Jail time for overdue fines...Who would have thought?

I came across a VERY interesting, yet shocking, piece of library news.

A woman in Beloit, Wisconsin was arrested for failing to return her library books. Good lord, very Draconian if I do say so myself.

If this law was in place at my library, half the students on campus would be facing extended jail sentences!

Click here to read the rest of the article.

Publish or Perish?

My friend Meagan just published her first article and I'm writing a post to celebrate!

Meagan, along with my other colleagues Kristin, Vivian and Fred, conducted research to assess the research skills needed by graduate students at the University of Western Ontario. They used their findings to improve the Graduate Student Workshops offered at the Taylor Library.

Check out their article here in the new issue of Science and Technology Librarianship (Open Access!):

Library Research Skills: A Needs Assessment for Graduate Student Workshops

Congrats!

Water for Elephants - Sara Gruen

This book made me want to run away with the circus. Set in the US of the Great Depression, the story follows the wonderful, and not so wonderful characters that make up the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth as they travel by train entertaining many along the way.

The story is narrated by Jacob Jankowski, both as he takes part in events surrounding the circus, as well as reminiscing as a ninety-something year old man. The good guys are easy to love and the bad guys are easy to hate. It is perfectly impossible not to fall in love with Rosie. I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for elephants and Rosie doesn’t disappoint.

This story has a little for everyone. A love story, circus freaks, lions, tigers and bears (oh my!), and even a little bit of adventure and intrigue. I personally loved the scenes in which Jacob must carefully traverse the roof of the train, jumping between cars, all the way to his destination – any more information will spoil the story!

Water for Elephants is a perfect summer read with an excellent story and an ending that leaves you feeling great.

Oh, how I long for an elephant of my own!

Officially the Library Lady.

I've never thought of myself as the typical librarian. I'm new to the profession, just starting to get my feet wet and I obviously consider myself young at 27. Even during library school I was told by a fellow classmate that I was, "too cool for library school." I took great offense to this. I really really wanted to be a librarian and couldn't believe that because I liked social events and chose my outfits very carefully, I was considered a an unlikely choice for a librarian.

But, this weekend, I had a defining moment when I realized that no matter the nose piercing and large visible tattoos, I am still viewed by my students as a stereotypical librarian.

I LOVE to dance so Friday night me and the girls (two of us are librarians) danced the night away at the new club in town. When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a student pointing right at me saying, "oohhh look, it's the library lady." Well, as these words left her mouth I was instantly transformed. Gone was the pretty dress and high heels. Banished was the carefully applied makeup and straightened hair. In their place instantly appeared the bun, the granny chain, the tweed suit with elbow patches and a big loud SHHH!

I am redeemed. I am the Library Lady.

Mister B. Gone - Clive Barker

Definitely not my favourite Clive Barker. I had previously only read his works of fantasy, and loved them. So, I thought I would try his newest horror creation.

I was intrigued at first. As the narrator draws you in, speaking directed to you, he demands that you burn the book before reading further. Well, this made me want to read immediately on; what could be so bad, I thought?

Reading on, it became harder and harder for me to turn each page without wincing in disgust. I finally realized that I cannot relate to a protagonist - or, antagonist in my view - who takes great pleasure in causing people pain. Of course, all of this is described simply but in the most gruesome fashion.

It was obvious to me that my weak stomach could not read on. I think I will stick to his fantasy selections!

This is a work of great genius, and I don't say this lightly. It definitely left a lasting impression. Other reviews describe this book as very depressing; and, while it definitely isn't a feel good read, I feel that at the end, there is a little light at the end of the tunnel. The relationship between father and son moved me greatly and I'm having a very hard time articulating my feelings about this book.

McCarthy tells his tale using a very simply writing style, but incredibly beautiful language. That the author can create such a stunning mood without embellishment or fancy devices, is one of the main reasons this book had such an impact.

I think that each person who reads The Road will take with them something a little different.

This is definitely a MUST read.

This is so cool! Finally a documentary about librarians.

Check out screening times and other tidbits about the film here:

The Hollywood Librarian

Yippee!