1. Libraries let people read your books. I know, I know, you think that if it weren’t for libraries more people would buy your books, I have bad news for you, if it weren’t for libraries people would read less not buy more books. There is no guarantee that the people who read a library copy could, or would, choose to buy your book. Let’s face it no one who is willing spend 4 months on the waiting list for their favorite author is going to buy that hardback copy and probably not the trade paperback or paperback either (have you seen the price of mass market paperbacks lately?). Instead of seeing that library book as money out of your pocket consider it another book sold that wouldn’t have been and more importantly consider it the gateway drug to your author. Millions of people discover their new favorite author through their local library. 2. Libraries introduce people to your books For children we are a magical place where they can check out 20 or 50 books a week and take them home to read or for parents to read those books. We do story times and other educational and fun programs for
Libraries
What IS a Library?
This week, after tweeting a link to ALA’s President Molly Raphael’s statement regarding the destruction of the Occupy Wall Street Library in New York City, I became engaged in a conversation on Twitter about what constitutes a library. To me this seems obvious, but I had a hard time coming up with a hard fast definition. I discovered that, like Justice Stewart, I’m of the know-it-when-I-see-it mindset when it comes to identifying it, a library that is. I am not sure I can define it in terms that reconcile with the statement from ALA. If I say the dissolution or destruction of any library is wrong I need a concrete definition for library, because while it may be uncool (and probably illegal) for someone to come into my home and destroy my personal library, I’m not sure that warrants a statement from the ALA President. Let me be clear, I am in complete and total agreement with the statement from ALA. I will happily defend that statement and ALA’s choice to make it. The problem I ran into was defining a library in terms that fit with it. Not just the OWS library but any library of this type. Even after doing some digging (see below)
Seth Godin Misses the Point on Libraries, Again.
I was curious to read what Godin had to say about libraries this time. Last time he wrote about them it was pretty clear he didn’t “get it” and many librarians responded with posts of their own (you’re not allowed to comment on Godin’s blog) Before I get too far into this I want to point out I also find it interesting that Godin brings up Kindle several times in this post. Let’s not forget he has a dog in that fight, he has partnered with Amazon to create his Domino Project. Now for his new post The Future of the Library I was happy to see this: The librarian isn’t a clerk who happens to work at a library. A librarian is a data hound, a guide, a sherpa and a teacher. The librarian is the interface between reams of data and the untrained but motivated user. Though I still don’t care for the use of “sherpa”. But we are so much more than this too, we are trainers, teachers, mediators and more. This is nice too, though he is an author so I’d expect him to be in favor of reading. because reading makes all of us more thoughtful, better informed
6 Reasons Your Library Should Host a TEDxLive Viewing Party for TEDWomen
What is TEDWomen? On December 7 and 8, 2010, TEDWomen will gather five hundred global thought leaders, innovators and storytellers in Washington, DC, to watch enlightening speakers and connect with a global community of women and men. The cross-disciplinary, cross-generational program will focus on how women think and work, communicate and collaborate, learn and lead. The program will explore what this means and why it matters to all of us. TEDx and TEDWomen The vision for TEDWomen is unlike any other “Women” conference. One of our key objectives is to hear from female voices around the globe, and on every continent. You, the TEDx community, are essential to achieving these goals. TEDWomen will be streamed live on TED.com. The stream will be offered free to TEDx organizers who sign up to host a viewing party. The stream must also be offered free to attendees. A key part of the TEDWomen conference is hearing from women in communities around the world, and that is where we need your help. So why should your library host a viewing part? 1. Cost – There is no cost. 2. Speakers – When else will you have an opportunity to have so many great speakers in
What is a Public Library?
Great short video about public libraries parodying the iPad commercials. I love it! Even cooler – one of the libraries shown is in my system! Bookmark on Delicious Digg this post Share on FriendFeed Buzz it up Share on netvibes share via Reddit Share with Stumblers Tumblr it Buzz it up Subscribe to the comments on this post Print for later Tell a friend
Reading
