Endeca, the Phoenix Public Library’s experience.
The catalog is the most important piece of the ILS for our customers and today, many libraries and agencies are unbundling the OPAC from the ILS. In 2007, Phoenix Public Library implemented the “guided navigation” of Endeca for Libraries, as well as Book Industry Systems Advisory Committee (BISAC) headings for its library OPAC. This program will showcase this innovative system and examine what led to undertaking this action. Speakers: Ross McLachlan, Deputy Director, Technical Services, Phoenix Public Library; Jesse Haro, Web Manager, Phoenix Public Library.
http://endeca.com
The Phoenix Public Library has a rich history of 110 years. 14 branches are soon growing to be 16, serve a metropolitan population of 4.5 million and have an annual circulation of 15 million and 30 million hits on its web site.
In 2002, Phoenix Public Library realized that its ILS wasn’t working for their users. It was not customer driven and faced fierce competition in the retail world. The Phoenix study team, comprised of 30 staff, wanted to add a discovery layer to the OPAC and envisioned a customer driven, fast, easy, intuitive, retail based, and seamless design. On the cheap and customer driven, this was not to be librarians designing for librarians. The team designed a new OPAC, which was recognized by Library Journal in 2004. “A dynamic, database-driven design sets a benchmark for library web sites”
The resulting OPAC, however, had several limitations –
· Underlying functionality limited by ILS
· No patron account integration
· No API (application programming interface) -based access to data
· No ability to influence searching/browsing
Basically Phoenix wanted a better way of connecting its customers on-line without taking years to accomplish. In January 2005, Phoenix’s team began a product evaluation (Endeca, AquaBrowser, TLC/CARL). Endeca met all the established criteria (listed above). So, what is Endeca? Endeca is software, primarily commerce driven (i.e. Home Depot, Barnes & Noble, Wal-Mart). Endeca can harvest data; it is API based. What is API? - Application Programming Interface) Development to the Go-Live-Date took a little over a year. The project scope consisted of
· Integrating Endeca with bibliographic data
· Integrating the Endeca navigation with API
· Adopting BISAC subject headings
· Integrating ILS API
The challenge basically was integrating a commercial application (on a main frame computer) to library and customer data. Data integration was conducted continuously through the development stage using teams of staff librarians. Configuration consisted of refinements, search interfaces and relevancy strategies. Basically it is “how to slice and dice a catalog.” What are the main ways to slice and dice? – obviously there are “way too many choices.”
When you walk into a Barnes & Noble, you know what you want. “That’s what we are going to do with our catalog.” Phoenix wanted format based navigation plus wanted to divide the catalog into content-based categories. Which fields to search – what would the search interface look like? They also wanted to incorporate relevancy. The final interface also integrated other library data with information on library programs (story hour, readers advisory, etc.) plus staff picks, most borrowed titles, and a TomatoMeter (boos and yeas)
Endeca does not come out of the box - It can be self-styled in a “relatively” short time. It is keyword based (as opposed to LC subject headings). Development was further refined to include authority files.
Phoenix was aware that the browsing function was going to be a challenge. Librarians “squawked” about using BISAC subject headings. Then one Phoenix librarian had a revelation. Book Industry Standards and Communications (BISAC) using Endeca for browsing was going to be a challenge. Used BISAC subject headings. “Its not about us, it’s about them” It’s people speak not catalog speak.
Please note that quotation marks are both the blogger's (Doris Madsen, Springfield City Library) and the presenters from Phoenix, AZ.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Monday Evening Dinner
Dinner was delicious. Thank you Boston Public Library!
The evening gathering was highlighted by the light and witty comments of Elizabeth Thomas who took the audience, at least the "old people down memory lane. Sharing her first technical library job of threading catalog cards together with 100% cotton string and using that "floppy sorty thing" under the direction of properly bunned Ms. Bartlett, Thomas created a visual of a woman "particular about her drawers" who instilled such fear in Thomas's coworker, that she dropped the cards with difficult filing rules down the elevator shaft. From that point on Thomas questioned the integrity of any catalog database, and abandoned library work for some years while she registered dead birds for the Allied American Bird Company. She still recalls: Code 425 Deadbirds; Code 424 Presumed Deadbirds..... The experience lead her to seek other employment and she returned to library work, where despite some success as a Children's Librarian, she faultered until her Uncle Max gave her the best advice of her career, these four words that changed her life: "Can you help me?". Thomas explained that people like to help. So if you give them a specific request to respond to, they are almost always likely to want to aid you. She never stopped at asking people just once. She tried a second and a third, but last time, only giving up after the third try, a rule she fondly calls the: "duck, duck, goose rule of giving".
The latter half of the meeting was filled with audience participation:
Scott Colford facilitated this part, beginning with a PowerPoint presentation on Open Source: What does it really mean? It was a brief discussion of the genesis of the free software movement,and brought home the point that Open Source is like "free speech, not like free beer".
He reminded the audience that many have used Open Source for a long time. Some popular programs are Firefox, Lynx, OpenOffice, WordPress, Apache, Moveabletype, various Wikis
This was followed by "burning thoughts" at the mike:
Greg shared his view that software should start saving libraries time in delivery and circulation functions. With 15,000,000 items circulated in Massachusetts each year, saving just 5 seconds per item would be a great time and money saving step. .
Michael wanted to stress two things about Open Source. It isn't so much about saving money as it is about shifting where resources go. And what was discussed at the meetings was not the only Open Source applications for libraries, but for other applications, such as textbooks.
And another participant said: "Proprietary software is bondage. Libraries should use only free software."
Still another said: "I don't want to have to think about what my software does."
From Barbara: "... there are more than academic and public libraries. Proprietary software serves the needs of many small special libraries."
Michael: "MassCat is starting their Open Source software implementation with small libraries."
Nora said: "I have no thoughts...its open bar. .. but then added, without having small libraries implement Open Source themselves, we are offering support and moving slowly (with implementation). We started with the RFP thing and only ended up with our current vendor bid and two Open Source vendors. We needed to be able to shut the Circulation piece off for those who didn't want to use it. She said that libraries will pay full freight (total cost) if they use the full system (Core ILS)(Nora Blake is the administrator for MassCat).
Some other thoughts: Because you can change the code, everyone doesn't have to and everyone doesn't want to. There is the cost of support. The high cost of participation in User Groups for proprietary software balances the cost of implementing Open Source. Advocating for change for Proprietary software is also time consuming.
John: Just because you have a one person library doesn't mean that you can't be innovative. They will come up with innovations too. Having worked for an ILS vendor for a short time, he felt he was often lying: "Everything we said we could do, we could not do." Open source is more honest.
Diane: "There is an underlying assumption in this discussion that the data will be the same tomorrow as it was today. Flexible data management and handling is the new data format. If you are providing services, and only using MARC data than you are not thinking toward the future and are absolutely not poised to handle new data. RDA is a new imperative. No one knows what OCLC will be doing.
Eric read from his tight tiny notes: Open Source is "free as in free kittens". Important for everyone to understand: its not necessary to write a computer program. The program comes with many configuration Writing documentation and suggesting changes requires extra responsibilites. Other things to explore: API - Application Program Interfaces. OAI, OpenURL,
Rob said he was "flying high" from this conference, but not from the wine. He wanted to make "four points":
Open Source provides us with a pallette. a way of releasing our (library profession's) creativity.
It is another way to serve the people we must.
State Aid review committee couldn't find a way to promote this innovative spirit, however, MLA endorsed the "innovation" award idea and the first will be given at this conference.
Joan: Later this year we hope to implement 'The Library Thing' through C/W MARS. People who are not necessarily directors may gather together and help develop ideas that could be used throughout the state. A common discovery platform will be explored by C/W MARS
And Michael Colford ended with: One thing I like about Open Source is that it allows the collaborative spirit in Massachusetts to work together.
