Wheaton Mayor, Council Bully Library Board to Restore Friday Hours

Wheaton City Council & Mayor

Link to July 15 Daily Herald article, "Wheaton Library seeks end to dispute over Friday closures".

Excerpt: The library board has been in hot water with city council members since implementing the Friday closures last month to make up for the loss of $300,000 in property tax revenue the city withheld to deal with its own budgetary problems.

To force the library board to abandon the cost-cutting move, Mayor Michael Gresk last week replaced one library trustee. And the city council is expected to vote next month on a proposed law that would require the library to be open six days a week during the summer and all seven days during the school year.

McLaughlin said she hopes the library board's concession will appease city council members and make the need for the proposed ordinance "go away."

Related articles:
Wheaton mayor, council members continue their hissy fit.  (7/5/2010)
Apparently, Scalzo's colleagues didn't take his advice.  (6/30/2010)
'Take a deep breath' advises Wheaton council member.  (6/20/2010)
No Friday hours at library irks council members.  (6/10/2010)
Bad news/good news.  (5/21/2010)
More budget cuts could lead to no Friday hours.  (3/20/2010)

Outpouring of Support for Wheaton Public Library.  (3/6/2010)

Branch Closings Interfere with Mecklenburg County's Early Voting Game Plan

LINK

Link to July 17 Charlotte Observer, "Early voting contends with library closings".

Excerpt: Mecklenburg County Board of Elections officials preparing for early voting this fall are coping with library branches facing reduced hours because of county budget cuts.

Elections officials plan to open at least a dozen sites across Mecklenburg County starting in mid-October to let people cast ballots early for the Nov. 2 election. Recently, leaders asked the state for money to open four additional locations.

Though the local elections board hasn't yet given final approval to the voting sites, many are expected to once again be local library branches.

That has required staff to do some juggling because branches are closed at least two days a week this summer because of county budget cuts, and a fall schedule hasn't been announced. Also, the Beatties Ford Road branch, a past voting site, is closed for renovation.

Related articles:
Matthews branch library sends out plea for volunteers.  (7/13/2010)
Most county commissioners cool to sales tax hike.  (7/9/2010)
New hours in effect.  (7/6/2010)
Charlotte Observer editorial board laments the passing of the Novello Festival of the Book.  (6/28/2010)
Shuttered branch could  become Friends' used book store.  (6/25/2010)
A reduced future.  (6/23/2010)
Interlocal cooperation pact.  (6/22/2010)
Three branches close.  (6/19/2010)
Town of Mint Hill perspective.  (6/18/2010)
Five towns tentatively OK $730,000 for libraries.  (6/18/2010)
Carmel, two other branches to close.  (6/16/2010)
Now that the ax has fallen.  (6/16/2010)
Commissioners to vote on budget today.  (6/15/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Libraries:  It's complicated.  (6/9/2010)
Mayor wins straw vote at emotional council meeting.  (6/7/2010)
Editorial:  Should city 'stay in its lane' on libraries.  (6/4/2010)
County commissioners restore some cuts to libraries.  (6/4/2010)
Straw votes begin on Mecklinburg County budget.  (6/3/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Libraries continue to look for one-time financial help.  (5/31/2010)
High school junior speaks out eloquently for libraries.  (5/30/2010)
Mayor Foxx on the art of governing.  (5/30/2010)
Mayor supports financial help for library.  (5/27/2010)
County budget:  Oh, yeah, this is fair.  (5/25/2010)
Bailout proposal not gaining traction.  (5/23/2010)
Library trustees vote to close 4 branches.  (5/20/2010)
Mecklenburg County tightens its belt.  (5/20/2010)
County manager cuts $14.7 million from library budget.  (5/18/2010)
2010-11 Mecklenburg County budget to be unveiled today.  (5/18/2010)
North Carolina woman plans on "going straight to the top" to keep Charlotte libraries open.  (5/16/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg officials ask local municipalities for $3 million contribution.  (4/30/2010Library Board chair speaks out.  (4/25/2010)
County commissioners seek ways to ease library cuts.  (4/23/2010)
Mecklenburg County needs to reduce $85-90 million deficit.  (4/16/2010)
County manager takes library board to task.  (4/10/2010)
Libraries now open fewer hours.  (4/6/2010)
"Save Our Libraries Sunday".  (3/29/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg users owe average of 55 cents in fines.  (3/27/2010)
Library announces new hours for branches.  (3/26/2010)
Library Board applies a Band-Aid to its bleeding system.  (3/25/2010)
Follow-up on Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Board vote.  (3/25/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Board votes to keep all branches open.  (3/24/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Board presented with 2 budget-cutting alternatives.  (3/24/2010)
More and bigger cuts looming on horizon. (3/23/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library System Rethinks Closings. (3/22/2010)
A New Day is Dawning in Charlotte/Mecklenburg County. (3/21/2010)

