Friday, December 28, 2007

Slow Friday:

The Friday after Christmas and before New Years is very slow. So here is my reference log for the day:

10-11am
  1. I'd like to reserve a computer?
  2. How can I reserve a computer?
  3. Can I make a computer reservation?
  4. The computer is frozen.
  5. Can I get a computer reservation?
  6. The computer doesn't want to work.
  7. Can I get a study room?
  8. Computer?
  9. Can you help me find a book. It doesn't come up in your catalog?
  10. I have a computer reservation at 11am. Where is it?
  11. Can I get a computer reservation?

12-1pm

  1. Can I have my library back?
  2. Can you help me find this title in Spanish?
  3. Can you help me find it?
  4. Can you help me find a book on knitting in Spanish?
  5. Can I have my pin number?
  6. What happened to your foot?
  7. Here is a gift for you for Christmas for being so nice. :)
  8. I already used the computer on the express, so you can delete my reservation for 12:30 in case someone needs to use it. (how nice)
  9. (Wow! Real ref question)I'm doing research on a couple and they listed their intention to marry back in 1934. Does that mean they got married within that year? If so, where can I find that record? I'm calling from Oregon.
  10. Do you check out books here?
  11. Can I reserve a computer here?
  12. Where's the bathroom?
  13. Me: Is this your child? Can you please stop him from running around the stacks and calling out for "mama"? Thank you.
  14. They sent me from the front, I'm looking for computer programs for children. (me: to learn how to use the computer?) No, programs to help teach my child about letters and numbers. (me: sorry we don't have that here. We have books to teach you how to work the programs, to teach children to use them.) So you don't have program disks we can take home and practice letters and stuff? (No, we have Leap Frog (c) programs you can use here at the library).
  15. Can I get a study room?
  16. How can I use the Wi-Fi?
  17. me:I'm sorry but you can't use your cell phone here.
  18. me: Ma'am please stop your child from yelling and running through the stacks.
  19. Can I make another computer reservation?

2-3pm

  1. Can I check to see if I have anything late?
  2. Do you have "Forrest Gump" on dvd?
  3. Do you have "Harry Potter" books?
  4. Do you have legal forms here?
  5. How can I get a library card?
  6. Is there somewhere I can enlarge a page?
  7. Can I get a computer?
  8. Can I have a computer?
  9. Can I cancel my reservation?
  10. I am looking for a "High Noon" on dvd.
  11. Do you have "How to win friends and influence people'?
  12. I'd like to cancel my reservation.
  13. Can I make a reservation? I just got my number from the front. (me: no sorry. You need your card to make reservation.)
  14. Do you have a book or anything on "Mario"? (me: like mario brothers? The video game?) Yes, anything like that.
  15. Do you have "Goosebumps" videos?
  16. Can I reserve a computer?
  17. Do you have the movie "On Dangerous Ground"?
  18. Can I make a reservation?
  19. Can I make a reservation for a 15 min computer?
  20. Can you tell me which computer I am on again?


Book Review:

Embroideries by Marjane Satrapi is another great collection of stories from Iran. In this book she recounts stories of women and their experiences. It is a graphic novel that allows you to connect with the characters of her life.





Library Stuff:

Now it seems our profession is attacking another website other than wikipedia. Read all about Yahoo answers here. I myself use it once in a while. Of course I follow up on the answer and don't take it as face value, but that's just me.


Patron Stories:

I approached two teens at the express computer when I noticed they have signed on for a second time, while there is another patron waiting.


Me: Would you please sign off? There is a person waiting for the computer and this is your second session.

Patron: I'm already signed off, I'm just sitting here (with a smirk while his friend snickers in the background.)

Me: If you get up from there so she can use it that would be great.

P: Yea that would be great. (As he is getting up.)

(I ignore his comment and go back to the desk. They stand/lean on the computer station next to the one he was on while he talks to his other buddy on the computer. Now I am getting upset. We don't allow people to loiter by the computers.)

I walk over to them very calmly. They don't notice I'm heading towards them and very loudly say:

Me: Excuse me, guys?! You cannot stand here and chat. If you would like to continue your conversation you need to go to another part of the library. You can go sit down on one of those desks.

Neither of them expected me to approach them again. They were in shock and just stared at each other. They quietly walked to the desk. LOL

Another story: Two girls come up to the desk for a computer reservation. Our policy is that you cannot make an appointment w/out your card. If you don't have it the circ desk gives it to you once, after that you must have you card. This young lady had her number on an old crumpled post it.

Patron: Can I get a computer? I just got my number up front.

Me: You just got this? (as I handle the post it.)

P: Yes.

M: Ok, the next computer is not available until 3pm is that ok? (As I look up her account to check for a note as to when she received this number.)

P: yea, that's ok.

M: I'm sorry. But it shows here that you received you number on the 21st. You need to go back up there and get a new library card if you have lost it. I can't make you a reservation.

P: Yea? Ok.

Ha! Try to pull a fast one on me will ya?! (I told you it was slow day. lol)

Thursday, December 27, 2007

How Lame am I?

How pathetic is it that I RSS my own blog? LOL I have a Google reader account where I catch up on all my favorite blogs and I just added my own. Is that lame?

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

I don't want to come back!!

I just came back after a winter's break of 5 days. And the place is just as I had left it. Same old rude patrons that demand "the internet", cell phone shouting, computer hogging, smelly, rude people who don't know the meaning of good will towards men. ARGH! Doesn't anybody have anything better to do than to go to the library the day after Christmas? Go to the mall and torture those people with your returns and you fighting over the After-Christmas-Sales. Yes, I'm bitter.



Book Review:

Persepolis 2 by Marjane Satrapi is the follow up to her first book that documented her childhood in Iran. This second book continues her story as she experiences life away from home in Austria. She encounters different cultures, people and ideas that shape her life.


I recommend her book for the sole experience of learning about a political refuge's ordeals in Europe. Living in Southern Cali I only have experience as a Mexican immigrant. So it was interesting to read about the refugees in Europe. Satrapi's tales are at times entertaining but you can't help but feel her loneliness and unhappiness because she is away from her family. Go out and pick up this book. You will learn a lot about Iran's culture and religious atmosphere.


Monday, December 17, 2007

Creepy customer


Patron Stories
I'm trying to sit perfectly still. Sssshhh. One of the new creepy guys (picture is not the actual image) has shown up. Last time he was here he was yelling obscenities in the Resource Center. The time after that he tried to join a private meeting we were having with our higher ups, to make sure he wasn't "missing anything". He is now using one of our Internet computers with his headphones on with the volume full blast. I would normally approach a patron that is doing that, where I can hear the sound, I ask them to turn it down. But not today. I'm hoping he doesn't see me and try to engage me into conversation/argument. I'm sitting here praying for the last 30 minutes to pass so that he leaves. Don't. Make. A. Move. Ssshhhh....please leave quietly.

