Tech Stuff
ReadWriteWeb's Year End Postings
via Stephen's Lighthouse by stephen on 12/24/08
"Wheeee, it's play time. ReadWriteWeb's 10 year end postings this year are interesting and give you a good list of things to review. You know how much I love to play with stuff and this gives me 100 things to consider playing with."
Media and Books
The Best Small Movies Of The Year
via NPR Topics: Arts & Entertainment on 12/30/08
David Bianculli's Top 10 TV Shows Of 2008
via NPR Topics: Arts & Entertainment on 12/23/08
RAO’s Cumulative List of Lists of the Year’s Best Books
via The Reader's Advisor Online Blog
(this list just keeps growing! Bravo to RAO!)
Best Superhero Graphic Novels Of 2008
via NPR Topics: Authors on 12/16/08
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Eye on Tech
Thanks to iLibrarian for this link: Top 100 Sites for 2009 . (From the UK Guardian) There is a real difference from what was recommended in 2006 to what is upcoming in 2009. Google apparently still rules the roost but many new chicks have joined the flock.
The CIA Worldfactbook has been known to librararians since the earliest days of its internet existance. Other things, like the nifty visualization tools from, yes, Google are just beginning to catch on.
If you get a chance, try some of these sites. Think about open-source and collaborative software and you'll see why many of these things are going to quickly give traditional software, like Word, a run for their money. Get Hip so you don't Get Hit when it lands on your reference desk!
Here's a quote from the article:
"The biggest changes since 2006 have been in the fields of collaborative online services that let people in different locations work simultaneously on projects. Collaboration in 2006 was very much focused on words, but now you can create presentations that look as though they were made with expensive packages. And then you can share those presentations, or look at other work that people have done - and even download them. You can convert files without needing expensive systems. Collaborative working has never been easier, even across different platorms. The web really is becoming the operating system, as the rise of the "netbooks" (aka ultraportables, aka Liliputers) emphasises."
The CIA Worldfactbook has been known to librararians since the earliest days of its internet existance. Other things, like the nifty visualization tools from, yes, Google are just beginning to catch on.
If you get a chance, try some of these sites. Think about open-source and collaborative software and you'll see why many of these things are going to quickly give traditional software, like Word, a run for their money. Get Hip so you don't Get Hit when it lands on your reference desk!
Here's a quote from the article:
"The biggest changes since 2006 have been in the fields of collaborative online services that let people in different locations work simultaneously on projects. Collaboration in 2006 was very much focused on words, but now you can create presentations that look as though they were made with expensive packages. And then you can share those presentations, or look at other work that people have done - and even download them. You can convert files without needing expensive systems. Collaborative working has never been easier, even across different platorms. The web really is becoming the operating system, as the rise of the "netbooks" (aka ultraportables, aka Liliputers) emphasises."
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Forecasting
The end of the year also marks the beginning of "forecasting for the future" time. Enjoy!
A Big Pew Forecast for 2020
via Stephen's Lighthouse by stephen on 12/15/08
A Big Pew Forecast for 2020
via Stephen's Lighthouse by stephen on 12/15/08
Voting Fun!
Nope, it didn't end in november. Here are some more ways to make your voice heard:
Cast Your Vote Now: The Best Movies Of 2008 via NPR Topics: Arts & Entertainment on 12/17/08
Readers vote for political titles via USATODAY.com Books - Top Stories on 12/17/08
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Best of 2008 Continues!
The list gets longer!
(title unknown)
via The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Cindy Orr on 12/7/08
RAO’s Cumulative List of Lists of the Year’s Best Books
Amazon’s Best Books of 2008
and herePW’s Best Books of 2008
Hudson Booksellers Best Books of 2008Best Books We’ve Read This Year - by Stephen King, Amy Sedaris, others
RAO’s Great Romances of 2008Kansas City Star’s Noteworthy Books of 2008
NPR’s 10 Best Cookbooks of 2008San Francisco Chronicle’s
Holiday BooksNPR’s Best Gift Books of 2008NY Times
100 Notable Books of 2008Michiko Kakutani’s Favorites of 2008
Janet Maslin’s Favorites of 2008
Hudson Booksellers Best Books of 2008
Penguin Authors What to Get, What to Give
NY Times 10 Best Books of 2008
NY Times Notable Crime Fiction of 2008
NY Times Best Travel Books of 2008NY Times of 2008
NY Times Best Visual Books of 2008
NY Times Best Cookbooks of 2008
NY Times Best Gardening Books of 2008
NY Times Notable Children’s Books of 2008
The Boston Globe’s Seasons ReadingsPenguin
Authors: What to Give & What to Get
USA Today’s Stunning Science Books for Holiday Giving
USA Today’s Holiday Guide Gift Books
LA Times Favorite Books 2008
London Times Books of the Year
Stephen King’s 10 Best Books of 2008
Spoken Word Grammy Award Nominees
The Millions: a Year in Reading
Harvard Book Store’s Holiday Hundred
(title unknown)
via The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Cindy Orr on 12/7/08
RAO’s Cumulative List of Lists of the Year’s Best Books
Amazon’s Best Books of 2008
and herePW’s Best Books of 2008
Hudson Booksellers Best Books of 2008Best Books We’ve Read This Year - by Stephen King, Amy Sedaris, others
RAO’s Great Romances of 2008Kansas City Star’s Noteworthy Books of 2008
NPR’s 10 Best Cookbooks of 2008San Francisco Chronicle’s
Holiday BooksNPR’s Best Gift Books of 2008NY Times
100 Notable Books of 2008Michiko Kakutani’s Favorites of 2008
Janet Maslin’s Favorites of 2008
Hudson Booksellers Best Books of 2008
Penguin Authors What to Get, What to Give
NY Times 10 Best Books of 2008
NY Times Notable Crime Fiction of 2008
NY Times Best Travel Books of 2008NY Times of 2008
NY Times Best Visual Books of 2008
NY Times Best Cookbooks of 2008
NY Times Best Gardening Books of 2008
NY Times Notable Children’s Books of 2008
The Boston Globe’s Seasons ReadingsPenguin
Authors: What to Give & What to Get
USA Today’s Stunning Science Books for Holiday Giving
USA Today’s Holiday Guide Gift Books
LA Times Favorite Books 2008
London Times Books of the Year
Stephen King’s 10 Best Books of 2008
Spoken Word Grammy Award Nominees
The Millions: a Year in Reading
Harvard Book Store’s Holiday Hundred
We Bad
We've always known it and now a brave librarian has shown it.
Ann Arbor library director shows thief she’s no pushover via Library Stuff by Steven on 12/10/08
Rock on Josie!
Ann Arbor library director shows thief she’s no pushover via Library Stuff by Steven on 12/10/08
Rock on Josie!
Great Library PR!
Two excellent notions spotted on Anne's Feeds. We're in tough times but our creativity and the love of the public for our work continues.
NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams - Libraries Offer Free Relief in Tough Times
via Stephen's Lighthouse by stephen on 12/11/08
Does my library card make me look sexier?
via Stephen's Lighthouse by stephen on 12/11/08
Although we here at Libraryland Roundup find lying about what one has read despicable, we can't help but love the currently-out-of-reach-financially ideas for making library cards sexier.
NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams - Libraries Offer Free Relief in Tough Times
via Stephen's Lighthouse by stephen on 12/11/08
Does my library card make me look sexier?
via Stephen's Lighthouse by stephen on 12/11/08
Although we here at Libraryland Roundup find lying about what one has read despicable, we can't help but love the currently-out-of-reach-financially ideas for making library cards sexier.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Whimsey Department
Some funny, some whimsical, and a few downright disturbing items
From Run Down from The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Cindy Orr
"Joe the Plumber Gets a Book Contract
Guess it was inevitable. Joe the Plumber hooked up with a writer and is “writing” a book in time for it to be published on December 1. It will be called Joe the Plumber—Fighting for the American Dream, and will be published by a group called PearlGate Publishing. Um, guess it tells you everything you need to know that they can find a writer and get the book published in two weeks or so. Joe has a lot to say.
Sarah Palin Gets a Book Contract
It’s only fair, right? Rumor has it that Sarah Palin will get approximately $7 million as an advance for a book. Has the publishing world gone mad? Will anyone buy either of these “books”? I’m not so sure about Joe, but Sarah will certainly sell some copies."
SLA Centennial Stamps from Stephen's Lighthouse by stephen
Hats off to Special Librarians everywhere!
From Run Down from The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Cindy Orr
"Joe the Plumber Gets a Book Contract
Guess it was inevitable. Joe the Plumber hooked up with a writer and is “writing” a book in time for it to be published on December 1. It will be called Joe the Plumber—Fighting for the American Dream, and will be published by a group called PearlGate Publishing. Um, guess it tells you everything you need to know that they can find a writer and get the book published in two weeks or so. Joe has a lot to say.
Sarah Palin Gets a Book Contract
It’s only fair, right? Rumor has it that Sarah Palin will get approximately $7 million as an advance for a book. Has the publishing world gone mad? Will anyone buy either of these “books”? I’m not so sure about Joe, but Sarah will certainly sell some copies."
SLA Centennial Stamps from Stephen's Lighthouse by stephen
Hats off to Special Librarians everywhere!
Making Lists and Reader's Advisory
We here at Libraryland Roundup could not agree more with Joyce Saricks: At Leisure with Joyce Saricks: Keeping a List. from Booklist Online - At Leisure with Joyce Saricks
Whether you keep a Notebook, a Spreadsheet, Goodreads, Librarything, or a Facebook app, a list like this is invaluable for reminding yourself of things you might want to recommend to that patron who comes up and utters those terrifying words: "Can you recommend a good book?"
Even more, just like your ipod or mp3 player shows your taste in music, these lists can give your marvelous insight into your own tastes, how they evolved, and ideas for new areas to explore.
Whether you keep a Notebook, a Spreadsheet, Goodreads, Librarything, or a Facebook app, a list like this is invaluable for reminding yourself of things you might want to recommend to that patron who comes up and utters those terrifying words: "Can you recommend a good book?"
Even more, just like your ipod or mp3 player shows your taste in music, these lists can give your marvelous insight into your own tastes, how they evolved, and ideas for new areas to explore.
