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The Matter of the Master’s

June 5, 2012

Don’t get me wrong, I loved library school and I think programs that comprise a master’s degree in library science form the foundation of our profession. But what happens if the MLS degree withers away and dies? Let’s suppose that some time in the preapocalyptic future, the MLS ceases to be a financially viable degree. … Continue reading The Matter of the Master’s


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The Coolness Factor

February 22, 2012

Age among librarians used to be fairly easy to determine, but no longer in our era of nips, tucks, Botox, and hair coloring.  You can’t just come out and ask someone his or her age. We all know that in today’s world such a question is not only impolite but possibly even discriminatory. My suggestion … Continue reading The Coolness Factor


Taking Care of Business

December 14, 2011

Public librarians have come up with all kinds of reasons why their communities should support them. Some of these reasons are even realistic: Many people enjoy reading or listening to a good book; Free Wi-Fi and electricity are attractive perks; Preschoolers love story hours and puppet shows; Students need a place to do homework assignments; … Continue reading Taking Care of Business


No More Kidding Around

October 26, 2011

How often have you heard people complain in the last few months that our president, senators, and congressional reps are all acting like little children—especially during the shameful national debt ceiling crisis? There we were, on the brink of an unprecedented double-dip recession, and our federal elected officials persisted in pointing fingers at each other, … Continue reading No More Kidding Around


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Networking without Pity

August 31, 2011

I’m working on a new house project. It’s one of the most complicated projects that I’ve ever taken on. There are a million details from the size of the window jambs to the energy rating of the glass in the windows. The construction universe is filled with a diversity of people. There are designers, architects, … Continue reading Networking without Pity


Dead Trees We Have Known

June 20, 2011

One of my biggest mistakes as a library administrator was getting rid of the card catalog. No, I’m not talking about replacing it with a digital version. Everyone did that back in the ’80s. That was a no-brainer. What I mean is that after we installed the OPAC, I sent the physical card catalog into … Continue reading Dead Trees We Have Known


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My Professional Heroes

April 27, 2011

When I hear the term “movers and shakers,” I think of Donald Trump, Steve Jobs, Sarah Palin, and Hillary Clinton. These are the innovators, power brokers, and pioneers that move us to places where we haven’t been and don’t necessarily want to go. They are the catalysts who wake us from our slumbers and give … Continue reading My Professional Heroes


Approachable You

February 8, 2011

I am not a behavioral psychologist but it seems to me the most basic element of establishing a connection with someone is making eye contact. Take my granddaughter, Sophia. She’s 3 years old and is always the most popular person wherever she goes because she loves to go right up to people, look them in … Continue reading Approachable You


Your Morning Metaphor

January 7, 2011

I have just entered the seventh decade of my journey through life and I have yet to encounter a true “morning person.” Maybe they exist. Maybe they are those people you see jogging at 5:30 a.m. on those atypical days when you have to rise extra early to catch an early morning flight. My guess … Continue reading Your Morning Metaphor


My Own Private Bookmobile

November 18, 2010

My car, a Subaru Outback, doubles as a library. There are always a lot of books in there. I never go anywhere without a copy of the Bible, the Qur’an, Ulysses, Gravity’s Rainbow, assorted editions of Mother Goose, a complete collection of the Peter Rabbit series, and a vast and diverse array of brain-candy books. … Continue reading My Own Private Bookmobile


The Conservatives Among Us

September 30, 2010

I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that politically the library profession is quite liberal. There may be a lot more conservatives in the profession than I know about but if they exist, they are for the most part quiet and under cover. My experience is that the library profession is not just overwhelmingly … Continue reading The Conservatives Among Us


Why Librarianship Endures

August 31, 2010

Once when I was working the reference desk, a seemingly normal community college student (no exposed underwear,  multiple tongue piercings, neck tattoos, or a message shaven into his hair) asked why so many Civil War battles were fought in national parks. He wanted information on the subject because he had decided to write a research … Continue reading Why Librarianship Endures