Nice Marketing, Edmonton Public Library!

School Libraries & Information Literacy

School Libraries & Information Literacy / People for Education.
Ontario: People for Education, May 2011.

"Results from the data analysis showed that:

• the presence of trained library staff is associated with a higher proportion of grade 6 students attaining level 3 (the provincial standard) on reading tests;

• schools without professional library staffing tend to have lower achievement on the grade 3 reading tests (both in terms of average achievement and attaining level 3); and

• the presence of teacher-librarians is associated with more positive attitudes towards reading in both grade 3 and grade 6 students."

See Also:
School Libraries & Student Achievement in Ontario / OLA

Librarians Fight For a Role in a Digital World

"Librarians Fight For a Role in a Digital World." The Globe & Mail / Kate Hammer.
Toronto: Globe & Mail Online, May 16th 2011.

"Teacher-librarians have been among the first to be sacrificed when boards make cuts, and the digital innovations they help students navigate are now being used as the justification for eliminating their jobs, and Canada is bucking an international trend of investing in school libraries."

That's a Hard One To Say

Frazz / Jef Mallett

Friday At the Library

A Library is Many Things

"A Library is Many Things." Letters of Note / Shaun Usher.
Manchester: Letters of Note, May 6th 2011.

Revamping Reference: The User Experience

"Revamping Reference: The User Experience." Library Journal / Aaron Schmidt.
America: Library Journal Online, May 1st 2011.

"Some librarians are afraid that pro­active reference is bothersome to patrons—too aggressive, a crass retail approach. If done badly, it can be all of those things. Quality reference work takes more than just being able to construct a complicated Boolean search; it takes social intelligence, too. Just the way librarians develop a command of information resources, they should also develop a greater understanding of people."

Typographical Zeal

Gimbel Design Library

Addressing Detroit’s Basic Skills Crisis

Addressing Detroit’s Basic Skills Crisis / Detroit Regional Workforce Fund.
Detroit: Detroit Regional Workforce Fund, 2011.

"The National Institute for Literacy estimates that 47% of adults (more than 200,000 individuals) in the City of Detroit are functionally illiterate, referring to the inability of an individual to use reading, speaking, writing, and computational skills in everyday life situations."

See Also:
Spare Detroit Library Branches, Public Asks Commission

"The closures of the library, you are talking about committing cultural genocide," [Glenn Stevens, president of the Friends of Duffield Branch] said."

When the Rights of the Many Outweigh the Rights of the Few: The “Legitimate” Versus the Homeless Patron in the Public Library

"When the Rights of the Many Outweigh the Rights of the Few: The “Legitimate” Versus the Homeless Patron in the Public Library." Crowbold.com / Julie Murphy.
Santa Cruz: Crowbold.com, c2000.

"Homeless people can be smelly and mentally disturbed, but what many people forget is that non-homeless people can also be smelly and mentally disturbed. Because more affluent patrons claim that they pay the taxes that support the library, librarians are keen to hear their complaints about the growing numbers of homeless people in the library. Librarians must deal with these complaints on a daily basis, and must deal with the presence and aroma of the homeless as well, leading to lowered morale and less-inviting working conditions. But librarians are also conscious of the need to serve all patrons equally and provide equal access to the library itself."

Speaking to the Past / Douglas Coupland

See:
Speaking to the Past

Lessons in Punctuation

Garamond: One of My Favourite Fonts

Reading in Canada Still Strong

"Canadians Purchased or Borrowed More Than 2.7 Million Books Last Week". TD National Reading Summit / National Reading Campaign.
Montreal: National Reading Campaign, January 19th 2011.

"2,714, 946 books in seven days means that in a typical week in January, Canadians bought or borrowed as many books as they purchased tickets to the top box office film. In fact, it is likely that more people picked a book than watched a game on Hockey Night in Canada. We do so much to promote film and to encourage youth to play hockey. Do we do as much to advance reading? The NRC believes our nation can do much more."

See Also:
National Book Count Tallies Canadians' Love of Reading / Natalie Samson

"Though the National Book Count is meant to reflect a typical week in Canadians’ reading habits, it’s worth noting that the figure is likely a conservative one. The count, which organizers say captures roughly 80 per cent of the Canadian book retail market, comes less than a month after the busiest time of year for retailers, during a comparatively fallow period on most publishers’ lists. Moreover, the circulation figures account for 22 major public libraries across Canada, but not rural and academic library systems.

Still, it’s a compelling snapshot of the voracious reading habits of Canadians. Extrapolated over a year-long period, Canadians purchase or check out more than 140 million books.

In addition, [Jamie] Broadhurst says the National Book Count highlights the potential for growth in Canadian readership. “Reading levels in Canada are actually high … but we are worried about the long-term future of reading, and of whether this passion for reading reaches across all regions of the country,” he says."

The Secret Life of Libraries

"The Secret Life of Libraries." The Guardian / Bella Bathurst.
London: The Guardian Online, May 1st 2011.

"Collins believes that libraries are just as vital now as they were during the 40s, when Philip Larkin complained of stamping out so many books in a week that his hand blistered. Even so, he spends much of his time in a ceaseless game of catch-up. "Libraries are always trying to prove themselves because what they provide is so intangible. How do you quantify what someone gets from a book or a magazine?""

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."

Glimpses

"Glimpses." From The Library Floor / Floor Librarian.
Southfield, Michigan: From the Library Floor, March 9th 2011.

"The impact we have on peoples' lives as librarians is something denied to us.

Unless, they come back or you get a glimpse of a fleeting moment that says quite loudly, that  you've touched a life irrevocably. ...

Case in point:

A guy comes asking about a companies history, vision and departmental breakdowns. He doesn't have money, so we float him the cost of the pages, which we cover by paying in the money ourselves (no funny business!), and he leaves happy.

He returns, having scored an interview the next day, and he needs more information.

We give it too him, pay the costs from our pockets and never expect to see him again.

A month later he comes back in, dressed to nines.

And he takes out his books and we ask him, did you get the job?

He smiles, says yes, then leaves."

The Record Books: Music as Literature

See:
The Record Books / See Gee

Should We Allow Porn in Libraries?

"Should We Allow Porn in Libraries?" Salon / Tracy Clark-Flory.
San Francisco: Salon Online, April 28th 2011.

Our Recovery in Process: New Orleans Public Library Design Build Project

Our Recovery in Process: New Orleans Public Library Design Build Project / New Orleans Public Library.
New Orleans: MWH, 2009.

See Also:
Recovery News / New Orleans Public Library

Happy Reference Librarian

Hazel Andres

Determining How Libraries & Librarians Help

"Determining How Libraries & Librarians Help." Library Trends / Joan C. Durrance & Karen E. Fisher.
Illinois: Library Trends 51.4 305-334, Spring 2003.

"Staff contributions. Each of these programs was headed by visionary staff who shaped the model, recruited the clientele, and developed the activities that shaped the outcomes of this community-focused service. Staff shared these characteristics: they were committed to their clientele, creative in their approach to providing service, entrepreneurial in their approaches to seeking additional resources, and were able to articulate some, but not all, of the outcomes of their services. Some were recruited to their jobs because of special skills that they brought to the service such as language facility, interest in the clientele, ability to teach, or knowledge of information technology."

Literacy & Illiteracy

Nice Marketing, Chicago Public Library!

Map of Prose Literacy in Canada / Canadian Council on Learning

Click map for full data.

See Also:
Literacy in Canada

Stylo / Gorillaz

Book Bind: Public Libraries Feel Strain of Budget Cuts

"Book Bind: Public Libraries Feel Strain of Budget Cuts." McClatchy News / Tony Pugh.
California: McClatchy News Online, April 19th 2011.

"After spurring a surge in public library use nationwide, the tough economy is forcing many branches to cut staff, hours and programming right when many cash-strapped people need them most.

As in previous downturns, Americans turned to their libraries during the Great Recession for free children's programming or to borrow books, movies and music. In 2008, when the economy was in freefall, a record 68 percent of Americans had a library card, and library visits and borrowing spiked as well. ...

Despite their funding peril, public libraries remain one of the most popular government services and historically have fared pretty well at the ballot box. In 2009, voters passed 84 percent of library funding referendums nationwide and 54 percent of library construction measures, according to the Library Journal."

Happiness

Library of the Living Dead

Library of the Living Dead / C. Michael Hall & Matt Upson.
Kansas: Miller Library McPherson College, April 2011.





This is pretty rad.


The Zombies are Coming.

Deciphering the Dewey Decimal

"Deciphering the Dewey Decimal." Mental_floss / Sandy Wood & Kara Kovalchik.
Ohio: Mental_floss, April 20th  2011.

Reading Humidity Levels in the Stacks

5 Myths About the 'Information Age'

"5 Myths About the 'Information Age'." The Chronicle of Higher Education / Robert Darnton.
Washington: The Chronicle of Higher Education Online, April 17th 2011.

"4. "Libraries are obsolete." Everywhere in the country librarians report that they have never had so many patrons. At Harvard, our reading rooms are full. The 85 branch libraries of the New York Public Library system are crammed with people. The libraries supply books, videos, and other materi­al as always, but they also are fulfilling new functions: access to information for small businesses, help with homework and afterschool activities for children, and employment information for job seekers (the disappearance of want ads in printed newspapers makes the library's online services crucial for the unemployed). Librarians are responding to the needs of their patrons in many new ways, notably by guiding them through the wilderness of cyberspace to relevant and reliable digital material. Libraries never were warehouses of books. While continuing to provide books in the future, they will function as nerve centers for communicating digitized information at the neighborhood level as well as on college campuses."

The Library of the Future

"The Library of the Future." Screwy Decimal / Rita Meade.
Brooklyn: Screwy Decimal: Tales From An Urban Librarian, April 15th 2011.

"I think the most poignant essay quote I heard that morning was from a third grade girl: 

"What does the future of the library look like? It depends on you." 

She's right. I couldn't have said it better myself. It doesn't matter if she's talking to kids, adults, patrons, politicians, or librarians. We all need to keep working, keep advocating, keep changing, keep growing. We need to work together to bring libraries into the future."

Aww.

That Library Smell

"That Library Smell." PopShifter / Jesse Roth.
America: PopShifter, March 30th 2011.

"It was during this time that I finally discovered the other scents that define what the library is currently.

On a typical day at the reference desk, I get a whiff of a variety of scents, from the pleasant to the wretched. Many times it’s that distinct smell of the unwashed, the downtrodden, who find themselves taking refuge on the street once the library locks its doors for the night. The foul odor is sometimes masked by cigarette smoke or alcohol, but is no less pungent and disconcerting."

See Also:
Are Books Smelly?

She's Using Her Library: Shouldn't You?!

Life Is Like

Random Acts of Kindness: Librarians Most Helpful People

"Random Acts of Kindness: Librarians Most Helpful People." Hawaii News Now / Marvin Buenconsejo.
Honolulu: Hawaii News Now Online, ©2000-2011.

"One would think that in this world of laptops and Ipods, public buildings filled with paper-bound books would fade away into history. That couldn't be farther from the truth.

"A lot of people do use the public resource because we¹re free. All you need is your card. It's one of the best cards to have," said librarian Hillary Chang."

It Will Be Hard To Find A Public Library 15 Years From Now

"It Will Be Hard To Find A Public Library 15 Years From Now." Idea Logical Company / Mike Shatzkin.
New York: Idea Logical Company, April 8th 2011.

"The core purpose — the founding purpose — of a library, around which other things have grown, is to deliver access to printed words. Even the smallest local library almost certainly had more content housed within it than any individual had in their home and, in most cases, far more content than would be available at any local store. It was the books in the library that initially defined the library and attracted a core of patrons to it. When all of us have access to more books on our screens than are in the library, what’s the point to the library?

At least, that’s what I was thinking. ...

Gary [Price] observes that many people use the library for more than books, specifically citing their mission in providing technology education and to provide Internet access, and making the point that not everybody has access to the computer and the Internet at home. In my opinion, all these objections will be almost entirely mooted in the next 10 or 15 years.

(A parenthetical point. In the US, at least, the poor will almost certainly always be with us. People will be left behind by change; our country routinely permits that. I’m a liberal Democrat; that’s not an aspect of America that makes me happy. Libraries will vanish faster than the need for them does. I predict what I believe will happen, not what I want to happen.)"

See Also;
Michael Shatzkin in Montreal: Libraries Don't Make Sense Anymore

Masonic House of Temple Library

Meeting User Needs Checklist

Meeting User Needs Checklist / IFLA.
Netherlands: IFLA , 2005.

A Bibliography.

Designing Library Services Based On User Needs: New Opportunities to Re-position the Library

"Designing Library Services Based On User Needs: New Opportunities to Re-position the Library." IFLA / Yoo-Seong Song.
Illinois: IFLA Milan Conference, 2009. 

"Proactive Partner: The library in this quadrant enjoys high visibility to its constituency.  The constituency actively seeks the library for collaboration, and the library also maintains close communication channels with the constituency. The library is widely seen as a critical component by the constituency for its success.

