Stuff I'm Working On

I realized that I haven't posted anything about the things I am working on at my new job. I am busy! I have never had a job where there have been so many opportunities, from trainings to an embracing of my suggestions.

Here's a list of my current projects:

*Tonight I meet with a local science fiction/fantasy group that is putting on a convention this summer. I found the group randomly, wrote a proposal to try and connect (or even co-sponsor the event) and was given the green light without question.

*I'm giving a speech to the group Leadership Omaha about the value of libraries and community.

*I'm working with two other staff people on a a training for non-profits in may. We have two two-hour long sessions about good search strategies.

*I'm going to the ALA convention! in Anaheim! This is especially thrilling to me because i have wanted to go for years and years but I've never had the opportunity.

*I'm heading up a major biography project. I don't think it's a testament to my skills...I just don't think anyone else wanted to take it on. We're moving every biography that is not cataloged as a biography into the biography section. In other words, every book about a musician, sports star, athlete, etc has to be pulled and moved over. We have to go through the entire scope of Dewey. The problem is when we disagree about whether a book is a bio or not. Ask yourself, is Eat, Pray, Love a biography or a travel book? Or, what about Between a Rock and a Hard Place? We're having some fun, spirited discussions.

*I wrote a proposal for a Creativity Festival that is taking place this summer. I proposed that we offer a participatory storytelling session, with the local storytelling group working hard to get people up on stage to tell their personal stories. Unfortunately, I will be at ALA during the festival and have turned it over to some other people.

*I'm working the desk every day and still trying to learn. Omaha Public Library doesn't have desk schedules like I'm used to so this week and last week I've had one morning off desk and the rest of the week is on. It's hard for me to sit that long, especially since I'm used to a schedule where every hour is scheduled.

As you can see, I've been here a month and I am packed full of stuff to do. Most of it I have volunteered for because I cannot handle just working the desk. But I am absolutely thrilled to be working at a library where I feel appreciated and like there are opportunities. It's very exciting and I really feel like I made the right decision.