February 27, 2007

The last couple of days have been as fantastic as I could only have dreamed about.....My work as the "Mobile Librarian" is picking up speed. I had about 15 students come in, take some handouts, ask basic reference questions, and got some assistance from me about the best databases to use for their research papers due. Two students stayed in my space to work on homework and to ask me questions. The "IM" reference service is getting good responses. In this morning's IRIS meeting, Hector mentioned that IM chat stats have increased. This is a good sign that all the differing types of PR thats currently going on is reflective of the hard work everyone is doing reach out to students, faculty, and staff at the University of Notre Dame.

I have been ask to be the keynote speaker at the upcoming Indiana Black Librarians Network spring meeting at the end of March. My keynote will address the benefits of library residency programs and to address some of the issues addressed in a report compiled by Denise M. Davis, ALA Office for Research and Statistics and Tracie D. Hall, Director of the ALA Office of Diversity. The report is entitled: "Diversity counts: Office for Research and Statistics-Office for Diversity. This document shows that the number of African American and Latino Librarians in the academy is decreasing. More minorities are in the para-professional positions in libraries then ever before. So far, this report brings some of the ambivalent feelings that I had about the profession because of some of my experiences as a library science student as well as when I intially entered as a professional librarian. My plan is to be very interactive in my presentation and at the same time address some of the possible ways professional librarians can work towards addressing how we can increase our ranks in the profession.


From Daily Meditations, Affirmations, and Inspirations for African Americans:

Collective Work and Responsibility

"If farmers do not cultivate their fields, the people in the town will die of hunger".--Guinean proverb

If we neither attend to the soil nor bother to sow any seeds, there will be no harvest, no bounty to sustain us or our children........Whenever we succeed, the outcome benefits us personally, and the African American community also benefits because we are in a position to "feed" others ---to help them directly or to inspire by our example.

February 23, 2007

The "Mobile Librarian" Chronicles........
This afternoon I was invited to attend a "Meet & Greet" of Africana Studies Majors in O'Shay this afternoon. I introduced myself and talk about my project as a way of aiding them in their research needs. The room was crowded and my internal furnace wasn't going to allow me to stay in the room past 20 minutes. I felt an impact; 2 students promised to come and see me in O'Shay because they really need help in doing research. We shall see........

Finally, an article to be published.......
I am not going to reveal just yet, what library journal is going to publish my article, but its finally going to happen after a couple of attempts to achieve this mark. I faxed over my author agreement/copyright statement this afternoon. I've done a couple of Book Reviews for Choice Magazine, but I think I've been in the profession long enough to have published a full length article for a library journal publication.

More affirmations that I am making the right applications for future employment
I heard from one of former supervisors via e-mail today. Even though we are no longer in the same employ, she still cheers me on with supportive, encoraging, and positive blessings in my direction. Being a librarian is empowering and humbling all at once. It is really good to know that people who have impacted my development as a librarian are still keeping me on their radar in "my cheering section". Woo-WHO!

From "Black Pearls: Daily Meditations, Affirmations, and Inspirations for African Americans":

SUCCESS: "I used to want the words "She tried" on my tombstone. Now I want, "She did it!"--Katherine Dunham

Most of us get to spend a decent number of years on the planet, which means we really ought to figure out what's important to us. If we find the things we love to do, our years will be rewarding and, when we exit, we'll do so with a sense of fulfillment, of good memories, and time well spent. Spend some time today doing at least one concrete thing that advances you towards one of your goals.

On that note, I bid you "ado"......
Leslie

February 22, 2007
I had an AWESOME FYC class Tuesday afternoon before going over to "Co-Mo". The students were engaged, they shared with me the topics they are considering for their paper. There assignment is to find scholarly articles relating to their volunteer experiences they have had in South Bend. This was an excellent topic; we strategized on search terms, and some of the students found articles relating to what they will write about. It occurred to me that the Instruction classes could be used as a tool to market my "Mobile Librarian" and Felicia's "drop-in" classes in the IL courses we have. Felicia is going to get some bookmarks made, I am going to get some digital images of my work so that Laurie M. will design me a bookmark as well. Aaah, the love of a team; it reminds me of my former affiliation with a dynamic group of Black Catholic Women in the organization, The Knights of Peter Claver-Ladies Auxiliary: "For the good of the order, we will accomplish our task".

My "Mobile Librarian" work is beginning to pick up some speed. I have walked around Coleman-Morse and O'Shaughnessy passing out pens, bookmarks, and asking different departments to post my flyer around campus. Its starting to work. Dr. Sandy fed me dinner along with her class Tuesday night; she also provided a decadent chocolate/cherry cake for dessert. After all, it was "Fat Tuesday" and I enjoyed every morsel of that cake. I answered some general reference questions re: the library catalog and talked about the librarian profession with some of the students; it was a good experience. 11pm on Sunday night and 7pm on Tuesday night came so fast!

