Guymon Daily Herald :: Lifestyles | Catavan to visit Guymon: "The Oklahoma Education Association's Read Across America has been recognized as one of the outstanding reading initiatives in the U.S. And 2006 promises to be another banner year for the “Cat in the Hat” and his friends in Oklahoma.
The OEA's Catavan will visit Guymon on Tuesday. The cat and a few friends will be at Guymon Central Junior High at 9 a.m.
Last year, more than 45,000 students across Oklahoma were visited by the Catavan. Guymon pre-K through third graders will join the celebration of reading this year."
Friday, February 24, 2006
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
OMB Watch - Bush Budget Cuts Target EPA Libraries
OMB Watch - Bush Budget Cuts Target EPA Libraries
The president's budget proposal, which was released earlier this month, slashes the EPA Library Network's budget by a whopping 80 percent from 2006 funding levels, dropping the library budget from $2.5 million to $500,000. These funding cuts are part of a larger package of EPA budget cuts that would slash $300 million, or 5 percent, from the agency's 2006 funding levels.
EPA's Headquarter and Regional libraries handle more than 134,000 research requests from EPA scientific and enforcement staff each year, according to a report by an EPA Workgroup that analyzes how the agency might cope with the proposed library budget cuts. These services, according to the report, "are extremely important, perhaps essential, in helping EPA staff perform the Agency's mission."
According to EPA library staff, the cuts would eliminate the irreplaceable service of the Online Library System (OLS) electronic catalogue, which is operated out of EPA's headquarters library. The OLS serves as the EPA library network's card catalogue, without which EPA's libraries would not be able to locate any of their individual holdings. EPA staff and the public would thus be left without useful access to the agency's vast storehouse of information, as well as 50,000 documents not available anywhere else.
The president's budget proposal, which was released earlier this month, slashes the EPA Library Network's budget by a whopping 80 percent from 2006 funding levels, dropping the library budget from $2.5 million to $500,000. These funding cuts are part of a larger package of EPA budget cuts that would slash $300 million, or 5 percent, from the agency's 2006 funding levels.
EPA's Headquarter and Regional libraries handle more than 134,000 research requests from EPA scientific and enforcement staff each year, according to a report by an EPA Workgroup that analyzes how the agency might cope with the proposed library budget cuts. These services, according to the report, "are extremely important, perhaps essential, in helping EPA staff perform the Agency's mission."
According to EPA library staff, the cuts would eliminate the irreplaceable service of the Online Library System (OLS) electronic catalogue, which is operated out of EPA's headquarters library. The OLS serves as the EPA library network's card catalogue, without which EPA's libraries would not be able to locate any of their individual holdings. EPA staff and the public would thus be left without useful access to the agency's vast storehouse of information, as well as 50,000 documents not available anywhere else.
Interview with a Botmaster
Found this slashdot thread via Metafilter. Interview with a Botmaster:
So what does this have to do with librarianship? Cataloging (that things librarians do to make finding stuff easier) is a form of metadata. I've mentioned how companies are making money off of cataloging photos and files for individuals. Well, in this case the Washington Post made it easy to find this 1337 h4x0r by adding metadata to their photos.
So the moral of this story?
1) Don't guarantee confidentiality when you just plan on cataloging every detail
2) Cataloging is the best way to fight crime!
But my ultimate question is, does he visits his local public library system?
The Washington Post is running a fascinating feature profiling a couple of botnet operators who make thousands of dollars each month installing adware on machines they infect. This is by far the most detailed examination of this issue I've seen so far -- and includes an interview with the CEO of 180Solutions, as well as interviews with some of the botmasters' victims. From the story: 'Most days, I just sit at home and chat online while I make money,' 0x80 says. 'I get one check like every 15 days in the mail for a few hundred bucks, and a buncha others I get from banks in Canada every 30 days.' He says his work earns him an average of $6,800 per month, although he's made as much as $10,000. Not bad money for a high school dropout.'"
So what does this have to do with librarianship? Cataloging (that things librarians do to make finding stuff easier) is a form of metadata. I've mentioned how companies are making money off of cataloging photos and files for individuals. Well, in this case the Washington Post made it easy to find this 1337 h4x0r by adding metadata to their photos.
SLUG: mag/hacker
DATE: 12/19/2005
PHOTOGRAPHER: Sarah L. Voisin/TWP
id#: LOCATION: Roland, OK
CAPTION:
PICTURED: Canon Canon EOS 20D
Adobe Photoshop CS2 Macintosh 2006:02:16 15:44:49 Sarah L. Voisin
So the moral of this story?
1) Don't guarantee confidentiality when you just plan on cataloging every detail
2) Cataloging is the best way to fight crime!
But my ultimate question is, does he visits his local public library system?
I want to work here!
Thanks to the folks at NexGen-L for this little hump day smile!