Fun New Book


Sex, Murder and a Double Latte by Kyra Davis is a very fun book to read. The characters make you laugh out loud and allow to get lost in their plot.


Sophie Katz is a novelist who ends up being stalked by a murderer who is mimicking his victim's art. So she is trying to find out who is trying to kill her by reliving her own storyline. Sophie, Mary Ann and Dena are three of most oddest friends I have seen in a while, but they compliment each other. Sophie meets a mysterious Russian, Anatoly, who steals her heart. Their relationship is turbulent and fascinating.


I recommend this book based on the suspense and romance.

Friday, December 14, 2007

Persepolis


by Marjane Satrapi is a great graphic novel. I learned about this book in library school and never got around to read it. But I recently found out that the film based on this book will be released in the US this month. So I decided to read it before it came out.




I LOVE THIS BOOK!! It's an autobiographical graphic novel about a young girl living in Iran during the fall of the Shah and rise of the Islamic revolution. You get Marjane's 11 year old point of view and how world changing events affect her and her family. Along with her life story, you get a history lesson of Iran and what turmoils it has gone through. I feel that I have more understanding towards Iran and it's people just by reading this book. It's a great experience all around and you will be a better person for having read it.


Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Another book


Everything Changes by Jonathan Tropper is a book I finished reading a long time ago and just forgot to review. I picked up this book because I had enjoyed Tropper's other works of fiction filled with his humor. This one, not so much.


The story of Zack, as his life changes, is documented in this book. Its premise is that this book gives a guy's point of view of the complications of love. It's true. It does give you the guy's point of view of why he cheats and leads his fiance on. This aspect of the book was interesting. It wasn't just black and white where he was just a d*** who didn't care about the women around him. His cancer scare makes him human and easy to relate it.


This book was a little on the serious side. His "How to Talk to a Widower" which made me cry, ironically had more humor in it. I do recommend this author but not necessarily this book. So pick up his other works first and you'll enjoy his stance on life.
p.s. I didn't get the book cover. It makes it look like a menopausal book.

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

What exactly do you need?!


Patron Etiquette:
Be specific. When you come up to the desk don't ask broad questions that deal with a slew of material. Don't ask, "Where is your law area?" If you do be prepared to answer my questions to help me narrow it down for you. Or else I will just send you to the 340's and you'll have to sort it out.

Our library has the Chicano Resource Center. Please narrow your topic down! Asking for books on Chicanos will not give you a good source. You will be directed to all of the 10 bookcases. Good luck finding what you need! Do you want the history, culture, political activism, leaders and in what states? Don't continue answering with "Just anything on Chicanos" over and over again, when I am trying to decipher what you really need. Don't be surprised if you get a look of "Are you stupid?" from your librarian. You don't go to your nearest Pep Boys and ask, "Where are your things for cars?" and not specify. They would give you an even meaner look and gestures.

I have all the time in the world!

Patron Etiquette:
When coming up to the reference desk please have your library cards ready. If all you want is a computer reservation have it handy. Don't waste my time and those standing in line behind you while you rummage through your nap sack, backpack, baby bag, your cargo pant's pockets nor your little sister's wallet (who you have to hunt down on the other side of the library, because she has it) for your library card. You know you need it. Don't act surprise when we ask you for it. Thanks!


Christmas came early
My computer is finally fixed!!!! About a month ago I had a virus show up on my computer and it slowly died. Our IT department gave me the runaround for a month about getting it fixed. I finally contacted the IT manager and CC'd my boss. Sure enough I got a response the next day and is now fixed. I feel like a little girl with a new toy. But now I have to re-assign my book marks and RSS feeds. Oh well.

Friday, November 30, 2007

Always save your work!!

It always amazes me how people are surprised when the computer knocks them out once their session is over. They are angry that the computer didn't realize they hadn't printed their work yet. That they forgot to save it before their time was up. Yes, Once the computer kicks you off your session you loose your work. We don't save all of your work in some magical drive. If only the computers warned you of how much time you had left so that you had time to save or print it. Oh wait! It DOES!!! It warns you at 15 min. 10 min. 5 min. BEFORE it kicks you off. So don't come crying to me when you loose your work. You're the dumb ass that didn't pay attention.

I WORK FOR PEANUTS
On a lighter note. I have this patron that comes in almost every other day. He requests movies, books and has general questions. He's a very nice man. He always gratefully acknowledges my work. I recently helped him with some articles and he was very gratefully that he gave me a hug. So every time he comes in whether he needs my help or not, he says hello. It's nice to get a happy greeting from someone once in a while. Today he brought me a snack of peanuts for my break. :) What a clean ole man.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Reference Rant

Ms. Volunteer called again today. She calls every week to keep us on the phone for 10 minutes asking for volunteer opportunities in the City area. She goes on and on, describing her lonely life and how she plans on moving to the country until we cut her off.

Today she called to have me look up the reason for which Hulk Hulgan and his wife Linda are getting a divorce. After reading TMZ.com I describe to her that they just decided to quit and their kids are grown. She said, "Just because their kids are grown?" "
"Yes. That is all it states", I answer.
"But that makes any sense. Why would they just give up if their kids are grown? Why do you suppose that is?"
I said, "I have no idea that is all it says."
"Ok, thank you." click!

LOL, I got off easy today.

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Gift ideas

In case you are wondering what to get me for my birthday or Christmas here are some helpful websites:

The Unshelved Store. A comic strip that takes place in a library and is mainly funny for librarians. Check it out.
http://www.unshelved.com/store.aspx

Turner Classic Movies Channel website as some awesome collections of films. I am a movie buff, so you can never go wrong here.
http://www.tcm.com/2007/giftguide/index.jsp

This one needs no introduction or explanation:
http://www.beatles.com/

HAPPY SHOPPING!! (for me. hehehe)

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Hey Baby What's your sign?

I found a very cute article on LISNews on pick up lines that work on librarians. Here are my favorite:

  • So is it true public librarians let anyone in?


  • Didn't I see you on the cover of American Libraries?


  • So when's the last time you were "on the desk"?


  • Want to come back to my room and play cataloger? I brought my own Dewey.


  • I'll make you scream LC subject headings.


  • Damn... you're stacked better than the LOC!!




BOOK REVIEWS

Guide to Elegance by Geneviaeve Antoine-Dariaux is a very cute book that dictates how one can become an elegant lady. Ms. Antoine-Dariaux was a fashion consultant for one of the great fashion houses of Paris. The original release of this book was in 1964, so a lot of the material is a bit outdated and no longer used. I for one, am going to try and bring elegance back. :) Some handy tips that I found interesting were:

  • Girls of 14 years or younger should not carry umbrellas.
  • The only jewelry to be worn during the day are wrist watches, studded earrings (not dangly) and at the most two rings on your hands. Preferably on your ring finger and your wedding ring counts as one.
  • Wrist watches should only be worn before 5pm. Your evening attire should not include one.
  • Your wardrobe does not have to be plentiful nor expensive to be elegant. It must contain the basic items of a wool skirt, nicely fitted suit, little black dress, nice coat, sturdy black purse and shoes.
  • Elegant ladies are not seen in public doing the following things: picking their teeth, scratching their heads, nor grooming at the table after a meal.
  • Pearls go with everything, anything and anytime.
  • Alligator shoes and handbags are more of a daytime attire.
  • When posing for photographs make sure and smile. Don't place hands on hips. When posing at the beach lying down pose on your side, not flat like a pancake.
  • And a cool historic fact: Wedges were invented in Paris during WWII due to the lack of leather for shoes.

