Monday, April 30, 2018

Daily Thoughts 04/30/2018

File:'Woman Reading a Letter' painting by Katsushika Hokusai, Cincinnati Art Museum.JPG

Woman Reading a Letter' painting by Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849), Cincinnati Art Museum


Daily Thoughts 04/30/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

On the way to work, I read some more of habeas data.  I am reading about thermal imaging technology which lets people look inside houses.

I checked the displays and the gift books this morning.

I also placed two orders for books today.  I also checked on two orders.

Right now, I am in the computer lab.

I spent some more time working on the Mount Vernon Arts Initiative for Arts Westchester today.

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

I placed a hold on The Space Barons, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and the Quest to Colonize the Cosmos by Christian Davenport.

There is a Fundamentals of Computers Class and a Beginning Microsoft Word class tonight.

Also, the Intergenerational Board Games Night is from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

On the way home, I read a little more of habeas data.  I am reading about GPS, smart phones, and cell phones.  Smart phones are very easy to track.

Sunday, April 29, 2018

Daily Thoughts 04/29/2018

File:Brooklyn Museum - Girl Arranging Flowers - William McGregor Paxton - overall.jpg
Girl Arranging Flowers, William McGregor Paxton, Circa 1921

Daily Thoughts 04/29/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

Yesterday, my certificate for the Advanced Ecourse: Winning Support and Influencing Communities for Library Funding came in the mail.

I read some more of habeas data.  I am reading about how law enforcement used beepers to track cars, people, and objects.

I checked the purchase alerts tonight.

I also read a little bit of habeas data at the laundromat.  I read about license plate recognition software and police body cameras.

Web Bits


Libraries No Longer Just About Books

Once-Endangered Bookstores Are Booming Again

Saturday, April 28, 2018

Daily Thoughts 04/28/2018


Self Portrait Sketch Done By E.E. Cummings, 1920

Daily Thoughts 04/28/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

On the way to work, I read some more of the advanced reading copy of habeas data.  The book is starting to move into larger issues like metadata and how it can track groups of people.

I checked the displays and the gift books this morning.

I spent some more time working on the grant for Hispanic Heritage month.

I read two copies of Library Journal.

I spent a little time working on scheduling.

I checked out the manga, the life-changing manga of tidying up a magical story by marie kondo.  I have the read book.  I want to see what is different between the book and the manga.  I also checked out the book, Growing Up With the Impressionists The Diary of Julie Manet Tanslated and Edited by Jane Roberts.

Web Bits


Was This PAC Built to Raise Money for Their Officers While They Try to Defund the Library?

Why You Should be Taking Your Kids to the Library Regularly


Friday, April 27, 2018

Daily Thoughts 04/27/2018

Art and Literature, After William Bouguereau (French, La Rochelle 1825รข€“1905 La Rochelle), Lithograph
Art and Literature After William Bouguereau (French, La Rochelle 1825–1905 La Rochelle), George Barrie, 1882

Daily Thoughts 04/27/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

Where to Find Diverse Books
https://diversebooks.org/resources/where-to-find-diverse-books/

I checked the displays and the gift books this morning.

I finished reading Myths of Leadership Banish Misconceptions And Become A Great Leader by Jo Owen.  Jo Owen describes how there is not a single to path to leadership and that there is no single universal theory of leadership.  He challenges many of the traditional ideals of leadership like the "Great Man Theory" of leadership.  There is a clear attempt to show how ordinary people can lead, build trust, and share credit with people they work for. Jo Owen's main point is that leaders get people to do things they would not have tried to do on their own.  He describes a process of building a team, having other people cover your weaknesses, creating a vision, and facing future challenges.  This books brings leadership down to earth.

This afternoon is the last session for Ozobots from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the computer lab.

I am gathering some statistics for a report today.

I ordered boxes from Better World Books for the Mount Vernon Public Library Friends of the Library Book Sale.

I printed out some photo release forms so we could take pictures for the Ozobots class.

I read the New York Times Bestseller list and the Publishers Weekly Bestseller list today.

