Best of PubLib 03.14.10

Best of Publib Current Topics and Archives

Video coming soon

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   »    Program planning template   ♦  Elizabeth Fraser with the  Kanawha County Public Library seeks program planning templates
• Topic   »    Request for Gimp lesson plans   ♦   Sana Moulder in  Fayetteville NC  wants to provide workshops on the popular Open Source graphics program Gimp -  Have another other libraries provided instruction in Gimp?
• Topic   »    Yahoo mail problems    ♦    Deb Messling  at the  Phillipsburg Free Public Library  in NJ is experiencing problems with Yahoo! mail - Laura Hayden recommends that everyone upgrade their web browsers.
• Topic   »    Collection development   ♦     Lori Eskridge  from the   New Albany-Floyd County Public Library  seeks examples of collection development policies for medium-sized public libraries – Margaret Neil in NM provides this great example – How do you grow your collections?
• Topic   »    Job description request   ♦     Mary J. Soucie  with   Three Rivers Library District  requests examples of local history librarian job descriptions 
• Topic   »    Software to use for Game Discs?   ♦    Matthew Hamilton at the    Boulder Public Library  asked for recommendations for playing CD/DVD based games on local computers -  Bob Sullivan with the Schenectady Digital History Archive  recommends using –  Alcohol available in free, fee and trial download versions
• Topic   »    What to do with “Last Train From Hiroshima?”   ♦    Andrea Taylor   with Fullerton Public Library  referenced Brian Herzog’s question on how to handle a book with known inaccuracies - What qualifies as ‘non-fiction’?
• Topic   »    Questions about selling flash drives to customers   ♦    Beth Kroehler  from the  Muncie Public Library asks how other libraries provide flash drives / thumb drives to library patrons – What do you offer in this medium?
• Topic   »    telephone storytelling   ♦    Angie Bayne at the    Missouri River Regional Library is interested in how other libraries provide telephone storytelling – Can PubLib readers provide guidance?
• Topic   »    Story Times for Grown Ups: Share with me    ♦    David Wright  with the  Seattle Public Library seeks success stories of adult story times akin to SPL’s Thrilling Tales  
• Topic   »    Internal Library Communication    ♦    Fran Hays    at the Beaufort County Library in SC would like to know what intra-library communication tool works best – The PubLib reader consensus appears to be a combination of tools.
• 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   »    Intranet guidelines or policies?    ♦    Matthew Hamilton at the    Boulder Public Library asks how other libraries deploying Drupal manage content – What rules does your library have for staff additions, modificatins and deletions to content?
• Topic   »    call numbers for biographies     ♦    Mary Johnson  from the   Jacksonville Public Library  FL  investigates best practices to classify biography call numbers – Is [Bio] – [Subject's last name] superior to [Bio] – [Dewey number] – [Subject's last name] ?
• Topic   »    providing access to those overseas    ♦    Elizabeth K. Speigle  with the  Newport News Public Library  wants to know how to treat service members who are stationed overseas wanting library cards to access on-line databases sponsored local libraries - What are their limitations?
• 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   »    I know it is not Friday but…    ♦   Rachelle Miller with the    Troy-Miami County Public Library in OH brings us a new humor thread on patron expectations – How blonde are your patrons?
• Topic   »    PINs   ♦    Cindy Hayes    at the  Jefferson County Library  MO  seeks input regarding library account security – Does your library require PIN (personal identification numbers) to access computers locally and library accounts remotely?  How secure is your data?
• Topic   »    legal form database     ♦    Lisa Gunter requests recommendations for blank legal forms databases – Sue Kamm recommends Nolo and Michael recommends Gale
• Topic   »    Circulation Managers    ♦    Jessica with the Thomas County Public Library System wants to know if your Circulation Managers circulate – or do they simply manage from afar?  – Consensus appears to favor a split between desk and management.
• Topic   »    Extended Service Agreement for Security Gate System-worth it?   ♦    Stephen Sarazin  at the  Aston Public Library PA is reviewing the cost of keeping a service agreement in place for security gates -  John Richmond offers this caveat on location
• Topic   »    Paraprofessional Certification   ♦      Bridget Krejci   with the G. E. Bleskacek Family Memorial Library in WI is seeking paraprofessional certification with recognized value to library employers – Jim Casey recommends  ALA-APA as a resource.
• Topic   »    public library union contracts?   ♦    Sharon Commons is investigating effective working union contracts in place at public libraries – Cab Vinton recommends the Labor Contracts Database  from Berkeley
• Topic   »    Computer timer software used     ♦    Shawn Pierce from the   Marjorie Walker McCrary Memorial Library in AR  seeks software recommendations to limit the time patrons spend on library computers – Recommendations include: Cassie from Librarica ,  Time Limit Manager from Fortres ,  Libki  and Sam PC Manager from Comprise Technologies.
• Topic   »    Libraries no longer using barcode strips    ♦     Diane Neverman   with the Peoria Public Library System   in AZ wants to hear from libraries using 3M RFID that no longer use bar codes – relying exclusively on RFID
• Topic   »    Robert’s Rules of Order    ♦    Phalbe Henriksen  at the  Alexander County Library in NC highly recommends these videos by Robert McConnell Productions as effective tutorials for Robert’s Rule of Order
• Topic   »    which Speaker System to use    ♦    Paul Ericsson  with  Bemidji Public Library in MN would like opinions from PubLib readers on use of the Peavey Escort 3000 system to support a flexible seating meeting room with space for well over 100 people
• Topic   »    Unscheduled School group visits to Pub. Lib.    ♦    Charlene Swansen from the   Mancos Public Library District in CO wants to know how other libraries enable unscheduled visits by teachers with their classes – School Libraries are being closed – How do you think  Public Libraries  should handle unscheduled visits ?

