Friday, August 31, 2018

Daily Thoughts 08/31/2018

File:Rebecca Solomon-The Claim for Shelter.jpg
The Claim for Shelter, 1869, Rebecca Solomon

Daily Thoughts 08/31/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I read some more of Crash Override this morning.  I am reading about internet trolls.  There is also a description of some of the more hateful sites like 4chan and Stormfront.

I spent some more time working with Select Reads today.

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

I am thinking of how to write a grant for journaling and personal writing.

I spent a little time cleaning up my social media accounts and the reference email.  Things should be a little bit more organzied.

Web Bits


Why Do People Use Libraries?  Teens Share Their Ideas

The Book List:  What Do astronauts read on the international space station?

6 Must See Displays at New York Public Library's Rogers and Hammerstein Exhibit

Thursday, August 30, 2018

Daily Thoughts 08/30/2018

Cuneiform cylinder with inscription of Nebuchadnezzar II, describing the rebuilding of Ebabbar, the temple of the sun-god Shamash at Sippar, Clay, Babylonian

Cuneiform cylinder with inscription of Nebuchadnezzar II, describing the rebuilding of Ebabbar, the temple of the sun-god Shamash at Sippar, Neo-Babylonia circa 604-562 BC


Daily Thoughts 08/30/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I finished reading AIQ How People and Machines Are Smarter Together by Nick Polson and James Scott.  I read about Joe Dimaggio's hitting streak, predictions on contraceptive failure, and COMPAS which is an algorithm used to predict recidivism in sentencing.  The book was well written and easy to follow. It includes notes and an index at the end.

I spent a little more time working on Select Reads.

I watched several sessions of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy The Great Courses on Kanopy.

I am reading Crash Override How Gamergate (Nearly) Destroyed My Life, And How We Can Win the Fight Against Online Hate by Zoe Quinn.  There are plenty of internet trolls and disgruntled gamers in this book.

Web Bits


Downtown Seattle Public Library Installs Free Phones

Helping Authors Get Rights Back Through Termination Transfers

Humanoid Robot to Work as Part of Roanoke County Library Team

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Daily Thoughts 08/29/2018


Quodlibet, Cornelis Norbertus Gysbrechts, 1675

Daily Thoughts 08/29/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I read some more of AIQ last night.  I am reading about Florence Nightingale and her use of statistics to improve public health.

I watched Voter Perceptions of Libraries Getting From Awareness to Funding 2018.  It gave me a few ideas.  https://learn.webjunction.org/mod/page/view.php?id=2385

I also put together a short list of central library nonfiction titles.

I took some time to look at the Arts Alive Arts Westchester 2019 Grant Guidelines
https://artswestchester.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Arts-Alive-Guidelines-2019-FINAL-7.12.pdf
The library is applying for this.

Web Bits


University of Rhode Island Readies for 'First of Its Kind' Artificial Intelligence Lab

Washington State's First Library Kiosk

Seattle Library Installs Metalwork to Address Loitering


                                                                                          

Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Daily Thoughts 08/28/2018

Couple Seated, Woman Reading
Couple Seated, Woman Reading, 1843-1847, Robert Adamson

Daily Thoughts 08/28/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I am going to a pre-application workshop for a grant from Arts Westchester this morning at 9:30 a.m. in White Plains, New York.

I finished reading Meditation Is Not What You Think Mindfulness and Why It Is So Important by Jon Kabat-Zinn.  This is a book of thoughts on meditation.  It is philosophical in nature.  It is not a book on methodologies.  The content is fairly advanced.

I went to the Arts Alive Grant Workshop at Arts Westchester.  I am planning on applying for a community workshop with several sessions.  It would focus on personal writing and journaling.
Two of my colleagues were there.

I also put up some shelf signage for the fiction room with a colleague.

I read a copy of the Times Literary Supplement.

I am also talking to someone about doing a citizenship class.

There is a Fundamentals of Computers Class and a Beginning Microsoft Word 2013 Class tonight from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.


Web Bits

Dear Banned Author Letter Writing Campaign
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/dear-banned-author

Public Library Advocacy Reaching Your Key Supporter Segments
https://www.pscp.tv/w/1ZkKzNwmVZRKv

Voter Perceptions of Libraries Webinar

Monday, August 27, 2018

Daily Thoughts 08/27/2018


Covered Inkwell, Louis Comfort Tiffany, circa 1905

Daily Thoughts 08/27/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I read a little bit more of Meditation Is Not What You Think.  I am reading about meditation and A.D.D. and A.D.H.D.

I also read some more of AIQ.  I am reading about statistical natural language processing.

I checked the displays and the gift books.

