The Big Purple Bus is on the Market
Albany Public Library (NY) is selling its bookmobile (affectionately dubbed The Big Purple Bus) after several years of faithful service. This great outreach vehicle/billboard/mobile branch can be yours for $10,000. Features of the bus include:
• Built in 1991 by Thomas, retrofitted by Matthews
• 3208 Cat engine, 8 cylinders, diesel
• 200,000 miles and 11,000 hours of use
• 36 feet long, titled as heavy truck
• Front and rear entrances
• Newer generator and 3 air conditioning units
• Can store up to 3,000 books in custom-built shelving
For more information, please contact:
Carol Nersinger, Executive Director
Albany Public Library
(518) 427-4300
nersingerc@albanypubliclibrary.org
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Library Volunteers: NYT Ethicist Column by Randy Cohen
From a library listserv:
Interesting question and answer in the New York Times Magazine, Sunday, August 29, page 17, The Ethicist by Randy Cohen that concerns library volunteers. From the article:
The Ethicist
Library Volunteers
By RANDY COHEN
Published: August 27, 2010
Community members have responded to our towns tight budget by volunteering at the library, so much so that the library laid off several long-term full-time employees, people who are our friends and neighbors. Having fewer municipal employees means a slight reduction in property taxes for everyone, but it harms those left jobless. Should town residents consider that before volunteering? NAME WITHHELD, NEW JERSEY"
He gives an analysis (remember, he is a humorist) and ends his answer
with:
"There is a sad limitation to this analysis: a laid-off library employee is not apt to be hired to teach 11th-grade calculus. He or she will suffer; someone else will be hired. There are winners and losers here. And it would be unfortunate if this upsurge of civic virtue resulted in only a tiny reduction in some peoples property taxes, an outcome that thwarts the noble motives of those volunteers: to promote civic betterment by reallocating limited resources."
Read the full column with his analysis and answer.
Interesting question and answer in the New York Times Magazine, Sunday, August 29, page 17, The Ethicist by Randy Cohen that concerns library volunteers. From the article:
The Ethicist
Library Volunteers
By RANDY COHEN
Published: August 27, 2010
Community members have responded to our towns tight budget by volunteering at the library, so much so that the library laid off several long-term full-time employees, people who are our friends and neighbors. Having fewer municipal employees means a slight reduction in property taxes for everyone, but it harms those left jobless. Should town residents consider that before volunteering? NAME WITHHELD, NEW JERSEY"
He gives an analysis (remember, he is a humorist) and ends his answer
with:
"There is a sad limitation to this analysis: a laid-off library employee is not apt to be hired to teach 11th-grade calculus. He or she will suffer; someone else will be hired. There are winners and losers here. And it would be unfortunate if this upsurge of civic virtue resulted in only a tiny reduction in some peoples property taxes, an outcome that thwarts the noble motives of those volunteers: to promote civic betterment by reallocating limited resources."
Read the full column with his analysis and answer.
Monday, August 30, 2010
No More Print OED?
Third Edition of OED Unlikely to Appear in Print Format
Publishers confirm that print dictionary market is disappearing so third
edition is unlikely
Press Association
Guardian.co.uk
Sunday 29 August 2010 21.14 BST
Publishers of the Oxford English Dictionary have confirmed that the third edition may never appear in print. A team of 80 lexicographers began working on it following the publication of the second edition in 1989. It is 28% finished. In comments to a Sunday newspaper, Nigel Portwood, chief executive of Oxford University Press, which owns the dictionary, said: "The print dictionary market is just disappearing. It is falling away by tens of percent a year." Asked if he thought the third edition would
appear in printed format, he said: "I don't think so." However, an OUP spokeswoman said no decision had been made.
MORE HERE.
Oxford English Dictionary 'will not be printed again'
The next edition of the Oxford English Dictionary, the world's most definitive work on the language, will never be printed because of the impact of the internet on book sales.
By Alastair Jamieson
Published: 3:01PM BST 29 Aug 2010
Telegraph
The most recent OED has existed online for more than a decade, where it receives two million hits a month from subscribers who pay an annual fee of L240.
...
The next full edition is still estimated to be more than a decade away from completion; only 28 per cent has been finished to date.
OUP said it would continue to print the more familiar Oxford Dictionary of English, the single-volume version sold in bookshops and which contains more contemporary entries such as vuvuzela, the plastic trumpet encountered in the 2010 football World Cup.
Mr Portwood said printed dictionaries had a shelf life of about another 30 years, with the pace of change increased by the popularity of e-books and devices such as the Apple iPad and Amazon's Kindle.
Simon Winchester, author of 'The Meaning of Everything: The Story of the Oxford English Dictionary', said the switch towards online formats was "prescient".
He said: "Until six months ago I was clinging to the idea that printed books would likely last for ever. Since the arrival of the iPad I am now wholly convinced otherwise.
"The printed book is about to vanish at extraordinary speed.
MORE HERE.
Publishers confirm that print dictionary market is disappearing so third
edition is unlikely
Press Association
Guardian.co.uk
Sunday 29 August 2010 21.14 BST
Publishers of the Oxford English Dictionary have confirmed that the third edition may never appear in print. A team of 80 lexicographers began working on it following the publication of the second edition in 1989. It is 28% finished. In comments to a Sunday newspaper, Nigel Portwood, chief executive of Oxford University Press, which owns the dictionary, said: "The print dictionary market is just disappearing. It is falling away by tens of percent a year." Asked if he thought the third edition would
appear in printed format, he said: "I don't think so." However, an OUP spokeswoman said no decision had been made.
MORE HERE.
Oxford English Dictionary 'will not be printed again'
The next edition of the Oxford English Dictionary, the world's most definitive work on the language, will never be printed because of the impact of the internet on book sales.
By Alastair Jamieson
Published: 3:01PM BST 29 Aug 2010
Telegraph
The most recent OED has existed online for more than a decade, where it receives two million hits a month from subscribers who pay an annual fee of L240.
