall type, ISFJ according to this test, it talked a lot about being concerned with propriety, and that definitely defines me.
Both the information from the Myers-Briggs and from the Enneagram, where I got the highest score in the "helper" type, talked about liking to help others, but more in a low-key, from the sidelines way. That is definitely true. I don't think I want to be the CEO. I don't mind the idea of being a branch manager, but I don't ever want to be the library director. This is partly because of the weight of responsibility, but also because I like to be a "big fish in a little pond." I like to help people in my little universe, fixing things that can actually be fixed.
One somewhat funny result, considering this is Management class and we're talking about Leadership this week, is that I got a 0 for the "Leader" type on the Enneagram. Granted, the description looks like it's talking about a more high-profile leader than some of what we've discussed in class, but I thought it was funny.
Overall, since I've taken personality tests before, I was unsurprised by the results. Still, it's nice to see that I tend to be consistent in different personality tests given at different times--seems like there may actually be something to them! :-)
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Ethical Principles (for Management)
1. As the community library, we treat each patron with the same respect and committment to high service.
-This means that each patron's request is just as important as every other; do not show partiality.
-Show respect and helpfulness even to patrons who are difficult to get along with.
-Children are patrons, too, and should have their information needs treated with the same respect as adults.
2. Be honest.
-This seems self-explanatory, but is important to remember, and includes some of the situations below.
-Do not use library supplies for personal reasons.
-If you can not help a patron, explain why and seek another solution rather than trying to hide a difficulty.
-Give reasonable estimates on when broken machinery will be fixed.
-Seek help when needed.
-If you encounter a dilemma, consider which option will allow you to uphold the highest standard of honesty.
3. Keep patron records confidential.
-This directly supports ALA Code of Ethics, Article III. Maintaining confidentiality is becoming increasingly important in a society in which the Internet makes confidentiality less certain.
-Confidentiality can not always be extended to children under 18, but parents and guardians must have a reason for requesting information and be able to show their identification.
4. Show support for the library's mission and policies.
-When asked for an opinion on a policy change by a member of the public, give a neutral answer.
-Report concerns and complaints through proper employee channels, not to patrons.
-Maintain an understanding of current library policy and apply it to your work life.
5. Give patrons and staff the benefit of the doubt.
-Realize that everyone has a bad day and that you may also need the benefit of the doubt sometime.
-Help your co-workers when you can.
-Recognize when exceptions should and should not be applied.
The last principle was an actual part of the code of ethics at one of my jobs, and I really liked this. It reminds us that we are all humans and need a break sometimes, and, I think, led to a smoother and happier work environment. It also made "problem patrons" easier to shake off!
-This means that each patron's request is just as important as every other; do not show partiality.
-Show respect and helpfulness even to patrons who are difficult to get along with.
-Children are patrons, too, and should have their information needs treated with the same respect as adults.
2. Be honest.
-This seems self-explanatory, but is important to remember, and includes some of the situations below.
-Do not use library supplies for personal reasons.
-If you can not help a patron, explain why and seek another solution rather than trying to hide a difficulty.
-Give reasonable estimates on when broken machinery will be fixed.
-Seek help when needed.
-If you encounter a dilemma, consider which option will allow you to uphold the highest standard of honesty.
3. Keep patron records confidential.
-This directly supports ALA Code of Ethics, Article III. Maintaining confidentiality is becoming increasingly important in a society in which the Internet makes confidentiality less certain.
-Confidentiality can not always be extended to children under 18, but parents and guardians must have a reason for requesting information and be able to show their identification.
4. Show support for the library's mission and policies.
-When asked for an opinion on a policy change by a member of the public, give a neutral answer.
-Report concerns and complaints through proper employee channels, not to patrons.
-Maintain an understanding of current library policy and apply it to your work life.
5. Give patrons and staff the benefit of the doubt.
-Realize that everyone has a bad day and that you may also need the benefit of the doubt sometime.
-Help your co-workers when you can.
-Recognize when exceptions should and should not be applied.
The last principle was an actual part of the code of ethics at one of my jobs, and I really liked this. It reminds us that we are all humans and need a break sometimes, and, I think, led to a smoother and happier work environment. It also made "problem patrons" easier to shake off!
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Elevator Speech (for Management)
I gave an elevator speech aimed at showing my qualifications for a part-time media specialist permission at a nearby elementary school that serves as a magnet school with an IB-Primary Years Programme. I spoke to one of my library school friends, who is also interested in school libraries and had her provide feedback. Here's the written text of the speech that I prepared beforehand:
"I think I would be an excellent match for the part-time media specialist position at Covington Farms (name changed)Elementary. I have a great deal of experience working with elementary school age children, most notably from a year as a
third grade teacher, but also from earlier jobs and volunteer opportunities. I have specific school library experience
through an internship in a middle school media center. I enjoyed getting to know the middle schoolers, but I truly love the
elementary school setting. I am comfortable working with students of all ability levels and would welcome the
academically rigorous environment of an IB program. I especially like working with other media specialists and teachers,
so I know I will enjoy the collaborative atmosphere of Covington Farms."
When I actually delivered the speech, I didn't read it, since I would never do that in real life, so it didn't come out exactly as written. I felt very weird giving this speech in an entirely unrelated context, and I explained the setting for my friend, which was also a little weird. I think it was good practice, but I definitely get the most out of practicing for an actual upcoming interview or speaking requirement.
I was very glad to have read over the text several times before delivering it, because some of my initial drafts just sounded ridiculous to me out loud. The idea of "selling myself" is still hard for me, and I think it was even harder in a straight speech from me, without the usual give and take of an interview. I actually think that, in real work situations, I would be better able to deliver an elevator speech about a project or a goal that I supported, because I could focus on the external "thing" that I wanted to accomplish, instead of squarely on myself.
The main feedback given was that I need to speak slower (I had "one minute" ingrained in my head and seemed to think a buzzer would go off) and that I should also have mentioned volunteering at another elementary school's media center regularly last year, since that would tie together my elementary school and library experience.
"I think I would be an excellent match for the part-time media specialist position at Covington Farms (name changed)Elementary. I have a great deal of experience working with elementary school age children, most notably from a year as a
third grade teacher, but also from earlier jobs and volunteer opportunities. I have specific school library experience
through an internship in a middle school media center. I enjoyed getting to know the middle schoolers, but I truly love the
elementary school setting. I am comfortable working with students of all ability levels and would welcome the
academically rigorous environment of an IB program. I especially like working with other media specialists and teachers,
so I know I will enjoy the collaborative atmosphere of Covington Farms."
When I actually delivered the speech, I didn't read it, since I would never do that in real life, so it didn't come out exactly as written. I felt very weird giving this speech in an entirely unrelated context, and I explained the setting for my friend, which was also a little weird. I think it was good practice, but I definitely get the most out of practicing for an actual upcoming interview or speaking requirement.
I was very glad to have read over the text several times before delivering it, because some of my initial drafts just sounded ridiculous to me out loud. The idea of "selling myself" is still hard for me, and I think it was even harder in a straight speech from me, without the usual give and take of an interview. I actually think that, in real work situations, I would be better able to deliver an elevator speech about a project or a goal that I supported, because I could focus on the external "thing" that I wanted to accomplish, instead of squarely on myself.
The main feedback given was that I need to speak slower (I had "one minute" ingrained in my head and seemed to think a buzzer would go off) and that I should also have mentioned volunteering at another elementary school's media center regularly last year, since that would tie together my elementary school and library experience.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