My "Mobile Librarian" project is a wonderful opportunity for me to build community with others (staff, faculty, & students) at Notre Dame outside of the library. There is a strong sense of community with the First Year staff & faculty in "Co-Mo" as well as in "O'Shay". Yesterday, I chatted with Dr. Pierce and Dr. Tillery about the recent C-Span documentary celebrating Abraham Lincoln's decision re: the Emancipation Proclamation. That was an eye-opening discussion, to which Dr. Tillery answered some questions for me, that I had about the C-Span presentation. Dr. Alvin Tillery, Professor of Political Science is leaving Notre Dame for Rutgers University. He's from the east, and he is returning "home". He is such a dynamic and influential scholar in political science and he will be missed. Some students also joined in, and it was a good mesh of thought provoking opinions and comments going all around. This experience taught me once again that I have chosen the right profession. I can take my big ball of experience, education, and wisdom and share it will a community of learners who are generally interested in what I have to say. This energizes me to no end!

Today's reflection from Black Pearls-Daily Affirmations and Inspirations for African Americans (Eric Copage) focuses on the theme of Role Models:

"As we achieve, we become role models for others; people look to us for inspiration, asking how we did it, hungry for advice on how they, too can reach their goals. While we are first responsible to ourselves to lead sober, sane, and healthy lives, it is obvious how important our doing so is to our people. By being industrious, committed, concerned and creative, we define ourselves in positive terms." "I could see that my significance as an individual was small....I had become, whether I liked it or not, a symbol, representing my people....I could not run from that situation."--Marian Anderson

My weekly "Shout-Outs" go to: Dr. Sandy (First Year Studies), the students of "Co-Mo" and "OShay", Diane Kennedy, Angie Chamblee, Beverly Love-Holt, Felicia Smith, Lothar Spang, Debbie Tucker, Dee Calloway, Sherri Jones, and Laurie McGowan. You guys are the best!

February 19, 2007

The Mobile Librarian - an update
I worked my first Sunday evening in Coleman-Morse last night. I had a lot of curious onlookers peek into my space to say hello. I even managed to answer about 4-5 questions last night. I spent most of the evening walking around "Co-Mo" passing out bookmarks and writing pens to all students present. They were of course a hit, as the semester progresses, I can anticipate more students seeking out my assistance.

Today was my first day in O'Shay. I was warmly received by students in the building. I gave out more pens, and distributed flyers to various departments about the Mobile Librarian project. I answered three reference questions, and answered 2 general information questions. This was fantastic! I am grateful to Beverly Love-Holt who has warmly received me in the office and made sure that the scholars present know what my purpose is as the Mobile Librarian. As a result, I have been invited to join a discussion session with lunch included on Friday afternoons. This will also give me another opportunity to engage the scholarly community in a warm and inviting community atmosphere.

It is really a blessing to be in this place.......

Leslie

February18, 2007

The Mobile Librarian notes...........
My first Sunday evening in Coleman-Morse Hall. Throughout the evening, students have been peering in the doorway to send a smile my way, and pick up the handouts that were provided me from Laurie and Cheri. The new pens are a hit! I gave away about 35 pens away this evening, I answered 4 reference questions and one question via my e-mail. I brought over some more flyers to Coleman-Morse. Tommorow morning, I will be treking over to O'Shay to market this service to students and faculty. I surmise that business will pick up as the weeks go by....I am so glad that I have this opportunity to be here.

Woooo........Hoooo!.....
I am excited about the announcement Nigel sent out on the ULON for a faculty library position that I qualify for. I am fortunate to have colllegial support in and out of the libraries at Notre Dame. I have current & former colleagues sending up many prayers on my behalf. This is a good place for me to further develop my academic career. All of my references have given me the "go-ahead" to list them for contact by the search committee. This is a very important time in my life as an academic librarian.

Another Publishing Opportunity......
I have finished my draft of an article I am submitting to an library journal tommorow morning. This is so exciting..........

My Shout-Outs for the last couple of days:
Laurie, Laura, Dwight, Pascal, Jessica, Dr. Sandy Harmatiuk-First Year Studes; All of you have made the last couple of days a humbling experience for me!

-Leslie

February 14, 2007
I'm back! I am behind in my blogging due to my many Library activities! This is no complaint...I am doing what I love to do. My colleagues here at Notre Dame are so supportive of my work, and its gratifying to be in this environment.