The evening gathering was highlighted by the light and witty comments of Elizabeth Thomas who took the audience, at least the "old people down memory lane. Sharing her first technical library job of threading catalog cards together with 100% cotton string and using that "floppy sorty thing" under the direction of properly bunned Ms. Bartlett, Thomas created a visual of a woman "particular about her drawers" who instilled such fear in Thomas's coworker, that she dropped the cards with difficult filing rules down the elevator shaft. From that point on Thomas questioned the integrity of any catalog database, and abandoned library work for some years while she registered dead birds for the Allied American Bird Company. She still recalls: Code 425 Deadbirds; Code 424 Presumed Deadbirds..... The experience lead her to seek other employment and she returned to library work, where despite some success as a Children's Librarian, she faultered until her Uncle Max gave her the best advice of her career, these four words that changed her life: "Can you help me?". Thomas explained that people like to help. So if you give them a specific request to respond to, they are almost always likely to want to aid you. She never stopped at asking people just once. She tried a second and a third, but last time, only giving up after the third try, a rule she fondly calls the: "duck, duck, goose rule of giving".
The latter half of the meeting was filled with audience participation:
Scott Colford facilitated this part, beginning with a PowerPoint presentation on Open Source: What does it really mean? It was a brief discussion of the genesis of the free software movement,and brought home the point that Open Source is like "free speech, not like free beer".
He reminded the audience that many have used Open Source for a long time. Some popular programs are Firefox, Lynx, OpenOffice, WordPress, Apache, Moveabletype, various Wikis
This was followed by "burning thoughts" at the mike:
Greg shared his view that software should start saving libraries time in delivery and circulation functions. With 15,000,000 items circulated in Massachusetts each year, saving just 5 seconds per item would be a great time and money saving step. .
Michael wanted to stress two things about Open Source. It isn't so much about saving money as it is about shifting where resources go. And what was discussed at the meetings was not the only Open Source applications for libraries, but for other applications, such as textbooks.
And another participant said: "Proprietary software is bondage. Libraries should use only free software."
Still another said: "I don't want to have to think about what my software does."
From Barbara: "... there are more than academic and public libraries. Proprietary software serves the needs of many small special libraries."
Michael: "MassCat is starting their Open Source software implementation with small libraries."
Nora said: "I have no thoughts...its open bar. .. but then added, without having small libraries implement Open Source themselves, we are offering support and moving slowly (with implementation). We started with the RFP thing and only ended up with our current vendor bid and two Open Source vendors. We needed to be able to shut the Circulation piece off for those who didn't want to use it. She said that libraries will pay full freight (total cost) if they use the full system (Core ILS)(Nora Blake is the administrator for MassCat).
Some other thoughts: Because you can change the code, everyone doesn't have to and everyone doesn't want to. There is the cost of support. The high cost of participation in User Groups for proprietary software balances the cost of implementing Open Source. Advocating for change for Proprietary software is also time consuming.
John: Just because you have a one person library doesn't mean that you can't be innovative. They will come up with innovations too. Having worked for an ILS vendor for a short time, he felt he was often lying: "Everything we said we could do, we could not do." Open source is more honest.
Diane: "There is an underlying assumption in this discussion that the data will be the same tomorrow as it was today. Flexible data management and handling is the new data format. If you are providing services, and only using MARC data than you are not thinking toward the future and are absolutely not poised to handle new data. RDA is a new imperative. No one knows what OCLC will be doing.
Eric read from his tight tiny notes: Open Source is "free as in free kittens". Important for everyone to understand: its not necessary to write a computer program. The program comes with many configuration Writing documentation and suggesting changes requires extra responsibilites. Other things to explore: API - Application Program Interfaces. OAI, OpenURL,
Rob said he was "flying high" from this conference, but not from the wine. He wanted to make "four points":
Open Source provides us with a pallette. a way of releasing our (library profession's) creativity.
It is another way to serve the people we must.
State Aid review committee couldn't find a way to promote this innovative spirit, however, MLA endorsed the "innovation" award idea and the first will be given at this conference.
Joan: Later this year we hope to implement 'The Library Thing' through C/W MARS. People who are not necessarily directors may gather together and help develop ideas that could be used throughout the state. A common discovery platform will be explored by C/W MARS
And Michael Colford ended with: One thing I like about Open Source is that it allows the collaborative spirit in Massachusetts to work together.
SCRIBLIO : a Web 2.0 native OPAC
Scriblio is a catalog replacement designed to help libraries create a stronger online presence. Developed by Casey Bisson of Plymouth State University, it was recognized by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation with a prestigious Mellon Award for Technology Collaboration in 2006. It provides keyword searching, faceted searching and browsing, persistent URLs for easy linking, and full integration of website and catalog content. Speaker: Casey Bisson, Information Architect, Plymouth State University.
http://scriblio.net/
Unlike old school photos, the Web is not a passing fad. So much has changed in a couple years – opportunity awaits.
Scriblio is based on WordPress, an open source, discovery based application. The underlying philosophy is to use something that is already out there, free, easy and fun. Half of all bloggers use WordPress.
Libraries break down the world. Using WordPress, Casey talks about facets and metadata being tools common to WordPress and a library catalog. Examining the front page of Plymouth State University, Lamson Library, http://library.plymouth.edu/ Facets are on the left. Content interfaces with Web 2.0 applications – blogs, Flickr, Facebook and other applications (Google, Yahoo) The library can keep statistics for tracking and searching relationships. Each item has a space for comment – comments add content.
Casey demonstrates a search - it misses the complexity that so many customers dislike and avoid. Keyword is combined with faceting. Scriblio is a content management system. Staff librarians can create locally relevant content.
Cook Memorial Library, a small NH rural library http://tamworthlibrary.org/ is the first library to use Scriblio. Library use after Scriblio skyrocketed. Content on the Web adds value and users. Casey demonstrates the website of Brown Manufacturing, late 1800s industrial photos. Scriblio puts a face on the web and cultivates community. Beyond Brown Paper Online Archive http://library.plymouth.edu/read/292 .The real value is in comments. This service has added local value to library and telecommunication services in this community. In addition it has added users in Maine and Quebec, historically linked to this industry. “Community is emerging based on these tools”
How does Scriblio manage comments? Scriblio is based on WordPress and “access to talent doesn’t exist unless you are using software like this” Being a very popular blogging platform, good spam management tools exist. WordPress gives us tools. First comments by an individual have to be approved by an administrator. Further comments go in automatically. This will only work if it is easy for the entire community.
Scriblio does not replace the ILS – no modules for cataloging and acquisitions exist. A customer can place holds depending on the underlying system. Casey is experimenting with a single sign-on. Integrating Scriblio with ILS is open to lots of development. Go with it!
Doris Madsen, Springfield City Library
masslib08
http://scriblio.net/
Unlike old school photos, the Web is not a passing fad. So much has changed in a couple years – opportunity awaits.
Scriblio is based on WordPress, an open source, discovery based application. The underlying philosophy is to use something that is already out there, free, easy and fun. Half of all bloggers use WordPress.
Libraries break down the world. Using WordPress, Casey talks about facets and metadata being tools common to WordPress and a library catalog. Examining the front page of Plymouth State University, Lamson Library, http://library.plymouth.edu/ Facets are on the left. Content interfaces with Web 2.0 applications – blogs, Flickr, Facebook and other applications (Google, Yahoo) The library can keep statistics for tracking and searching relationships. Each item has a space for comment – comments add content.
Casey demonstrates a search - it misses the complexity that so many customers dislike and avoid. Keyword is combined with faceting. Scriblio is a content management system. Staff librarians can create locally relevant content.
Cook Memorial Library, a small NH rural library http://tamworthlibrary.org/ is the first library to use Scriblio. Library use after Scriblio skyrocketed. Content on the Web adds value and users. Casey demonstrates the website of Brown Manufacturing, late 1800s industrial photos. Scriblio puts a face on the web and cultivates community. Beyond Brown Paper Online Archive http://library.plymouth.edu/read/292 .The real value is in comments. This service has added local value to library and telecommunication services in this community. In addition it has added users in Maine and Quebec, historically linked to this industry. “Community is emerging based on these tools”
How does Scriblio manage comments? Scriblio is based on WordPress and “access to talent doesn’t exist unless you are using software like this” Being a very popular blogging platform, good spam management tools exist. WordPress gives us tools. First comments by an individual have to be approved by an administrator. Further comments go in automatically. This will only work if it is easy for the entire community.
