Something you cannot change ...

I am involving in the Chronicling America Project at the Library of Congress. While I am searching newspaper for particular events from 1860 to 1922, I found there's so many interesting news. It is amazing that even the Far East historical stories can be found in these American newspapers!

For instance, the news about the arrival of the Qing last emperor who visited the United States. One of the newspapers even published the entire Emperor's "thank you note" on the front page. The note was written in traditional Chinese. I was astonished to find out that it was printed "upside side down"!!! I am guessing that during the early 19th century, there were not too many Sinologists in the US. Unfortunately it is one of those things that you cannot change...

Library of Congress librarians

On the first floor of Jefferson Building, the names of the Library of Congress librarians are posted on the wall. ..

The librarians are appointed by the President and it is a life-time appointment. While I read the names of the past and present librarians, I instantly realize that all the librarians are male. We all agreed that librarian is a female profession; yet there is no female Library of Congress librarian!! - We still have to wait for number of years to see a female librarian name on the wall.

Book: From student to Scholar

Steven M. Cahn, From Student to Scholar: A Candid Guide To Becoming a Professor.

This "skinny" book provides very good advice from surviving at graduate school, writing the PhD dissertation, preparing for tenure position interviews, surviving the first year at academia. It is a practical guide for anyone who is getting the PhD and preparing for the academia life.

It is well-written but lack of "real" person's experience.

Rare Book and Manucript Room at the Library of Congress

Like most Library of Congress' readers, I thought I will be able to go to the rare Book Reading Room and "touch" those valuable rare book collection. I am SO WRONG!

The room ... it is a "disappointed" one. It is a big room without any rare book display cases. In order to get to the rare book collections, you need to have a particular book in your mind. Then you liik it up via the card catalog - yes card catelog cabinets. If you are lucky, you may locate it in a few hours.

I only  hope that the room has some displays cases, like those in the Hispanic Reading Room.

Hidden Reference Room at the Library of Congress

The European Reading Room is a beautiful room. However, if you need to go to this particular reading room, you have to access via the Hispanic Reading Room.

The European Reading Room houses so many valuable reference materials; but it does not provide reasonable computer access. I kind like the room. It is full of books instead rolls of computers. And I can tell I am again in my Mother's (era) library!

I cannot live without book - Thomas Jefferson

It is a famous quote of Thomas Jefferson, "I cannot live without book." Books are nice Christmas gifts. But time changed and books are NO LONGER popular among the young generations. Most young people prefer iPad or Kindle books. When I mention buying book as a gift, they simply consider the idea "outdated."

Mr. Jefferson would never imagine that kids cannot live without their iPads or Kindle in a digital era!

Asian Reading Room at the Library of Congress

I have a very intersting experience at the Asian Reading Room the other day.

I went to the Asian Room and asked the librarian where I can locate the World Book. She told me that she doesn't speak Chinese. So I told her that I only need an English World Book. Then she said to me, "I do not speak English." (????)

She was the only staff at the Front Desk. I did not ask her a specific reference question. .. Oh Boy! That is very interesting!

Library of Congress Project: Chronicling America

I am fortunate enough to involve the Library of Congress Chronicling America. As soon as I started searching the databases, I noticed that the headlines of newspapers in different regions can be the same!! I work on the "Panic of 1907" topic and I found that some newspapers' headlines in New York Tribute can be found in mid-western newspapers! - exaactly the same. I am wondering whether those news were "flying" via telegraphs.

Another discovery is that even the Qing Dynasty Chinese Emperor's news can be found in American newspapers between 1860 to 1922!!

Library of Congress International Offices

I learned something "news" this morning.

(1) Library of Congress has six overseas offices - Egypt (Cairo), Indonesia Jarkata), Brazil (Rio), India (New Dehli), Pakistan (Islamabad), and Kenya (Nairobi).

(2) Library of Congress has the largest newspaper digitalization projects.

Interesting Question at the Library of Congress Information Desk

A couple days ago I received a very intersting question when I was at the Information Desk. A gentleman asked me, "Are the tiles at the Library of Congress are as same as the ones at US Capital?"

The US Capital building is next to the Library of Congress. I guess that's why I received that question. I,, of course, do not know the answer. But I do know that the Capital building is about 100 years older than the Library of Congress Jefferson Building. So I replied the gentleman that I do not know the answer; but I told him that our building is at least 100 years younger than the Capital Building. Thus the tiles are probably NOT the same.

Later I asked my colleagues, none of them knows the answer.

Martin Luther King Jr. Public Library in Washington DC

The Martin Luther King Jr. Public Library is a very popular library. Thus I visited the library yesterday. First I found a very long line of people waiting in front of the main entranace. Then I found out that it is very common that the line is formed 15 minutes before the library open. Like many public libraries in the big cities, there are many (apparently) homeless people outside the library. As soon as the door opened, everyone marched in. I utilized one of the 15 minutes terminals to check my email message. I heard constantly that patrons were cussing and using "bad langauges" such the "F.." word just because the terminals are not fast enough for them. They literally yelled to the Information Desk staff. I felt so sorry for the library staff.

As a librarian, those behavior surely is NOT acceptable. I was so surprised that the Martin Luther Public Library staff allow its patrons to have those disturbance behavior at the library. I certainly cannot bear any longer and I left.

Thomas Jefferson's Collection at Library of Congress

Currently the exhibition of  Thomas Jefferson Library collection is now located at the second floor of the Jefferson Building at the LOC. It is part of the collection that Jefferson sold his books to LOC in 1815.

The most intersting part of this particularly collection is the "classification" of the book. The classification scheme is BEFORE Dewey Classifiction Scheme. The books have been arranged in an order that Jefferson described as "sometimes analytical, sometimes chronological, and sometimes a combination of both." Jefferson followed a modified version of the organization of knowledge created by British philosopher Francis Bacon (1581-1626). The books were divided into categories of "Memory," "Reason," and "Imagination." Jefferson intepreted as "History," "Philosophy," and "Fine Arts." He then further divided the categories into forty-four "chapters."

I believe that is the earliest library classification scheme we can find.

U.S. News & World Report is going away!

Last week I heard that the U.S. News & World Report is going "away". ("sigh") Is it the trernd of our printed journals in the near future? It is very disturbing...

I don't know what to say...

National Archives in Washington DC area

I visit the National Archive in Washington, DC two days ago. I am very impressed! There are so many valuable documents at the National Archive, including the Jewish people's Swiss Bank stattements during the WWII, Civil War documents, Executive Order of the Wesr Coast Japanese-American Concentration Camps. The original Declaration of Independence and other valuable documents are now displayed in the exhibition hall.

I found myself spending so many hours and still not enough time to read them all!!! - However the best way to read those documents is to obtain a research card.

The largest library in the world, Library of Congress, YET...

It is said that over 745 miles of book shelves a t the Library of Congress. However readers are not able to check out any items from LC. All materials have to be used at the library. - that's understandable. The Library of Congress cannot afford to lose any its collection. But for the electronic databases, users should be able to access at home/off sites. It is VERY inconvenience for some users, especially for the special subject researchers.

The Library of Congress subscripts many databases that other libraries simply cannot afford to subscribe. As the leader of the library world, in my opinion, LC should open its electronic resources to researchers.

"Debatable" issues at the Library of Congress

The original Declaration of Independence is now located at the National Archives. Personally I think it is a debatable issue. It should  not be moved from the Library of Congress to the National Archives. - I found many people came to the Information Desk and asked for this particularly item.

The National Arhives building is NOT next to the Library of Congress. It is NOT a walking distance. So I found myself keep giving an unpopular ansers to the people who approached to the Desk.

People come to the Library of Congress and expect to see "miles of books." - Where are the books? Oh well they all are housed "behind the scene." In order to  browrse and "touch" the collection, readers will have to get a researcher card. Again, I have been giving another "unpopular answer" to the people who came to the Desk.

American History Research at the Library of Congress

There are  over 22 Reading/research Room at the Library Congress. The American history collection is a "hidden" treasure. For American history researchers, they have to start from the Main Reading Room and FInd out what information is in the Room. Then,... most likely they will have to  "narrow" down their research - local history and genealogy research. Or they simply go to the Natoinal Archives to do their research.

Surprise? Yes. I would think that the Library of Congress will has a division of American History. But... it doesn't. ("sigh")

Asia Collection at the Library of Congress

The Asia Reading Room is considered the biggest reader room at the LC. Inside the reading room, there is a seminar room where all the cultural activites are taken place. It is also the busiest Reading Room at LC. It has Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Southeast Asia, Tibetan collections. Thus, there are so many Asian visitors everyday.

The Reading Room is still using card catalog system - it means that if you cannot find via the online system, it doesn't mean they do not carry the item you need.

ASK THE LIBRARIAN!

Library of Congress Buildings

Library of Congress has three buildings, Jefferson, Adams, and Madison buildings. The visitor is allowed to tour at the Jefferson Building. The other two buildings mainly are for research. Thus you cannot access without a Reader/Researcher Card.

It has been a week since I am in DC area. I found myself "falling in love" with the city, especially the Library of Congress....

Library of Congress Information Desk and Loan Policy

I have been working at the LC Information Desk for a few days now. I cannot deny that I LOVE working at the desk. I encounter different people and they are come from all the places around the world. It is the most interesting place to be at the Library of Congress.

The main question I received is, "Can we walk around the Main Reading Room and browse the collection?" Unfortunately the answer is NO. In order to browse or use the reading room, visitors need a Reader Card/Researcher Card (FREE). Once you get the card, you are able to access to all 23 Reading Room. It is a privilege to study and do research at the largest library in the world.

Some library users came to the Desk and showed me the books they found on the LC web site. It is very hard to explain to them that the operation is different from their home libraries. They will need a Reader Card and then they can order the book via online catalog. They cannot check out LC books but they can order and read at the Main Reading Room. That is how the library operates.

