Saturday, April 30, 2016

Daily Thoughts 04/30/2016

Index
Cigarette Trading Card of Sherlock Holmes

Daily Thoughts 04/30/2016

I am back from vacation today.  My colleague is doing a final check over the contents for the Preservation Assessment Grant.  Hopefully, I will send it in tomorrow.

I checked the displays and the gift books this morning.  I also returned some of the books and movies which I checked out over the vacation.

I rested on the way to work on the train.

I went through a stack of mail this morning when I got in.  I also have quite a few things to read; Booklist, 2 Copies of the New York Times Book Review, the New York Review of Books, the May Baker and Taylor Forecast, and 2 Copies of the Times Literary Supplement.

There is a screening of the movie Planetary between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. today. at the Mount Vernon Public Library in the Grace Greene Baker Community Room.

I spent some time ordering bestsellers from the New York Times Bestseller List and the Publishers Weekly Bestseller List.

The screening of Planetary went very well.  It is available for 24 hour rental for 99 cents  through Vimeo. https://vimeo.com/ondemand/planetary

On the way home, I read a bit of a Star Trek novel to relax, Star Trek Deep Space Nine Ascendance by R. George III

Web Bits


Toronto’s New Library of Things Opens, Lets You Borrow All the Things

Diversity Celebrated at 2016 Edgar Awards

The New York Times Crafts An Obituary for William Shakespeare

 

Friday, April 29, 2016

Daily Thoughts 04/29/2016

News from My Lad - James Campbell
News From My Lad, James Campbell, 1859

Daily Thoughts 04/29/2016

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I applied for the webinar,  Research in the Real World on May 17, 2016 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
https://event.on24.com/eventRegistration/EventLobbyServlet?target=reg20.jsp&partnerref=LJEmailemail1emerald160517&eventid=1182763&sessionid=1&key=05C9A87A8F84E82B85C00656FFE8EF06&regTag=&sourcepage=register

There is a giving campaign today for the Mount Vernon Public Library through the Westchester Library System by Carolyn Karwoski.
https://www.givegab.com/p2p/celebrating-westchester-libraries/carolyn-karwoski

I am reading more of Sweet Dreams Are Made of This by Dave Stewart.  It is a quite wild story.  Dave Stewart has his first record produced at 18, opens a small record shop, and has various psychedelic counterculture adventures in London.  It is the end of the 1960s and the beginning of the excessive 1970s.  He meets Annie Lennox, falls in love and she detoxes from drugs and helps him get to his feet.  The writing is superb storytelling.

I got a confirmation that Certified Public Library Administrator program http://ala-apa.org/certification/ had received my transcripts from University of Pittsburgh.  They will meet in July to determine who gets into the program.

Web Bits


Why the internet has not killed the library (yet)

Notre Dame and Vatican Library to Celebrate New Collaboration

Most satisfying job for book lovers? Librarian at "loneliest library"

The (Lasting?) Value of Libraries


Thursday, April 28, 2016

Daily Thoughts 04/28/2016

The Language of flowers - an alphabet of floral emblems (1857) (14560539118).jpg
The Language of flowers : an alphabet of floral emblems Year1857 

Daily Thoughts 04/28/2016

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning for the library.

I read some more of Sweet Dreams Are Made of This.  Dave Stewart leaves home at sixteen and devotes his life completely to music leaving high school and becoming part of a bohemian artistic scene.  It is a very interesting story which touches on the counterculture, eccentric living, folk music, and the artistic life so far.

I read a little more of Teach Yourself Visually Excel 2016.  I am reading about formulas and worksheets.



Web Bits


Science Proves Reading to Kids Really Does Change Their Brains

Library Code Irks Group

Has the Library Outlived Its Usefulness In the Age of the Internet?  You'd Be Surprised


Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Daily Thoughts 04/27/2016


Daily Thoughts 04/27/2016

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I read some more of Sweet Dreams Are Made of This.  Dave Stewart is writing about his early interest in soccer and playing the guitar.