Charlotte Mecklenburg libraries haven't seen such large-scale reductions since the Great Depression. (3/17/2010)

Indiana Pacers Receive 1st $10,000,000 for Operating Expenses

Link to July 17 Indianapolis Star article, "Pacers get first bite of $33.5M pie".

Excerpt:   The deal has been greeted with scathing criticism from some Indianapolis residents, who argue the city should not provide money to the team, particularly when government entities -- such as the libraries and the bus system -- are grappling with hard-hit budgets.

No one from the public showed up Friday to protest the vote or plan.  [Emphasis added.]

Related articles:
Library board sez no branch closings in 2011.  (7/15/2010)
Library supporters question Pacers deal.  (7/15/2010)
High performance government team report.  (7/11/2010)
Library board delays decision on libraries.  (6/5/2010)
Another big turnout for libraries.  (5/13/2010)
Mayor vows to keep library branches open.  (5/12/2010)
Residents speak up for their libraries.  (5/11/2010)
The neighborhood library as refuge.  (5/2/2010)
Indianapolis Star editorial board keeps library funding issue front and center.  (4/25/2010)
Efficiency experts look for ways to keep branch libraries open.  (4/23/2010)
More than 1400 sign petition to keep Glendale branch open.  (4/20/2010)
Editorial:  Find resources for library.  (4/19/2010)
What's in store for Indianapolis-area libraries?  (4/17/2010)
Indiana Pacers bailout talks continue.  (4/16/2010)
Postscript.  (4/15/2010)
Look what's at the top of Indianapolis's to-do list.  (4/14/2010)
A Challenge to Indianapolis-Marion County:  Stand Up for Libraries.  (4/13/2010)
Library rally caps?  Get real, sez IndyStar editorial.  (4/12/2010)
Will Indianapolis rally for its libraries?  (4/12/2010)
Library considers branch closings.  (4/9/2010)

Downsizing the Madison Central Renovation Project

The Central Library Project

Link to July 17 Wisconsin State Journal article,"Renovation of Central Library might not include new facade or third floor".

Excerpt: Despite the mayor's promises, the city has taken a cautious approach in the design process, asking the architect to prepare full plans for a renovation and remodel of the existing two-story building and basement, and only schematic designs for the exterior and 31,000 square feet of new space on a third floor.

The architects — Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle of Minneapolis — have been working with library staff members and others to assess needs, and in August will begin a public process to determine what the community wants. The firm is teaming with the local architectural firm Potter Lawson Inc.

The final plans could range from renovating the existing facility and bringing in more natural light to adding a new exterior and third floor, said Traci Lesneski, principal, head of interiors for Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle.

