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I have been obsessed with Jessica LC's Blog Makeunder My Life recently. You might just want to think of this post as a continuation of my previous post "designing a career with intention." I've been turning to this blog as a way to calm my fears about the future as a graduate from my Master's program. The truth is, I haven't really been sleeping much, but a visit to Makeunder My Life once per day at least gives me some ideas about how to find outlets for stress. I have found it to be a helpful and useful resource.

Things continue to be a bit ambiguous. Yesterday, I went to the Belmar library in Lakewood, CO, where I used to intern in the children's department. The two librarians I used to work with there told me it took them 5 years--5 YEARS--before they made it to the full-time, fully-benefited librarian ranks. You'd think that this would depress me, but it actually had the opposite effect. Sure, it took them a while, but eventually, THEY MADE IT. Now they're children's librarians in one of the busiest libraries in the Denver metro area. Even better, they started out in the system as substitute, on-call librarians, which is what I'm going to start doing after I graduate. Brilliant!

So, even though things are looking bleak for Denver Public Library and other libraries across the country, I'm trying to stay hopeful, at least, about my future in this profession and in general.

One book I have become interested in is Style Statement: Live By Your Own Design by Carrie McCarthy. I discovered the title on Makeunder My Life and, of course, being the librarian that I am, looked for it at my local public library. Surely enough, they have it; I plan to pick it up tomorrow and hopefully devour the entire thing by the end of this week. I love starting a new read! (And I'm a total sucker for a book with a pretty cover...)



Stay tuned and I'll let you know what I learn! ;-)

building a career with intention

Lately, I have been thinking about the Midnight Hustler concept presented by Jessica Constable, genius business owner, entrepreneur, fashionista, and owner of Jessica LC Design (love her jewelry and accessories, by the way.) I admire not only her fashionable accessories, but also the emphasis she places on what she calls "design with intention." In an age of corporate irresponsibility, it is refreshing to know that small business owners still make a strong commitment to building prosperous neighborhoods and communities with their well-intentioned, ethically-developed products and services. Kudos, Jessica.

Returning to the idea of the Midnight Hustler--which is basically the idea that, with careful planning and responsible social networking--one can go from "day job to dream job." I read these stories from Jessica's blog this afternoon, and they really resonated with me. These blurbs come from creative, honest, talented and brilliant women who dare to take a personal leap of faith and grow their personal brands and businesses from the ground up. I am at a stage in my life where I'm making the transition from doing my "day job"--which turns out is actually a very, very good and fulfilling job--to beginning to market myself in the area I want to be in most: public libraries. In an uncertain economic climate, this hasn't been easy, and I've only just begun. But I know the journey will be worthwhile.

Ultimately, I plan to continue my education in the area of second language acquisition and bilingual education (English/Spanish). I don't plan to further my education formally anymore (at least not in the foreseeable future,) but I dream of a career in which I am able to use my passion for bilingual education and bilingual literature for children in a big way as part of my job. I love bilingual programming; I love working in an intergenerational environment; I love bilingual literature; I love language diversity. My professional vision revolves around these things, but I know it's going to take a lot of work and professional branding to get there.

Some of the networking info I have read is just plain old superficial, and I'd really like to de-mystify that process for any current or prospective library school student (or any grad student for that matter) who might read this. You will NOT get a job because you attend x number of networking events per year. You WILL get a job if you make a commitment to professional development, personal branding, and devoting your time and energy to the organization you hope to one day work for. I say this because I think there's a lot of garbage out there about attending as many social networking events as possible to market yourself. In my experience, it has been more helpful (and meaningful) to only devote my time and energy to those activities which I feel are closely related to my personal and professional vision.

This brings me to personal branding. I'm not going to lie: I'm really proud of my new business cards. (Especially those four great letters after my name.)




I guess all of this has come about in my mind because, after investing 2 years of my life in a graduate-level education, I feel like I owe it to myself to carefully consider my employment options after I finish my degree. In this tough market, it's challenging to be picky. Fortunately for me, my dream employer--The Denver Public Library--has agreed to hire me as an on-call librarian in June. Until I can secure a permanent, full-time job, I will be able to work in the great job I have now PLUS work at different branches of DPL, learning about all the services they provide and all the communities they serve. I am thrilled about this, and I feel fortunate to have this opportunity--it's literally a dream come true.

These things are stepping stones to what I see myself doing (ultimately) in the future: consulting, program development, teaching. Having a part-time, temp job will allow me to be flexible in discovering more about the field of librarianship (as Jennifer Johnston affirms in this amazing article from www.liscareer.com).

The best part? I'm only just beginning; I'm excited for what the future holds, however uncertain it may be.

rain + thoughts

Spring rain in Colorado is one of my favorite things. Tonight after my shift at the library, I went to dinner with my parents, and when we left the restaurant, we were greeted by cloudy skies and damp, wet spring air. On my drive home, it began raining so steadily that I had trouble seeing without windshield wipers. It's spring in Colorado, and I am loving life.

In the midst of applying for jobs and trying to keep my head above water in the three jobs I have already, this rainy evening provides me with an opportunity to seriously unwind and reflect on the past several months.

The next several weeks will be challenging with the wrap-up of my practicum, my preparations for graduation, and an out of state trip to Boise for a wedding. Nonetheless, I am excited for what awaits after I graduation, and I am feeling like 2011 could get even better in the near future...