Hope you can use this! :)

Thursday, November 08, 2007

Rushed patron

Patron Stories

Setting: Me at the ref. desk 10am, right when the library opened.

Patron: EXCUSE ME!! (rushing towards me) This computer says it's reserved for 11am and i tried signing in but it won't let me because it's reserved for this hour (10am)! But it's a lie because it says it is reserved for 11am and I....

Me: Which computer is it and I'll check the reservation?

P: Comp 15

Me: Yes, in fact it is reserved for 10am. But there are several computers (like 10 of them!!) available you could go on which are not reserved at this time.

P: Ok, but my complaint is that the screen was misleading saying it was available for until 11am. I wouldn't have wasted my time on it I am in a hurry!!!

Me: I'm sorry about that. I will email our IT dept.

(If she was in such a hurry she could have just jumped on another computer w/out wasting her time talking to me and complaining about it! She wasted more time with me than just signing onto another computer. What a yutz!)

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Don't bring your baggage to the library

Things I am not!

As a librarian I have to fulfill a lot of roles. I am an information professional, computer expert, researcher extraordinaire and confidant of information. But people confuse me with other types of people that I am not and are not included in my job description. Which are the following:
1. A babysitter: Don't leave your children at the library unattended. I am not here to keep track if your child was here and if in fact they came here right after school. I don't keep track if they have completed their homework and I will not give you information on whether they used the computer or not. So stop asking.
2. A receptionist: Because I work in a large library, private tutors like to use our facilities and study rooms. We are not associated with the tutors. So if you show up and ask us where Mr. So and So is, we don't know. We will not page someone over the intercom to see if he is here. If you use one of our study rooms, I will not "watch out" for your student/tutee and let them know you are in "your office". I am not your receptionist.
4. A mind-reader: Ask me what you want. Don't just hand me your library card or homework assignment for me to decipher your request. ASK ME!!! I cannot read your mind.


Patron Etiquette:

Just because you are a "pet-parent" and you treat your pet like a child does not mean you can bring them into the library. Unless it is helping you move around your pet is not welcomed in the library. If your dog is in a sweater and in a stroller does not make it OK for you to bring him in. I don't care if he wants to go on the Internet!!


BOOK REVIEWS

Across A Hundred Mountains by Reyna Grande



This book deals with the problems a family has to go through when the father leaves for the United States and leaves the rest in Mexico. It is a very sad story that brings the reality of immigration to life.







The book talks about the life experiences of Juana Garcia and Adelina Vazquez, who have to battle to survive life along the border. I recommend this book.



Becoming Americana by Lara Rios
I had picked up this book because I went to see the author speak. I was hoping it was going to be a light and fun chicalit book, but it was a very serious. It wasn't funny where you laugh at the protagonist's screwy adventures but more of a social critique of losing one's identity.

Lupe is trying to fit in at UCLA by not standing out as a Latina. While trying to fend for herself in the slums of East LA, she encounters friends that are willing to help her and family that is holding her back. I recommend this book even though it's a bit melodramatic when it comes to its description of barrio life.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Oh! What tangled webs we weave...


In "The Quickie" James Patterson (or should I say Michael Ledwidge) really tops himself. This is a great suspenseful drama that takes you on some twists and turns. Just when you thought you had it figured out, bam! It turns on you.


Lauren Stillwell is trapped in a marriage that is leading to nowhere. She accidentally finds her husband having an affair and reciprocates by having a "quickie" with a co-worker. Her life becomes very, very complicated after that event. Not just because of her marital repercussions of adultery but something more sinister. I really don't want to give away more of the story but it's totally worth picking up. Every chapter has new revelations and twists. You won't be able to put it down.


Friday, October 19, 2007

Research

Whatever happened to good ole fashion note taking? When I was in school (which wasn't that long ago) I did not want to lug around all my books I was using for research. So having to deal with a reference book was no big deal. Because I took notes. I deal with patrons everyday who think it's the end of the world if the book they need is reference. Mostly because we don't have copiers, our patrons freak out and give me an attitude. "What?! I can't check this out? But it's for my assignment!"

Well then sit down and start taking some notes!!

Here are some tips:
  1. While doing research refer to the index and find the material you are looking for faster.
  2. When writing down a relevant quote make sure and write down the bibliographic information prior to jotting down the note ( you don't want to lose a good source just because you forgot the name of the book. It gets confusing especially when you have five books on your desk):
Ricardo Flores Magon and the Liberal Party (1967). Ward, Albro. University of Michigan Publishing
"The liberal party was part of the revolution that took place in the 1960's in Mexico...."p. 67

3. After writing the note, make sure and jot down the page number.

See how easy that was?! The time it took you to argue with me about checking out the reference material you could have jotted down several pertinent quotes for your research.

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

MLIS

Some people still ask me, "Why do you need a Master's to be a librarian?" Other than the fact that you need to know your way around Dewey and the Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules, it also gives you a sense of professionalism when dealing with serious issues. Working as a librarian, I can easily see how someone who does not have the professionalism of a Master's degree totally screw with our profession. I mean, I have had the urge so many times just tell people "No." Just tell them "No" for no particular reason. Just so that they can go away. When they ask do you have a book on [fill in the blank], NO! Or make fun of them for mispronouncing a word like "Morse" and pronouncing it "Moresy", asking for the "Moresy code". Yea, I talk about it later, but not to their face. Because we are a profession we have a Code of Ethics we follow and the Library Bill of Rights we adhere to. I know I hold back from being rude because I am a professional and as such, not be rude nor deny information because of my own personal beliefs.






Pet Peeve # 5 - Don't conduct your own reference interview.



While waiting in line and the librarian is busy helping the people ahead of you, please fight the urge to intervene. We don't need your opinion of which topics I should be searching under and asking the patron what their paper is about. Please don't assume that the patron is waiting for your opinion on the subject and hoping that you think the book was great. WE don't care. We don't care that your dad had the same condition and that herbal teas is the best way to go. Stop it! Not everyone cares to hear your take on a topic. Keep it to yourself.






Midnight by Dean Koontz


Was a really great book. I listened to it on my way from work at night and it was "escury!" The book is about a megalomaniac who is trying to take over a small town. I don't really want to spoil the book, but you get a great feeling of urgency and the desperation of those who are not converted to follow.

