Library Log 11/12/09

Kieran’s notes from the back room :

I love it when the new books come in. It’s fun seeing all the new shinny covers and titles. I am inexplicably drawn to the juvenile non-fiction (that’s librarian for – true books for kids). There were a couple books this week that I almost had to take home just based on their titles (I know, I know, there I go again judging books by their covers). One was called, “It’s disgusting and we ate it!” (which I thought would be about my lunch, but was actually food fact from around the world). But I am pretty sure, “The Encyclopedia of Immaturity” was written for me (if not about me). I tell you there is an entire chapter called ‘How to pop a French fry’!! Awesome, well, strange, but awesome! (Now you know, never invite me to dinner!) Yes, there were other books that came in this month, do not be afraid. Those of you who have been patiently awaiting the new Diana Gabaldon, come get on the waiting list! Or if you have been wanting to see how fashion and diplomacy intersect, Madeleine Albright has a book for you. Yes, there is an entire book detailing her pins and their significance. It is called “Read My Pins : stories from a diplomat’s jewel box.” Check it out, and while your here, have a look at the calendar of upcoming events, we have some good things coming your way. You can also stick your head in the back room and tell me about your favorite books or your favorite lapel pin or broach. Heck, maybe we can even ‘pop a French fry’ or make sounds with our armpits.

Library Log 11/5/09

Kieran’s notes from the back room :

“Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear.” If this isn’t enough instruction for you to operate a motor vehicle, you might try checking out the DVD, ‘Rules of the road’ (Dewey number 629.2 in the non-fiction DVD section). Or, if you take the saying on a more metaphysical level, while looking at your self in the mirror, you might need a few books from the philosophy section (Dewey Numbers 100-150). Of course it might be that you were looking in the mirror to fix your hair, shave, put on make-up, straighten your tie, in which case you might be interested in fashion (Dewey 391.2 & 646.4). Or perhaps the phonology of the phrase intrigues you, in which case the Dewey 800’s may be your source of excitement. Maybe it is the deceptiveness implied in the phrase the catches you, in which case magic tricks and deceiving the audience (that is now gathered around you) would appeal. Head to 793.8 for the secrets. Dewey numbers are like addresses for non-fiction books. At bookstores, the organization is by subject. In the Dewey Decimal System items are organized by disciplines or fields of study. The consequence of this is that there is likely to be no single place for a given subject. So you might ask, “Where is the fashion section?” And the answer might be, “Well, the psychology of fashion is in the 155’s, costume in 355, customs 391, manufacture of 687, sewing 646…” We truly are not trying to confuse you… it is a system of organization and once you get the hang of it, it works. And we can also help you find what you need (or help you find the computer catalog, which will find where we hid what you want). If you would like to see the four enormous books that explain the Dewey Decimal Classification System in more detail than you will ever want, come by the back room and give me the secret hand shake and all will be revealed.