Scriblio does not replace the ILS – no modules for cataloging and acquisitions exist. A customer can place holds depending on the underlying system. Casey is experimenting with a single sign-on. Integrating Scriblio with ILS is open to lots of development. Go with it!
Doris Madsen, Springfield City Library
masslib08
Beyond the Next Generation: Library Catalog with WorldCat Local Tuesday May 6, 4:20pm
Beyond the Next Generation: Library Catalog with WorldCat Local Tuesday May 6, 4:20pm
Jan Ison, Exec. Director, Lincoln Trail Libraries System. Implementation of OCLC’s WorldCat Local in the Lincoln Trail Libraries System in IL.
www.ltls.org/ Try our new catalog: http://lincolntrail.worldcat.org/
They need to manage so much.
Illinois is big! Academic libraries, School libraries, public libraries, special libraries AND the State Library
GIGANTIC BIB DATA INCLUDES:
· Obviously Books
· Images: Illinois Digital Archive – Digital Harvest
· E-resources and digital content collections are huge!
· Audio/Video
· E-Books : overdrive etc.
Problem: Illinois has information silos, and
Could have chosen Endeca, VUfind, but they looked around and wanted to: leverage OCLC holdings AND facilitate Interlibrary Loan. One of their criticisms of the previous situation was the fact that the link from discovery to delivery was circuitous.
Current online catalogs are
Why WorldCat Local?
· Common OPAC interface
· Next Generation Catalog
· Opportunity
· Statewide E-Resource Purchases
· Integrated Interlibrary Loan
· Illinois holdings for most resources already in OCLC
·
Advantages of OCLC’s WorldCat in the opinion of Lincoln trails
Google-like search box
Locally branded
Retrieves print, non-print, electronic
Faceted to focus on author, content format or date
Some of the characteristics of OCLC NEXT GENERATION CATALOGS
· They are currently using a link resolver, however, OCLC is working on a link resolver to directly access fulltext authorized electronic subscriptions.
· They use some Social networking tools
· Customized, shareable saved lists
· Citations provided
Unique features
· Moves management of the database to the network library.
· Moves from discovery to delivery. Librarians like to search, Users like to find.
· Integrates into URL link resolvers.
ILLINOIS presented multiple system problems: There were:
· 4 iLS
· 3 Link resolvers
· Works with 3 Resource Sharing operations.
Required to play in LINCOLN TRAILS WorldCatLocal
· Your library collections MUST be in WorldCat
· Illinois uses summarized.
· eSerials holdings need to be linked in OCLC - thru NELINET or consortium – FREE
· Must index OCLC numbers in ILS
· You MUST turn on interlibrary loan.
DEVELOPMENT
25 multi-type libraries participated at first.
Illinois developed a simple branded interface. All search boxes look the same.
Search boxes can be located in the library’s home page or wherever.
They integrate Syndetics book jackets
Top of display from OCLC, bottom is at the item level
Relevancy ranking defaults to the local library
Facets are to the left.
4 levels of relevancy – First three are
· Home collection
· Lincoln Trails libraries
· All Illinois libraries
· All Worldcat
AUTHENTICATION
At first OCLC couldn’t authenticate outside the library, so Jan huffed that they own EZProxy. They’d better. This is a work in progress.
LINK MANAGERS
They used OCLC Link Manager for access to databases with full text. Currently libraries are using SFX and Serials Solutions, however, universal link resolution should be possible.
MORE NEEDED Digital Content Access
Open Content Alliance titles do appear – Open Content needs to be ranked very high; as high as locally accessible materials.
THIS AND THAT
· Jan raved about the Cite this item features
· Clickable information on the author, in different languages etc. Gave example using Mark Twain.
· Patrons can post reviews. She would like them to capture Amazon reviews or LibraryThing.
NEXT STEPS
· Conduct User surveys
· Add local indexes (e.g. newspaper indexes developed locally)
· Home delivery for ILL
· Authentication using EZProxy
· Get all the pilot sites up
PROBLEMS
Takes longer than expected
Every library has a different idea of relevance and how to implement
Many Silos, fiefdoms .
Implementing delivery presents logistical changes.
FIND JAN’S PRESENTATION
http://www.slideshare.net/ put in worldcat local as a tag
SEE THE SITES
You may view the most recent implementations of WorldCat Local at any one of the following sites:
http://lincolntrail.worldcat.org/
http://mattoonlibrary.worldcat.org/
http://centralmc.worldcat.org/
http://hoopestonpubliclibrary.worldcat.org/
Brenda
Jan Ison, Exec. Director, Lincoln Trail Libraries System. Implementation of OCLC’s WorldCat Local in the Lincoln Trail Libraries System in IL.
www.ltls.org/ Try our new catalog: http://lincolntrail.worldcat.org/
They need to manage so much.
Illinois is big! Academic libraries, School libraries, public libraries, special libraries AND the State Library
GIGANTIC BIB DATA INCLUDES:
· Obviously Books
· Images: Illinois Digital Archive – Digital Harvest
· E-resources and digital content collections are huge!
· Audio/Video
· E-Books : overdrive etc.
Problem: Illinois has information silos, and
Could have chosen Endeca, VUfind, but they looked around and wanted to: leverage OCLC holdings AND facilitate Interlibrary Loan. One of their criticisms of the previous situation was the fact that the link from discovery to delivery was circuitous.
Current online catalogs are
Why WorldCat Local?
· Common OPAC interface
· Next Generation Catalog
· Opportunity
· Statewide E-Resource Purchases
· Integrated Interlibrary Loan
· Illinois holdings for most resources already in OCLC
·
Advantages of OCLC’s WorldCat in the opinion of Lincoln trails
Google-like search box
Locally branded
Retrieves print, non-print, electronic
Faceted to focus on author, content format or date
Some of the characteristics of OCLC NEXT GENERATION CATALOGS
· They are currently using a link resolver, however, OCLC is working on a link resolver to directly access fulltext authorized electronic subscriptions.
· They use some Social networking tools
· Customized, shareable saved lists
· Citations provided
Unique features
· Moves management of the database to the network library.
· Moves from discovery to delivery. Librarians like to search, Users like to find.
· Integrates into URL link resolvers.
ILLINOIS presented multiple system problems: There were:
· 4 iLS
· 3 Link resolvers
· Works with 3 Resource Sharing operations.
Required to play in LINCOLN TRAILS WorldCatLocal
· Your library collections MUST be in WorldCat
· Illinois uses summarized.
· eSerials holdings need to be linked in OCLC - thru NELINET or consortium – FREE
· Must index OCLC numbers in ILS
· You MUST turn on interlibrary loan.
DEVELOPMENT
25 multi-type libraries participated at first.
Illinois developed a simple branded interface. All search boxes look the same.
Search boxes can be located in the library’s home page or wherever.
They integrate Syndetics book jackets
Top of display from OCLC, bottom is at the item level
Relevancy ranking defaults to the local library
Facets are to the left.
4 levels of relevancy – First three are
· Home collection
· Lincoln Trails libraries
· All Illinois libraries
· All Worldcat
AUTHENTICATION
At first OCLC couldn’t authenticate outside the library, so Jan huffed that they own EZProxy. They’d better. This is a work in progress.
LINK MANAGERS
They used OCLC Link Manager for access to databases with full text. Currently libraries are using SFX and Serials Solutions, however, universal link resolution should be possible.
MORE NEEDED Digital Content Access
Open Content Alliance titles do appear – Open Content needs to be ranked very high; as high as locally accessible materials.
THIS AND THAT
· Jan raved about the Cite this item features
· Clickable information on the author, in different languages etc. Gave example using Mark Twain.
· Patrons can post reviews. She would like them to capture Amazon reviews or LibraryThing.