I also worked on some orders of books.

I read the latest New York Times Book Review and the Times Literary Supplement.

I spent some time working on scheduling.

I also looked through a pile of back issues of Publishers Weekly.

There is a Fundamentals of Computers Class and a Beginning Microsoft Word 2013 class tonight in the computer lab from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.


Web Bits 


Visualizing the World at the Harvard Map Collection

Why Reading Books Should Be Your Priority, According to Science

The Huntington Library and the Value of International Research Communities

An American Photo Album, From the Library of Congress

Sunday, August 26, 2018

Daily Thoughts 08/26/2018


Title page of Journal des sçavans, No. 1 (published 1665)

Daily Thoughts 08/26/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I read some more of AIQ.  I am reading about Grace Hopper who invented compiling for computers making it possible for programming languages.

I read some more of Meditation Is Not What You Think.  I read a little bit about how hospitals were the place where MBSR Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction originated.

I downloaded an e-book from Totalboox to my phone, No Excuses Art Journaling by Gina Rossi Armfield.  It is a heavily illustrated book.  I flipped through it to see the images and pictures.

I did some work with scheduling today.

I also checked the purchase alerts for items on hold.


Saturday, August 25, 2018

Daily Thoughts 08/25/2018

Russians Reading and Writing, Utagawa Yoshikazu (Japanese, active ca. 1850–1870), Polychrome woodblock print; ink and color on paper, Japan
Russians Reading and Writing, Utagawa Yoshikazu (Japanese, active ca. 1850–1870), 1861

Daily Thoughts 08/25/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I looked through a few books on journaling last night.

I read some more of AIQ this morning.  I am reading about how hard it is to find a stock picker like Warren Buffett.

I also read a little bit more of Meditation Is Not What You Think.  I am reading about the importance of paying attention to your body.

I looked through the Rainbow Books list of nonfiction titles.  There are a lot of very interesting crafting and making books.

Web Bits


Senate Approves Federal Funds for Libraries

The Library of Congress Has a Splashy New Logo and People Are Pissed

How Two Thieves Stole Thousands of Prints from University Libraries



Friday, August 24, 2018

Daily Thoughts 08/24/2018

François Barraud Les pervenches.jpg
Francois Barraud, Les Pervenches, 1929?

Daily Thoughts 08/24/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I read some more of Meditation Is Not What You Think on the way to work.

I also read some more of AIQ.  I read about Bayes's Rules as well as self driving cars.

I checked the displays and the gift books today.

A colleague finished shifting the oversize area.  I also checked some more oversize books.  We now have some space to work on a teen computer area.  There are funds for laptops and computers for a teen area.

I helped the director with the construction grant a little bit.  We had to make some adjustments today for it.

I also put in an order of books focused on comics.  I read a few more back issues of Publishers Weekly today.  I also read the New York Times Bestseller list and the Publishers Weekly Bestseller list.

Today was extremely busy.  I also spent some time putting schedules into ADP.

On the way home, I read a little bit of Perspectives on Creative Journaling Journal It! by Jenny Doh.  I like the pictures in this book.  It is about artistic creativity with paint, lettering, and expressive thoughts.  I looked at the pictures more than the words.

Web Bits


Technology Hasn't Killed Public Libraries-- It Has Inspired Them To Transform and Stay Relevant

Bookmobiles That Break the Mold

Democratizing Tech Education at the Brooklyn Public Library


Thursday, August 23, 2018

Daily Thoughts 08/23/2018

Charles Dickens by Frith 1859 (2).jpg
Charles Dickens by Frith, 1859

Daily Thoughts 08/23/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I also spent some time looking at comic convention listings around Westchester county.  I also spent some time looking at Diamond Comic Distributors.

I read some more of Meditation Is Not What You Think.  I am reading about the concept of being present. 

I also read a little bit more of AIQ.  I read about the Netflix algorithm and how it sorts people by what kind of films they like as well as a little about pattern recognition.


Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Daily Thoughts 08/22/2018

Interior with a Man Writing on a Long Table, Anonymous, French, 16th century, Pen and brown ink, brush and gray and brown wash, over faint sketch in graphite
Interior With Man Writing on a Long Table, 16th Century, Anonymous

Daily Thoughts 08/22/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

Last night, I read some more of Meditation is Not What You Think.  I am reading about the concept of not doing which is about why not doing things is often more than important than doing things.

I read some more of AIQ.  I am reading about conditional probability.

I listened to a little bit more of Radical Abundance by Eric K. Drexler on Hoopla.
Web Bits


New York Public Library is turning the Instagram App Into an E-book Reader

Fitting Fitness Into Library Programs

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Daily Thoughts 08/21/2018


Writing Box With Illustrated Books, 19th Century

Daily Thoughts 08/21/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook today.

