Library updates

Well, I finished shifting the downstairs and created an oversize and a folio section in the library.  Now I am doing some cataloging and creating a Max Reinhardt space.  I even wrote a sign explaining the space.  It's really more of a local history space than a Max space.  But because he created the library and helped found the Salzburg Festival, and refurbished the schloss, and his widow offered the schloss("Max's schloss") to the founders of the Seminar it's dedicated to him.

I have to finish it soon though.  The internship is winding down.  It still feels like there is more to do.  And to be truthful there is.  In fact, I think there's more to do now than when I got here in March.  I know I underestimated the cataloging. 
I talked to one of the program guys about how to create patrons in the library and he had some great ideas.  A writer/artist retreat for one.  Which makes sense since this was one during the Reinhardt times as well as in the 18th and 19th century.  What is old is new again?

Library

I haven't written much about the library my first week here. It's not that I haven't been doing stuff here. I have. It's just there's so much to do in the library, it can be, and is a little overwhelming at times. That's compounded by the fact that they are doing some construction to expand the emergency exit areas in the schloss.

I have to move boxes of stuff out of the office hallway for storage so that the construction guys can take down the shelves and the wall for the exit expansion. Glad I brought the Ipod. Reminds me of the old Div days. Although it's not that bad.

I have some major shifting to do, because of the construction. As well in the library itself. There's just not a lot of room to grow on the first floor. But the library is a bit stagnant in it's collection at the moment. Luckily I can shift up. I just have to figure out what to shift to the second floor.                                                                  
Then I have cataloging to do. Some groups give books to the library for their sessions. Those materials do get used. I have two ranges of shelves in the law area to integrate into the collection this week. More Dewey decimal. Joy. Well, like I said I can cheat on some of the records.

I found a space in my office to put the to be cataloged books, as soon as I move the session materials off the bookshelf and into boxes for storage. It's not enough storage in the office for all of the books, but it's a start. It's better than when I got here.

And it's easier than trekking them in and out of the library to the office to do. I've been hoping to make this more of a working office than a storage spot for stuff. The boss offered me another bookcase for the office, which I may take. I'm just not sure where it would go!

I've also been making a list of the children and young adult books that the library inherited at different points throughout the years. Some are books I had as a kid. Like Ramona the Pest, King of the Wind, Huck Finn, and the Hardy Boys. Some I've never heard of. The Famous Five, for instance (which is a British series). I wish we could have a book sale. The library needs the money. But most, if not all the books are in English, which makes it more challenging. If they were in German it would be easier to get rid of them. I have a few ideas of where to go for sales. It would be so much easier to set up a used book account on some site. But our problem is that the shipping would outstrip the money we'd get in selling them on the Internet. Once I clear up the YA stuff and make some space on the bookshelf, I'm turning my attention to the desks. There are two. It's got lots of extra bits that can be organized a little better for workflow.

Then the archive problem. God help me.

First day

Monday was my first day, officially, of work. I got signed into the office computer, unlocked the doors and got down to library science.

It's sorta inspiring being in this office. I mean if I get bored or frustrated I just swivel around in my chair and look out the window.
Made a few lists of things I need to do. Dusting is there. Which means I'll see the mountain better. I'm going to clear some space for a Max Reinhardt area in the library proper. Lots of his stuff is crammed into the nooks in the office and he deserves better. Kinda thinking he needs a little exhibit. We like Max around here.

I got my first resource assignment for a session! I have a bunch of reports, articles and links to organize for an upcoming seminar on agriculture. I will admit to being a bit overwhelmed at first since I wasn't sure at all how to do it. But with some help that was a phone call away I got started on it.
Also I learned that the stuff in the Meierhof is also part of the library, so I'll organize some time to shelve and do some serial sorting. Two separate spaces, same library.
I also have to shelve and shelf read in the library space. Plus dust off the shelves. It's a bit sneezy in some spots.

So going to be busy for a while.

There's research to be done and lists to be made. Also books to catalog(damn Melvil Dewey)