September 2008

American Public Media releases election widget

American Public Media released a widget called “Select a Candidate” to give an informal look at where one’s own beliefs stack up against the candidates seeking the US presidency. The poll is not scientific but it is a way to open the engagement process. The widget is available for embedding in web pages such as any online pathfinders libraries might make regarding the election.

An embedded copy of the widget can be seen by clicking “Read more” below.


Dingell report – Failed promises : insurance company insolvencies

I scanned a government report called Failed promises : insurance company insolvencies (Report by the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations of the Committee on Energy and Commerce). I thought others might have patrons that are looking for this document. You can download the PDF here.

Note: Report is from Nov. 1990 and deals with previous insurance company failures. People are looking for this document because it addresses what happened in the past.

Book Challenges: Who’s Who?

Dan Kleinman Pointed to Lisa Chellman’s post Book Challenges: Who’s Who?. She’s listed what she calls the the “major players” , listed in alphabetical order. It’s a suprisingly short list, she must be missing someone.
Lisa: “I don’t believe that any subset of the population should be allowed to dictate what the rest of the population may or may not read, or limit access to those materials, no matter how good its intentions—but below I’m going to stick to the facts.”

The Young Library: Two books celebrate joy of libraries

In times when the bills give moms and dads forehead wrinkles and stomach knots, the public library remains a happy place.

It’s where to find brand-new hardback books, DVDs, magazines and CDs full of music to chase those money worries away. It’s all absolutely free – as long as you get them back by the due date.

It’s never too early to begin teaching youngsters the joys of the library. Here are two new books to help.

EPA will open previously closed libraries in its National Library Network Today

Someone sent over a link to This Federal Register Notice from the EPA: SUMMARY: EPA is enhancing access to library services for the public and Agency staff. EPA will open previously closed libraries in its National Library Network, with walk-in access for the public and EPA staff. Other library locations will expand staffing, operating hours, or services. This notice provides information regarding how members of the public can access the libraries and services beginning September 30, 2008.

Grapes Of Wrath’ And The Politics of Book Burning

Morning Edition on NPR has the following piece:

Grapes Of Wrath’ And The Politics of Book Burning

Sept. 29 marks the beginning of the American Library Association’s annual “Banned Books Week,” a commemoration of all the books that have ever been removed from library shelves and classrooms. Politics, religion, sex, witchcraft — people give a lot of reasons for wanting to ban books, says Judith Krug of the ALA, but most often the bannings are about fear.

“They’re not afraid of the book; they’re afraid of the ideas,” says Krug. “The materials that are challenged and banned say something about the human condition.”

Full story here.

Despite fire, fears, book going to press

Despite fire, fears, book going to press: Despite fears by some that it would offend and inflame Muslim extremists, Martin Rynja, Gibson Square’s publisher, said that it was “imperative” that the book be published. “In an open society there has to be open access to literary works, regardless of fear,” he said. “As an independent publishing company, we feel strongly that we should not be afraid of the consequences of debate.”

Managing flood of White House records will tax NARA

The National Archives and Records Administration has established a workable plan to develop an information system to preserve electronic records, but the agency should consider a way to manage the possibility that it will not be able to process records from the Bush administration in time for the January 2009 transition, according to a Government Accountability Office report released on Friday.