The CD/AV collection of the Library of Congress is NOT located in DC. They are housed in Virginia! SO when a patron came to the Desk and wanted to take a look of the non-print materials, they have to order via online system and then come back when the material is arrived. Again, no library materials can be checked out.

For the ILL services, the material has to be the "one and only one" in this country, then LC will consider to loan out. Again, it will be "library use only" item.

Unexpected excitement at the Library of Congress.

It is only my second day to staff at the Information Desk at the Library of Congress. As soon as I arrived, I was informed that we are going to have a "shelter in place" drill. Oh boy! - I survived without any incidents.

I really enjoy working at the Desk at the LC. I have so much fun and lots of "unexpected" questions. Boy! I "fall in love" working at the Library of Congress! Too bad, I cannot stay here permanently.

First day at the Library of Congress!

Yesterday was my first day staffed at the Information Desk at the Library of Congress. I had lots of fun and "challenge."

I impressed my colleagues that it was my first day at the DESK - I knew where to go to US Capitol, Admas Building and Madison Building through the tunnel. 

The Main Reading Room is AMAZING - I saw it so many times on book covers. But now I was actually in the room!

Only disappointed I had is the Asia Collection Reading Room - the Reading Room is still using card catalog! I asked the librarian whether the card catalog shelves are only for display. He "almost" shouted to me, "NO! Wew are still using them!" - Oh Boy!

Cartoon America - a great book!

Cartoon America is not just a book about comic and cartoon. It is NOT just a collection of comic art at the Library of Congress. It is a history book of comic art in America which was displayed chronically. It consists of artists from early 1920 to contemporary artists such as Lynn Johnston.

This book also brings me back to my childhood - the comic books I read when I was a child.

An "Unfinished " book, The Library of Congress: America's Memory

Carol Highsmith and Ted Landphair's book: The Library of Congress: America Memory has a very rich text and colorful photographs which brings the readers to the inside of the world largest library. It takes the reader to the collections and architecture of the LC. It is a wonderful "tour guide" books of the Library of Congress, such as the more than 535 miles of book shelves, the first comic books, The Yellow Kids, etc. It is very informative.

However, .... there are something missing.

This book includes a brief history of the Library of Congress. I did not realize that the Library has been twice burned down. It was told in this book; however it did not tell the readers when, where, and why the Library was burned down. It might be the authors' intention to elaborate the history in this way so that the readers will do a further research. Here is the answer:

The Nassau Hall of the Library was twice burned down in 1802 and 1855. It was restored in 1856.

Book: Encyclopedia of the Library of Congress

I checked out this book at my hometown public library. Surprisingly I am able to check out this encyclopedia. I guess it is because it is NOT a new book. It was published in 2004.

This book collects , articles, essays and photos of the history of the world largest library. It is divided in different sections such as Asian collection, The Law Library Collection, The Copyright Office. This book is very informative but it lacks of organization. The essays are not in a particular order. It randomly from the brief history of Library of Congress to Copyright Office, from the Library of Congress and American Literature to the Library of Congress and National archives. Part II is the collection of articles. Personally I hope that the articles are arranged in chronological order instead of alphabetical order.

My Hometown New Library!

My hometown library is now located in a new building which I haven't visited until this morning. WOW is the only word from my mouth as soon as I stepped into the building.

The exterior of the building is not so great; but the interior is fantastic! I have been away for a couple of months... things changed so fast!

Our new library has wifi for everyone and you do not have to be a member of the library. That's impossible up north in Canada. In Canada, you have to show your residency even though you only need to use the Internet. There is no such thing called "guest pass." ("sigh") Plus if you want to check out the new books, you have to pay for each item! For printing? That's more expensive than the US - 50 cents per page. If you made a printing mistake, you still have to pay for the pages. If the library printer is malfunction, you also have to pay for the error pages. ("sigh") In addition, there are not too many library programs. Story time normally is once a week in Canadian libraries. Back in the US, most public libraries have stories time at least three times a week plus other kids activities. - We are doing much better in terms of library services.

The academic libraries are also not doing as well as the US libraries. The electronic document delivery services up north are still in the very first stage. Most students are still making copiers at the library! - We are certainly doing much better than that in the US academic libraries.

We should be proud of our library services!

Public Library in Chinatown?

I remember that I visit Chicago ten years ago. There is a Chicago Public Library branch in Chinatown. So
I thought that all the major Chinatown will have a public library with Chinese collection, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, New York, Toronto, Montreal.

I was in Montreal recently. I made a special trip to Chinatwon with a hope that I will find a public library mainly serves the Chinese population. I found none. ("sigh") Then I found out that you can find some Chinese materials at the Grande Bibliotheque in downtown. - well it is NOT the same though.

University Libraries in Montreal

There are three major universities in Montreal: McGill, Concordia, and UQAM (Univesite of Quebec at Montreal). Among three universities libraries, I have to say UQAM the best. The library is extremely clean and quiet. The library even has a post indicating that noise is "0" tolerance at the library. Students are well-behaved, compare the US students I experienced (I am just be honest.). Books are clean and well-organized on the shelf. It is very pleasant to walk around the library.

Concordia university is the most user-friendly library, among three academic libraries in town. Staff drives extra miles to help library users - from my observation. The shelves are well-maintained. It is only librry that provides electronic articles/documentary delivery to students.

McGill library is the most "dirty" one, among three university libraries. It`s probably because it is the old building. Students are still using copiers to make copies for the journal articles they need for classes. The electronic journal delivery services is very behind, compare to other university library. You won't get too much help from library staff as well. When I asked the staff about the electronic articles, she gave me a special look - it seems that I come from Mars.

Public Library NOT FREE anymore?

I have been touring the public libraries in Montreal areas. I found out that all the libraries are NOT connected to each other. In other words, if you live in a different town, even though it might be only five minutes away from the next town, you will have to get different library card to use the library.

Ile des Soeurs Public Library: It is a French-speaking library. You can get a library card for free if you are the resident of Ile des soeurs. However, if you want to check out the new books, you have to pay $3.00 per item!

Atwater Public Library - it is a English speaking library. The books are old but well-organized. If you want a library card, you have to pay an annual fee. Plus, if you need to use the Internet, you have to pay a fee as well. Of course, you also have to pay for the printing. Everything is fee-based. And you cannot even use the bathroom if you are not the member of the library. ("sigh")

Westmount Public Library - it was established in 1899. It is said that it is the most popular public library in town. The building is very impressive - it is a "castle"! It is located at the edge of the Westmount Park. Beautiful! You do not have to pay a fee for a library card. If you bring your laptop, you can use the wireless for FREE! But the connection is extremely slow.

All the public libraries do not access to the university library's site! The access is very limited.

5 ans Grande Bibliotheque - Five years The Grand Library

Main library is no necessarily better than small local library in terms of services. That's what I have experienced.

I visited the Grande Bibliotheques and found out that library users cannot access to local academic libraries' databases. Instead, the small local Ile des Soeurs Bibliotheque provides elctronic resources, including the academic libraries in the region.

In addition, the main library is located in the heart of the city. I saw more security guards than library staff at the entrance.

I would prefer the small local library, wouldn't you?

An extraordinary book!

I visited the Ile des Soeurs Bibliotheque and found this book titled, Aisline's Shenanigans. Aislin is a cartoonist for the Montreal English newspaper, The Gazette. He uses his cartoons to express what a general Quebecois feels about his/her country. Here are some highlights:

Pas d'innigrants icitte! - Caption: "The town of Heronxville a code of conduct for any possible immigrant that might arrive there." 

The snow? The weather? Potholes? The economy? Things could be a whole lot worse. - Caption: "You could still be a smoker."

Canada ranks, like, really high on list of world's marijuana used.

I am a Quebecaholic - (Caption) "Turn back, your watch 400 years."

I understand why Qecbecois do not like immigrants. The umemployment rate is over 9%. And they do not like people who does not speak Qecbec French (not proper French).

I am not sure whether the US readers can find this book in the US. If so, you shouldn't miss this book.

Comic Books as Universal Language Books?

When you read comic books, you do not necessarily know the language. I picked up a French comic book, Fun Home which is written by an American author. I do not know enough French to read the dialogs, but I understand by the well-defined illustrations.

1001 Children Books You must Read before You Grow Up

I found this thick red book on the shelf. It is a great resource not only for children librarian, also for parents and teachers. This book is arranged by age group, up to early teenagers. I am hoping that we will see another similar book for late teenagers.

What can you do when you have "problems" with your professor at Graduate School?

I got a very tough question from one of my regular library users, a graduate school at the university. He told me that he has "problems" with one of his professors. He asked my advice how to handle it. Oh boy! It is a tough question. Honestly. I would rather answer research questions than give advice on this issue.

I ended up to advice him to read some "literature" about the issue - there are books how to survive at Graduate School...

I do hope I am able to give him some useful advice.

Book: The Pearl of China -

This novel is based on Pearl Buck's legacy. It is a book about the life of Pearl Buck who was three months old when she was brought to China by her missionary father. She lived in China for over 40 years. I love Pearl Buck's books! SO when I knew a book based on her life is coming up, I was so excited. I am reading it and not quite finish yet. But this afternoon I heard from the public radio interview of the author, Anchee Min. I feel a little bit "disappointed" in a way.

Sadly the author, Anchee Min mentioned that she "cut off the root of China." How can one cut off one’s own root? It is quite impossible. We cannot imagine what kind of notion behind that statement. I feel sorry for her - she wants to deny her own root.

...

Book: The Girl Who Played Go

This book is recommended by one of my colleagues. I usually do not read novel. So I borrowed the book from library with an uncertainty.

The Girl Who played Go is written by Shen Sa. - This is NOT a book about the game, Go. In 1930s Japanese military invade Manchuria, the northeast China. A girl played Go with an aim to escape the confusion of growing up in wartime.

The historical setting is unique and the story is sensational.

When the professor made mistake ...

