California State Library

Great Resource For Training Media
SITREP
We conduct a lot of trainings around the state for our newbie Investigators. We try to get a hold of relevant and current media on topics ranging from workplace «Diversity» to «Personal Safety In The Field». We have been lucky that the California State Library provides a lot of this informational training.
THE SETUP
It’s quick to set-​up an account online. And as members of another State Agency, there is no charge to our card membership, and we get access to any of the library medias that we are able to find related to our topic-​search.
PROXIMITY
Located right at 9^th & Capitol, just across the street from the State Capitol, this dynamic resource is literall just a few blocks away from my office and so allows for very quick accessing — and returning — of the training materials.
FORMAT
Most of the trainings are in a DVD-​format. But once in a while, we find a chestnut that is only available in the older VHS-​tape format. Sometimes the information is still relevant. Or for also purposes of demonstrating an evolution over time of a particular topic, we may want to record a segment of the older VHS tape and incorporate it into a new training DVD we are creating.
The Library allows us to get in touch with vendors to secure permissions (if still relevant or public-​domained) so that we can create our recordings.
THE LOWDOWN
A dynamic & vital resource to creating effective & indepth trainings.

The newly renovated Stanley Mosk (LCI for old timers) building is worth a visit, especially if you have ever been in the building since the 1960’s when they covered up some of the beautiful features. Interior light wells have been opened up and natural light now flows into hallways and public rooms. After you enter (look up to view the murals in the lobby) head left to the spiral staircase and go behind the base and look up. One of my favorite viewpoints of the building’s architecture.
Oh, as to the library institution itself, the extensive collections are available for use for free at the library. If you want or need information, the State Library probably has it.

Great librarians and library techs in the state government department. They will get your book or report for you very quickly. If you are a state worker, you can apply for a card and check out your material. Please note that you must get the card at least one day before you want to check out the product.

This is your one-​stop museum for California history. There are actually two buildings next to one another, an older library that I believe is being renovated and a newer building that houses a small museum and a couple floors of offices. I’m reviewing the newer building.
The (usually empty) second floor is the California History Room, a superb collection of artifacts detailing, well, take a guess. I spent a good half hour here perusing old pamphlets, maps and photos of the state as it was, from before the turn of the century to the present day. I was a little disappointed to not encounter a single soul who didn’t work there, but this is not exactly a location that is well advertised.
At the risk of sounding like my stuffy 8^th grade English teacher, the library also contains hundreds of thousands of old books on you name it, or «a priceless collection of knowledge at your fingertips.» Stop in for a visit. Most of these treasures probably won’t be available on the Kindle anytime soon.

I’m reviewing the lobby, lift and ‘historic Room 500 on the 5^th floor’ b/​c that’s all the clearance I’ve had in this beautiful, stately edifice. Room 500 was designed to serve as a courtroom fit for the CA Supreme Court. You must see it if you appreciate architecture/​art and history; details reflect much symbolism from the state’s founding.
I’ve had the privilege to hear academia as well as policymakers discuss critical issues Californians face, from foster care reform to microlending.
In recent months, the CA State Library Foundation initiated a film & discussion series I greatly enjoy: Food for Thought. Film selections emphasize how libraries are integral to the free expression of ideas — certainly essential to a healthy democracy. After the screening, a moderated talk encourages audience members to slow down & process what they’ve watched. WE ARE SUCH CONSUMERS and rarely chew before we swallow. Audience members are intended to reflect on our past, then help shape/​affect our collective future.