One of the new ways that libraries can serve their communities is by hosting online services such as message boards and email lists. The fact they are library-supported gives them a built-in trust factor and boundaries of interest. Someone in Alaska, say, is unlikely to subscribe to the mailing list of a Tennessee library, which [...]

43 Folders: RSS of Public Library Check-outs and Requests Available for SF Just last night, I requested that ELF add San Francisco’s public library to their collection of systems, and, bang, there it is when I wake up this morning: free RSS feeds of (and emails about) checked-out and on-request books with configurable reminders, mobile [...]

Boing Boing: DVD licensing cartel sued under anti-trust The cartel that controls patents on DVD technologies is being sued by Chinese DVD makers, who are ebing forced to pay $20 per player, much higher than US manufacturers pay. The DVD makers have a good anti-trust case that could seriously bust this cartel. I’d be happier [...]

LibraryTechtonics: Libraries in Philly managed by library assistants *instead of* librarians My SO’s response, “It’s like trying to operate a hospital with nothing but nurses.” Forgive me for forgetting who originated the idea, but it looks like the ALA does indeed need to start certifying libraries for standards of service.

Understanding Faculty to Improve Content Recruitment for Institutional Repositories …the findings of our work-practice study suggest that with a faculty-centric approach to the design and marketing of repositories, IRs could become a compelling and useful tool. If properly aligned with the existing practices of faculty, IRs have the potential to fulfill many of their so [...]

The Shifted Librarian: Gaming Google Group Come and chat. Gamers are a loyal, passionate group who appreciate good service.

The Risks of Closed Source Computing One large vendor likes to talk about the risks of Open Source software, but the strange thing is, the risk is actually in closed technologies. This article looks at the real risks in following a proprietary software path. It’s well-written and easy to follow.

PLA Blog – Saturday, January 15, 2005 When the Santa Monica Public Library held a LAN party (linked 30 computers together so kids playing the game Counterstrike could play against one another), over 60 teens lined up outside the library an hour before the program began, eager to play That would be so cool. Something [...]

The Globe and Mail: How copyright could be killing culture As Americans commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy today, no television channel will be broadcasting the documentary series Eyes on the Prize. Produced in the 1980s and widely considered the most important encapsulation of the American civil-rights movement on video, the documentary series [...]

Weird, I know, but true. I’ve been playing World of Warcraft since just after Thanksgiving. I got it because it looked like fun and because a couple of friends of mine had played in the beta test and were planning on getting it. All of my friends have left town in the last couple of [...]