2008 Blogs

Thank goodness for the Internet!

03/18/2009

I evidently returned from Malaysia with a cold "bug," but aside from a husky voice and needing to sleep more than usual, I'm not suffering too much.   I have learned a couple of "important" things since I've been here.  The other day I inadvertently got a brilliant orange stain on my one good white blouse, but managed to remove it with toilet bowl cleaner and sunshine.  Now I can't say what toilet bowl cleaner does to the fibers in the fabric, but for the short-term, it's a good solution.  The second thing I've learned is to use window cleaner to kill ants.  (Toilet bowl cleaner also works, but the window cleaner smells nicer!)

I've spent a good bit of my time this week gathering information about the library and seeking out solutions for the many challenges the librarians at NTU face.  Thank goodness for the Internet!  And a special thanks to my colleague Mary Niles Maack, at UCLA, and to Sue McFadden and Matt Dilworth, at IU East, for sending names to contact, journal articles, and website addresses.  I've been able to compile a good list of digital resources for the librarians, and am seeking out training opportunities (and scholarships to support their participation in them).  Next month I will be attending the CONSAL XIV (a library conference for library & information professionals in Southeast Asia) in Hanoi and it should be another good opportunity for networking.

 

I'm also continuing to develop Powerpoint presentations for the American Literature and American Culture courses here.  In early April I've been asked to do a workshop for a nearby college.  Among other topics, I have one hour to present what Vietnamese should know about American history and culture.  Okay, put on your thinking caps.  I'd love to hear what you think I should share with them.

Next week I hope to see a bit more of Vietnam, which I'll report on as time permits.  Rest assured, there's never a dull moment.