Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Daily Thoughts 12/31/2013

The King's library at Buckingham House from Pyne's Royal Residences (1819), plate 48.

Daily Thoughts 12/31/2013

This morning, I checked the Twitter and Facebook for the library. I also checked the gift books and the displays. January is Financial Wellness month. The holidays will be over soon.

I read the paper this morning on the subway.

The Computer Lab was open from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. today.

I did a little bit more weeding in the oversize books.

We are closing a little early today for New Year's Eve at 5:00 p.m. and the library is closed tomorrow for New Year's day.

Web Bits

The ABC of Education: Why Libraries Matter: New York Public Library

http://www.nypl.org/blog/2013/10/04/abc-education-why-libraries-matter#!

Monday, December 30, 2013

Daily Thoughts 12/30/2013

Child With Prints, William Merritt Chase, circa 1880-1884

Daily Thoughts 12/30/2013

I took a break this weekend and did not do much. I read the novel, Neptunes Brood, A Space Opera by Charles Stross. This is a wonderful novel, it is the first time I have ever read a science fiction novel where the main character is a forensic accountant in the far future. The ideas in this novel are fantastic. The question comes up of how you do interstellar banking and fund colonies for future humanity. I liked the action, the bits of legal and police procedure, and the fantastic technology in this book. This is a book brimming with wonderful new ideas and amazing technology.

This morning, I checked the Twitter and Facebook for the library. I also checked the displays. The book, The Book Club Companion by Diana Loevy came in for me to read.

I read the latest copy of the New York Times Book review this morning.

The computer lab was open from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. today.

I did some more weeding in the oversize books today.

Web Bits Reading A Novel Changes the Brain A Study Shows

http://www.slj.com/2013/12/research/reading-a-novel-changes-the-brain-study-shows/#_

Read to win the War: 13 Vintage Posters Promoting American Libraries

http://gizmodo.com/read-to-win-the-war-13-vintage-posters-promoting-ameri-1481958684

Sherlock Holmes Is In the Public Domain, American Judge Rules

http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/12/27/sherlock-holmes-is-in-the-public-domain-american-judge-rules/?_r=0

Friday, December 27, 2013

Daily Thoughts 12/27/2013

Lady Reading In An Interior, Marguerite Gerard, Between 1795 and 1800.

Daily Thoughts 12/27/2013

This morning, I checked the Twitter and Facebook for the library. I didn't read this morning, I rested on the train.

I checked the displays and the gift books. I spent some time talking with a colleague about the http://apc.io APC IO computer which we might use for the Public Access Catalog. It is a little bit more powerful than Raspberry Pi.

I also did a little more weeding in the oversize books.

The Computer Lab is open between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. today.

The book, The Incrementalists by Steven Brust and Skyler White came in for me to read.

Web Bits

Free Library Offers Tech Help Without the Glitz

http://articles.philly.com/2013-12-26/business/45564607_1_gadget-gurus-free-library-new-gadget#ieTTRhITGXh7yLki.01

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Daily Thoughts 12/26/2013

Still Life Vase With Flowers on the Window, Paul Gaugin, 1881

Daily Thoughts 12/26/2013

This morning, I checked the Twitter and Facebook for the library.

Happy Holidays to You. I am already thinking of New Year's resolutions.

I checked the gift books and the displays this morning.

I ordered a few new bestsellers.

The computer lab is open from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. today.

I spent reading issues of Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and the Times Literary Supplement this afternoon. I put the book, The Incrementalists by Steven Brust on hold which is science fiction.

I spent a little time going over Ingram's Ipage with the children's department today.

I also spent a little time weeding in the oversize books.

Web Bits

As New Services Track Habits, The E-books are Reading You.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/25/technology/as-new-services-track-habits-the-e-books-are-reading-you.html?hp&_r=1&

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Daily Thoughts 12/24/2013

Daily Thoughts 12/24/2013

I read some more of Strategy a History last night. I read about Machiavelli and Sun Tzu both of whom use deception, cunning, and trickery in their strategies for both politics and war.

During the Mount Vernon City Council meeting there was no discussion of the library. However, there was some discussion of the tax cap which was 1.66%. There was an ordinance put in place to remove the tax cap which will be voted on at the next city council meeting. The budget was still at the Board of Estimate. The city council did mention the development of both the Mount Vernon East and the Mount Vernon West Train Stations. The Mount Vernon East train station is close to the library. State gives Mount Vernon $354,607 to Tackle Brownfields. http://taxes.lohudblogs.com/2013/10/17/state-gives-mount-vernon-354607-to-tackle-brownfields/ The area being developed is within a few blocks of the Mount Vernon Public Library.

Web Bits

Book Theft In Italy With A Hint of Politics

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/23/books/book-theft-in-italy-with-a-hint-of-politics.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0#!

Historical Texts in Turkey's National Library Sold for Paper Value

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/historical-texts-in-turkeys-national-library-sold-for-paper-value.aspx?pageID=238&nID=59305&NewsCatID=341

Both of these story remind people that stolen library books sometimes fuel the rare book trade.

Monday, December 23, 2013

Daily Thoughts 12/23/2013

A Man Seated At A Table Covered With Books, Rembrandt, 1636

Daily Thoughts 12/23/2013

This morning, I checked the Twitter and Facebook for the library. I also downloaded a report, Ebook Usage in U.S. Public Libraries from Library Journal online. It should be informative.

I am going to the City Council Meeting in Mount Vernon, New York today, even though I have a day off. I have done this for more than five years. I think the budget will be discussed today which includes the library budget. If you support the library please come. I have become a little more familiar with city government because of this.

I am off tomorrow and the next day, for Christmas Eve and Christmas day which should be relaxing. I always try and relax during the holidays.

I spent some more time reading Strategy A History. I am reading about concepts of strategy in the bible and early Greek history and myth. A context for David and Goliath, Odysseuss, and the Trojan horse is given. Right now, I am reading about Thucydides and the Pelopponesian war.

Web Bits

19 Awesomely Designed Books That Prove Print Isn't Dead

http://www.buzzfeed.com/lincolnmichel/19-awesomely-designed-books-from-2013-that-prove-print-isnt

Great Libraries of the World Pinterest Board

http://www.pinterest.com/amlibraries/great-libraries-of-the-world/

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Daily Thoughts 12/22/2013

Daily Thoughts 12/22/2013

This morning, I checked the Twitter and Facebook account for the library.

I also read some of Strategy A History. I am reading about warfare among chimpanzees over resources.

Web Bits Two Canadian cities have world's best public libraries, survey finds

http://www.latimes.com/books/jacketcopy/la-et-jc-two-canadian-cities-have-worlds-best-public-libraries-survey-finds-20131220,0,1665035.story#axzz2oD4MGmN2

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Daily Thoughts 12/21/2013

Sergey Solomko, Reading, 1895

Daily Thoughts 12/21/2013

I finished reading Without Their Permission How the 21st Century Will be Made, Not Managed by Alexis Ohanian. The last part of the book was about Alexis Ohanians political stand against SOPA Stop Online Piracy Act and PIPA Protect IP Act because they censored the internet and limited new internet startups.

I read another chapter in Running Book Discussion Groups. I am reading about how people run online book discussion groups.

