Best Career: Librarian

Someone posted this link on the librarians in singapore group, so am replicating it here in case it gets deleted one day. Its "an apt description of a librarian and what librarians do! That's why I became a librarian - I learn something new every day and love going to work."

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By Marty Nemko
Posted December 11, 2008

Overview.Forget about that image of librarians as a mousy bookworms. More and more of today's librarians must be clever interrogators, helping the patron to reframe their question more usefully. Librarians then become high-tech information sleuths, helping patrons plumb the oceans of information available in books and digital records, often starting with a clever Google search but frequently going well beyond.

Librarianship is an underrated career. Most librarians love helping patrons solve their problems and, in the process, learning new things. Librarians may also go on shopping sprees, deciding which books and online resources to buy. They may even get to put on performances, like children's puppet shows, and run other programs, like book discussion groups for elders. On top of it all, librarians' work environment is usually pleasant and the work hours reasonable, although you may have to work nights and/or weekends

The job market for special librarians (see below) is good but is sluggish for public and school librarians. Nevertheless, persistent sleuthing—that key attribute of librarians—should enable good candidates to prevail.

That effort to land a job will be well worth it if you're well suited to the profession: love the idea of helping people dig up information, are committed to being objective—helping people gain multiple perspectives on issues—and will remain inspired by the awareness that librarians are among our society's most empowering people.

A Day in the Life. You work in a small municipal library, where you have to do a little of everything. You start your day by leafing through catalogs from online database publishers and book reviews in Library Journal to decide which titles to add to your collection. Next, it's out to the reference desk, where visitors regularly ask how to find something. Sometimes, it's esoteric; often, it's the bathroom. Later, you teach a class: an advanced lesson in Googling. Next, it's back to the reference desk, but you're soon interrupted by a group of boisterous kids, so you have to turn into schoolmarm: "You'll have to be quiet, or I'll have to ask you to leave." You end your day reading about "automated librarianship": data storage systems that let the public get needed resources without the help of a live librarian. Tomorrow, you decide, you'll start writing a grant proposal to develop a computer kiosk that will help patrons find health information.

Smart Specialty
Special librarian. All sorts of organizations need librarians, not just public libraries. They work for colleges, law firms, hospitals, prisons, corporations, legislatures, the military, and nonprofit agencies. In fact, special librarianship is the field's fastest-growing job market. Unlike public and university jobs, which require night and weekend hours, these jobs are mostly 9 to 5.

Salary Data
Median (with eight years in the field): $47,400

25th to 75th percentile (with eight or more years of experience): $42,800-$63,700

(Data provided by PayScale.com)

Training
The American Library Association offers information and links regarding training, including online options.
U.S. News rankings of library programs

Learn more
Department of Labor profile: Librarian
American Library Association
Special Libraries Association
Association of College and Research Librarians
Medical Library Association
American Association of Law Libraries
A Day in the Life: Career Options in Library and Information Science by Patricia Shontz and Richard Murray (editors)
Straight from the Stacks: A Firsthand Guide to Careers in Library and Information Science by Laura Townsend Kane
What's the Alternative: Career Options for Librarians and Info Pros by Rachel Gordon

Why do we need a teacher librarian or a school library when we have the Internet?

[Galv speaks...]

Came across an interesting and relevant article when I was searching for MSc courses on the ALIA page. Though I've personally never wondered it aloud to myself, I'm sure it must come across some people's minds, now more than ever with internet access being so widely available and people becoming more internet-literate.

My favourite answers to the above question include:

• The Internet is so disorganised that it is time consuming to find good information.
• Thousands of citations, abstracts and full-text journal articles are not accessible to the standard search engines.
• Information on the Internet is free, but you get what you pay for.

I used to have doubts as to why my library feels the need to have a service where people can ASK! any question in the world, when there is such a thing as Google and other more recent offerings such as Wikipedia and Yahoo Answers. Well now I know why :)

Read the full article here.

A few questions

Dear librarian

My son, aged 6 loves to read books under the Junie B. Jones series by Barbara Park. We used to be able to find them in the children coummunity library located at the neighbourhood. But ever since these libraries closed down on April this year, we couldn't find much of these books on the shelf in SKCL and CSCL anymore. Could you advise on the following:

1. Do you know which book store carry the Junie B Jones series books?

2. Will the above series be put on sales in the coming library book sale next Friday at the Singapore Expo?

3. What other books could you recommand for children aged 5-7 years old?

4. I think my daughter who is 5 years old, is ready to move from picture books to more wordy books. What kind of books would you recommand for a start, to catch her attention?