Cascada Music Videos | Everytime we touch
Yeah, this is the type of library I want to work at. No--Seriously. Because right now when I dance on the circulation desk in my knee-high boots all I get is shushed. I want my patrons to join in with me!
(you'll have to view a little advertisement before the video starts).
Cascada Music Videos | Everytime we touch
Yeah, this is the type of library I want to work at. No--Seriously. Because right now when I dance on the circulation desk in my knee-high boots all I get is shushed. I want my patrons to join in with me!
(you'll have to view a little advertisement before the video starts).
Ask a question online, get an answer...sometimes | CNET News.com
Ask a question online, get an answer...sometimes | CNET News.com: "reporter's notebook Seven days ago, I posed the question, 'Is marijuana addictive?' to six so-called answer Web sites.
It didn't take long for me to get a wisecracking answer: 'If you don't think it is addictive try stopping for three weeks. A challenge.'
Search engines are great for pointing people to information that can help them find a good deal on a laptop, the correct spelling of an obscure French writer's name and the latest news stories on the Iraq war. But how well does the Web do answering full questions that involve some research or critical thinking?
I posted five questions to six of those increasingly popular answer Web sites. Rather than use reference Web sites that help people find answers by directing them to other online resources, I focused on Web sites where people answer the questions. In less than 24 hours, I received about two dozen responses from so-called experts, librarians and helpful Web surfers."...
Be sure to visit C|net and read the entire article!
It didn't take long for me to get a wisecracking answer: 'If you don't think it is addictive try stopping for three weeks. A challenge.'
Search engines are great for pointing people to information that can help them find a good deal on a laptop, the correct spelling of an obscure French writer's name and the latest news stories on the Iraq war. But how well does the Web do answering full questions that involve some research or critical thinking?
I posted five questions to six of those increasingly popular answer Web sites. Rather than use reference Web sites that help people find answers by directing them to other online resources, I focused on Web sites where people answer the questions. In less than 24 hours, I received about two dozen responses from so-called experts, librarians and helpful Web surfers."...
Be sure to visit C|net and read the entire article!
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
The Norman Transcript--Nature's intelligence
The Norman Transcript--Nature's intelligence: "An immense warehouse on Industrial Boulevard stores secrets from the earth and grows heavier by the moment.
The Oklahoma Petroleum Information Center (OPIC), now entering its fourth year, stores rock “cores,” charts, completion records, well logs and other reports for completed oil and gas wells in 44 states.
OPIC, now the largest petroleum records library in the U.S., is the “mother lode” of information for re-exploring drilling opportunities. Its secrets could become the basis for the price consumers will pay for fuel to move their cars and heat their homes. The facility is operated by the Oklahoma Geological Survey (OGS), a state agency based at the University of Oklahoma.
The repository of “nature’s intelligence” locked far below the surface of the earth, is increasingly consulted by geologists, independent petroleum drilling companies and royalty owners. They search for opportunities the major oil companies may have overlooked. The records date to the early 20th Century, when black crude oil gushed from the first wooden derricks in Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana."
The Oklahoma Petroleum Information Center (OPIC), now entering its fourth year, stores rock “cores,” charts, completion records, well logs and other reports for completed oil and gas wells in 44 states.
OPIC, now the largest petroleum records library in the U.S., is the “mother lode” of information for re-exploring drilling opportunities. Its secrets could become the basis for the price consumers will pay for fuel to move their cars and heat their homes. The facility is operated by the Oklahoma Geological Survey (OGS), a state agency based at the University of Oklahoma.
The repository of “nature’s intelligence” locked far below the surface of the earth, is increasingly consulted by geologists, independent petroleum drilling companies and royalty owners. They search for opportunities the major oil companies may have overlooked. The records date to the early 20th Century, when black crude oil gushed from the first wooden derricks in Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana."
Copyright Issues in Open Access Research Journals: The Authors' Perspective
From LibraryLink of the Day
Copyright Issues in Open Access Research Journals: The Authors' Perspective: "This article presents results of a survey undertaken as part of a series of work packages under a joint initiative by JISC and SURF to explore the attitudes of authors in the UK and the Netherlands towards Open Access.
The Open Access environment has created a number of entirely new copyright models, which stand in contrast to the traditional academic journals in which the copyright has to be transferred from the author(s) to the journal publisher. The following emerging copyright models in OA journals were identified:
* a model in which the author keeps the copyright: this was preferred by nearly half of the respondents
* two models in which the author shares the copyright (with Creative Commons licences): these were preferred by nearly a third of the respondents
* a model in which the author transfers only the exploitation rights to the journal publisher: this was preferred by a small minority.
These and other results seem to reflect a desire on the part of academics to change the balance of rights within copyright between authors and publishers in scholarly communication journals. Libraries and academic institutes are already taking part in the scholarly communication copyright debate and could use these results to align their positions with the academics' views."
Copyright Issues in Open Access Research Journals: The Authors' Perspective: "This article presents results of a survey undertaken as part of a series of work packages under a joint initiative by JISC and SURF to explore the attitudes of authors in the UK and the Netherlands towards Open Access.