More Bests of 2008!
(title unknown)
from The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Cindy Orr:
Amazon’s Best Books of 2008 and here
PW’s Best Books of 2008
Hudson Booksellers Best Books of 2008Best Books We’ve Read This Year - Stephen King, Amy Sedaris, Clyde Edgerton, others
RAO’s Great Romances of 2008
Kansas City Star’s Noteworthy Books of 2008
NPR’s 10 Best Cookbooks of 2008
San Francisco Chronicle’s Holiday Books
NPR’s Best Gift Books of 2008
NY Times 100 Notable Books of 2008
Michiko Kakutani’s Favorites of 2008
Janet Maslin’s Favorites of 2008
Hudson Booksellers Best Books of 2008
Penguin Authors What to Get, What to Give
from The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Cindy Orr:
Amazon’s Best Books of 2008 and here
PW’s Best Books of 2008
Hudson Booksellers Best Books of 2008Best Books We’ve Read This Year - Stephen King, Amy Sedaris, Clyde Edgerton, others
RAO’s Great Romances of 2008
Kansas City Star’s Noteworthy Books of 2008
NPR’s 10 Best Cookbooks of 2008
San Francisco Chronicle’s Holiday Books
NPR’s Best Gift Books of 2008
NY Times 100 Notable Books of 2008
Michiko Kakutani’s Favorites of 2008
Janet Maslin’s Favorites of 2008
Hudson Booksellers Best Books of 2008
Penguin Authors What to Get, What to Give
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Quantifying the Obvious
We've known for some time that it takes some time and stress to get used to new technology. This type of stress began with the invention of both the lever and the wheel. Still, it's good to have it quantified in case someone tries to challenge the idea.
When Technology Fails, or at least gets frustrating
from Stephen's Lighthouse by stephen
When Technology Fails, or at least gets frustrating
from Stephen's Lighthouse by stephen
Not A Bad Thing At All!
We've known for some time that the next generation uses information differently, communicates differently, and learns differently. Here are some links that discuss it more in-depth:
Teenagers’ Internet Socializing Not a Bad Thing
from http://librarystuff.onlineinc.com/wp-rdf.php by Steven
New MacArthur Foundation Study on Youth and New Media
from Stephen's Lighthouse by stephen
Teenagers’ Internet Socializing Not a Bad Thing
from http://librarystuff.onlineinc.com/wp-rdf.php by Steven
New MacArthur Foundation Study on Youth and New Media
from Stephen's Lighthouse by stephen
In Case You Missed It
Sister Souljah has a long-awaited second novel. Her POV here: Sister Souljah rejects any labels on her literary output from USATODAY.com Books - Top Stories
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Yikes George!
(title unknown) from The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Cindy Orr
"W’s Memoirs on Hold
An Associated Press reporter contacted several publishers to ask them about the prospects for George W. Bush’s memoirs. Apparently, they are not good, as several advised that he wait for a more auspicious time. On the other hand, prospects for Condoleezza Rice or Laura Bush seem to be much better."
Yikeroo! Perhaps his memoirs are best kept in an undisclosed location, but this is really kind of nasty. C'mon. No matter what our opinions may be of him, he has impacted our history. Then again maybe some of it is double-secret classified due to Homeland Security.
Confusing. Conflicting. Modern life.
"W’s Memoirs on Hold
An Associated Press reporter contacted several publishers to ask them about the prospects for George W. Bush’s memoirs. Apparently, they are not good, as several advised that he wait for a more auspicious time. On the other hand, prospects for Condoleezza Rice or Laura Bush seem to be much better."
Yikeroo! Perhaps his memoirs are best kept in an undisclosed location, but this is really kind of nasty. C'mon. No matter what our opinions may be of him, he has impacted our history. Then again maybe some of it is double-secret classified due to Homeland Security.
Confusing. Conflicting. Modern life.
Romance IS real literature!
For those of you still dismissing your romance collections as a pile of fluff, anti-feminist, sheer titillation, or other derogatory terms, I give you Teach Me Tonight. Recent topics have included:
Romance in Teaching American Literature
Challenging the Beauty Myth
Negotiating Gender Relations: Penny Jordan's They're Wed Again
There has to be something to the romance genre. It must reflect something we need in society. While I would never equate being on a bestseller list with quality, it does say something about the culture. Bravo to Teach Me Tonight for exploring!
Romance in Teaching American Literature
Challenging the Beauty Myth
Negotiating Gender Relations: Penny Jordan's They're Wed Again
There has to be something to the romance genre. It must reflect something we need in society. While I would never equate being on a bestseller list with quality, it does say something about the culture. Bravo to Teach Me Tonight for exploring!
One Cool Cat
And, believe you me, it was a cold night in Spencer, IA when Dewey appeared. This cat seems to be the animal du jour. And for his service to the community he deserves to be.
Bonus: Meryl Streep as librarian!
Vicki Myron: "Dewey" (Grand Central Publishing)
from WAMU: The Diane Rehm Show
Dewey Goes Hollywood: Meryl Streep to Play Librarian
from In the Bookroom
Meryl Streep to star in ‘Library Cat’
from http://librarystuff.onlineinc.com/wp-rdf.php by Steven
Bonus: Meryl Streep as librarian!
Vicki Myron: "Dewey" (Grand Central Publishing)
from WAMU: The Diane Rehm Show
Dewey Goes Hollywood: Meryl Streep to Play Librarian
from In the Bookroom
Meryl Streep to star in ‘Library Cat’
from http://librarystuff.onlineinc.com/wp-rdf.php by Steven
2.0 and Reader's Advisory
What is up with me? Some talks and notes.
from librarian.net by jessamyn
Library 2.0 and what tools and tips there are in there for Reader’s Advisory.
Some of these are old favorites and some have been mentioned here. A good talk to plunder for your own RA gold!
from librarian.net by jessamyn
Library 2.0 and what tools and tips there are in there for Reader’s Advisory.
Some of these are old favorites and some have been mentioned here. A good talk to plunder for your own RA gold!
Monday, November 10, 2008
The Thrill of the Thriller
The "Special Thriller Issue" of the Romantic Times Book Reviews has a lot of great info. So we here at Libraryland Roundup have decided to summarize. You simply must get a hand on the full issue to get the scoop. Good news? Paranormal is not the only crossover genre out there (like we didn't know.) Thrillers and Suspense are a romantic pair waiting to happen.
"Fasten Your Seatbelts: RT Looks at the Growing Thriller Phenomenon." Romantic Times Book Reviews. December, 2008, pp. 10+
Summary of Lee Child's remarks at the 2008 ThrillerFest convention (from the article): "...in a thriller time is of the essence. The story unfolds at such a breakneck pace that a protagonist barely has time to stop for a cup of coffee, let alone check his email."
Lee Child's words at the 2007 ThrillerFest convention "Thrillers are really why we all learn to read in the first place...The love stories...the danger, peril, fear, with a guaranteed resolution at the end - the restoration of order and safety. It's the universal human arc, and thrillers are the only place you can get it."
Romantic Suspense and the Thriller market are becoming linked. A romantic suspense book simply adds a resolution to a romantic relationship to the mix.
Some currently hot types of thrillers and examples
Mideast Terrorist: Daniel Silva, The Messenger; Thomas Harris, Black Sunday
Eco Thrillers: Michael Crichton, Jurassic Park
2012 or Bust (Doomsday spinoffs - having to do with the current theory that the Mayan calendar, which forecasts doomsday as being on 12/21/2012):
Whitley Strieber, 2012; Roxanne St. Claire, First you Run
Spies: John Le Carre, Mission Song; Vince Flynn, Extreme Measures
"Fasten Your Seatbelts: RT Looks at the Growing Thriller Phenomenon." Romantic Times Book Reviews. December, 2008, pp. 10+
Summary of Lee Child's remarks at the 2008 ThrillerFest convention (from the article): "...in a thriller time is of the essence. The story unfolds at such a breakneck pace that a protagonist barely has time to stop for a cup of coffee, let alone check his email."
Lee Child's words at the 2007 ThrillerFest convention "Thrillers are really why we all learn to read in the first place...The love stories...the danger, peril, fear, with a guaranteed resolution at the end - the restoration of order and safety. It's the universal human arc, and thrillers are the only place you can get it."
Romantic Suspense and the Thriller market are becoming linked. A romantic suspense book simply adds a resolution to a romantic relationship to the mix.
Some currently hot types of thrillers and examples
Mideast Terrorist: Daniel Silva, The Messenger; Thomas Harris, Black Sunday
Eco Thrillers: Michael Crichton, Jurassic Park
2012 or Bust (Doomsday spinoffs - having to do with the current theory that the Mayan calendar, which forecasts doomsday as being on 12/21/2012):
Whitley Strieber, 2012; Roxanne St. Claire, First you Run
Spies: John Le Carre, Mission Song; Vince Flynn, Extreme Measures
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Good Librarian Advice
On the heels of the good eats recommendation, let us pay heed to the following advice:
Meetings, Filibustering in from A Librarian's Guide to Etiquette by J
By learning Robert's Rules of Order and enforcing them in library-related meetings, a good librarian can act as parliamentarian and either a) learn to filibuster bad ideas and delay implementation with procedural motions, second readings, and votes or b) be totally obnoxious and get un-invited from future meetings.
Meetings, Filibustering in from A Librarian's Guide to Etiquette by J
By learning Robert's Rules of Order and enforcing them in library-related meetings, a good librarian can act as parliamentarian and either a) learn to filibuster bad ideas and delay implementation with procedural motions, second readings, and votes or b) be totally obnoxious and get un-invited from future meetings.
SCORE!
"Best of" Season Continues!
Book roundup: Best-of collections from USATODAY.com Books - Top Stories
American travel writing, short stories, mystery stories and writing about music are covered in these 2008 best-of collections.
American travel writing, short stories, mystery stories and writing about music are covered in these 2008 best-of collections.
Librarians and food
Way back when I was in library school, the late Gerald Hodges taught us one thing that has remained true: Librarians like to cook. Librarians like to eat. Librarians heart food.
