Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Upcoming Interviews!

Famous authors are pounding down the door to get into Librarian Beat! Well, practically. More like giving in to our pleading, but whatever. We’ve got two fabulous ladies lined up for upcoming interviews, so post your burning questions in the comments!

First, we’ve got Jayne Williams, author of Slow Fat Triathlete and Shape Up with the Slow Fat Triathlete. We’ll be joining her for a Spring Training weekend and getting the inside scoop on what makes this author and athlete tick! In the meantime, check out this Unshelved comic strip that features her first book: http://www.unshelved.com/archive.aspx?strip=20070923.

Second, we’ve got Jen Lancaster, author of the hilarious memoirs Bitter Is the New Black, Bright Lights, Big Ass, and Such a Pretty Fat. Her new book, Pretty in Plaid, will be released in May. If you just can’t wait until our interview is posted, check out her entertaining blog at http://www.jennsylvania.com/.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Ask Marian

Got questions? Email our resident advice columnist at askmarian@gmail.com!

Dear Marian,

I recently scored my first job as a librarian. I love it, but I can’t believe how my co-workers dress! Dowdy shoes, no make-up, and holiday sweaters! These people wear buns without irony. I really think they are hurting the image of librarians. I dress well but I’m just outnumbered! How can I suggest that they update their looks without being mean?

Signed,
So Trendy, but You Look So Hideous


Dear STYLiSH,
True story – I showed up for my first day of work at the library wearing black leather pointy-toed stiletto boots with a 3 inch heel. I looked hot. I looked stylish. By the end of the day I looked like someone had broken my toes with the way I was hobbling around. As we were closing up, another librarian looked at me and said, “First day, huh? You’ll learn.”

The point is, STYLiSH, that there is something to be said for functionality. We’re on the go all day, so we do have to be comfortable. That being said, nothing makes me shudder like a festive holiday sweater. That’s not function; that’s just ugly.

The thing you have to understand, though, is that your sweater-wearing co-workers are still making an effort. Chances are high that when old Sally looked in the mirror this morning while putting on her coordinating shamrock earrings that picked up the green sparkles from her St. Patrick’s day vest just so, she took a step back to say to herself, “Daaaaang, girl, you look hot.”

You’ve got different styles, and that’s ok. If your co-workers show any interest in updating their looks, by all means bust out the fashion magazines and go to town. But if you bring up the fact that you think they could use a makeover, well, be prepared to stop being thought of as the fashionable one and start being thought of as the insensitive little snot.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Hot/Not

Checking out what's hot and what's not in the library/book world and the world at large...
HOTNOT
Holding hair back with a pencilBobby pinned buns
CardigansHooligans
Government support of librariesGovernor's elimination of History, Art and Libraries department
Homemade snacks in the breakroomLeaving an unwanted bag of McDonald's croutons in the breakroom
Office 2003Office 2000
Email due date noticesStamped due dates on cards
HybridsHummers

Monday, February 2, 2009

February Interview

Loyal Readers,

For this month I have scored an interview with KATE BEATON, the darling of the internet comics world. Got questions you've been dying to ask her? Let me know!

It turns out that the key to good journalism is to put interesting people on the cover of your publication AND THEN ask them for interviews!

If you haven't heard of Kate Beaton (you've been on the internet, right?) check out her insanely witty stuff at http://www.katebeaton.com. DO IT NOW!

Your EIC,

Sarahjeanne

February DOUBLE ISSUE