Lot of folk leaving this summer so many are feeling the worse for wear this morning after a mega leaving thrash in the Library atrium last night. Catered with food, wine and even live musicians it all went off very well. Great cake as well made like a book complete with bookmark, Uni logo and the like.
While I don't think I had too much to drink, I certainly overdosed on sugar after eating rather too large a slice from the edge/corner because I like the icing. May not eat for the rest of the day.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Another 'surprise' of the summer has been writing a chapter on our ebook survey of last year for, ironically enough, a print book.
Yet another thing I've probably not mentioned was a session I went to at one of the conferences a week or three back. It was a session on ebooks so I thought I might attend out of both personal interest (thanks to my reading of the things on various devices) and professional (thanks to the survey).
In an otherwise good session I was somewhat astonished when the presenters said they'd surveyed 50 people and only had 24 responses. But here were the results and they were having a chapter published in a forthcoming book.
Hang on a minute, I thought. 24 responses?! We surveyed over 1000 students. Why on earth aren't we writing a chapter of this book?! I guess it still niggled a little that the colleague and I who'd run the survey hadn't managed to get round to writing a journal article on it or something. But she was the lead so I could hardly push it.
Anyway, at lunch after the session I bounced up to said colleague (and a third colleague also attending the conference) and said we should at least ask if we're not too late. And, to give her credit, no sooner had we got back to the university after our travels but she fired off an email and had a reply saying that yes there was time and they were interested and they'd get back to us with deadlines and the like. (Possibly having apparently had someone drop out may have aided our cause!)
Three weeks later we get an email inviting us to contribute and setting out the details and requirements and the like. The only snag is that the deadline is such that with my colleague's leave, we've only got abotu ten days to put this together. Good job the results are already 'in' and much of what we want to say is in our heads and I've been collecting articles and reading for some time on the subject. But there followed a rather intense few days (working till late, getting up early, 5am one morning) of both of us either reading and highlighting and noting references or hammering away at the keyboard on the bulk of the text to get it done.
In fact, we were pretty pleased with the results and although my colleague was rather apprehensive that it wasn't what they wanted, I was unsurprised when we got an email back about the draft to say it was just what they had hoped. (As well as being impressed with hitting their deadline so promptly).
Anyway, it's done now. No idea when it's due out and have, in signing some of the documents, learned we get paid $200 and get a free copy of the book. Better not give up the day job.
But an interesting process and a first for me in my writing CV.
Yet another thing I've probably not mentioned was a session I went to at one of the conferences a week or three back. It was a session on ebooks so I thought I might attend out of both personal interest (thanks to my reading of the things on various devices) and professional (thanks to the survey).
In an otherwise good session I was somewhat astonished when the presenters said they'd surveyed 50 people and only had 24 responses. But here were the results and they were having a chapter published in a forthcoming book.
Hang on a minute, I thought. 24 responses?! We surveyed over 1000 students. Why on earth aren't we writing a chapter of this book?! I guess it still niggled a little that the colleague and I who'd run the survey hadn't managed to get round to writing a journal article on it or something. But she was the lead so I could hardly push it.
Anyway, at lunch after the session I bounced up to said colleague (and a third colleague also attending the conference) and said we should at least ask if we're not too late. And, to give her credit, no sooner had we got back to the university after our travels but she fired off an email and had a reply saying that yes there was time and they were interested and they'd get back to us with deadlines and the like. (Possibly having apparently had someone drop out may have aided our cause!)
Three weeks later we get an email inviting us to contribute and setting out the details and requirements and the like. The only snag is that the deadline is such that with my colleague's leave, we've only got abotu ten days to put this together. Good job the results are already 'in' and much of what we want to say is in our heads and I've been collecting articles and reading for some time on the subject. But there followed a rather intense few days (working till late, getting up early, 5am one morning) of both of us either reading and highlighting and noting references or hammering away at the keyboard on the bulk of the text to get it done.
In fact, we were pretty pleased with the results and although my colleague was rather apprehensive that it wasn't what they wanted, I was unsurprised when we got an email back about the draft to say it was just what they had hoped. (As well as being impressed with hitting their deadline so promptly).
Anyway, it's done now. No idea when it's due out and have, in signing some of the documents, learned we get paid $200 and get a free copy of the book. Better not give up the day job.
But an interesting process and a first for me in my writing CV.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Attended three conferences this week - one at another university three hours away, two here on 'home ground'.
The first was a 140 librarians getting together (once every other year) - college and university librarians - which I attended with two colleagues. Excellent three days in lovely surroundings. Highlights included my table winning the quiz on the first evening (and $20 worth of book tokens each); the reception that the presentation we gave got - even though we didn't cover all the material we had; learning about QR codes (not exactly new!) for the first time.
