New York Librarians MeetUp at MoCCA

 


On Tuesday, May 18th eight hardy librarians braved the rain and/or who were able to leave work early enough visited the Museum of Comics and Cartoon Art. This fascinating museum is hidden in an office building at 594 Broadway-Suite 401 (just south of Houston). If you think of comics as only superheroes or Archie and Veronica, you can gain a new appreciation of the artistry involved in telling stories through pictures and text.

A current exhibit, running through August 29th, entitled NeoIntegrity: Comic Edition features cartoonists, illustrators, animators and fine artists.We were fortunate to have Keith Meyerson, the curator of the exhibit, as our guide. The concept of NeoIntegrity is to show how the combination of words and images can explain a culture to itself. Through understanding itself, a culture and society can become a better world. Meyerson spoke to us about what he described as iconic language created through the graphic arts. There should be no distinction between fine art and what some may call lesser arts, like comics. Indeed, the exhibition featured political art, social art and art for arts sake.

Meyerson talked to us about the history of comics. Before World War II, comics were read by children and adults alike. However, the McCarthy Era fell upon comics as well as other entertainment media and the Comics Code was enacted. This rather draconian measure was a reaction to the perceived ultraviolence of horror comics. Comics had to follow strict guidelines showing the triumph of good over evil without accompanying blood and gore. Reaction to this code gave rise to MAD Magazine in the 1950's and National Lampoon in the 1970's mainstream. The 60's and 70's produced underground comics such as RAW and Heavy Metal. Recently, graphic arts have been heavily influenced by Japanese manga. The exhibit has examples from all these eras. Meyerson explained how he designed the exhibit to have artists, their influences and those they influenced to be in proximity so viewers could examine the flow of ideas.

I highly recommend a visit to MoCCA.. It is a small museum but has much to offer to anyone interested in expanding their knowledge of the visual arts. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12PM to 5M and there is a suggested donation of $5.00.

Save the NYC Libraries Postcard Campaign

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Members: Please review this urgent communication from the organizers of Urban Librarians Unite. I received this bulletin from the president of SLA NY Chapter. Please respond in any way you deem appropriate from sending the postcards to ... Read moresubmitting your own ideas. I believe there will be a rally Tuesday. Watch this space!

The following message was sent to SLA-NY members by Leigh Hollingsby. If you haven't already sent in a postcard, please do so. Public libraries are essential elements of NYC communities. Public libraries and public librarians need your support.

From: Christian Zabriskie

First and foremost thank you all for your support and assistance with the Save the NYC Libraries Postcard campaign. The purpose of this email is to bring core stake holders and contacts up to date.

Queens Library issued 90 day notices to over 35% of its staff last week. We hope that the library will be able to retract ALL of the more than 400 letters that went out. The fact that Queens is doing this should be seen as the canary in the coal mine at other systems. If this budget goes through not only will we be forced to close dozen of libraries across the city but scores will be only open 2-3 days a week. The library will become one more inconvenience and the habit of usage will drop off.

Through your efforts the postcard campaign is going well. We have cards coming in from all over the city and people have been soliciting postcards in the community and at library rallies. CM Van Bramer and his office are pleased with how the campaign is progressing and have been great to work with throughout. We have a very active Facebook group with nearly 800 members and growing steadily:

http://www.facebook.c...

We are also trying to use Facebook as an organizational tool for events to support the libraries. We have photos from rallies up there as well as news about the budget fight. There has been increasing news coverage of the impact this budget will have on libraries, a trend we hope will continue. Clips follow this message.

This is a remarkable group of allies and I would like to commend and thank you for that. Currently this campaign has been endorsed at varying levels by Urban Librarians Unite, Local 1321 Queens Library Guild, Metro Library Council, ACRL/NY, SLA/NY, LLA/NY, The Desk Set, Rad Ref/NYC, and The Last Hire/First Fire Activist Council & Breakfast Club. Your members are our heroes and without your support and efforts this campaign would not be possible.

As layoffs become a reality people often shrug and say ?what can you do about it?. You are proving what we can do about it. We have over a thousand cards in already. Local 1321 has printed up thousands more which are out in the hands of membership, Desk Set will be creating silk screened postcards this weekend, we have people all over the city using them in children?s craft projects, it has been an amazing show of support.

I am asking you here to redouble your efforts. For all our success the budget question is only looming closer. Now is the time to remind any and everyone who will listen what is at stake and what they can do. It is as simple as dropping a postcard in the mail, then asking any and everyone who will listen to do the same.

Thank you for your ongoing efforts, together we can save our libraries.

Christian Zabriskie
Urban Librarians Unite

Press:
http://www.nytimes.co...

http://www.nytimes.co...

http://www.nydailynew...

http://thedeskset.org...

http://graphicnovelre...

http://thedeskset.org...


The Save NYC Libraries Postcard Campaign

WHAT IT IS: We are calling on all New Yorkers to write postcards to the New York City Council to show their love for and support of New York City?s public libraries. Any postcard will do! Possibilities include using NYC souvenir postcards, penny postcards, or make your own! Encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to join you in writing postcards in support. Get your postcards in early, often, and in bulk!