Right now, I am sitting at my desk drinking tea with lemon and honey. Sometimes I drink coffee with milk.

This morning, I checked the Twitter and Facebook for the library.

I also did some shifting in the oversize books.

I worked some more on the Strategic Plan for my department today and discussed it a little more with my colleagues. I think I have a final report to hand in.

On the way home, I read a little bit of Strategy A History by Lawrence Freedman. The book is 751 pages long and is meant to be fairly comprehensive covering warfare, politics, and business. It reminds me a little bit of the book, On Politics: A History of Political Thought From Herodotus to the Present by Alan Ryan because of its comprehensiveness.

Web Bits

Chicago Public Library's New Website Goes Amazon

http://www.americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blog/chicago-public-library-s-new-website-goes-amazon

A Treasure House of Aspirations 'The Library Reimagined at the Huntington'

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/21/arts/design/the-library-re-imagined-at-the-huntington.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&_r=0

Friday, December 20, 2013

Daily Thoughts 12/20/2013

Daily Thoughts 12/20/2013 On the way to work, I read some more of Running Book Discussion Groups. I read some suggestions for props and introducing people in a book discussion group. The book is very practical.

I also read a little more of Without Their Permission. Alex Ohanian is writing about Y Combinator which is a startup training school which helps entrepreneurs generate workable ideas. Y Combinator reminds us to "Make something people want."

I checked the libraries Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I also checked the new book displays.

We had a management meeting this morning. We discussed the library budget, weeding, and a few other issues.

I spent some time shifting books in the oversize collection. I also worked a bit more on the strategic plan for my department. It is a slow, steady process. It is not due immediately. I have to look over the Star Libraries article in Library Journal as well as some of the documentation on 21st century libraries.

I read some more of Without Their Permission. I am reading about crowdsourcing and crowdfunding both for nonprofits and businesses. Two of the organizations written about are Donors Choose and Kickstarter. I also read a little more of Running Book Discussion Groups. I am reading about author appearances and how to choose the right author to speak at a library.

I may be going to the Mount Vernon city budget hearings soon. I have gone every year for the last several years and it always has been informative and a bit challenging.

Web Bits

Jessamyn West Documents Vermont Public Libraries http://www.7dvt.com/2013jessamyn-west-documents-vermont-public-libraries#!

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Daily Thoughts 12/19/2013

Farmer Sitting at the Fireside and Reading, Vincent Van Gogh, 1881

Daily Thoughts 12/19/2013

On the way to work, I read some more of Without Their Permission. He is describing how to surprise people with service. He describes practices like custom error messages and making sure everything you do shows care from your business card to your logo.

I also started reading Running Book Discussion Groups by Lauren Zina John. I am reading about the concept of one book, one city events where a library or organization tries to get everyone in a city to read a particular book. This morning I checked the Twitter and Facebook for the library.

I spent some time discussing Bookletters, Facebook, and Twitter with the new children's department coordinator this morning.

I also checked the displays and the gift books.

I spent some time weeding in the oversize books this afternoon.

The Computer Lab is open from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. today. There is also a class in the computer lab from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. tonight on Your Android Smart Phone. This morning, there was an Internet for Seniors class from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

On the way home, I read some more of Running Book Discussion Groups A How To Do It Manual. There were some places to look for recommended titles like Bookpages for popular fiction and Locus Magazine for science fiction and fantasy, or the Pulitzer Prize for nonfiction. There were also some suggestions on how to recruit members. Right now, I am talking to the Friends of the Library as well as some of the patrons who come on a regular basis. Web Bits Dean Koontz Interview A Heartwarming Ode to Books and Reading

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/19/dean-koontz-interview-_n_4473812.html?utm_hp_ref=books

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Daily Thoughts 12/18/2013

Image taken from page 113 of 'Holiday Handbooks. Practical guides to less frequented districts. Edited by P. L'

Daily Thoughts 12/18/2013

Last night, I read The Darwin Elevator by Jason M. Hough. The story was basically a well written thriller in a science fiction setting. It was gripping enough for me to finish the 480 page book in one sitting and stay up past midnight. What made it so gripping partially is that the remnants of humanity still warred with each other up to the final moment and never stopped scheming, fighting, and seeking to get the upper hand.

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

I started reading Without Their Permission by Alexis Ohanian this morning. I enjoy Ohanian's sense of humor. He is the founder of the internet startup Reddit as well as Breadpig and Hipmunk.

I checked the gift books and the displays this morning.

Three books came in for me to read, Reading Group Choices 2014, Selections for Lively Book Discussions 20th Anniversary Edition, Running Book Discussion Groups by Lauren Zina John, and Strategy A History by Lawrence Freedman which is a big book.

The computer lab was open from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. today.

I spent some time reading the January Forecast and the latest Times Literary Supplement.

I also spent some time weeding in the oversize section today.

The Mount Vernon Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting is tonight.

Web Bits

What to Expect From Libraries in the 21st Century

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fa6ERdxyYdo&feature=youtu.be

Keith Richards, Bookworm, Plays the New York Public Library

http://www.showbiz411.com/2010/10/30/keith-richards-bookworm-plays-the-new-york-public-library

Columbia Acquires Kitchen Sink Press Archives.

http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/comics/article/60432-columbia-acquires-kitchen-sink-press-comics-archive.html

Digital Firsts

http://lj.libraryjournal.com/2013/12/copyright/digital-firsts/ Delivering Extreme Customer Service From the Inside Out

http://webjunction.org/news/webjunction/delivering-extreme-customer-service-from-the-inside-out.html

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Daily Thoughts 12/17/2013

From the British Library Flickr Photostream http://www.flickr.com/photos/britishlibrary

Daily Thoughts 12/17/2013

I read some more of Junkyard Planet this morning. I learned that it costs $75 for a computer refurbished at least partially from e-waste in China with Word and internet access in the Guiyu Electrical Components Market. I am also reading about automobile shredding machines. I rather like this book. It shows that what we dump is often useful to other people.

I checked the Twitter and Facebook for the library.

I had the day off and read a lot. I finished reading Junkyard Planet Travels in the Billion Dollar Trash Trade by Adam Minter. The read was enjoyable. There were a lot of different elements to the story; the business of trash, environmental perspectives, traveling all over the United States and China, and quite a bit of autobiography. This made the book varied and full of all kinds of things for the reader to think about.

Web Bits

How Beatrix Potter self-published Peter Rabbit

http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2013/dec/17/beatrix-potter-peter-rabbit-self-publishing Because I adore Benjamin Bunny and Peter Rabbit.

Monday, December 16, 2013

Daily Thoughts 12/16/2013

Daily Thoughts 12/16/2013

This morning on the way to work, I read some more of Junkyard Planet. I am reading about brass recycling in India.

I checked the Facebook and Twitter for the library this morning. I also checked the new book displays.

I put in an order with Ingram for bestselling fiction and nonfiction.

I spent some time weeding in the oversize books today. I still have quite a bit to do.

On the way home, I read some more of Junkyard Planet. I am reading about how many things which the United States considers waste are usable in less developed countries. For example, China refurbishes many of the industrial electric motors from the United States which are thrown away. There is also a secondary market for e-waste in China, India, and Africa where the objective is not necessarily to have the latest equipment, but to be able to have a computer that can go on the internet or a cell phone that works.

