My sense of adventure is… a bit tame. I realize that. I’m a book nerd, through and through, and most days I’m pretty content to stay inside wrapped up with the latest best-selling novel. But when I spot a travel blog or Facebook post extolling the virtues of seeing the world, I get wrapped up in … Continue reading »
How to Give a Great Presentation
Use Great Fonts Creating a slideshow? Don’t let fonts be an afterthought. Digital Inspiration gives us an amazing guide on the best fonts for PowerPoint presentations. If you’re nervous about installing new fonts – don’t worry, it’s fairly easy and completely worth the trouble. (By the way, Font Squirrel is great for free fonts.) Follow the 10/20/30 Rule The 10/20/30 rule … Continue reading »
What is a Library?
If you missed out on the presentation I gave at CLA, never fear! I’ve summarized it here, for your perusing pleasure. So. What is a library? How can we define a library space? I came to the conclusion that a library can be whatever we want it to be, but it helps if we are guided … Continue reading »
Libraries Let You Express Yourself
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: libraries are magical. Not only do they hold the key to any and all information, not only do they allow you to speak your mind, they also permit you to be who you are – whatever that means for you. If you would like to feel … Continue reading »
So Sue Me! Librarians Have Power
Librarians are superheroes within the world of information, and they have great power. They typically wield it for good, not evil. But like all superheroes they will have their enemies. And today, the librarian’s enemy is suing them in court. First, Edwin Mellen Press began by suing a McMaster University Librarian, David Askey. And now, … Continue reading »
What Happens When You Stop Buying Books?
Books are cheap, right? Most paperbacks can be picked up for around $10, which is not going to put a major dent in the budget. However, if you’re an avid reader like I am, the money you spend on books can really add up. So I decided to experiment. I have been compiling a “To Read” list … Continue reading »
Five Books That Changed My Mind
Books that challenge your way of thinking or open you to new ideas make for very wonderful reading. Below are five books that radically changed the way I think – for the better. Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli Highschool can be very much about fitting in. For me, this book cemented the idea that being yourself (and being … Continue reading »
If You’re Not Uncomfortable, You’re Doing It Wrong
It’s good to feel uncomfortable; it means that you’re learning. Now, not all learning is uncomfortable (some learning is downright enjoyable), but all discomfort can be an opportunity for learning if you choose to see it that way. And I strongly suggest you do. This logic can be applied to virtually any area of life. … Continue reading »
Consume Books, Not More Stuff
I’m watching The Walking Dead and thinking about what is left during a zombie apocalypse. When sh*t goes down, what remains important? Let me tell you, it is not your TV or your designer handbag. In fact, when your one true focus is to survive, any possession* that doesn’t add to that goal quickly becomes … Continue reading »
Love Your Job
There are things you can do to increase your fulfillment at work, no matter what your job is. Don’t Pursue Your Passion “Do what you love” is problematic advice. Penelope Trunk thinks it’s bad advice, because you’re already doing the things you love to do – and you don’t need to get paid to keep … Continue reading »