Here's to an evening of relaxation and reflection.

Current works in progress:

I'm currently working on another book review for the REFORMA Newsletter, which is due May 1. I am also working on an essay contest for the Progressive Librarian, also due May 1, but I'm not sure if I will be able to finish it by the deadline, with so many other obligations and preparations to be made for my upcoming graduation.

I am also excited to attend the Denver Public Library's community meeting on April 19th for the new Westside Library to be built in the next couple of years. Lots of exciting things going on--looking forward to also planning a trip to southern California in mid-June!

César Chávez Day is March 31.

César Chávez Day is celebrated every year on March 31st, the birthday of one of America's most influential civil rights leaders and advocate for migrant worker's rights in the United States. As I was driving through some of Colorado's easternmost farm lands early this morning, I remembered that César Chávez Day is coming up this week, and I was reminded of his humble and non-violent message that the rights of all workers should be protected. After his death in 1993, Chávez became an icon in the Latino community due to his lifelong mission to enable Latino's to organize and demand fair and equitable living wages and working conditions. He is also famed for speaking out against prejudice and police brutality against Latinos and Mexican Americans during the 1960s and 1970s.

In an age of endless war and conflict, I find it comforting to meditate on Chávez's ideals of peace, non-violence, and social justice for all.

cover letter makeover!

I'd like to share my winning cover letter with you all. Not that anyone reads this blog. But if they did, they might find it helpful. Interesting, even. In any case, I think there are far too few examples of excellent cover letters out there. The traditional 3 paragraph blah blah blah ending with "I look forward to hearing from you soon" just wasn't going to cut it for the last 2 jobs I applied for, which demand some sort of creativity on the part of the applicant. So, for these apps...I used the acclaimed bullet-point resume style, which the career counselor at DU seemed to like today during my 20 minute cover letter makeover session.

Enjoy!


Dear Library Administrator X:

Please find attached to this letter a copy of my résumé in response to the XXX position posting at the XXX Library. I am excited to apply for this job at XXX because I feel that my diverse experiences in a variety of library settings, enthusiasm for exceptional library services to the public, and my passion for sharing technology with others makes me an ideal candidate for this position.

Regarding the qualifications and skills for this position:

• Future holder of a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science
I am preparing to finish my degree in Library and Information Science at the University of Denver, where I have taken courses focused on issues and trends specific to public librarianship. Additionally, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the University of Colorado and I am a fluent Spanish speaker.

• Natural-born teacher who is passionate about sharing technology and information with others
In my current position at the Supreme Court Law Library, I teach patrons how to search for and find online legal resources on the library’s online databases and other online sources. This experience has sharpened not only my technology skills, but also my skills in connecting people with relevant and useful information in a meaningful way. Additionally, my recent work at the Denver Public Library has allowed me to share various technologies with library patrons in order to enrich the lives of library patrons and their families. I instruct patrons from all ages and skill levels, often switching between English and Spanish, in using computer technologies to search for jobs, learn English, and use social networking tools. I am an enthusiastic teacher with a passion for connecting people with information and services that will create new opportunities for each customer.

• Aspiring programming librarian with a zest for language, literature, and the visual arts
As a Craft Instructor at the Denver Public Library Ross-Barnum branch, I connect children with literature and the visual arts by developing story time and craft projects once per week. I have learned firsthand through this experience that, because of excellent library programming, the library can be a place where people not only can check out books, but can also connect with an entirely new range of educational and recreational experiences. I have a passion for working with the public and designing and implementing the highest quality programs to create positive transformations for all library users.

• Self-directed, service-oriented lifelong learner who thrives in a fast-paced environment
I am an energetic, adaptive, and optimistic team player who cares deeply about the success of each library patron and who takes pride in the collective efforts of all my coworkers. My motivation at work comes from feeling confident that I am contributing to the success of customers, connecting library users to new possibilities, and creating a hospitable environment for patrons of all ages and backgrounds. I feel that my skills, experience and interests make me an excellent candidate for this position. Thank you very much for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,


Natalie Romano

Not bad, eh? Apparently, this can be an excellent way to show exactly how you, the applicant, are qualified and perfect for the job posting of XXX.

día de los niños / día de los libros: many cultures, many books

This year marks the 15th anniversary of Pat Mora's Día de los niños / día de los libros celebration in the United States. Pat Mora, a librarian and an advocate for children, started dia as a way to celebrate children's literature from all world cultures, as well as a way to highlight family literacy. Dia is recognized as an annual celebration of children's literature, language, and cultural diversity.

I'm trying to brainstorm a craft to do with my kids the week before the celebration. Here are some of the ideas I found:

Mexican Ponchos
(Photos courtesy of Deep Space Sparkle)




I am also considering the idea of making a pinata (pardon the lack of tilde on the "n...") but I'm wondering how hard paper mache would be for a group of 5-7 year olds? I guess I can give it a college try and see how it goes! ;)

My inspiration for this project comes not only from dia de los ninos / dia de los libros, but also from a new book I found that I would love to read:



I'll add this to my list of books to read throughout my practicum project that I am doing this quarter, which is largely based upon working with Latino families and children in the library. Perfect!

Books I'm Excited About...

SPRING BREAK PLEASURE READING...