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Best of PubLib 02.28.10

Best of Publib Current Topics and Archives

Best of PubLib TV – Coming Soon!

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   »   Signage for DVD thefts  ♦  Mark P. Hasskarl  at the Danbury Library in Connecticut wants to limit theft of DVDs – How have other libraries used signage to effectively reduce theft – Can’t you read the sign?
• Topic   »   Amazon Associates program ♦  Mark P. Hasskarl is also looking at the use of the Amazon Associates program by Libraries – Has your library become a successful reseller for Amazon.com?
• 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   »   Looking for instructions for downloading Overdrive ebooks into Nooks  ♦  Chris Rippel in Great Bend , Kansas  has compiled a list of methods for working with Barnes & Noble’s Nooks and Overdrive ebooks - Does anyone have more to add?
• Topic   »   Library Card Text ♦  T. Ross at the District of Columbia Public Library wants to know what sort of text is included on your library cards and promises to compile the results – What do you say on your library card?
• Topic   »   Reference Question Sampling  ♦   Travis Horton  in Raleigh , NC is reviewing methods to compile reference question statistics – How do you count your questions?
• 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   »   Require photo ID for checkout?  ♦  Hensley Roberts  at the Atlanta-Fullerton Public Library wants to know if you require a photo id for checkout – Do you provide this layer of security for your collections?
• Topic   »    Help! Japanese tattoo books  ♦  John Richmond in Bartonville , IL addresses collection development on Japanese tattoo art - What do you recommend as a resource?
• Topic   »    Low cost source for bulk ear buds? ♦  Matthew Hamilton  at the Boulder Public Library is giving away ear buds to patrons and would like a low-cost source
• Topic   »    book leasing plans  ♦  Melissa DeWild in Comstock Park , MI is comparing book leasing plans such as Brodart and McNaughton – What has been your experience with book leasing vendors?
• Topic   »    Redbox vending machines at libraries  ♦  Bruce Flanders in Lawrence , KS is looking at the zoning and tax issues with providing Redbox vending machine in public libraries – Does the use of Redbox contradict library non-profit zoning?
• Topic   »    Nooks/Kindles Circulation ♦  Helen Silver in beautiful Boca Raton , FL  is considering library loans of Nooks and Kindles - Do you charge a fee for this service?
• Topic   »    survey ♦  Cindy Hayes  in High Ridge , MO requests examples of user surveys addressing downloadable e-books and audio files
• Topic   »    Charging fee for library materials by mail?  ♦  Janet Griffing  in Wadsworth , OH wants to know if your library provides mail services for a fee – Does your library deliver?
• Topic   »    Be a Part of PLA’s Virtual Conference with Virtual Poster Sessions  ♦  Kathleen Hughes requests proposals from PubLib members for the Public Library Association virtual conference - The deadline for poster session proposals is March 8, 2010 at 4PM.
• Topic   »    Overdrive Download Kiosk  ♦  Abigail Goben is reviewing the Download Kiosk product – what are Publib subscriber experiences with the Download Kiosk?
• Topic   »    Attaching bar codes to puppets  ♦  Bridget Krejci at the Bloomer Library would like to know how you attach bar codes to circulating puppets – How do you track your puppets? – Would Lambchop approve?
• Topic   »    Public Access Computers for Job Seekers  ♦  Jeff Lambert  of Monrovia , CA has noted high use of library computers by job seekers – How does your library address increased demand? Does type of use dictate access?
• Topic   »    US Code  ♦  Lynne S. Ingersoll in  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   »    Facebook Policy  ♦  Carl  Long at the Reading Public Library in Pennsylvania would like examples of Library Facebook Page policies – How do you regulate your Facebook page?
• Topic   »    leadership retention plans  ♦  Larry White at ECU in  Greenville , North Carolina  is studying leadership retention plans – Does your library have a policy of promoting from within?
• Topic   »    Construction Manager at Risk  ♦  Su Epstein  in Columbia , CT requests information on the library construction process – Is contracting with a Construction Manager at Risk superior to contracting with an Architect?
• 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?
• Topic   »    Friday humor: Unshelved tax season  ♦  Elisa Babel  (appropriately in Washington, DC) invites us to look at the humor of tax time
• Topic   »    39 Clues books   ♦   Chris Ely at the  Whitewright Library would like to know how other libraries deal with the cards in 39 Clues Books
• Topic   »   Charging for library use in AZ?  ♦  Joe Schallan directs up to this story out of Prescott , AZ  .  Should libraries charge for use to support other government departments? Take our poll!

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Best of PubLib 02.14.10

Best of Publib Current Topics and Archives

Best of PubLib TV – Coming Soon!