...
The next full edition is still estimated to be more than a decade away from completion; only 28 per cent has been finished to date.
OUP said it would continue to print the more familiar Oxford Dictionary of English, the single-volume version sold in bookshops and which contains more contemporary entries such as vuvuzela, the plastic trumpet encountered in the 2010 football World Cup.
Mr Portwood said printed dictionaries had a shelf life of about another 30 years, with the pace of change increased by the popularity of e-books and devices such as the Apple iPad and Amazon's Kindle.
Simon Winchester, author of 'The Meaning of Everything: The Story of the Oxford English Dictionary', said the switch towards online formats was "prescient".
He said: "Until six months ago I was clinging to the idea that printed books would likely last for ever. Since the arrival of the iPad I am now wholly convinced otherwise.
"The printed book is about to vanish at extraordinary speed.
MORE HERE.
FAPL Book Talk Series features Dan Wilcox
September 7 · 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Location Albany Public Library
161 Washington Ave.
Albany, NY
Dan Wilcox will review "The Typewriter is Holy: The Complete Uncensored History of the Beat Generation" by Bill Morgan. Free & open to the public, refreshments too!
Location Albany Public Library
161 Washington Ave.
Albany, NY
Dan Wilcox will review "The Typewriter is Holy: The Complete Uncensored History of the Beat Generation" by Bill Morgan. Free & open to the public, refreshments too!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Public libraries - enablers of dreams
It's amazing, writes columnist Neal Peirce, that many of the nation's libraries are able to maintain the bulk of their services and adapt to growing needs during a recession, even in the face of snowballing funding cuts by their local governments.
Article is HERE.
Article is HERE.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
ABAA Missing Books Blog
The Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America has recently created a Security Blog that has been added to the ABAA homepage.
See the upper right corner tab for "Missing Books Blog" which directs you to the blog.
The organization in amn e-mail indicates its desirev to "make the blog available to posts from booksellers and others both within and outside the ABAA. These posts of missing materials -- books, manuscripts, ephemera -- will be vetted at ABAA headquarters for form and content before being posted to the blog."
In that vein, ABAA members from around the country are urged to "please contact their regional antiquarian bookseller organizations to inform them about our blog and the new service that it represents to booksellers, librarians, collectors, & others. The Security Committee invites all interested parties to make use of this service, both as posters and to keep current about stolen and missing materials that are reported to us from around the nation.
"I hope you'll help us pass this info along to other non-ABAA booksellers within your respective locales or regions, and/or to other non-ABAA regional organizations and interested parties."
See the upper right corner tab for "Missing Books Blog" which directs you to the blog.
The organization in amn e-mail indicates its desirev to "make the blog available to posts from booksellers and others both within and outside the ABAA. These posts of missing materials -- books, manuscripts, ephemera -- will be vetted at ABAA headquarters for form and content before being posted to the blog."
In that vein, ABAA members from around the country are urged to "please contact their regional antiquarian bookseller organizations to inform them about our blog and the new service that it represents to booksellers, librarians, collectors, & others. The Security Committee invites all interested parties to make use of this service, both as posters and to keep current about stolen and missing materials that are reported to us from around the nation.
"I hope you'll help us pass this info along to other non-ABAA booksellers within your respective locales or regions, and/or to other non-ABAA regional organizations and interested parties."
Friday, August 27, 2010
Libraries & Friends at Risk of Losing Exempt Status
I mentioned this before, but I saw this on a library listserv:
"I noticed a number of libraries, Friends Group and library bookstores listed on the NY list from the IRS of small organizations at risk of losing their tax exempt status.
"Organizations that fail to file for three consecutive years automatically lose their tax-exempt status. The IRS is providing one-time relief to allow small tax-exempt organizations to come back into compliance by October 15, 2010, and retain their tax-exempt status even though they failed to file for three consecutive years."
"I noticed a number of libraries, Friends Group and library bookstores listed on the NY list from the IRS of small organizations at risk of losing their tax exempt status.
"Organizations that fail to file for three consecutive years automatically lose their tax-exempt status. The IRS is providing one-time relief to allow small tax-exempt organizations to come back into compliance by October 15, 2010, and retain their tax-exempt status even though they failed to file for three consecutive years."
First Friday Albany's Fourth Anniversary
Albany's 1st Friday celebrates its 4th Anniversary on Friday September 3rd! Come out for an amazing evening celebrating the arts of Albany and 4 fantastic years of 1st Fridays.
What started with 3 galleries in the Lark Street neighborhood, has grown into a city-wide arts celebration with over 50 arts venues a month and 2 trolleys going uptown and downtown. 1st Friday's continue to expand with new venues and new people discovering the event every month.
1st Friday- showcasing Albany as the Upstate Culture Capital!
September 3 · 5:00pm - 11:30pm
More Info 80,000 People
1,300 Shows
150 Venues
48 Nights
4 Years
What started with 3 galleries in the Lark Street neighborhood, has grown into a city-wide arts celebration with over 50 arts venues a month and 2 trolleys going uptown and downtown. 1st Friday's continue to expand with new venues and new people discovering the event every month.
1st Friday- showcasing Albany as the Upstate Culture Capital!
September 3 · 5:00pm - 11:30pm
More Info 80,000 People
1,300 Shows
150 Venues
48 Nights
4 Years
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Labor Day Weekend Schedule
If you want to stock up on books and DVDs for the long Labor Day weekend, be sure to stop by the library soon. All Albany Public Library locations will be closed Sept. 4-6 (Saturday-Monday) for the holiday weekend. We'll be back to our regular schedule on Tuesday, Sept. 7.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
I Love My Librarian Award
Nominate your librarian for the third year of the Carnegie Corporation of New York/New York Times I Love My Librarian Award!
Nominations for 2010 stay open through September 20.
Nominate a librarian in a:
School Library
Public Library
College, Community College, University Library
What, no special libraries?
