This ebook/library press release [which was emailed to me in its entirely in my comment box] makes the “virtual library” that patrons get to use until the new library is built sound about as fun as watching the Macy’s Parade on a tiny black and white television. Residents of Cherry Hill do get to visit the Cherry Hill Digital Community Center [sponsored by Sirsi, makers of non-Netscape compliant OPACs] which the library web site says is “an online place” available for residents. I’ve got nothing against eBooks conceptually, but can we agree that, just like Google Answers, they’re supplemental to other library services, not replacements for them? Just like the profession’s reliance on major book distributors has narrowed our easily-purchased titles to a smaller subsection of available books, so does the eBook program’s interaction with big name publishers subtly, or not so subtly, shift the library’s collection focus from comprehensive to popular? Library/business/vendor partnerships can be a really good thing, but they have to be entered into thoughtfully and consciously. Do you think overdrive’s privacy policy is the same as your library’s?
Author: jessamyn
itinerant librarians
The name Itinerant Librarians and the concept it embodies has always appealed to me, sort of like the MyBrarian idea. I’m not sure I agree with the Distributed Library Project assertion that traditional libraries don’t foster community [ours does, in at least some ways, I am sure of it] but the project concept is fascinating nonetheless. [thanks jude]
Gary Price Guru Interview
Gary Price interviewed in Library Link. He’s been asked so much about Google and librarians, he’s got a good answer handy.
LL: How can librarians stay ahead of the perception that everything people need is two clicks away on Google?
GP: Google and other web engines are fine for certain types of searching. However, it’s not the best choice in some situations. The challenge for us is not only telling people about what Google and other web engines can offer but also showing them what’s not available. Likewise, we can demonstrate how to be a better web search engine searcher. This is valuable info for many people. Why? With the help and knowledge of a good information professional we can help to save the time of our users. This is a commodity everybody wants to have more of.
gross out book drop stories
Bad things that happen to book drops. Does the person asking this question seem like anyone in your library?
a different kind of naked librarian
Library worker in India comes to work in his underwear demanding to have his temporary job made permanent.