NEXT STEPS
· Conduct User surveys
· Add local indexes (e.g. newspaper indexes developed locally)
· Home delivery for ILL
· Authentication using EZProxy
· Get all the pilot sites up
PROBLEMS
Takes longer than expected
Every library has a different idea of relevance and how to implement
Many Silos, fiefdoms .
Implementing delivery presents logistical changes.
FIND JAN’S PRESENTATION
http://www.slideshare.net/ put in worldcat local as a tag
SEE THE SITES
You may view the most recent implementations of WorldCat Local at any one of the following sites:
http://lincolntrail.worldcat.org/
http://mattoonlibrary.worldcat.org/
http://centralmc.worldcat.org/
http://hoopestonpubliclibrary.worldcat.org/
Brenda
Scriblio: A Web 2.0-Native OPAC
Scriblio: A Web 2.0-Native OPAC
Speaker: Casey Bisson, Information Architect, Plymouth State University
Scriblio is a catalog replacement based on Wordpress, designed to help libraries create a stronger online presence. Mr. Bisson made the case that features of the web, Web 2.0 in particular, need to be incorporated into the library web page. The library web page in turn looks less like a the old stuffy repository of years past, albeit online, and more like a hip network for linking library research with the rest of the world.Check out more on Scriblio here: http://scriblio.net/
Scriblio provides keyword searching, faceted searching and browsing, persistent URLs for easy linking, and full integration of website and catalog content. The best way to describe the unique application of Scriblio is by going to the Plymouth State Library website and trying it out (http://library.plymouth.edu/ )
Doing a search offers an example of faceted searching with links to blog and pages, and a comprehensive “narrow by subject” option on the right of the initial result page. I’m especially fond of the links to different formats, also available on the right side of the page. The links under “format” include websites and audio in addition to the typical book results. The advantage is that I can link to a variety of resources from this one page. From the catalog!
If I do a search for “French Literature” from the library homepage, as I begin to type in my search query, options for searching different titles and subjects appears in a drop-down box to help guide my search. As I begin to type in “French literature” I might really mean “French literature and its background.” A list of options will appear in the drop-down box with links for me to click to guide my search. The fun really begins by clicking one of the titles from the search result. I can text the title and info to my cell phone, link or embed it, or even bookmark it or translate it. Here is my search result from “French Literature” http://library.plymouth.edu/read/246391 to view the page.
I am excited about the option to add and read comments to search results. This gives researchers and readers a chance to comment and share information. This can then be added to a personalized collection for private browsing, managing and editing, or research. Research is hip and current--again!
Check out more here http://about.scriblio.net/ and
VuFind: A Resource Discovery Portal
VuFind: A Resource Discovery Portal—2:00-3:00
Speaker: Andrew Nagy, Technology Development Specialist, Villanova University
Ok! There was some waiting to get to hear VuFind, but it was well worth the wait! What I thought would be a presentation at lunch was in fact a post-lunch program divided into two-parts. I got to hear the presentation without the burbling of digestive tracks. I also needed my hands free to follow with the demo. VuFind is the product of Villanova University’s Falvey Memorial Library, with the work of Andrew Nagy, Technology Development Specialist at Villanova. Andrew presented the features of VuFind. He was quite a dynamic speaker. Here’s an overview from VuFind’s website that might be worth checking out (http://www.vufind.org/):
“VuFind is a library resource portal designed and developed for libraries by libraries. The goal of VuFind is to enable your users to search and browse through all of your library's resources by replacing the traditional OPAC to include:
- Catalog Records
- Locally Cached Journals
- Digital Library Items
- Institutional Repository
- Institutional Bibliography
- Other Library Collections and Resources
VuFind is completely modular so you can implement just the basic system, or all of the components. And since it's open source, you can modify the modules to best fit your need or you can add new modules to extend your resource offerings.”
VuFind is absolutely fun and easy to use. I mean it! The best way I can explain VuFind is by describing it as a library catalog on steroids, with a little bit of Web 2.0 and user input. It is a Next Generation Catalog.
Andrew describes VuFind’s mission to create one (1) single interface for all library resources to minimize the interface learning curve. Essentially, VuFind is a Library System with the best of all features in the digital age:
- Homepage
- Secondary Web Pages
- Catalog
- Article Search
- Digital Library
VuFind is integrated into the library website as another branch of the library. It’s as if a complete library has been placed online. Imagine going to a library catalog and accessing all the information you need from the catalog. There is no need to check out features on amazon.com in another window, or cross-check information at CNN in another window. The library portal, as it is called by Andrew, is like a catalog that links to all of these features from your initial search. The idea was described to me as a substitute for a librarian—if you need to do research at 3:00 AM and the library is closed.
VuFind combines all the resources for searching into some digital form (no relying on print). A patron can search all content from one single repository and retrieve faceted results, ‘More Like This’ suggestions, and browsing suitable to personal preferences, i.e., call number, tags, language, and subjects to see what the library has—without traditional limitations. VuFind combines Apache SOLR—an open source enterprise search engine—that uses highlighting and faceted searching with features from Web 2.0—Flickr, Wiki, Blog, and Tagging (Folksonomy), in a simpler and friendlier package for a variety of users. Vufind allows a user to save resources, view book covers, bookmark records, and retrieve live updates.
Andrew Nagy walked us through a demo so we could try VuFind. Try the Demo here: http://www.vufind.org/demo/
If we search “World War Two” we get results in real time. The faceted search on the right gives plenty of options to “refine” the search. I really like the option to “Add to Favorites” and bookmark results for later viewing. The item can also be texted or e-mailed. In addition to this, anyone can tag the result for later ease of access. It’s like managing research according to self-described subjects. One of the features highlighted in the presentation is the biography link attached to title results. If I do a search for Walt Whitman, I retrieve an active link to biographical information from Wikipedia. VuFind offers the best of all worlds for students and the accomplished researcher alike. VuFind, as Andrew reminds us, is also compatible with Zotero. The advanced search option in VuFind also has an interface similar to iTunes, or what I like to call stepped searching (at the end of the search the highlighted search looks like I walked down to my results). I encourage all to try the demo. I’d like to try playing around with it later.
Check out this brief blog from Library Journal for an additional overview: http://www.libraryjournal.com/blog/1090000309/post/1050012105.html
BUST OUT OF THE BOX ......KOHA
A slow paced speaker, but Koha enthusiast, Ms. Johnson talked about her decision to go with an Open Source system. When she originally had the need to automate, nothing else was available to her. She worked in a rural library with no system.
Unfortunately, compounded by the unenviable speaking spot, just before lunch, Ms. Johnson was not able to keep the talk focused on what I believe most people came to hear: Why would one
go with an Open Source System? And, for those libraries about to join the Koha System as MassCat members: Is this going to work for my library?
I was also a bit influenced by what happened earlier in the meetings.....Ms. Johnson was the only person who raised her hand when Marshall Breeding asked who wrote code. Instead of being
a reassuring source for the average librarian going with a new product, I didn't get a strong sense of mentoring for those about to take the plunge.
"Ms. Johnson said she started with an easy system, which became more complicated." Her catalog with approximately 10,000 records was able to adapt and change, as she redesigned her Koha OPAC. She showed several different examples, which other libraries could deploy, depending on where the library is wants to go. There are examples on the Internet.
Ms. Johnson gave some direction, saying that it is important not to confuse Koha with LibLime. LibLime is the small US based company offering support (More about LibLime was presented by their representative at the luncheon). Developers of Koha began in New Zealand, and now are all over the world. Anyone who has the skill can contribute to the development.
The most positive aspect of Open Source Software as seen by Ms. Johnson is ownership. The difference from using proprietary software is the ability to manipulate your own data. You don't need anyone's data. She presented her experience as director of a very small library, who was able to develop her own code for her small library.
Unfortunately, compounded by the unenviable speaking spot, just before lunch, Ms. Johnson was not able to keep the talk focused on what I believe most people came to hear: Why would one
go with an Open Source System? And, for those libraries about to join the Koha System as MassCat members: Is this going to work for my library?