AESTHETIC: We are encouraging non-uniformity. We want our voice to stand out and apart from mass-produced advocacy campaigns. We believe that personalized, mailed physical items carry greater weight with our elected representatives than a virtual petition or a Facebook group.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the Save NYC Libraries Postcard Campaign is to unite library staff and community members in support for New York City?s public library systems (Brooklyn Public Library, New York Public Library, and Queens Library) and in opposition to the proposed budget cuts for the next fiscal year. While we understand that New York City is facing a difficult economic climate, we believe that public library service must be strengthened, not dismantled, in order to serve the diverse educational and informational needs of New York City residents.

READ IN: We are currently exploring the option of holding a Save NYC Libraries Read-In as an awareness raising tool and as a feeder for the postcard campaign. We envision this as a 24 read-a-thon that will draw public and media attention to the postcard campaign. Please contact us if you are interested in planning or hosting a Read-In to Save NYC Libraries.

PARTNERSHIPS: We are actively working to partner with interested community groups to Save NYC Libraries. Please contact us if your organization would like to be a part of the Save NYC Libraries Postcard Campaign.

SEND ALL POSTCARDS TO

Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer

47-01 Queens Boulevard

Suite 205

Sunnyside, NY 11104

Thank you for your support! Together we can raise our voices and make ourselves heard!

Contact us at: savenyclibrariesATgmail.com

Know It All - Culture - Wisdom 2.0

Image by Dylan@66 via Flickr

Know It All - Culture - Wisdom 2.0

Friday, May 07, 2010 11:00 AM/EST

Wisdom 2.0

by Tony Kontzer

reposted from Know it All
Ed Cone, CIO Insight 

Metro - When it’s the last straw

Metro - When it’s the last straw

Drew Hinshaw

Quoted:  "Unfortunately, targets are often the person that gets ostracized, and seen as the problem.  Like, 'Get over it, we're adults here.  What do you mean you're being bullied?'"

April 18, Channel 13 (WNET) Library/ Tape Archive Tour

The group met at the headquarters of WNET (Channel 13) at 5:30 PM to tour the company and the Library/Tape Archive. Eighteen people participated in the tour. We were met by Winter Shanck, Channel 13’s Archivist and Gloria Deucher, Channel 13’s Director of Volunteer Services.

Gloria started the tour by showing us the network operations/data center for Channel 13 which also broadcasts and monitors WLIW’s Channel 21. We looked in on technicians monitoring the satellite signals in real time for different programs; they were checking the digital signals for problems. Each computer monitor displayed a different currently broadcast channel whether it is the PBS Kids, the How To channel, Channel 13, or Channel 21 channels. The data center was a showcase of how television had switched from analog to digital signals. You might call the digital signals "streaming media."

Then we visited the studios where Bill Moyers Journal (ending in April) and WorldFocus (currently off-air) were filmed. It was exceptionally interesting because the sets were still available for viewing even though Thirteen’s new studio will be located at Lincoln Center in the future and we learned that most of the cameras and lighting were robotically controlled in the studio. We were also informed that fiber optic cables were being run between Lincoln Center and the Channel 13 to continue in the tradition of all the filming being done remotely. The hope of the studio being located at Lincoln Center is that it would provide a stronger cultural identity for Channel 13. The last stop on this portion of the studio tours with sets was a visit to the studio for BBC news.

Gloria then showed us the digital sound studio where shows were edited for music, sound effects and narration. Adjacent to the studio was a soundproof narration room. The audio library included a very wide variety of nature sounds.

As the group toured the hallways, our attention was drawn to various mementos and effects from Channel 13. A few of the artifacts were posters of Miss Marple and Channel 13's Great Performances, a display case showing some of the awards WNET has won over the years, a memorial for one of the technician’s who was killed on September 11th, and displays of the architects rendering of the Lincoln Center Studio space.

During the second part of the tour, Winter Shanck, WNET’s Archivist talked about the archives. She explained the history of Channel 13’s Library and Tape Archive. She also explained that the Archive contain over fifty years of programming. The library was opened in 1971. The Archive did not come into being until 27 years later in 1998.

Although the Library at Channel 13 focuses its research on many topics, a lot of the holdings are geared towards the New York metropolitan area. For that reason it does subscribe to numerous magazines and local newspapers. She explained that most of her focus lately has been on cataloging and providing access to the audio visual materials owned by WNET.

Winter showed us the wide variety of videotape, film and digital file media formats housed in the Archive. There were ten inch floppy disks, huge 2” inch videotapes, betamax cartridges, 16mm Kinescope films, Digital betacam, and many formats in between. Since DVDs and CDs are not considered as a viable archival storage medium by audiovisual archivists, Winter informed us that the Archive discourages the archiving of this format. However, many exceptions are made for this suggestion. Recently, a majority of WNET’s programming is shot on digital cameras and stored as digital files. These currently “born-digital” (aka filed based) materials are stored on LTO (Linear Tape-Open) magnetic single reel tapes. The tapes she showed us were 800 gigabyte Fuji Film storage tapes.

Winter described her main duties to us, including researching programs and celebrities. She frequently tracks down people who have appeared in Channel 13 shows in order to provide the permissions and production departments with celebrity contact information. This often requires using databases for public record searches as well as databases like Nexis and Factiva. She also processes outside research requests as time permits.