Proactive Provider: The library actively and consistently communicates its value to the constituency. Although not as high as the library positioned as the proactive partner, the level of interaction with the constituency is relatively moderate or high. The constituency seeks the library for assistance; however, the library is not recognized as the core component for its success.

Reactive Partner: While the constituency seeks the library for collaboration and assistance, the library does not actively market its value and services. Reasons for being reactive in serving the constituency can vary. Mostly, it may have insufficient resources, both personnel and budgetary, which can prevent the library from committing its resources to be a core collaborator.

Reactive Provider: Neither the constituency nor the library communicates with each other on a regular basis. The constituency does not regard the library as a critical factor in achieving its goal, and the library also does not have enough resources to support the constituency. The library only responds to infrequent and irregular requests for materials from the constituency."

Undone / Failure

The Library Card As A Pop-Culture Fiend's Ticket To Geek Paradise

"The Library Card As A Pop-Culture Fiend's Ticket To Geek Paradise." NPR / Linda Holmes.
America: National Public Radio Online, April 11th 2011.

"But on Saturday, I grabbed David Foster Wallace's Infinite Jest, which I checked out because (1) I've never read it; (2) I may not talk myself into it or be able to finish it and I definitely don't want it in my house staring judgmentally at me if I don't; (3) I want to give it a try; and (4) it wouldn't work as a Kindle book anyway because of the footnotes. Taking it out of the library is basically the only model under which I'm likely to try that particular book.

I also found the last three books in a highly frivolous Nora Roberts romance series (oh, settle down) from which I'd already read the first. They'd cost $12.99 each if I bought them electronically. That's forty bucks to read three more books that are ... all very much the same book as the first book, but I kind of wanted to read them, because ... whatever, it was the weekend. It's relaxing. It's a series. Don't judge.

Anyway, borrowing them long enough to read them (which takes, in total, maybe twelve hours for all three) cost me ... nothing out of pocket."

Delightful.

That Hot Librarian Fantasy? A New App Makes it Even Hotter

"That Hot Librarian Fantasy? A New App Makes it Even Hotter." Fast Company / David Zax.
America: Fast Company Online, April 7th 2011.

"Hold up the camera or tablet in front of a series of books, and an overlay indicates to you which books are in the right order, which aren't, and which directions you should move them.

The sort of thing, in other words, that gets a librarian hot and bothered."

Flash Mob Freeze Mob for National Library Week

Libraries Cater For the Middle Classes, Not the Deprived

"Libraries Cater For the Middle Classes, Not the Deprived, Says John Redwood." The Guardian / Alison Flood.
London: The Guardian UK Online, April 11th 2011.

"The twice Carnegie-shortlisted author and library campaigner Alan Gibbons disagreed. "Where do you start? He does a half-hour visit to a library when he's clearly not a library user, and he doesn't understand that 320m visits occur to libraries every year," said Gibbons. "They are hugely used, and when they are not used it tends to be because people don't know when they're open, because of the successive cuts from the 1980s onwards, from politicians like him."

Gibbons was adamant that it is not only the middle classes who are library users. "The vast majority of people use libraries … Public libraries serve nearly everyone apart from incredibly rich people like John Redwood and the culture minister. Everyone else needs a library.""

L is for Library

Check-Out Card Pocket

Elegy For Librarians: After All the Budget Cutting's Done, Who'll Be Around to Help Us Ask the Sharper Questions?

"Elegy For Librarians: After All the Budget Cutting's Done, Who'll Be Around to Help Us Ask the Sharper Questions?" Chron / Editor.
Houston: The Houston Chronicle Online, March 301th 2011.

"In this iEverything age, the thinking goes, books are musty relics. And without books, who needs librarians?

The truth is that we've never needed them more. Every day in this city, librarians do important jobs not strictly related to library science." 

Sources for Disruption of Library Services / A Digital Outrigger

Libraries Are Ongoing Investment In the Future Of Our Children, Nation

"Libraries Are Ongoing Investment In the Future Of Our Children, Nation." The News-Sentinel / C.J. Woodring.
Indiana: The News-Sentinel Online, April 6th 2011.

"Libraries add prestige, culture and stability, defining a neighborhood, a community and a nation. Few inner cities have such institutions, yet few areas could better profit from these sanctums of learning and empowerment."

