Summary

During a remote work library-system-wide Zoom meeting, the author learned about their co-workers' casual attire, home decor, natural hair color, and had the pleasure of seeing various pets, particularly a memorable cat owned by Judy Soret.

Abstract

The author, a librarian working from home due to library closure, attended a mandatory Zoom meeting where they observed their colleagues and the library director in a more personal, relaxed setting. The meeting was enlivened by the presence of pets, especially Judy Soret's cat, which captivated the attention of the 61 library workers in attendance with its attitude, intelligence, and presence. The cat's screen time, although it turned its back to the camera at one point, was a highlight that made the meeting more enjoyable and memorable. Despite the distraction, the meeting served its purpose by maintaining the library community, sharing useful information, and validating points, while also leaving many with a case of "cat envy."

Opinions

The author seems to find humor and charm in the informal aspects of the meeting, such as seeing colleagues in sweats and observing their living spaces.
There is an appreciation for the unexpected entertainment provided by pets during the meeting, especially Judy Soret's cat.
The author implies that the cliché of librarians being fond of cats holds true, as evidenced by the collective admiration for the cat during the meeting.
The cat's nonchalance and indifference to the meeting's proceedings, as shown by turning its back to the camera, was both amusing and relatable to the participants.
The author values the sense of connection and community that the meeting provided, despite the lighthearted distractions.
There is a tongue-in-cheek acknowledgment of the envy felt by the attendees towards Judy's impressive cat.

What Did I Learn at the Last Zoom Meeting?

It’s Not What You’d Expect

The library I work for is closed and all of us are working from home.

So what did I learn from the library-system-wide Zoom meeting I was recently required to attend?

Well, I now know what my co-workers — and the director of the library system I work for — look like in sweats.

Also? How messy their living rooms are.

And we all got to learn what everyone’s actual hair color is.

The meeting’s silver lining? I got to admire my co-workers’ cats as they wandered in and out of their owners’ little Zoom squares while we discussed a variety of library-related issues.

In particular, Judy Soret’s cat. As Judy began to speak, her cat jumped onto her desk and, filling the entire screen, gazed implacably into the camera.

He was a large and exceptionally handsome cat.

I’m sure that Judy was making a brilliant point but I didn’t actually hear Judy because I was so busy admiring her cat.

I’m pretty sure that all of us were.

The cliches about librarians being nutty about cats are mostly true.

Judy’s cat was full of attitude. Intelligence. Presence. A cat that you’d enjoy being stuck in a house with for weeks.

Having that cat on the screen definitely made it a much more interesting meeting.

After gazing at us impassively for a while, Judy’s cat turned his back on us — which, I’m sure, was a bit of a downer for every one of the 61 library workers in attendance.

He settled down on the desk with his rump to the camera and stayed that way for the rest of the meeting.

The meeting continued, but as far as Judy’s cat was concerned? It was of absolutely no consequence.

It was hard not to agree with him. And yet? Since I’m not a cat but a human who craves connection, I’m grateful that meeting took place.

So what did we learn? Valid points were made. Useful information was shared. The library community was maintained.

And I’m pretty sure that all of us are now dealing with some serious cat envy.

( Roz Warren is the author of two collections of library and book-related humor, Our Bodies, Our Shelves: A Collection of Library Humor, and Just Another Day At Your Local Public Library, both of which would make great gifts for your favorite librarian.)

What Did I Learn at the Last Zoom Meeting?

It’s Not What You’d Expect

Introducing Librarian Barbie!

Now With Special Eye-Rolling Function

Your Cat Does Not Belong On The Dining Room Table

But There He Is Anyway