I started reading AIQ How People and Machines Are Smarter Together by Nick Polson and James Scott.

I also had a chance to watch Ready Player One on DVD which was a fantastic movie as well as A Wrinkle In Time.  The book, graphic novel, and movie are all well done for A Wrinkle In Time.

I finished reading Social Value Investing A Management Framework For Effective Partnerships by Howard W. Buffett and William B. Eimecke.  This is a book of management theory. I understood about half of it.  There was quite a bit that required some knowledge at the graduate level.  Despite this, I gained some better insite into how partnerships between business, government, and nonprofits can be improved.  The book covered numerous topics in management from investments to data to effective community relations.  There was a lot to learn in this book.

It also covered some very local material like the New York Fire Department and the Central Park Conservancy.  At the same it also covered international places like Afghanistan and Rio De Janeiro.  One of the things that made this book interesting is that it included some examples where things did not work as expected.

I think this would be an excellent book for nonprofit managers and philanthropists to read.  It shows what good government and management should be like for executives and managers.  It also shows how government, business, and nonprofits can work together.  This book has a positive approach for future partnerships.

I placed a hold on Crash Override: how Gamergate (nearly) Destroyed My Life and How We Can Win the Fight Against Online Hate by Zoe Quinn.


Web Bits


Design the Library of the Future Insights from the Helsinki Library
https://princh.com/design-the-library-of-the-future-insights-from-helsinki-central-library-oodi/?utm_source=Linkedin&utm_medium=organic#.W3wVFM5KiUk

2018 Hugo Awards Announced
https://www.booklistreader.com/2018/08/21/book-news/2018-hugo-awards-announced/

Advocating Before the Election
https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/library-advocacy-before-election/



Libraries and Artificial Intelligence

I spent a little time looking up some articles from online research databases.  It shows there is a little bit of coverage of artificial intelligence and libraries.  I used Academic Onefile and General Onefile as my search tools.  I also found a newspaper article in Infotrac Newsstand.

I just find this to be interesting.


This is an article about using chatbots for basic customer service and some basic reference.  It is meant to enhance reference services.
Introducing chatbots in libraries
Library Technology Reports. 49.8 (November-December 2013): p5+.

This is an article about discovery tools based on artificial intelligence at the Stanford University Library.  It is the second example of AI in university libraries that I have read about.  The first was the University of Rhode Island.
Artificial Intelligence Tools for Information Discovery
Online Searcher. 42.3 (May-June 2018): p31+.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2018 Information Today, Inc.

This pretty much supposes that libraries will be highly involved in digital education.  It also says that robots will become fairly common in libraries.  I think they will be used for both shelving and retrieval of material on a regular basis.
The future of academic librarianship: MOOCs and the robot revolution
Reference & User Services Quarterly. 55.2 (Winter 2015): p97+.

Libraries are introducing robots as a tool to generate interest in the library.
LIBRARY ROBOT TO MAKE PUBLIC DEBUT AT DENVER COMICCON
Indian eGov Newswire. (May 16, 2015): News:
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2015 SyndiGate Media Inc.

Robots are being used to do programs at different libraries.  The Mount Vernon Public Library is doing the Lets Build Robots program for tweens.  So far we have worked with Ozobots and Codrones.
Want a robot? Try the Chicago Public Library
Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL). (May 11, 2014): News: p13.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2014 Paddock Publications


Monday, August 20, 2018

Daily Thoughts 08/20/2018


Writing Box, Ferdinand Plitzer, 1715-1720

Daily Thoughts 08/20/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I read some more of Social Value Investing last night.  I read about Compstat which was used by the New York city police department track and reduce crime.  Similar systems which tracked emergencies were also introduced to to the fire department and emergency management systems in New York city.

I also read some more of Meditation is Not What You Think.  Jon Kabat Zinn often quotes poetry as part of the style of mindfulness he teaches.

I checked the displays and the gift books.

I also spent some time discussing the construction grant with the director.  It has to go in today.

I put in some orders for new books.  I also ordered some shelf sign holders.  I will be meeting with a colleague next Monday to go over signage for the shelves.

I spent some time checking the oversize books.

I am looking at the book AIQ How People and Machines Are Smarter Together by Nick Polson and James Scott.

I read a copy of the latest New York Times Book Reviews and several back issue copies of Publishers Weekly.

