How good is Oyster, the new ebook subscription service? Linda W. Braun puts the application through its paces in a screencast series showing how to get started with Oyster, how to search titles, and what it all means for libraries.
Not for the Timid | What We’re Reading
By on September 16, 2013
We’re reading across the spectrum this week at Library Journal/School Library Journal, with nonfiction and fiction both represented. A cross theme of strong women, from actress Anjelica Huston to warrior maiden Alanna to Anne Frank’s sister, is in play, with some humor and fantastic fantasy thrown in. There’s also real-life drama, as beleaguered hospital staffers [...]
Power Tumbl’ng: Why Tumblr Is a Great Way to Reach Teen Patrons
By on September 12, 2013
Tumblr can be a successful way to connect to new and diverse audiences, provided you understand who you’ll be attracting to your site and how to use Tumblr to your advantage. Should libraries and librarians use Tumblr? Teen librarian Robin Brenner says yes, and explains why.
First Maker Space in Central Iowa Opening Very Soon
By on September 9, 2013
One week from today, the Kirkendall Public Library, in the Des Moines suburb of Ankeny, IA, will open its new maker space, the first of its kind in central Iowa. The space, officially called Hatch, will include a 3-D printer, video and audio editing equipment, an image scanner, a traditional sewing machine and a serger, and tools for digitizing VHS, vinyl, and audio cassettes.
Indianapolis Public Library Shared Catalog System Adds Local School Partners
By on September 6, 2013
Nearly 10,000 students at 20 local schools now have access to the Indianapolis Public Library’s collection of nearly two million items as part of the library’s growing Shared System, an inter-library collaboration that provides online circulation services and joint access to the catalogs and collections of member institutions.
Sharing Public Domain Ebooks with the Book Elf
By on September 6, 2013
The Book Elf is a new tool for getting PD digital content into the hands of readers. Discovery of titles could be improved, but it does have some potential.
Popularity Contest: 2013 Hugo Awards Crown SF Winners
By on September 5, 2013
The arrival of fall marks the start of the literary awards season. Already Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami is being touted as an odds-on favorite to win the Nobel Prize for Literature next month. But the cynic in me guesses that the always inscrutable Swedish committee of judges will bypass the best-selling author of 1Q84, Kafka [...]
SLJ’s School Ebook Market Directory
By on September 3, 2013
Which ebook provider will best meet your school’s needs and budget? SLJ’s snapshot of 19 ebook vendors outlines the suppliers’ range of offerings, terms of use, and pricing options.
E. It’s Complicated. How Two Schools are Riding the Transition to Ebooks
By on September 3, 2013
For this close-up report on going digital, SLJ talked to academic experts, librarians, teachers, and students at two Illinois high schools. Big questions: What are the best ebook providers? How many student iPads get damaged? Do students read more in ebook or print? And more.
A Minecraft Library Scores Big: Mattituck, NY, Branch Is a Hit with Kids
By on September 3, 2013
Inspired by the experiences of Connecticut librarian Sarah Ludwig’s Minecraft library club, Elizabeth Grohoski and Karen Letteriello of the Mattituck-Laurel Library (NY) are now using a virtual Minecraft library to attract young patrons. The game allows users to build in a 3-D virtual world with cubes similar to Legos—but without any proscriptive kits and manuals.
U.S. Census Report Shows College Enrollment Declines
By on September 3, 2013
According to U.S. Census Bureau statistics released today, college enrollment in fall 2012 plunged by half a million (467,000) from one year earlier. This decline, which includes both graduate and undergraduate enrollment, follows a period of substantial growth (3.2 million) between 2006 and 2011. INFOdocket editor Gary Price examines the data, including relevant K–12 statistics.
Alabama State Senator Calls for Removal of Toni Morrison Novel Aligned with Common Core
By on August 28, 2013
From AL.com: One week after facing an official GOP reprimand for failing to oppose Common Core, Sen. Bill Holtzclaw is calling upon state educators to ban a novel used in conjunction with the national standards. Holtzclaw objects to “The Bluest Eye,” Toni Morrison’s first novel, being included on high school reading lists. He said was [...]
ConnectED Will Bring Faster Connections to Schools and Libraries | Next Big Thing
By on August 28, 2013
What could your library do with gigabit broadband? If you don’t have a list of innovative ways to use an Internet connection 10 or 100 times faster than the current norm, start making it now.
Organize the Web with EduClipper | Test Drive
By on August 26, 2013
Sure, the Web is a key resource for educators, but what’s the best way to share the good stuff you’ve collected with students and teachers and keep it all organized? EduClipper may be an answer.
Miami-Dade County Will Keep All Public Libraries Open but Cut Hours, 169 Librarians
By on August 24, 2013
Six weeks after cautioning it could shutter 22 public libraries, Miami-Dade County has found a way to keep all 49 facilities open at least some of the time, offering stripped-down services. In all, 169 librarians would lose their jobs by Oct. 1, and libraries would operate about three-quarters of the hours they do now, according to The Miami Herald. INFOdocket editor Gary Price shares the latest developments.
Columbus Metropolitan Library Announces New Position to Work with Area Schools
By on August 22, 2013
An impressive commitment from CEO Pat Losinski and the entire team at CML. Kudos! From 10TV.com: On the same day the state released school report card data, the Columbus Metropolitan Libraries announced a new position designed to “help ensure that students have the resources to succeed outside of the classroom.” CML officials announced Thursday the [...]
New York City: NYC School Librarians Hold Protest to Protect Jobs
By on August 21, 2013
From the WSJ: New York City school librarians are fighting back. A group of librarians and parents held a rally Wednesday morning to protest the city’s request for a waiver from state librarian staffing requirements. Standing on the steps of Tweed Courthouse, the Department’s downtown Manhattan headquarters, librarians said they couldn’t just be replaced by [...]
Life with Raspberry Pi: Sparking a School Coding Revolution
By on August 19, 2013
A $25 computer that fits in the palm of your hand, the Raspberry Pi has the potential to challenge the digital divide and make coding in schools as commonplace as textbooks. Computing could truly become about what kids can make rather than what schools can buy. Teacher Chad Sansing explains it all, with resources for digging in and getting started.
Maker Summer: A Global Project Offers DIY Opportunities
By on August 19, 2013
Tinkerers of all ages are flexing their creative muscles during the Summer of Making and Connecting, a global project geared to empower digital crafters and match people with maker activities, online or on the street.
Miami-Dade Will Shut Only Four Libraries but Major Layoffs Still Expected
By on August 15, 2013
From the Miami Herald: Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez, who last month warned that 22 of the county’s 49 public libraries could be shut down this fall due to deep budget cuts, announced Thursday that his administration now expects to shutter only four. [Our emphasis] The dramatic reduction, while welcome news to library supporters who have [...]
