More than two years after the earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010, vast numbers of Haitians are still struggling just to return to something resembling normal life. The first thing you see in the capital city of Port-au-Prince is miles and miles of “Tent City,” as the temporary housing has come to be … Continue reading Haiti Rising from the Rubble
In March, Apple announced the latest product in the evolution of what it calls the post-PC computing world, and called it simply “the new iPad.” While almost exactly the same shape, the new iPad is heavier because of a battery with a far larger capacity. The extra capacity was needed because of two key differences … Continue reading Apple Product News: The Spin for Libraries
You may have wondered whether you hold the copyright to work you’ve put many hours into creating on the job. Who holds the copyright to works created by teachers or librarians? Short answer: In general, when employees create works as a condition of employment, the copyright holder is the employer. As a school librarian or … Continue reading Copyright for Librarians and Teachers, in a Nutshell
If you think it is hard to explain to nonlibrary users what a librarian does, try explaining the job of a cataloger. Not long ago (when I was still in library school), if someone had asked me what exactly a cataloger is, my answer would have been, “a guardian of the catalog.” This still holds … Continue reading Cataloging Then, Now, and Tomorrow
Bannon, who earned his MLIS from the University of Washington in 1999, joined CPL in March 2012, succeeding Mary Dempsey, who stepped down after nearly 18 years as commissioner. Now, several months into his new role, Bannon—who says he has “hit the ground running”—took a break from his whirlwind introduction to CPL and the city … Continue reading Newsmaker: Brian Bannon
Attendees say ALA’s Annual Conference is the “best gathering for professional development opportunities, exhibits and vendor reps, and networking possibilities that a librarian is likely to find” and “the gold standard in professional development and networking.” Join the discussion during ALA’s 136th Annual Conference in Anaheim, California, June 21–26. Hear from the two winning authors … Continue reading Annual Conference Preview: Transforming Our Libraries, Ourselves
Libraries are constantly evolving to adapt to the needs and desires of our users. Most of these changes have occurred inside our buildings, from obtaining cutting-edge technology to providing self-service and redesigned spaces. While these changes have been vital, they have failed to increase our presence in the community. How can we truly demonstrate our … Continue reading Community Reference: Making Libraries Indispensable in a New Way
When Maureen Sullivan becomes ALA president on June 26, one thing that is certain to continue from Molly Raphael’s presidency is the thematic focus on “Transforming Libraries.” “Since ALA leaders build on the work of their predecessors, it is particularly fortuitous that Maureen and I have been able to work closely together,” Raphael said. “Our … Continue reading Transforming Libraries . . . Continued
Don’t get me wrong, I loved library school and I think programs that comprise a master’s degree in library science form the foundation of our profession. But what happens if the MLS degree withers away and dies? Let’s suppose that some time in the preapocalyptic future, the MLS ceases to be a financially viable degree. … Continue reading The Matter of the Master’s
Looking back. Two years ago, I learned that I had won the ALA election. I felt exhilarated but also somewhat uneasy. Executive Director Keith Michael Fiels told my husband that I was ALA’s for the next couple of years. As president-elect, I worked hard to plan initiatives, appoint committees, and travel to conferences and speaking engagements. I … Continue reading Time Flies When You’re Having Fun
Transforming sounds like such a magical process. In a glittery whirlwind, Cinderella is transformed from rag-covered servant to bejeweled beauty in a ball gown. Unfortunately, transforming rarely occurs in fairy-tale fashion. It’s a process that takes time, determination, and effort by dedicated teams. Glass slippers and fairy wands are strictly optional. In our May/June 2012 … Continue reading Transformations
Two items discussed during the ALA Executive Board Spring Meeting, held April 20–22, 2012, at the Association’s Chicago headquarters, illustrate the wide range of issues and activities affecting our members and their libraries. The board approved procedures and guidelines for ALA’s first Virtual Membership Meeting and discussed the current impasse regarding ebooks and libraries and … Continue reading On a Screen Near You
