Monday, January 07, 2008
Friday, January 04, 2008
Will e-books put old books out of business?
I just read an article (see URL) that talks about e-books and the coming and improving technology of having books online and downloadable, and what that will do to future authors – both those with narrow audience appeal and those bigger authors who like the idea of not having to share the wealth generated by their success.
The author’s point all came down to e-books eventually becoming successful and books as we have known them in the past as becoming obsolete. I think I would disagree with that point. Being a librarian and “keeper of the books” doesn’t completely have anything to do with my opinion. It’s more of realizing the nature of high technology today and what it’s going to do in the future.
Think about it for a moment. With every new invention, innovation, or change in technology it is always toted as the newest, biggest and of course the best. Information will last forever on this new “whatever.” Then within in a decade or sometimes even less another new form of digitization comes out. Look at the history of technology. We have gone from transistor radios, LP and single records, reel to reel cassette tapes, & 8 tracks (which were short lived), to audio cassettes, compact discs (“CD’s”) iPods and MP3 players, with many others and many variations in between.
Every time a new technology is introduced, a whole new industry has to be invented to support it. But not with books. A book is a book is a book. Now, I don’t deny the various qualities of books over the years, (and centuries). Books produced on pulp paper in this last century don’t hold a candle to the one’s from previous centuries. But all in all, book technology is a much more stable technology than “hi tech” is. We have books that go back for centuries and are still discernable and readable. Even cave writings are ‘readable’. How many people can still listen to their 8-track, (provided they even own one)? Every time a format changes in technology, you have to transfer your information over to the new technology or you lose it; it becomes useless in its former state.
Okay, on the aside here, I do sometimes think “they” purposely try to make something obsolete to force the creation of new jobs, or the generation of making more money. But that’s another issue.
Then we are dealing with lost information.
Hopefully, we will not get so taken up with technology that we – in our hurry to stay up with the times – don’t throw out all those books, because they take up too much room, or they cost too much money to maintain, or… whatever, only to discover that when they did and the ‘new’ technology has become unstable and is upgraded, we discover we have lost information that will never again be regained - unless we want to repeat history and go through the Dark Ages and out again.
It scares me when I think of all the union catalogs are thrown out because we have it on-line now. (Okay – that’s a librarian’s thing.) What if the OCLC WorldCat database crashes? They have now reached over a billion records. How long did it take to get to that many the first time? How long do you think it would take to do it all again? It wouldn’t be done overnight, that’s for sure. Okay, so they have backups. But it’s all the same technology. What if – for some reason, not too unreasonable – something goes wrong with that technology? What then? You can’t look a CD and ‘see’ what information is stored on it. You can a book.
Hopefully we’ve learned that lesson not to do that. Let’s not get carried away here and throw away the baby with the bath water (baby being the Information and bath water being the technology it’s sitting in.) Our new technology is a wonderful thing and it has done things for our world, cultures, economies, governments etc that even the inventors never dreamed of. But as wonderful as that is, we need to step back, take a look at all of the history of information and analyze the statistics of it all, it’s impact and it’s potential for disaster. Now, I’m not meaning to sound all “doom and gloom” about technology. I love it. But let’s not get in a big hurry here.
So will books with pages you can turn be completely replaced by the e-books technology? E-books may become very popular and more accepted by the grassroots populace, but doing away with old books completely? I don’t think so.
The author’s point all came down to e-books eventually becoming successful and books as we have known them in the past as becoming obsolete. I think I would disagree with that point. Being a librarian and “keeper of the books” doesn’t completely have anything to do with my opinion. It’s more of realizing the nature of high technology today and what it’s going to do in the future.
Think about it for a moment. With every new invention, innovation, or change in technology it is always toted as the newest, biggest and of course the best. Information will last forever on this new “whatever.” Then within in a decade or sometimes even less another new form of digitization comes out. Look at the history of technology. We have gone from transistor radios, LP and single records, reel to reel cassette tapes, & 8 tracks (which were short lived), to audio cassettes, compact discs (“CD’s”) iPods and MP3 players, with many others and many variations in between.
Every time a new technology is introduced, a whole new industry has to be invented to support it. But not with books. A book is a book is a book. Now, I don’t deny the various qualities of books over the years, (and centuries). Books produced on pulp paper in this last century don’t hold a candle to the one’s from previous centuries. But all in all, book technology is a much more stable technology than “hi tech” is. We have books that go back for centuries and are still discernable and readable. Even cave writings are ‘readable’. How many people can still listen to their 8-track, (provided they even own one)? Every time a format changes in technology, you have to transfer your information over to the new technology or you lose it; it becomes useless in its former state.