Related articles:
Possible temporary Central Library location has asbestos problem.  (6/18/2010)
Architectural firm selected for Madison Central project.  (5/26/2010)
State Journal editorial board sez Madison City Council made right decision on Central Library. (5/10/2010)
Council vote on library goes under the radar.  (5/8/2010)
And the beat goes on.  (4/14/2010)
Mayor Responds to Critics on Library Issue.  (4/13/2010)
Board Endorses Renovation Plan.  (4/6/2010)
Some Council Members Not Ready to Move Forward on Mayor's Renovation Plan.  (3/30/2010)
Council President Pro Tem to Introduce Resolution Approving Madison Central Library Renovation Project.  (3/28/2010)
'Dissatisfaction' with Collapsed Madison Central Library Project. (3/25/2010)
Fiore Departure Seen as Beneficial to Madison Central Project.  (3/23/2010)
Matter of Principle" Dooms New Central Madison Library.  (3/20/2010)
Madison Central: The Dream Dies, It's Now Time to Renovate. (3/19/2010)
Dispute over Construction Costs Threatens to Derail New Central Madison Library. (3/17/2010)
Madison Public Library Project Faces Delay in 2011. (3/9/2010)
Construction, Cost Concerns May Delay Madison Central Library Project. (1/25/2010)
New Madison Central Library Wins Council Approval. (11/11/2009)Capital Times Endorses New Madison Central Library. (11/10/2009)
Madison Council Begins Review of Mayor's Budget on Tuesday. (11/6/2009)
More Questions About Madison Central Library Project. (11/1/2009)
New Madison Public Library's First Change Order: Rooftop Garden.
(10/28/2009)
Call for Referendum on New Madison Central Library Not Attracting Support. (10/21/2009)
Madison Board of Estimates Rejects Library Referendum. (10/13/2009)
Some Madison City Council Members Want Referendum on New Central Library. (10/9/2009)
Wisconsin State Journal Editorial on New Madison Central Library. (9/13/2009)
New Madison Central Library: Let the Positioning Begin. (9/1/2009)
New Madison Central Library on Mayor Dave's Front Burner. (8/30/2009)
New Madison Central Library: Build or Renovate? (7/7/2009)
Motley Brown Not Reason Enough. (6/11/2009)
Fiore Plan Receives Unanimous Support. (6/5/2009)
Fiore Plan Gets Nod from Committee. (5/15/2009)
Public Forum Focuses on Central Library Options. (4/24/2009)
Developer Sweetens the Deal. (4/21/2009)
Visualizing a Remodeled Madison Central Library. (4/4/2009)
Renovation Plan Put on Table for Madison Central Library. (3/26/2009)
Residents Critique Proposals to Rebuild Downtown Library. (1/9/2009)
Competing Developers Defend Their Central Library Plans. (1/8/2009)
Comparison of Downtown Madison Library Proposals. (12/17/2008)
Two Proposals for New Madison Central Library. (12/3/2008)
Best Headline of the Week. (9/6/2008)

The Middleton Public Library Is Open More Hours Than the Los Angeles Central Library

Maybe not so easy anymore.

LAPL

Link to July 15 Los Angeles Times, "Don't go to the library on Sunday.  Or Monday."

Excerpt:  Budget contractions are squeezing the Los Angeles Public Library, which begins a new schedule of reduced hours this Sunday, July 18. Going forward, the Central Library and all 72 LA Public Library branches will be open just five days, Tuesday through Saturday.

All will be closed on Sundays and Mondays. The new library hours, beginning July 18:

Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday, Central Library: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Branch libraries: 12:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Wednesday, all libraries: 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, Central Library: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Branch libraries: 12:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday, all libraries: 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, all libraries: 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Sunday: CLOSED

This means that students who need the computers or Internet access will have to queue up for places on Saturday. People who work regular hours and want to stop at libraries on the weekend will now have to remember Saturday is their only chance. And for many -- students, people with daytime jobs -- getting to the library at all will be a challenge. While the new hours seem paltry, the budget crisis might force even more drastic cuts in service in the future.

F***in' pathetic.

This One Lost Me at 1:44

Let Retiring Guy know if he missed anything humorous.

Old Spice Commercial Spoof: Study Like A Scholar

Harold B. Lee Library

Brigham Young University

Heed the Headline's Health Hint

Link to July 16 San Jose Mercury News article,"Before you read this story - get your buns up off that chair!"

Excerpt: While New York City is the city that never sleeps, Silicon Valley is — unfortunately — famous for cities that always sit.

From the comatose software programmers sporting computer screen facial tans, to the countless engineers who can't remember the last time they used their gut-obscured feet to walk away from their mice and keyboards, the creators of the world's most innovative technology may be paying a deadly price for digital success.

Researchers and engineers from across the world convened at Stanford University on Friday for a two-day conference on the serious health risks of prolonged sitting or what they term — inactive physiology.

Sorta related article:
Can't Stand to Sit Too Long? There's a Desk for That.  (New York Times, 4/21/2010)

"I Write Like" At Least Three Different Authors

I Write Like

Link to July 16 San Jose Mercury News article, "I Write Like erupts online, authors scratch heads".

Excerpt: The recently launched I Write Like has one simple gimmick: You paste a few paragraphs that exemplify your writing, then click "analyze" and—poof!—you get a badge telling you that you write like Stephen King or Ernest Hemingway or Chuck Palahniuk.

OK, so Retiring Guy decided to chunk the first page of his most recent weekly 10-page letter to Mom, an independent 89 year old who has never used a computer.

Section 1: I write like......

Here’s an indication of how excited JoAnna and I are to be reunited with Eddie. We’re sitting in terminal 3 of O’Hare Airport with 40 minutes to spare before he arrives. It could have been more than an hour’s wait since this flight is 27 minutes ahead of schedule. The plane must have the benefit of a strong tailwind.

