Wednesday, August 19, 2009
How about renting Textbooks?
Due to the rotten economy, more and more students are unable to afford the rising cost of textbooks. The number of library customers looking to borrow textbooks for their course work is mounting. Unfortunately as libraries, we are unable to invest in textbooks for various reasons. To name a few, they disappear from the shelves at an amazing rate, customers who need them tend to hoard them selfishly till the end of the semester and before you know it the current edition gets outdated.
Still, don’t despair yet - your customers do have other options! Online companies that rent textbooks have sprouted up recently. Books can be obtained for a fraction of the price! Different kinds of rental plans are available to students who might be interested in the book for a month, a semester or more. Encourage your students to rent a book, save some cash and better yet - save a tree!
http://www.chegg.com/
http://www.campusbookrentals.com/
http://www.bookrenter.com/
Monday, August 17, 2009
Code of Massachusetts Regulations
"The Massachusetts regulations include every rule, regulation, standard or requirement... adopted by an agency to implement or interpret the law enforced or administered by it..."
So what does this mean for librarians and how can we make better use of the "regs"?
Say, for instance, that a patron came to your library and wanted to know what was required in order for him or her to teach adults basic education in Massachusetts. Most of us are tempted to go right to the Massachusetts general laws to find the answer. If we do that however, we are provided with a scant one and a half pages that give us a few general facts. First, Massachusetts has by law a system for providing certain adults basic education and literacy services. Second, the state will provide professional instructors and monitor service delivery. And lastly, the board of education will determine the methods of instruction and grant certification to teachers who possess the qualifications prescribed by the board (General laws 69:1H).
This information is useful but it does not answer the patrons question of what, specifically, does he or she need to teach adult education. For an answer to this question we must turn to the Code of Massachusetts Regulations. The Worcester Public Library subscribes to the print version of the Code and we have a separate subscription (published privately) to the index. This makes our task relatively simple and painless. However, for those of you who rely on the online version I will walk you through the process.
Access to the online index to the Code can be found at http://www.lawlib.state.ma.us/source/mass/cmr/cmrindexd-h.html
- We know that the board of education is the governing agency so we scroll down to the words Education, Department of 603 CMR.
- When we click on the citation number 603 CMR we are given a list of sections. Since you don't know what you're looking for you must read the title of each section. At the bottom of the list is the section title Licensure of Adult Basic Education Teachers and Preparation Program Approval.
The patron now has 15 pages of definitions, standards and specific requirements and components for licensure in all fields of adult education and literacy.
One drawback to using the online version of the regs is that they are not the "official" version. The official version is only published in hard copy. The state is in the process of transitioning to an official online version but they haven't done so yet. To make sure that you have comprehensive and up-to-date information you can always call the Worcester Public Library and ask us to match the online to the print source.
In any event, the Code of Massachusetts Regulations contains a wealth of information (often overlooked) that could save you and your patron time and effort.
Friday, August 14, 2009
That Most Dreaded Chore
Recently I've been engaged in that most dreaded chore of trying to weed my collection and ; it occurred to me that it might be useful to describe my method and invite others to comment on it or contribute their own methods.
I start by setting a date about 3 or 4 years ago and say that anything that hasn't circulated since then is in jeopardy. I check barcodes in milcirc to get the last circulation date and see if anyone else owns the book.
If I own the only copy of a book in milcirc and it hasn't gone out in my specified time period , I next check the union catalog. If mine is still the only copy in captivity, I conclude that I had better hold on to it. Books that I keep no matter what are those by local authors or on local subjects ( I usually stretch local to include all of New England), classics and books by notable authors. Every now and then there is a book that meets all my criterion for weeding that I just can't make myself part with, when i pardon one of those books I put a little question mark next to the label. That way the next time I weed I can either say it's already had its second chance or congratulate myself on keeping it.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Gale Literature Criticism Online (LCO) and Literature Resource Center (LRC) available at WPL
Remote access to a suite of literature databases from Gale is now available to Worcester Library card holders. The new databases include:
Literature Criticism Online (LCO) is the platform that hosts 10 Gale’s comprehensive literary criticism series. Worcester Public Library has purchased the complete
- Contemporary Literary Criticism (CLC),
- Short Story Criticism (SSC),
- Something about the Author (SATA),
- Children's Literature Review (CLR).