Web Bits


The Custodian of Forgotten Books

Yonkers Public Library Ups Its Tech Game

Librarian Creates Place of Hope and Love for Neighborhood
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/humankind/2016/04/27/librarian-creates-place-hope-love-neighborhood/83546614/

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Daily Thoughts 04/26/2016

The Book of Music - Juan Gris
The Book of Music by Juan Gris, 1922

Daily Thoughts 04/26/2016

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I finished reading Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates The Forgotten War That Changed American History by Brian Kilmeade and Don Yeager.  I found this book quite interesting.  Pieces of it reminded of the modern day Ethiopian pirates as well as ISIS in Iraq.  It is part of the history of the Barbary Pirates who captured American and European vessels holding the crews for ransom or selling them into slavery.  It is also part of the early history of the United States Marines.  The book is easy to read, nicely illustrated and has lots of colorful accounts in it.  The book is very patriotic in its outlook.  Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger are writing in support of American values.

It is more than a book about warfare.  There is also treachery, diplomacy, and hardship in the accounts.   The authors also draw on lesser figures in American history to make the story complete. The book comes with notes and index.

I started reading Sweet Dreams Are Made of This A Life In Music A Memoir by Dave Stewart.  There is an introduction by Mick Jagger.  He founded the Eurythmics with Annie Lenox.

I watched the Martian starring Matt Damon.  It is based on the book by Andy Weir.  It is an enjoyable movie.  Not everyone will like it though.  The best parts are technical in nature about how it is to live in space.  I thought parts of the movie were unrealistic.  The second accident where part of the life support module comes apart was unconvincing.  It could have been done differently.

Web Bits


William Shakespeare Goes Digital As British Library Allows Public to Download First Editions

Weeding the Worst Library Books

Monday, April 25, 2016

Daily Thoughts 04/25/2016


Jefferson Building, Library of Congress.

Daily Thoughts 04/25/2016

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I read some of Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates.  I am reading about the sea battle of the USS Enterprise against the Tripoli.

Web Bits


Library of Congress Founded April 24, 1800

This California Library Boasts Zero Net Energy Consumption

Sunday, April 24, 2016

Daily Thoughts 04/24/2016

Index
Central Building: Cartoons, Reading Room: Seeing New York with Fornaro, from N.Y. Sun, Evening, about January 3, 1914

Daily Thoughts 04/24/2016

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I am watching Part 1 of Walt Disney He Made Believe which is part of the American Experience series on PBS.  It is different story than the one I originally thought.  His first animal is not a mouse, but a cat, then a rabbit.  These both came before Disney studios.

I started reading the book, Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates The Forgotten War That Changed American History by Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger today.  It is about the early war with the Barbary Pirates who were famous for capturing American and European ships and demanding tribute and ransom for the people they captured.

Web Bits

The Two Men Who Helped Create the World's Greatest Library
https://www.yahoo.com/news/two-men-helped-create-world-greatest-library-100227710.html?ref=gs

Paul Gilster:  Google Books Decision Opens Door To Create True Digital Library
http://www.newsobserver.com/news/technology/article73307152.html
One more step on the way to create the "World Brain."

An Unexpected City is at the Forefront of Reimagining the Public Library
http://www.takepart.com/article/2016/04/12/unexpected-city-forefront-reimagining-libraries?cmpid=organic-share-facebook

Saturday, April 23, 2016

Daily Thoughts 04/23/2016



H.G. Wells, Little Wars. 1913

Daily Thoughts 04/23/2016

I finished reading The Presidents and UFOs:  A Secret History from FDR to Obama by Larry Holcombe.  This is a book for someone who already believes in UFOs.  It will confirm your belief in aliens.  However, it also says nothing about secret government technology, aircraft or spacecraft.  It is strictly a book about aliens.  I did not find it much of a challenge to sceptics at all.

There are some pieces of it which are kind of interesting.  The material on UFO sightings in Japan and Belgium are better than the information on sitings in the United States.  There is also a focus on aliens and the military, specifically, the United States airforce more than any other focus.  Majestic 12, Roswell, and Project Bluebook take up a lot of the book.  I was hoping for more diverse coverage.

Also, the descriptions of how UFOs are attracted to nuclear power plants, ICBMs, and military aircraft are kind of interesting.  There seems to be a lot of focus on sending fighter jets after alien spacecraft.