Evolution of the Noble Librarian

Could Not Agree More

Dutch Book Week Art by Souverein

The Most Stolen Library Books

"The Most Stolen Library Books." MainStreet / Jeanine Skowronski.
America: MainStreet Online, March 23rd 2011.

Librarians In Fashion

Strahov Monastery Library in Prague

Explore all 360^o of the Strahov Monastery Library in Prague, Czech Republic. Cool.

'Literacy' Sucks

"'Literacy' Sucks." Sense & Reference / Wilk.
Tennessee: Sense & Reference, March 30th 2011.

"'Literacy' sucks. Not the concept, mind you. I mean the word 'literacy'. We have digital literacy, visual literacy, transliteracy, critical literacy, information literacy, scientific literacy, health literacy, computer literacy, digital literacy, media literacy....the list goes on and on. Of course, nobody colors within the lines, so there's a lot of confusion out there. This sucks."

The Devolution of Public Libraries

"The Devolution of Public Libraries." Library Journal / The Annoyed Librarian.
America: Library Journal Online, March 30th 2011.

"Rather than disappear, it seems more likely that if they’re really needed public libraries will devolve into various pre-20th century forms, probably some variety of subscription library. Subscription libraries were 18th and 19th century predecessors to public libraries where citizens who wanted to read would pay a fee to a library or buy shares in order to access their books and magazines."

Perils of Vacation

I Like Clouds

Sometimes, That Happens

Sometimes, This Happens

Re-Embracing the “Shush ”– Can the Library be a Quiet Place in the Age of Social?

"Re-Embracing the “Shush ”– Can the Library be a Quiet Place in the Age of Social?." Special Library Association Future Ready 365 / Greg Lambert.
New York: SLA Future Ready 365, January 9th 2011.

"...undergraduates at the University of Arizona loved going to the law library because they could actually get some peace and quite there and actually get some work done. While the main libraries on campus were bustling with activity, social meetings, coffee shops and other activities, the law library seems to be what we think of when we think of a traditional library… a place you are expected to be quiet."

Dude, That's Cool

See:
Mike Stilkey

Top O' the Happy St Patrick's Day to You!

Libraries in Japan

Japanese Librarians posting photos of Library devastation.

Where I'm Going / Cut Copy

5 Qualities Someone Interested In My Job Should Have

"5 Qualities Someone Interested In My Job Should Have." Only Connect / Alex.
Ottawa: Ottawapubliclibrarian.blogspot.com, February 23rd 2011.

"A strong set of your own personal and professional values
: Again, this one is applicable to anyone, but especially important if you are going to be working in an environment in which you might be the only professional. Articulating your values will help you when your boundaries are challenged at work, and also help you set the standard in your workplace (hopefully), and exhibit true leadership."

Libraries: Where Shit Gets Real

"Libraries: Where Shit Gets Real." Guys Should Make Passes at Girls Who Wear Glasses/ Cait.
Hamilton: Girlinthisroom.blogspot.com, March 2nd 2011.

" Libraries are weird, weird places. No one ever believes me when I say that, but they really are. They are not quiet or serene. They are holding tanks of human energy teetering on the brink of glorious collapse. One of the reasons I love this racket is the sheer anarchy of them, the precarious balance of so many different people with so many different agendas crammed into one poorly-ventilated, fluorescent-lit space. It's kind of like working inside an episode of Candid Camera, where I have the limited authority to kick someone out if they pee on something. "

Is It Time To Rebuild & Retool Public Libraries & Make “TechShops”?

"Is It Time To Rebuild & Retool Public Libraries & Make “TechShops”?" MAKE / Phillip Torrone.
America: MAKE Online, March 10th 2011.

"To me, public libraries — the availability of free education for all — represent the collective commitment of a community to their future. They symbolize what is most important, a commitment to educating the next generation. The role of a public library should also adapt over time, and that time is finally here. It’s time to plan how we’re going to build the future and what place public libraries have, should have, or won’t have. The goal of this article is to get everyone talking about one of our great resources, the public library, and its future."

Making Books

Somedays, I Really Miss Montréal

Smelling the Books

See:
Smelling the Books

You're the One I Want to Check Out

See:
Kits' Kids

How Do Public Librarians Constitute Information Literacy?

"How Do Public Librarians Constitute Information Literacy?" 5th International Conference on Qualitative Research in IT / Andrew Demasson, Helen Partridge, & Bruce Christine.
Brisbane: 5th International Conference on Qualitative Research in IT 29-30, November 2010.