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Daily Thoughts 12/15/2013

Yva, Untitled (Lady reading newspaper). Ca. 1932. Vintage. Gelatin silver print (23,8 x 17,1 cm)

Daily Thoughts 12/15/2013

I read some more of Junkyard Planet at the laundromat. I am reading about how China exports finished goods and imports scrap, mainly newsprint in cargo containers.

It reminds me a little bit of an additional step that is happening, the automation of industries. These are my thoughts and are not part of the book. I can see as labor prices go up, less scrap will be exported to China and people will seek new ways to extract raw materials in a cheaper way through automation. This has already started to happen as people look for cheaper ways to supply raw materials for 3D printing. It is starting on the small scale with recycled plastics. Its About to Get Easier to 3D Print With Recycled Plastic http://gigaom.com/2013/10/08/its-about-to-get-easier-to-3d-print-with-recycled-plastic/

I spent some time checking the Facebook and Twitter for the library.

I also put a few holds on books about book clubs.

Web Bits

NYPL Children's Books 2013

http://www.nypl.org/blog/2013/12/05/childrens-books-2013

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Daily Thoughts 12/14/2013

Eugène Atget (photographer) [French, 1857 - 1927], Place de la Bastille [bouquiniste], French, negative 1910 - 1911, Albumen silver print, Image: 17.1 x 22.9 cm (6 3/4 x 9 in.), 84.XM.1034.3

Daily Thoughts 12/14/2013

This morning, I checked the Twitter and Facebook for the library.

I read some more of Junkyard Planet. Part of this story is about how the United States exports large amounts of scrap copper to China. This helps fuel China's economic growth without having to rely on mining as much new copper. The author travels extensively in China to get the background for this story.

I spent a little time looking at the January 15, 2014 Metro Conference Schedule. Hopefully, I will get to go. http://mnylc.org/metrocon14/schedule/ There are a few sessions like Transforming Computer Training Services @ Your Library by Brandy McNeil, The New York Public Library and Infrastructure for managing and sharing image collections by James Shulman, ARTstor which look interesting.

Web Bits

Libraries Still Inspire Positive Views But See Shift to Online from In Person Use

http://lj.libraryjournal.com/2013/12/advocacy/libraries-still-inspire-positive-views-but-see-shift-to-online-from-in-person-use/

The British Library Puts 1,000,000 Images Into the Public Domain, Making them Free to Reuse and Remix

http://www.openculture.com/2013/12/british-library-puts-1000000-images-into-public-domain.html

Friday, December 13, 2013

Daily Thoughts 12/13/2013

Daily Thoughts 12/13/2013

This morning I read some of Junkyard Planet: Travels in the Billion Dollar Trash Trade by Adam Minter on the way to work. It starts with a story of how Christmas tree lights are recycled in China for their copper and plastic.

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

I also checked the displays and made a few adjustments to the new shelving.

I spent some more time working on the Strategic Plan for my department. I am working on a narrative to add to the list of suggestions for improvement.

The Computer Lab was open from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. today.

I also did a presentation on the different digital services available at our library through the Westchester Library System. We have a 3M projector and a white board in the computer lab which makes services like Tumblebooks very vivid.

On the way home, I read some more of Junkyard Planet by Adam Minter. I read about Adam Minter's family junkyard, and a bit about the history of junkyards in America. There are lots of little facts that caught my attention. For example, cars are nearly 100% recyclable and the old name for recycling was grubbing.

Web Bits

Public Approval of Libraries as they Are is Still Enviable

http://nonprofitquarterly.org/policysocial-context/23380-public-approval-of-libraries-as-they-are-is-still-enviable.html

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Daily Thoughts 12/12/2013

Jose De Ribera, 1637, Aristotle Daily Thoughts 12/12/2013

This morning, I checked the Twitter and Facebook for the library.

On the train to work, I read some more short stories in The Hunter and Other Stories. I especially liked the crime story "The Kiss-Off".

We had an early staff meeting. We discussed different issues around the building. As always, the coffee and bagels were good.

I spent some time talking to a colleague about The Strategic Plan for our department. I have to spoken to all the people in my department and have a long list of ideas. Now, I have to massage it into a report.

I also spent some time talking to WEDC Women's Enterprise Development Center about their doing a First Steps for Small Business Program at the library on February 12 and February 13 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m..

A colleague is finalizing the computer classes schedule right now. She is better at formatting and laying things out than I am.

I spent a little time adjusting the shelving in the new books section and shifting around books.

Several devices are charging right now for tomorrow, the Kindle Fire, The Ipad Mini, and The Google Nexus 7.

There is a Social Media class tonight in the Computer Lab focused on Facebook from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

On the way home, I finished reading The Hunter and Other Stories by Dashiell Hammett. There is a final story starring Sam Spade, called A Knife Will Cut for Anybody which is a solid ending for a Dashiell Hammett collection. It was worth reading. Some of the stories seemed incomplete and a few were fragmentary, but overall the collection was worth reading.

Web Bits Pew Report: Public Libraries Importance and Impact

http://webjunction.org/news/webjunction/pew-report-public-libraries-importance-and-impact.html

The First 15 People Stephen King Followed

http://www.buzzfeed.com/isaacfitzgerald/the-first-people-stephen-king-followed-on-twitter Libraries Reinvent Themselves for the 21st Century

http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/books/chi-library-future-20131212,0,2880286.story

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Daily Thoughts 12/11/2013

Pierre Auguste Renoir, Nature Mort Au Bouquet, 1871

Daily Thoughts 12/11/2013

This morning, I checked the Twitter and Facebook for the library.

I read some of The Hunter and Other Stories by Dashiell Hammett. This is a collection of mostly previously unpublished stories by Dashiell Hammett. Not all are mystery, some are adventure stories, and a few are fiction as well.

I checked the gift books and the displays this morning. The book, Without Their Permission How the 21st Century Will Be Made, Not Managed by Alex Ohanian came in for me to read. I have a growing stack of books to read.

We had a programming meeting today. I have a book club which I am putting together and there is going to be a reading from Discovering Black America by Linda Tarrant-Reid in February. I also am working on the computer class schedule for January and February.

Web Bits

The Infinite Monkey Theorem Comes to Life

http://www.npr.org/blogs/13.7/2013/12/10/249726951/the-infinite-monkey-theorem-comes-to-life?utm_content=socialflow&utm_campaign=nprfacebook&utm_source=npr&utm_medium=facebook

How Americans Value Public Libraries In Thier Communities

http://libraries.pewinternet.org/2013/12/11/libraries-in-communities/

Digital Public Library of America Young But Well Connected

http://chronicle.com/article/Digital-Library-of-America/143489/?cid=wc&utm_source=wc&utm_medium=en

Norway Decided to Digitize All The Norwegian Books

http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2013/12/norway-decided-to-digitize-all-the-norwegian-books/282008/

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Daily Thoughts 12/10/2013

Daily Thoughts 12/10/2013

On the way to work, I read some more of Sonia Sotomayor, My Beloved World. Sonia Sotomayor went to Princeton for college. She got a full scholarship at least in part because of affirmative action. Part of this book is about race. Sonia Sotomayor is Puerto Rican. She is quite open about her views in this book. It is rather interesting.

