Talk about breaking a stereotype...

The Globe and Mail

He worked as a researcher among the quiet stacks of the Toronto Reference Library for more than a decade, supporting a wife and children. But 55-year-old Douglas Freeman -- whose real name is Joseph Coleman Pannell -- is accused of hiding a secret, violent past.

Mr. Pannell, police in Chicago say, is a former member of the Black Panther Party wanted for attempted murder in the shooting of a police officer four times at point-blank range in 1969 at the height of the radical group's notoriety.

But my question is, from what library school did he get his degree?

Tuscany themes for Chickasha Public Library

Article: "The final book review luncheon of the Friends of the Chickasha Public Library will be held at noon on Thursday, Aug. 5, and will feature the memoirs of Frances Mayes, Under the Tuscan Sun, Bella Tuscany, and In Tuscany. Perri Applegate, the Chickasha High School librarian, will be the reviewer."

Check-out PubSub

PubSub: "PubSub finds new content as it appears on the internet. Then they deliver that content to anyone who's expressed an interest in it.

PubSub claims to be the first large-scale public matching engine. And they claim to match new data to user subscriptions, all the time, in (near) real time.

Anyone can create a subscription, for free, in just seconds! "

The Chronicle: 7/30/2004: American and British Lawmakers Endorse Open-Access Publishing

Registration Required
The Chronicle: 7/30/2004: American and British Lawmakers Endorse Open-Access Publishing: "In a double coup for the open-access movement this month, committees of the U.S. Congress and British Parliament recommended that papers resulting from government-financed research be made available free.

The committees recommended that the U.S. and British governments require researchers to deposit in free, online archives any articles that arise from research sponsored, respectively, by the National Institutes of Health and any British agency. The British committee further recommended that journal publishers adopt an open-access model in which authors would pay to publish and subscription fees would be eliminated."

REaD Hats in Norman

The Red Hat Society is for women over 50 who just want to have a good time. Some ladies at Pioneer Library System have formed a Norman chapter and are calling themselves "The Rambunctious Readers" and would welcome members from OLA.
You may have seen "Red Hatters" out and about, as official activities usually involve going somewhere together, wearing Red Hats with purple outfits. Rules are minimal -- just showing up for most outings and having a good time -- they'll even waive the dress code for those who don't have a red hat or purple outfit.
Their first outing on August 14; they'll be going to the Dale Chihuly exhibit at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, lunch at the museum, and then a visit to a really cheap jewelry store. If you are interested in joining, or know someone who might be, please contact Julia H.

OSU's Virtual Livestock Library

Virtual Livestock Library - Department of Animal Science, Oklahoma State University
Have you seen the OSU Virtual Livestock Library? With species listed as "Beef, Dairy, Sheep, Goats, Swine, Horses, and Other" this site provides information ranging from Breeding of to Eating of said animals. It also provides links to several online publications and videos.
~My only concern is the only meats I eat, Poultry and Fish, aren't listed--do they know something I don't?!

Have you tried PubMed Central?

PubMed Central Homepage
PubMed Central is a digital archive of life sciences journal literature, developed and managed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) at the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). NLM believes that giving all users free and unrestricted access to the material in PubMed Central is the best way to ensure the durability and utility of the archive as technology changes over time.

Google Reveals New Search Formula

BBspot - Google Reveals New Search Formula: "Google announced a revamped search results ranking procedure to combat complaints that results were becoming less relevant due to commercial sites gaming the current system.
'Right now, if someone searches for information on cialis, most of the results will be for dubious online pharmacies instead of places to get more information about Cialis. We think many sites are abusing our system,' said Google spokesperson Harold Li."

-- If you are in doubt about this abuse learn about Google Bombing.

