I just completed a second year of weeding of non-fiction shelves. The first year I weeded the most outdated and physically-abused books.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Weeding for Fresh Appeal and Increased Circulation
As we know, weeded shelves not only look better, but also result in increased circulation. 
I just completed a second year of weeding of non-fiction shelves. The first year I weeded the most outdated and physically-abused books.
The second year I followed a computer-generated weed list more faithfully, checking also against Baker & Taylor new editions. (The computer-generated list gave me titles that had not circulated in the last 2 to 3 years.) If a book that had not circulated was still in good shape and had current information, 
I concluded that it might be a book of cyclic interest and decided to keep it for 1 or 2 more years to see if it would circ after the shelves looked more inviting.At one time the oversize books were along the bottom shelves, hard to browse, and usually not checked out.
You will see in the images that all oversize books have been placed where it is easier to access them.
Past experience proves
that weeding keeps patrons interested in browsing the collection and books moving out the door!
I just completed a second year of weeding of non-fiction shelves. The first year I weeded the most outdated and physically-abused books.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Amazon Announces the "Most Read-Cities"
According to sales of digital & print media since January 1, 2011, Amazon records the top 20 most-read cities:
1. Cambridge, Mass.; 2. Alexandria Va.; 3. Berkeley, Calif.; 4. Ann Arbor, Mich.; 5. Boulder, Colo.; 6. Miami, Fla.; 7. Salt Lake City; 8. Gainesville, Fla.; 9. Seattle; 10. Arlington, Va.; 11. Knoxville, Tenn.; 12. Orlando, Fla.; 13. Pittsburgh 14. Washington, D.C. 15. Bellevue, Wash.; 16. Columbia, S.C.; 17. St. Louis, Mo.; 18. Cincinnati; 19. Portland, Ore.; 20. Atlanta
1. Cambridge, Mass.; 2. Alexandria Va.; 3. Berkeley, Calif.; 4. Ann Arbor, Mich.; 5. Boulder, Colo.; 6. Miami, Fla.; 7. Salt Lake City; 8. Gainesville, Fla.; 9. Seattle; 10. Arlington, Va.; 11. Knoxville, Tenn.; 12. Orlando, Fla.; 13. Pittsburgh 14. Washington, D.C. 15. Bellevue, Wash.; 16. Columbia, S.C.; 17. St. Louis, Mo.; 18. Cincinnati; 19. Portland, Ore.; 20. Atlanta
Monday, January 03, 2011
Researching WikiLeaks
The following entries are links tracking information released by WikiLeaks:
From the WikiLeaks Cablegate page itself, a browsing arrangement, by country and date, of the Diplomatic Cables.
The Guardian has extensive coverage of WikiLeaks, from the War Diaries of Iraq and Afghanistan to the current Embassy Cables as they are released, and include analysis and commentary.
The Wikio is a world news portal. From their own description, Wikio is an information portal with a news search engine that searches press sites and blogs.With Wikio you can very easily create pages to follow the breaking news that interests you. Our info is continuously updated!
Der Spiegel Includes a global map and indicates level of classification of documents; all appear to be low in classification, few "secret" and none "top secret" that I can determine.
Beta Search Engine for diplomatic cables already released. Linked from a tab on the WikiLeaks website.
The New York Times posts selected WikiLeaks.
From the WikiLeaks Cablegate page itself, a browsing arrangement, by country and date, of the Diplomatic Cables.
The Guardian has extensive coverage of WikiLeaks, from the War Diaries of Iraq and Afghanistan to the current Embassy Cables as they are released, and include analysis and commentary.
The Wikio is a world news portal. From their own description, Wikio is an information portal with a news search engine that searches press sites and blogs.With Wikio you can very easily create pages to follow the breaking news that interests you. Our info is continuously updated!
Der Spiegel Includes a global map and indicates level of classification of documents; all appear to be low in classification, few "secret" and none "top secret" that I can determine.
Beta Search Engine for diplomatic cables already released. Linked from a tab on the WikiLeaks website.
The New York Times posts selected WikiLeaks.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Never Outsource Your Core Competency
I searched through my old e-mails for the topic " LSSI" becauseI am currently listening to the CD version of the New York Times # 1 "business best seller," Delivering Happiness, by Tony Hsieh. I'm only half way through it, but as I listened this morning I recalled our discussion about LSSI and Santa Clarita and Camarillo Public Libraries being turned over to private business management.
In the book, Delivering Happiness, Tony Hsieh discusses going through a number of tough decisions to make Zappos profitable. And even though this is a capitalist venture, one of the lessons he learned may also apply to libraries: A major turning point in the success of Zappos is when Tony realized that one should "never outsource your core competency." I did some additional research online and found these comments in a review of the book:
1. Never Outsource Your Core Competency
2. Your Culture Is Your Brand
3. Service That WOWs Translates to Great Marketing
I wonder if LSSI and other private companies running libraries have the same passion to "Deliver Happiness" and to provide WOW customer service?
Just thought I would throw it out there for what it is worth considering. What is our "core Competency?" What is our "culture" or brand? What do we do best to WOW our patrons?