This morning, I checked the Twitter and Facebook for the library. I also checked the displays and the gift books. There were two interesting reviews on The Circle by Dave Eggers, one in the Time Literary Supplement November 29, 2013 issue and one in the New York Review of Books November 21, 2013 issue.

I am spending a little more time working on the strategic plan for my department today.

Tomorrow, there is a meeting of the programming committee and on thursday, there is a general staff meeting.

I had an extended subway ride home. It snowed during the day and the conductors were announcing "signal problems" which extended our time in various stations. This gave me enough time to finish reading My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor. I rather like how her life story progresses from district attorney to boutique law firm to judge. The story ends when she becomes a judge which seems to be what she wanted to be from the beginning. I thought the book was very thoughtful and pointed at the same time. I am going to look over the book again for a nonfiction book club that meets in January and request a system hold so we can get several copies of the book for the book club.

Web Bits

Librarians In the Digital Age: Infographic http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/librarians-in-the-digital-age-infographic_b80718

Monday, December 9, 2013

Daily Thoughts 12/09/2013

Edward Lamson Henry, Library Interior, Circa 1900.

Daily Thoughts 12/09/2013

I read some more of My Beloved World. Sonia Sotomayor says that one of the reasons she was inspired to become a judge was because of Nancy Drew and Perry Mason.

This morning, I checked the Twitter and Facebook for the library.

They are putting in new shelving in the new books area.

I spent some time shifting the new books into the fresh new books shelving this afternoon. I also redistributed the display stands for new books and picked out some books to display. This included redoing the Current Events and Biography display.

I also spent some time putting together some ideas for a strategic plan for collection development and electronic resources.

I read some more of Sonia Sotomayor, My Beloved World. The young adult librarian bought an e-book copy of this book through the Overdrive Advantage program which allows our library to buy copies for our patrons. I am reading about how Sonia Sotomayor's moved the family out of the Bronx ghetto into co-op city which is affordable housing during Sonia Sotomayor's childhood. I am also reading about how her mother went to community college in the Bronx to improve her licensed practical nurses degree to become a registered nurse which is a step up in responsibility. This is very much a story of how a family steadily moves up in class in the world.

Web Bits

WSJ's War on the DOJ's War on Apple.

http://www.digitalbookworld.com/2013/wsjs-war-on-the-dojs-war-on-apple/

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Daily Thoughts 12/08/2013

Daily Thoughts 12/08/2013

This morning, I checked the Twitter and Facebook for the library.

At the laundromat, I read some more of Sonia Sotomayor, My Beloved World. There are some strong messages in this book. Sonia Sotomayor succeeds partially because she has a strong Catholic education, her family is there for her. There is also a message of overcoming adversity that is appealing. So far, I like the direct, to the point language.

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Daily Thoughts 12/07/2013

Three Girls Reading, 1907, Edmund Charles Tarbell

Daily Thoughts 12/07/2013

This morning on the way to work, I read some more of Thieves of Book Row. The action in the account occurs in libraries and bookstores between New York City and Boston. Apparently, thieves would travel and sell their stolen books between the cities.

I checked the Twitter and Facebook for the library.

This morning, I did a little shifting (moving around books) in the oversize books. I also have to do some moving around books in the new books section. Maintenance put in some new shelving which we had picked up as a gift from the Rye library. On Monday, we will be getting some brand new shelving for the new books as well as some fresh signage which should make things look nicer and provide better directions.

I put the book, The Darwin Elevator by Jason M. Hough on hold which is science fiction.

The book, Junkyard Planet Travels in the Billion-Dollar Trash Trade by Adam Minter came in for me to read as well. As usual, I have too many books to read right now.

I spent most of the afternoon shifting the new books. I also spent some time talking to a colleague about electronic resources.

On the way home, I read some more of Thieves of Book Row New York's Most Notorious Rare Book Ring and the Man Who Stopped It by Travis McDade. Travis McDade puts forth the idea that a crooked book dealer who recruits thieves is often more of a menace to libraries than a lone thief who steals from libraries. The end of the book has the story of the Romm gang who employed a variety of thieves to steal Americanah from libraries all over Boston and New York and ultimately was broken up. The break up of the gang led to the shuttering of several bookstores. It was interesting because the story focused on the methods used from the long jacket with hidden pockets to the cosying up to librarians to get to know their patterns. We learn how book dealers would generate lists of items that they were seeking which they would hand off to scouts to find. These lists were used by both thieves and honest book scouts. Even though this book was set in the 1920s and 1930s it is still very relevant. There are a lot of names of real people in the New York book, Boston, Chicago, and Canadian book trade that are historically recognizable. The book includes extensive notes and an index.

I started reading Sonia Sotomayor, My Beloved World.

Friday, December 6, 2013

Daily Thoughts 12/06/2013

Simon Luttichuys (1660-1661), Vanitas still life with skull, books, prints and paintings by Rembrandt and Jan Lievens, with a reflection of the painter at work.

Daily Thoughts 12/06/2013

This morning, I read some more of Thieves of Book Row New York's Most Notorious Rare Book Ring and the Man Who Stopped It by Travis McDade. I am learning about how book thievery became a profession and that people can iron out impressions in books, fill in holes in book performations, and bleach out markings from libraries. Also, there is quite a bit about the history of libraries in this book. I learned that the original Astor library did not have a catalog before it joined New York Public Library and you had to ask a librarian to find anything.

This morning, I checked the Twitter and Facebook for the library. I also checked the gifts and the displays. Maintenance is putting in new shelving so I have to move around some books today.

We had a management meeting this morning where we discussed a number of library issues including writing a strategic plan. I have to work on writing a plan for the collection development and electronic resources department for the future. I am starting by talking to the people who I am supervising now.

I also added a few books on Nelson Mandela to the current events display. The book, My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor came in for me to read.

I spent some more time weeding oversize books this afternoon. The computer lab was open from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. today.

I read some more of Thieves of Book Row. I am reading about Special Inspect Gaillard, the first detective who worked for the New York Public Library. The book describes the relationship between the thief, the bookseller, and the library. There is often a tenuous contested relationship between libraries and booksellers. The library gives away what the bookseller sells.

Web Bits

McGraw Hill, Overdrive Partner on Professional Ebooks for K-12 Schools, Libraries.

http://www.thedigitalshift.com/2013/12/k-12/mcgraw-hill-overdrive-partner-professional-ebooks-k-12-schools-libraries/

Holding Steve Ditkos Original Art To Amazing Fantasy 15 In My Hands The Library of Congress Epic Comics Collection

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2013/11/21/holding-steve-ditkos-original-art-to-amazing-fantasy-15-in-my-hands-the-library-of-congress-epic-comics-collection/

The Evolution of the College Library

http://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2013/12/the-evolution-of-the-college-library/282023/

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Daily Thoughts 12/05/2013

Woman Reading, Mary Cassatt, 1879

Daily Thoughts 12/05/2013

This morning, on the way to work, I read some more of Focus The Hidden Driver of Excellence. Daniel Goleman is writing about how attention affects leadership and decision making.

I checked the libraries Twitter and Facebook page. I also checked the displays and the gift books.

I spent some time planning for a nonfiction book discussion in January. I am planning on starting with Sonia Sotomayor, My Beloved World.

