I Would if I Could...Give a Damn About Your Problems...
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Friday, January 11, 2008
And Now for Something Really Big
I'm Sorry, How Much Did You Say She Took?
Borrower goes wild at library
Akron woman accused of taking 1,000 items
By Phil Trexler and Katie Byard
Beacon Journal staff writers
Published on Friday, Dec 21, 2007
By police accounts, she had 34 kids, each with a love for DVDs, books and toys.
In reality, Tammie Ware of Akron had just four kids.
And, according to officials, she also had more than 1,000 ''borrowed'' library items, ranging from movies to books to music and toys inside her home.
Some of the items were obtained with a library card, others were not. The items belonging to the Akron-Summit County Public Library and collected by police this week rang up at more than $15,000, plus about $1,000 in overdue return fees, according to police reports and library officials.
Akron police Lt. Rick Edwards said it took a pickup truck to haul the materials from Ware's home this week, but the library has its stuff back, generally in good condition.
As for Ware, 36, she is facing charges of theft and receiving stolen property. She is free on bond. No phone number could be found to reach her for comment.
Hmm...There is, according to Dante, a circle of Hell reserved for people like this. Or, I could say, she must love her children very much...ha-ha-ha...
This is the stuff of urban legends. Folk songs will be written about this woman. Rightly so. At a certain point you stop being disgusted and secretly admire anyone who could run a scam like this with kids.
You will remember in Oliver Twist Fagin (Fagin was based on real-life Jewish fence Ikey Soloman,1758-1850) paternal instincts where as good as this woman's. Though I doubt a musical will be made based on her exploits any time soon.
A book on the subject is crying out to be written, however. Something on the abuse of the library systems by patrons, and the librarians secret fantasies about how they would seek revenge on selfish people.
Any thoughts?
Here is a link to the story:
http://www.ohio.com/news/12695697.html
Borrower goes wild at library
Akron woman accused of taking 1,000 items
By Phil Trexler and Katie Byard
Beacon Journal staff writers
Published on Friday, Dec 21, 2007
By police accounts, she had 34 kids, each with a love for DVDs, books and toys.
In reality, Tammie Ware of Akron had just four kids.
And, according to officials, she also had more than 1,000 ''borrowed'' library items, ranging from movies to books to music and toys inside her home.
Some of the items were obtained with a library card, others were not. The items belonging to the Akron-Summit County Public Library and collected by police this week rang up at more than $15,000, plus about $1,000 in overdue return fees, according to police reports and library officials.
Akron police Lt. Rick Edwards said it took a pickup truck to haul the materials from Ware's home this week, but the library has its stuff back, generally in good condition.
As for Ware, 36, she is facing charges of theft and receiving stolen property. She is free on bond. No phone number could be found to reach her for comment.
Hmm...There is, according to Dante, a circle of Hell reserved for people like this. Or, I could say, she must love her children very much...ha-ha-ha...
This is the stuff of urban legends. Folk songs will be written about this woman. Rightly so. At a certain point you stop being disgusted and secretly admire anyone who could run a scam like this with kids.
You will remember in Oliver Twist Fagin (Fagin was based on real-life Jewish fence Ikey Soloman,1758-1850) paternal instincts where as good as this woman's. Though I doubt a musical will be made based on her exploits any time soon.
A book on the subject is crying out to be written, however. Something on the abuse of the library systems by patrons, and the librarians secret fantasies about how they would seek revenge on selfish people.
Any thoughts?
Here is a link to the story:
http://www.ohio.com/news/12695697.html
More Than Your Typical Slap on the Wrist...
New York Man Learns that His Library Means Business
By ANNE BARNARD and JO CRAVEN McGINTY
Published: December 26, 2007
It may be wrong to return a library book late — or to never return it. But how severe should the punishment be? Should it include being saddled with a bad credit score?