Gooey Butter and Other Things! from PLA Blog by Jennifer Millikan
Gooey Butter and Other Things! from PLA Blog by Jennifer Millikan
Predicting the future
If Trendwatching isn't enough for you, consider that it's that time of year when predictions for the future in tech and other areas begins to run rampant. Stephen's Lighthouse kicks us off for the season: The Futurist Top 10 Forecasts from Stephen's Lighthouse by stephen
RA Tips and Trends
Have we reminded you lately that The Reader's Advisor Online Blog is simply the best way to keep up with all things reader's advisorly? Below are a few gems from their recent blog posts:
Urban Fiction a Hit in Libraries of All KindsThe New York Times has a story on urban fiction, or street lit, as some call it, and it success in the Queens Library and others. “We’ve got people who are reading for the first time. We’ve got people coming into our building asking for Teri Woods — who have never come here before,” said Lora-Lynn Rice, the director of collections at the Martin Library in York County, which held a symposium on urban fiction during National Library Week in April. “Why would we not embrace this?”
The Ultimate Guide to Pairing Alcohol and Literature
Historical Fiction Online
Urban Fiction a Hit in Libraries of All KindsThe New York Times has a story on urban fiction, or street lit, as some call it, and it success in the Queens Library and others. “We’ve got people who are reading for the first time. We’ve got people coming into our building asking for Teri Woods — who have never come here before,” said Lora-Lynn Rice, the director of collections at the Martin Library in York County, which held a symposium on urban fiction during National Library Week in April. “Why would we not embrace this?”
The Ultimate Guide to Pairing Alcohol and Literature
Historical Fiction Online
Trends!
November 2008 TOP 15 TREND QUESTIONS
Once again Trendwatch comes up with some great advice. Perfect for those of us who are marketing library services or get a thrill from being able to out-predict your friends! We here at Libraryland Roundup found the resources page particularly exciting.
Once again Trendwatch comes up with some great advice. Perfect for those of us who are marketing library services or get a thrill from being able to out-predict your friends! We here at Libraryland Roundup found the resources page particularly exciting.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Bad Headlines Department
200-year-old Kate Chopin's house burns down
via USATODAY.com Books - Top Stories on 10/1/08
200 years old? I didn't know Kate Chopin was still alive!
via USATODAY.com Books - Top Stories on 10/1/08
200 years old? I didn't know Kate Chopin was still alive!
Good News Department
Two-Thirds of Americans Have a Library Card
via Stephen's Lighthouse by stephen on 10/6/08
Some great demographic information here, too
via Stephen's Lighthouse by stephen on 10/6/08
Some great demographic information here, too
Eco, Green, etc.
Eco-friendly books run the gamut of green
via USATODAY.com Books - Top Stories on 10/6/08
This trend was first spotted last spring by Trendwatching in their Ecoiconic briefing. Since then, entire television networks have changed entirely to how-to-go-green programs. Presidential campaigns have gained ground by emphasizing the need for alternative energy resource. The whole world has gone green.
It will be interesting to see if this trend lasts. Some anonymous people have already tired of the green trend
via USATODAY.com Books - Top Stories on 10/6/08
This trend was first spotted last spring by Trendwatching in their Ecoiconic briefing. Since then, entire television networks have changed entirely to how-to-go-green programs. Presidential campaigns have gained ground by emphasizing the need for alternative energy resource. The whole world has gone green.
It will be interesting to see if this trend lasts. Some anonymous people have already tired of the green trend
Libraryland and Related Occupations - Humor
Book News: Larry Doyle Wins Thurber Prize for American Humor
via Library Journal - Collection Development on 10/7/08
Wrote TV's The Simpsons and Beavis and Butthead.
It's about time the Simpsons got their proper respect!
Webinars, Library
via A Librarian's Guide to Etiquette by J on 10/7/08
Every time a librarian uses the word webinar, a little piece of his or her soul dies.
We just can't stress enough how important this is. Our souls are already in mortal danger from dealing with nasty business at the reference desk.
Caveat: An extra little piece of soul that drops off when the librarian uses "webinar" and "webcast" interchangeably. ACK!
via Library Journal - Collection Development on 10/7/08
Wrote TV's The Simpsons and Beavis and Butthead.
It's about time the Simpsons got their proper respect!
Webinars, Library
via A Librarian's Guide to Etiquette by J on 10/7/08
Every time a librarian uses the word webinar, a little piece of his or her soul dies.
We just can't stress enough how important this is. Our souls are already in mortal danger from dealing with nasty business at the reference desk.
Caveat: An extra little piece of soul that drops off when the librarian uses "webinar" and "webcast" interchangeably. ACK!
Friday, September 12, 2008
What? Not everyone uses social media???
Yes, it's true. While it's a good thing to use those 2.0 tools to reach that demographic, we should never forget our non-social network users. Here are some tips from iLibrarian:
Ways to Reach People Who Don’t Use Social Media
Ways to Reach People Who Don’t Use Social Media
Interested in RA?
If you’re a member of the Public Library Association, take a look at the soft launch of the Readers’ Advisory Group.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Trendwatching
September 2008 OFF=ON
via trendwatching.com by newsletter@trendwatching.com on 8/31/08
This is a great feed to keep an eye on if you're planning the programming, outreach, or marketing of your library.
" When something previously deemed ‘emerging’ has managed to completely invade the mainstream, you know it's time to throw overboard any remaining doubts and inhibitions, and just get going to claim your shrinking piece of the pie."
What does this mean to us? Facebook? Social Networking on our on sites? Book Clubs? Whatever you see, jump on before it's too late!
Online and Offline worlds have become absolutely intertwined. Texting? Twitter? Social Networking anyone?
"OFF=ON More and more, the offline world (a.k.a. the real world, meatspace or atom-arena) is adjusting to and mirroring the increasingly dominant online world, from tone of voice to product development to business processes to customer relationships. Get ready to truly cater to an ONLINE OXYGEN generation even if you’re in ancient sectors like automotive or fast moving consumer goods."
Use online ideas and connections to market offline items, even wedding rings with cat 5 compliant parts!
Personalization of portals has now become customization of products online. You can design your own jeans to fit your measurements exactly via Lands End and QVC. The Sims 2 H&M Fashion Runway Contest has spawned an outfit to be sold at H&M retail locations. You can turn your avatar into a statuette for offline decor
Other items are called "Digital Lifestyle Lubricants" "A booming OFF=ON category all by itself, a digital lifestyle lubricant is a traditional product that incorporates functionalities and enablers to make it more compatible with the online world. From iPod chargers sewn into coats to web-based connections for plush toys."
Make it easier to capture your offline experiences and get them online. A video camera with a one-touch function to upload to Youtube. A handbag with a solar panel to charge your cell, et. al.
So how do we hop on the bandwagon?
This is called mirroring. How do we mirror the idea with our own needs?
How about taking online customer comments about books, DVDs, and CDs and putting them up in your library by signage, handout, or digitally?
"Clearly, that’s just the beginning. From real-world supermarket layouts mirroring more intuitive website layouts, to allowing for more in-store customization, catering to consumers who are accustomed to mixing and matching whatever they feel like online."
Is your building layout intuitive as a website? Could signage and other visual cues be more useful in the past because millenial eyes are trained for that?
Here's a checklist from the report of things to look for in libraryland to help us merge into our customer's online/offline world
Sharing
Constant, 24/7, always on
Keeping in touch
Cheap, fast and easy
Snack culture
Free
Ongoing feedback
Transparency
Anonymity
Customization, personalization, creation
Searchability
Easy befriending & connecting
Instant gratification
Collaboration
Micro celebrity
DIY
Multiple personalities
Total control (or at least the illusion of it)
Overload
Beta testing
…and so on
Trends fueling the online/offline phenomenon.
Visibility
"many consumers still value the physical over the virtual (and as we will see further down below, even the very wired are venturing out more, not less). So online brands want to be seen and want to be part of the real world to add visibility to their brands. Not to mention that despite the rapid growth of ecommerce, consumers still spend the majority of their budgets offline."
We already have big experience with the value of the physical in libraryland. Here's an area where promoting our online experiences within the physical building can be a seamless no-brainer.
Warm Bodies
Knowing each other well virtually leads to knowing each other in person. How do we facilitate this with our customers and prospective customers?
Mobility
People want to do on their cells and pdas exactly what they do at their pcs and macs. "diving into the online world fast and without limits, on whatever gadget offers the best marriage between size, apps and portability. With some serious GPS action thrown in, too."
Are libraries prepared to do what needs to be done to reach this market? Do we have the technology? Wireless is a place where many of us have started. What else is needed? The web is everywhere and not tied to a portal.
Applying Off/On
"It doesn’t take marketing genius to apply OFF=ON and ON=OFF to your own brand. Here’s what you can set in motion today:
Incorporate online symbols into one of your next designs.
Have customers design something from scratch online, then bring it into the real world.
Add any kind of online functionality or access feature to existing physical products.
Study and then incorporate winning characteristics of living and doing business online into your offline processes.
Infuse your campaigns with the language of the online-versed.
Give your online brand an offline presence.
Partner with any kind of relevant meet-up venture.
Introduce a 'warm bodies
Hop on the mobile-meets-web bandwagon. Start with introducing an iPhone app. Hey, if British Airways can do it...
Look beyond the next 6 to 12 months and dive into leading online gurus' visions. After all, even if their exact timing is sometimes off, their predictions so far have all come true. "
via trendwatching.com by newsletter@trendwatching.com on 8/31/08
This is a great feed to keep an eye on if you're planning the programming, outreach, or marketing of your library.
" When something previously deemed ‘emerging’ has managed to completely invade the mainstream, you know it's time to throw overboard any remaining doubts and inhibitions, and just get going to claim your shrinking piece of the pie."
What does this mean to us? Facebook? Social Networking on our on sites? Book Clubs? Whatever you see, jump on before it's too late!
Online and Offline worlds have become absolutely intertwined. Texting? Twitter? Social Networking anyone?
"OFF=ON More and more, the offline world (a.k.a. the real world, meatspace or atom-arena) is adjusting to and mirroring the increasingly dominant online world, from tone of voice to product development to business processes to customer relationships. Get ready to truly cater to an ONLINE OXYGEN generation even if you’re in ancient sectors like automotive or fast moving consumer goods."
Use online ideas and connections to market offline items, even wedding rings with cat 5 compliant parts!