Okay, on the aside here, I do sometimes think “they” purposely try to make something obsolete to force the creation of new jobs, or the generation of making more money. But that’s another issue.
Then we are dealing with lost information.
Hopefully, we will not get so taken up with technology that we – in our hurry to stay up with the times – don’t throw out all those books, because they take up too much room, or they cost too much money to maintain, or… whatever, only to discover that when they did and the ‘new’ technology has become unstable and is upgraded, we discover we have lost information that will never again be regained - unless we want to repeat history and go through the Dark Ages and out again.
It scares me when I think of all the union catalogs are thrown out because we have it on-line now. (Okay – that’s a librarian’s thing.) What if the OCLC WorldCat database crashes? They have now reached over a billion records. How long did it take to get to that many the first time? How long do you think it would take to do it all again? It wouldn’t be done overnight, that’s for sure. Okay, so they have backups. But it’s all the same technology. What if – for some reason, not too unreasonable – something goes wrong with that technology? What then? You can’t look a CD and ‘see’ what information is stored on it. You can a book.
Hopefully we’ve learned that lesson not to do that. Let’s not get carried away here and throw away the baby with the bath water (baby being the Information and bath water being the technology it’s sitting in.) Our new technology is a wonderful thing and it has done things for our world, cultures, economies, governments etc that even the inventors never dreamed of. But as wonderful as that is, we need to step back, take a look at all of the history of information and analyze the statistics of it all, it’s impact and it’s potential for disaster. Now, I’m not meaning to sound all “doom and gloom” about technology. I love it. But let’s not get in a big hurry here.
So will books with pages you can turn be completely replaced by the e-books technology? E-books may become very popular and more accepted by the grassroots populace, but doing away with old books completely? I don’t think so.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
You never know what you're going to find
Well, our holidays are over and so is my vacation. I really like my job, but it was nice to have a couple of weeks off.
Before we closed down for our semester break we had an unusual visitor at the library that I thought I would tell you about. EB in acquisitions was helping SS go through boxes of donated books. She opened a box and gasped. "Is that a real snake?"
Well you know that got everyone's attention real quick! We all got up to look and sure enough, stuck to the outside of the box on some of the tape was a small dead and dried baby snake!!! Believe or not, I took the little critter and put him through our small laminator so I could "preserve him forever." Thus he is laying here on my desk in front of me as I type.
Well, one of the ladies commented, "Wouldn't it be something if we found the mother snake in here!" The mind-picture and the thought of that got me laughing. But it was preceeded with an intake of air. One of my staff ladies thought that gasp of air meant I saw Mama! She sorted of shrieked and jumped back. "What!? Did you see it!?" she asked. Then I really did laugh! Finally everyone calmed down when we all realized the "gasp" was from the THOUGHT of seeing a Mama snake, not because I really did see one.
You know, not everyone that comes in the library is there to read a book. Some just like to be next to one - up close and personal. Hopefully we won't get another one like that for a while - not even a dead one.
What unusual visitor have you had?
Before we closed down for our semester break we had an unusual visitor at the library that I thought I would tell you about. EB in acquisitions was helping SS go through boxes of donated books. She opened a box and gasped. "Is that a real snake?"
Well you know that got everyone's attention real quick! We all got up to look and sure enough, stuck to the outside of the box on some of the tape was a small dead and dried baby snake!!! Believe or not, I took the little critter and put him through our small laminator so I could "preserve him forever." Thus he is laying here on my desk in front of me as I type.
Well, one of the ladies commented, "Wouldn't it be something if we found the mother snake in here!" The mind-picture and the thought of that got me laughing. But it was preceeded with an intake of air. One of my staff ladies thought that gasp of air meant I saw Mama! She sorted of shrieked and jumped back. "What!? Did you see it!?" she asked. Then I really did laugh! Finally everyone calmed down when we all realized the "gasp" was from the THOUGHT of seeing a Mama snake, not because I really did see one.
You know, not everyone that comes in the library is there to read a book. Some just like to be next to one - up close and personal. Hopefully we won't get another one like that for a while - not even a dead one.
What unusual visitor have you had?
Friday, December 28, 2007
Christmas Blessings
What blessing did you receive this Christmas? What was the center of your focus?
