Image by The Italian Voice. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.
In a world that is increasing dependent on cloud technology, privacy concerns will never be too far behind. Many patrons rely on libraries as their main resource to acquire software and web access. As a result, the task of protecting privacy defaults, to some extent, to the providers. Libraries are important stakeholders in these conversations.
In the article, Libraries & Privacy in the Internet Age (2013), Eric Phetteplace stated, “Privacy almost always involves some kind of trade-off, for users and for libraries. We need to ensure we’re making the right trade-offs with due diligence.” Phetteplace noted that an important key is to isolate user sessions by supervising access. More proactive approaches to prevention include modifying browsers and educating the public about why their privacy matters. Click here to learn more about online privacy for your library.
I love articles that focus on creatively incorporating books and/or bookish themes into functional, whimsical design. At the very least, they can be conversation starters. The post, 22 Things that Belong in Every Bookworm’s Dream Home (October 2013), is sure to please.
Just for fun: Consider constructing one of the featured seating options to double as a workstation for your home office and maybe even your library/media center.
Would new books in a library display similar to #1, #9 or #20, attract attention and draw readers to peruse the titles?
Would students be encouraged to study independently if a library contained seating depicted in #18?
Image by Drew Coffman. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons licensing.
Before “it” is in print or available online, many writers seek assistance from a publisher. So, what role can a publisher play in the process?
This October, the Scholarly Kitchen circulated a list of 73 Things Publishers Do (2013 Edition.) This post is a broader, continuation of tasks originally identified in 60 Things Journal Publishers Do (2012.) The author, Kent Anderson, is the CEO/Publisher of the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc. Anderson includes a quick reference to the potential expense(s) for each of the 73 tasks listed ($-$$$$.) He also identifies the difficulty of navigating each undertaking using a metaphoric scheme describing the terrain.
Marian Rengel, Outreach Coordinator for the Minnesota Digital Library will facilitate a free webinar on Wednesday, November 13th from 3-4:00 PM (Central Time). She will discusses the contents of Minnesota Reflections as it relates to History Day research and identify potential resources for programming.
Click here to register for this Minitext event or to learn more about the webinar.
Image Cuddling with multiple devices. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.
Common Sense Media released an interesting information graphic of students’ opinions about their digital lives. Social Media, Social Life: How Teens View Their Digital Livesis based on a survey of a little more than 1,000 U.S. students between the ages of 13 and 17. The survey addresses the following questions;
Intervals in which students text and use Facebook or Twitter
The preferred medium to communicate with friends and family
How communication tools are affecting friendships and family relations
How networking make students feel, reflective in their self concept
And so on…
Although the sample size is somewhat small, it suggests that there is a love, hate relationship building between “digital natives” and social media. Indicating that increased face time with devices does not necessarily equate to enjoyment or better relationships. Click here to download the full report.
Note: Teachers look for ways to engage students using social media in an effort to meet students where they are at, when they are there. However, this report emphasizes the importance of also maintaining face-to-face interactions. At a time when some students are on digital overload, educators can induce reflective time, “unplugged” into a student’s day; being mindful of how and when to incorporate social media in programming and/or curriculum development.
Partnering with libraries for visioning, advocating, and educating
