When Sarah and Hilary Go to New Orleans Without Us

I begged pleaded threw a temper tantrum à la Pigeon asked nicely for Sarah and Melissa to let me attend ALA in New Orleans this year. But much to my disappointment, it was a no. **dramatic sigh** I mean after all, I actually understand Creole and could have played translator! **humph** AND I could have met MO WILLEMS!!!!!!!!!!!! (<----main reason for wanting to go to ALA)

Though much to my surprise, today I learned I was not the only disappointed one left behind. After getting back from my storytime on Junior sans Junior and sans Driver Jim which caused much disappointment among the young children who couldn't believe I would DARE come AGAIN without MR. JIM!!!!!, I discovered both Mortimer and Sally were also disappointed. Mortimer decided to help Jim and I sticker books in Sarah's office... but he soon got bored and decided to help Sarah get caught up with her work while she was gone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortimer answered Sarah's emails...

,

 ... tried getting Mo's agent on the line for a personal appearance...,

 ... got Sarah caught up on a little paper work...,

... tried his hand at redecorating...,

... and got a bit of lunch. (He did a lot of work for one little puppet!)

 Meanwhile, Sally was missing Hil just a little. She even accidently pulled out a little hair, but we're not going to mention that!

 A few tour requests came in.

 Junior got back from the garage, so she helped out with storytime. Unfortunately, she got a few too many ideas from the book she read....

 Uh, oh!

 Thank goodness she's too short to see over the steering wheel!

 

The Insulting Librarian

We've all had those patrons at whom we've wanted to scream "WTH?!?!?!" Come on. You can admit it. I won't tell anyone. PROMISE.


Some of us even have little homemade voodoo dolls... and an extra stash of stick pins at our desks.... Not that we've ever used them or anything... but.... Well... ok... may once... or twice....


Anyway, we've all met the patrons who have had enough, but what do you think happens when it's the librarian who has no constructive release of bad energy? like my voodoo doll....

Mo Willems Adores Me

I know. I know. Who doesn't? Right? Well this is an EXTRA special case. Now almost everyone I know knows just how much I adore Mo.

• I call story time dibs each time a new Pigeon book is published.
  
• I have perfected the Pigeon temper tantrum.
  
• I joined AWLMO… a fan club for Adults Who Love MO.
  
• I made my own Pigeon tshirt.
  
• I even got Aiden his 1^st Pigeon book BEFORE he was born.
  
• Even Esmé has a Pigeon book or two. (Dogs like Pigeons, too.)
  

 

Need I go on? Or do you get just how much I adore Mo? Anyway… back on topic… MO WILLEMS ADORES ME!!!

 

This year, Mo and his BFF Jon Scieszka MCed the Sixth Annual Book Cart Drill Team World Championships at ALA 2010 in DC. I begged…. I pleaded…. I even tried bribing my boss to let me attend, but alas she refused. **humph** I even tried throwing my very bestest Pigeon fit, but Sarah was NOT amused. **grumble, grumble, grumble**

 

What to do? What to do…? Start a Facebook campaign. Aside from being Esmé's godmother, Cindy D., is also the director of a college library… and at the conference. Hmmm….

(Exact quotes from FB)

CHRISS: Are you going to meet Pigeon's most wonderful creator tomorrow??? **sigh** He and Scieszka will be at the Book Cart Drill Team competition. **double sigh**

CINDY: Probably not. They were both in the hall today but the lines were crazy long!

CHRISS: **sigh** I need the Pigeon's autograph. **goes off to bribe Angela to get it** BTW, Esme sends puppy kisses.

**went off to harass Angela**

CHRISS: (Angela) I need Pigeon's autograph. He's in DC Sunday.... Pretty please?!?!? I'll never ask for anything ever again. Pinky Swear!!!... FINE! **throws self down** WAHHHHHH!!!!

BRANDY: I saw Jon at his book signing at the S&S booth. I wish I could have gotten a pic without looking like a creep-o.

CHRISS: Rub it in Brandy, rub it in. **grin** Now, if you see his BFF Mo, I expect you to look like a creep to get me that pic.... I'm on a mission.

ANGELA: Wish I could...would be the best gift ever !!!!

CHRISS: LOL, first Brandy not taking creepy pics of Jon, and now you, too! **sigh** =0)

 Then a few hours later….

BRANDY: Chriss, ask and ye shall receive. Check out my photo album called "Caldecott Magicness."

Now, I'm sure all of you are wondering exactly how Brandy made me squeal with joy and do a little jig….

Shortly after Brandy's first message, she left for the Caldecott/Newberry awards banquet... and seated at her table… Mo's agent Shelly. (Anyone think Karma must like me???)

As Brandy didn't record the whole conversation, I must paraphrase… and try to fill in the gaps.