Literature Resource Center (LRC) is a subscription database that offers literary criticisms, articles, work overviews, and author biographies. Rich in biographical, bibliographical, and critical content. Excellent resource for information on literary figures from all time periods and writings in such genres as fiction, nonfiction, poetry, drama, history, journalism, and more. It delivers most of the content from Dictionary of Literary Biography, most of the content from Contemporary Authors & New Revision, and roughly 60% of CLC, TCLC, NCLC from 1998 forward.
To access:
Go to http://www.worcpublib.org/
Click on Online Databases in the left column
Then select Literature
Or
Access from this blog
Look under WPL Remote Databases in the right column of this blog
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Ping at pschen@cwmars.org
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Book of the Month
My criteria are as follows:
1.Timely
2.Inexpensive
3.Suitable for both small and large libraries
4.Worth the shelf space
5.I find it interesting
I welcome your comments and suggestions for other reference resources.
My choice this month is listed below.
One down....eleven to go!
Michael Allaby, Robert Coenraads, Stephen Hutchinson, Karen McGhee, John O'Byrne and Ken Rubin
The Encyclopedia of Earth
A Complete Visual Guide
$39.95, hardcover
9780520254718
Available Now
608 pages, 10 1/2 x 9 1/4 inches, 1700 color illustrations, 200 line illustrations, 1000 mapsSeptember 2008, Only available in North America, US and TerritoriesAlso in: Atlases & Encyclopedias
Description
Reviews
Author Bio
Video
This sumptuously illustrated, beautifully written encyclopedia, the best book available on the topic, presents the most up-to-date information about planet Earth in a style and format that will appeal to an extremely wide range of readers. With thousands of photographs, illustrations, diagrams, and maps and a text written by a team of international experts, it presents an impressive overview of our globe—beginning with the history of the universe and ending with today's conservation issues. A truly spectacular reference, The Encyclopedia of Earth offers new visual interpretations of many ideas, concepts, and facts, painting a fascinating picture of Earth today and across the ages. The encyclopedia is divided into six sections that are designed for either browsing or in-depth study. Birth gives an overview of Earth's 4.6-billion-year history, including the evolution of life. Fire explains the inner workings of our dynamic planet, its structure, and the tectonic forces that have molded its landscape. Land surveys rocks, minerals, and habitats. Air covers weather, including extreme weather events such as tornadoes and hurricanes. Water tours the oceans, rivers, and lakes of the world. The final section, Humans, provides a compelling portrait of our relationship with Earth, and of how the natural world has shaped social and political developments. Copub: Weldon Owen Publishing
Thursday, July 16, 2009
WATS for Reference
In an effort to expedite response to WATS calls, WPL's e-mail reference team will be checking the Regional Reference toll-free phone several times a day to be sure no question is delayed in being answered.
Our e-mail reference (left side of our webpage "Ask a Librarian") is always available to all libraries and their patrons. We find e-mail to be the most efficient method because there is less chance of error in understanding when the request is in writing, and you can make the message as long as you like. We strive for quick turn around on e-mail requests.
For libraries in our calling area, our TIS line (508-799-1655, option #3) is the quickest way to reach our reference staff.
24/7 is a national reference service, and except for the ten hours per week when WPL is online (usually 4-7 P.M. but not always), you are likely to be communicating with a librarian in another state. They will assist whomever contacts them (just as we do here) but local questions create a problem.
Monday, June 22, 2009
A New Kind of Radio Station
I just posted a blog this morning, but I couldn't wait to share this with music lovers.
My neice showed me how this site works in a matter of minutes.
" Everyone knows about it, and my friends all use it."
Dinosaur that I am, it's all new to me.
Pandora is to music as "if you like this book" is to Amazon.
By creating your own stations, it chooses like songs and artists.
You can accept or reject a particular song or artist at any time.
You can build up several of your own stations, and an extensive faq's page guides you along.
You may already have enjoyed Pandora, but for someone who used to carry around a transistor radio,this is HUGE!
Summer Savings in Massachusetts.
http://www.massvacation.com/valuepass/greaterboston.php
Believe it or not,summer is here.
The sun will come out...maybe not tomorrow, but soon.
With that in mind,take advantage of what Massachusetts has to offer in the way of discounts to many places of interest, hotels, restaurants, and activities.
There are good deals throughtout the state.