5. Also, any recommanded DVDs for aged 5 - 7 years old.

6. Does library carry Nancy Drew and Edin Bytlon series?

Many thanks !

Thank you for your enquiry.

Please find below the response to your questions:

1. Do you know which book store carry the Junie B Jones series books?
The various book stores do not have have the title you mentioned in their catalogue on their web site. You may wish to call them directly to check if they stock the title. I have listed their website address and contact numbers:

MPH
Web site: http://www.mph.com.sg
Contact no.: (refer to this site for the numbers of the different stores)

Borders
Web site: http://borders.com.sg/home.asp
Contact no.: 6235-7146 (Wheelock Place); 6345-9796 (Parkway Parade)

Times
Web site: http://www.timesone.com.sg/
Contact no.: 6457-3280

Books Kinokuniya
Web site: http://www.kinokuniya.com.sg
Contact no.: 6737-5021 (Ngee Ann City store); 6337-1300 (Liang Court store); 6339-1790 (Bugis Junction store)

You may wish to know that the Junie B Jones series is widely available for loan at most public libraries.

2. Will the above series be put on sales in the coming library book sale next Friday at the Singapore Expo?
Unfortunately, we do not have any information on the titles that will be available at next week's library book sale.

3. What other books could you recommand for children aged 5-7 years old?
You may wish to try the following titles:

For 5 year olds
i) Yummy, yummy, yummy, food for my tummy / Author: Lloyd, Sam
Call no.: JP LLO
ii) The Pigeon finds a hot dog / Author: Willems, Mo
Call no.: JP WIL
iii) Papa pls get the moon for me / Author: Carle, Eric
Call no.: JP CAR
iv) Biscuit bear / Author: Grey, Mini
Call no.: JP GRE
v) Chimp & Zee / Author: Anholt, Catherine
Call no.: JP ANH
vi) That pesky Rat / Author: Child, Lauren
Call no.: JP CHI
vii) Can't you sleep little bear / Author: Waddell, Martin
Call no.: JP WAD

For 6 year olds
i) Heckedy Peg / Author: Wood, Audrey
Call no.: J WOO
ii) The squeaky door / Author: MacDonald, Margaret Read
Call no.: JP 398.2 MAC - [FOL]
iii) Wemberly Worried / Author: Henkes, Kevin
Call no.: JP HEN
iv) The giving tree / Author: Silverstein, Shel
Call no.: JP SIL
v) Knuffle Bunny / Author: Willems, Mo
Call no.: JP WIL
vi) Farley Farts / Author: Muller, Birte
Call no.: JP MUL

For 7 year olds
i) Chocolate Fever / Author: Smith, Robert Kimmel
Call no.: J SMI
ii) Ghosthunters and the Incredibly Revolting Ghost / Author: Funke, Cornelia
Call no.: JS FUN
iii) Marvin Redpost series / Author: Sachar, Louis
Call no.: JS SAC
iv) Freckle Juice / Author: Blume, Judy
Call no.: JS BLU
v) Horrible Harry series / Author: Kline, Suzy
Call no.: JS KLI

4. I think my daughter who is 5 years old, is ready to move from picture books to more wordy books. What kind of books would you recommand for a start, to catch her attention?
Perhaps you may like to try Fairytales which have more words yet still able to catch her attention with colourful pictures. Fairytales can be found at the call number JP 398.2 or J 398.2. Apart from Fairytales, you can also try the "I Can Read!" or Orchard series. These books are for early readers, of A5 size and can be found at most libraries.

