Something To Talk About: Presents

If you think that it's crass that I am writing about some things I got for Christmas, I apologize. This post is my way of thanking some people for a couple of really special gifts I received this Christmas.

First, let me open the post with this video of Cosby and my BOOK for iPad case:

My Top Five Books of 2010: Best Book of 2010

Well, it's Christmas Eve, and I hope you all have those that you love with you already, or coming soon. I love this time of year - it has been hectic, but wonderful! For a very small Christmas Eve present for you, I want to share with you what I thought was the best book I read in 2010:

My Top Five Books of 2010: Book 2

Reader,

I hope you know the drill by now - I am listing my top five books that I read in 2010. It's pretty fun, and I hope you all are enjoying it. Ok, enough of me yammering, let's get on to book number two, shall we?

My Top Five Books of 2010: Book 3

Continuing in the theme of this week, I would like to share with you what I thought was the third best book of 2010... (drumroll)

My Top Five Books of 2010: Book 4

As promised here we are again with the top books of 2010 series. Today's book comes in as no. 4 on the list, and here it is:

My Top Five Books of 2010: Book 5

On Saturday, I said I would share with you my top five books of 2010, starting with book 5, and ending with what was the best book I read in 2010. Well, without further ado, here it is:

What I read in 2010

It's the week of Christmas, and so as my gift to you, I would like to share with you the list of the 51 books I read this year. First, here's a photo of all the books I read, in chronological order from top to bottom:

Thoughts on the Codex

I was looking at my clippings in Evernote last night, and read an article about the bookstores in San Francisco. Early in our relationship, Jen and I went to San Francisco for a furiously quick and intense trip - and ever since, I have longed to return there. While reading the article, this quote caught my eye and gave me pause:

Phases, or, Thoughts on Syracuse

December the 15th marks the conclusion of my studies for my MSLIS at Syracuse. I suppose that means that it's time for me to think about my experiences there, and perhaps share a few of those experiences with you. A year and a half ago, I applied to several schools for my library degree (I call it that as I think they all give them different acronyms). In no particular order, I applied to the University of North Texas, Rutgers University, University of Washington, and Syracuse University. I was accepted at North Texas, Rutgers (on a wait list), and Syracuse. Of all these universities, Syracuse was simply stellar in talking to me and getting me up to speed. That (as well as their reputation) had a great deal to do with my choice to pursue my MSLIS there.

Job Search Update

Readers,

As you might know I have been searching for a professional position as a librarian over the past month. After approximately 50 applications and several interviews (with a few different places), I am excited to share with you that I have accepted a position at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art as the Cataloger & Technical Services Librarian. Jen and I are both thrilled about the job, about the institution, and to explore an all new area. I just want to tell you that you'll see lots of updates about the move and our experiences moving and discovering a new place.

So, what does the position entail? Well, here is the official description:

The Cataloger/Technical Services Librarian’s primary responsibilities are cataloging, managing the library automation & e-resources technology, and receiving & processing materials for Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Library. The Catalog/Technical Services Librarian will also support the museum’s general operation by participating on teams and projects, and serve as a reference librarian as needed.

So, I get to catalog and do reference - two of the things I love to do as a librarian! I will also have a hand in the creation, cataloging, and implementation of a new library collection, which is really thrilling. Any other questions? I'd love to hear from you in the comments!!

(Here's an image of the museum under construction as of February 28th of 2010. Click the museum's name above for recent photos!)

In Defense of the Museum

Last week in one of my classes, a discussion arose about whether or not digital libraries are "the great equalizer" in the "battle" between museums and libraries. As you can imagine, I had some things to share on this point, and so I want to share with you the original post, followed by my response.

Is, or About?

A series of conversations in different contexts have me thinking about the age-old question for catalogers - do you describe the "about" of an item or the "is?" Let me back up before I continue...

Time (The Revelator)

One of the projects Jen and I are working on this week is wrapping up work on our yearly compilation CD. This is a CD we create every Christmas - included on which are songs which had some significance to us, or songs we really liked that were introduced in the course of the year. It's a lot of fun to make.

One of the songs on this years' mix is one of my favorite songs, Revelator, by Gillian Welch and David Rawlings. It's a beautiful song with an almost equally beautiful video: