The Library’s Blog

Buddy here.  I’ve taken over T-Dog’s blog, because I wanted to point out that I am no longer a “fuddy-duddy.”  Hmph!  My good friend Ashley was kind enough to create a smashing good costume of me.  Look above, and you will see that not only did she make me a pumpkin costume, but also a flashlight to carry!  And T-dog gets to wear his masked dog costume again.

 Thanks for the costume Ashley!  And my thanks to the students who come to visit me, as well as T-Dog.

Woof!  This has been a really busy term for the librarians and staff at the library.  Fall 2007 has seen more library instruction sessions than I’ve ever seen … which means many opportunities for Buddy and I to see all of our smiling students!  If my count is right (and it could be off, because let’s face it, I may live on a college campus, but I still count on my paws), we have had more than 80 sessions in the first half of term!  It’s so awesome that you are getting to experience the joy of my home.  And of course, when the class lets out, there is frequently a line at the desk to check out materials.  Boy, do my humans get busy when that happens!  Sometimes, they can handle as many people in the 10 minutes after class as they have in the whole hour before.  If you are feeling stressed and need to relax while waiting in line, take a look at Buddy and I … he’s a bit of a fuddy-duddy and won’t dress up, but I have a seasonal outfit on  (and my student workers change my clothes on a regular basis, so check back to see how I’m outfitted for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and more)!

I’ll write more soon. Right now I have to work on convincing Christine that we need to provide dog biscuits as well as candy on Halloween.

I can’t believe September is almost over!  Where has the time gone?  Things have been so busy here at the Circulation Desk.  We have 12 new student workers who are quickly learning the library ropes.  Christine has moved up to Head of Circulation and is doing a might fine job!  And our newest staff member, Amy (Augie Alum ’07), loves her new position as the Day Supervisor.  Vicky is continuing on as the Night Supervisor and hopefully will be adding outfits to my wardrobe soon.  (Hint, hint, Vicky.  J )  Although our department may have shifted a bit, it’s still a hard-working yet playful library family. Even though it is almost October, it sure doesn’t feel like fall!  I’m struggling a bit with the weather’s inability to maintain a “normal” temperature.  Luckily the library’s coolers have been fixed.  I decided to change into my adorable hotdog costume to send vibes to the Fall Gods in hopes that the fall activities will begin.  I’m longing for a good Weiner Roast or a campfire down by the river, with marshmallows!  Maybe if everyone dressed like a hotdog or even a marshmallow, fall will come.  Let’s try it!

I have fallen behind in my postings, and wanted to let you all know about something I heard this summer.  One of our professors, who has an office here in the library, asked for some reference assistance.  After one of the library staff suggested he try a particular database, he came back and was extremely excited about the results he received.

I know, I know.  You’re asking yourself, “How excited could he possibly be?”

Excited enough to make this statement:  “This is why librarians are in my top 5 people.  First, it is my wife; second, my daughter.  Then comes librarians.  My mom is fourth, and of course, Courtney Love is fifth.”

So, to that my friends, I can just say, “Wow! Look what happens when you come to the library.”

My good friend (and recent Augie alum) Laura Gibbs has invited me to be a flower dog in her upcoming wedding.  As a circulation worker, Laura always took very good care of me, making new outfits for me and even creating a blog for me that pre-dates this one!

Given our longstanding history, you can understand why I agreed to be her flower dog in a flash.  It’s such an honor and a thrill!  The picture above shows me as I try on my wedding garb.

I am very sad to announce that this is my good friend Jenny’s last week here at the Tredway library.  Jenny has been the Head of the Circulation department for longer than I have been here at Augustana.  She has been a great asset to my home department, and will now be moving on to bigger and better things at the Cherry Valley Public Library.

 Jenny, Buddy and I will miss you greatly!

With tail wags and puppy kisses, Augie T-Dog