MOBIUS Libraries

A CBS video about how items from the National Archives are being targeted by thieves--in this case by a noted historian who used his access to steal material.

This was of interest considering my visit to the Wolfner Library during the conference. The issue seems to center around loosening copyright restrictions so blind readers can have more easy access to materials that have be converted into a format accessible to them, and the resistance of the entertainment and publishing industries even though it would be beneficial.

Mali has been engaged in a civil war for over a year; a unique aspect of that country is the many collections of historical texts dating back to the middle ages, often held in private hands, which have now been threatened by the conflict. Libraries in Exile is attempting to save some of these works by raising money via the CrowdSourcing site IndieGoGo.

A new DRM feature called "SiDiM" intends to watermark eBooks by slightly changing the punctuation and text for each copy, this making them unique. Some concerns is how it may changes things for the reader or from what the author intended. A similar technique is used for some music files.

The Pacific Branch, one of two branch buildings the Brooklyn Public Library intended to sell, has been given a temporary reprieve. However, the future is murky as the building is old and in need of repairs, while the money raised selling on what has become valuable property could be used for other branches in the system.

The program is up for the ALA Virtual Conference! Take a peek and find which sessions you plan to attend.

An interesting perspective on the unfolding NSA scandals, regarding how much of the massive surveillance is actually legal.

Some relevant questions are asked about the recently unveiled PRISM Internet monitoring program of the NSA.

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.

An interesting but more or less "Feel Good" talk about how books can change a person's life.

"The death of the music industry. The death of newspapers. The death of print. The death of Hollywood. The death of books. The death of the Web. The death of RSS. The death of Microsoft. All predicted to be killed - suddenly or gradually or in the library with a candlestick - by some sort of "disruptive innovation."

This blog analyzes "disruptive innovation" and what it means to libraries.

A useful website for finding the discography of a band, what groups someone has performed with, popular musicians in particular genres, and so on.

An interesting topic but not one that necessarily reflects what people are thinking. First is the purpose of highlighting--often for research as in a paper or in self help books, and second is how many people make highlights in the first place. Still, it is an interesting insight into what readers find notable.