Web Bits

Libraries Discard Reference Books for More Room
https://www.lohud.com/story/news/local/westchester/yonkers/2018/08/20/libraries-discard-reference-books-extra-space-annoying-some/1021469002/

Welcoming the Refugee Best Practices to Help the Displaced

It's Not Just Books Anymore:  11 Tech Perks Available at Your Public Library

LESLIE CRISS: Beloved Pets Can Be Honorary Friends of Library Members


Sunday, August 19, 2018

Daily Thoughts 08/19/2018


Tik-Tok of Oz, L. Frank Baum, Illustrated by John R. Neill, 1914

Daily Thoughts 08/19/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I read some more of Social Value Investing.  I am learning about different kinds of investments which philanthropic organizations can create.  These range from grants to no interest loans to mission based investments.

I also read a little bit of Meditation Is Not What You Think.  Jon Kabat Zinn created the concept of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction.

I read a novelette called A Separate War by Joe Haldeman which is part of the Forever War series.

I checked the purchase alerts tonight.

Automation and Artificial Intelligence in Libraries.

I have compiled the various articles I have read on automation specifically focused on robotics and artificial in libraries.  There is a tremendous amount happening right now. These changes are not in the future.  They are spread out and occurring in the present.  They just have not reached most places yet.  These are my opinions and not necessarily facts.  I am not approaching this from a scholarly viewpoint.

While we cannot predict what will happen, we can pay attention to what is already happening.

My impression is that very soon there will be reductions in workforce size as people are replaced with technology.


There will be more automation of basic customer service.  This means less people will be needed at the reference desk and circulation.  There will be greater demands for readers advisory and other services.

AI and Intelligent Communications in Knowledge Management

This will include options for self-checkout of materials using RFID.
The Mount Vernon Public Library has two self-checkout machines purchased from Biblioteca. One is next to the adult circulation desk and one is next to the children's circulation desk.

Increasingly AI will become part of basic library operations.  This will include answering phones, and improved algorithms in the catalog to find things.  It will be part of the librarians job to work with AI and large amounts of data.  Some librarians will move into the area of big data.

There will be more complex analysis of library collections.  Systems like Bluecloud Analytics may be integrated with AI.

Reference sources will start to use AI as part of their data collection and writing of articles.

The Amazing Ways How Wikipedia Uses Artificial Intelligence

A New Home for AI: The Library

Does Artificial Intelligence Signal the End For Corporate Librarians  Q & A

Some of the Functions of a Librarian Including Categorizing Materials Will Increasingly Require Working with Algorithms.

Deep Learning Neural Network Learns to Judge Books By Their Cover

Also basic book retrieval will be done by robots with RFID to locate the material.  RFID seems to be an enabler for retrieval by robots and automated vending of library materials.  This is not something which I have read about in the profession.

High Tech Couriers Set Efficiency In Motion at National Library of Australia

Robotic Librarians Hit The Books

Some portions of the collections will be put in vending machines including physical DVDs and CDs.  These will be tagged with RFID technology.  This will allow small vending machines to be put outside the library in places like train stations.

In 2016-2017, the New York Construction Grant included money for a DVD vending device for the Mount Vernon Public Library.

RFID-Enabled Vending Machines Brings Automation, Security to Library Disk Loans

Many standard library jobs will be replaced by robotics.  The type of job that is in a library will change considerably.  People will come to the library for computer access, materials, downloadables, and learning.  The library will become more of a "third place."  a mix between a community center and a tech center with a heavy emphasis on learning. If we want to keep our jobs, we may have to recreate them to better match what communities want.

How Automation Could Impact the Public Workforce
According to this article there is a 99% chance that library technicians jobs could be fully computerized and a 95% chance that library assistants, clerks could be fully computerized.  This eliminates rote tasks.

Study Indicates Robots Could Replace 80% of Jobs

Librarian, "One of the 8 Jobs That Won't Exist", Debunked

There will be a greater focus on human interaction for librarians as well as communication and customer service.

The important Emotional Labor of Librarians Most People Never Think About




Saturday, August 18, 2018

Daily Thoughts 08/18/2018


The Tube Train, Cyril E. Power, 1934

Daily Thoughts 08/18/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I started reading Meditation Is Not What You Think Mindfulness and Why It Is So Important by Jon Kabat-Zinn.  I am reading the introduction.  There is a reminder that meditation is about paying attention.

I also read some more of Social Value Investing.  I am reading about portfolio theory.  I am also reading about how philanthropic investments have very long time scales.

I watched The 5 Love Languages with Gary Chapman on Hoopla Digital.  It is an hour long presentation.  It helped me understand what was in the book a little better.

I also spent a little time thinking about missing and damaged material.

