Goodbye President Papadakis

It is sad to hear of the passing of someone who has had such an effect on so many students, me included. Goodbye President Papadakis. Drexel University has been greatly influenced by your style and enormous presence.

Exciting Week at DrupalCon DC 2009

DrupalCon DC
March 4-7, 2009 Washington Convention Center

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This was one of those “intense learning environment” conferences. I went to DrupalCon to learn about the software from the ground floor, and ended up learning a great deal of unexpected information.

There were 1400 attendees (up from 40 eight years ago), and over 100 workshops and sessions. My Baltimore County Public Library colleague, Jason, and I attended from the same office but with different web projects. While his involves the complexities of a large library’s website, I’m completely satisfied to be working with the Maryland AskUsNow’s Statewide Project Coordinator, Julie Strange, to move our current “Partners Page” site from its current foundation (shaky as it sometimes seems) into Drupal. Our site has twelve main areas, plus the home page. Julie’s previous work to incorporate widgets and to get all updated information uploaded via shortcuts set a tone for this next step.

I looked at DrupalCon as an immersion prior to the event (here is a link to the list of sessions), and while it was like this it was also a lot like a graduate school course condensed into a very small amount of time. The organization of the sessions made it possible for a newbie like me to target “how to start” and “where to go from there,” types of sessions.
I also picked up on three other very important things:

1. No conference is a conference without a certain amount of networking. This was accomplished at DrupalCon as well, including the Birds of a Feather meeting with other librarians who are working with, or looking to work with, Drupal. This put me in touch with a place called Drupal.Groups online, which has many libraries involved (you’ll have to have a login to view the libraries and interact with them, but you can access the front area). Unfortunately, I was naïve to the attraction a meeting like this has for vendors, especially free lance web developers and companies who could provide everything we’d need for a price.Nonetheless, it was a good opportunity to at least meet the 20 or so others who are in various stages of “Drupal and library” web development. Some of the topics included how to work with catalog systems and the beginnings of basic planning to design a library site.
   
   
2. Drupal uses applications and modules as ways to build upon a core. For example, if a site wants a calendar, there is a separate module to download and then incorporate into the desired area of a site. I not only gained more of an understanding of which modules may be usable for our site, but also where these modules are at in their own development stages. There are earlier versions of Drupal – the most current is version 6, and version 7 is in the works. However, many of the modules are still in earlier version form.
   






3. Finally, and to me just as essential as learning about the software is to fully fathom the organic, lively quality of what “open source” really means. I was amazed at the overlap of mission between the world of librarians and the Drupal community. On a deeper level, I was moved by the commitment to share quality information. This theme presented itself as a cornerstone for the growth of Drupal, the standard of its software and the future of its community (which is its users and developers). Those who use Drupal often tend to shape it in some way, from involvement as a source of support for others, to testing modules and apps, to making new parts of Drupal. Somehow, it works well in this way. I know nothing else like this. Two of DrupalCon’s keynote speakers, the founder Dries Buytaert and Twittering Chris Messina, addressed this aspect of Drupal very well, as well as to bring in some of the future aspects of social net - working. (I divided “net” with “working” to give the indication that I am talking about something more than FaceBook/MySpace. More like, “working with each other on the net” in a fun but productive way.) If you have any interest in social networking, please watch the hour-long recording of “Chris Messina’s address, “Our Identity Online.”

I’m not a programmer. In my past, I’ve looked at open source software and dabbled a little in this and that, but found the available software and easy-to-install applications (like widgets) just enough to work well enough for my uses. I have created a few simple websites and worked on design aspects of others. I went into the conference with some trepidation, somewhat like Dorothy entering the Land of Oz, and came out with an excitement to get started! With our community and connections, with some careful project planning, and with plenty of flexibility and testing, I believe Julie and I will find Drupal to be a frontier that offers us just what we need to create a site that offers information, multimedia options, and with ease of design appeal that will encourage frequent use by all Maryland AskUsNow! providers.

