The fiscal problems of main street have reached the Ivy League. At Brown University Libraries, the answer is early retirements and outsourcing to private contractors. Protesters of outsourcing have set up a Facebook Page here:
Provocative video suitable for all audiences coming soon
This edition of Best of Publib covers March 15th through March 28th 2010. This PubLib review and analysis includes questions about naming library rooms, thought-provoking discussions about new media archives , library materials security, and our new poll on R-rated movie access. Some of the topics we will be reviewing include:
Topic » Dealing with no-shows ♦ Nann Blaine Hilyard in Zion, Illinois seeks help dealing with library sponsored classes / workshops where people who are signed up fail to attend. What policies can help deal with this?
Topic» SirsiDynix Outreach Module ♦ Nancy Laskowski with the Free Library of Philadelphia would like to know about PubLib readers’ reactions and experiences with the SirsiDynix Outreach Module. How have you implemented the Sirsi product to serve homebound patrons?
Topic » Renovation and Book Storage ♦ Andrea Taylor with the Fullerton Public Library in CA is looking at policies and procedures that help deal with books in storage during renovations. If books are inaccessible, what circulation polices can help?
Topic » Auction Sites? ♦ Kimberly Francisco with Huntsville Public Library TX is pursuing a similar question but wants to know how to auction naming rights. Are there free tools such as E-bay that would lend themselves to online auctioning of library rooms?
Topic » Posting guidelines ♦ Sara Weissman - co-moderator for PubLib-L mailing list - reminds PubLib posters of guidelines for content and avoiding the infamous PubLib spam filter.
Topic » ISBNs ♦ Nann Blaine Hilyard alerts catalogers and searchers to ISBN duplications – Do not assume ISBN is a unique identifier.
Topic » Consultant rates ♦ Linda Dydo in Los Gatos CA is putting together a cost estimate for a Library Consultant. What advice do PubLib readers have to offer? How much should consultants charge?
Topic » YA Patrons and “R” movies ♦ Bob Farwell at Otis Library CT wants to know if libraries offer R – rated movies to Young Adults under 17. Mark Hasskarl with Danbury Library CT reminds us that “movie ratings do not legally apply to libraries, only to movie theaters”. Shannon Hammock tells us the film ratings are voluntary even for theaters and offers This Film is Not Yet Rated as a resource. The ALA Freedom to View Statement supports liberty of circulation. Should R-rated movies circulate to Young Adults under 17?
The Publib archives from the Webjunction listserve are available here: ArchivesPlease note: HTML is stripped out of achives. Compose in plaintext or richtext.
This edition of Best of Publib covers the weeks of March 1st through March 14th 2010. This edition includes questions about collection development, thought-provoking discussions about known inaccuracies in ’non-fiction’ works , circulation manager duties , humorous anecdotes regarding blondes , and the impact of closing public school libraries:
Topic» Managing librarians ♦ Leslie Schow from the Herriman Library in UT asks how to guide and successfully manage Youth Services Librarians and their work flow – what are the job parameters for YSL?
Topic » Proctoring Exams ♦ Andrea Taylor would like to know how other libraries handle proctoring exams – Should proctoring be an expected public library service?
Topic » Classification of fiction DVDs ♦ Jingzhen Xie wants to know how your DVD collection is organized for browsing – If an entire section is checked out, how does that affect the remaining items?
Topic » legal form database ♦ Lisa Gunter requests recommendations for blank legal forms databases – Sue Kamm recommends Nolo and Michaelrecommends Gale
The Publib archives from the Webjunction listserve are available here: ArchivesEditor’s note: HTML is stripped out of archives. Compose in plaintext or richtext.
This edition of Best of Publib covers the week of February 22nd through February 28th 2010. This week included questions about advertising and accountability, use and implementation of ebook readers, and our new poll on charging library fees to support other government departments. Some of the topics we will be reviewing include:
Topic» Paid Advertisements ♦ Andrea Taylor in Fullerton, CA addresses the broader topic of advertising in public libraries – Does you library permit advertising on date due slips and webpages?
Topic » Cost of Items when Cataloging ♦ Andrea Taylor would also like to see examples of how libraries value collections – What is your formula for recognizing the cost of processing books?
Topic» Library locker kiosks ♦ Corinne Dickman in Sparks , NV is looking at after hours pickup of library materials – Do you have a secure method of delivering the goods?
