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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