I can totally relate to today’s Unshelved

RE: Out of stock

In response to my recent post about Overstock.com and their claim that they were out of stock of books that hadn't been published yet, my father sent me this:

Change from the inside

I recently saw this cartoon from Gapingvoid and it got me thinking.

I don't believe that I've mentioned this previously here but I'm running for vice-chair/chair elect of ITART, the Information Technology and Access Round Table of the Nebraska Library Commission Association. Basically, I'm putting my money (well, my time anyway) where my mouth is.

Folks here in NE have learned over the past year that I find it part of my mission in life, and also part of my job, to shoot my mouth off. I feel that I generally do this when appropriate and with plenty of thought behind what I'm saying but not everyone will agree with that. Since said shooting typically involves saying something along the lines of "why?" not everyone likes what I have to say.

I've said some things about the state association in general and about ITART in particular and as a result I'm getting involved. I believe things need to change and in this case they're best changed from within. (Issue #1: The ITART Web site.)

But, and here's where the above cartoon fits in, one must be careful not to blend in too much when attempting to create change. Just how much change can George possibly generate when he's indistinguishable from everyone else in the organization? This is not a problem I generally have, but am still wary of nonetheless.

I've met many next-gen librarians in this state and most of them have said the same thing to me in one form or another: I'm trying to change things but no one's listening. My advice, join with me and STAND OUT. Make some noise. (Just make sure you know what you're talking about when you do.) Stick to your guns. Join me to work from within. The change will happen eventually.

Funny nonetheless

I've met both James Patterson and Nora Roberts which maybe made me laugh at this all the more.

Well, I can name a few of my neighbors...

Google as source

Unshelved has a great strip regarding using Google as a "source". Consider this a follow-up to my Google is not the Enemy post.

Feeling old

I sent off a Web site evaluation this morning and one of my points was that I felt the colors were a bit much. However, I admitted that since it was a site for teens that it was probably me just feeling "old". That just made me laugh even harder at today's Real Life.

Presentation ideas

Today's Unshelved proves that publishing and presentation ideas can come from almost anywhere.

Funny, but for the wrong reasons

This comic is funny but only because I know of so few librarians who would actually be bothered by the actions of the non-librarian. Ah, stereotypes.

Dewey Torrents

In today's unshelved. (I still haven't seen 300 yet. Guess I'll need to wait for the DVD at this point.)

Need... Coffee...

Mary and the girls showed up from CO this morning at 2:45am. I just got back from Starbucks to find this gem from Unshelved:

Nobody looks happy, either way.

This one's for Sara although at just 13, I'm pretty sure she won't get it.

Ashtray Head at the library

Scott Adams has sent the new manger "Ashtray Head" to the library.

BitTorrent humor

Today's Real Life comic takes on "watching" UK TV via BitTorrent. I have this conversation with myself all the time. (Doctor Who Series three starts this Saturday! Guess what I'll be watching on Sunday.)

Dogbert's Speakers Bureau

Part two is today.

Dogbet's Speakers Bureau

Are you a speaker? If so, did you catch yesterday's Dilbert?

Valentine's Day

Source: xkcd