After talking about her job, we got a chance to visit her work area. There was a small section of newspapers and magazines. For those interested, they could examine Channel 13's archival catalog on her personal computer. A question was asked about what resource is used to gather metadata about Thirteen’s assets. Winter explained that the Archive currently uses an open source system for cataloging that was specifically designed to conform to the PBCore metadata dictionary (a “standard” created based on DublinCore and expanded for use in the public broadcasting arena). Members were also allowed to enter the small onsite Archive to examine the layout of the Archive and to view the video and tape formats that are locally on the movable stacks.

This was a very informative tour which covered a lot of ground. Perhaps most impressive was the archivist's cheerful demeanor in spite of her demanding job and next to little support staff. Close behind was the knowledge gained concerning the history of the television channel and the evolving technology in which it supports. After such a lengthy tour it was relaxing to sit down and have tea and a bite to eat with colleagues at nearby Cafe Bistro. Many of the group plan to visit the new studio at Lincoln Center when we're in the neighborhood.

SDAF March Program Aliza Sherman Interview

Metro discussion on career options for librarians on March 18

Metro and SLA have recently hosted several presentations and workshops focusing on alternative career options for librarians and information professionals. A particularly useful session was held at the Metro offices on March 18. It featured Pam Rollo, Managing Director at BST America, Dr. Jeffrey Olson, Associate Vice President for Online Learning and Services and Director of the Division of Library and Information Science at St. John’s University and Jana Varlejs, Associate Professor at the Rutgers School of Communication and Information.


In addition to the usual advice about networking and expanding one’s skill set, several particularly interesting points were made about the need for librarians/information professionals to define themselves by what it is they DO – i.e. their specific skills and abilities - rather than simply by their “job title”. Specifically, it was said, it probably far more useful when searching for (or even defining) an appropriate or desirable position to define oneself not simply as a “librarian” but as a person who conducts research, provides analysis, or possesses any number of other relevant organizational and communication skills. Pam Rollo, in particular, exemplified the need to be flexible and open to a variety of possibly unexpected opportunities and locales (both geographic and occupational) when describing her own extensively varied occupational trajectory in the years since completing her MLS. What was most important, she emphasized, is to know who YOU are - e.g. do you prefer to “create” or to “execute”? Do you work best individually or as part of a team? – when deciding what positions you wish to explore as well as what unique assets you might bring to them.


Dr. Olson spotlighted many positions projected for “high growth” over the next decade − among them Records Managers, Web Developers, Knowledge Managers, Document Managers and Archivists. Each of these draw upon the skills of gathering, storing, organizing, analyzing, retrieving, and providing access to information most developed amongst librarians. He also mentioned the need to be creative in defining and marketing one’s “core skills”. Whatever position you seek or obtain, the greater your service orientation, the more successful you will be. Professor Varlejs completed the program by demonstrating several valuable career resources both in print and online; while several were already familiar, such as the USAJOBS website, others were new to me, such as the excellent publication “A Day in the Life” which contains a very useful section on “non-traditional” careers.


Sessions like this one – as well as similar functions held by SLA and the Metro Career Transition Special Interest Group (SIG) – serve a very useful purpose not only in terms of the information conveyed, but also in reinforcing the sense among “un” or under-employed librarians and information specialists that they are “not alone”. In addition to their obvious networking potential, they expand our awareness of the opportunities “out there” - even in this very severe economic downturn - and of the need to think outside the box. All New York area librarians and information professionals – whatever their current employment status – can greatly benefit intellectually and professionally by attending and participating in these events.

L'Asso

Sooo after learning all about Twittering and Facebooking and all of that funky Social Networking/Media stuff your stomach might be growling. Why not join the NY Librarians Meetup for some great food and interesting chats at L'Asso Pizza.

Please RSVP if you can make it for a break-out at this fabulous local eatery. We're expecting to finish about 7:30PM and have reservations for about 10-15 people by 8PM. We'd like to know how many of you plan to come. So let us know as soon as possible. You can bring your iPhones if you'd like so that folks can continue discussing, evaluating and exploring social media sites.

Hope to see you there! If you're interested, read more below:

About
Proudly sitting on the corner of Mott Street and Kenmare at the southern end of Nolita, L’asso has become the area’s newest beloved neighborhood restaurant. L’asso (“the ace” in Italian) continues to receive accolades for its thin-crusted pizza, which adheres to strict traditional Italian standards.

Along with weekly new pizza creations, the menu also includes unique pasta, salads, and appetizer specials – as well as the city’s finest “legal” pizza.

Favorites include Pizza al Tartufo (Portobello mushroom pesto, cheese, fresh rosemary, and truffle oil), Pizza San Daniele (prosciutto san daniele, mozzarella, arugula, parmigiano, and olive oil), and the wildly popular Margherita DOC, a pie so rich in history, a law was recently
passed defining the proper way to prepare it.

So come to the Meetup and then enjoy a nice, delicious, slice of pizza at L'Asso. But, don't forget to RSVP on the MEETUP website . Hope to see you all there! BTW, just discovered that L'asso has WiFi so bring your iPhones or netbooks along if you wish. 

[Technorati claim code:  NVNB7557MD8J]

Twittering for Librarians

In today's world Social Networking has almost become a second language for some people. Still though, there are those like me, that still get confused with all the different ways of connecting to one another; whether it be through Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, etc.