There were a few tidbits of information that were interesting.  Robert Bigelow of Bigelow Aerospace is interested in UFOs.  Larry Holcombe makes an unconvincing argument that Richard Nixon was the most likely president to go public about Unidentified Flying Objects. I found it to be a middling book with a few high points.

I checked the Twitter and Facebook for the library this morning.

I placed The Third Wave by Steve Case on hold.  It reminds me a little bit of The Third Wave by Alvin Toffler.

I watched the PBS special, Paris The Luminous Years Toward the Making of the Modern on dvd today.  It is about the birth of modern art focusing on people like Marc Chagall, Igor Stravinsky, Marcel Duchamp, Gertrude Stein, and others.


Web Bits


Lazarus Project Brings Damaged Texts Back to Life

Prince Had Donated $12,000 to Western Library

San Jose: Three People Owe Library More than $10,000 for Overdue Books

Overdrive Adds Titles from DC Comics



Friday, April 22, 2016

Daily Thoughts 04/22/2016

Index
Blue Beard, Chromolithograph, From McLoughlin Bros. Aunt Kate's series, ca. 1884.

Daily Thoughts 04/22/2016

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I rested on the way to work.  I had three late nights this week.  I have next week off for vacation.

I checked the gift books and the displays.

I also placed some orders for new books this morning.

I spent some time in the computer lab as well.

I went over scheduling for ADP.  I had to make a few adjustments with the schedule.

I plan on doing a little work looking up local events.

I read some more of The Presidents and UFOs.  I agree with Larry Holcomb's idea that there is no advantage for the United States government to disclose the existence of UFOs.  There is a little bit on Robert Bigelow the founder of Bigelow Aerospace and his interest in UFOs.  Bigelow Aerospace is the company that is testing the inflatable module on the International Space Station.

Web Bits


ALA, Google Launch "Libraries Ready to Code"

Sendak mural gets a new home at new library branch

Loveland Public Library 'thinks retail' to increase use


Mount Vernon Public Library Open House

Mount Vernon Public Library Holds Open House to Showcase Positive Changes

Mount Vernon Public Library Open House
http://www.blackwestchester.com/mvpl-open-house/

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Daily Thoughts 04/21/2016

Simplon Pass. Reading - John Singer Sargent
Simplon Pass, Reading, John Singer Sargent, 1911

Daily Thoughts 04/21/2016

I checked the Twitter and Facebook for the library this morning.

On the way to work, I read some of The Presidents and UFOs.  The introducation included a little bit of UFO lore about Majestic 12 and Project Blue Book.

We had the Brown Bag Book Club today from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m..  We discussed the book, She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb.

I checked the gift books and the displays.

I placed an order for new books.

We are working on the monthly schedule for computer classes today.

There is a Beginning Microsoft Powerpoint 2016 class tonight in the computer lab from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Adult Board Games Night is tonight in the Fiction Room from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
I had a chance to play chess and dominos with a few patrons.

I read some more of The Presidents and UFOs.  I learned something new.  There tend to be more UFO sightings near nuclear power plants and during missile tests, especially ICBM tests.


Web Bits

Beyond Books: 8 Things You May Not Know About Libraries
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/04/21/library-101-things-you-didnt-know/83242000/


8 Reasons People Buy Books

Hayden Glides Through Senate Confirmation Hearing to Lead Library of Congress

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Daily Thoughts 04/20/2016

Still Life. Table, books, and the pipes. - Pyotr Konchalovsky
Peter Konchalovsky, Still Life, Table, Books, and the Pipes, 1929

Daily Thoughts 04/20/2016

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I read some more of Teach Yourself Visually Excel 2016 on the way to work.

I checked the gift books and the displays today.  I also checked the time clock.

I did a report from Directors Station for periodicals at our library.

I checked out the book, The Presidents and UFOs Secret History from FDR to Obama by Larry Holcomeb with a Foreword by Stanton T. Friedman.

There is a Managing Your Media Devices class tonight from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the computer lab.

My colleague is a doing an Adult Coloring Book Club from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

There is also a Mount Vernon Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Turstees room.  I am going to this.  I have been going to most of the monthly meeting lately to watch what is happening with salary negotiations and other issues.