Abraham Kleinman says no. Mr. Kleinman, a lawyer from Uniondale, N.Y., represented a Queens man who sued Unique Management Services for reporting his $295 late bill from the Queens Library system to credit bureaus. The man, Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow, won a settlement on a technicality — Unique’s license to operate in New York State had lapsed when it reported him — but Mr. Kleinman is still angry about the tactic that was used against his client.
A library fine is not really a debt, Mr. Kleinman argues, and should not be covered by regulations that allow collection agencies to report bad consumer behavior.
“That’s his opinion,” said Kenes Bowling, a spokesman for Unique. For 15 years, the company has operated a successful “materials collection” business as a debt collector for libraries, and it relies on its ability to threaten scofflaws with negative credit reports.
When a patron fails to return a book and is then billed for it by a library, Mr. Bowling said, “it is a legitimate debt, and it is credit-reportable.”
I must agree with Mr. Bowling. Libraries ought to be able to protect their interests, and if a patron abuses privileges then often there is no other recourse. I have no knowledge of that particular libraries policies. I would assume like most they are liberal and favor cutting the patron some slack.
I laughed on reading this story. The man, a Rabbi, should know better. How honest is that for a "a man of God" to be skipping out on library fines? My instinct would be to tease him and give him one more chance to pay the bill before revoking his library card.
Everyone has heard jokes about angry librarians taking matters in their own hands. Better watch your steps. The library mafia will come and get you...ha-ha-ha...
Still, as someone who loves libraries I side with the library who stuck it to this guy. Why shouldn't it be considered a debt? The whole point is to remember that what you borrow is not your property.
No, its not like snatching purses or robing banks at gun point. More like stealing candy from a baby.
Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow, shame on you!
;)
Any thoughts?
Here is the link to the full story:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/26/nyregion/26debate.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&adxnnlx=1200085355-ULRAHzLJY0NjAi6qnNtGyw
By ANNE BARNARD and JO CRAVEN McGINTY
Published: December 26, 2007
It may be wrong to return a library book late — or to never return it. But how severe should the punishment be? Should it include being saddled with a bad credit score?
Abraham Kleinman says no. Mr. Kleinman, a lawyer from Uniondale, N.Y., represented a Queens man who sued Unique Management Services for reporting his $295 late bill from the Queens Library system to credit bureaus. The man, Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow, won a settlement on a technicality — Unique’s license to operate in New York State had lapsed when it reported him — but Mr. Kleinman is still angry about the tactic that was used against his client.
A library fine is not really a debt, Mr. Kleinman argues, and should not be covered by regulations that allow collection agencies to report bad consumer behavior.
“That’s his opinion,” said Kenes Bowling, a spokesman for Unique. For 15 years, the company has operated a successful “materials collection” business as a debt collector for libraries, and it relies on its ability to threaten scofflaws with negative credit reports.
When a patron fails to return a book and is then billed for it by a library, Mr. Bowling said, “it is a legitimate debt, and it is credit-reportable.”
I must agree with Mr. Bowling. Libraries ought to be able to protect their interests, and if a patron abuses privileges then often there is no other recourse. I have no knowledge of that particular libraries policies. I would assume like most they are liberal and favor cutting the patron some slack.
I laughed on reading this story. The man, a Rabbi, should know better. How honest is that for a "a man of God" to be skipping out on library fines? My instinct would be to tease him and give him one more chance to pay the bill before revoking his library card.
Everyone has heard jokes about angry librarians taking matters in their own hands. Better watch your steps. The library mafia will come and get you...ha-ha-ha...
Still, as someone who loves libraries I side with the library who stuck it to this guy. Why shouldn't it be considered a debt? The whole point is to remember that what you borrow is not your property.
No, its not like snatching purses or robing banks at gun point. More like stealing candy from a baby.
Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow, shame on you!
;)
Any thoughts?
Here is the link to the full story:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/26/nyregion/26debate.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&adxnnlx=1200085355-ULRAHzLJY0NjAi6qnNtGyw
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Reversal of Fortune
Wow, Didn't See that One Coming!