The Open Access environment has created a number of entirely new copyright models, which stand in contrast to the traditional academic journals in which the copyright has to be transferred from the author(s) to the journal publisher. The following emerging copyright models in OA journals were identified:
* a model in which the author keeps the copyright: this was preferred by nearly half of the respondents
* two models in which the author shares the copyright (with Creative Commons licences): these were preferred by nearly a third of the respondents
* a model in which the author transfers only the exploitation rights to the journal publisher: this was preferred by a small minority.
These and other results seem to reflect a desire on the part of academics to change the balance of rights within copyright between authors and publishers in scholarly communication journals. Libraries and academic institutes are already taking part in the scholarly communication copyright debate and could use these results to align their positions with the academics' views."
Monday, February 20, 2006
You might be a micromanager if. . .
You might be a micromanager if. . .
Be sure to check out the rest of the article, as well as the website.
Do you feel like you have to have a hand in everything your team members do? If so, you may be sending the signal that you think the people you manage can't be trusted to do a good job on their own.
If you manage a team of smart, energetic people who know their jobs and have proven track records, but you insist on telling them what to do anyway, then…
…you might be a micromanager.
If you can’t stand for anyone on your team to attend a meeting without you or have any meaningful interactions with other employees without having you butt in, then…
…you might be a micromanager.
If your team suffers from low morale and high turnover because no one wants to work with you, even though you repeatedly showcase your expertise by second-guessing everyone on your team, then…
…you might be a micromanager.
Be sure to check out the rest of the article, as well as the website.
Saturday, February 18, 2006
ALA | Oklahoma City Trustees Bar Sensitive Topics from Kids' Section
ALA | Oklahoma City Trustees Bar Sensitive Topics from Kids' Section: "Oklahoma City’s Metropolitan Library Commission has identified 12 social issues that it deems sensitive enough when treated in a children’s book to warrant the title being restricted to the parenting collection established by commissioners last fall. The 12 restricted categories are alcoholism, child abuse, child abuse prevention, child sexual abuse, child sexual abuse prevention, domestic/family violence, drug abuse, extramarital sex, homosexuality, medication abuse, premarital sex, and substance abuse.
“Please do not insult me and others like me by passing this reprehensible proposal that segregates us and equates us with child abuse, drug abuse, and family violence,” Rev. Dr. E. Scott James, who said he is gay, asked commission members before they okayed the guidelines in a 12–1 vote. Four commissioners were absent.
The titles in the collection will be off-limits to children age 12 and younger unless they have their parents’ permission to borrow the books, which will be limited to the reading-level categories of easy, easy-reader, and tween. “People on either side of the issue may be unhappy with [the] outcome,” library Executive Director Donna Morris said in the February 17 Oklahoma City Daily Oklahoman, “but it does preserve some of our existing policies that call for free access.”"
“Please do not insult me and others like me by passing this reprehensible proposal that segregates us and equates us with child abuse, drug abuse, and family violence,” Rev. Dr. E. Scott James, who said he is gay, asked commission members before they okayed the guidelines in a 12–1 vote. Four commissioners were absent.
The titles in the collection will be off-limits to children age 12 and younger unless they have their parents’ permission to borrow the books, which will be limited to the reading-level categories of easy, easy-reader, and tween. “People on either side of the issue may be unhappy with [the] outcome,” library Executive Director Donna Morris said in the February 17 Oklahoma City Daily Oklahoman, “but it does preserve some of our existing policies that call for free access.”"
Friday, February 17, 2006
Job Posting | Employment at OMRF
Employment at OMRF: "Job Posting | OMRF Part-Time Librarian / Library Assistant*- Library (BM)
Minimum Requirements: MLS degree preferred. College degree, coursework or relevant experience in computers and libraries will be considered. Must be service oriented, have ability to lift up to 25 pounds and pay attention to detail.
Responsibilities Include: Assist librarian in providing information for staff, verifying, locating and ordering interlibrary loan requests, daily physical maintenance of library, checking in books and journals, filing forms, facilitating mail delivery and pick up, covering the library in librarian’s absence, using computer databases, answering phone and other duties as assigned by librarian.
Part-time position - normally 20 hours per week."
Minimum Requirements: MLS degree preferred. College degree, coursework or relevant experience in computers and libraries will be considered. Must be service oriented, have ability to lift up to 25 pounds and pay attention to detail.
Responsibilities Include: Assist librarian in providing information for staff, verifying, locating and ordering interlibrary loan requests, daily physical maintenance of library, checking in books and journals, filing forms, facilitating mail delivery and pick up, covering the library in librarian’s absence, using computer databases, answering phone and other duties as assigned by librarian.
Part-time position - normally 20 hours per week."
Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise Online | Women's Network recognizes heroism of Ruth Brown
Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise Online | Women's Network recognizes heroism of Ruth Brown: "For many people, the phrase “story time at the public library,” evokes a memory of pleasant childhood hours listening to a caring adult read stories to children. For people in Bartlesville in the late 1940's however, storytime, or the suggestion that African American children might attend along with white children, came close to tearing the town apart.
The tale of storytime, more specifically, the civil rights advocacy of Bartlesville's librarian Ruth W. Brown, is taught in library schools across the country. The Oklahoma Library Association recognizes Miss Brown by an annual award to individuals or groups that use books, libraries or information sources to address issues of social concern.
Women's Network proposes placement of a bronze bust of Ruth Brown in the Bartlesville Public Library to recognize Bartlesville's heroine of civil rights."
Be sure to read the entire article if you aren't familiar with Ruth Brown's story.
The tale of storytime, more specifically, the civil rights advocacy of Bartlesville's librarian Ruth W. Brown, is taught in library schools across the country. The Oklahoma Library Association recognizes Miss Brown by an annual award to individuals or groups that use books, libraries or information sources to address issues of social concern.
Women's Network proposes placement of a bronze bust of Ruth Brown in the Bartlesville Public Library to recognize Bartlesville's heroine of civil rights."
Be sure to read the entire article if you aren't familiar with Ruth Brown's story.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
ChannelOklahoma.com - News - Officials To Segregate Controversial Children's Books
ChannelOklahoma.com - News - Officials To Segregate Controversial Children's Books
The minutes should be here shortly...
OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Metropolitan Library Commission voted on Thursday to add a special parenting section to libraries across Oklahoma City.
The book "King and King" left some parents calling for a change to where certain books were placed in the library.
The commission's plan will move books from 12 recommended topics, including homosexuality, child abuse and drug abuse, to the new parenting section.
The minutes should be here shortly...
Hearing on library bill is delayed
Hearing on library bill is delayed: "OKLAHOMA CITY A hearing was delayed this morning on a bill that would effectively require libraries move children's and young adult books with homosexual or sexually explicit themes to adult areas or special areas.
The bill by Representative Sallyi Kern would prohibit state funding to libraries that fail to move the books to special areas. The libraries would also have to adopt policies to limit distribution of the books or similar materials to adults only.
The bill remains in a subcommittee of the House Education Committee.
No reason was given for the delay."
The bill by Representative Sallyi Kern would prohibit state funding to libraries that fail to move the books to special areas. The libraries would also have to adopt policies to limit distribution of the books or similar materials to adults only.
The bill remains in a subcommittee of the House Education Committee.
No reason was given for the delay."
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
oudaily.com - OU student arrested, suspected of multiple library larcenies
oudaily.com - OU student arrested, suspected of multiple library larcenies: "Norman police have arrested an OU student suspected of preying on sleeping students and stray purses in Bizzell Memorial Library.
Robert Franklin Taylor, 26, was arrested Wednesday on one charge of petty larceny.
OU Police Sgt. Gary Robinson said Franklin, public affairs and administration senior, is also a suspect in a burglary in November 2005 and may be a suspect in other property crimes at Bizzell Memorial Library.
Police are continuing to investigate other instances of property theft related to the case.
Just before 5 p.m. Dec. 19, security cameras spotted a hooded figure in a blue jacket logging in to one of the computers in the library, according to an affidavit. Three minutes later, cameras spied the figure taking a woman’s purse."
Robert Franklin Taylor, 26, was arrested Wednesday on one charge of petty larceny.
OU Police Sgt. Gary Robinson said Franklin, public affairs and administration senior, is also a suspect in a burglary in November 2005 and may be a suspect in other property crimes at Bizzell Memorial Library.
Police are continuing to investigate other instances of property theft related to the case.
Just before 5 p.m. Dec. 19, security cameras spotted a hooded figure in a blue jacket logging in to one of the computers in the library, according to an affidavit. Three minutes later, cameras spied the figure taking a woman’s purse."
Monday, February 13, 2006
Black Chronicle | Play Depicting Evacuees Performed at Libraries
Black Chronicle | Play Depicting Evacuees Performed at Libraries: "“The Gumbo Pot,” a drama depicting residents of Louisiana who escaped Hurricane Katrina by coming to Oklahoma, is being presented throughout the month at branches of the Metropolitan Library System.
Hazel Branch and Sondra McMillon star in the play produced by Rhythmically Speaking.
The play will be presented on Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Belle Isle Library, 5001 N. Villa Ave.; on Wednesday, Feb. 15, at the Ralph Ellison Library, 2000 NE 23rd St., and at the Luther Library, 310 NE 3rd St.; and on Thursday, Feb. 16, at the Choctaw Library.
It will be presented on Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Downtown Library, 300 Park Ave.; on Monday, Feb. 20, at the Midwest City Library; and on Friday, Feb. 24, at The Village Library, 10307 N. Pennsylvania Ave.
