The Sensible, Professional Response to the "50 Shades" Questions

Library indulge desire for hit novel.  (Boston Globe, 6/7/2012)

Excerpt: They may not have read “Fifty Shades of Grey,” an erotic novel that has been breaking publishing records and creating controversy around the country. But area librarians are stock­ing the book — though not nearly as fast as patrons are requesting it. 

The novel is the most-requested book in the Minuteman Library Network, where more than 1,800 people are on waiting lists at member institutions, and that doesn’t include those who are seeking audio or e-book versions. And it doesn’t include the two other books in the trilogy by British author E. L. James, “Fifty Shades Darker” and “Fifty Shades Freed.” 

The books are not getting much shelf time. Every one of the copies held by the Minuteman network’s 37 public libraries is checked out.

Related posts:
Champions of the right to read @ the Duxbury Public Library.  (6/3/2012)
Thanks, Helen, I don't know why some of our colleagues find this so hard to say.  (6/2/2012)
Harford County Public Library's "selective materials" policy.  (6/1/2012)
"50 Shades of Grey" @ the Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library.  (5/27/2012)
No "Shades of Grey" @ Fort Bend County Libraries. (5/26/2012)
Brevard County Public Library reverses its decision on "50 Shades". (5/26/2012)
A Woman's Touch is Riding the "50 Shades" Wave. (5/26/2012)
Is there some wiggle room in your collection development policy?  5/24/2012)
Have you dusted off your policy on erotica?  (5/22/2012)
Pulling "Shades" doesn't keep the noise out @ the Brevard County Public Library.  (5/15/2012)
"We do not collect erotica @ Gwinnett County Public Library"  (5/13/2012)
Will Fond du Lac residents now be clamoring for this books.  (4/12/2012)

Wisconsin's Middling Economic Growth

Mixed News for Wisconsin in New Economic Data. (Wisconsin Budget Project 6/6/2012)

Excerpt: The BEA statistics show that Wisconsin’s real GDP grew by 1.1% last year, compared to a national average of 1.5%. Measured on a per capita basis, our state’s real GDP was 7.7% below the national average. On the more positive side, our state’s GDP growth ranked in the middle, at 26th and our per capita GDP grew at a slightly faster rate that the national average (0.78% for WI in 2011 vs. 0.73% nationally).

Pew Research: Older Adults and Internet Use (Teaser)

Older Adults and Internet Use. (Pew Research, 6/6/2012)

Excerpt:    As of April 2012, 53% of American adults age 65 and older use the internet or email. Though these adults are still less likely than all other age groups to use the internet, the latest data represent the first time that half of seniors are going online. After several years of very little growth among this group, these gains are significant.

Other findings:

• Once online, most seniors make internet use a regular part of their lives. 
• After age 75, internet and broadband use drops off significantly. 
• Seven in ten seniors own a cell phone, up from 57% two years ago. 
• One in three online seniors uses social networking sites like Facebook and LinkedIn.

LINK

Older Adults and Internet Use

A Big Exception to Jack's 'Of Little Consequence' Scenario

Madison Politiscope: Democrats claim the state Senate — does it matter? (Capital Times, 6/6/2012)

Excerpt: Since the Legislature is not scheduled to be in session again until January, the Democratic control of the Senate will unlikely have much consequence in the months to come. 

EXCEPT

.....if the GOP had won control of the Senate, Walker could have called the Legislature into special session in an attempt to pass major pieces of policy before the November election, when control of the Senate and the Assembly (where Republicans currently enjoy a large majority), will once again be contested.

Village of Weston Leaders Miscalculate Support for Public Transit Service

When was the last time Fred rode a bus?

Weston voters want public transit restored. (Wausau Daily Herald, 6/5/2012)

Excerpt: Village leaders now have to determine how they will answer voters' demands that Weston provide public transit service for its residents. 

Voters overwhelmingly approved a measure Tuesday that will require the village to provide public transportation at least five days per week beginning Jan. 1. 

