BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!

Subject: BS: Librarians! 'Fess Up!!
From: Rapparee
Date: 23 Aug 03 - 08:48 AM

Okay. I'm a librarian. The Director of the Marshall Public Library in Pocatello, Idaho, USA. I've been a librarian since 1971, and 12-step programs haven't helped a bit. I've cataloged, been the head of Adult Services, head of Reference, System Administrator, head of Tech Services -- pretty much done it all, even Rare Books and some Kiddy Work. Yeah, I got an MS in LS from Case Western Reserve U. and some other educational stuff, so you wanna make somethin' of it?

There are a bunch of librarians on the 'Cat.

Throw off those wire-rimmed glasses and let your hair down out of the bun! Admit you're a librarian!

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: bbc
Date: 23 Aug 03 - 09:39 AM

Hi, Rapaire,

We've done this a couple of times in the past. I am an elementary school librarian at a small rural grade 3-5 school in NE New York state. I've been in the field for approx. 12 years, in 4 districts. I am tenured in this job, have been here 5 years & plan to stay. Got my degree in '81 at U of Maryland, College Park. Certified in MA & NY. Although my library is small & 1-person, I have 12 computers networked to black & white & color printers & the Internet. I will be barcoding this year for automation next year. The kids are great & this job is the best fit for me that I've ever had. I feel that I can make a contribution in this ditrict &, most the time, I enjoy my job!

best,

Barbara

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: Rapparee
Date: 23 Aug 03 - 10:18 AM

Yes, I was aware of this earlier thread. Thought a new census might be in order and possibly even helpful. After all, as Spider Robinson wrote, "Librarians are the secret masters of the Universe. Don't ever piss one off."

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Aug 03 - 10:29 AM

Well, I'm the daughter of a reference librarian, and I work in a library, so people frequently think I am a librarian, but I am in fact a writer (MA--English) and promote the various new databases, programs, events, etc and write the library publications. And when I'm out on the floor wearing my library tag I answer questions just like anyone else who works there. If I can't answer them, then I point out who can, as is the practice of anyone working in the university library.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: Hollowfox
Date: 23 Aug 03 - 10:31 AM

Yep, I'm writing this on my morning break from the South Branch Library in Youngstown, Ohio. For me, being a librarian is like being a drunk with a job in a brewery. *g*

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 23 Aug 03 - 12:06 PM

I'm a Library Officer in a small 3-person, Govt agency library which I won't name as I just escaped from the call centre of the aforementioned agency. The call centre tho small, about 20 persons, was no different in nastiness issuing from certain Mgmt persons. The prime troublemaker (Assistant Director) is the ultimate control freak using typical call centre methods to keep the staff in place. The union officers could never understand why her mask-like face never altered when they were disputing her practices (Botox & plastic surgery).

It was paradise going back to to the library after about 10 years absence working in other sections, & working directly with one of the nicest & most considerate persons I have worked with. Both Librarians value me & worryingly assume I understand everything they say. Libraries have changed an awful lot since I did my training at Sydney Technical College in 1973!. Our library has even changed a lot since I went into the Accounts dept in 1993.

But I'll probably survive. Happiness is a lot better than stress.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: MAG
Date: 23 Aug 03 - 12:42 PM

Yo, you know me. I'm a happy children's person, by choice. Except my director is being the Boss From Hell again. Fortunately, I'm better at those mind games than she is -- trained at Chicago Public.

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: artbrooks
Date: 24 Aug 03 - 12:06 AM

Well, my first-ever job was as a page in the Arlington, Virginia Public Library...and my daughter works for the Carnegie Library in Pittsburg...and I spend a lot of time in various libraries...can I be part of the cheering section?

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: Matt_R
Date: 24 Aug 03 - 12:29 AM

My sister is wrapping up her Masters of Library Science at UNC this semester. Her specialty is old and rare books.

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Aug 03 - 12:33 AM

Dewy and I have done well together.

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: Gurney
Date: 24 Aug 03 - 02:59 AM

Rapaire, if you think librarians are the masters, just irritate a restaurant chef.

Then think what you are eating....
I'm always nice to chefs.

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 24 Aug 03 - 03:29 AM

I WAS, for 30+ years in the UK university sector, now retired YIPPEEEE!