Topic » book leasing plans ♦ Melissa DeWildin Comstock Park , MI is comparing book leasing plans such as Brodart and McNaughton – What has been your experience with book leasing vendors?
Topic » US Code ♦ Lynne S. Ingersollin Blue Island , IL is revewing options to the $2,000 the print version of the US Code – Online alternatives include GPOAccess along with Cornell Law
Topic » ergonomics? ♦ Nicole Pasini in San Mateo , CA is addressing a new repetitive motion injury from opening and closing CD and DVD cases – Have other libraries been affected by this malady?
The Publib archives from the Webjunction listserve are available here: ArchivesEditor’s note: HTML is stripped out of achives. Please compose in plaintext or richtext.
This week in Best of Publib covers February 15th through February 21st 2010. This week includes PubLib questions about collection development, the value of on-line tutorials and databases , organization of gaming tournaments, and the cause of stress in public libraries. Some of the topics we will be reviewing include:
Topic » Text Reference Services ♦ Jennfier Snelling wants to know if libraries are using text reference services by vendors – Do you use a text reference product?
Topic» Library Booksales ♦ Frances Walters in South Bend, IN asks for guidance orchestrating Library Book Sales with Library Friends Groups – What works best?
The Publib archives from the Webjunction listserve are available here: ArchivesPlease note: HTML is stripped out of achives. Compose in plaintext or richtext.
This week in Best of Publib covers the week of February 8th through February 14th 2010. This week includes questions about public access computer security, thought-provoking discussions about sharing library buildings with community centers and government, distribution of e-book readers, and our new poll on rewarding staff innovation and initiative. Some of the topics we will be reviewing include:
Topic » Merchandising new fiction♥Janet Griffingin Wadsworth, OH is developing new fiction displays for the AV room – What a great idea to remind the computer users about depth of content! Do you display materials in your AV room?
Topic » usb bluesreen virus problem♥Donna Cainreports on a new problem with viruses on thumb drives / flash drive – Flash drives are causing blue screens and reboots along with file issues even with Compugard active – Editor’s Note: This is certainly something to watch out for on public access computers.
Topic » Improvisational Drama ♥Marie Brown in Lebanon, IN asks for policies and procedures on LARP - Live Action Role Playing events at libraries – How would you host an event at your library?
The Publib archives from the Webjunction listserve are available here: ArchivesPlease note: HTML is stripped out of achives. Compose in plaintext or richtext.
Posted on February 8, 2010 by Robert Balliot ,MLIS
Best of Publib Current Topics and Archives
This week in Best of Publib covers the week of February 1st through February 7th 2010. This week includes questions about collection development, thought-provoking discussions about social reference questions , library website development, and changes to library employment qualifications. Some of the topics we will be reviewing include:
Topic » Books by Mail ♦ Verdie Richburgwants to know how other libraries distribute books by mail – What are the procedures?
Topic » Sneaky Library Card Users ♦ Wendy Wendt in Grand Forks, ND wants to know what other libraries do about parents using their children’s cards to check out books, when the parents are blocked by fines – What is the best practice?
Topic » Reference policy ♦ Kimberley A. Potterin Redford, MI is looking at ways to deal with patrons using reference services as a social contact – What is the best way to close social reference questions? At what point does social reference impede the library mission?
Topic » CMS question ♦ Lisa Sheffield in Transylvania is researching redesigning library websites to include CMS - What advice do other librarians have for working with web design contractors? What content management systems work the best?
Topic » Vocera and other PCS systems ♦ Paul Millsis investigating personal wireless communication systems such as Vocera – If you have a personal wireless system, what do you like about it?
Topic » Chatboards and message boards for librarians ♦ Margery is looking for recommendations on high traffic library communications similar to Teachers.net - Editors note :Although library lists such as publib have a large number of subscribers, the percentage of actual contributors is very low
Topic » Public program on southern plantations ♦ Lisa Guidarini in Algonquin, IL is investigating how to balance a library event on Southern Plantation Living while being sensitive to historic implications of slavery - What balance should be offered? What is the responsibility of the library?
Posted on January 19, 2010 by Robert Balliot ,MLIS
Best of PubLib at the ALA Midwinter Meeting Exhibit Hall Review
This week, Best of Publib covered the ALA Exhibit Hall at the Boston Convention Center. The HD video below includes hundreds of vendor displays. We hope it will help you imagine the experience if you were not able to attend, or help refresh and reinforce what you learned.