Web Bits


Library of Congress and Bibliotheque Nationale de France Announce Collaboration on International Digital Content

Senior at University of Utah Installs 'The Cry Closet' in Library for Finals Week

Thursday, April 26, 2018

Daily Thoughts 04/26/2018

File:John White Alexander - Samuel L. Clemens (Mark Twain) (1912 or 1913) - Google Art Project.jpg
Portrait of Mark Twain, John White Alexander, 1912 or 1913

Daily Thoughts 04/26/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

Last night, I read some more of Myths of Leadership.  I am reading about how it is important to hire people with skills you don't have so that they can do things for you.  There is also a reminder to hire people who are better than you.

I checked the displays and the gift books this morning.

I spent a little time working on scheduling for May.

I cleaned off my desk.

I worked a little bit more on a grant for Arts Westchester.

I gathered some statistics for a report.

I checked the patron requests for items to purchase.

I have to work on the June schedule tomorrow.

I read some more of Myths of Leadership on the way home.   There is a John Le Carre quote, "A desk is a dangerous place from which to view the world."  It is nice reminder that we need to walk around on occasion to see what is happening inside an organization.

Web Bits


Every Library Has a Story to Tell

7 Treasures from the Library of Congress Celebration of Leonard Bernstein

Can Art Lending Libraries Empower A New Generation of Collectors

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Daily Thoughts 04/25/2018


Portrait of Writer Anton Chekov, Isaac Levitan, 1886

Daily Thoughts 04/25/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

Last night, I read some more of Myths of Leadership.  I am reading about the importance of honesty and the courage to take risks.

I checked the displays and the gift books.

I did some more shifting in the oversize books.  I also spent a little time checking the oversize books.

I have a session of the Audre Lorde program tonight from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to go to.

I spent some time working on a grant from Arts Westchester.

I also spent some time working on scheduling for the next month.

Web Bits


Ready to Code Hacker Club Teaches Hacker Club CS and Mentoring Skills

IMLS Releases Annual Data on American Public Libraries

Peekskill's Field Library to Host Opiate Addiction Seminar

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Daily Thoughts 04/24/2018

Bertha Worms - Dama com revista.jpg
Bertha Worms, Dama Con Revista, 1908

Daily Thoughts 04/24/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I also read some more of Myths of Leadership.  I am reading about how it is better to communicate well than appear to be a great leader.  People need to be able to trust leadership and give input.

I checked the displays and the gift books this morning.

I also did some shifting in the oversize books.

We met briefly to discuss the Mount Vernon Local Author Fair which will be on Saturday, October 27.

I spent a little more time this afternoon working with the oversize books.

I also spent a little time in the computer lab.

There is a Fundamentals of Computers class tonight and a Beginning Microsoft Word class tonight.

Web Bits


MIT Media Lab Collaborates With Public Librarians

PBS Unveils The Great American Read’s 100 Most Loved Books

How Beautiful Design is Keeping Libraries Relevant in the Digital Era

Monday, April 23, 2018

Daily Thoughts 04/23/2018

File:Salomon Koninck 001.jpg
Salomon Koninck,  Der Eremit, 1643

Daily Thoughts 04/23/2018

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

I have been thinking a little bit about the trustee elections which are happening on May 8, 2018 for the Mount Vernon Public Library.
Save the Date, Library Budget Vote, May 8, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.


I am going to be taking the class, Politics and Partnerships in September and October 2018.

I read some more of Myths of Leadership today.  It had some ideas about how to convince people to take delegation.  It also described the importance of loyalty in the workpalce.

Sunday, April 22, 2018

Daily Thoughts 04/22/2018


File:Boston Public Library main staircase.jpg
Boston Public Library, Main Staircase, Historic American Building Survey, Work Prepared by US Government Employee

Daily Thoughts 04/22/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facbeook this morning.

I read some more of Myths of Leadership. Jo Owen reminds us we should not volunteer to do things which we don't like even if we are good at them because it can trap an employee in a position they don't like.  He also describes why it is important to keep learning.

I am following the Trustee Elections at Mount Vernon Public Library.

