Random Thoughts at the Beginning of the Spring Semester

I believe more and more that reference is dead.  I think the database publishers have created products that are easy to use, thus students do not need assistance from reference librarians. At the beginning of the semester students are not asking questions about textbooks. I guess they all know the library does not carry required textbooks. Let’s face it, reference is dead.  I am glad that I am approaching retirement.  I wish I could look for another profession, but nobody would hire me at my age.

My computer did not have internet access all day.  I had to go to the information commons a few times to respond to important e-mails.  The man from the telecommunications department figured out the problem, has to shut the internet access to the entire building after midnight.  Things should be back to normal tomorrow.

Best of Luck to Jason Kucsma

Today I attended the Annual Meeting of New York Metropolitan Library Council (METRO).  it was announced that Jason Kucsma has resigned as Executive Director to return to his native Ohio.  He will become Deputy Director of the Toledo Public Library.

I mentioned in this journal in October 2011 that Jason was internally promoted to Executive Director.  Since 2000 I have been the convener of the METRO Science Librarians SIG and have worked with many people at METRO.  It has been my pleasure to work with Jason and his staff since he came to METRO in 2008 and became Executive Director in 2011.

I certainly wish him all the best in his new position in Toledo.  I am sure he will do well there.  He will be sorely missed by his colleages in NYC.

Please read this article by Davis Erin Anderson about Jason.