The books for my project are finally here! And oh man, I'm overwhelmed! There are 65 boxes of appr. 50-75 books each. I only got 3/4 through one box today. I'm so fascinated by all these picture books I haven't seen before, they suck me in. Its going to be almost impossible to select so few to keep. This is going to be fun though! Opening those boxes is just like Christmas morning!
I've finally got the stories picked out for the story time for the Princess. Now I just have to practice! Everything else has been business as usual at the YRC this week.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
You won't hate it if you understand it
This week at the LOC was very enlightening. Monday a few of us met with Peter in the copyright office and he spent an hour and a half telling us all about the history and functions of the copyright office. Tuesday there was a Junior Fellow lecture given by Dr. John Cole, the director for the Center for the Book (my big, big boss) and resident expert on the history of the LOC. Fascinating! Friday we had another lecture with the new Copyright Register who answered many questions about how copyright works and is applied.
I am definitely getting a better grasp on the workings of the LOC. Also, I finally am understanding copyright, it's real purpose, and that it is not there to make life miserable for teachers and librarians. I've always found it such a pain until now. Peter gave the most insight by saying it is a balance between protecting creative freedom and allowing access. That was a big ah-ha. Best thing is he said they are really working on outreach and helping people, especially educators understand it better. They are doing video conferences, which will allow me to not have to be a copyright Nazi when I eventually get my own school library. The LOC can do that for me :)
Still doing the same old thing in the YRC, greeting and talking about books. It's fun, but I'm ready for a challenge. The books for the Roback gift collection are on their way, so I'll finally get to start that soon. This week I have two days to get everything ready to begin the collection inventory and for the princess visit in two days before everyone leaves for ALA. Should be a busy week. Yeah!
I am definitely getting a better grasp on the workings of the LOC. Also, I finally am understanding copyright, it's real purpose, and that it is not there to make life miserable for teachers and librarians. I've always found it such a pain until now. Peter gave the most insight by saying it is a balance between protecting creative freedom and allowing access. That was a big ah-ha. Best thing is he said they are really working on outreach and helping people, especially educators understand it better. They are doing video conferences, which will allow me to not have to be a copyright Nazi when I eventually get my own school library. The LOC can do that for me :)
Still doing the same old thing in the YRC, greeting and talking about books. It's fun, but I'm ready for a challenge. The books for the Roback gift collection are on their way, so I'll finally get to start that soon. This week I have two days to get everything ready to begin the collection inventory and for the princess visit in two days before everyone leaves for ALA. Should be a busy week. Yeah!
DC fun week 3
- Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden (my new happy place)
- Capitol grounds and reflection pool
- Dinner group at Lost Dog Cafe
- Air and Space museum (hands on how flight works exhibit was awesome!)
- Thomas Jefferson Memorial
- attempted military band concerts, but canceled because of rain storms (which I was caught in)
- Washington Monument
- Ford's Theater (museum and one act play "One Destiny")
- surprise birthday party for Bishop Larson
- explored Capitol Hill
- attempted Nationals game (rain, sold out), went to dinner in Chinatown instead at Full Kee, yummy!
- Eastern Market (amazing breakfast at Market Cafe (french toast with fresh fruit salsa), flea market/farmers market/art fair - bought watercolor of Library of Congress)
- discovered Capitol Hill Books in Eastern Market area, crazy used bookstore with hilarious owner and endless haphazard stacks of books - bought 1895 book about DC society)
- sculpture garden again and lunch at cafe there
- National Zoo - walked a million miles, saw a couple animals, finally discovered the pandas
- Capitol grounds and reflection pool
- Dinner group at Lost Dog Cafe
- Air and Space museum (hands on how flight works exhibit was awesome!)
- Thomas Jefferson Memorial
- attempted military band concerts, but canceled because of rain storms (which I was caught in)
- Washington Monument
- Ford's Theater (museum and one act play "One Destiny")
- surprise birthday party for Bishop Larson
- explored Capitol Hill
- attempted Nationals game (rain, sold out), went to dinner in Chinatown instead at Full Kee, yummy!