5. Also, any recommanded DVDs for aged 5 - 7 years old.
Here are some recommended DVDs:

i) Title Spectrum Connections Bounce. Routines! [videorecording] / Brandissimo! ; Rx Entertainment Media.
Publisher Santa Monica, CA : Distributed by Genius Entertainment, c2007.
Summary Making sense of the world takes a basic understanding of predictible daily routines. In this episode, Elizabeth and her music class sing and demonstrate everyday routines like cleaning up, going to sleep and staying safe. Through songs, quizzes and real world imagery, young viewers of all developmental levels can learn how to predict, comprehend and carry out daily routines. These important lessons are taught by music therapist Elizabeth Balzano and her bouncy, lovable friend Balloo.
Call no.: J AV 791.45 SPE
Available at NLB libraries

ii). Title Number concepts [videorecording] / Discovery School.
Publisher Silver Spring, MD : Discovery Communications : Distributed by Discovery Education, [2006].
Summary From prime and composite numbers, to fractions and decimals, to number models, introduce elementary students to more advanced properties and concepts of numbers.
Call no.: J AV 513 NUM
Available at NLB libraries

iii). Title Weather [videorecording] ; Volcanoes / a Cafe production for BBC Worldwide Americas, Dorling Kindersley Vision in association with Oregon Public Broadcasting.
Publisher [Australia] : Nomad Distribution [distributor], [2006?]
Series Title Eyewitness DVD ; vol. 3
Summary Weather features images of weather events on earth and reveals the forces that create the turbulent atmosphere; and Volcano explores the terrifying destructive forces of earthquake and volcanic eruption.
Call no.: J AV 551.6 WEA
Available at NLB libraries

iv) Title Tao Shu the warrior boy. Wild about animals [videorecording] / Peach Blossoms Media with the participation of Media Development Authority Singapore ; produced by Tan Kim Han.
Publisher Singapore : Exclusively licensed and distributed by InnoForm Media Pte Ltd, c2007.
Summary In ancient China, a poor and humble family, the Foo family, runs an old run down teahouse. Everyone works hard to to keep the teahouse running and the little son, Tao Shu needs to take on more responsibility than the average boy his age. Through the many adventures that Tao Shu encounters, he and his sister, Ling Ling learn meaningful lessons in life. In this volume, we learn along with Tao Shu the strange and wonderful animals in the world.
Call no.: J AV 372.21 TAO
Available at NLB libraries

v) Title Backyard science. Series 1 [videorecording] / a co-production between Penguin Television and Beyond Productions Pty Limited.
Publisher [S.l.] : Force Entertainment, 2008.
Summary "Based on the best selling Dorling Kindersley book, Backyard Science is a fun and educational series for children aged 6-12 years. Ripping science out of the laboratory and hurling it into the real world, this program is for kids, by kids."--Back cover.
Call no.: J AV 507.8 BAC
Available at NLB libraries

vi) Title Animated tales of the world [videorecording] : England, Cap O'Rushes / Children's Television Trust International presents ; screenplay, Andrew Bannerman ; animators, Milana Fedoseyeva ... [et al.] ; producer, Renat Zinnurov ; director/designer, Galina Beda.
Publisher Wynnewood, PA : Schlessinger Media, division of Library Video Company, 2007, c2005.
Summary Video series of multicultural collection of folktales, which are told through storytelling and animation. This folktale from England tells the story of an aging father asking his three daughters how much they love him. The two oldest daughter's responses please him, but he is insulted by the response of the youngest daughter and quickly banishes her. Find out how this young woman, on her own, disguised in a hat and gown made of rushes, finds her true love and is reunited with her father.
Call no.: J AV 372.6 ANI
Available at NLB libraries

vii) Title Pocoyo and friends. Series one, Episodes 1-6 / a Zinkia Entertainment/Granada production ; directed by Guillermo Garcia & David Cantolla ; created by David Cantolla, Luis Gallego, Guillermo Garcia.
Publisher Singapore : Innokidz, InnoForm Media Pte Ltd, c2005, [2007]
Summary An animated show for pre-school children that uses an innovative blend of humour that helps toddlers discover and learn. The central character is Pocoyo, an inquisitive and fun-loving little boy, who with his friends Elly, the pink elephant, Pato, the shy yellow duck, Loula, his spotty dog and Sleepy Bird, sets out on a journey of discovery. Toddlers following Pocoyo in his adventures, are encouraged to watch, listen, laugh, dance and sing.
Call no.: J AV 649 POC
Available at NLB libraries

6. Does library carry Nancy Drew and Edin Bytlon series?
Yes, both titles are usually located on the "Popular Series" shelf of the children's section at the library. You can enquire with the Customer Service Counter if you need directions.

