This Week in Best of Publib

Best of Publib Current Topics and Archives

This week  in  Best of Publib includes some elegant and thoughtful discussions on collection development, the value of GSLIS programs and the future of public libraries – some of the topics we will be reviewing include:

• Topic - Displaying Reserved Items – practical information including self-serve holds and self-check out methods.
• Topic - Guilt – Jobs and People – Library filth – Joe Schallan’s musings on the meaning of GSLIS  and the ‘microbial ecology’ of the public library.
• Topic - Proper conduct by retired librarians - Joe Schallan’s introspective look at the career endgame – do old librarians just check out or is there more, much more?
• Topic – Library-based IT troubleshooting services –  should we help patrons fix those computer things or CTRL ALT DEL the request for help?
• Topic - Carpet alternatives -  flooring alternatives for busy community rooms – hypoallergenic and stain resistant alternatives?
• Topic - IRS forms – the forms have attracted patrons in droves – but what problems are happening with the 1099?
• Topic - Fear of Facebook –  the Web 2.0 is now becoming 3.0 and many librarians concerned with the implications of social networks  - how to cope with the changes?
• Topic - Part-time employment – Wal-Mart — the future – Wal-Mart is making changes – some which parallel library trends – should we be concerned ?

Please join us on BestofPublib Facebook

The Publib Archives

The publib archives from the Webjunction  listserve are available here:  Archives  

Please note that the list moderator has notified the readership that you are not allowed to discuss Wal-Mart any more.   You know who you are.

This Week in Best of Publib

Best of Publib Current Topics and Archives

This week  in  Best of Publib includes some elegant and thoughtful discussions on collection development, the value of GSLIS programs and the future of public libraries – some of the topics we will be reviewing include:

• Topic - Cataloging 9/11 ‘conspiracy’ materials - do conspiracy ‘theories’ belong with the official truth, or in their own section?
• Topic - H1N1 sanitation redux – handwashing and inhaling in the swine flu era – librarians behind the mask.
• Topic - Jobs and People- including many permutations – Favorite Books, Library Education, Library Organizational Structure, Library Job Descriptions and Ethics.
• Topic – Missing the Boat – future  of librarianship/ technology skills and the ups and downs of the MLS/MLIS – do we know enough?
• Topic – Nuke the Books – will the California  book microwaving trend catch on across the US,  is it just an isolated fad or a recipe for disaster?
• Topic - Is this thing on? – some libraries are allowing print reference to go out – what does this mean to circulation and collection provenance?

Please join us on BestofPublib Facebook

The Publib Archives

The publib archives from the Webjunction  listserve are available here:  Archives  

Please note that the list moderator has notified the readership that some postings are not that funny.   You know who you are.

This Week on Best of Publib

Best of Publib Current Topics and Archives

This week  in  Best of Publib includes some heated discussions on First Amendment Rights and Health Care - some of the topics we will be reviewing include:

• Freedom of Speech - making the scene at Town Hall Meetings
• The Obama Health Care Plan -  ALA likes it, but what does it mean to the rest of us?  Thread
• Weeding reference  - when do we circulate the uncirculated?
• Refunding money for lost books - Public Relations and the bottom line of financial control

Please join us on BestofPublib Facebook

The Publib Archives

The publib archives from the Webjunction  listserve are available here:  Archives  

The archives are organized by Thread / Author / Subject and Date.  However, the subject changes with the subject line and there is no authority control over content.

New Google group to discuss archives in public libraries

This message was posted on Archives and Archivists List on August 1, 2009. It is a followup to an inquiry to gauge interest in creating a new Roundtable for public library archives and special collections within the Society of American Archivists. There were quite a few positive responses posted to A&A List.

If you’re interested in this aspect of public librarianship, please considering joining the google group described below.

Hello all,

A Google group has been started to facilitate the work on putting together a Public Library Archives/Special Collections Roundtable. It is a public group, and anyone interested in pitching in or just curious about the proposed Roundtable is encouraged to check it out!

http://groups.google.com/group/plasc_rt

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Renée DesRoberts
Librarian/Archivist
McArthur Public Library
270 Main Street
Biddeford, Maine 04005
207-284-4181