Collection Development

Libraries Go Multilingual

Here's an AP story from the Baltimore Sun that talks about the growing trend of libraries building Spanish language collections. It addresses why libaries are doing it, and why some people think that taxpayer money shouldn't be spent on such collections.

Library Issues "Wish List" in Hopes of Staying Current

The Plymouth Public Library, with an annual collection budget of $19,000 is struggling to provide the community with an up-to-date collection. Jonah Aben, the director, has been weeding since he started a year ago, concerned about the very dated books on the shelves.

Consider, for example, the foul-ups that might have occurred if someone checked out “New Ways in First Aid� but neglected to notice its publication date. The guidebook was printed in 1971 – nearly 35 years ago.

Aben’s growing scrap pile also contains “So You Want to Be a Nurse� from 1961, “Managing the Young Adults� from 1967, and the comparatively recent “Windows 95 for Dummies.�

In addition to raising funds through book sales, the library has made a "wish list" of most-needed items available to the public.

Bilingual materials in libraries draw Criticism

The Reader's Shop writes "The Seattle
Times reports
that many libraries across the country are trying to
keep up with the growing Spanish-speaking population by adding books, magazines
and movies in languages other than English.

In some places critics are saying that taxpayer money should not be used for
a population that can include illegal immigrants or on proposals that promote
languages other than English.

The growing trend in bilingual collections is seen in rural areas as well as
large cities across the nation.

In Denver, "Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Colo., sent a public letter to Denver Mayor
John Hickenlooper asking if the library was considering Spanish-only branches
or converting to Spanish-language material at the expense of English material."
Mr. Tancredo is an outspoken critic of U.S. immigration policies.

Janet Cox, adult-services supervisor at the Pueblo Library District, stated,
"We provide material to meet the needs of the people in the area, whether that
be in English or Spanish or another language.. . That's important. That's what
libraries do."

Denver
Public Library

Congressman
Tom Tancredo

"

Four Fotonovelas Removed from Denver Public Library

"The Denver Public Library has canceled its subscription to four Spanish-language adult comic books after complaints that the series contain sexually explicit illustrations," according to this Washington Post/AP story. This follows a review of several titles held by the library.

Here's a piece from SLJ.com from 2002 that gives background on fotonovelas and tips for libraries that want to start purchasing them.

NASA Ames library weeding vs. the employee union

Christina writes "David Bigwood of Catalogablog pointed to this article on SpaceRef.com. It seems that the NASA employee union has unsuccessfully tried to set up a town meeting to discuss the library's weeding of dumpsters of print materials."

Libraries buy what patrons want: DVDs

Johnson County Daily Journal (That's from Johnson County,IN) takes a look at some collection development issues that are common to public libraries. Area librarians say the rise in DVD titles on library shelves is a matter of supply and demand.

More patrons are demanding the DVD version of their favorite films, and fewer distributors are supplying VHS tapes. But Emery said the Franklin library will not phase out its VHS options anytime soon. The library still plays an important role in supplying the format as rental and retail stores begin favoring DVD choices, she said.

ISBNs are Getting LONGER. Get The Facts, and the FAQ

For librarians and booksellers alike, ISBNs are a critical identifier of which titles they have on the shelf, and which ones they'd like to acquire. R.R. Bowker is increasing the ISBN number to 13 digits, so it's time to get the low-down on these big numbers coming down the pike.

Here's information from Bookweb, and here's a seven page FAQ in pdf format.

The Video Game Librarian, Six Months Later

the_anarchivist writes: "John Scalzo, a librarian who decided to add PlayStation 2 games to his public library's collection, reports back with the success his idea has found, including a list of the most popular titles in his library. Read the complete article at Gaming Target."

Free Korans Available, says USA Today

Kelly writes "Get a free copy of one of the better translations of the Koran for your library (web url to order it online is explorethequran.orgUSAToday, which is where I saw this mentioned says, "Americans curious to crack the mysteries of Islam are about to delve by the thousands into the challenging text that inspires Arabic calls to prayer, worldwide pilgrimage and jihad: the book known to Muslims as The Holy Koran. Baraa Jaghlit packages up Korans for shipping in Beltsville, Md.
Almost 4,000 people have jumped at an offer from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) to send a free copy of Abdullah Yusuf Ali's translation of the Koran (also spelled Qur'an) to whoever wants one. Publisher Amana Publications stands ready to ship as many as 25,000 starting this week..." For more information, go to

usatoday.com"

Amazon RSS Feeds of Books and Everything!

Cliff Urr writes "Wow - this is SO cool! Custom make RRS feeds - to be read in your RSS reader - of new items in Amazon's catalog!! According to the wonderful "Lifehacker" web site, "Developer DeWitt Clinton has put together a search of Amazon’s product base with results available in an RSS feed, so you can keep up with item prices and availability right in your newsreader." Check it out here:

http://www.unto.net/aws/"

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