I started reading Niall Ferguson The Square and the Tower Networks of Power from the Freemasons to Facebook.  This book is about hierarchy versus networked power.

I checked the purchase alerts tonight.

Web Bits


Libraries Partner with Community Agencies to Help Fight Food Insecurity

Library of Congress brings America to life in LA photo show

Saturday, April 21, 2018

Daily Thoughts 04/21/2018

File:Charles Emmanuel Biset - Still life with Books, a Letter and a Tulip.jpg
Still life with Books, a Letter and a Tulip, Charles Emmanual Biset, (1633-- After 1693)

Daily Thoughts 04/21/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I read some of the book Myths of Leadership Banish Misconceptions And Become A Great Leader. by Jo Owen.  The basic idea of leadership in this book is that the leader takes people to places where they would not have gone by themselves. Another idea which comes up is that Asia is increasingly becoming involved in leadership.  They know a lot about Western business practices, but we do not know a lot about Asian business practices.

I have an ordering project which I am doing using Bluecloud Analytics.


Web Bits


Local Public Libraries to Celebrate First Class of Graduates To Receive Diploma Through Online Program.

For Libraries, It Was a Good Week on Capitol Hill

A Prescription for Graphic Medicine

Friday, April 20, 2018

Daily Thoughts 04/20/2018

Mudie's interior.jpg

Sketch of the Interior of Mudie's Lending Library, 509. 510, and 511 New Oxford Street, 1880

Daily Thoughts 04/20/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

Last night, I read some more of habeas data.  I am reading about a terrorism case where the government asked for Apple computers to create a backdoor to hack into an iPhone.  The book mentions people like Edward Snowden and the Electronic Frontier Foundation who commented on the case.

I checked the displays and the gift books this morning.  We did more shifting with the oversize book.  We also did some more checking of the oversize books.

I looked over some of my old list of donor leads.

I spent some time covering the computer lab today.

I checked out two books, The Square and the Tower Networks and Power from the Freemasons to Facebook by Niall Ferguson and Myths of Leadership Banish the Misconceptions And Become a Great Leader by Jo Owen.

I asked a few questions on Facebook, one about robotic board games and one about robot kits.  I am hoping for some interesting answers.

Web Bits


The 6 Most Beautiful New Libraries in the US

Thursday, April 19, 2018

Daily Thoughts 04/19/2018

Honoring the Three Gods of Poetry: Women Composing Poems, Chร…bunsai Eishi (Japanese, 1756รข€“1829), Triptych of polychrome woodblock prints; ink and color on paper, Japan

Honoring the Three Gods of Poetry: Women Composing Poems Chลbunsai Eishi (Japanese, 1756–1829) circa 1792

Daily Thoughts 04/19/2018

I checked the Twitter and Facebook for the library.

I read a little bit of an Advanced Reading Copy of habeas data Privacy Vs. the Rise of Surveillance Tech by Cyrus Farivar.  This is published by Melville House.  It will be released in May.  One of the first subjects written about of course is the telephone and wiretapping.

I checked the gift books and the displays.

I also shifted some of the oversize books and checked some of them.

Tonight is the Open House at the Mount Vernon Public Library at 6:00 p.m.

I am also working on scheduling programming for the coming month.  We have some very interesting programming coming up including a screening of the movie Resilience with a discussion afterward.
https://kpjrfilms.co/resilience/

I spent some time discussing the monthly calendar with a colleague.  The library closed today at 2:00 p.m.  I assigned some people to shift in the oversize books.  I also am having one of the clerks who works in the Electronic Resources check the oversize.  The library is getting ready for the open house tonight.

I got a step increase in salary as a civil servant.  It feels like a solid acknowledgement that I am now a Librarian III.