Section 2:  I write like...
In our defense, we built some wiggle room into our own schedule in case we encountered any delays. Always a possibility on Chicago-area “expressways”, no matter what time of day. In an unexpected change of pace, however, I felt the need to accelerate as we approached O’Hare. Let’s just say that drivers weren’t observing the posted speed limit. Not even close.

Section 3:  I write like...
The constant lane-changers were out in full force. I wonder if they drive this way just for sport, for the challenge of threading their way through three or four lanes of traffic without even a light tap of the brake pedal. Crazy stuff!

Andy didn’t accompany us as he had other plans.

“I haven’t seen any of my friends all week,” he lamented.

Section 4 :  I write like...
And he probably wouldn’t have been much in the mood for a road trip anyway. Even a four-hour workday leaves him wiped out for a few hours after he returns home. OK, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration. How about…just in the mood to chill and watch TV. He’s not used to repetitive manual labor with a hot sun bearing down on him, particularly in a setting that provides no trees for shade. According to Andy, Jim (his boss) gets impatient if he asks for a clarification when given directions. Andy simply rolls with the punches. Why engage in unnecessary bickering and antagonize the person who provided you with a much-needed summer job. From the details Andy supplies, it sounds as though Jim’s main complaint is with the finicky woman who hired him to build a deck. She wants the project done just so – which she has every right to demand.

Study: Opportunity for All, How the American Public Benfits from Internet Access at U.S Libraries

Executive Summary.
Over the past decade and a half, free access to computers and the Internet in U.S. public libraries evolved from a rare commodity into a core service. Now, people from all walks of life rely on this service every day to look for jobs, find
health care, and read the latest news. As the nation struggled through a historic recession, nearly one-third of the U.S. population over the age of 14 used library Internet computers and those in poverty relied on these resources even more.

This study provides the first large-scale investigation of the ways library patrons use this service, why they use it, and how it affects their lives. A national telephone survey, nearly 45,000 online surveys at public libraries, and hundreds
of interviews reveal the central role modern libraries play in a digital society.  The library’s role as a technology resource and training center has exploded since 1996, when only 28 percent of libraries offered visitors access to the Internet. Today, almost all public library branches offer visitors free access to computers and the Internet, thanks to a sustained effort by federal, state, and local governments; private philanthropy; and the work of librarians. Until now, though, there has been no systematic study that provided a national picture of how people use this important community resource.

Internet access is now one of the most sought after public library services, and it is used by nearly half of all visitors. Over the past year, 45 percent of the 169 million visitors to public libraries connected to the Internet using a library computer or wireless network during their visit, even though more than three quarters of these people had Internet access at home, work, or elsewhere. The widespread use of these services by people of varying age, income, and experience is an indication of the unique role that public libraries play in the evolving digital landscape. Public libraries stand out as one of the few community institutions that can address the computing and information needs of all kinds of users, from seniors who have never touched a keyboard to young entrepreneurs launching a new eBusinesses strategy.

Indianapolis-Marion County Library Board Sez No Branch Closings in 2011

IMCPL

 Link to July 15 Indianapolis Star article.

Excerpt:   The Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library will not close any of its branches in 2011, the library board announced tonight.

The board voted for a one-year extension of the Brightwood branch's lease, and has already approved the same extension for the Glendale branch, which were both in danger of closing next year.

The board also announced a long string of other cuts, which president Tom Shevlot said would "provide a Band-Aid" for the next year and give the library an opportunity to seek out long-term solutions for a sustainable library system. In total, the cuts would save about $2.5 million.

Related articles:
Library supporters question Pacers deal. (7/15/2010)
High performance government team report.  (7/11/2010)
Library board delays decision on libraries.  (6/5/2010)
Another big turnout for libraries.  (5/13/2010)
Mayor vows to keep library branches open.  (5/12/2010)
Residents speak up for their libraries.  (5/11/2010)
The neighborhood library as refuge.  (5/2/2010)
Indianapolis Star editorial board keeps library funding issue front and center.  (4/25/2010)
Efficiency experts look for ways to keep branch libraries open.  (4/23/2010)
More than 1400 sign petition to keep Glendale branch open.  (4/20/2010)
Editorial:  Find resources for library.  (4/19/2010)
What's in store for Indianapolis-area libraries?  (4/17/2010)
Indiana Pacers bailout talks continue.  (4/16/2010)
Postscript.  (4/15/2010)
Look what's at the top of Indianapolis's to-do list.  (4/14/2010)
A Challenge to Indianapolis-Marion County:  Stand Up for Libraries.  (4/13/2010)
Library rally caps?  Get real, sez IndyStar editorial.  (4/12/2010)
Will Indianapolis rally for its libraries?  (4/12/2010)
Library considers branch closings.  (4/9/2010)

Library supporters question Pacers deal

IMCPL

Link to WXIN-TV report.

