Have you hugged your library today?

My family laughed at me this year when I mentioned that I was thankful for libraries because they do such good work.

But it's no joke. They really do! Here's an example:

At University of Nebraska-Omaha, the reference department was looking for a new answer to the Interlibrary loan problem. Students wanted materials faster, and couldn't wait the 48 hours to receive an article via email because their paper was due in 10. The library purchased Kindle's so that students could purchase the article and walk away with the technology right then and there. Unfortunately, Amazon's collection of peer-reviewed journal articles is not quite as extensive as their popular fiction, so the service flopped.

Rather than giving up entirely, the reference staff came up with a new idea. Academic libraries do not historically build popular fiction into their collection development each year, even though students from all subject areas ask for it. Rather than trying to build a collection from scratch, they used the Kindle's. This eliminated the space issues, and made sure the technology investment was put to good use. Before budgets became tight, UNO students could request a new book, and the library would purchase it for them on the Kindle and then rent out the machine for 2 weeks (with an option of one renew). Now that budgets are smaller, students can still rent the Kindle and purchase what they want, with the understanding that the library will delete the purchase when it is turned back in. Not only can students get the books they want at a fraction of the cost, but they also get to test drive the Kindle to see if they like it. The way I see it - Amazon owes UNO quite a bit of money. I'm sure if UNO wanted to expand their collection, they could even get Amazon to donate the product.

The next time you're at the library, thank a librarian for all that they do. Then ask them to give me a job. We're all in this together.

Travesty

Allie's album has been out since March and I just found out today. Worst fan ever. I checked on Amazon and they are out of stock! Way to go Allie! Or not? I'm not sure if that's a good or a bad thing.

What is good is that I found out about the album through my BFF Jo who discovered the world's best music blog.

Share the joy.

*Sigh* again

No new fancy job for me.

*Sigh*

9 more months until next football season.

Good Things

1. I had a job interview yesterday. It was a 3.5 hour interview - which Dad says is good. It would be hard to leave the ELP, and even harder to move in to the Arts & Sciences Deans office, but I think I'm ready for the challenge. Think happy thoughts for me.

2. Kris Allen's album came out on Tuesday. You know you want to buy it. It's okay. You don't have to tell anyone. Naturally, I bought the all-access iTunes pass back in May, so I got it delivered to my inbox. See how good life is when you indulge your guilty pleasures?



3. This is my first free weekend since August. There is homework that I could do, but instead - I'm taking two days off. I'm going to make chex mix, eat brunch with Steven, watch a ton of football, get caught up on my DVR, and hopefully put a big dent in the Christmas shopping. It's been a long time coming.

4. Nintendo just released Super Mario Brothers for the Wii. People in my life who need Christmas present ideas for me: take note.



5. Project Runway finale. Carol Hannah? Yes please.

6. Steven and I joined a gym today. I'm super excited about it, but Steven is wary. I feel a little wary, just because it didn't work out for Ross and Chandler, or the folks at How I Met Your Mother. Surely we can rise above those fictional heroes? At any rate, Heather Reed and her husband own it, so I feel comfortable supporting those who have supported me.

7. Steven and I resurrected Stimulus Tuesday yesterday to see "The Men Who Stare At Goats." We saw it, so you don't have to. Just giggle a little bit at something in your day and we'll be even. Unless you're still obsessed with seeing Clooney on the big screen.



8. I'm thinking about a new idea for blogging. I thought that I could set myself a ridiculous research project, find the answers, and then post them in some sort of stylized format. Then, as I prove my awesomeness at librarianing, you all could throw out suggestions for projects. Here's an example:

I will gather the most comprehensive collection of over the top ER promos and combine them into one SUPER CAN'T MISS THIS EPISODE. Etc.

9. Iggy is officially fully insured and under my name. Phew. Have I mentioned that growing up is a bummer? Bo-ring.

10. K-State v. Nebraska. For all the marbles. And a chance for two post-season games. Snyder (front and center) vs. Osborne (lurking, ever lurking). If only we could bring back Simoneau...

It'll be a doozy kids. 6:45 on ESPN. Bring the faith. (The music is so dramatic! Loves.)

PS - Have you been voting? You should. Click Click!

What I did this weekend

New Regina for your ears. I've now heard her live 3 times, and she just keeps getting more adorable. If only she could get a decent opener...

Complex Mathematics

1. If I leave Manhattan at 9:00a.m. and drive west at a rate of 70 miles per hour toward Denver, what radio coverage area will I be in at kick-off?

2. How long will I stay in kick-off coverage area before I switch stations?

3. What is the farthest possible distance that I can get from Manhattan while still being able to listen to the Sunflower showdown?

4. How long can I sit on the side of the road at that location?

Extra Credit: K-State's margin of victory.