Matt

Another missing book report from Ananova. The book last checked out in 1963 was found back on the shelf by library staff while \”tidying up.\” Although the fine would be around 1,300 pounds, the book cost 121/2 pence in its day. If Derbyshire librarians tidy up as infrequently as I do, the book could very well have been returned 30 years ago. With all the stories about really overdue library books, one wonders what other books are still checked-out from the previous century.

The other ABC News reports on the Centennial of the Australian National Library this past Sunday, September 23rd. Among the celebrations include author readings, tour, exhibitions and a circus group.

The Nando Times reports on two new \’instant\’ books on 9/11. One is to be a collection of literary pieces on America and the other a compilation of stories from survivors and eyewitnesses. The first is due out by the end of the year, while the second is due September 30th. It\’s good to know the America\’s capitalism continues strong in the face of any challenge.

A quick browse through Amazon\’s Top 100 bestselling books clearly shows the state of nation. High on the list are books on terrorism and Islam. Number 5 is a not yet published book on bin Laden. Several Nostradamus titles are in the list as is Sun Tzu\’s the Art of War and Hagakure : The Book of the Samurai.

Ananova reports that authors are auctioning off parts in their new novels. This reminds me of a book of Mother Goose I had as a kid where my name had been printed in as the main characters\’. Apparently this is no joke, with Margaret Atwood, Terry Pratchett, Ken Follett, and Pat Barker signed on to participate. The auction is October 16th and proceeds go to charity. Reminds me of some of the more strange items auctioned on ebay.

The Barrington Courier-Review reports that most Chicago public libraries remain undecided or will not implement filtering to comply with federal law.

The amount of money lost by an individual library by noncompliance can vary a lot, from $15,000 to less than $700. Many librarians say they are waiting for the law to be struck down as unconstitutional.

Troy L. Williams, founder and CEO of Questia Media Inc., has authored a piece in the Houston Business Journal on how fabulous online libraries are for, \”students and educators.\” When he says libraries, he naturally means companies like Questia, which are not libraries in my book.

many college students are extremely computer savvy and do all of their research on Internet.

It may be computer savvy to do all your research on the Internet, but it sure isn\’t smart. For the other side of the coin see \”The Computer Delusion\” in The Atlantic

Bookmobiles are still going strong in PA. Currently there is at least one bookmobile in 25 Pennsylvania counties. The program began in 1977 with a single bookmobile. The bookmobiles are especially popular in rural areas without a local library. From the Tribune-Review

That\’s about all there is to it folks: just a short notation in Nick Denton\’s weblog entry for August 27th. Some pretty high praise from the founder of Moreover Technologies which takes online current awareness to a new level. The entry in the \’blog is to Peter Scott\’s list of library weblogs.

The US Attorney\’s Office in New Jersey has agreed not to pursue subpoenas of purchase details for Senator Robert Torricelli and seven other people. The Senator is the subject of a grand jury investiagtion. Subpoenas were served to three bookstores: Arundel Books in Seattle, Olsson\’s in DC, and Books and Books in Florida.

The American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression is supporting the bookstore owners in fighting the subpoenas.
From the Seattle Times.