In the book, Delivering Happiness, Tony Hsieh discusses going through a number of tough decisions to make Zappos profitable. And even though this is a capitalist venture, one of the lessons he learned may also apply to libraries: A major turning point in the success of Zappos is when Tony realized that one should "never outsource your core competency." I did some additional research online and found these comments in a review of the book:
1. Never Outsource Your Core Competency
2. Your Culture Is Your Brand
3. Service That WOWs Translates to Great Marketing
I wonder if LSSI and other private companies running libraries have the same passion to "Deliver Happiness" and to provide WOW customer service?
Just thought I would throw it out there for what it is worth considering. What is our "core Competency?" What is our "culture" or brand? What do we do best to WOW our patrons?
Friday, December 03, 2010
Increasing Intuition without Tuition
I love all the free online training and videos. Some of the best can be found while sitting at home watching TED videos. Thanks to Information Today other knowledge sharing websites have been identified and reviewed for your edification.
A summary of the weblinks follows:
TED Talks (Technology, Entertainment, and Design)
DLD Conference (Digital Life Design)
GEL Conference (Good Experience Live)
Big Think
POP! TECH
e-Corner Stanford
Video Lectures
A summary of the weblinks follows:
TED Talks (Technology, Entertainment, and Design)
DLD Conference (Digital Life Design)
GEL Conference (Good Experience Live)
Big Think
POP! TECH
e-Corner Stanford
Video Lectures
"Anythink Libraries"
This morning I read the article, In the Country of Anythink by Norman Oder, Library Journal, Nov.15,2010, pp 18-23, and available online. I like the brand "Anythink" selected by the Adams County, Colorado libraries for their persona makeover. What a great idea. The library has also given new personas to their staff members: library aides, responsible for "materials handling" are Wranglers; library assistants, responsible for on-the-floor customer service are Concierges (a more liberal, Americanized term than its original French definition of an apartment building caretaker and message-taker), and librarians providing reference are Guides. The idea of re-naming those who work in libraries is actually a good idea since over the years it has become common to call anyone a librarian who works in a library regardless of their position. Furthermore, the label has become rather dreary and tired, even though The Adventures of the Librarian DVDs has added a more energetic image of librarians.
Their director, Pam Sandlian Smith, applied the G.A.S.P. (graphics, ambience, style, and presentation) guidelines that she used in West Palm Beach Library. We discussed G.A.S.P. when one of our staff members brought back slides of the renovation in West Palm Beach and I wrote about it here in April of 2007. It blends well with our additional key ideas of community, safety, charm, and triangulation (communication enhancement by triangulating seating and furniture.) I liked the photographs included in the article, particularly the one showing the "r e a d" light above one of the lounge enclaves. Very nice. I also like their stand-up service points, called a perch, although I think it is more realistic to include a real perch, that is, a "lean to" chair that one can use to relieve long periods of pressure on the feet, standing for hours at a time. I like promoting the library as a place of unlimited learning and "The Best Place to Get Away From It All," provided there really are areas for getting away from the din of the world to read, reflect, and imagine. I think their "fine-free" policy is excellent because it removes tedious work for the staff to give more meaningful and useful help; and perhaps a yearly funding event might bring in equal revenue. (Just a thought.)
Technology lending/purchasing (of iPads, Flip cameras, and other similar items) gives hands-on training strengthening staff skills and knowledge to assist patrons. Their efforts to brighten the library and parking lot, staff name tags and uniforms with their logos is a superb way to reinforce their brand and extend the playful, creative atmosphere. Good ideas we could implement.
While t-shirts with slogans like "SHHH is a four-letter word" is a bit more than I would pursue (LOVE is also a four-letter word), and I still believe the seven-letter word, SILENCE, is truly golden. However I do support all patrons having a welcome environment -- from active children's programming to student discussion areas, to silent reading, research, and study nooks and carrels.
I compared our county statistics to the chart, on page 21 of the article, and while I don't know what our per capital library budget runs, our number of branches and cardholders are higher although our population is about 60,600 less than Adams County, Colorado. Land area is the same, 2,000 square miles.
All in all, I like the idea of branding the library to increase appeal to our community; and I like the makeover personas for staff. What names could we come up with?
Their director, Pam Sandlian Smith, applied the G.A.S.P. (graphics, ambience, style, and presentation) guidelines that she used in West Palm Beach Library. We discussed G.A.S.P. when one of our staff members brought back slides of the renovation in West Palm Beach and I wrote about it here in April of 2007. It blends well with our additional key ideas of community, safety, charm, and triangulation (communication enhancement by triangulating seating and furniture.) I liked the photographs included in the article, particularly the one showing the "r e a d" light above one of the lounge enclaves. Very nice. I also like their stand-up service points, called a perch, although I think it is more realistic to include a real perch, that is, a "lean to" chair that one can use to relieve long periods of pressure on the feet, standing for hours at a time. I like promoting the library as a place of unlimited learning and "The Best Place to Get Away From It All," provided there really are areas for getting away from the din of the world to read, reflect, and imagine. I think their "fine-free" policy is excellent because it removes tedious work for the staff to give more meaningful and useful help; and perhaps a yearly funding event might bring in equal revenue. (Just a thought.)