- Eastern Market (amazing breakfast at Market Cafe (french toast with fresh fruit salsa), flea market/farmers market/art fair - bought watercolor of Library of Congress)
- discovered Capitol Hill Books in Eastern Market area, crazy used bookstore with hilarious owner and endless haphazard stacks of books - bought 1895 book about DC society)
- sculpture garden again and lunch at cafe there
- National Zoo - walked a million miles, saw a couple animals, finally discovered the pandas
Sunday, June 12, 2011
DC fun week 2
- Mammals and ocean exhibits at the Natural History Museum
- Ate at We the Pizza (owned by Spike from Top Chef) buffalo chicken pizza was awesome
- Walked around Old Town Alexandria
- saw Air Force Memorial, did not see concert that was supposed to be there, it was canceled
- service project at Duncan branch of Alexandria Library - weeded and planted
- Texas party at Belle Haven Park - lots of Texans and yummy Texas food
- Got my Library of Congress reader card
- Ate at We the Pizza (owned by Spike from Top Chef) buffalo chicken pizza was awesome
- Walked around Old Town Alexandria
- saw Air Force Memorial, did not see concert that was supposed to be there, it was canceled
- service project at Duncan branch of Alexandria Library - weeded and planted
- Texas party at Belle Haven Park - lots of Texans and yummy Texas food
- Got my Library of Congress reader card
End of Week 2
Friday was a pretty exciting day. When I checked my email in the morning, I saw I had been invited to meet Senator Hutchison at a constituent coffee next month. Cool! That should be very interesting. I haven't met a senator since 4th grade when Sen. Phil Graham visited our school and I read an essay I wrote for him.
We had a few kids come in to the center who were avid readers and so excited to be at the Library of Congress. I had a fun conversation about the Hunger Games series with one middle schooler, and talked to a nice family from Idaho and some grandparents from Plano.
I was able to get together with several of the other Junior Fellows for lunch. They reserved one of the dining rooms for us to get together, chat, and discuss our projects. It was neat to hear what the others were doing and what they'd found so far. I was particularly jealous of some who were working in the European divisions. Apparently they have a tea time at 2 every Friday. Sounds fun.
The best part was getting to be in on a meeting about the visit from the Princess. Jane (YRC supervisor) had me and Joe (the college kid who will also be there) come to the meeting with her. On the way, she showed us a few cool places in the library, including the Members Room, which is a really nice room reserved for Congress. The meeting was held in one of a series of really nice rooms full of antique furniture and special collections of books, including Woodrow Wilson's personal book collection. At the meeting were several representatives from Belgium including security, press, etc. as well as a few from the LOC. I was so fascinating to hear and see the process of event planning for something of this magnitude. Definitely surreal to be part of a meeting discussing motorcades, exchanges of formal gifts, press placements, etc. Apparently the Crown Prince will also be visiting the LOC but will not be at the storytime. He'll be off privately viewing the Federalist Papers and a few other pieces of the LOC rare collections. Nice to be royalty. At the end of the meeting, we were all taken on a quick tour tracing the route of the Princess when she comes. So amazing! We went into the Ceremonial Office of the Librarian of Congress, the Main Reading Room, and the Whithall Pavilion. Finally I got into the Main Reading Room! It is breathtaking, and smells like books!! I felt all official and important being led by a security guard who cleared the path through the tourists and opened the normally locked doors to go right in. The Whithall is where I will be reading the stories to a bunch kids (both Belgian and American), the Princess, the press, etc. Yikes! The room was awesome though, especially because that is where the LOC collection of Stradivarius (sp?) violins are on display, as well as a rare flute collection. The funniest part of the tour was the Belgian security guy who we kept losing because he would wander off to look at something or take pictures.
Though it was amazing to be in on meeting, it made me more nervous about the whole thing, At least I have plenty of time to prepare. Now I have to figure out what to read. I don't think I'll take the advice of one of the guys at church to read Everybody Poops
We had a few kids come in to the center who were avid readers and so excited to be at the Library of Congress. I had a fun conversation about the Hunger Games series with one middle schooler, and talked to a nice family from Idaho and some grandparents from Plano.
I was able to get together with several of the other Junior Fellows for lunch. They reserved one of the dining rooms for us to get together, chat, and discuss our projects. It was neat to hear what the others were doing and what they'd found so far. I was particularly jealous of some who were working in the European divisions. Apparently they have a tea time at 2 every Friday. Sounds fun.
The best part was getting to be in on a meeting about the visit from the Princess. Jane (YRC supervisor) had me and Joe (the college kid who will also be there) come to the meeting with her. On the way, she showed us a few cool places in the library, including the Members Room, which is a really nice room reserved for Congress. The meeting was held in one of a series of really nice rooms full of antique furniture and special collections of books, including Woodrow Wilson's personal book collection. At the meeting were several representatives from Belgium including security, press, etc. as well as a few from the LOC. I was so fascinating to hear and see the process of event planning for something of this magnitude. Definitely surreal to be part of a meeting discussing motorcades, exchanges of formal gifts, press placements, etc. Apparently the Crown Prince will also be visiting the LOC but will not be at the storytime. He'll be off privately viewing the Federalist Papers and a few other pieces of the LOC rare collections. Nice to be royalty. At the end of the meeting, we were all taken on a quick tour tracing the route of the Princess when she comes. So amazing! We went into the Ceremonial Office of the Librarian of Congress, the Main Reading Room, and the Whithall Pavilion. Finally I got into the Main Reading Room! It is breathtaking, and smells like books!! I felt all official and important being led by a security guard who cleared the path through the tourists and opened the normally locked doors to go right in. The Whithall is where I will be reading the stories to a bunch kids (both Belgian and American), the Princess, the press, etc. Yikes! The room was awesome though, especially because that is where the LOC collection of Stradivarius (sp?) violins are on display, as well as a rare flute collection. The funniest part of the tour was the Belgian security guy who we kept losing because he would wander off to look at something or take pictures.
