Home › Adults
-A A +A

Librarian

The Battle Continues: eBooks or Hardbacks?

{Courtesy of LIS News}

David Carnoy of (CNET) weighs in on the 'titled' topic. He tells Huffington Post readers that plenty of people have come up with lists of reasons why e-books are better than hardcover books, but that he finds the opposite point of view more challenging. So here's his list of why hardcover books are better:
1. Spilling a drink on a hardcover doesn't cause it to die
2. You can't press a leaf in an e-book, even a virtual one
3. You can't have an author sign an e-book (yet)
4. E-books don't float in a pool
5. You can't use an e-book as a doorstop or to prop open a window
6. A hardcover doesn't crack when you drop it
7. An e-book has no resale value on Amazon
8. You don't have to recharge a hardcover
9. In a pinch, you can burn a hardcover to keep warm
10. You don't have to feel ripped off after paying $12.99 for something that's just bits and bytes
-end-
Post Note: Our library would like nothing more than to have the ability to continue to achieve balance in collection development. The reality is that budgetary challenges and the structure of our current Delaware County library community determines to some extent what we are capable of doing and what are just pipe dreams. However, the evolution is here and we are ready, willing, and able to jump in as the water is great! Please send your inquiries to Richard Thau, Library Director. thau@haverfordlibrary.org
 
Posted: Tue, July 27, 2010

Praise for Libraries

 

{Courtesy of LIS News}
 
When Arizona-based Library Manager Lesa Holstine asked author Tess Gerritsen to do a guest post on her blog, Lesa's Book Critiques, she expected the writer might blog about her new book, Ice Cold, which debuted at #10 on this past Sunday's New York Times bestseller list. Instead, Gerritsen offered a piece on recent budget cuts to public libraries across the country, and the
place public libraries have had in her life.   
Check out this interesting piece:

http://lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com/2010/07/tess-gerritsen-guest-blogger.html

Posted: Tue, July 20, 2010

Not What You Think

Contemporary librarians in the United States are very much involved and invested in their libraries and the neighborhoods, towns, cities, and counties in which they serve. Take the opportunity to learn about the evolving real world of the American public librarian.  Library colleagues David Votta and Heidi Gustad of the Capital Area District Library in Michigan did a short stand-up presentation recently to dispel eight myths about librarians and to inform communities about the progressive nature of today’s libraries. Librarians are fighting to give libraries a fresh image to keep the community learning. Find out why libraries are so crucial to a community.  Do view the link--http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbJXL-7PRR8  We think you will find it interesting and entertaining.
{See our HTFL facebook site as well. Do join if you have not already done so. See social media links on our primary web page.} 
Please send your library and community insights to Richard Thau, Library Director at

Posted: Fri, July 16, 2010

Budget and Politics

{Courtesy of AL Direct}

The use of $10 million in state aid to build the Arlen Specter Library at Philadelphia University is drawing unfavorable comparisons to the 9% cut in aid to all libraries in the new Pennsylvania state budget. Funding for the Specter library and $10 million for the John P. Murtha Center for Public Policy in Johnstown were tapped by Gov. Ed Rendell for priority under the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. Rendell said he wishes local libraries received more state aid, but a budget with revenue shortfalls and no tax hikes led to many program cuts. Specter himself will have an office in the library, which will be built in the historic Roxboro House.

See Full Newspaper article:

Posted: Thu, July 15, 2010

Communication

{Courtesy of AL: Green Your Library}

Like the vast majority of libraries across the country, the New York Public Library had been sending out paper notices to its patrons using the U.S. postal service for more than 100 years. These notices required thousands of pounds of paper, and drove up postage costs for the library. Starting August 1, this will change. The N.Y. Public Library will cease mailing out hold notices in an effort to help the environment while freeing up funds for additional programs, services, and new materials for its collection.
 

HTFL Customers: The initiative to increase the use of e-mail to improve library service is in full swing here at the Haverford Township Free Library as well. If you have a personal e-mail address, please do provide the library with this information. Communication will improve and we will all be more responsible stewards of the public trust in terms of how we utilize valuable staff time and other budgetary priorities. It will free up staff to do other important project work and therefore improve service provision to the public. Questions? Please ask a library desk person if you would like to make sure that your current e-mail is now on file with us! Good communication is essential for good customer service!  

Richard Thau, Library Director /  thau@haverfordlibrary.org

 

 

Posted: Thu, July 15, 2010