The second conference was a day thing combining three faculties here (business, technology and creative industries). Again I was presenting, this time a slight variation on the one I've been touting about of late and this time jointly with H rather than our law librarian. I think she was a bit apprehensive about my laid back approach (but when you're on your fourth outing with the same subject material(ish), even I don't get quite so stressed about it). Again, it seemed to go down remarkably well given that as library staff we always feel a bit like interlopers at these 'academic' things.
The final conference was the science faculty version of yesterday, but focussed on the tutorial process and professional development. For once I wasn't presenting which made a change - although I was surprised by how much I could contribute in discussions. Particularly enjoyed a presentation from another support staff lady who I normally do my best to avoid. I knew she was very gorgeous and very bright - but I discovered she can also give a cracking presentation as well. Which didn't really surprise me.
All three conferences were interesting but what was most obvious from the close juxtaposition of them was the quality of presentation. With the first conference I didn't go to a bad workshop. All were engaging and well presented with good audience interaction (but not, generally, too much!). These were librarians who are not as a rule paid as academics (though some were). On the other hand, at the internal conferences I had to listen to several presentations from people who are indeed paid to professionally present information. They were very worthy and not generally uninformative and mostly very relevant - but just so dull. What is that?!
The first was a 140 librarians getting together (once every other year) - college and university librarians - which I attended with two colleagues. Excellent three days in lovely surroundings. Highlights included my table winning the quiz on the first evening (and $20 worth of book tokens each); the reception that the presentation we gave got - even though we didn't cover all the material we had; learning about QR codes (not exactly new!) for the first time.
The second conference was a day thing combining three faculties here (business, technology and creative industries). Again I was presenting, this time a slight variation on the one I've been touting about of late and this time jointly with H rather than our law librarian. I think she was a bit apprehensive about my laid back approach (but when you're on your fourth outing with the same subject material(ish), even I don't get quite so stressed about it). Again, it seemed to go down remarkably well given that as library staff we always feel a bit like interlopers at these 'academic' things.
The final conference was the science faculty version of yesterday, but focussed on the tutorial process and professional development. For once I wasn't presenting which made a change - although I was surprised by how much I could contribute in discussions. Particularly enjoyed a presentation from another support staff lady who I normally do my best to avoid. I knew she was very gorgeous and very bright - but I discovered she can also give a cracking presentation as well. Which didn't really surprise me.
All three conferences were interesting but what was most obvious from the close juxtaposition of them was the quality of presentation. With the first conference I didn't go to a bad workshop. All were engaging and well presented with good audience interaction (but not, generally, too much!). These were librarians who are not as a rule paid as academics (though some were). On the other hand, at the internal conferences I had to listen to several presentations from people who are indeed paid to professionally present information. They were very worthy and not generally uninformative and mostly very relevant - but just so dull. What is that?!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Not sure I've mentioned (it all happened rather quickly) one of the delights of the last few days which has been a design competition our new extension has been entered for. I was invited - by virtue of having written an article on it for a librarian trade journal - to the 'how-do-we-go-about-preparing-for-this' and obviously didn't duck quick enough when my boss was looking for the ideal person to front the actual presentation to the judges.
Sigh. Still, I suppose it was something I could usefully do. Worked up a good script that covered the points in the competition and said the things we wanted to say - and dared to include some not so good points which we're addressing. I then went off to make a PowerPoint to go with it. Now if I say it was 60 odd slides, you might be horrified as it was only a 20 minute presentation. But it wasn't quite as bad as that. Firstly, there were next to no words and secondly there was a certain 'power' to they way I had full screen photos (occasionally 4 photos quartering the screen or three in a tritych and so on) which showed off the building and its design. They were great pictures (done by the Uni photographer although some of mine were in there) and often included students which made it look active and exciting.
I've no idea what the judges actually made of it all - although of course they were polite enough. But frustratingly, although they decide in the next week or two, we won't hear for some time as they announce the winner at a conference. However, pleased though everyone was with our 'performance' (the tour, the display, the presentation, the Q&A), I've seen some of the competition and it's stiff. So I'm not holding my breath.
Interesting process though.
Sigh. Still, I suppose it was something I could usefully do. Worked up a good script that covered the points in the competition and said the things we wanted to say - and dared to include some not so good points which we're addressing. I then went off to make a PowerPoint to go with it. Now if I say it was 60 odd slides, you might be horrified as it was only a 20 minute presentation. But it wasn't quite as bad as that. Firstly, there were next to no words and secondly there was a certain 'power' to they way I had full screen photos (occasionally 4 photos quartering the screen or three in a tritych and so on) which showed off the building and its design. They were great pictures (done by the Uni photographer although some of mine were in there) and often included students which made it look active and exciting.