RtS

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: JennieG
Date: 24 Aug 03 - 04:02 AM

Guilty as charged. Most of my working life has been in libraries, much of that in the school system. At present I work 4 days a week (and have the school holidays off too!) in a girls' school which is quite delightful. Even the princesses don't piss me off - the ones who give me the look that says "who died and made you queen?" I love having dibs on the new books as they come in.
Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 24 Aug 03 - 05:10 AM

There was once a very odd librarian in Hull!
Giok

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: gnomad
Date: 24 Aug 03 - 07:38 AM

There sure was Giok, he was my dad's boss.

Oddly my school's careers adviser suggested librarianship to me "because you like reading". He seemed to think that I could spend my days reading the stock, I did enjoy enlightening him.

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 24 Aug 03 - 08:40 AM

Last night I forgot to say that I'd twisted my pony tail into a bun to get it out of the way, & also cannot throw off my wire-rimmed glasses otherwise I wouldn't be able to see the keyboard clearly. Not that I see perfectly as I do need new glasses.

sandra

Subject: Lyr Add: THE BOLD LIBRARIAN (Joy Rutherford)
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 24 Aug 03 - 12:31 PM

THE BOLD LIBRARIAN
(Joy Rutherford)

Oh, some, they like the sailor man when he comes back to shore,
And some they like the beggar man that begs from door to door,
And some, they like the soldier man with his musket and his can,
But my delight can read and write. He's the bold librarian.

Now, this librarian, he rode out all in the dewy morn,
And he met with the farmer's daughter and loudly he blew his horn.
"Come in, my bold librarian, and I'll mek thee a pot of tea.
Me father and mother have gone to town and there's nobody here but me."

"I have a book for your mother, dear, called, 'Love That Dare Not Speak,'
And another for your old father called, 'Gunfighters of Mustang Creek,'
But nothing I have for you, my dear," this librarian did say,
"But anything you shall request you shall have it right away."

"OO'," said the farmer's daughter and she glowed all over with fire.
"Is it true you can bring your readers anything they desire?"
"Oh, yes," said the bold librarian, "Oh, yes, indeed I will.
Take me up to your chamber and I'll show you my ... professional skill."

So they went upstairs together and they laid down on the bed,
And he faceted her in every detail from 'A' unto 'Zed',
'Til he couldn't classify her under maidens anymore.
He said, "Such dynamic service you've never had before."

Now this librarian he arose and he put on all his clothes,
And out of his pocket he drew handfuls of gold,
Saying, "Take this, my dearest Polly, for thee and thy baby.
It really belongs to the Book Fund, but I'll give it all to thee."

Oh come, my bold librarian and won't you marry me?
Oh no, my dearest Polly, such things can never be,
For married I am already to a quiet little thing.
I've a first and second edition and a third coming out in spring.

"But dost tha truly love me?" the farmer's daughter said.
"What d'you mean," said the librarian, "Just because we've been to bed?
In my most high profession love and sex cannot combine,
[spoken]
Because SEX is 612.6 and LOVE, which I classify under virtues not
otherwise accounted for, is 179.9

Come all you pretty fair maids, this warning you must heed;
You must marry some simple ploughboy who can neither write nor read.
For he may be poor and humble, but he'll love you the best he can.
And have naught to do with that roving blade who drives the library van.

And if you should go for your holidays to that village on the border
And you hear a little boy call the cows in alphabetical order
"Come up, Annie and Betty and Connie and Daisy and Ethel and Fan"
And then you will know it must be the son of the bold librarian.

Copyright Joy Rutherford 1976
tune: Trad. Irish: Sullivan's John
@sex @love @work @parody
filename[ BOLDLIBR
BR

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: GUEST,A Librarian
Date: 24 Aug 03 - 01:17 PM

I tried several fields, including espionage and writing, and I like to think that I've achieved some fame. Nothing, though, has been as personally satisfying as being a librarian. If you wish, you can read something about my career here.

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: Les from Hull
Date: 24 Aug 03 - 02:48 PM

I know of a couple of librarian 'catters in the UK. I may have to 'out' them!

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 24 Aug 03 - 03:42 PM

or there's th apocryphal film starring Arnold in horn-rimmed glasses:
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Conan, the Librarian

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: Sonnet
Date: 24 Aug 03 - 04:02 PM

Since leaving the teaching profession after 17 years,I've worked as a library assistant at the University of Huddersfield. In the 821.91's I'm like a kid in a bun shop, let loose with a spoon!