Jennifer Pinkowski -- Library Journal, 1/9/2008
A northern Illinois library will move into a space vacated by Barnes & Noble—and it's planning to keep many of the elements that have made B&N so popular with readers, including the café. Next month, the Rockford Public Library (RPL) plans to start reworking a 23,000-square-foot space for its new East Side branch, which will replace the much smaller Northeast branch. The move relocates the five-branch system's busiest library from the back of a bilevel strip mall to a stand-alone building in a centrally located shopping district. Moreover, Barnes & Noble is donating to the library most of the bookstore's fixtures, including shelves, desks, seating, and a checkout counter, which will help to reduce costs. The B&N relocated to a larger space in the local mall.
For all of us who champion libraries and their causes this is the kind of thing we want more of. I doubt that it will become a trend, however.
How often have you cruised through a superstore like B & N or Borders and felt guilty about not using the library instead?
Well, keep in mind I often see students in the cafes at B & N and Borders hard at work on their notebooks. I doubt they ever think of institution loyalty. Also keep in mind that many small branch public libraries become dumping grounds for homeless people, and that they are not any quieter than a cafe in a bookstore. This can make the public library a mixed bag and not always reliable place for peace and quiet. I hate typing that. I love libraries. But facts are facts.
Many professionals in the industry now admit their are lessons to be learned from bookstores when it comes to customer satisfaction. Its easy to find a book and you can have a lovely cup of tea or a cup of java if you prefer while reading it!
One of the reasons I believe libraries are holding their own (as mentioned in a recent PEW study) may be that Americans think of free libraries as being part of their inherited public services available to them. Free public libraries are more American than they are universal. That is Americans may simply assume that it will always be there for them.
That same report sadly finds use of public libraries drops as its patrons get older, however.
I just loved this news story. Winning one for our side is great!
Any thoughts?
Here are a couple of good links:
http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6517947.html
http://www.pewinternet.org/PPF/r/231/report_display.asp
Jennifer Pinkowski -- Library Journal, 1/9/2008
A northern Illinois library will move into a space vacated by Barnes & Noble—and it's planning to keep many of the elements that have made B&N so popular with readers, including the café. Next month, the Rockford Public Library (RPL) plans to start reworking a 23,000-square-foot space for its new East Side branch, which will replace the much smaller Northeast branch. The move relocates the five-branch system's busiest library from the back of a bilevel strip mall to a stand-alone building in a centrally located shopping district. Moreover, Barnes & Noble is donating to the library most of the bookstore's fixtures, including shelves, desks, seating, and a checkout counter, which will help to reduce costs. The B&N relocated to a larger space in the local mall.
For all of us who champion libraries and their causes this is the kind of thing we want more of. I doubt that it will become a trend, however.
How often have you cruised through a superstore like B & N or Borders and felt guilty about not using the library instead?
Well, keep in mind I often see students in the cafes at B & N and Borders hard at work on their notebooks. I doubt they ever think of institution loyalty. Also keep in mind that many small branch public libraries become dumping grounds for homeless people, and that they are not any quieter than a cafe in a bookstore. This can make the public library a mixed bag and not always reliable place for peace and quiet. I hate typing that. I love libraries. But facts are facts.
Many professionals in the industry now admit their are lessons to be learned from bookstores when it comes to customer satisfaction. Its easy to find a book and you can have a lovely cup of tea or a cup of java if you prefer while reading it!
One of the reasons I believe libraries are holding their own (as mentioned in a recent PEW study) may be that Americans think of free libraries as being part of their inherited public services available to them. Free public libraries are more American than they are universal. That is Americans may simply assume that it will always be there for them.
That same report sadly finds use of public libraries drops as its patrons get older, however.
I just loved this news story. Winning one for our side is great!
Any thoughts?
Here are a couple of good links:
http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6517947.html
http://www.pewinternet.org/PPF/r/231/report_display.asp
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
War and Loss
War and Libraries Continued...