"Public libraries are considered to be perfectly situated for developing and promoting information literacy as well as for encouraging lifelong learning on a community-wide, state-wide, nation-wide and international level. (Bundy 1999; Harding 2008; Leininger 2005) Not only are they a living source of information, they provide a means by which economic barriers to learning and literacy can be overcome and through which information networks can be established and maintained. They, unlike private and academic libraries, can become an integral part in the life of each and every member of society because membership or patronage is unrestricted. Subsequently, they are the organizations best placed to bring information literacy - awareness and implementation - to the general public."

Quiet in the Library

Stereotypical Librarian Image

Long Overdue, the Bookmobile Is Back

"Long Overdue, the Bookmobile Is Back." Smithsonian / Jeff Greenwald.
Washington: Smithsonian.com, February 23rd 2011.

Library Ireland Week 2011

Sanctuary Amid the Stacks

"Sanctuary Amid the Stacks." Los Angeles Times / Pico Iyer.
Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Times Online, March 6th 2011.

"...But if the library disappears, then we're really in trouble. A library is much more than a collection of books; it is a sanctuary, a symbol and both a model for community and its encouragement. ... A library is not just a place where many have lost themselves (as it's hard to do in the increasing clamor of a bookstore); it's where countless souls — and surely a good percentage of students — slowly find themselves."

Believe

& then, be Grateful.

How Customer Service Principles Ensure the Library’s Relevance

"How Customer Service Principles Ensure the Library’s Relevance." AALL Spectrum / Mark P. Bernstein.
Chicago: AALL Spectrum Online, November 2008.

"Set goals through strategic planning or a similar staff development program.  Planning allows an organization to adapt, evolve, and successfully take on new challenges, thus preventing stagnation and apathy. Change is constant; continuing to do something simply because you have always done it that way can often lead your customers to turn elsewhere for information.  Consider using a library e-newsletter, blog, or intranet as a current awareness tool to keep clientele abreast and reflect a proactive stance."

Social Networking Literacy Competencies for Librarians

"Social Networking Literacy Competencies for Librarians: Exploring Considerations & Engaging Participation." ALA Seattle National Papers / Joe Murphy & Heather Moulaison.
Seattle: ACRL 14th National Conference, 2009.

When in Doubt

Cool Website

The Noun Project collects, organizes & adds to the highly recognizable symbols that form the world's visual language, so we may share them in a fun & meaningful way [for FREE].  Funded by the innovative Kickstarter.

Library Renewal

British Library's Strategy 2011-2015

Growing Knowledge: British Library's Strategy 2011-2015 / British Library.
Britain: British Library Board, 2011.

"The Library’s strategy for 2011-2015 contains five strategic priorities, based on the 2020 Vision’s themes:

1. Guarantee access for future generations

2. Enable access for everyone who wants to do research

3. Support research communities in key areas for social and economic benefit

4. Enrich the cultural life of the nation

5. Lead and collaborate in growing the world’s knowledge base."

Information Literacy Cloud

Born This Way / Lady Gaga

See Also:
Deconstructing Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' Video

How & Why Are Libraries Changing?

"How & Why Are Libraries Changing?" Digital Library Federation / Denise A. Troll.
Pittsburgh: DLF Online, 2001.

"If we're not diligent, the speed of change will inhibit if not paralyze attempts to make sense of what's happening in libraries and intervene for the good of our constituencies. Admittedly, change sometimes occurs so quickly that by the time a research project is designed and implemented, and the results analyzed, the results are no longer applicable because the situation has changed. [7] We know that we cannot plan effectively for the future by projecting increased access to current technologies, but we dare not be discouraged. The future of [all] libraries is at stake. We must begin now to understand how and why libraries and library use are changing if we want libraries to be positioned effectively in higher education a decade from now."

Awesome Library Marketing

Funding & Priorities: The Library Resource Guide Benchmark Study on 2011 Library Spending Plans

Funding & Priorities: The Library Resource Guide Benchmark Study on 2011 Library Spending Plans / Joseph McKendrick.
New Jersey: Information Today, January 2011.

"“Maintaining personal interactions with the public to encourage library use while libraries become increasingly impersonal and digital will be the biggest challenge,” says a specialist with a California-based public library. “Our libraries must plan to focus on being community centers as well as community information centers or we will become obsolete. This will be a huge challenge as budgets decrease and a larger portion of our budgets will need to be spent on new digital applications.”"

Well worth the free registration! 

The Horrors