Twitter Travel

Twitter has become a Web phenomenon lately, partially due to celebrity use. But a recent article in http://www.travelandleisure.com/ points out the practical side of Twitter's networking capabilities, especially in relation to making travel plans. Author Everett Potter gives the example of a business woman who used advice from friends on Twitter for recommendations on which airport to use, where to stay and what are the best local restaurants. Potter also mentions that Twitter is a good resource for travel deals, saying hotel chains, food critics and bloggers not found on conventional travel sites have Twitter profiles as well. Browsing Twitter groups such as @travelpeople or @WeJustGotBack can be used in addition to Twitter's powerful search engine to find obscure information such as rafting companies in Central America.

The nature of Twitter is to be informal, conversational and immediate which appeals to a lot of people. It can be local or worldwide in scope as well. Try it for planning your summer vacation, you might be surprised at the amount of information you find. Happy tweeting!

Fox Revises Rental Policy

Due to Overwhelming Library Response. Over the past week, many of our customers have advocated via email and on list-serves for a reversal of Fox's rental policy. We are very pleased to announce that in response to this vocal and persuasive outcry from the library community, Fox has decided to amend their policy.
Beginning in June, all of Fox's titles will be available to library customers in the original retail edition. These titles will contain the full menu of extras and bonus features at no additional cost to the library.
We appreciate Fox's quick and responsive reaction to our customer's concerns in this matter.
Please feel free to call our customer service department with any concerns (1 800 875-2785) about Fox titles shipped in the upcoming weeks.
Again, we would like to thank everyone who sent emails and spoke up on the list-serves; this policy change is directly due to your advocacy and concern.
Sincerely,
Midwest Tape The Librarian's #1 Media Source 800-875-2785

Congressional Record

Worcester Public Library has the complete set of the U.S. Congressional Record. The problem is the name changes that it went through. Here is the list of its various titles and our holdings: Debates and Proceedings in the Congress of the United States 1789-1824, bound volumes, SuDoc numbers X1 through X42;
Register Of Debates in Congress 1824-1834, bound volumes, SuDoc numbers X43 through X71; Congressional Globe 1834-1873 microfilm, SuDoc X72 through X180;
Congressional Record 1874 to present, paper copies until replaced by microfiche (earlier microfilm) X181 on.
We also have bound volume indicies to Congressional Record SuDoc X/A181-. These indicies are also available Online through the library OPAC.
All of these volumes are In Library Use Only.

Important Notice to Those Who Purchase DVDs

From: info@midwesttapes.com
Slumdog Millionaire Confusion & Fox's new policy

Many libraries have contacted us concerning Slumdog Millionaire. This title, delivered before 20th Century Fox announced their new retail and rental edition policy, was shipped to some customers with incorrect artwork.
Due to a mix-up at Fox's replicator, some rental edition copies of Slumdog Millionaire were shipped in retail edition cases. Fox has set up a hotline (1-888-223-4369 or SlumdogDVD.orderassistance.com) for customers who have received these items and would like a replacement item. If you prefer replacement artwork, Midwest Tape is happy to provide it through our customer service department (1-800-875-2785).
Midwest Tape has been notified that, beginning immediately, all new Fox releases will be issued in two editions: retail and rental. Because Fox has decided to classify libraries as part of the rental market, the rental edition will be the only edition available to public libraries.
Fox has decided that the rental edition and retail editions will be two separate and distinct items. Each edition will have unique artwork and UPC numbers. Additionally, retail editions will have the text "Retail Exclusive" on the cover art.
Click Here to view samples of both the Retail and Rental edition artwork.
Fox has decided that there will also be a difference in content between the retail and rental editions. In most instances, special features and bonus disks will not be a part of the rental (library) edition. Upcoming Fox releases with separate rental and retail editions include:
Bride Wars
Legally Blondes
Taken
Possession
S. Darko
Valkyrie
Labou
Dr Doolittle: Million Dollar Mutts
Driven to Kill
Nobel Son
Street Fighter
Pink Panther 2
Miss March
12 Rounds
The Betrayed
Customers who would like to voice a complaint about Fox's new distribution policy may do so by emailing: mailto:nancy.perfett@fox.com? and mailto:info@midwesttapes.com? on all inquiries.
We are sorry for any inconvenience that Fox's new policies may cause.
Sincerely,
Midwest TapeThe Librarian's #1 Media Source800-875-2785

What is SafeLink Wireless?

https://www.safelinkwireless.com/EnrollmentPublic/home.aspx
Recently, we have been getting many requests for information on free cell phones, and how to apply. The only application available on-line is on the above website. It is a government supported program that provides a free cell phone and airtime each month for income-eligible customers.

You may want to alert patrons that they have to give their name, address, birthday, and the last four digits of your social security number. (note: only the last 4) Ultimatley, the decision to release even this information is up to the patron.

Blue-Ray vs. DVD

http://blogs.zdnet.com/storage/?p=289

http://milkyourmoney.com/2008/05/15/is-blu-ray-worth-it/

Recently, more patrons are asking: Is the library buying Blue -Ray discs?

Short answer......no. I weighed the pros and cons, and the cons won out. There are many reasons for this decision; cost being the first. Each "ray" is an average of $10.00 more than a standard disc. To help you decide if you want to "go blue" the above web-pages will help.

Any comments to add?