Monthly Archives: January 2012

The end of the eReader debate (for me)

Posted on January 27, 2012 | 1 Comment
I bought a Kindle because I wanted to use a Kindle to read eBooks.

In my eyes, the Kindle provides a great reading experience.  I like the device and how it works.  I like the ability to highlight quotes, store them, and share them.  I like how it manages books and PDF’s.

It all boils down to happiness.  From now on, I will encourage patrons to buy the eReader that makes them the happiest.  DRM issues, cloud storage, who actually owns the book…all of that stuff has importance, but it should be secondary to happiness and a great reading experience.

To encourage patrons to the eReader that makes them the happiest, I highly suggest programs like this where there’s open discussion and the ability to play around with eReaders.

 

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Posted in EBooks, Libraries

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The Beach Boys and Libraries PART 7 (END)

Posted on January 24, 2012 | 2 Comments
Being a librarian can be a really, really hard job.  There’s a lot to be expected from us…we’re community leaders, we’re experts on books/technology/social media/pop culture/history/etc, we’re managers, we’re performers, and so much more.  The list really never ends.

In my own personal journey in dealing with my professional identity as a librarian, I’ve turned towards many things to help me sort out who I am and who I want to be. But my recent obsession with The Beach Boys and their music and history has taught me so much about the journey I’ve taken to reach this point.

To sum up my posts, these were the points I highlighted:

  • YOU NEVER LOSE YOUR GIFT.
  • EVEN IF THINGS DON’T GO AS PLANNED, IT’S NOT THE END OF THE WORLD.
  • EXPERIMENT AND PUSH BOUNDARIES BECAUSE WHO KNOWS, YOU MAY END UP CREATING SOMETHING AMAZING.
  • ALWAYS REMEMBER TO LAUGH.
  • ALWAYS PUT YOUR HEART INTO IT.
  • FOCUS ON WHAT YOU DO BEST AND DO THAT.

When I re-read my posts, it dawned on me that all of the things I learned were very human things.  Going forward, I believe that this is where the libraries of the future will move ahead.  Human interactions are at the core of what we do.  They will trump any discussion on ebooks, content, materials, budgets, and more.

The patron that leaves with a smile are the best things we could have for us as we move forward.

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Posted in Libraries, The Beach Boys and Libraries

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The Beach Boys and Libraries PART 6

Posted on January 20, 2012 | 1 Comment

1977 saw the release of one of the most unique records in the Beach Boys catalog. That album, titled Love You, was full of chirping synthesizers, barely played drums, croaking voices, songs about Johnny Carson and the Solar System, and more.  The highlight of the album was that it featured 14 songs, all of which were either written or co-written by Brian Wilson himself.

By this point, Brian had been through the ringer.  He had the highs of the Beach Boys early successes, the lows of depression in the mid 70’s, and much much more.  However, on Love You, I hear the sound of a person full of excitement.

My favorite cut has to be “Mona”, which stomps along for just over two minutes, repeating the same chords and melody.  There’s just something so simple and lovely about it.

“Ding Dang” is a burst of energy which lasts even less than a minute but it’s packed full of energy.  I always smile when I hear this song…and then put it on again, and again, and again….

All of Love You blows me away.  The songs may have simple melodies, cheesy lyrics, and not appeal to everyone, but Love You taught me that those kinds of things don’t matter.  The emotions you pass along to the people in life are the only thing that’s important.

No matter how hard things get in your life you YOU NEVER LOSE YOUR GIFT.

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Posted in Music, The Beach Boys and Libraries

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