The returning Kurdish Director of the Iraq National Library is interviewed recently by the BBC. In this rather heart wrenching description of the destruction welded under Saddam Hussein's tyrannical reign of terror and the invasion which brought it to an end, we learn about his plans. With losses of over 65-90% of the libraries content, I found it very inspiring to hear about this man's passion for returning his family to his homeland and returning to building a professional life.
When you hear descriptions such as these, one feels small for complaining about some of our library issues. I am providing a link to this story.
Any thoughts?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7177208.stm
The returning Kurdish Director of the Iraq National Library is interviewed recently by the BBC. In this rather heart wrenching description of the destruction welded under Saddam Hussein's tyrannical reign of terror and the invasion which brought it to an end, we learn about his plans. With losses of over 65-90% of the libraries content, I found it very inspiring to hear about this man's passion for returning his family to his homeland and returning to building a professional life.
When you hear descriptions such as these, one feels small for complaining about some of our library issues. I am providing a link to this story.
Any thoughts?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7177208.stm
Monday, January 7, 2008
Resume Time!
On Basics, Rules, Selling Yourself, Services, and Other Thoughts
I promised to write more on employment issues each month. This time I intend to write on resumes.
Below is a link on writing a good resume.
The key to good documents of this kind is clarity and organization. All information must be straight forward and to the point. It must be free of errors. The worst thing possible is to leave a typo or spelling error in such an important document.
Another important issue is to think of how the document will make an impression. The person reading this (most likely an HR manager) is as busy as any other professional, and will not waste any time on a resume with flaws. It will go into the trash. So keeping this in mind:
1. Keep it easy to read
That is, no strange resume paper (classic white is best) or odd fonts. The standard is Times Roman. Do not shrink the font below 12. It doesn't matter what your tastes are. You are trying to get the attention of others.
2. Keep it short
The only acceptable circumstance in which a resume is longer than a page is when it is an academic (curriculum vitae) or if you have been doing this work for a long time. Hence, experience listed should be relevant or at least demonstrate skill sets that apply to positions you are applying to.
3. Organize it with care
For example: if you are just leaving school and have very little work related experience then list your education first and then your experience. When discussing your qualities, those skill sets that make you worth interviewing, list them in bullet points, or some other logical form which is easy to read. The impression you want is that of a highly organized individual who is able to work in an autonomous and professional manner.
4. Sell yourself
The whole point of a resume is to put yourself out into a market where you will be competing with other people. Think of your resume sitting on a grocery shelf with dozens others (the grocery shelf is my clumsy symbol for a desk) who are all vying for the attention of a mother who is most likely tired or has missed lunch because she was too busy to stop and eat. You want her to see you first. She is going to read the label, so make it easy on her. Make sure she understands what a great product you are!
5. Have someone else proof read
I am a terrible proof reader. Actually many writers are. Getting a second set of eyes (usually fresh and disconnected from what they are reading) will almost always see mistakes that you have missed. Get someone who is good at it though. Normally they will do it as a favor. They enjoy doing it.
6. Be Cautious of Resume writing services
There are excellent services that can do all of these things for you. But they cost a boat load of money. If you have the money to spare, then fine. Go for it! My experience, however, is that recent grad students don't normally have a lot of money to spend. Read up on the service. Look for testimonials. How long have they been in business? Be smart. If you have any doubts, do not get that credit card out. Don't spend a lot of money on books either. If you must use them go to a library and take notes, or if you must, a Borders and sit with a nice cup of tea in the cafe.
I hope this brief discussion gets you thinking (its only a start) on what is one of the most important pieces of paper in your life. Like your birth certificate it is vital as a professional that it is smart and up to date.