Web Bits


The Once and Future Library

Books Cannot Become Mere ‘Content’

ALA Urges House, Senate Approps Subcommittees To Support LSTA, IAL



Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Daily Thoughts 04/19/2016

File:Gregor Perušek - Still Life (2).jpg
Harvey Gregory Prusheck, Still Life, 1940

Daily Thoughts 04/19/2016

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I started reading Teach Yourself Visually Excel 2016 by Paul McFedries.

I read the latest copy of the Ingram Advance.

Tonight is the Mount Vernon Public Library Foundation Open House from 6:00-8:30 p.m..   I am going to be demonstrating some of our electronic resources with our tablets.

I spent some time getting the tablets ready for tonight.  I also talked about posters for events that are coming up.

I learned that Overdrive is now selling DC comics.

A colleague and I sat and gave people flyers for the computer classes, handed out bookmarks for Hoopla, postcards for Indieflix, and bookmarks for Lynda.com We discussed the Hoopla Digital service as well as the Overdrive e-book service.  Another colleague talked about her sewing projects which she donates to local hospitals and gives for charity in Africa.

There was a nice spread for the open house tonight.  They gave out small sandwiches, appetizers, and fruit punch.  The board of trustees discussed some of the planned improvements for the library like a new children's bathroom, more digital services, and more new books.

Web Bits


You Can Go Home Again: The Transformative Joy of Rereading

Supreme Court Affirms Google Books Scans of Copyrighted Works Are Fair Use

Morocco: One of the World's Oldest Libraries is Renovated


Monday, April 18, 2016

Daily Thoughts 04/18/2016

The Student - Gwen John
The Student, Gwen John, 1903

Daily Thoughts 04/18/2016

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook.

On the way to work I read some more of Grit.  I am reading about how children taking part in extracurricular activities like sports and music helps them become more focused and successful.

I also read some more of  The Art of Social Media.  I am reading about how to keep your posts focused and respond to comments.

I checked the gift books and the displays today.

I am almost done organizing my desk today.  I can see and find most of my paperwork.

I worked on scheduling today for next month. I also confirmed my vacation time today.

 Right now, I am in the computer lab.  I am charging some tablets to use for tomorrow, Tuesday, for the an open house from the Mount Vernon Public Library Foundation from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m..

I ordered some books that are coming out in October.

I finished reading Grit The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth.  This book describes how to be very focused, set goals, create a purpose and succeed through practice and diligent follow through.  If you want to understand the process of deliberate practice, create a culture of determination and focus, or build long term goals this is an excellent book.

I also finished reading The Art of Social Media Power Tips for Power Users by Guy Kawasaki and Peg Fitzpatrick.  This is a long list of tips on how to use social media effectively.  It would be especially useful for beginning and intermediate users of social media.

Web Bits

Blockbuster Book Deal: Follett Buys Baker and Taylor
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-follett-baker-deal-0419-biz-20160418-story.html

Breaking borders:  how to make the best bookshop in the world

To Float or Not to Float: Collection Management

Its Time to Visit the Library  Again

A Library Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Carnegie Library Protesters Take to the Streets, Plan Next Steps-- United Kingdom


Sunday, April 17, 2016

Daily Thoughts 04/17/2016

MarieAntoinette1788.jpg
Marie Antoinette, 1788, Louise Elizabeth Vigee Le Brun 

Daily Thoughts 04/17/2016

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I read some of The Art of Social Media today.  I am reading about putting content from third party sources into social media.  This includes finding articles and pictures to post.

I also read some more of Grit.  I am reading about how it is not just demands which create focus and grit in children, but a combination of being demanding and being supportive at the same time which creates the right conditions to succeed.

