A great quote about library services in tough times This quote from an article I read in the latest American Libraries really resonated with me, given that we are facing budget cuts at our library too, and the law of diminishing returns means that we are running out of ways to provide great service (programs, hours open, library materials) with fewer and fewer funds...

"Customers in Ohio are accustomed to -- and certainly deserve -- a Cadillac of library services," she said. "But we can't continue to provide Cadillac service. It's just the reality and we have to face it."

Full article available here.  ¶ posted by Mary Martin @ 11:55 AM  135 comments

  Librarian's Job Has Shelf Life

Just stumbled across a great article about a Burlington County librarian named Paula Manzella (thank you, customized Google News): http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/news_details/article/26/2009/october/14/librarians-job-has-shelf-life.html The article is positive, interesting, and shows Paula (and by extension librarians and libraries in New Jersey) in a very positive light. PLUS, as an aside, I have to say I'm jealous -- I always wanted to drive the bookmobile! I think that might be one of the most fabulous jobs in the world. When I worked at Fort Smith Public Library in Arkansas we had a bookmobile and our driver, Mae, one time took me out on her rounds with her. It was awesome.

  ¶ posted by Mary Martin @ 6:22 AM  0 comments

  Genius! A blind "taste test" of search engines

I ran across this article from the Washington Post http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/08/AR2009080802590_pf.html while perusing my personalized Google news headlines this morning. It reports on a "blind" search engine that allows you to type your question and gives results from the top 3 search engines, Google, Bing and Yahoo (without telling you which results are from which search tool). Then you can look at the answers and decide which one gave you the best results. Choose it, and all will be revealed! It's fascinating.  http://blindsearch.fejus.com

  ¶ posted by Mary Martin @ 7:14 AM  55 comments

  Collingswood Public Library's 5K Challenge

Think you can beat the director of Collingswood Public Library in a 5K race? There's still time to sign up, the race isn't until September 2009. Proceeds benefit the teen area of the library. Check out this terrific video promoting it:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11Wx25Mk-Ek   What a great way to pimp the library!

  ¶ posted by Mary Martin @ 9:41 AM  2 comments

  Public Libraries in the United States, 2007 The Institute of Museum & Library Services just released its report on usage of public libraries in the US during fiscal year 2007 - more about it here:  ¶ posted by Mary Martin @ 3:46 AM  0 comments

  Cap'n Ahab's Fine Seafood and other awesome PR ideas This is a great article about how the Johnson County library system in Kansas is publicizing their library by decorating their delivery trucks. How cool is this? Not that expensive, too. And I bet it gives them lots of exposure... plus, it shows they have a sense of humor. Dang, I love it.  ¶ posted by Mary Martin @ 3:38 AM  0 comments

  That's one way to get buzz for your library

Check out this article about the Huntington Library in Pasadena, CA, entitled `Son of Stinky' ready to bloom at Huntington Library http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_12540402 Certainly an interesting way to get your library's name in the paper! :)

  ¶ posted by Mary Martin @ 5:59 PM  0 comments

  What Libraries are Worth To Us

A great article from the Cincinnati press about the importance of libraries... http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090601/COL01/906010329/What+libraries+are+worth+to+us

  ¶ posted by Mary Martin @ 9:26 PM  242 comments