Excerpt: The Library Board meets Thursday night to consider budget cuts. The Capital Improvement Board meets Friday to approve the Pacers deal, which will be financed by budget reductions, increased revenue and a $27 million loan from the state. The city derives no new Conseco Fieldhouse revenue from the agreement.

"We're going to be faced with the problem of how do we repay that $27 million and where do we come up with the money after the three years period expires to continue making subsidies to the Pacers?" asked Advance Indiana blogger Gary Welch.

At Monday's announcement, Pacers CEO Jim Morris was asked if the team would consider making a charitable donation to the libraries in an attempt to offset criticism that the city's subsidy amounted to a bailout.

"Well...sure," said Morris. "You should know that he would not like me saying this but (owner) Herb Simon gave the libraries a million dollars."

Related articles:
High performance government team report.  (7/11/2010)
Library board delays decision on libraries.  (6/5/2010)
Another big turnout for libraries.  (5/13/2010)
Mayor vows to keep library branches open.  (5/12/2010)
Residents speak up for their libraries.  (5/11/2010)
The neighborhood library as refuge.  (5/2/2010)
Indianapolis Star editorial board keeps library funding issue front and center.  (4/25/2010)
Efficiency experts look for ways to keep branch libraries open.  (4/23/2010)
More than 1400 sign petition to keep Glendale branch open.  (4/20/2010)
Editorial:  Find resources for library.  (4/19/2010)
What's in store for Indianapolis-area libraries?  (4/17/2010)
Indiana Pacers bailout talks continue.  (4/16/2010)
Postscript.  (4/15/2010)
Look what's at the top of Indianapolis's to-do list.  (4/14/2010)
A Challenge to Indianapolis-Marion County:  Stand Up for Libraries.  (4/13/2010)
Library rally caps?  Get real, sez IndyStar editorial.  (4/12/2010)
Will Indianapolis rally for its libraries?  (4/12/2010)
Library considers branch closings.  (4/9/2010)

50 Years of Integration at the Greenville Public Library

Greenville County Library System

Link to July WYFF report, "Greenville 8" Together 50 Years After Segregation: 8 African-American Students Arrested In All-White Library 50 Years Ago".  (Thanks to Nanette Bulebosh for the catch.)

Excerpt:   On July 16, 1960, eight young African-American students, under advice from the Rev. S.E. Kay, entered the library in protest of the library's segregation policies. After peacefully refusing to leave, the "Greenville 8" were arrested by city police and released after spending about 45 minutes at the city jail, according to the Greenville County Library System.

"Everybody asks me, 'Well, were you scared?'" said Margaree Crosby, one of the eight. "I say, 'No I was not afraid.'"

Later that month, Donald Sampson, and African-American attorney in Greenville who represented the group, filed a suit in Federal court to integrate the public libraries on North Main Street and East McBee Avenue. On Sept. 2, the libraries closed "in the face of the lawsuit" according to the library system. A few days later, Judge C. C. Wyche dismissed the suit, because the libraries were at that point "nonexistent."

On Sept. 19, the Greenville Public Library reopened as an integrated facility.

Related article:
A time when public libraries weren't open and free to all. (4/25/2010)

Seattle Public Library Flash Mob

Oregon's Hood River County Libraries Have Closed (as of July 1)

LINK

Related article:
Library district measure defeated, libraries to close. (5/24/2010)

It's Christmas in July at the Oshkosh Public Library

LINK

Condiment Vandal Turns Herself In

Link to July 13 Idaho Statesman article, "Idaho cops catch up with alleged condiment vandal".

Excerpt: Police have arrested a 74-year-old woman who is accused of repeatedly dumping maple syrup, corn syrup, ketchup and mayonnaise into a library book drop in Idaho's capital city. Authorities had previously issued a pair of warrants for Joy Cassidy's arrest earlier this month after she failed to appear in court.

