This and That

...and I'm back!

So...what I've been up to lately:

I got an 'A' in my reference class last semester. I was sweating it out a bit, because the professor still hadn't graded a lot of our assignments toward the end. I got about four grades back in a period of two days. That threw me, but I still enjoyed the class and her style of teaching.

I was supposed to have a summer class start a few weeks ago, in library management. I wound up dropping it, because not only was it an upper level graduate course, but the work load was too demanding as a four week class. The class is offered in the regular semester, so I will take it next year. 

I just started my Cataloging class yesterday, which is another 4 week class. And the workload is...even crazier than the library management class. No, really. The reading for this week alone almost made me cry. But seeing how I worked in a cataloging department once upon a time, I'm hoping a lot of it will come back to me. RDA? MARC records? Pfft...child's play. ;)

I am getting into the groove at my new job. I'm working as a reference librarian in my town library, and I LOVE it. I'm never bored, and I adore my co-workers. I've never felt more welcomed at any job. Ever. Everyone gets along, we have fun, and I love spending time with them. I'm learning a lot, and I couldn't be happier. I've learned how to use our 3d printer, I've gotten to know our regular patrons, and I plan on sticking around for awhile at this library.

I attended Book Expo America last month. For those who don't know, Book Expo is a huge trade show for educators, librarians, and publishers. There are many authors who attend and do signings, and the best part? FREE BOOKS.  That's right.

The publishers supply galley copies, which are copies that haven't been finalized, or proofed yet. I don't care-they are free!!! I got a lot of good ones this year, and I learned my lesson from last year-I brought an empty suitcase so I could dump my books in them from time to time and not have to carry twenty tote bags all day. I was lucky enough to meet Stuart Gibbs, one of my favorite juvenile authors. He is the author of the Spy Camp series, as well as Space Case and the Fun Jungle series. I also met Oliver Jeffers, author of The Day the Crayons Quit, and E. Lockhart, and many others. And they signed my books! It was just heaven. Next year it's in Chicago, so I'm not sure if I will make it.

I'm all set for the fall semester. I'm taking two classes. One is Materials for Youth, where I get to read picture books (whee!) and the other is Acquisitions and Management of Knowledge and Information. Yeah...probably not as much fun as reading Caldecott winners, but it needs to get done.

I'm going to try and keep this blog going, for the five people who might actually read it. I find it's good for me to write about school and work...and hopefully more people will catch on to it and like reading it too.  Until the next post...