I was also a bit influenced by what happened earlier in the meetings.....Ms. Johnson was the only person who raised her hand when Marshall Breeding asked who wrote code. Instead of being
a reassuring source for the average librarian going with a new product, I didn't get a strong sense of mentoring for those about to take the plunge.
"Ms. Johnson said she started with an easy system, which became more complicated." Her catalog with approximately 10,000 records was able to adapt and change, as she redesigned her Koha OPAC. She showed several different examples, which other libraries could deploy, depending on where the library is wants to go. There are examples on the Internet.
Ms. Johnson gave some direction, saying that it is important not to confuse Koha with LibLime. LibLime is the small US based company offering support (More about LibLime was presented by their representative at the luncheon). Developers of Koha began in New Zealand, and now are all over the world. Anyone who has the skill can contribute to the development.
The most positive aspect of Open Source Software as seen by Ms. Johnson is ownership. The difference from using proprietary software is the ability to manipulate your own data. You don't need anyone's data. She presented her experience as director of a very small library, who was able to develop her own code for her small library.
Georgia Pines: Adventures in Statewide ILS Development
Georgia Pines: Adventures in Statewide ILS Development Tuesday 10:40
Speaker: Tim Daniels, PINES Project Manager.
PINES formed by 49 public libraries with Grant money. Instead of the State Library officials making policies from on high, a library board of directors, the “divine 9” representing all sorts of libraries.
Libraries established shared standards: loan policies, loan request and duration standards, fine structures. Pines libraries agreed to go forward to offer service for State budget pays for overdue notices, interlibrary loan delivery, courier services, etc. allowing the libraries to user their own $ for collections, IF the library agrees to be part of the cooperative and share resources according to the collaborative ILS. Overdues are processed centrally for client libraries. Georgia uses a statewide library card. There is a centralized helpdesk and software support, training is provided.
RPF initially identified a vendor, but because of the size of the system (1.9 million active users, 8.8 million bib records). The system wasn’t scalable. Too large for the system, Crashes ensued. Pines hired software developers who offered to develop open source. Georgia Board of Regents supported the open source effort, as Georgia Tech already had They essentially brought in already developed open source components and then used a community centered approach. Meetings to discern expectations of public libraries. Software developers pulled together the ranked wish list, and began developing and integrating.
September 2006, PINES started with 199 libraries live on the same day. Big mistake. PINES experienced 500% more traffic than ever before – a lot from out of state, interested in what Georgia did. Statewide Interlibrary loan has been very popular. Under discussion: statewide AV loan.
Developers look at other open source projects and adapt for Evergreen. Example, they’re looking at VUfind. Alberta coming up . Development opportunities have arrived as other states evaluate PINES feasibility. Indiana looking at Evergreen – developed a MAC interface and potential for credit card charge feature. Whether or not Indiana adopts, the applications have been developed.
Future options. Equinox (entity developing Evergreen) now has a 5 year contract, but migration is easy and possible. Other states are looking at the PINES model. now has Michigan Consortium support
Current projects: developing Acquisitions and Serials modules, discovery features, improved staff client, reports, an offline mode for bookmobile.
Future projects:
Protocols to share information with other automation systems; develop a Web based children’s catalog; developing DTDs to support foreign languages, building the Evergreen Foundation, Evergreen user’s group, and Evergreen International Conference. They envision a social tagging component as well.
Evergreen. http://open-lis.org/ is where developers are parking their open source.
See http://www.georgialibraries.org/ and Facebook for Evergreen Open ILS.
Pines Program Manager is Tim Daniels tdaniels@georgialibraries.org
Brenda
Speaker: Tim Daniels, PINES Project Manager.
PINES formed by 49 public libraries with Grant money. Instead of the State Library officials making policies from on high, a library board of directors, the “divine 9” representing all sorts of libraries.
Libraries established shared standards: loan policies, loan request and duration standards, fine structures. Pines libraries agreed to go forward to offer service for State budget pays for overdue notices, interlibrary loan delivery, courier services, etc. allowing the libraries to user their own $ for collections, IF the library agrees to be part of the cooperative and share resources according to the collaborative ILS. Overdues are processed centrally for client libraries. Georgia uses a statewide library card. There is a centralized helpdesk and software support, training is provided.
RPF initially identified a vendor, but because of the size of the system (1.9 million active users, 8.8 million bib records). The system wasn’t scalable. Too large for the system, Crashes ensued. Pines hired software developers who offered to develop open source. Georgia Board of Regents supported the open source effort, as Georgia Tech already had They essentially brought in already developed open source components and then used a community centered approach. Meetings to discern expectations of public libraries. Software developers pulled together the ranked wish list, and began developing and integrating.
September 2006, PINES started with 199 libraries live on the same day. Big mistake. PINES experienced 500% more traffic than ever before – a lot from out of state, interested in what Georgia did. Statewide Interlibrary loan has been very popular. Under discussion: statewide AV loan.
Developers look at other open source projects and adapt for Evergreen. Example, they’re looking at VUfind. Alberta coming up . Development opportunities have arrived as other states evaluate PINES feasibility. Indiana looking at Evergreen – developed a MAC interface and potential for credit card charge feature. Whether or not Indiana adopts, the applications have been developed.
Future options. Equinox (entity developing Evergreen) now has a 5 year contract, but migration is easy and possible. Other states are looking at the PINES model. now has Michigan Consortium support
Current projects: developing Acquisitions and Serials modules, discovery features, improved staff client, reports, an offline mode for bookmobile.
Future projects:
Protocols to share information with other automation systems; develop a Web based children’s catalog; developing DTDs to support foreign languages, building the Evergreen Foundation, Evergreen user’s group, and Evergreen International Conference. They envision a social tagging component as well.
Evergreen. http://open-lis.org/ is where developers are parking their open source.
See http://www.georgialibraries.org/ and Facebook for Evergreen Open ILS.
Pines Program Manager is Tim Daniels tdaniels@georgialibraries.org
Brenda
Future of Integrated Library Systems: Moving Toward New Models and Open Systems
The first session of a the Spring Conference, feels like a new pad of paper on the first day of school. The crowd is bustling, everyone chatting... If you've spent anytime in the cataloging world in Massachusetts, you would be recognizing the the faces of the heads of Cataloging Departments, those representing regional systems, and staff members from all over the state and then before you emerges one of the gurus in the field of library automation:
Marshall Breeding of Vanderbilt University. Aside from many other contributions to librarianship, he writes a monthly column in Computers in Libraries. For seven years, his column has collected information about library automation from vendors.
Breeding's experience makes him an ideal speaker to reflect on integrated library systems, open source systems, and where the two are going. He sped through way too much material, but in a very professional and insightful talk.
Breeding said: "Not much luck in 2nd generation systems" "We need to get beyond discovery" of just a title. We need to: ."Search -> Select -> View". That is our goal! It is not easy, but it is the ambition that we should have. Libraries can add a set of values... a search engine that retrieves "best and most interesting".. "not thesites that are going to sell best." Search engines that reflect our values. Good grouping is a good thing. Building collections that are not "the whole world", butsearching limited to a good collection.
Presently, he sees a dis-integrated environment, where we all need to work together. Core ILS's are generally supplemented by OpenURL Link Resolver, Metasearch, ERM, Next Generation Library Interfaces, RFID/ AMH.
Breeding sited how many people start their with the Library Catalog:
2% - go to a library catalog first to start their research in an academic setting
1% - go to a library catalog first to start their research in the general setting.
Breeding quipped: "University libraries are doing twice as well as the general libraries!"
Met with the big laugh, he continued:
"Help people discover!" he encouraged and asked how can we get a more rapid response and results that are visually rich "We live in a new environment where there are millions of books scanned. You have to be able to search all of those books all at once!We are moving beyond ....book chapters, and in the text...(Google Search). [As an old reference librarian, I thinking that has always been the challenge of librarianship.]
He continued saying: " the library world doesn't have search-inside-the-book option (Google and Amazon do!)". He wondered: How do you get good results searching through millions of things?
