Mrs. Snow Queen http://mrssnowqueen.blogspot.com/ already provided a fine account of the first Military Symposium for the Genealogy Center. It was a great two days.
Those of us putting on something like this always have concerns in advance that something will go wrong, that it will be a total failure, and we will question how we ever got the idea that we could do something like this. We worry while the event is going on, while we are running around needlessly making sure everything is going alright. But in the end, all little challenges are met and a few days after it's over, we are looking forward to the next event.
Mrs. Snow Queen and Kay are great to work with because when I have an nebulous idea, one or the other can understand what I mean and help to make it a reality. And Mrs. S. has the ability to make a table, for either registration or food, look well organized. The Genealogy Center Manager is open to new ideas, doesn't place blame if something goes wrong in spite of planning, and is always there (literally) for everything from smoothing troubled waters to hauling water. Sarah copies handouts and compiles our handout folders. ACPL staff in Financial Services facilitate the purchase of those provisions and the various expenses involved with an event like this one, Community Relations personnel provide advertising posters and flyers, and Building staff make sure the rooms are ready and look good. And finally, our colleagues in the department, including Petey's Lighthearted Librarian, support our efforts and provide the time for Mrs. S and I to handle all of the small details.
It may take a village to raise a child, but it takes a regiment to pull off this type of event and I am grateful to all of the troops.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Conferencing
OK, the last few years, I've been avoiding the major genealogical conferences for reasons both personal and professional. I'd come to think that, having gone to a number of the big genie conferences over the years, there wasn't enough to make it worth the time away from home and the time away from work. We had one here last year, but, with all of the behind the scenes that is entailed in putting on a conference, most of us didn't get much of a chance to really attend. But at the urging of several people close to me, I overcame my irrational, genetic fear of being away from home and, having been approved by my boss and his boss, etc., made the commitment to go.
And I got a lot more out of the experience than I could have hoped. I heard a number of speakers and topics that were unfamiliar to me. I was reminded that a listing of sources and their National Archives numbers do not constitute a good lecture, but if one listens, one can learn of a new source anyway. I learned more about the Society of Friends (Quakers), including that the notion of solitary confinement comes from the Quakers who were involved with prison reform and the idea that solitude would bring inner peace and reform of a criminal mind. I listened to a professional genealogical speaker say what professional genealogical speakers want when they come to speak (which will be a help as we do more programming). And I absorbed a bit on why, when and how the Scots migrated to North America. In other words, I picked up information that will broaden my knowledge to share with our customers.
I got to hear great stuff about our own little Genealogy Center. Attendees saw we were from Fort Wayne and asked if we researched here, then got all excited to learn that we actually got to come here every day and get paid for it! I got to listen to a speaker from another genealogy research center talk about her facility and I got to hear audience members ask her, "What do you have that Allen County doesn't? Why should I go there instead of Fort Wayne?" Another audience member immediately said, "A parking lot!" which drew a laugh. As I listened to her try to explain why her facility is better (it isn't, but she tried coloring the facts anyway), all I could feel was proud that we are one of the yardsticks that others must measure themselves by. I got to visit two Pennsylvania historical/library sites and learned that ACPL's public service attitude is miles better than theirs. Sort of a "what not to do" experience.
I also got to do fun things, like see friends I hadn't seen in a while and catch up on the, um, news that floats around. I got to do a bit of sightseeing (and a LOT of walking). I got to try a really Philly Steak Sandwich (two of them and I wasn't impressed, but my husband tells me I had to be on the south side of Philadelphia and that I wouldn't want to be in that neighborhood anyway). I got an opportunity to partially triumph over the lousy hotel that gave us 10 minutes to change rooms for someone more important. It really is fun to watch an officious, arrogant hotel manager realize that, no, these two librarians from Indiana were not going away easily. (In fact, he gave in too easily. I've had more fun overcoming an obstreperous hotel manager in Lebanon, Indiana than, this guy from Philly.) Every minute was exciting. Making new contacts, learning about new sources and new technology.
And, on an escalator, I got to listen to two conference attendees riding several steps back as they chatted about research venues. The first said she liked going to the library in Salt Lake City because they have so many sources. But the second said that she preferred going to "... Allen County much more because their staff isn't volunteers but professionals, and you can always get good ideas from them!" That gave me a glow.
The conference, as exhausting as it was, renewed my personal love of genealogy and my professional desire to help our customers. It was a great week.
But I'm still glad to be home!