I watched the webinar of Yes, You can Readers Advisory for Everyone
https://www.ebscohost.com/novelist-the-latest/blog-article/webcast-yes-you-can-readers-advisory-for-everyone?utm_medium=email&utm_source=various_cp&utm_campaign=webcast_raeveryone_20160400&utm_content=webexevent&eis-cmp=NOVWEBINAR&eis-src=email&eis-type=website-novelist&eis-code=webcast_raeveryone_20160400

Web Bits


Westchester Library System Moving to Taxter Road Site in Greenburgh

Chicago's Newest Library is On A Train

John Steinbeck on Falling in Love: A 1958 Letter

Saturday, April 16, 2016

Daily Thoughts 04/16/2016

Wilhelm L̦with РThe Library.jpg
Wilhelm Lowith, The Library, January 1900

Daily Thoughts 04/16/2016

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

On the way to work, I read some more of Grit.  I am reading about how a defining purpose can lead you forward in your career and help reach long term goals in life.  This book is very focused and is not about promising the world, but how to attain goals and stay on track.

I checked the gift books and the displays this morning.  I read the latest Bookpage.  I also looked at some of the statistics from The Westchester IT Wiki.  http://it.westchesterlibraries.org/

There is a photo shoot of the computer lab to show about a Scratch programming class that was taught on March 21st through March 25th for children at the Mount Vernon Public Library.

I checked out the book, The Art of Social Media Power Tips for Power Users by Guy Kawasaki and Peg Fitzpatrick. I am looking at a book called Howard Pyle, Writer, Illustrator, Founder of the Brandywine School by Henry C. Pitz.  Pyle influenced many of the fantasy illustrators that are working today.

Web Bits


Supporting Library Staff Technology Training

A New Yorker State of Mind at the Public Library

Canadian Library Writes Letter to Patrons With Foul Body Odor

Friday, April 15, 2016

Daily Thoughts 04/15/2016


A scholar sits in his study reading by a globe. Line engraving by G.L. Heitel(?) after Longhi, 1634.
Iconographic Collections

Daily Thoughts 04/15/2016

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I read some more of Grit on the way to work.  I am reading about how have a strong interest in what you are doing often leads to greater success careerwise.

We had a meeting on the new timecard system this morning.

I spent some time working on orders for new books today in Brodart.

The new Bookpage came in today.

I spent a little time working on programming.

I am going to the Melville House Publishing preview for librarians on May 20, 2016 at 2:00 p.m..  I enjoyed the last one I went to.

I have a copy of the May Ingram Advance to read.  I also have the May Bookpage to look at tomorrow.

On the way home, I read some more of Grit.  It is turning out to be an incredibly interesting book.  I read about two things focused on practice, where everything becomes easy and smooth in your actions and deliberate practice where you continuously work on small stretch goals everytime you practice something so you improve steadily over time.  This book is a systematic, focused approach to succeeding based on tested methods.  You could compare deliberate practice to continuous improvement or even Kaizen.

Web Bits

Government Seeks Answers Over Carnegie Library Closure-- United Kingdom
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-36017224

Cat-Owning, Knit-Living, 'Hopelessly Stereotypical', is a 'Jeopardy' Badass
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/margaret-miles-jeopardy-badass_us_5710f65be4b0060ccda2fb83

Wife, Husband Arraigned on Charges Stemming From Late Library Book

All Newborns to Receive Library Cards in St. Louis County

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Daily Thoughts 04/14/2016

Ex Libris Bibliotheca Nacional, Eliseu Visconti
Eliseu Visconti, 1903, Ex Libris Bibliotheca Nacional 

Daily Thoughts 04/14/2016

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I checked the gift books and the displays.

I put in a list of CD Audiobooks to Booksite.

I am going to place another order for Brodart this afternoon.

I spent a little time working on programming.  We are showing two films for Emotional Wellness Week, Call Me Crazy: A Five Film and The Other Sister.

I did a little bit more weeding with the weeding tablet today.

I have been cleaning off my desk.  I have been sorting through papers, filing things, and giving away a few extra things that have been sitting around.  There are some things which I have to look at again like shelf signage.

I did not a chance to watch the Novelist webinar today.  I will watch it tomorrow from the archive.

We received some postcards and bookmarks from the Libraries Transform Campaign. http://www.ilovelibraries.org/librariestransform/  I have been posting the JPEGs from the website to Facebook.

