Today I Am . . . briefing the boss

There's something about putting a brief together on your operation and going over it with the boss that really helps to put your work life in perspective.

My web person showed him what we're doing with our online resources (website, blog, forum, professional research services, individual research assistance online from a live librarian) as well as showing off some of the cool new stuff for the future (your avatar wanders the virtual library to find information!).

I talked about my philosophy of serving our customers no matter where they are and how we can implement that philosophy via web-based services, the Drive-Up Library, and working via phone and email (and maybe eventually IM, text messaging, etc) to help people get the info they want.

We discussed what this means in terms of staffing and funding (especially for technology infrastructure), and while (of course) he made no promises, I know that when I submit requests, he'll understand what we're trying to do here.

We also talked about the Library's upcoming programs:

• African-American stories at the Friday storytimes in February in honor of African-American Heritage Month


• National Napping Day (March 10)


• Cyberspace Careers Pizza Party for 11th graders (late March or early April)


• Professional Reading Society meeting on Gen O'Malley with a gentleman who knew the General (May)


• Summer Reading Program for kids at the Base Library (June-July)


• Teen Summer Reading Program with the Bellevue Public Library (June-July)

While on the one hand I'm exhausted before I even start, on the other, I'm so jazzed about what we're doing! Pulling it all together like this reminds me of how much fun this job can be.

Currently Reading: BBC News online
Currently Listening to: "Abduction from the Seraglio" by Mozart, via WGUC classical radio