Technology lending/purchasing (of iPads, Flip cameras, and other similar items) gives hands-on training strengthening staff skills and knowledge to assist patrons. Their efforts to brighten the library and parking lot, staff name tags and uniforms with their logos is a superb way to reinforce their brand and extend the playful, creative atmosphere. Good ideas we could implement.
While t-shirts with slogans like "SHHH is a four-letter word" is a bit more than I would pursue (LOVE is also a four-letter word), and I still believe the seven-letter word, SILENCE, is truly golden. However I do support all patrons having a welcome environment -- from active children's programming to student discussion areas, to silent reading, research, and study nooks and carrels.
I compared our county statistics to the chart, on page 21 of the article, and while I don't know what our per capital library budget runs, our number of branches and cardholders are higher although our population is about 60,600 less than Adams County, Colorado. Land area is the same, 2,000 square miles.
All in all, I like the idea of branding the library to increase appeal to our community; and I like the makeover personas for staff. What names could we come up with?
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Columbus Neighborhoods
One of the most interesting presentations I attended this year at the Internet Librarian conference focused on the community web page project built for Columbus, Ohio called Columbus Neighborhoods.
This is an excellent example of a library involving its citizenry in participating to build an online archive of historical and cultural information representing all members. The library initially applied for an IMSL (Institute of Museum and Library Services) grant and did not receive it. Fortunately the library was able to partner with several regional businesses and organizations, including the public media network, WOSU to build the project.
The online web project was initially outsourced to Interactive Knowledge (the group that did the Ken Burns' product for television) for approximately $18,000. The project was accomplished in about three months. Then, once online, the site is maintained by the community with minimal library maintenance. The community monitors itself. Also, volunteers load content and moderate the website.
Content, which originally started as a postcard database, is accessible by location, neighborhood, photo or video galleries, date posted, and embedded code. After completing the initial phase, the project members stipulated goals for Phase II in 2011, as "Mobile Device Compatibility," mobile uploads, and GEO Tags. And Phase III is scheduled in 2012 for what they call "bridging between virtual and physical space" by promoting a "Traveling multi-touch display" that will rotate to various community locations within Columbus, such as the zoo and museums.
The library reference staff answers question from the community regarding the Columbus Neighborhoods project and the neighborhood regions. The reference librarians enjoy answering neighborhood-specific questions.
The project has proved to be very popular with the Columbus community. In regards to copyright matters, the "content contributor" determines the "owner." If complaints are registered as to content or provenance of content, these are reviewed by volunteers and removed from the public pages as needed. Even in such cases, the content originally uploaded is still viewable to the contributor, although blocked from the "public" view.
An interesting fact is that by design the website, hosted by the Columbus Metropolitan Library web servers, is only quietly promoted on their website (bottom of the library web page.) Furthermore, on the Columbus Neighborhoods website there is no link back to the library -- by choice. One of the goals of the project is to emphasize community ownership.
Visit Columbus Neighborhoods to appreciate the fine accomplishment of the Columbus Metropolitan Library staff working in partnership with local organizations and community members.♠
This is an excellent example of a library involving its citizenry in participating to build an online archive of historical and cultural information representing all members. The library initially applied for an IMSL (Institute of Museum and Library Services) grant and did not receive it. Fortunately the library was able to partner with several regional businesses and organizations, including the public media network, WOSU to build the project.
The online web project was initially outsourced to Interactive Knowledge (the group that did the Ken Burns' product for television) for approximately $18,000. The project was accomplished in about three months. Then, once online, the site is maintained by the community with minimal library maintenance. The community monitors itself. Also, volunteers load content and moderate the website.
Content, which originally started as a postcard database, is accessible by location, neighborhood, photo or video galleries, date posted, and embedded code. After completing the initial phase, the project members stipulated goals for Phase II in 2011, as "Mobile Device Compatibility," mobile uploads, and GEO Tags. And Phase III is scheduled in 2012 for what they call "bridging between virtual and physical space" by promoting a "Traveling multi-touch display" that will rotate to various community locations within Columbus, such as the zoo and museums.
The library reference staff answers question from the community regarding the Columbus Neighborhoods project and the neighborhood regions. The reference librarians enjoy answering neighborhood-specific questions.
The project has proved to be very popular with the Columbus community. In regards to copyright matters, the "content contributor" determines the "owner." If complaints are registered as to content or provenance of content, these are reviewed by volunteers and removed from the public pages as needed. Even in such cases, the content originally uploaded is still viewable to the contributor, although blocked from the "public" view.
An interesting fact is that by design the website, hosted by the Columbus Metropolitan Library web servers, is only quietly promoted on their website (bottom of the library web page.) Furthermore, on the Columbus Neighborhoods website there is no link back to the library -- by choice. One of the goals of the project is to emphasize community ownership.
