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.

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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!

Library Elf's Book Review: Jews & Blacks

Jews & Blacks: A Dialogue on Race, Religion, and Culture in America, by Michael Lerner and Cornel West chronicle the similarities of and differences in the struggles that both Jews and African-Americans have faced here in the United States.

Chapter by chapter, these two academic leaders in their perspective societies take on specific issues that have been of concern in both societies and give their unique and collective perspective of the societal concern. In addition to introductions of the two intellectuals, some of the issues covered in this book include (but not limited to) Black and Jewish Nationalism, Jewish Racism/Black Anti-Semitism, and economic conflicts hindering/helping the two societies.

As an African-American, I have always known the struggles of the Jewish in the United States have paralleled those of Blacks, but this book gives me a greater perspective of the similarities and differences in the two society’s struggle for equality and inclusion.This is not light reading and I would not take it if I was going on vacation, but you are giving a speech on either two societies, I would definitely use this as a reference.

Library Elf's Rating: 3.75 points of the 5 (5 being the best)

Library Elf's Bookshelf

I went out to dinner last night and, throughout the entire evening, I ran into several people who I had not seen in years. In one case, it had been over a decade since I had laid eyes on them.

Departing from the normal questions asked to me like "How have you been?" and "Where do you live now?”, one question, "What are you reading?" was asked by everyone. No, those who I ran into were not librarians or worked in a library, but they all remembered that I love to read and always spoke of the books in which I was reading.

So I thought I would start letting you guys know what books I am currently reading and then give a brief synopsis after I am finished, along with my recommendations. You can find my current read off to the right.

EndNote Training Day

This morning a representative from EndNote gave a training presentation to out library. Tough I work in special library where there are only 3 staff members, we support a whole host of researchers who also use EndNote, so the session was packed (packed meaning about 50 people).

It always surprises me that the worst public speakers are charged with the duty of training.

Anyway...

I was able to learn a bit...and took some great notes...