Libraries

Eager to attract digitally savvy patrons and capitalize on the growing popularity of electronic readers, public libraries across the country are expanding collections of books that reside on servers rather than shelves.

Submitted by cressida 22 days ago

The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) invites all teens to help YALSA choose next year’s Teen Read Week™ theme. Teens can vote at www.ala.org/teenread for their favorite from three choices during Teen Read Week 2009, Oct. 18-24.

Submitted by cressida 22 days ago

The Internet Public Library is a public library for the world wide web. And In 2010, the Internet Public Library (IPL) will merge with the Librarians' Internet Index (LII) to create ipl2: Information You Can Trust.

Submitted by cressida 23 days ago

Google’s book project is good for authors, publishers, and especially readers, writes Sergey Brin.

Submitted by cressida 28 days ago

The "Dewey or don’t we" joke suddenly isn’t funny, as a small cadre of libraries have dropped the traditional classification system. Others contend that DDS remains viable but needs more patron-friendly tweaking.

Submitted by cressida 1 month ago

Excerpt:
Unintentionally (by me) this third featured library has managed to marry the modernity of Princeton Public Library with the traditional(ness) exhibited by Neilsen Hays Library, providing an exemplary example for other libraries that hope to update for the future. T.B. Scott Free Library, located in Merrill, Wisconsin [population 10,145], is a gem in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.
Merrill is a town of registered historical buildings and the library is no exception. T.B. Scott Library, a Wisconsin Register Landmark, opened its doors March 25, 1891, supported by WI state...

Excerpt:
Princeton Public Library of Princeton, New Jersey
While the Neilson Hays Library is a representation of the traditional library, the Princeton Public Library is an image of a modern library. Even as one walks by the library it is instantly clear that it is 'modernity' reincarnate. Situated in the heart of Princeton, NJ and is adjacent to the majestic Princeton University campus, the architecture departs from traditional red brick and grey stone walls for glass and steel, and evokes Frank Lloyd Wright with its...

Excerpt:
This is a beginning to a series on great English libraries around the world. I will only report on those that I have frequented. All are invited to participate with additional library recommendations.

Neilson Hays Library of Bangkok, Thailand
When I think of English libraries in far-off lands, my imagings must have taken root in this library; I wouldn't be surprised to learn that I had visited it in a past life. A word to describe it -- "colonial". Tall white columns hold up upside-down cresent moons in the ceiling; dark brown teak...