Author Archives: Jane Showalter

Hey there! My name is Jane Showalter and I’m a current student at GSLIS, just shy of halfway finished with my degree. I’m still discovering new interests in the field, but I’m fascinated by emerging (and increasingly collaborative) technology for libraries and the provision of targeted language learning software through library networks.

I grew up in Eastern Pennsylvania and graduated with my Bachelor?s of Arts in English from Chatham University in Pittsburgh in 2009. In addition to my library studies, I work in Simmons Media Services and teach English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) at a local community center. As a recent transplant to new England, I am always finding new things to do and places to explore.

There’s (Also) an Almanac for that: more charmingly specific sources in Simmons’ Beatley Library

April 6, 2010
Jane Showalter
– 11:49 am

Two weeks ago, I posted about my perusal of quirky reference books in Beatley’s reference collection. As you might imagine, there are more than five fun reference sources to get lost in. Here are a few more questions and the interesting books you should have a look at even if you’re not asked them. 1. [...]

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Boston Public Library Rally

March 30, 2010
Jane Showalter
– 10:44 am

Last Saturday, before the dreary rainstorms rolled in, a hundred or so concerned citizens rallied in support of Boston Public Library branches and to protest proposals which could close them. Library goers of all varieties gathered opposite Copley plaza, sporting the signs “Don’t Close The Book on Us? “and “Don’t Cut Off Healthy Branches,” among [...]

Posted in Boston, Events, Libraries, simmons, Students | Comments (1)

There’s an almanac for that

March 23, 2010
Jane Showalter
– 10:46 am

Is there a quirky, pop-cultural curiosity that’s been bugging you?  There’s an almanac for that. Or an encyclopedia, or a handbook. When exploring a library’s reference collection, some resources just beg for a second look. Here are a few that have caught my interest in Beatley at Simmons, and a few colorful questions I hope [...]

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Alternate Spring Break

March 16, 2010
Jane Showalter
– 1:34 pm

Last week, a handful of GSLIS (and one children’s literature!) students spent the morning volunteering in the Farragut school library for an alternate spring break project. School libraries aren’t my concentration here at Simmons, but a couple of hours working with book repair and weeding gave me a great appreciation for what it takes to [...]

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What to do when you’re not doing homework

March 4, 2010
Jane Showalter
– 1:46 pm

I’ve heard multiple professors mention that librarianship rewards those with a broad range of personal experiences. Does that make exploring our community a kind of extra credit? I think it does–and the Boston metropolitan area has us covered, where that’s concerned. If you’re looking for a certification in personal adventurousness as well as your MLS, [...]

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PowerSpeak Languages at the BPL

February 24, 2010
Jane Showalter
– 11:37 am

A young man on a plane bound for China finds himself handcuffed to a briefcase and given an address where it must be delivered. His goal is hampered by a ring of dangerous criminals and the fact that he knows very little Chinese himself. He must accept the help of a mysterious ally to have [...]

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