Breeding laments the trend of integrated library systems not being truly integrated. Seems to be getting worse as more vendors are added to provide the services needed. Fragmented industries with overlapping products developed during print days, now the industry is emerging into a highly consolidated market with less choices in the a hybrid environment. Breeding advocates more comprehensive systems, easier to install, more elegant, more efficient, and ones that save staff time.
Breeding advocates getting rid of modules for different types of materials....that's not how the library staff work! Change the model to reflect how libraries really work. Incorporate the global environment (Worldcat, Google, Amazon, etc.)
He envisions a system of smaller web systems to reflect the way library workflow evolves. We need to work with our vendors through partnerships to develp what libraries need. He feels that vendors need to succeed if libraries are to succeed.
According to Breeding there are amazing automation gaps in all automation systems:
Interlibrary loan
Collection development
Preservation: print and digital
Book Binding
Remote Storage
Unfortunately, Breeding rattled through the the slides on innovation on what ILS, but his handout provided links to major vendors: Ex Libris, Endeca, Innovative, AquaBrowser,OCLC WorldCat, SIRSIDynix, VUFind... but he covered a great deal of material in a short time.
"What we need is more openness, not necessarily Open Source"
He suggested demanding open acess to data and more customization.
1 person raised her hand in response to his question of who could actually write source code. So at least among the audience there were few that would be actually contributing to the expansion of OpenSource Software.
Yet, the audience responded with a large knowing laugh when he asked if they considered their vendors creative.
Breeding advocates librarians help building the architecture and standards that promote better systems. He got a big chuckle from the audience when he mentioned that it has taken"20 years not to complete Z39.50 standards!"
Yet, he sees that libraries are spending as much money as ever on integrated library systems and that companies are showing growth. Judges growth by whether they are adding staff. He gave some stats, which included that SIRSI Dynix and Library Corp decreased staff.
Many smaller libraries still have no automation (20 to 30% nationally) mainly due to price and where no regional systems exit.
Large libraries in a "wait and see" mode
He sees some problems. Some of these can be changed by librarians, others may not be in our hands. Examples: RFP are lists of 1980s technologies! can be changed. Tough economic times are upon us and cannot easily be changed.
Librarians change their ILS when only when they absolutely have to, when forced by vendor abandonment, need to move towards consortia system, or when they have a bad relationship with vendor or consortia
Breeding mentioned these new direction in integrated library systems:
Electronic content
Better User experience
Linking
Federated searching
Future - What to think about
REINTEGRATE THINGS!
Breeding mentioned some innovative companies. An example was Cambridge Information Group including Proquest and Bowker, which he felt may move toward an ILS
OCLC starting with technology acquisitions seem to be bringing them closer to an ILS
Risky alternatives, Breeding still considers Open Source a "risky" alternative.
He mentioned Andrew W. Mellon Foundation soliciting proposals for new systems.
Open Source is supplemented by those willing to assist.
Yet, Breeding did consider Open Source's positive effect on the library market:
It has created competition for the the ILS market as a whole
May create innovation
May decrease costs
May make the market more open
Breeding encouraged: Let's play by the same rules - Important to ask the right questions
Open source has to "be good" not just "feel good" philosophically
Do we offer more slack to Open Source companies?
Can open source survive the RFP checklist?
Total cost of ownership over a long period needs to be compared to established vendor fees.
Is this truly different software or is this just the same old software with a different business model?
Breeding hopes to see better interfaces:
Redefine "library catalog"
Question what's in the "library catalog"
Comprehensive environment, set pretty high by the Internet environment
Electronic resources can't be an afterthought in the library catalog
How can we harvest all the articles, all resources.
He mentioned that one can judge a system by how do it responds to a bad inquiry.
He feels that political and economic reasons exist for not consolidating resources, but the technology is there.
He is looking for web tools and technology that foster collaboration, tagging, social bookmarking, user rating, user reviews, community interaction.And all that with a single point entry.
Great talk! So much to do, so little time....
Marshall Breeding of Vanderbilt University. Aside from many other contributions to librarianship, he writes a monthly column in Computers in Libraries. For seven years, his column has collected information about library automation from vendors.
Breeding's experience makes him an ideal speaker to reflect on integrated library systems, open source systems, and where the two are going. He sped through way too much material, but in a very professional and insightful talk.
Breeding said: "Not much luck in 2nd generation systems" "We need to get beyond discovery" of just a title. We need to: ."Search -> Select -> View". That is our goal! It is not easy, but it is the ambition that we should have. Libraries can add a set of values... a search engine that retrieves "best and most interesting".. "not thesites that are going to sell best." Search engines that reflect our values. Good grouping is a good thing. Building collections that are not "the whole world", butsearching limited to a good collection.
Presently, he sees a dis-integrated environment, where we all need to work together. Core ILS's are generally supplemented by OpenURL Link Resolver, Metasearch, ERM, Next Generation Library Interfaces, RFID/ AMH.
Breeding sited how many people start their with the Library Catalog:
2% - go to a library catalog first to start their research in an academic setting
1% - go to a library catalog first to start their research in the general setting.
Breeding quipped: "University libraries are doing twice as well as the general libraries!"
Met with the big laugh, he continued:
"Help people discover!" he encouraged and asked how can we get a more rapid response and results that are visually rich "We live in a new environment where there are millions of books scanned. You have to be able to search all of those books all at once!We are moving beyond ....book chapters, and in the text...(Google Search). [As an old reference librarian, I thinking that has always been the challenge of librarianship.]
He continued saying: " the library world doesn't have search-inside-the-book option (Google and Amazon do!)". He wondered: How do you get good results searching through millions of things?
Breeding laments the trend of integrated library systems not being truly integrated. Seems to be getting worse as more vendors are added to provide the services needed. Fragmented industries with overlapping products developed during print days, now the industry is emerging into a highly consolidated market with less choices in the a hybrid environment. Breeding advocates more comprehensive systems, easier to install, more elegant, more efficient, and ones that save staff time.
Breeding advocates getting rid of modules for different types of materials....that's not how the library staff work! Change the model to reflect how libraries really work. Incorporate the global environment (Worldcat, Google, Amazon, etc.)
He envisions a system of smaller web systems to reflect the way library workflow evolves. We need to work with our vendors through partnerships to develp what libraries need. He feels that vendors need to succeed if libraries are to succeed.
According to Breeding there are amazing automation gaps in all automation systems:
Interlibrary loan
Collection development
Preservation: print and digital
Book Binding
Remote Storage
Unfortunately, Breeding rattled through the the slides on innovation on what ILS, but his handout provided links to major vendors: Ex Libris, Endeca, Innovative, AquaBrowser,OCLC WorldCat, SIRSIDynix, VUFind... but he covered a great deal of material in a short time.
"What we need is more openness, not necessarily Open Source"
He suggested demanding open acess to data and more customization.
1 person raised her hand in response to his question of who could actually write source code. So at least among the audience there were few that would be actually contributing to the expansion of OpenSource Software.
Yet, the audience responded with a large knowing laugh when he asked if they considered their vendors creative.
Breeding advocates librarians help building the architecture and standards that promote better systems. He got a big chuckle from the audience when he mentioned that it has taken"20 years not to complete Z39.50 standards!"
Yet, he sees that libraries are spending as much money as ever on integrated library systems and that companies are showing growth. Judges growth by whether they are adding staff. He gave some stats, which included that SIRSI Dynix and Library Corp decreased staff.
Many smaller libraries still have no automation (20 to 30% nationally) mainly due to price and where no regional systems exit.
Large libraries in a "wait and see" mode
He sees some problems. Some of these can be changed by librarians, others may not be in our hands. Examples: RFP are lists of 1980s technologies! can be changed. Tough economic times are upon us and cannot easily be changed.
Librarians change their ILS when only when they absolutely have to, when forced by vendor abandonment, need to move towards consortia system, or when they have a bad relationship with vendor or consortia
Breeding mentioned these new direction in integrated library systems:
Electronic content
Better User experience
Linking
Federated searching
Future - What to think about
REINTEGRATE THINGS!