This afternoon, Wednesday March 24, you will be able to better learn how to use one of these networking sites when you join Nancy Picchi for a hands-on look at Twitter from a librarian’s viewpoint. After discussing how librarians can use Twitter professionally as both a social networking and a current awareness tool, Nancy will:
- demonstrate how to build a Twitter network,
- offer pointers on creating and sustaining Twitter conversations,
- discuss Twitter etiquette,
- share tips on how to monitor the Twitter stream, and
- demonstrate a number of Twitter-related sites and apps that help streamline Twitter use

Nancy will also discuss ways in which librarians can use Facebook professionally, and offer pointers on how Facebook users can separate private and professional spheres on the same personal account. Finally, Nancy will demonstrate how librarians can use the professional networking service Linkedin in conjunction with Twitter and Facebook to build a professional social media portfolio.

So if you'd like to take part in this technological wave of networking and want to learn some new things, come join the NY Librarians Meetup and Nancy Picchi today to get a hands-on demo of Twittering and Facebook.

Date: Wednesday, 24 March 2010
Time: 18:00 - 20:00
Location: 10 Jersey Street, New York, NY

5 Easy Steps to Creating Reusable Social Content | Social Media Examiner

5 Easy Steps to Creating Reusable Social Content | Social Media Examiner 

by Jay Baer from The Social Examiner.  March 18, 2010.

Summer Study Programs for Info Pros & Library Students

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I have learned over the years about the following programs by serendipity and have found that generally they are not particularly well known among special librarians. Despite the fact that times are challenging economically, I thought it might be helpful to compile information about these programs in one email, as they may be of interest to some of our SLA-NY members, both professionals and students. The two programs sponsored by UNC do offer library school credit for one course to students from all library schools .

The University of North Carolina School of Information and Library Science (SILS) has sponsored for a number of years two summer study abroad programs, one in England and one in the Czech Republic. The London Seminar is in conjunction with the Department of Information Studies, University College London. The Prague Seminar is in cooperation with Charles University there. Each program is two weeks long and is open to both students and professionals. Students taking either of the Seminars pay an extra fee if they want credit and write a paper (ca 15-20 pages) about some aspect of the seminar. The course credit should be good at any library school.

· The London Seminar, entitled "British Libraries and Librarianship: Past, Present and Future," from May 16th - 29th, 2010, is already full for the summer of 2010, but is accepting applications for the waiting list. Anyone who is interested might want to keep an eye on the website early in 2011. This Seminar is new and replaces one that SILS held in conjunction with Oxford University for many years.
http://sils.unc.edu/programs/international/london.htm

· The Prague Seminar, entitled "Libraries and Librarianship in the Czech Republic," is from May 23 - June 5, 2010, and still has openings.
http://sils.unc.edu/programs/international/prague.html

Rare Book School (RBS), located at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, offers a wide variety of one-week summer courses in Charlottesville in June and July 2010. Continuing-education opportunities are available for professionals and students from many disciplines and levels to study the history and preservation of written, printed, and digital materials with leading scholars and professionals in the field. RBS was founded (in 1983) and directed for many years by Terry Belanger, a professor at the former Columbia University School of Library Service. RBS moved to its present home at the University of Virginia in 1992. Terry was honored in 2005 as a MacArthur fellow (AKA "MacArthur Genius Award") for his efforts to preserve one of the great inventions of humankind: the book. Recently retired, Terry still teaches at RBS.
http://www.rarebookschool.org/schedule/

The London Rare Book School, which is part of the Institute of English Studies in the University of London, offers one-week courses in two sessions: June 28 - July 2 or July 5 - 9.
http://ies.sas.ac.uk/cmps/events/courses/LRBS/index.htm

For more information, please check the websites. If you have any questions, I am happy to try to answer.

Thanks and best, Leigh Hallingby lhallingby@sorosny.org

"Ask Not What You Can Do For Your Library..." - Albany Lobby Day 2010

Yesterday, on Tuesday, March 2nd, 2009 I participated in a state-wide effort to lobby on behalf of the libraries throughout New York in Albany, NY. This was my first visit to the state capital. From the city, it takes a little less than four hours to get there. I went with a large contingent of fellow library staff members from the New York Public Library. The library’s union, Local 1930, sponsored the trip by paying for the bus. We left in the early hours of Tuesday morning, just after 8:00 AM. People from all departments and levels of the library were encouraged and did participate, from librarians to clerical staff to even staff members from our Development Office. Since the issue of funding affects us all, it was nice to see that over fifty staff members were willing to pack in and tightly squeeze on a bus to fight the good fight and restore our library budget for the next fiscal year.

Bottom Line - Careers - Will Your Best Employees Leave?

Bottom Line - Careers - Will Your Best Employees Leave?