Led by a coalition of local advocates for the needy, nearly 64 percent of Weston voters cast ballots in favor of public transportation while 36 percent said no. 

The Weston Village Board voted in September to end funding for Metro Ride service in Weston, citing budget concerns. Public transit supporters filed a lawsuit against the village in February, and Marathon County Circuit Judge Michael Moran ordered the binding referendum in a written decision April 20.

Bellwether Counties in 2012 Walker Recall Election

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

 Last night, I followed the recall election results on C-SPAN's Campaign 2012 website.  .I just wasn't in the mood for a lot of chatter.  I also thought it would be instructive to compare the county-by-county recall votes to the 2010 gubernatorial election results.

After studying the early (and complete) returns of three counties -- Door, Trempealeau, and Fond du Lac --   I became convinced that Walker was going to win, or, to be "reaffirmed", as today's banner headline in the Wisconsin State Journal trumpets.

Door County

Door was one of the first counties to report a final vote tally from all of its precincts.  The numbers were not a comfort for this Tom Barrett voter, especially when compared to the results of the 2010 gubernatorial election.

Barrett's 2012 vote total decreased by 415 compared to 2010.  Walker's increased by 1,466.

Door County Votes for Tom Barrett and Scott Walker

2010 Gubernatorial/2012 Recall Elections

The Percentages

Trempealeau County

Trempealeau County reported its final elections results on the heels of Door County.  Barrett eked out a razor-thin win here in 2010, but Walker picked up major support in 2012.

Trempealeau County Votes for Tom Barrett and Scott Walker

2010 Gubernatorial/2012 Recall Elections

The Percentages

Fond du Lac County

Among Wisconsin's more populated counties, Fond du Lac showed a curious efficiency, or determination (take your pick), to report their votes totals.  The outcome only served to exacerbate the queasy feeling in my stomach.

Fond du County Votes for Tom Barrett and Scott Walker

2010 Gubernatorial/2012 Recall Elections

The Percentages

It's as if nobody budged.

At this point, I asked myself, and my Facebook friends, Anyone else wondering how many people voted not necessarily for Walker but primarily against the recall?

Most instructive response.  Bob said that's what 60% of the exit polls revealed "He didn't do anything illegal; I don't believe in the recall."

Dane County

As for Dane County -- I didn't see the final tally until this morning, after a rough night of semi-sleep -- both Barrett and Walker gained more votes, but it made minimal difference in the percentages.

But I want to conclude this post on a positive note.

Hopeful outcome for the fall 2012 elections.  Barrett ekes out a win in Kenosha County, where he lost to Walker by almost 4 percentage points in 2010.

17-16 Dems?  And some of the overnight gloom was washed away when I saw that John Lehman is back in the State Senate, although the news reports I've read refer to it as some kind of apparition.   (Democrats appear to take Senate.....;Racine County appeared to have ousted....; Control of the state Senate appeared to have been wrested.....)

Let's not let this one get away.

The West Springfield (Mass.) Public Library Needs More Space

LINK

Related post:
West Springfield Public Library trustees promote new library at open house. (11/27/2011)

Madison Public Central Library: Work in Progress

Link to MCPL Design Review

 

View of roof/site

From a different angle, obviously.  I left my jet pack at home.

Retiring Guy @ the top of Overture Center parking ramp

 

In the above view, Approach from Henry Street,  the building in the left center background is, as far as I know, a figment of someone's imagination.   (Use Google Maps to search 109 West Mifflin Street and see a street view of the one-story, four-unit, terra-cotta building currently at this location.)

Retiring Guy @ intersection of W. Mifflin & N. Henry

Bonus round

Hat tip to Carol Froistad for this photo.

Construction photos @ Madison Public Library website

 

Mifflin Street Elevation

Retiring Guy @ intersection of W. Mifflin and N. Fairchild

 

Fairchild Street Elevation

Floor plans:  Lower, first, second, third.