And I got a lot more out of the experience than I could have hoped. I heard a number of speakers and topics that were unfamiliar to me. I was reminded that a listing of sources and their National Archives numbers do not constitute a good lecture, but if one listens, one can learn of a new source anyway. I learned more about the Society of Friends (Quakers), including that the notion of solitary confinement comes from the Quakers who were involved with prison reform and the idea that solitude would bring inner peace and reform of a criminal mind. I listened to a professional genealogical speaker say what professional genealogical speakers want when they come to speak (which will be a help as we do more programming). And I absorbed a bit on why, when and how the Scots migrated to North America. In other words, I picked up information that will broaden my knowledge to share with our customers.
I got to hear great stuff about our own little Genealogy Center. Attendees saw we were from Fort Wayne and asked if we researched here, then got all excited to learn that we actually got to come here every day and get paid for it! I got to listen to a speaker from another genealogy research center talk about her facility and I got to hear audience members ask her, "What do you have that Allen County doesn't? Why should I go there instead of Fort Wayne?" Another audience member immediately said, "A parking lot!" which drew a laugh. As I listened to her try to explain why her facility is better (it isn't, but she tried coloring the facts anyway), all I could feel was proud that we are one of the yardsticks that others must measure themselves by. I got to visit two Pennsylvania historical/library sites and learned that ACPL's public service attitude is miles better than theirs. Sort of a "what not to do" experience.
I also got to do fun things, like see friends I hadn't seen in a while and catch up on the, um, news that floats around. I got to do a bit of sightseeing (and a LOT of walking). I got to try a really Philly Steak Sandwich (two of them and I wasn't impressed, but my husband tells me I had to be on the south side of Philadelphia and that I wouldn't want to be in that neighborhood anyway). I got an opportunity to partially triumph over the lousy hotel that gave us 10 minutes to change rooms for someone more important. It really is fun to watch an officious, arrogant hotel manager realize that, no, these two librarians from Indiana were not going away easily. (In fact, he gave in too easily. I've had more fun overcoming an obstreperous hotel manager in Lebanon, Indiana than, this guy from Philly.) Every minute was exciting. Making new contacts, learning about new sources and new technology.
And, on an escalator, I got to listen to two conference attendees riding several steps back as they chatted about research venues. The first said she liked going to the library in Salt Lake City because they have so many sources. But the second said that she preferred going to "... Allen County much more because their staff isn't volunteers but professionals, and you can always get good ideas from them!" That gave me a glow.
The conference, as exhausting as it was, renewed my personal love of genealogy and my professional desire to help our customers. It was a great week.
But I'm still glad to be home!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Premarital...
I am often just astounded at the changes that have taken place between the time I was in my early twenties to now, when my daughter is in hers.
For example, we were so pleased recently with the Official Proposal of Marriage that my future son-in-law coordinated in Chicago over the Fourth of July. He's such a great guy and we are SO PLEASED. They seem to have their future organized, starting with the wedding next spring when they both graduate.
But then we were so surprised as they passed through Fort Wayne (on the way back to Oklahoma) with their plans for this year! My husband & I (ca. 1975) WAITED until we were married, but you know kids these days.
Yes, it's shocking and we would question their sense of responsibility, but they would just get angry and say that it's their choice.
Yes, they did it.
They got a cat.
Yes, even though he's a Residence Hall Advisor and she's a Residence Hall Director (it's she that can have pets since she has an apartment) and they don't live together, they decided to get a cute kitten (rescued, spayed, with her shots already) and named her Bea Bea. Hubby and I waited until we'd been married a few weeks before we got our first kitten, but kids these days just can't wait.
She's sent a dozen photos via email, and described in graphic terms little Bea's first poop. I already know what kind of mother she will be.
So, they are mature adults now. I know that they can handle this responsibility, and we rejoice in adding Bea Bea to our family. And if we hadn't expected to have grand-kitties so soon, well, times are a-changin'.
For example, we were so pleased recently with the Official Proposal of Marriage that my future son-in-law coordinated in Chicago over the Fourth of July. He's such a great guy and we are SO PLEASED. They seem to have their future organized, starting with the wedding next spring when they both graduate.
But then we were so surprised as they passed through Fort Wayne (on the way back to Oklahoma) with their plans for this year! My husband & I (ca. 1975) WAITED until we were married, but you know kids these days.
Yes, it's shocking and we would question their sense of responsibility, but they would just get angry and say that it's their choice.
Yes, they did it.
They got a cat.
