UPDATE "Murder in the Stacks" Located!

Just an update:

By using LibraryDirector tricks and methods (IOW, phone calls and e-mails! My Sonic Screwdriver was of no use in this case), I was able to find a copy of "Murder in the Stacks" at the University. They still had the copy in the Media Center where I worked for about a year, and through a friend I was able to get it for a staff training session this morning. Sheesh, this thing was harder to find than the "key to time".

I thought it went well, and most of my staff even laughed a couple of times -- in the right places!

(And, predictably, in one area "Holmes" states that oversized books need to be shelved SPINE DOWN to prevent the pages from pulling away from the binding. In every session I've attended where the video is presented, the same question gets asked that they asked:

"HOW DO YOU KNOW WHAT THE TITLE/CALL NUMBER IS IF YOU CAN'T SEE THE SPINE???"

Anyone have an answer for THAT one? I don't!)

Which led me to presenting my new Shelf-reading with 'Weed as you go' policy -- with everyone signing up for an area of responsiblity. THAT wasn't as well received, but it needs to be done.

How do you convince a reluctant staff to do what they should be doing anyway? Ah, that is the question, and I'm going to have to find the answer to that myself soon.

"The Director"

Local business supports the Library

One of the local businesses here, Tupelo's, a combination bakery/resturant/antique shop, sends out an e-newsletter every day to promote their daily lunch specials.

Well, yesterday we got a surprise:

(from the newsletter)

Summer reading ... isn't it the best?! Read, read, read... I strongly believe in the power of reading. It's such an inspiring, entertaining activity or escape. I've been engrossed in fiction this summer - the new Russo novel and some light "beach" fiction too.

I encourage you all to take part in the programs offered by our LOCAL LIBRARY. There are a few new staff members and a lot of new energy over there. I'm a big fan of inter-library loan so that I can get all the latest books that might not be in out here in the beautiful country side. Ask Ms. Books [our Children's Librarian's nickname] about the wonderful summer programs for children too!

I love it when local businesses take the time to recognize other local endeavors publically. We sent them our thanks! (They have excellent wraps, too.)

4 day work-week? No thanks!

I saw an ad this past week for a "Evening Librarian" position. The salary was good ($48,528), plus it was at a community college! (ah, to return to the thrilling days of academic librarianship!)

HOWEVER -- the hours were "Full-Time Monday-Thursday 10:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m".

I don't know about the rest of you, but "The Director" is exhausted after a standard 8:30-5:30 shift. Sure the three-day weekend sounds attractive, but look at all you miss:

dinner with the family (AND you have to eat just before you go to bed! Not good!)
School open house
Parent Teacher meetings
Scout meetings
recitals and band concerts
regular exercise time
NCIS (ok, that's not a biggie -- they show up on DVD eventually!)
etc.

Nope, in my balance book, the cons outweigh the pros. (Although some of the young, single, just starting out in the profession folk might like it.)

As for me, I'll stick to the five day workweek, thank you very much!

"The Director"

Back at work

Busy week ahead:

More work on the budget (where to make cuts)

Meetings with Literacy over THEIR budget and grants

Shelf-reading and weeding battles

Tech is coming to install new hard drives in public access computers

and, as the King would say, et-cetera, et-cetera, et-cetera!

"The Director"

Fourth of July weekend

For those of us on 'this side' of the pond, I hope all of you have a happy and safe fourth of July weekend. Taking a 'directors perogative', our library will be closed Saturday as well as Friday (we are closed Sunday anyway).


Remember this old joke?

Question:Does England have a fourth of July?
Unsuspecting response: no, of course not!
Right Answer: Sure they do, how else do they get from the third to the fifth???


A local couple who immigrated here from England host a "loser's party" every 4th of July, and invite anyone in the area of English descent! Their home is decked out in British flags, photos of the Queen, etc. It's quite a sight. Some friends of mine (from Scotland) usually provide the musical entertainment, playing British and Celtic music.

Me? I'm heading to the local park for a picnic and fireworks! I'll be decked out in American Red, White, and Blue.

Again, a Happy and safe 4th to y'all!

"The Director"


(Pic taken from the series 3 episode "Daleks in Manhattan")

e-mail idea for customer service rep.

(Thanks, Christopher!)

'might spark a few complaints, though (from the survivors). Still......

"The Director"

Murder in the Stacks - where to find online

A number of years ago, I saw a short movie as a part of a new staff orientation. It was called "Murder in the Stacks" and featured "Sherlock Holmes" as he and "Watson" went through the library pointing out shelving mistakes and how they led to shortening the life of a book for circulation.

Yes, it was very corny, but strangely, unlike most orientation videos, it had some good ideas, and the acting wasn't bad, either.

Does anyone know if this video is available online somewhere? I'd like to have my staff watch it over. I'm getting ready to go over shelf-reading; weeding; shifting; etc procedures, which quite obviously have not been done for some time here.

Thanks, in advance!

edit:
It's produced by Columbia University Libraries Preservation Committee!
No word yet on an online version.




"The Director"