Oklahoma Honors Brad Pennys work with 2004 Read Team

Press Point: "OKLAHOMA HONORS BRAD PENNYS WORK WITH 2004 READ TEAM

The Oklahoma Department of Libraries has honored Brad Penny for his support of Oklahoma's 2004 Summer Reading Program, Summer of Champions. Oklahoma called him "a champion who exhibits pride in having Oklahoma roots," and declared that 'the life example he has set will no doubt encourage many children to come
to understand that they, too, can become champions in many aspects of their lives." As a member of Oklahoma's 2004 Read Team, Penny has promoted youth reading in Oklahoma."

Passing the book at Metro

June 21, 2004 | Announcement

The Metropolitan Library System would like to invite you and your family to help us make a little Oklahoma history.
On Friday, August 13, 2004, we will gather for the first major event to celebrate the opening of the Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library: The Grand Opening Book Passing.

The Grand Opening Book Passing will be a historic first for Oklahoma City, as we pass books from the old Downtown Library to our new home at 300 Park Avenue. We’re planning to line the streets with library lovers of all shapes, sizes, and professions — and we’d like you and yours to join us.

So come take your place alongside judges and librarians, government workers and bus drivers, business executives and auto mechanics, firemen and policemen, teachers and school children, waiters and lawyers, DJs and television personalities, small business owners and secretaries — all the people who call this city home, as we show the world just how proud we are to unveil a new state-of-the-art public library for the 21st century.

To participate, please go here.

Western Plains Library System Community Blog

Western Plains Library System Community Blog: "Booksale!

Clinton Public Library will be having a summer clearance booksale running through the month of August. Books are priced at $1.00 a bag.

Fill a bag of books for a buck!

Booksale will end August 31, 2004.

CASH ONLY PLEASE!"

Gov't Docs pulled from Circulation

Anyone who has worked in one of the fabulous Depository Library Collections, in Oklahoma, knows that through out the history of the FDLP--on occasion depository librarians are asked to destroy government publications for various reasons. One of my favorites was produced in 1999, entitled "Rezedents Rights & Rispansabilities" (which was suppose to be written in Creole--but instead came off as extremely racist) by HUD.
But I digress, from 1986-2000 an anonymous librarian kept track of such documents--and you can find a list of them at a website called Memory Hole.

If you are interested in this topic--there is a current debate going on concerning some recent titles that are set for removal from the public record. You may want to look at some of the results from this Google Search as well.

It is an interesting ethical question though--FDLP Librarians are caretakers of our federal government's public record and are governed by a complex set of rules. Is there any sort of obligation to preserve the information the government decides we aren't meant to see?

Thanks to Librarian.net.

Library Romance

I stumbled upon this via Lisnews. Maybe you or your patrons would like to contribute a tale or two? Library Romance:

"Welcome to LibraryRomance.com, where you can share your true stories about falling in love in a library setting. We are researching stories for a forthcoming book called The Romance of Libraries, and we'd love to hear your story!

We want to hear about both happy and sad romances, requited and unrequited. All submissions used will receive a complimentary copy of the book, to be published in 2005. Pseudonyms will be used to spare your and your loved one's blushes!

If you know someone who met and fell in love in a library, please tell them about this project."

IMLS Awards a lot of $$$

Managing Information News: "The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the federal agency that supports America's museums and libraries, awarded $19,114,725 to 311 museums and libraries across the country yesterday.

'Our nation's prosperity, our communities' civic engagement, and our individual productivity depend upon the ability to learn throughout life, adapt to change rapidly, and evaluate knowledge critically,' remarked Dr. Robert Martin, Director of IMLS. 'These grants build the capacity of libraries and museums to create and sustain a nation of learners.'

The grants will help recruit and educate a new generation of librarians to offset a looming national shortage, provide continuing education and professional training to current librarians, help museums partner with neighboring civic organizations to build stronger communities, and improve library service to an important but often underserved segment of society - native Americans and Alaskans."