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   »  ”Halo” series  ♥  Phalbe Henriksen in North Carolina is researching the  provenance of Halo - The books and comic series  are adapted from the highly popular RPG featuring the character Master Chief
• Topic   »  NetLibrary vs. Overdrive  ♥  Kimberly Francisco in Huntsville, TX  would like current impressions of NetLibrary and Overdrive - Which products work best for you?
• Topic   »  Self-Check Machines   ♥ Michele J. Capozzella in Danbury, CT is having trouble with self-check machines – What brands do you use and how are they working out?
• Topic   »   Applying for CDBG funds   ♥  Michelle R. Mears in Enid, OK is reviewing the application process for Community Development Block Grants - How do you calculate your service area?
• Topic   »   Assistive technology for deaf/hard-of-hearing library users?  ♥  Nora Armstrong in Fayetteville, NC is looking to replace an out of date TTY system – Which products work the best?
• Topic   »   Library Leadership Initiatives: your perspective, please!  ♥   Nann Blaine Hilyard in Zion, IL is soliciting essays on Library Leadership for the Journal of the Public Library Association - Deadline is March 10th.
• Topic   »    E-book reader thread?  ♥  Alana Abbott in Branford, CT  seeks loan policies and procedures for pre-loaded e-book readers – What works the best?
• Topic   »    e-book Readers   ♥  Library Science student – Esther Varela – is also researching e-book reader loan policies – Does your library loan Kindles  or  Sony Readers? Margaret Neil expressed concerns about restrictions on digital content use.
• Topic   »    Red Tag or DiscMate?  ♥  Marsha Warfield in West Palm Beach, FL is comparing the Red Tag System to DiscMate - Which DVD / CD security system works best for you?
• Topic   »  Public libraries co-located with Community Centers ♥ Michael Golrick in Baton Rouge, LA is looking at libraries that share space with community centers – What are the best practices for cohabitation?
• Topic   »    Library & Local Government Shared Buildings?    ♥  Laura J. Kraly in Davisburg, MI is working on a similar topic – What are some examples?
• Topic   »  Merchandising new fiction   ♥ Janet Griffing in 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   »  Midwest Tape books on CD and sturdy packaging  ♥ John Richmond in Bartonville, IL  seeks opinions on how  SoundSafe cases compare to similar products – Which packaging system is the best long-term investment?
• Topic   »    usb bluesreen virus problem  ♥ Donna Cain reports 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?
• Topic   »    Envisionware    ♥  Julie Goyette in High Point, NC wants to know about PubLib reader experiences with Envisionware print management and reservation - Do you recommend Envisionware  for a busy lab?
• Topic   »    Staff retreat   ♥   Leslie Schow in Herriman, UT is about to open a new library in Utah! – Do PubLib readers have ideas for  staff retreats?
• Topic   »    We don’t need no stinkin’ books! Once again….  ♥ George Hazelton reports on this article in the NYTimes about  Cushing Academy  plans to dismantle its print library
• Topic   »    Do you take patron photos for their ILS records? ♥ Andy Richmond  in Rye NH is implementing photo components for his library’s ILS - What has been your experience with offering photo ids? 