This year our Christmas was quiet and low key. We had a white Christmas here in Kansas, USA. The day after we even got an additional snowfall. It was so beautiful as it quietly came down and blanketed our world. Christmas evening we attended our Christmas Eve service, opening our gifts before leaving for the service. Christmas day was spent with our daughter while my husband slept (during the day) or worked (that night). Our "big" Chrismas day with our sons and families will be on New Year's Day.
When something is so familiar as the Christmas story, it is hard to see it from a fresh point of view. This year I heard a song on the radio that gave me that "fpv". I don't even know the name of it, but it talked about the Magi's expectations and what they actually found. They were looking for a King (ruler?), and a grown man. What did they find? A child, yet God, Himself! They came away with much more of a blessing they ever dreamed. Their encounter with God was way beyond what they ever dreamed or expected. It gives a new meaning to "Emmanuel = God,...with US!"
What has been your encounter with God this Christmas?
This year our Christmas was quiet and low key. We had a white Christmas here in Kansas, USA. The day after we even got an additional snowfall. It was so beautiful as it quietly came down and blanketed our world. Christmas evening we attended our Christmas Eve service, opening our gifts before leaving for the service. Christmas day was spent with our daughter while my husband slept (during the day) or worked (that night). Our "big" Chrismas day with our sons and families will be on New Year's Day.
When something is so familiar as the Christmas story, it is hard to see it from a fresh point of view. This year I heard a song on the radio that gave me that "fpv". I don't even know the name of it, but it talked about the Magi's expectations and what they actually found. They were looking for a King (ruler?), and a grown man. What did they find? A child, yet God, Himself! They came away with much more of a blessing they ever dreamed. Their encounter with God was way beyond what they ever dreamed or expected. It gives a new meaning to "Emmanuel = God,...with US!"
What has been your encounter with God this Christmas?
Monday, December 17, 2007
Let it snow!
Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the picture outside the window is delightful!!!! (to "pare a phrase.")
We had some ice last week through about Wed. The temps rose just enough to melt most of it. The roads were all cleared. Now, today, Saturday we have woken up to a little bit of snow. We didn't get as much as predicted (3-5 inches), but I'd say there's at least an inch out there. Glad I'm home!
I did have a student worker ask me Monday of last week – when the ice storm was still being anticipated: "if classes are canceled, will we still be open?" I told her, sure, I was here (I stay over night twice a week on campus) and the students were here, of course we would. Somebody might want the chance to get some extra studying done. The look on her face told me how she felt about that! But fortunately we didn't have to test her commitment to her job.
Have you ever looked at an individual snowflake? Did you know it is always made up of 6 sections and there are never any two alike? And there's been a LOT of snowflakes dropped on this ole world! What an imaginative Creator we have.
This definition, "White ice crystals that have combined in a complex branched hexagonal form" was found here.
We had some ice last week through about Wed. The temps rose just enough to melt most of it. The roads were all cleared. Now, today, Saturday we have woken up to a little bit of snow. We didn't get as much as predicted (3-5 inches), but I'd say there's at least an inch out there. Glad I'm home!
I did have a student worker ask me Monday of last week – when the ice storm was still being anticipated: "if classes are canceled, will we still be open?" I told her, sure, I was here (I stay over night twice a week on campus) and the students were here, of course we would. Somebody might want the chance to get some extra studying done. The look on her face told me how she felt about that! But fortunately we didn't have to test her commitment to her job.
Have you ever looked at an individual snowflake? Did you know it is always made up of 6 sections and there are never any two alike? And there's been a LOT of snowflakes dropped on this ole world! What an imaginative Creator we have.
This definition, "White ice crystals that have combined in a complex branched hexagonal form" was found here.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
More Advent Calendars
Snowflakes - Here’s a cute advent calendar for teachers to use with their kids.
Okay here’s one with ideas, but is a rather boring presentation.
Here’s a Wallpaper Advent Calendar.
Most appropriate of all I found is this one.
I haven’t had a lot time to just hunt, but I like the last one given above I think the best. I'm sure there can be more found like it. If you know of one, let me know.
Okay here’s one with ideas, but is a rather boring presentation.
Here’s a Wallpaper Advent Calendar.
Most appropriate of all I found is this one.
I haven’t had a lot time to just hunt, but I like the last one given above I think the best. I'm sure there can be more found like it. If you know of one, let me know.
Friday, December 07, 2007
Christmas online Advent Calendar
Another blog mentioned this advent calendar. I thought it was rather interesting, so I'm sharing it here as well. This one shares library books that have to do with Christmas. Here's another one but of a different kind. It deals with the art work that depicts different parts of the christmas story.
I'll have to look for some more. I think this a neat idea!! If you know of one let me know.
