Ready for My Close Up

Dear Diary,

Today was the best way to spend a Friday. I attended a demonstration of teaching innovation and tools in the new Jordan Science Building and ran into my former co-star from the RefWorks commercial who was one of the presenters for the new WebCT Concourse. There were snacks and it is great weather out so that was nice.

Then I returned in time for my Photo Shoot for an upcoming article in our library newsletter, Access about my participation in the Emerging Leader program. It was in the library concourse during lunch time so I got a lot of co-worker attention. I wonder if they think this is really how I spend all of my time. Either shooting commercials or article photos. Ha! Ha!

Now I'm off to a retirement party filled with the most beautiful daffodils and more treats.

I really should stop eating so many snacks...
if I am going to continue being
America's Next Top Library Model.

Gutenberg offers 'In your home' support

Introducing the book -- Gutenberg offers 'In your home' support

Technical Service Help Desk for the first books. Too Funny!

Once and For All

Dear Diary,

I usually try to view all situations in a positive light. To that end, I have been trying to convince my mentors of the merits of my latest "IDEA." I am sure it is a direct result of my exhaustion, but I am also trying to make the numerous interviews I'm conducting more EFFICIENT. So I propose instead of doing 3 phone interviews each day, perhaps I can create a webcast of a sort of Audition Tape. I am applying for similar library positions with similar requirements. I only apply to those that I feel I am qualified for. And as hard as this may be to hear, libraries are not that dis-similar. Neither are their interview questions. Unfortunately, the do differ greatly in the topics I have been required to present on during my campus interviews. It figures.

But I digress. Like I was saying, I can create a recording to be viewed at the interviewers' leisure. No longer would we have to coordinate schedules for 4 or 5 people for a phone conference call. Instead, I can answer some of the basics that they all ask:

1) What interested me in their position/ university?
2) What makes me qualified?
3) What is my approach/philosophy to instruction/reference?
4) Do I have good communication skills?
5) Am I innovative/creative?
6) Am I a team player, but am I also able to work independently?

Now imagine a body answering those same or slight variations of those same questions over and over and over and over, in the span of about a month. Not just on weekdays, or during work hours but continuing on weekends and evenings.

Now I ask you would it not save all parties involved considerable time to have those questions pre-recorded and they can view it and then if they have more questions or wish to continue they could contact each other after that time saving measure?

Just think of it, the possibilities are endless. I could don my pirate costume and do a demo. I could use this as an example of my innovative ideas and creative ability. My managers don't think it will fly. But oh well...

Tech Support for Gutenberg Era

Dear Diary,

A brilliant man whom I admire immensely sent me this and for some reason it reminds me of him. Ha!

Technical Service / Help desk for the 1st book

http://www.boreme.com/boreme/funny-2007/introducing-the-book-p1.php

Notre Dame Interview

Dear Diary,

I finished my 3 days of interviews at Notre Dame this week. I think it went really well, we should know within a few weeks hopefully. It is a strange situation, not only being an internal candidate, but having the only other candidate be my co-resident. This is pretty awkward for most of our co-workers who have explicitly stated that we are both great but just extremely opposite from each other, whatever that means? But at least, this is a win-win because at least the tradition will continue of the residents having the option to stay.

I worked incredibly hard on my presentation. And thank God, it went off without a hitch! No technology snafus or mishaps. I half expected the audience to begin tossing Rose Petals over my head, at the end of my presentation. But of course, I ALWAYS expect my audience to toss rose petals in fact I expect perfect strangers to do that when I walk pass, as well. I have been at times concerned that I have an over-inflated self ego. Ha! Ha!

I have gotten really great feedback about my presentation. I got some helpful questions afterwards that actually helped me convey a more definitive explanation of my example of class activities. I actually pulled up my Pirate Teacher class slides and went through them and heard a lot of "Ohs and Ahs." I don't think until that moment that I realized the potential for people to misconstrue my instruction sessions with little more than glorified play time. So when they realized the level of detail and content that is involved in my class, I think that strengthened my overall presentation. One of my co-instructors for my Pirate Teacher class was in attendance and he vouched for me, but I had not appreciated that the majority of the others only see me walking around in a Pirate Costume with a screaming sword...so they would have no way of knowing that I cover the same if not more content as all other instructors. So that worked out.

Some people were unable to attend my presentation, so I vowed to go to anyone's office who did not attend and RE-DO my entire presentation in their office. And so I did just that. I think people believed I was kidding and that was an idle threat. They know better now. Ha! Ha! And while I am not usually a supporter of FORCIBLE INSTRUCTION...sometimes it cannot be avoided. I can't imagine why people think I am slightly insane. Ha!
*
*
But seriously, I was thinking about that car insurance commercial wherein the speaker gives someone some bad news but adds, "The good news is that I just saved up to 15% on my car insurance!" Well, I think even though I have been somewhat, just a wee bit stressed out with juggling work projects and interviews...the good news is that I just saved 50% on my THERAPY bill!"

