Meghan Kowalski
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People Who Ban Books are Cowards

4/30/2022

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Don't ban books.

If you don't want to read it, that is your choice. You should not be able to keep others from reading what they want. 

It's that simple.

Banning books is never about protecting kids or morality. It's about control. The current wave of book banning is inherently tied to the culture wars of politics. When one party feels like it's losing, they resort to power moves of control. Banning books is one of their weapons of choice.

People who ban books are cowards. They are afraid. 

They are afraid of one of the most delightful board books I have ever read. Everywhere Babies celebrates all the amazing things infants do in their first year of life.

Infants.

Some folks in Florida are afraid of infants. (WaPo - may be paywalled)

Cowards.

I have read this book with my child more times than I can count. You know what the cowards are afraid of? The possibility that there may be some gay couples in this books. It shows two men walking together, another set talking together, and two exhausted women near a baby in a cradle. The cowards are making inferences into the illustrations. The people illustrated could just as likely be friends or family. At no point is there any explicit mention of parents who may be gay or queer or asexual or transgender in this book.

And even if there was, it shouldn't be banned!

Books are one of the safest and most comprehensive ways to understand topics that are hard or make us uncomfortable. Fiction makes us more empathetic. (Discover) Non-fiction provides research into history, science, society, and every other subject you can think of. (Library of Congress) Books are at the heart of education. When you ban them, you make learning incomplete. 

Instead of learning from or growing from discomfort, the cowards have chosen to try to deny that things they don't like exist.

It won't work. 

Because cowards run away and heroes stay.

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Just Good Things #35

4/29/2022

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Whenever I present at a conference, I like to assess how I think it went afterwards. This week, I thought I nailed it. The chat was lively, there was lots of Q&A, and people were @ing me on Twitter. On top of that, I just felt damn good with the work I presented. I rode that high for a couple of days.

Here's what else was good in my week:
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  • I attended a phenomenal online conference
  • Frozen garlic bread
  • Our kiddo asking me for help identifying the critters in all of her animal crackers
  • The outright camp of Leverage: Redemption
  • I know they're awful for the environment, but sanitizing cleaning wipes make my life so much easier on a daily basis
  • Having a lie down on a weekend afternoon. Not a nap. Just a lie down.
  • Amazon's "Wake Up, Chill" playlist
  • Seeing our kiddo play host at home to a friend and happily share all her toys
  • All the flowers in our neighborhood
  • Tasty leftovers

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The Now: April 27, 2022

4/27/2022

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The spring semester at my University is about to wrap up. Things are ending a bit later this year, so I have a shorter interim period in which to plan what I want to tackle over the summer.

Normally, since things are slower, I try to add a few more complex projects to my list. I don't think I'm going to do that this summer. I've got carry over things from this year (and last summer to be honest) that I want off my list. Instead of doing new things, I'm declaring this the summer of clearing out as many Trello cards as possible.

Here's what else has my attention.

WORK
  • The main work thing happening in my work life right now is the Conference on Academic Library Management. I presented yesterday and CALM has sessions every day this week. It's, hands down, one of the best online conferences I've experienced. The presenters have been open and vulnerable, but the blue sky talk is limited. It's mostly actionable learning and ideas. I love that!
  • I'm prepping lots of content to go out on our social media during finals week. This is one of my favorite assignments each semester.
  • Still converting LibGuides to the new template. So close to finishing!

PERSONAL
  • I'm finally getting around to converting some accounts over to the living trust we set up. One problem I'm running into is just who to contact at some of the institutions. Contact emails should not be so damn hard to find!
  • Decided it was time to go on one of my unsubscribing binges. I cleared out all my newsletters, social media follows, RSS feeds, and other things that have not posted content in the last six months. Now, I'm thoroughly assessing everything else as it lands in front me. This happens about twice a year, but I'm mentally prepared to stop adding things to my plate now. 

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Tuesday Tips: Asking the Right Questions

4/26/2022

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You would think, that librarians would just find answers.

We do - but we also ask a lot of questions.

When we work with people, we want to make sure that we are answering their questions fully and completely. Oftentimes, that means we have to draw out the real reason for the question. Sometimes being asked "do you have X" or "can you tell me about Y" is not the full question.

To get to the heart of the matter, we're trained to conduct reference interviews. We ask just as many questions as are asked of us. Some of the techniques include:
  • Repeating the original question
  • Asking the person to define what they need or mean
  • Actively listening for tone and verbal cues
  • Asking clarifying and open-ended questions
  • Asking what work the person has already done (or the information they've already found)
  • Asking for confirmation if our research is on the right track
  • Confirming that we have answered the question fully

This skill is useful outside of the library, too. I've found I have more meaningful conversations because asking the right questions elicits a deeper connection. 