• Topic   »    Recognition for work well done  ♥  Annette Weiss in Farmington Hills, MI would like examples of how to reward staff initiative and address patron and staff concerns – How do you reward staff initiative?

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Best of PubLib 02.08.10

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  »  request for presentations ♦   Treasurer Edith Isele of ABOS requests presenters for the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services joint conference with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries  (ARSL) in Denver, CO
• Topic  »  President’s budget freezes library funding, omits school libraries from education increase  ♦ Dierdre Conkling reports on the budget freeze and failure to include school libraries in the education increase – Why are school libraries being devalued?
• Topic  »  Books by Mail  ♦ Verdie Richburg wants 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  »  Using stats  ♦ Nicole Pasini  in San Mateo, CA wants to know how others use traffic and circulation statistics to plan and promote – Michael Golrick at the State Library of Lousiana recommends the methodology offered by the Georgia Libraries 
• Topic  » Oversized books  ♦ Laurie McKee in Little Elm, TX is interested in learning how other libraries are arranging and defining oversize books – What is a big book?
• Topic  »  PC reservation and print management software  ♦ Victoria Yarbrough in  Douglas, AZ would like feedback on ALPS and Comprize software – What works for your library?
• Topic  » Reference policy  ♦  Kimberley A. Potter in 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  » Call for Participation for A Reference Renaissance 2010  ♦ Justine Shaffner of BCR promoted the Reference Renaissance event in Denver, CO Aug. 8-10 2010
• Topic  »  Relative Use  ♦ Kathryn King in Fort Worth, TX is looking at how other library apply relative use  in collection development / management
• Topic  » Please sign petition to save Connecticut Law Library ♦ Paul Lohner - asks for help from the Library Community to stop the proposed dissolution of the Law Library in Bridgeport, CT
• 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  » Board Meetings  ♦ Miranda Hapner asked for recommendations on revising Library Board Meeting procedures - Should recording be required?
• Topic  »  Member photos on ILS records  ♦ Andy Richmond  in Rye,  NH  is trying to balance privacy and service with accountability – Do you use photo IDs for your library cards?
• Topic  » multiple copies second try ♦ Elizabeth Thorson in Laramie County Wy is looking at ways to get the most out of the materials budget – What strategies help match patron demand with supply?
• Topic  »  Vocera and other PCS systems  ♦ Paul Mills is 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  » dominant personalities in bookclub discussions ♦ Grace Peterson in Ohio is leading a book discussion group and asks how to make sure everyone can participate – What do you recommend?  Gigi Bane in Oak Ridge, TN has a great idea to pass the ball!
• 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?
• Topic  »  Library Employment Trends  ♦ U of I Library Science student – Genevieve Henricks – asks pertinent questions about the future of the profession – How have qualifications changed over the past 10 years? 

