An Appreciation for (Musical) Archives ... and a New Lucie Arnaz CD Coming Out!

Lucie Arnaz and her musical director, Ron Abel, spent three days at the Library of Congress, researching material for her upcoming participation in the Lyric and Lyricists series at New York's 92nd Street Y (Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010).

In interviews with the San Francisco Sentinel and the Bay Area Reporter, Lucie talks about the work of Edward Maffei, a San Francisco archivist and discographer who had preserved music from the Desi Arnaz Orchestra on cassette tape, and Lucie and Ron's recent visit to her parents' archive at the Library of Congress, where they reviewed Desi Arnaz's orchestrations.

Also exciting: Lucie is preparing to release a new CD, Latin Roots, on the LML Music label!

P.S. Thanks to the Everything Lucy blog for alerting me to Lucie's interview with the SF Sentinel.

Introducing NJ/NY Librarians to SLA's GLBT Issues Caucus

The posting of presentations from the great Oct. 14 conference, Serving New Jersey's GLBT Community, gives me the excuse to post on the event, albeit a month later. The conference gave me a chance to meet and reconnect with some wonderful New Jersey (and New York) librarians who are keenly interested in serving GLBT people with the best resources available, along with understanding and respect for all. For more details, please see my post on the SLA's GLitter BiTs blog.

Philadelphia Library System Pairs Branches to Remain Open Six Days a Week

The Free Library of Philadelphia didn't in fact have to close up shop. Almost a month ago, on Sept. 17, the Pennsylvania State Senate passed a measure that allowed the library to remain open. The library's "closing page" was changed to a "thank you for your support page."

In fact, the library system was able to keep Monday through Saturday service by pairing nearby libraries, which started Oct. 5.

For Public Libraries, Great News in New York and Horrible in Philadelphia

Some branches of the New York Public Library are expanding hours from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., starting today.

But in Philadelphia, almost the whole system could shut down, at least temporarily, starting Oct. 2. It's interesting that in Philly, patrons will still be able to use the library's Web site and databases. Will the powers that be see electronic access as "good enough"? I doubt it, but it's good that the Free Library is keeping some services available during the possible shutdown anyway. It's interesting that the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped at 919 Walnut St. will remain open weekdays from 9-5. Here's why.

He Once Lit Up a Kid's Life

Seen on the streets of Somerville: A poor little lamp bear was left out with the trash on the curb, along with some toys! I resisted the urge to adopt him!

Interview Essay Featured on GLitter BiTs blog

Gregory Horvitz was kind enough to feature me as part of the "member interviews" on the SLA's GLBT Issues blog, GLitter BiTs. If you haven't read Mary Ellen Bates' interview already, you might find that even more interesting!

Eric Schwarz Honored as SLA Diversity Leader

I'm pleased to announce that at the Special Libraries Association conference (SLA 2009, to be held June 14-17), I will be recognized as one of five winners of the 2009 Diversity Leadership Development Program Award for "up and coming information professionals."

In addition to my professional work, I've been fortunate to participate in two wonderful groups within SLA: the New Jersey Chapter (NJSLA) and the GLBT Issues Caucus.

In particular, I'm grateful to Barbara Burton, NJSLA immediate past president, for sponsoring my nomination for the award and for asking me to serve as chapter president. I'm sure the leadership skills I've learned serving members of both the chapter and the caucus were a key factor in my selection for the award.

I also extend my congratulations to my fellow awardees: Regina Beard, Julia Leggett, Nora Martin and Nedelina Tchangalova. I'm honored to be considered with these women who have accomplished so much in their careers.

A press release on this program soon will be posted on the SLA site.