Nominations for 2010 stay open through September 20.
Nominate a librarian in a:
School Library
Public Library
College, Community College, University Library
What, no special libraries?
STATE LIBRARY ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT $14 MILLION PUBLIC LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION GRANT PROGRAM
State Librarian Bernard A. Margolis announced this week that New York State Library staff members Mary Linda Todd and Elizabeth Carrature will together manage the $14 million Public Library Construction Grant Program beginning Thursday August 26, 2010. Education Program Assistant Kim Anderson, who currently provides assistance and support for the program, will continue in that role. Grace Kelly, construction grant program manager, is retiring on Wednesday August 25.
Ms. Todd will provide general oversight of and leadership for the construction grant program. Her primary responsibility will be to ensure that the 170 some matching construction grant projects awarded annually by the New York State Library to public libraries and systems are awarded in accordance with applicable State laws and regulations and in accordance with State procurement policies, procedures and timelines. Ms. Carrature will manage the day-to-day aspects of the grant program. She will work directly with the public library systems and construction grant recipients, providing application and project review and technical assistance. She has supported the Construction Program in 2010, by facilitating this year’s Construction Grant Workshop webinar.
Ms. Todd is the Team Leader for the Division of Library Development's Technology and Resources Sharing Team as well as the State Library's federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Coordinator and the State Library's liaison to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. A grants expert, Ms. Todd most recently led New York's successful effort to procure a $9.5 million federal ARRA NTIA Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP) Public Computer Center grant award from the Department of Commerce.
Ms. Carrature, a member of the Technology and Resource Sharing Team, also has extensive experience working with grant programs. As a Library Development Specialist, she assists Ms. Todd in managing the State Library’s Gates Foundation Grants, as well as the BTOP Public Computer Center grant. Ms. Carrature developed and maintains the State Library’s Information Lifelines website. She also led the State Library’s partnership initiative with the University Of Washington’s 2009 project involving their technology use impact study and is responsible for the State Library’s library careers website. Ms. Carrature has past experience with the renovation of historic properties.
Beginning August 26, questions about the $14 million Public Library Construction Grant program may be directed to Elizabeth Carrature, Library Development Specialist, Division of Library Development, New York State Library at ecarratu@mail.nysed.gov . For more information about New York State’s $14 million public library construction grant program please visit here. The deadline for submission of 2010-2011 grant applications from the public library systems to the New York State Library is Friday, September 24, 2010.
Ms. Todd will provide general oversight of and leadership for the construction grant program. Her primary responsibility will be to ensure that the 170 some matching construction grant projects awarded annually by the New York State Library to public libraries and systems are awarded in accordance with applicable State laws and regulations and in accordance with State procurement policies, procedures and timelines. Ms. Carrature will manage the day-to-day aspects of the grant program. She will work directly with the public library systems and construction grant recipients, providing application and project review and technical assistance. She has supported the Construction Program in 2010, by facilitating this year’s Construction Grant Workshop webinar.
Ms. Todd is the Team Leader for the Division of Library Development's Technology and Resources Sharing Team as well as the State Library's federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Coordinator and the State Library's liaison to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. A grants expert, Ms. Todd most recently led New York's successful effort to procure a $9.5 million federal ARRA NTIA Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP) Public Computer Center grant award from the Department of Commerce.
Ms. Carrature, a member of the Technology and Resource Sharing Team, also has extensive experience working with grant programs. As a Library Development Specialist, she assists Ms. Todd in managing the State Library’s Gates Foundation Grants, as well as the BTOP Public Computer Center grant. Ms. Carrature developed and maintains the State Library’s Information Lifelines website. She also led the State Library’s partnership initiative with the University Of Washington’s 2009 project involving their technology use impact study and is responsible for the State Library’s library careers website. Ms. Carrature has past experience with the renovation of historic properties.
Beginning August 26, questions about the $14 million Public Library Construction Grant program may be directed to Elizabeth Carrature, Library Development Specialist, Division of Library Development, New York State Library at ecarratu@mail.nysed.gov . For more information about New York State’s $14 million public library construction grant program please visit here. The deadline for submission of 2010-2011 grant applications from the public library systems to the New York State Library is Friday, September 24, 2010.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Following the Yellow Brick Road
The M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives Presents:
Following the Yellow Brick Road: Imitation and Influence in Children’s Literature
Classic children’s books endure for their originality and timeless value to generations of young (and older) readers. A handful of these books distinguish themselves as exemplars and definers of entire genres. Six such examples are presented in this exhibit. They are: The Pilgrim’s Progress (1678); Robinson Crusoe (1719); Gulliver’s Travels (1726); Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1865); The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900); and The Tale of Peter Rabbit (1902).
Presented in the University at Albany Science Library’s Atrium exhibit cases are selections of books, some classics in their own right that take influence from their groundbreaking predecessors in a broad variety of ways. Some are explicit sequels or pastiches, while others borrow structural, stylistic, or symbolic elements, but are otherwise independent entities. Some are written by associates of the influencing novel’s author, and some even share visual similarities with their parent work. Still more are abridged or excerpted versions of classics intended to make them accessible to even the youngest readers, or to convert works originally written for adults into child-friendly formats.
Erin Shoudy, Graduate Assistant, Miriam Snow Mathes Historical Children’s Literature Collection, selected the items from over 12,000 titles in the collection. The Mathes collection is accessible in the Department of Special Collections and Archives on the Science Library’s’ third floor. The exhibit will be in the Science Library’s Atrium exhibit cases until December 15, 2010. Further information about the Mathes Collection is available here.
Following the Yellow Brick Road: Imitation and Influence in Children’s Literature
Classic children’s books endure for their originality and timeless value to generations of young (and older) readers. A handful of these books distinguish themselves as exemplars and definers of entire genres. Six such examples are presented in this exhibit. They are: The Pilgrim’s Progress (1678); Robinson Crusoe (1719); Gulliver’s Travels (1726); Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1865); The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900); and The Tale of Peter Rabbit (1902).