"Taking the library on the road: The Mobile Librarian"
This is my project for this rotation and its going fabulously! Dean Page and Associate Dean Chambliss of First Year Studies have given me an awesome space to be the on-site librarian in Coleman-Morse. It was a terrible snow storm my first evening in "Co-Mo" and so the workshops scheduled for that evening were canceled. I did however, answer three reference questions and I spent time walking around the 2nd floor where I'm located to pass out library pens and bookmarks; I also informed students that I will be around on Sunday evenings to assist them with their reference needs in addition to my Tuesday evening presence. Dean Chambliss had her staff hang my Posters announcing my project and the IM chat Reference Service we now provide to our students at ND. This project brings alot of fond memories of working at the Undergraduate Library at WSU during the evenings and weekends helping our freshman/sophmore undergraduate students. I am real fortunate in being able to service this population of students again.

My AWESOME Boss for this rotation, Sherri Jones is very supportive of my work. I am very fortunate to have her in my professional corner! Starting Monday, I will be in O'Shay doing this same project on Mondays & Wednesdays. To make sure I don't overwhelm my schedule during this rotation, I am working Sundays thru Thursdays until the end of the semester. This is going to work well for me in that I am able to continue my community service iniatives I am currently involved in.

LibQUAL+ Project
Sherri, Jessica and I have been working on advertisements that will be placed in The Observer campus newspaper advertising how we are addressing students needs and concerns from the survey we completed in 2006. I think we have finally narrowed down what we are going to advertise.

IBLN-Indiana Library Federation
I have been invited and I have accepted an invitation to be the keynote speaker at the upcoming Indiana Black Librarians Association meeting at Indiana Tech University in Fort Wayne, Indiana on March 31, 2007. The focus of my address will talk about the benefits of a Library Residency as well as resident programs in general, and also to speak on issues of diversity in Librarianship. I am working on a dynamic presentation with bibliographic sources. I have also been asked to speak on why libraries (particularly academic institutions should adopt residency programs in their libraries).

ACRL Conference
I really wanted to attend the upcoming conference in Baltimore, but to no avail, I couldn't find a hotel room or a roommate. The opening keynote address is by a dynamic and very influential speaker, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson ( a fellow former Detroiter from the Westside---hey). I have had the occassion to have met and chatted with him twice in my work life, once at the University of Detroit Mercy, and once at Wayne State University. Hi Elizabeth: I should have called ya, we could have been roommates, but alas, I have committed to speaking at the IBLN conference..I am looking forward to seeing you again in April! (Smile)

My Shout-Outs for the last couple of days & weeks.........
Dean Page, Dean Chambliss, Dr. Richard Pierce, Sherri Jones, Jessica Kayongo,Laura Bayard, Nigel Butterwick, Sue Dietl,Cheri Smith, Laurie McGowan,Clara Enriquez, Pascal Calarco, Ross Fergueson, and last but certianly not the least, Elaine in 221=My gratitude for helping me these last few weeks in my work; I am successful in my work at ND because of you!

--Leslie

January 30, 2007

My First IRIS Departmental Meeting
Today was a joyous day! I had the opportunity to informed the IRIS Faculty members about my upcoming projects and plans for this rotation. The meeting began with Nigel discussing the upcoming position that will be available. I am excited about the possibilities of what this may mean for my future development as an Academic Librarian. I learned alot about what the dept. is working on and how I am going to make great contributions while completing the duties of my rotation in marketing our services to the student, faculty, staff populations at ND! Sherri's sense of humor knows no bounds.....I look forward to our work we will accomplish during this rotation.

LibQUAL+
Jessica, Sherri, and I had an AWESOME "pow-wow" session on how we are going to market the results of the survey. My ideas were well-recieved; Jessica will take care of the images, I will take care of the writing style of the marketing tool we are creating to ensure another successful campaign.

ALA/ACRL Committee Work UPDATE!
I am still waiting to hear from one of the Seattle-MidWinter Presenters. I had to miss her presentation due to my attendance at a committee meeting. If anyone out there knows Jennifer Knievel from Colorado.edu, tell her Leslie from Notre Dame needs to hear from her ASAP! I am almost done with my Lit Review for the publication I am a lead editor with. I am so excited. I still have to finish two articles for publication.

My DAILY Shout-Out goes to:
Dr. Richard Pierce for giving me space in his department to market library services to faculty, students, and staff in the O'Shaughnessy Hall!