Optional rooftop garden

New Central Library project history.

Related posts: 
Construction kickoff ceremony.  (3/28/2012)
Findorff awarded Madison Public Library construction contract.  (3/1/2012)
City of Madison to Rebid Central Library Project. (12/22/2011)
Madison Community Foundation awards $500,000 grant for new Madison Central Library.   (12/16/2011)
Retiring Guy takes a last look at the 1960s-era Madison Central Library.  (11/13/2011)
Madison Central Library prepares for move to temporary facility. (11/9/2011)
Madison Public Library misses cut on $4.5 million tax credit.  (9/14/2011)
Board to consider Plan B financing.  (9/1/2011)
Central library to relocate in November.  (7/27/2011)
Central library reconstruction project to proceed.  (4/29/2011)
Negotiations continue.  (4/27/2011)
Central library not a major issue with candidate or mayor Soglin. (4/19/2011)
Soglin wants to make sure ducks are in a row for Central Library Project.  (4/16/2011)
Latest design review.  (4/8/2011)
Midway Design presentation for Madison Central Library.  (2/25/2011)
Final design for renovated central library unveiled.  (12/8/2010)

Designing a new central library:  "Everyone has to feel comfortable and safe here".  (11/17/2010)

Interview with principal architect of Central Library project.  (11/5/2010)

Design development juggling acts for a renovated Madison Central Library. (10/15/2010)

Conceptual designs for new Central Library.  (10/25/2010)

One possible message:  Don't settle for less.  (8/5/2010)

Downsizing the Madison Central Library renovation project. (7/17/2010)

Possible temporary 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)

Keeping the dream of a new Madison Central Library alive. (3/31/2010)

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)

Three former mayors support new Madison Central Library. (10/5/2010)

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)

Playaway View @ Selected Libraries

Obviously, Findaway World is promoting this product well beyond the library marketplace.

Peters Library Offers New Product. (Peters Patch, 6/2/2012)  

Excerpt: Weighing only 5.4 ounces, Playaway View is a convenient, low-maintenance solution for librarians and patrons. The device comes with a 3.5” full-color LCD screen with a shatter-resistant acrylic screen cover. The built-in speaker makes sharing up to six hours of content easy, while the headphone jack outlet offers a library/parent-friendly quiet option. It can be recharged with a standard AC adaptor. 

  
“Playaway View’s simple functionality, full LCD viewing screen and expansive content selection make it a great addition to the Peters Township Public Library,” said Pier Lee, library director. “With Playaway View, our patrons can enjoy highly acclaimed content in the palm of their hands.” 

As the library is participating in a trial program for this new product, patrons who check out a Playaway View will be asked to complete a short online survey to give feedback about the device. Hard copies of the survey are also available at the library.

Other beta testing sites.
Florida.  North Palm Beach Library.  
Illinois.  Warren-Newport Public Library.
Indiana.  Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library.
Kentucky.  Kenton County Public Library.
Louisiana.  Shreve Memorial Library.
New York.  Longwood  Public Library.
Ohio.  Medina County Library District.
South Carolina.  Florence County Library.

But I see that other libraries have Playaway Views in their collections.

St. Charles (IL) Public Library.


Reedsburt (WI) Public Library

The more I search, the less selective the list becomes.   Outside of Reedsburg, have other WIsconsin public libraries obtained this format?

I'm a big fan of Playaway audiobooks, finding them great for listening to books -- while working in the yard, walking -- that I wouldn't ordinarily choose to read in print. (Full disclosure: I have yet to read a book on any type of ereader device, though I regularly use my iPad for reading magazine articles, thanks to a weeklky emails from Longreads.)

My most recent Playaways "reads"::

• Out of Range by C. J. Box
• I'd Know You Anywhere by Laura Lippman
• Eyes Wide Open by Andrew Gross

Since we're on the topics......

How often do Playaways circ at your library compared to a year ago?