Personalization of portals has now become customization of products online. You can design your own jeans to fit your measurements exactly via Lands End and QVC. The Sims 2 H&M Fashion Runway Contest has spawned an outfit to be sold at H&M retail locations. You can turn your avatar into a statuette for offline decor
Other items are called "Digital Lifestyle Lubricants" "A booming OFF=ON category all by itself, a digital lifestyle lubricant is a traditional product that incorporates functionalities and enablers to make it more compatible with the online world. From iPod chargers sewn into coats to web-based connections for plush toys."
Make it easier to capture your offline experiences and get them online. A video camera with a one-touch function to upload to Youtube. A handbag with a solar panel to charge your cell, et. al.
So how do we hop on the bandwagon?
This is called mirroring. How do we mirror the idea with our own needs?
How about taking online customer comments about books, DVDs, and CDs and putting them up in your library by signage, handout, or digitally?
"Clearly, that’s just the beginning. From real-world supermarket layouts mirroring more intuitive website layouts, to allowing for more in-store customization, catering to consumers who are accustomed to mixing and matching whatever they feel like online."
Is your building layout intuitive as a website? Could signage and other visual cues be more useful in the past because millenial eyes are trained for that?
Here's a checklist from the report of things to look for in libraryland to help us merge into our customer's online/offline world
Sharing
Constant, 24/7, always on
Keeping in touch
Cheap, fast and easy
Snack culture
Free
Ongoing feedback
Transparency
Anonymity
Customization, personalization, creation
Searchability
Easy befriending & connecting
Instant gratification
Collaboration
Micro celebrity
DIY
Multiple personalities
Total control (or at least the illusion of it)
Overload
Beta testing
…and so on
Trends fueling the online/offline phenomenon.
Visibility
"many consumers still value the physical over the virtual (and as we will see further down below, even the very wired are venturing out more, not less). So online brands want to be seen and want to be part of the real world to add visibility to their brands. Not to mention that despite the rapid growth of ecommerce, consumers still spend the majority of their budgets offline."
We already have big experience with the value of the physical in libraryland. Here's an area where promoting our online experiences within the physical building can be a seamless no-brainer.
Warm Bodies
Knowing each other well virtually leads to knowing each other in person. How do we facilitate this with our customers and prospective customers?
Mobility
People want to do on their cells and pdas exactly what they do at their pcs and macs. "diving into the online world fast and without limits, on whatever gadget offers the best marriage between size, apps and portability. With some serious GPS action thrown in, too."
Are libraries prepared to do what needs to be done to reach this market? Do we have the technology? Wireless is a place where many of us have started. What else is needed? The web is everywhere and not tied to a portal.
Applying Off/On
"It doesn’t take marketing genius to apply OFF=ON and ON=OFF to your own brand. Here’s what you can set in motion today:
Incorporate online symbols into one of your next designs.
Have customers design something from scratch online, then bring it into the real world.
Add any kind of online functionality or access feature to existing physical products.
Study and then incorporate winning characteristics of living and doing business online into your offline processes.
Infuse your campaigns with the language of the online-versed.
Give your online brand an offline presence.
Partner with any kind of relevant meet-up venture.
Introduce a 'warm bodies
Hop on the mobile-meets-web bandwagon. Start with introducing an iPhone app. Hey, if British Airways can do it...
Look beyond the next 6 to 12 months and dive into leading online gurus' visions. After all, even if their exact timing is sometimes off, their predictions so far have all come true. "
Fall and Winter Reading
We're winding up into gift-giving/stay-inside-and read-because-it's-cold-in-most-of-the US. Reading groups are also ramping up again now that everyone's back from vacation. Here are some links to things to look out for:
Fall books preview: These 10 titles are certain to be 'talkers'
via USATODAY.com Books - Top Stories on 9/5/08
Not surprisingly, Wally Lamb is at the top with The Hour I First Believed. Toni Morrison also has a new one, as do Candace Bushnell, Bill O'Reilly, Phillip Gregory, and Malcom Gladwell
See also:
After Oprah, the pressure was on for Lamb
'City' never sleeps in Bushnell's work
via USATODAY.com Books - Top Stories on 9/3/08
Philippa Gregory's crowning touch of success
via USATODAY.com Books - Top Stories
Fall books preview: These 10 titles are certain to be 'talkers'
via USATODAY.com Books - Top Stories on 9/5/08
Not surprisingly, Wally Lamb is at the top with The Hour I First Believed. Toni Morrison also has a new one, as do Candace Bushnell, Bill O'Reilly, Phillip Gregory, and Malcom Gladwell
See also:
After Oprah, the pressure was on for Lamb
'City' never sleeps in Bushnell's work
via USATODAY.com Books - Top Stories on 9/3/08
Philippa Gregory's crowning touch of success
via USATODAY.com Books - Top Stories
More on the Jewel of Medina
Jewel of Medina Finds New Publisher
via Smart Bitches, Trashy Books on 9/3/08
Someone put on their brave pants!
via Smart Bitches, Trashy Books on 9/3/08
Someone put on their brave pants!
Expectation Economy and 2.0 Libraries
Abrams hits it again. See the blurb at: The Future of Reference Article
Once again, libraries are ahead of the curve in the Expectation Economy.
Once again, libraries are ahead of the curve in the Expectation Economy.
Why He Was Important
Robert Giroux, giant of publishing, dies
via USATODAY.com Books - Top Stories on 9/5/08
Besides being one of the Big Guys in a Major Publishing House, Giroux had great influence on modern literature. e.e. cummings felt his influence and even guidance, as did many other literary greats of the modern era. He was 94.
What does this mean for the collection manager today? Very little, directly. Indirectly, he was a person who influenced how books were and are published and written. Hats off to a very interesting man.
via USATODAY.com Books - Top Stories on 9/5/08
Besides being one of the Big Guys in a Major Publishing House, Giroux had great influence on modern literature. e.e. cummings felt his influence and even guidance, as did many other literary greats of the modern era. He was 94.
What does this mean for the collection manager today? Very little, directly. Indirectly, he was a person who influenced how books were and are published and written. Hats off to a very interesting man.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Social Networking Takes Over The World!
We all kind of had a hunch about this, didn't we? Now we have the studies to prove it.
Study Shows Social Media Use on the Rise
Whoa baby! Social Media appears to have moved beyond the Early Adopters and infiltrated the collective. It isn't just the kids anymore. After all, how many readers out there are over 26 and have a Facebook account?
For marketing, social media is a whole new venue. And the rules are way different than the old "interruptive" model. Brand yourself and get yourself out there. Make your social content something that makes the reader/viewer want to click back to your brand. Engage and think globally about it.
Don't forget the vicarious consumption inherent in the Expectation Economy discussed in Trendwatching. Opinions are out there. Your users are reading those opinions and makind decisions based on them. Know them. Grab them and use them to market your library and improve services.
Stephen Abram sums it up:
Half of U.S. adults use social media
from Stephen's Lighthouse by stephen
According to study, half of U.S. adults use social media.
Wow! That is, they do according to the latest findings from Universal McCann's "Media in Mind" study. In this particular study "social media" includes text messaging, blogging and social networking. These three technologies combined are used by 50% of U.S. adults for communication purposes.
1 out of 10 U.S. adults now publish blogs (up from 5% last year)
1 out of 5 18-34-year olds publish blogs (up from 10% last year)
22% of U.S. adults use IM (up from 9% last year)
21% 18-34-year olds use IM (up from 14% last year)
57% have joined a Social Network, now the primary mode of creating and sharing content
23% of social network users have installed an application
Video Clips are the quickest growing platform, up from 31% penetration
73% have read a blog
34% post opinions about products and brands on their blog
Read the complete presentation/report (80 page PDF) here.
Interesting. Right or wrong, it's still obviously growing in interesting ways.
Study Shows Social Media Use on the Rise
Whoa baby! Social Media appears to have moved beyond the Early Adopters and infiltrated the collective. It isn't just the kids anymore. After all, how many readers out there are over 26 and have a Facebook account?
For marketing, social media is a whole new venue. And the rules are way different than the old "interruptive" model. Brand yourself and get yourself out there. Make your social content something that makes the reader/viewer want to click back to your brand. Engage and think globally about it.
Don't forget the vicarious consumption inherent in the Expectation Economy discussed in Trendwatching. Opinions are out there. Your users are reading those opinions and makind decisions based on them. Know them. Grab them and use them to market your library and improve services.
Stephen Abram sums it up:
Half of U.S. adults use social media
from Stephen's Lighthouse by stephen
According to study, half of U.S. adults use social media.
Wow! That is, they do according to the latest findings from Universal McCann's "Media in Mind" study. In this particular study "social media" includes text messaging, blogging and social networking. These three technologies combined are used by 50% of U.S. adults for communication purposes.
1 out of 10 U.S. adults now publish blogs (up from 5% last year)
1 out of 5 18-34-year olds publish blogs (up from 10% last year)
22% of U.S. adults use IM (up from 9% last year)
21% 18-34-year olds use IM (up from 14% last year)
57% have joined a Social Network, now the primary mode of creating and sharing content
23% of social network users have installed an application
Video Clips are the quickest growing platform, up from 31% penetration
73% have read a blog
34% post opinions about products and brands on their blog
Read the complete presentation/report (80 page PDF) here.
Interesting. Right or wrong, it's still obviously growing in interesting ways.
Kudos and Concerns
Concerns
Random House Pulls Book About Muhammad's Wife
from NPR Topics: Authors
The reasons for this are just a bit scary. Of course no one wants to insult another's religious beliefs. Do we also want to stop the free discussion of ideas? Why pull this one when Salman Rushdie's Satanic Verses was universally defended? Puzzling. Those of you out in Libraryschoolland might find a good topic for a paper in this one.
See also:
The Jewel of Medina is Now On Sale - No, Wait. Nevermind.
from Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
Kudos
One Man, One Year, One Mission: Read The OED
from NPR Topics: Authors
We're all about reading here and we, for some, are glad to see this man safely on his way!
Experts Uncover A Painting Van Gogh Covered Up
from NPR Topics: Arts & Culture
The question that remains is this: How can we view both at once?