OLA Interlibrary Cooperation Committee

OLA Interlibrary Cooperation Committee
Have you seen the results of the OLA Interlibrary Cooperation Committee's Consoritum, Database, Bindery, Serials, & Acquisitions Survey? A great tool to see who else is in your situation or who can go to for ideas and help! Check it out!!
Main Questions
Database Results
Overall Results

Altus Times - Altus, Oklahoma

Altus Times - Altus, Oklahoma: "
Katy Sheppard, Public Relations Coordinator for the Altus Public Library has announced the library will again be featuring popular American Indian Storytellers of MAHENWAHDOSE, Will Hill and Jehnean Washington as they entertain participants in the summer reading program, 'Summer of Champions.' MAHENWAHDOSE will be featuring stories of heroes and champions and the games played by animals as told to Indian children of long ago, a real Winner!

Funded in part by a grant from the Oklahoma Arts Council, the 45-minute performance will begin at 1 p.m., Thursday, July 22, at the library. This fun filled program is free to everyone! For information about the program call 477-2890."

The Times Record - Fort Smith, Arkansas

The Times Record - Fort Smith, Arkansas: "POTEAU -- The Literacy Council of LeFlore County will use a state grant to continue to fight the high illiteracy rate of southeast Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Department of Libraries has awarded a $10,000 grant to the literacy council, state legislators announced Tuesday.

'Many Oklahoma adults perform at the lowest level of literacy and this program enables them to enhance their reading and writing skills while also providing them with a greater sense of self-confidence," state Sen. Kenneth Corn, D-Poteau, stated in a news release. 'I am very pleased with the services this program provides and am also pleased that LeFlore County was fortunate enough to receive such beneficial grant from the Department of Libraries.'

Gail Gilpin, director of the literacy council, said the group has received the grant each year for five years. The grant provides the council with about one third of its annual budget."

Usability News - 6.2 2004 -- Reading Online Text: A Comparison of Four White Space Layouts

Found this via OLDaily. This could impact how you select online materials--especially if it means students will comprehend more. Would anyone be interested in working on a project with me to see how databases used in Oklahoma Libraries stack up? If so give me a holler!
Usability News - 6.2 2004 -- Reading Online Text: A Comparison of Four White Space Layouts

COIL Workshop Update

July 8, there was a post about the FREE COIL BI (aka LI) workshop that's is taking place August 13 in Tulsa.
Well...here's a map if you're curious to know where you need to be to have all the fun. Just remember to register with David O, at OSU, (before August 6) if you are interested in attending.
This is a great FREE opportunity to network, learn about instruction in the library setting, and have an all around fun time.

Wired News: We Don't Need No Stinkin' Login

More tips, from Wired, on how to beat those registration-required-blues. Wired News: We Don't Need No Stinkin' Login: "While many online newspaper readers are used to the idea of registering to read free content online, some news buffs are supporting and creating sites that help them beat the system with fake or shared login information that helps keep their personal information under wraps.

Increasingly, Web publishers, and in particular newspaper sites, are demanding that readers give up some of their personal information -- like e-mail addresses, gender and salaries -- in exchange for free access to their articles. The publishers say they need this information to make money from advertising. But anecdotal evidence and online chatter suggest readers are annoyed with the registration process. Some readers enter bogus information, while others are looking for ways to bypass the registration roadblocks."

ProQuest Launches (Next) New Interface

ProQuest Launches (Next) New Interface

The company ran dozens of rounds of user tests with a variety of library user groups, said Law. An alpha test involved a dozen institutions around the globe for 10 to 12 weeks. One of the test sites was the library at Oklahoma State University (OSU). According to Anne Prestamo, head of Digital Library Services, the testing “represented one of the most wide-ranging attempts by a database vendor to really find out from users what they are looking for and how.” She added: “These days, reference librarians don’t often get to see just what their users are doing.” Prestamo and the other librarian, faculty, and student testers were very impressed at the ability to narrow a search easily and with the presentation of suggestions in a point-and-click interface.

While the OSU library works with a variety of vendors, Prestamo said the competition has definitely heated up, with each vendor working to implement desired features for users. “Vendors that focus on users’ behaviors and are responsive will be the most successful,” she commented. She also said that the ProQuest development team made changes continuously as they studied users’ behaviors, and the process was the most rapid of those in which she had ever participated. She also appreciated the open and direct communication with ProQuest people who could really effect changes.