Jay

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 24 Aug 03 - 04:14 PM

Then there's Noreen the Librarian?
Giok

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: Nancy King
Date: 24 Aug 03 - 08:43 PM

OK, I'll 'fess up -- I'm a librarian in Montgomery County, Maryland, working at the Germantown branch. For ten years I worked at the Library of Congress National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, and loved it, but 15 years ago got offered a substantial raise to come to Mont. Cy. to work in their Special Needs Library. That was pretty good, but after 4 years my position was eliminated due to budget cuts, and they sent me off to be a regular generic librarian. I wish I could say I love it, but in fact I was much happier working with blind and handicapped people. In Germantown I spend much of my time either (a) signing people up to use the internet computers, or (b) doing the homework for the parent who is doing it for the kid. Oh well, only four and a half years till I can retire -- I hope!

Cheers, Nancy

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: JennieG
Date: 24 Aug 03 - 08:53 PM

I do enjoy browsing in the 780's, and also 746.44-746.46, and I also like a good 921.
Geez....there's a whole subculture out here!
Cheers
JennieG who doesn't work on Monday

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: Sorcha
Date: 24 Aug 03 - 11:40 PM

I only wish our librarian had a degree.........she alphabetizes MacArthur as 'maca' and McArthur as 'mca'......drives me batshit. At least we have a computer card catalogue now, and can search lots of libraries for books. I swear she dedicates each month for only a certain type of new books. Jan--self help, Feb--SciFi, Mar--romance, etc! She SAYS not, but I can see the New Book Shelf as well as anybody. I guess I should be thankfull we even have a library, let alone one as well stocked/equipped as we do. Her 'Ladies' are fantastic, but she is a B**ch.

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 25 Aug 03 - 05:09 AM

So... are there more librarians than Rogers on the Mudcat?
...Guess so...
RtS

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: Burke
Date: 25 Aug 03 - 11:03 AM

Guilty as charged! I'll add more when it is not work hours.

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 25 Aug 03 - 11:46 AM

All this confession, it makes me Dewey eyed, sob sob!
Giok

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: Amos
Date: 25 Aug 03 - 11:57 AM

I groan in your general direction, Giok!!

A

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: Rapparee
Date: 25 Aug 03 - 02:17 PM

I shall refrain from making library-related puns, because MARC my words, dang few people would understand them. I think that there a fewer things cutter than a good library pun, unless it's a good reference. Shera and begorra, it's easy to pun on Louis Shores' name, but it's really had to pun on that of, say, S. R. Ranganathan.

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Aug 03 - 03:18 PM

Sounds like a dream job - despite the fact that you can't lie around reading all day. Bit late in the day, though, for me to think about starting college.

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: MAG
Date: 25 Aug 03 - 03:37 PM

Yah, I occasionally think about my favorite undergrad English prof, who didn't understand why I applied for Library School my sr. year. But that must be so BORING! she said. pasting pockets and typing cards, and all. Well, doing that crap working my way through my M.A. WAS, and I've never regretted having a day job I liked whilst indulging my expensive habits, like folk clubbing, of a weekend.

Yay, Lincoln Avenue!

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: PageOfCups
Date: 25 Aug 03 - 05:48 PM

[hand raised] 17 years a cataloger, and 11 of those in law school libraries. I think I'm stuck in my current job 'til I die. Love the work, hate the "corporate culture."

PoC

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: Burke
Date: 25 Aug 03 - 08:28 PM

I've been a technical services librarian in a college for 17 years. I started as a serials cataloger. Now I supervise acquisitions & serials functions. MARC my words, we live & die by what Elsie does.

When we still filed catalog cards I was forever seeing titles that sounded really intersting. I'd copy it & put it in my 'to read' file. I never have had time to take any of the slips out of the box, though. A year ago I finally cleared my from the libray shelf of all the books I've had checked out for years but never gotten around to reading.

PageOfCups, the only people who go crazy faster than serials catalogers are law catalogers. You have my sympathy!

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: Nancy King
Date: 25 Aug 03 - 08:51 PM

Thought you folks might enjoy this parody:

www.tk421.net/humor/cybrarian.html

(Note: I have tried at least 10 times to make a link using the "blickifier," but it hasn't worked -- mostly it kicks me out of Explorer, but once my computer shut down completely. I give up).

--Nancy

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: Sorcha
Date: 25 Aug 03 - 08:54 PM

But the fines, Burke, the fines! Oh, you mean Librarians don't have to pay fines??????

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: Billy the Bus
Date: 25 Aug 03 - 09:00 PM

Chuckle, chuckle....

You librarians are nailed! I've 'traced' this thread! As I have no access to a Library (apart from the WWW), I'll call on you for "Look-ups". Be warned, they'll be esoteric.