Most academic librarians are considered as a faculty members. YET it is hard to address when the librarian noticed that professor made mistake. That's happened to me. The professor gave student an incomplete citation. I pointed out t the student. Guess what? I am in "trouble". I guess some of the people who are in academia cannot accept any constructive comments. (sigh)

When the Professor "no show"

I am scheduled to the classroom to assist a professor for the information technology. I entered the classroom about 7:30 because I want to prepare myself for the class and hope to have a chance to speaker to the professor before the class. Students started walking in before 8:00. The class is scheduled to start at 8:15. We all waited, and waited until 8:45... Where is the professor? I have another assignment at 9:00. So I decided to leave...

It's the first time I experienced professor did not show up for class. It is NOT a librarian's nightmare; but it is surely very discourage.

I am wondering what other librarians will do when the professor "no show."

I learned an unfamiliar word

Last night I read an article titled, "Language learning in the library" which was published in the Journal of Academic Librarianship. What interesting about this article is that the author named the self-initiative ESL students as "self-directed" students. It is a term I haven't heard before and I am sure that I won't be able to find the definition in Oxford University Dictionary.

"Self-directed" refers to the ESL students who use the library not because they are asked to do so by the faculty member. The use the library for many ways with an aim to improve their English language skills.
...

I learned something news today.

Oh Boy! again qualitative and quantitative research

It is a "nightmare" for any new graduate student who has no prior training or knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research. - in the past two days I have been "digging" the literature about these two research methodologies, including books and articles. It seems that scholars make it harder than it is. They build more and more theoretical approaches when they explain these two styles of research. Confusing, for sure. ...

As a librarian, I surely should know the differences between these two approaches. Here is what I have experienced. I read and read until I thought I have a better and clear concept what they are and what the differences ... then a student approached me and asked me. As soon as I opened my mouth, trying to explain... I realize that I am not TOO clear on that ...Oh boy! I need to do more reading.

East Asian Library Journal

A student came to me asked whether she is able to have a "print preview" before she prints out the articles from East Asian Library Journal. My response is, "Sure!" Well it turns out it is not the case.

The journal is FREE for everyone and can be printed from the web. The articles are "supposed" in PDF file. But when you do the print preview, it only shows the first page. If you click on the "print" button, Voila! The entire article is there.

What a "strange" setting!

Is this familiar to you?

I read this the other day (fromWilliamLAwrence Neuman):

"My theory says that when people lose their jobs, they feel a loss of self-worth. Once they lose self-worth, they become easily frustrated, upset, and angry. Frustrated people often express their anger by directing violence toward those with whom they have close personal contact (e.g., friends, spouse, children, etc.)"

What Would Dewey Do?

When things all went wrong at the library - such as last night. Computers were NOT working. Called the IT Department and got the message, "The IT Department is now closed; please call back during the business hours." (???) I was supposed to show students how to utilize library resources and how to access via the library web page.

Eventually a gentleman came, but guess what? He is the facility person of the building! Oh boy! He told me that nothing he can do about computers. I just have to go by without the "technology."

Luckily I always have a Plan B - handouts!!!

My last night experience reminds me the an unshelved collections series, especially the book titled, What Would Dewey Do? - by Bill Barnes and Gene Ambaum

Scientific Research Cycle??

One of the graduate students came to me and asked, "Have you heard SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CYCLE?" - Well I have to admit that this is the first time I have this "academic question." Since I do not know what he exactly asked for, I told him come back after his class.

Here is what I found out via research methodology books and resources. Scientific cycle has seven steps:

(1) Choose topic
(2) Focus research question
(3) Design study
(4) Collect data
(5) Analyse data
(6) Interpret data
(7) Inform other (particularly the scientific community)

It's certainly a benefit to be a librarian. - have so many opportunities to learn on a daily basis!!

Recommend a great text book to you!

In the past three days, I have been reading William Lawrence Neuman's Social Research Methods. This book is very well-organized. But the most impressive part of this book is that the author utilizes simplicity words to explain the complicated concepts and theories.

I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good book for distinction between quantitative and qualitative research methods.

Book: Everything I Need to Know I Learned from a Children Book

Yes it is a young adult book; but yet it shows how a children book impacts on the young readers. This Book, Everything I know I learned from a Children Book was written by Anita Silvey. This book collects individuals’ experience with children books – how the books make such a great impact on their lives. The contributors include journalists, writers, illustrators, business man and woman, athletes, politicians. I cannot imagine anyone who grew up without books.

Those little colorful children books remind me the late children librarian in my home town – her smile, her recommendation of books, her lively stories, and her patience with the little ones. She was very funny but strict. Her voice arose from behind the Desk, “Please walk! Don’t run!” All the little kids slowed down in front of her Desk and then ran off quickly to the other side of the library.

Thank you, Miss Donna!

Famous Quotations from Your Librarians

I just couldn't help but re-read this small little book, The Librarian's Book of Quotes. But actually the quotations in this book also include non-librarian such as the President Obama - well he was not the President when he gave the speech at ALA in the year of 2004.

I like this book because the quotes are from the personal working or living experience. The quotes are plain but yet humorous - all about the libraries and librarians; or even the wisdom from the experience of dealing the library patrons. This book makes me smile in my heart.

A New Generation College Students

 New semester has begun two weeks ago. I have noticed that the new students are all busy with their iPods, cell phones, and texting and typing on the keyboards. The scene is definitely very different when I was at college - the student were moving between stacks. But look now - there is hardly to find student at the stacks! Oh boy it is certainly NOT my mother’s library anymore. (sigh)

I also notice that some young freshman came to the library with their parents who are still trying to pamper their kids and assisting them to get a student ID! Oh boy those kids have a long way to go.

I certainly do not recall any of my college buddies brought their parents to help them at the library.

I definitely am living in different era.

Lost in Translation?

Have you had any experience with French speaking people? Here is my personal experience - they do not say THEY DO NOT UNDERSTAND when THEY DO NOT UNDERSTAND. They are "too proud to admit" that they do not understand English.

Working at the library gives me so many chances to encounter different people. I have to say that most American are STRICTLY FORWARD. When they do not understand what you say, they most likely say HONEY' I DO NOT UNDERSTAND. WOULD YOU PLEASE SAY ONE MORE TIME?

If you have opportunity to travel abroad, next time pay attention to those different people and you probably will find out what I mean "too proud to admit."

Librarian on the "Travel Trail"

Visiting libraries is the major event on my travel plans. It is great to know that there are "two type" of keyboards at the libraries over the world: one is called 'American keyboard" one is "European keyboard."

Last year when I was in Belgium Katholieke Universiteit, cataloging rare books. The very first thing I noticed was that the keyboard was very different - I made many mistakes. The arrangement of the letters is not the same as the one I am familiar, such as the "M" is not on the third row, instead it is on the first row. So are other letters.

Then this summer I visited Bibliotheque de Ile des Soeurs and Bibliotheque d'Laval. The keyboard again "hit" me immediately.

Keyboard is a funny thing. It reflects the different cultures in its own way.

"When you are NOT in Kansas anymore..."

Have you read One Thousand and One Places Before You Die? I have. It is a great book for deciding you next travel destination. I surely enjoy this book. But after I put it down, I keep thinking... There are many places in the book I am not familiar with the cultures and languages. So when you travel to these places, you might not even be able to ask for direction or order a meal. It is more stressful than enjoyable of the trips. SO when you feel you are NOT in Kansas anymore. What can you do?

"Curse against Book Stealers"

From the book The Librarian's Book of Quotes:

"For him that stealeth a Book from this Library, let it change into a serpent in his hand and rend him. Let him be struck with Palsy, and all his Members blasted. Let him languish in Pain crying aloud for Mercy and let there be no surcease to his Agony till he sink in Dissolution. Let Bookworms gnaw his Entrails in token of the Worm that dieth not, and when at last he goeth to his final punishment, let the flames of Hell consume him for ever and aye" - Monastery of San Pedro, Barcelona.

In my opinion, the punishment is too HARSH. What do you think?

A farewell poem

Farewell is part of our lives. We all come and go, passing each others. We meet by chances and we depart by choices. Here is a Tang Dynasty's popular poem for saying farewell to friends:

(唐) 李白《黃鶴樓送孟浩然之廣陵》
Li Bai (Li Bai, 701-762 AD): Farewell to Meng Hao-Ran

故人西辭黃鶴樓，(I say goodbye to an old friend at the west of the Yellow Crane Tower)
煙花三月下揚州。(My friend is leaving for Yangzhou in Mid-Spring when flowers are falling)

孤帆遠影碧山盡，(The shadow of my friend's loely body gradually fades into the blue sky)
唯見長江天際流。(I watch my friend until he disappers at the end of the Yangzi River)

Book: Fortune Cookie Chronicles

Jennifer Lee's The Fortune Cookie Chronicles takes the reader to the world of Chinese food. This delightful book traces back the history of Chinese food in the United States; it also provides social and cultural history of China. It unveils the fact that the Chinese food American knows is not REAL Chinese food. For instance the most popular dish, chop suey is NOT a popular dish in China. If you know the meaning of "chop suey", you probably won't order this dish next time you go to a Chinese restaurant. The phrase "chop suey" literally means stir-fry the "left-over".

By the way, in China and major Asia cities, there is even no such thing called "fortunate cookies"!

Information Gaps OR Generation Gaps?

Academic librarians in the past decade have faced so many changes at their working environment. It is certainly NOT our mothers' libraries anymore - you name it - Web 2.0, library blogs, library chat 24/7, library blogs, and electronic resources. The tools we deliver library research and bibliographic instruction classes are very different from when we were students 10 or 20 years ago. Plus we also found that we are now serving different types of students - most of them grew up in a digital environment. Some librarians say that we are now serving the new generation. We, the librarians, have "generation gaps" with our students. Actually we should say that we have both information gaps and generation gaps in our current library world.

June 29, 2010 The Chronicle of Higher Education article called "Overdues at the Library" has very useful information about how we, the librarians, cope with the new library

http://chronicle.com/article/Overdue-at-the-Library-Good/66086/

Jail Time for Library Fines? - Are you kidding?