One thing they both do that I don't care for is the numbers are not sequintial. You have to hunt for the number. In the second one the numbers are a little hard to see. But it also messes with my penchant for wanting things neat and in order. It gives me the feeling of chaos. (AAAGGGHHHHHHH).
oh, by the way, Merry Christmas. :-)
I'll have to look for some more. I think this a neat idea!! If you know of one let me know.
One thing they both do that I don't care for is the numbers are not sequintial. You have to hunt for the number. In the second one the numbers are a little hard to see. But it also messes with my penchant for wanting things neat and in order. It gives me the feeling of chaos. (AAAGGGHHHHHHH).
oh, by the way, Merry Christmas. :-)
Monday, November 26, 2007
VISITORS
Last week I had two very interesting visitors come by the library – but totally different situations.
The first visitor was a gentleman that came in, dressed in army camouflage fatigs, accompanied by our admissions counselor, CE. The visitor was in the army reserve (which is “next door”). So since he was “in the area” he wanted to stop by. I was confused at first. Why would someone in the army reserve want to visit a bible college/seminary library?
He talked about wanting to do whatever he could to help us. (the army???) He was glad to be able to meet the library director (Okaaaaay. Ego stroking, but still puzzled). He handed me his business card. It wasn’t “army”. It said “Bxxxx Seminary”. He’s in the army and also attends Bxxxx seminary??? How does he think he can help us with anything? Then I read “library director”. Ahhhhhhhhhh! He’s the librarian from Bxxxx seminary visiting his colleague in our college/seminary library - moi!!!!
Oh, NOW I get it!! Duh! When it finally clicked I finally managed to have a descent conversation with him – I think. I hope, anyway!!!
Visitor #2. CE also brought this gentleman. They wanted to know if the library had a certain book. I said I didn’t know but we could find out. We went over to the OPAC and looked it up. Yup we had it. The visitor said it was probably a spiral bound copy and he had a better bound copy he would give us. We located it and found it was indeed spiral. He had also written a second book so he ended up giving us a copy of each.
But you need some background information. When grandpa died, mom found information her mother had recorded regarding her family tree. She had all her great grandparents except her paternal line, the Trasks. Within one generation the information had been lost as to who her great-grandparents were. So I decided to find out for myself. I had always been interested in our family and family tree. As a result (“long story short”) it led to library jobs and eventually my MLS degree and present position.
Back to the present moment: I had been given the title of the book and that it was by Paul Trask. Hmmm. Trask, huh? I made a mental note of that, while we talked. As we stood at the OPAC looking up the title, this gentleman, who still had not been introduced to me said, oh by the way, I’m Paul Trask!!! Well THEN the floor just about pulled out from under me! Of course they saw my reaction and wondered (I'm sure) why that was so striking to me.
Well, after I pulled my jaw up off the floor, I gave him a very short explanation. He had another appointment, but later came back to my office where we did a little bit of family-information-swapping. AND, he lives in the metro area where I work! How cool is that! I don’t think we’re related, but then again I have a preconceived idea where my Trasks came from, but NO I have not been able to find the missing names, either, so I can’t prove my presupposition either. But – you never know which turned over stone will tell! (Be still my heart!)
The first visitor was a gentleman that came in, dressed in army camouflage fatigs, accompanied by our admissions counselor, CE. The visitor was in the army reserve (which is “next door”). So since he was “in the area” he wanted to stop by. I was confused at first. Why would someone in the army reserve want to visit a bible college/seminary library?
He talked about wanting to do whatever he could to help us. (the army???) He was glad to be able to meet the library director (Okaaaaay. Ego stroking, but still puzzled). He handed me his business card. It wasn’t “army”. It said “Bxxxx Seminary”. He’s in the army and also attends Bxxxx seminary??? How does he think he can help us with anything? Then I read “library director”. Ahhhhhhhhhh! He’s the librarian from Bxxxx seminary visiting his colleague in our college/seminary library - moi!!!!
Oh, NOW I get it!! Duh! When it finally clicked I finally managed to have a descent conversation with him – I think. I hope, anyway!!!
Visitor #2. CE also brought this gentleman. They wanted to know if the library had a certain book. I said I didn’t know but we could find out. We went over to the OPAC and looked it up. Yup we had it. The visitor said it was probably a spiral bound copy and he had a better bound copy he would give us. We located it and found it was indeed spiral. He had also written a second book so he ended up giving us a copy of each.