Friday, January 26, 2007

This has been a worldwind of experiences for me since leaving my rotation as a Law Librarian In Residence at the University of Notre Dame Law School-Kresge Library. I finished on a positive and good note working with Dwight, Beth, Warren, and Chris. I received an amazing amount of support from the Research Department including the ladies of the Circulation Staff (A "shout-out" to Mary and Anita!). Ed's assistant Terri made sure I left with some mementos of the Law Library (yoo-who!). I didn't get a fleece jacket like Felicia, but I got a fabulous writing instrument to add to my writer's collection. Dwight mentioned that I can use him as a reference for future use. He is one of the most easygoing, and confident men I have ever met in this academic library profession, and he was an awesome boss and mentor to me. I will have to make sure I stay in contact with him. Chris and I are going to schedule lunch in the future as soon as I can navigate my schedule better here in the Hesburgh Library. Most importantly, I received the most support on a daily basis with our Research Assistant in the Law Library, from Mrs. Beth Klein. We shared tea bags, laughs about being parents and wives, and more importantly, she help me a lot through my unnecessary anxiety moments I experienced working in an area of law to which I have a newfound respect for in academic librarianship. Working in the Law Library gave me opportunity to work on my articles and to research subjects that I would never have known how to acquire without my Law Library education via the Legal Research Course! Thanks again and forever humbled by this experience.
***********************************************************************
The very next day, I was headed to Seattle WA via Detroit Metro Airport. When I got on the plane to Seattle, it was like walking into a reunion of sorts. Many of my Professors, and classmates from Wayne State University were aboard. It was similar to the experience Norm of Cheers! television show experience: "where everyone knows your name...." I do remember requesting an isle seat due to my back spasms but I ended up sitting between two very tall gentlemen. I died a thousand deaths on this 3 hour and 39 minute journey. Upon arriving to Seattle, I found that it was cheaper to pay for a limo/private car than to take a taxis to get to my hotel in Seattle!

Traveling aside, this was my first visit to Seattle, and I have to say, I learned quickly why its known as th emerald city. I ate really healthy, and treated myself to a Lemon Drop drink at my new favorite restaurant in Seattle: Bambuza-A Vietnamese Bistro. I ate vegetarian while in Seattle except for the occasional grilled chicken dish. I walked a lot going up and down hills with the exception that when my bags were full, I cabbed it back to my hotel, which is now my favorite hotel in Seattle: Pike Street Suites. A beautiful breakfast with the best coffee I have had in my life as well as herbal teas were available at my disposal. My only quirk with my trip was that I was the passenger that paid the bucks for the ride, but the driver decided that white is right and my black self didn't count. I made sure I reminded him that the color of my money is green, which is his favorite color when servicing the public. He got the message.

FANTASTIC EVENT OF THE CONFERENCE? My committee meetings were absolutely wonderful. We got a lot of work decided upon, and there was a sense of accomplishment. We really set the tone of our committee and I am glad that at the last minute, I was able to go to Seattle. MY FAVORITE SOCIAL MOMENTS? Sharing laughs and a suite room that was "off the hook" with my roommate, Linda Shippert of Washington State University. She gifted me with a sinfully decadent gooseberry chocolate bar. I am still eating very small pieces to savor the flavor! HANGING OUT WITH THE NMRT CREW!: This is a righteous group to laugh, eat, and drink with. On top of everything else, I won the first Door Prize of the evening-WOO-WHO!
Hanging out with Bethany (Davenport Univ.-Granger, IN & fellow WSU LS Alum), My number one fan, Elisabeth R. Rodriguez, Latanya N. Jenkins, and Catherine F. Riehle from Purdue University! They made my weekend. Sorry girls, for pooping out of the late Saturday night goins on, but I wanted to savor my P.T. at conference minus the hubby and the kids as much as I could before I returned home Monday evening. I enjoyed each of you, and I hope you can accept my invitation to Notre Dame (I sent you all e-mails this afternoon).

GOOD NEWS FROM ALA MID-WINTER: I was elected to be the lead editor of an upcoming CLIP Note publication, write a LIRT Newsletter article, and to get active with the ALA-Literacy Committee of Academic, Public, and Special Librarians! I take this honor seriously and without hesitation. Another Professional "shout-out" to: Beth Avery (Western State College of Colorado), Stacey A. Nickell (West Kentucky Community Technical College), and Jeff Knapp (Penn State Univ. -Altoona) and Dr. Dale P. Lipschultz, Literacy Officer for ALA, for giving me the opportunity to work on some AWESOME projects with you!

THANKS FOR SHARING AND GIVING ME SOUND PROFESSIONAL ADVICE IN SEATTLE: Dr. Cora P. Dunkley,Professor-School of Library & Information Science @ University of South Florida along with Grand Dame Miss. Henrietta (I am honored and graced with your presence), Ms. Peg Earheart, Manager, Library Annex, of Vanderbilt University, and last but certainly not the least, Mr. Michael F. Russo, of Louisanna State University. There is much wisdom and guidance in the Library Profession, and the good Lord made it so to meet these dynamic professionals at this stage in my Academic Library Career.