Web Bits


Story Time from Space

The Data Is Clear It Is Time to Move Beyond Storytelling for Library Advocacy

The Marrakesh Treaty and Why it is Important to Library Advocates

One Woman Studied A Million Photos at the Library of Congress



Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Daily Thoughts 04/18/2018

File:Four women composing poetry, possibly as a competition, next to a screen with painting of cranes LCCN2008660791.jpg
Title: Four women composing poetry, possibly as a competition, next to a screen with painting of cranes Abstract/medium: 1 print : woodcut, color ; 38.5 x 25.5 cm.1791

Daily Thoughts 04/18/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

On the way to work, I finished reading Natural Causes An Epidemic of Wellness, The Certainty of Dying, and Our Illusion of Control by Barbara Ehrenreich.  The last part is about aging and how to live successfully at the end of your life.  It also cover how to die at the end.  There is some commentary about how some people in silicon valley want to live forever.  There is a lot of dark humor in this book.  I liked reading it.

I checked the displays and the gift books in the morning.

I spent a little more time working on the oversize books.

We had three programs in the evening.  The first was our Ozobots program.  Ozobots are small robots which can be programmed to move and light up with colored markers.  You draw lines and the Ozobots follow the lines.  They also can be programmed to move in patterns from a computer or tablet.  They are fun to play with.  We had over twenty tweens who were interested in them. The program ran from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

There was also a HTML 5 and CSS 3 class in the evening from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

We had an assistant professor of literature, Mariel Rodney, lead a discussion Audre Lorde from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m..  We were discussing essays from Sister Outsider Essays and Speeches by Audre Lorde.  The essay which we are going to discuss next time is The Masters Tools Will Never Dismantle the Masters House.

It was a very busy day.

Web Bits


Papers of Benjamin Franklin Now Online



Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Daily Thoughts 04/17/2018

E Phillips Fox - A Love Story, 1903.jpg
E Phillips Fox, A Love Story, 1902

Daily Thoughts 04/17/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I rested on the way to work.

I checked the displays and the gift books.

I spent some time getting a standing order for the New York Times bestseller list setup.

I placed a few orders for books.  I also read a copy of the New York Times Book Review and two copies of Publishers Weekly.

I am in the computer lab right now.

The crochet group is meeting today from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

I read some more of Natural Causes by Barbara Ehrenreich.  I am reading about the concept of the harmonious body versus the body overtaken by cancer or viruses.

I also read another essay in Sister Outsider Essays and Speeches by Audre Lorde, called Notes From A Trip to Russia.

There was a Fundamentals of Computers Class and a Beginning Microsoft Word Class tonight.

Tomorrow there are two events, an Ozobot class in the computer lab for tweens, and a discussion group on Audre Lorde.  It has been very busy.

Monday, April 16, 2018

Daily Thoughts 04/16/2018


The Picture Book, Eastman, Johnson, 1855

Daily Thoughts 04/16/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I read some more of Natural Causes.  Barbara Ehrenreich is describing corporate mindfulness where the objective is to destress.  She successfully describes how meditation in the corporate setting can be ridiculous.

I checked the gift books and the displays.  I also did some shifting in the oversize books.  The power was out.  Con Edison was working on the power after a torrential rainfall.  We went home at noon.

I did a little bit of scheduling when I got home.

Web Bits


News: NILPPA Update: The Wide and Wild World Of Library Programming

News: NILPPA Update: What Skills Make for Good Library Programming

News: NILPPA Update: How Do We Learn to Run Library Programs?

Sunday, April 15, 2018

Daily Thoughts 04/15/2018

File:Fei Yigeng - Lady Writing Poetry - Walters 35101F.jpg
Fei Yigeng, Lady Writing Poetry, Between 1860 and 1880

Daily Thoughts 04/15/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

Last night, I started reading Natural Causes An Epidemic of Wellness, The Certainty of Dying, and the Illusions of Control by Barbara Ehrenreich.

I read two of the essays in Sister Outside Essays and Speeches by Audre Lorde.  This is one of the books being read for the discussion series Litanies for Survive: Audre Lorde's Revolutionary Practice of Love A Four Part Reading and Discussion Program.  The essays were Poetry Is Not A Luxury and The Transformation of Silence Into Language and Action.

I read some more of Natural Causes at the laundromat.  I am reading about the rituals of going to the doctors office.

I checked the purchase alerts for items on hold today.