But you need some background information. When grandpa died, mom found information her mother had recorded regarding her family tree. She had all her great grandparents except her paternal line, the Trasks. Within one generation the information had been lost as to who her great-grandparents were. So I decided to find out for myself. I had always been interested in our family and family tree. As a result (“long story short”) it led to library jobs and eventually my MLS degree and present position.
Back to the present moment: I had been given the title of the book and that it was by Paul Trask. Hmmm. Trask, huh? I made a mental note of that, while we talked. As we stood at the OPAC looking up the title, this gentleman, who still had not been introduced to me said, oh by the way, I’m Paul Trask!!! Well THEN the floor just about pulled out from under me! Of course they saw my reaction and wondered (I'm sure) why that was so striking to me.
Well, after I pulled my jaw up off the floor, I gave him a very short explanation. He had another appointment, but later came back to my office where we did a little bit of family-information-swapping. AND, he lives in the metro area where I work! How cool is that! I don’t think we’re related, but then again I have a preconceived idea where my Trasks came from, but NO I have not been able to find the missing names, either, so I can’t prove my presupposition either. But – you never know which turned over stone will tell! (Be still my heart!)
Thursday, November 15, 2007
My cataloger
Tomorrow is my cataloger's last day. She gave me her notice two weeks ago. I am not surprised at her leaving as she has finally another job that pays more than here. She did try at three other positions on campus and didn't get them. This one is off campus. She has been here just over 2 years. So now that I have her to the point of being a valuable employee, she is gone. Until my institution comes to the place of understanding the hard work, the learning curve and the value of the library staff, this is going to be a common place thing. We are shooting ourselves in the foot and the people that can change that do not understand. So now I have to go back to square one of finding, hiring and training yet another cataloger who is willing to accept what we pay, but do the job that we need to do. Where is that balance between stepping out in faith to trust the Lord to meet our needs (financially) and being fiscally responsible. Or is it that, in the name of being fiscally responsible, we are too tight with the money? If that is the case where is our faith? Are we not instructed to do our very best for the Lord? How can we when we are held back by others over us from doing so? I want to be a part of an organization that wants the very best, steps up to the plate to provide it and trust the Lord to do his part.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Fall Fun Facts - Pumpkins
Pumpkins are a fruit.
Pumpkins are 90% water.
Pumpkins originated in Central America.
Pumpkins range in size for under 1 pound to over 1000 pounds.
Pumpkins available in October in the United States are 80% of the crop.
Pumpkins were once recommneded for removing freckles and curing snake bites.
Pumpkins, in colonial times, were used as an ingredient for the pie crust not the filling.
source: Emery-Pratt newsletter, Oct/Nov 2007
Pumpkins are 90% water.
Pumpkins originated in Central America.
Pumpkins range in size for under 1 pound to over 1000 pounds.
Pumpkins available in October in the United States are 80% of the crop.
Pumpkins were once recommneded for removing freckles and curing snake bites.
Pumpkins, in colonial times, were used as an ingredient for the pie crust not the filling.
source: Emery-Pratt newsletter, Oct/Nov 2007
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Eleanor Alice Bluford Hibbert
I have always wanted to keep track of all the pseudynoms she wrote under, but didn't know how I could keep track of them. SO, I am sticking them here.
Victoria Holt, 32 novels, romantic suspense
Philippa Carr, 19 novels, family saga
Jean Plaidy, 90+ novels, historical fiction (this does include a few non-fiction history books.)
Some lesser known pseudo's:
Elbur Ford - a corruption of her maiden name, Eleanor Bluford.
Kathleen Kellow
Ellalice Tate
Victoria Holt, 32 novels, romantic suspense
Philippa Carr, 19 novels, family saga
Jean Plaidy, 90+ novels, historical fiction (this does include a few non-fiction history books.)
Some lesser known pseudo's:
Elbur Ford - a corruption of her maiden name, Eleanor Bluford.
Kathleen Kellow
Ellalice Tate
secret of being organized:
"The secret of being organized under any circumstances and in any situation is taking charge of your organizational styles rather than letting them take charge of you."
-Wish I had noted where I got that, but I didn't. It's not original with me. Someone else said it.
-Wish I had noted where I got that, but I didn't. It's not original with me. Someone else said it.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
embedded teaching
Well Monday was the last day of my embedded teaching for this semester. I think it went well in a way for my first time - as far as the pedagogy part went. The first class the students had an assignment to do and turn in. That seemed to go well. I am disappointed that some students didn't put forth much effort on such an easy assignment. I guess it was considered unimportant. hmph. How would they get a book if they don't know how to use the OPAC!
