Libromancer's Apprentice

Just some book love in the words of Wil Wheaton , I strongly recommend reading his entire post, but the last few paragraphs just hit me as beautiful. Excerpt from the quietest and most constant of friends , " I love my eBooks. I love the convenience of having a book sync across all of my various devices, always at my fingertips wherever I am and whenever I need it (unless I’m on an airplane; a stupid and pointless rule that really needs to be changed). I love the instant gratification that comes with buying a book and reading it within minutes after hearing about it, without ever leaving the chair I was already sitting in. As an author who exists primarily on the Internet, I’ve made a very good living due in no small part to eBooks. And yet. And yet there is a romance and a power and a beauty and a permanence and a sense of reality that actual printed books have, which also does not translate to electronic format for me. I haven’t read nearly as many books this ye...

Whether we realize it or not, we've all likely made use of the First Sale Doctrine .  In simple terms the First Sale Doctrine is what makes it legal for us to resell objects without permission from or making payments to whomever owns the copyright (sales after the "first sale").  This copyright limitation is why it is legal for students to sell their used text books, families to hold tag sales, and for libraries to lend books and other media.  Long story short, the First Sale Doctrine is a Big Deal. This Big Deal is also under threat, which is sadly nothing new.  We regularly encounter digital purchases where the product is licensed, not bought.  Ebooks can be removed from your e-reader , or removed from your account , or you can have access to your ebook account taken away .  You cannot properly lend a favorite ebook to a friend, though at least you will always get the book back (note: I am aware of websites to facilitate lending of ebooks, but even thos...

So, I had this post as something I was working on, but was sitting around unfinished... and then I saw  this and it brought my mind right back to the issue of dressing appropriately for work.  Not because of any danger of being fired over dressing sexy, but because dressing nicely is expected in my field (after all, I do need to look respectable), while at the same time also dressing for the work expected. In simplest terms, I dislike dressing up for work. This sentiment is not inspired by a lack of concern for my appearance or laziness, nor is any reflection on my ability to dress myself properly (even if my sense of style may be at times absent).  I do like to present myself as a hygienic and responsible person, possibly even an attractive one of my confidence is high that day. My dislike is both practical and personal. To the disappointment of many adolescent fantasies I'm sure, generally librarians don't emulate the iconic pin-up images that many conjure...

As of starting this blog I work full time as a Technology Services Librarian.  There is a whole variety of similar jobs out there with different names, but what it really boils down to is I work with technology in the library.  I leave the statement deliberately broad because it needs to be; I may teach basic computer skills, rebuild a old computer, do many many things related to ebooks, edit the library website, figure out why the server just died, etc.  I am a professional "friend who is good with computers," but sadly I'm not allowed to wear this shirt at work.  Since in theory the computers aren't always breaking down (and patrons will ask anyone for help regardless of desk signage), I also work as a Reference librarian which not only involves finding answers, but allows me to interact and develop areas of our non-fiction collection. The irony of my job is I never imagined I'd be working IT in any respect.  I keep surrounding myself with friends and famil...