Random House Pulls Book About Muhammad's Wife
from NPR Topics: Authors
The reasons for this are just a bit scary. Of course no one wants to insult another's religious beliefs. Do we also want to stop the free discussion of ideas? Why pull this one when Salman Rushdie's Satanic Verses was universally defended? Puzzling. Those of you out in Libraryschoolland might find a good topic for a paper in this one.
See also:
The Jewel of Medina is Now On Sale - No, Wait. Nevermind.
from Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
Kudos
One Man, One Year, One Mission: Read The OED
from NPR Topics: Authors
We're all about reading here and we, for some, are glad to see this man safely on his way!
Experts Uncover A Painting Van Gogh Covered Up
from NPR Topics: Arts & Culture
The question that remains is this: How can we view both at once?
Coming Up in Health
Nice article about what to look for in health publishing in upcoming months.
"Health Front and Center." Publisher's Weekly 8/4/08 p. 27
The market indicates people are very concerned about health care and costs. People are also feeling overwhelmed by unending advice on staying well, what to eat, etc. They are looking for one easy "prescription" in a book.
Also: General information on topics and coping
Concern for the well-being of returning Iraqi veterans has put PTSD and brain trauma books near the top of the list for demand
Other areas:
Alzheimer's
Longevity and Aging
Cancer
Women's Health
"Health Front and Center." Publisher's Weekly 8/4/08 p. 27
The market indicates people are very concerned about health care and costs. People are also feeling overwhelmed by unending advice on staying well, what to eat, etc. They are looking for one easy "prescription" in a book.
Also: General information on topics and coping
Concern for the well-being of returning Iraqi veterans has put PTSD and brain trauma books near the top of the list for demand
Other areas:
Alzheimer's
Longevity and Aging
Cancer
Women's Health
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Great group of new RA tools!
Wow did Sarah Houghton-Jan hit it on the head with this one. Tons of stuff to explore here!
Sarah's Reference Warehouse: Readers Advisory
from LibrarianInBlack by Sarah Houghton-Jan
Sarah's Reference Warehouse: Readers Advisory
from LibrarianInBlack by Sarah Houghton-Jan
Football Season is Looming
The heck with the Olympics. Every red-blooded American knows football season is upon us. Here's an interesting tidbit from
(title unknown)
from The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Cindy Orr
"Tyndale’s Christian Football BooksTyndale House has released its third football-related title that seems headed to the top of the regular bestseller lists. Jim Tressel, the coach of Ohio State’s football team, wrote The Winners Manual, which Tyndale hopes will sell as well as Tony Dungy’s Quiet Strength, and Deanna Favre’s Don’t Bet Against Me."
We're not sure exactly what this signifies but we're hoping it means that language of viewers across the country will improve. :-)
(title unknown)
from The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Cindy Orr
"Tyndale’s Christian Football BooksTyndale House has released its third football-related title that seems headed to the top of the regular bestseller lists. Jim Tressel, the coach of Ohio State’s football team, wrote The Winners Manual, which Tyndale hopes will sell as well as Tony Dungy’s Quiet Strength, and Deanna Favre’s Don’t Bet Against Me."
We're not sure exactly what this signifies but we're hoping it means that language of viewers across the country will improve. :-)
Kinda Defined: Beach Reads
We here at librarylandroundup have previously confessed to cluelessness as to just what exactly a "Beach Read" is. We suspected, and still maintain, that the beach/vacation/summer read for an adult could include leisurely reads. After some study of the summer movie season and book bestsellers, we have come to the conclusion that, for the majority of readers, summer/beach/vacation reading is somewhat similar. Whether this is due to the marketing of books and movies during summer or is somehow an actual human desire remains unclear.
Using Joyce Sarick's cross-genre RA framework and Nancy Pearl's "doorways" theory, we have come to the following conclusions:
Adrenaline: Fast-paced, thrilling, a real page-turner.
Intellect: Could be speculative, as in sf/fantasy/crossover or it could be escapist as in historicals or romance or a lot of westerns
Feeling: Lots of it. Thrills, chills, inspiration, love, etc.
Landscape: May or may not be important
Doorways:
The main doorways would be Adrenaline and Feeling. "Give me a heart-pounding, emotion-provoking book, please!"
Minor doorways would be Intellect and Landscape. "By the way, I just want an escape and I like a lot of description of the scenery."
That's it folks. Librarylandroundup sits corrected!
Using Joyce Sarick's cross-genre RA framework and Nancy Pearl's "doorways" theory, we have come to the following conclusions:
Adrenaline: Fast-paced, thrilling, a real page-turner.
Intellect: Could be speculative, as in sf/fantasy/crossover or it could be escapist as in historicals or romance or a lot of westerns
Feeling: Lots of it. Thrills, chills, inspiration, love, etc.
Landscape: May or may not be important
Doorways:
The main doorways would be Adrenaline and Feeling. "Give me a heart-pounding, emotion-provoking book, please!"
Minor doorways would be Intellect and Landscape. "By the way, I just want an escape and I like a lot of description of the scenery."
That's it folks. Librarylandroundup sits corrected!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Graphic Politics
If you don't get enough political news on tv, radio, internet, and your office, now you can also get it via graphic novels! Both McCain and Obama have individual tomes and both strike a heroic pose on their respective covers
Holy Politicians! Obama, McCain Get Comic Books
from In the Bookroom
Holy Politicians! Obama, McCain Get Comic Books
from In the Bookroom
ACK! For shame!
FictionDB.com - free online readers advisory
from LibrarianInBlack by Sarah Houghton-Jan
Our wise libraryland leader, Sarah Hougton-Jan has made an "oops!" We all know that readers advisory is a one-to-one practice which can be aided by databases and other lists. However great www.fictionDB.com is, it does not provide readers advisory.Only we, your friendly local librarians are the experts in this field!
from LibrarianInBlack by Sarah Houghton-Jan
Our wise libraryland leader, Sarah Hougton-Jan has made an "oops!" We all know that readers advisory is a one-to-one practice which can be aided by databases and other lists. However great www.fictionDB.com is, it does not provide readers advisory.Only we, your friendly local librarians are the experts in this field!
Hop in the Wayback Machine!
This is good news for all you film buffs out there. Hope these lost scenes will soon be coming to a library dvd-supplier near you!
Jul 21, 2008 5:12 PM
Long-Lost Reels Of 1927's 'Metropolis' Recovered
from NPR Topics: Arts & Culture
Jul 21, 2008 5:12 PM
Long-Lost Reels Of 1927's 'Metropolis' Recovered
from NPR Topics: Arts & Culture
Sad, but true
And very very human.
Learning
from Stephen's Lighthouse by stephen
A useful graph explains the stages of technology adoption by users. From immersion to "How could I ever live without this" to rational use
Learning
from Stephen's Lighthouse by stephen
A useful graph explains the stages of technology adoption by users. From immersion to "How could I ever live without this" to rational use
Mystery, Suspense, and Thrillers
Food for thought and discussion as well as a little between-patrons investigation:
from
(title unknown)from The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Cindy Orr
ThrillerFest Reports
The International Thriller Writers ThrillerFest was held last week. Check our reports here, here, and here.
Would True Crime Readers Enjoy Police Procedurals?
That’s the question posed by Sarah Weinman in the LA Times. Weinman’s article talks about Douglas Preston’s true crime book The Monster of Florence, as well as his thrillers written with Lincoln Child (Relic, etc.). Michael Connelly has also written mysteries (the Harry Bosch series) as well as a true crime book titled Crime Beat: A Decade of Covering Cops and Killers.
from
(title unknown)from The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Cindy Orr
ThrillerFest Reports
The International Thriller Writers ThrillerFest was held last week. Check our reports here, here, and here.
Would True Crime Readers Enjoy Police Procedurals?
That’s the question posed by Sarah Weinman in the LA Times. Weinman’s article talks about Douglas Preston’s true crime book The Monster of Florence, as well as his thrillers written with Lincoln Child (Relic, etc.). Michael Connelly has also written mysteries (the Harry Bosch series) as well as a true crime book titled Crime Beat: A Decade of Covering Cops and Killers.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Oops!
Apparently my ability to post with feedburner feed flare isn't working well today. Please feel free to say Me! Me! Me! in the comments area and I'll figure out how to contact you.
Joine Libraryland Roundup!
Want to add your 2 cents worth? Enjoy sharing interesting libraryland news? Wanna be famous to our subscriber?
Email the author using the feedflare link below and join the fun!
Email the author using the feedflare link below and join the fun!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
For the techie in you
Let's just kick this one off by saying to ISO: IT'S ABOUT TIME!
PDF Now an ISO Standard
from Stephen's Lighthouse by stephen
The Future of Books, Book Piracy, and Digital Rights Management
from Gather No Dust by Jeff Scott
15 Turning Points in IT History
from Stephen's Lighthouse by stephen
Eight Handy Word Tools
from LibrarianInBlack by Sarah Houghton-JanEight Handy Word Tools
from LibrarianInBlack by Sarah Houghton-Jan
PDF Now an ISO Standard
from Stephen's Lighthouse by stephen
The Future of Books, Book Piracy, and Digital Rights Management
from Gather No Dust by Jeff Scott
15 Turning Points in IT History
from Stephen's Lighthouse by stephen
Eight Handy Word Tools
from LibrarianInBlack by Sarah Houghton-JanEight Handy Word Tools
from LibrarianInBlack by Sarah Houghton-Jan
In The News: Reading
Who knew reading was hot and sexy enough to actually be newsworthy?
CNBC is "Bullish on Books'
from In the Bookroom
It's not only National Public Radio that is expanding its online book coverage. Now CNBC has launched its own book blog, Bullish on Books
(title unknown)
from The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Cindy Orr
NPR Expands Book CoverageNational Public Radio has expanded its book coverage, according to Publishers Weekly. They’ve added six new book reviewers, including Jessica Crispin, the Bookslut.
CNBC is "Bullish on Books'
from In the Bookroom
It's not only National Public Radio that is expanding its online book coverage. Now CNBC has launched its own book blog, Bullish on Books
(title unknown)
from The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Cindy Orr
NPR Expands Book CoverageNational Public Radio has expanded its book coverage, according to Publishers Weekly. They’ve added six new book reviewers, including Jessica Crispin, the Bookslut.