Horticultural Society Welcomes Maricel Presilla and her Chocolates

When I first arrived at the Horticultural Society of New York not only was I taken over by the smells of deep chocolate, I was taken aback by the large quantity of books that it held. It stands as a small, but very well functioning space and even a few minutes before the presentation it was bustling full of people waiting in anticipation for the event to start, no doubt waiting to taste the delectable chocolates laid out in front of us. In the front of the room sat a table full of an array of chocolates and cacao inspired items from around the world. This gathering of diverse people, including many of the members of the New York Librarians Meetup Group was waiting to hear all about the world of chocolates from Cuban chef and inspired author, Maricel Presilla. To start off the informational discussion, she talked about her growth as a chef throughout her life experiences and what brought her into the chocolate and cacao business. She currently works for the LA Food Research Company of premium cacao and owns her own store and restaurant featuring cacao inspired foods; she has also won the Best Chef Award for her cuisine. Throughout the entire presentation she bore a successful presence with a passion for her work and her presentation was fascinating; it was as if you could almost taste the pictures of the cacao plant and chocolate. Her book, “A New Taste of Chocolate”, which was first created in December 2001, was being revisited and revised for her new edition. She attributed these changes and the new edition to the evolution of chocolate around the world; it is constantly thriving and changing everyday. Presilla first started her “research” at her family’s own cacao plantation in Cuba, where she was able to first-handedly see how the process worked. Through various pictures and on-hand interaction we were able to see the beginning stages of chocolate and surprisingly enough, it starts out as a fruit (cacao pods). Her favorite feeling when strolling through the plantations was her view that, “where there is cacao, there is life”. There are many different factors and people involved in the process of creating chocolate and it is a prime example of sustainability. After her discussion, we were all able to taste some of these delicious chocolates. My taste buds were bussing as I popped each little piece into my mouth. Not only were you able to try different types of chocolate, it was very interesting to actually taste the different aspects of each chocolate. Some were creamier, or darker, or nuttier than others; though all being exquisite. Presilla’s favorite chocolate was from Venezuela, which she said was a “very exciting” example of chocolate and that they had a good roasting process. This was just a small instance of her thoroughness in her knowledge of the process of cacao. Overall, it was an intriguing event and a great way to play with all your senses delving into the world of chocolate with Maricell Presilla to lead guide you on the journey.

The 2009 ACRL/NY Symposium

ACRL/NY Symposium 2009

The 2009 ACRL/NY Symposium took place on December 4^th at Baruch College. This Symposium comprised a unique opportunity to listen to young academic librarians discuss how they became administrators and managers early on in their careers. Their quick rise and innovative management styles have essentially made them the ‘Library Leaders’ at their academic institutions and within the profession. Even though the symposium was geared toward academic librarians currently in the field, their collective advice inspired me to be more proactive and innovative in the projects I take on in the school library I manage as well as in my own graduate education. Each of the speakers illuminated the differences between good managers and good leaders, and why the two are not synonymous.

One of the more interesting topics discussed was the question of new librarians who desire to ascend to management roles with only a few years of experience. The first speaker, Brian Mathews (formerly of GA Tech, currently at UC Santa Barbara, and blogs as The Ubiquitous Librarian), said it best when he stated during his “Service and Subconscious” speech that “To be a good leader, one must first be a good follower.” New librarians must have significant project experience in order to fulfill leadership roles and before requesting supervisory and other advanced job titles. Mathews speech also centered on the role positive user experiences play within academic libraries, stating that libraries should be a “place of refreshment for minds and bodies” and a “holistic experience.” He also reiterated the importance of marketing academic libraries to users through innovative outreach methods, stating that librarians must “Change the lens through which one views their customers.” Important questions to ask when assessing Access Services include: “How do we frame interactions with users and staff?”, “What does the library’s future look like?”, and “What does an ideal interaction look like?”

Mathews utilized the book When Fish Fly as an example of a failing Seattle fish market that re-envisioned their business as a tourist destination through innovative marketing, increasing their customer base and their profits as a result. Mathews also encouraged librarians to create a positive group work environments because both positivity and negativity are contagious. If someone is negative, challenge it. If someone is not providing good reference, challenge it by telling them “You’re not on Vision.” Librarians need to be empowered to take an active stance in order to be “an essential force in the learning experience.”

The presentations and speakers at the ACRL/NY Symposium offered a multitude of advice on how create innovative management styles and lead staff. More information on the Symposium, the poster sessions, and the recommended booklists on leadership are available at the ACRL/NY blog:

http://acrlny.wordpress.com/2010/01/

Photos of the event on Flckr:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/acrlny/

My first Midwinter

This past weekend, I attended my very first professional conference ever, ALA's Midwinter 2010 in Boston, MA. This was also the first time I'd ever visited Boston, but that's a story for another time. I hope this list of twelve lessons learned will help other future conference attendees.

In no particular order, they are:
1. Bring LOTS of business cards. I brought 50 with me, and although I did not run out over all, I did run out one day because I forgot to replenish my stack on Saturday morning after Friday's networking events. Also, another conference attendee stored her business cards in her name tag -- a great trick to always have them at hand.

2. Don't do everything. Really. I read this before I went and did not heed the advice. I tried my best to hit all the events that interested me, so I was exhausted on Saturday night. Edit, edit, edit (or weed, weed, weed, we are librarians) your schedule. #3 also speaks to this issue.

3. Feel free to come late and/or leave early from sessions. As long as you do it quietly and respectfully, no one seemed to mind when people were late or left early.

4. Account for travel time. Although the Boston Convention and Event Center (BCEC) was enormous, all the events were not held at the BCEC, so shuttle buses sponsored by Gale from from the hotels to the BCEC. It took about 20 minutes for me to get from the BCEC to the hotels I needed to go to -- a problem when meeting #1 ends at 10:30 and meeting #2 starts at 10:30 and they are at different venues. See lesson #3.