Presented in the University at Albany Science Library’s Atrium exhibit cases are selections of books, some classics in their own right that take influence from their groundbreaking predecessors in a broad variety of ways. Some are explicit sequels or pastiches, while others borrow structural, stylistic, or symbolic elements, but are otherwise independent entities. Some are written by associates of the influencing novel’s author, and some even share visual similarities with their parent work. Still more are abridged or excerpted versions of classics intended to make them accessible to even the youngest readers, or to convert works originally written for adults into child-friendly formats.
Erin Shoudy, Graduate Assistant, Miriam Snow Mathes Historical Children’s Literature Collection, selected the items from over 12,000 titles in the collection. The Mathes collection is accessible in the Department of Special Collections and Archives on the Science Library’s’ third floor. The exhibit will be in the Science Library’s Atrium exhibit cases until December 15, 2010. Further information about the Mathes Collection is available here.
Activities this week for Kids, Adults & Families
TUESDAY, AUG. 24
Author Reading. 12:15 p.m. at Main Library. Meet local author Dennis McFadden and hear him read from his debut collection of short stories, "Hart's Grove." This is part of the weekly Friends of Albany Public Library book talk series. Adults.
Magic Show. 2 p.m. at Pine Hills Branch. Magician/ventriloquist Steve Charney entertains at the branch's end of Summer Reading Program party. Children and teens.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 25
Art Workshop. 1:30 p.m. at Main Library. Make unique works of art from old books and found materials in this artist-led hands-on ReadCycle workshop. Register at 427-4310. Families.
Butterfly Gardening Workshop. 6-8 p.m. at Pine Hills Branch. Take a tour of the Pine Hills butterfly garden and learn how to make one at your own home. Craft projects for children, and refreshments for everyone. All ages.
THURSDAY, AUG. 26
Making Change Sessions. 4:30-5:30 p.m. at Main Library. Make APL your first stop for free credit reports and money matters referral assistance. One-on-one drop-in sessions with reference librarians. Adults.
FRIDAY, AUG. 27
Hip Hop Dance Class. 3-4 p.m. at Arbor Hill/West Hill Branch. Kids can learn the latest hip hop moves and practice them with their friends. Children and teens.
SATURDAY, AUG. 28
Home Buyer Workshop. 1-3 p.m. at Arbor Hill/West Hill Branch. Presented by the Arbor Hill Development Corporation. Adults.
Author Reading. 12:15 p.m. at Main Library. Meet local author Dennis McFadden and hear him read from his debut collection of short stories, "Hart's Grove." This is part of the weekly Friends of Albany Public Library book talk series. Adults.
Magic Show. 2 p.m. at Pine Hills Branch. Magician/ventriloquist Steve Charney entertains at the branch's end of Summer Reading Program party. Children and teens.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 25
Art Workshop. 1:30 p.m. at Main Library. Make unique works of art from old books and found materials in this artist-led hands-on ReadCycle workshop. Register at 427-4310. Families.
Butterfly Gardening Workshop. 6-8 p.m. at Pine Hills Branch. Take a tour of the Pine Hills butterfly garden and learn how to make one at your own home. Craft projects for children, and refreshments for everyone. All ages.
THURSDAY, AUG. 26
Making Change Sessions. 4:30-5:30 p.m. at Main Library. Make APL your first stop for free credit reports and money matters referral assistance. One-on-one drop-in sessions with reference librarians. Adults.
FRIDAY, AUG. 27
Hip Hop Dance Class. 3-4 p.m. at Arbor Hill/West Hill Branch. Kids can learn the latest hip hop moves and practice them with their friends. Children and teens.
SATURDAY, AUG. 28
Home Buyer Workshop. 1-3 p.m. at Arbor Hill/West Hill Branch. Presented by the Arbor Hill Development Corporation. Adults.
Monday, August 23, 2010
NYSL catalog down 8/24
The State Library's catalog will be down all day Tuesday 8/24. If you use NYSILL to make interlibrary loan requests please wait until Wednesday to put in new requests.
Friends of the Albany Public Library Book Talk Series
Tuesday, August 24, 12:00 noon - 1:00pm
Location Albany Public Library, Main Branch, 161 Washington Ave., Albany
Friends of the Albany Public Library
Author Dennis McFadden reads from Hart's Grove, his debut collection of short stories.
Light refreshements will be served.
Free.
Location Albany Public Library, Main Branch, 161 Washington Ave., Albany
Friends of the Albany Public Library
Author Dennis McFadden reads from Hart's Grove, his debut collection of short stories.
Light refreshements will be served.
Free.
Friday, August 20, 2010
When Crisis Calls: NYPL develops a policy on callers who threaten suicide
By Matthew J. Boylan for American Libraries
A telephone keypad can be a lifesaver.
I recently answered a call on ASK NYPL, the New York Public Library’s telephonic and electronic reference line, from the New York City Police Department. A 16-year-old girl was threatening to throw herself off the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge that links Brooklyn to Staten Island, and the only identification that she had in her effects was an NYPL library card — with its barcode on the back that could provide her identity, home address, and contact information for her parents...
A telephone keypad can be a lifesaver.
I recently answered a call on ASK NYPL, the New York Public Library’s telephonic and electronic reference line, from the New York City Police Department. A 16-year-old girl was threatening to throw herself off the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge that links Brooklyn to Staten Island, and the only identification that she had in her effects was an NYPL library card — with its barcode on the back that could provide her identity, home address, and contact information for her parents...
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Buffalo/Erie County Public Library system faces layoffs, closures due to budget shortfall
From the Buffalo News:
The Buffalo & Erie County Public Library could be forced to lay off workers, reduce hours and close branches to meet a $7 million shortfall in 2011, the board of trustees was told Wednesday.