Some Great Reading Lists
Now we here at Libraryland Roundup have never quite figured out what a beach read, a summer read, or a vacation read really are. For some people it's something fast-paced and adventuresome, for others, it's a leisurely-paced travelogue. Go figure
Or perhaps it's because we haven't spent enough time at the beach or on vacation.
We do, however, know good lists of great reads when we see them. And we denizens of libraryland just adore lists. So here are enough recent jewels to choke a horse:
Tango with Sarah!
from Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
Books for your beach bag
from USATODAY.com Books - Top Stories
A few beach-worthy suggestions from USA TODAY staffers
Everybody into the Pool! Poolside Reads
from In the Bookroom
No need to add water or sand to enjoy these summer reads
from USATODAY.com Books - Top Stories
Under the Radar: Great Recent Historical Mysteries
from The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Cindy Orr
RA Run Down
from The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Cindy Orr
Entertainment Weekly’s The New Classics - Top 100 Reads from 1983 to 2008–(perfect idea for a display)
NPR’s Summer Reading - Political BooksNPR’s Summer Reading - Political Books
Reading for Place: Books for Travelers
Under the Radar: 10 Great Baseball Books
from The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Cindy Orr
Wyatt’s World: Summer Suggestions—Western Reading
from Library Journal - Collection Development
Whether you're at the beach or on the range, here are five Westerns to take along.
Or perhaps it's because we haven't spent enough time at the beach or on vacation.
We do, however, know good lists of great reads when we see them. And we denizens of libraryland just adore lists. So here are enough recent jewels to choke a horse:
Tango with Sarah!
from Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
Books for your beach bag
from USATODAY.com Books - Top Stories
A few beach-worthy suggestions from USA TODAY staffers
Everybody into the Pool! Poolside Reads
from In the Bookroom
No need to add water or sand to enjoy these summer reads
from USATODAY.com Books - Top Stories
Under the Radar: Great Recent Historical Mysteries
from The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Cindy Orr
RA Run Down
from The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Cindy Orr
Entertainment Weekly’s The New Classics - Top 100 Reads from 1983 to 2008–(perfect idea for a display)
NPR’s Summer Reading - Political BooksNPR’s Summer Reading - Political Books
Reading for Place: Books for Travelers
Under the Radar: 10 Great Baseball Books
from The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Cindy Orr
Wyatt’s World: Summer Suggestions—Western Reading
from Library Journal - Collection Development
Whether you're at the beach or on the range, here are five Westerns to take along.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Current Awareness
Great Presentation! And, as always, Great Ideas
Jun 7, 2008 2:47 PM
"How to Stay Current" Presentations from Arizona Libraries Institute
from LibrarianInBlack by Sarah Houghton-Jan
I had a good time presenting at the Arizona Libraries Summer Institute, despite the fact that I was rather ill while presenting (darn food poisoning). I had a number of very informative and energizing discussions with the staff who attended, and I want to especially thank Jaime Ball for making my entire experience a nice one (again, sans food poisoning).
I did promise to post my presentations, so here they are!
Methods for Staying Current (PDF)
Tools for Staying Current (PDF)
Jun 7, 2008 2:47 PM
"How to Stay Current" Presentations from Arizona Libraries Institute
from LibrarianInBlack by Sarah Houghton-Jan
I had a good time presenting at the Arizona Libraries Summer Institute, despite the fact that I was rather ill while presenting (darn food poisoning). I had a number of very informative and energizing discussions with the staff who attended, and I want to especially thank Jaime Ball for making my entire experience a nice one (again, sans food poisoning).
I did promise to post my presentations, so here they are!
Methods for Staying Current (PDF)
Tools for Staying Current (PDF)
Some Handy Tools for Librarians!
The usual suspects come through!
Eight Handy Word Tools
from LibrarianInBlack by Sarah Houghton-Jan
PC Magazine has a great article for people looking for Microsoft Word tips and tricks (and who isn't?): "Eight Handy Tools in Microsoft Word You Provavly Don't Know About." And which one do I think most of you will smile at? How to compare two documents to each other to find differences. (whoopah!)
100 Free Library 2.0 Webinars and Tutorials
from LibrarianInBlack by Sarah Houghton-Jan
Something to read over lunch: 100 Free Library 2.0 Webinars and Tutorials by Jessica Merritt on College@Home. This is a great list of tools to use when training yourself, staff, or your users. Thank you Jessica!
via Stephen's Lighthouse
QuestionPro Online Survey Tool
from LibrarianInBlack by Sarah Houghton-Jan
A new online survey tool to add to your back pocket: QuestionPro. It has a lot of the same features as Zoomerang and SurveyMonkey. The free version offers an unlimited number of responses and survey duration, though you can only have 10 questions per survey. The pro version offers additional features.
via Darlene Fichter's Blog on the Side
Eight Handy Word Tools
from LibrarianInBlack by Sarah Houghton-Jan
PC Magazine has a great article for people looking for Microsoft Word tips and tricks (and who isn't?): "Eight Handy Tools in Microsoft Word You Provavly Don't Know About." And which one do I think most of you will smile at? How to compare two documents to each other to find differences. (whoopah!)
100 Free Library 2.0 Webinars and Tutorials
from LibrarianInBlack by Sarah Houghton-Jan
Something to read over lunch: 100 Free Library 2.0 Webinars and Tutorials by Jessica Merritt on College@Home. This is a great list of tools to use when training yourself, staff, or your users. Thank you Jessica!
via Stephen's Lighthouse
QuestionPro Online Survey Tool
from LibrarianInBlack by Sarah Houghton-Jan
A new online survey tool to add to your back pocket: QuestionPro. It has a lot of the same features as Zoomerang and SurveyMonkey. The free version offers an unlimited number of responses and survey duration, though you can only have 10 questions per survey. The pro version offers additional features.
via Darlene Fichter's Blog on the Side
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Booklists, making
Shelf Talk is a great resource for this. Scroll down this link for the link to shelf talk
Library Link Odds and Ends
from librarian.net by jessamyn
Library Link Odds and Ends
from librarian.net by jessamyn
Webjunction rules!
This feed often has great learning tools.
Webjunction Webinars: WiFi, learning culture, & Shaping Outcomes
from PLA Blog by Andrea Mercado
This time I'm particularly interested in the learning culture section. I'd love to see us add that back into the libraryland staff mix
Webjunction Webinars: WiFi, learning culture, & Shaping Outcomes
from PLA Blog by Andrea Mercado
This time I'm particularly interested in the learning culture section. I'd love to see us add that back into the libraryland staff mix
Open Source?
Open Source is an application found on the web that can be used collaboratively to work on projects or even to build databases, searching, and other fine libraryland tools. Anon herself has used google docs to share genealogical information with a friend who happens to be proficient in the area.
Here is a listing of writer's tools that may be useful
50 open source tools for writers
from LibrarianInBlack by Sarah Houghton-Jan
Imagine how many huge email attachments can be avoided! And how about meeting notes? And how about saving the library money by avoiding all those expensive licenses? Having someone proofread booklists?
Have a user who can't get a document to save to a portable device? Have them cut and paste it into an Open Source tool.
Here is a listing of writer's tools that may be useful
50 open source tools for writers
from LibrarianInBlack by Sarah Houghton-Jan
Imagine how many huge email attachments can be avoided! And how about meeting notes? And how about saving the library money by avoiding all those expensive licenses? Having someone proofread booklists?
Have a user who can't get a document to save to a portable device? Have them cut and paste it into an Open Source tool.
Who Is Digitally Saavy?
As always, Stephen Abram brings us the info we need. In this case the subject of marketing is very timely. How do we market our digital services? Are we targeting the right group?
Who Are The Digitally Savvy?
from Stephen's Lighthouse by stephen
Who Are The Digitally Savvy?
from Stephen's Lighthouse by stephen
Harry Potter: The Books That Won't Go Away
Not that we have anything against Harry Potter. Far from it!
800-word Harry Potter prequel to be auctioned
from USATODAY.com Books - Top Stories
800-word Harry Potter prequel to be auctioned
from USATODAY.com Books - Top Stories
Still Catching Up to 2.0
Here are some great tutorials. Why not put aside some time during the day to take a tutorial? Even if your library is not completely 2.0 -friendly you never know when it will be.
Try the links here for more info:
100 Free Web 2.0 Tutorials
from Stephen's Lighthouse by stephen
Who Are The Digitally Savvy?
from Stephen's Lighthouse by stephen
Talking Tech Friday - Zoho
from MCLC Library Tech Talk by Anali
Many 2.0 speakers publish links to their latest:
Tech Training webcast now available
from LibrarianInBlack by Sarah Houghton-Jan
Try the links here for more info:
100 Free Web 2.0 Tutorials
from Stephen's Lighthouse by stephen
Who Are The Digitally Savvy?
from Stephen's Lighthouse by stephen
Talking Tech Friday - Zoho
from MCLC Library Tech Talk by Anali
Many 2.0 speakers publish links to their latest:
Tech Training webcast now available
from LibrarianInBlack by Sarah Houghton-Jan
Library Journal Booklists
This monthly column is a great resource for both collection building and making booklists! Take a look:
Wyatt’s World: Summer Suggestions—Historical True Crime
from Library Journal - Collection Development
Christian Fiction
from Library Journal - Genre Fiction
The Triumph of the Thriller: The Best of the ITW
from Library Journal - Collection Development
Wyatt’s World: Summer Suggestions—Historical True Crime
from Library Journal - Collection Development
Christian Fiction
from Library Journal - Genre Fiction
The Triumph of the Thriller: The Best of the ITW
from Library Journal - Collection Development
Belated But Great Idea For A Booklist
'Cathedral' is set in medieval stone
from USATODAY.com Books - Top Stories
D'oh! Pillars of the Earth could be slowing down but, what the heck, I'm going to give this a whirl anyway!
from USATODAY.com Books - Top Stories
D'oh! Pillars of the Earth could be slowing down but, what the heck, I'm going to give this a whirl anyway!
Friday, May 16, 2008
Reference Interview Questions
I agree so much that I'm just going to repost his entry. I don't know if I could have said it any better than he and Michele McGinnis did. This goes way beyond "Does this answer your question" to actually answering the question appropriately and, by establishing informal communication, building community.
