New ProQuest Platform Improves Interface, Expands Access

July 16, 2010

ProQuest unveiled plans at the ALA Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., to roll out a completely redesigned platform this summer. The ground-up redesign promises to unify all ProQuest content into a single framework, while also connecting users to non-ProQuest databases through ProQuest Extended Search, and adding infrastructure to aid users in gathering, sharing, and creating … Continue reading New ProQuest Platform Improves Interface, Expands Access


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Hope, Hype, and VoIP: Riding the Library Technology Cycle

July 15, 2010

After the initial hype is past, the real value of an emerging technology unfolds as librarians adopt, test, and learn from it on the ground. By understanding a tool’s practical library affordances and how they are adopted, adapted, and rejected, we can better evaluate its local promise critically, creatively, and with an eye toward sustainability. … Continue reading Hope, Hype, and VoIP: Riding the Library Technology Cycle




Joseph Janes

I’m Sorry, You’re Out

July 6, 2010

Let’s see, which of my various forms of geekdom have I copped to in this column? Game shows? Check. Olympics? Check. On to reality TV, I guess. Not the Bachelorette / Real Housewives / Jersey Shore type of show (ick); think more Amazing Race, Dancing with the Stars, and of course Project Runway. I love Runway because … Continue reading I’m Sorry, You’re Out



Top Technology Trends at ALA10 Part 3: Long-term Trends

June 29, 2010

LITA's trendsters seemed to have some fun—and words of caution—with their predictions for libraries 3–5 years out. All the trend predictions had a clear emphasis on end-user experience over back-end library technology and future-proof, forward-thinking information services over preserving old workflows. For a complete re-cap of the entire panel discussion, see the ustream video. Jason … Continue reading Top Technology Trends at ALA10 Part 3: Long-term Trends




New Library Internet Use Study Spotlighted on NPR’s All Things Considered

June 22, 2010

Released this week as a digital supplement to American Libraries, a new study from ALA's Office for Research and Statistics, inspired a four-minute  story on the "All Tech Considered" segment of National Public Radio's All Things Considered yesterday.  Omar Gallaga discussed the study and said libraries are going through a period of mixed blessing as … Continue reading New Library Internet Use Study Spotlighted on NPR’s All Things Considered



Social Eyes

June 10, 2010

“Library fines got you down? Help build our Facebook page to 500 people & I'll waive fines of two students.” This message streamed across the Luria Library’s Twitter feed. In less than 140 characters, it perfectly portrays the playful and forgiving nature of its library director, and demonstrates the rising value of social capital, which … Continue reading Social Eyes