Politician Librarians

Challenger criticizes congressman's record

A third Republic in the race, Tulsa librarian Evelyn Rogers, said she didn't want to comment on Wortman's allegations.

I believe Norman, Oklahoma has a Librarian as a council member as well--isn't that right Rachel? ;-)

Hey, who out there knows of any other Okie Politicin' Librarians?

What's your library doing on September 11?

Found this via Lisnews. As of yet--there are no Oklahoma Public Libraries participating--so which one of you will be the first?
What's your library doing on September 11?:

When: On Saturday, September 11, 2004, people around the world will come together at public places like local libraries.

What: Share and discuss your ideas about democracy, citizenship, and patriotism through public talks, roundtables, and performances.

Where: Libraries are ideal hosts for community events. They are free. They are open to the public. And there are over 16,000 public libraries in the U.S. Let's begin at the libraries.

Poynter Online - Monday Edition

Poynter Online - Monday Edition: "Public libraries must begin taking steps to prevent child pornography and other harmful content from reaching the eyes of youngsters using their PCs under the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), which went into effect July 1. If they don't, the libraries will lose critical technology funding from the federal government.

School administrators have largely been complying with CIPA, since they didn't join the American Library Association's First Amendment challenge to the law. And now the administrators report that Web content filters can be expensive, high-maintenance tools.

The law is similar, though different, from the 1998 Children's Online Protection Act, which the U.S. Supreme Court struck down last week just at CIPA was to go into effect. The justices in a 5-4 decision said the law infringed on pornographers' First Amendment rights.

In a recent survey of public schools sponsored by San Diego-based Internet and e-mail filter maker St. Bernard Software Inc., many school administrators said they lack the resources to block porn, hate sites, and other harmful content.

Web filters, said school representatives, are an imperfect tool, often blocking benign content and green-lighting pornographic images for viewing by minors.

The St. Bernard survey shows that poorly-trained staff and inadequate funding are making it hard for schools to maintain their filtering efforts. More than half (59 percent) of the 200 schools in the survey said they are having at least as much trouble preventing students from viewing inappropriate content as they did last year."


How are your libraries handling this?

OneNet Picks Mobile Voice/Data Supplier

Channel: Oklahoma's OneNet Picks Mobile Voice/Data Supplier: "OneNet, the State of Oklahoma's official telecommunications network, has awarded Sprint a contract for wireless voice and data devices and solutions. This contract allows Oklahoma state agencies and other public-sector entities to gain access to wireless services, Sprint PCS Vision(SM) Phones and Sprint PCS Connection Cards(TM) to enhance mobile communications for their employees."

Search WorldCat via Google

Your connection to WorldCat is down for some reason--and that patron you've been helping for 2 hours needs to do just one more search for that oh so rare book...what are you to do?
Well, you could resort to using the NUC--but you still have emotional scars from the last time you used it in Library School--So, why don't you try Google.
To search the WorldCat records available through Google type the following in the search box:

"Name of book" site:www.worldcatlibraries.org

Click on the following link to see what a search and the results look like...
Google Search: "where the red fern grows" site:www.worldcatlibraries.org

psst...you can do this through Yahoo! too.

Welcome to Compare Academic Libraries

Welcome to Compare Academic Libraries
NCES' Academic Libraries Survey (ALS) produces descriptive statistics on about 3,700 academic libraries in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the outlying areas of the United States. This includes data on the libraries in the entire universe of accredited degree-granting institutions of higher education and on the libraries in non-accredited institutions with a program of four years or more. This tool allows users to create reports which compare one library of interest to other libraries
for fiscal year 2002.