I love the way Koontz write because all of his books I have read take place within a couple of days or a 24 hour period.

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

The book came first


The Book of Joe by Jonathan Tropper was briefly a TV show on NBC. I had no idea until I started reading it that this was the case. I saw the first episode of the show and didn't really like it. The book was somewhat entertaining and I mainly kept reading it because I wanted to see how it concluded, not so much that I was interested in the story.


Joe Goffman left his small town to become a writer. His book became a best seller and he was shunned by his hometown. The book was a work of fiction but is filled with descriptions of real people from his town in which he portrayed them in a very negative light. Due to his father having a heart attack he has to go back home and face the music.


Thursday, September 27, 2007

My Evil co-workers

Yes. Evil. Why oh why are you weeding so much? There is no need for you to weed the 800's and gut it dry! Leave us please some poetry, some sonatas, some shakespeare! PLEASE! If you don't like books, don't be a librarian! Don't take it out on our small collection.

Are you looking for A Long Day's Journey Into Night? Sorry, it's gone! How about some classic Emerson? Nope try another library. OH! It hurts just thinking about it. (sigh) Stop the madness!



Patron Stories:

An aide tells me a patron is using his cell phone to listen to music in the computer room. He won't turn it off. I ask him to please turn it off. He says, "I have come before and if I can't afford to get earphones for the computer, someone else has told me it's ok to lower it so I can hear it softly. How is that different from using my cell phone softly?" Me: I'm not sure who you spoke to, but that is not our policy. If you don't have earphones you can't listen to the sounds from the computer you must turn it off. Patron: I see how it is. Fine.
(p.s. if you can afford a cell phone you can afford $5 earphones if you want to listen to music at the library so badly! )

Patron (thinking): hmm? The librarian just came up to me and asked me not to use the cell phone in here. Let me talk even louder and walk to the echoing hallway that resonates all over the building. That will be better right?
Me: Can you please get off the cell phone or go outside. (ARGH!! The hallway is not outside!!!!)

Intresting Ref Questions

Patron: You don't have banned books here right?
Me: Yes, we actually have a lot of them. Which one are you looking for?
Patron: Well it's a movie. About Christopher Columbus.
Me: So you want a movie about Christopher Columbus?
Patron: Yes, but I don't remember the name of it.
(WHA?! How? Huh? What does that have to do with banned books?)

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

My day

Situation: Emergency door is opened. Alarm goes off. Librarian 2nd in Command is walking by. He pauses. Looks around to see if anybody saw him notice it. Doesn't see anybody. Walks away. Alarm is still blaring.


My Reference Log


A Wednesday afternoon two hour stint at the reference desk:



  1. Can I have a computer?

  2. Do you have Hawaiian music?

  3. Can I order some movies?

  4. Can I get a computer?

  5. Can I get a study room?

  6. Can I get a computer?

  7. Can we both sit at the computer?

  8. What computer was that again?

  9. Where can I sign up for a computer?

  10. Why can't we share a computer?

  11. Let me speak to a manager.

  12. I'll go find another computer somewhere else! (after speaking to manager)

  13. (Phone) Can I talk to the CRC? What are their hours?

  14. Is this where I make a computer reservation?

  15. Can I have a computer?

  16. How do you spell "cirrhosis"?

  17. Can I get a study room?

  18. Can I get a computer?

  19. Can I get a computer?

  20. You can't use your cell phone in here.

  21. You can't eat that in here.

  22. Please keep it down you are very loud.

  23. Can you restart my computer?

  24. When is your next computer reservation?

  25. That's your earliest one?

  26. What computer did you say I had?

  27. Where are your "Halo" books?

  28. Where are your scary stories? Like Goosebump?

  29. Can i have a computer?

  30. Can you help me find this book in the shelves?

  31. Can I get my ID back?



Monday, September 17, 2007

Patrons

Patron etiquette:
When you see an Information Professional such as myself speaking to somebody else, don't just come up and interrupt asking if you can ask me a question. I am busy! Yea, you are not the only person in the library! People standing in front of you in line got there first even if you think you are the most important person to your self, you're not for the rest of us. K. Thanks.

Patron: Can I check to see if someone I am looking for is here or has used a computer. Me: No, sorry. We can't give out that kind of information.
P: Oh really?
Me: Yes.
P: Well can I ask you if you've seen this girl? She is about 5 feet tall, with dark hair and "morenita" complexion.Me: (pause) are you serious?
P: Yea.Me: There are a lot people that fit your description here (In East Los Angeles!!! And you are talking to one of them dumbass!). Sorry.
Same patron later on.
P: Can I make a computer reservation?
Me: Sure. The next one is at 12:30. Is that ok?
P: Sure. Is that for half hour or a full hour?
Me: Full hour.
P:What time do you open?
Me: 10am
P: Why are your reservations in increments of 30 minutes? Like 11:30, 12:30...?
Me: Because not everyone shows up at 10am to use a computer. They come in later on and use it from 10:30 till 11:30 and the person after them uses it from 11:30 to 12:30 and so on.
P: wow that is weird.
(Really?!?! Is it really that weird? This is an adult I'm talking to, right?)






Saturday, September 15, 2007

New FAV blogs

Thanks to OEDB's poll, "Top 25 Librarian Blogger", I have found my new favorite blog. A Librarian's Guide to Etiquette is full of sarcasm and dry humor covering clever topics such as "Being the Kick-ass Librarian", "Dressing for a library interview" and other helpful tips like "Being a Whistler". I guess those of you who are not librarians and might get the jokes, but if imagine your local librarian following these guidelines it is very humorous. I particularly enjoy the topic of being territorial in which peeing is the solution to marking your territory. Good reading. :)


Here's some patron etiquette:

When using a public computer at the library always take handy wipes with you. The person who might have been using it before you could have had a cold and sneezed their snot all over the place w/out covering their mouth. I've seen it happen folks.

TV


I have a new favorite show. Mad Men on AMC is an awesome show that deals with the world of advertising men on Madison Avenue NY in the early 1960's. I love the dress and the background settings. Even though it's full of racial, sexist and other non-pc talk, the storyline is awesome. The development of these characters is enthralling. I can't wait for the mid-60's cus I know some of the housewives will be declaring their Independence. Though it looks like they are really trying to hard to shock the audience by showing a lot of shots of pregnant women smoking/drinking, people driving w/out their seat belts or drunk and people drinking all the time. At first this last part I thought was an exaggeration, but I spoke to one of my co-workers and she says it's all true. It just so happens that she was a secretary for an ad firm on Madison Avenue NY in the 1960's and it was exactly like that. With the ass pinching and 3 martini lunches. Yup that was real.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Duck.Duck.GOOSE!!

