Tag: library science

OpenURL

One of my big projects at work has been getting our SFX database set up. For those unfamiliar with the name, SFX is an OpenURL link resolver that connects (among other things) citations with content. My department head sent me a press release a couple of weeks ago about NISO releasing a trial standard for … Continue reading “OpenURL”

One of my big projects at work has been getting our SFX database set up. For those unfamiliar with the name, SFX is an OpenURL link resolver that connects (among other things) citations with content. My department head sent me a press release a couple of weeks ago about NISO releasing a trial standard for OpenURL. I have not attempted to understand all of the technical verbage used in the documents, but I am excited that the world of electronic resources is moving towards creating standards that will allow different resources to talk to each other.

post-conference depression

I suppose that unless you have experienced it, it is difficult to imagine how much fun one can have at a conference with a bunch of serials librarians. We only get together once a year, so perhaps that explains the intensity of everything, from the session topics to the late night laughter. On the flight … Continue reading “post-conference depression”

I suppose that unless you have experienced it, it is difficult to imagine how much fun one can have at a conference with a bunch of serials librarians. We only get together once a year, so perhaps that explains the intensity of everything, from the session topics to the late night laughter. On the flight home, I felt slightly nauseous and inexplicably sad. It has been a long time since I have felt like that, but it is a familiar to anyone who has experience summer camp. I was ready to go home when it was time, but at the same time, I wanted to hold on to those experiences and to the bond that has been created between my cohorts and me. I have to look on the bright side; even though we are scattered in four states and two countries, we will almost certainly see each other at least once a year. Perhaps that is what makes our time together this past weekend as precious as it is.

As you can see, it’s been quite some time since I posted anything new here. Part of that has been a result of my busy summer, but part of it has also been a lack of enthusiasm. The format of this blog might be changing from purely links with minimal commentary to a blend of reflections on my experiences as they happen, along with important links with commentary. Basically, I’ll be keeping both the format and the content eclectic, which is as it should be.

it’s friday

I got a credit on librarian.net for my contribution. Have I mentioned that Jessamyn rocks? Can’t figure out what to put on your summer reading list? Take a look at this resource. If you’re in the UK, it will direct you to the closest public library with that book, but even if you’re not in … Continue reading “it’s friday”

I got a credit on librarian.net for my contribution. Have I mentioned that Jessamyn rocks?

Can’t figure out what to put on your summer reading list? Take a look at this resource. If you’re in the UK, it will direct you to the closest public library with that book, but even if you’re not in the UK, it’s still a good place to get you started.

There is a one-man play with a plot that centers on the mysterious return of 113 years overdue book. It sounds very interesting. If anyone in the Washington D.C. area goes to see it, please let me know what you think of it.

The new director of the Minneapolis Public Library system is a lawyer (not a librarian), formerly the commissioner of housing, a lesbian, and she refused to take a higher salary than that of the public safety chiefs. You go girl!

Turns out that the “FBI Agent” that came looking for Merv’s records in this week’s Overdue is really his father.

national library week revisited

I meant to write more than I did last week, since there are so many things going on with libraries right now. However, I had a full week at work which included a day-long symposium and a several day-long conference. Oh, and I was quoted in a recent article in the Lexington Herald-Leader. ACRL has … Continue reading “national library week revisited”

I meant to write more than I did last week, since there are so many things going on with libraries right now. However, I had a full week at work which included a day-long symposium and a several day-long conference. Oh, and I was quoted in a recent article in the Lexington Herald-Leader.

ACRL has some information and links about scholarly communication.

My favorite panel at ACRL was on developing home-grown systems to keep track of the library’s electronic resources. One of the presenters, Adam Chandler, has co-created a web hub for “developing administrative metadata for electronic resource management”. In other words, it’s a collaboration of library techies from all over trying to create a standard for electronic resource management. What’s even more cool is that Norm Medeiros of Haverford College has offered to make their Electronic Resources Tracking System (ERTS) database structure available for free to anyone who wants it. The catch is that there is absolutely no tech support.

It is disheartening to have been in the midst of all this fabulous library technology while at the same time Iraq’s National Library and National Museum were looted and burned.

ALA changed the design of their website last week and has really ticked off quite a number of folks. Jessamyn West has commented on it frequently over the past week, and Karen G. Schneider sent a well-articulated complaint to the ALA Council. No word on whether ALA will modify the site. It looks to me like they are leaning heavily on FrontPage and ColdFusion.

political librarians

A great deal of today’s entry comes from the recent issue of Library Juice. I am posting here the links that I found most interesting and have some relevance to non-librarians. Hey, there’s a federal agent in my book! Jessamyn West, the author of the fabulous librarian.net weblog, has written an informative article for the … Continue reading “political librarians”

A great deal of today’s entry comes from the recent issue of Library Juice. I am posting here the links that I found most interesting and have some relevance to non-librarians.

Hey, there’s a federal agent in my book! Jessamyn West, the author of the fabulous librarian.net weblog, has written an informative article for the average American on the Patriot Act.

Before Gulf War II started, there was an online petition to prevent the war from starting created by Librarians for Peace. Now they have created a petition calling for a halt to the war. Feel free to sign it if you are a librarian and feel so lead.

I believe global peace starts with children growing up in safe environments and not being taught to hate the “other”. Here is a list of children’s books that are anti-war put out by Weapons of Mass Instruction.

