Spring flings
Gen Z in the library, "Housewife," and Stumpy
Stumpy the cherry tree and I wish you all a very happy spring (if in fact it’s spring where you are). Want to pay your respects to this DC arborial icon? Do it now, because Stumpy won’t be with us next cherry-blossom season. March sadness. :(
In between jaunts to look at blossoming things, I’ve had a busy early spring: cranking away on the book I’m editing (the ms. is due at the end of the month), nursing a back injury (self-inflicted at the gym in a misguided attempt to challenge myself), freelancing (no physical heavy lifting required).
Writing: I have two new articles out this month. The first is a reported story on my beloved library beat. EdSurge asked me to find out if the ALA’s recent survey on Gen Z (and Millennial) attitudes toward public libraries had any lessons for higher ed. As the parent of two Gen Zers, I was personally as well as professionally curious about that, so I talked to people who run and design academic library spaces about what Gen Z college students want and need from those spaces:
“What Brings Gen Z to the library?” (EdSurge):
For undergrads with packed schedules, the campus library has become a sort of one-stop shop, a place to charge and recharge in between classes, get a snack or a cup of coffee, hang out and plug in. Gen Z students typically carry multiple devices (think laptop or tablet, smartphone, headphones) that need juice.
Also popular: natural light, flexible work spaces, socializing, and sometimes even access to print (especially course materials). Also bragging rights (really). That surprised me. The kids absolutely do give me hope.
The second thing I published this month: a review of Housewife: Why Women Still Do It All and What To Do About It by Lisa Selin Davis, a book I wish I had liked better. Short version: It felt like a missed opportunity.
“How ‘Housewife’ Became an Insult” (The Washington Post):
The title may be the most provocative thing about “Housewife.” If you’re in need of a cathartic read that distills the anger and exhaustion of America’s overburdened mothers and wives, this is not the book for you. Instead, Davis offers a tour — part history, part sociology, part memoir — of the mucky middle where many women find themselves stuck, bogged down by sexist expectations, economic and practical constraints, and competing desires.
What I’m reading:
The Book of Love by Kelly Link. The magical-realist/fantasy writer Link has been on my to-read list for too long. I am making my way slowly through her new book, which is also her first novel. I probably should have started with her short stories, but I’ll get there.
Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore. Sparks fly when a fiery Oxford bluestocking with more brains than prospects crosses paths with an icy aristocrat who has the ear of Queen Victoria. I picked this up on a lark at the DC Public Library, and it’s frothy fun so far. First in Dunmore’s A League of Extraordinary Women series of historical romances.
What I’m watching:
Shōgun: This FX remake of the 1980 miniseries based on James Clavell’s novel is a stunner. Gory but compelling.
All Creatures Great and Small: comfort viewing for me and my dog Allie, who curls up with me to watch.
Cheers,
Jen
I really appreciated the piece re GenZ and campus libraries, especially locating writing centers, tutoring, and other services in libraries where students already are.