Librarian Throwback Thursday

Who doesn't love Clark Gable? *swoon*

From the movie, No Man of Her Own (1932) starring Gable and Carole Lombard. It is one of my favorite movies and the female lead is a librarian! 

TV Time

I thought I would break away from books (oh the horror!) just for a minute and update you on some TV shows I have been consumed by. I am not a big fan of TV…I’ll take my books any day! But BF watches a lot of TV and sometimes I get drawn in. BF also hooked up Netflix in the new house through his PS3 in the man cave room and through my blu-ray player in the den. I’m an old school Netflix girl (before streaming) so this is all new and shiny to me.

Here are some shows that I have really enjoyed lately (both on TV and Netflix). Chime in if you have seen any or have any recommendations for me.

The West Wing (all seasons available on Netflix)

            I know I am way behind on this but it is a recent discovery for me. I watch this and I feel guilty for not being more informed in today’s political chaos. I also have noticed that some of the issues they discussed in 1999 are still relevant and hot today.

Burgers (Fox and Netflix)

            I thought I would hate this show. BF had it turned on while I was reading and the next thing I knew it was 4 episodes later. Completely ridiculous and impossible not to watch. That Louise is so evil…I just love her!

House of Cards (Netflix)

            I am not a Kevin Spacey fan. He was always too sinister for my taste, but I had heard a good bit of buzz surrounding this especially since it received 9 Emmy nominations and it is solely a Internet show. This political drama is devious and hard not to watch. Props to Robin Wright for her portrayal of Frank Underwood’s cold and calculating wife, Claire. I thought she did an amazing job with her character and I was fascinated by Claire’s relationship with Frank (Kevin Spacey’s character)

Ray Donovan (Showtime)

          My mother insisted that we watch this show because she does not have Showtime anymore and she wanted someone to watch it. BF hasn’t started it yet but I find myself drawn to this mystery drama. Ray Donovan is played by the gorgeous Liev Schreiber and Jon Voight stars as his father who was just released from prison…supposedly after Ray set him up to take a murder fall. The show focuses on the mystery surrounding why Ray setup his father, Ray’s work as a professional “fixer” and his family. The show does take its time bringing all the storylines together so be patient with it. While you wait for everything to come together, stare at Live Schrieber and you will forget the wait.

X Factor (Fox)
         I don't as a rule watch too many reality shows. I have a big issue with them playing up people being mean and getting embarrassed. This is a big soapbox of mine, but that is another post. But last Fall I decided to watch the new season of X Factor because Britney Spears was joining as one of the judges. I'm not ashamed of the fact that I am a Britney Spears fan....I've even seen her in concert. Ain't no shame.
        Anyways, I really started enjoying the X Factor because they didn't embarrass the contestants or focus on the terrible auditions. They focused on the talent and I thought this was refreshing, especially since it seems to me that all American Idol does is make a mockery out of anyone who auditions
   

Banshee (Cinemax)

            BF actually got me hooked on the Cinemax drama that focuses on a recently released con who assumes the identity of a local police chief after he is murdered. Alan Ball (of True Blood) is one of the producers so expect some gore. Sidenote: Pay attention to the evolving introduction

Mystery Diners (Food Network)

            I worked in a restaurant for 6 years so I can attest to the amount of sneakry (I’m pretty sure I just made up this work) that goes on in a restaurant. Mystery Diners is an undercover operative show that helps restaurant owners figure out who is backstabbing them in their business. Watching restaurant shows reminds me of the life I led for 6 years. Working in a restaurant is something that no one can relate to unless they have working in a restaurant.

Scandal (ABC)

          Oh. My. God….I love this show. Do not call or text me while Scandal is on. I am a big fan of the early Grey’s Anatomy and this reminds me so much of that wonderful writing (hello Shonda Rhimes!) but only as a political drama. (Sidenote: what is up with me and all these political dramas?) Let’s just say the chemistry between Olivia Pope and President Grant is undeniable! Also, I love seeing Jeff Perry in anything (I have followed him since Nash Bridges)

The Good Wife (CBS)

            I have always loved Julianna Marguiles (Any ER fans?) and when I saw this show I knew I would love it! I have always been drawn to strong women characters that are stoic, but come off cold. There is also a great supporting cast with Alan Cumming, Archie Panjabi, Christine Baranski, Chris Noth, and Matthew Czuchry. It starts its 5^th season this Fall, but it won’t take you long to catch up with this legal drama.