Visit Columbus Neighborhoods to appreciate the fine accomplishment of the Columbus Metropolitan Library staff working in partnership with local organizations and community members.♠
What is API? AMI? QR?
Every year when I return from the Internet Librarian conference in Monterey I make time to review the new acronyms and terms I've learned. Whether I personally use the new words and initialisms frequently is not as important as being cognizant of them -- because I do expect to run across them again in my work or hear them from patrons. It is always useful to review the new terms I've encountered before much time passes following the conference.
What is an API? This acronym is not new, but I feel a need to differentiate it from the AMI acronym below. I nearly always have to refresh my memory about APIs. An API is, as described by Wikipedia, an application programming interface used by a software program that "enables it to interact with other software. It may include specifications for routines, data structures, object classes and protocols used to communicate between the consumer and the implementer of the API." Examples are Java, Carbon, Cocoa, and DirectX. They allow the combination of multiple services on a web page, often resulting in what is known as a "mash-up" or a blend of applications that allow a more interactive and participatory Web experience for users.
What is an AMI? AMI represents Ambient Intelligence. According to the Free Dictionary and Wikipedia, Ambient Intelligence refers to "electronic environments that are sensitive and responsive to the presence of people." Ambient Intelligence is customized, interactive, and possesses characteristics such as being
* embedded: many networked devices are integrated into the environment
* context aware: these devices can recognize you and your situational context
* personalized: they can be tailored to your needs
* adaptive: they can change in response to you
* anticipatory: they can anticipate your desires without conscious mediation.
Criticisms of AMI include concerns regarding loss of consumer privacy and loss of personal empowerment. "New thinking on Ambient Intelligence distances itself therefore from some of the original characteristics such as adaptive and anticipatory behaviour and emphasizes empowerment and participation to place control in the hands of people instead of organizations." [Free Dictionary]
What is QR? QR represents "Quick Response." And QR Codes are data-embedded blocks or matrices in black-and-white (sometimes color)that when photographed with a mobile phone take you to a web page, coupon, online video, or other content. They are also known as "Mobile Codes." As compared to the typical barcode with which we are familiar that are positioned in a horizontal space, QR Codes occupy both horizontal and vertical space. Three corners (small squares) of the QR image are embedded such that regardless of the position or angle of the camera the image is self-righting provided that most of the image is captured or grabbed in the shot.
It is claimed that QR Codes are capable of encoding the same amount of data in approximately one-tenth the space of a traditional barcode. These codes can be tracked and monitored, again raising questions of consumer privacy. To read the codes a person first downloads a QR code software reader. Some companies have proprietary codes and require that their software be used to read the codes. Most QR codes and QR code-generators and readers are generic. More can be learned about QR code software, readers and supported mobile phones at Mobile Barcodes.
What is an API? This acronym is not new, but I feel a need to differentiate it from the AMI acronym below. I nearly always have to refresh my memory about APIs. An API is, as described by Wikipedia, an application programming interface used by a software program that "enables it to interact with other software. It may include specifications for routines, data structures, object classes and protocols used to communicate between the consumer and the implementer of the API." Examples are Java, Carbon, Cocoa, and DirectX. They allow the combination of multiple services on a web page, often resulting in what is known as a "mash-up" or a blend of applications that allow a more interactive and participatory Web experience for users.
What is an AMI? AMI represents Ambient Intelligence. According to the Free Dictionary and Wikipedia, Ambient Intelligence refers to "electronic environments that are sensitive and responsive to the presence of people." Ambient Intelligence is customized, interactive, and possesses characteristics such as being
* embedded: many networked devices are integrated into the environment
* context aware: these devices can recognize you and your situational context
* personalized: they can be tailored to your needs
* adaptive: they can change in response to you
* anticipatory: they can anticipate your desires without conscious mediation.
Criticisms of AMI include concerns regarding loss of consumer privacy and loss of personal empowerment. "New thinking on Ambient Intelligence distances itself therefore from some of the original characteristics such as adaptive and anticipatory behaviour and emphasizes empowerment and participation to place control in the hands of people instead of organizations." [Free Dictionary]
What is QR? QR represents "Quick Response." And QR Codes are data-embedded blocks or matrices in black-and-white (sometimes color)that when photographed with a mobile phone take you to a web page, coupon, online video, or other content. They are also known as "Mobile Codes." As compared to the typical barcode with which we are familiar that are positioned in a horizontal space, QR Codes occupy both horizontal and vertical space. Three corners (small squares) of the QR image are embedded such that regardless of the position or angle of the camera the image is self-righting provided that most of the image is captured or grabbed in the shot.
It is claimed that QR Codes are capable of encoding the same amount of data in approximately one-tenth the space of a traditional barcode. These codes can be tracked and monitored, again raising questions of consumer privacy. To read the codes a person first downloads a QR code software reader. Some companies have proprietary codes and require that their software be used to read the codes. Most QR codes and QR code-generators and readers are generic. More can be learned about QR code software, readers and supported mobile phones at Mobile Barcodes.
What is BitNami?