So I decide to have my lunch outside today. My library is located by a nice park with a lake and I had never taken advantage of having this park nearby. I grabbed my sandwich and headed for the park. There are very few benches under some shade but I was able to find one by lake. As soon as I sat down, a flock of ducks headed my way. I guess they are used to having people feed them, but I was determined not to encourage this kind of behaviour. So I refrained from giving them any food. They slowly realized it and moved on. As I sat there, there was this one duck that would not leave. He kept waiting for me to drop something. He was like a dog waiting for my every move. He even chased a napkin I had tossed to the trashcan, but was not able to reach it. He is a beautiful black duck with luminescent feathers that change from green to purple to blue when the sun hits them. Here he is standing by my legs waiting to snatch my napkin. The little punk got to so impatient that he started nibbling at my shoe!
He did not give up! Never even flinched when I tried to shoo him away with my foot. Instead he brought reinforcements...
Stupid goose started circling me. I hurriedly ate my lunch and bolted out of there! LOL! I did not want to become another LA duck mauling statistic. This was almost as bad as my "squirrel incident" at The Huntington. It was a bad experience. I don't want to talk about. lol

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Oh Cuba!

Loving Che by Ana Menedez is a wonderful novel of family, political romanticism and love. I really recommend this book to everybody. It deals with family separation after the Cuban revolution and how one woman tries to find the truth to the past. The ideals of the revolutions are given a human face and the treatment of the Cuban people after the revolution is very well described. You can feel the desperation of the people who escaped it and remained.






Patron Stories: No Shoes No Service
Me: Sir, can you put your shoes back on please.
Patron: Oh no, I don't have any shoes. You see I have a foot fungus that bothers my foot.(Pointing to the foot.)
Me: (Looking at him like he's a moron.) Yes, that is why we want you to put some shoes on. We have small children that crawl on the carpet and we don't want them to get your fungus.
Me: Oh? Ok. I'll be leaving anyway.

Wednesday, September 05, 2007

My Cuba streak continues



In Cuba I was a German Shepherd by Ana Menendez started off good, but then lost me. The book mainly deals with the dislocation of the Cuban families and how they adjusted to their new life in the US. Menendez uses stories that jump from one character to another, which makes it hard to follow. She also uses symbolism which I don't like. The symbolism is overly used and make the stories seem convoluted. I like the first couple of stories that deal with old men and their jokes, but after that she looses me.




I'm reading two other books that have to do with Cuba and it's people so stay tuned.

Thursday, August 30, 2007

STOP FORWARDING!!!!

Forwarded emails irk me!! I have this old co-worker whose only form of communicating with people is by forwarding stupid jokes, chain mails and pictures of fat naked women. I HATE THAT!!! I never read her emails and have deleted her from my address book hoping that she will get filtered out. She gets sent to my junk mail but I still get them. Then not only do I get it from her but she sends them to another old co-worker who later sends me the same email again!! I have no problem deleting them w/out reading them, but what I really hate is that they don't even have the courtesy to BCC everyone instead of having all the people they forward it to see everybody else's email. I don't know her friends, so I don't want them having my email address. It's no surprise I get a lot of junk mail. Ok, so I have told her "Stop sending me this crap!!!" But still does. Can anybody help?


Book vs. Movie

In my experience all books that have been made into movies are generally better than the movie production. There is one exception, Devil's Advocate the movie was way better than the book. But yesterday I went to see The Nanny Diary and it sucked. They changed so many aspects of the book that were critical to the story and what the author intended to convey. Three main things were changed that I think made the movie bad. 1) Nanny was raised by her single, bitter mother who wanted her strive for excellence. This ruined it because in the book Nanny has to deal with her close family who she goes to for advice and encouragement. Her role model is her grandmother who supports her in her decisions but also makes her think why she takes on nanny positions. 2) In the movie they make it seem like she came upon becoming a nanny by accident. In the book she has had years experience with being a nanny and uses all her past experiences on know how to deal with Grayden and the X's. Being a Nanny is how she worked while going through college. 3) Her school status. One of the main conflicts of the book is the fact that she is in her senior year at NYU and while she has to deal with the control freak, boss from hell Mrs. X she also has to finish her senior thesis on time. This element of the book would have made the movie more interesting. At the end of the book the Mrs. X's of the Upper East Side are summarized as a force to be reckoned with and the cycle of nannies continue. So all in all, I don't recommend this movie. The book wasn't all that as it is, but the movie was worse.


How to talk to a widower

by Jonathan Topper was a very sad book. Because of the death of his wife, Doug has to learn how to deal with his stepson and moving on. There were times in the book where I really wanted to cry. Just the fact of how much he loved his wife and how quickly she was taken from him was the sad part. Once he started dealing with real life it became humorous. His family and friends were wacky that you had to laugh out loud. I recommend this book.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

My Day

This was my day of questions in a 4 hour reference day:
Can I Pre order new releases advertised on our poster.
Computer reservation.
Where’s computer 8?
Is there a computer class here today?
Is your catalog working?
Can I reserve a PC?
Can I have more paper?
Can I get a computer?
Can I get a library card?
Where can I get the new releases?
I ordered 300 a month ago and haven’t received it.
Why is myspace blocked?
Can I make a PC reservation?
The computer won’t let me log in.
Can I reserve a computer?
Can I place a movie on hold?
Reserve a computer.
Reserve a computer.
Reserve a computer.
Where can I make copies?
Can I have paper for computer?
Can I reserve a computer?
Can I reserve a computer?
I’m looking for this book that I had checked out before and I don’t see it anymore. It was in row 8.
Can you print directions for me?
Can I get a computer?
Can I get a computer?
Can I get a computer?
can I get a computer?
Can I get a computer?
Can I get a computer?
Can I get a computer?
Can I get a computer?
Is that computer taken?
Where are your plays?
Can I get a computer?
Can I get a computer?
“”
“”
Where are your books on neurology?
Can I get my ID back?
Can I get a computer?
Can I get a computer?
"Hey kid! Don’t ride your scooter in here."
"Sorry, there can only be one person per computer."(x10)
"Please turn off your cell phone. "(x10)
Can I use the computer if I owe $15?
Can I use the computer if I don’t have my computer card?
I need an article published in the newspaper the date my son was born.
I need to find an article in the LA times that has to do with Patagonia and was printed a couple of months ago.
Can I get a computer?
Can I drop off a book I checked out from Montebello here?
Which computer was it I reserved?
Where is it?

Who's ready for autumn?!


I AM!!! I am so tired of the 100 degree weather. I'm tired of dressing cool to get to work and then putting on a sweater to deal with the AC. I crave scarfs, sweaters, boots and coats, the cool wind blowing in my hair and fresh smell of rain. Autumn, hurry up and get here!!

Monday, August 27, 2007

Austenland


With a book dedication like this I could not resist this book:

"For Collin Firth
You're a really great guy, but I'm married, so I think we should just be friends."


