I was on KUOW today to talk about my favorite subject: reading for pleasure. The theme was summer reading, which has always had warm and fuzzy connotations for me: I was a summer reading volunteer at my local public library during my teen years, and I have lots of pleasant memories of hot summer… Continue reading On summer reading.
On Play-Doh.
My therapist prescribed Play-Doh to me this week and I complied, buying six tubs in neon colors: orange, purple, pink, yellow, blue, and green. Play-Doh appeals to all the senses. It has a unique feel under the hand, it has the distinct smell of childhood, the colors are bright, it even makes a pleasing sound… Continue reading On Play-Doh.
On writing for children and young adults.
What is true: I don’t have children but I read a lot of books for children. What is also true: I want to write books for children but I don’t know how (yet). What I do know: It helps to read a lot of books written for children. Hundreds of them, if possible. What I… Continue reading On writing for children and young adults.
On hiatus.
I know you from Twitter. Aren’t you the one who tweets all the time? I just wanted to say hi, I follow you on Twitter. I was ten years old when we got our first home computer. It had a 14kpbs Internet connection. I have sentimental feelings about the static hum and screech of dial-up.… Continue reading On hiatus.
What counts? Gender identity and library workers.
Last week, I received an email inviting me to a webinar about transgender inclusion in libraries being offered by the Washington State Library, and I immediately signed up. I am always happy to learn more about supporting transgender and non-binary library workers and patrons. (Can't make the webinar? If you're attending ALA Annual in June,… Continue reading What counts? Gender identity and library workers.
To Lock or Not to Lock?
Slides from IGNIS Webinar (4/26/18) Last fall, I was working as a part-time librarian at a community college when a student approached me at the reference desk and asked where she could take her test. She explained that she needed to download a software called Respondus that would lock down her browser, and she needed… Continue reading To Lock or Not to Lock?
Who Succeeds in Higher Education? Questioning the Connection Between Academic Libraries & Student Success.
This is a rough transcript of the plenary session presented to the California Academic & Research Libraries conference on April 15, 2018. The full paper will be published in the conference proceedings. All errors, typos, and misunderstandings are my own and do not represent the views of anyone else, including my past, present, and future… Continue reading Who Succeeds in Higher Education? Questioning the Connection Between Academic Libraries & Student Success.
Metacognition matters.
This blog post supports my presentations at the Fourth Annual Reading Apprenticeship conference at Renton Technical College, March 9-10, 2018. Reading Apprenticeship and the Research Paper Assignment - Slides Reading for Success: How to Integrate RA Routines with Your College Success Course - Slides Use the Research Reading Log to help students interact with articles… Continue reading Metacognition matters.
Back to the scene of the crime.
Last summer I got hit by a car while riding my bike outside the Colorado Convention Center. I was headed home from work when a car started to pull toward the curb - and into the bike lane. My left hand collided with the car's passenger side view mirror. The mirror was smashed, my hand was cut, and I got knocked over.
Am I still a librarian?
I hate debates about what makes someone a librarian. Is it a Master's degree? Your title? Your rank? Admin, classified, or faculty? Whether you sit at a desk, have an office, or work behind a counter? Work with the public or behind the scenes? I have a lot of thoughts about identity, and I guess… Continue reading Am I still a librarian?