I've no idea what the judges actually made of it all - although of course they were polite enough. But frustratingly, although they decide in the next week or two, we won't hear for some time as they announce the winner at a conference. However, pleased though everyone was with our 'performance' (the tour, the display, the presentation, the Q&A), I've seen some of the competition and it's stiff. So I'm not holding my breath.
Interesting process though.
Thursday, July 08, 2010
H has organized a small conference for architecture librarians which started late yesterday afternoon. I attended all of this morning including a 'poster' session presenting one of the projects I've been involved with. Tomorrow is the presentation I've been touting around the bazaars of late. Also looking forward to seeing colleagues from TheOldPlace in action with their Second Life presentation.
One of the committee members is doing something on Twitter too which I'm looking forward to. Noticing her contribution on a programme I started 'following' her last week but didn't do anything formal like introduce myself or anything. We've never met. (What is the netiquette for that?) Of course, I'm not identifiable from my name or (non-existant) bio. Didn't plan on interacting till today but perhaps unsurprisingly in retrospect she tweeted a couple of things about the conference which I couldn't resist replying to.
Not surprised to find this morning that she had thought it a little weird and was very relieved to find I wasn't a stalker but just me.
They're all off on a coach tour of the city now while I'm trying to deal with the emails that have piled up in various absences. Getting Things Done was working but I've just not been here to get things done so am a little behind. Still, I'm confident the processes will stand me in good stead if only I could past this oppressive heat. Pain killers and Cherry Coke not yet helping.
Still planning on attempting both book group which is unfortunately this evening (Grapes of Wrath and The Great Gatsby as our glorious leader has been in Thailand for the best part of a month) and the conference dinner. Possibly optimistic to try either given how I feel...
One of the committee members is doing something on Twitter too which I'm looking forward to. Noticing her contribution on a programme I started 'following' her last week but didn't do anything formal like introduce myself or anything. We've never met. (What is the netiquette for that?) Of course, I'm not identifiable from my name or (non-existant) bio. Didn't plan on interacting till today but perhaps unsurprisingly in retrospect she tweeted a couple of things about the conference which I couldn't resist replying to.
Not surprised to find this morning that she had thought it a little weird and was very relieved to find I wasn't a stalker but just me.
They're all off on a coach tour of the city now while I'm trying to deal with the emails that have piled up in various absences. Getting Things Done was working but I've just not been here to get things done so am a little behind. Still, I'm confident the processes will stand me in good stead if only I could past this oppressive heat. Pain killers and Cherry Coke not yet helping.
Still planning on attempting both book group which is unfortunately this evening (Grapes of Wrath and The Great Gatsby as our glorious leader has been in Thailand for the best part of a month) and the conference dinner. Possibly optimistic to try either given how I feel...
Am back at work after a day off sick. I'm am not reporting in detail on the state of my innards except to say I'm glad I wasn't here yesterday morning. Still not feeling great now but need to be at work for various engagements.
Although it's obviously physical and not mental, it would be interesting to know whether it's a bug of some sort or stress related. Not sure it's the latter, but can't rule it out.
In any case, the major stress of Tuesday is now over. Shattered by end of the day.
Went just as I expected - even to predicting the 1, 2, 3, 4 order. And the hard choice between the top two (big gap between 2 and 3 and 4 trailing along virtually out of sight). In the end we assigned points for each question making a possible score of 80 on the 8 questions. I wasn't surprised when we added them up and found just one point in it. Still, one person has to get the job and three have to be disappointed. And while I think friend (and friendship) is big enough to rise over her disappointment, reality can often feel a lot harsher than you imagine. So I'll watch this space.
Of course one of the most interesting things from my perspective was the insight it gave into the processes on the other side of the table. Should I be interviewed for another job I hope it will stand in me in good stead.
Oh and good luck to the successful candidate. Hope it goes well for you.
Although it's obviously physical and not mental, it would be interesting to know whether it's a bug of some sort or stress related. Not sure it's the latter, but can't rule it out.
In any case, the major stress of Tuesday is now over. Shattered by end of the day.
Went just as I expected - even to predicting the 1, 2, 3, 4 order. And the hard choice between the top two (big gap between 2 and 3 and 4 trailing along virtually out of sight). In the end we assigned points for each question making a possible score of 80 on the 8 questions. I wasn't surprised when we added them up and found just one point in it. Still, one person has to get the job and three have to be disappointed. And while I think friend (and friendship) is big enough to rise over her disappointment, reality can often feel a lot harsher than you imagine. So I'll watch this space.
Of course one of the most interesting things from my perspective was the insight it gave into the processes on the other side of the table. Should I be interviewed for another job I hope it will stand in me in good stead.
Oh and good luck to the successful candidate. Hope it goes well for you.
Tuesday, July 06, 2010
Penultimate stress of the summer (although I'm sure there's lots more really). I've done most of the presentations I have to do - just one more on Friday, but today is a first for me.
