Is it fatal?

As I was searching for authoritative definitions for the terms in my last post, I stumbled upon yet another new word...Onomatomania

I know a little knowledge is a dangerous thing and many medical/clinical librarians have fallen into the trap of self-diagnosis. Irrespective of that, I am convinced I have onomatomania.

Onomatomania
"Mental derangement with regard to words or names."
(1995, Dorland's Pocket Medical Dictionary, W.B. Saunders: Sydney)

New vocabulary

I think most librarians consider themselves to be pretty good when it comes to language skills. It would appear that we have a greater than average vocabulary and any of us even tend to play word games in our spare time. Lexicographically speaking, we can kick it with the best. So imagine my embarrassment to find that there are some words I don't know!!!

Anyway, I was telling some friends recently that I'm learning new words and how exciting that is. ( I know I'm a nerd - lay off, ok!?) So for your education, edification and enjoyment, here are the new terms I have incorporated into my vocabulary in the last fortnight...

Phytoceutical


Moxibustion
"Moxibustion is the application of heat resulting from the burning of a small bundle of tightly bound herbs, or moxa, to targeted acupoints. It is used along with acupuncture."
(Cancer.org)

Auriculotherapy
"Auriculotherapy is the stimulation of the auricle of the external ear for the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions in other parts of the body. It is also known as ear acupuncture or auricular acupuncture when the stimulation is achieved by the insertion of acupuncture needles, whereas the term auriculotherapy often refers to electrical stimulation of the surface of ear reflex points. Specific points on the ear can also be stimulated by manual pressure, referred to as auricular acupressure or ear reflexology. Acupuncture points on the ear can also be stimulated with lasers, magnets, and ear pellets."
(Auriculotherapy.com)

Onychosis
"Disease or deformity of a nail or the nails"
(1995, Dorland's Pocket Medical Dictionary, W.B. Saunders: Sydney)




Stay tuned for more exciting verbal expansion!

First week over

Well my first week as a Library Manager is now over and I still really like the place!

I get to really connect with people and remember why I became a librarian. Because the library is small, I am able to get to know the collection fully and, of course, the library users. They are really nice to work with. Everyone is helpful and appreciative. It makes a change from some of the other places I have worked.

It's also really nice to get back to doing things in the library other than just being pidgeon-holed like I was in my last job. I used to do these other tasks before that last job and it's all coming back to me again. I do acquisitions, circulation, cataloguing, etc, etc. I have really missed the "all-rounder" aspect of smaller libraries. I was obviously never meant to work in a big library and I really don't regret the change back to the smaller specialist library.

Friday was quite trying as my library assistant couldn't get to work because of a train strike. So I have been on my own and it was only my 4th day! I didn't even have systems access until 10am so that made life quite difficult. I also had to process about 75 - 100 new students from the one of the affiliate colleges (and create student cards) which was a real test of my patience and theirs. But in spite of all that, I still really love my new job.

So far, so good. :-)