"I" IS NOT FOR INDIAN:

"I" IS NOT FOR INDIAN::
Indian in the Cupboard was a favorite of mine when we read it in school, I read it as a fairy tale--not as fact...but this article, presented by ALA/OLOS Subcommittee for Library Services to American Indian People and the American Indian Library Association (in 1991) made me really stop and think. I guess, even though I'm not a children's librarian, I need to sit down and re-read Sign of the Beaver now and see if this article changes my thoughts on it.... What are your thoughts?

"...These are just two examples of the cultural baggage that we as Americans carry around that make it difficult for us as librarians to know where to start in identifying bias-free books for our libraries. Recognizing that these images exist is a big step in the right direction. But subconscious images of what Indians are comprise a very deep part of the American psyche, and you may be surprised at how uncomfortable you feel when asked to give up these images, no matter how you feel about them intellectually.

For example, The Indian in the Cupboard and its sequels are much- loved books by librarians and their patrons. But for Indian people, these are some of the worst perpetrators of the most base stereotypes. The miniature toy Indian (Indians portrayed as objects or things) is described as an Iroquois warrior, but is dressed as a movie western version of a generic plains Indian 'chief', complete with eagle feather headdress. The warrior is described in the most stereotypical terms and speaks in subhuman grunts and partial sentences. He is manipulated by a more powerful white child, fostering the image of the simple and naive Indian whose contact with the white man can only benefit him and his people. For example, The Indian in the Cupboard and its sequels are much- loved books by librarians and their patrons. But for Indian people, these are some of the worst perpetrators of the most base stereotypes. The miniature toy Indian (Indians portrayed as objects or things) is described as an Iroquois warrior, but is dressed as a movie western version of a generic plains Indian 'chief', complete with eagle feather headdress. The warrior is described in the most stereotypical terms and speaks in subhuman grunts and partial sentences. He is manipulated by a more powerful white child, fostering the image of the simple and naive Indian whose contact with the white man can only benefit him and his people..."

Stepford Librarian Winner!

Congratulations to Elaina S., at Oklahoma Panhandle State University McKee Library, for submitting the winning entry for the Stepford Librarian Contest. Elaina will be receiving a limited edition, Stepford Librarian T-shirt (designed by me).

Elaina's entry shows that regardless of age or background our field has terrific leaders waiting for the opportunity to shine. It also demonstrates why it is vitally important for us to spot leadership potential early and to cultivate the skills and desire they have to lead, before life's way requires them to move along.

Here are some excerpts from her most excellent entry:

I was a 'late bloomer' in the library world and have often wished that my career had begun when my love for reading surfaced as a pre-teen and young adult...In the years that followed, the world of professionalism opened up to me when I became involved with the Oklahoma Library Association and saw the possibilities and the accomplishments of my fellow librarians. When I became an academic librarian, my world changed again, and I began to 'present' at conferences and meetings. It was difficult, at first, to convince myself that any knowledge I possessed would be of use to others. But, something clicked, and I became involved in the inner workings of library systems and software and my limited knowledge began to increase as did my skills and confidence. In the recent years, I have continued to present at state and regional conferences and learned 'a trick or two'. My biggest regret is that age, (57), and career length, will limit my future library experiences. There is so much to be accomplished and so little time!! If you are a young or mature person considering a career in library science and technology, don’'t hesitate, jump right in and become involved with the brightest and best of life styles and service oriented careers. Once you have tasted Library, you won't be satisfied with a future that doesn't involve the library world and you will find the potential to be a leader is unlimited.

So a big Thank You to Elaina and all the other Stepford Librarians out there. We owe a lot to you and your desire to make all the peoples of the world bibliophiles.

Welcome to Compare Public Libraries

Welcome to Compare Public Libraries
NCES' Compare Public Libraries allows users to compare one library,
the “library of interest,” with a group of similar libraries, “the
comparison group.” For example, a user may wish to compare one library's
total circulation with the total circulation of a group of libraries with
similar total expenditures. This tool has a new look and it has been
updated with 2002 data.

RFID Journal - Tag Encryption for Libraries

RFID Journal - Tag Encryption for Libraries: "To protect patrons' privacy, a new system encrypts data stored on a book's RFID tag.

