The Parsons Institute for Information Mapping (IMM)

This cutting-edge Institute is affiliated with the Parsons School of Design. IMM's website is beautifully designed, and it features a wealth of resources on "knowledge visualization." In addition, the Institute publishes the Parsons Journal for Information Mapping. Increasingly, the field of library and information science is blurring disciplinary boundaries in new and creative ways. This is one intriguing and aesthetically pleasing example. Check it out at:  http://piim.newschool.edu/

Do You Think You Know Everything about Searching In Google?

If you haven't had a look at Google Guide, then think again!
Nancy Bachman created this comprehensive, interactive
tutorial for Google because she wanted more information on
Google searches than Google itself provides. She provides it
in specially designed formats for novices, experts and teens at:

http://www.googleguide.com

Are You a "Renaissance Soul?"

I think that many information professionals are. We tend to have a wide range of eclectic interests that are sometimes difficult to translate into pragmatic career directions; especially in a tough economic environment like the present one. If you recognize yourself in this description, then career coach Margaret Lobenstine may be able to help. Her website is at:
http://www.togetunstuck.com

METRO Cover Letter Evaluation Workshop

On December 9, 2010, I presented a strategic Cover Letter Evaluation workshop for members of the Metropolitan New York Library Council(METRO) Career Transition Special Interest Group. Along with colleague Deb Falik, I discussed different types of cover letters, basic components of cover letters, and relevant resources. The heart of the presentation was a 20 minute interactive cover letter evaluation in which participants worked in pairs to create new cover letters or improve on older cover letters that they brought with them. The participants then re-convened to share newly discovered strategies and techniques with the entire group. A total of eight METRO members participated.

If you are interested in creating customized cover letters that complement your resume and increase the likelihood of being called for interviews by prospective employers, some resources that I recommend are:

Cover Letter Magic. Wendy S. Enelow and Louise M. Kursmark
The inside front cover lists "The Nine Types of Cover Letters" and "Six Steps to the Perfect Cover Letter."

202 Great Cover Letters. Michael Betrus
Page 6 diagrams the basic components of a sample cover letter.

Knock'em Dead Cover Letters. Martin Yates
Page 35 has an alphabetized list of relevant action verbs that is useful for discussing your experience and skills in the crucial second and third paragraphs that constitute the body of the cover letter. Martin Yates' website has updated career information at http://www.knockemdead.com

New York Library Club Holiday Dinner

This francophile librarian had a wonderful time last night at the New York Library Club's holiday dinner. It was held in a little gem of an east side French restaurant called Les Sans Culottes.

The menu was superb and the company convivial.

The paniers de crudites was a healthy and attractive appetizer, supplemented by the savory saucissons. I chose saumon a l'aneth for my entree and a delectable creme caramel for dessert. The website for Les Sans Culottes is: http://lessanscullottesny.com

If you are not yet a member of the New York Library Club, I encourage you to join. The Club's website is: http://www.nylibraryclub.org

Job Search Advice from Psychology Today

Dr. Bill Knaus has written an interesting post on the psychology of searching for a new job during challenging economic times. I especially like his analysis of the different types of procastination and the way in which procrastination is a form of "second-agenda thinking":

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/science-andsensibility/201011/psychological-tips-successful-job-search"

REWORK

If you are thinking about starting your own business, then REWORK by Jason Freed & David Heinemeier is a must. It's smart, savvy, and fun to read. It has great graphics that enhance the text, and it cuts through hype, hyperbole, and pretension with counter-intuitive suggestions like "Let your customers outgrow you" that Freed and Heinemier road-tested as founders of the 37Signals software firm.

The companion website for REWORK is: http://www.37signals.com/rework