There is a Beginning Microsoft Excel class tonight from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Web Bits


In Solidarity: Standing WIth UK Libraries: Editorial

Creative Commons (CC) Certificate for Libraries

National Library Week How ALA's annual Advocacy Event Got Started

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Daily Thoughts 04/13/2016

File:P.S. Krøyer - Roses. Marie Krøyer seated in the deckchair in the garden by Mrs Bendsen's house - Google Art Project.jpg
Peder Severin Kroyer, Roses.  Marie Kroyer seated in the deck chair in the garden by Mrs. Bendsen's House. (1893)

Daily Thoughts 04/13/2016

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

On the way to work, I read some more of Grit.  I am reading about how practice has a very powerful effect.  It improves both talent and skills.  It reminds me of the idea that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to master a new skill.

I put in an order of books to Brodart today focused on healthy cooking.  Based on our circulation statistics in Report Station, healthy cooking books focusing on subjects like the ketogenic diet, anti-inflammatory diet,  vegetarianism, and gluten free cooking are very popular.  Also books on juicing and healthy smoothies are popular as well.

I checked the gift books and the displays.  I also printed up a few flyers and did a report in Report Station for a list of all the children's dvds.

I spent some time working with the weeding tablet.  I like that it is very easy to identify missing items. I am checking the religious section right now.

I spent some time working on scheduling as well today.

I read a copy of Publishers Weekly and checked through some prepub alerts for forthcoming books.

Web Bits


Talk To Your Librarian How To Realize Your Libraries Future

Librarianship Across Borders The Value of Connecting

Inside Rome's Enlightenment Library


Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Daily Thoughts 04/12/2016

Portrait of a Physician in His Library.jpg
Portrait of a Physician In His Library, Cornelis Janssens Van Ceulen, 1636

Daily Thoughts 04/12/2016

I checked the Twitter and Facebook for the library this morning.

On the way to work, I read some more of Originals.  I am reading about solutions to groupthink and how to make dissent palatable.

I checked the gift books and the displays.

I read the latest copy of the New York Times Book Review.

I finished writing my monthly report for April 2016.

Emotional Wellness Week is on May 1- May 7, 2016.

There is a jazz concert today from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the community room.

I spent some time learning how to use the weeding tablet set up by the Westchester Library System.  It is quite easy to use.  Marking items as missing is very easy.  We went both upstairs and downstairs to figure out how the tablet worked.  I have the tablet until May 10, 2016.  There are currently three tablets available by appointment through the Westchester Library System.  It works by setting a date and time based on circulation to check the collection.

Right now, I am in the computer lab.

I am spending some time working with the time sheet system.

On the way home, I finished readings Originals How Non-Conformists Move the World by Adam Grant.  This book combines inspiration with business.  There is a special section called Actions for Impact which outlines all the different actions suggested in each chapter.  It is the best part of the book.  The book has an index and references.  There were some parts of the book, I found a little odd.  For example, he uses Martin Luther King Jr. to illustrate some points on business as well as the activist, Srdja Popovic.  Both examples seemed to be out of context.  Adam Grant also sometimes attaches numbers to things which seem qualitative.

Web Bits


Why we're Occupying The Carnegie Library in London-- United Kingdom

Why Do Cats Love Bookstores?

Showcasing Libraries' Value During National Library Week and Beyond

Chinatown Library Branch Wins Award

Monday, April 11, 2016

Daily Thoughts 04/11/2016

File:Sebastian Stoskopff ( 1597-1657 ), Still-life with books and bronze statue, Louvre.jpg
Sebastian Stoskopf (1597-1657), Still-Life With Books and Bronze Statue, Louvre

Daily Thoughts 04/11/2016

I checked the library Twitter and Facebok.

I worked a bit on scheduling today.

I am reading about Jon Land the founder of Kodak.  Adam Grant in Originals is describing how Jon Land created an innovative company, then failed to adjust to digital cameras, claiming people would always want photographic prints.

I fiddled around in Reports Station and figured out a few things.

I got a haircut earlier today and played a few video games in the afternoon.

