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Friends Book Sale Note

The Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale is coming.

Monies raised goes to support the acquisition of important library resources

Dates: Sept. 24, Sept. 25, Sept 26 and Oct. 2.

At this time, the Friends have closed the pipeline for further donations for the upcoming sale. Thanks to those who have donated materials for the sale.

Please check out the Friends of the Library website for additional details. http://sites.google.com/site/htflfriends/

Posted: Wed, August 18, 2010

Library Cards for All!

 

 

     In tough economic times, parents might find it harder than ever to make sure their children have everything they need for school. Luckily, the most important school supply of all does not cost a thing. It’s a library card. Libraries support literacy education by providing teaching resources, space for tutoring, and information and referral services, as well as with access to music, DVDs, the Internet, books and more. By motivating children to read, librarians create lifelong readers, and that makes for better citizens, and that makes for a healthier democracy.
     Of course, library cards aren’t just for kids. A recent report found that the importance of libraries in American life continued to grow in 2010—and accelerated dramatically as the national economy sank and people looked for sources of cost-effective help in a time of crisis. In fact, 68 percent of American adults have a library card. Now more than ever, Americans turn to – and depend on – their libraries and librarians financial information, computer and Internet access, and, of course, books, movies and more. It’s all free with a library card.  
–Richard Thau/Library Director
Posted: Fri, August 13, 2010

Information Growth


Google CEO Eric Schmidt had some interesting things to say about privacy in a recent speech. In a nutshell, he said there is an almost incomprehensible amount of data out there about all of us—much of which we’ve generated ourselves via social networks, blogs, and so on—and we are totally unprepared to deal with the implications of that fact. Read about it: Google: Brace yourselves for the data explosion
Note: Library professionals are most interested in how information is changing our world. Libraries are being challenged in how we deal with the growing amounts of information being made available through the new technologies as well as through traditional formats. Do connect with Richard Thau, Library Director with your insights on these and other library oriented topics. thau@haverfordlibrary.org
 
Posted: Thu, August 12, 2010

The Archives

The National Archives keeps watch over 10 billion historical records. Citizens need to have access to history. With this noble aim, over the years, America has unfortunately left its attic doors open. Some of our past has slipped away. The solution: a team of dedicated national treasure hunters is now in place.

Read this fascinating article: Guardians of the nation's attic

A goal of our library is to promote an awareness of the history and cultural diversity of our area and to relate that rich history to the present. Your insights are always appreciated. Contact Richard Thau, Library Director. thau@haverfordlibrary.org

 

Posted: Wed, August 11, 2010

Innovation

{Courtesy of LIS News}

A Library Kiosk At the Station

The Toronto Public Library is studying the idea of installing an automated kiosk at Union Station, where patrons could borrow a book with the simple swipe of their library cards at any time of day.

It’s not a new concept — these machines have been in place in Europe and in the United States — but the idea is slowly gaining steam in Canada.

Earlier this year, the library board agreed to investigate the idea of installing one of these self-service kiosks, in part because it would create a visible presence in a busy hub that is being renovated. By 2016, 330,000 passengers are projected to pass through the station daily.

“They look like vending machines that can hold books, paperbacks, hard covers, CDs and DVDs,” said Anne Bailey, director of branch libraries for the Toronto Public Library. A simple touch screen allows borrowers to see what in the machine.

“We’re often asked for service in locations where we wouldn’t want to put a branch. This might be a way to offer some level of service in a cost-effective manner.”

The cost for a single library kiosk and related collections is estimated at about $200,000 plus additional ongoing operating costs of about $15,000 a year. A branch library could cost millions.

Full Article Link: http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/845357--automated-kiosks-for-library-books?bn=1

Local note: We seek innovative ideas for consideration for our library. Submit your insights so that we may have substantive discussions as to the practicality of implementation! Brain storming is a healthy thing. Contact Richard Thau, your library director at thau@haverfordlibrary.org

 

Posted: Tue, August 10, 2010