BitNami is, according to its website description, a collection of free, open source web applications "such as wikis or blogs, in order to make them more accessible."
"Regardless of whether you choose a Native Installer, Virtual Machine Image or Cloud Image, you will be able to have your BitNami-packaged application of choice up and running in just minutes, with no manual configuration required." [BitNami.org]
BitNami also offers cloud-hosting and studio packages for fee.
These types of packages along with virtual platforms and cloud computing resources are the new method of information systems management, lessening the amount or intensity of on-site technological supervision and maintenance required by an organization. Because of this it is of interest to librarians in search of economical and efficient ways to build and manage appealing online web services. BitNami is a website I discovered when reviewing Mary Ellen Bates' Internet Librarian 2010 "Super Searcher Tips Spectacular" presentation.
"Regardless of whether you choose a Native Installer, Virtual Machine Image or Cloud Image, you will be able to have your BitNami-packaged application of choice up and running in just minutes, with no manual configuration required." [BitNami.org]
BitNami also offers cloud-hosting and studio packages for fee.
These types of packages along with virtual platforms and cloud computing resources are the new method of information systems management, lessening the amount or intensity of on-site technological supervision and maintenance required by an organization. Because of this it is of interest to librarians in search of economical and efficient ways to build and manage appealing online web services. BitNami is a website I discovered when reviewing Mary Ellen Bates' Internet Librarian 2010 "Super Searcher Tips Spectacular" presentation.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Internet Librarian October 2010
I was able to attend two days of the Internet Librarian Conference, held again in Monterey this year. As usual I found that there were more sessions I wanted to attend than my schedule would permit. Many topics were presented in the same time slot and I had to make difficult choices.
Fortunately, one can visit Information Today's website (for a limited time) and review the presentations that have been generously uploaded by conference speakers.
The common terms bandied about this year included "RenGen" (Renaissance Generation), "QR Codes" (quick response codes) and "QR Code Generators," "cloud computing", "brand name building for libraries", "designing a mobile experience, "free stuff for broke libraries," "Vodcasts and Podcasts,", and "iTunes as a Library Platform." There were exhortations that to remain relevant as a profession librarians must focus on user experience rather than content delivery. In addition to the phrases above, the customer or patron-perspective and customer-interaction themes ran strong throughout this year's focus.
Reviewing some of the presentations I was unable to attend but located on the conference web page, I found Kimberly Silk and Jeffrey Veffer promoting "Design Thinking for Innovation." They ask "What problems can you identify that are preventing you from providing a great user experience?" They emphasize that one should resist the urge to rush toward solutions, and rather thoroughly get to know and understand problems; then solutions will reveal themselves. They focus on "Design Thinking," or "thinking like a designer" to provide a valuable and unforgettable user experience. That means putting oneself in the shoes of the user. Traits of design thinkers are: empathy, integrative thinking, optimism, experimentalism, and collaboration. These qualities are elaborated as follows:
Empathy – we have for those who need us
Integrative thinking – new ways to solve problems
Optimism – our desire for the collective “good”
Experimentalism – we learn by trial and error
Collaboration – we rarely work alone
The conference was alive and percolating with new ideas, techniques, and skills to improve information-gathering and service to patrons. It was a pleasure to attend and to hear professionals share experiences within their libraries and communities. It is always a joy to expand my view of the roles librarians fulfill in public, academic, and private institutions, and find the similarities in purpose and fulfillment in library careers. I am grateful that the library administration provided my conference registration this year. I attend every year that I am able, whether the registration is covered, or at my own expense. And it is worth it. I highly recommend that librarians take advantage of the tremendous benefits of attending Internet Librarian Conferences. And for those unable to attend, it is worthwhile to make time to view the temporary online postings of Speaker Presentation materials at Information Today Internet Librarian 2010.
Fortunately, one can visit Information Today's website (for a limited time) and review the presentations that have been generously uploaded by conference speakers.
The common terms bandied about this year included "RenGen" (Renaissance Generation), "QR Codes" (quick response codes) and "QR Code Generators," "cloud computing", "brand name building for libraries", "designing a mobile experience, "free stuff for broke libraries," "Vodcasts and Podcasts,", and "iTunes as a Library Platform." There were exhortations that to remain relevant as a profession librarians must focus on user experience rather than content delivery. In addition to the phrases above, the customer or patron-perspective and customer-interaction themes ran strong throughout this year's focus.
