Showing posts with label library services. Show all posts
Showing posts with label library services. Show all posts
Harper Collins and eBooks
Anonymous
Thought staff might be interested in what's happening in the world of eBook publishing. It seems one of the big publishers, Harper Collins, has instucted libraries it will be selling eBook licences that expire after 26 loans. They also want to have a say in who has the right to borrow a library's eBooks, wanting libraries to tighten up their membership policies.
Libraries are understandably up-in-arms about the whole thing. Have a look at comments from the Library Journal, and a librarian's blog which has lots of other interesting links.
Barb
Libraries are understandably up-in-arms about the whole thing. Have a look at comments from the Library Journal, and a librarian's blog which has lots of other interesting links.
Barb
Friday, March 04, 2011
e-books
,
library services
,
reading
Authors selling direct to their readers
Anonymous
In a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, author Seth Godin discusses how he plans to ditch his traditional publisher, Portfolio, and sell his future works directly to his fans.
If authors start selling e-books directly to their fans (to download and even print) via their online blogs, bypassing publishers, imagine the impact that would that have on library aquisition policies. Would collection development librarians need to follow 1,000s of blogs to find authors' latest books? Sounds like there will be a need for a new online business - a "middleman" to troll the blogs for new books and market to libraries. Its also another nail in the coffin of printed books and bookshops - no one is going to want to print out hundreds of pages on the home printer to read a novel.
If authors start selling e-books directly to their fans (to download and even print) via their online blogs, bypassing publishers, imagine the impact that would that have on library aquisition policies. Would collection development librarians need to follow 1,000s of blogs to find authors' latest books? Sounds like there will be a need for a new online business - a "middleman" to troll the blogs for new books and market to libraries. Its also another nail in the coffin of printed books and bookshops - no one is going to want to print out hundreds of pages on the home printer to read a novel.
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
e-books
,
future library
,
library services
,
printing
The future of libraries (and librarians) on the Book Show
Brian
I highly recommend catching the discussion that can be downloaded as a podcast from Radio National's The Book Show of 30th June.
Guests include social researcher Dr Ian McShane and librarian Kathryn Greenhill, interspersed with some interesting on-the-spot interviews with library patrons in a busy municipal library.
Some thought-provoking concepts are discussed. For example, games consoles are good in libraries because they encourage "transliteracy" and are "gateway drugs" to other library experiences for young people.
And did you know that young students can, apparently, handle noisy libraries beacuse they are adept at "social reading", rather than the more traditional deep, quite, reflective reading of scholars past?
Most interesting is the discussion toward the end of the broadcast about the increasing importance of a librarian's social skills, rather than their more traditional information management skills.
Some thought-provoking concepts are discussed. For example, games consoles are good in libraries because they encourage "transliteracy" and are "gateway drugs" to other library experiences for young people.
And did you know that young students can, apparently, handle noisy libraries beacuse they are adept at "social reading", rather than the more traditional deep, quite, reflective reading of scholars past?
Most interesting is the discussion toward the end of the broadcast about the increasing importance of a librarian's social skills, rather than their more traditional information management skills.
The program covers a lot of the ground we will be discussing in upcoming staff meetings about what we want our library service to be.
Brian
Tuesday, July 06, 2010
future library
,
library services
Philosophy parties in Kids?
Anonymous
Throw away the colouring books, games and such - lets tackle the BIG questions with our kids.
From ALGA News, June 4, 2010
International news
In France, a publisher's idea of philosophy parties (gouter philo) for children has been taken up by local councils, libraries and schools. Lancry library in Paris organised a debate on good and evil. Luneville library in eastern France invited children to eat macaroons and debate language, beauty and taste. The French see it as giving children a handle on an increasingly complex world. One occasion was initiated by Oscar, a nine-year-old who wanted to talk about God, war and evil. Another gouter philo focused on death. Oscar's mother observed that children have a real interest in grappling with the big questions - which is one definition of philosophy.
Actually, not such a silly idea, but could you imagine trying to remain politically correct, and not offending any parents, in discussions with a group of 10 year olds.
Barb
From ALGA News, June 4, 2010
International news
In France, a publisher's idea of philosophy parties (gouter philo) for children has been taken up by local councils, libraries and schools. Lancry library in Paris organised a debate on good and evil. Luneville library in eastern France invited children to eat macaroons and debate language, beauty and taste. The French see it as giving children a handle on an increasingly complex world. One occasion was initiated by Oscar, a nine-year-old who wanted to talk about God, war and evil. Another gouter philo focused on death. Oscar's mother observed that children have a real interest in grappling with the big questions - which is one definition of philosophy.
Actually, not such a silly idea, but could you imagine trying to remain politically correct, and not offending any parents, in discussions with a group of 10 year olds.
Barb
Friday, June 11, 2010
Children's Services
,
library services
Current library research and information
Anonymous
A copy of "Reference & User Services Quarterly" (RUSQ) finally made it's way to my desk today after having travelled from desk to desk in Admin. It was the 2009 'Fall' issue, vol.49 no.1. While it's pleasant to hold a journal in your hand and read, it was also obvious that this was an old issue.
If you want to stay up-to-date with current library information and issues check out our page at the SSC Corporate Library Journal Alert Service. There you will find a link to the current RUSQ (vol.49, no.3, Spring 2010). You can also access recent articles from the Australian Library Journal, Public Library News, the National Library News, the Library Journal (US) to name a few. If you can't see the whole article but are interested in something you've seen on a contents index, you can get in touch with us (Julie or Barbara) and we'll send you the article.
So don't be behind the times, keep in touch with current professional information and bookmark the library resources page.
