Traveling Librarian: Is the Economy in the U.S. Getting Better?

Traveling Librarian: Is the Economy in the U.S. Getting Better?: You may wonder why I am taking the liberty to talk today about investment and the Dow Jones. Well the reason is simple. I had a referen...

Is the Economy in the U.S. Getting Better?

You may wonder why I am taking the liberty to talk today about investment and the Dow Jones. Well the reason is simple. I had a reference question regarding the U.S. stock market and whether it is safe to invest. I am not an investors and even if I were I would not be able to provide any individual with advise or recommendation on the subject. However as a librarian it is my obligation to assist the patron in finding source of information that he can use to answer his question provided that the information is accurate and reliable.  So, I dig up some information and provided the patron with the most recent news on the U.S. stock market.

 In September 2008, the stock market took a plunge the Dow Jones hit the worst point drop ever 777.68 after learning that the U.S. Senate rejected the billion bank bailout needed at the time, one month later the Senate finally approves the bailout. Since 2008 the U.S. economy has been spiraling many of us have wondered whether we would ever see the light at the end of the tunnel. We maybe finally seeing some progress and hopefully the light will start shining again

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 Is the economy in the U.S. getting better?  Yesterday, CNN reported that U.S. Stocks rose allowing for investors for the first time to believe that the housing and financial crises may finally be behind us.  The Dow Jones Industrial Average had closed at a record high of 15,409.39, after gaining more than 100 points, or 0.7% at the same time, the yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose above 2.1% - its highest level in more than a year.  The Housing market showed significant improvement as consumer confident hit a 5 year high and housing prices rose a better than expected 10.2% during the first quarter reported.  This has been the biggest increase since 2007 and helped boost the entire sector. In other news that hit the headlines during the month of May was that gold prices were going down.  A stronger dollar is the cause of gold prices to go down. This may not be good news for Gold Investors. But for all of us normal people, and general consumers it is good news. It is no longer a rumor that that the U.S. Dollar is starting to measure up to other currency. It is moving slowly but surely. The strength in the U.S. Stock market is bringing back investors who are confident and are willing to buy in U.S. Stocks.  For foreign investors this equals to selling their currencies to buy dollars, and then put them to work in the markets, were the demand is for dollars. This creates extra demand for U.S. dollars.

Like with any investments, it is normal to see the U.S. stock market, the Dow Jones goes from + to – but this does not mean that we are back to a shrinking economy. It just means that there is still more talk that needs to happen. This morning as speculations that the Federal Reserve could restrict its bond buying the Dow Jones fell nearly 100 points. However, the 10 – year Treasury note rose 2.15%. So what does this mean that there is still hope and depending on your interest on what is happening in the financial market, today maybe a good day for you or a bad day. The one thing we all need to be focusing on that is in getting our economy going so that more money is invested which = to more job be created.  So, what do you think, is the U.S. economy getting better?

From your Traveling Librarian, always a librarian!

“Life is made up of small wonders and big Ahhs! For every experience there is always something to learn and for others to treasure!” 

Japanese Taiko Drumming

I hope most of you had a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend. At least for me, it started with a bang on Saturday as the Miami Lakes Branch Library celebrated Memorial Day weekend with performer Tampa Taiko Group. 63 people visited this sought after event that took place at the library’s auditorium. Ron the Taiko drummer not only played the drums but also a Shakuhashi flute. Those present were introduced to history about Taiko drums and were also given the opportunity to participate and play the drums.

If you have never seen the Taiko drumming group performs then you missed out on a fun family event.  The Taiko drumming is a musical art form that involves music and well organized choreographed movement. The

sounds are loud, rapid and hard which many performers identify as being part of the Japanese martial arts it involves a unique rhythm were the performers are not trying to only use the drums as an instrument but they are also trying to connect their mind and spirits with the drums.  It is an ancient form of percussion using large drums. The drums can range from size from quite small to as large as a vehicle. The most common drum size is called the “chu-daiko” which is the size of the wine barrel drum.

Taiko drumming is a sound that vibrates through your body and soul. No two sounds are alike nor can it be described or compared to other drumming sounds.  Taiko drumming is native to Japan and has been around for over 1400 years. I have had the pleasure to enjoy watching and listening to Taiko performers in the past and it has been an experience that I have enjoyed watching many times over.  Taiko means “fat drums”. “Taiko” has generally often been used to refer to modern art of Japanese drum (Kumi-daiko) but the word actually refers to the drums itself.  

