melissahoulroyd.info

Inspired by Erin (the Library Scenester, a source for many great ideas), I think it’s about time to reflect on the past, the present, and the future.

2008

• I started a professional blog (first on Blogger and then migrated to WordPress).
• After a year and a half of graduate study at Syracuse University, I completed my Master of Science in Library and Information Science in May.
• I ate at Per Se in New York City. (Pictures are here.)
• I traveled to California for a month to explore the state and attend the American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference in Anaheim. I went to Disneyland on my 24th birthday.
• I began cooking as a hobby. (Zuni Cafe is my favorite cookbook.)
• I went to a farmers’ market for the first time (and started a local food addiction).
• I spent (and still spend) a good deal of time on the job hunt. Doing so, I realized what a bad place Central New York is for an unemployed librarian seeking a full-time job.
• I went to my first New York Library Association (NYLA) Conference in Saratoga Springs, NY.
• I started my first “real gig” post-graduation as a substitute reference librarian at a local public library.
• I was approached to have one of my blog posts published in the NYLA Ethnic Services Roundtable (ESRT) Newsletter.
• I saw over 45 movies in 2008.

2009

• I plan to make the most out of my substitute reference librarian position. So far, I have learned a lot about public librarianship and reference services. I haven’t done as much children’s reference work as I would like, but that will change soon. I have a lot of ideas for programming, policy, website changes, and general improvements that I should write about on this blog. (The fact that I have so many ideas makes having such a small amount of responsibility frustrating sometimes. Writing about my ideas might help with that.)
• I am broadening my search criteria for a more fulfilling librarian position. (And hoping the economy gets a boost through the change in administration.)
• I will try to read more, write more, and be active more.
• I will be attending my third American Library Association Annual Conference in Chicago in July. Even though it won’t be my first time, I’m just as excited!
• I also hope to go to Alinea in Chicago and Chez Panisse in Berkeley this year. We’ll see!