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Best of PubLib 01.25.10

Best of Publib Current Topics and Archives

Video coming soon

This week  in  Best of Publib covers January 10th  through January 24th 2010. This week includes questions about collection development,  library hardware and software solutions, politics, policies,  and the ethics of advertising and branding. Some of the topics we will be reviewing include:

• Topic   »    Shelving graphic novels - Phalbe Henriksen in Taylorsville, NC wants to know how many fit on a standard shelf – Graphic novel collections are growing! 
• Topic   »    Classics List for Small Public Library - Bridget Krejci in Bloomer, WI wants recommendations for Classics – Kevin O’Kelly recommends the Everyman 100 and Carl Long provides an excellent, concise list.
• Topic   »    Public Library System Organizational Structure: Request for information - Corinne Dickman in Sparks, NV is investigating alternative organizational structures – How is your library configured?
• Topic   »    The future of reference? – This new product from Intel may show the future of reference – Are hololibrarians the next step in automation?
• Topic   »    Recalled books - Justine Shaffner  in Aurora, CO forwarded this warning from CPSC of books that may cause a fire – Sometimes the books are on fire, sometimes the books cause them . . .
• Topic   »    Not Gadgets -  M. McGrorty  in Los Angeles brings us this article by John Tierney – The Madness of Crowds and an Internet Delusion
• Topic   »    library ethics vs local politics  - American Libraries reported on this troubling story out of Vermont  
• Topic   »    Iphone app - Georgia Bouda  in  Bloomington, IL discusses the phone applications that digitize patron bar codes and offer them as alternatives to physical library cards - What are the security and service issues? How else can they be used?
• Topic   »    Story time attendance dropping off? -  Janet Griffing  in Wadsworth, OH reports on diminished participation – Is it demographic changes or flu fears?
• Topic   »    posting for causes on a library blog? – Kevin O’Kelly  in  Somerville, MA wants to know if it is proper – Should causes be promoted?
• Topic   »    Flying candidates in for face-to-face interviews  - Matthew Pierce is looking at the cost - Is it still common to fly in recruits?
• Topic   »    Review - M. McGrorty challenges librarians to post negative reviews of books – Is the trend to only see the good?
• Topic   »    Branding in Libraries - Jane Genzel  at the  Muskego Public Library is investigating the appropriateness of branded donations – Does branding diminish services?
• Topic   »    Drop In computer labs - Tracey Reed  in Clearwater, FL is implementing unstructured classes – Where is this effective?
• Topic   »    Periodicals back issues - Laurenne Teachout   in Stephentown, NY has limited space for periodicals – What is ideal retention?
• Topic   »    Overdrive Download Stations? - Nilya Carrato   in  Washington, DC  is configuring dedicated PCs for audio/ebook download – What software works the best?
• Topic   »    Patron Counters - Cath Soffe   at  Ajax Library Services wants to know which products are the best
• Topic   »    CIPA and e-rate - Andrea Taylor  in  Fullerton, CA is looking for a definitive answers on bona fide research and adult access - Is there conflict between local and federal guidelines?
• Topic   »    libraries and local bookstores/resend - Robin K. Blum is writing on the subject – What collaborative relationships exist between libraries and bookstores?
• Topic   »    Laptop Checkout - Mindy Kittay - in Colorado at the Anythink Libraries is looking for exemplary policies and procedures – How do your laptops circulate?
• Topic   »    experience with outsourcing management of the library - Laurel Goodgion   in Wethersfield CT is investigating corporate profiteering on non-profits – When does outsourced management impinge on professional ethics?
• Topic   »    Clipping files - Faith Jones – in New Westminster  BC, Canada is looking for best current practices for clipping files – are they still relevant with digitization? Does digitization of clipping files infringe on copyright?
• Topic   »    Giveaways for silent auctions, etc. - John Richmond   in  Bartonville, IL wants to know what to offer other non-profits – Is there a great combination of that serves the library and external non-profits too?
• Topic   »    Self Check Out - Andrew R. Stehr   in  Rochester, MN is looking for examples where circulation is 80% or greater automated – What are the benefits?
• Topic   »    Expired Library Cards - Sue Reed   in  Jefferson City, MO wants to know how long you keep expired patron records before purging – Does your patron policy include privacy considerations?
• Topic   »    Museum type holdings - John C. Sandstrom   in  El Paso, TX is looking for examples of libraries that still keep art work and realia – What are the collection guidelines?
• Topic   »    Kevin Trudeau books - Becky Tatar   in  Aurora, IL investigates collection development policies – Do we offer what the public wants or what they should want?
• Topic   »    Friday reference question - Dusty Gres   in  Vidalia, GA started a new discussion on humorous and troubling reference questions – It looks like we are generating a new list!
• Topic   »    Book (etc.?) Awards - Diedre Conkling   in  Newport, OR  provided a link to ALA’s Book Award list in Cognotes.  The discussion truncated into contemplation of the effect of marketing and advertising on professional library literature. What do you think?