Web Bits


A Dystopian Twist for Library E-books

Libraries Educate Today's Workforce for Tomorrow's Careers

Bozeman Resident Ready to Open Library Labyrinth to Honor Late Wife




Friday, August 17, 2018

Daily Thoughts 08/17/2018


Cover of the May 1949 issue of Fantastic Novels magazine. Fantastic Novels Volume 3 No. 1, May 1949 Cover art by Lawrence Sterne Stevens Edited by Mary Gnaedinger Contents: The Eye of Balamok - Victor Rousseau The Red Dust - Murray Leinster Devil Ritter - Max Brand

Daily Thoughts 08/17/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

Last night, I read some more of the Five Love Languages.  One of the central themes in this book is that it takes many more positive interactions than negative interactions to keep people happy.

I also read some more of Social Value Investing.  I am reading about Comunitas an organization in Brazil that focuses on best practices in government.

I checked the displays and the gift books this morning.

I spent more time working on the Library Construction Grant.  The head of maintenance took pictures of the areas which needed repairs.  It is an interesting process.

I spent some time working on scheduling.

I checked the New York Times Bestseller list and the Publishers Weekly Bestsller list.

Web Bits

Do children have a right to literacy?  Attorneys are testing that question.

AI and Intelligent Communications In Knowledge Management
Librarians are getting the automation treatment.

High Tech Robot Couriers Set Efficiency In Motion at the National Library of Australia



Thursday, August 16, 2018

Daily Thoughts 08/16/2018


The Comic Spirit, Rene Magritte, 1927

Daily Thoughts 08/16/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

Last night, I read some of  The 5 Love Languages The Secret to Love That Lasts by Gary Chapman.  This is a bestselling book on relationships and marriage.  This is the second time I am reading it.  It has a very positive message.

I am read some more of Social Value Investing last night as well.

I spent some time looking over our 2016-2017 New York State Library Construction Grant application.  I am looking at the application process right now.  I sat with several people last night and we discussed some improvements for the building.

I also looked at the 2017-2018 grant for library construction as well as the grant for elevator construction.  It is very different than progam oriented grants.

The book, Meditation Is Not What You Think Mindfulness and Why It Is So Important by Jon Kabat-Zinn has come in for me to read.

I checked the displays and the gift books.

I am reading a copy of Library Journal.

I spent some time looking at the Diamond Comics July 2018 Bestseller list for graphic novels.

I spent the last three hours working on a grant for Library Construction.  It is an interesting challenge.  I think the majority of it will be ready tomorrow.

There is an Introduction to Microsoft Powerpoint 2013 class tonight in the computer lab.

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Daily Thoughts 08/15/2018


Case for a Book, Leather, (Cuir Boilli), 15th Century

Daily Thoughts 08/15/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I finished reading Journal Me Organized The Complete Guide to Practical and Creative Planning by Rebecca Spooner.  The last sections are about how to decorate your journal with lettering, washi tape, paint, dividers, and other creative activities.  There is a nice section on generating collections of lists like personal growth, service, and meal plans.  This is a creative, crafty book on getting organized.

I checked the displays and the gift books.

I read through the latest Ingram Advance for September.

I checked some of the oversize books today.

I have to work with sam.gov today which is always challenging.  We spent some time discussing a construction grant for the library today.  It should hopefully improve several places in the building.

There is a Wordpress class tonight from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Web Bits


American Library Association Weighs in On Washington County LGBTQ Display Ban

Free Library of Philadelphia Culinary Literacy Center

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

Daily Thoughts 08/14/2018


Still Life with Statuette and Books, Samuel Peploe, 1923

Daily Thoughts 08/14/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I read some more of Social Value Investing.  I am reading about an agricultural project in Afghanistan.  What makes this project interesting is that they don't just grow food, they also preserve food, create stores, and form farmers cooperatives to make sure the food is properly distributed and there are economic improvements.

I was at the Westchester Library System this morning discussing electronic resources with the Public Library Directors Association at the request of the director, Evania Thompson.  It was interesting.  We were discussing Mount Vernon Public Library's role for reference and as a library with a mezzanine.

I checked the displays and the gift books.

Right now, I am in the computer lab.

I spent a little time looking at the schedules.

I spent some time discussing programming with a colleague.

I also checked some oversize books.

There is a Fundamentals of Computers Class and a Beginning Microsoft Word 2013 class tonight in the computer lab.

