A Case of Credential Fraud?

When I was mulling over my 30Y.30L project in 2011, it was a no-brainer to include Brandon Township Library as I had grown up in the neighboring town of Oxford. Further, having worked in the new Oxford Public Library, I learned that BTL was deemed a sister library, of sorts, sharing the very same architect.

I have much to write about; however, each time I start working on the post, I begin having doubts and questioning my professional ethics -- see, there is a bit of a scandal coming to light in Michigan library-land...

The issue: Brandon Township Library hasn't received State Aid in the past 5 years and the library board wanted to know why. Upon calling a special meeting, the library director tendered her resignation effective immediately and subsequently retired.

Here are the relevant articles in the press:
11.20.2013: Brandon Twp. Library Director resigns; investigation underway
11.27.2013: Brandon Township Library on administrative lockdown
12.4.2013: Brandon Township Public Library director resigns after library receives no state funding for five years
12.20.2013: Brandon Township library hires forensic auditor, tightens finances after director’s resignation

A case of credential fraud?

Having just jumped through all of the hoops in order to complete my MLIS...and the fact that I currently hold a nonprofessional/non-salaried position in the LIS-field, this is a very bitter pill for me to swallow...

When I attended the library board meeting back in November, I was surprised that the board refused to directly respond to any of the comments or questions raised by taxpayers and former employees. I am not sure if that's their standard operating procedure...or if it's due to the open investigation. (Note: I serve as a trustee on a township board and that is not how we conduct our meetings.)

I'm Back...

After a month since my last post, I am pleased (and relieved) to write that peace has returned to both my personal and professional lives; therefore, it's safe to say: I'm back!

Blog:
Thanks to talented graphic artist Mallory Rock, I now have the perfect blog header! During my hiatus, I wrote a few blog posts. I'll share them here:

A Satisfying Day

Certification

Signature Line

Librarian Confession #1

Kicked to the Ditch

Library school:
On Thursday, May 9, alongside my SLIS colleagues, I participated in commencement at Wayne State University. It was a very memorable day as I've never before 'walked' for any of my commencements -- including high school. One of my favorite SLIS instructors, Sue Todd, was even present backstage while we waited for our names to be called.

After graduation, I had lunch at the Raven Cafe in Port Huron -- the perfect place for a bookish nerd to celebrate. Here are some pictures from the day...

Camille Chidsey and I

 

 

My "librarian" charm bracelet from Anne

Career:
I'm now a Library of Michigan certified Level 2 Public Librarian!

Certification

Today, I faxed the Library of Michigan my application for Public Librarian certification (level 2). A very proud moment...

Signature Line

On Monday, May 13, I was given access to a workplace email account and my signature line currently reads:

Jill Brown, MLIS

Caro Area District Library

http://www.carolibrary.org

989.673.4329

"...There is something magical about walking the aisles and checking out the stacks of books. Being wedged between stacks and having the smell of books drift into my nose is comforting. If I could live in the library, I would." --Authors for Libraries, a program of United for Libraries

MLIS...wow. *pinches her self*

A sentimental moment: I sent the first email from that account to two colleagues/friends in the LIS field. It read:

To the first two people I met when starting library school...

I wanted the two of you to be first to receive an email from this account with my newly granted professional credential. Thank you for all of your kind words and encouragement!

Jill Brown, MLIS

It's official! On Thursday, April 26, while I was having brunch in downtown Oceanside, California (The Longboarder Cafe), I received the following email:

"Congratulations on your graduation! Your degree has been posted to your academic record and your diploma is being printed. You will receive another email message when your diploma has been mailed. Best wishes on your future endeavors."

On Tuesday (April 30), I received this email:

Greetings! Your diploma and a courtesy copy of your academic transcript were mailed today. Please allow 7-10 business days for delivery within the United States (international delivery time will vary). Best wishes on your future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Office of the Registrar
Wayne State University

And on Friday, May 3, I received:

MLIS + graduate certificate