Reviewing some of the presentations I was unable to attend but located on the conference web page, I found Kimberly Silk and Jeffrey Veffer promoting "Design Thinking for Innovation." They ask "What problems can you identify that are preventing you from providing a great user experience?" They emphasize that one should resist the urge to rush toward solutions, and rather thoroughly get to know and understand problems; then solutions will reveal themselves. They focus on "Design Thinking," or "thinking like a designer" to provide a valuable and unforgettable user experience. That means putting oneself in the shoes of the user. Traits of design thinkers are: empathy, integrative thinking, optimism, experimentalism, and collaboration. These qualities are elaborated as follows:
Empathy – we have for those who need us
Integrative thinking – new ways to solve problems
Optimism – our desire for the collective “good”
Experimentalism – we learn by trial and error
Collaboration – we rarely work alone
The conference was alive and percolating with new ideas, techniques, and skills to improve information-gathering and service to patrons. It was a pleasure to attend and to hear professionals share experiences within their libraries and communities. It is always a joy to expand my view of the roles librarians fulfill in public, academic, and private institutions, and find the similarities in purpose and fulfillment in library careers. I am grateful that the library administration provided my conference registration this year. I attend every year that I am able, whether the registration is covered, or at my own expense. And it is worth it. I highly recommend that librarians take advantage of the tremendous benefits of attending Internet Librarian Conferences. And for those unable to attend, it is worthwhile to make time to view the temporary online postings of Speaker Presentation materials at Information Today Internet Librarian 2010.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Polaris Library Systems
Our library circulation and online catalog have been converted to Polaris Library Systems for about two years. We have found it user-friendly. It also provides a range of icons to quickly identify books, DVDs, audiobooks, compact discs, and large print. The annotations and reviews attached to each record help patrons who want to know a little more about the items; and bibliographic records are also viewable from the online catalog module. Search limits for item type, location, and collection are also easy to use. Holds are easy to place. This system has been about the seventh or eighth automation system I have experienced in my library career; and I find it works well.
Several of our branches have converted to self-check; this one service improvement has brought a tremendous benefit to both the public and the staff who are freer to assist patrons with specific personal needs, and less burdened with long lines and mixing tasks such as new card registrations, fee collections, check-outs, and holds at one station. Patrons who want to check out their items and get on their way are very happy not to wait in long lines while those other tasks are provided. Self-check makes for smooth traffic flow!
Several of our branches have converted to self-check; this one service improvement has brought a tremendous benefit to both the public and the staff who are freer to assist patrons with specific personal needs, and less burdened with long lines and mixing tasks such as new card registrations, fee collections, check-outs, and holds at one station. Patrons who want to check out their items and get on their way are very happy not to wait in long lines while those other tasks are provided. Self-check makes for smooth traffic flow!
Blog Housekeeping
I have re-read these posts removing staff names, as our larger consortium blogging guidelines has recommended not to use individual names unless specific permission has been granted. I have however retained professional librarian names where associated with their online activities.
Our library system has lost a few staff members to attrition as budget cuts have required; but overall we have maintained services at all our branches. Our system has had a strong volunteer network since I've begun working for our library system over 11 years ago. Recruitment of volunteers has continued to keep our community involvement high. We are fortunate to have a number of retired professional librarians among our volunteers.
Our library system has lost a few staff members to attrition as budget cuts have required; but overall we have maintained services at all our branches. Our system has had a strong volunteer network since I've begun working for our library system over 11 years ago. Recruitment of volunteers has continued to keep our community involvement high. We are fortunate to have a number of retired professional librarians among our volunteers.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
e-books Come to Our Library
We now have downloadable e-books (digital text books) as well as audiobooks for our patrons! In light of my struggle loading the software on my Mac and iPhone this morning (left incomplete as it was time to open to the public) it is clear I must master the process before I can efficiently help our patrons.
As libraries continue to surf the changing wave of change, these articles from the Library Journal Book Summit Preview (August 16, 2010 can provide some insight into our future:
Libraries, Ebooks, and Competition, by Eric Hellman
Ebooks and the Retailization of Research, by Barbara Fister
Ebook Sanity, by Jason Griffey
E-Texts for All (Even Lucy), by Char Booth
As libraries continue to surf the changing wave of change, these articles from the Library Journal Book Summit Preview (August 16, 2010 can provide some insight into our future:
Libraries, Ebooks, and Competition, by Eric Hellman
Ebooks and the Retailization of Research, by Barbara Fister
Ebook Sanity, by Jason Griffey
E-Texts for All (Even Lucy), by Char Booth
Saturday, July 03, 2010
Library Blogs
Today I re-visited my post of July 12, 2005 to edit the library blog list I posted; I indicated those that have become defunct or list a new address. Since those early days of the birth of the web log or blog, these have become some of the more popular ones in the library profession:
Library Stuff by Steven M. Cohen, a New York Librarian with lots of good research & customer service tips, and a great conference presenter. Catch him if you can.
Tame the Web by Michael Stephens, another popular conference presenter.
Librarian in Black by Sarah Houghton is fun and informative.
Librarian Net by Jessamyn West.
Go to Unshelved for comic relief.
Tech Soup offers news, updates on tecnology, learning, and resources for libraries.
Blog Junction's claim to fame is " an online community where library staff meet to share ideas, solve problems, take online courses - and have fun. Register now (it's free) and join us." This is directly from their "ABOUT" statement on the web page.
Library Stuff by Steven M. Cohen, a New York Librarian with lots of good research & customer service tips, and a great conference presenter. Catch him if you can.
Tame the Web by Michael Stephens, another popular conference presenter.
Librarian in Black by Sarah Houghton is fun and informative.
Librarian Net by Jessamyn West.
Go to Unshelved for comic relief.