For all the above recommended books, you can check whether they are available at the library branch closest to you by first opening your internet browser to this URL: http://vistaweb.nlb.gov.sg

We hope that the above has been useful to you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need further assistance.

Thank you for using the ASK! service.

What / Who / How

Dear Sir/Mdm,

3 Qs to ask you:

1. What/Who created light?
2. How does glow stick work?
3. How stored energy in wind, lakes and reservoirs can be converted into electricity?

For the first query, may I clarify if you meant how light is created? If so, according to The World Book Encyclopedia, "all light comes from atoms. It is produced by atoms that have gained energy either by absorbing light from another source or by being struck by other particles". An atom with extra energy is said to be excited, and visible light is created when electrons within atoms in an excited state returns to a ground state (lower energy configuration).
However, if you meant to ask who created light, then the answer who have to be God (as made clear in the book of Genesis in the bible). Thomas Edison invented the light bulb.

Here are some books you may wish to refer to on light:

Title Light & sight / Jon Richards.
Author Richards, Jon, 1970-
Other Title Light and sight
Publisher New York : PowerKids Press, 2008
Call no.: J 535.078 RIC

Title Amazing light / Sally Hewitt.
Author Hewitt, Sally, 1949-
Publisher New York, NY : Crabtree Pub., c2008
Call no.: J 535 HEW

Title Exploring light / Carol Ballard.
Author Ballard, Carol.
Publisher New York : PowerKids Press, 2008
Call no.: J 535 BAL

Title Light, dark / by Julie Murray.
Author Murray, Julie, 1969-
Publisher Edina, Minn. : ABDO Pub. Co., c2007
Call no.: J P 535 MUR

You can check the availability of the above titles by opening your browser to this url: http://vistaweb.nlb.gov.sg.

For your second query, glow or light sticks use the same principle of light creation as mentioned in the answer to your first query, only that it makes use of chemicals to excite the atoms in a material. According to HowStuffWorks.com, the chemical reaction in a light stick usually involves several steps. A typical commercial light stick holds a hydrogen peroxide solution and a solution containing a phenyl oxalate ester and a fluorescent dye. The sequence of events when the two solutions are combined are as such:

1. The hydrogen peroxide oxidizes the phenyl oxalate ester, resulting in a chemical called phenol and an unstable peroxyacid ester.
2. The unstable peroxyacid ester decomposes, resulting in additional phenol and a cyclic peroxy compound.
3. The cyclic peroxy compound decomposes to carbon dioxide.
4. This decomposition releases energy to the dye.
5. The electrons in the dye atoms jump to a higher level, then fall back down, releasing energy in the form of light.
(source: http://science.howstuffworks.com/light-stick1.htm)

As for how the bending of the glow sticks causes the glow stick to 'glow', there is a smaller thinner vial within each glow stick that, when broken, releases the hydrogen peroxide solution it contains which then mixes with the phenyl oxalate ester and fluorescent dye. This causes a reaction which in turn causes the atoms to begin emitting light.

For your third query, you asked about wind and hydro-electric power. Windmills capture the kinetic energy in wind by making use of turbine blades. When these turbine blades start moving, they spin a shaft which leads from the hub of the rotor to a generator. The generator turns that rotational energy into electricity. The same occurs for water dams. When water is released from a dam, it flows through hydraulic turbines, producing electric power that is used in homes and industries.

In essence, generating electricity from wind and water is about transferring energy from one medium to another. The following books will provide a more in depth look into the subject:

Title Water power / Ian F. Mahaney.
Author Mahaney, Ian F.
Publisher New York, N.Y. : PowerKids Press, 2007.
Call no.: J 333.91 MAH

Title Generating wind power / written by Niki Walker.
Author Walker, Niki, 1972-
Publisher New York, NY : Crabtree Pub., 2007.
Call no.: J 621.4 WAL

Title Save energy / Kay Barnham.
Author Barnham, Kay.
Publisher New York, NY : Crabtree Pub., 2008.
Call no.: J 333.79 BAR

Title Future energy / Julie Richards.
Author Richards, Julie.
Publisher South Yarra, Vic. : Macmillan Education, 2007.
Call no.: J 333.7 RIC

Title The pros and cons of water power / Richard and Louise Spilsbury.
Author Spilsbury, Richard, 1963-
Publisher New York : Rosen Central, 2008.
Call no.: Y 333.914 SPI

Title Hydroelectric power / by Josepha Sherman ; consultant, Steve Brick.
Author Sherman, Josepha.
Publisher Mankato, Minn. : Capstone Press, c2004.
Call no.: J 333.91 SHE

We hope that the above has been useful to you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need further assistance.

