Bye-Bye Blog?

Sometimes, This Happens

Read.

Library vs Cricket

Friday At the Library

Bored Librarian

Funny!

Sometimes, That Happens

Friday At the Library

Librarian Chic

NYLON

Library Nap

That's good sleeping!

How Should Academic Libraries Communicate Their Own Value?

"How Should Academic Libraries Communicate Their Own Value?" The Guardian / Stephen Barr.
UK: The Guardian Online, August 20th 2012.

"For librarians to understand the perceptions of faculty and students and know how to reach and influence them, requires effective marketing - but this isn't just a question of promotion. The research found that in delivering shared services, Purdue University emphasizes the importance of framing services from a faculty rather than from a librarian perspective."

User-centric framework! 

Sometimes, That Happens

Here & Back Again

What’s Going On With Toronto Libraries?

"What’s Going On With Toronto Libraries?" National Post / Natalie Alcoba.
Toronto: The National Post Online, July 28th 2011.

"In its most recent annual report, Toronto Public Library boasts it is the “busiest public library system in the world.” More than 18 million people visit the 99 branches, taking out more than 32-million different items. Circulation has been on the rise, increasing by 3.4% in 2010 over the previous year. Borrowing e-titles jumped an impressive 70%, but still only represents 0.8% of overall circulation. The circulation of print materials was stable, while audio books and DVDs increased. Since 2006, visits to the libraries website have increased by 26%. A survey shows that 73% of Torontonians use the library, said KPMG, a consulting firm that provided councillors with several reports on what services the city might consider cutting for budget reasons. The Toronto Public Library offers more than 27,000 programs, most of them for children, that support early literacy and book clubs."

Is a Bookless Library Still a Library?

"Is a Bookless Library Still a Library?" Time / Tim Newcomb.
New York: Time Online, July 11th 2011.


The short answer, yes, but books still largely advised by this Bookpusher.

Stacked Stacks

Friday At the Library

If Reference is Dead Why Am I So Tired at the End of the Day?

"If Reference is Dead Why Am I So Tired at the End of the Day?" Closed Stacks / The Librarienne.
America: Closed Stacks.com, May 2nd 2011.

"Reference can’t be dead because when I’m on the reference desk, I rarely have a moment’s reprieve.  I’m the young one, and also a distance runner, but I often go home exhausted. If people are using the reference desk, who are we to decide that it’s no longer needed?  Yes, our role is evolving, but it has always done that, and will always do that.  Saying our core function is no longer needed is not something we get to do–that’s up to the library users.

The biggest argument against the reference desk is that people are tech-savvier and don’t need our help as much. Ok, that’s fair, but with increased access to information comes the increased need to filter out good information from bad.  That’s always been our job. ... 

Also, let us not forget that many public library patrons are not tech savvy at all.  Twenty percent of people do not have a computer at home, and the bulk of library users probably grew up with keyboarding and typing classes rather than computer classes.  We’re supposed to be breaking down the digital divide and enabling people to access technology, not shutting them out because they’re not savvy enough to use the library anymore.  Ever seen an old man pick up a computer mouse and aim it at the screen like a remote control?  I have, and I don’t think it’s rude to say that that man will not be taking advantage of ebook downloads."

Reading Humidity Levels in the Stacks

Masonic House of Temple Library