Virtualization of the Patron Experience

This very interesting article in USAToday about the future of retail and virtualization of the customer experience demonstrates how big data can affect and effect virtualized experiences for their patrons:

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/story/2012-08-05/future-retail-tech/56880626/1

Libraries compete with online information resources in much the same way the traditional retailers compete with online sellers.

Question ~ How will libraries adapt over the next ten years?

Robert Balliot for http://bestofpublib.wordpress.com

Discussion ~ My work in managing/developing online catalogs – with 20,000+ medical equipment / supply products and 7,000+ multi-website display products exceeded what library catalogs do and from an SEO standpoint would beat out Amazon for Google placement.  Traditional retail could not compete because of delivery and cost.  BestBuy is a great place to put your hands on tech, but the prices are much higher.  As e-commerce websites become more and more user-friendly – where you have good photos of products and good descriptions, the whole process ends up making all products into commodities with the lowest cost determining purchase.

With libraries, the focus has generally been on maintaining the status quo and keeping current bureaucracies in place until they can retire. This is not any different for any other bureaucracy – it is a natural inclination - not library specific to simply maintain.  With the focus on cost of maintaining services though, without innovation the perception of value diminishes.  One of the best things I have seen recently in libraries is the introduction of Makerbots as a library resource.  It is those sorts of high-priced shared resources that extend the value and bring people inside the library systems.

But, the issue does become lowest cost.  As we see transportation cost rise, the casual trip to the library could cost $10 in gas. What would $10 purchase virtually?  The associated costs of operating libraries – broken down between the people who continue to use them and the disproportionate number of people who don’t would add additional cost to each real visit.  As information becomes a commodity the lowest cost will determine where we purchase.  That does not mean that the value of libraries as a sense of place and source of inspiration does not add a real value to information consumption.

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Publib Topics – A Graphic Retrospective – August 2011

Beware Graphic Content Ahead!

 

 This graphic image  or word cloud was created using Wordle. It is derived from the subjects and authors of postings in PubLib for August 2011. The size of the graphics is directly related to the number of un-weighted unique occurrences each month of the individual words represented. Most automated graphic processes that generate these types of word clouds use additional weight for H1 – H6 tags through feeds. These graphics are not processed with H1 – H6 tags. The titles and authors were copied to Notepad and stripped of all HTML before being run through the Wordle Java platform. The process is case-sensitive so Library is not the same thing as library.

 

The most prominent word without employing filters would have been Publib. Publib and Fwd were deleted from the plaintext files before processing. In addition, the Wordle program automatically disregards articles, conjunctions, and prepositions.

 

Some of the major topics discussed included Personal Security,  Staff Name Badges,  e-book lending legalities,  and Urban – Street literature collection development.

 

Publib Topics August 2011

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Archives compiled after Dec. 7, 2011 are available here: Archives

Disguising technology with something a bit more familiar .. .

Horchow is selling this faux book case for the MacBook Pro:

leather case for MacBook

It seems that this attraction to the familiar, to older technology represents value and comfort. 

Will we see natural language database interfaces repackaged with familiar, comforting reference librarian wrappings?

Reference Librarians

 

 Will we see Google Data Centers holding Google Books sporting the glorious edifices of Library architecture?

New York Public Library

Best of PubLib 03.28.10

Best of Publib Current Topics and Archives

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   »    policies for naming rooms or areas  ♦    Kelly Currie of Delphi Public Library IN would like examples of how to name parts of libraries after donors.
• 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   »    Law Enforcement Collection of Data From Social Media Sites   ♦   The Electronic Freedom Foundation  offered current information on how law enforcement utilizes social networking to investigate crime. 
• Topic   »    real people in fiction    ♦   Diane Hamilton  at the Cape May County Library would like examples of genres that represent fictional accounts of real people.
• Topic   »    Remembering ProQuest-SIRS State Intellectual Freedom Awards    ♦    Melora Ranney Norman presents a troubling study regarding Proquest  State IF Awards .  Is this good marketing?
• 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   »    Magazine Theft Solutions?   ♦    Sheila Hammond-Todd with the  Mesa County Libraries  reports on a troubling increase in magazine thefts and asks PubLib readers how they manage. 
• Topic   »    Security trends, cases and techniques?   ♦    Dan Owens   with Enoch Pratt Free Library MD reports similar problems with thefts of AV materials.  What are the most effective AV materials physical security and processes?
• Topic   »    Record retention and social networking   ♦    Earlene Mokler at  Richland Public Library  WA investigates archiving social media such as Facebook and Twitter as public records. What policies and processes do you have to retain tweets ?  Judy Turner in Las Vegas offers the Archives and Archivists Listserv as a resource.
• Topic   »    Suggestions for foreign language books   ♦   Pamela Karr  with  A.K. Smiley Public Library  CA  seeks recommendation for Juvenile Easy books in Chinese and French. What vendors or book titles do you recommend?  Ce que les vendeurs ou les titres de livres recommandez-vous?  什么供应商或书名你建议？
• Topic   »    transcribing style guides    ♦    Hillary Theyer  wants to transcribe podcasts for the Torrance Public Library Blog  and would like to know if transcription standards exist.  How do you transcribe recorded media?
• 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   »    questions about tornado shelter    ♦    Cheri Nienke  with  Andover Public Library  KS would like examples of sign requirements for libraries serving as FEMA tornado shelters.
• Topic   »    Coffee House themed events?   ♦    Kim Braun with the  J. Lewis Crozer Library is orchestrating a Coffee House themed event for a poetry reading. What recommendations are there for a Coffee House theme?
• Topic   »    Packaging for ILLs   ♦   Eric McCarthy at the   European Regional Library Support Center seeks durable packaging solutions for intra-library loans between twenty-seven member libraries across 4 countries in Europe.  What durable packaging can sustain itself through the mail?
• Topic   »    language software inside the library    ♦    Elizabeth Fraser with  Kanawha County Public Library  WV would like examples of policies and procedures for in-house use of language learning software.  How do you quite the spoken word?
• Topic   »    Windows 7 and Steady State   ♦     Laura Hayden with   Beaufort County Library reports that SteadyState is not compatible with Windows 7 – What free or inexpensive alternatives are available to help secure public computers? Editor’s note: Comodo Time Machine  may be an alternative.
• Topic   »    Poster Maker    ♦    Miranda Hapner seeks recommendations for large-format printers suitable for full-size posters.  Cab Vinton at the Sanbornton Public Library NH recommends MakeUseOf.com website as a resource.  Notable MakeUseOf.com solutions include: The Rasterbator.
• Topic   »    Portland, PLA, and Publib  and Computer resource of last resort; words; tr.im ♦    Joe Schallan – Jurassic Librarian - treats PubLib readers to his observations regarding PLA , Urban Dictionary content , and url shortening.   Mix them all together and you have classic Jurassic.
• 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?

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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 02.14.10

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 01.31.10

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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