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 https://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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The Publib Archives

The Publib archives from the Webjunction listserve are available here: Archives  (Wait – they really aren’t anymore).

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

The Broken Publib Listserve or Control through Incorporation

I have come here not to bury Publib, but to praise it.

Ghost of Publib

Last year, OCLC announced that they would graciously host the popular Publib listserve.  With 10 thousand + subscribers representing libraries throughout the world, it certainly represented a win/win situation.  OCLC – which sells its products to libraries would host and subscribers – who buy products from OCLC could continue to subscribe.  OCLC would benefit from the feel-good PR and the ability to data-mine and Publib subscribers could continue to enjoy the communication resource they have contributed to since the early 1990s.

While being hosted by UC Berkeley and Webjunction, Google and Yahoo! and all of the other major search engines readily indexed the discussions by Publib contributors. Even now, a quick engine search of almost any topic regarding public libraries renders a link to a Publib posting from previous years.  

But, all of those links are now broken and the provenance of indexing has been destroyed.  Although you may still view cached files, the only way to get live files is to go behind the wall set up by OCLC.  Access to the root directory is by subscription only, so the search engines would no longer index the content:  http://listserv.oclc.org/   So, everyone who searches any topic ever posted on Publib must now go through OCLC and search the files that they exclusively control. 

What a great benefit this must represent to corporate interests of OCLC! Thousands and thousands of postings on every topic regarding public libraries, created by uncompensated authors, and they now control all of the content and its indexing for almost no associated cost and can monitor and data-mine all usage by the library community.     OCLC established and litigated ownership and control of Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) in OCLC v The Library Hotel  and was recently accused of antitrust by SkyRiver and Innovative Interfaces.  Does OCLC now effectively have intellectual property rights to all of the work by Publib contributors?

Hosting a listserv is really not a big deal.  It is fairly low level technology and relatively easy to manage.  With a bit of server space, Open Source programs such as Mailman can be set up that can manage a huge number of subscribers:

http://wiki.list.org/display/COM/Organizations+that+use+Mailman

Hosting by a non-corporate entity such as a library school or a large library system would have made much more sense.  The original iteration with UC Berkeley hosting nested the conversation in a bastion of free speech.  Is removing and blocking indexing censorship? Is vetting all new subscribers appropriate?  Does the ability to restrict access represent ownership? Does hosting a listserve  and controlling access to everything previously written grant intellectual property rights and equate to ownership? Is Publib just another example of intellectual outsourcing?

Time will tell. But, at this time Publib is a ghost of what it once represented. 

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The Publib Archives

The Publib archives from the Webjunction listserve are available here: Archives  (Wait – they really aren’t anymore).

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

Subscribe to Publib Listserve

How to Subscribe to the Publib Listserve

The recent migration of Publib to OCLC resulted in a non-intuitive subscription process.  As of the time of this posting, the module is incorrectly configured and Publib archives are in a private area.  The following steps are a work-around that will allow new subscribers to register.  These steps should also make it apparent how to access the archives.

Update – Jan 15, 2012:   The following process provided by OCLC will allow new subscribers to register without using the steps below for the GUI: 

• From the email address you wish to use for your interaction with the list, send an email to:  listserv@webjunction.org and put subscribe publib in the body.  You can put this in the subject line as well, but it is not required. (Note from editor: leave subject line blank OR put subscribe publib in it)

 

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The Publib archives from the Webjunction listserve are available here: Archives

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

Publib Topics – A Graphic Retrospective – November 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 November 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 thought-provoking discussions involved:  Dream reference desk ,  Amnesty Week ,  Downloading library materials ,  Geek events in Libraries ,  Tobacco use by prospective employees , authoritative Library Property Stamp procedures , and the Great White Christmas debate.

 

Publib Topics November 2011

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The Publib archives from the Webjunction listserve are available here: Archives

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

Publib Topics – A Graphic Retrospective from January 2011 back to January 2010

Beware Graphic Content Ahead!

These graphic images or word clouds were created using Wordle. They are derived from the subjects and authors in PubLib from January 2010 to January 27 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.

 

The first graphic represents the most current information for January 2011 and is followed by the normal sequence of January – December 2010.  

2011 appears somewhat ominous! 

January 2011 PubLib

PubLib January 2010

PubLib February 2010

PubLib March 2010

PubLib April 2010

PubLib May 2010

PubLib June 2010

 

PubLib July 2010

 

PubLib August 2010

PubLib September 2010

PubLib October 2010

PubLib November 2010

PubLib December 2010

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The Publib archives from the Webjunction  listserve are available here:  Archives   Please note:  HTML is stripped out of archives. Compose in plaintext or richtext.