Web Bits


At Boston Public Library, Art and Architecture Tours Really Stack Up

New York Public Library Is Now Lending Out Ties and Other Accessories for Job Interviews

New Educator Event at Sonoma Library

New Orleans Opens Last of 6 Libraries Destroyed By Katrina

Monday, August 13, 2018

Daily Thoughts 08/13/2018

File:A part of the "Chicago Great Western Limited" daily between Chicago-Dubuque-St. Paul-Minneapolis. LCCN2012649440.jpg
A part of the "Chicago Great Western Limited" daily between Chicago--Dubuque--St. Paul--Minneapolis. Abstract/medium: 1 photomechanical print : halftone, color.1899

Daily Thoughts 08/13/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I read some more of Social Value Investing.  I am reading about creating economic stability in Afghantistan.

I also read some more of Journal Me Organized, I am reading work planning, meal planning, and student planning.

I checked the gift books and the displays.

I spent a little time in the computer lab.

I also checked on scheduling.

I am going to an electronic resources meeting tomorrow.

I met a colleague and she showed me some sample signage which is going to go before the buildings committee.

I spent some time working on the oversize books.

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

There is a Fundamentals of Computers Class and a Beginning Microsoft Word 2013 class tonight.


Sunday, August 12, 2018

Daily Thoughts 08/12/2018


File:Writing box MET DP232236.jpg
Writing Box, British, Birmingham, Warwickshire; Writing Box; Enamels- Painted 1760-1770  

Daily Thoughts 08/12/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I also spent some more time looking at electronic resources.

I bought an external hard drive and I have been transferring documents to it.

I read some more of Social Value Investing.  I am reading about how different kinds of leadership and organizations bring different advantages to the table.

I also read a little bit more of Journal Me Organized.  I am reading about different structures for organizing journals like shopping lists, mood lists, weekly, monthly, and quarterly calendars, future logs, calendexes, and other tools.

I checked the purchase alerts today.

Web Bits


Why Public Libraries Are Still Essential in 2018

New Gainesville Hybrid Library and Social Services Center Opens

massimo listri docucments the 'world's most beautiful libraries

Saturday, August 11, 2018

Daily Thoughts 08/11/2018

File:Pu Hua - Reading Books in a Cave, after Wu Zhen - 2001.140.4 - Yale University Art Gallery.jpg
Pu Hua (1834-1911) : Reading Books In a Cave: After Wu Zhen

Daily Thoughts 08/11/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I have been looking at a variety of electronic resources and reviewing some of our databases and thinking of what we might need.

Last night, I read some more of Journal Me Organized.  I read about how a bullet journal is created which has an index, daily, weekly, and monthly planner.

I also read a bit more of Social Value Investing.  I am reading about the Central Park Conservatory which is a nonprofit works with Central Park, and how the Friends of the High Line support the maintenance of High Line Park in Manhattan.


Web Bits


How this CEO Grew Her Business to Become the Largest Woman Owned Publisher in the US

Being A Victorian Librarian Was Oh-So-Dangerous

Friday, August 10, 2018

Daily Thoughts 08/10/2018

File:'Reading on a Boat' by Wen Zhengming, Ming dynasty, c. 1525, HMA.JPG
Reading on a Boat by Wen Zhengming (Wen Cheng-Ming), Ming dynasty, c. 1525, ink and color on gold paper, Honolulu Museum of Art, accession 8578.1

Daily Thoughts 08/10/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I read some more of Social Value Investing on the way to work.  I am reading about different kinds of partnerships and the benefits of forming partnerships between organizations.

I also read some more of Journal Me Organized.  I am reading about different ways to organize a journal.  Some of them are quite artistic.

I checked the displays and the gift books.

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

I am in the computer lab right now.

I spent some time looking at knick knacks for our raffle baskets for the Adult Summer Reading.  Things like magnetic book marks and LED book lights.

Web Bits


What Authors And Editors Wish They Could Say to One Another



Thursday, August 9, 2018

Daily Thoughts 08/09/2018



Aristotle, Francesco Hayez, 1811

Daily Thoughts 08/09/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I started reading Social Value Investing last night.  It is by Howard W. Buffett and William B. Eimecke.  Howard W. Buffett is the grandson of Warren Buffett.  Warren Buffett wrote an introduction to the book.  This book is about how to form partnerships between government, nonprofit organizations, and business.  The author is writing a framework for social value for supporting philanthrophy which pulls in both government and business.  It is an argument that many social problems require input from many different parts of society.  It takes some of the concepts in value investing and applies them to social problems.

I checked the displays and the gift books this morning.

I checked on the codrones which I ordered for a program.

I am also looking at a grant.

I checked on some lists which I plan on ordering from.

I checked out the book, Journal Me Organized The Complete Guide to Practical and Creative Planning by Rebecca Spooner.  I keep a journal where I write down what I plan to do each day.

We got some new lanyards today for badges.

I also spent some time discussing plans for programs for the rest of the year.

I am meeting to discuss signage with someone next week.

