I'm still here...

[Mandy Simon]

But barely. I realize I haven't posted in....forever, prior to leaving for my month-long study abroad trip to England I think. Wow. Sadly Ning has become more of a back-burner social networking site for me....among the ranks of facebook to me-- something I browse occasionally, and touch base every so often. I'm an avid myspacer though-- not entirely proud of that fact, it's just worked into my day like checking email. But I digress.

Well the big graduation date is December. I can't believe it, and I am anxious to move to the next level. In my current position at work I am desperate to do more projects and be involved in committees, go to conferences, etc. I'm practically begging for opportunities to do more and be more like a librarian than an associate. And I've been lucky enough to have been given a few opportunities to do different projects, etc....but at times it still doesn't feel like enough-- OR I just don't have enough time in a 20 hour part-time work week to contribute the way I know I could if I were a REAL librarian, and not just an associate. So I've been struggling with that.

Also, I'm taking Cataloging and Collection Development this semester, and I'm less-than-thrilled with both of these classes. The CD course is a lot of theory, and seems to be pretty focused on Academic libraries (not at all where I see myself working) and of course cataloging is cataloging. It's a lot like math to me: comforting because most of the time there's one answer, and no need to argue about it all or have a lengthy discussion about it. (Well I suppose that depends on who you're talking to.)

So basically I'm starting to feel the restlessness of being almost-done, and wanting that "spark" and "sizzle" that I used to feel about it all. Right now I am in a holding-pattern...and getting antsy (is that how you spell antsy?).

I've had one interview. But I've also only sent out one application, and it was for a position at the organization in which I currently work. My goal at this point is to either work here-- within THIS specific organization, or start the application process in a full throttle search for a job someone either a) much warmer than Ohio or b) England. The latter is a lofty pipe dream, but I just didn't want to leave that country when it was time to come home. At this point, who could ask for a better opportunity than to work for the "#1 library in the country" (according to Thomson Gale and ALA)...right?

I just need some motivation I guess..I am so close to being done, I think should be more energetic and excited I guess. Any ideas?

[Karin Dalziel]

I'm only halfway through, and am soooo ready to be done! So I know how you are feeling. I recently got the position of Secretary in the New Member's Round Table section of the Nebraska Library Association- so I'm doing that and work and school- but it's great. I am coming out of a patch of not caring as much, but I'm starting to get involved and excited again.

I loved your blog posts from your London trip- I so want to go.