Most of the shortfall comes from the county governments announced reduction last month of $4.6 million, which would drop its current library commitment by 21 percent, from $22.1 million this year to $17.5 million in 2011...
Among the wide range of possibilities [library director Bridget] Quinn-Carey presented for discussion were accelerating the shift of purchases to online materials over more costly print, which she acknowledged is controversial; reducing staff hours, including leaving some desks unmanned for periods of time; sharing staff between branches and not anchoring books at branches to save handling and shipping costs.
The more draconian cuts, she said, would result in steep layoffs, shuttered branches and reduced hours.
The Buffalo & Erie County Public Library could be forced to lay off workers, reduce hours and close branches to meet a $7 million shortfall in 2011, the board of trustees was told Wednesday.
Most of the shortfall comes from the county governments announced reduction last month of $4.6 million, which would drop its current library commitment by 21 percent, from $22.1 million this year to $17.5 million in 2011...
Among the wide range of possibilities [library director Bridget] Quinn-Carey presented for discussion were accelerating the shift of purchases to online materials over more costly print, which she acknowledged is controversial; reducing staff hours, including leaving some desks unmanned for periods of time; sharing staff between branches and not anchoring books at branches to save handling and shipping costs.
The more draconian cuts, she said, would result in steep layoffs, shuttered branches and reduced hours.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Capital District Civil War Heritage Days
Saturday, August 21 and Sunday, August 22, 10am - 5pm
Schuyler Flatts Cultlural Park, in the village of Menands in the town of Colonie
Reenactors, living history, music, demonstrations, exhibits, lectures.
For information, Mark Bodnar, (518) 598-2150, mbodnar1@nycap.rr.com; Rosemary Nichols, (518) 273-8746, rnichols@nycap.rr.com; Kevin Franklin, Town Historian, (518) 782-2593.
Schedule (PDF)
Schuyler Flatts Cultlural Park, in the village of Menands in the town of Colonie
Reenactors, living history, music, demonstrations, exhibits, lectures.
For information, Mark Bodnar, (518) 598-2150, mbodnar1@nycap.rr.com; Rosemary Nichols, (518) 273-8746, rnichols@nycap.rr.com; Kevin Franklin, Town Historian, (518) 782-2593.
Schedule (PDF)
2011-2015 Consolidated Plan, 2011 Action Plan Announcement
NEW YORK STATE DRAFT 2011-2015 CONSOLIDATED PLAN, DRAFT 2011 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN
AND UPDATE TO THE ANALYSIS OF IMPEDIMENTS PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ANNOUNCEMENT
To participate in certain federal community development and housing programs, the State of New York must prepare a five-year Consolidated Plan and an annual Action Plan and provide opportunities for citizens to participate in its development. As part of this process, New York State invites interested persons to review and comment on the five-year Consolidated Plan for 2011-2015 and the Annual Action Plan for 2011 during an upcoming public comment period.
The Consolidated Plan and the Annual Action Plan focus principally on four federal programs: the New York State Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG); the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME); the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA); and the Emergency Shelter Grants Program (ESGP).
The Consolidated Plan will be a five-year strategy for addressing the housing and non-housing community development needs of New York communities. The Consolidated Plan will set long-term goals for the development of viable communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons. New York State must submit a completed Consolidated Plan, including the Annual Action Plan, to the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development by November 15, 2010.
The Annual Action Plan will describe the State’s planned use of federal Fiscal Year 2011 CDBG, HOME, HOPWA and ESGP funds it administers to address the needs identified by its five-year Consolidated Plan and further the Consolidated Plan’s objectives, and will also describe the State’s methods for distributing these funds.
In addition, New York State is updating its Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing which will identify impediments to fair housing choice in New York State and what actions are being taken to overcome the effects of those impediments. Interested persons are also invited to review and comment on the draft update of the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing during the upcoming public comment period.
The 30-day public comment period will begin on Wednesday, September 8, 2010 and extend through close of business Thursday, October 7, 2010. Beginning on September 8, 2010, New York State’s draft five-year Consolidated Plan for 2011-2015, draft Annual Action Plan for 2011, and draft update of the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing, may be viewed on and downloaded from the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) website at www.nysdhcr.gov. In addition, copies can be requested by email (DHCRConPln@nysdhcr) or by calling 1-866-ASK-DHCR (275-3427).
Comments should be mailed to: NYS DHCR, Attention: Brian McCarthy, 38-40 State Street, Albany New York 12207 or emailed to DHCRConPln@nysdhcr.gov. Comments must be received by close of business Thursday, October 7, 2010.
AND UPDATE TO THE ANALYSIS OF IMPEDIMENTS PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ANNOUNCEMENT
To participate in certain federal community development and housing programs, the State of New York must prepare a five-year Consolidated Plan and an annual Action Plan and provide opportunities for citizens to participate in its development. As part of this process, New York State invites interested persons to review and comment on the five-year Consolidated Plan for 2011-2015 and the Annual Action Plan for 2011 during an upcoming public comment period.
The Consolidated Plan and the Annual Action Plan focus principally on four federal programs: the New York State Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG); the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME); the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA); and the Emergency Shelter Grants Program (ESGP).
The Consolidated Plan will be a five-year strategy for addressing the housing and non-housing community development needs of New York communities. The Consolidated Plan will set long-term goals for the development of viable communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons. New York State must submit a completed Consolidated Plan, including the Annual Action Plan, to the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development by November 15, 2010.
The Annual Action Plan will describe the State’s planned use of federal Fiscal Year 2011 CDBG, HOME, HOPWA and ESGP funds it administers to address the needs identified by its five-year Consolidated Plan and further the Consolidated Plan’s objectives, and will also describe the State’s methods for distributing these funds.
In addition, New York State is updating its Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing which will identify impediments to fair housing choice in New York State and what actions are being taken to overcome the effects of those impediments. Interested persons are also invited to review and comment on the draft update of the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing during the upcoming public comment period.
