Being a school librarian, I am not as familiar with Elsevier's resources, but it was interesting to see some of the updates they are making to SciVerse ScienceDirect. The big news is the redesign to the article-page highlight at http://articleofthefuture.com. So that is the scholarly news . . . now on to the fun. Elsevier … Continue reading From the Floor: Elsevier
This weekend is ALA’s Midwinter Meeting. In addition to news from the Digital Content and Libraries Working Group and others associated with e-content, this is a also a great opportunity to gather updates from the vendor floor. So what are you most interested in? Can’t make it to the conference . . . what questions … Continue reading Midwinter: You Call the Shots
These are the top library stories of 2011, as selected by American Libraries editors. Share your top 10 in the comments. 1. Ebook Escapades HarperCollins imposed an arbitrary 26 loans per ebook license and Penguin refused to let libraries lend its new titles altogether. Even good e-news had a catch: Patrons who could now borrow … Continue reading Top 10 Library Stories of 2011
All around us, the rapid shift from print to digital content is transforming libraries of all types. E-content offers rich and extraordinary opportunities for libraries to provide expanded access to information and to revolutionize, in positive ways, the relationship between libraries and library users. At the same time, these new forms of digital content pose … Continue reading Making New Connections
All of you who’ve weeded a collection know the challenges I face. Former American Libraries Editor Leonard Kniffel left me a legacy: file drawers stuffed with materials from his 15 years at the helm of this magazine. As someone new to the American Library Association and to this publication, it’s been somewhat daunting to determine what … Continue reading Treasure Hunt
School librarians have regained a bit of ground at the federal level as the push continues to get school libraries restored to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which is due for reauthorization. The foothold comes in the congressional appropriation of $28.6 million for literacy programs in the $916-billion budget for FY2012, and, reading … Continue reading Good News on the Road to ESEA
American Library Association President Molly Raphael and Neal-Schuman President Patricia Glass Schuman announced today that on December 23 Neal-Schuman Publishers will sign an agreement to become part of ALA Publishing. Neal-Schuman Publishers, founded by John Vincent Neal and Patricia Glass Schuman in 1976, will continue to offer print and electronic publications under its well-known imprint, but will … Continue reading Neal-Schuman to Join ALA Publishing
The digital “revolution” has been a major topic of public attention and discussion among librarians this year, as we are confronted by daily developments, announcements, and headlines related to ebooks. The transformation being brought about by digital media has been a strong emphasis of the Association as well. During the fall meeting October 21–23 at … Continue reading Transforming Libraries, Transforming ALA
“For those who are worried about the future of print books, I encourage you to go to the Guadalajara Book Fair!” recommends ALA President Molly Raphael, who attended FIL (La Feria Internacional del Libro) for the first time this year. “The print book was so dominant that it was hard to find exhibitors who were … Continue reading ALA Members Get Their 15th FIL in Guadalajara
The URL had barely expired November 27 on a bold online petition demanding the restoration of strong school libraries in every American school when another campaign got off the ground to gather 25,000 signatures within 30 days in favor of mandating quality education for America’s children through the provision of fully funded school libraries run … Continue reading Sign Here for School Libraries
Don Chatham, Associate Executive Director for ALA Publishing, has announced that Laurie D. Borman will be the new Editor and Publisher of American Libraries publications, effective December 5, 2011. Borman has a journalism degree from Indiana University and more than 20 years’ experience in magazine and digital publishing. Borman comes to American Libraries from Spertus … Continue reading New Editor and Publisher Named for American Libraries
An online petition is demanding that the Obama administration mandate the full funding and staffing of school libraries. It’s posted to a new interactive We the People web page, hosted by the White House, where U.S. citizens can petition the government for a redress of grievances as stated in the First Amendment. The petition was … Continue reading Talking Turkey about School Libraries