WELCOME BACK TO HESBURGH LIBRARY!
It is good to be back here in the environment of which I started my residency. I look forward to working with what I have deemed, "The two Sherri/Cheri's". I am off and running with my projects with Sherri. I look forward to meeting with Cheri and Felicia next Monday.

WHEW! Lots to digest, but I am "floating on air" at the possibility of where the direction of my academic career is moving towards.........................................

-Leslie

Wednesday, January 17, 2007
This is one of the last two days I will spend learning and working in the Law Library of the University of Notre Dame Law School. I went over all of the information I dispenced over the last 4.5 months; Westlaw, LexisNexis, HeinOnline, and Legal Trac were the databases I used to find Electronic Formatted materials. I spent a lot of time searching for information utilizing the print sources here in the library/reference area. What I have learned (thats slightly different from this student population that primarily uses the Hesburgh Library) is that they like using the print sources more often times than the electronic sources. As a couple of law students have told me, they will more often times use the electronic sources in the evenings and weekends, when the research librarians are not available.

The students and the faculty have a lot of respect for Dwight and his team; the entire library faculty and staff have autonomy in their jobs which makes for an excellent work environment. This experience made me realize that if I were 20 years younger, I would have seriously considered a full time career as a Law Librarian. I didn't understand the necessity of a law degree prior to this rotation, but now I do. Beth, Chris, Warren, and more importantly, Dwight have made my rotation experience valuable and I am forever grateful for their assistance and insight into this profession. I spent a lot of time learning and being able to put it into practice by assisting 1L students, faculty, and the general public who utilizes our libraries during business hours. This library is a community that is much different from previous library experiences I have had. I have met some very dynamic students here at the Law School, and I look forward to reading about their successes in the legal profession.

Happy New Year: A Year of Beginnings, Endings, and Beginings
I haven't blogged since the beginning of the year due to my busy professional life. I am preparing to attend the ALA Mid-Winter Conference in Seattle, WA. My first of many trips..... I currently sit on three committees that have me doing a lot of work before I arrive. In the midst of this, I finished all of my Legal Research course work, and have taken the exam. I have been answering legal research questions, and working on book reviews, and two articles for publication. My new years professional resolve for 2007 is to:

1. Obtain a permanent academic librarian position
2. Publish two scholarly articles in a peer-reviewed journal of librarianship
3. Be the lead editor on a ACRL/Clip-Note publication
4. Publish two articles in library-related sources
5. Finish 10 chapters of my novel I have been working on since 2000
6. Get rid of paper items I no longer need for my work
7. Get rid of trinkets collected from attendance at conferences (I'm a trinket junkie) by giving them to my students
8. Find five academic library jobs that I really like and apply for them
9. Network with former classmates from Library School
10. Volunteer 10 hours per month for a charity that supports women and children

The second year of my Librarian In Residency is winding down (expires 01 August 2007) and I look foward to seeing how my life will be enriched.

Thursday, December 7, 2006
I am almost done with my final assignment to submit to Chris. Whew! I will be ready to take the exam on Monday and tommorow, I am going to study! My memory is in a state of flux right now and we will see how it goes......

I took a walk across campus to attend the University Libraries Holiday Luncheon at the Joyce Center. Fr. Hesburgh blessed the meal by also mentioning that he is "glad to be present amongst his fellow library colleagues and not bad for a 90 year old man". Since arriving at Notre Dame, I have had the distinct pleasure of meeting Fr. Hesburgh 4-5 times. It is always a pleasure to "run into" him especially at the Hesburgh Library. He allowed my husband to interview him at one time for an article and he had the opportunity to meet my children of which he offered a blessing prayer for their continued health and happiness. The luncheon was also an opportunity to share my meal with the librarians I worked with at the beginning of my residency (Cheri, Laurie, Kathy, Margaret, Sherri, Carole, Jessica, Laura). A gift by the committee consisted of the traditional Irish Blessing Prayer metal bookmark. It was as always, a great opportunity to fellowship with the people I began my residency with!

I had a patron come into my office a few moments ago wanted information about Osteoporosis and the medications that are perscribed. I feel bad for this woman...she just found out she has this disease and she feels like she should have been informed of this a lot earlier than 3 days ago. I made sure she understood that I am not a lawyer and could not dispense legal advice. I love the database, Medline becuase its full of current information about many medical conditions. I found three excellent articles that she could reference.

Tuesday, December 5, 2006
One of the many insightful lessons and wisdoms my parents and grandparents passed on to me is the old addage's about:

"Ignorance is a blissful state".....For the sake of just trying to survive in a world made up of varying forms of negativity, you have to allow people (personality types) to remain in a certain state of bliss by not bringing their ignorance to their attention. In the long run, it saves you a lot of grief and for being misunderstood.