Thank you for using the ASK! service.

history of central asia and western China

Hi,

Can you please suggest some works for me to learn the history of central Asia (former USSRstates such as Kazakstan, Uzbegstan, etc) and of adjoining territories of China?

Thanks and regards,

Thank you for your enquiry.

You asked for resources on the history of central Asia. Here are some which we were able to find for you:

Books

Title Kazakhstan / Jim Corrigan ; [editorial consultant: the Foreign Policy Research Institute].
Author Corrigan, Jim.
Publisher Philadelphia, Pa. : Mason Crest Publishers, c2005.
Call no.: Y 958.45 COR
Available at Bukit Batok, Marine Parade, Queenstown, Sembawang and Toa Payoh Community Libraries and Jurong Regional Library.

Title The new Central Asia : the creation of nations / Olivier Roy.
Author Roy, Olivier, 1949-
Publisher London ; New York : I.B. Tauris Publishers, 2000.
Call no.: 958.04 ROY
Available at NLB libraries

Title Central Asia : the sons of Tamburlaine : Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Xinjiang / photographs and texts, Alain Chenevière, translated from the French by A.J.F. Millar ; editor in chief, Roger Sabater.
Author Chenevière, Alain.
Publisher Paris : Vilo International, c2001.
Call no.: q958 CHE
Only available at the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library

Title Central Asia at the end of the transition / edited by Boris Rumer.
Publisher Armonk, N.Y. : M.E. Sharpe, 2005.
Call no.: 958.043 CEN
Only available at the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library

My suggestion is to visit the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library at Bugis, where you will be able to find a bigger range of titles on Central Asia on Level 7. Please refer to the shelf with the call number 958.

You can also check the availability of the above titles by opening your browser to this url: http://vistaweb.nlb.gov.sg.

Database

You can also access our eResources via our webpage www.pl.sg. You will need a digital library account for which you can register for for free. Click on eResources on the menu on the left of the page. Following which, click on eDatabases, then page 3 to find the database "Credo reference : history" (no. 28 on the eDatabase list). Using this database, I was able to find information on Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and others.

Other recommended databases you could explore include Encyclopædia Britannica online and Gale Virtual Reference Library.

Online

CIA - The World Factbook -- Kazakhstan
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/kz.html

CIA - The World Factbook -- Uzbekistan
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/uz.html


We hope that the above has been useful to you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need further assistance.

Thank you for using the ASK! service.

FATS: Butter vs. shortening vs. margarine

Thank you for your enquiry.

You asked for some resources on food science for secondary school. Below are some resources which I hope you will find useful.

Books
Title McGee on food and cooking : an encyclopedia of kitchen science, history and culture / Harold McGee.
Author McGee, Harold.
Other Title On food and cooking
Publisher London : Hodder & Stoughton, 2004.
Call No.: R 641.403 MAC
Available at Jurong and Woodlands Regional Libraries (for reference only)

International dictionary of food & cooking : ingredients, additives, techniques, equipment, menu terms, catering terms, food science and outline domestic and production recipes / compiled by Charles G. Sinclair.
Publisher Teddington : Peter Collin, 1998.
Call No.: R 641.03 INT
Available at Lee Kong Chian Reference Library, Paris Ris Community Library, Tampines and Woodlands Regional Library (for reference only)

Title Essentials of food science / Vickie A. Vaclavik, Elizabeth W. Christian.
Call No.: R 664 VAC
Only available at Lee Kong Chian Reference Library

Title Nutrition and food science.
Publisher: London : Forbes Pub., c1970-
Call No.: R 641.105 NFS year 2005
Only available at Lee Kong Chian Reference Library

Title The cake book / Tish Boyle ; photography by John Uher.
Author Boyle, Tish.
Publisher Hoboken, N.J. : Wiley, c2006.
Contents Ingredients for cakes -- Cake-baking equipment -- Cake-making techniques, tips, and troubleshooting -- Cake decor -- Angel food, chiffon, and sponge cakes -- Pound cakes and coffee cakes -- Butter- and oil-based cakes -- Fruit-based cakes -- Flourless cakes -- Cheesecakes -- Mousse and ice cream cakes -- Meringue cakes -- Fillings and frostings -- Basic recipes and accompaniments -- Sources.
641.8653 BOY -[COO]
Available for loan at NLB libraries

You can check the availability of the above titles by opening your browser to this url: http://vistaweb.nlb.gov.sg.