Though it was amazing to be in on meeting, it made me more nervous about the whole thing, At least I have plenty of time to prepare. Now I have to figure out what to read. I don't think I'll take the advice of one of the guys at church to read Everybody Poops
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Princess storytime???
Guess who is slated to do storytime for the Princess of Belgium and group of kids from the embassy? ME! The bosses will all be out for ALA that week, leaving me as the most qualified. Therefore, I will be reading kids books to royalty. Crazy! I hope she brings some chocolates :) Do I have to curtsy? Who knew learning dignitary protocol would be part of my internship. I better practice!
P.S. Ironically, I just finished reading Princess Academy by Shannon Hale. Hopefully no bandits show up to kidnap this princess!
P.S. Ironically, I just finished reading Princess Academy by Shannon Hale. Hopefully no bandits show up to kidnap this princess!
Surplus...Heaven within Heaven
I consider the library of Congress to be librarian heaven. This week I was introduced to one of its sub-heavens...the surplus room. This is where all of the books that filter through the LOC that were not chosen to be part of the collection end up. Its rows and rows of thousands of freebies! They make the surplus books available to the staff to take (though they cannot leave the building). They also allow nonprofits to come select to add to their collections. So free books for schools and libraries! Woohoo! They also told me about going through your Congressman to get them shipped for free. Another thing I learned which is pretty amazing is that they do an exchange program with other countries using the surplus. If a country sends the LOC say 100 books, they have credit to basically online shop surplus to have 100 books sent back to them. Pretty neat!
So today I went with my supervisor to search the children's section for any books to add to the YRC. It was so fun! we found a few goodies to take with us.
Otherwise this week has just been working the center...greeting people, telling them about the YRC, talking about books, keeping things straightened up. We still don't know for sure what my project is going to be, so tomorrow's intern meeting about projects should be interesting. We're going to pretty much make something up for the meantime, until the gift collection comes in.
So today I went with my supervisor to search the children's section for any books to add to the YRC. It was so fun! we found a few goodies to take with us.
Otherwise this week has just been working the center...greeting people, telling them about the YRC, talking about books, keeping things straightened up. We still don't know for sure what my project is going to be, so tomorrow's intern meeting about projects should be interesting. We're going to pretty much make something up for the meantime, until the gift collection comes in.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
DC fun week 1
So here are some of the fun things I have done during this first week in DC:
- National Memorial Day Concert (saw BB King, Colin Powell, joint chiefs, cast members of Criminal Minds, and National orchesrta)
- National Memorial Day Parade
- Memorial Day Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery (saw Pres. Obama at the wreath laying)
- toured the Jefferson building at the LOC
- became a Smithsonian member
- saw the new Hope Diamond display at the Natural History Museum
- met new friends at church and institute
- Had game night at our place, learned some new games
- Went to a dinner party
- drove around Alexandria
- helped plan a Texas party for next week
- made friends with other interns
- National Memorial Day Concert (saw BB King, Colin Powell, joint chiefs, cast members of Criminal Minds, and National orchesrta)
- National Memorial Day Parade
- Memorial Day Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery (saw Pres. Obama at the wreath laying)
- toured the Jefferson building at the LOC
- became a Smithsonian member
- saw the new Hope Diamond display at the Natural History Museum
- met new friends at church and institute
- Had game night at our place, learned some new games
- Went to a dinner party
- drove around Alexandria
- helped plan a Texas party for next week
- made friends with other interns
Day 4: Finally it starts
So this day was the first actual day of the internship where we all reported to our assigned areas. I spent the first hour orienting myself to the building and getting familiar with the Center. There's a hidden spiral staircase right across from the Center which leads to the Children's literature reading room if you go up and the underground tunnels if you go down. Pretty cool!
Next was attending the event to kickoff the lead up to the National Book Festival, and the summer reading program for the DC public library. The Center was part of the planning committee. I was introduced to the director of the Center for the Book, John Cole. He is also the designated expert on the history of the Library of Congress. Awesome! Already getting the networking going. For the event, they invited school kids to come to the program, which was MC'd by NFL linebacker Chris Draft. He did an amazing job getting the kids excited and really promoting the importance of the love of reading. His foundation is partly dedicated to promoting reading. Also performing was a storyteller Diane Macklin, who was fabulous, and an elementary steel drum band (never heard one of those before, they were great!). It was so fun to see such an effective program to get kids excited about reading. I would love to be involved in such events in the future.