It's interview morning. The ones delayed from last week (it's a long story - see 9th & 11th June).
I don't suppose I'm more nervous than the candidates but I'm vaguely surprised by how nervous I am! I woke up early this morning with an interesting dream about wondering the university (actually, a university, I didn't recognize any of it) looking for a room to sit quietly in just an hour before the interviews to look through the paperwork one last time. No where was free but I stumbled into the Refectory only to find several people smoking and President of the Uni there eating. He wasn't condoning them smoking but was giving excuses or something. I eventually found another room where just a couple of colleagues were sitting quietly getting on with their own work (H was one of them), and I could finally sit down in there. But now with only 15 minutes to go.
The stress about the interviews I get - but what was the smoking thing about?!
In any case, I'm still predicting 1,2,3 4 for the results today with a tough choice between 1 and 2. We'll see.
It's interview morning. The ones delayed from last week (it's a long story - see 9th & 11th June).
I don't suppose I'm more nervous than the candidates but I'm vaguely surprised by how nervous I am! I woke up early this morning with an interesting dream about wondering the university (actually, a university, I didn't recognize any of it) looking for a room to sit quietly in just an hour before the interviews to look through the paperwork one last time. No where was free but I stumbled into the Refectory only to find several people smoking and President of the Uni there eating. He wasn't condoning them smoking but was giving excuses or something. I eventually found another room where just a couple of colleagues were sitting quietly getting on with their own work (H was one of them), and I could finally sit down in there. But now with only 15 minutes to go.
The stress about the interviews I get - but what was the smoking thing about?!
In any case, I'm still predicting 1,2,3 4 for the results today with a tough choice between 1 and 2. We'll see.
Thursday, July 01, 2010
Livid this afternoon.
For some weeks now there's been a large donation of journals (and some books) outside my office. 8 or 9 large boxes full. Mostly math or civil engineering stuff.
Simple task passed on to a junior member of staff (JMoS): check our holdings, set aside anything we don't have, the rest (probably the vast majority) can go for recycling. (Or more likely charitable giving to the third world.)
Today, the JMoS handed it back with lists of what we have and didn't have. Carefully marked with blue highlighter as to what we don't have. I check the first marked thing on the list - actually the first thing on the lists in any case. It's on the shelf. That's odd. I check another one; we have that too. I randomly check a couple of others from elsewere on the lists and get even more confused as to what's what.
Thinking maybe I'd misunderstood something I went back to the JMoS. He barely bats an eyelid before explaining, well, yes, the job had gone on over so many weeks that he may have started highlighting what we had and somewhere along the line switched to marking what we didn't have. No apology, no explanation of where the switch might be I'm left with lists that are so worthless I can't face even beginning to work out what the deal with them is.
Trying not to go incandescent I realize that the easiest thing is just to start from scratch. Drag the journals over to the shelves and in a bit under four hours have cranked through the whole lot. Tired now (and dusty), but it's done. Not in weeks or even days, but in four hours. I can see out the office again and am just left with wondering whether I should complain to his supervisor or let it go.
The biggest frustration is that he's one of the candidates I have to interview for a secondment post next week. Do I go to my boss and say I can't do this fairly any more? Be professional and just get on with it? Hopefully I'll have calmed down by next week.
For some weeks now there's been a large donation of journals (and some books) outside my office. 8 or 9 large boxes full. Mostly math or civil engineering stuff.
Simple task passed on to a junior member of staff (JMoS): check our holdings, set aside anything we don't have, the rest (probably the vast majority) can go for recycling. (Or more likely charitable giving to the third world.)
Today, the JMoS handed it back with lists of what we have and didn't have. Carefully marked with blue highlighter as to what we don't have. I check the first marked thing on the list - actually the first thing on the lists in any case. It's on the shelf. That's odd. I check another one; we have that too. I randomly check a couple of others from elsewere on the lists and get even more confused as to what's what.
Thinking maybe I'd misunderstood something I went back to the JMoS. He barely bats an eyelid before explaining, well, yes, the job had gone on over so many weeks that he may have started highlighting what we had and somewhere along the line switched to marking what we didn't have. No apology, no explanation of where the switch might be I'm left with lists that are so worthless I can't face even beginning to work out what the deal with them is.
Trying not to go incandescent I realize that the easiest thing is just to start from scratch. Drag the journals over to the shelves and in a bit under four hours have cranked through the whole lot. Tired now (and dusty), but it's done. Not in weeks or even days, but in four hours. I can see out the office again and am just left with wondering whether I should complain to his supervisor or let it go.
The biggest frustration is that he's one of the candidates I have to interview for a secondment post next week. Do I go to my boss and say I can't do this fairly any more? Be professional and just get on with it? Hopefully I'll have calmed down by next week.
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