Online
Enlightened Cooking: Butter vs Shortening in Baking
http://enlightenedcooking.blogspot.com/2008/04/butter-vs-shortening-in-baking.html

Cake making - Joyofbaking.com
http://www.joyofbaking.com/CakeMaking.html

Butter vs shortening - ChefTalk Cooking Forums
http://www.cheftalk.com/forums/food-cooking-questions-discussion/2630-butter-vs-shortening.html


We hope that the above has been useful to you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need further assistance.

Thank you for using the ASK! service.

English Reading list for Primary 1 & 4 levels

Thank you for your enquiry.

There are many great books found at the library for P1 and P4 children. I have listed some popular authors of English books for these two age groups. To enable you to cast a wider net, I have also listed websites with reading lists for various age groups. I hope they will be useful to you.

English Books - P1
Allan Alhberg
Allan Ahlberg & Janet Ahlberg Bibliography
http://falcon.jmu.edu/~ramseyil/ahlbergbib.htm
Call no. at the library: JP AHL

Stan Berenstain
The Official Berenstain Bears Website
http://www.berenstainbears.com/
Call no. at the library: JP BER

Marc Brown
Marc Brown Studios
http://www.marcbrownstudios.com/index.html
Call no. at the library: JP BRO

Anthony Browne
List of titles written by this author can be found in the following website
http://www.walkerbooks.co.uk/Anthony-Browne
Call no. at the library: JP BRO

Eric Carle
The Official Eric Carle Web Site
http://www.eric-carle.com/home.html
Call no. at the library: JP CAR

Mem Fox
All about Mem
http://www.memfox.com/welcome.html
Call no. at the library: JP FOX

Kevin Henkes
Homepage
http://www.kevinhenkes.com/
Call no. at the library: JP HEN

Eric Hill
Author of Spot the Dog
The Official Spot Website
http://www.funwithspot.com/
Call no. at the library: JP HIL

Leo Lionni
List of titles written by this author can be found in the following website
http://falcon.jmu.edu/~ramseyil/lionnibib.htm
Call no. at the library: JP LEO

David McKee
Author of Elmer the Patchwork Elephant
http://www.randomhouse.co.uk/childrens/elmer/home.htm
Call no. at the library: JP MAC

Marcus Pfister
Author of the popular Rainbow Fish
Marcus Pfister Biography
http://www.bravemonster.com/authors/marcuspfister.htm
Call no. at the library: JP PFI

Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss's Seussville
http://www.seussville.com/
Call no. at the library: JP SEU

English Books - P4

(Please see attached PDF)


You can check the availability of the books listed above by going to this website http://vistaweb.nlb.gov.sg/

Reading Lists

Kid's Source Online Reading List
http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content3/RWNactivities/ReadingLists.html

Hedgehog Books
http://www.hedgehogbooks.com/gradelevel.html

More Reading Lists
http://www.bookspot.com/readinglists/

(All websites listed were last accessed on 16 June 2008. Please check the respective websites' main page for their terms and conditions for use.)

We hope that the above has been useful to you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need further assistance.

Thank you for using the ASK! service.

Musicals

1) I would like to know why Les Misérables ( a popular musical ) is such a good story for a musical.
* Do not need to be too detailed
 
2) Phantom of the Opera
- When was it written?
- What is the story about?
- Who wrote and composed it?
- When was it first performed?
- What are some of the famous songs from this musical?
 
Thank You.

Thank you for your enquiry.

Like all great stories ever told, there are elements of history, struggles of war, good vs. evil, friendship and most importantly, love, in Les Misérables. Before it became a hit musical, it was a novel written by French author Victor Hugo. Its story is set in the 19th century and spans 20 years. The story focuses on the struggles of several characters, of which its protagonist is ex-convict Jean Valjean, who seeks to redeem his wayward past by doing good. He takes in the daughter of a dying prostitute, Cosette, but is haunted by his past in the form of an obsessive police inspector called Javert. The story traces his struggle through the French revolution to his eventual demise of old age.