There is an Introduction to Microsoft Powerpoint 2013 class tonight in the computer lab from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Web Bits

August is Peak Advocacy Season
http://www.ilovelibraries.org/article/august-peak-season-advocacy


A Love Letter to My Former Library

UK Public Library Loans Show Dramatic Fall in the Last Two Years

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Daily Thoughts 08/08/2018


Le Gouter, Marie Brocquemond, 1880

Daily Thoughts 08/08/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I finished reading Factfulness Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World-- and Why Things Are Better Than You Think by Hans Rosling with Ola Rosling and Anna Rosling Ronnlund.  This book is about ten different logical fallacies which lead people to create stereotypes on how the world works.  It shows how in many places life for people is improving, even though we think it isn't.  It is a positive book that is hopeful for tomorrow.

I checked the displays and the gift books.

A colleague is working on the oversize books.

I spent some time looking over damaged oversize books.

I also spent some time looking at Rainbow Books lists.  The orders from the Net Lender account have come in to add to the collection.

I spent some time looking at Programming Librarian Events and Celebrations Calendar. http://programminglibrarian.org/node/338

I checked out the book, Social Value Investing A Management Framework for Effective Partnerships by Howard W. Buffett and William B. Eimecke.

Web Bits


Will Politics Make Dictionaries More Prescriptive?



Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Daily Thoughts 08/07/2018

File:Librarian's Room. Circular Mural in pendentive illustrating Books, the Delight of the Soul, by Edward J. Holslag. Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building, Washington, D.C. LCCN2011647682.tif
Librarian's Room. Circular Mural in pendentive illustrating Books, the Delight of the Soul, by Edward J. Holslag. Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building, Washington, D.C.

Daily Thoughts 08/07/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I finished reading The Librarian's Guide to Homelessness an Empathy-Driven Approach to Solving Problems, Preventing Conflict, and Serving Everyone by Ryan J. Dowd.  This book will improve customer service whether it is for homeless patrons or everyone else.  It teaches methods of interacting with people that are non-confrontational.

I read some more of Factfulness on the way to work on the train.

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

I wrote my monthly report for July this morning.

I spent some time in the computer lab.

I read a copy of Booklist today.

I also spent some time working on the schedule today.

I spent some time checking the oversize books.

There is a Fundamentals of Computers Class and a Beginning Microsoft Word 2013 class in the computer lab.

Web Bits


Deerfield Library Honored for Program that Pushes Readers 'Out of Their Comfort Zone'

Monday, August 6, 2018

Daily Thoughts 08/06/2018


Inkmaking, 19th Century, Unidentified Chinese Artist

Daily Thoughts 08/06/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

On the way to work, I read some more of Factfulness.  I am reading about how Africa is improving its economy and hopes to match the west.

I also read some more of The Librarian's Guide to Homelessness.  I am reading about various ways to get people to cooperate when they break the rules using empathetic techniques.

I checked the gift books and the displays this morning.

I spent some time discussing lost and missing items this morning.

I also spent some time planning for signage.

Right now, I am in the computer lab.

I have my monthly report to write.

There is a Fundamentals of Computers Class and a Beginning Microsoft Word 2013 class in the computer lab tonight.

I have a copy of Booklist to read.

I read some more of The Librarians Guide to Homelessness on the way home.  This books gives non-aggressive, positive ways to deal with a variety of issues from smell to sleeping to excessive numbers of bags.  It is empathetic, teaches communication skills and is a captivating read.

Web Bits


Blockchain for the Information Professional

Tatto Artists Ink Book Worms at Denver Library, Raising Money for Charity

Why Government Investment In Libraries is So Vital and Worthwhile

Sunday, August 5, 2018

Daily Thoughts 08/05/2018

Lewis Hine, Boy studying, ca. 1924.jpg
Lewis Wickes Hine, Boy Studying, circa 1924, Library of Congress.

Daily Thoughts 08/05/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I read some more of Factfulness today.

I also read some more of The Librarian's Guide to Homelessness.  I am reading about punishment based enforcement often fails with homeless people, people who are high, people who are mentally ill, people who have recieved a lot of punishment,  or are extremely angry.  The author is describing how to use empathy to diffuse bad behavior.

I am listening to K. Eric Drexler Radical Abundance How A Revolution In Nanotechnology Will Change Civilization on Hoopla Digital.

I checked the purchase alerts today for items on hold.