Modern Family (ABC)

     Seriously, who doesn’t love this show?

Sherlock (BBC)

            Mr. Cumberbatch you are a delightful Sherlock Holmes. (Sidenote: Why don’t more parents name their kids Sherlock?) I like to think of each episode as a movie because even though there are only 3 episodes per season, each is an hour and a half. Great series that I cannot recommend enough to people.

Game of Thrones (HBO)

            Winter is coming. Gosh, I love this show, but remember…no one is safe (i.e. Red Wedding). Also, don’t be one of those people who watches the show but hasn’t read the book…then takes to FB to express your surprise when people die unexpectedly (i.e. Red Wedding) 

Grey’s Anatomy (ABC)

            I am a late joiner to Grey’s. My Dad watched it religiously until the 4^th or 5^th season when he said it turned Soap Operay, which I agree with. Between seasons 4 to 7, it became ridiculous. I still love the show but I do not like how they have transformed the characters, like Callie, who was so strong in the beginning but is silly and overdramatic now. But I keep watching…Oh, Owen Hunt.

Downton Abbey (PBS)

            Season 3 was not my favorite, but I still love this period piece.

Boardwalk Empire (HBO)

            I will admit that I have a strange crush on Steve Buscemi. I cannot explain it and I will not justify it to you. That being said, from the very first episode I knew I was going to be hooked on Boardwalk Empire the HBO period piece that follows prohibitionist mobster Nucky Thompson.

Nashville (ABC)
     I love country music and since I live in the South, I knew I wanted to watch Nashville when it premiered last Fall. It definitely didn't disappoint. Went to the Grand Ole Opry in August and they had several of the cast members preforming, which was a great treat.

Restaurant Impossible (Food Network)

            I was a fan of Dinner Impossible back in its heyday, but I truly enjoy Robert Irvine’s Restaurant Impossible more. Irvine goes into failing restaurants and shows the owners and managers what they need to do to get back in the black. He also take $10,000 to modernizing the restaurant with a new décor. It is a fascinating show to watch, especially after working in a restaurant for 6 years.

Absolute Favorite Show? (even after 14 ½ years?)

General Hospital

            I can never get enough of the Q’s, the Cassadine’s, the Spencer’s, or any of the other crazy characters on GH. I left for a while, but I am back with a passion now!

For a person who says they don’t watch much TV, I sure did list a bunch of shows. I did leave off some that I still watch regularly (I’m talking about you, True Blood. You and all your completely ludicrous storylines.). I have also discovered some new shows that I am still working through (Orange is the New Black, Netflix and Luther, BBC). Maybe you saw a show you want to try. Any recommendations for me? 

Look what I'm reading...aloud

The Summer of Smut had ended, folks  Time to get back to reading some good ole educational material. I actually ordered this title recently with state aid funds. I've always been fascinated with English history, especially anything related to the monarchs. FYI, though it is titled A Short History of England, it is far from brief. 

If you noticed the title of this post is "Look what I'm reading...aloud" Yup, I am reading this book aloud. Why? Well I didn't start the book this way. I read the first few chapters silently, but I have a tendency of getting distracted. Nonfiction can do that do me, especially if it is very dry. 

I really wanted to absorb this book, so I decided to try the old school way.... old school as in my mom reading aloud to me as a kid. Though it is going to take me longer to finish this book, I found that I was retaining more of what I was reading by actually saying the words...and I think the dog learned something as well. 

Reading Chaos

I am notoriously bad at reading many books at one time. Currently I am reading/listening to 6 titles. A lot of people don’t understand this, but there is a method to this madness.

I usually read several different genres as once to cover any mood I might be in: Romance, YA, Mystery, Nonfiction, etc. I also have certain areas that I read in my house so I usually keep one of the books I am reading in each area.

Here is what I am currently reading and where:

Car: I am listening to David Sedaris’ Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls. I am very picky with my audio. I only like nonfiction audio, read by the author, and preferably humor. See, picky?