Breeding mentioned some innovative companies. An example was Cambridge Information Group including Proquest and Bowker, which he felt may move toward an ILS
OCLC starting with technology acquisitions seem to be bringing them closer to an ILS
Risky alternatives, Breeding still considers Open Source a "risky" alternative.
He mentioned Andrew W. Mellon Foundation soliciting proposals for new systems.
Open Source is supplemented by those willing to assist.
Yet, Breeding did consider Open Source's positive effect on the library market:
It has created competition for the the ILS market as a whole
May create innovation
May decrease costs
May make the market more open
Breeding encouraged: Let's play by the same rules - Important to ask the right questions
Open source has to "be good" not just "feel good" philosophically
Do we offer more slack to Open Source companies?
Can open source survive the RFP checklist?
Total cost of ownership over a long period needs to be compared to established vendor fees.
Is this truly different software or is this just the same old software with a different business model?
Breeding hopes to see better interfaces:
Redefine "library catalog"
Question what's in the "library catalog"
Comprehensive environment, set pretty high by the Internet environment
Electronic resources can't be an afterthought in the library catalog
How can we harvest all the articles, all resources.
He mentioned that one can judge a system by how do it responds to a bad inquiry.
He feels that political and economic reasons exist for not consolidating resources, but the technology is there.
He is looking for web tools and technology that foster collaboration, tagging, social bookmarking, user rating, user reviews, community interaction.And all that with a single point entry.
Great talk! So much to do, so little time....
Friday, May 2, 2008
MLA Conference Reports!
Hello everyone!
As we pull into the last few days before MLA 2008, I just want to remind you that we'll have nearly-complete conference coverage this year. A team of 18 dedicated bloggers will be posting reports during and after the conference, from panel sessions and trivia nights to gaming and dinners. Read along with our MLA Bloggers for a variety of perspectives.
This year's bloggers come from a diverse set of backgrounds -- academic, public, school and special librarians; paralibrarians, students and consultants; directors, administrators and the newly-retired; front-line folks and back-of-house gurus. Whatever your interest, there's an MLA blogger to follow.
Finally, to all the biblioblogosphere writers out there, please consider linking to posts you read here. We'll be sure to return the linklove as we can.
Have a lovely weekend, all, and I'll see you next week!
As we pull into the last few days before MLA 2008, I just want to remind you that we'll have nearly-complete conference coverage this year. A team of 18 dedicated bloggers will be posting reports during and after the conference, from panel sessions and trivia nights to gaming and dinners. Read along with our MLA Bloggers for a variety of perspectives.
This year's bloggers come from a diverse set of backgrounds -- academic, public, school and special librarians; paralibrarians, students and consultants; directors, administrators and the newly-retired; front-line folks and back-of-house gurus. Whatever your interest, there's an MLA blogger to follow.
Finally, to all the biblioblogosphere writers out there, please consider linking to posts you read here. We'll be sure to return the linklove as we can.
Have a lovely weekend, all, and I'll see you next week!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Rockin' Robbins Drill Team
It's showtime!
The premiere of the Rockin 'Robbins Book Truck Drill Team happened on Sunday, April 20th at the Arlington Patriot's Day Parade.
The weather was perfect!
Our book trucks were shiny red.
Our hats and gloves were on.
We were off and running, ( or should I say marching?)
We weren't sure what to expect from the audience, patiently awaiting for the parade to begin. But the first time we heard, the applause, laughter and quite a few shouts of , "we love the library!", that's all we needed. Our "inner celebrity" emerged.
I was quite proud of our troupe. We managed to hang onto our trucks, while waiting to start on a downhill slope. We circumvented the potholes and sewer covers. We proudly marched forward to whatever music the band in front of us was playing. ( Our Portable CD player was a bit useless, once the band started up.)
And before I knew it, we were at the end of the parade. It was the fastest two miles I ever walked. It must have been those magic red book trucks.
Well, as the Gilbert & Sullivan's police in Pirates of Penzance sing "Forward on the Foe, yes forward on the foe!" Onward we shall go to the MLA First Annual Book Truck Drill Team Competition. See you all there!!
The premiere of the Rockin 'Robbins Book Truck Drill Team happened on Sunday, April 20th at the Arlington Patriot's Day Parade.
The weather was perfect!
Our book trucks were shiny red.
Our hats and gloves were on.
We were off and running, ( or should I say marching?)
We weren't sure what to expect from the audience, patiently awaiting for the parade to begin. But the first time we heard, the applause, laughter and quite a few shouts of , "we love the library!", that's all we needed. Our "inner celebrity" emerged.
I was quite proud of our troupe. We managed to hang onto our trucks, while waiting to start on a downhill slope. We circumvented the potholes and sewer covers. We proudly marched forward to whatever music the band in front of us was playing. ( Our Portable CD player was a bit useless, once the band started up.)
And before I knew it, we were at the end of the parade. It was the fastest two miles I ever walked. It must have been those magic red book trucks.
Well, as the Gilbert & Sullivan's police in Pirates of Penzance sing "Forward on the Foe, yes forward on the foe!" Onward we shall go to the MLA First Annual Book Truck Drill Team Competition. See you all there!!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Blog for MLA 2008!
Update: Thanks to an overwhelming response, we are replete with bloggers for MLA 2008! Many thanks to everyone who has volunteered, and I look forward to working with you all.
Novice and experienced bloggers are needed for the 2008 MLA conference: Growing Communities on May 6th-9th in Falmouth, MA.
What's blogging? Blogging is simply writing short articles for immediate publication on a blog. A blog is a website that displays these articles (or posts) in reverse chronological order, and which usually has a feed (for automatic notification of updates) and commenting features (for readers to respond to posts).
How do you blog a conference? When you attend a session or an event, you can take notes and post them as is, you can write your impressions and thoughts about what you see and learn, or some combination of both. We're looking for all sorts of bloggers for MLA2008.
The ideal blogging candidate has:
Writers don't need to commit to blog for or be present for the entire conference -- blogging for one day is fine. We do ask for a minimum of three text posts a day about events, meetings, or sessions (two for the pre-conference on May 6th). Photos, audioblogging or video blogging are optional but encouraged. A MA Libraries group has been established on Flickr; check it out at http://flickr.com/groups/91829621@N00/
Perks:
Please contact Jennifer Koerber at jennifer DOT koerber @ gmail DOT com no later than Friday, April 4th if you are interested in writing for us. See you in Falmouth!
Novice and experienced bloggers are needed for the 2008 MLA conference: Growing Communities on May 6th-9th in Falmouth, MA.
What's blogging? Blogging is simply writing short articles for immediate publication on a blog. A blog is a website that displays these articles (or posts) in reverse chronological order, and which usually has a feed (for automatic notification of updates) and commenting features (for readers to respond to posts).
How do you blog a conference? When you attend a session or an event, you can take notes and post them as is, you can write your impressions and thoughts about what you see and learn, or some combination of both. We're looking for all sorts of bloggers for MLA2008.
The ideal blogging candidate has:
- Some degree of writing ability
- Comfort with the Blogger web application (note: if you can send an email, you can blog! the post form is very similar to an email composition form)
- Desire for professional development/ publishing opportunities (your real name will go on your post - PDPs available!)
- Access to a laptop with wireless capability
Writers don't need to commit to blog for or be present for the entire conference -- blogging for one day is fine. We do ask for a minimum of three text posts a day about events, meetings, or sessions (two for the pre-conference on May 6th). Photos, audioblogging or video blogging are optional but encouraged. A MA Libraries group has been established on Flickr; check it out at http://flickr.com/groups/91829621@N00/
Perks:
- Free conference registration for days attended and blogged
- Partial hotel room costs for a night's stay between two days of blogging
- Complimentary lunch on the days you blog
- Free Internet access for bloggers on days attended and blogged
Please contact Jennifer Koerber at jennifer DOT koerber @ gmail DOT com no later than Friday, April 4th if you are interested in writing for us. See you in Falmouth!
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Volunteers Needed: Technology Petting Zoo!
