I recently met Jaz, a young man who will be starting college in January. I offered to help him with his student loan paperwork and a resume. When we met, I realized he didn't need my help. But he was gracious enough to listen to me and we wound up talking about his future. This … Continue reading Sharing Gifts
Networking is important - no matter what career choice you have made. I cannot stress this enough to those I mentor. What is networking? Engaging in conversation for the purpose of developing professional contacts and exchanging information. Most information I have read encourages newbies to network (new to a field, fresh out of school, new to … Continue reading Networking & Careers
This morning I was drinking a cup of hot tea and thinking about Fran. Fran was my mentor, my role model, and my friend when I was a young adult. She was the Polish cook at the church rectory in Berwyn where I grew up. I loved her like a grandmother and miss her since she passed … Continue reading We are all people
Libraries are... When you hear the word library, what images come to mind? Books. Movies. Music. Magazines. Computers. Children storytime. A Learning Center. Fun family programs, like Comicopolis @ the White Oak Library. A cool place to read a newspaper in the summer. A warm place to attend a craft class in the winter. In the beginning of each year, … Continue reading Libraries as Community Centers
Do you have the customer service blues? Or, work with someone who does? Do you dread unlocking the doors in the morning for customers? Do you breathe a sigh of relief when a customer walks away without encountering a problem? Do you find yourself hoping the next customer doesn't ask questions? Are you judging people … Continue reading Got the customer service blues?
When did you know what you wanted to do with your life? Are you searching for your purpose? If you are one of the lucky people who know what your calling in life is, pursue it. Some people are searching for a dream job, while others are looking for a bigger purpose in life. Those … Continue reading Living Your Dream
Lifelong learning is a phrase I often hear in my profession. It's a basic belief that you can take advantage of opportunities, formally and informally, and to learn at any age. Lifelong learning is both for professional and personal fulfillment, to improve yourself, your knowledge, and your skills. Libraries offer the perfect venue for these … Continue reading Lifelong Learning
Each interview process is different - depending on the industry, depending on the employer. You prepared a cover letter, a resume, and possibly more to get to the interview part of the application process. If you haven't already done so, it's time to investigate the company. Learn as much as you can and prepare to … Continue reading You landed an interview. Now what?
Thinking about 2015 and looking forward to 2016. After completing my masters degree in December 2014, I decided to make 2015 a year to figure out how I could utilize my experiences to help others. I started by offering to help more people - resume assistance and volunteering. I also wanted to start writing again. … Continue reading Be Beautiful
Whether you are a writer, a painter, or a librarian - there is nothing like that spark of inspiration. If you are privileged enough to attend conferences in your field, the part that is most fun is when an idea strikes you and you think "Oh! Yes! I can...." One of the best parts of … Continue reading When inspiration strikes
Lately I have been speaking to a lot of senior citizen groups. I was reluctant to state my obvious message - but I said it anyway. If a library appears on your property tax bill, like it does in my town, you are paying for library services and materials. So I ask, if you are … Continue reading Own your library card
Work can be stressful. Sometimes a situation can be so horrible, it's incapacitating. Men and women both perceive and deal with stress differently (see the attached article from WebMD). But, both sexes need to focus on practical steps. You are, after all, more than your job. You deserve to live your life without debilitating stress. … Continue reading Stressed? Don’t let your job kill you…
I really can't swim. My parents took me for swim lessons at the local YMCA when I was younger. I remember my cute matching lion swimsuit, being in the wrong swim group, crying, and a shark. Matching? My sister and I are two years apart and we were often dressed the same. She likes to … Continue reading Can’t swim. But, I’m in the pool.
I love reading inspirational quotes. Every now and again, we all need them. They help renew our faith in life, love, and people. They help put things into perspective. They help bring meaning back into our lives. This morning I read and shared a quote from Steve Harvey "There is Joy in the Journey". I … Continue reading Where do you start? How about Kindergarten.
This has been my hardest post to write so far. I think it's because I am looking for my next adventure and I'm stuck. I spend a lot of time checking off things I've wanted to accomplish. I finished my master degree. I went on short vacation for my anniversary. I bought myself a bicycle … Continue reading Reinventing Yourself
So much to do. So little time. Know thyself. Me? Type-A personality & ADD. I need goals, lists, and stick notes to help keep me on track. I try to remember I can only do one thing at a time - successfully. I get bored easily and I can be hard on myself. I'm grateful … Continue reading Organized chaos
Have you used Google? Go Google that! It's a company. It's a noun. It's a verb. In 2015, Google was reported to be worth over 350 billion dollars. Let's embrace it and learn how to use it properly. Google is very easy to use. You simply type in your keywords - then the world opens … Continue reading How do you find it? Google. Oh Google.
I believe in having fun - in everything I do. It helps with boredom, anxiety, and stress. It would be great to have adult playtime along side child playtime events at the library. Crafts, painting, book clubs, movies, coloring therapy.... why not? Sounds like fun and little stress. Go to your library, join an online … Continue reading How old are you? Take time to play, color, and have fun.
I offer advice and assistance to people on a daily basis. And I kept thinking, I wish I could put my knowledge and resources in one logical place. I love my library world. I began as a library shelver on my 18th birthday, never stepping into a public library before. I didn't know anything about … Continue reading Here To Help