When visitors come to our library, one of the most common questions is, "Do you charge overdue books/items?" I usually tell them, "Don't worry, we won't put our students in jail for libray fines."

Jail time for library fines? Yes, I am NOT kidding. Most public libraries collect fines. Some libraries even "go further." They make the patrons either pay for the overdue items or go to the jail. In August 21, 2008, a Wisconsin was arrested and handcuffed for failure to pay the $30 over two overdue paperbacks, White Oleander, Demon & Angels. In March 2010 a Colorado man was taken to County jail for not returning library books.

The common practice is that the college library simply charges students for the price of the books or items they did not return over a long period of time. And if students do not pay the fees, then they won't get their diploma!

Oh Boy! - The policy of jail time for library fines has gone too far.

Book: The Napkin, the Melon & the Monkey

Barbara Burke, The Napkin, the Melon & the Monkey: How to Be Happy and Successful by Simply Changing Your Mind

I found this book when I do the ILL processing at the Desk. I was very skeptical when I read its subtitle - how can one be happy just by changing your mind? I couldn't help but flipped the pages. Then I decided to request a copy from the library.

I am particularly like the number 12 "Aha!" - Great supervisors follow the golden rule and do the right thing and the number 18: Success comes from bringing out the best in others.

It is a great book.

A Fun Little Book: Ex Libris:

Don't let the subtitle of this book "Confessions of a Common Reader" fool you or stop you from reading this fun little book!

Anne Fadiman's Ex Libris is collection of short essays on books and related topics. When I read about how she and her husband to house their personal book collections, I have a big smile on my face. I believe books are personal "things" and we should be able to house whatever we would like to without being interfered by anyone, not even your parents or spouses! - It is just the very beginning of the book. I found myself keep reading and smiling until the last page of the book.

If you want a fun and little book to enjoy your evening, that's the one!

"I am NOT in Kansas anymore."

The Wizard of Oz (film) was first screen today 71 years ago! - 1939! As a Midwesterner, I have watched the film so many many times and I still love it! I particularly love the lines Dorothy said, "I have a feeling that I am not in Kansas anymore," "No place like home." - When I feel "displaced, I always remember that line.

This American fantasy film was based on a children novel written by L. Frank Baum (1856-1919). Oz is an imgainery place where Dorothy and her dog were transported by a cyclone. The adventure story is "similar" to Alice in Wonderland. The Wizard of Oz came out when America was facing the failure economic and social arrangements. This magical movie certainly gave people some degrees of “getting out of the reality” and has a moment of living in an imaginery world. Most important it also provided "hopes."

I am the person who always prefers reading the book rather than watching a movie. Books generally are better than movies when depicting stories. But this movie is exceptional well done.

The only thing I always wonder ...Was The Wizard of Oz the first color film?

Librarian's Quotations

Someone gave me this book as a gift yesterday - The Librarian's Book of Quotes. This little book is full of wisdoms and inspirational quotations from librarians!!!
"It's funny that we thionk of libraries as quiet demure places where we are shushed by dusty, bun-balancing, bespectacled women. The truth is libraries are raucous clubhouses for free speech, controversy and community. Librarians have stood up to the Patriot Act, sat down with noisy toddlers and reached out to illiterate adults. Libraries can never be shushed."

"A good library will never be too neat, or too dusty; because somebody will always be in it, taking books off the shelves and staying up late reading them."

"A university is just a group of buildings gathered around a library. The library is the unviersity."

"The death of a library, any library, suggests that the community has lost its soul."

Here Comes the Bookmobile!

Yesterday I heard the NPR on my way back home after work. I heard the author of Ever Is a Long Time: A Journey into Mississippi's Dark Past A Memoir, W. Ralph Eubank talked about his boyhood down in Mississippi. He described how he escaped the summer heat in a library bookmobile. He said:

 "When I feel the summer heat steaming from the pavement, my childhood memories of the bookmobile provide a cooling sensation to my spirit. This feeling came back last summer on a visit to Chicago when I happened upon a parade of bookmobiles of various ages. There it was: an old Ford grille with big, round headlights that was a dead ringer for the bookmobile that stopped at my house as a child."

"All of a sudden, I was transported into my boyhood self, waiting in the heat of my front porch for the Pine Forest Regional Library bookmobile to arrive at my house in rural Mississippi."

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128362133

We all know that libraies has been shaped so many young lives in decades; but it is the first time I heard someone "acknowledged" the amazing work of a library bookmobile. - Waht a wonderful story to share!

Lost Identity in OCLC's Worldcat

When the OCLC/LC converted the Pinyin system to catalog Chinese mateirals, there are so many problems. I consider myself as "one of the Chinese authors who lost her identity" for this conversion.

Chinese transliterated their Chinese names in English according to the sound of their individual dialect. The problem is that the multiplicity of dialects spoken by the Chinese in different regions caused different romanized forms of names. Some of the Chinese authors "lost their identities" if they insisted to maintain their originality of romanization their names. And they won't be able to find their own publications if they do not use the Pinyin romanized format to search the OCLC's Worldcat. - I am one of those who lost identitiy in the OCLC records. I did not notice that I am listed as the co-author with one of my professors. The book was published 24 years ago. It is simply because my name is romanized in Pinyin. Oh boy! It took me 24 long years to find out the book is existed. My name is not the romanized in the way on my birth certificate.

Problems in Cataloging Chinese Names
http://www.lib.niu.edu/2000/il0004251.html

August 9, 1945 Nagasaki

When all the attention of the world on the Hiroshima bombing, the second city in Japan, Nagasaki experienced the horrible atomic bom on August 9, 1945 - just three days after the bombing in Hiroshima.

http://iconicphotos.wordpress.com/2010/08/09/nagasaki-august-9th-1945/

We, the librarians, have many hats!

I by chance turned on the TV and found a documentary film called "The Hollywood Librarian" film which portrayed the role of librarians and the libraries. The program is very informative.

I remember there was a scene that a librarian who questioned a young reader about her choice of books at the Checkout Desk. It was 1949. WOW! she can do that? I think she violated the library privacy issue. I do not believe we, the librarians should make comments on the books our patrons take home. Well, it was 1949. The library law and librarian ethics codes might be very different back then.

The school librarians are the center of the elementary schools. They have very rich knowledge of children books; they also have knowledge of children behavioral psychology. The children librarians at the public libraries provide endless story time for the young patrons. They are energetic and they promote reading. The correctional center librarians no doubt play a very important part of the inmates - They provide reader materials for the inmates, and they arrange literary classes for them.

We, the librarians, have "many hats"!!

I love this book! - Miss Brooks Loves Books! (and I don't)

This is a favorite book for EVERY librarian!!! What is the story? It is about "A librarian and a contrarian face off in this tale of a very reluctant reader."

I REALLY enjoy this book! It reminded me so much of our Children Librarian Miss Donna. I love the illustrations. The little girl in the book is so cute; but she hates books, and her teachers even though they adore her. Did it remind your days when you were first grader? - The story touches my heart. If you read this book, I am sure yuo wil have the same feeling. Highly recommended.

Title: Miss Brooks Loves Books ! (and I don't)
Author: Barbara Bottner
Illustrator: Michael Emberley
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Another thought on the 65 years of Hiroshima Memorial

It is said that the US officials first time attended the 65 years of Hiroshima Bombing memorial in Japan: "Government welcomes representative, but some who see the bombing as unjustified want the United States to apologize."

I think that's exactly what the Chinese are waiting for. They are waiting the Japanese to apologize for the lives they took during the Sino-Japanese War, especially to the victims of Nanking Massacre and the young women who were forced to be Japanese soldiers' sex-slaves-comfort women.

A Photo-Essay on the Hiroshima Bombing

http://www.english.illinois.edu/maps/poets/g_l/levine/bombing.htm

A Photo-Essay on the Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
...
- The bomb was delivered by a US B29 bomber, nicknamed Enola Gay, from the Pacific island of Tinian. Dropped by parachute it exploded about 580 m. (1,885 ft.) above the ground
- Almost immediately a fireball was created from which were emitted radiation and heat rays, and severe shock waves were created by the blast.
- The terrain was flat and congested with administrative and commercial buildings, and the radius of destruction for the many reinforced concrete structures was about 500 m. (1,625 ft.), though only the top stories of earthquake-resistant buildings were damage or destroyed.
- Altogether an area of 13 sq. Ikm. (5 sq. mi.) was reduced to ashes and of the 76,000 buildings in the city 62.9% were destroyed and only 8% escaped damage.
...

65 Years ago Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima 広島

August 6, 1945 - a mushroom cloud rose over Hiroshima and ended the Sino-Japanese War. There are so many books, documents, archives reminder us the victims of the bombing, and as well the terrible scar of a war.

Though, I would like to mention comic book series called Barefoot Gen written by Keiji Nakazawa. The series describe the horrible bombing and the aftermath in a "pictorial" format. This series not only provides the historical event, most important the message that: not all the Japanese citizen is pro-war. For those anti-war Japanese were actually portaited as the "traitors" of the Rising Sun nation. Most libraries store this series at the Young Adult collection - in my opinion, the series should be also classified as graphic novels for adult readers.

Poems: "Are You a Book Person?" and "A Classic"

Here are two poems by Patrick Lewis that I found in the same book titled, Please Bury Me in the Library.

Are You a Book Person?
A good book is a kind
Of person with a mind
Of her own, Who lives alone, Standing on a shelf
By herself
She has a spine, A heart, a soul,
And a goal -
To capture, to amuse,
To light a fire
(You're the fuse),
Or else, joyfully,
Just to be,
From beginning
To end,
Need a friend?

A Classic
A children's book is a classic
If at six, excitedly
You read it to another kid
Who just turned sixty-three

Poem: "Please Bury Me in the Library"

I found this poem in one of our children books collection. - But why in a children picture book? Actually it doesn't matter. I enjoy reading it!

Please Bury Me in the Library by Patrick Lewis

Please bury me in the Library
In the clean, well-lighted stacks
Od Novels, History, Poetry,
Right next to the paperbacks

Where the Kids' Books dance
With True Romance
And the Dictionary dfozes.
Please bury me in the library
With a dozen long-stemmed proses.