Web Bits

2016 State of America's Library Report

Library Social Worker Helps Homeless Seeking Quiet Refuge

Library Week Chairman Known for Graphic Novels


Sunday, April 10, 2016

Daily Thoughts 04/10/2016

File:Lenoir, Charles-Amable - The Novel crop.jpg
The Novel, Lenoir, Charles-Amable, before 1902

Daily Thoughts 04/10/2016

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I read a few of the Alien Omnibus Editions from Darkhorse Comics which are available on Hoopla Digital.  A little science fiction.  I always wondered if the eggs are parasites, then they can only produce as many aliens as there are humans available.  Somehow, there are always more aliens than humans.  It is one of the puzzles of the series.

I read a little bit more of Grit today.  I am reading about how talent can be overrated and not account for a persons perseverance or grit.

I also read a little bit more of Originals.  There is a little bit on mentoring and how it helps people choose their career paths.


Web Bits


Thousands Turn Out for Library Protest March After Building Occupied-- United Kingdom

Canva for Work Free for Libraries

Saturday, April 9, 2016

Daily Thoughts 04/09/2016

MaryWollstonecraft.jpg
Mary Wollstonecraft, by John Opie, 1790-1791

Daily Thoughts 04/09/2016

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook today.

I watched a 2013 PBS special today on Hoopla Digital called The Distracted Mind which covered multitasking, distraction, and memory.

I also read some more of Originals by Adam Grant.  Adam Grant describes how procrastination can lead to more creative results.  He also discusses how birth order can affect how people behave.  People born later in birth orders tend to take more risks.

I started reading Grit the Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Ducksworth.  This book is about perseverance; the ability to finish what you start, stick with things, and overcome obstacles.  The author is a psychologist who creates tests to measure these qualities.  The book is an advanced readers edition.  It is due out in May of 2016.


Web Bits

George Orwell's Jail Time Confirmed by Unseen Court Records
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/dec/04/george-orwell-jail-time-unseen-court-records
Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell was an excellent read.


Millenials Read More Books Than People Over 30

National Library Week Celebrates Libraries Transformations That Help Build Stronger Communities
Protesters Occupying Carnegie Library Face Eviction Today-- United Kingdom

Friday, April 8, 2016

Daily Thoughts 04/08/2016

Index
The Owl For Sale Here, by Elisha Bird Brown, 1896

Daily Thoughts 04/08/2016

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I checked the gift books and the displays this morning.

On the way to work, I read some more of Originals.  I am reading about how it is often easier to ally with people who have different viewpoints than your own because similar, but slightly different viewpoints can lead to conflicts over doctrine and beliefs.

I spent time going over time sheets and discussing sick time with staff.  I am also arranging my holiday schedule for the year.

I have been talking with people about statistics.

I checked the New York Times Bestseller List and the Publishers Weekly Bestseller List.

I spent a little time looking at Grants Station with a person who reports to me.  He turned in a short list of places to get grants today.

I read a graphic novel by Bryan Talbot who is both the author and illustrator of Grandville.  It is the fourth novel in the series.  Inspector Lebrock is an anthropomorphic badger.  In this story, humans are called doughfaces.  He faces a devious religious figure represented as a unicorn who is developing a fascistic religion.  I rather like the illustration in this series.  I read it on Hoopla Digital.

The series has been nominated for both a Hugo Award for science fiction and an Eisner Award for comics.  I am starting on the third book in the series Bete Noir.  The artwork is interesting because it mixes steampunk, automatons, art nouveau, and anthropomorphic animals.

There are also elements of Sherlock Holmes and Jules Verne in the storytelling.

Web Bits


My Love Hate Relationship with 3D Printers In LIbraries

Libraries and Learning -- Pew Report
http://www.pewinternet.org/2016/04/07/libraries-and-learning/

Inflatable Space

Space X Launches Futurists Pop-up Room, Lands Rocket at Sea
https://www.yahoo.com/news/spacex-back-delivery-business-futuristic-pop-room-163254479.html?nhp=1
The first steps to a completely reuseable rocket.  I am looking forward to seeing an inflatable space station and a pop up moon dome in the near future.


Thursday, April 7, 2016

Daily Thoughts 04/07/2016

Doyeonmyeong aegukdo, Owon
Doyeonmyeong aegukdo painted by Owon-- Jang Seungeop (1843-1897), Korea

Daily Thoughts 04/07/2016

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook.