Let me know if you would like access to the detailed notes of the daily sessions I attended, provided through Google Docs online. I’ll be happy to link you there. You can also browse through the recordings available through the Internet Archives, “DrupalCon 2009” online at:
http://www.archive.org/search.php?query=DrupalCon%202009%20AND%20collection%3Aopensource_movies

Here is a shortened (easier) link, which takes you to the same place:
http://tinyurl.com/dh559p

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For more about Dries Buytaert, founder of Drupal:
http://buytaert.net/

(posted by Cathay Crosby, Operations Assistant, Maryland AskUsNow!)

Jamaica Library Service’s 60th International Conference

A Fabulous Week at the Jamaica Library Service’s 60th International Conference
Ocho Rios, Jamaica

http://www.jls.gov.jm/

Sometimes a librarian gets an opportunity to attend a conference outside her system, whether it is beyond the boundaries of her library’s community or job responsibilities. I have recently returned from the Jamaica Library Services 60th International Conference, and this is a good time for me to dive in with my first attempt at writing a blog posting for Maryland AskUsNow!

The JLS conference was held in Ocho Rios, Jamaica during February 16-21, 2009. The theme of this conference was “Public and School Libraries: your partners in National Development” and centered upon Jamaica’s Vision 2030. It has been ten years since the previous conference. The level of excitement and involvement was nationwide, from the Minister of Education who spoke at the opening (Plenary) session to representatives from many of the island’s numerous libraries.

Just for the record, JLS was started in 1948 (before Jamaica’s emancipation/independence from Great Britain). It has 13 Parish libraries, and within those, numerous branch libraries (148 in all). Jamaica’s outreach service extends to hundreds of stops all over the island. The library’s partnership with its schools is well enmeshed, and collaboration with the National Library and the University of the West Indies is apparent.

I was a speaker who, with my husband’s assistance (he was my ‘live example’), presented a workshop on programming lifelong learning in public libraries. Throughout the week, other workshops covered e-resources, social networking, unified access of OPACs, and the overall theme of where the library is going. (Note: I am told that information, pictures, and recordings of my workshop and others will be available in the near future, from JLS online. - CC)

As of a year ago, the JLS initiated free Internet access at all their libraries, and their new website (linked above) was rolled out just a few days ago. Plans for unification of the cataloging system, renovations, incorporating more activities and building upon ones they have now are underway. The island’s biggest program is the National Reading Competition, which now includes an adult category. You can see more about this at:

http://www.jls.gov.jm/Prog_serv.htm

From the overall organization of the conference to the information presented, I was newly impressed with the Jamaica Library Service.

Its Director General, Mrs. Patricia Roberts, is an amazing woman of charm, energy and vision. She clearly motivates those around her. Her background in business and management is a grounding force for the library island-wide.

One event I was able to hook up with was a field trip to St. Ann’s Parish library.

The library’s renovations include revamping the teen area, moving the reference department to a larger area upstairs, increasing the number of public computers, and the creation of the Marcus Garvey room (a huge event is planned for its opening).

The library is surrounded by a park, and the Marcus Garvey statue stands solidly in front.

I feel extremely fortunate that I could participate in and attend the Jamaica Library Services 60th International Conference. The location (the Sunset Grande Resort in Ocho Rios) was almost secondary to the tremendous conference itself. Almost.

End of Year Reports - and Thank Yous!

This has been quite a year. One that will go into the history books for the astounding achievement of electing an intelligent, strong leader who happens to be the first U.S. African American President, for the turmoil of the U.S. economy, the tracking of global climate changes and extreme weather, and personally, a year of stretches.

It's interesting how a person's life-patterns can mimic those around her. We humans look for patterns, after all, to help make sense out of our daily lives. For example, I have taken yoga regularly since 2003 and up'd the pace with Shaolin kung fu three times a week. My legs are so much stronger and overall, I'm noticeably more flexible. I also feel a bit more settled and see a groundedness in my daily life. I'm sleeping better and reacting to potentially-stressful situations with much less emotion. Even my stomach problems are almost all gone away.