Why back by a rack of Magazines,
I won't be sad too often,
If they bury me in the library
With Bookworms in my coffin.

Book: The Obama Diaries - Fictional diary entries?

A new book came out on July 13 called The Obama Diaries by Laura Ingraham. It is said that the creation of this book ...

"On May 20, 2010, Laura Ingraham received a package from an anonymous source;"
"While retrieving her automobile from the underground garage at the Watergate complex, Ingraham discovered a manila envelope on the hood of her car.;"
"The envelope contained copies of what appeared to be diary entries written by President Barack Obama, his family, and high-ranking administration officials."

Laura Ingraham is a former Supreme Court law clerk and white-collar criminal defense litigator, she lives in the Washington, D.C., area with her two children.

- Is the source reliable? Information came from nowhere? Source is found on the hood of her car? (You must be kidding)
- What is the reaction of the Obama administration and his family?
- Is this book simply another political opinion/talk?
- Has the author been biased and subjective?

I have no answers for my questions. But I am sure that the author certainly receives a large amount of royalties by using the President's name in her title. Well it is a capitalism society. If she has a chance to make money from a public figure, then why doesn’t she?

Joe Strupp, New York Times Book Editor siad, ""[this book] contains fictional diary entries purportedly written by President Obama and members of his administration." - Fictional diary entries?? That's very interesting.

Oh!... by the way, today is our President's birthday. Happy Birthday, Mr. President!

Film of Russian novelist, Leo Tolstoy ( Lyev Nikolayevich Tolstoy)

I read Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, War and Peace when I was a seven grader (trnslated versions). I aprticularly liked his war and peace at my young age out of curious with other cultures. At that time, I did not pay too much attention to the life of the author; but the stories of the books. Recently I came across a fim called The last Station which is a historical drama which iillustrates Tolstoy’s struggles between his fame and ideology at his final year of life in 1910. This film successfully illustrates the scope, breadth and vivid depiction of 19th-century Russian life and attitudes. But it provides a look inside the world of Leo Tolstoy which I did not know.

Book: Adeline Yeh Ma's Falling Leave

Someone asked me whether I have read Adeline Yeh Ma’s Falling Leave: The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter. Yes I did. Do I like this book? Yes I like it. It is not because I am impressed by Adeline’s unfortunate childhood but the colorful and lively description of the customs, history and social upheaval of China from roughly the late 1800's until the 1970's.

I have to point out that Meh’s childhood is not a typical Chinese childhood. As I flipped over the pages, unfortunately I only sensed Adeline’s “nonstop” complaints. I am NOT impressed by the stories she depicted. After all it is only “one-side” story. From this book we learned from Adeline that her stepmother was cruel and manipulative; and how she treated her and her siblings unfairly compared to her own two children. But were the incidents in the book truly happened? We do not know. Considering Adeline’s mother died giving birth to her, she surely had some degree of resentment and guilt. She probably resented that her stepmother took over the mother role in the household. There’s always two-side story when dealing with family life. Did we hear her stepmother’s side story? No. Did we really know what her father’s role was? No.

I have to say that I felt less and less sorry for Adeline as I read towards the end of the book. And, please don’t think it is a typical Chinese family story.

We all come and leave this world “quietly”

In the past two days I kept thinking of my two former professors who passed away within three months ago respectively. Life is definitely short. We all come and go to this world just for a short time.

徐志摩的《再別康橋》

輕輕的我走了，(I leave quietly )
正如我輕輕的來；(As quietly as I came here)
我輕輕的招手，(I wave my hand quietly)
作別西天的雲彩。(I say goodbye to the clouds in the Western sky.)

Another CUHK Professor Passed Away ...常宗豪教授

Another heart breaking news from the Far East. Former CUHK Chinese Language and Literature Professor Sheung (常宗豪教授) passed away on June 26, 2010 in Macau.

確實意外，內心難過。

繙譯大師劉殿爵教授走了 (Professor D.C. Lau)

I came across the following news when I looked up sinological studies materials this morning.

From CUHK:
Professor D C Lau, Emeritus Professor of Chinese Language and Literature, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, passed away on 26 April 2010 at Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong. Members of the University mourn his passing with deep sadness.

香港著名哲學家、繙譯大師、語文學家，中文大學中文系榮休講座教授及中國文化研究所榮譽教授劉殿爵教授於二零一零年四月二十六日在香港沙田威爾斯親王醫院因病辭世。深表哀悼。

Book: The Joy of Teaching

Peter Filene’s The Joy of teaching gives a lot of valuable of advice to someone who “accidentally” becomes a first-time teacher , including “don’t be a Perfectionist,” “don’t apologize for creating a less-than-state-of-art Web page for your course,” Teaching and not perishing,” “build a relationship with students,” etc. This book, no doubt, provides the new teachers confidence walking into the classrooms. However I found the vital element of this book is missing: “the joy of teaching” as the title suggests. I cannot deny that I am a little disappointed for not able to find “the joy of teaching” in this book. And I personally do not like the font size of this book. It is at least 16 points (?) – The fonts are as big as large print book. Otherwise it is a very useful and practical book for new teachers.

Fred Lerner's The Story of Libraries

This is a history of library and librarianship, from the ancient time to nowadays digital age. Like other reader, I am also wondering why the title of the book is “the story of libraries” and not “the history of libraries.” The author, Fred Lerner explains in the Preface: “The Story of Libraries is a brief historical narrative, not an exhaustive statistical survey.” The aim of this book is: “to trace the evolution of libraries and to explore the role they played in the society.”

This book is very informative; but I wish it covers more library “stories” of East Asia countries such as the China Emperor’s royal libraries and the private book-collectors’ libraries in the ancient. Those areas are still the “gray” area of Chinese librarianship.

I was surprised to find out that the Germany libraries extended their library services to young readers was much slower than the US. And the initially purpose of the children services in Germany was simply to keep young people away from bad company/trouble. The motivation was sociological rather than educational, compare the American experience.

This book not only appeals to the librarians, but also the general reader.

Another thought of the book: Girl in Translation

I finished Jean Kwok's Girl in Translation a few days ago. The story, for some reasons, stays at the back of my mind. In this book Kim Chang was "abused" by her aunt who brought her and her mother from Hong Kong to New York. They have to work hard to pay off their debt, including the immigration fees, air tickets, and the rent. Her aunt was outraged when she was told that Kim was admitted to the elite middle school, and later, to Yale University. It is part of the culture issue. Kids in Asian are born and lived in a continuous competitions among their classmates and as well as their sisters, brothers, and cousins. Many Asian parents put extreme pressures on their kids to excel academically, especially those who are first-generation immigrants, like Kim’s aunt. Her angry was naturally from jealous and a sense of "failure" because her own son is not as smart as Kim. Every year there are so many kids in Japan, Hong Kong, and other Asia countries committed suicide just because they have not lived up to their parents' expectations.

Books about For-Profit Colleges

Here are books about for-profit colleges:

- Richard S Ruch and George Keller, Higher Ed, Inc.
- Gary A Berg, Lessons from the Edge
- Guilbert C. Hentschke, Vicente M. Lechuga, William G. Tierney, and Marc Tucker, For-Profit Colleges and Universities
- Jennifer Washburn, University , Inc.
- Sheila Slaughter, Academic Capitalism and the New Economy
- Alan Collinge, The Student Loan Scam: The Most Oppressive Debt in the U.S.
-

In Defense of For Profit Colleges?

Yesterday (July 23, 2010) there is an article titled, "In Defenses of For-Profit Colleges" in The Wall Street Journal by Henry Bienen.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703724104575378933954267308.html

In the article, he addressed that: "For-profit colleges run the gamut from vocational schools that give certificates for culinary or beautician training to schools that grant bachelor's, nursing, medical and master of business degrees. Some of these schools have regional accreditation (the highest type) from the same organizations that accredit elite public and private universities." - I though will argue about the quality of the for-profit colleges, especially the career colleges. First of all not all the credits can NOT be transferred to accredit elite public and private colleges. The tuitions are EXTREMELY high and the admission requirement is VERY low. Most career colleges literally accept anyone who came to the door. The instructors and staff "come and go" - advisors and admission staff are paid based on commissions. Therefore, they try to recruit EVERYONE to attend their colleges. At the same time, the administrators can hire anyone they are pleased regardless of the qualifications of the instructors.

Here are some links that address the issues at the for-profit colleges:
http://unsettledsoul.wordpress.com/2010/05/06/for-profit-colleges/
http://www.complaintsboard.com/?search=EDMC
http://ai-is-a-scam.deviantart.com/
http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/brown-mackie-college-c329174.html
http://www.religiondispatches.org/dispatches/danielschultz/3001/welcome_to_the_%E2%80%9Ccareer_college%E2%80%9D_scam/

For-Profit Education

For-Profit Colleges Face Risk Under New Rule - Article from The Chronicle of Higher Education July 11, 2010.

These 20 institutions could be found in violation of a new federal rule on student-loan defaults if it took full effect today instead of in 2014, as planned. The colleges could escape risk by lowering their default rates before then. Colleges in violation can lose eligibility for federal student aid. For-profit institutions appear disproportionately affected by the new rule.

Full story: http://chronicle.com/article/For-Profit-Colleges-Face-Risk/66215/

Is it about time to regulate for-profit career schools?

Abstract from today's Wall Street Journal article (July 23, 2010):

UPDATE: For-Profit Schools Rise On Relief Over Oversight Plan, by   Melissa Korn and Caitlin Nish Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES

- Shares of for-profit education companies surged Friday as investors expressed relief over a long-awaited U.S. Department of Education regulatory proposal that was less harsh than feared.

- The gains moderated somewhat as trading progressed, though, as analysts warned that the measure, which would penalize for-profit career colleges for graduating students with high debt-to-income ratios, could still hurt the schools in the long run. The schools are under increasing scrutiny as they capture a growing share of federal student-aid dollars and are being asked to prove they are training students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.