"The road to Hell is paved with good intentions".... One day you could be feeding a well-prepared meal to the hungry and the homeless and the next day, feel compelled to pass judgement on the person who sought you out for providing a free meal.

***************************************************************************************
One of the things that makes my work here at the University of Notre Dame so rewarding is that I get many opportunities to be around students and some of the faculty who come from many parts of the United States and very remote and exotic places from all over the world. I find it extremely troubling, and down right discouraging to find out that there is a segment of students in the Law School who are compelled to be discrimatory and elitist. I was literally "broken-hearted" and partially "disappointed" to hear about an incident in passing this afternoon from one of my colleagues. ....... Which puts me in the mind of remembering one of my grandmother's wisdom:"That which does not kill you, can only makes you stronger".

Monday, December 4, 2006

A transcript of today's oral argument before the U.S. Supreme Court on
the issue of race-based school admissions (Parents Involved inCommunity
Schools v. Seattle School District) is available at:
http://www.supremecourtus.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/05-908.pdf

Friday, December 1, 2006

This was a good day and week at the Law Library. I answered only a couple of questions from students this week, and I can honestly have one of two last assignments turned in on Monday afternoon. I now know what I will doing in the New Year. I will once again have the privilege of working with Sherrie (75%) and Cheri (25) of the time. I will spend 13 additional days in January in the Law Library to make up for the time I missed due to my darn back. I do miss my colleagues from the Hesburgh...and wouldn't you know it, this week in Law was absolutely wonderful and awe inspiring.

2007 is upon us and I am excited with much anticipation because its a new year of hope and many possibilities.

Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Today, is my best, best, best friend in the whole entire world, birthday! I have sent her many well wishes for a blessed birthday today and always. I have known this woman ALL of my life and it indeed a Blessing to have a friendship like hers in my life.

I answered a reference question today regarding probable cause and warrantless arrest. I keep telling myself I should have went to Law School in my younger years..........
Chris and I met today to go over my assignments submitted to date for correction and review for the final exam. He was impressed with the fact that I have done really well despite my constant pain from sitting or standing too long. Thats so kind of him. Dwight checked on me today as well; his sense of humor and concern is good medicine. Physical therapy really worked me over yesterday, that I feel like I got beat up pretty bad.

I found myself thinking about where I am going to end up after my residency ends. A good friend works in St. Cloud, Minnesota. The temperature today is 16 below. He took the job for the money and a 9-month +28 extra days contract, but he has to deal with frigid weather! There are some really great positions being posted in academia, but I have to consider the needs of my children at this time. My daughter had a difficult transition moving here to South Bend, and I would really hate to move her again. I might have to consider doing something else for a living. . I finally was starting to believe that I could be a librarian until retirement...as Georgia Evans has said from Good Times...."D**m, D**m, D**m!"

My life is presently making a 360 degree turn during this holiday season, but in spite of yet another change, the Lord is in the midst, and all things will work itself out once again. Its just when I'm in the midst of chaos and stress, its hard to focus on that aspect. In spite of myself, I believe in my heart of hearts the value of when one door closes, another door opens to possibilities never imagined.......Amen, Amen, Amen.

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

I found out early this morning that one of my favorite writers of Black Fiction and commentary on Black Life, Bebe Moore Campbell died Monday, November 27, 2006 of complications due to brain cancer. I have been a "fan" of her fiction writing since the time I was pregnant with my son, Gelasius-Christopher and of her writing in Essence Magazine over the years. She died at such a young age of 56, but she will always be remembered by me as a woman who told meaningful, thought-provoking stories of Black Life from a place of truth given the times we live in today. Each generation has its story tellers, and Ms. Campbell will be remembered in the same light as writers of the Harlem Renaissance and beyond. Peace and Blessings to her family at their time of grief and rememberance!
***************************************************************************************
I am really determined to get my assignments done for Chris this week so that I can take the exam. Its been a real struggle for me this term due to my constant back pain. I have been feeling "off my game" and its affected me. Thank God for the recent Thanksgiving break! I needed time to be off my feet and relaxing with my family.
*************************************************************************************
Words to internalize today and this week:

"I have caused a door to be opened before you that no one can close"- Revelations, 3:8

The door is opened.....free access to God's grace is open to all. No power on earth and no evil power of hell can close this door if I myself do not close it. This is a grave responsibility for all human beings and for me: never to neglect grace, nor to put salvation in peril. Do I take this matter seriously?

My Prayer: "My Father, You accept all those who aspire to You. Never let me be separated from You." Amen........ (From Minute Meditations for Each Day, y Rev. Bede Naegele, O.C.D. 1993/1982, Catholic Book Publishing Co. -New York).

