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Three Lessons I’ve Learned About People from Being a Librarian (plus a bonus one)

October 02, 2017

Library work is about people. Most library staff — from shelvers of books, to the clerks who check items and and out, to the librarians answers questions at the information desk — work directly with the public. I’ve done all of these jobs at many libraries over the last fifteen years, and throughout that time I’ve noticed that the same immutable truths of human nature seem to crop up regardless of a community’s demographics. Though some of them are library-specific, anyone who has worked in public service will recognize a few of these in their own experiences. Note: While I think some of these things are amusing, I don’t write them to lampoon my patrons; my aim, instead, is reflective. Let’s think about these lessons as a society, and see if there’s a deeper meaning in them. Here we go:

Five Mid-Century Modern Library Buildings That Will Make You Swoon!

September 28, 2017

Mid-century modern design has always had a wholesome influence on me. When I see a building, piece of furniture, type, or graphic design that is spare and functional, full of long lines and quadrilaterals, made of simple materials, and connected to its environment, it gives me a distinctly calm feeling. When I see a mid-century modern building, the world slows down, it makes sense.

Why Parents Should Rejoice That Their Young Readers Are Gobbling Up Graphic Novels

September 25, 2017

The graphic novel trilogy March, by Congressman John Lewis with Andrew Aydin and Nate Powell, gives readers a first-hand view of the civil rights movements. Book three won the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. It is the first graphic novel to be awarded this prize.

Beating the Standardized Testing Blues with Libraries!

September 21, 2017

Now that school is back in session, students all over the country are getting ready for a few weeks of standardized tests that have become the reality every school year. Regardless of one’s opinion about the effectiveness of these tests, no one can argue that they wear students out. It’s pretty easy for kids and teens to get demoralized with day after day of multiple choice and essays. Certainly, they can expend some of their restlessness by running around in the park or by vegging out in front of the TV, those are both decent options. However, I contend that the library is the best antidote to the testing blues.

Fake News — Library Editorial Cartoon

September 19, 2017

"Everyone is talking about “fake news” these days — especially the people most responsible for it! But what is it really? Is this really a new phenomenon? Nope. It’s the same old disinformation, misinformation, and plain ridiculous information that gets passed around by malevolent and/or ignorant forces. (They’re not always easy to distinguish, these forces.) The only way to fight it is with educating ourselves. Thankfully our libraries are full of great sources on information on a wide variety of subjects!”   — Kevin Moore is EveryLibrary’s 2017 Artist in Residence.

Libraries and the Business Community: A Success Story

September 18, 2017

Libraries exist to help people succeed, and the business world is no exception. Many aspiring business owners got their start in a public library, whether through researching how to write a business plan, attending a class on Quickbooks, or developing a marketing list using the library’s electronic resources.

An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Working in the Library

September 14, 2017

The number of freelancers, solopreneurs, remote workers and independent professionals is growing, and they need a place to work. One study predicts that over 40 percent of the U.S. workforce will be a contingent worker by 2020. Many of these independent professionals work from home, but that can be distracting and isolating. Many work from coworking spaces, but these can be cost-prohibitive for some entrepreneurs just starting out. One of the best-kept entrepreneurial workspace secrets is the library. With free wifi, an abundance of business resources and a variety of spaces to work, the library is the perfect spot to get a business off the ground.

The Voice of the Market! — Library Editorial Cartoon

September 13, 2017

“Earlier this year Mick Mulvaney, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, submitted the budget proposal for the coming year to Congress. Among many huge cuts to programs for education, arts and humanities, and scientific research was the elimination of $231 Million from the Institute of Museums and Libraries. The IMLS provides vital services to libraries across the country, including Interlibrary Loan, which allows libraries to share resources and expand information access to their patrons. This cartoons aims to mock the attitude that trivializes the need people have for information, especially in our age of isolated information bubbles. And beyond that, to encourage you to contact your Congressperson and urge them to support the IMLS.” — Kevin Moore is EveryLibrary’s 2017 Artist in Residence. Join the fight to resist the cuts to the IMLS at saveimls.org!

Ode to the Occasional Library User

September 11, 2017

There are people who come into the library consistently every day or every week. We librarians can usually greet them by name when they enter. These power users are known to us because through chatting with them regularly, we get to know what’s happening in their lives. We also develop a solid sense of what they like to read or do at the library. Not unlike an episode of Cheers, there are plenty of these regulars at most libraries. This is not an ode to them.

Your Family History Quest Should Start with the Library!

September 07, 2017

In an ever-changing world, there’s a special feeling of security that comes from identifying one’s place in history. Many people, in search of a factual self-concept have caught themselves asking the question: “Who were those that came before me?” Certainly, most would agree that it can be challenging, but worthwhile, to discover who your grandparents, great grandparents, and relatives even further back, were. This is especially true if you have an inkling that they were smart and popular people in their time.
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