- "The watered-down gainful employment rules are likely to support for-profit education stocks near term," FBR Capital Markets wrote in a note to clients. "However, the details of the proposal are likely to have a greater impact, particularly on short-term programs, than the market may expect."

- According to the Education Department, if career colleges made no changes from current policies, 5% of all programs would no longer be eligible for federal student aid and 55% would be required to warn students about high debt-to-earnings ratios. Most for-profit colleges derive the vast majority of their revenue from federal aid.

- The stocks have been highly volatile since the government released its first iteration of the proposal in January, with shares propelled by speculation over what a final measure would impose.

...

College degrees for sale?????

Booklovers' books

Here are some "exceptional" books about books for booklovers. - Nonfiction.

- Living with Books, by Alan Powers
- Unpacking My Library by Jo Steffans
- At Home with Books by Estella Ellis
- Libraries by Candida Hofer
- Decorating with Books by Maria Proeller Hueston

Enjoy your reading!

I have been waiting for this title for a long time...

The title of this book, What They Don't Teach You in Librarian School draws my attention immediately! I would like to know what you are NOT taught at the SLIS! On the contrary, what you will be taught at iSchool. I am so glad that EVENTUALLY a book about SLIS has been written. I am excited for my “discovery”! SO I search all the public libraries’ catalogs in my home area. I even tried to request via ILL. Then I realized that this title has NOT been released yet! I have to wait another month! - August 31.

A "Chicken Memoir!"

Martin Gurdon’s Hen and the Art of Chicken Maintenance is one of those “first chicken memoir” types of books. It is a book about the relationship between human and bird. It chronically describes the daily life of a chicken. This book is surely very entertaining. But it is also very informative – because readers are able to learn things about raising chickens by reading Gurdon’s stories about his chickens.

I love this book. It certainly speaks for me – on the last page, the last sentence of this book, it said, “She’s (the chicken) enjoyed life and we’ve enjoyed her enjoying it. What more could any of us want?”

Book: Girl in Translation

First of all, I am disagree with the subtitle of this book "a novel" (?) It should be "classified" as a semi-autobiography.

It is a book about a girl who immigrated to the United States with her mother when she was eleven years with a hope of better life in the adopted country. Upon arrival, she found herself living in a tiny unheated apartment and beginning her new life with backbreaking labor in a Chinatown sweatshop. That is certainly NOT the life she wants. She decides to use her “talent for school” and eventually received a college degree from Harvard University.

It is a powerful storytelling. It is kind of a “déjà vu” type of book. Why I like this book? - it is a 21st century Cinderella story.

Something Fishy at the Library

I heard from the NPR on my way to work this morning. A library made a comment on the changing role of public libraries on the air. He mentioned that the local libraries provide a variety of services to their patrons, including loans of books, videos, DVDs, and as well children and adult programs. He pointed out that most "radical' change is that library provides wireless. Patrons bring their laptops and use the wireless at the library FREE. Yes the role of public libraries has been changed dramatically in the past five years. But I have to say, the most radical change is "gaming at the library."

Here is my issue: I don’t like kids playing games on the computers in my library. Don’t be wrong. I am not an anti-gaming librarian. I just prefer to have our young library patrons make good use of the public terminals such as learn how to utilize PowerPoint with clipart and word art for their assignments or how to use the electronic databases. But, gaming? I feel it is not only deprived the kids of reading books, it also makes certain amount of computers not available to the patrons who would like to do bona-fide research. After all, library should be a place where one learns and enjoys reading.

Kindle, e-Books ...

According to Amazon.com, the e-books have a bigger demand than book. The ratio is about 145 to 100. Really? I guess I am getting too old. I cannot imagine I am able to read with an electronic device because I won't be able to highlight and write down my thoughts/comments along the pages. Thing changed radically in this digital era. I probably should "learn" how to" read e-book with a kindle before I fall so behind the rest of the "book" readers. I won't be surprised someday a library patron comes to the Desk and asks for assistance with his/her kindle! The library world is definitely NOT my mom's library anymore!

Nelson Mandela turns 92 today!

Today reminds me the book titled, Long Walk to Freedom. This book collects his memory of his imprisonment on Robben Island for over 27 years. There are many various publications of this title; but there is one published in September 2009 which caught my attention when I prepared the ILL book tubs a few weeks ago. It is an abridged version of Mandela’s 1994 autobiography which is in a picture book for 2 to 6 graders - edited by Chris van Wyk and illustrated by Paddy Bouma.

This book describes his childhood, growing up in a system of apartheid, his education, and the influences that led him to become one of the world's most renowned political activists. The book also tells the unjust treatment of blacks in South Africa during his youth and how he became an early activist working with the African National Congress, coordinating protests, and meeting with others around the country, and eventually how he ended up be in prison for almost three decades.

The large map and the timeline, no doubt, will draw the young readers’ attention. The story is compelling and the life of a young political activist is very inspirational.

It is NOT just a comic book

Marjane Satrapi’s: The Complete Persepolis is Marjane’s autobiography. Marjane tells her childhood in Tehran during the Islamic revolution in black and white comic strip format. It is Marjane’s own story with a very interesting insight of the Iran’s woman lives. There is also a movie made out of Marjane’s book which I have seen by borrowing a copy from the local library. Both the book and the movie are “visualized,” but in my opinion, the book is better in terms of presenting the story with conversations in words. It is just NOT the same in the movie.

This book also covers many issues such as history in the region, the moral laws in Iran, the Iranian’s culture and customs, and view of Iranians towards the West.

A surprise ending film: Dear Zachary: A letter to a son about his father

Andrew Bagby, a medical doctor was murdered by Zachary’s mother, Shirley Turner under mysterious circumstances in 2001. His childhood friend, Kurt Kuenne made this documentary film for his parents, Kate and David Bagby in the memory of Andrew and his son, Zachary. As the subtitle suggests, I kept thinking that Zachary is now ten years old and it will be hard to learn his father was murdered by his mother. I realize that it is not the case until the end of the film. Zachary was drowned by his own mother in 2003 in a suicide-murder case. I was shocked. How and why a mother can do such thing to her own flesh? I keep asking why? Why? Why? It is a nightmare for Andrew’s parents, Kate and David Bagby who had been cared for Zachary for a year with numerous custody battles with his mother who was in and out of the jail. I cannot imagine how they handle the tragedy in two years – lost their own son and as well their grandson in less than two years –“白頭人送黑頭人”( it is a Cantonese proverb meaning "white-haired person sending off black-haired person).

It is a heartbreaking film but please do not let that stop you from watching it.

A small book "bigger"than it looks, titled: The Research Virtuoso

The Research Virtuoso: Brilliant Methods for Normal Brains, by Toronto Public Library and illustrated by Joe Weissmann..

Do not judge a book by its “size” – that is actually what you cannot judge this book, The Research Virtuoso: Brilliant Methods for Normal brains. This book only has five chapters: Getting Ready for research, The Virtuoso Online, The Virtual Library, The Information Warehouse, and Grand Finale. But it provides all the tips and hints how to get information and collect data for research project, step-by-step. In addition, it provides examples with illustrations to show how the research is done.

Most people go to “google” when they start looking for information. After reading this book, you may rethink or decide NOT to “google” for your research.

Today is Bastille Day! La Fête Nationale

Bastille Day - It is the national celebration in France. That reminds me one of Claude Monet's paintings, Rue Montorgueil. The red, blue and yellow colorful painting portrays the street in Paris on June 30, 1878. If you like French culture (not only the festivals), here are some of books I recommend:

- Rebecca S Ramsy's French By Heart: An American Family's Adventures in La Belle France
- Charles Tomoney's Pardon My French: Unleash Your Inner Gaul
- Kristin Espinasse's Words in a French Life
- R. de Roussy de Sales's Easy French reader
- Peter Mayle's A Year in Provence
- Sandy Price's The Flea Markets of France
- Mireille Guiliano's French Women Don't get Fat

Enjoy your reading!

Do-It-Yourself Libraries

I received the new issue of Library Journal this afternoon. The cover caught my attention immediately: Do-It-Yourself Libraries. It is true that most public libraries have self-service stations. It is cost-effective and efficient yet lack of the human interaction. Well, it is NOT my mom's library anymore. The article states, “Libraries say, self-service works” and “Librarians are overwhelmingly happy.” REALLY? The author did not ask me.

I have no objections that library patrons check out library materials on their own or pay their fines. But for the library reserved items, I would like the Reserve Shelf behind the Circulation Desk – privacy issue. When we allow library patrons to pick up their holds by their last names, we voluntarily expose the individual reading interests to the third party.

Book: Delivering Happiness

Tony Hsieh, Delivering Happiness: A Path to profits, Passion, and Purpose..

DO NOT let the title of this book "fool" you. It is not an inspirational "self-help book." According to Dewey Decimal Classification Scheme, it is a business book (658.409). If you take a close look of the subtitle, then you will notice that it is a book about building business culture of a company.

Tony is a CEO for an online retailer, ZAPPOS.com. This book chronicles the life and business pursuits of Tony. He shares the lessons he learned as an entrepreneur. He delivers very powerful and inspirational messages, such as: “By concentrating on the happiness of those around you, you can dramatically increase your own,” “Our goal is for our employees to think of their work not as a job or career, but as a calling.” he talks building a successful business culture and creating a working environment where employees are empowered and engaged. As the subtitle suggests that it is a book about the path to gain profits with passion and purpose.

No So "Secret" Archives Library

When one thinks of Vatican Secret Archives, one immediately thinks, "Oh! That’s a forbidden library." I have the same thought when someone mentions the Vatican Secret Archives Library. But I am wrong. The Vatican interprets the word "Secret" differently. According to the Head of the Library Services, Neil MacInnes, "Secret Library" means "Private Library". -That's a very interesting interpretation. The Library has some public rooms open to academics and researchers; but there are still thousands and thousands of original unpublished documentations are still "behind the scene."