Computer/Tablet: I very rarely read on my tablet unless I am traveling. Usually then it is some sort of romance that I have gotten from Amazon or BookLending.com. I read on my computer materials that I have downloaded from me library. There are usually adult fiction or romance. Right now I am reading Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs (2^nd in the Mercy Thompson series)

Living Room: I usually read nonfiction in my living room. I am very rarely in the living room, because we hang out mostly in the man cave. Currently I am working through A Short History of England: The Glorious Story of a Rowdy Nation by Simon Jenkins

Bedroom: Normally, I start a romance novel that I can finish in one sitting. Right now I have Hidden Riches by Nora Roberts that needs to be finished. I like it, but I put it down and that is where I went wrong. I am also slowly working my way through Release, an erotica novel by Beth Kery.

Purse: As a rule, I don’t usually keep a book in my purse. My tablet is always there and whenever I get stuck at the doctor’s office or an airport I’ll just use the tablet. Right now I have a paperback romance that I am almost finished with. I started The Marriage Bargain by Jennifer Probst one night before I went to sleep. I finished 3/4s of the novel that night, but I fell asleep before finishing it. It is a lighthearted read that I am really enjoying. I threw it in my purse on my way to babysit and that is still where it is. I’m hoping to dig it out of my purse and finish it tonight.

Several of my friends and even BF have commented on the chaos of this, but I love it. I feel productive that I am knocking out a lot of my TBR shelf. Where do you usually read and how many do you read at one time?

I caved....

Well it has finally happened...I got a smartphone.  Expect more images on this blog now.  First image?  From my work desk...

Collection Development Stats. and Circs.

      One of the best parts of being a librarian (to me) is collection development. I love ordering books and I love when people check them out. It is a simple process that makes me unbelievably happy. Everytime I see a patron taking home a book that I ordered I feel like I have done my job. Since I order nonfiction I agonize over my orders. Would this title check out more than this one? Which one has more images? Does it have color images vs black and white? Maybe I overthink this, but when I get my stats reports every month and my circulations are up in a particular area, it is a good feeling.

     Every community is different and you do have to know your community. I have always heard this phrase but kind of brushed it off as a naïve librarian. Now I know. I know that at my library  cookbooks with color images (preferably an image on every page) will check out ten times more than anything else. I also know that political science books about current events are not going to do so well (which is fine by me because they become dated pretty quickly). WWII and Civil War materials will also circulate very well, but Civil Rights isn’t going to move at all. Computer books will go out a bunch, but people will always gravitate towards the For Dummies books (I am slowly teaching my patrons that Teach Yourself Visually is a better and a more informative series). Dogs books rank higher than any other animal book, even though raising chickens and horses aren’t far behind (sorry cat lovers!). Everyone loves a new fad diet and yoga is always popular. Test Prep books (GED, GRE, ASVAB, and ACT) never go out of style.

    Since this is my favorite part of my job, I thought I would share some of the titles that I have ordered that have really taken off. I have also included the number of circulations and the date it was added to the collection to give you an idea.

Young House Love: 243 Ways to Paint, Craft, update, &Show Your Home Some Love by Sherry and John Petersik  - 9 checkouts since 1/28/13

Year of Pies: A Seasonal Tour of Home Baked Pies by Ashley English – 14 checkouts since 12/11/12

Windows 8: Out of the Box by Mike Halsey – 9 checkouts since 2/28/13

To Marry an English Lord by Gail MacColl – 7 checkouts since 3/21/13

Taste of Home: Simple and Delicious Cookbook by Taste of Home (really anything by Taste of Home will circulate. I told you…color pictures on every page work!) – 14 checkouts since 2/5/13

Star Wars : year by year : avisual chronicle (anything Star Wars or Lego related is gold, because we have a lot of kids who are fanatics.) – 3 checkouts since 7/1/13

The Speedy Vegetable Garden by Mark Diacono – 11 checkouts since 2/28/13

Servants’ Hall: A Real Life Upstairs, Downstairs Romance by Margaret Powell (I attribute this completely to Downton Abbey) – 8 checkouts since 4/8/13

Real Snacks: Make Your Favorite Childhood Treats Without All the Junk by Lara Ferroni 14 checkouts since 2/28/13