I'll admit that databases are a little more difficult to understand. Maybe I should just go straight to teaching the students how to use the databases and not bother with explaining the way they work. For that class I gave them a quiz. Without a couple of bonus questions, the majority of the class flunked the quiz. I required them to take notes and would specifically point out things they needed to take note of. I was disappointed to see such poor results on the quiz. So we'll see. I did ask the English teacher to also do an assessment of my teaching - since I am new at doing this and have not had formal training on how to teach! So we'll see. This year was definitely a guinea-pig experience.
I'll admit that databases are a little more difficult to understand. Maybe I should just go straight to teaching the students how to use the databases and not bother with explaining the way they work. For that class I gave them a quiz. Without a couple of bonus questions, the majority of the class flunked the quiz. I required them to take notes and would specifically point out things they needed to take note of. I was disappointed to see such poor results on the quiz. So we'll see. I did ask the English teacher to also do an assessment of my teaching - since I am new at doing this and have not had formal training on how to teach! So we'll see. This year was definitely a guinea-pig experience.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Celebrating 75 years!
Calvary Bible College and Theological Seminary celebrates 75th anniversary.
Last week we celebrated 75 years of training and educating young people for ministerial service. Special highlights were the chapel services and a workshop with Don Wyrtzen, President’s Dinner with Gracia Burnham as speaker, and special guest, Don Wyrtzen as he accompanied the choir singing his music (on Thursday) and a concert by Don Wyrtzen on Friday night.
Mr. Wyrtzen has a good grasp of a biblical approach to music: Beauty and Love (of God) based on Truth. What has happened in the past is that the evangelical, fundamental churches were so concerned about truth and about being right that love and beauty were ignored. The liberal churches took up the championing of beauty and love and would ignore truth. You need all of these to be the most effective in using music to worship and glorify God.
He also explained the importance of involving the whole person in music – a holistic approach, but don’t let the word holistic scare you. Music needs to involve mind, body and soul. He illustrated how playing the piano does just that.
The eye gate reads and interprets the dots and lines, & sends a message to the brain. The brain then tells the hands what to play, (feet what to pedal). The ear hears what the hands are playing. The entire body and mind are involved. This in turns ministers to the soul as you hear the music played: mind, body and soul.
I Samuel 16:23 demonstrates this thesis. “…when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took a harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.”
1. David took the harp and played with his hand – mind and body
2. Saul was refreshed and was well – mind and soul
When asked what he thought the future held for Christian music, he stated that the piano is not going away, (as some have thought,) as the keyboard is the basis of all other music and instruments. He also mentioned that, with a global society, we will see more Asian and Hispanic influences in future Christian music. It will not be limited, in essence, to the white American style of music. Music will become more global. Already the Praise and Worship style of music has swept the world. He shared an experience of being in the Philippines when the electricity went out. In the dark, he started playing Praise and Worship music and the local people immediately recognized the music and joined in with singing.
All in all, it was a good time of celebrating the years God has given us here. It was refreshing to hear the ministry of others and of God’s word. These insights gave me something new to chew on. Maybe they will you, too.
Last week we celebrated 75 years of training and educating young people for ministerial service. Special highlights were the chapel services and a workshop with Don Wyrtzen, President’s Dinner with Gracia Burnham as speaker, and special guest, Don Wyrtzen as he accompanied the choir singing his music (on Thursday) and a concert by Don Wyrtzen on Friday night.
Mr. Wyrtzen has a good grasp of a biblical approach to music: Beauty and Love (of God) based on Truth. What has happened in the past is that the evangelical, fundamental churches were so concerned about truth and about being right that love and beauty were ignored. The liberal churches took up the championing of beauty and love and would ignore truth. You need all of these to be the most effective in using music to worship and glorify God.
He also explained the importance of involving the whole person in music – a holistic approach, but don’t let the word holistic scare you. Music needs to involve mind, body and soul. He illustrated how playing the piano does just that.
The eye gate reads and interprets the dots and lines, & sends a message to the brain. The brain then tells the hands what to play, (feet what to pedal). The ear hears what the hands are playing. The entire body and mind are involved. This in turns ministers to the soul as you hear the music played: mind, body and soul.
I Samuel 16:23 demonstrates this thesis. “…when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took a harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.”