On Saturday, Feb. 25, the play will be presented at the Warr Acres Library, 5901 NW 63rd St., and at the Bethany Library, 3510 N. Mueller St.; and on Monday, Feb. 27, at the Edmond Library, 10 S. Boulevard St.
There is no admission charge."
Hazel Branch and Sondra McMillon star in the play produced by Rhythmically Speaking.
The play will be presented on Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Belle Isle Library, 5001 N. Villa Ave.; on Wednesday, Feb. 15, at the Ralph Ellison Library, 2000 NE 23rd St., and at the Luther Library, 310 NE 3rd St.; and on Thursday, Feb. 16, at the Choctaw Library.
It will be presented on Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Downtown Library, 300 Park Ave.; on Monday, Feb. 20, at the Midwest City Library; and on Friday, Feb. 24, at The Village Library, 10307 N. Pennsylvania Ave.
On Saturday, Feb. 25, the play will be presented at the Warr Acres Library, 5901 NW 63rd St., and at the Bethany Library, 3510 N. Mueller St.; and on Monday, Feb. 27, at the Edmond Library, 10 S. Boulevard St.
There is no admission charge."
The Hindu News Update Service | Romancing the book, Belgian librarians play Cupid
An idea for your library's outreach?
The Hindu News Update Service | Romancing the book, Belgian librarians play Cupid: "Librarians across Belgium are putting aside their reading glasses for arrows as they play Cupid, using candles and romance to lure single readers to the library in what they hope will become the next trend in dating.
Dubbing it 'bib-dating' in Dutch - literally, library dating - they hope to draw more people to books by appealing to their hearts - while giving singles a new place to find love.
'Basically it's speed-dating, but in a new setting - with books,' said librarian Eric Van der Straeten.
He and fellow librarian Danny Theuwis, are hoping their idea will blow the dust off stereotypes of libraries as stuffy and suffocating.
Theuwis experimented with the dating idea three years ago, combining 14 single bookworms - most between 18 and 35 years old - with novels.
'I got some flowers for the tables, got some candles and gave those who came a glass of red wine,' Theuwis said.
The informal setting and two people huddling to discuss their favorite books was all that was needed to break the ice and let relationships blossom, he said.
'I got a lot of e-mails after that from them saying it was a pity it was only a one off,' Theuwis said.
He and Van der Straeten have held sessions at Antwerp's Permeke library to prime and train librarians from 306 libraries across Flanders and Brussels on hosting bib-dating sessions."
The Hindu News Update Service | Romancing the book, Belgian librarians play Cupid: "Librarians across Belgium are putting aside their reading glasses for arrows as they play Cupid, using candles and romance to lure single readers to the library in what they hope will become the next trend in dating.
Dubbing it 'bib-dating' in Dutch - literally, library dating - they hope to draw more people to books by appealing to their hearts - while giving singles a new place to find love.
'Basically it's speed-dating, but in a new setting - with books,' said librarian Eric Van der Straeten.
He and fellow librarian Danny Theuwis, are hoping their idea will blow the dust off stereotypes of libraries as stuffy and suffocating.
Theuwis experimented with the dating idea three years ago, combining 14 single bookworms - most between 18 and 35 years old - with novels.
'I got some flowers for the tables, got some candles and gave those who came a glass of red wine,' Theuwis said.
The informal setting and two people huddling to discuss their favorite books was all that was needed to break the ice and let relationships blossom, he said.
'I got a lot of e-mails after that from them saying it was a pity it was only a one off,' Theuwis said.
He and Van der Straeten have held sessions at Antwerp's Permeke library to prime and train librarians from 306 libraries across Flanders and Brussels on hosting bib-dating sessions."
Independent Online Edition > Wikipedia under the microscope over accuracy
Independent Online Edition > Wikipedia under the microscope over accuracy: "...Alarm bells rang last month when newspapers in Massachusetts discovered that the staff of Congressman Marty Meehan had polished his biography by, for instance, deleting his long-abandoned promise to serve only four terms and praising his 'fiscally responsible' voting record.
Detective work by Wikipedia found that other offices on Capitol Hill had engaged in skulduggery - not all of them with flattering results, such as the false reference to Oklahoma's Tom Coburn being voted 'most annoying senator'.
Wikipedia said it was reversing changes to several of the politicians' entries, and by so doing, added to the list of controversies about its veracity...."
Detective work by Wikipedia found that other offices on Capitol Hill had engaged in skulduggery - not all of them with flattering results, such as the false reference to Oklahoma's Tom Coburn being voted 'most annoying senator'.
Wikipedia said it was reversing changes to several of the politicians' entries, and by so doing, added to the list of controversies about its veracity...."
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Lee Brawner | Obit.
From the Oklahoman Obits.