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The Weekly Wrap: April 24, 2022

4/24/2022

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Every spring, I look forward to the day when it's possible to open the windows. I adore these weeks when we can turn off our heat, open the windows as far as they will go, and enjoy the fresh air.

In our area, however, there is one major downside to this time of the year. Pollen. Lots and lots of pollen.

When we leave our windows open, inevitably we get a fine layer of green over almost everything we own. This is most visible on the black IKEA bookcase we use as a sofa table. Last week, I dusted it to a pristine clean on Thursday. We opened the windows and less than 2 hours later, there was a fine spray of pollen all over the top. When I clean our surfaces now, I wipe up a gross - but also oddly satisfying - greeny yellow dust. 

I'm willing to put up with this because letting in the cool breezes and fresh air makes it all worth it. I see windows open season as a way to put winter behind me and welcome the warmth. In spring, I always feel some pep in my step, a boost in my mood, and the desire to tackle new projects.

What's your favorite/least favorite part of spring?

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  • Where density doesn't make sense. [The Deleted Scenes]
  • Breaking down the loaded language we use. [Anti-Racism Daily]
  • The role of skills in the new job market. [LinkedIn]
  • File this under things I never knew: Australia once declared war on emus. [Atlas Obscura]
  • Tweet thread by a man getting dysentery for science. [@wokeglobaltimes]
  • When we revere libraries as safe spaces, we overlook the actual dangers. [Electric Lit]
  • How to hide the cords in your home. [Real Simple]
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  • Time to inhale some fresh air. [Life Kit]
  • Louis Armstrong sounds like a charming person. [Atlas Obscura]
  • Cookies have been around for a really long time. [Gastropod]
  • Russia's debt payments explained. [The Indicator]
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  • I rewatched both seasons of Bridgerton. I enjoyed it just as much the third time around as I did the first and second. [Netflix]
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  • We don't really celebrate Easter, but the hubby did use it as an excuse to make sous vide duck a l'orange. I'm glad he did because this recipe is utterly delicious. Years ago, he made this recipe the traditional way (lots of rotating for self-basting) and it took hours. It was good, but this method is not only easier, it's better. The sauce is silky and perfect for dipping. Just keep an eye out for the whole peppercorns. [Anova]
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Just Good Things #34

4/22/2022

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I just nabbed a tiny chocolate duck out of our candy dish. The grandparents sent Easter candy before the holiday, and most of it is still around. I'm glad I have the option to satisfy my sweet tooth without too much trouble.

Here's what else was good in my week:
  • Kiddo is home today because her daycare is closed... and she's napping!
  • The burgers from the restaurant next door to our building.
  • I reveled in my hotel night off from parenting. It was glorious!
  • The Hubby made sous vide duck a l'orange.
  • Bridgerton being very rewatchable.
  • Our neighborhood has erupted with spring flowers.
  • Kiddo's current favorite books are D&D themed.
  • Two meetings that are usually loooooooong were much shorter than usual.
  • Canva

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The Now: April 20, 2022

4/20/2022

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I have thoughts on the ending of mask mandates. Many thoughts. I will spare you the diatribe.

Here's what else has my attention at the moment.

WORK
  • We just wrapped up the last interview for one of our open positions. Now we move on to the recommendation and offer side of things. I am *fingers crossing* that our first pick accepts but I also really like our second option. Guess that's a good problem to have.
  • I'm making headway on converting our LibGuides over to the new template. Slim chance I actually finish this month instead of next.
  • Making final edits on the collection form and website for the faculty research index. Hope to start collecting and importing information soon.
  • I present at CALM next week. (AH!) I wrote an extensive outline and am now drafting slides.

PERSONAL
  • Did one of those super deep spring cleans of our home. I'm talking dusting the baseboards, vacuuming under the couch, and decrumbing the toaster oven sort of deep cleans.
  • Finally got around to drawing out my bullet journal page for my letter of the year.
  • As a part of our estate planning, I am working on developing a letter of instruction for our kiddo. We have the guardianship all legally established, but now I want to handle the more emotional/logistical side of things. 
  • Still working on my backlog of photo management. I have been keeping up with getting things off my phone, but now I'm dealing with file naming and foldering.

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Now Reading: The Flatshare

4/18/2022

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The Flatshare
Beth O'Leary

Thanks to a lot of time devoted to reading this past weekend, I am already three-quarters through this one already.

​In my mind, the premise is kind of a stretch, but I love how the author is telling the story. It’s a modern spin on the epistolary novel and I find the whole thing delightful and charming.

