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  ♥  Nora Armstrong in Fayetteville, NC is looking to replace an out of date TTY system – Which products work the best?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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