If you are interested in the Vatican Secret Archives, there is a book, Vatican Secret Archives which was published in October 2009. It is the first time that readers are allowed to "walk around" this wonderful and secrecy library without any restrictions.

A book for new PhD students and new professors

Paul Gray's What They Didn't Teach You in Graduate School

As the subtitle suggests, 199 helpful hints for success in your academic career is a book about the graduate ivory tower world. The book is written in a fun and humorous style. I particularly like the funny cartoons/illustrations - they get to the point and make you smile inside you. Having said that, this is NOT a book that you will find answers for your questions how to be a PhD student or a new tenure professor.

A "good" and "bad" book

Edited by Sandra Harris, Changing Mindsets of Educational Leaders to Improve Schools: Voices of Doctoral Students

I picked up this book simply because it is written by individual doctoral students sharing their own personal experience as a doctoral student. I am very eager to know why they decided to take the ivory tower journey and what they believed then and believe now about the role of educational leaders.Unfortunately the book is poorly printed. The fonts and the ink … it seems to me that the printer was running out of toner !

Library Privacy Issues at Public Library is Dead?

Public Library is dedicated to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of its library patrons. A public library will not disclose records which reveal a person’s borrowing information to the third party. A friend told me that our local County library system now allows their patrons to pick up their holds on an open bookshelf, including the ILL items. The reserve shelf is arranged by patron’s last name alphabetically. As a librarian, I was stunted to learn that new policy. I am sure that the new policy will affect the patron’s library visit. My friend also told me that she stopped going to the public library simply because she does not feel comfortable. She is also worry about her borrowing information, such as what kinds of book she requested is “open” to the other patrons who have the same last name. She also heard that the library has lost a great amount of popular items such as DVD and musical CDs.

It is just a few years ago, we, the library staff, was trained and was prohibited to disclose any information with the library cardholder’s family or friends. This also applied to the release of information to the parents’ of minors when the minor has their own library card. I am so surprised that the library has implemented this new policy because in some states, it is against the law, such as Massachusetts. Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 78, Section 7 (1994 edition): “Part of the records of a public library which reveals the identity and intellectual pursuits of a person using such library shall not be a public record as defined by clause Twenty-sixth of section seven of chapter four.” The policy extends to circulation records (borrowing records, registration records, reserves or fine records), interlibrary loan transactions, registration records, database search records and reference interviews. Except in cases involving the USA Patriot Act, no records can be made available to any inquiries, governmental or otherwise, unless a subpoena has been served by a court of competent jurisdiction and the library administration has consulted with legal counsel to determine if it is proper to release the requested information.

What happened to our Mid-Western States???

OCLC and Non-Roman Scripts Collection

Two great news from OCLC news releases for East Asian librarians and scholars:

(1) The National Diet Library of Japan adds records to Worldcat (June 2010):
http://www.ococl.org/us/en/news/releases/2010/201029.htm

(2) National Library of China shares its collection with the world through OCLC's Worldcat:
http://www.oclc.org/us/en/news/releases/2020/201028.htm

The Most Beautiful Libraries in the World

When I travel and visit a new town, the first place you will find me is the public library or the university libraries. Last summer when I was in Oxford, I was unable to visit the famous Bodleian Library because it was SUNDAY! The library was closed. I was very disappointed because I was scheduled to leave England the next day. So I missed the chance. This beautiful photographed book, The Most Beautiful Libraries in the World (photographed by Guillaume de Lauber and written by Jacques Bosser) absolutely provides an easy way to visit the libraries that we cannot visit in person or we “missed” the chance to visit. I know it is not the same when you can go there and walk around the libraries. But at least you can “picture” the libraries with colorful photos. And you won’t see the “unorganized shelves” and you won’t see the old and fragile chairs and tables at some of the historic libraries which are photographed perfectly in the book.

Yesterday someone returned this book at the library, I couldn’t help but recheck out this book again. I have read this book when it was published in 2003. That is before I went to Europe. It is very different after you physically visited the libraries and re-read the book, especially the images. - I picture myself walking outside the library and enjoying the amazing architectural building.

Undercover Journalists in Burma: Burma VJ

One of my fellow librarians visited me from Florida and recommended Burma VJ to me. I couldn’t find a copy at our local libraries; thus I requested via our university library’s ILL service.

The 2007 movement was led by the monks with a massive crowd on the street, including students, general public. They chanted and they requested the democracy of Burma along the street of Rangoon. They even made their way to the house of the Burma’s political leader, Ang San Suu Kyi – who was under house arrest since 1988. The scenes are so “familiar” – the massive crowd protest, the soldiers fired to the running crowd, pool of blood covered the pavements, monks were arrested and disappeared, soldiers raid the monasteries.

The undercover journalists follow the anti-government protests in August 2007 and film the scene with hidden cameras. A few times the journalists were almost caught by the military government spies. The uncut incredible scenes were sent out of Burma through secret channels to the international networks and media such as CNN in September 2007. At the end, three uncover journalists were missing, probably were arrested. And the one and only one Internet server in Burma was shut down by the government. Things are gone back to what they were – it is still a military control country.

Nothing's changed.

Amongst the White Clouds - Chinese hermit monks

Amongst the White Clouds is a film about the enlightenment of Chinese hermit monks who live in the Zhongnan Mountain range. I like to listen to the monks who tell their experience to practice in the mountains – surrounded by nature and living in a simple but hardship life. I learn two things from their conversations:

(1) We, the common people, need to learn how to “let go”.
(2) When the monks were asked why they became a monk or their past, they simply replied “it doesn’t matter and avoid the questions. So we shouldn’t let the past be an obstacle for our present lives: “let bygone be bygone.”

Nanking: A Documentary FIlm

I studied the Nanking Massacre (1937) from my Chinese history book when I was a seventh grader. I also learned from my late father who was a young boy during the World War II. The massacre committed by the Japanese soldiers when they captured the Chinese capital, Nanking in August 1937. I have seen the historical pictures from the section of Far East War in one of the World War II books. There is no single book about the massacre until 1997, Iris Chang wrote a book called, The Rape of Nanking. Chang's research on the book was credited with the finding of the diaries of John Rabe and Minnie Vautrin, the foreigners who lived in Nanking during the World War II and witnessed the massacre.

This documentary film Nanking (2008) describes the massacre by reading the diaries and letters of John Rabe , Minnie Vautrin, and Robert Wilson - a German surgeon. The subject matter and the archival footage of the events are compelling. It includes the interviews of the survivors who tell their own horrible experience at a very young age. When I saw the testimonies of Japanese soldiers who participated in the rampage, I keep wondering what they are thinking now at their old age. Do they regret what they have done? Are they proud of their victory in Nanking? None of the Japanese soldiers say "sorry for they have done" in the interviews. They did describe how they killed 20,00 Chinese soldier without showing any emotion. That makes me cry inside of me. Is it possible for them to live without regrets?

It is a very well done film. Very good pace, brief, to the point and keep its viewers right to the film. Recommended.

An Inspirational article.

Doug Achterman and Joyce Kasman Valenza’s article, “Why Enter a Doctoral Program in Library and Information Science?” was published in February 2007 on School Library Media Activities Monthly, Vol. 3, No. 6 (pp. 56-58). Their personal stories are very inspirational. In this article, Joyce explains the reasons why she entered a doctoral program in library and information science:

“After thirty years in the library world, the certificate process didn’t seem the right step for me. I had reached a point where I didn’t need to prove myself to my administrator or to fellow professionals.”

“I wanted to add my practitioner’s voice to the intellectual dialog to combine my knowledge of practical with the theoretical. I wanted to take a leading role in the profession I adored. Without the doctorate I was cut off from making the types of contributions I longed to make.”

As I read these few beautiful lines, my heart struck. And I embrace her and admire her ultimate ambitions. I have heard some doctorate students call us, the professional librarians as the “mainstreams” who are usually NOT considered as “intellectual scholars” in the academia's ivy tower. I disagree. We are the practitioner, yet we also have the ability of doing intellectual research. That stereotype certainly needs to be re-imaged.

You Don't Look Like a Librarian

When we talk about image of librarian, we "naturally" think of a middle-aged lady who wears a pair of “special” spectacles on her nose, busy behind the desk and constantly says, “shush!” to the unsettling, noisy kids. Yap! This is stereotype. But honestly I do not remember any librarian in my hometown like that. I am so glad that FINALLY someone fights the stereotype and writes a book about the “REAL” image of librarian.

In Ruth Kneale’s You Don’t Look Like a Librarian draws a different picture of a librarian. As the subtitle suggests, this book creates a new and positive image of librarian in today’s digital era.

I think we should all “re-paint” the image of librarian in our brains!

How to Read Literature Like a Professor?

I found Thomas Foster’s How to read Literature Like Professor when I looking for an easy and practical reference book on reading for my literature class students. Once I read the Introduction chapter, I knew that’s the one I need to have for my library.

According to this book, three elements separate the general reader from the literature professor s: memory, symbol and pattern. In brief , when reading a novel or a story, readers are easily emotional attached to the characters. The literature professors, of course, have the emotional attach as well; yet they pay more attention to other elements of the story and ask questions such as what did the respond effect come from? Whom do the characters resemble? Where have I seen this situation before? And so on. – it is a very interesting analysis.

This book is full of knowledge yet it is very easy to read. A wonderful book.

East Wind Melts the Ice

I love this book! I borrowed Liza Dalby’s East Wind Mets Ice from the University library via interlibrary loan because my local public libraries do not own this item (sigh!) After reading the first two chapters, I realized that it is the book I need to buy a copy and add to my personal library.

This book is written in luminous prose, divided into 72 chapters. The books brings the readers enlightening stories of author’s person life in Kyoto Japan, as the first non-Japanese Geisha; her life as a gardener in Northern California. I also consider this book as a memoir. The 72 chapters explores lives between the east and west cultures.

It is a wonderful book.

I don't like this book.

