You can find images of almost 1200 book covers here.
ReadThisToMe.org October 26, 2009
This is a free reading service for blind and low vision people which allows them to have printed documents read to them over the phone.
A Readable Feast September 11, 2009
http://sites.google.com/site/areadablefeast/
Reader’s advisory tips and programming ideas for librarians working with cookbooks are found here. In addition, there is a history of cooks included and help with collection development relating to cookbook collections and more.
The Future of Libraries, With Or Without Books September 9, 2009
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/TECH/09/04/future.library.technology/
An interesting article by CNN reporter John D. Sutter about the future of libraries and librarians and what some libraries and librarians are doing now to provide help and services to customers who do not have a real interest in books.
Awful Library Books August 14, 2009
http://awfullibrarybooks.wordpress.com/
“This site is a collection of public library holdings that we find amusing and maybe questionable for public libraries trying to maintain a current and relevant collection. Contained in this site are actual library holdings. No libraries are specifically mentioned to protect our submitters who might disagree with a particular collection policy”–From the Website. This blog is entertaining but may also have information on titles that can help you with weeding decisions in your library.
Open Library July 16, 2009
A project of the Internet Archive, the Open Library aims to create a web page for every book in existence. Currently a very young beta site, the infrastructure has been created and approximately 20 million records are currently searchable. Full records contain typical metadata fields as well as an image of the book.
The Book Seer July 1, 2009
The Book Seer is an easy-to-use readers’ advisory tool. Just type in the title and author of a book and recommended reading lists are generated using Amazon, LibraryThing and BookArmy.
Free books! April 28, 2009
“Do you remember the magic of your first book?” This nonprofit organization provides free books to children who are in financial need.
World Digital Library April 22, 2009
“UNESCO and 32 partner institutions will launch the World Digital Library, a web site that features unique cultural materials from libraries and archives from around the world, at UNESCO Headquarters on 21 April. The site will include manuscripts, maps, rare books, films, sound recordings, and prints and photographs. It will provide unrestricted public access, free of charge, to this material.”–From UNESCO post. And the United States Library of Congress is one of the partners.
ALA’s 2008 Top Ten List Of Most Frequently Challenged Books April 17, 2009
http://www.ala.org/ala/newspresscenter/news/pressreleases2009/april2009/nlw08bbtopten.cfm
And Tango Makes Three continues to top the list of most frequently challenged books in libraries, according to the ALA in this press release. The remaining most frequently challenged titles are also included.
Libraries Featured in March 2009 Issue of Woman’s Day March 20, 2009
The American Library Association offers this article on how the March 2009 issue of Woman’s Day magazine has stories on how libraries have helped people. The article also talks of the contest Woman’s Day is sponoring, which asks women 18 and over to submit stories on how resources in libraries helped them to save money, find jobs, and provide necessary resources during these tough economic times. This initiative continues an eight-year partnership between the ALA and Woman’s Day.
Inspiring Young Readers February 25, 2009
From Norvel Adams-Walker, East Region Manager
Best-selling author James Patterson has a new website encouraging children to read. The site is geared toward newborns to ages 10 and up. Patterson has selected several age-appropriate titles and even divided the books into various genres for the older ones. This website is eye-catching as well as educational so it should appeal to kids and adults as all are trying to find something new to read.
Thanks, Norvel!
The File Room — Archive of Cases February 12, 2009
http://thefileroom.org/documents/CategoryHomePage.html
A special project of the National Coalition Against Censorship this an archive of historic and contemporary censorship cases that have occurred around the world.
Virginia Quarterly Review February 11, 2009
The Virginia Quarterly Review: A National Journal of Literature and Discussion has just opened up its archives. Visitors to the site now have access to everything published between 1975 and 2003. Browsing is possible from the link above, or you can search the archives.
Banning Children From Libraries? January 24, 2009
I just received a call about Congress’ move to ban children from libraries… WHAT??!!
OK, calm down, and take a deep breath. There is much more to the story.
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), passed this past August, requires that all products for children under 12 must be tested for lead. Books are subject to this requirement, as lead is often present in ink, but testing is expensive and time consuming.
So what does this mean for libraries? Well, that is not completely clear just yet. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is still working on guidelines for all industries, including schools and libraries, for when the law takes effect on February 10th. Libraries and schools could be granted an exemption.
For more information:
ALA Wiki – http://wikis.ala.org/professionaltips/index.php/Consumer_Product_Safety_Improvement_Act_(CPSIA)
Library Journal - http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6628453.html