5. If staying with friends to save money (a great tip in and of itself), consider splurging for a hotel for one night. In my case, my friends' neighbors had loud parties on Friday and Saturday nights, so I missed out on sleep, and had to schlep to the BCEC at 8:00 the next morning. It would have been worth the cash to be alert at least one early morning.

6. Network, network, network. For me, this is what the conference was all about. Because I am a new librarian, I didn't have any committee meetings, so I met and visited with a lot of people. I hope that at least some of these contacts will turn into lasting relationships.

7. The big-ticket events are interesting (shout out to Al Gore, who gave an inspiring speech about climate change), but connections are made in the smaller gatherings. As someone with a background in history, I attended RUSA's History section discussion group and had a wonderful experience. In my library school, we learned about subject guides using the term "pathfinder," which, according to the librarians in the History section, is out-of-date. LibGuides is now the preferred term (and a vendor as well). Everyone else was talking about LibGuides and I asked for clarification.

8. Speak up! I may not have looked like the smartest person in the room in that History section meeting, but I'm glad I spoke up because it was an ice-breaker with fellow attendees when the meeting was over.

9. Don't be afraid to stop strangers and ask them questions. One of the great contacts I made was a woman I stopped on the Exhibit floor because she was wearing a RUSA badge and I wanted to learn more about the association. I would posit that almost all librarians became librarians to help people, so if you have a question, ask!

10. Plan ahead if you're going to take advance reader copies (ARCs) or buy books. I give myself a C- in this area: my suitcase was only about halfway full when I got to Boston (a step in the right direction), and while the books I picked up fit in the suitcase, it became far too heavy to lift by myself and navigate the subway (oops). I tried to use the ALA Post Office, but the line was VERY long just before it closed and I was stuck. Next time, I will hit up the Post Office earlier or be more selective.

11. Bring snacks with you. I nearly missed a meal because my resume review session (which was excellent, I highly recommend taking advantage of this service offered by the New Members Round Table) ran over. If I had had a granola bar, I would not have been forced to scarf down quite possibly the worst piece of pizza I ever had while running to hear Al Gore (which seemed to be the only event to which no one either was late or left early).

12. The Exhibit floor can wait. I tried to cram visiting the Exhibit floor into small time slots on Saturday and Sunday, but I was at the conference Monday as well and should have taken my time to leisurely visit then. Also, as a student looking for my first library job, some exhibitors were, shall we say less-than-friendly? Perhaps Library Directors have a better experience here.

Beth Daniel Lindsay, MA, MLS

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Be my Valentine & Meetup at the Horticultural Society of New York

What a way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than to be a part of a great event hosted by the Horticultural Society of New York and the New York Librarians Meetup Group. On February 9, 2010 at the headquarters of the Horticultural Society (148 West 37th Street) there will be a one time chance to meet the author of the “delicious” book- The New Taste of Chocolate: a Cultural and Natural History of Cacao. Culinary historian, Maricell Presilla, will be discussing her newest edition of her book. In her book you can read about the history of chocolate from the first Latin American Cacao plantations, where the world’s finest chocolates are grown, to the up and coming chocolate fads of today. The book also discusses the makings of chocolate and what constitutes good quality and flavor by delving deep into the complexities of genetics, that even chocolate possesses. Recipes and photographs are also included so that you yourself can create your very own delicious chocolate at home or take a glimpse at some of the finest chocolates around the world. The discussion will include topics like the history of chocolate throughout the ages and her ideas on the newest chocolate trends around the world. You will also have the opportunity to take part in a chocolate tasting of all different types of artisan chocolates, as well as some traditional Latin American chocolates from her own collection.

So if you are interested, don’t forget to register for this great event by calling the Horticultural Society at (212) 757-0915, x100. The event costs $10 for HSNY members and $20 for non-members. Once registered, we will see you on February 9, 2010 at 148 West 37th Street on the 13th floor at 6:00pm (find us by looking for the Red Meetup Badge). Hope you all come and experience the World of Chocolate with a riveting lecture and discussion, delicious chocolate tasting and generous book signing.

Afterwards, there may be a tour of the Horticultural Society’s library with librarian Katherine Powis where you will be able to learn how the Horticultural Society functions and provides for the public that it serves. As a social service structure to the community of New York, HSNY provides many different educational resources and tools for people to use. The library, “with thousands of volumes on all aspects of gardens and gardening…informs and inspires gardeners, students, and casual browsers” and enables them to make use of the diverse collections it provides.

There will also be a break-out after session at a neighborhood venue, to be announced shortly. If you have any suggestions or ideas, please post on the NYL Meetup website (http://www.meetup.com/NYLibrarians/) or e-mail Stephanie (ereserves.stephanie@gmail.com).
Hope to see you all there for some interesting and yummy talk on the world of chocolate, and interesting information on an important part of a green and growing societal organization in New York.

SLA-LIS Career Fair January 12, 2009

I attended the SLA-LIS Career Fair on January 12, 2009. Some of it was helpful but most of it reiterated what I already knew from prior workshops, especially the section on writing an impressive resume. The biggest problem was the poor technology interface as Ellen described in her post. Even though I was disappointed by some of the programs, it was a good networking opportunity.