I also wrote my monthly report and gathered some statistics. Tomorrow there is going to be a management meeting.

I also did some more weeding in the oversize books.

There is a class in the Computer Lab tonight on Social Media from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m..

I finished reading Focus The Hidden Driver of Excellence on the way home. This book is an overview of different ways people can pay attention and how to improve attention. It is basic in its scope, but useful.

I started reading Thieves of Book Row New York's Most Notorious Rare Book Ring and the Man Who Stopped It by Travis McDade. Travis McDade is a curator of rare books at the University of Illinois College of Law. This is a historical account of early book thievery in New York. It tells a story of book scouting, book thieves, antiquarian booksellers and the lascivious side of the trade. We learn about book pirates and bookleggers in their back rooms as well as library thieves. This story will be especially interesting to librarians and book people. I like the historical details.

Web Bits In Defense of Crafting With Books

http://bookriot.com/2013/12/03/defense-crafting-with-books/

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Daily Thoughts 12/04/2013

Cover of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Arthur Conan Doyle. First edition.1892

Daily Thoughts 12/04/2013

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

On the way to work, I read some more of Daniel Goleman's Focus. I am reading about pattern recognition or the ability to recognize patterns in large amounts of data. This would be things like seeing the path of an epidemic, or figuring out how to sail between islands by common signs like birds, plants in the water, sea currents, and wind direction.

This morning, I checked the displays and the gift books.

Some more books were added to the holiday collection which is on display on Hanukkah. We have books on Kwanzaa, Christmas, and Hanukkah on display right now. Also, the holiday music collection is out. There is going to be a holiday tree lighting on December 9 at 6:00 p.m. The Mount Vernon Interfaith Choir will be singing.

I spent some time updating different slideshow widgets of new books for our website in Bookletters today; African American fiction, Historical Fiction, Job Information Center, New Nonfiction, New Fiction, and Graphic Novels were updated. I like that you can both email out lists of books to a mailing list and post lists of books to Facebook from Bookletters. We have been working on improving our main Bookletters page with a new menu bar at the top. http://library.booksite.com/7273/nl/?list=CNL8&group=current

I also spent some time weeding in the oversize books.

On the way home, I read some more of Focus. Daniel Goleman is describing how memory and concentration improve attention. Thus memory exercises, meditation, and actions which strengthen memory like reciting poetry, deep breathing exercises, and long distance running improve attention.

Web Bits

NPR's Book Concierge Our Guide to 2013's Great Reads

http://apps.npr.org/best-books-2013/

14 Literary Posters That Turn Famous Authors' Words Into Art

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/27/evan-robertson_n_4325295.html?utm_hp_ref=books&ir=Books

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Daily Thoughts 12/03/2013

An image to illustrate peacock terms on Wikipedia, akin to weasel for weasel words. A reminder to not get too overblown or tricky.

Daily Thoughts 12/03/2013

This morning, I checked the Twitter and Facebook for the library. I also checked the displays and the gift books.

I put in an order for bestselling titles.

The book, The Hunter and Other Stories by Dashiell Hammett came in for me to read.

I am looking forward to reading The Complete Cosmicomics in April 2014 by Italo Calvino. I am quite fond of his science fiction, it is very humorous.

I put the latest copy of Bookpages out which is a popular review magazine.

I also did a little bit of updating to Bookletters.

It has been a quiet, steady day.

The library has two computer classes tonight, a Beginning Microsoft Word Class, and a Fundamentals of Computer Operations class. So far, the classes are going very well.

Web Bits

Taking the Temperature of Libraries and Bookstores

http://www.digitalbookworld.com/2013/shatzkin-taking-the-temperature-of-libraries-and-bookstores/?et_mid=650690&rid=240836703

Monday, December 2, 2013

Daily Thoughts 12/02/2013

Alphonse Mucha, 1896, Lorenzacchio

Daily Thoughts 12/02/2013

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

I also read some more of Focus by Daniel Goleman while I was doing the laundry. I learned about the concept of executive attention or paying attention to how you are paying attention. An example of this might be how you listen to someone during a conversation.

Web Bits

Amazon Prime Air

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98BIu9dpwHU

Amazon Unveils Futuristic Mini Drone Delivery Plan

http://news.yahoo.com/amazon-unveils-futuristic-mini-drone-delivery-plan-021532540.html

For a minute, I thought it was a joke like the taco copter.

Why Amazon Announced Delivery Drones

http://www.businessinsider.com/why-amazon-announced-delivery-drones-2013-12

I just learned I can get a beer and piece of cake to go with my taco. But, seriously, drones can kill people if not handled correctly. The blades on a quadcopter can be very sharp and very fast.

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Daily Thoughts 12/01/2013

Daily Thoughts 12/01/2013

This morning, I checked the Twitter and Facebook for the library.

I also read some more in Daniel Goleman's book Focus. I am reading about how impulse control in children affects them in later life.

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Daily Thoughts 11/30/2013

James Jacques Joseph Tissot, Denoisel Reading In the Garden, 1882, Etching on Wove Paper

Daily Thoughts 11/30/2013

I am thinking about starting a book club in January. I spent a little time checking the Twitter and Facebook for the library.

I read some more of Daniel Goleman Focus today. The author is writing about self-awareness. He describes how people who are more aware of their heartbeat tend to be more self-aware and describes mirror neurons. There is also some material on how others see us and how aware people are of how others see us. Sometimes, experiencing how others see us is enlightening. I had to take an intelligence test administered by a psychiatrist recently. It had results that were different than I expected. I have an IQ of 108, with an absolutely average ability to solve puzzles, and a verbal IQ of 120. What I am good at is understanding words. Of course being egotistical, I thought my IQ was much higher. The test feels very different when it is administered by a professional who is trying to find out your level of functionality. Self-awareness is important.

Web Bits

Rare Books Vanish with a Librarian in the Plot

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/30/books/unraveling-huge-thefts-from-girolamini-library-in-naples.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&hp

One must be ever vigilant with older books. Some people want them simply because they are there.

Friday, November 29, 2013

Daily Thoughts 11/29/2013

Still Life with Oranges, Arthur Segal, 1929. Oranges, tangelos, and blood oranges are my favorite fruits. Daily Thoughts 11/29/2013

On the way to work, I read some more of Focus by Daniel Goleman. I was not that focused because I had some turkey the night before.

I checked the libraries Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I also checked the displays and the gift books. There were a bunch of James Patterson paperbacks. James Patterson is the author with the highest circulation in our library. He is extremely popular.

I have a stack of magazines to read, New York Times Book Reviews, Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and Booklist.

The book, Thieves of Book Row New York's Most Nortorious Rare Book Ring and the Man Who Stopped It by Travis McDade came in for me to read.

The computer lab is open from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. today.

There is a new collection of short stories by Dashiell Hammett, The Hunter and Other Stories which I placed a request for. Dashiell Hammett is a fantastic writer.

On the way home, I read some more of Daniel Goleman's Focus. I learned that people who are distracted or have attention deficit disorder can often be more creative than people who are very focused.

Web Bits

American Library Association Posters Archive

http://imagesearchnew.library.illinois.edu/cdm/landingpage/collection/alaposters

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Daily Thoughts 11/28/2013

The Turkeys, Claude Monet, 1876

Daily Thoughts 11/28/2013

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays. I checked the Facebook and Twitter for the library this morning.

