I just used my skills today – Do Da! Do Da! October 30, 2009
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sing along with me!
A former faculty member who is also the parent of a middle school-age child just called about resources I would recommend for his daughter’s science fair project. It was related to germs and bacteria SO I got to recommend a few of the neat things I learned at the MLA conference including a few of the features of Medline Plus that might appeal to the science fair set, and Tox Town which they could access from home FREE. I also told him about a database we have here on campus that Dr. Van Fleet introduced to those of us in her reference class: AccessScience which they can come in and use on campus. Dad was very happy. Let’s hope the daughter is as enthusiastic.
Yippee! I’ve acquired some Skilz!
SCC MLA Conference October 26, 2009
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The first thing I learned during the conference was not to neglect blogging while in situ. now, I have a paper to write for the generous folks at NLM as well as updating other blogs and facebook pages about the experience. Oh. and school work. that too. I seriously dreamed last night about a paper that I had to submit, but I ended up riding escalators in some kind of education mall that went nowhere. 3am, I wake up in a panic thinking about all the things I have not done. So, I intend to focus now on what I accomplished. And then, I’m going to bed.
suffice it to say that the experience was great. As a student rep, I was able to attend all the events and many presentations. More libraries need to sponsor staff / participants – I have no doubt it would improve library service a hundred-fold. I also learned to always stay at the hotel where the conference is being held. there is more to life than a penny saved. for one, lots of good conversation takes place in the free time between meetings and in the evening. My library friend tells me that there is a whole Twittersphere of information going on behind the scenes as well. and for another, it is just plain fun to associate with such nice people and to make friends. It’s good to have library peeps. We are so isolated in grad school. I do not think that is healthy.
you can catch the bowdlerized version of the conference on the OLISSA facebook page and the NLM blog for starters. It really was great. I hope everyone applies for the scholarship next year. I was given the Princess treatment — and I liked it. If you want information, just ask me or take a look at the NLM website. The call for applicants came through my OU email, so I encourage everyone to look for future opportunities.
Petit et Precis October 12, 2009
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in a recent email, Dr. White who is teaching 5053 offered the following strategy for writing a short analytical paper:
Think of arguing your case in front of the Supreme Court and you have 30 minutes to state your case or risk the chance of losing. You must present your case early and convince the courts that you actually have a case, then defend your case (justify why they should rule in your favor). Opinions don’t really matter. Assertions are useless. Jibber jabber is a waste of time and you will be defeated. We don’t want that.
Well put! This is a great analogy for me, since I find short papers very difficult – especially beginning them. They feel so abrupt. This strategy puts it into perspective. It is not narrative writing. For this next paper, I am going to close the white picketed gate to my flowery garden of rhapsodic prose and GET ON WITH IT.