Lee B. Brawner, 70, died suddenly on Wednesday, February 8, 2006. Lee was born May 1, 1935 in Seguin, Texas. He was well know both locally and nationally as a leader in library administrating, planning, and consulting. He was also a prominent civic leader wherever he lived, taking on unpopular issues, particularly in defending intellectual freedom. He was honored with many awards for his contributions, including the Lee B. Brawner Endowment Trust Award, Downtown Now Award, and the Hugh M. Hefner 1st Amendment Award. Lee served as Assistant State Librarian in Austin, Library Administrator in Dallas, and Director of the Waco Public Library prior to coming to Oklahoma City. As Director of the Metropolitan Library System for 28 years, he created a state of the art library system, which was a model for many other libraries nationally. Lee was equally well known for his humor and his ability to make people laugh, even in tense times. He was loved by his family and by many people around the country who truly enjoyed his presence. Lee is survived by his wife of 47 years, Nancy; his children: Allen Brawner and Betsy Wingo and her husband Paul; a sister, Bobbie Frerking; granddaughter, Kai Wingo; numerous relatives in Texas. He was predeceased by sister, Bette Hilbert; his mother, Thelma Brawner; his father, Lee Brawner, Sr. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Metropolitan Library Endowment Trust, c/o Donna Morris - Executive Director, 300 Park Ave., OKC, OK 73102 or to Freedom to Read Foundation, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611. Memorial celebration of Lee's love of life will be held at 2:00 P.M., Sunday, February 12, 2006 at Mayflower Congregational Church, 3901 N.W. 63rd (one block West of Portland), Oklahoma City.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
DocSoft, an Oklahoma Based Technology Company, Plans to Leap Frog Search Giant Google With Its New Enterprise Search Technology
OKC based company to make money off of keyword searching, cataloging, and implementing "relevancy" in search results.
DocSoft, an Oklahoma Based Technology Company, Plans to Leap Frog Search Giant Google With Its New Enterprise Search Technology: "Oklahoma City-based DocSoft has developed the world's first 'context' enterprise search technology, called 'Element.' Element not only does full text searches of repository data similar to Google's appliances, but it surpasses the giant's capability by performing context searches of XML, which returns more 'relevant' search results."
DocSoft, an Oklahoma Based Technology Company, Plans to Leap Frog Search Giant Google With Its New Enterprise Search Technology: "Oklahoma City-based DocSoft has developed the world's first 'context' enterprise search technology, called 'Element.' Element not only does full text searches of repository data similar to Google's appliances, but it surpasses the giant's capability by performing context searches of XML, which returns more 'relevant' search results."
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
CNN.com - Five of the most unpopular jobs - Feb 8, 2006
CNN.com - Five of the most unpopular jobs - Feb 8, 2006:
"Librarian
Studies have shown that librarians are expected to exit the profession en masse in coming years. The American Library Association Website quotes statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau indicating that more than one-quarter of all librarians will reach the age of 65 by 2009. A study published in the Library Journal found that 40 percent of library directors would retire by that same year.
In addition to the librarians expected to retire within the next decade, interest in the profession is waning among younger workers, according to the BLS. The situation is particularly dire for colleges and universities, which report the greatest difficulty in hiring librarians due to lower pay.
Graduates of library programs in 2004 reported an average starting salary of more than $39,000, an increase of nearly 3 percent over the previous year. The median salary for librarians is nearly $47,000, according to the BLS."
"Librarian
Studies have shown that librarians are expected to exit the profession en masse in coming years. The American Library Association Website quotes statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau indicating that more than one-quarter of all librarians will reach the age of 65 by 2009. A study published in the Library Journal found that 40 percent of library directors would retire by that same year.
In addition to the librarians expected to retire within the next decade, interest in the profession is waning among younger workers, according to the BLS. The situation is particularly dire for colleges and universities, which report the greatest difficulty in hiring librarians due to lower pay.
Graduates of library programs in 2004 reported an average starting salary of more than $39,000, an increase of nearly 3 percent over the previous year. The median salary for librarians is nearly $47,000, according to the BLS."
Wholphin | DVD Magazine of Unseen Things
Wholphin | DVD Magazine of Unseen Things
Wholphin is a new quarterly DVD magazine from McSweeney's, lovingly encoded with unique and ponderable films designed to make you feel the way we felt when we learned that dolphins and whales sometimes, you know, do it.
Available immediately by subscription and distributed quarterly in the same places you'll find McSweeney's and The Believer, each issue of Wholphin will contain a variety of extraordinary short films, docs, instructional videos, foreign sitcoms, and other cinema hybrids that deserve to be seen on very expensive televisions.