If you want to stay up-to-date with current library information and issues check out our page at the SSC Corporate Library Journal Alert Service. There you will find a link to the current RUSQ (vol.49, no.3, Spring 2010). You can also access recent articles from the Australian Library Journal, Public Library News, the National Library News, the Library Journal (US) to name a few. If you can't see the whole article but are interested in something you've seen on a contents index, you can get in touch with us (Julie or Barbara) and we'll send you the article.
So don't be behind the times, keep in touch with current professional information and bookmark the library resources page.
Friday, April 30, 2010
library services
Some food for thought
Anonymous
This was reported in last week's ALGA news:
"WA libraries cut
The future of the WA local library is in doubt after the State Government proposed slashing funding for books by up to 40 per cent, despite fears it could have a severe impact on literacy among WA children.
Under a long-running agreement, the State Government covers the cost of book stocks on a per capita basis, while local councils pay for the infrastructure, maintenance and running of libraries. After allocating $10.8 million to buy books in 2008-09, the Barnett Government cut funding to $7.95 million this financial year.
WA Local Government Association president, Bill Mitchell, told the West Australian that during negotiations with the Government, councils had been told the State planned to spend just $6.5 million on books next financial year. This was a 40 per cent drop in three years and half what the State's 139 councils needed to provide books and other resources for library users, Mr Mitchell said.
University of WA Dean of Education, Helen Wildy, warned the State Government not to cut funding to community libraries, saying they were a "pivotal point in the educational landscape of all children". She said that libraries were central to early childhood literacy and evidence showed children without a strong foundation in reading entered school "many steps behind".
About nine million visits are made to local libraries each year, ranking them second behind cinemas as WA's most popular cultural activity."
Barbara
"WA libraries cut
The future of the WA local library is in doubt after the State Government proposed slashing funding for books by up to 40 per cent, despite fears it could have a severe impact on literacy among WA children.
Under a long-running agreement, the State Government covers the cost of book stocks on a per capita basis, while local councils pay for the infrastructure, maintenance and running of libraries. After allocating $10.8 million to buy books in 2008-09, the Barnett Government cut funding to $7.95 million this financial year.
WA Local Government Association president, Bill Mitchell, told the West Australian that during negotiations with the Government, councils had been told the State planned to spend just $6.5 million on books next financial year. This was a 40 per cent drop in three years and half what the State's 139 councils needed to provide books and other resources for library users, Mr Mitchell said.
University of WA Dean of Education, Helen Wildy, warned the State Government not to cut funding to community libraries, saying they were a "pivotal point in the educational landscape of all children". She said that libraries were central to early childhood literacy and evidence showed children without a strong foundation in reading entered school "many steps behind".
About nine million visits are made to local libraries each year, ranking them second behind cinemas as WA's most popular cultural activity."
Barbara
Thursday, April 15, 2010
library
,
library services
UNILINC Seminar - Library services in the Indigenous context: protocols, training, service
plugger
The Seminar aims to help Close the Gap when it comes to libraries and other information service delivery.
I was lucky enough to attend this friendly and informative seminar.
Grai was there and sends greetings to all. Grai and Lachlan are getting married next May. They have just signed the papers to buy a home near Macquarie Uni, and Lachlan is working as an archivist.
Many university libraries have a significant number of Indigenous students who could benefit from improved outreach programs.
From the latest census 0.6% of Sutherland Shire people are Indigenous, ie Aboriginal &/or Torres Strait Islander compared with the national average of 2.3%.
Census results for the Shire for Country of birth show numbers are similar for Chinese, Italian, Greek and South African people.
Kirinari Hostel at Sylvania, houses secondary students who attend our local high schools - check out this youtube video made by a couple of students in 2007.
Some dot points below that Sutherland Libraries might be able to use to encourage greater use of our resources.
.Be aware of and implement the ATSILIRN Protocols. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Library and Information Resources Network Protocols.
.Outreach to Aboriginal people in our community.
.Create relationships. Get out of the building, into the community.
.Attend activities such as NAIDOC and other events in your local community.
.Display our Reconciliation Statement.
.Develop Mentorships
.Beware of gatekeepers - ie one active, easy to contact person being used to gather and distribute information. Make sure information is getting out to the wider community.
.Check AIATSIS Thesauri for cataloguing and similar purposes - pathways are available under Place, language, subject.
.Employ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
Dianne.
I was lucky enough to attend this friendly and informative seminar.
Grai was there and sends greetings to all. Grai and Lachlan are getting married next May. They have just signed the papers to buy a home near Macquarie Uni, and Lachlan is working as an archivist.
Many university libraries have a significant number of Indigenous students who could benefit from improved outreach programs.
From the latest census 0.6% of Sutherland Shire people are Indigenous, ie Aboriginal &/or Torres Strait Islander compared with the national average of 2.3%.
Census results for the Shire for Country of birth show numbers are similar for Chinese, Italian, Greek and South African people.
Kirinari Hostel at Sylvania, houses secondary students who attend our local high schools - check out this youtube video made by a couple of students in 2007.
Some dot points below that Sutherland Libraries might be able to use to encourage greater use of our resources.
.Be aware of and implement the ATSILIRN Protocols. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Library and Information Resources Network Protocols.
.Outreach to Aboriginal people in our community.
.Create relationships. Get out of the building, into the community.
.Attend activities such as NAIDOC and other events in your local community.
.Display our Reconciliation Statement.
.Develop Mentorships
.Beware of gatekeepers - ie one active, easy to contact person being used to gather and distribute information. Make sure information is getting out to the wider community.
.Check AIATSIS Thesauri for cataloguing and similar purposes - pathways are available under Place, language, subject.
.Employ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
Dianne.
Friday, December 05, 2008
indigenous
,
library services
,
unilinc
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)