Web Bits


Why You Should Be taking Your Kids to the Library Regularly

A new strategy for reducing suspensions among kids who flock to the library after school

Future Trends for Libraries

Saturday, April 14, 2018

Daily Thoughts 04/14/2018

File:Laura Theresa Alma-Tadema - World of dreams (1876).jpg
Laura Theresa Alma-Tadema, World of Dreams, 1876

Daily Thoughts 04/14/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I checked the displays and the gift books when I came in to work.

I spent some time checking the oversize books.  I also did shifting in the oversize section.

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

I took a look at the April Bookpage.

Our Adult Literacy and Spanish Library had a conversion group for Language Learners from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m..  This was followed by a colleague doing a collage program at 12:30 p.m.

I finished reading Enlightenment Now The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress by Steven Pinker. The last part of the book is an argument for humanism over religion.  I thought the book was excellent until the end where Steven Pinker criticizes religion as being irrational.  I found the arguments for science, humanism, reason, and progress to be convincing.  They were backed up by lots of facts.  The end of the book includes extensive notes, references, and index.  The book has a positive message about how violence, crime, war, hunger, and hatred have been reduced over time. It makes a good case for the advantages of the philosophy of the western enlightenment.

Urban Librarians Unite Conference—Library Revolution 04/13/2018

At 9:00 a.m., the conference had check in with coffee and pastries.
The first speaker was Jim Neal, president of the American Library Association.  He spoke about building solidarity inside the profession.  There was also an award given to Urban Libraians Unite.
This was followed by the Assistant Director of the Brooklyn Public  Library who thanked everyone for coming.

I am going to point some highlights of the panels which I attended.  Not everything, because having two or three good ideas in a presentation is enough.

The Keynote Spoker was Jessamyn West who talked about community engagement.  She provided a list of community engagement tools at http://librarian.net/talks/engage  this includes a summary of the keynote speech.

The first panel I attended was from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Librarians for All: Preparing Staff to Work With  Individuals From Diverse Backgrounds.

The panelists referred to the American Library Association Office Diversity several times.  They also said that diversity should be in the library values.  Also, universal design works well because it is meant for everyone.

I had lunch with Carl Andrews who worked for Mount Vernon Public Library for a while.

The next panel was from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.  It Was Sustainable Thinking for the Future of Libraries.  New York Library Association has a Sustainability Certification. http://nyla.org/sustainability

The speakers described sustainability as a triple bottom line.
1      Environmentally sound.
2        Economically feasible
3         Socially equitable.

They also described how we were going  through a variety of changes with the climate and environment.
There was a quote which I liked from Alvin Toffler, “You’ve got to think big things while you do the small things.”
From 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.  I went to The Power of Reviews The Situation of Race in the Bookshelf.  This discussion spoke about how there were very few reviewers of colors.  Most of the publishing profession is white and female.  The 2040 Review was created to have a diverse review. https://www.2040review.com/

The speakers also described how the standard review magazines like Kirkus, Library Journal, and Booklist were all old established review magazines where people knew each other.

Three review sources for diverse children’s literature were mentioned,  Latinos Kid Lit https://latinosinkidlit.com/

American Indians in Children’s Literature

The Center for the Children’s Book which has a variety of Diversity Lists

I mentioned Mosaic  Literary Magazine and a few other things which I look at.

I also learned about the Diversity Baseline  Survey in 2016 in Publishing.
https://www.leeandlow.com/about-us/the-diversity-baseline-survey

I missed the library cake.  It was there and then gone.

Web Bits


New Group To Support Yonkers Public Library
https://www.lohud.com/story/news/local/westchester/yonkers/2018/04/10/new-group-support-yonkers-public-library/499982002/

Behind the Scenes Look at Cambridge's Oldest Library

Friday, April 13, 2018

Daily Thoughts 04/13/2018

File:Brooklyn Public Library LOC gsc.5a06136.jpg

Brooklyn Public Library (Ingersoll Memorial), Prospect Park Plaza, New York. General view from Park Plaza, January 13, 1941, This work is from Gottscho-Schleisner Collection at the Library of Congress, According to the Library there are no known copyright restrictions on the use of this work. Images in this collection have been placed in the public domain by the heirs of the photographers

Daily Thoughts 04/13/2018

This morning on the way to the conference, I read some more of Enlightenment Now.  I am almost done reading the book.  I am reading about science and reason and why they are an important component of the western enlightenment.