Here are some links!
http://www.rogers-resume-help-center.com/sample-librarians-resume.html
http://www.lisjobs.com/advice.htm#start
http://www.questcareer.com/tips.htm
http://www.free-resume-tips.com/10tips.html
http://www.rockportinstitute.com/resumes.html
http://www.resume-help.org/resume_writing_tips.htm
http://www.careerjournal.com/jobhunting/resumes/
Some Good Services (keep in mind they charge):
http://www.resumeedge.com/
http://www.resumewriters.com/
http://www.careerperfect.com/content/professional-resume-writing-services-overview?partner=resumelines&cpsrc=resume_main
http://www.1-on-1-resumes.com/
http://www.employment911.com/resumes/resume-writing.asp?B=357&A=2373
http://www.blueprintresumes.com/#a2179l1hx
http://www.aspirationsresume.com/
Coming Soon:
Cover Letters!
I promised to write more on employment issues each month. This time I intend to write on resumes.
Below is a link on writing a good resume.
The key to good documents of this kind is clarity and organization. All information must be straight forward and to the point. It must be free of errors. The worst thing possible is to leave a typo or spelling error in such an important document.
Another important issue is to think of how the document will make an impression. The person reading this (most likely an HR manager) is as busy as any other professional, and will not waste any time on a resume with flaws. It will go into the trash. So keeping this in mind:
1. Keep it easy to read
That is, no strange resume paper (classic white is best) or odd fonts. The standard is Times Roman. Do not shrink the font below 12. It doesn't matter what your tastes are. You are trying to get the attention of others.
2. Keep it short
The only acceptable circumstance in which a resume is longer than a page is when it is an academic (curriculum vitae) or if you have been doing this work for a long time. Hence, experience listed should be relevant or at least demonstrate skill sets that apply to positions you are applying to.
3. Organize it with care
For example: if you are just leaving school and have very little work related experience then list your education first and then your experience. When discussing your qualities, those skill sets that make you worth interviewing, list them in bullet points, or some other logical form which is easy to read. The impression you want is that of a highly organized individual who is able to work in an autonomous and professional manner.
4. Sell yourself
The whole point of a resume is to put yourself out into a market where you will be competing with other people. Think of your resume sitting on a grocery shelf with dozens others (the grocery shelf is my clumsy symbol for a desk) who are all vying for the attention of a mother who is most likely tired or has missed lunch because she was too busy to stop and eat. You want her to see you first. She is going to read the label, so make it easy on her. Make sure she understands what a great product you are!
5. Have someone else proof read
I am a terrible proof reader. Actually many writers are. Getting a second set of eyes (usually fresh and disconnected from what they are reading) will almost always see mistakes that you have missed. Get someone who is good at it though. Normally they will do it as a favor. They enjoy doing it.
6. Be Cautious of Resume writing services
There are excellent services that can do all of these things for you. But they cost a boat load of money. If you have the money to spare, then fine. Go for it! My experience, however, is that recent grad students don't normally have a lot of money to spend. Read up on the service. Look for testimonials. How long have they been in business? Be smart. If you have any doubts, do not get that credit card out. Don't spend a lot of money on books either. If you must use them go to a library and take notes, or if you must, a Borders and sit with a nice cup of tea in the cafe.
I hope this brief discussion gets you thinking (its only a start) on what is one of the most important pieces of paper in your life. Like your birth certificate it is vital as a professional that it is smart and up to date.
Here are some links!
http://www.rogers-resume-help-center.com/sample-librarians-resume.html
http://www.lisjobs.com/advice.htm#start
http://www.questcareer.com/tips.htm
http://www.free-resume-tips.com/10tips.html
http://www.rockportinstitute.com/resumes.html
http://www.resume-help.org/resume_writing_tips.htm
http://www.careerjournal.com/jobhunting/resumes/
Some Good Services (keep in mind they charge):
http://www.resumeedge.com/
http://www.resumewriters.com/
http://www.careerperfect.com/content/professional-resume-writing-services-overview?partner=resumelines&cpsrc=resume_main
http://www.1-on-1-resumes.com/
http://www.employment911.com/resumes/resume-writing.asp?B=357&A=2373
http://www.blueprintresumes.com/#a2179l1hx
http://www.aspirationsresume.com/
Coming Soon:
Cover Letters!
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