The book was first published in 1862 and the musical opened in 1980 in Paris.

You can refer to the following web resources for more on Les Miz:
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Mis%C3%A9rables_%28musical%29
- http://www.lesmis.com (official website of the musical)
- http://www.napoleonic-literature.com/AgeOfNapoleon/E-Texts/Miserables.html (script for stage)
- http://www.answers.com/topic/les-mis-rables-musical?cat=entertainment
(last accessed 11 June 08)
*For the above weblinks, you are advised to click through to the respective site's main page to read their Terms & Conditions for use of the site before continuing.

You can also refer to the following book:
Title Les Misérables : history in the making / Edward Behr.
Author Behr, Edward, 1926-
Publisher London : Pavilion Books, 1996.
Call no.: 792.642 BEH -[ART]


As to your second question on the musical Phantom of the Opera, here are the answers to the questions you asked:

- When was it written?
The novel by Gaston Leroux was first published in 1911. The silent horror film was released in 1925. The musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber was first staged in 1986
[sources: (i) "Phantom of the Opera, The," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2008. 11 June 2008. (ii) "Andrew Lloyd Webber," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2008. 11 June 2008. ]

- What is the story about?
It is about a ghost that inhabited a Paris opera house and his obsession with a young singer, Christine Daaé. The story is based on real events related to the Paris Opera House.

- Who wrote and composed it?
The music was composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, with lyrics by Charles Hart and additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe.

- When was it first performed?
The musical opened at Her Majesty's Theatre in London on October 9, 1986

- What are some of the famous songs from this musical?
Angel of Music; Phantom of the Opera; The Music of the Night; All I Ask of You; Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again

Please refer to the following resources for more on the Phantom of the Opera
- http://library.ebonline.com/eb/article-9047888 (about Gaston Leroux)
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phantom_of_the_opera
- http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761598764/The_Phantom_of_the_Opera.html
- http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/refpages/RefEdList.aspx?refid=210003187
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Phantom_of_the_Opera_%281986_musical%29
(last accessed 11 June 08)
*For the above weblinks, you are advised to click through to the respective site's main page to read their Terms & Conditions for use of the site before continuing.

You can also refer to the following books:
Title The phantom of the Opera / Gaston Leroux ; introduction by Anne Perry.
Author Leroux, Gaston, 1868-1927.
Other Title Fantôme de l'Opéra English
Publisher New York : Modern Library, 2002.
Call no.: LER

Title The complete Phantom of the opera / George Perry ; research by Jane Rice ; special photography by Clive Barda.
Author Perry, George C., 1935-
Publisher London : Pavilion, 1987
782.8107 PER -[ART]

You can check the availability of the books listed above by going to this website http://vistaweb.nlb.gov.sg/

We hope that the above has been useful to you.

Thank you for using the ASK! service.

No straightforward answers here

Librarian,

Pls help:

a) Who invented the first computer?
b) Who invented cars?

Thank you

Thank you for your enquiry.

There are differing accounts on who invented the first computer, depending on what you mean by a computer. To some people, it can mean anything that helps you to do calculations, even if it is a mechanical machine. The first such machine that was considered by some to be a computer was invented in 1800s by Charles Babbage, called a 'Difference Engine' or 'Analytic Engine' (information from "An A to Z of almost everything" by Trevor Montague [2007], call no. 032 A). To others, a computer must be an electrical device. The first electrical machine, called Z3, that could be programmed was built by Konrad Zuse in 1941 (information from "The inside & outside guide to inventions" by Chris Oxlade, call no. J 608 OXL). We must of course remember that today's computers are much much smaller than those first computers.

In addition, sometimes, it is not a matter of who invented it and how but that someone had an idea and other people improved on it again and again till we have the machines we use today. So in a way it is a team effort spread over a long time. To learn about how computers have progressed to what we have today, do read the interesting books above and also take a look at this website: http://inventors.about.com/library/blcoindex.htm (last accessed 11 June 08). It has quite a detailed timeline of information on the people who invented different types of computers.

