This is a QR code:

I thought it should be used more then once. So get a kick out of it's randomness.

Hot Sauce simmering on the back burner

You would think that I would have learned by halfway through the semester to blog right after class when the ideas are still fresh. But no siree, I don't. I just sit in front of my computer with a blank stare thinking what to write. Week after week. This is getting sad.

Okay, I guess that I should get on about becoming a librarian now. This past class we had two "special" librarians come in. Let me clarify "special" as those who work in a specialized, could be subject based, library. And I am starting to see a theme in what they are looking for in a new librarian. A theme that has been preached to us since we started at the iSchool; and that is Innovation. This week it was titled as the "Hot Sauce," a mixture of innovation, lifelong learning and a do all attitude. The sauce that brings a new edge to the organization, mixes it up a bit. So the baker in me is ready to make my own recipe. I'm not always into burning hot, so I may have to work in a little sweet. However, after a two year simmer, I think that a good combination will come out.

As with every week, in the end the post works out to be fairly informational. 

Ah that time of the week again

I know that this blog is not meant to be a hard assignment. It is a reflection on our progression through the program. However, I still struggle with sitting down and writing in a blog, even when it is assigned. Especially when there is all sorts of thoughts banging around in my head. So, I will try to focus on one. And no it is not very creative, seeing as many others have written about it, but I will try to give my opinion on e-reading.

At first when e-reading is brought up, I do have a tendency to shy away from the subject. I just what to grab any book in sight. I will always be a die hard for holding the book in my hands and flipping the pages. However, as I continue to learn more knowledgeable on what has become available, I am starting to see a benefit to this new field.

This are some of the pros that I have towards e-reading.

• An e-reading device can hold a generous amount of books on it. That way, if you are board of the book that you are reading, you can start up a new one. This is especially nice with the devices that have Wi-Fi so that you can download the book right where you are.
• Along with this idea, a single device with mutiple reading options is great for traveling. They are sleek and small and better then carrying around bulkier books. 
• Also, it I were to fall asleep while reading, which I often do, the e-readers are may to save to the page that you are on in the book.
• One of my favorite benefits is that you can put PDF files onto most of the devices. This saves you on printing costs and paper usage. 
• Also, you don't have to stare at a computer screen for too long.(Only when writing blogs)
•  The E-Ink technology is anti-glare so you can read out in the sunlight (if we are getting any in Syracuse).

The one thing I will hold onto the hardest with e-reading.  I can never see a children's book being better in e-format. To me, no matter how good the images and colors get in e-ink format, they can never replace a child turning the page and seeing the illustrations and touching the page. I hope that I will never read a Dr. Seuss book in e-format, that might just make me cry.

Even though I hold some reservations to the world of e-reading, I have come to see that I need to embrace it for what it is, in up-and-coming field. E-reading is going to be prevalent as we go out and work in the library sector, and we need to be prepared to face what is coming our way.

In conclusion, I would have to say that I am to truly for e-reading. However, I am not really against it either. Therefore, the jury is still out on this one for me. I'll let you know if it ever comes in.

My random fact for the day is really out there, but it actually comes from my 605 assignment. Did you know that you can get The Encyclopedia of the American Constitution in e-book format? Well you can. And I am sure that you are all going to go look for it online now, but be warned that you need to log in to access information about it, so that may put a damper on your excitement.