Tech Soup offers news, updates on tecnology, learning, and resources for libraries.
Blog Junction's claim to fame is " an online community where library staff meet to share ideas, solve problems, take online courses - and have fun. Register now (it's free) and join us." This is directly from their "ABOUT" statement on the web page.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Servant Leadership
Recently I came across a terrific book on CD about leadership entitled The Servant Leadership Training Course, by James C. Hunter. I was so impressed with the information I did an Internet search for "servant leadership in libraries" and found this article about it. The author was writing specifically for law librarians; however the servant-leadership model, in my view, works for everyone in leadership positions, from companies, to schools, libraries, and other organizations; it provides a model of leadership for individuals committed to community work, and for family members. In my opinion, this management model would make a good addition to professional librarian curriculum.
Twitter is A.O.K.
It was back in August of 2007 that I explored Twitter and was a bit puzzled about its use. Since then I have had many opportunities to turn to Twitter for news flashes on current events; and I now admit that Twitter really does serve a purpose. For example, last year I followed the protests in Iran via Twitter, and found links to related videos.
Companies make Twitter announcements. Libraries post upcoming programs and library events on Twitter. Politicians Twitter. A lot of people love to Tweet ("a post or status update on Twitter" according to About.Com in WebTrends.) Some say that they don't Tweet as much as they once did; but it is worth remembering that it is an effective social media tool to make public announcements. If you are looking for an easy avenue to promote your business, event, or cause consider using Twitter as PR tool. It serves as an instant "For Public Release" announcement.
Companies make Twitter announcements. Libraries post upcoming programs and library events on Twitter. Politicians Twitter. A lot of people love to Tweet ("a post or status update on Twitter" according to About.Com in WebTrends.) Some say that they don't Tweet as much as they once did; but it is worth remembering that it is an effective social media tool to make public announcements. If you are looking for an easy avenue to promote your business, event, or cause consider using Twitter as PR tool. It serves as an instant "For Public Release" announcement.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Gale's "Power Search" and WebFeat
Once again, I am posting here a follow-up on integrated federated searching, as posted on our Black Gold Blog.
I wrote in early July about the federated search service, WebFeat. I'd like to mention Gale's search options as well. Gale has a free widget that can be added to a website to search all the Gale Databases to which a library subscribes. For an additional fee Gale will include the library's catalog and other subscription databases. I spoke with a representative from Gale/Cengage Learning this week and was referred to several websites to view the search function in place. For example, one can visit Redwood City Public Library and look at the lower left for the "PowerSearch" box. Another is San Leandro Public Library where "PowerSearch" is placed on the right side of the page.
I wanted to learn more about the differences between WebFeat and Gale's "PowerSearch," in particular, pricing and features. I wrote to the Gale representative who supplied me with the following summary:
The WebFeat "about us" web page states the following:
I wrote in early July about the federated search service, WebFeat. I'd like to mention Gale's search options as well. Gale has a free widget that can be added to a website to search all the Gale Databases to which a library subscribes. For an additional fee Gale will include the library's catalog and other subscription databases. I spoke with a representative from Gale/Cengage Learning this week and was referred to several websites to view the search function in place. For example, one can visit Redwood City Public Library and look at the lower left for the "PowerSearch" box. Another is San Leandro Public Library where "PowerSearch" is placed on the right side of the page.
I wanted to learn more about the differences between WebFeat and Gale's "PowerSearch," in particular, pricing and features. I wrote to the Gale representative who supplied me with the following summary:
The price is not based on the number of branches a library has but the population served and the number of non-Gale electronic resources you choose to include. It is slightly higher than the $1,200 I estimated as I had forgotten that your population served is over 200,000.I called the sales director at WebFeat and inquired about their product and was quoted the following pricing: $7,950 annually per library system (jurisdiction) for up to 50 resources. The SMART Usage Tracker for reports of key metrics is an additional $2,000.
So, for San Luis Obispo City County Library, the cost would be:
$2,995 per year to include 1 -10 resources, including your catalog
$5,995 per year to include 11-25 resources, including your catalog
By resources, I mean individual sources. For instance, each of the newspapers you get from NewsBank is considered one resource. So the number of resources is not at the vendor level (ie. NewsBank) but at the individual source level that you choose to include (ie. Ventura County Star, San Luis Obispo Tribune, etc).
The WebFeat "about us" web page states the following:
In February 2008, WebFeat was acquired by ProQuest. As a result of this strategic alignment, the strengths of WebFeat’s and Serials Solutions’ federated search platforms will be combined to create a single, market-leading solution. The new platform will debut in early 2009, providing libraries with more power and efficiency in accessing their data pools.Whether Black Gold stays with our current automated system or chooses another, a federated search might be something to consider to increase popularity of our catalog and databases, and factor into the cost of automation. I am posting this for general information purposes to support those exploring various options for our consortium.