The debut issue of Wholphin — which is being given away free with issues of The Believer and McSweeney's in December and January — includes Spike Jonze's revealing, and never publicly screened, portrait of Al Gore made during the election campaign of 1999, an excerpt of David O. Russell's controversial film on U.S. soldiers in Iraq, Miguel Arteta and Miranda July's beautiful short "Are You The Favorite Person Of Anybody?" David Byrne makes a sudden and unexplained appearance, a bewildered Selma Blair has an eventful visit to the gynecologist, a Turkish sitcom is re-subtitled by several notable writers, there's some rare 1970s Iranian animation which was sneaked out of the country and a Dutch artist sings classic rock backwards. Wholphin, much like its literary counterparts, seeks to act as a curator, bringing together some truly unique and unusual gems and releasing them in one delightful, well-crafted and appealing package. Wholphin will bring the beautiful, strange and unseen to light. Future issues will likely include short films by The Daily Show writers, footage of remote controlled headless zombie flies, and something special from Tajikstan.
The 2nd issue of Wholphin will be on sale in March 2006. Be sure to check back with us for more information.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Web site to bring Capitol news in 'street speak'
Web site to bring Capitol news in 'street speak': "Daily Oklahoman, The (KRT) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Feb. 5--A new, free Web site promises to make Oklahoma's lawmaking process more accessible to the general public.
OKInsider.com, a partnership between Oklahoma Publishing Today and NewsOK.com, explains the legislative process in simple terms, translating legal jargon and offering tutorials and children's content.
'We want it to be so user-friendly and so complete ... that once you go there, you're going to find everything you want to know,' said Darwin Maxey, Oklahoma Publishing Today's chief executive. 'It's going to be in what we call 'street-speak,' language that everyone can understand.'"
OKInsider.com, a partnership between Oklahoma Publishing Today and NewsOK.com, explains the legislative process in simple terms, translating legal jargon and offering tutorials and children's content.
'We want it to be so user-friendly and so complete ... that once you go there, you're going to find everything you want to know,' said Darwin Maxey, Oklahoma Publishing Today's chief executive. 'It's going to be in what we call 'street-speak,' language that everyone can understand.'"
Tahlequah Daily Press--Celebrating Children's Authors and Illustrators Week
Tahlequah Daily Press--Celebrating Children's Authors and Illustrators Week: "You don’t have to wait until next week to read to your kids, but since it’s going to be National Children’s Authors and Illustrators Week, what better way to celebrate?
Held the first week of every February, Children’s Authors and Illustrators Week is a time when authors and artists visit schools, libraries, and children’s shelters all over the nation, telling stories and teaching workshops that – hopefully – inspire a life-long love of reading and writing.
Author Debbie Duvall and artist Murv Jacob, both of Tahlequah, have become one of Oklahoma’s most prolific children’s book author-illustrator teams.
Duvall and Jacob often visit area schools and libraries to read from their seven-book series, “The Grandmother Stories.”
“Although we never put a cap on it, seven’s a good number, so we may leave it at that,” said Duvall. “The design is the same throughout all the books, and the stories are based on ancient Cherokee legends.”
Held the first week of every February, Children’s Authors and Illustrators Week is a time when authors and artists visit schools, libraries, and children’s shelters all over the nation, telling stories and teaching workshops that – hopefully – inspire a life-long love of reading and writing.
Author Debbie Duvall and artist Murv Jacob, both of Tahlequah, have become one of Oklahoma’s most prolific children’s book author-illustrator teams.
Duvall and Jacob often visit area schools and libraries to read from their seven-book series, “The Grandmother Stories.”
“Although we never put a cap on it, seven’s a good number, so we may leave it at that,” said Duvall. “The design is the same throughout all the books, and the stories are based on ancient Cherokee legends.”
Friday, February 03, 2006
BBC NEWS | Technology | Libraries fear digital lockdown
Found this via boingboing
BBC NEWS | Technology | Libraries fear digital lockdown: "Libraries have warned that the rise of digital publishing may make it harder or even impossible to access items in their collections in the future.
Many publishers put restrictions on how digital books and journals can be used.
Such digital rights management (DRM) controls may block some legitimate uses, the British Library has said.
And there are fears that restricted works may not be safe for future generations if people can no longer unlock them when technology evolves."
BBC NEWS | Technology | Libraries fear digital lockdown: "Libraries have warned that the rise of digital publishing may make it harder or even impossible to access items in their collections in the future.
Many publishers put restrictions on how digital books and journals can be used.
Such digital rights management (DRM) controls may block some legitimate uses, the British Library has said.
And there are fears that restricted works may not be safe for future generations if people can no longer unlock them when technology evolves."
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Alva Review/Courier | Carmen Library Hosts Book Series
Alva Review/Courier | Carmen Library Hosts Book Series: "The Carmen Library Board, Friends of Library of Oklahoma and the Humanities Council will host 'Let's Talk About It' series, 'Many Peoples, One Land: Indians, Pioneers and the Southwest Experience.' The series is framed by Experiences of native American cultures of the southwest.
Southwesterners live with a fierce loyalty to their domain. Texas boast the loudest, disdain of the more arid lands of New Mexico, Arizona and Oklahoma. Pride of place comes to the surface in the rivalries and stories of the region.
The Southwest suggests the frontier of the warrior, the rancher, the farmer and the wildcatter.