Two Rivers' Lester Public Library Offers Self-Check, Pre-Pay Options

Link to July 14 Herald-Times-Reporter column by Library Director Jeff Dawson.

Excerpt: Last week the library installed two self-check machines, new computers in the adult reference area and new computer management software for all public access computers. We placed a self-check machine in Youth Services and another by the main exit. The new computer management software allows you, as library patrons, to pre-pay at one of the desks on your account for copies, fines and fees and then use the self-check machine to authorize payment for charges.

Green Bay's KI Convention Center to Expand

KI Convention Center

Link to July 14 Green Bay Post-Gazette article, "Room tax to help fund KI Convention Center expansion".

Excerpt:   The proposal calls for adding 32,320 square feet to the 43,630-square-foot convention center, most of it raised above Adams Street, the adjoining Holiday Inn parking lot and some of the Holiday Inn meeting area. It will allow Green Bay to compete with all but the state's largest convention center competitors. The estimated cost is $18.5 million to $19.5 million.

"We've talked to the customers. This is what they want," said Mayor Jim Schmitt.

According to Betsch's research, which he said was "as conservative as we can be," a 75,950-square-foot convention center would attract 68,000 more convention delegates annually, resulting in $12 million in new direct spending, with an annual economic impact of $24 million. It would provide $3 million more in direct wages and $248,000 more in room taxes.

The Wisconsin Library Association held its 2007 conference at KI.  And I suspect we're likely to return there in 2013.

Fond du Lac School District Book Complaints: "Enough is enough"

LINK

Link to July 14 Fond du Lac Reporter article, "Book complaints have reached dead end. Parent's objections won't be added to board agenda".

Excerpt:   A Fond du Lac parent waging a battle against certain books in schools was essentially told Monday night that enough is enough.

When Ann Wentworth asked that she be allowed to speak at a future board meeting, School Board President Eric Everson denied her request.

"Some of the requests being asked for are for an unattainable solution to problems that you perceive." Everson said.

Wentworth's crusade against three out of six books she originally filed complaints against has drawn national attention — and the ire of best-selling authors.

Link to Julie Halpern's Blog of Wonder post from July 11th, "Give it up, Wentworth". 

Ann Wentworth is a member of Patriotic Resistance.

Here We Go Again!

More tunnelvision.

Link to July 12 Advertising Age article, "It's Time to Prepare for the End of the Web as We Know It".

Excerpt:   Wither the web? It's hard to believe but soon, if not already, the web is going to become a lot less interesting to consumers -- and just as it approaches its 20th birthday.

According to Morgan Stanley, within five years global internet consumption on mobile devices will surpass the same activity on PCs. This sounds like good news. It's natural to think that browsers on the third screen (phones) and the fourth screen (tablets) will simply replace time spent in front of the same on a PC. That's not the case.

Mobile devices, by their nature, force users to become more mission-oriented. As more internet consumption shifts to gadgets, it's increasingly becoming an app world and we just live in it. Innovation, fun, simplicity and single-purpose utility will rule while grandiose design and complexity will fall by the wayside.

OK, we've got to say it again.

"Media is not a zero sum game," says Paul Saffo, a director of the Institute for the Future in Menlo Park, California. "Just because a new medium arrives doesn't mean an old medium dies out. We still have writing in an age of word processing, we still have reading in an age of video." ("In so many words: how technology reshapes the reading habit."  (American Demographics, March, 1997 by Rebecca Piirto Heath.)

And the same goes for how we access information online.

I'm eating a bowl of Just Drummy custard from Culver's.

There's your 1%.

Link to Pew Research Daily Number:  "99% - New Media, Old News."

Excerpt: Blogs have become an important source for news junkies looking for breaking news and instant analysis, but blogs still look to old media for news stories.

Yeah, but.....yeah, but....what does it mean when bloggers look to old media's websites?

Draw Your Own Conclusion

Job Openings Vastly Outnumbered by Job Seekers.  (Huffington Post, 7/13/2010)

Writer for The Economist Gets Lost in a Tunnel

Link to July 13 Guardian article, "Reports of blogging's death have been greatly exaggerated".  (Spotted at boingboing)

Excerpt:   A report last month in the Economist tells us that "blogging is dying" as more and more bloggers abandon the form for its cousins: the tweet, the Facebook Wall, the Digg.

Do a search-and-replace on "blog" and you could rewrite the coverage as evidence of the death of television, novels, short stories, poetry, live theatre, musicals, or any of the hundreds of the other media that went from breathless ascendancy to merely another tile in the mosaic.