I also started reading Daniel Goleman Focus The Hidden Driver of Excellence. Daniel Goleman also wrote Emotional Intelligence. So far, the book is about attention and how people pay attention. Attention is an interesting subject.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Daily Thoughts 11/27/2013

Benno Caspar Haurisius, Scriptores historiae romanae latini veteres, qui extant omnes, notis variis illustrati, Heidelberg: Haener, 1743

Daily Thoughts 11/27/2013

This morning, I renewed my My Metro membership. I rather like My Metro. The annual conference is on January 15, 2014. http://metro.org/events/445/

I also renewed my American Library Association membership.

I spent a little time looking at the Facebook and Twitter for the library.

I finished reading The Flamethrowers by Rachel Kushner. This book has some interesting historical elements to it. One of the main characters, Sandro Valera's family has ties to the history of Italy going from World War I, through fascism and Mussolini, to labor disputes and the red brigades. That his rather conservative family makes fast motorcycles only adds to the speed and wildness in the novel. It is clear that a lot of research went into writing this novel.

Web Bits

A Personal History of Libraries http://lj.libraryjournal.com/2013/11/opinion/a-personal-history-of-libraries/

I rather like John Scalzi. There are two other authors who I like who have exceptional ties to libraries; Neil Gaiman and Cory Doctorow.

The Lost Art of Library Postcards

http://flavorwire.com/425877/the-lost-art-of-library-postcards/

I remember when I was in Brooklyn, there used to be a librarian that would collect old tinted color postcards of libraries. The postcards were available at the flea market in Brooklyn in Park Slope in boxes. They used to cost 25 cents each. I used to buy $2 worth of postcards for him on occasion.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Daily Thoughts 11/26/2013

Still Life with Vase and Fruits, 1920, Ion Theodorescu Daily Thoughts 11/26/2013

I read some more of The Flamethrowers by Rachel Kushner. There is a bit of a radical influence in the novel which shows a relationship between protest, politics, and art.

I checked the Twitter and Facebook for the library. I also spent some time weeding in the oversize books this morning. I checked the new books as well. It has been a steady, quiet day.

The computer lab was open from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.. There are now ten new computers in the lab. There were also two computer classes tonight, a Beginning Microsoft Word Class, and A Fundamentals of Computer Operations class.

There was a meeting of the Mount Vernon Public Library Board of Trustees at 6:30 p.m., but I decided not to go.

On the way home, I read some more of The Flamethrowers. I am enjoying reading the novel.

Monday, November 25, 2013

Daily Thoughts 11/25/2013

Washington, Allson, Hermia and Helena, Before 1818. Hermia and Helena are characters in Shakespeare's Midsummer Nights Dream

Daily Thoughts 11/25/2013

On the way to work, I read some more of The Flamethrowers. There is an added dimension to the book in that one of the main characters interests is film. It makes the scenes being described very vivid.

This morning, I checked the Twitter and Facebook for the library. I also checked the displays and the gift books. I put in an order for bestselling and requested titles for adult books.

I put the book, Without Their Permission: How the 21st Century Will be Made Not Managed by Alexis Ohanian on hold. Part of the reason I want to read this is because of Ohanian's sense of humor. Gary Vaynerchuk also has a new book out called Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook: How to Tell Your Story in a Noisy Social World. We have been getting the lab ready for reopening. There is some new software on the machines. The computer lab is open from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. today.

I put the book, Thieves of Book Row: New York's Most Notorious Rare Book Ring and the Man Who Stopped It by Travis McDade on hold. It was reviewed in the November 15, 2013 Times Literary Supplement.

I spent some time working on the holiday displays today. I am thinking about working on a book club in January.

On the way home, I read some more of The Flamethrowers. I am finding it quite enjoyable. The writing has an impulsive quality to it. The characters seem a little lost and constantly seeking something. This make the writing entertaining. The descriptions are vivid, they strike at you; handcuff eyeglasses, soft bell, lotus paste buns, territorial borders, leggy splendor, and more are peppered throughout the writing. I like it.

Web Bits

Reading Literature Makes Us Both Smarter and Nicer

http://ideas.time.com/2013/06/03/why-we-should-read-literature/

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Daily Thoughts 11/24/2013

Daily Thoughts 11/24/2013

This morning I checked Twitter and Facebook for the library.

I put a hold on Strategy: A History by Lawrence Freedman http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/2/b8399676-4c7f-11e3-923d-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2lPCOrk6L

In the laundromat, I read some more of The Flamethrowers by Rachel Kushner. The book has an edge to it. The sensuality is a mix of Italy in the summer, New York at night, the ski slopes of Colorado, and the salt flats of Reno where they do speed tests with motorcycle. At the same time it is an artistic sensibility with a touch of Baudelaire.

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Daily Thoughts 11/23/2013

Daily Thoughts 11/23/2013

On the train to work, I started reading Dogfight How Apple and Google Went to War and Started a Revolution. The author opens with the competition between the Apple iOS operating system and the Google Android operating system for phones, tablets, and other devices.

This morning, I checked the Facebook and Twitter for the library.

I also checked the displays and gift books.

The book, The Flamethrowers by Rachel Kushner came in for me to read. I read some of it on the train. The writing has an excellent flow to it. There is a lot about going very fast. The urge to go fast, to ride motorcyles, to live quickly, to be artistic. It reminds me of a friend whose ambition was to fly fighter jets. To go as fast as humanly possible.

Web Bits

What Does the Book Business Look Like on the Inside? by Daniel Menaker

http://www.vulture.com/2013/11/daniel-menaker-on-publishing-industry-insanity.html?mid=facebook_nymag

6 Ways to Beat Readers Block

http://blogs.publishersweekly.com/blogs/PWxyz/2013/11/22/6-ways-to-beat-readers-block/

Friday, November 22, 2013

Daily Thoughts 11/22/2013

Fumi yomu musume Print shows a young woman, full-length, standing, facing left, reading a letter. Date Created/Published: [between 1844 and 1848]

Daily Thoughts 11/22/2013

This morning, I read some more of The Everything Store. One of the reasons Amazon worked on the Kindle was because they thought Apple or Google might create it first.

This morning, I checked the new books. I also checked the Twitter and Facebook for the library.

I checked out the book, Dogfight How Apple and Google Went to War and Started a Revolution by Fred Vogelstein this morning. We are steadily getting a nice selection of new books.

We have ten new computers in the computer lab.

I spent some time reading through the latest New York Times Book Reviews. I also spent a little time going over Bookletters with a colleague in the children's room.

On the way home, I finished reading The Everything Store, Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon by Brad Stone. One of the things which impressed me about Bezos was his ability to take books of theory like Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies by Jim Collins and Jerry L. Porras or The Innovators Dilemma: The Revolutionary Book That Will Change the Way You Do Business by Clayton M. Christensen and put the theories in books he has read into practice inside his company. I find this fascinating. There is an Appendix in the back of the book called Jeffs Reading List which lists many of the books which Jeff Bezos read. Most of them are classics of business writing.