The rest of the day was pretty much spent manning the Center. My supervisor left early to travel out of town for a presentation, so I didn't have anything specific to do. If people came in, we welcomed them, told them a bit about the center and what was there and answered any questions. I love being able to interact with the public, especially with something I am passionate about, and most especially when they are too. I'm glad I won;t be stuck in a cubicle in an office, I love working with people. Though, we weren't very busy, so it went by slowly. It seems more needs to be done to direct people to the Center, especially since it's kind of hidden in the back corner of the lower floor.
I was able to discuss and learn a bit about the program from the other workers there. There is another grad student doing a different internship, I high school volunteer, a couple other volunteers that come on certain days, and a LOC employee temporarily assigned to the Center. I was enlightened to some of the more frustrating issues with working in such a large institution which is part of government.
Next was attending the event to kickoff the lead up to the National Book Festival, and the summer reading program for the DC public library. The Center was part of the planning committee. I was introduced to the director of the Center for the Book, John Cole. He is also the designated expert on the history of the Library of Congress. Awesome! Already getting the networking going. For the event, they invited school kids to come to the program, which was MC'd by NFL linebacker Chris Draft. He did an amazing job getting the kids excited and really promoting the importance of the love of reading. His foundation is partly dedicated to promoting reading. Also performing was a storyteller Diane Macklin, who was fabulous, and an elementary steel drum band (never heard one of those before, they were great!). It was so fun to see such an effective program to get kids excited about reading. I would love to be involved in such events in the future.
The rest of the day was pretty much spent manning the Center. My supervisor left early to travel out of town for a presentation, so I didn't have anything specific to do. If people came in, we welcomed them, told them a bit about the center and what was there and answered any questions. I love being able to interact with the public, especially with something I am passionate about, and most especially when they are too. I'm glad I won;t be stuck in a cubicle in an office, I love working with people. Though, we weren't very busy, so it went by slowly. It seems more needs to be done to direct people to the Center, especially since it's kind of hidden in the back corner of the lower floor.
I was able to discuss and learn a bit about the program from the other workers there. There is another grad student doing a different internship, I high school volunteer, a couple other volunteers that come on certain days, and a LOC employee temporarily assigned to the Center. I was enlightened to some of the more frustrating issues with working in such a large institution which is part of government.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Day 3
Finally, last day of orientation! We had more to do today thank goodness. We had training in the LOC website and database, then lunch. I had a burrito at a burrito place on Pensylvania Ave, which they promised was frequented by many Texans and Californians. I was not impressed, so those people must have been out of the state for too long.
Anyway, then we went on a tour of the Jefferson building, which is onw of the most beautiful buildings I've ever seen. And I get to work there everyday! It is full of ornate decoration, but the best part is almost every single decoration is symbolic, related in some way to knowledge, information, or books. I love that place! Also, discovered a reason to have to like Jerry Jones. Gag! He actually donated a significant amount to the recreation of the Thomas Jefferson library collection. So now I can't thoroughly despise him :(
Last was a chance to actually go to where our internships would be. We were supposed to be picked up by our supervisors, but mine didn't show, so I had to be taken by the program director. So, first experience seeing the Young Reader's Center. It's a very warm, nice place with fewer books than I expected. I pretty much got a quick overview of the place, then went home. More details the next time.
Anyway, then we went on a tour of the Jefferson building, which is onw of the most beautiful buildings I've ever seen. And I get to work there everyday! It is full of ornate decoration, but the best part is almost every single decoration is symbolic, related in some way to knowledge, information, or books. I love that place! Also, discovered a reason to have to like Jerry Jones. Gag! He actually donated a significant amount to the recreation of the Thomas Jefferson library collection. So now I can't thoroughly despise him :(
Last was a chance to actually go to where our internships would be. We were supposed to be picked up by our supervisors, but mine didn't show, so I had to be taken by the program director. So, first experience seeing the Young Reader's Center. It's a very warm, nice place with fewer books than I expected. I pretty much got a quick overview of the place, then went home. More details the next time.
Day 2
I know, I know, late. Anyway, Day 2 was even more boring than Day1. We pretty much sat around and talked for most of the day, as people were finishing HR stuff. I finished all of mine Day 1, so had hours of nothing to do. We got a quick talk in security procedures, which was way less tense than I expected, considering we're in DC next door to the Capitol. Training for school safett was more exciting. Really could not wait to get started for real.
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