1. David took the harp and played with his hand – mind and body
2. Saul was refreshed and was well – mind and soul
When asked what he thought the future held for Christian music, he stated that the piano is not going away, (as some have thought,) as the keyboard is the basis of all other music and instruments. He also mentioned that, with a global society, we will see more Asian and Hispanic influences in future Christian music. It will not be limited, in essence, to the white American style of music. Music will become more global. Already the Praise and Worship style of music has swept the world. He shared an experience of being in the Philippines when the electricity went out. In the dark, he started playing Praise and Worship music and the local people immediately recognized the music and joined in with singing.
All in all, it was a good time of celebrating the years God has given us here. It was refreshing to hear the ministry of others and of God’s word. These insights gave me something new to chew on. Maybe they will you, too.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Information Literacy and Library Orientation
Today was Library Orientation and we did something different today. In the past the group was divided in half as well as the time. Each group was led by a staff member. One gave a tour and the other (usually the librarian) gave lessons on using the online catalog and the online databases. Then they switched groups (halves).
We are now doing ‘embedded teaching’ in the English class to teach how to use the catalog and databases. So today we had the obligatory tour, a short explanation of the call number configuration; 15 minutes to read the handbook and review special points. We ended with a game they really enjoyed.
The group was divided into four teams. Each team was given a list of various areas in the library with a color to look for. Each team had to go down their list and find a colored sheet of paper that was their color. (Blue team looked for blue paper.) After all their sheets were found they came to the front desk, picked up their quiz and left.
It was a full, packed class hour but they seemed to enjoy the game. Oh yes, one other thing – they had to hold on to each other’s wrist (or sleeve if they objected!) and had 2 ½ minutes to complete it. They seemed to really have fun with this. One student questioned “holding wrists.” I told them that holding hands was against the rules, not wrists, ;-). They wanted to know what to do. I told them “enjoy it!” They got a kick out of that. Interestingly enough a few of these college students felt squeamish about holding someone else’s wrist! I didn’t think anyone at this age would object to that!!! But allowances were made! The goal was accomplished. That was the point. And it was fun.
We are now doing ‘embedded teaching’ in the English class to teach how to use the catalog and databases. So today we had the obligatory tour, a short explanation of the call number configuration; 15 minutes to read the handbook and review special points. We ended with a game they really enjoyed.
The group was divided into four teams. Each team was given a list of various areas in the library with a color to look for. Each team had to go down their list and find a colored sheet of paper that was their color. (Blue team looked for blue paper.) After all their sheets were found they came to the front desk, picked up their quiz and left.
It was a full, packed class hour but they seemed to enjoy the game. Oh yes, one other thing – they had to hold on to each other’s wrist (or sleeve if they objected!) and had 2 ½ minutes to complete it. They seemed to really have fun with this. One student questioned “holding wrists.” I told them that holding hands was against the rules, not wrists, ;-). They wanted to know what to do. I told them “enjoy it!” They got a kick out of that. Interestingly enough a few of these college students felt squeamish about holding someone else’s wrist! I didn’t think anyone at this age would object to that!!! But allowances were made! The goal was accomplished. That was the point. And it was fun.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Embedded teaching
Today I taught the second section of the English class about our online catalog. I really enjoyed it. I hope the students weren't totally bored. Although I did try to involve them as much as possible and as much as I know how - given I really have had no teacher training, well not for this setting anyhow. This is a lot different than teaching children in Sunday School! I like the idea of having the class in two sections. The only problem is the first section probably doesn't get the level of quality the second section does. The first ones are the guinea pigs. The second group gets the improved edition! Next time around we will be learning about databases - but that is next month.
For now, I'll go back to my ordering supplies, training new help, going to or holding meetings, watching the budget, answering questions, overseeing acquisitions and cataloging, freshmen orientation, and getting pictures painted on the office walls - yea, you know, some of that really stressful stuff! - Like tomorrow - a birthday party at our student workers' meeting. But somebody's got to do it. I've got a couple weeks yet to worry about the next English class opportunity.
For now, I'll go back to my ordering supplies, training new help, going to or holding meetings, watching the budget, answering questions, overseeing acquisitions and cataloging, freshmen orientation, and getting pictures painted on the office walls - yea, you know, some of that really stressful stuff! - Like tomorrow - a birthday party at our student workers' meeting. But somebody's got to do it. I've got a couple weeks yet to worry about the next English class opportunity.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
New school year, New approaches, New ideas
The new school year is well under way. Where DOES the time go. Registration went the best this year since I’ve been here I think, although our numbers are down by 30 this year from last year.
“We” are trying a new approach this year to Information Literacy. Instead of trying to cram (!) it all in at library orientation, we are trying “embedded instruction” in the English class. This does miss some who elect to take their G.E. classes somewhere else, but hopefully this will catch most. I have two class hours with the class to teach them how to use the online catalog and the online databases. We’ll still have orientation but it will be more “shallow” shall we say concentrating more on the library handbook and the tour.