November 22, 2006
It's the day before Thanksgiving and it seems to be really quiet in the Law Library. There are still a handful of students working hard on assignments utilizing our electronic as well as our print resources. From the students who I have assisted to date, the overwhelming response has been to seek out the print source for information retrieval. At the end of the day, a lot of the print sources used are left on the tables.

I am down to two assignments left for Chris to check for me before I get the opportunity to take the test. I am not nervous about this process because the assignments I have been working on to date falls in line with what I have surmised the test will be about. I still hate taking tests, because I really do believe that a way to determine one's ability to grasp knowledge, has a lot to do with how one writes. My goal is to pass the test and finish my rotation on a good note. I have learned a lot about doing legal research and I could really do well in this area of librarianship, but the nature of the Law Librarian profession is having that Law degree.

On a Reference Note.............

I assisted a patron with locating information on "Unjust Enrichment" within the State of Indiana. I was able to locate a definition of terms and found two case examples to coincide with the definitions. It was very apparent that this patron was in need of legal advice, but when I explained to him that my role was strickly to "present the information" it was acceptable to the patron. WHEW! I have heard stories from Law Librarians how sometimes, patrons want the Librarian to act as Lawyer. I encouraged him to review the information and speak with his attorney if he had any further questions or concerns. It worked!

A reflection from the book entitled, "Minute Meditations for Each Day"......

"Everyone who does the will of God is brother and sister and mother to me." Mark 3:35

Reflection: To do God's will means to listen to His word and follow it. This gives rise to a communion of faith that is mysteriously regenerated by the Holy Spirit. The communion of faith is incomparably better than any ties of blood. Have I experienced this renewal in me>

Prayer: "Jesus, my brother, let my whole being be consumed in the will of the Father so that I may be worthy of Your love."

******************************************************************************
THANKSGIVING IS...... Home. Our home brings us a sense of beauty, peace, love, spirit and safety in a difficult world. ..... There can be great satisfaction in creating a pleasing environment....... Our home must contain an atmosphere that is conducive to reading, thinking, and studying, and this is especially vital with children in the home." From "Black Pearls, Eric V. Copage (1993).

Thursday, November 16, 2006

The following information was forwarded via an e-mail:
NEWS BRIEFS


First Black West Point Commander Dies In Iraq
Sept. 27, 2006 – The nation is mourning the death of Lt Emily Perez, 23, the first Black woman to serve as corps commander sergeant major at West Point . Perez, who graduated in the top 10 percent of her class, out-ran many men, directed a gospel choir, read the Bible every day. She also headed a weekly convoy as it rolled down treacherous roads, pocked with bombs and bullets near Najaf , Iraq . As platoon leader, she insisted on leading her troops from the front. She died Sept. 12 when a bomb detonated near her Humvee in Kifl, south of Baghdad . Shortly before shipping out to Iraq with the 204th Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, she flew cross-country to be a bone marrow donor for a stranger who was a match. She was the 64th woman from the U.S. military to be killed in Iraq or Afghanistan .

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Law Research is AWESOME!..... WooHoo!....
Professor Nagle wanted a copy of the actual case that address whether or not a burrito is a sandwich (Apparently the world wanted to know, tee-hee). In Worcester, Mass. recently, Superior Court Judge Jeffrey A. Locke "weighed in" on the question and ruled that a burrito is not a sandwich. The legalities of this case began in September, 2006 and ended October 30, 2006. known as: White City Shopping Center, L.P. v. PR Restaurants, LLC d/b/a/ Bread Panera. Its an interesting case read, and I used my new found legal skills to acquire an actual copy of the case.

Professor Rice wanted a copy of the actual article in which Sean Wilentz, of Princeton University recently published examining the question: Is President the Worst President in History? One of America's leading historians assesses George W. Bush. I utilized one of the electronic databases linked to Hesburgh to find my answer. Rolling Stone Magazine, May 6, 2006, Issue 999, p.32.

One of my favorite 2L students came by inquiring about a question regarding attorney fees with bankruptcy cases. I went straight to the print source and found. Dwight was proud! It makes real sense sometimes to locate the print source before going into Westlaw and Lexis-Nexis.

