The race is on!

Well, its not really a race.

I have decided to throw my hat in and become a full fledged librarian.

I have done some research on MLS programs, and being stuck in the Midwest, there are only 3 programs close to me, and each one is exactly 100 miles ways.

UGH!!!

Luckily one MLS program has a satellite program at a university just a few miles away. Albeit, i will not be able to take ALL off my course at the closer school and several times a semester I will have to make that dutiful 100 mile trip for a presentation of a seminar, but I guess it is better than nothing.

I will keep you posted and wish me luck!

Google goes Medical?

During this year's Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society Annual Conference in Orlando there was a presentation by the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Google.

During this presentation, an initiative sponsored by Google was presented intending to provide access to personal health records. It seems to include content from information providers such as Epocrates and ADAM.

If you can watch the whole thing, and let me know what you think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTZKNcx9sBA

Library Organizations: Are They Worth It?

For years I have worked in a library, most of it in a public library but recent years have seen me dip my cap at academic and special librarianship.

All the while, I have never had the interest in becoming a part of the major library associations. They only time I was vaguely interested in these huge conglomerates were when National convention rolled around and they were being held in a city in which I would like to visit like the case with the ALA a few years back when they had their convention in The Big Easy.

My interest has sparked again this year with the Medical Library Association (MLA) holding a convention in Chicago during May 2008.

I would love to participate, but would like to do so for the right reasons and not for a free trip to Chi-Town.

Since, I am now working in a special/medical library; the MLA may be an association which I would like to become a member of. I will be doing some more research on this organization and let you know what I decide.

Any advice would be helpful as well.

Library Work Can Make You Sick

Literally...

I have been under the weather for the past few days.

I am in the process of resting up and will be back on track next week.

Just too funny

I have started searching YouTube clips just to see what all is out there. It was inevitable that I come across clips which invloved the library.

I am not sure if this one is real or not, but it is funny to watch...enjoy!

Library Presentation: Recap

Much to my surprise, the presentation went off without a hitch.

There were less than 10 people who showed up, but many more asked about how the presentation went and wanted me to forward on information about what was covered, so I thought post it here as well:

I. James Bradley

-Enslaved in Africa and transported to the United States. Here, he is “purchased” and shipped to Pendleton County, KY.

-Manages to earn enough money to purchase his own freedom and crosses the Ohio River at Covington, KY. Goes on to attend Lane Theological Seminary.

-Statue in Covington symbolizes his struggles in life and his instrumental role in the Abolition movement.

II. Margaret Garner

-Escaped slave who took the life of her daughter rather than see her returned to a life of slavery.

-Story depicted in Beloved, a Nobel Prize winning novel written by Toni Morrison, adapted into a film (Beloved-1998) and into an opera (Margaret Garner).

III. Beloved (a summary)

Sethe, daughter Denver and Paul D. are living free at the home of Baby Suggs, 18 years after escaping from slavery. House becomes “haunted” after Baby Suggs’ death. Sethe, Denver and Paul D. take in a young woman, who becomes attached to Sethe.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have been asked to give a presentation on genealogy researching techniques and Native Americans, so I will keep you posted.

Library Presentation: Margaret Garner and James Bradley

Well, the day is finally here.

In staying with the theme of it being African American History Month, I will give a presentation about two African Americans who were instrumental in the Abolition movement in their respective times.

Most of you may not have heard of James Bradley, but can read more about him here.

Margaret Garner, on the other hand, so be a bit more recognizable. Her story spawned a Nobel Prize winning novel, a film starring Oprah Winfrey and a commissioned opera.

I will let you know how it goes.....wish me luck!