The 30-day public comment period will begin on Wednesday, September 8, 2010 and extend through close of business Thursday, October 7, 2010. Beginning on September 8, 2010, New York State’s draft five-year Consolidated Plan for 2011-2015, draft Annual Action Plan for 2011, and draft update of the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing, may be viewed on and downloaded from the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) website at www.nysdhcr.gov. In addition, copies can be requested by email (DHCRConPln@nysdhcr) or by calling 1-866-ASK-DHCR (275-3427).
Comments should be mailed to: NYS DHCR, Attention: Brian McCarthy, 38-40 State Street, Albany New York 12207 or emailed to DHCRConPln@nysdhcr.gov. Comments must be received by close of business Thursday, October 7, 2010.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Data.gov
Artickle from the Hill Library:
Federal government agencies produce enormous amounts of data; some statistics and information sources are well-known, while others less so. Whether it’s a list of failed banks, BP oil recovery data, or a map of income and employment patterns back to the 1970s, it’s likely the available information is of interest to someone, somewhere.
An Open Government Initiative by the current administration, Data.gov’s purpose is to help the general public more easily find, download, and use datasets that are generated and held by the Federal Government.
The site provides descriptions of the available datasets, information about how to access them, and links to tools that leverage them. While still not completely comprehensive, datasets continue to be added all the time. Geodata have recently been added as well.
Federal government agencies produce enormous amounts of data; some statistics and information sources are well-known, while others less so. Whether it’s a list of failed banks, BP oil recovery data, or a map of income and employment patterns back to the 1970s, it’s likely the available information is of interest to someone, somewhere.
An Open Government Initiative by the current administration, Data.gov’s purpose is to help the general public more easily find, download, and use datasets that are generated and held by the Federal Government.
The site provides descriptions of the available datasets, information about how to access them, and links to tools that leverage them. While still not completely comprehensive, datasets continue to be added all the time. Geodata have recently been added as well.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Governor's Actions on library bills
From Michael J. Borges
Executive Director
New York Library Association
Dear Library Advocate,
I have both good and bad news to report on our Legislative Priorities.
The Governor signed legislation (S.3903 Oppenheimer/A.6154 Paulin) that will allow libraries and library systems to go out to bid jointly for products and services, i.e. a library system could go out to bid for landscaping services or auditing services for all its member libraries without each library having to do so. This bill takes effect immediately.
The Governor did veto legislation (S.7551 Oppenheimer/A.7253 Galef) that would have allowed taxpayers to make a contribution on their personal and corporate tax forms to the “Love Your Library Fund” which was established in 2004 to support the statewide summer reading program. We will be working on a alternative next year that will hopefully address any concerns raised in the veto message.
I also urge you all again to send a message to your state legislators urging them to return to Albany as quickly as possible to pass the Education, Labor and Family Assistance (ELFA) Article VII bill that will allow for the timely and fair distribution of Library Aid as well as to pass legislation that would allow the state to accept and spend the federal stimulus funds for school districts.
Go hereto send a fax or email now.
Executive Director
New York Library Association
Dear Library Advocate,
I have both good and bad news to report on our Legislative Priorities.
The Governor signed legislation (S.3903 Oppenheimer/A.6154 Paulin) that will allow libraries and library systems to go out to bid jointly for products and services, i.e. a library system could go out to bid for landscaping services or auditing services for all its member libraries without each library having to do so. This bill takes effect immediately.
The Governor did veto legislation (S.7551 Oppenheimer/A.7253 Galef) that would have allowed taxpayers to make a contribution on their personal and corporate tax forms to the “Love Your Library Fund” which was established in 2004 to support the statewide summer reading program. We will be working on a alternative next year that will hopefully address any concerns raised in the veto message.
I also urge you all again to send a message to your state legislators urging them to return to Albany as quickly as possible to pass the Education, Labor and Family Assistance (ELFA) Article VII bill that will allow for the timely and fair distribution of Library Aid as well as to pass legislation that would allow the state to accept and spend the federal stimulus funds for school districts.
Go hereto send a fax or email now.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Why Your Job Won't Make You Happy
It's easy to blame all of life's woes on your crappy job. But the answer isn't found in an office. Find out the one way to increase happiness. Read more.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
See you where? At the Altamont Fair!
The annual Altamont Fair returns this summer from August 17 - 22, 2010. The Altamont Fair is full of old traditional fun but is also dedicated to having the latest trends and exhibits to show off! The emphasis of the fair is agriculture, as many exhibits come "from the farm" showing fair-goers a wide variety of demonstrations and entertainment.
You can look forward to new and old traditions this year and an array of shows and attractions. Some attractions include Nerveless Nocks, the extreme motorcycle thrill show; Dog Magic daily with demonstrations and shows such as Pawstars and Dock Diving; enjoy the Backyard Circus and Puppet Parade daily, as well. There will be live music every day, concessions, vendors, and also an unlimited amount of fair rides!
•Altamont Fair Grounds, 129 Grand Street, Altamont NY
•Tuesday, August 17 - Sunday, August 22, 2010
•Exhibits: Open from 11:00 AM-10:00PM
•Rides: Open at 12 PM daily
•Cost: $15 includes unlimited rides, shows, music, exhibits, and parking!
◦Visit AltamontFair.com to save $1 per ticket until Aug. 15th!
◦Wednesday is Senior Day - All seniors 65 years and older admitted free on Wed.
◦Wednesday is Grange Day - All Grange members are admitted free on Wed.
◦Sunday is Military Day - Show your active or retired Military ID and enter free on Sunday
You can look forward to new and old traditions this year and an array of shows and attractions. Some attractions include Nerveless Nocks, the extreme motorcycle thrill show; Dog Magic daily with demonstrations and shows such as Pawstars and Dock Diving; enjoy the Backyard Circus and Puppet Parade daily, as well. There will be live music every day, concessions, vendors, and also an unlimited amount of fair rides!