The section on life after librarianship by Barbara McFadden Allen was the most helpful to me. Her advice on career transition and taking responsibility for your own career path was excellent. Employers are looking for certain attributes and skills : flexibility, intelligence, analytical thinking, resourcefulness, problem solving, leadership, teamwork, project management and clear communication. I found her advice better for updating my resume than information imparted in the resume writing workshop. She also spoke about career options. You can pursue "librarianish careers" with vendors or professional associations. There is also consulting. You can also expand on the portions of your position that interest you the most, e.g. IT, nonprofit management, teaching and communications. If you are expanding on your previous positions, you have to build a new network by going to meetings and trade shows about your new interest. Volunteer in an organization that pursues your chosen career path. Contribute articles to publications outside the library community. Self-assessment is vital. Ms. Allen recommended a website: www.grad.illinois.edu/careerservices/exploration. Remember, if you are starting a new path, you will be a beginner. Transition is difficult, so look for a mentor.

Elisa Topper listed the most important mistakes by jobseekers. Much of her advice can be found in other sources but it was useful to see the information as a list. If you are interested, I can send you the detailed list. Just email me personally at carenrabinowitz@hotmail.com.

The New York Librarians Meetup Group at the Morgan Library

A Visit to The Morgan–Renzo Piano Building Workshop Project Exhibition on Sunday January 10, 2010

Introduction
The Morgan expansion project is a special exhibition that presents a historical survey of the site from the 1850s through today. The exhibition is organized by The Morgan Library & Museum and the Renzo Piano Building Workshop. It features materials such as drawings, models, and photographs from the conceptual design phase to the finished scheme.

The history of the building is not a static one, structures were put up, added to, altered, demolished—whatever their owners deemed necessary or desirable. Part one of the exhibition traces the development of the Morgan's current property from its beginning in the 1850s. Part two examines how Renzo Piano realized the Morgan's institutional goals then rationalized and developed a plan for the complex he first encountered in 2000. The final section examines aspects of design development and provides images of finished work that link architectural drawings to completed construction.

Brief History
Near the turn of the 19th century, Pierpont Morgan

(1837-1913), one of the great American financiers began to amass a collection of art objects, which rivaled the holdings of Europe’s most celebrated libraries. Within the next ten years, Morgan’s collections grew quite large and needed a building of their own where they could be housed and put on display. Completed in 1906 by the architect Charles McKim, Morgan’s original library was done as a “Renaissance-style palazzo of formal elegance and understated grandeur.” McKim even directed the builders in an ancient construction method using Tennessee pink marble that was laid with virtually no mortar— a technique which contributed to the library’s extraordinary refinement.

In late 1906 Pierpont Morgan began using his new library, which contemporaries described as a “bookman’s paradise” and “icily exquisite”. Two decades later the New York Herald Tribune called it “…perfect, inside and out, a Renaissance gem set in the heart of prosaic New York.” In 1924 J.P. Morgan Jr., also known as Jack, transformed the library into a public institution as a memorial to his father. As the collections grew, he also added an annex (which opened in 1928) adjacent to the original building to serve the as both a library and museum. In 1988 the original Morgan house erected on the east side of Madison Avenue between 36th and 37th streets in the mid-nineteenth century was renovated by the firm Voorsanger and Associates. The firm designed a modern glass and steel atrium or Garden Court to the site of the former Morgan family garden.

Following the 1988 construction, offices were created on the house’s upper floors and the first floor period rooms were used as conference rooms and a shop. The fourth floor was later connected to the Thaw Conservation Center, designed by architect Samuel Anderson.

The Morgan–Renzo Piano Project


In 2000, the Morgan asked the Renzo Piano Building Workshop to develop an expansive enhancement scheme that would permit the institution to better fulfill its dual role as library and museum. Renzo Piano’s diverse achievements in architecture and successful integrations of modern design into a number of old European buildings led the Morgan to select him for their task of expansion. The Morgan–Renzo Piano Project’s principal elements included:

• a state of the art collection storage facility
• new and renovated galleries
• a modern performance hall
• a new reading room
• a new entrance
• a spacious central court (the heart of the public spaces)
• and more rational internal circulation

Work began on the Morgan–Renzo Piano Project in 2003 and was completed in 2006. The project was the largest expansion in the Morgan’s history and added 75,000 square feet to the campus. The project increased exhibition spaces by more than fifty percent and added important amenities, including a 280-seat performance hall, a welcoming entrance on Madison Avenue, a new café and restaurant, and a shop. It is important to note that the majority of the construction took place underground—including the large areas of the vault and the Gilder Lehrman Hall.

My favorite architectural elements from Piano’s renovation of the Morgan are the roof structure and other “urban gestures”. Piano’s roof structure is a complex system of metal screens, shades, blinds and other light filtering devices that allow natural light in. Additionally, other “urban gestures” such as the glass interstices help set the various buildings off from one another and offer a friendly view from both inside and outside of the Morgan.

Conclusion

The Renzo Piano Building Workshop's project for the Morgan follows an exceptional architectural legacy. The original library which was designed by Charles McKim and opened for Pierpont Morgan's personal use a hundred years ago, is an American Renaissance icon. Of the numerous structures that once stood on the site now occupied by the Morgan, three remain: the Morgan house, the 1928 Annex, and McKim's masterpiece. Renzo Piano reckoned with these three landmarks as he brought practical and pleasing coherence to the present complex.