Rachel’s Irish Family Food by Rachel Allen – 11 checkouts since 4/2/13

Proof of heaven : a Neurosurgeon’s Journey into the Afterlife by Eben Alexander – 7 checkouts since 2/14/13 (item was lost for about a month)

The Paleo slow cooker :healthy, gluten-free meals the easy way by Arsy Vartanian (My patrons are all up on this Paleo Diet fad. Anything paleo goes out fast and has a decent hold list) – 7 checkouts since 3/28/13

Omni Diet by Tana Amen – 5 checkouts since 5/1/13

Meals in a Jar by Julie Languille – 13 checkouts since 4/16/13

The Little Bookstore of Big Stone Gap by Wendy Welch – 12 checkouts since 1/28/13

Let’s Pretend This Never Happened (A Mostly True Memoir) by Jenny Lawson, The Bloggess – 8 checkouts since 3/12/13

Kisses from Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption by Katie Davis – 9 checkouts since 2/14/13

Is This Thing On?: A Computer Handbook for Late Bloomers, Technophobes, and the Kicking and Screaming by Abby Stokes (Insanely popular at my computer classes!) – 8 checkouts since 1/28/13

How To Retire The Cheapskate Way by Jeff Yeager – 13 checkouts since 1/28/13

The Great Pearl Heist: London’s Greatest Thief & ScotlandYard’s Hunt for the World’s Most Valuable Necklace by Molly Caldwell Crosby – 10 checkouts since 1/28/13

Girls of Atomic City: The Untold Story of The Women WhoHelped Win World War II by Denise Kiernan – 8 checkouts since 4/23/13

Fred Thompson’s Southern Sides by Fred Thompson – 14 checkouts since 1/3/13

Food and Feasts of Jesus by Douglas E. Neel – 11 checkouts since 12/11/13

F for Effort! More of the Very Best Totally Wrong Test Answers by Richard Benson – 12 checkouts since 2/28/13

Bless Your Heart: Saving the World One Covered Dish at a Time by Patsy Caldwell – 11 checkouts since 4/2/13

     I didn’t include many bestsellers on this list because for the most part they go out. I am always fascinated by the amount of circulations an item has.Here are a couple of titles that I thought would do really well and didn’t. Just goes to show that sometimes you get it wrong.

Astor Orphan: A Memoir by Alexandra Aldrich

Cooking With Flowers by Miche Bacher

Desktop Digest of Despots and Dictators by Gilbert Alter-Gilbert

Elizabeth Taylor: A Shining Legacy on Film by Cindy De La Hoz

End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe

Flower Recipe Book by Alethea Harampolis

The Futureby Al Gore

I’m Not Gonna Lie: And Other Lies You Tell When You Turn50 by George Lopez

In the body of the world :a memoir by Ensler, Eve

In the Kingdom of theSick by Laurie Edwards

Medusa’s Gaze and Vampire’s Bite:The Science ofMonsters by Matt Kaplan

My Foot is Too Big for the Glass Slipper by Gabrielle Reece

Out of Order: Stories from the History of the SupremeCourt by Sandra Day O’Connor 

Pigeon in a Crosswalk by Jack Gray

Shouting Won’t Help: Why I – and 50 Million Other Americans –Can’t Hear You by Katherine Bouton

Simon’s Cat in Kitten Chaos by Simon Tofield

T-Rex Trying by Hugh Murphy

The Truth about Style by Stacy London

The world will follow joy :turning madness into flowers (new poems) by Alice Walker

On some of these I thought they would just fly off the shelves (Cooking with Flowers and Simon’s Cat), but obviously my patrons did not think so. Some of these books will check out over time (Medusa’s Gaze will go out whenever there is a project on urban myths), but I had hoped for better results.

    Based on the first couple of orders I placed and the orders I place now, there is a definite shift from more academic titles to general nonfiction. Yes, a collection needs to have both academic titles and general nonfiction, but when you compare a weighted historical analysis that might check out say 2 or 3 times in 5 years vs. a craft book that will garner about 15 circs a year it is hard to remember that you need a well rounded collection.

Sidenote:  I wish I worked in cataloging. I would get to see all the books before anyone else and no dealing with patrons. Catalogers are so lucky!

Beastie Boys + Librarians =

How could I not share this?