Lists, Interviews, and Research

Happy Wednesday! First, congratulations to all the San Jose SLIS students who’ve survived another semester. Enjoy your break! I’m completely enjoying break week here at work because I’m getting so much work done. Plus, dear reader, it has given me the chance to write about more lists and fun stuff. So let’s get right into it, shall we?

I don’t care if you think you don’t care about typography, you must go take a look at this post from I Love Typography, Codex type: the Week in Type. This is one of the most beautiful posts and awesome lists I’ve seen in a while. Makes me just want to design a thousand things instead of finishing up retention dossier.

And, yes, it is the season of lists. Lifehacker has another great list: Most popular photography tips, tricks, and hacks of 2010. This is just perfect timing for all those holiday photos that you just know you’ll be taking when you get together with family and friends. Also, you may want to check out Lifehacker’s most popular DIY projects of 2010 before you meet up with your family and friends because you know DIY projects (and tech support) are almost always on the table when you visit family. Or, at least, they are in my family.

Now for something serious that you should read, take to heart, and share with your patrons: Lifehacker’s article on the main reason why you suck at interviews: lack of preparation. I’ve been talking with friends and interns lately a lot about interviewing and careers and so I think this is a very timely article. Plus, the article speaks the truth–prepare for your interviews! Really. I’m not joking. It’s like a presentation–you don’t try to wing it and you do practice. It takes time and sometimes you feel really silly prepping for an interview, but it is worth it. Before I interviewed for my present position, I did a lot of research about the school, the library, the faculty, the tenure process, etc. I probably looked a little silly at the gym studying books on interviewing techniques and statistics on the school while on the elliptical trainer, but it paid off during the interview. I felt confident that I knew what I was talking about and could actually ask intelligent questions. So practice and prepare.

Okay, I’m off my soapbox and think that we must end with a couple of fun bits because it is the holiday season after all.

First: for those living in the Bay Area, Saturn Cafe is now in Berkeley! This is so exciting for those of us addicted to Saturn Cafe’s yummy veggie food, but sadly no longer live close to the original Saturn Cafe in Santa Cruz. Really, you need to go try the Saturn Cafe. Have the nachos, you won’t be sorry.

Second: you know we have to end with a funny video. So here is Simon’s Cat in ‘Santa Claws.’ Even if you’ve seen it before give yourself a 2 minute and 13 second break and watch it again. You’ll smile and smiling is good for you.

Have a great rest of your day. I’ll be back on Friday with more library, tech, and holiday fun. Thanks for reading.

One thought on “Lists, Interviews, and Research

  1. Thanks for the tip about the new Saturn Cafe in Berkeley. I had lunch there today and it was great; cool decor, good service, and a great “burger” and fries. It hit the spot on a gloomy day.
    P

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