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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What is professional?

I was recently asked to review some comments and give my opinion on whether or not they would be considered professional. How do we define professional? Does the male perspective on professionalism create an overarching impact? Do the most successful members of the library profession mirror male professional values? Should they?    Eve Ensler recently spoke at TED - exploring how we value ourselves :

Activate, Educate, Engage, Confront, Defy, Create. Those qualities are all important to the evolution and continuation of the library profession, yet all can be defined as unprofessional when challenging the status quo.

• I Am an Emotional Creature: The Secret Life of Girls Around the World by Eve Ensler

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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 01.31.10

Best of Publib Current Topics and Archives

Video returning soon

This week  in  Best of Publib covers January 24th through January 31st 2010. This week includes discussions about the Broadband Stimulus Programs,  collection development, technology planning, library programming, access to archives,  and the effect of library reference poaching. Some of the topics we will be reviewing include:

• Topic   »    Library Fines – Lynda Dydo in Los Gatos, CA wants to know who raised fines – What was the impact on revenue?
• Topic   »    Author Meet & Greets -  Rhonda Jessup  in Whitby, ON Canada  wants to know how you introduce authors – What is most effective?
• Topic   »    Employment applications – Kathleen McCorkle in Sedan, KS would like examples of library specific employment applications
• Topic   »    Documented LJ Index Problems – Thomas J. Hennen Jr. in Racine, WI provides analysis of issues with LJ Index – Will the problems be answered or resolved?
• Topic   »    program attendance question – Elizabeth Fraser in Charleston WV is looking for program statistics – Which programs are successful?
• Topic   »    GED revisions? – Kevin O’Kelly in Somerville, MA wanted to know about GED updates – the NETLS Coordinator provided the answers
• Topic   »    Astoria Library Birthday Party Invitation – Jane Tucker in Astoria, OR lets us know about the 118th Birthday of Astoria Public Library
• Topic   »    Question for Frequent Travelers – Jennifer Ray in Cassopolis, MI wants to know how to predict the best deals on flights – Sharon Foster offered Bing
• Topic   »    Church Partnerships? – Tony Ross in Washington, DC wants to know how to build relationships with local churches – Are there constitutional considerations?
• Topic   »    CD shelving – Lynne S. Ingersoll  in Blue Island, IL is looking at functional storage and display for 3000 CDs - What works?
• Topic   »    RFID Implementation - Andrea Taylor in Fullerton, CA wants your story on setting up RFID – What were the processes and pitfalls?
• Topic   »    Challenges to newspaper index entries – Bruce Brigell in Skokie, Illinois relates the effect of newspaper archives that  disparage – What is the balance between public access and public disparagement? 
• Topic   »    CD and DVD protectors – Margaret (Meg) Van Patten in Baldwinsville, New York wants to know what works best – How do you protect the data side surface of your DVDs?
• Topic   »    which Speaker System to use – Amy Blossom in Ashland, Oregon wants a low-cost speaker system with portable mikes  for library programs – Which products work for you?
• Topic   »    iPad and what it means to the library – Andrea Taylor in Fullerton, CA discusses the potential impact of the Apple iPad  on similar products and libraries – What do you think?
• Topic   »    Tax season – Elisa Babel in Washington, DC provides a great link to Closed Stacks discussing  tax season effect on libraries and the types of tax filers librarians are most likely to encounter – How did libraries become in loco IRS ?
• Topic   »    Social Networking and the Library – Jane Genzel in Muskego, WI wants to know how your library benefits from blogs, Twitter, Facebook and other social networking tools – How do you measure success?
• Topic   »    New Blog: Quid est veritas? – Bob Watson in Lake Villa, IL has started a new blog offering his expertise on reference issues Quid est veritas?
• Topic   »    Appointments for in-depth Reference Assistance - Theresa Grieshaber in Modesto CA is reviewing methods for exclusive reference services
• Topic   »   PR/Marketing Masterpieces – Dinah Harris in Lexington, TN is presenting on library public relations and marketing at Tennessee Library Association Conference 2010  – What are some of your success stories?
• Topic   »    Reference Question Poaching – What happens when a collegue interupts the reference interview with their own answers? How do you handle it?
• Topic   »    Library Humor for the month of January was compiled in  Best of PubLib Library Humor
• Topic   »    Get Connected now available - Diedre Conkling in Newport, OR  links to Broadband Stimulus Program information  
• Topic   »    NTIA sending out 1,400 rejection letters! – James Casey in Oak Lawn, IL points to some of the faults in the bureacratic process - Are Broadband Stimulus Applications too complicated? Is resistance useless?

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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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This Week in Best of PubLib 01.11.10

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   »    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 12.22.2009

Best of Publib Current Topics and Archives

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? 

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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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