Cheers - Sam

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: Burke
Date: 25 Aug 03 - 09:01 PM

Here's you link

It's not music but here's one of my favorites. I'm thinking Cletus will really like it.

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: Burke
Date: 25 Aug 03 - 09:06 PM

No fines for college employees. I get a notice of what I have out every six months & renew everything.

It's amazing the things that turn up when people are leaving the college and clear out thier offices. The worst is when a faculty member tells a student there is a book that must be consulted for a paper. It turns out to be checked out to the faculty making the recommendation.

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: Bobert
Date: 25 Aug 03 - 09:07 PM

Contrary to the rumors going 'round, I ain't a liberrian. I tried out for it once but was too danged loud... ("Hey, you in the back! Yer outta here!). How rude. Iz been in therapy over it fir the last 35 years. Hey, I could have been a liberrian much as the next guy. Okay, Iz got bad case of lexdexia but liberries need lexdexic liberrians, too for the other partially literate folks that come in... But, no, they go ahead and hire folks that can, like, ahhhh.... read! Now, that's discrimination fer as I can see.... And what's with the "Shhhhhh" stuff that goes on in them joints. Where else can you go where yer guarenteed to be told to shut the heck up?

Ahhhh, nevermind.

Yo, Nancy King from Maryland, like "Hey, liberrian". I live 'bout 8 miles south of Harpers Ferry and like liberrians.... Really....

"Shhhhhhhh, Bobert!"

Danged.........

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: open mike
Date: 25 Aug 03 - 09:09 PM

cybrarian blickie

I am a volunteer book mobile driver, and have in the past driven the
van which delivers interlibrary loan items to 15 different counties in
the northern california area.

So i am connected to and related to the library.
Do not seem to find time on my orunds to make
house calls, though.

Whils reading Farley Mowat's autobigraphy, I learned
that his father drove the book mobile in Canada.

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: Rapparee
Date: 25 Aug 03 - 09:27 PM

Bobert, you have it wrong. It's not the librarians in the joints, it's the joints in the librarians. Especially those from the '60s. Lots of 'em DID inhale. Obviously you have never visited this library site, or this one, or this one, or even this one. And these are just a small sample. Why, I could tell you stories about librarians and libraries that'd turn yer hair right over on yer head!

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: Bobert
Date: 25 Aug 03 - 11:23 PM

Well danged, Rapaire, cut it loose. Yeah, you got some stuff on the liberrians. Lets have it! Yeah, you got pics? Post 'em! I'm lookin' forward to seein' Nancy King in the 900's isle. Whew!

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: Nancy King
Date: 26 Aug 03 - 12:11 AM

It's a date, Bobert!

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: LadyJean
Date: 26 Aug 03 - 12:27 AM

Two years ago, I wanted to find the story of Black Annis. I asked the readers' assistant at the Oakland Carnegie Library. She said one of the suburban branches had a copy, and she could have it for me in five days. I didn't care to wait. I went off to the Children's section. They had Katherine Briggs' "Nine Lives", on the folklore of cats. Which does not belong in the children's section. But it does have the story of Black Annis. Andrew Carnegie is spinning in his grave.

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: open mike
Date: 26 Aug 03 - 12:29 AM

now i want an iron frog, too--
see thread "what do you collect?"

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 26 Aug 03 - 06:38 AM

John Conolly ("Fiddler's Geen", "Punch & Judy Man" etc) was a librarian. I think June Tabor was as well.

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: Rapparee
Date: 26 Aug 03 - 08:19 AM

My library.   (The blickifier isn't doing what it should, so if this doesn't work, visit www.lili.org/Marshall.

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 26 Aug 03 - 08:50 AM

There's something wrong with the blickifier.

JennyO told me weeks ago & I forget the details - something about Cut & Paste instead of Copy (or vice versa).

Following the exact instructions tags "www.mudcat.org' on the front of the URL you want, as Rapaire found.

sandra

ps. Dick, I love the poem, I'll send this thread to work & share it.

Subject: RE: BS: Librarians!' Fess Up!!
From: Noreen
Date: 26 Aug 03 - 09:00 AM

RAPAIRE'S LIBRARY
Nothing wrong with the blickifier, it's just that you need to use the FULL URL i.e. http:// before the www, or it's looked for on mudcat's own server.

I'm trying hard to be a librarian; had two temporary jobs since retraining, looking for another now :0( (preferably permanent).