I read some more of Originals How Non-Conformists Move the World.  I am reading about when to speak up in favor of change and who is in proper position in the management hierarchy to speak up.

I checked the gift books and the displays this morning.

I also did a little bit of work with programming.

I spent some time working with weeding.

I took some time to organize my desk today.

Right now, I am in the computer lab.

There is a Beginning Microsoft Excel class tonight from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the computer lab.

I posted a few more things on Facebook and sent a few flyers out to our email list.

Web Bits


Open Libraries: Self Service Libraries the Danish Way

4 Lessons from the First All Digital Public Library in the US

The Post Snowden Digital Divide

Is the Library Card Dying?

Authors Support Occupation of South London Library in Protest of Closure


Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Daily Thoughts 04/06/2016


Public Library Cairo, Illinois 1917.jpg
Public Library, Cairo, Illinois, 1917


Daily Thoughts 04/06/2016

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.



Next Week April 10-16 is National Library Week
http://www.ala.org/conferencesevents/celebrationweeks/natlibraryweek



I read some more of Originals. I am reading about the failed Segway.   Adam Grant is writing about how it is important to generate lots of ideas in order to be recognized, not just one or two.


I checked the displays and the gift books. 


I spent some time weeding.


I am working on my monthly report for last month.  I have some statistics to gather.


I generated a report on what has circulated from our orders in the last 3 years.


I placed an order for military books.  There was an Ingram catalog for military titles in my email.


I have to start planning for summer reading.


Tonight, there is

Web Bits

A Homeless Person Enters The Library.  The Librarian Smiles.

BBC Digital Expert Tony Ageh Poached by New York Public Library

Incentives Spur Library's '1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Daily Thoughts 04/05/2016

The Traveling Library, Staten Island, from New York Public Library Digital Gallery

Daily Thoughts 04/05/2016

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook account.

I rested a bit on the way to work.

I checked the gift books and the displays for the library.

I read a copy of the New York Times Book Review and Library Journal.

I ordered some pre-publication titles for September.

I spent a little time working on weeding.

I read a copy of Times Literary Supplement and put out this months Bookpage.

I had my picture taken as part of an advocacy campaign.

There are two computer classes tonight. A  Fundamentals of Computers from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and a Beginning Microsoft Word class from 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

Web Bits


Facebook: The World’s Largest Bookstore



Paying Library Fines

It's Library Week April 10-16

Carnegie Library Occupation Enters Day 6 as Campaigners Raise Questions About the Lambeth /GLL Gym Connection -- United Kingdom

Everylibrary is a Political Action Committee for Libraries

Monday, April 4, 2016

Daily Thoughts 04/04/2016

Library Lamp. Indian Hookah design, Louis Comfort Tiffany
Library Lamp, Indian Hookah Design, 1910, Louis Comfort Tiffany

Daily Thoughts 04/04/2016

I checked the Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I also checked the displays and the gift books.

I am going to listen to a webinar on April 14, 2016

Webcast Yes You Can Readers Advisory for Everyone

https://www.ebscohost.com/novelist-the-latest/blog-article/webcast-yes-you-can-readers-advisory-for-everyone?utm_medium=email&utm_source=various_cp&utm_campaign=webcast_raeveryone_20160400&eis-cmp=NOVWEBINAR&eis-src=email&eis-type=website-novelist&eis-code=webcast_raeveryone_20160400

I went to the dentist today.  I also sent some announcements in Constant Contact and suggested a few places to send announcements.

I read some of Adam Grant Originals How Non-Conformists Move the World.  I am reading about Warby Parker which sells eyeglasses online.

I registered for another webcast, Emerging Technology Trends and the Library: The Future is Now, April 27, 2016 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time.
http://ideas.demco.com/webinar/emerging-library-technology-trends/?sp_rid=NzA3NjgzNjI4S0&sp_mid=51070728&spMailingID=51070728&spUserID=NzA3NjgzNjI4S0&spJobID=900463635&spReportId=OTAwNDYzNjM1S0


Web Bits
Prospect Research for the Nonresearcher-- Blackbaud
https://www.blackbaud.com/files/resources/downloads/WhitePaper_ProspectResearchForTheNonResearcher.pdf