For more information on computers, you may find the following books useful:
1) Computer & Communication
J 004.6 COM

2) Computer by Anne Rooney
J 004.16 ROO

3) 101 fantastic things to do with your computer by Tony & Liz Wheeler
J 004.16 WHE

If you wish to find out more about inventors and other inventions,
1) Machines and Inventions by David Jefferis
J 608 JEF

2) Great Inventions: Everyday life by Paul Dowswell
J 609 DOW

3) 100 Great Inventors
J 608.72 ONE


As for your second question on who invented cars, this is another question to which there isn't a straightforward answer. As there were different forms of automobiles in the past such as those running on steam, gasoline or electricity, therefore there were also different times and people of which these were invented by. You may wish to visit this Library of Congress website to obtain some clarity: www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/mysteries/auto.html

To give you an interim answer, the first petrol-driven motor cars were made possible by the invention of the internal-combustion engine in 1863. The first motor cars, produced during the 1880s by a German engineer, Karl Benz, were known as 'horseless carrieges’.

Source:
Transport / Nigel Smith, pg. 6 (call no. Y R STU q388.09 SMI-[TPT])

In the 1880s, German engineers Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler worked independently to produce the first petrol engine. In 1885, Karl Benz built his flimsy motorized tricycle, the first petrol-powered car.

Source:
Dorling Kindersley children's illustrated encyclopedia / [senior editor, Ann Kramer]. pg. 126 (call no. J R 032 DOR)

Here are some additional websites where you can find more information:
http://inventors.about.com/od/cstartinventions/a/Car_History.htm
http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/dec96/844045821.Eg.r.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automobile
(last accessed 11 June 08)
*For the above weblinks, you are advised to click through to the respective site's main page to read their Terms & Conditions for use of the site before continuing.

You may also check on the following titles available in the library:

1) Karl Benz / Brian Williams.
Call no: J 925 WIL

2) Great auto makers and their cars / Robert Italia.
Call no: Y 629.20922 ITA (Available only at Geylang East Library)

3) A history of cars / by David Corbett.
Call no: J 629.222 COR

4) The story of cars / Katie Daynes
Call no: J 629.222 DAY

To check on the availability of any of the above books in our libraries, please visit www.pl.sg and click on 'Search NLB catalogue' on the left sidebar.

We hope that the above has been useful to you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need further assistance.

Thank you for using the ASK! service.

How many minutes does it take to reach space?

Thank you for your enquiry.

You asked how many minutes it takes to reach space. I assume you mean how long it would take to reach outer space on a space shuttle.

According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), a space shuttle travels at a speed of approximately 5 miles per second (8.04 km) and 17,500 miles per hour (28,164 km/h). The distance between Earth's surface and space is 100 km, hence it would take a space shuttle only 12 seconds to reach space.

If you are interested to read more about spaceflight, you may wish to check out these resources:

Print
Title: Space and spaceflight / written by Harry Ford and Kay Barnham.
Author: Ford, Harry.
Publisher: London : Puffin Books, 1995.
Call no.: J 523 FOR

Title: Voyage through space / Peter Grego.
Author: Grego, Peter.
Publisher: London : QED, 2007.
Call no.: J 629.4 GRE

Title: Can we travel to the stars? : space flight and space exploration / Andrew Solway.
Author: Solway, Andrew.
Publisher: Oxford : Heinemann Library, 2006.
Call no.: J 629.4 SOL

Title: Journey into space / by Gerry Bailey ; illustrated by Steve Boulter and Jan Smith.
Author: Bailey, Gerry.
Publisher: Minneapolis, Minn. : Picture Window Books, 2005.
Call no.: J 629.4 BAI

Title: The astronaut's survival guide / E. Young.
Author: Young, Emma.
Publisher: London : Puffin, 2004.
Call no.: J 629.45 YOU

The availability of these titles can be checked via our online catalogue at www.pl.sg.


Online
Spaceflight, last accessed from Wikipedia on 30 May 08 at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spaceflight
NASA Human Space Flight, last accessed from NASA on 30 May 08 at http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/home/index.html
Spaceflight Now, last accessed on 30 May 08 at http://spaceflightnow.com

We hope that the above has been useful to you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need further assistance.

Thank you for using the ASK! service.