Yikes!

Someone needs to conduct a session on “How to Write an Effective Conference Blurb!” I just agonized over mine and then settled on something that I’m still not sure will draw people in. Perhaps they will allow for modifications later…Hmmmm…It really is tricky to write something short and sweet that interests people. I read over some of the old ones from CLA, and tried to glean ideas, but they were all so different. Practice makes perfect, right? I guess I’ll just have to keep attending conferences until it becomes a science. For that matter, a session on “How to Write a Conference Proposal” would probably also be rather useful to those interested in presenting at something like CLA or OLA. Something to think about for the professional communication class, if it is ever taught again.

Linwood Barclay is my new hero.

Given a previous post on dressing professionally, I think that Barclay’s article is very important to those of us who constantly agonize over what to wear. This is one of the many reasons I do not own light coloured ‘bottoms’ of any sort.

Since I’m on the topic of clothing, I found myself in a dress very recently (I know…how did that happen?), and I was completely uncomfortable. I’ve always been a jeans kind of gal, with the occasional dress pant thrown in for good measure. As I was standing there awkwardly wondering exactly what was being exposed by said dress, I thought to myself that never again will I dress in something I’m not happy in. I couldn’t imagine being stuck in that thing while trying to present a paper or moving around at a conference. I just like pants! I don’t have to think about sitting down/getting up with any kind of strategy. I do a lot of reaching and bending at work as well, so I’m happy that I do not have to worry about exposure of any kind. Thank goodness skirts are not a requirement for librarians *phew* So in response to Barclay, yes…pants are totally worth the trouble.

A solid reason to join Facebook?

If writers are going to preview/release their latest works on Facebook I might have to give in and join. Read more here. I solemnly swear to join if Margaret Atwood publishes/releases/previews her next novel on Facebook.

Sorry…

I don’t know who exactly I’m apologizing to, but I really feel terrible for not updating the blog in so long. Today in class, my instructor mentioned that having a blog is hard work and that you have to update regularly to maintain a loyal readership—that’s when the guilt hit full force. So, here I am, trying to think of something to post. Something library-related would probably be useful.

So, I went to BookExpo on June 10th…yowza…that was awhile ago. It was lots of fun and I scored many a free book, but I couldn’t help but wonder why librarians would attend. I don’t think I learned anything particularly pertinent to libraries, especially academic libraries, since I think only the trade divisions of publishing companies were there. I also didn’t see any wheeling and dealing (is that the right expression?) between book vendors and librarians. Although, a woman did very kindly give me catalogues to read through for “my library”–I didn’t have the heart to tell her that I didn’t even have me degree yet (for the record, there was no option to choose ‘library student’ when I was getting my badge). Aside from the free books, I’m confused as to the purpose of BookExpo. I did learn about some new titles, which was interesting, and it was great to meet some of the so-called “big names,” but I have no power to promise to buy books. So, why are librarians invited to attend? I’ll choose to believe it’s because we love books.
The highlight of the entire trip was meeting former PM Jean Chrétien! I even had my picture taken with him! Such a sweet and lovely man.