Web Bits

Solving the Biggest Mystery Publishing Well and Profitably

https://www.kirkusreviews.com/features/solving-biggest-mystery-all-publishing-well-and-pr/

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Daily Thoughts 11/21/2013

Portrait of a Young Lady, Alfred Stevens, 1906

Daily Thoughts 11/21/2013

I read some more of The Everything Store on the train to work. One of the reasons Jeff Bezos is an entrepreneur is that he always knew that he wanted to go into space and needed wealth to do it. He even has a space exploration company called Blue Origin.

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I spent some time checking the new books and the gift books. There was a nice copy of Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins in the gift books. I also spent a little time weeding in the oversize collection today.

This morning, I spent some time discussing Bookletters with my colleagues. I am thinking about how we are going to use it in the new website.

We have some new labels for the graphic novels.

I put the book, The Flamethrowers by Rachel Kushner which is a 2013 Finalist for the National Book Award on hold.

On the way home, I read some more of The Everything Store. Part of the book talks about the different management techniques which Amazon.com uses including Kaizen, lean manufacturing, and Six Sigma. There is also a belief that Amazon is not just a retail operation. It is a technology company. I have some doubts about how Brad Stone describes the inner workings of Amazon. Amazon is a very secretive company.

Web Bits

National Museum and Library Services Board Explores Maker Movement

http://blog.imls.gov/?p=4384

It is all about "steam" science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Libraries and Librarians are More Relevant Than Ever in the Digital Age

http://www.impactlab.net/2013/11/20/libraries-and-librarians-are-more-relevant-than-ever-in-the-digital-age/#!

U.S. Public Libraries and the Use of Web Technologies 2012

http://www.lrs.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/WebTech2012_CloserLook.pdf

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Daily Thoughts 11/20/2013

Still Life With Attributes of the Arts, 1922, Zinadia Serebriakova

Daily Thoughts 11/20/2013

This morning, I read some more of Zero to Maker by David Lang. I am reading about entrepreneurship as part of the Maker movement and the concepts behind the idea of open source manufacturing. This book also describes how home electronics and new computer programs like Arduino are encouraging people to start making things and tinkering again.

This morning, I checked the Twitter and Facebook for the library. I also checked the gift books and the displays. I started doing a little bit of weeding in the oversize books as well.

I spent a little bit of time working on a preview for a new web page suggesting some minor changes in the content focusing on digital media and book groups.

An article about the John Rizzo Photography Exhibit at the Mount Vernon Public Library.

http://www.mvinquirer.com/#!john-rizzo-/c1xux

Web Bits

The Most Popular Books of All Time: Infographic http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/the-most-popular-books-of-all-time-infographic_b80106#.Uo0W-UYv1z0.facebook

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Daily Thoughts 11/19/2013

Still Life with Blue Trim, Felix Vallotton, 1922

Daily Thoughts 11/19/2013

This morning, I read some more of The Everything Store. The story of Amazon is also the story of many other internet based companies. There are bits on Ebay, Dell, and Google for example. It is also the story of a company with a clear set of values: innovation, customer obsession, frugality, bias for action, ownership, and high bar for talent. This is a story of how a company moves into new markets and expands continuously.

I checked the Twitter and Facebook for the library. I also checked the displays this morning. I put in an order for bestselling fiction and nonfiction this morning as well. I also ordered some more holiday books. We recently put out the holiday music for circulation as well.

I checked out the book, Building Your Own Electronics Lab, A Guide to Setting up Your Own Gadget Workshop by Dale Wheat.

The computer lab was open from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. today. There are also two computer classes tonight; Your Tablet from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Fundamentals of Computers from 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.. Some people have been asking about Microsoft Excel classes.

I spent a little time looking at the description of the Digital Media which we offer at the Mount Vernon Public Library.

On the way home, I read some more of Zero To Maker. David Lang touches on a few concepts and practices which I find interesting. The first is that of a tool lending library where people share tools. The second concept is the fab lab or a fabrication facility designed to remake everything that already exists in the laboratory. A kind of replicating laboratory that grows continuously.

Web Bits

Are Digital Libraries A Winner Takes All Market Overdrive Hopes So http://www.forbes.com/sites/avaseave/2013/11/18/are-digital-libraries-a-winner-takes-all-market-overdrive-hopes-so/

Overdrive Launches Streaming Video Service Pilot Program http://goodereader.com/blog/digital-library-news/overdrive-launches-streaming-video-service-pilot-program?et_mid=648714&rid=240836703

Hoopla Announces Agreements with Universal Pictures, MGM, National Geographic, BBC America http://www.thedigitalshift.com/2013/11/media/hoopla-announces-agreements-universal-pictures-mgm-national-geographic-bbc-america/

You'll Need a Ph.D. to Make Sense of the Pricing Schemes Publishers Impose On Libraries http://www.forbes.com/sites/avaseave/2013/11/19/youll-need-a-phd-to-make-sense-of-the-pricing-schemes-publishers-impose-on-libraries/

Monday, November 18, 2013

Daily Thoughts 11/18/2013

Still Life, 1919, Jean Metzinger

Daily Thoughts 11/18/2013

This afternoon, I checked Facebook for the library.

I read some more of The Everything Store. I learned that the two categories Amazon immmediately expanded into after books were music and dvds. This makes sense. They were apparently the two easiest categories which Amazon could sell. In a way, this says that media is what sells on the internet.

I read some more of Zero to Maker. Part of this book is about an emerging industrial philosophy which encourages people to make things. Some of the ideas are focused on making things that are easy to fix, continuously tinkering on what people are working on, and creating different kinds of shared spaces like hackerspaces, makerspaces, and fab labs where people can work.

Web Bits

LaFourche Voted NO, and It Was Good.

http://everylibrary.org/lafourche-voted-good/

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Daily Thoughts 11/17/2013

Daily Thoughts 11/17/2013

This morning, I checked the Facebook and Twitter for the library. I also read some more of The Everything Store. There are some interesting ideas about the book trade. One of them is that there are essentially two large distributors for books, Baker and Taylor and Ingram. One of the early objectives for Amazon was to grow very large so they could get volume discounts from Baker and Taylor and Ingram on new books. It is a way to commoditize books. Another is the focus on employees that work very hard and are smart. They try and hire smart people that will hire more smart people.

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Daily Thoughts 11/16/2013

Daily Thoughts 11/16/2013

Last night, I watched Skyfall,the James Bond film. It felt very different than Ian Fleming would have created.

This morning, I checked the libraries Facebook and Twitter. I also started reading The Everything Store Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon by Brad Stone. The title refers to the initial idea of a store that would sell everything over the internet. Jeff Bezos chose books because they had commodity qualities about them; an individual title was exactly the same wherever it was being sent. I also learned about Jeff Bezos start as a hedge fund manager.

I started a second book as well, Zero to Maker Learn (Just Enough) to Make (Just About) Anything by David Lang. This book started as a project in career change for David Lang. David Lang is describing the Maker movement and how to become part of it. He correctly tells us that part of it is the ability to make customized products using desktop computerized equipment like CNC machines, 3D Printers, and laser cutters which are becoming much more affordable. The movement is not about the individual working to create a new invention, but about places and spaces where people collaborate to make new things.

