Okay, now I’ve got this bright, shiny new column to play with. What will I do with it? Be provocative? Reassuring? Speak the uncomfortable truth? Turn to history for lessons? Look to the future for inspiration? More than likely. For now, let me ponder this month’s title question. It doesn’t take much to find numerous … Continue reading Why Do Publishers Hate Us?
There’s a lot of data suggesting that exposure to books in libraries increases sales for those books. There’s also a lot of data that suggests that many publishers believe the opposite—namely, that the availability of books in libraries depresses sales, and that if libraries improve the ebook lending process, making it easier for library users … Continue reading One Ebook to Prove Them All
Regardless of how large (or small) your library is, or whether you serve elementary school students, college professors, or retirees seeking the latest book by their favorite author, you are affected by issues that may change how we “do” librarianship. Here are a few recent titles that discuss these topics, sometimes raising more questions than … Continue reading Disaster Recovery, Going Green, Protecting Privacy: How We Do Librarianship
In 2012, Jenica Rogers, director of libraries for the State University of New York at Potsdam, drew attention in the library community for announcing candidly in September that she would not be renewing her university’s annual subscription to the American Chemical Society’s (ACS) online journals package because of ever-increasing subscription costs. Rogers’s stance sent shock … Continue reading An Interview with Jenica Rogers
What would it mean for libraries if one of the ideals that we commonly hold to be fundamental to our existence suddenly ceased to be true? The Douglas County (Colo.) Libraries’ ebook report this month shows a continuation of a concerning trend related to book pricing—at least in this small sample. Is the discount on … Continue reading The Disappearing Library Discount
Jamie LaRue writes: Over the months, the DCL Report has examined various bestseller lists. We’ve sampled the New York Times, Amazon, USA Today, and others. This month we do something new: Look at our library system’s “bestsellers”—that is, the titles that were the most borrowed by patrons of Douglas County (Colo.) Libraries in the month … Continue reading What’s “Selling” at the Library: February 2013 Ebook Report from DCL
“I’m descended from a long line of book worms and librarians. They would be very proud of me for being here with you.” Caroline Kennedy’s revelation at the beginning of her Auditorium Speaker Series talk at ALA Midwinter set the tone for the entire session. Her talk and Q&A with ALA President-elect Barbara Stripling was … Continue reading Caroline Kennedy on Libraries and Family
Librarians learned a dazzling array of tips and tricks for increasing their public relations efforts on Facebook in a Midwinter ALA Masters Series session today. Ben Bizzle, director of technology at Crowley Ridge Regional Library in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and David Lee King, digital services director at Topeka & Shawnee County (Kans.) Public Library shared ideas … Continue reading The Digital Revolution of PR
Librarians learned a dazzling array of tips and tricks for increasing their public relations efforts on Facebook in a Midwinter ALA Masters Series session today. Ben Bizzle, director of technology at Crowley Ridge Regional Library in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and David Lee King, digital services director at Topeka & Shawnee County (Kans.) Public Library shared ideas … Continue reading The Digital Revolution of PR
Libraries must be engaged with their communities. Community engagement requires political engagement. This is unfortunate, but I believe libraries cannot be apathetic to the political process if they are to succeed. That is why I attended the Saturday morning Washington Office Update; I felt it important to get a political overview as it pertains to libraries. … Continue reading Member POV, Saturday Edition: They Don’t Teach You Politics in Library School
“I love librarians!” Deborah Edison, director of development and marketing for homeless advocacy organization YouthCare, is enthusiastic as she speaks to a group of 11 librarians at Straley House, YouthCare’s home for homeless youth aged 18–24. The large, labyrinthine house in Seattle’s University District neighborhood provides essential services and support—housing, meals, life skills workshops, art … Continue reading Librarians Engage with Seattle’s Homeless
As we mark the halfway point of the 2011–2015 ALA Strategic Plan, the American Library Association (ALA) has made significant strides towards its goal to provide leadership in the transformation of libraries and library services in an increasingly digital information environment. I am proud to be part of this important work with ALA Immediate Past … Continue reading A Message to All ALA Members from ALA President Maureen Sullivan
