eBook Access

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One of my book highghts from this past week is a coworker’s reminder of the Overdrive app, which allows access to ebooks and audiobooks. I’ve had this app on my iPhone for a while, but had totally forgotten about it! I was already connected to my employer library and one public library syetem, so I added the other library card number and pin to my Overdrive app, and voila! Access to so many books online! It’s energized my reading, so that reading’s just about all I want to do during this stay-at-home order! (Yesterday, ours was extended to May 8 here in North Carolina, USA.) But, alas, I have a job, and can work from home, so I’m pressing forward. But still, yay reading!

Time Off During Work-from-Home

Our wonderful university librarian has given us a second mental health day from our current work-from-home environment, and I chose to take mine today. Even though I can’t go far, it’s nice to (mostly) stay off the computer and do other things today. I need to do a lot of cleaning, and I might get some done, but I’ll also do a lot of reading, and maybe even take a long, hot bath.

Meanwhile, I just noticed that one of the colleges I graduated from is having its Alumni Weekend virtually this weekend, and one of the sessions will be about their library, a video on Facebook at 4:00! I’ve set a reminder to catch that later today.

 

What’s Past is Prologue

I’ve taken on a new reading project. It’s not directly related to my library work, but it’s reading, which is good all around, right?

So what am I doing? I’ve decided to read all 37 of William Shakespeare‘s plays. Why? Well, my father passed away last month. He was an English major in college, and he and my mother met in a Shakespeare class. I wish that I turn back the clock and ask him more about that class, and if he had a favorite Shakespeare play. I can’t even recall who his favorite authors were. (In his retired years, he enjoyed reading non-fiction works about sports, politics, and history.)

I wish I’d read more Shakespeare while Dad was still alive, but I’m doing it now. I already have Julius Caesar, Romeo and Juliet, and Macbeth (finished last week) under my belt. Now I’m reading The Tempest.

The phrase “What’s past is prologue” happens to be from The Tempest. Although Dad’s not here anymore, he’s still inspiring me. He’d like this Shakespeare project of mine, I think.

 

Redecorating My Workspace

I’ve been thinking about how to spruce up both my work cubicle and my home office. I’d like for my work space to be an organized and inviting place, and my home office to be my sanctuary–well organized, more personal, more plants, more mementos. I’m striving to be more organized overall, and enjoyed a trip to the local Container Store before I started my new position in January.

In searching the internet, I came across the article, “7 Ways to Make Your Office a Sanctuary.” There are some good overarching ideas there. Pinterest has some good ideas, too, like this.

Progress will probably be slow, as worklife is busy, and I’m usually ready to head for home at the end of the day. Inspiration always helps, though. Ideas are welcome!

Adding Tech Skills

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about adding skills to enhance my current job (and resume). While I’m super busy at work, picking up new skills could help a lot, right?! The skillset I keep coming back to is technology. I enjoy my tech toys, but I know there’s a lot more I could learn about technology that could help my work (and maybe even my hobbies too!).

I was talking to my better half about this a few nights ago, since I’ve been looking into certificate and degree options at the local community college. I’ve also searched YouTube for some videos, and you know what’s on YouTube–pretty much everything! He suggested I try the do-it-yourself method first, and see how I like it.

This afternoon, I had another idea after looking at a former colleague’s LinkedIn profile–lynda.com!  Lynda.com is full of instructional videos on all kinds of topics, and at quick glance, the technology videos look especially good! An added bonus is that I can log in and watch the videos for free since my work has an institutional account, and I can do this from work or from home. (Any suggestions for particularly good videos on lynda.com?)

So, what am I going to start with? I’ve been wanting to increase my Microsoft Excel skills for years, so I think I’ll start with some Excel videos on Lynda.com, and see if I can stick with videos as a learning method. If it works out, I’m really interested in trying my hand at some programming. I also have several dead-in-the-water websites that I’d like to resurrect, so maybe I’ll add some website building skills too.

What other technology skills might be helpful to librarians? I’d love suggestions!

 

Reading Goals

I’ve been thinking lately about my reading goals, and how they factor into my life. Since I work with books all day (but don’t get to read them at work, of course!), sometimes I like a break from books when I get home. I do love to read, though, and want to be a more well-read person. My bookshelves at home are brimming with books I haven’t read yet (along with a few favorites I’ve read and haven’t been able to part with), and my Kindle has quite a few eBooks still waiting to be read.

Late last year, I decided to try to finish at least one book a week. I’ve managed to keep up with a book a week since the week of November 1, and the streak now stands at 21 weeks! Listening to audiobooks has helped, especially since I’ve had two driving trips to Alabama since starting this goal. I’m not sure how long I’ll be able to keep the streak alive, but I’m hoping I can do it for a full year, at least.

What are your reading goals? (And how do you keep up with the books you’ve read?)