Group items tagged

The author talks about how using electronic devices can alter our accustomed behaviors, such as mistakenly swiping a finger when reading a printed newspaper expecting it to turn the page the same as if it were on a tablet. He then carries this over into an argument that the brain changes that cause this hasten the adoption rate for new technologies. Ultimately I disagree with this as it's only becoming habituated to an interface, and not something intrinsic with the medium itself.

Not exactly the first time one of these has been tried, but very close to it. The success or failure ultimately isn't how much access it provides but how much it will serve the needs of the user public.

Two important new developments in access to public funded research, the FASTR Act that requires copies of articles done under NIH research to be deposited into PubMed, and a White House directive for federal agencies to develop public access policies for research and digital data.

The concept of books as art objects is taken to a new dimension with Meric Ringborg's exhibit, "The Library of Unborrowed Books".

What to expected and what some tech writers would like to see in "Windows Blue," the next release of Windows scheduled for this Summer of Fall. Notable it Microsoft is trying to move to yearly updates of Windows and is enhancing the touchscreen and tiled "Metro" interface. It's not clear if "Blue: will be a point update such as Windows 8.1 or if it will be considered a new version altogether.

A somewhat hopeful article pointing out that the interest in e-book readers is leveling off while print continues, and that if anything things such as online self-publishing have helped as it reduces the risk for commercial publishers in recruiting new authors.

A concerning article about the rate of theft at the Austin public library. Surprising is how only recently have borrowing limits been enacted and patrons required to renew their cards A collections agency is used for delinquent accounts, but there is little mention of a security system or how much is lost due to simple theft.

Tynker is a new computing platform designed specifically to teach children computational thinking and programming skills in a fun and imaginative way. The cloud hosted system is now available to teachers, schools and districts

An interestingly philosophical article about burning books--namely books that no longer serve a purpose or have nay worth, but also questioning the purpose of the Encyclopedia, both when they were new but also today.

One of four articles from the New York Times about the debate if we still need libraries--focusing mostly on Internet access rather than other services.

The second of four New York Times articles, written by a librarian and therefore supportive, but he made several good points. Most learning centers offer computer skills in only English, but to offer those in four foreign languages is impressive, along with the move to circulating digital media and devices.

The third of four New York Times articles; written by a school librarian and focusing on how libraries are a participatory culture.

The fourth New York Times article, this time looking at libraries both as gather places and as for solitude. Two of his comments stood out to me: "....we tend to subscribe to a set of norms: studiousness, solitude and quiet above all. These connect the sense that all these disparate places really are one place, consistent across times and cultures." And: "In their long history, libraries have been models for the world and models of the world...."

The feature article "The Future of Library Systems" has a section about Sierra and a summary comparison of new library services platforms.

While not particular breaking new ground, this article does look at the status quo and issues with self publishing, in particular the slop of enthusiasm versus demand, and that self publishing may still be in the early stage of inflated expectations.

The Digital Public Library of America opened last Thursday. http://dp.la/

In good news for readers and libraries, Macmillan, the last of five major publishers in an anti-trust lawsuit, have settled with the DOJ. This means that retailers can begin discounting digital titles they have for sale. Apple is the only publisher still outstanding in the lawsuit.

Help via chat isn't a service we've ever offered, but maybe we should. This product looks awesome and it integrates with UserVoice, skype, etc. Could be a stellar new tool.

Help via chat would be very cool!

"The ALA Washington Office held a special informational session on Sunday afternoon to let librarians get a head start on helping their patrons enroll for healthcare through the new Affordable Care Act, which aims to provide reasonable health insurance for all Americans equally, regardless of any pre-existing conditions."