Boston Convention and Exhibition Center
The Boston Convention Center was an excellent venue for ALA. The train brought us to South Station - just a few minutes away from the hotels and convention amenities. There are many local publishers and library suppliers within a short distance, so start-ups and unique product suppliers could present affordably. And, Boston rocks! The Freedom Trail, Duck Tours , along with world-class museums and libraries are within short distances of the convention center.
The organizational effort by ALA and attention to detail by the library vendors was outstanding. It was easy to lose track of time on the exhibit hall floor amidst the panorama and noise. It took on a casino / carnival atmosphere with prizes to win and vendors pitching their games. High above, you could use the Food Court sign as a directional beacon.
Of all the hundreds of vendors represented, we chose to review five.
The first is :I-Concepts which defines itself as Innovative Concepts for Nonprofit Organizations. We could imagine many libraries outside of Boston benefiting from this service, along with fostering a general appreciation of local history archives. If you are looking for a way to both encourage collection use and raise funds - i-concepts may be the answer. The Amelia Earhart print was fascinating.
LibraryThing.com/forLibraries
The second is :LibraryThing. Tim Spalding along with his gregarious black-shirted horde truly represented the best of Open Source, Library 2.0 and viral marketing. They were eager to engage and highly entertaining.
The third vendor is :LE@D-Lifelong Education @ Desktop from the University of North Texas This group was absolutely charming and demonstrated infectious enthusiasm for their services. They dressed in some of the most colorful attire at the exhibit. Le@D provides highly affording library training. According to Director - Kevin Haney (in the middle with the green shirt) – costs are as low as $15 for a course! Enthusiastic library training - Deep in the heart of Texas!
New York Times
The fourth vendor is:The New York Times offering 50% off Home Delivery Service Marketing was conducted by On the Avenue Marketing Group with this excellent salesperson hawking half-price subscriptions. She may have been the hardest working individual in the exhibit hall. Yet, it was somehow troubling that this was the limit of representation of the New York Times publishing empire.
III
The fifth vendor is: III – Innovative Interfaces Incorporated. III is one of the heavy hitters in the Library industry. Many libraries are dependent on their products and they have a loyal base. I worked on two transitions to III – the first at Brown University from CLSI and the second at CLAN libraries from Horizon. I have used III for over twenty years and find it offers outstanding service. However, what I observed in the exhibit hall was troubling.
The III booth was very well-appointed and designed with several interactive product displays. It supported a large group of associates to answer questions. Yet, few were actually engaged in discussions with anyone but their co-workers. A librarian approached two of the representatives to thank III for providing a pass to the exhibit hall. One of the representatives took a look at the librarian’s badge and said something to the effect of :
”Well ______ must have been giving away those passes all along the east coast, we had another librarian from ____ stop by earlier “.
Then the rep rattled off a few names of people they considered important from that same institution and basically dismissed the librarian. There was no sales pitch. No offer to demo. Merely, a dismissal.
Library Service, especially in the public library sector, ideally levels the playing field. Service is equal. In contrast, some vendor representatives have obviously been instructed to find out the station of the exhibit hall attendee, determine if they were of the buyer / influencer class and dismiss the others. Yet, the nature of libraries and librarians as technology consumers requires generating interest throughout an organization and getting everyone to buy in. If you have six vendor representatives at an exhibit and you don’t have a crowd around your people, then you should generate interest by engaging everyone. All of the library vendors were start-ups at one point.
The exhibit hall may be the most effective way to get hands on experience with some of the newest and most exciting products in the library world. The meager twenty-five dollar entrance fee – or having an inside vendor representative hook you up for free makes the experience well worth the visit.
Posted on January 10, 2010 by Robert Balliot ,MLIS
Best of Publib Current Topics and Archives
Video coming soon
This week in Best of Publib covers the week of December 31st, 2009 through January 10th, 2010. This week includes questions about insect extermination, thought-provoking discussions about the politics of library cards and communication , comparison of cataloging software, and the effect of weather on library operations. Some of the topics we will be reviewing include:
Topic» iTunes on Public Computers- Natalie Morgan in Boerne, TX asks how to accomodate iPod downloads – Can privacy and security be expected?
Topic » Braille - Michael McGrorty in Los Angeles provides this NYT article on the use of Braille - Are there viable alternatives?
Topic » Email Notification Complaint- Diedre Conkling in Newport, Oregon is investigating the efficiency of email notices – Does email notice content differ from paper?