The Southwest was settled by generations of people reflecting many cultural understandings. Their respective expansions into nature gave the region its special character.
The first discussion session will be Sunday, Feb. 5th, at 2 p.m. at the Community Building at the Carmen Park. David Kovarovic, Alva will be the scholar. This will cover two short stories 'Rite of Encounter' by Russell Bates and 'Ransom Folly' by Richard Davis.
Books are available at the Library and the public is invited.
Carmen Cain project director stated that the program format is the same as the popular 'Let's Talk About It' programs. At each session, a visiting scholar will make a 30 minute presentation about one of the books, relating it to the overall theme. Small Group discussion will follow. At the end everyone comes together for a brief wrap-up.
Carmen Cain, project director hopes everyone will join in 'The Oklahoma Experience.' The program is free of charge. For more information, contact Carmen Cain, Carmen Library, 580-987-2301"
Southwesterners live with a fierce loyalty to their domain. Texas boast the loudest, disdain of the more arid lands of New Mexico, Arizona and Oklahoma. Pride of place comes to the surface in the rivalries and stories of the region.
The Southwest suggests the frontier of the warrior, the rancher, the farmer and the wildcatter.
The Southwest was settled by generations of people reflecting many cultural understandings. Their respective expansions into nature gave the region its special character.
The first discussion session will be Sunday, Feb. 5th, at 2 p.m. at the Community Building at the Carmen Park. David Kovarovic, Alva will be the scholar. This will cover two short stories 'Rite of Encounter' by Russell Bates and 'Ransom Folly' by Richard Davis.
Books are available at the Library and the public is invited.
Carmen Cain project director stated that the program format is the same as the popular 'Let's Talk About It' programs. At each session, a visiting scholar will make a 30 minute presentation about one of the books, relating it to the overall theme. Small Group discussion will follow. At the end everyone comes together for a brief wrap-up.
Carmen Cain, project director hopes everyone will join in 'The Oklahoma Experience.' The program is free of charge. For more information, contact Carmen Cain, Carmen Library, 580-987-2301"
Slashdot | Librarian Stands up to the Feds
Slashdot commentary on the Librarian at Bradeis University who wouldn't budge without a warrant.
Slashdot | Librarian Stands up to the Feds: "'A librarian at Brandeis University forced the FBI to obtain a warrant to seize computers used to send threats. From the article: 'Federal Bureau of Investigation agents tried to seize 30 of the library's computers without a warrant, saying someone had used the library's Internet connection to send the threat to Brandeis. But the library director, Kathy Glick-Weil, told the agents they could not take the machines unless they got a warrant first. Newton's mayor, David Cohen, backed Ms. Glick-Weil up. After a brief standoff, FBI officials relented and sought a warrant from a judge.''"
Slashdot | Librarian Stands up to the Feds: "'A librarian at Brandeis University forced the FBI to obtain a warrant to seize computers used to send threats. From the article: 'Federal Bureau of Investigation agents tried to seize 30 of the library's computers without a warrant, saying someone had used the library's Internet connection to send the threat to Brandeis. But the library director, Kathy Glick-Weil, told the agents they could not take the machines unless they got a warrant first. Newton's mayor, David Cohen, backed Ms. Glick-Weil up. After a brief standoff, FBI officials relented and sought a warrant from a judge.''"
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Weekly Recap
Found this via Fiddling Librarian. Not only praise for TCCL but a handy dandy little tool as well.
Weekly Recap:
Weekly Recap:
Brandy and I went to the downtown Tulsa Public Libary. Brandy came prepared with a list of 9 books to checkout, I went with one book in mind. We spent about an hour there and were even able to checkout using a very cool automated scanning/checkout machine (think Albertson’s self-checkout, except for books :-) .)
Knowing how much Brandy likes surfing Amazon and realizing that the Tulsa Library is pretty nice, that night I wrote on my todo list “makea program so when Brandy is surfing Amazon for books, she can automatically see if the books are available at the library.” The next morning I wokeup and checked out the Weblogs.us frontpage, seeinga new post by the Fiddling Librarian I had to click it. Turns out there is a nice GreaseMonkey (FireFox addon) script that does just what I wanted! All that was left was to adapt it for the Tulsa library system… BUT, Kevin Smith read the comment I left on his blog and amazingly adapted the script before I could even get to it. The result is very awesometastic and works very well. Thanks Kevin!
2nd Annual Educating Tulsa Seminar
Oklahomans for School Accountability are having their 2nd Annual Educating Tulsa Seminar. You can see the flier by clicking here.
The featured guest speaker is Michael Chapman. And topics include The War of World Views, America's Censored Heritage, and Education for Sustainable Tyranny.
And if you have time -- be sure to check out their list of Libraries & Books links.
The featured guest speaker is Michael Chapman. And topics include The War of World Views, America's Censored Heritage, and Education for Sustainable Tyranny.
And if you have time -- be sure to check out their list of Libraries & Books links.
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