The night before, I finished reading Monet Itinerant of Light by Salva Rubio and Ricard Efa.  I found the story of Monet's life to be tragic.  It was a hard life that ended well.  The graphic novel has a painted quality to it.  In the back of the book there are is a systematic description of how the graphic novelist took many of Monet's paintings and used them as images inside the graphic novel.  This gives the graphic novel a feeling similar to a long impressionist painting.  It is a very beautiful and interesting book to look at.  The book is an oversize, quarto book.

I went to the Urban Librarians Unite conference today in Brooklyn.  The theme was Library Revolution.  Things have become very gentrified since the last time I was in Prospect Park.  There are a lot of little restaurants and stores that are very nice around the library.

I picked up a hat that said Make Publishing Great Again from Melville House publishers.

I have to sit down and write about the conference.  I am going to turn my visit into a report tomorrow.

I met with a few people from the conference.  I had a rather nice lunch with a colleague who is an academic librarian working on becoming tenured.  It sounds like a much different, much harder world to be in.  He has written five academic journal articles in preparation for applying for tenure.

It takes time to write these kinds of summaries.  There is quite a bit to look at and think about.

I picked up a copy of a galley for habeas data Privacy vs. the rise of Surveillance Tech by Cyrus Farivar.

I will write up my summary on the way to work tomorrow.

Web Bits


Library of Congress to Collect Every e-book

Libraries Offer Many Services, But Reading Is Foundational

House Committee Approves FDLP Modernization Act

Thursday, April 12, 2018

Daily Thoughts 04/12/2018

Lucrezia as Poetry by Salvator Rosa.jpg
Lucrezia as Poetry, Salvator Rosa, Between 1640 and 1641

Daily Thoughts 04/12/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

Last night, I read a little bit more of Enlightenment Now.  I am reading about the meaning of progress.

I checked the gift books and the displays this morning.

I also spent some more time working on the oversize books.

I read through two copies of the New York Times Book Review, and a copy of Booklist.  I also started on putting in my orders for next week.

There is a new Mount Vernon Arts Initiative grant which I am working on today as well.

I spent some time shifting books in the oversize section.

There is an Intermediate Microsoft Word class in the computer lab today from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

I am looking at the graphic novel, Monet Itinerant of Light written by Salva Rubio and painted by Richard Efa.  This is a biography of Monet.  The book is printed by NBM graphic novels.

Web Bits


Books VS Cigarettes

KCT Credit Union Branch Coming to Elgin Library
This is the first time I have seen a financial institution inside a library.


Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Daily Thoughts 04/11/2018

Portrait of Keats, listening to a nightingale on Hampstead Heath.jpg
Portrait of Keats Listening to a Nightingale on Hampstead Heath, 1845

Daily Thoughts 04/11/2018

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

I read some more of Enlightenment Now on the train to work.  I am reading about extinction events like major plagues, nuclear war, and an artificial intelligence takeover of humanity.

I met briefly with a representative from Reference USA to discuss their business database.  They also have a new product for libraries called Patron Link https://www.patronlink.com/

I spent some time checking the oversize books this morning.

I also read through a copy of the Times Literary Supplement.

There is an Audre Lorde program tonight in the community room.  We have all of Audre Lorde's books which came in from Humanities New York.  Mariel Rodney, an Assistant Professor of Literature from Pace University will be leading the discussion on Audre Lorde tonight from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Web Bits


The Strange Magic of Libraries

Libraries Ready to Code To Release Beta Toolkit at 2018 Conference

After Uproar, University of Texas Decides Not to Relocate Its Fine Arts Library

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Daily Thoughts 04/10/2018


Giuseppe Sacconi, Allegory of Poetry, 1789

Daily Thoughts 04/10/2018

I rested on the train to work.

I checked the Twitter and Facebook at the library.