I love Notre Dame for a whole host of reasons, not the least of which is the people who I work with. I have been blessed to have the most absolutely incredible mentors here. They not only challenge me professionally but they are always always there for me personally. And it is more than just a couple so it is a really wonderful support network. In addition to my work and interview and of course my publishing responsibilities, I have been steeped in personal and family crises. they never fail to keep my encouraged and always listen and give me a genuine smile and a big ole hug when needed. Aaawww Shucks!! I told them I can't imagine being somewhere else and not having them all within a few feet of my office. But we will see how this whole thing plays out.

I'm Back

Dear Diary,

I'm back. YAY!!

I've been off conducting
back-to-back campus interviews.

I'm utterly exhausted from:
traveling and interviewing
and doing presentations.

All interviews required I do very specific and very different presentation topics.

Naturally, all of the cities I visited shared the same weather as Notre Dame. Ha!

Did I mention that I still have a full time job? Oh well. It is just truly refreshing to be back home and have a few days before I fly out again for the next round of campus interviews in the first and second weeks of April.

I've been able to refine my selection criteria and have begun declining campus invitations which is pretty scary since I do not have an official offer. But "Leap of Faith" right?

Okay, time to catch up on my work.
Tah Tah For Now.

I'm on Vacation...

Up, Up & Away!

Dear Diary,

My Upward Bound Presentations went very well, especially since the first one was plagued by technical difficulties. My original big closing was derailed since I could not get sound on the computer which defeated the purpose. But I have suffered enough Technical Deaths to know how to be Reborn with a low-tech contingent plan.

So I had to rely on my quick thinking and so I piggybacked off of the wonderful keynote speaker points and ended with a powerful motivational poem by Les Brown called "Live Your Dreams." The keynote speaker was Attorney Cleo Washington.

One facilitator form Purdue said I need to make a recording of my presentation because it was so dynamic and I have an amazing personal story to share. So I invited him to follow me around with a video camera and we can make my life into a Reality TV show. Students asked me "How do I keep myself so motivated?" And I told them it is a daily struggle. I strive for balance because I tend to be an extremist, so I may watch Flavor of Love or some other "Mindless Entertainment Production." (Mindless Entertainment is actually the name of the company).

But for every hour I spend not using my mind, I double that amount of time spend doing something mentally challenging.

The keynote speaker spoke about Plato's Cave Analogy and tunnel limited vision. He also talked about the "Road Less Traveled" by Robert Frost.

My evaluations were very good and the audience reaction was overwhelmingly positive. I am on such a high. There is no comparable feeling than that of "Giving Back" to future generations. YAY!

This was just the boost I needed to get me over the hump for the intense few weeks that start in 18 hours.

Como Se Dice?

Dear Diary,

I just learned that a co-worker was awarded a research leave to study the Catalan language publishing industry.
I sure need someone to help translate Catalan, b/c when I visited Ibiza and Barcelona I noticed signs everywhere in graffiti that read:

"No volem autopista"

I was so saddened that the poor citizens were not allowed to have Autopsies.

Until my friend explained that "Autopista" means "Expressway." Doh!

But my friend got her new nickname on that same trip, My Banana!
Of course she later explained to me that they were calling her "Mi Hermana" which we all know means, Sister. But I decided I like Banana more. So there! Ha!

Refworks Commercial ... FEVER

Dear Diary,

I am proud to report that a few people have expressed interest in using our Citation Cop Commercial.

Even the company RefWorks may showcase it as a marketing tool idea for other customers. I have gotten a few flattering comments directly on YouTube.

In fact we are in talks right now with a librarian in another country who wants to use it in their library.

Aww Shucks!

Wabash Correctional Facility Book Donation Project

Dear Diary,

I am personally interested in doing an outreach project to correctional facilities. I don't have the time now, but I can donate, in the mean time:

The Black Cultural Center library at Purdue University accepts books for donation to the Wabash Correctional Facility.

The project is a collaborative effort between the Wabash Correctional Facility and the Black Cultural Center in response to inmates’ desire to have access to material relating to the Black experience.

In addition, the Center makes its collection available to the facility via Interlibrary Loan and donates withdrawn items from its collection to the facility.

You may send donations to the : Black Cultural Center library, Purdue University, 1100 3^rd, Lafayette, IN, 47906.

Clearly state that the donation is for the Wabash Correctional Facility to avoid confusion as possible donation to the Black Cultural Center library.

Trio Day Presentation this Saturday

Dear Diary,

I am still preparing for my presentation at Trio Day. I'm almost done, I've printed all 100 handouts and have rehearsed my presentation. Just adding some finishing touches. Below is an announcement that was on Notre Dame's Homepage today:

Upward Bound to host area students for Trio Day conference

The Upward Bound program at the University of Notre Dame will host students and parents from the local community on campus March 10 (Saturday) for a conference titled “Trio Scholars Embracing the Future.” In celebration of national Trio Day, which honors first-generation and low-income students who have successfully achieved a higher education, the leadership workshop will feature a keynote address by former state Sen. Cleo Washington.

High school and college students, including participants in Notre Dame’s Upward Bound program along with students from Purdue University Calumet, Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, Indiana State University, Vincennes University, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, the Robinson Community Learning Center and the 21^st Century Scholars program, will attend with their parents.