Topic » definitions needed – reference vs. non-reference - Ellen Eyberg in El Paso, TX asks for guidance on the scope of reference questions – When does direction become an intellectual endeavor?
Topic» Infopeople’s webinar ”TEDx for Libraries” - Linda Rodenspiel of infopeople.org is promoting TEDx webinar to facilitate library programming - TED rocks!
Topic » Library card needed for checkout?- Linda Fairbanks in Oak Brook, IL questions library card mandates – What are the politics of library cards?
Topic» Wiki in the Library question- Kevin Clement wants to know how libraries are using Wiki’s as internal communication tools – How do Wiki’s work for you?
Topic» Advocating for YA Librarian- Ryan Livergood in Dover, MA wants to show critical need for young adult librarians – What are some great examples?
Topic» CD/DVD cleaning machines- Mary Hall in Bedford, IN would like to get ratings and opinions of CD / DVD cleaning machines – Which ones work the best?
Topic» Open Source Newspaper Indexing Software- Jesse Higel in Mount Vernon, OH seeks examples of free / Open Source indexing software. Sharon Foster in New Hampshire provides an excellent example with Zoho Creator.
Topic » Cameras- Debbie Winlock would like opinions on the use of security cameras in libraries – What works? What doesn’t?
Topic » ebook readers – experience/success with the audio download – any personal or professional testimonials- Gail Preslar Kingsport, TN seeks evaluation along with ongoing technical reviews – Sony Reader , Amazon Kindle , Barnes & Noble Nook are market leaders.
Topic » Expanded use OPAC- Joe McKenzie would like optimal methods for utilizing OPAC computers as short-term web browsers – Does expanding internet access create more demand? If you build it, who will come?
Posted on December 22, 2009 by Robert Balliot ,MLIS
BestofPublib Current Topics andArchives
Our special holiday edition of This week in Best of Publib covers December 14th through December 22rd. This Best of PubLib report includes questions about collection development, excellent library quotes, reference librarian development, and the impact of intergenerational conflict. Some of the topics we will be reviewing include:
Topic» social software user policy question- Penny Ramirez in Crystal Lake, IL is looking for library policy examples – How does your library facilitate or inhibit social networking?
Topic » ADA compliant software - Renee J. Ponzio in Eau Claire, WI wants to know if you have found language software that meets ADA criteria – Do the accessibility tools that are standard with Mac and PC systems make language software compliant?
Topic » weird animal sounds storytime - Linda Myer in Marysville OH compiled a list of children’s books recommended by PubLib readers that help children discover animal sounds – Who hoots? – sounds like a job for librarians!
Topic» Dewey-less libraries - Kevin O’Kelly in Somerville, MA is looking for alternative methods of finding library materials. Is there a better system than OCLC’s Dewey? What is the ultimate example of sign systems and call numbers?
Topic» Broadband Stimulus - Andrea Taylor in Fullerton, CA is looking at the impact of stimulus funds on high-bandwidth connectivity - Will broadband stimulus affect and enhance your services?
Topic » Western Fiction for a bookclub discussion -Terry Sterling in Fresno, CA got excited enough abut the recent collection development topic on Westerns to envision a bookclub discussion - What do you recommend?
Topic» Middle School Book Club Selection - in Lebanon, OR is looking for selections appropriate for Middle School students – On that topic is Lost really just an adult Lord of the Flies ?
Topic » Library Quote – Michael R. Meise - in Roanoke, VA is looking for the perfect quote for a library bag – many excellent suggestions were offered.
Topic» Retirement!! George Hazelton in McDonough, GA has announced his upcoming retirement – Congratulations ! Huzzah !
Topic » Tutorial on Ancestry.com -Sana Moulder in Fayetteville NC is teaching a course on Ancestry and is looking for tips – How far back can you trace your lineage?
Topic» Computer Access Passes… Ron Block in Jacksonville, FL wants to know how you ration computer services to non-residents – Is your access universal?
Topic» teen areas - Cindy Hayes in High Ridge, MO is concerned about adults in the teen areas – Do teens and adults mix? Should adults be restricted from convenient access to teen oriented collections? When is being a child at heart or in mind a bad thing? Should libraries foster intergenerational relationships?
This edition of Best of Publib covers the week of February 22nd through February 28th 2010. This week included questions about advertising and accountability, use and implementation of ebook readers, and our new poll on charging library fees to support other government departments. Some of the topics we will be reviewing include: 