BRANDY: Like, OMG. I was just torturing Chriss about Mo just a few hours ago!

MO'S AGENT: Chriss?

BRANDY: Chriss ADORES Mo. She won't let anyone else do Pigeon for story times. She designs her own Pigeon tees. She….

MO'S AGENT: (interrupting) WAIT! You mean the SAME Chriss who founded AWLMO?

BRANDY: Yes! She's even researched grants to get the Pigeon Party theatre performance to come to town.

MO'S AGENT: Like… OH… MY… GOD!!! Mo's gonna FLIP. He ADORES Chriss! Where is she??? They've got to meet!

BRANDY: **deep sigh** Alas, Sarah, Chriss's boss, refused to allow her to come to ALA 2010. **brightens** BUT it'll be so much fun to torture her with this story. **claps cheerfully**

**Enter Mo.**

MO'S AGENT: MO! Brandy works with THE CHRISS!!!

MO: Like OMG! The same Chriss who founded AWLMO?!?! Where is she? I ADORE her. We must meet.

MO'S AGENT: **grumbles about "someone named Sarah"**

MO: **steals Brandy's camera and shoves it at passing Jon Scieszka** JON! Brandy knows CHRISS!!! Take a picture of me for her so she will know how much I adore her.

BRANDY: **sigh** That Chriss has all the luck.

And that my friends is how I got a photo of Mo Willems taken just for me.

Other fun Chriss/Mo links...

• "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus" Library Program
• Dolly tries to steal the bookmobile after reading Pigeon book
• Mo Willems in the New Year
• "I Love My Librarian" Award (OK, it's not really Mo related, but I'm sure he will be nominating me. **grin**)
• Mo gives Esme ideas
• My Pigeon tee

 

Will This Coming Staff Day Be Just as Fun???

Now at DBRL, we do have a pretty cool library director (except for the fact that for some reason she will not allow for me to wear a feather boa every day  **pouts**).  But I did not know exactly how cool Melissa was until I ran across some old video footage of a past Staff Day. 

As many of you know, Staff Day is just around the corner.  One can only hope this one will be just as memorable.

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Facebook : Not My Favorite

Facebook is only good for one thing... trying to beat Heather's husband Ira (who does not wear a red clown nose and did not used to work at CPL) at Hatchlings.  I have tried many atimes at trouncing him.  Unfortunately, he has a faster Internet connection... and more ways to plot my Hatchlings demise.  BUT one of these days, that boy is going down.  Mwah ha ha!

As for libraries on social media sites.... It totally depends on how they use the space....

Good Ways For Libraries to Use Facebook

• Create a fan page for their favorite story time lady.  **cough cough**
• Getting more people to nominate me for the I Love My Librarian Award.  I KNOW that all of you have already nominated me, but others may not know how to do this... and we don't want them to feel bad just because they did not know.... 
• Inviting people to bring their favorite library workers bribes... um... tributes... like cookies.

Unfortunately, with as many good ways to use social media, there are many bad ways.  I've seen a Shelfari account by a teen services library tell readers tell teens who read chick lit that such books are stupid and worthless....  Aren't we supposed to be non-judgmental???

IMHO there are much better social media outlets than
Facebook... like Twitter.  Twitter is always good to let the fans know about special programs and such... (like my awesome tea party).  One of our favorite story time dads even uses it to post pics and videos of us rocking it out.  (Doesn't Liz look cute at our Valentine's Day Tea Party???)

Truth be told though, I really wish the library would disable Facebook, Myspace, and such sites out at the desks.  More times than I can count, I've seen status updates from Periodicals or Tel Ref or seen coworkers ignore patrons just so as that they could read up on friends' latest dramas.




 

Bibliocommons : Social Media for Libraries

I'm all about social media.  How else would the world over know about my facinating lifestyle here in the children's library??? 

• Without my blog, how would my friend Diane in NY know about my crazy (and rythmicly challenged) co-workers???  
• Twitter reassures me that the roads are safe & Pigeon has not found a way to steal a bus (yet). 
• Without social media, it would never have made it all over the library yesterday that I had somehow stabbed myself through my leg and was knocking at Death's Door.  (Rumor mills are funny.  Throw in social media, and it can be worse than those old telephone party lines.)  I'm fine BTW.

I digress.  Point being, social media has played a major function in the lives of nearly everyone in the US. 

I have been a long time fan of LibraryThing and have expiremented with similar programs on Facebook.  The new Bibliocommons tends to be a cross between several of them.  Always good when libraries step into the main stream.  =0)

So.... my FAVORITE things about the new catalog....