Web Bits



U.S.  Public Libraries Saw 1.39 Billion Visits in 2015 A New Report Finds

Museum In  A Box

How to Use Data to Plan a Targeted Library Campaign

Saturday, August 4, 2018

Daily Thoughts 08/04/2018

Hamza – The Reader.jpg

Johann Hamza (1850-1927), The Reader

Daily Thoughts 08/04/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I read some more of The Librarian's Guide to Homelessness.  I am reading about how to show empathy to people and at the same time enforce the rules of the org

I also read more of Factfulness.  I am reading about how different biases tend to create false impressions of the world around us like the negativity bias, the straight line bias, and the fear instinct.

I am listening to Four Futures by Peter Frase on Hoopla.

Web Bits

Artificial Intelligence


Study Indicates Robots Could Replace 80% of Jobs

Friday, August 3, 2018

Daily Thoughts 08/03/2018


The Cup of Chocolate, Pierre Auguste- Renoir, 1878

Daily Thoughts 08/03/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I started reading Factfulness last night.  I am reading about income distribution around the world.

I also started The Librarians Guide to Homelessness.  I am reading about how people become homeless and why homeless people like and feel safe in libraries.

I checked the gift books and the displays.

I also spent some time looking for damaged material in the fiction area.

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

I contacted Kurzweil Education about the cost of a Kurzweil reader and JAWS about the cost of screenreader technology for the visually impaired.

I am gathering some statistics for my monthly report.

I cleaned and organized my desk a little bit.

I also used Selectreads to create a list of popular African American fiction authors based on the bookmark which I had created earlier.

Web Bits


2018 Public Library Marketing Report

Commentary: The Public Library Was Never Just About Books


Thursday, August 2, 2018

Daily Thoughts 08/02/2018

Emily Dickinson stamp 8c.jpg
Emily Dickinson Stamp, Issued by the Postal Service in 1971

Daily Thoughts 08/02/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I finished reading The Upcycle Beyond Sustainability-- Designing for Abundance by William McDonough and Michael Braungart.  This book has some interesting ideas about waste.  Their view is that waste is basically recyclable materials and energy.  The goal is to make everything recyclable or convertable to energy.  In this book they describe a process where everything becomes reusable.  Human and animal waste become fertilizer, nitrogen, phosphurus, and biofuels.

They also describe a change in design where items are reviewed for their ability to be recycled and not have toxic content.  The authors rebuild things using design to make them reusable and environmentally safe.  This includes buildings, carpeting, chairs, and almost any physical object.  They also describe a process where there is a continuous effort to improve the quality of goods.  It is inspiring to read this material.

I checked the displays and the gift books this morning.

I talked with the Friends of the Library for a little bit about James Williams.

I checked out the books, Factfulness Ten Reasons We're Wrong About The World-- And Why Things Are Better Than You Think by Hans Rosling.  This book is a recommendation of Bill Gates.

I also checked out the book,  The Librarians Guide to Homelessness an Empathy Driven Approach to Solving Problems, Preventing Conflict, and Serving Everyone by Ryan J. Dowd.

I spent some time working on the oversize books today.  I also spent some time making decisions about duplicate copies of fiction and nonfiction titles.

I did a little training with Select Reads.  I am starting on creating some custom web based book lists.

It is confirmed today that we are getting money from the Community Development Block Grant to have some ADA improvements as well as pay for teen laptop computers.

I spent a little time discussing signage.

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

I worked a little bit on a mystery list for Select Reads. 
\
I also generated a list of fiction items that have not circulated in the last 7 years.

Web Bits


Perkins CTE Reauthorization Supports Library Role

Accenture Wins Library of Congress Data Center Contract
                                                      

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Daily Thoughts 08/01/2018

File:A portion of the bookcases set up in the eastern wing of the Bodleian Library, Oxford.jpg

A portion of the bookcases set up in the eastern wing of the Bodleian Library, Oxford, The Care of Books, Cambridge University Press, 1901


Daily Thoughts 08/01/2018

I checked the Twitter and Facebook for the library.

I spent a little time looking at Book Apps.

On the way to work, I read some more of The Upcycle.  I am reading about renewables and how they can power clean manufacturing and food production.

I spent a little time in the computer lab today.

I put in two orders for books.

I spent some time looking through oversize material.

I also discussed scheduling with people and posted some events to Facbook.

I ordered two copies of The Write Road Our Time Our Writing for the library.  Diptimoy Roy who retired as a librarian from Mount Vernon Public Library wrote a piece in it.

There is a Beginning Programming in Javascript Part I class tonight in the computer lab from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

I read some more of The Upcycle.  I am reading about how waste can be turned into phosphates, energy, nitrogen and fuel.  There are basically two components to recycling recovering materials like plastics, metals, or compost or turning materials into energy.

Web Bits


Seminole County Drops Idea of Privatizing Libraries

New York County Library System to Get Panic Button App