Problems with PubLib

The listserves PubLib and Web4Lib have been broken for over a week now.  Digests stopped going out after April 25th and receipt of individual postings is sporadic at best.  Best of PubLib will review the archives, which still remain active and inclusive for the month of April and present the synopsis on Monday, May 3rd 2010.

Because the two mailing lists are distinct with parallel problems, my conclusion is the  maintenance problem exists within the applications at WebJunction. The ListServe moderators have not addressed the problems on the mailing list to date.

The Publib Archives

The Publib archives from the Webjunction  listserve are available here:  Archives   Please note:  HTML is stripped out of achives. Compose in plaintext or richtext.

 

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 02.21.10

Best of Publib Current Topics and Archives

Best of PubLib TV – Coming Soon!

This week  in  Best of Publib covers February 15th through February 21st 2010. This week includes PubLib questions about collection development, the value of on-line tutorials and databases , organization of gaming tournaments,  and the cause of stress in public libraries. Some of the topics we will be reviewing include: 

• Topic   »    Review sources for academic articles   ♦  Laura Miller with the Hennepin County Library in Minneapolis asks for direction – Sara Weissman referenced databases at Hennepin including Academic Search Premiere and Proquest Discovery
• Topic   »    Computer Classes and Marketing Campaigns for Libraries    ♦  SIRLS student Donna Bloch at the University of Arizona requests marketing plans and strategies for computer classes  – How do you market your computer classes?
• Topic   »    Text Reference Services   ♦  Jennfier Snelling wants to know if libraries are using text reference services by vendors – Do you use a text reference product?
• Topic   »    Library Needs Assessment   ♦  Sue Compton in Flower Mound TX is investigating the costs and processes for Library Needs Assessments – What guidance can you offer?
• Topic   »    free presentation    ♦  Sheryl Hart in  announces the 100th Birthday of the Roanoke, Indiana Public Library – The celebration will include a presentation by Michael Hart of eBooks and Project Gutenberg – Everyone is invited!
• Topic   »    BTOP & BIP: How to Connect from ALA Washington on Vimeo  ♦  Diedre Conkling in Oregon offers ALA multimedia links designed to help explain and facilitate Round II stimulus applications
• Topic   »    Library Booksales  ♦  Frances Walters  in South Bend, IN asks for guidance orchestrating Library Book Sales with Library Friends Groups – What works best?
• Topic   »    Alternatives to Value Line  ♦  Jeff Lambert in Monrovia, CA notes high use by few patrons of Value Line and seeks cost-effective alternatives – Which database would you invest in?
• Topic   »    Chairs  ♦  Margaret M. Neill in beautiful Las Cruces, NM is looking for new reading room chairs – What products do you recommend?
• Topic   »    Book Jobbers     ♦  Vicky Brothers in Norfolk, NY would like comparisons of Book Jobbers such as Baker and Taylor – How do you rate the quality of service and condition of materials received?
• Topic   »    Gaming tournaments in libraries  ♦  Sarah Jesudason at the Tigard Public Library in Oregon is facilitating online gaming tournaments  for the library patrons – How would you facilitate a tournament?
• Topic   »    Online Computer Training  ♦  Sandra Ferguson at the Herrick District Library in Michigan is comparing on-line computer tutorials including: Atomic Learning, Lynda.com and CBTnuggets – What tutorials do you recommend that offer remote access for patrons?
• Topic   »    NetLibrary and TLC  ♦  Melissa Davidson in at the Staunton VA Public Library is looking at solutions for adding NetLibrary ebooks to TLC catalogs
• Topic   »    Librarian Beaten in Houston   ♦  Janet Lerner offers links a story about what can go wrong even in the best run libraries – Stay safe!
• Topic   »    Homeless survey for public librarians  ♦  Julie Ann Winkestein at UTK is investigating the relationship of libraries and homeless people – What services does you library provide?
• Topic   »    Wisconsin Federal Broadband Grant Approved, 385 Libraries To Get Fiber  ♦  Bob Bocher in Madison, WI gives great news about Wisconsin libraries getting a high fiber stimulus!
• Topic   »    Random heartwarming story for a Friday  ♦  John Richmond in Bartonville, IL offers a library story of community members coming together to help the people of Haiti.
• Topic   »    Looking at Stress in Public Libraries  ♦  Mary Wilkins Jordan at Simmons GSLIS requests your participation in a research survey on the cause of stress in  public library workplaces – What causes stress and pressure? – Let Mary Jordan know and take our poll too!

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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