jessamyn

mid-course corrections, library-style

My friend Matt went to the new Seattle Public Library and took photos of all the temporary signage that has had to be put in place to clearly state some directional/usage guidelines that were perhaps intended to be obvious. [update: apparently many of these “temporary” signs have been up since May]

the library was a great space filled with interesting things to look at and useful spaces, but far too subtle for an obvious funtional space like a public library.

another way to get your reporting out there at ALA

Posted on 29Dec04 by jessamyn

Walt Crawford is inviting those who are interested to submit reports about ALA’s Midwinter conference and other programs and discussions of interest to his readership, for publication in Cites & Insights. [beyondthejob]

hi – 27dec

Posted on 27Dec04 by jessamyn

Hi. Tom Robbins once dedicated a book “to all those whose letters I haven’t answered” and I am feeling the same way around here. I’ve been away for a few days doing holiday stuff with family and friends. I’ve been slackerly about posting some of the great links I’ve been getting from you all. I’ve been reading fewer of my feeds because my laptop is in the shop and I much prefer NetNewsWire to Feedster or Bloglines for my RSS fix. I’m focusing on getting my schedule straight for the upcoming ALA conference and getting some presentations together for some upcoming talks. I was so nervous about the talk I gave this month to the new librarians that I really prepared the heck out of the talk I gave, and I think the effort paid off well. Anyone who is going to be in Boston for ALA or who reads this and is just in Boston anyhow, please drop me a line.

an honest job ad

Posted on 27Dec04 by jessamyn

A public library I think I’d enjoy working for: McArthur Public Library, Biddeford Maine. From the job ad:

Above all, he or she will burn with a near-messianic zeal to provide the best possible library service to the diverse members of the community of Biddeford, by whatever means necessary. The usual technological and organizational skills are required too….Other duties include program development, participation in professional meetings, staff training, continuing education, tent construction, and unplugging toilets.

An Introduction to Open Access for Librarians

Posted on 27Dec04 by jessamyn

Can’t believe I haven’t linked to this before, but it is very worth reading: Removing the Barriers to Research: An Introduction to Open Access for Librarians by Peter Suber. If you like this, you might also enjoy something I’m sure I haven’t posted “How and Why To Free All Refereed Research From Access- and Impact-Barriers Online, Now”

“The serials pricing crisis is now in its fourth decade. We’re long past the point of damage control and into the era of damage. Prices limit access, and intolerable prices limit access intolerably. Every research institution in the world suffers from intolerable access limitations, no matter how wealthy. Not only must libraries cope by cancelling subscriptions and cutting into their book budgets, but researchers must do without access to some of the journals critical to their research.”