Library systems specialists Library Automation Technologies (LAT) has developed an encryption system for RFID communications. Although the encryption system is designed to be used for its RFID-enabled FlashScan self-checkout, which library patrons use to take out tagged books without the assistance of library staff, the company believes it could go on to be used in host of other RFID implementations."

CNN.com - Fire department bars book-burning - Jul 12, 2004

Could this happen in Oklahoma? CNN.com - Fire department bars book-burning - Jul 12, 2004: "CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) -- A church's plan for an old-fashioned book-burning has been thwarted by city and county fire codes.
Preachers and congregations throughout American history have built bonfires and tossed in books and other materials they believed offended God.
The Rev. Scott Breedlove, pastor of The Jesus Church, wanted to rekindle that tradition in a July 28 ceremony where books, CDs, videos and clothing would have been thrown into the flames.
Not so fast, city officials said."
--Thanks for the link Suanne!

Workouts for Desk Jockeys

Did librarians write these questions? Workouts for Desk Jockeys: "Question 1: I have been gaining weight since I started a desk job straight out of college. I've heard that if I suck in my tummy and squeeze in my butt when I am sitting at my computer, it will work out my abs and my behind. Does this exercise actually work?
Question 2: I work in an office where I am seated most of the day, and as a result my behind is getting a wide, flat look. Are there any exercises I can do that will take away my pancake behind and give me a nice tight peach?"
Find the answers at this MSN article...

The Living Room Candidate

It's getting to be that time of year again and politics savvy patrons will be making their way into your library to do some research. Check out this online reference tool I found via Boingboing. The Living Room Candidate| Presidential Campaign Commercials. 1952-2004.

Online battle of low-cost books | CNET News.com

Online battle of low-cost books | CNET News.com: "Is Amazon.com becoming the Napster of the book business?
The analogy may not be far off, say some observers of the used-book industry. Publishers, particularly textbook publishers, have long countered used-book sales by churning out new editions every couple of years. But the Web, particularly sites like Amazon and eBay, have given millions of consumers an easy way to find cheap books--often for under $1--without paying royalty fees to publishers or authors."

Lightning strikes with force

NewsOK.com | Powered by The Oklahoman and NEWS 9

Crossing a soccer field in the sunshine and light mist of a pleasant afternoon that's the last thing Eli Evans remembers before the instant that changed his life.
"I woke up the next day," Evans recalls. "I was in the hospital."
...
After his encounter in 1999 in Oklahoma City, Evans received therapy to learn to walk again. Today, Evans, 38, of Oklahoma City, an archivist for the State Department of Libraries, still has burning tingling sensations in the soles of his feet.

Willett new head librarian at WR Library

Claremore Progress - Local News: "It can be said that Carol Willett's old job and her new one literally bookend her retirement.
As new head librarian at the Will Rogers Library in Claremore, the position is one with which Willett is exceedingly familiar.
A longtime staple in Claremore Public Schools, Willett retired in 2002 after 30 years in education, 21years as a librarian — 18 of those 21 years as head librarian at the high school."

Readers in short supply in the U.S.

The Globe and Mail

Only 47 per cent of American adults read “literature” (poems, plays, narrative fiction) in 2002, a drop of seven percentage points from a decade earlier. Those reading any book at all in 2002 fell to 57 per cent, down from 61 per cent.

NEA chairman Dana Gioia, himself a poet, called the findings shocking and a reason for grave concern.

“We have a lot of functionally literate people who are no longer engaged readers,” Mr. Gioia said in an interview with Associated Press. “This isn't a case of ‘Johnny Can't Read,' but ‘Johnny Won't Read.”'

The likely culprits, according to the report: television, movies and the Internet.

Of course...there's a good chance no one will read this to know this anyways. Oh, well....

