Sunday, October 09, 2011
People's Library at Occupy Wall Street
They carry mobile phones, iPhones, and laptops. They twitter, meet on Facebook, and use many other means of social media to keep in touch. And they warm a librarian's heart when the occupiers set up their own library, the People's Library they have called it.
Friday, October 07, 2011
California Law AB438 & Public Libraries
On December 14, 2010 I wrote about the privatization of libraries in some regions of the United States. In July of 2011 the State of California passed a bill, AB 438, placing requirements or restrictions on such actions.
Recently the Mayor of Santa Claritia -- one of the library systems that have already contracted LSSI -- extolled the contract stipulations and benefits that improve and expand library service. This is commendable.
The question remains, will privatized public libraries continue to serve the broadest interests of communities or will contracts be marginalized over time to serve the bottom line of profits? I think it is understandable that public librarians are skeptical about a private business claiming it can do the job better while making a profit. With this bill, California slows the rush to privatization as the fast answer to economic hardship.
Recently the Mayor of Santa Claritia -- one of the library systems that have already contracted LSSI -- extolled the contract stipulations and benefits that improve and expand library service. This is commendable.
The question remains, will privatized public libraries continue to serve the broadest interests of communities or will contracts be marginalized over time to serve the bottom line of profits? I think it is understandable that public librarians are skeptical about a private business claiming it can do the job better while making a profit. With this bill, California slows the rush to privatization as the fast answer to economic hardship.
Thursday, October 06, 2011
Hartford Public Library
I find stories about library renovation and success inspirational. Hartford Business Journal carried an article about Hartford Public Library's transformation into a "21st century learning center, supporting public education" for all, and promoting economic development, access to technology, arts and community discourse.
Visit Hartford Public Library's website, and their library blog (on the lower left dashboard tab) to get a sense of the community and excitement they are creating.
Visit Hartford Public Library's website, and their library blog (on the lower left dashboard tab) to get a sense of the community and excitement they are creating.
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
Free Software Applications from the Federal Government
The General Services Administration offers free icloud services and numerous apps. View the video to learn more.
And check out these additional free government apps and mobile sites. They range from travel information and embassies, jobs, product recalls, health aids such as a BMI calculator and stress relief, to White House updates, the Smithsonian museums and a tour of the Library of Congress, NASA, S.O.S emergency help, and other federal agency information.
And check out these additional free government apps and mobile sites. They range from travel information and embassies, jobs, product recalls, health aids such as a BMI calculator and stress relief, to White House updates, the Smithsonian museums and a tour of the Library of Congress, NASA, S.O.S emergency help, and other federal agency information.
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