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Best of PubLib ALA Midwinter Exhibit Hall Review

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.  

http://www.i-concepts.org

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.  

http://www.leadonline.info

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.  

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Best of PubLib at ALA-Midwinter Update

American Library Association Mid-Winter Meeting

We  consumed the Boston Convention Center exhibit hall today.  Boston is nearly 50 degrees farenheit!  We will feature some of the most interesting  exhibitors and products that we found in a special edition of Best of Publib on January 20th – we have pictures of them all.  But tonight, we dine with Canadians!

This Week in Best of PubLib 01.11.10

Best of Publib Current Topics and Archives

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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   »    Buggy books - Karen Hiser in Charleston, West Virginia wants to know how to kill bug / insect eggs in library materials - What are the best methods for extermination?
• Topic   »    Quick (hopefully) question about Excel - Phalbe Henriksen in Taylorsville, NC  seeks tutorials on Excel chart creation
• Topic   »    Home Cataloging Software? – Tony Ross seeks reviews of cataloging software for collections >2500 without the social networking of:  Shelfari, LibraryThing  and Goodreads – What are your experiences with software such as:  Readerware  , Collectorz  and Delicious-Monster?
• 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?
• Topic   »    Position Open in the Beautiful NW - Regan Robinson in Lynden, WA  advertised this Web Coordinator position  at Whatcom Library System – Resident Arizonian PubLib humorist Joe Schallan takes exception to  ‘beautiful Northwest‘.
• Topic   »    Closing for weather poll – Linda Cannon – Joplin, MO wants to know when you shut your library down due to weather – What closes your library? 