• You can hit the back button without messing up your searches.  Really.  The best thing EVER!!!
• Making lists. Anyone who knows me can attest to my love of lists.  If you find something DBRL doesn't own & another one does, you can add it as well as websites.  Now if they will only let me add photos....
• Being able to keep track of my collection. 
• Adding notes, comments,....  I get to be a critic.  Twilight got 1/2 out of 5 stars.  Mwah ha ha.

Things I wish it had, but doesn't....

• Avatars.  Esme is my avatar for almost everything, and this would be another great way for people all over Mid-MO (and the world) to learn just how cute she is.
• Profiles.  Ok, I admit, I like to read people's profiles.  Even if it is only a line or two.  It lets you know what the person is all about, what the like to read, etc. Me for instance.  My Blogger profile reads: I'm silly, and I like to randomly break out into song and dance. That's all you need to know. **grin**  I'm sure most of you will agree that just about sums me up.

PS... Don't forget to do the Scavenger Hunt.  A drawing will be held for all those who participate, and a few lucky winners will get restaurant gift certificates.  Who doesn't love food?

My Dearest of Blog Readers

You may remember a recent blog post where a certain Brandy proclaimed my excellence and named me, **tear** yes, ME dear readers, a ROCK STAR! Of course, I humbly acknowledge this as fact.

A few days ago, Brandy again reached out and asked that I use my Super Rock Star status for the good of librarians everywhere. She pleaded that I find at least 3 library related sites that can help them, too, try and achieve my level of greatness. I spent HOURS searching the web over for the best of the best to help my para and pro colleagues in their hour of need.  For easiest of access, please remember to add each of these sites to your RSS Reader.  From them, you shall gain more leanring than all of your years combined of library science classes. 

If colleagues proclaim shock upon you cracking more than one joke per week, proceed to check out Dewey's pearls of wisdom IMMEDIATELY.  This teen services librarian shows the lighter side of the library world.

Are you stuck in a fashion rut?  Is your closet filled with old cardigans and tasselled loafers?  Do people know that you're a librarian without even asking?  If so, check out The Lipstick Librarian.  This library fashionista is sure to change yoru wardrobe right around!  In case of Library Fashion Emergency, please read the TIPS section for a quick fashion fix.


My dearest of blog readers, you all know it is my heart's desire to star in a  silly library commercial.  Maybe... just maybe... one day, @ Your Library will spotlight me in their blog. Each Friday, they show off a few library videos from around the world.  They also do other things, but I know this is what YOU would find most important of all.


Want to have an action figure in your very own image???  Follow the Great Nancy Pearl, and MAYBE she will give you tips and hints on how she did it.  Her action figure and the Super Chriss Super Hero figure will soon be doing their own silly library commercial.  Stay tuned for details.

Now my dearest of readers, I know that there are MANY more librarian blogs and sites of note out in the world.  As I was doing my HOURS of research JUST FOR YOU(!!!), I kept careful note of each one and compiled an exhausted list of all of them that had been updated at least once within the last 9 months.  I will update it as I find more.  Enjoy...  Librarian Blogs.

How Do You Say "Library" in Chinese?

Many jobs within the last few decades have been moving to China due to cheaper labor, globalization, etc. Add the fact that the role of the traditional librarian is changing as well. Not only have we moved to helping patrons over the phone, but most libraries offer virtual reference desks. Is it too far of a stretch that the virtual reference librarian will also soon be outsourced, too?

Just to be safe, check out these videos on how to say (and write) useful library words in Chinese....


How to Write "Library" in Chinese Symbols -- powered by eHow.com


How to Write "Librarian" in Chinese Symbols -- powered by eHow.com


How to Write "Check Out Books" in Chinese Symbols -- powered by eHow.com


How to Write "Interlibrary Loan" in Chinese Symbols -- powered by eHow.com

Not had enough? Learn more useful Chinese library phrases here!

Library Dance Party

I think everyone has gotten that the main purpose of my blog (aside from homework of course) is to get Melissa to let me star in a silly library commercial. (Hello! Who wouldn't want to be a rock star library super star?!?!?!?) I've worked very hard to find the best super rock star silly library commercials that could easily star ME and in the process become addicted to YouTube. So for my "homework," I decided to check out their competition. I'm sure that no one's shocked that YouTube got 1st place. (Duh!) 2nd place went to BBC iPlayer and 3rd to MetaCafe.

I was HIGHLY disappointed in MetaCafe. They are riddled with ad landmines and every other video started with a 15-30 sec commercial. If I wanted that, I would watch more tv. Plus, their quality is far inferior to my beloved YouTube. Most of the videos appear severely depixilated when comparing them to one's posted elsewhere. Don't believe me? Check out Library Dance Party by Supermac18 on both channels. Both were submitted by the original artist, so in theory, they should be of the same quality. Guess again....