Shellac, the Sound of the Future. I missed this on Tuesday. Bummer.

I have been amused by Andrei Codrescu’s commentaries on NPR for many years. His essay on libraries and book jackets is yet another ironic piece of refined humor. Oh, and if you’re wondering, we take them off because they are easily damaged and look quite ugly after a short period of time.

Also from Tuesday: The Capitol Steps 2003 “Politics Takes a Holiday” radio show was great fun to hear. If you missed it (or missed part of it, like I did), you can download and listen to it on your RealAudio player.

dixie chicks on the next geraldo!

It’s so beautiful outside today that I wish my campus had a campus-wide wireless network. That way, I could borrow a laptop and work on the lawn. Ahh… one can dream… The Specious Report has written a satire of Natalie Maines’ apology. I think it is much more appropriate. Geraldo Rivera has “volunteered” to leave … Continue reading “dixie chicks on the next geraldo!”

It’s so beautiful outside today that I wish my campus had a campus-wide wireless network. That way, I could borrow a laptop and work on the lawn. Ahh… one can dream…

The Specious Report has written a satire of Natalie Maines’ apology. I think it is much more appropriate.

Geraldo Rivera has “volunteered” to leave Iraq after broadcasting the location of the Army troops he was quasi-embedded with, as well as their possible future movements. I thought that the Fox News Channel was the breeding ground for conservative war hawks. I had no idea that they were actually working for Saddam!

Ever since the Patriot Act was passed in Congress, librarians have been discussing what to do about patron privacy. Booksellers have also been concerned, but their situation is somewhat more complex than libraries, since they have a history of using their customer histories to provide more customized service. One bookstore owner in Washington State has decided to not follow many libraries’ leads and is retaining his customer records in full. He briefly explains why he has made this decision, despite privacy concerns surrounding the Patriot Act.

rain rain go away

It’s been pouring rain all afternoon, but now that it’s time to go, it has stopped. Good thing, too, since I didn’t bring my umbrella or rain jacket today. Several interesting things came across my email and web searches. No real connection between them other than they caught my attention. Purdue Libraries hosted five Russian … Continue reading “rain rain go away”

It’s been pouring rain all afternoon, but now that it’s time to go, it has stopped. Good thing, too, since I didn’t bring my umbrella or rain jacket today. Several interesting things came across my email and web searches. No real connection between them other than they caught my attention.

Purdue Libraries hosted five Russian librarians recently as a part of the Open World Program at the Library of Congress Center for Russian Leadership Development. One of the librarians, Anna Britayeva, said, “I think that it is great that here in the United States, people pay so much attention to the libraries, because libraries are cultural centers, and many people depend on libraries. So I think if you want your nation to become more educated, more cultured, you should build more and more libraries.” Amen, sister!

This week, an American peace activist was killed by an Israeli army bulldozer when she tried to stop them from destroying Palestinian homes in Gaza. Today at her memorial service, Israeli armored vehicles attempted to break up the peaceful mourners with tear gas and grenades. Sick and wrong.

Want to learn Welsh but having trouble? Try this illustrated dictionary, intended for those learning Welsh as a second language.

happy new year!

I have been here, there, and everywhere these past few weeks, but now that I’m back home and starting to get settled in, it’s about time I did something with this weblog. The year 2002 has come and gone, and now it’s time for everyone to get a new calendar for 2003. I have an … Continue reading “happy new year!”

I have been here, there, and everywhere these past few weeks, but now that I’m back home and starting to get settled in, it’s about time I did something with this weblog.

The year 2002 has come and gone, and now it’s time for everyone to get a new calendar for 2003. I have an idea of what might be hanging on the walls of bibliophiles in Ocean County (NJ)…

Speaking of librarians, one of my favorite librarian webloggers (Jessamyn West) has created five technically legal signs to hang in your library now that the Patriot Act has stripped away patron privacy.

Some creative soul has put together a poignant flash animation regarding the aforementioned Patriot Act and other similar measures being taking by the current administration under the umbrella of national security. Oh, and take note of the URL. I think it’s rather amusing.

Speaking of the current administration, here’s a list of the twenty most annoying “conservatives” of 2002. The comments at the bottom are interesting, if a bit peevish. Looks like word got out to the “conservatives” about this list and they came whining.

One of my colleagues directed me to a website yesterday that contains information and images from an art exhibit currently being shown in Chicago. The basic theme of the show is that the art is “on the legal fringes of intellectual property.”

Barbie® the Librarian

My sister came to my house last night for dinner. It was fun. Aparently she has started her own weblog of sorts, and called me a “rockin’ girl” for cooking her dinner. Barbie® needs a new career, and you can help decide what it will be. Currently, librarian is at the top of the rankings, … Continue reading “Barbie® the Librarian”

My sister came to my house last night for dinner. It was fun. Aparently she has started her own weblog of sorts, and called me a “rockin’ girl” for cooking her dinner.

    Barbie® needs a new career, and you can help decide what it will be. Currently, librarian is at the top of the rankings, with 40% of the website visitors choosing that profession over architect and policewoman.
    What happens when your server gets cranky? Your users see this message, rather than the standard 404 File Not Found. Warning – this is not recommended for children.
    Ever wondered where to find a good comic about librarians or libraries? Now you need look no further than Steven M. Bergson’s Librarians in Comics: Comic Strips and Librarians in Comics: Comic Books bibliographies.
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