Here are some websites I found on Information Literacy:
Information Literacy Curriculum
Colorado Standards for Information Literacy
Library Media Learning Outcomes
More sites can be found in this list: Resources for School Librarians
Here’s one in library instruction outcomes from FIU.
Here’s a blog by an Information Literacy Librarian.
Another idea we are pursuing is meeting with the faculty one on one for their book ideas, requests, favorite authors, and what they need for the classes they teach. I have met with four so far. Then I go researching what they want and report back to them what we have and what I have found that we can get if they are interested. Obviously this will take more of my time but I really think that this will improve communication and support between the library and the teaching faculty.
“We” are trying a new approach this year to Information Literacy. Instead of trying to cram (!) it all in at library orientation, we are trying “embedded instruction” in the English class. This does miss some who elect to take their G.E. classes somewhere else, but hopefully this will catch most. I have two class hours with the class to teach them how to use the online catalog and the online databases. We’ll still have orientation but it will be more “shallow” shall we say concentrating more on the library handbook and the tour.
Here are some websites I found on Information Literacy:
Information Literacy Curriculum
Colorado Standards for Information Literacy
Library Media Learning Outcomes
More sites can be found in this list: Resources for School Librarians
Here’s one in library instruction outcomes from FIU.
Here’s a blog by an Information Literacy Librarian.
Another idea we are pursuing is meeting with the faculty one on one for their book ideas, requests, favorite authors, and what they need for the classes they teach. I have met with four so far. Then I go researching what they want and report back to them what we have and what I have found that we can get if they are interested. Obviously this will take more of my time but I really think that this will improve communication and support between the library and the teaching faculty.
Monday, August 20, 2007
An ALA phone poll
...of one thousand people revealed that:
• 91% believe libraries are changing and dynamic places with a variety of activities for the whole family.
• 90% believe libraries are places of opportunity for education, self-help and offer free access for all.
• 88% agreed that libraries are unique because they offer access to nearly everything on the Web or in print, as well as personal service and assistance in finding it.
• 83% believe libraries and librarians play an essential role in our democracy and are needed now more than ever.
Emery-Pratt Newsletter, Issue 4, 2007
• 91% believe libraries are changing and dynamic places with a variety of activities for the whole family.
• 90% believe libraries are places of opportunity for education, self-help and offer free access for all.
• 88% agreed that libraries are unique because they offer access to nearly everything on the Web or in print, as well as personal service and assistance in finding it.
• 83% believe libraries and librarians play an essential role in our democracy and are needed now more than ever.
Emery-Pratt Newsletter, Issue 4, 2007
Friday, August 10, 2007
Harry Potter strikes again.
The newest and apparently last book of the Harry Potter series is now in the hands of thirsty readers.
I hesitate to get into the foray about the discussion. But here are some links that were passed around on one of my listservs. The first one you may not be able to get into, but I put it here anyway in case you can.
1. Looking for God in Harry Potter, John Granger
2. Critique of Granger’s book.
3. Here is an apologeticist’s point of view regarding the Potter phenomenon. It is written in two parts by James White. You’ll need to go to the Archives and find July 21, 2007. You'll have to scroll down a bit to find them. Harry Potter meets Cornelius Van Til
4. Now this is a different point of view: Straight talk on Harry Potter
5. The Lantern also weighs in on the conversation.
If you wish to find more go to your favorite search engine and type in Harry Potter, book reviews, christian, anti-christian and you will get numerous more articles to raise points for you to consider. I pulled up 632 listings with all the above words. Bon appetit!
I hesitate to get into the foray about the discussion. But here are some links that were passed around on one of my listservs. The first one you may not be able to get into, but I put it here anyway in case you can.
1. Looking for God in Harry Potter, John Granger
2. Critique of Granger’s book.
3. Here is an apologeticist’s point of view regarding the Potter phenomenon. It is written in two parts by James White. You’ll need to go to the Archives and find July 21, 2007. You'll have to scroll down a bit to find them. Harry Potter meets Cornelius Van Til
4. Now this is a different point of view: Straight talk on Harry Potter
5. The Lantern also weighs in on the conversation.
If you wish to find more go to your favorite search engine and type in Harry Potter, book reviews, christian, anti-christian and you will get numerous more articles to raise points for you to consider. I pulled up 632 listings with all the above words. Bon appetit!
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