Of course, none of those media are dead, and neither is blogging. Instead, what's happened is that they've been succeeded by new forms that share some of their characteristics, and these new forms have peeled away all the stories that suit them best.

Memo to The Economist. "Media is not a zero sum game," says Paul Saffo, a director of the Institute for the Future in Menlo Park, California. "Just because a new medium arrives doesn't mean an old medium dies out. We still have writing in an age of word processing, we still have reading in an age of video." ("In so many words: how technology reshapes the reading habit."  (American Demographics, March, 1997 by Rebecca Piirto Heath.)

And the same goes for all of our social media options.

Chartlotte Mecklenburg's Matthews Branch Library Sends Out Plea for Volunteers

Charlotte Mecklenburg Libraries

Link to July 13 Charlotte Observer article, "Matthews library seeks 50 volunteers."

Excerpt: Surging demand for library services has increased the need for “circulation assistants” to retrieve library materials, maintain book displays, sort and shelve books, CDs and other library materials and participate in special projects, town spokeswoman Annette Privette Keller said.

As anyone who works in a library understands, the use of volunteers is a great way to build goodwill within the community. At the same time, the recruitment, training, scheduling, and supervision of  such a group who, on average, may work one or two hours a week, is an inefficient way to run a library.

Difficult times require alternative solutions.  I hope the Matthews Branch receives a strong response -- and that everyone in Mecklenburg County who loves and values libraries will continue to advocate for restored funding.

Related articles:
Most county commissioners cool to sales tax hike.  (7/9/2010)
New hours in effect.  (7/6/2010)
Charlotte Observer editorial board laments the passing of the Novello Festival of the Book.  (6/28/2010)
Shuttered branch could  become Friends' used book store.  (6/25/2010)
A reduced future.  (6/23/2010)
Interlocal cooperation pact.  (6/22/2010)
Three branches close.  (6/19/2010)
Town of Mint Hill perspective.  (6/18/2010)
Five towns tentatively OK $730,000 for libraries.  (6/18/2010)
Carmel, two other branches to close.  (6/16/2010)
Now that the ax has fallen.  (6/16/2010)
Commissioners to vote on budget today.  (6/15/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Libraries:  It's complicated.  (6/9/2010)
Mayor wins straw vote at emotional council meeting.  (6/7/2010)
Editorial:  Should city 'stay in its lane' on libraries.  (6/4/2010)
County commissioners restore some cuts to libraries.  (6/4/2010)
Straw votes begin on Mecklinburg County budget.  (6/3/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Libraries continue to look for one-time financial help.  (5/31/2010)
High school junior speaks out eloquently for libraries.  (5/30/2010)
Mayor Foxx on the art of governing.  (5/30/2010)
Mayor supports financial help for library.  (5/27/2010)
County budget:  Oh, yeah, this is fair.  (5/25/2010)
Bailout proposal not gaining traction.  (5/23/2010)
Library trustees vote to close 4 branches.  (5/20/2010)
Mecklenburg County tightens its belt.  (5/20/2010)
County manager cuts $14.7 million from library budget.  (5/18/2010)
2010-11 Mecklenburg County budget to be unveiled today.  (5/18/2010)
North Carolina woman plans on "going straight to the top" to keep Charlotte libraries open.  (5/16/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg officials ask local municipalities for $3 million contribution.  (4/30/2010Library Board chair speaks out.  (4/25/2010)
County commissioners seek ways to ease library cuts.  (4/23/2010)
Mecklenburg County needs to reduce $85-90 million deficit.  (4/16/2010)
County manager takes library board to task.  (4/10/2010)
Libraries now open fewer hours.  (4/6/2010)
"Save Our Libraries Sunday".  (3/29/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg users owe average of 55 cents in fines.  (3/27/2010)
Library announces new hours for branches.  (3/26/2010)
Library Board applies a Band-Aid to its bleeding system.  (3/25/2010)
Follow-up on Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Board vote.  (3/25/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Board votes to keep all branches open.  (3/24/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Board presented with 2 budget-cutting alternatives.  (3/24/2010)
More and bigger cuts looming on horizon. (3/23/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library System Rethinks Closings. (3/22/2010)
A New Day is Dawning in Charlotte/Mecklenburg County. (3/21/2010)

Charlotte Mecklenburg libraries haven't seen such large-scale reductions since the Great Depression. (3/17/2010)

Children's Book Festival Coming to Sheboygan in October

LINK

Link to July 13 Sheboygan Press article.