Austenland by Shannon Hale was very entertaining and funny. Like the main character Jane I too love the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice and fell in love with Collin Firth because of it. The writing of this novel was very similar to that of Jane Austen which made it more interesting to read. Though I have not read all of Miss Austen's books, the book is an easy read.
Jane, a graphic design artist is obsessed with finding her Mr. Darcy and in the process has gone through several relations that have scarred her for life. Her great-(rich)aunt leaves her an unusual gift in her last Will and Testament which takes Jane to a surreal Austenland. I know there are many of you Austen lovers out there, so I recommend this book to you. You will not regret it.



My Patrons

I have regular patrons that annoy me so much that I gave them a nickname. The first is Twiddle Dee and Twiddle Dum. They are a married couple that always come in and cause trouble. I have been yelled at by them at least once since I've been working here with their irrational demands and complaints. They complete each other because they cannot comprehend how the world doesn't revolve around them.

The next couple is Heckle & Jeckle. They are a pair of "Emo" friends that always come in with their loud iPods, and snotty attitude. They gather at a computer with other friends and cause a raucous. They have a wanna be mohawk and tight jeans . They are rude and obnoxious when approached about their loudness and continue to ignore the rules of the library.

Then there's Uncle Fester and Igor this is another married couple that come in and think they own the place. After being yelled at by Fester they no longer come and ask questions at the desk when I'm here. I think he is embarassed about how he made an ass of himself.
So those are my patrons. Ahh! The joy of librarianship.


Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Oh Manny, Manny, Manny


The Manny by Holly Peterson was "eh!". It was too unrealistic and boring. The book is about a working mom who in an effort to help her 9 year old son deal with his absent father, who is always working, she hires a male nanny = A Manny. Throughout the book Peterson touches on Jamie's marriage and how it is falling apart. So you pretty much know where this story goes.


I think this is more of a fairytale. If you work hard and raise wonderful children, you can hire a great father figure for your children and fall in love giving you the strength to leave your dead marriage and the man who doesn't respect you. BORING!! The writing was long and drawn out where she didn't get to the point. Especially the parts about Jamie's career changing job. I was just not buying it. So, I don't really recommend this book.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Dreaming in Cuban


Dreaming in Cuban by Christina Garcia was a very good novel about a family and how they coped after the Revolution. Story jumps from the different points of view of the family members through three generations. After Castro takes over Cuba, the del Pino family is split between following El Lider or have Cuba the way it used to be. The eldest daughter leaves with her family to the USA and her father later follows. The remaining members of the family, Abuela Celia, Felicia and her three children experience the hardships of rations and censorship.




I really enjoyed this book because the author did a great job of portraying the passion between the two sides of the Revolution in one family. I really rooted for each character and their individual feelings. One thing that really stood out to me is how miserable the lives of all the female characters were. With no exception, they were all unhappily married, crazy, dealing with cheating husbands, abuse, self loathing, deranged mother's in law, lost loves, abandonment issues and paranoia. It makes me think that the author went out of her way to ensure that the reader knew how much a Cuban woman suffers. But it was fascinating to read about their experiences. I recommend this book to anyone. It's not as filled with "spiritual symbolism" and the like, like Sandra Cisneros or Isabel Allende and I think that is why I liked it.


Patron Stories

I was told I "ROCK" today. Yes, that's right. I ROCK! I think that is the best compliment I have received since I became a librarian. I always post the ridiculousness of my patrons but today I wanted to give me a pat on the back. I had a patron that could not print out a document from his thumb drive. I thought it was because we don't have the program that he used to create it. But he insisted that he created in Word. He was so baffled and confused that he brought out his laptop and I walked him through it. Of course the problem was that he created it in with the new Vista Word program. Yea. If you save it with the Vista program these older computers (i.e. those created before 2007) cannot read the file. How convenient for Microsoft. So I figured out how to save it as a Word 1997-2003 document. He was able to save it to his thumb drive and we were able to print it. TA DA!!! And that is why I ROCK.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Ok, this rant is back to my discussion of "Family Place" libraries. Our library has been set up with the idea that if we bring toys to the library it will encourage young families to come and read while their little ones play. So kids of all ages come play, be loud, run and yell in the library. And we are not allowed to say anything because it's a "Family Place". Our superiors have given us research to help us understand why they do this. They claim that once children go on to Middle and High School they lose interest in the library because they no longer have the same attention lavished on them when they were kids through storytime, summer reading programs and games. Well duh! How about instead of creating more areas of play for kids, we fund more programs for adults and young adults? Of course kids are going to lose interest in something that has lost interest in them once they are adults? It's like having your first 4 years of grammar school be filled with nothing but games, puppies and prizes. Then when you hit middle school, BAM! You are expected to sit still for long periods of time just listening to someone lecture. There would be more school drop outs if that was the case.

I'm just saying, I don't agree with the whole "Family Place" concept of a way to keep children interested in the library once they become adults.

Monday, August 13, 2007

Two books I finished reading just because.



Free Food for Millionaires by Min Jin Lee and Flip Flopped by Jill Smolinski are two books I struggled with in order to finish them. First off, Free Food was too long. There was no point in having all that detail about so many characters. The main character, Casey, is a Korean girl newly graduated from Princeton. She attended with a full scholarship and now has to deal with the real world and due to her poor background she doesn't have the same privileges her rich classmates have. I was fascinated by this story because I always wondered how people adjusted to that kind of life. The idea of coming from a poor family and background and then being sent to an Ivy League school where you know everyone is richer than you is something I always wondered about. I knew of classmates who went on to Ivy League schools and never knew what happened after that, so I've always wondered.




Casey has a difficult time adjusting to being on her own in New York after her father kicks her out for acting superior. She goes through several relationships and deals with her mentor's overbearing need to help her. I got bored through the middle of this book, but I had to finish it. I just couldn't let it go.




Flip Flopped was a fun read. The main character (I can't even remember her name) was funny and made you cheer for her. Th title of this book was right on to described her state of mind. She flip-flopped from one extreme to the other when it came to her life. After having caught her husband cheating on her, she is trying to go through divorce proceedings, but she has second thoughts all through the book. I really hated Kam (I remember his name, darn it!) because I don't care how the island people of Hawaii are, he was just lazy and irresponsible and I refuse to believe that a whole group of people are like that. I mainly finished the book, though I lost interest in it half way through, was because I wanted to make sure she stuck it to him in the end with the divorce. It was very anti-climactic, so I was not too happy with it.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

My List

I just finished reading The Next thing on My List by Jill Smolinski, which is a great book about meeting your goals and facing the challenges of life.



June Parker is determined to complete the items on a dead girl's list before her 25th birthday. Her ambition and motivation helps her have a better life and understand the people around her. I relate to this character because I use lists all my life to help me get things in order, from my education, love life and career goals, I have relied on lists to keep me focused. I think they are the reason for which I have accomplished what I have so far. I really recommend for you to read this book. Though it has some serious undertones the characters are funny and relate-able.