Emphasis in red is my own - because I hear these parts being skipped too often in reference interviews. Some of the items will change if you are a public librarian. You're not writing the report for someone in a special library - you're helping someone find what they need for their own report!
Reference Interview Questions
via Stephen's Lighthouse by stephen on 5/2/08
Fellow SLA member, Michele McGinnis at the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, assembled a neat list of reference interview questions through the SLA Solo Librarians Division discussion list. I liked them so I got her permission to post them here. Hope you find them useful too. (If you have other favourites put it into the comments).
What would the ideal report contain?
How do you plan to use the information?
What do you expect to discover?
What would surprise you?
How do you want me to share my findings? (Written report, Sharepoint site, PowerPoint, links to or printed articles, etc.)*
(*Anon Note: In a public library setting I suspect this would be "How do YOU want to share your findings - unless it's a report you expect to write, of course)
How would you like the information organized?
What do you already know that you can share with me? (Emails, letters, notes, articles, websites, etc.)
What keywords would you use in searching? Share as many variations of a concept as possible.
I always ask what is the deadline--one hour, one day, one week? If they respond one of the first two, then I let them know the possibility of that given my current work load.
How current should the information be? (x days, x months, x years)
Urgency and/or impact on the organization?
Would you like to review abstracts/ tables of contents before I purchase or borrow any items (if they are available)?
Who do you want the information delivered to?
Is the information for someone else too?
Is there some way to delvier it that will make it easier for you to use the information?
Neat, eh? It's always useful to remember those old reference interview classes and skills.
Emphasis in red is my own - because I hear these parts being skipped too often in reference interviews. Some of the items will change if you are a public librarian. You're not writing the report for someone in a special library - you're helping someone find what they need for their own report!
Reference Interview Questions
via Stephen's Lighthouse by stephen on 5/2/08
Fellow SLA member, Michele McGinnis at the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, assembled a neat list of reference interview questions through the SLA Solo Librarians Division discussion list. I liked them so I got her permission to post them here. Hope you find them useful too. (If you have other favourites put it into the comments).
What would the ideal report contain?
How do you plan to use the information?
What do you expect to discover?
What would surprise you?
How do you want me to share my findings? (Written report, Sharepoint site, PowerPoint, links to or printed articles, etc.)*
(*Anon Note: In a public library setting I suspect this would be "How do YOU want to share your findings - unless it's a report you expect to write, of course)
How would you like the information organized?
What do you already know that you can share with me? (Emails, letters, notes, articles, websites, etc.)
What keywords would you use in searching? Share as many variations of a concept as possible.
I always ask what is the deadline--one hour, one day, one week? If they respond one of the first two, then I let them know the possibility of that given my current work load.
How current should the information be? (x days, x months, x years)
Urgency and/or impact on the organization?
Would you like to review abstracts/ tables of contents before I purchase or borrow any items (if they are available)?
Who do you want the information delivered to?
Is the information for someone else too?
Is there some way to delvier it that will make it easier for you to use the information?
Neat, eh? It's always useful to remember those old reference interview classes and skills.
Stephenie Meyers
In case you hadn't noticed, Stephenie Meyers crosses over between YA and Adult paranormal readers. Please make a note of it:
'Twilight' author sinks her teeth into an adult tale of aliens, love
via USATODAY.com Books - Top Stories on 5/6/08
'Twilight' author sinks her teeth into an adult tale of aliens, love
via USATODAY.com Books - Top Stories on 5/6/08
Marketing your library
May 2008 ECO-ICONIC
via trendwatching.com by newsletter@trendwatching.com on 5/5/08
Trendwatching is a great resource for looking at what consumers are into in the past and probably the next quarter at least. Their newsfeed is free and summarizes parts of their not-free reports. If I were a marketer or PR person, even for a lowly library, I think I'd make sure to read the feed and try to afford some of the reports.
This quarter they discussed how Eco-friendly sells, sells, sells. A library could really do a great job of advertising how eco-friendly they are for the consumer, especially on the Reuse portion fo the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle part of the Eco-friendly equation. No, it doesn't do much on the publisher's end, but on the green end of the equation a library's collection is The Way To Go. Not to mention our e-books and e-audio and even e-video collections today.
One problem libraries run into is their inability to turn on a dime and capture this audience while the iron is hot. With budgets and time at a minimum, I wonder how libraries could capture this trend?
via trendwatching.com by newsletter@trendwatching.com on 5/5/08
Trendwatching is a great resource for looking at what consumers are into in the past and probably the next quarter at least. Their newsfeed is free and summarizes parts of their not-free reports. If I were a marketer or PR person, even for a lowly library, I think I'd make sure to read the feed and try to afford some of the reports.
This quarter they discussed how Eco-friendly sells, sells, sells. A library could really do a great job of advertising how eco-friendly they are for the consumer, especially on the Reuse portion fo the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle part of the Eco-friendly equation. No, it doesn't do much on the publisher's end, but on the green end of the equation a library's collection is The Way To Go. Not to mention our e-books and e-audio and even e-video collections today.
One problem libraries run into is their inability to turn on a dime and capture this audience while the iron is hot. With budgets and time at a minimum, I wonder how libraries could capture this trend?
Just subscribe in your reader - Reader's Advisor Online
Really, if you don't already subscribe to Reader's Advisor Online's newsfeed in your reader and you're actually interested in reader's advisory, I really must insist that you do so immediately.
Really. Insist. I must.
Look at all the info you're missing!
Summer Fiction Blockbusters
via The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Cindy Orr on 5/14/08
Something we should all skim. The blockbusters are what we get asked for. And people always want to know thenewest title. You can't remember everything but with enough skimming you never know when you'll run across something that rings a bell.
BONUS: Adding to your own reading list - that's what I'm doing at my Goodreads list in between posts today
DOUBLE BONUS: Get ideas for your favorite reader-with-low-budget gifts!
Reader's Advisor also has a weekly list of books hitting the bookstores the following week. Another must-skim so you can at least say to the user "Gee, that rings a bell."
An example (usually has a title - someone goofted that week):
(title unknown)
via The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Cindy Orr on 5/4/08
Really. Insist. I must.
Look at all the info you're missing!
Summer Fiction Blockbusters
via The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Cindy Orr on 5/14/08
Something we should all skim. The blockbusters are what we get asked for. And people always want to know the
BONUS: Adding to your own reading list - that's what I'm doing at my Goodreads list in between posts today
DOUBLE BONUS: Get ideas for your favorite reader-with-low-budget gifts!
Reader's Advisor also has a weekly list of books hitting the bookstores the following week. Another must-skim so you can at least say to the user "Gee, that rings a bell."
An example (usually has a title - someone goofted that week):
(title unknown)
via The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Cindy Orr on 5/4/08
Great news about Harry Potter!
The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Cindy Orr on 5/11/08
"Harry Is Off the ListFor the first time since 1998, Harry Potter is off the New York Times Bestseller list. "
WHEW! Now that's what I call magic! I do hope Rowling will continue to publish other series that have as much influence on popular culture. I'm just tired of Pottermania.
"Harry Is Off the ListFor the first time since 1998, Harry Potter is off the New York Times Bestseller list. "
WHEW! Now that's what I call magic! I do hope Rowling will continue to publish other series that have as much influence on popular culture. I'm just tired of Pottermania.
Great Resources for librarians
We use the Internet Public Library. We use the Librarian's Internet Index. We use a lot of great online resources. I've found some of the libraryland feeds I monitor to be treasure troves.
Here's a good example. It does not give legal advice, but it does give public libraries or anyone in a public area a good research starting place:
Blog Answers Legal Reference Questions Related to Homelessness
via PLA Blog by Kathleen Hughes on 5/12/08
Here's a good example. It does not give legal advice, but it does give public libraries or anyone in a public area a good research starting place:
Blog Answers Legal Reference Questions Related to Homelessness
via PLA Blog by Kathleen Hughes on 5/12/08
Monday, April 14, 2008
More futurecasting!
The Internet in 2020
via Stephen's Lighthouse by stephen on 4/13/08
In March 2007, Microsoft Research invited 45 leading researchers to discuss where HCI would be in 2020; a report summarizing their conclusions has now been made available.
Being Human: Human Computer Interaction in 2020
Ars Technica makes some comments too.
This would be a fun discussion piece. Some things sounds creepy now but will they be creepy then?
Stephen
via Stephen's Lighthouse by stephen on 4/13/08
In March 2007, Microsoft Research invited 45 leading researchers to discuss where HCI would be in 2020; a report summarizing their conclusions has now been made available.
Being Human: Human Computer Interaction in 2020
Ars Technica makes some comments too.
This would be a fun discussion piece. Some things sounds creepy now but will they be creepy then?
Stephen
Food for thought - Gaming in Libraries
Gaming Question…
via Library Stuff by Steven on 4/13/08
This is a very good question. Have we seen that gaming in libraries is leading gamers to other library services? Are we simply providing games or have we built community? Has the community we have built with gaming become more inclusive or started to exclude?
I don't have the answer. I hope someone does investigate. We're bringing them in but are we serving them?
via Library Stuff by Steven on 4/13/08
This is a very good question. Have we seen that gaming in libraries is leading gamers to other library services? Are we simply providing games or have we built community? Has the community we have built with gaming become more inclusive or started to exclude?
I don't have the answer. I hope someone does investigate. We're bringing them in but are we serving them?
Historical Fiction Making A Comeback?
Apparently!
Under the Radar: Great Recent Historical Novels You May Have Missed
via The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Cindy Orr on 4/13/08
So What in the World is Kathleen Reading- Historical Fiction
via Kathleen's Likes and Dislikes by kas823 on 4/13/08
Top 10 Historical Fiction: 2008.
via Booklist Online - Top 10 Lists on 4/14/08
At Leisure: Revisiting Historical Fiction.
via Booklist Online - At Leisure with Joyce Saricks on 4/14/08
Under the Radar: Great Recent Historical Novels You May Have Missed
via The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Cindy Orr on 4/13/08
So What in the World is Kathleen Reading- Historical Fiction
via Kathleen's Likes and Dislikes by kas823 on 4/13/08
Top 10 Historical Fiction: 2008.
via Booklist Online - Top 10 Lists on 4/14/08
At Leisure: Revisiting Historical Fiction.
via Booklist Online - At Leisure with Joyce Saricks on 4/14/08
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
First Werewolves, now Wereducks?