New!! This year at MLA, we are pleased to debut the Technology Petting Zoo featuring a variety of gadgets of interest to you and your patrons. If you've never seen an iPhone; are considering video game consoles for your library; or are thinking about jumping on the podcasting bandwagon; come to the Zoo. If you're wondering about the devices your patrons may bring into your library to plug into your library computers, come to the Zoo. Come check out these and more in a comfortable, non-threatening atmosphere. Get demos of Web 2.0 applications like del.icio.us, flickr, Blogger, PBWiki, Second Life, and more! Nothing bites or induces allergies - we promise! It's all happening at the Zoo!
The Technology Petting Zoo will be open during Exhibit Hall Hours. Volunteers are needed to:
Thursday May 8: 10:30am-11:45am; 12:45-6:30pm
Friday May 9: 8:00-11:00am
Volunteers who donate 3 hours (does not have be consecutive hours) will receive FREE registration! Interested librarians should contact Beth Gallaway at: informationgoddess29@gmail.com
The Technology Petting Zoo will be open during Exhibit Hall Hours. Volunteers are needed to:
- demonstrate hardware and software
- loan equipment for use in the Petting Zoo during the conference
- provide handouts on web 2.0 applications.
Thursday May 8: 10:30am-11:45am; 12:45-6:30pm
Friday May 9: 8:00-11:00am
Volunteers who donate 3 hours (does not have be consecutive hours) will receive FREE registration! Interested librarians should contact Beth Gallaway at: informationgoddess29@gmail.com
Friday, December 21, 2007
MLA Conference Announcement!
MLA is Growing Communities, May 6 – 9, 2008 at the SeaCrest Resort & Conference Center, Falmouth, MA
The MLA Conference Committee has pulled out all the stops to deliver an annual conference that just keeps getting better! This year sees formal partnerships with ACRL/New England, the Cooperative Libraries Association and the Massachusetts School Library Association to develop programming to appeal to libraries of all types in Massachusetts. Outstanding programming will be offered in the following tracks:
* Youth Services
* Technical Services
* Paralibrarian Issues
* Academic Libraries
* School Libraries
* Reader’s Advisory
* Marketing and Outreach
* Reference and ILL
* Technology
* Self-Improvement and more!
This year’s conference features the return of the popular Career Center, round two of MLA’s incredibly fun Trivia/Auction fundraiser led by MLA Executive Director Keith Fiels, and the debut of MLA’s Technology Petting Zoo in the Exhibit Hall!
Names? You want names? How about these?
* Nancy Pearl
* David Lee King
* Aaron Schmidt
* Authors: Linda Barnes, Mameve Medwed, Katherine Hall Page, Elizabeth Haydon, Tracy Brown
* Marshall Keys
* Diane Hillmann
* Susan Parker
* Janet Swan Hill
* Lesley Farmer
* Maureen Sullivan
* Bill Barnes and Gene Ambaum (the creators behind Unshelved, the library comic strip) to name just a few.
To top things off, how about a reception at the newly-finished Falmouth Public Library, and the first ever Massachusetts Book Cart Drill Team official competition?
Incredibly Relevant Pre-Conference: MLA’s Technical Services Section in conjunction with the Conference Committee, offers a one and a half day pre-conference. Mark Tuesday, May 6 and Wednesday morning, May 7 on your calendars for The Future of the ILS. With names like Marshall Breeding, and Eric Lease Morgan providing the opening and closing events, and representatives discussing the Georgia PINES project, Koha, Endeca, VUFind, Scriblio, and WorldCat Local, the future of the ILS will be poked and prodded from nearly every conceivable angle. Add to that demos from vendors on their latest technology and services, a complementary dinner, and an open planning session and discussion on where Massachusetts needs to focus regarding Open Source alternatives, and you’ve got a day and a half packed full of the latest important topics in Library automation.
The Ease of Being in Falmouth: “But Falmouth is so hard to get to,” you say. Don’t worry! Plans are in the works to provide buses from Springfield and Worcester to the Conference Center each morning, with return trips each night, you can come down for the day, or two, or the entire conference without having to drive! More information as it becomes available.
Full programs and registration for MLA’s Annual Conference will appear very soon, at http://wwww.masslib.org!
The MLA Conference Committee has pulled out all the stops to deliver an annual conference that just keeps getting better! This year sees formal partnerships with ACRL/New England, the Cooperative Libraries Association and the Massachusetts School Library Association to develop programming to appeal to libraries of all types in Massachusetts. Outstanding programming will be offered in the following tracks:
* Youth Services
* Technical Services
* Paralibrarian Issues
* Academic Libraries
* School Libraries
* Reader’s Advisory
* Marketing and Outreach
* Reference and ILL
* Technology
* Self-Improvement and more!
This year’s conference features the return of the popular Career Center, round two of MLA’s incredibly fun Trivia/Auction fundraiser led by MLA Executive Director Keith Fiels, and the debut of MLA’s Technology Petting Zoo in the Exhibit Hall!
Names? You want names? How about these?
* Nancy Pearl
* David Lee King
* Aaron Schmidt
* Authors: Linda Barnes, Mameve Medwed, Katherine Hall Page, Elizabeth Haydon, Tracy Brown
* Marshall Keys
* Diane Hillmann
* Susan Parker
* Janet Swan Hill
* Lesley Farmer
* Maureen Sullivan
* Bill Barnes and Gene Ambaum (the creators behind Unshelved, the library comic strip) to name just a few.
To top things off, how about a reception at the newly-finished Falmouth Public Library, and the first ever Massachusetts Book Cart Drill Team official competition?
Incredibly Relevant Pre-Conference: MLA’s Technical Services Section in conjunction with the Conference Committee, offers a one and a half day pre-conference. Mark Tuesday, May 6 and Wednesday morning, May 7 on your calendars for The Future of the ILS. With names like Marshall Breeding, and Eric Lease Morgan providing the opening and closing events, and representatives discussing the Georgia PINES project, Koha, Endeca, VUFind, Scriblio, and WorldCat Local, the future of the ILS will be poked and prodded from nearly every conceivable angle. Add to that demos from vendors on their latest technology and services, a complementary dinner, and an open planning session and discussion on where Massachusetts needs to focus regarding Open Source alternatives, and you’ve got a day and a half packed full of the latest important topics in Library automation.
The Ease of Being in Falmouth: “But Falmouth is so hard to get to,” you say. Don’t worry! Plans are in the works to provide buses from Springfield and Worcester to the Conference Center each morning, with return trips each night, you can come down for the day, or two, or the entire conference without having to drive! More information as it becomes available.
Full programs and registration for MLA’s Annual Conference will appear very soon, at http://wwww.masslib.org!
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Please contact your legislators!
forwarded from Kathy Glick-Weil, MLA President
I just received a message from the State House News Service that said that the FY08 state budget could be resolved by the Conference Committee and sent to the Governor for his signature at any moment. One last reminded to please contact your Representative and Senator and ask him/her to push for higher library funding in the budget. Three line items are up for increases, including State Aid to Libraries, State Aid to Regional Systems, and the Public Library Fund.
I just received a message from the State House News Service that said that the FY08 state budget could be resolved by the Conference Committee and sent to the Governor for his signature at any moment. One last reminded to please contact your Representative and Senator and ask him/her to push for higher library funding in the budget. Three line items are up for increases, including State Aid to Libraries, State Aid to Regional Systems, and the Public Library Fund.
We need Senators and Reps to approach the Conference Committee members and push for these line items to retain the highest numbers. To send a message using Capwiz takes about 1 minute, so please go to the MLA Legislative Center on the web at http://capwiz.com/masslib
As important as you sending a message is for you to fill in the section that asks for other emails to send the message to so that those people can also use Capwiz to send messages to their legislators. These emails really make a difference so please take a few minutes to support library funding. We'll all benefit!
Thank you for providing this very important grassroots support for libraries!
Kathy Glick-Weil
Director, Newton Free Library
President, Massachusetts Library Association
Director, Newton Free Library
President, Massachusetts Library Association
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