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.