Capital News 9 | 24 Hour Local News | SPORTS | The silence of the fans

Capital News 9 | 24 Hour Local News | SPORTS | The silence of the fans: "The minor league Brockton Rox were attempting to break a 'record' for the quietest baseball game ever played. As part of the publicity stunt, fans were given placards reading 'yeah,' and 'boo,' and asked to hold them up instead of expressing their feelings verbally. Ushers were replaced in the stands by librarians."

...Having been to a baseball game with a group of librarians--I can guarantee you we were not the people shooshing--but rather being shooshed ourselves. Viva la stereotypes!

COIL BI Workshop

COIL BI workshop to be held Friday, August 13, 9:00-4:00 at OSU-Tulsa.

It will feature demonstrations by 6 instructional librarians that will be 20-minute examples of what they do in actual BI sessions, and we will have discussion of the different styles and approaches they have used. This will be an excellent opportunity to see what most of us never see going on inside the classrooms, and should be a great learning opportunity for both presenters and attendees. We would also ask you all to bring examples, if you have any, of assessment or evaluation tools you use in your BI sessions, so that will be a true "show and tell." Dr. Cecelia Brown from OU-SLIS will give a closing keynote address on BI practice.

There will be a sandwich platter lunch for you to make your own sandwiches, and other refreshments and beverages will be provided. The only cost for the workshop will be $5 (at the door) to cover the catering and the refreshments. We need a head count for the catering, so at that time (not now please), I will ask you to send an RSVP to me to let us know how many to expect.

The content sections below are what the demos will tentatively cover. Look for more details and presenters shortly.


9:00-9:30 Coffee/Name tags
9:40-10:00 Content -- Intro to Info Lit
10:00-10:20 Content -- Search strategy, keyword generation, etc.
10:20-10:40 Content -- OPAC
10:40-11:00 Break
11:00-11:20 Content -- EBSCO
11:20-11:40 Content -- EBSCO
11:40-12:00 Content -- databases, full-text article retrieval
12:00-1:00 Lunch on site
1:00-1:30 Assessment/Evaluation by Students (Show and tell of assessment instruments we use)
1:30-2:30 Discussion of presentations
2:30-2:45 Break
2:45-3:45 Keynote by Cecelia Brown

Internet Archive: Feature Films

Internet Archive: Feature Films
With titles like, Night of the Living Dead, Reefer Madness, and Misbehaving Husbands the Internet Archive Feature film section is a great resource for librarians and patrons alike. The Collection houses 180 classic public domain feature films and shorts, which are all available for viewing and downloading. There is also rumor of Michael Moore's new movie, Fahrenheit 9/11 being available.

Okmulgee Daily Times: News Column

Okmulgee Daily Times: News Column: "The Okmulgee Library Summer Reading Program, Summer of Champions, will present Chuck O'Brien at the lst United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall today, July 7th. Programs are scheduled for 1:00 and 2:30 and last about 1 hour. School age children K- 7th grade are welcome to attend. Sign up at the library 1201 W. 7th or call 756-1448.
Chuck O'Brien is an artist and cartoonist from Frederick, Oklahoma, a senior citizen who creates visual Art Color Chalk Drawings for others to enjoy. He has traveled throughout Oklahoma and Texas presenting 'Adventure In Color Chalk' programs to children and adults of all ages, in Schools, Libraries, Nursing and Retirement Centers, as well as Senior Citizen Nutritional Centers and State Correction Centers."

First Google now Yahoo!

Yahoo! Search Joins OCLC Open WorldCat Project: "OCLC has expanded its online library locator service for books to Yahoo! Search." Click here to see what it looks like.

'Libraries uphold privacy - 07/06/04

Libraries in Michigan are facing this: Libraries uphold privacy - 07/06/04: "Librarians across the state are crying foul over a widespread request for library cardholder information, and some argue the query amounts to an attack on privacy rights.
Law student Caleb Marker, a clerk at the firm of Flory & Associates in Okemos, has demanded libraries hand over patron names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses from at least 85 Michigan libraries.
Marker's request is made under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, which allows the public access to documents created or held by a public body. Library directory information, however, is considered private and is exempted from disclosure by the state's library privacy laws.
None of the libraries have turned over the information, Marker said, though some have asked for a 10-day extension to respond. Marker said he is considering challenging the state library privacy laws in court.
Librarians promise a long and bitter fight."