Works Cited:

About the Morgan | History of the Morgan. (2006). 2006: The Renzo Piano expansion and renovation. Retrieved January 18, 2010, from http://www.themorgan.org/about/historyMore.asp?id=27

The Morgan Library & Museum. (2006). The Morgan–Renzo Piano building workshop project with a brief history. In Exhibitions | current. Retrieved January 18, 2010, from http://www.themorgan.org/exhibitions/architecture.asp

The Morgan Library & Museum. (n.d.). Welcome. [Pamphlet].

The New York Librarians Meetup Group at the Morgan Library

The New York Librarians Meetup Group at the Morgan Library

Visit to A Woman's Wit: Jane Austen's Life and Legacy Exhibition on
Sunday January 10, 2010

Photo Courtesy of The Morgan Library and Museum – view of J.P. Morgan’s private library looking out toward the foyer



















Photo of Morgan Café courtesy of The Morgan Library and Museum

Dollops of whipped cream infused hot chocolate and scoops of colorful gelato laced with mint sprigs provoked exclamations of ohs and ahs among the twenty plus Library Meetup group members who gathered Sunday, January 10 to see the Jane Austen exhibit at the Morgan Library http://www.themorgan.org/. I can't tell you how welcome the sunlight cascading in the floor-to-ceiling glass windows felt as I sat in the Morgan Cafe sipping my pot of tea on a crystal clear but frosty winter day. Conversation quickly ensued as Stephanie introduced the group and told us about upcoming Library Meetup events, networking and volunteer opportunities such as helping compile the job and career resource list and co-hosting future events. Even though it’s hard to leave pleasant conversation, particularly while indulging in sweets, we finally sauntered off to see the Jane Austen (1775-1817) exhibit: A Woman’s Wit: Jane Austen’s Life and Legacy.



Silhouette of woman reputed to be Jane Austen - courtesy of the Jane Austen Society of Australia (JASA)


By happenstance, I wended my way down the winding staircase adjacent to the café area which led to the newly created performance hall. For those of you who aren’t challenged by vertigo and wish to navigate around the Morgan, I recommend stepping into the glass elevators in the center of the atrium which provide an eye-popping view of the soaring glass windows and lead invitingly to the exhibition space. Several members of the group waited and chatted in the red cushy auditorium seats for the next showing of the two alternating short videos, one about J.P. Morgan and his collection and the other, the delightful The Divine Jane: Reflections on Austen. Both films dazzled and had the same theme: passion. It’s easy to see why this financier had an eye for exquisite objects; his piercing eyes are his most prominent feature and implore us to gasp in awe at the illuminated manuscripts portrayed in brilliant color in the video. The narrator describes Morgan as a “sultan of a secret seraglio who wanted all the beautiful things in the world and assiduously acquired them. The Divine Jane video showcases the passion of several actors, authors and scholars for Austen’s work. Cornel West’s visage excitedly extols the virtues of Jane Austen’s literature. In no uncertain terms, West lets us know that her canon of works achieved Shakespearean status. I’m still haunted by West’s elegiac reminder that Austen departed this world at the age of 41. Perhaps, Colm Tóibín’s deadpan statement that he’d much rather take a Jane Austen novel to bed than a companion is the most memorable portion of the video. I embarrassingly laughed raucously at Tóibín’s exposition, but I wasn’t the only one to laugh. The visuals were likewise stunning; the creator of the film showed several of the interviewees either lovingly poring over Austen manuscripts or reading at a shadowed desk in front of a window invoking literary life circa early 1800s, Austen’s time period. For those of you who can’t make it to the Morgan before the Austen exhibit closes March 14, you can see it online: http://www.themorgan.org/video/austen.asp.
The curators also wisely set aside a portion of the Austen exhibit area to show the film for those who bypass the performance hall viewing.

Once the movie ended, I conquered my fear of the glass elevator and glided up to the second floor Austen exhibit (with my eyes closed). The exhibit can best be described as “cozy” as it only occupies a medium sized gallery. However, the curators managed to cover Austen’s home life which included her father’s library of 500 volumes, her societal milieu, the works of her best-selling literary contemporaries and her short career within the tight gallery space. Since the Morgan holds the largest collection (51) of Austen’s correspondence out of her 161 extant letters the centerpiece of the exhibit was those letters along with her surviving manuscripts. Luckily, for tired eyes the curators only displayed a few of her letters to her sister Cassandra and relatives as the cursive writing of the day is difficult to read. The curators highlighted the contents of the letters in metal plates affixed to the glass cases protecting the precious correspondence. I particularly enjoyed one letter to her niece which summarizes the sentiment Austen expressed in many of her novels: “Anything is to be preferred or endured rather than marrying without affection.” An ironic statement in that Austen’s novels aptly portrayed the impossibility for many women of marrying for affection in an era when most women depended on men for financial support. Indeed, my favorite part of the exhibition and unfortunately hidden against the back wall was the description of Austen’s lesser known short novel, Lady Susan. Lady Susan, an epistolary novel, paints a scathing portrait of a “gold-digger” without a heart of gold. Marilyn Butler, a scholar depicted Lady Susan as a “cruising shark in her social goldfish pond.”

Therein lies the source of Austen’s enduring popularity; those who relentlessly search for a pairing of affection are still surrounded by cruising sharks in social goldfish ponds some two hundred years after Austen graced us with Sense and Sensibility, her first published novel.

Jodi Cantor