If you have not had the opportunity to see such a performance I then recommend that you watch Japanese theme movies such as Rising Sun or The Hunted. 

From your Traveling Librarian, always a librarian!
“Life is made up of small wonders and big Ahhs! For every experience there is always something to learn and for others to treasure”!

A Conversation about Libraries

As a librarian, I find myself continuously approached by people that are amazed to learn that libraries are still a vibrant place to visit. Once we get into the whole conversation about libraries and what libraries have to offer they still ask the question of how we are surviving in times where almost anything can be found online.  So, I was lucky to come across this article “The Downside of Being Universally Liked/Advocate’s Corner” written by Jason Kramer.  I thought I might share it as it made me wonder about the future of libraries.  In recent years with talks about budget cuts and funding sources dwindling there has been much commotion and discussion about the value of libraries, especially public libraries.

 

Kramer explains that “Libraries have no natural predator” the reason being that everyone likes libraries and it seems that most people have had at least one good experience or a story to share about their library visit.  So, why are libraries getting so little support?  Kramer states that the problem lies on “the competitiveness and aggressive world of politics, no enemies usually means no allies” in other words in my opinion it seems that we are being neglected because we are not a major concern or money driven institution and/or politically influencing the masses. But this does not mean that we are the enemy.  On the contrary, we are seen more like the beloved child that bares no scars or resemblance to trouble.   We would have not been in the chopping board during budgetary times if it weren't for our present economy that is still struggling to survive. 

I have to agree with Kramer that libraries do not have a natural predator but in the past decade we have seen how the effects of a slumping economy have affected our livelihood.  I believe that we can visualize ourselves and change the negative perception and belief about libraries as an old institution that is stagnant and is not moving fast enough towards the future.  Libraries have always maintained a place of importance even in difficult times and it has to do, because our value is that we are “a tool not a thing that pushes opinion” (Kramer).  As “a tool such as the hammer” that builds and creates economic growth, libraries are infrastructures of the modern world.  “Information infrastructure is a utility and it is as necessary as much as power grids and transportation networks” (Kramer).

The importance of libraries specifically in Academic and Research libraries lies in the fact that they actually develop innovation; they are always conducting research that is supported by the Universities.  Kramer states those libraries provide the raw material of information that is needed to fuel researchers, and entrepreneurs.  Libraries are not an end in itself but a means to an end, what a great thought! So ask the question and the answer can be found at the library!  “One way is  to improve library presence  is to cultivate partnerships with other institutions, department or organizations, in other words libraries are and should be, the allies that others need to achieve their goals, when the library helps them we win too” (Kramer).  I understand that many libraries are rethinking or trying to reinvent themselves and this is always a good thing since it keeps us current and not stagnant.  

I think this is a great idea as it can improve overall library presence. There is nothing wrong with change, if with change there is progress.   For example, Become a library advocate,

partner with other institutions, businesses, non-profit that deliver unique services that no other can duplicate.  That is the key to this “NO Duplication of Services” being unique attracts attention and interest in the organization. Be the first to deliver any services by being on top of the leading edge in ideas and technology, lead for others to follow.  Opportunity is always present so why not take the bull by its horns, look around, see what others are doing, conduct your library like a business, an enterprise, compete to be # 1 and be always prepare for the future.

Your Traveling Librarian, a librarian at WILL! Have a blessed day, be a friend to a librarian!

 http://lj.libraryjournal.com/category/opinion/advocates-corner/

From my traveling desk to you!

Hi Readers:

This will be my first blog as a “Traveling Librarian” far from the days of school. When I first created this blog was to comply with one of my course requirements. Today, I begin to write to you and share my traveling experience as a librarian but also keep you informed of what is going on in the world of libraries but most important I hope to provide each of you a learning experience.  Think of this blog as a journal where I will share some history, geography, culture, food, shopping and information about the different libraries I will be visiting through each of my journeys.

I will be in touch soon writing to you, sharing stories, posting pictures and even providing information about library activities and more. I hope to also receive some feedback, comments and hear about your experience at the library or a place you have visited that would like to share with others.  So, I would like to welcome each one of you to my Traveling Librarian blog.