Web Bits

Suit Challenging Google's Digital Library Dropped http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/14/google-digital-library-suit-_n_4275255.html?utm_hp_ref=books

2013 Library Elections "Deep Dive" http://everylibrary.org/2013-library-elections-deep-dive/

Friday, November 15, 2013

Daily Thoughts 11/15/2013

Daily Thoughts 11/15/2013

This morning on the train to work, I finished reading Mike Tyson, Undisputed Truth. At the end of the book, Mike Tyson is a different person. He is in therapy, has joined Alcoholics Anonymous, is married, and is trying to make amends for his wild behavior in his youth. He is also trying to become an actor. It is an interesting story, if a bit disjointed.

This morning, I checked the Twitter and Facebook for the library, compiled the October monthly statistics, and checked the displays. We are doing a program at 2:00 p.m. to described the different digital media available at the library. I have the Kindle Fire and the Ipad Mini for the program. It should be interesting.

The book, Zero to Maker by David Lang came in for me to read.

The computer lab was open from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m..

Web Bits

Google Gets Total Victory Over Authors Guild Book Scanning Is Fair Use

http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20131114/09561525242/google-gets-total-victory-over-authors-guild-book-scanning-is-fair-use.shtml

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Daily Thoughts 11/14/2013

Karin Reading, 1904, Carol Larsson

Daily Thoughts 11/14/2013

I read some more of Undisputed Truth by Mike Tyson. It is rather interesting. Mike Tyson gives away his money and is very generous with jewelry and clothes, at the same time he is spending it on women, drugs and alcohol, constant legal trouble, nice houses, and beautiful cars so the hundreds of millions he earns as a boxer flow away like water. It reminds you to keep a little money for a rainy day.

This morning, I checked the libraries Facebook and Twitter page. I also checked the displays and am preparing to show a film tonight, Koran By Heart. I spent a little time talking to a colleague about the web site.

Today is very busy. They are doing more focus groups. The Board of the Mount Vernon Public Library has a special meeting at 6:45 p.m. today in the Trustees room.

Web Bits Beyond the e-book: the New World of Electronic Reading

http://www.worldliteraturetoday.org/2013/november/beyond-e-book-new-world-electronic-reading-andrew-piper#.UoTnOSfO-Sp

Amazing Things You Can Do With Legos...

Legobot the Badass 3D Printer Made Out of Legos

http://solidsmack.com/fabrication/legobot-the-badass-3d-printer-made-out-of-legos/

A Supercomputer Made with Raspberry Pi and Lego

http://www.engineering.com/ElectronicsDesign/ElectronicsDesignArticles/ArticleID/5357/A-Supercomputer-made-with-Raspberry-Pi-and-LEGO.aspx

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Daily Thoughts 11/13/2013

Library of Congress, Washington D.C., Main Reading Room Between 1900 and 1910

Daily Thoughts 11/13/2013

I read some more of Undisputed Truth on the way to work. Mike Tyson swings between bragging about his exploits and talking about his recklessness and depression. He describes his infamous boxing match with Evander Holyfield where Holyfield headbutts Mike and Mike Tyson chews on Evander Holyfield's ear and gets expelled from boxing. There are lots of instances of reckless behavior. It is toward the middle of the book that Mike Tyson starts getting religion and therapy and is a bit calmer. There are a few moments where Mike Tyson does things which have some meaning like telling us that he loved watching the World Wrestling Federation as a kid and enjoyed participating as a referee.

This morning I checked the Twitter and Facebook for the library. I also spent a little time working on an e-mail list with Mailchimp.

I checked the displays and the gift books. I also printed up some more computer class flyers.

The computer lab was open from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. today. I am preparing to show a film tomorrow that was part of the Bridging Cultures: Muslim Journeys Bookshelf, Koran By Heart. http://bridgingcultures.neh.gov/muslimjourneys/ provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities at 6:00 p.m.

I am also spending a little bit of time preparing to do a presentation on Digital Media @ Your Library at 2:00 p.m. on Friday in the Trustees room with a colleague.

Paul J. McAuley has a new science fiction novel Evening's Empires which looks interesting.

Christmas Lights Make Slippers in Global Junkyard Economy http://www.npr.org/2013/11/13/244984351/christmas-lights-make-slippers-in-global-junkyard-economy

This made me interested in placing a hold on Junkyard Planet by Adam Minter.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Daily Thoughts 11/12/2013

Correspondence, Theodore Robinson, 1895

Daily Thoughts 11/12/2013

On the way to work, I read some more of Mike Tyson Undisputed Truth. You could not make up some of the things in this book. It is full of sex, fighting, partying, and hard work. There are lots of interesting statements from Tyson like he admires John McEnroe for his attitude. There are also some really interesting descriptions of him meeting different people. I found his description of talking to Iceberg Slim very interesting. Some of the content is a bit rough and comes off as nasty.

This morning, I checked the libraries Facebook and Twitter pages. I also checked the displays and did some ordering for bestselling titles this morning. A consultant is doing a Focus Group for retired people on how the library is doing and how it can improve. I am going to be part of a staff focus group at 3:00 p.m. today.

The focus group was interesting. It was about the different strengths and weaknesses of the library from programming to how the community views us. There are several more groups that are meeting. I am hoping it will be useful.

The computer lab was open from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. today. There are also two computer classes tonight, a Beginning Microsoft Word class from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and a Fundamentals of Computer Operations class from 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

The book, The Everything Store Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon by Brad Stone came in for me to read.

Reading Undisputed Truth has been an interesting experience. Some people don't like me reading it because Mike Tyson is a convicted sex offender and his attitude towards women. Other people have commented about his facial tattoo. It is not a comfortable book. The writing itself is a bit disjointed and off balance. I think it reflects what Tyson thought of himself when he was younger. He clearly sees his younger self as out of control and self destructive.

Web Bits

Neil Gaiman on the Writers Who Influenced and Inspired Him

http://flavorwire.com/424609/neil-gaiman-on-the-writers-who-influenced-and-inspired-him/

Monday, November 11, 2013

Daily Thoughts 11/11/2013

Daily Thoughts 11/11/2013

I spent some time answering a survey on Makerspaces in libraries. I have some reservations about them. A simpler approach focused on science crafts-- making pinwheels, magnetic goop, marble mazes, and building lego sets might work as part of crafts. There is a lot involved. I can also see things like do it yourself type programs like how to program a basic Arduino board, do projects from the Instructables site http://www.instructables.com, or work with very basic computers like Raspberry Pi. More complex things like 3D printers would be a later step.

This afternoon, I spent a little bit more time reading Ipad the Missing Manual on the libraries Ipad Mini. It is a learning experience. I also read some more of Mike Tyson Undisputed Truth. It is rather interesting that he has no desire to be seen as a hero, he even says we remember villains far more than we remember heros. There is also a reminder that the person who is the friend to everyone is not a friend to himself. I'm at the point in the book where Mike Tyson has won his first heavyweight title. He still is connected to Brownsville, and describes his continued drinking, partying, and giving out money in his old haunts. The book is interesting in a dark sort of way.

Web Bits

Low Tech, High Gains: Starting A Maker Program Is Easier Than You Think

http://www.thedigitalshift.com/2013/10/k-12/low-tech-high-gains-knitting-arts-and-crafts-bike-repair-anyingall-are-maker-activities/

Startup Librarian Expanding Your Skills Into New Areas

http://www.americanlibrariesmagazine.org/article/start-librarian