•Altamont Fair Grounds, 129 Grand Street, Altamont NY
•Tuesday, August 17 - Sunday, August 22, 2010
•Exhibits: Open from 11:00 AM-10:00PM
•Rides: Open at 12 PM daily
•Cost: $15 includes unlimited rides, shows, music, exhibits, and parking!
◦Visit AltamontFair.com to save $1 per ticket until Aug. 15th!
◦Wednesday is Senior Day - All seniors 65 years and older admitted free on Wed.
◦Wednesday is Grange Day - All Grange members are admitted free on Wed.
◦Sunday is Military Day - Show your active or retired Military ID and enter free on Sunday
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Rappel off Crowne Plaza for Special Olympics
When: Fri, Aug 20, 2010 | 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Where: Crowne Plaza Hotel
Cost: No cost to spectators - fundraise to participate
Over the Edge is a unique opportunity for individuals to rappel off the Crowne Plaza in Downtown Albany, NY while raising much needed funds for the athletes of Special Olympics New York!
Details HERE.
Where: Crowne Plaza Hotel
Cost: No cost to spectators - fundraise to participate
Over the Edge is a unique opportunity for individuals to rappel off the Crowne Plaza in Downtown Albany, NY while raising much needed funds for the athletes of Special Olympics New York!
Details HERE.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Guardians of the nation's attic
The National Archives keeps watch over 10 billion historical records. And its treasure hunting team keeps watch over collector shows and EBay for the scraps of valuable history that have been stolen.
By Faye Fiore, Los Angeles Times
August 8, 2010
When Paul Brachfeld took over as inspector general of the National Archives, guardian of the country's most beloved treasures, he discovered the American people were being stolen blind.
The Wright Brothers 1903 Flying Machine patent application? Gone.
A copy of the Dec. 8, 1941 "Day of Infamy" speech autographed by Franklin D. Roosevelt and tied with a purple ribbon? Gone.
Target maps of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, war telegrams written by Abraham Lincoln and a scabbard and belt given to Harry S. Truman? Gone, gone and gone.
By Faye Fiore, Los Angeles Times
August 8, 2010
When Paul Brachfeld took over as inspector general of the National Archives, guardian of the country's most beloved treasures, he discovered the American people were being stolen blind.
The Wright Brothers 1903 Flying Machine patent application? Gone.
A copy of the Dec. 8, 1941 "Day of Infamy" speech autographed by Franklin D. Roosevelt and tied with a purple ribbon? Gone.
Target maps of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, war telegrams written by Abraham Lincoln and a scabbard and belt given to Harry S. Truman? Gone, gone and gone.
Monday, August 09, 2010
APL Assistant Library Director Announcement
ALBANY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Assistant Library Director Announcement
We just built five gorgeous, state-of-the-art, fully stocked, green neighborhood libraries.
Want to help us run them?
Albany Public Library is seeking a dynamic, self-motivated, experienced professional to be our new Assistant Library Director. In this position, the Assistant Library Director reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for supervising public service departments and library security, and assisting with supervision of facilities management, grant writing, and development. Additional duties include: recommending policies and procedures, interpreting and negotiating contracts, recommending and implementing new programs and services, representing the library at community meetings and public events, participating in department budgets, and participating in recruitment and selection of library staff.
Albany Public Library is an urban system of seven libraries (six branches and a central library) serving a population of 95,000 in New York State’s capital. We just successfully completed a $29.1 million project to fully renovate three branch libraries and build two new ones. All of our statistics—from circulation and door count to computer usage and reference questions—are rising steadily with the addition of the new neighborhood libraries. We’re increasing programming across the board, exploring ways to reinvigorate our Main Library, and embarking on big projects that are destined to change how we deliver vital services. Our patrons are thrilled with their new neighborhood libraries, and we’re proud to serve as a beacon for their education, entertainment, and empowerment. The library has a publicly funded budget of $6 million and a staff of approximately 130 full time and part time employees.
We’re poised for big things here at Albany Public Library, and we need an
energetic and committed leader to help take us to the next level? Are you up to the challenge?
To view the job specification, apply and learn more about the library refer to our website: www.albanypubliclibrary.org
Assistant Library Director Announcement
We just built five gorgeous, state-of-the-art, fully stocked, green neighborhood libraries.
Want to help us run them?
Albany Public Library is seeking a dynamic, self-motivated, experienced professional to be our new Assistant Library Director. In this position, the Assistant Library Director reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for supervising public service departments and library security, and assisting with supervision of facilities management, grant writing, and development. Additional duties include: recommending policies and procedures, interpreting and negotiating contracts, recommending and implementing new programs and services, representing the library at community meetings and public events, participating in department budgets, and participating in recruitment and selection of library staff.
Albany Public Library is an urban system of seven libraries (six branches and a central library) serving a population of 95,000 in New York State’s capital. We just successfully completed a $29.1 million project to fully renovate three branch libraries and build two new ones. All of our statistics—from circulation and door count to computer usage and reference questions—are rising steadily with the addition of the new neighborhood libraries. We’re increasing programming across the board, exploring ways to reinvigorate our Main Library, and embarking on big projects that are destined to change how we deliver vital services. Our patrons are thrilled with their new neighborhood libraries, and we’re proud to serve as a beacon for their education, entertainment, and empowerment. The library has a publicly funded budget of $6 million and a staff of approximately 130 full time and part time employees.
We’re poised for big things here at Albany Public Library, and we need an
energetic and committed leader to help take us to the next level? Are you up to the challenge?
To view the job specification, apply and learn more about the library refer to our website: www.albanypubliclibrary.org
Pesticide meeting
Ad Hoc Committee on Pesticide Ordinance meets tonight (8/9). 5:30, 2nd Floor Court Room, Albany City Hall.
