Daily Links
Darien Library: The Great Good Place
Nov 17th
Plenty of inspiration here, folks.
Darien Library: The Great Good Place from Darien Library on Vimeo.
Will Your Local Library Lend E-Books? (Or Can They?)
Nov 15th
The ReadWriteWeb story is here. In my mind, library access to first-rate digital content is inextricably connected to the future (and future success) of libraries. We have got to get this right. Wanna get it right? Check out LibraryRenewal.org.
And in related news today… Libraries reinvent themselves as they struggle to remain relevant in the digital age.
Redefining the library in the age of Google and Wikipedia
Nov 4th
Today in the International Business Times: “To stay relevant to the changing needs of the people, the library has to reinvent itself. Today the library is no longer a place, but a space – both physical and virtual. People sitting in the library may be surfing for information outside the library, while people sitting outside the library may be accessing information inside the library.” more…
Colorado Defeats Anti-Public Service Measures
Nov 3rd
Amendments 60 and 61 and Proposition 101 went down last night. They would have laid waste to public service across Colorado, resulting in at least 70,000 lost jobs, plummeting property values and thoroughly-stifled local business. At my own library, we would have lost 58% of our revenue, and been forced to close half our branches and reduce hours at the remaining libraries. Of the 332 staff members, at least 172 of us would have lost our jobs. But that didn’t happen. The public voted for public service. And today we’re all breathing big gasping sighs of relief.
So what’s next?! Here’s my blog post over at Bad3Bad4Libraries, the blog we set up to help library lovers fight the three initiatives on their own time and dime.
The news is good in Colorado today, but libraries across the nation are in trouble and we’ve all got to work together to create a vibrant future for libraries. After all, can you picture a future without libraries? I don’t want to.
Please keep following SaveLibraries.org and check out LibraryRenewal.org while you’re it. If you feel the call in your heart, consider blogging here at SaveLibraries.org. We could use your help. Let us know; we look forward to talking with you.
“Cutting librarians cuts out the heart of communities”
Oct 20th
The Seattle Times editorial is here.
“Little Librarian Playset” discussion on boingboing
Oct 20th
Check it out
http://m.boingboing.net/2010/10/19/little-librarian-pla.html
My Elevator Speech
Oct 14th
So you meet someone new, and they say, “What do you do?”
I could start by saying, “I’m a public librarian.” But let’s be honest, that simple statement could be tainted by the myriad of perceptions and preconceptions the other person uses to color their own reality (and after all, we know there are a host of stereotypes out there about librarians). First impressions last, and I want to shape and frame this one-time opportunity.
So here’s my ten-second elevator speech:
“I help people change their lives, connect with their community, and boost their local economy, while enjoying the present and preparing for the future. I do this without a charge, because you have already paid for my services.”
Chances are, they will say, “Wow. Tell me more.”
And that’s my golden chance to tell them all about the wonders of public libraries, which can be summed up (and expanded upon) with four simple messages:
1. Libraries change lives.
2. Libraries build community.
3. Libraries mean business.
4. Libraries are a smart investment.
See also:
http://bhagcolorado.blogspot.com/
OCLC’s From Awareness to Funding
#savelibraries
#CObhag
Do You Tweet? #AndyPoll
Oct 12th
New Jersey Librarian Andy Woodworth wants to know…
So, what library issue is on your mind today? GO. Answer & RT plz
Lots of interesting issues, so please add yours and contribute to the conversation!
Online library advocacy
Oct 2nd
More wise words from Andy @ Agnostic, Maybe.
My advice is a reiteration: frequent reminders are at the heart of organizing. Use all your tools to connect with supporters and possible supporters (don’t get swept up by the naysayers, they only drag you down & waste your time). Social media is one tool, but it shouldn’t be the only implement of persuasion in your organizational arsenal.
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