This list is back by popular demand! And now in handy poster form.
Use this list as a proactive way to share the merits of school library programming and staffing. It is taken from Standards for the 21st Century Learner by the American Association of School Librarians, suggestions from members of the American Association of School Librarians, and students in the school libraries of the United States. Released by Dr. Nancy Everhart President, American Association of School Librarians May 19, 2011.
Tip: This list would be good to keep on hand in case you need to defend the existence of the media center in the future too!
Library branches can be found in many places and now they’re showing up in Airports!? American Libraries Magazine recently reported that airports around the country are seeing more and more libraries among the baggage returns and security checks.
In some cases, like in Boise, digital access is only for Boise residents. In others, like in San Antonio, nonresidents are able to get temporary access to the library’s digital offerings. Regardless of the access, it seems to be a success. “The popularity of the download stations has prompted both libraries to consider establishing more throughout the airports and in other parts of the city.”
MSP -> SAT? Get your library card ready!
Image credit: Joe Ravi, http://tinyurl.com/khv33ft, licensed under CC-BY-SA 3.0
I love this time of year, when our online publishing friends take a shot at what they deem as a big deal in the past year. In the ongoing flood of information, I find it enormously helpful to have someone else take stock, and flag important items and developments. A lot happens in one year!
In a list of 10 items furnished by Publishers Weekly (PW), it is not surprising that eBooks has a firm hold, and it is helpful to review the progress that has been made in that arena.
Which item am I most excited about? I am particularly energized and hopeful about the role of libraries in the self-publishing community (item 8). What about you, which of the listed items renews your hope and gets you excited?
Once again, OverDrive is changing the rules, and the ReadersFirst Coalition of libraries are protesting! According to OverDrive, the improvements to the OverDrive app are in direct response to what libraries have been asking for, an easier user experience. While the good news is that the app would no longer require users to register for an Adobe ID (to navigate the DRM), new users would have to register with OverDrive for an account. Let me repeat….the twist going forward for new OverDrive app users, including library patrons, will be a registration step with OverDrive. This shifts the eBook relationship that has been between the library and the patron, over to OverDrive! The devil is in the details, so read the full blog post for more important information.
What do you think…..who owns the customer relationship, libraries, or the vendors they pay for content?
Last week, I blogged about Library as Idea Incubator? and our blog stats showed quite a bit of interest in that idea. Recently, at the Explore eBooks MN Summit event, there was also a fair amount of conversation and interest in the idea of libraries as a catalyst in the self-publishing world. Libraries could become a place where authors could find helpful tools and information about self-publishing along with helpful encouragement as they make their way through the process. After their books become published, the library could becoming a hub for authors to talk about their published books and maybe offer their assistance to others trying to do the same.
Kentucky public libraries are jumping on this idea. According to Henderson library Director Essy Day “We provide the resources to help them do it themselves. It’s like a one-stop website that gives you tools and resources, and we also have a calendar where they can book a date at a library to come and promote their work.” In theory, authors could sell more books, and aspiring authors have a place to receive help when they need it, both from library staff but published authors too! To read more about the theoretical underpinnings and about specific resources tied to this idea, go to Libraries Helping Authors with E-Publishing.
What do you think, can you envision your library as a writers hub? Personally, I love this idea!
