I am working hard to get caught up with school. Moving really set me back this time. Since it’s the THIRD time this year, it’s wiped me out. I am so frickin‘ busy with work and school that moving at this time was the worst possible timing for me. However, I *love* the new place, my daughter’s really happy (her two best friends live here as well), and it’s great to actually be able to afford to live somewhere.

Now I have to write up a diagnostic interview for my 802 class, and a database evaluation for 812. The interview is almost done. The evaluation shouldn’t be too much trouble, so by this weekend things will be cool again.

I’ll work on getting caught up on my blog reading and responding soon after that. In the meantime, there’s been some good stuff coming out of the Computers in Libraries conference. This thing about change… I mean how long are we going to talk it but not mean it? It seems like we’re reaching a critical mass. I know it’s happening at CU, things are slowly inching towards what we ought to be doing. We’re setting high standards for ourselves, and sure enough we’re starting to hold ourselves to them. It’s great to see. I am amazed daily to be a part of an organization filled with so many bright and creative people. But the best thing about libraries is the eclecticism of the people. Not only do we get to serve all types, but we get to study about everything. Even better, there are so many wide-ranging interests among the library folk (and this goes beyond CU). I remember feeling this way when I became part of the Ren Fair community… We were all dorks, and it was the first place I found where that was normal– no, celebrated. Libraries are a lot like that for me. I meet weirdos of all types. Some would do great anywhere, some couldn’t survive anywhere else….

But the greatest thing of all, is that among this amazingly diverse group of people I’m still unique. Sure, there are a lot of cool folks with similar interests (never met so many other Robert Anton Wilson/Heinlein/Neil Gaiman fans in one place before)– but I’m still different. I’ve been homeless, and few others have. I’m still the punk rock librarian, and even though there are a couple of others– most of them took the “normal” route of high school, college, work, etc. I certainly haven’t met anyone else who took the fucking chances I have. (Or had the experiences I’ve had.) I get to add my own unique take to the mix, and I like the soup.

Look there… I wrote a whole post after all. Sometimes you just can’t shut me up.

MDH out

http://ila.org/netsafe/press.htm

MYSPACE JOINS WITH THE ILLINOIS LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
TO PROMOTE ONLINE SAFETY
MySpace Will Distribute Free Internet Safety Bookmarks In State Libraries
Bookmarks Include Tips on Cyberbullying, Safe Blogging and Social Networking
LOS ANGELES-April 19, 2007- MySpace today announced that it has joined with the Illinois Library Association to distribute free bookmarks containing tips on Internet safety. The bookmarks are printed as a series, each aimed at a specific audience including kids, teens, and parents. By distributing these bookmarks for free, MySpace and the Illinois Library Association hope to help educate youth and parents to make safe and informed decisions online. The bookmarks will be given out at Illinois libraries starting today in celebration of Illinois Library Day. The bookmarks will also be distributed during National Library Legislative Day (May 2) in Washington, D.C.
“Through this partnership, our goal is to educate both parents and teens and empower them to talk to one another about online safety,” said Hemanshu Nigam, chief security officer for MySpace. “Education is the key to online safety and these bookmarks are an effective tool to teach smart online practices that teens and parents can use anywhere on the Net, not just MySpace.”
The partnership between MySpace and the Illinois Library Association reinforces a commitment to keeping youth safe online while using social networking sites. The Internet Safety Bookmarks act as a powerful tool to disseminate these messages and resources, free of charge, to a large and applicable audience. The bookmarks also provide parents with tips on social networking and communicating with their children about their online activity.
“One of the primary concerns of the Illinois library community is the safety of children. These bookmarks are just one example of how the Illinois library community is partnering with MySpace, parents, and police to help children learn how to use the Internet, and to become savvy users of information,” said Robert P. Doyle, Executive Director of the Illinois Library Association. “We know there are legitimate concerns about the Internet. We know, however, that the best way to protect children is to teach them to guard their privacy and make wise choices. Education will promote safe use of the Internet, not laws blocking access.”
The Internet Safety bookmarks contain information on the safety topics below, as well links to additional online resources.
Dealing with Cyberbullies: Tips for Kids
Safe Blogging: Tips for Teens
Social Networking: Tips for Parents
The Internet Safety Bookmarks are also available to download and print locally at the Illinois Library Association Web site (www.ila.org/netsafe).
About MySpace.com
MySpace, a Fox Interactive Media company, is the premier lifestyle portal for connecting with friends, discovering popular culture, and making a positive impact on the world. By integrating web profiles, blogs, instant messaging, e-mail, music streaming, music videos, photo galleries, classified listings, events, groups, college communities, and member forums, MySpace has created a connected community. As the second ranked destination in terms of page views*, MySpace is the most widely-used and highly regarded site of its kind and is committed to providing the highest quality member experience. MySpace will continue to innovate with new features that allow its members to express their creativity and share their lives, both online and off. MySpace’s international network includes localized community sites in the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, France, Germany, Australia, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Canada, and New Zealand.
*Among the top 2000 domains comScore Media Metrix, February 2007. For more information on comScore Networks, please go to www.comscore.com.
About the Illinois Library Association
The Illinois Library Association is the voice for Illinois libraries and the millions who depend on them. It provides leadership for the development, promotion and improvement of library services in Illinois and for the library community in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all. This access is essential for an open democratic society, an informed electorate, and the advancement of knowledge for all people.
Founded in 1896, it is the eighth-oldest library association in the world and the fourth largest state association in the United States with members in academic, public, school, government, and special libraries. Its 2,900 members are primarily librarians and library staff, but also trustees, publishers and other supporters
Contacts
MySpace.com
Tracy Akselrud
(310) 969-2813
takselrud@myspace.com
Dani Dudeck
(310) 969-7148
ddudeck@myspace.com
Illinois Library Association
Robert P. Doyle
(312) 664-1896
doyle@ila.org
mailto:press@myspace.com