As for the Playaway View. Promising format? Purchase/take a pass? If you choose to purchase, are there certain content areas you would emphasize?

If I were still "in the field", my initial (and skeptical) reaction might have been, "Oh great! Just what we need. Another AV format." (Similar to how I first felt about Playaway audio. But I became a believer.)

"What's My Line?" Panelists Offer a Fashion Tip for Visiting the Virginia Beach Public Library

Letting a child surf smut in a public library is plain obscene. (Virginian-Pilot, 6/1/2012)

Excerpt:  Think this doesn't happen? Think again. 

Better yet, talk to Linda Lavender, a teacher at Virginia Beach's Advanced Technology Center. It's been about a week since she stumbled upon a kid who looked to be "12 or 13" watching a raw animated movie on a computer near the middle staircase in the Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library. 

This tech-savvy high school teacher is still fuming about what happened after she reported the kid to the librarians. 

"They asked me if he was watching child pornography," she recalled. "And when I told them no, but that it was really, really graphic stuff, they told me they were sorry, but there was nothing they could do."

Gay Purge of Library Shelves in Utah's Davis County School District

LINK

Davis County School District gay parent book from libraries. (Provo Daily Herald, 6/3/2012)

Excerpt: A book about two lesbians who raise children in a "non-traditional household" has been removed from the shelves of elementary school libraries in Davis County after a group of parents complained. 

"In Our Mothers' House," by Patricia Polacco, only remains accessible behind the counter to students who bring a signed permission slip from their parents to check it out, Davis School District spokesman Chris Williams said. 

"We understand that there's diversity out there. And we understand that not everyone comes from the same background, not everyone may be a native of this area, and they could come from different countries," Williams said. 

DaNae Leu, a media specialist at Snow Horse Elementary School in Kaysville, said the controversy has prompted the district to ask librarians to supply names of other books that contain gay or lesbian characters. 

 Also targeted for removal are "And Tango Makes Three," a book about two male penguins who sit on an egg until it hatches, and "Totally Joe," a book about a gay teenager, The Salt Lake Tribune reported.

Champions of the Right to Read @ the Duxbury Public Library

Citing patrons’ right to read, local libraries offer ‘Fifty’ trilogy. (Boston Globe, 6/3/2012)

Excerpt:  Unlike a smattering of libraries in other states, Massachusetts libraries seem to have no objection to stocking the much talked-about “Fifty Shades” trilogy, but enthusiasm for the novels among library staff is far from unanimous. 

At public libraries in communities south of Boston, some employees told the Globe they reviewed their purchase policies before buying the erotic trilogy’s first book, “Fifty Shades of Grey,” but decided to stock it. Others never hesitated. They buy what patrons want to read, provided it does not cross the line into pornography, they said. 

If a book becomes a sensation, some libraries feel all the more obligated to help patrons understand what’s going on in the world around them. 

“People are excited because it’s a phenomenon right now,” said Carol Jankowski, director of the Duxbury Free Library. She said the library pays attention to current issues and titles in order to fulfill the community’s appetite for popular culture and social trends.

Related posts:
Thanks, Helen, I don't know why some of our colleagues find this so hard to say.  (6/2/2012)
Harford County Public Library's "selective materials" policy.  (6/1/2012)
"50 Shades of Grey" @ the Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library.  (5/27/2012)
No "Shades of Grey" @ Fort Bend County Libraries. (5/26/2012)
Brevard County Public Library reverses its decision on "50 Shades". (5/26/2012)
A Woman's Touch is Riding the "50 Shades" Wave. (5/26/2012)
Is there some wiggle room in your collection development policy?  5/24/2012)
Have you dusted off your policy on erotica?  (5/22/2012)
Pulling "Shades" doesn't keep the noise out @ the Brevard County Public Library.  (5/15/2012)
"We do not collect erotica @ Gwinnett County Public Library"  (5/13/2012)
Will Fond du Lac residents now be clamoring for this books.  (4/12/2012)