Library Dance Party - Amazing videos are here

As far as the BBC iPlayer goes, they disallow their tv show videos to be played outside of the UK. **sigh** I was excited to be able to watch some of my favorite silly BBC shows in their native language, but it wasn't to be. (Anyone who thinks Americans and Brits speak the same language has never been spent real time with real Londoners. Every time I talked to a non-tourist worker, I had to ask them to repeat themselves at least 3 times. "Take away" still cracks me up. **grin**)

Other video database sites:
eHow videos (They recently bought Expert Village.)
Vimeo
Revver
Howcast
Aniboom
Godtube (Christian only)
MySpaceTV Videos
Veoh
Hulu (watch TV shows, movie reviews and trailors, and more... also searches ABC, NBC, Fox, etc. videos)

Seem a little overwhelming? Go to Google Video, and they will search most of the video sites... and a few more than I have listed. Who doesn't love Google?

So that we can stick with the true purpose of this blog, Melissa, I think I can dance just as well as Supermac18... though I would prefer to change the song. This one (while funny), doesn't really work with my personality as well as most silly songs....

Disability Etiquette

It took me a few minutes to recognize where this video on Disability Etiquette in the library was filmed. I knew it looked familiar, but for some reason, it just didn't sink in.

There are a few errors that I noticed in the Service Dog Etiquette section near the end. The handler states that service dogs will have a halter or vest and should be able to show you identification if asked. Missouri state law does not require this nor does the ADA. Many times, service dogs have no identification as there is no official paperwork required by the state to be carried by the dog or handler at all times. Any paperwork that someone might show you is not official and can be downloaded off of the web by anyone.

If you suspect that an animal is not a service dog, then you can ask if he is a service dog and if there is anything the dog can do for the person that the person can not do by themselves. (Emotional Support dogs are NOT the same as service dogs and do not qualify as such.) You may NOT ask what disability the person has. If you refuse service to someone who has a genuine need for a service animal, you can be sued and you will lose. Also, according to Columbia law, service animals are not required to be on a lead either though most will be for safety. (Esme has multiple canine friends who are service dogs.)

I know I have broken this cardinal rule about interacting with service animals when my friend comes in with her dog, but do not touch the dog, talk to him, or in any way try to distract him from his handler. Do not get between the two. Never offer the dog food, treats or water. If the dog appears thirsty, you CAN ask the handler if they would like water for the dog and then give it to the handler to give to the dog.

Dogs are not supposed to be petted when they are in "work" mode. If someone wantss to pet the service dog, the handler must take off their vest or other work gear and then give them a release command. This is a lot of work, so avoid doing it. If you see a young library patron trying to pet a service dog, stop them. More than once, I've stepped between a child and a dog in the library. You can then explain that the dog is at work and can't be distracted. I've yet to meet a handler that minds when we do this... and most prefer it.

Need more information on service animals? Service Dog Central

Librarians Meet Late Night TV

So far we are about halfway through the Netracks training (if you work at DBRL), and I'm sure you have been asking yourself, "Ok, I get the whole blogging bit now, but really, what can this do for me???" Well, it might land you on late night television. Librarians Holly Hibner and Mary Kelly were featured on Jimmy Kimmel Live for their library related blog Awful Library Books. The sad part is that I was actually interested in one of the books in particular. I'm sure people who know me can guess which one. Esme on the other hand wasn't quite as excited about the book. Wonder why???

So moral of the story: If you want to end up on late night television, become a librarian.

Fulton, Mental Illness, and YouTube

In case people haven't noticed, I like YouTube. While looking around the other day for something completely different, I saw this video starring our very own Jodi. It gives a lot of good information when working with patrons with mental illness. A few of the suggestions would violate our patron confidentiality policies but for the most part, I found it helpful and informative.

If you want more information about how to help patrons with mental or physical disabilities, check out Library411 from the Missouri Department of Mental Health, the Missouri State Library, and the Missouri Institute of Mental Health .

Do You Want to be a Librarian?

1947 occupational film. It's interesting to see how the profession has both changed and stayed the same in the past 62 years.

Who is not ecstatic that we now have electronic card catalogs???

Improving Library Customer Service : The Roving Librarian

Over the last few months, I've helped more and more patrons who haven't been to the library in years. Many times parents are reliant upon their children who come in with school classes, grandparents, or friends. Check out this video by The Mentor Group Training, Inc. They give tips and tricks on how to help those patrons who are coming back for the first time in years and who often don't know how to ask for what they may need.

Added bonus: Sung to the tune of What Do You Do With A Sleeping Baby (storytime standard.)



In case you didn't get what each letter stands for...

M - Meet and Greet the Patron
A - Ask a Quick Question
P - Probe for Clarification
H - Hear the Patron
A - Assist the Patron
T - Thank and Invite them to Return

Do you have any tips and tricks you want to share about helping patrons young or old?