Comments for No Shelf Required

Comment on ALA Program -Rethinking the Reference Collection by spolanka

spolanka — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:37:13 +0000

Hi Allie,
I typed up a transcript of this session, which I’ll email to you. ALA also has several books that recommend reference sources for small libraries. (Recommended Sources for Small and Medium Sized Libraries is one) These titles generally recommend lots of things for the collection and I don’t recall anything in the books that discusses what are the bare bones titles and what should be gotten rid of.

Comment on ALA Program -Rethinking the Reference Collection by Allie Woldman

Allie Woldman — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:31:49 +0000

End-October, 2009
I am sitting in a small town public library in Pennsylvania. The library is housed in a former very old bank building with other offices. The librarian needs extra shelf space and I said “Get rid of all these encyclopedias, etc. in Reference that are never used, and a lot more of the Reference materials and then you’ll have the space.” But I know that ALA or this library SYSTEM says that the librarian needs to keep a basic Reference collection. / I do know that the collection is never used except for the local and regional history section/housed on shelves that are invaluable. My question: What is ALA recommending in a Reference collection (books) for small, rural, overcrowded old buildings in towns that would never have the money to expand? What can be gotten rid in Reference and the librarian here would think it awful to put this old stuff in a dumpster! Most of this collection is on the internet anyway. / Getting rid of these dusty Reference books would free-up at least eight very much needed shelves. It’s a dilemna to her and I am a retired school librarian who retired long before the internet was BIG. I cannot say much because of my background so only use this library as a patron, not as a former librarian, but I sure would do things differently. This librarian has no training and is old, only had some basic workshops at most. Suggestions? What is the follow-up on the above article, “ALA Program–Rethinking the Reference Collection”? (Sue Polanka)

Comment on Survey - online reference databases by Stephen Francoeur

Stephen Francoeur — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:35:44 +0000

Thanks for creating this survey. I’m all for letting the vendors know in as many ways possible about the features we need our databases to have.

Comment on Pre-book Your nook! by Deborah

Deborah — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:19:40 +0000

Very interesting “sharing” details. I think this would certainly make this proprietary reader more interesting to libraries than the Kindle.

Comment on Google Book Search adds new features by Philadelphia Wedding Photographer

Philadelphia Wedding Photographer — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:20:56 +0000

I have been using Google books since they have improved the search and love the plain text mode feature. I only wish Google would improve their magazine search since there are some fantastic magazine available.

Comment on Want to chat about eBook Devices in Libraries? by Mary Marshall

Mary Marshall — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:58:29 +0000

In consulting for publishers, over the past few months during library visits I have heard “We are considering eBook devices.” At the same time I observe the Kindle as the current one that students and the public seem to be carrying. A discussion of this topic will be helpful. My latest observations are that the ever new or updated platforms, legal questions, and quality of illustrated content are the barriers.

Comment on Sony Cuts eBook Prices to $9.99 by Power Chords Chart

Power Chords Chart — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 07:49:30 +0000

Thank You for the post. I love to read interesting post that has knowledge to impart. I hope to read more articles from you and in return I will post also my articles in the forum so that others can benefit from it. Keep up the good work!

Comment on 50 Benefits of eBooks by Michael Pastore

Michael Pastore — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 21:28:57 +0000

Thanks very much for posting this, Sue.

If I do have to eat this ebook, what condiment would I use? … There are so many choices. Probably a “read” pepper. … And some sweet hon e-mustard. … And because ebooks are so much fun to read: wild thyme.

Comment on EDUCAUSE eBook Webinar tomorrow by estetik cerrahi

estetik cerrahi — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 00:31:35 +0000

Thanks. Interesting. Textbook sales generate a lot of revenue.

Comment on The Google Book Scanning Project: Issues and Updates - EDUCAUSE Webinar Summary by Miami Seo

Miami Seo — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:53:55 +0000

@Jessica

Not a lot of people though have access to great books, but they can afford to rent an internet connection.

I agree with you though that it is more worthwhile and eye-friendly to read a book than an e-book.