But smart libraries in Oklahoma, like Stillwater Public Library, have policies already in place to protect patrons.

Want to share your library policy with the state? Post the link via comments.
(Thanks to Suanne for the link!)

Harry and the Potters ...

Looking for a band to play at your next Library Event? Try this group: Harry and the Potters: "The idea is that the Harry Potter from Year 7 and the Harry Potter from Year 4 started a rock band. And now, no one can stop the wizard rock."

A few of their mp3's are available for listening here. Wizard Chess made me laugh.

(BTW I found this via Librarian.net)

Today in History: July 4

Today in History: July 4 From the Library of Congress, from their American Memory Collection, this page features photographs of fireworks for the 1939/40 Worlds Fair as well as links to important documents of our collective American past.

Here's hoping you and yours have a happy and safe 4th of July!

We have learned by experience and by the comparison of ourselves with people similarly situated, to hope that, at some day not very far in futurity, our grievances will be redressed, that our long lost rights will be restored to us, and that, in the full stature of men, we will stand up, and with our once cruel opponents and oppressors rejoice in the Declaration of our common country, and hail with them the approach of the glorious natal day of the Great Republic.
Mr. Jacob C. White, Jr., Introductory Remarks,
The Celebration of the Eighty-Third Anniversary of the Declaration of American Independence . . .
Banneker Institute,
July 4, 1859.
African-American Perspectives, 1818-1907

Free Comic Book Day 2004

Free Comic Book Day 2004 July 3 is the day! Maybe you can pick up a good Captain America or Wonder Woman to read before the fireworks on the 4th? (Although between you and me Batman is my favorite--ooo caped crusader!) Go to the linked website to search for a Comic Book Store near you--where you can get a FREE COMIC!!!!

America's Democratic Spirit in Action (Articles) Jim Hightower

America's Democratic Spirit in Action (Articles) Jim Hightower:
A touching article about the worth of libraries. Excerpt: "Libraries in particular embody the collective story of a place, which makes each library richly unique. Yet, the wonderful uniqueness of each is made more wonderful by a crucial, underlying sameness, which is that they all exist to serve the common good of the community.
This is why libraries matter in a way that, say, a Barnes & Noble cannot. These public institutions are democratic by nature, making their resources open to all, thus giving legs to America's historic pursuit of egalitarianism."

National Fire Safety Literacy Program

Home Safety Council Awarded Fire Act Grant to Launch National Fire Safety Literacy Program: "WASHINGTON, July 1 /PRNewswire/ -- The Home Safety Council, a national nonprofit organization, has received a federal grant of $629,902 to carry out an unprecedented home fire safety campaign designed to reach adults with low literacy skills. The campaign will utilize easy-to-read fire safety materials and will include the guided installation of free smoke alarms in the homes of participants....
The Home Safety Council Fire Safety Literacy Program is funded through a 2003 Fire Prevention and Safety Grant, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) United States Fire Administration (USFA). The program partnership includes HSC, ProLiteracy Worldwide, and Oklahoma State University's Fire Protection Publications (FPP) and will be carried out locally with the cooperation and participation of the nation's fire departments."

Can you READ this now?

Verizon Helps ALA Assess Literacy Readiness Nationwide: "The American Library Association (ALA) is proud to announce its Office for Literacy and Outreach Services (OLOS) has received a $295,000 grant from the Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, to create Build Literacy @ your library, part of the BuildLiteracy.org Web site...This new gift from Verizon will allow the ALA to translate a strong national literacy initiative into neighborhoods coast to coast," said ALA President Carla Hayden. "Verizon has been a strong and consistent partner in developing the tools and support necessary to improve literacy across the country."