A big test of this "new me" was the advent of a new job with a long commute down the I-95 corridor and onto the 695 Beltway during rush hour. Even during my interim, I felt centered and focused on what I could do - write a novel (check), dig and create a water garden (check), work on music and stained glass (check), and devote more time and loving energy to what matters most = my family and friends (continuous checking).

As the year wraps its arms around us to huddle in a moment of reflection, I have to add that I am one of the luckiest around. And to whomever and whatever's responsible, a big 'thank you.' Thank you for the music, the words, the smiles from my kids and husband, the encouragement from my extended family, friends and colleagues, and the ongoing feeling of hope that we, as a nation and a community, can come out into the light. Who knows? Maybe by March, we'll really get into the spirit of some real, down-home spring cleaning (and I'm speaking figuratively as well as literally).

Have a wonderful holiday season, and blessings to each of you throughout the year.

Embracing the hard work ahead

Change is not easy for most of us. The majority of public librarians I know prefer 'organization with flexibility,' so when a new direction is thrown our way it is both exciting and scary.

Fundamental elements of libraries - the foundations of classifications, cataloging, circulation policies - seem to be the fall-back for new adaptations. For example, librarians must weed out old, extraneous, and out-dated materials from their shelves (called "weeding") and have developed standards for their systems. This makes way for new books and materials and keeps their collections current and relevant. When the fairly recent introduction of electronic books came into libraries' collections, the development of weeding policies came out of the existing one. User services have adapted in many ways; from programs (such as taking digital photos and putting them on library websites) to library computer use and wifi access.

Change is essential for growth. The climate of our nation has also moved in this direction; last night's incredibly positive election results are indicative of the majority's voice. We have made a choice for change on many levels, and it has renewed hope in this librarian's heart.

Falling back to a time when...things were better?

It's finally here. Autumn is in full swing,

Halloween is over, swing states are leaning towards Senator Obama, and we've gone back an hour.

As we move into the deepening dark, Tuesday is a bright ray of hope for many Americans. Many have worked hard to endorse and support Barack Obama as the Presidential candidate of choice in ways that are certainly unprecedented. This election has found us united online to have a piece of the process, from small donations to blogging, telephone calls from our kitchen tables, to joining with others whom we had never met before to knock on doors and attend rallies. It has been an incredible experience and already has made history.

I know I will be holding my breath as the counts come in on Tuesday. I'm almost tempted to turn off the news and close my laptop since the tension will run high, but I am too hopeful of the outcome. Like the recent Phillies game, I will take the time to root for my home team. And I am even more charged up, fired up, and ready to go! since I believe it will be victorious. One never knows, though, and the precarious "voting machine" situation has me a bit worried.

For example, many electronic voting machines do not offer a paper receipt to ensure you are voting for who or what you intended when you pressed the button. Poll representatives do their best to assure us that what we press is recorded as exactly what it was labelled, but without something to take with us, some kind of read-out similar to what we receive when we make purchases, our vote is based upon trust. Then we hear stories of hackability...and wonder about those close races (Florida, Ohio 2004).

Obama's site offers a brief video about "How to Vote in Philadelphia." This is a great idea and will help those who access the video a way to prepare and to spread the word (the catch phrase is,

"Solid red light
means
'You're all right'."

In Philly, the voting machines are set up so that if a voter selects all Democratic candidates, and then selects Obama/Biden, the light (selection) will go out for the Presidential candidate. This could create some confusion; having an instructional walk-through can help!

To cover those who do not have access to this video, printable instructions are also available on the link above.