Representatives from the offices of U.S. Rep. Joseph Donnelly of the 2nd District of Indiana, South Bend Mayor Steve Luecke, and Notre Dame President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., will be present at the conference.

In addition to the address by Washington, a Notre Dame Upward Bound alumnus, activities will include a college fair, an awards luncheon and workshop sessions designed to help students and their parents embrace college life and their future. All events will take place on campus at McKenna Hall, with the college fair beginning the day at 8:30 a.m. Registration information and a detailed itinerary are available on the Web

A federally funded Trio initiative for enhancing postsecondary educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged young people, Notre Dame Upward Bound has been serving students from the South Bend Community School Corporation since 1966. Other Trio programs at Notre Dame include Educational Talent Search and the Ronald McNair Post-Baccalaureate Program.

Organization & Flexibility is Key

Dear Diary,

I am doing what feels like the world's greatest juggling act. I need a personal assistant to help me keep straight my schedule. I try to cram all my job-hunting activities into the few hours before or after work or over my lunch. So between scheduling phone interviews and next week beginning in person interviews, and refreshing my memory about each specific position and institution, in addition to my committee work, instruction, and blog project, it is quite a task.

I appreciate the variations in approaches to these interviews. One group was kind enough to forward me the list of questions they plan to ask in my phone interview. That was much appreciated.

*

Another phone interview was held in the most unconventional manner ever. It took some scheduling ping-pong back and forth so once we had a time and date, I was reluctant to re-schedule due to my Strep Throat. But I was getting worse so was actually still out running errands and trying to get my prescription filled during my interview. They were willing to postpone it but I figured it is just an opportunity to showcase how good I am at multitasking. Ha! Ha! Not recommended.

Because the next problem was my cell phone started breaking up so I went outside. Total strangers were considerate enough to voluntarily come get me to say they were calling my name to go get my prescription, but of course when I got to the counter, my name had not been called. The entire process lasted about 30 minutes and we managed to get through the interview just fine. They were actually very flexible and it was just funny once I look back on it. I did thank them for being "with me" while I was in the doctor's waiting room. It was actually quite comforting. My dad used to go and sit with me during long waits at the doctors so they made me feel as though I was not there all alone. Ha! Okay, so I can blame the medication for any lapses in judgment.

An extra fun interview was with a person who had to interview me during the evening because of my hectic schedule. They too were at home and had to referee a fight between their cat and dog. Ha! They have 4 cats. I am a cat-fanatic and of course I am terribly allergic. But I really enjoy living vicariously through people who have kitties! Awww. On the bright side, I am not hating these late night and weekend interviews. I have free nights and weekends, so it doesn't reduce my monthly minutes. I've had more and more scheduled after 7pm and on Friday and Sunday nights.

I am hoping that I am not a victim of my own success. By that I mean, it is becoming increasingly more complicated to schedule campus visits. One person told me during the phone interview they were afraid I would not be able to fit them into my hectic schedule. Luckily I have the best-EST managers in the world and so they have been incredibly flexible. But even that has just about run into it's limits. There are only so many days in a week to move meetings and classes to.

Oh well...I know...I know...There are worse problems to have. It is all pretty exciting. I just could really use a personal assistant, but then again who couldn't. I could also use a maid and a personal chef and a massage therapist and ugh...umm... well you get the idea.

It is funny because some of the people I interview with have either called me back when they meant to call the next candidate, or emailed me using another candidate's name. I point it out and they all apologize. But I totally understand how easy it is to make those mistakes and I pray to God that I do not get mixed up when communicating with potential employers. But we are only human right?

Time Travel

Dear Diary,

Today I experienced the closest thing I ever have to time travel. Lately I have been spending a lot of time with the time and date.com website. I've had interviews with people in all different time zones and it is rather confusing because we tend to schedule in our personal time zones so there have been many clarifying emails specifying the times and the time zone.

Our Corporate Time electronic calendars had to be reset manually due to the Daylight Savings Time so I've just about had enough of time zones.

But on a more interesting note, today I had my first ever Video Conference.
It was so amazing. I love technology!

I interviewed with a potential employer in another country! WOW!! It was amazing because not only are they in a different time zone, but because of the time difference they are actually a DAY ahead of me.

So while I had an interview Thursday afternoon, it was actually Friday morning for them. Which makes me wonder: Were they interviewing me or my FUTURE SELF?
Whoa! That is profound! You have to think about that. Ha!

I do have a confession to make. The video conference was very cool, but can be fraught with pitfalls. I admit, I am truly vain and I enabled the "Picture in Picture" feature. This allowed me to see myself inside of the screen showing the interviewers. So at some points I found myself fixing my hair instead of giving my undivided attention to my answers. Doh!

I'm very much interested in Chakras and time-space continuum theorems, Black Existentialism, and other metaphysical principles etc. So I had an interview in another country on a future date at the same time I was in my office today. Well, sort of.

I am so honored that people in other countries are interested in me.
Never in my wildest dreams could I have ever imagined I'd have these experiences.

All this while battling Strep Throat. I hope I'm not hallucinating as a result of the medicines I'm taking.