No, we are not ducks...
Year of the Wolf
via The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Diana Tixier Herald on 3/26/08
'Sharp Teeth' Gives Werewolves an Epic Treatment
via NPR Topics: Authors on 3/22/08
BIG NEWS
via Smart Bitches, Trashy Books on 4/1/08
Year of the Wolf
via The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Diana Tixier Herald on 3/26/08
'Sharp Teeth' Gives Werewolves an Epic Treatment
via NPR Topics: Authors on 3/22/08
BIG NEWS
via Smart Bitches, Trashy Books on 4/1/08
Traditional PLA Silliness!
PLA Pop Quiz
via PLA Blog by Michael May on 3/27/08
“I’ve never seen so many middle-aged white women in one place!”
via PLA Blog by Tony Ross on 3/28/08
via PLA Blog by Michael May on 3/27/08
“I’ve never seen so many middle-aged white women in one place!”
via PLA Blog by Tony Ross on 3/28/08
PLA 2008 and Lots More Reader's Advisory!
More stuff than I'll get around to reading for some time! So you go first and give us the comments, eh?
Reader's Advisory Toolkit
PLA Program Report - Readers Advisory Toolkit 3
and another view
Readers’ Advisory Tool Kit III: Market Driven Readers’ Advisory - Three More Skills to Increase Your Effectiveness as an RA Librarian
via PLA Blog by Rick Roche on 3/27/08
Wow! Wonder where they get time for all those classes:
PLA Program Report - Rx for RA
via The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Cindy Orr on 3/29/08
This is one of a series of reports by attendees of the Public Library Association conference held in Minneapolis March 25-29, 2008.
Much needed focus on non-fiction reader's advisory:
When the Story is True: Practicing Nonfiction Readers’ Advisory
via PLA Blog by Rick Roche on 3/28/08
Looks like Michael May got quite the education. Rock on Mr. May:
Sweet to Super Hot
via PLA Blog by Michael May on 3/25/08
Romance in the library????
PLA Program Report - What’s Love Got to Do With It?
via The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Cindy Orr on 3/30/08
Reader's Advisory Toolkit
PLA Program Report - Readers Advisory Toolkit 3
and another view
Readers’ Advisory Tool Kit III: Market Driven Readers’ Advisory - Three More Skills to Increase Your Effectiveness as an RA Librarian
via PLA Blog by Rick Roche on 3/27/08
Wow! Wonder where they get time for all those classes:
PLA Program Report - Rx for RA
via The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Cindy Orr on 3/29/08
This is one of a series of reports by attendees of the Public Library Association conference held in Minneapolis March 25-29, 2008.
Much needed focus on non-fiction reader's advisory:
When the Story is True: Practicing Nonfiction Readers’ Advisory
via PLA Blog by Rick Roche on 3/28/08
Looks like Michael May got quite the education. Rock on Mr. May:
Sweet to Super Hot
via PLA Blog by Michael May on 3/25/08
Romance in the library????
PLA Program Report - What’s Love Got to Do With It?
via The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Cindy Orr on 3/30/08
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Best Newsread Lately
As usual, Stephen Abram gives us tons of good things to think about, ponder, try out, and, most importantly, apply to our vision of libraries present and future.
I'm already completely won over by #11 - ebooks (especially audio) and #15 - RSS. I am getting anxious to try new ways of #4 tagging records in the catalog. For my library I'd love to see efficient ways of using #14 Cloud Software.
20 Things to Watch
via Stephen's Lighthouse by stephen on 3/7/08
So, what’s on my list of things to pay extra special attention to? When we’re deluged, swamped and overwhelmed by news and blog postings and other media, what do I use as my filter to trap just the important stuff that will matter to libraries? I am not going to purport that this column lists everything I pay attention to but it is a basic list of the things that I think will have a big impact on enterprises, libraries, information and librarians in the next five years. This article lists, in no particular order, 20 of the ones I think are worth watching. In the messy world of environmental and technology scanning nothing comes neatly packaged or sorted.
Information Outlook, Mar. 2008 Issue20 Things to Watch
I'm already completely won over by #11 - ebooks (especially audio) and #15 - RSS. I am getting anxious to try new ways of #4 tagging records in the catalog. For my library I'd love to see efficient ways of using #14 Cloud Software.
20 Things to Watch
via Stephen's Lighthouse by stephen on 3/7/08
So, what’s on my list of things to pay extra special attention to? When we’re deluged, swamped and overwhelmed by news and blog postings and other media, what do I use as my filter to trap just the important stuff that will matter to libraries? I am not going to purport that this column lists everything I pay attention to but it is a basic list of the things that I think will have a big impact on enterprises, libraries, information and librarians in the next five years. This article lists, in no particular order, 20 of the ones I think are worth watching. In the messy world of environmental and technology scanning nothing comes neatly packaged or sorted.
Information Outlook, Mar. 2008 Issue20 Things to Watch
Organizations I'd Like to Join!
Man Travels Country to Fixe Typo’s
via Library Stuff by Steven on 3/11/08
NPR - “Jeff Deck of Boston had seen a lot of misspellings on signs around his city, and one day he decided he just couldn’t take it anymore.” (via)
I find this to be a completely worthy and admirable occupation. I myself wish to eradicate the misuse of apostrophes.
via Library Stuff by Steven on 3/11/08
NPR - “Jeff Deck of Boston had seen a lot of misspellings on signs around his city, and one day he decided he just couldn’t take it anymore.” (via)
I find this to be a completely worthy and admirable occupation. I myself wish to eradicate the misuse of apostrophes.
Online Word Processing
Online word processing options talks about a lot of different items out there including Open Source. I've been using Google Documents now and then.
I wonder how this will affect the use of public library terminals? Will our users be ready to, say, make their own igoogle account to use google documents? Can one save their email attachments to google documents or other options?
When will libraries be ready to reap the potential saving by offering this in place of Word?
I wonder how this will affect the use of public library terminals? Will our users be ready to, say, make their own igoogle account to use google documents? Can one save their email attachments to google documents or other options?
When will libraries be ready to reap the potential saving by offering this in place of Word?
What is Librarianship in 2.0?
Student Use of Library Computers
Jenica at Attempting Elegance ponders what constitutes “real” work by students on library computers in her thought-provoking What is real library work, anyway?
“Because what the hell is library work, anymore? If it’s restricted to using databases, searching the local catalog, photocopying articles, and checking out books, we’re dead in the water as a profession.”
Student Use of Library Computers
Jenica at Attempting Elegance ponders what constitutes “real” work by students on library computers in her thought-provoking What is real library work, anyway?
“Because what the hell is library work, anymore? If it’s restricted to using databases, searching the local catalog, photocopying articles, and checking out books, we’re dead in the water as a profession.”
Student Use of Library Computers
Links To Cool Tools
From iLibrarian:
80 Online Resources for Book Lovers
Ten Sites for Finding Wonderful Things
many of these we already know about. Think about trying a new one today!
80 Online Resources for Book Lovers
Ten Sites for Finding Wonderful Things
many of these we already know about. Think about trying a new one today!
THEY NEED US! THEY NEED US!
Revenge of the Experts - our wandering googlephites make come back home.
A Belated Welcome to iLibrarian!
iLibrarian is a feed that brings us links to lots of good tools and ideas for our work whether in 2.0 or not. Feel free to browse the links and learn!
The appeal of Street Lit
The post written before did not include the link to the previous article in the series. This does a great job of outlining the appeal of street lit!
The Word on Street Lit No. 1
By Rollie Welch, Collection Manager, Cleveland P.L. -- Library Journal, 2/7/2008 9:10:00 AM
Street lit, ghetto books, or urban fiction: no matter what you call this hot genre, its many incarnations seldom remain on library shelves and rack up lengthy reserve lists. For our purposes, we’ll dub it street lit, but what is it about, and why does it appeal especially to younger African American readers? Typical elements include a rags-to-riches theme, references to the hip-hop music industry, profanity, urban slang, erotic sex scenes, criminal activity, or violence that escalates to murder.
But that’s just part of it. Often the story line is circular so that plot points from the novel’s opening pages come into play at the climax. Loyalty to one’s friends and neighborhood is also given high value in street lit, and the characters often forge bonding relationships during their adolescence that become key to survival.
But most important, the story must connect to the "hood," or the streets. The action may move among various lifestyles, but the core value always reverts back to harsh lessons learned in the ghetto.
Most likely, black teen readers relish how many street-lit stories begin with lessons learned during adolescence. They can see themselves in characters who look like them or undergo similar experiences.
Don’t confuse the steamy African American romances published by Kensington’s Dafina line and contemporary "gossip lit" fiction like Tonya Lewis Lee’s Gotham Diaries that revolve around wealthy upper-class black characters for street lit.
The Word on Street Lit No. 1
By Rollie Welch, Collection Manager, Cleveland P.L. -- Library Journal, 2/7/2008 9:10:00 AM
Street lit, ghetto books, or urban fiction: no matter what you call this hot genre, its many incarnations seldom remain on library shelves and rack up lengthy reserve lists. For our purposes, we’ll dub it street lit, but what is it about, and why does it appeal especially to younger African American readers? Typical elements include a rags-to-riches theme, references to the hip-hop music industry, profanity, urban slang, erotic sex scenes, criminal activity, or violence that escalates to murder.
But that’s just part of it. Often the story line is circular so that plot points from the novel’s opening pages come into play at the climax. Loyalty to one’s friends and neighborhood is also given high value in street lit, and the characters often forge bonding relationships during their adolescence that become key to survival.
But most important, the story must connect to the "hood," or the streets. The action may move among various lifestyles, but the core value always reverts back to harsh lessons learned in the ghetto.
Most likely, black teen readers relish how many street-lit stories begin with lessons learned during adolescence. They can see themselves in characters who look like them or undergo similar experiences.
Don’t confuse the steamy African American romances published by Kensington’s Dafina line and contemporary "gossip lit" fiction like Tonya Lewis Lee’s Gotham Diaries that revolve around wealthy upper-class black characters for street lit.
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