Are libraries selling out?

Yes! In order to compete with the Barnes and Nobles of the world the public library has changed its rules. Specifically to my library we now have a "Family Place" which is an area that has toys, chairs and child development books in a section of the children's area. The idea is that parents with small children can still come to the library and read up on what information they may need. What really sucks about this is that it's not like the kids sit quietly with their toys while their parents read on the side. No. Parents bring their kids just to play. Like it was Chuck e Cheese or something. Kids get together and play with each other, throw toys, yell and fight with each other while their parents sit and talk very loudly, not taking into consideration that in fact they are in a library. I'm sorry, but a library should be quiet. A library is one of the last places remaining that you can sit and quietly relax with your research or book. You can't even relax in the movie theatres anymore, with all the cell phones, babies crying and loud talking. So library administrators, Stop It!! Bad administrators!! How would you like it if I came into your board rooms and said everyone is allowed to bring their kids to your meetings and provide loud battery operated toys? Lets see how productive your meetings will be.

Monday, July 16, 2007

Men's Guide to the Women's Restroom


By Jo Barrett was not what I expected. The story is about a woman who has just gone through a divorce and is trying to get her life back on track by going back home to Austin, Texas. She tries to move on with her friends and new boyfriend who she thinks might be the real thing. Her understanding of the women's bathroom as an inner sactum inspires her to write a book for men, so that they understand why we go to the bathroom in groups. (I don't do that. Only when drunk. tee hee )


I guess I expected something more from the male point of view and why they are so confused as to why we travel in herds to the restroom. The character's personality was fun and at times made me lol. I kinda recommend this book if you want something fun and light to read. It didn't leave me wanting me more.

Thursday, July 05, 2007

Has this ever happened to you?

When people find out that I am a librarian, they treat me differently. Like I'm supposed to know everything. You know like when some insecure guy comes upon a boxer and tries to trick him into a fight to prove that he is just as good as the boxer. Yea. People do that to me. They ask me question and try to stump me. Why? I do not know. What they don't understand is that I don't know everything, I just know where to find everything. I don't claim to be the smartest person in the world and know every fact at the drop of a hat. But if you ask me for some information and I research it for you. Don't question me. "I did the research!" So don't question me. If you weren't going to take my answers at face value then don't ask me to look up stuff you!!!




Heaven. I'm in heaven.
I never understood when people described chocolate as a comfort food. That every time they ate it, it made them happy and relaxed. I don't like chocolate. I'll eat it once in a while but I don't crave it like some other people. I prefer something more salty and crunchy than sweet and gooey. So I was recently pleased with my new discovery. A Diablito. On an excursion I took with my in-laws to try a new place where they have "tortas ahogadas" I came upon this concoction called a Diablito. It mainly consists of crushed ice, like a snow cone. But it's the toppings that make it magic. It's a mixture of tamarindo, chamoy, chile, salt and lemon. This is was the only place I knew that had them. So I had 2 before I left. Today I find out there is place close to where I work that sells them. YEAY!! One of our library pages went out and got me one for lunch. MMmmmmm comfort food. I was in heaven the full 10 min it took me to eat it. It was so comforting that I was able to block out the people around me. Tan!Tan!










Friday, June 29, 2007

I don't want what your'e having...

I know this chick who always talks about stuff like she was the one who discovered it or invented it. When she became a mother she would tell everyone how great it is, the feeling of loving someone so much. Everyone should go out and become a mother so that they can experience this great new feeling. She would even tell people who already had kids and describe this to them. Yes, I think they already knew about her discovery but she still told them like she was the only person in this world to experience it. Also, when she finds a new toy to purchase she is the first person to have discover it. Wow, everyone should get this new blackberry/BMW/a pool/a tattoo. She discovered it. She doesn't just boast or brag, but she tells it like she is so excited about this new development and how everyone else should get it too because she has and their lives are better for it. Like whatever she is up to it's the thing to be doing or else you suck.


I hate that.


You don't see me going around bragging to people and telling them, "Have you ever gotten your Masters? It's great! You should, everyone should experience this at least once in their lives. Your mind expands, you get a better paying job and you are a better person for it." NO! I don't do that. Because I know a Master's isn't for everybody. I know that not everyone wants a Masters. Not everyone has the need to stay in school for two more years and apply that kind of commitment. Their lives are not less than mine because they don't have one. Jeesh people! GET A CLUE!
tan! tan!



COñO PUES!

Waiting For Snow in Havana by Carlos Eire is the most recent book I finished reading. It's a memoir about the authors life in Cuba before the revolution and his subsequent exile from the island. His description of events that happened to him and his experiences as a boy were a great read. The story gives you an in depth knowledge of what life was like for the Cuban people once they left Cuba. I recommend this book if anything just to read about what Cuba was like prior to its ruin by Fidel. His family's experiences are sad and heartwarming at the same time. I loved his use of Cubanism and sayings to add to his storytelling.

Monday, June 25, 2007

Shelfari.com

I just found this great new site called www.shelfari.com/tollula it's like myspace but only for people who read. Browsing through my doctor's magazines I found it mentioned in the Oprah magazine and thought I would take a look. I LOVE IT!! Once you sign on you can add books to your "shelf" with reviews so people know what you are reading and get recommendations from them. Also, it allows for people to create groups based on their interests. So far I belong to groups that allow me to talk about my fave genres of Chic Lit and mystery novels. I don't have any friends yet, cus no one I know loves to read like I do. Maybe I'll make new ones. Well just thought I would let you know about it so you can join and be my friend. :)

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Blackbird Sisters Mysteries

After having read and reviewed the first Nancy Martin book I read, I couldn't stop reading the next couple of them in a row. So I just finished the last one and I am sorry that there aren't anymore. I don't want to give anything away about each book so I will give an overview of the series.

















How to Murder a Millionaire, Dead Girls Don't Wear Diamonds, Cross Your Heart and Hope to Die, Have Your Cake and Kill Him Too and A Crazy Little Thing Called Death by Nancy Martin are some of the greatest books I've read in a long time. The character development through each book is incredible. The main characters of Nora, Libby and Emma have such great depth that you can't help but know what they are feeling and going through. Nora's relationship with Michael Abruzzo tugs at your heart strings.


The stories of each book are similar in that they take place around a murder and the Blackbird sisters trying to solve the mystery. But each has an individual characteristic about each plot and just when you think you have figured out Nancy's formula for determining who the killer is, she changes it on you. By far my most favorite thing about her books is the relationship between Nora and Mick. Their emotions are so well described that you can't help but feel their pain and passion. I have found myself laughing out loud as well as crying. I am totally gushing over these books but I think everyone should read them.















Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Summer Time Reading

Summer

I am so overwhelmed with summer reading. Which is odd because my reading patterns should not change based on a season now that I am no longer in school. There are a lot of new books coming to the library that I find interesting so I have three on my desk waiting for my attention and four that I am reading now. It takes me longer to finish reading a book when I do this because I don't devote my time to just one. By next week I should have finished the Blackbird Sisters Mysteries by Nancy Martin. I am so hooked on this series that I had to go to a competing library system to get the next one in order because our system was taking so long. Though I am hesitant about finishing it because these are the last two books left in the series and I don't know if the author will write more. I hope she does.



I have initiated a book club at home and we will be meeting next Friday. Our club is reading Waiting for Snow in Havana by Carlos Eire. Hopefully it will be a success and I will keep you posted on how the discussion went. Let me know if you'd care to join.



It's nice how the library slows down during the summer. There aren't so many people here after school or in the evenings trying to finish last minute projects. But the down side is that the kids that have nowhere else to go during the day hang out in our air conditioned building therefore causing general mayhem.



Library Pet Peeve #4 Patrons describing the physical appearance of a book rather than the content.

No, I don't know where the book that you saw last week, is about yeay high and has a green cover is located. I have seriously had patrons ask me that question. When I ask them what it was about they say, "I don't remember. But it was good and sounded interesting, but I don't remember what it was about." Or they give me a title they had seen before and they swear that is what it was called. When I do a search for a similar title or find the correct one, they argue with me about it and say that isn't it. Or when I tell them I can't find that particular title they look at me like I'M the moron because saw it here last week!

Monday, June 11, 2007

Isn't there a war on?!

RANT

Ok, if anybody else talks to me about PH and her jail time I am going to scream. I was in the break room and the topic of conversation by all the pages/aides was about this celebutante like they knew her. The topic of conversation on Kevin & Bean on KROQ has been non-stop PH news!! The pages/aides continue on to discuss more pressing topics such as the relationship between Beyonce and Jay Z and how confused they were about it because they had heard Jay Z was with Ciara. ARGH!! Will these kids look outside their MTV and People? There is a war going on, an AIDS epidemic and global warming! Stop worrying about pop stars and the people they sleep with!!

SUV's
I was recently in a fender bender and had to take my car in for repairs. (Stupid chick backed into me! But I'm not bitter.) So I am driving an SUV as my rental car and I love it! It's amazing how people get out of your way on the freeway and actually back off from tailgating you when you tap on the breaks. But the most amazing thing about it is that I figured out that all drive thru windows are made for SUV's! For a long time I have struggled to reach the windows of Starbucks in my Mazda and it is a really headache stretching out to the server and making sure I don't drop the money in the crevice that is the curb and my car. But now that I have an SUV it's so easy! These windows are made for the height of such a vehicle. Which makes me upset. With the increase of SUV's now everything is catered them. Stupid fast food establishments only want to make a drive thru accessible to large, gas guzzling vehicles. Just thought I would point this out so you know next time you are struggling with your mocha frap and the server and wondering why this is so difficult!



Patron Stories
It always amazes me how people are suspicious of anybody who offers them service for free. After printing a patron some resources online he argued with me that I didn't need to print out all the information cus he doesn't want to pay for all the pages. I had to tell him that it was free. So any information he requires we will give it to him. He was shocked. Some people think of us as an exclusive club that you have to pay to access material. They ask us how much it costs to be a member and are happily surprised to find out that all of resources are free. Maybe we should charge people and they won't take us for granted. Yea right! Like that would ever happen.

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

WHY?!!

Ok, seriously.
Why me? Why is it that every time some guy wants to take out his anger and frustration it's on me? I, who am perfectly cordial and professional to all my patrons, always deals with people who accuse me of being rude to them? Today a patron came to me and asked me about his computer. He had reserved comp #18 at 7pm. It was 6:59 by my clock. So I told him they will be kicked off as soon as it's 7pm. "But why are they still on? It's 7pm", he asked. I said, "the time on his computer might be a little off. Give him a couple of minutes and if he doesn't get off and I'll ask him to. But let me check your reservation, do you have you library card?" So he gave it to me and I looked it up and his account showed that he has a reservation @ 7:30pm on computer #5. I told him so. And he said no he doesn't. He made it for 7pm. And I'm showing him the screen. Then he says, "You know what. You are obviously too busy to help me so I'll go talk to someone else you can help someone else!" I stared at him and said, "sir it's the same system." "no. I'm done with you. You are so rude and lazy and don't want to help me. All you do is sit there." AAAAAAAAAAAAGHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so I helped someone else. The librarian next to me started helping him and was about to walk over to computer #18 to kick that person off. I stopped her and said, "I checked his account. He doesn't have an appointment until 7:30pm." He yells at me, "I'm done with you." He tells my colleague, "this person has been so rude and she doesn't want to help me." I then got up (my shift was over) and I couldn't help myself and said, "You have a nice day sir." and walked away. ARGH!

Why? Why doesn't my colleague Nebraska* who literally is rude to patrons get this? She blatantly does not look people in the eye, points to directions they should head to, does not answer their questions but rings a bell to have the page help them and ignores people who need help. WHY doesn't she get yelled at?! She goes out of her way to be rude to people and no one yells at her! I am getting really tired of this sh**!!

*Not my colleague's real name.

Friday, June 01, 2007

New York Stories are Over

Wolves in Chic Clothing by Carrie Karasyov and Jill Kargman is my last New York based book. I swear!! I've grown tired of them. For now. They all pretty much have to do with the same things such as shopping for high fashion, eating at the best restaurants and being part of a committee to the right fundraising events. Boring! I pushed myself to finishing this book just to complete my NY series of reviews. :O)




The plot revolves around Julia who is new in town and is trying to make it in jewelry design. She works at a famous fictional jeweler called Pehlmans and is "discovered" by the owner's daughter and made her assistant. Unbeknowest to her, Lel Pehlman has ulterior motives for hiring her. This book reminds of the old George Cukor film called The Women (1939) starring Norma Shearer, Rosalind Russell and Joan Crawford only because it's so catty. The character of Polly is parallel to that of Russell's in the movie and is why it reminded me of this story and how they manipulate this newcomer for their own enjoyment. I don't really recommend the book, but I recommend The Women.










Basic Elements of a Library
There are three basic elements that I have found are in a public library.
1. The homeless person: who comes to the library everyday and stays all day. Everyone tries to stay downwind from this person. They don't draw attention to themselves and are at the library mainly to keep warm/cool.
2. Daily phone call: from a crazy patron. Yes, they are crazy. They call for the same things everyday and keep you on the phone for extended periods of time. One can determine when they are on the phone by the roll of eyes of the librarian or assistant as they realize they have been the chosen one to pick up the phone that day.
3. Patron that knows all the tricks. This patron religiously comes to the library and knows all the tricks to the computers. How to do it to where they can get extra time. They lurk and wait for people not show up for their appointments and pounce on the computers while there have people who have not used it all day. They know to use the children's when there is no one around to tell them otherwise.
Keep your eyes open, this is happening in your community. :0)