Excerpt: A new event for children, parents and anyone who loves children's literature is coming to Sheboygan this fall. The first Sheboygan Children's Book Festival, Oct. 15-17, will bring exceptional children's book authors and illustrators to the community for a celebration of books, reading, writing and art.

"The Sheboygan Children's Book Festival will provide opportunities for children and adults to connect with successful, creative authors and illustrators and become inspired by their works and experiences," said Karin Menzer, youth services manager at Mead Public Library. Mead Library will host a number of author/illustrator presentations and workshops during the festival.

The children's book festival, which includes the grand opening celebration for Bookworm Gardens, also will be part of the John Michael Kohler Arts Center's Sheboygan Shindig Oct. 15–21. The Sheboygan Shindig is an arts and literary extravaganza that will feature the opening of the major exhibition, "Animal Instinct," plus entertainment, live animals, art-making workshops, special tours and.  [Actually, this is how the paragraph ends.]

Not Carole King Material: "I Met Him at the Library"

Not Carole King.


Link to July 13 Sheboygan Press article, "Sheboygan man sentenced for showing porn to girl, 15".

Excerpt: The girl, a runaway, told police she met Goodwill at Mead Public Library and began communicating with him over MySpace. She eventually went to his apartment five times.

The girl said Goodwill showed her pornography each time, and also asked her repeatedly to let him take racy pictures. She eventually agreed to partially disrobe for pictures but refused Goodwill's requests to further undress.

Carole King material and a #1 hit for the Shirelles in 1961.

Menasha Mayor Talks About Moving the City Forward After Steam Plant Debacle

Link to July 12 Appleton Post-Crescent article, "Burning Questions: Menasha's Merkes talks about city's way forward".

Excerpt: The first half of the four-year term Mayor Don Merkes earned in 2008 by defeating long-time incumbent Joe Laux has not been business as usual for a first-time mayor.

The failure of the Menasha Utilities steam plant project and subsequent city default on $22.8 million worth of municipal revenue bonds has the city trying to work its way out of a federal securities lawsuit filed by investors and unresolved environmental actions against the coal-fired facility that has been mothballed since its Oct. 9 closure.

As a result, Merkes has had to spend an inordinate amount of time, and taxpayer funds, meeting with the city's various legal and financial experts as the community tries to work its way out of the historic default and potentially daunting financial repercussions.

[snip]

What lessons have been learned as a result of the steam utility debacle?

I think the biggest thing that we've learned was to look at who we're providing services to, who our constituents are and who those customers are. And are we providing services that benefit the entire community or are we providing services that benefit a small portion of the community? And then to also look at the risks in providing those services and the costs.  [Emphasis added.]

Retiring Guy assumes the Menasha Public Library achieved a high score as a result of this exercise.

[snip]

The non-bondholder part of the steam plant debt backed by city taxpayers was roughly $17 million. The city has been able to convert that into long-term financing. How important was that to the community?

Without the state Trust Fund, we probably wouldn't have been able to refinance them into long-term financing. We'd have likely would have defaulted on those bonds as well. So it was very important to have access to the state Trust Fund. Also, it was a lower interest rate (5.5 percent) than we would have likely received even if we could have accessed the capital markets.

The Board of Commissioners of Public Lands not only manages the Common School Fund, but it also operates the one of the largest public lending programs in the state, financing a variety of community and school projects.

Related article:
Menasha default:  What does it mean for city services?  (9/2/2009)

2009 Shirley Jackson Award Winners (Novels)

From The Shirley Jackson Awards website:
In recognition of the legacy of Shirley Jackson’s writing, and with permission of the author’s estate, the Shirley Jackson Awards have been established for outstanding achievement in the literature of psychological suspense, horror, and the dark fantastic.

The winner

LINKcat status:  6 copies, 6 holds.

Finalists (in alphabetical order by title)

Last Days

LINKcat status:  no copies.

 The Little Stranger

LINKcat status:  21 copies, 16 holds

The Owl Killers

LINKcat status:  9 copies, 0 holds

The Red Tree

LINKcat status:  8 copies, 0 holds

White is for Witching

LINKcat status:  2 copies, 0 holds

Other award categories include novella, novelette, short story, single-author collection, and edited anthology.

Shirley Jackson is best known for the short story "The Lottery" and the novel The Haunting of Hill House.