Yes, even though he's a Residence Hall Advisor and she's a Residence Hall Director (it's she that can have pets since she has an apartment) and they don't live together, they decided to get a cute kitten (rescued, spayed, with her shots already) and named her Bea Bea. Hubby and I waited until we'd been married a few weeks before we got our first kitten, but kids these days just can't wait.
She's sent a dozen photos via email, and described in graphic terms little Bea's first poop. I already know what kind of mother she will be.
So, they are mature adults now. I know that they can handle this responsibility, and we rejoice in adding Bea Bea to our family. And if we hadn't expected to have grand-kitties so soon, well, times are a-changin'.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Filming fun
The PSAs were filmed on Wednesday the 23rd as planned. The Civil War (War of Northern Agression, War Between the States, The Late Unpleasantness....) re-enactors we had come in were really funny and really got into the whole thing. Of course, it wouldn't have gotten done without Kay Gregg. She filmed and directed, demonstrating to the re-enactors the they could get loud and rowdy. She even got up on a table to get a money shot. Melissa was great as the peace maker/teacher. A good time was had by all, including our regular genies who were watching the goings-on. It's great to see the Genealogy Center expand into this type of advertising, and I can't wait for it to be up and viewable. I'm still smiling several days later just thinking about how much fun it was.
Of course, I didn't have to act, direct, film or edit, so maybe that's why I had such a delightful experience!
Of course, I didn't have to act, direct, film or edit, so maybe that's why I had such a delightful experience!
Friday, April 18, 2008
Filming a PSA
We're all excited because, with the help of AFW, we're filming a public service announcement for our Military Symposium in September. We've got some War Between the States reenactors coming in Wednesday night to be our talent, but we're also looking for extras to fill in the background. Here's the invitation we handed out to the local Genie CIG, but anyone, even other staff members can come and join the fun.
Invitation to Stardom!
When:
Wednesday evening, April 23rd, 2008
5 pm – 9 pm
Where:
What:
Filming of a public service announcement (PSA)
for the Military Symposium September 26-27, 2008
Your opportunity:
We need researchers (a.k.a. Extras)
to sit at the tables and do research while
Interesting Activities
are going on.
This PSA will appear on
Access Fort Wayne & YouTube
& anywhere else we can find.
YOU could be discovered by a
or
at least your family and friends will be able to see you.
Join the fun! Call or email Delia at Dbourne@acpl.info or 421-1225 for more information
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
You Tube experimentation
Although I haven't been able to actually post anything on You Tube yet (still learning), I am amazed at the wonderful pieces being posted by genealogists sharing family research information online. I can see so many opportunities for oral historians. I have also been inspired (and amused) by the promotional pieces posted by research libraries. If you haven't already seen it, check out Birmingham (AL) Public Library's "Genealogy or Looking for One's Own Peeps" at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAxrLJ5nw_g . It's certainly stimulated my creative urges.
Thinking, thinking, thinking....
Thinking, thinking, thinking....
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Delicious?
Now, this was one of the activities that I hoped might help our department. One of my colleagues started doing del.icio.us but seemed to be having some trouble. I'd looked at it before anda thought I might be able to figure it out, so gave it a try.
Getting it set up was easy. I selected a name for our network and a password that we could all use. It was simple to create tags. It isn't so simple to install the del.icio.us bottons on the other computers in what I had hoped would be our nedtwork, but the process seems to defeat me. I can get it done on one computer, but not the next.
But what was most distressing to me was how cumbersome using it was. We have been making "favorite" bookmarks for our desk computers all along, and it was so easy. Click on favorites and the links pop up right there, make a selection and go. But each time you get on your computer, and click on the del.icio.us button, you go to a different webpage, then select another page to which to go. As nice as the idea is, we've just added another step, so I was a bit disappointed. I'll probably just keep using the Favorite book mark button.
Getting it set up was easy. I selected a name for our network and a password that we could all use. It was simple to create tags. It isn't so simple to install the del.icio.us bottons on the other computers in what I had hoped would be our nedtwork, but the process seems to defeat me. I can get it done on one computer, but not the next.
But what was most distressing to me was how cumbersome using it was. We have been making "favorite" bookmarks for our desk computers all along, and it was so easy. Click on favorites and the links pop up right there, make a selection and go. But each time you get on your computer, and click on the del.icio.us button, you go to a different webpage, then select another page to which to go. As nice as the idea is, we've just added another step, so I was a bit disappointed. I'll probably just keep using the Favorite book mark button.
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