I checked the gift books and the displays this morning.

This month is National Poetry Month.

I placed on several copies of Want Not by Jonathan Miles for our next book club.

I put in two orders for new books this afternoon.

I have a pile of periodicals which I have not gotten to yet.

The Crochet Group met today from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

I spent some time working on the scheduling for the last couple of weeks.  I am putting several full time salaried people into the schedule now.

I worked on the oversize books today.

There is a Fundamentals of Computers Class and a Beginning Microsoft Word Class from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. tonight.

I put some poetry books on display including a few by Audre Lorde.

On the way home, I read some more of Enlightenment Now.  I am reading about how more people are seeking after happiness.

Web Bits

The State of America's Libraries 2018
https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/state-of-americas-libraries-2018/

How Libraries Are Reinventing Themselves to Fight Fake News
https://www.forbes.com/sites/ryanholmes/2018/04/10/how-libraries-are-reinventing-themselves-to-fight-fake-news/#375ea2c0fd16

Andrew Carnegie Built 1700 Public Libraries But Some Towns Refused Steel Barons Money
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/retropolis/wp/2018/04/09/andrew-carnegie-built-1700-public-libraries-but-some-towns-refused-the-steel-barons-money/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.8caf964e2ab2

Monday, April 9, 2018

Daily Thoughts 04/09/2018


Daily Thoughts 04/09/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I thought this was interesting.
Magic  the Gathering Club Kit

https://magic.wizards.com/en/content/magic-club-support-program

Web Bits


Senate Appropriation Letter Campaign Ends Soon

What Skills Make for Good Library Programming?

Sunday, April 8, 2018

Daily Thoughts 04/08/2018


Daily Thoughts 04/08/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I finally got all the information I need to write my monthly report.

I read some more of Enlightenment Now.  I am reading about the Flynn Effect which says that intelligence measured by IQ has steadily increased since when the tests first started because of better education, healthcare, nutrition, and more stimulating environments.  There has been a general improvement over time in peoples intelligence.

Web Bits


Copeland Supports National Library Week

Seattle and King County Library Systems Rank at Top of Global Digital Lenders As Growth Continues

Saturday, April 7, 2018

Daily Thoughts 04/07/2018


The Cruise of the Dazzler, Jack London, 1902

Daily Thoughts 04/07/2018

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

I also checked the New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists.

Web Bits


The Memory Lab Technology In Focus

A New Generation of African American Owned Bookstores

Mahogany Books has an excellent set of selections online.

Adding Apps Technology In Focus

Celebrate National Library Week, 2018!

Friday, April 6, 2018

Daily Thoughts 04/06/2018

Grandjean de Montigny - Biblioteca Imperial (Rio de Janeiro, RJ).jpg
Grandjean de Montigny - Biblioteca Imperial (Rio de Janeiro, RJ), 1840

Daily Thoughts 04/06/2018

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

I finished reading The Common Good by Robert B. Reich today.  The last part was on civic virtue and civic education for young people.  People need to understand their government better.  This book is quite liberal.  It argues against  corruption and has a strong anti Donald Trump message.

I read some more of Enlightenment Now.  I am reading about how there are more equal rights for women, minorities, and homosexuals in most places in the world.  There is a trend towards greater equality with each generation.

Web Bits


Making Spaces On Capitol Hill During National Library Week
https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/making-space-for-libraries-on-capitol-hill-during-national-library-week/

Libraries Transform 2 Year Report

Join Libraries Transform

Mount Vernon Public Library joined Libraries Transform two years ago.

Everyday Advocacy Has Lots to Offer


Thursday, April 5, 2018

Daily Thoughts 04/05/2018


Paul Cezanne, Portrait of Gustave Geoffrey, 1895

Daily Thoughts 04/05/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

They had active shooter training today at the Mount Vernon Public Library.  It was in the news.  I am on vacation so I wasn't there.  There is a video.


Library Staff Trains For Active Shooter-- Mount Vernon Public Library


I took a break from reading yesterday.

I read some more of Enlightenment Now this morning.  I am reading about the trend internationally towards greater democratic governance.