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This Week in Best of PubLib 12.14.2009

Best of Publib Current Topics and Archives

Video coming soon

This week  in  Best of Publib covers the week of December 7th through December 13th. This week includes questions about building collections in Western, Urban Fiction and Romance genres along with thought-provoking discussions about  library organization, library reorganization and control of libraries.  Some of the topics we will be reviewing include:

• Topic   »    olympics? – Sharon Dalton in Parlin, NJ would like to know about Olympic themes for marketing library programs and materials.
• Topic   »    urban fiction - Elizabeth Fraser in  Charleston WV is looking for good urban fiction resources.
• Topic   »   Mail Chimp - Lisa Pappas in  Plainfield, IL wants to know who is using Constant Contact and who is using Mail Chimp - How do they compare?
• Topic   »    RESUME - Karen Hertel in Idaho asks – what to include on librarian resumes  - Are academic librarian resumes the same as public librarian resumes?
• Topic   »    Moving from a municipal department to an association library? - Laurel Goodgion in Wethersfield CT  seeks examples of municipal libraries that became independent libraries.
• Topic   »    Reorganizing customer service | Library organization structure -  Janice Painter in  Princeton, NJ is investigating cross training and various innovative methods of reorganization.
• Topic   »    software questions – Helen Rigdon in  Kansas City, Kansas wants to know if libraries qualify for academic price breaks on software - Is Open Office a viable alternative and what about TechSoup?
• Topic   »    Flooring material – Connie Meyer in Fort Atkinson, WI is finishing a building project and seeks flooring suggestions.
• Topic   »    Rental Ready Videos vs retail editions, Library edition audiobooks vs. retail editions – Jeanette Piquet in Richmond Heights, MO  is looking for guidance on vendor definitions – What are the legal and ethical ramifications?
• Topic   »    Building upon an existing Romance Collection - Sherise Pagan is looking for web site sources to help develop a  Romance collection
• Topic   »    Western Paperbacks – Ann Moore  in New York is looking for sources for up-to-date paperback westerns
• Topic   »    Bags for Patrons, plastic or otherwise - Rebecca Hermen in Michigan is looking for economical, green library  bag guidance
• Topic   »    Kirkus is shutting down – Mamie  Ney in Maine gives the sad news about the cessation of Kirkus
• Topic   »    Friday funny - Elizabeth Thorson in Cheyenne, WY reports on extraordinary autographs located in The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists
• Topic   »    Controlling Libraries - Who should control public libraries? Should ALA?  Should ethics?  Should politicians?  Should professional librarians?  42 ? Take our poll!

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This Week in Best of PubLib 12.07.2009

Best of Publib Current Topics and Archives

This week  in  Best of Publib covers the week of November 30th through December 6th 2009. This week includes questions about library censorship, uses of smart boards, disposal of magazines , DVD circulation  and the necessary data collected about patrons. Some of the topics we will be reviewing include:

• Topic   »    Arboreta/Greenhouses and Libraries – Jennifer Chilcoat in Little Rock, Arkansas is looking for plans and methods to facilitate – how green is your library?
• Topic   »    100 books for reading and sharing from NYPL - GraceAnne Andreassi DeCandido in New York offers the list – how do you rate them? 
• Topic   »    Censorship at its best? – Terry Lawlor in Phoenix alerts us to this controversial story out of Kentucky – what do you think?
• Topic   »    Discarding magazines?  Sara Weissman in New Jersey wants to know where they go – where do they go when they leave your library?
• Topic   »    Smart Board Use?  Beth Kroehler in Muncie, Indiana wants to know how you use interactive whiteboards  - are you providing instruction?
• Topic   »    DVD circulation – Deb Messling in New Jersey is seeing a decline in DVD use - others are seeing a surge – what are the factors influencing use?
• Topic   »    Furloughs – Michael McGrorty in Los Angeles provides a breakdown of state government furloughs across the US.
• Topic   »    Posting Music -  Judy Anderson in Washington, DC wants to know where you can store your own music on-line.  Jeff Imparato recommends SoundClick
• Topic   »    Keeping driver’s license and other ID numbers in patron records – Margaret Maddox – Centerville, Ohio is looking at policies - What are the implications for collection security and retention?  What are the implications for patron privacy and personal information security?

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