A nursing student came to the desk and asked me whether I read Don Piper’s 90 Minutes in Heaven. She was disappointed when I told her I haven’t. So I picked the book at the local public library.

I would say this book is bout Don’s life story rather than the actual events/accident. The title of this book does not match what it is about. I disagree with some book reviewers claim, “it is an inspiring story.” I personally do not like this book. - so pick up this book and see what you think.

A documentary film: Unmistaken Child

Having seen the Seven Years in Tibet and Kundun, I picked up this film, Unmistaken Child at the library. This documentary film is about the search for a reincarnated Lama in Central Asia, Nepal. I certainly do not understand the non-scientific process of the divination, searching and verification. But I do enjoy the traveling scenes of mountains, hills, fields, rivers, ordinary people and their tradition culture in the far-reached world.

FREE research database!! - ResearchGate

WOW!! I accidentially found out this free of charge databases when I assisted a graduate student this afternoon.

http://www.researchgate.net/

I discovered a GREAT reference book! - William Lawrence Neuman's Social Research Method

Recently I have been reading social research method books. All the theoretical research ad methodology is “hard information” – it is very complex and sometimes hard to “digest.” There is one book which keeps me focus is William Lawrence Neuman’s Social Research Method: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. This book is very informative, of course involves many conceptual theories. Yet it is VERY well-written and well- organized. It presents a comprehensive and balanced introduction to qualitative and quantitative approaches to social research with examples. The examples are GREAT! It clarifies and explains the social sciences research method and how to plan and conduct research.

It is a MUST-READ reference book for graduate students.

Film: Make Way for Tomorrow

Generally speaking I do not like Black and White movies simply because those films are usually boring and very poor quality of pictures and plots. But I was "captured" by Make Way for Tomorrow.

It is a Depression-era film which depicts the frustrations of family, aging, and the generation gap. I found there are two major messages from this film:

(1) Women were NOT allowed to drink at the bars not even in big cities such as Chicago.
(2) Save when you were young.

It is a great film. It caught my attention throughout the movie.

Book: The Problem with Chickens

When the ladies in a small remote village in Iceland do not have any eggs to cook, they decided to raise chickens. When the chickens stopped laying eggs, they come up with an unusual solution.

I love this book not because of its beautiful Icelandic drawings; not because of the features of Icelandic culture and traditions. I am so glad that the book shows how clever chickens can be! – “The chickens started acting like ladies”! – That is exactly what my pet chicken “Pumpkin” does everyday. She acts like us.

A very delightful read! - Wonderful and creative illustrations

Book: I'll Never Be French - Je ne serai jamais français

The title of this book caught my attention when I was looking for French book via the local library's OPAC. Sure enough, I left the library with this book in my arm.

Mark greenside, a 40-something years old American moved to a small village on the coast of Brittany in summer 1991. At the end of the summer he was so attached to the France, and bought an old stone house. The book makes me laugh in the earlier chapters, for instance, the chapter about how Greenside bought milk, sugar and bread at the village store with his VERY broken French! I continued reading, and burst out laughing. I couldn't put down this book once I read because it is so funny and entertaining.

Love this book! It is a great leisure reading book - the characteristics of people, the place, the food, the American experience in France.

If you are looking for a good summer reading book, this is the one!

A loyal dog called HACHIKO (ハチ公)

A beautiful written and illustrated book! - There are so many "versions" of HACHIKO story; but I particularly like this one: Hachiko: The True Story of a Loyal Dog, written by Pamela S. Turner and illustrated by Yan Nasimbene. - this book won the Bccb Blue Ribbon Picture Book Awards.

This is a well-known old story in Japan. Professor Ueno died unexpectedly at work in April 1925, fifteen months after he bought a dog who he named Hachiko (number 8 in Japanese. indicating it is his 8th Akita). Hachiko walked with Professor Ueno to the Tokyo Shibuya-ku station (渋谷区) every morning and could be counted on like a clock to greet his owner upon return from work. After Professor Ueno passed away, Hachiko continued coming back to the station “as usual" to wait for professor Ueno's return. This continued for ten long years until Hachiko died in 1935.

A beautiful story the bond between dog and human is very touching.

Bento Box (ベントボックス) in the Heartland

"Bento Box" (ベントボックス) = roughly translates to "box lunch"

Linda Furiya's Bento Box in the Heartland: My Japanese Girlhood in Whitebread America is a book about second-generation immigrant experience. It is a candid, personal and revealing memoir about growing up at the only Japanese family in an Indiana hometown in the 1960s.

When Furiya described when she ate lunch at the school cafeteria and found her mother packed the rice balls for her lunch instead sandwich, like the rest of her classmates. I can imagine how embarrassed that moment when she opened her lunch box. Also it made her feel she was so different from her classmates. This book is full of similar selective memories.

In addition to her memories, Furiya ends each chapter with a recipe for one of her favorite meals. It makes this book "more than" a memoir.

Enjoyable and very touching!

Book about the student loan scam in the US education

Alan Collinge's The Student Loan Scam: The Most Oppressive Debt in U.S. History is a serious read. I have known that most people go to college with a student loan, except those fortunate ones who receive grant and scholarships. But if you need a loan for your education, you need to be aware the following issues:

The interest rate: Do you know the interest rates of these loans can be as high as 29.9%?

Government's involvement: Do you know the major student loan provider; Sallie Mae's fee income increased 220% between 2000 and 2005? - Congress has given banks and loan providers a "free ticket" to extract as much money from students as possible.

Lenders are allowed to take up to 25% as collection fee on defaulted loans - they make money out of the poor/needed students!

If you haven't noticed any of the above issues, PLEASE read this book beofre you take on a student loan.

An incrediable Read! - Thanking the Monkey

Karen Dawn's Thanking the Monkey makes you rethink the way animals are treated around the world. The title suggests that the author intends to bring up the issues in a playfully but seriously way. The book is full of funny and witty commentary and cartoons. I particularly loves the humorous and hilarious cartoons - make you laugh and think deeper, especially for those who are NOT vegans.

It is a well-written book about animal abuse, animal rights and animal welfare. Yes it is a comprehensive but an easy-to-read book.

The Bird, the Monkey, and the Snake in the Jungle

This book uses full-bleed illustrations to tell the adventure of a bird, a monkey and a snake - they search for a place to live in the jungle after their homes are destroyed by a rainstorm. Every morning the bird sings, the monkey wakes to eat nuts and the snake complains when the falling shells hit on his back. The story enhances with pictures on the outer margin of each right-hand page. It is a story book but it also looks like a game.

I read this book simply because it is one of my reading assignments for my children literature class! But I do love the story and the primitive-style illustrations.

Dear Miss Breed ...

A role model for librarians!

Joanne Oppenheim's Dear Miss Breed is a book about a children librarian who devoted her self to the Japanese American children and made a difference to the lives of them. Clara Breed was the children librarian at San Diego Public Library when the Japanese Americans were sent to the concentration camps in 1940s. She kept correspondence with her young incarceration library patrons. In doing so she gave the children a way of keeping connection with the “outside” (outside the camp) world. She also sent them library donated books.

This book is a collection of her letters along with articles, photographs, and other primary materials integrated by the author. As a librarian, I highly recommend this book for all librarians and future librarians to remind us the role of a librarian.

John West: The Last Goodnights: Assisting My Parents with Their Suicide

When our pets are old and sick, we would end their suffer by putting them to sleep because it is the merciful thing to do. When your parents suffer from terminal illness and unbearable pain, what would you do? Should your parents have the rights to end their lives in dignity?

In this book, John West brings up the issues in a very personal way. He honesty shares his journey to assist his own parents with their sucidies. It is NOT an easy book to read, especially for someone like me who dealt with end of life issue with my own brother.

Book: An American Soldier who spent twelve years in communist China

Why a POW of Korean soldier refused repatriation in 1953, instead spending twelve years in communist China? What on earth was he thinking?  These two questions lead me to finish Clarence Adams' book just in a few hours.

Mr Adams chose to stay in China with a hope to find educational and career opportunities not readily available in his own country - simply because he's Black. He earned a university degree and learned the language. During the Chinese Cultural Revolution, he returned to the US with his wife and two children in 1966.

It is a remarkable African-American autobiography; but it is also a book about war, the racial issues in the United States, and the life in China during the Mao's disastrous Great Leap Forward.

"All animals deserve the care and protection we give our pets"

The ways we treat the farm animals is so cruel. On factory farms turkeys are simply fattened until their wings are useless; chickens are fattened until they cannot stand up with their feet. Cows simply are fed with corn. Farm animals are raised for slaughter. Ruby Roth’s That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals is a very first children book which teaches children that all animals have souls and emotions similar to our pets. It is a great book to teach young generation about what is happening on factory farms. This book makes a strong argument for reducing animal consumption as well as eliminating factory farms.

A great book for graduate students

Robert Peter`s Getting What Yu Come For: The Smart Student's Guide to Earning an M.A. or a Ph.D. is an excellent book for graduate students, especially for those who is planning to purse a Ph D. This book is not only a survival guide but also provides practical advice how to deal with the stress and the graduate school politics. I am very impressed by the comprehensive coverage. The auther gives a lot of incredible suggestions and advice that you might not receive from your counselor. The book is in a conversational style but very well written. - a must read book for the current and future graduate students.

War Dance (2006): A film leaves you nothing but tears

The film is about the Northern Uganda children who lost their families, and now live in the refugee camp called Patongo with suffer and scars. Their stories were presented from their perspective in their own words. With the horrific experience, they are putting the horrific experience behind their backs and participating dance and music at the refugee camp school. They were invited to the prestige national music festival competition. They feel of pride and accomplishment when they perform their tribe folk dance and music. One of the young boy said, “Even though we are the children of war, we can make something great.” – What a great young man!

The cinematography and editing was amazing. The music, the real life stories from the children, the singing, the dancing, the captured rebel young soldier’s conversation with one of the young boy ... it is the kind of documentary that leave you in tears but feel a glimmer of hope.

Wrenching stories with happy ending. Highly recommended.