I also read a little bit more of The Common Good.  Robert Reich is describing the increasing acrimony between the Republican and Democratic parties.  People are continuing to attack candidates even if they have lost an election.

Web Bits


America faces a 'Crisis in Trust'-- Librarians Can Help Fix It

The Fortress of Solitude as a Kryptonian Library

New Rochelle: "Save Our Library" Petition Gains Traction


As Used Bookstores In Idaho Close, Library Friends Take Up the Slack

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Daily Thoughts 04/04/2018


Daily Thoughts 04/04/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I also checked on some programming.

Web Bits


Are You Pregnant? Can I Have Some Creamer?  And Other Questions I Get at the Library.

Love and Rockets' Jaime Hernandez Creates Graphic Novels for Kids

The Library Lifecycle

Designing A Public Library For and WIth Families

Free Webinar: Advice from Former Congressional Staffers: How to Conduct a Successful Capitol Hill Meeting

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

Daily Thoughts 04/03/2018


Sulking, Edgar Degas, 1870

Daily Thoughts 04/03/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

Yesterday was the last day for the Advanced Ecourse Winning Support and Influencing Communities for Library Funding.

I read some more of The Common Good.  I am reading about the moral authority of the president of the United States.

I also read some more of Enlightenment Now.  I am reading about how safety has been improved for fires, earthquakes, lightning and other natural disasters.  The author shows how it is easier to die in a traffic accident than by terrorism or war.



Web Bits


Automatic Renewals Coming to Park Ridge Library Under New Catalog System

University Libraries Host Edible Books Competition With Lots of Puns

Bookless libraries: treasures within the USDA plant collections

                                       

Monday, April 2, 2018

Daily Thoughts 04/02/2018

Book of the Dead of the Priest of Horus, Imhotep (Imuthes), Papyrus, ink

Book of the Dead of the Priest of Horus, Imhotep (Imuthes) Circa 332-200 B.C.


Daily Thoughts 04/02/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I read some more of Enlightenment Now.  I am reading about how the rate of murder and lawlessness has steadily decreased with centralized justice systems and police forces around the world.

I also read some more of The Common Good by Robert B. Reich.  The steady dissolution of common values has been steadily destroying the middle class.

There is going to be Active Shooter training at the library from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 5, 2018.

Web Bits


Rutgers Professor Helps Library of Congress Retrieve Oldest Legible Torah

A Library Without Books Is Not a Library

Who doesn't read books in America?        

Sunday, April 1, 2018

Daily Thoughts 04/01/2018

File:Savings Are Like the Best Books Art.IWMPST16392.jpg
Unknown (artist), National Savings Committee (publisher/sponsor), James Haworth and Brother Ltd, London (printer), Her Majesty's Stationery Office (publisher/sponsor) between 1933 and 1945

Daily Thoughts 04/01/2018

I checked the library Facebook and Twitter this morning.

I checked the New York Times bestseller list and the Publishers Weekly bestseller list this morning.

I am reading some more of The Common Good.  I am reading about how changes have occurred in business politics which allow a winner take all at any cost philosophy.  In business, there is increasingly a belief that the only thing that matters is the bottom line profitability.  In politics it has become increasingly acceptable to use dirty tricks and negative advertising.

I also read some more of Enlightenment Now.  I am reading about how there is less war.  Part of this is that there are now more international laws which condemn warfare as well as a greater desire for commerce between nations.

I am watching The Hollywood Librarian A Look At Librarians Through Film done by the Media Education Foundation.  This film mixes the history and functions of librarians with short clips from films.  For example, they had a brief clip of the song Marian the Librarian from the film the Music Man and a clip from the film The Desk Set.  There are a lot of films clips i the movie.  It also gives examples of different function of librarians like children's librarianship and literacy. There are other examples of famous people like the writer John Steinbeck and the librarian, Nancy Perl.  It is an interesting film.  There is even discussion of fundraising and the place of the public sector for libraries.  This is a film on Kanopy.

Web Bits


Yes, Bookmobiles Are Still A Thing

At the library: Celebrate National Library Week In April