Welcome to the July 2011 SLIS Descriptor!

Dear fellow students,

In this issue of the Descriptor, we bring you an opportunity to get to know your 2011-12 ALASC officers. Check out what we’re reading this summer and learn more about us and what’s on our bookshelves:

• Elizabeth Borghi, Chair

• Lisa Dibbern, Co-Chair and Web Coordinator

• Elaine Hall, Program Coordinator

• Rosemary Kiladitis, Secretary/Archivist

• Stacey Nordlund, Newsletter Editor

• Maryanne Rodriguez, Treasurer

• Have you ever wondered what success actually smells like? Alison Leonard shares her experience touring the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising’s Library where she was given a chance to sniff out their unique perfume vial collection.

• Considering an internship? Pat Oey discusses her internship experience at Atherton Library in San Mateo County. Learn why LIBR 294 is such a valuable class and how it can benefit you as you work towards your MLIS.

Lastly, please remember to visit the SLIS Networks page to find connections in your geographic area.  If there is no group in your region, start your own and email the editor to have it included.

As always, we welcome your feedback and submissions and wish you well in your studies as summer semester comes to a close and fall semester rapidly approaches.

Sincerely,

Stacey Nordlund

2011-2012 Editor

SJSU ALASC SLIS Descriptor

Meet ALASC Chair: Elizabeth Borghi

Here are some books I’ve enjoyed this summer:

The Art of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau

Chris Guillebeau’s Art of Non-Conformity email newsletter began several years ago, but his book by the same name was published in 2010. His intention is to teach readers how to “set your own rules, live the life you want, and change the world.” Guillebeau walks readers through clear exercises and the nuts and bolts of developing goals, dealing with fear, building relationships, managing finances and more – meanwhile citing clear examples from his own life and others. This is a good read for anyone desiring a life overhaul, and is especially relevant to students and new professionals. A brief chapter on grad school advises, “relate your education to what you actually want to do when you finish” and “consider some form of alternative learning to increase your knowledge.” AONC’s concepts and success stories provide an inspirational guide to navigating uncharted territory, thus making it a great guide for those invested in the success of libraries in a time of unprecedented change.

Meet ALASC Co-Chair and Web Coordinator: Lisa Dibbern

Here are a few of the books I'm reading this summer:

An Intellectual History of Cannibalism by Catalin Avramescu and Alistair Ian Blyth: I've been waiting to read this for about a year and finally just went out and bought it.  It's not so much about the history of Cannibalism as it is about intellectual history of ideas about cannibalism and the way the cannibalism has been used throughout history transforming political thought and violence.

Tough Island by Crash Barry: This is the second self-published book by Barry, a Maine Native, who writes about real life adventures based here in Maine.  This book should be just the right amount of gritty, with a little mischief and sea foam on the side.

The Man in the Rockefeller Suit: The Astonishing Rise and Spectacular Fall of a Serial Imposter by Mark Seal: Whoa! Just read a synopsis and some reviews for this book. Looks spectacular and very suspenseful; I mean, if you don't know the story, like I didn't!

Meet ALASC Program Coordinator: Elaine Hall

One summer read I recommend is The Midwife's Confession by Diane Chamberlain

A definite read for defining the complexity of close friendships, and even more the complex relationship between mothers and daughters. I only gave it 4 stars because throughout the book it was hard to follow the characters. Each chapter is from a different character's perspective. I had thought it would've been helpful for Chamberlain to outline the characters in the beginning but it becomes clear at the end of the book why she didn't. 



As you read the story, you get a sense of predictability but there is no predicting the ending of this book. The plot thickens and by the time you reach the middle of the book, you can't put it down. There is love found, love betrayed, and love lost. There is mourning and there is hope. There is hope for the birth of a child and the fear of losing a child. There is a midwife so complex, so giving and loving, and yet so mysterious with secrets so dark she could not reveal them to her husband, her sister, nor her best friend. 



I would highly recommend this book for any book club. Upon completing the novel, the reader finds a wonderful list of inquiries about the reader's own journey and understanding of the book. These inquiries would make for wonderful, deep conversations about the characters, our reactions, and how the plots would be handled in real life. If one had the time to completely dissect a book - Chamberlain provides the framework and the invitation to do so with "The Midwife's Confession"!