Voting machines differ from state to state, even precinct to precinct. Taking the time to somehow ensure, in whatever way you can, that your vote is tallied correctly is important. There will be volunteers at the polling places to help with this, and early voting this election has made a big difference. Not feeling rushed when entering the booth is also important. The least busy times are around 10 am and 2 pm.

Finally, here is a link to the music video called "Dear Mr. President," by Pink. It is reflective of what the last few years have been like for so many. It's a good reminder. If you are still undecided this may help.

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Good luck to each of us; experience the hope and, I believe, the glory of the moment with your loved ones and in good places. This is an important event that has already touched most Americans in beneficial ways. Hopefully it will get better from here on out!

Perspectives in this unemployed world

I have a long-time, dear friend who has hopped from job to job throughout her life. She and I differ in that she has had no real ambition to "further her educational degree" or "establish a career." Her jobs have been with delis and diners, cashiering and slicing cheeses and meats. In talking to her about it, and even encouraging (okay, pushing) her to go back to school for some kind of degree, she has always been politely steadfast about her lack of interest to go that route. The minimum wage she received for the hard work she performed was enough.

Sometimes I thought her decision was not really conscious, and wondered if a low self-esteem or a lack of any belief that she could do better (i.e., make more money per hour at a job that held more meaning for her) was holding her back. In all honesty, I think there is some truth to that. But 90 percent of it is something else.

My dear friend's son and his wife gave birth to their first child, a beautiful little girl, about four months ago. Mom and Dad, and now Baby, live with my friend and her partner. They have a small modular home snuggling up to the foothills of the Cascades in Washington, south of Seattle. They and their community enjoy the quiet, deeply dark nights of the forested mounds, the wildlife (elk included), the predictable elements of Western booted life around them. Their gas-guzzling pickup is a rusted relic (that nowadays can't be sold even if they wanted to), but she sighs and says it's fine, they'll find the money for enough gas to get around somehow. She always has, so I believe her.

She has been out of work probably as often as not. It doesn't seem to bother her too much. Each day goes by like any other and I wonder at the monotony and lack of,...well, what is it? I wonder. Or have wondered, until recently.

Recently I caught up with her on my cell phone (pausing for the weird cell phone echoes and odd lapses in connection that have become common-place so acceptable, but that's for another time). We live on opposite coasts so timing has been a challenge. But now that I am out of work my flexibility (and energy) has increased. I have time to indulge.

As we recounted what has been going on since I last saw her in June, I heard a coo and giggle and interrupted with, "Is that your granddaughter?"

She gave a short laugh and her whole tone changed when she said, "Yes." In this new voice that relayed what felt like love, comfort, pride, happiness, and peace she told me about her and that Mom and Dad go off to work so she watches Baby. That's her job. Mostly I heard contentment come through, and like so many times before when talking to my friend, I wondered.

I wonder about the completeness of a person, particularly a woman, who can find fulfillment in taking care of her children and children's children. It probably depends on the person and their path in life. There is so much controversy about this, from valuing the stay-at-home mother to discrediting her work ethics when she returns to the job fair some years later.

In France the birth population diminished so much that the government began offering substantial subsidies to entice women to have French babies. Stay at home and have a baby and make an income this way. Sounds good to me.

Back home, women juggle a lot. Look good, be the business professional, the excellent mother, the sexy, caring wife, the home-maker, organizer, blah blah blah. You've heard it before. The point of this blog is that I am trying to be content the moment I wake up in the morning without an office outside my home and a paycheck from somewhere else (and benefits, did I mention that?). I struggle with my ambition and sense of purpose, feeling lost without stacks of cataloged books and databases and patrons to help. I am working on a novel and that is good. I write these blogs (I have three) and network, and that is keeping my mind going. I'm applying for jobs as they come up, and I'm beginning to find appeal in areas outside librarianship but in the widening circle of education and social services. Not retail, not yet! Argh!

Help me, Mr. Wizard, I think sometimes and then berate myself (pounding my fist on my forehead) since I know, I know I am the one that will help me. And I am no "Mister."