WebFeat, an Integrated Federated Search for Library Websites
I posted most of the following on our Black Gold Blog in early July, and decided to post it here as well:
The point of this message is to inquire about an integrated, federated search that I have been hearing about on Calix, -- WebFeat. Apparently this search system provides integrated results across OPACs and databases with "one-stop, remote patron authentication." The company also provides a product called Smart Usage Tracker, a slick statistical measurement program that does the following:
One librarian, of Contra Costa County Library reported in his June 6, 2008 Calix message that after implementing WebFeat Express and the WebFeat add-on in AquaBroswer some of the library databases zoomed from an average of 5,000 uses per month to over 200,000 per month. (Contra Costa County Library System serves a population of over 1 million, and includes 20 branches.) This increased figure of usage (40 percent) reveals the impact of a federated search across the database offerings rather than increased patron usasge per se. However, the more comprehensive results may garner more patron interest and confidence. And because usage stats are much higher as a whole, the Smart Usage Tracker becomes an important tool to narrow down the details of use per database. This is my conclusion anyway; and I would be interested in learning what federated searching products Black Gold ATS has already explored and what value such a system and tracking module may have for Black Gold.
The point of this message is to inquire about an integrated, federated search that I have been hearing about on Calix, -- WebFeat. Apparently this search system provides integrated results across OPACs and databases with "one-stop, remote patron authentication." The company also provides a product called Smart Usage Tracker, a slick statistical measurement program that does the following:
SMART logs and reports key metrics, including-----
* Number of search requests by database
* Number of full record/full text requests by database; and
number of next set requests by database
* In-house verses remote usage; tracked by IP address or library/client type
* Search terms
* Date/time stamp
* Native search response time
* Number of database "turnaways" (users denied access due to native database concurrent user limits
* Key fields from citations selected by users: ISSN, title, author, and database
One librarian, of Contra Costa County Library reported in his June 6, 2008 Calix message that after implementing WebFeat Express and the WebFeat add-on in AquaBroswer some of the library databases zoomed from an average of 5,000 uses per month to over 200,000 per month. (Contra Costa County Library System serves a population of over 1 million, and includes 20 branches.) This increased figure of usage (40 percent) reveals the impact of a federated search across the database offerings rather than increased patron usasge per se. However, the more comprehensive results may garner more patron interest and confidence. And because usage stats are much higher as a whole, the Smart Usage Tracker becomes an important tool to narrow down the details of use per database. This is my conclusion anyway; and I would be interested in learning what federated searching products Black Gold ATS has already explored and what value such a system and tracking module may have for Black Gold.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Wikis, Pooled Knowledge, and Collaborative Projects
People are joining together to build a new, comprehensive, general knowledge wiki encyclopedia. Most everyone is familiar with Wikipedia. Now there is Citizendium, where the aim is to build a better encyclopedia. For starters, real names are required to join and create Citizendium articles. The agreements and guidelines assure greater accuracy and authority. The community wishes to promote a "gold standard of sensible governance systems," including expert editors who review articles, as well as constables who monitor behavior but who have limited authority. Confidence in the database is further enhanced by "signed articles" from experts and academics, and the inclusion of supplementary reference materials. Spend some time reading their introductory pages and see why librarians might be happier with Citizendium than Wikipedia.
Wikis are popular for another reason -- information is organized by topic rather than date. Blogs resemble an online diary,a stream of thoughts and ideas posted in reverse chronological order. True, blogs can be keyword searched if well tagged . Wikis have an additional collaborative advantage; the body of knowledge can be easily expanded, edited and revised. A nice summary of both advantages and disadvantages of wikis is covered by PLCMC Core Competencies, a public library blog that refers the reader to a wiki defining the "core competencies" training offered by their library. Their core competencies are unique to their library staff goals. Another library organization may choose other core competency requirements and build a similar document in a collaborative effort. Building the wiki together enhances a team approach to the purposes of the project.
I hope to cover more on the topic of wikis in the near future.
Wikis are popular for another reason -- information is organized by topic rather than date. Blogs resemble an online diary,a stream of thoughts and ideas posted in reverse chronological order. True, blogs can be keyword searched if well tagged . Wikis have an additional collaborative advantage; the body of knowledge can be easily expanded, edited and revised. A nice summary of both advantages and disadvantages of wikis is covered by PLCMC Core Competencies, a public library blog that refers the reader to a wiki defining the "core competencies" training offered by their library. Their core competencies are unique to their library staff goals. Another library organization may choose other core competency requirements and build a similar document in a collaborative effort. Building the wiki together enhances a team approach to the purposes of the project.
I hope to cover more on the topic of wikis in the near future.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Continuing with iGoogle
Instead of manipulating Google Calendar to load our department calendar, I added an image widget and linked it to the url of the calendar, and named it "Ref Staff Calendar ." The image is a reduced photo of the SLO Library I took about a year ago previously posted in entry dated October 14, 2007.
As I continue with my iGoogle experiment I will see if I truly find myself more organized from the time I arrive at work, to tracking the calendar and to-do lists, and accomplishing more.
I will let you know!
As I continue with my iGoogle experiment I will see if I truly find myself more organized from the time I arrive at work, to tracking the calendar and to-do lists, and accomplishing more.
I will let you know!
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