Choose a region you plan to visit,and see what is available each week,since the deals are for a limited time.
May the rest of your summer be filled only with warm, sunny days.
After all...we can only hope!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
AN UNEXPECTED HIGHLIGHT
One unexpected highlight for those of us charged with manning the registration table at the recent two-day Genealogy Conference, held at Worcester Public Library, was watching the steady and eclectic flow of library users stream past on their way through the building. Many stopped out of curiosity, to share a bit family history, or to warmly greet retired staff members who had agreed to participate in the event. A long-time patron proudly showed us a copy of a letter she had written to a local newspaper in support of funding for libraries. A young woman who had recently immigrated from Jamaica studied a list of upcoming programs. Families with young children walked out laden with towering stacks of picture books and DVDs. A member of a Sudbury fife and drum corps in full regalia hurried past on his way to use an express internet station, and several members of our YA Anime Wings Club dug deep into the pockets of their faded black denims to donate a few coins to the Gaudette Fund which supports the genealogy collections at WPL. It was all a moving reminder to me of just how integral the public library is to the communities we serve. I can't help but wish we'd had a video camera!
Friday, June 05, 2009
Earth911.com
When “going green” or “recycle” is what your patrons want to do to be a conscientious human being, earth911.com could help them achieve their goals. It is a one-stop shop for all your recycling needs with over 100,000 recycling locations from across the country. You can recycle hundreds of products from packing peanuts to computers with information provided by local governments, organizations and everyday consumers. Topics include reuse, recycling, hazardous waste disposal, composting, local agencies, state and local programs and environmental groups among others. There’s also a glossary, “green" shopping tips and community-specific environmental information.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
CMRLS Regional Reference Center is on Twitter
Worcester Public Library, CMRLS Regional Reference Center, would like to invite all librarians in the region to follow us @WPLREF.
Worcester Public Library intends to use Twitter
· To share updates from WPL, reference Q&As, database and internet search strategies and reference tips
· To post all Regional Reference Center Blog entries
· To keep you updated with new technologies and new developments in the information field, and share with you how the WPL uses those tools to improve reference services
· To provide an easy communication platform to enable librarians in the region to exchange ideas and share experiences
Getting started:
· If you don’t have a Twitter account and just want to watch or listen:
Please go to http://twitter.com/wplref or http://wplrefblog.blogspot.com/ (look for Twitter updates in the right column) or follow @WPLREF via RSS on Twitter
· If you have a Twitter account, please follow us @WPLREF
· If you don’t have a Twitter account and wish to start one, please sign up at http://twitter.com/, and then use Search tool at the bottom of your Twitter page to find wplref and then follow us.
We’re looking for suggestions on how you’d like to use the regional reference center Twitter and blog. We’re also interested in having you to write and post on something that you are particularly knowledgeable about or curious about. If you have any questions or after you follow us, you would like us to follow you, please contact Pingsheng Chen at pschen@cwmars.org
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Indeed.com
http://www.indeed.com/
Many patrons are seeking work, in Massachusetts, and elsewhere.
Time was when the only current resource we had to offer were want ads in newspapers of major cities.
Worcester's Workforce Central is recommending this cite in a flyer I saw recently.
This is only for the listing of available work, not an application, or direct contact with the company.
It will list the website of that company. It is up to the job seeker to make contact.
Please check out the FAQ's section on the site, for any questions.
It is easy to use, informative, and timely.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
OBITUARY NOTICES
I recently gave a workshop on the accessibility of public records in Massachusetts. My primary goal was to reference hard to find, or normally not accessible information, about everyday individuals. In any event, a small amount of the material included genealogy.
One of the websites that I literally fell over was Obitfinder, a website maintained by Legacy.com. The database archives obituaries dating back to 1930 from newspapers all across North America. I counted them - 744 newspapers. Granted, indexing will be uneven but what a gem. You no longer have to tell your patrons that you can't get that information because you only subscribe to newspapers in a finite geographic area.
The information given includes the full name of the deceased; place and date of death; relations; and the date and name of the newspaper it appeared in. There is a small hook. If you want the full obituary, photograph and guest book (if they are available) these are provided at a charge of $2.95. The website URL is http://www.legacy.com/NS/
Thursday, April 23, 2009
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!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
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
Thursday, April 16, 2009
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.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
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
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
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.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
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?
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