September 2001
Library ‘Blogs in the News
Marylaine Block has written a relatively high profile piece on library weblogs in which our own Blake Carver is quoted:
For many of the self-publishers, it\’s a chance to render a service, to fill a hole in the web of information. Jenny Levine was one of the first to do this, back in 1995, with her late lamented Librarians\’ Site du Jour. \”I began it to bring home to the librarians in my system the power of this new tool,\” she says. \”The two biggest complaints I heard about the net were that people didn\’t have time for this new stuff, and, even if they did, they didn\’t know what to do once they got online. So my goal was twofold: 1) to highlight valuable resources, and 2) to give librarians a reason to go on the web every day . . . \”
More from Library Journal (registration required.)
ALA Post 9/11 Patron Confidentiality Q&A Available
ALA\’s \”Q&A on the confidentiality and privacy of library records\” is available:
What guidance does the American Library Association give libraries regarding privacy and confidentiality?
The American Library Association encourages all librarians, particularly those in public libraries, to work with their local legal counsel to ensure they understand state confidentiality laws so they may respond quickly to any requests from law enforcement. Forty-eight of 50 states have such laws on the books, but the language varies from state to state. The ALA recommends that each library adopt a policy that specifically recognizes the confidentiality of information sought or received, and materials consulted borrowed or acquired by a library user. These materials may include database search records, circulation records, interlibrary loan records and other personally identifiable uses of library materials, facilities, programs or services, such as reference interviews. Libraries are advised to rely on existing laws to control behavior that involves public safety or criminal behavior.
Libraries should have in place procedures for working with law enforcement officers when a subpoena or other legal order for records is made. Libraries will cooperate expeditiously with law enforcement within the framework of state law.
Links to other relevant ALA documents, including the \”Policy Concerning Confidentiality of Personally Identifiable Information about Library Users\” are included.
World Trade Center Virus Update
Last week I reported on the WTC virus that was spreading. There\’s been an update posted. The good news is that it spreads slowly. The bad news is that it will attempt to delete your Windows directory files and reformat your hard drive. More information is available Here. The original LISNews posting is Here.
Academic Libraries Take An E-Look at E-Books
Academic Libraries Take An E-Look at E-Books is a project by Spoon River College and Eureka College.
They applied for an Educate and Automate Innovative grant from the Illinois State Library, and bought some eBooks to see what would happen.
The purpose of this web page is to share the experiences of the students, instructors, and librarians during this project.
Arthur’s Neat New Digs
From URLWire:
\”Everyone’s favorite aardvark has a new online look this season. Parents, teachers, and especially kids will want to check out the Season Six Arthur Web site at www.pbskids.org/arthur. Already considered one of the top children’s destinations on the Internet, the Arthur Web site has added a bevy of new features to the site and made the navigation even more kid friendly.\” Check it out at http://pbskids.org/arthur/
Suggested reading to understand crisis
The Seattle Times has A Nice List of books recommended by By Mary Ann Gwinn the Seattle Times book editor.
So if you\’re looking for books that may help you understand the 9/11 events, check out these books on Islam, the Middle East, terrorism, American foreign policy and other topics.
Library to be Renamed for Community Activist
Going against the wishes of the library commission, the San Jose, CA city council voted to rename the Empire Library after the wife of late jazz great Duke Ellington because of her civic activities. The decision is causing a stir, however, because there is a policy that discourages naming public institutions after living people. more… from The Mercury News.
Libraries Plan Reading of Banned Books
In light of the recent terrorist attacks on our nation\’s freedom, the Farmington, ME Public Library and the University of Maine have joined forces to promote the reading of banned books. The following state appears on the library association\’s web site: \”At a time when terrorists have attacked our country, America\’s freedoms could be in jeopardy as well. This library is is proud to celebrate one of those freedoms — the freedom to read.\”
more… from Maine Today.
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