An enormous number of library-related stories cross my path, either through school or this blog. A few have stayed on my mind and seem worth fleshing out. A San Antonio, Texas public library will become the first in the US (and possibly in the world) to go completely bookless – that
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wmtc: things i heard at the library: an occasional series: # 8
At the branch library where I’m currently working as a page, the magazine section is along a back wall forming an L shape – the long part full of magazines, the short part with teen magazines and comic books. This isn’t the graphic novel section; it’s Archie, Amazing Spider-Man, and
Continue readingwmtc: things i heard at the library: an occasional series: # 6
I must preface this post with a statement. If you aren’t a regular wmtc reader, if you’ve stumbled on this post without knowing anything about my views: I am a fierce proponent of free speech, and I am passionately committed to intellectual freedom. Once, discussing my opposition to capital punishment,
Continue readingwmtc: my magic number is 13
Today I begin my last term of grad school. There are thirteen weeks to a term, so as of today I am counting down weeks to the finish line. My courses may be interesting this term: graphic novels and comic books in the library, which I’m excited about, and issues
Continue readingwmtc: trials of a student librarian: readers’ advisory, the library thing i love best
Of all the aspects of librarianship that I know about, the piece I’m most excited about is readers’ advisory. Readers’ advisory is the library term for answering that important question… “What to read next?” Questions like, “Do you have any more books like this one?”, “I’m tired of reading mysteries,
Continue readingwmtc: things i heard at the library: an occasional series: # 6
This is my first unhappy “things i heard at the library” post. Today I saw a child being abused. It happened so fast, it was over and the parent gone before I had could clearly register what had happened. I was sitting on the edge of our lighthouse, the play
Continue readingwmtc: i’m back and i’m done
Another semester is behind me! I’ve now completed seven of eight terms, 14 of 16 courses. The expression “can’t wait” doesn’t begin to describe how eager I am to finish my degree next spring.Quitting my oppressive law-firm job continues to pay dividend…
Continue readingwmtc: where i’ve been
I was planning on spending the final few weeks of my summer reading, and blogging the remainder of my notes from Marxism 2012. That all changed when the Rivera family was ordered to leave Canada by September 20. While Kim and lawyer Alyssa Manning pursue all avenues to challenge this
Continue readingwmtc: things i heard at the library: an occasional series: # 5
“Where can I find book number 285?” The boy’s face was so earnest and so excited. “What book are you looking for?” I asked. “Book number 285.” “Is that the title of the book?” “No, it’s the book’s number. The title is ‘Quick and Easy Cooking’”. “You want a book
Continue readingwmtc: we like lists: list # 16: five things going on with me
I did this once before – turns out it was about a year ago – and although not many people participated, it made for good conversation and helped me get caught up with some friends. So why not? I still prefer posting about my life here as opposed to Facebook.
Continue readingwmtc: humans of new york: a photographic census of nyc
Assuming I am not the last person on earth to find this site, you might share my enjoyment of Humans of New York, a photo project by Brandon Stanton, documenting a “photographic census of New York City”. The Humans of New York website says that updates happen most frequently on
Continue readingwmtc: best recycling ever: abandoned walmart converted to public library
From Beth Buczynski at Shareable.net: In recent years, there’s been something of a grassroots backlash against Wal-Mart Inc., as people have started to realize the damage a single Walmart can do to the small businesses that make up a local economy. In a few cases, there’s even been news of
Continue readingwmtc: jean craighead george, 1919 – 2012
Jean Craighead George, author of some classics of children’s literature, died a few days ago. In one of those eerie coincidences that seem to happen so often, I was just talking about George. At the library, I noticed that one of my favourite childhood books, My Side of the Mountain,
Continue readingwmtc: digital jigsaw puzzles, this quiet blog, and the current state of my brain
The writing part of my brain appears to be on vacation. It didn’t request time off; it doesn’t have to. It’s the boss. I have a pile of topics I’d like to write about, but Writing Brain is off in the woods somewhere, recovering from academia. So what is the
Continue readingwmtc: happy opening day
Red Sox! Baseball! Today! The beginning of a new baseball season is a harbinger of spring, bringing hope, renewal, and… the end of school! In a few days, I’ll be done with another term and can turn my attention back to the rest of the world, including wmtc. Also in
Continue readingwmtc: things i heard at the library: an occasional series: # 4
“Oh man, you gotta read these books! These books are the best! They’re not even really books. There are pictures! And jokes! And they’re really, really funny! And they’re super easy to read! These are the best! You gotta read these books!” The books that are “not even really books”?
Continue readingwmtc: how you can support striking tpl workers
An open letter from my friend and comrade Jonathon Hodge. See below for picket schedule. Dear friend/neighbor/colleague, Many of you are library users, or know someone who is, and so many of you are affected by the current work stoppage at the Toronto Public Library. Those of us who work
Continue readingwmtc: new survey: use of online directories
One more question, folks! Do you use directories to find information online? If you ask, “What’s a directory?”, it’s safe to say you don’t use one. Thank you very much! I really appreciate it. I will share the results of both surveys when I’m done with my research.
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