The contiuing campus-wide discussion relating to Pope Benedict' Encyclical:

Returning to the reflection on Love, I turned to a gift (a small book) entitled, "Black Pearls: Daily Affirmations and Inspirations for African Americans by Eric V. Copage (1993) ISBN: 0-688-12291-4. The following quotes in this book discusses what Love is:

"Love is mutually feeding each other, not one living on each other like a ghoul. "Bessie Head
(December 16th)

"If your're going to be sick and not sure about the future of your life, its pretty nice to have someone who loves you". --Sammy Davis Jr.
(June 10th)

"To love is to make one's heart a swinging door."-Howard Thurman
(May 18th)

"I've heard some of the young people laugh about slave love, but they should envy the love
which kept mother and father so close together in life, and even held them in death".
-Alonzo Haywood, former enslaved African-American
(April 15th)

"I have cared for more than six hundred addicted babies since we opened the center.....They love you to tell them how great they are, how good they are. Somehow, even at a young age, they understand that". - Clara "Mother"Hale
(April 8th)

November 10, 2006

This has been a good November to date. Students are coming to my office pretty regularly to ask reference questions. Some of the topics covered: death penalty cases, same-sex marriage legislation by states, mental health/competence to proceed with trial, statues and U.S. Code research using Westlaw and Lexis. In addition, I have four more assignments to complete for Christopher. I have been pretty regular about arriving at work between 8:00am-8:15am and still leaving around 6:00-7:40pm most evenings.

I attended the reception honoring one of the graduating Law Students and to give students an opportunity to meet me. The Law School Student Affairs department did a tremendous job in setting everything up. I did engage about three students who are new to Notre Dame as well as new to the United States. I happen to look up at the ceiling and notice my alma mater flags pinned to the wall amongst a slew of flags representing other universities. I have very fond memories of the University of Detroit Mercy and Wayne State University. It put a smile on my face and confirmed for me that I am beginning my Librarian career in an awesome place.

I did get my items into Laura for my upcoming review. When I was finalizing my report, I was amazed at all of the things that I have been doing here at Notre Dame as well in my committee work via ALA & ACRL. My colleagues outside of ND have been enormously gracious and kind with their words of encoragement and pride they have for me. I just count it all as a blessing and a confirmation that if you do what you really love, the rewards are infinite!

On a personal note: I celebrated 15 years of marriage! WOW! Times really moves fast..... Our children are the most awesome testament of our love and promise we made to each other. My husband is truly my number one fan, which is why I love him very much! We celebrated by joining one of our favorite couples who are new friends of ours here in South Bend. Its so nice to be around other couples who are energizing and engaging towards one another. They treated us to a lovely dinner and dessert. We left the evening with an edible gift: a white chocolate image of a capital building. I am going to bring this large piece of "guilty pleasure" to work to share with the students and staff at the Law School.

************************************************************************************************
I am so Blessed to be able to read and get fortified by words of wisdom.............
I was in the midst of organizing some of my writing papers, and I came across a copy of a conversation with Maya Angelou and Cornel West they did in February of 1996. Fr. Jenkins (The President of the University of Notre Dame) sent out an email last week about an encyclical written by Pope Benedict about Love. He has asked the faculty, staff, and students to reflect on. The following dialogue as well as the scriptural passages, speaks volumes to me what Love is:

Cornel West: "....when I think about love, both in my own life and in the life of others, I think of that which keeps one keeping on.....Motion, Movement, Resilence, Resistance...."

Maya Angelou: "Yes."

Cornel West: "You can't love others until you love yourself. And loving yourself is not a matter of putting yourself on a pedestal. Its a matter of acknowledging your own humanity."

Maya Angelou: "There's a statement that was made in Latin. "I am a human being. Nothing human can be alien to me." Now that statement was made by Terence. And when you look in the encyclopedia besides Terence with one r , in italics you see Terentius Afer. He was an African, a slave, solde to a Roman senator, freed by that senator. He became the most popular playright in Rome, influencing everybody as far as Molie're. But in 154 B.C., this black man, not born white or free or with any chance of ever achieving citizenship in the Rome of his day, said this incredible statement: "I am a human being. Nothing human can be alien to me". This is so incredible! If you can internalize the least portion of that, you can never be the same.........I'm a black woman who has come through some things and who is going through something now. And if I live and the creek don't rise, I will go through something tommorow. I could not have gone this far without an understanding that there is no place that God is not." ..........."God is Love"........

Cornel West: "For me, this has to do with being able to view yourself in the light of a story thats bigger than your life...."you've got to be able to say, Look, I am a small character in a larger narrative that goes all the way back"......"You have to love yourself enough to allow it to spill over and support others"......:The Million Man March and a host of other events that generate some sense of possibility and motion"......."Thats Love"......

Maya Angelou: "Whatever my dream, whatever my hope, whatever my aspiration, and ambition, it is no greater hope than to be loved by my people".....To be loved by my people first!"
************************************************************************************************
Luke: 10: 25, 27
"And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" .....So he answered and said, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself"...................

I Corinthians 13: 4-8
"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up. Does not behave rudely, does not seek it own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; Does not rejoice iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.........."

It is a true Blessing to be in an environment to which I can nurture my Spiritual Self"