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The Weekly Wrap: April 17, 2022

4/17/2022

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I'm not sure if this is true of all Type-A personalities or just my Type-A personality, but I have to plan my free time.

Case in point... Saturday was the start of my 24-hours off from parenting. My husband and I agreed that we would each get two this year and I decided to schedule my first one for this weekend. I packed up a suitcase full of snacks, spa supplies, and my laptop and rolled it down the street to a hotel near our home. For 24-hours it's just me, a rewatch of Bridgerton season 2, a long hot bath, and random scrolling of the internet. 

But, I can't just enjoy this indulgence as it happens, I have to plan for it. For my one night away, I made a packing list, schedule, menu, and a spread in my bullet journal. Sure, some of the timing in the schedule is vague and I only listed some activities I'd like to do, but I still planned my entire night off down to which face masks I wanted to use.

I simply can't not plan. (You hear that? It's all my friends and family snickering in recognition.) I find that I enjoy my time more if I have a roadmap for where I'm going. My brain gets itchy if there's not a list or a schedule. I need to be able to cross things off, even on my "unproductive" days. 

Do you plan your free time?

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  • Is there an ideal shower length? [Lifehacker]
  • Art on toast. [Colossal]
  • Students are disengaged and disappearing even when they're in class. [Chronical of Higher Education - may be paywalled]
  • Setting up a kitchen from scratch? Use this list. [Serious Eats]
  • Book mobiles have a long history. [Book Riot]
  • The pandemic took life lesson learning from little kids. [WaPo - gift link]
  • Books. Are they for reading, decorating, or bragging? [The Guardian]
  • It's almost like standardized tests only reward people who can afford to learn how to take them... [Higher Ed Dive]
  • The origin of fish and chips. [Atlas Obscura]
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  • Power plants helped save the manatees and now that's a problem. [Planet Money]
  • The cycle and far reaching impacts of incivility. [Hidden Brain]
  • The income gap even exists in inflation. [The Indicator]
  • The active democracy of town meeting. [99% Invisible]
  • Self-censorship and preference falsification can lead people and society astray. [Hidden Brain]
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  • We watched Free Guy and it was ridiculously charming. Ryan Reynolds stars and channels Will Ferrell's enthusiasm in Elf against the backdrop of a story that combines The Lego Movie and Ready Player One. I know a lot of the references went over my head because I am not a gamer, but I picked up on a few things. This one we may be watching again to get all the goodness. Let the credits roll. The cameos are fantastic. [HBO]
  • We must have been in a Ryan Reynolds mood this week because we also watched The Adam Project. If you can just ignore the conundrums, broken science, and plot holes that always come with time travel flicks, it's a good movie. The cast is stacked. Reynolds seems to play the same variation of character in every film, but it works. [Netflix]
  • Because cat. [@alex_wohlrab]
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  • I think cold pasta is a great lunch meal prep option. This week, I made spinach and orzo salad with balsamic dressing. Quick and easy to throw together, but next time I'll wait to toss in the dressing. I did it all at once and it soaked into the pasta mellowing the flavor. [Budget Bytes]
  • One thing our kiddo is generally guaranteed to eat is sausage. I made slow cooker sausages with peppers and onions. It was a nice option for dinner, but I'm not sure I will make it again. The brats lacked the snap that comes with grilling or pan searing. And, weirdly, the green peppers came out pretty bitter. Then again, I do love any recipe that lets me cook with whole grain mustard. [The Kitchn]
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Just Good Things #33

4/15/2022

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As I write this, our new robot vacuum is motoring around cleaning our kitchen. I never thought I would get a robot vacuum but, I must confess, I fell for the good recommendation from Young House Love. Since we have a toddler, we always have crumbs about. Also, my hair likes to leave tumbleweeds. I loved the idea of having a little vacuum take care of daily maintenance cleaning. So far, it's been great! The little guy sucks up so much dust and hair; it's just plain fun to watch, too. We want our kiddo to name it, but she's not decided yet. Right now we just cheer on "little guy" and "buddy" as it sweeps up our space. This has been one of our better purchases lately. 

Here's what else has been good this week.
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  • Adding a day to my already three-day weekend.
  • Taking the time to super clean our home and feeling the reward of a tidy space.
  • Windows open weather!
  • Starting a great new book.
  • The  Husband bought me sushi for lunch last weekend.
  • Throwing everything in the dishwasher and running a few cycles instead of cleaning things by hand.
  • Discovering I can sit cross-legged in my office chair at work.
  • Seeing our kid run around a new playground with some of her daycare friends.
  • The carnations we got from the grocery store are about to hit week 5 and still look good.
  • Tried a new meatball recipe and it's a keeper.

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