Thursday, August 05, 2010
E-Books Drinking Game
from the NYLINK listserv:
“Will e-books wipe out [or similar wording] real books?” — one drink
Every use of the phrase “real book” — one drink
Expert you’ve never heard of before predicting percentages — one drink
Any predicted percentage of anything over 30% — one drink
Any discussion of the book world after 2020 — one drink
Passionate defense of DRM (Digital Rights Movement) from someone outside the publishing industry — one drink
Assertion that e-book prices are too high, and will lower soon — one drink
Assertion that e-book prices are too low, and will raise soon — one drink
Article that uses vague Amazon press release stats misleadingly — one drink
“old-fashioned” — one drink
“smell of a real book” — one drink
“too soon to tell” — one drink
“game-changer” — one drink
“cuddle” or “snuggle” used to describe reading habits — one drink
“turn the page” used as a pun — one drink
"turn the page” used as a pun in the headline — two drinks
Reminder that some people read in the bathtub or on the beach and assertion that e-readers/physical books are superior in this regard — two drinks
Journalist and/or someone interviewed acknowledges that his or her habits might be damaging to an industry s/he loves but cannot bring self to change them — two drinks
Librarian who ignores the downside of e-books while championing the concurrent extermination of real books — open bar
“Will e-books wipe out [or similar wording] real books?” — one drink
Every use of the phrase “real book” — one drink
Expert you’ve never heard of before predicting percentages — one drink
Any predicted percentage of anything over 30% — one drink
Any discussion of the book world after 2020 — one drink
Passionate defense of DRM (Digital Rights Movement) from someone outside the publishing industry — one drink
Assertion that e-book prices are too high, and will lower soon — one drink
Assertion that e-book prices are too low, and will raise soon — one drink
Article that uses vague Amazon press release stats misleadingly — one drink
“old-fashioned” — one drink
“smell of a real book” — one drink
“too soon to tell” — one drink
“game-changer” — one drink
“cuddle” or “snuggle” used to describe reading habits — one drink
“turn the page” used as a pun — one drink
"turn the page” used as a pun in the headline — two drinks
Reminder that some people read in the bathtub or on the beach and assertion that e-readers/physical books are superior in this regard — two drinks
Journalist and/or someone interviewed acknowledges that his or her habits might be damaging to an industry s/he loves but cannot bring self to change them — two drinks
Librarian who ignores the downside of e-books while championing the concurrent extermination of real books — open bar
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Proposed changes to regs re Reference & Research Library Resources Systems
**** Public Comments on Commissioners Regulation 90.5 Reference and Research Library Resources Systems due September 20, 2010 ****
The New York State Board of Regents is proposing an amendment to Section 90.5 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education related to reference and research library resources systems.
The Notice of Proposed Rule Making was published in the State Register on August 4, 2010 at www.dos.state.ny.us/info/register.htm for a 45-day public comment period through September 20, 2010. Please send any comments on the proposed regulations to Bernard A. Margolis, State Librarian, State Education Department, Office of Cultural Education, Room 10C34, Albany, NY 12230, or via e-mail to ppaolucc@mail.nysed.gov
Proposed changes updating the regulations to provide clarifying and current terminology to accurately reflect the duties of representatives of the Reference and Research Library Resources Systems and to make them consistent with Education Law include the following:
* Certain terminology relating to the functions of reference and research library research systems is amended to accurately reflect current operations of the library systems and to omit references to obsolete practices and terms.
* Certain terminology relating to the plan of service of each reference and research library resources system has been amended to make it consistent with descriptions in other library system regulations.
The proposed amendment will be presented to the Board of Regents for discussion at their September 2010 Regents meeting and presented for permanent adoption in October 2010. If adopted at the October meeting, the proposed amendment will become effective on November 10, 2010.
The New York State Board of Regents is proposing an amendment to Section 90.5 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education related to reference and research library resources systems.
The Notice of Proposed Rule Making was published in the State Register on August 4, 2010 at www.dos.state.ny.us/info/register.htm for a 45-day public comment period through September 20, 2010. Please send any comments on the proposed regulations to Bernard A. Margolis, State Librarian, State Education Department, Office of Cultural Education, Room 10C34, Albany, NY 12230, or via e-mail to ppaolucc@mail.nysed.gov
Proposed changes updating the regulations to provide clarifying and current terminology to accurately reflect the duties of representatives of the Reference and Research Library Resources Systems and to make them consistent with Education Law include the following:
* Certain terminology relating to the functions of reference and research library research systems is amended to accurately reflect current operations of the library systems and to omit references to obsolete practices and terms.
* Certain terminology relating to the plan of service of each reference and research library resources system has been amended to make it consistent with descriptions in other library system regulations.
The proposed amendment will be presented to the Board of Regents for discussion at their September 2010 Regents meeting and presented for permanent adoption in October 2010. If adopted at the October meeting, the proposed amendment will become effective on November 10, 2010.
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Broadband Technology Opportuntiy Program (BTOP)
Thirty-five libraries in New York State, including Albany Public Library, have been awarded federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Broadband Technology Opportunity (BTOP) grants to establish Public Computing Centers (PCC's). These libraries will be hiring personnel to direct and work in their PCC's. The libraries listed below are participating in this joint announcement. Particulars on the openings will vary from library to library. Candidates should inquire directly to the contacts listed below. More information on the BTOP program is available at the grant web site.
Sunday, August 01, 2010
Hiroshima
Public Reading of John Hersey's "Hiroshima"
Friday, August 6 at 12:30pm
Location: John J. Bach Branch, Albany Public Library
The complete video for Atomic Cafe, a 1982 documentary about the bombings as well as the subsequent Cold War propaganda. Or use the embedded video below. Here's Vincent Canby's review of the film in the New York Times.
Friday, August 6 at 12:30pm
Location: John J. Bach Branch, Albany Public Library
The complete video for Atomic Cafe, a 1982 documentary about the bombings as well as the subsequent Cold War propaganda. Or use the embedded video below. Here's Vincent Canby's review of the film in the New York Times.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)