Just a reminder that the first meeting of the Round 3 Workshops is tonight (Th) at 6:30 at Albany High School. If you haven't been to a meeting before, don't worry, you can just jump right in with our interactive priority and budgeting activities! You'll be deciding what type of neighborhood investment takes priority, where transportation improvements should be made, and how much of the budget should be dedicated to building the local economy.
As always, the workshops are free and open to everyone. Bring your friends, neighbors and colleagues. Parking at each location is free, and light refreshments will be provided. Kids are welcome, and they'll be raffling off great local prizes for free! Remember that all three days have the same agenda, so plan on attending one and make your priorities their priorities.
All of the meetings have the same agenda. So if you can't make it tonight, come to Friday or Saturday's session.
Round 3 Workshops:
Thursday, September 30
6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Albany High School Cafeteria
700 Washington Avenue
Friday, October 1
9:00 AM – Noon
North Albany YMCA Gymnasium
616 North Pearl Street
Saturday, October 2
1:00PM – 4:00PM
Hackett Middle School Cafeteria
45 Delaware Avenue
If you can't make it to one of the meetings, look for more ways to participate online at www.albany2030.org.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Are You Following APL on Twitter?
Here's the Albany Public Library Twitter link. Please share it with anyone you think would be interested in APL!
http://twitter.com/albanypublib
http://twitter.com/albanypublib
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Anger as a Private Company Takes Over Libraries
A private equity-backed company in Maryland has taken over public libraries in ailing cities in California, Oregon, Tennessee and Texas, growing into the country's fifth-largest library system.
Now the company, Library Systems & Services, has been hired for the first time to run a system in a relatively healthy city, Santa Clarita, Calif., setting off an intense and often acrimonious debate about the role of outsourcing in a ravaged economy, The New York Times's David Streitfeld writes.
Now the company, Library Systems & Services, has been hired for the first time to run a system in a relatively healthy city, Santa Clarita, Calif., setting off an intense and often acrimonious debate about the role of outsourcing in a ravaged economy, The New York Times's David Streitfeld writes.
Monday, September 27, 2010
No, not THAT Engelbert Humperdincks
Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel
Saturday, October 2 at 8pm
Recital Hall - $10 / $5 students, faculty-staff & seniors
Hubbard Hall Opera Theater presents Englebert Humperdinck's classic dark opera in a concert version accompanied by pianist Michael Clement.
The University at Albany Department of Music is pleased to present Hubbard Hall Opera Theatre in a concert version of Engelbert Humperdincks Hansel and Gretel on Saturday, October 2, 2010 at 8pm in the Recital Hall of the UAlbany Performing Arts Center on the uptown campus. The opera will feature Alexina Jones, Kara Cornell, Irina Petrik, Julian Whitley, Victoria Tralongo, Hillary Esqueda and Olivia Mogul accompanied by pianist Michael Clement.
The operatic telling of Hansel and Gretel began as a simple request from Adelheid Wette to her older brother, Engelbert Humperdinck, to set four songs she had written based on the Brothers Grimm story of the same name. After many revisions and a year later, the fully realized opera received its premier on Christmas day in 1892 under the baton of Richard Strauss who called it ...a masterpiece of highest quality Humperdincks unique synthesis of traditional German folk songs with Wagnerian influences and techniques resulted in an instant and overwhelming success. In fact, it remains to this day one of the most popular operas in standard repertoire.
Building off of the rich tradition of arts in the Cambridge Valley, Hubbard Hall Opera Theater (HHOT) seeks to bring another element of culture to Hubbard Hall, an already bustling arts center. The mission of HHOT is to provide classically trained singers and instrumentalists in New England and upstate New York greater opportunities to create something beautiful close to home, while also giving rural audiences the chance to enjoy an opera without having to spend the night in a city to do so.
Mezzo-soprano Kara Cornell has performed leading roles with Stony Brook Opera, Union Avenue Opera, Center City Opera, St. Petersburg Opera, Musaic Concert Series and locally with Capital Opera and Hubbard Hall Opera Theatre. She will return to the UAlbany Performing Arts Center stage on March 20, 2011 for a duet performance with soprano Lisa Eden entitled Sisters in Song.
A lyric coloratura soprano, Alexina Jones is a graduate of NYU's Steinhardt School who, since moving to upstate New York, has performed with Lake George Opera, Capital Opera and Hubbard Hall Opera Theatre.
Originally from the city of Kiev, Irina Petrik found her love of singing as a soprano soloist with Kiev Youth Symphony. She has performed with The State Philharmonic of Ukraine, Kiev Operetta House, Bay Area Russian Festival, Atlanta Folk Orchestra, Washington Balalaika Society Orchestra, C-R Productions at Cohoes Music Hall, Lake George Opera and Balalaika & Domra Association of America.
A talented singer and actress in both dramatic and comic roles, soprano Victoria Tralongo has appeared with opera companies and orchestras throughout the U.S. and Italy. Recently she has been seen in performances with New Jersey State Opera, Center Stage Opera, Riverside Opera, Opera in the Heights, New York Opera Productions, Chelsea Opera and Regina Opera.
Baritone Julian Whitleys performances have most recently been with Tri-Cities Opera. He has also performed with Opera of the Hamptons and Eastman Opera Theatre as well as the renowned Berkshire Theatre Festival, where he sang over fifty performances of the title role in Bernsteins Candide last summer.
Tickets are $10 for the general public and $5 for students, seniors & UAlbany faculty/staff and may be purchased through the UAlbany Performing Arts Center Box Office. For further information, contact the Box Office at (518) 442-3997.
Saturday, October 2 at 8pm
Recital Hall - $10 / $5 students, faculty-staff & seniors
Hubbard Hall Opera Theater presents Englebert Humperdinck's classic dark opera in a concert version accompanied by pianist Michael Clement.
The University at Albany Department of Music is pleased to present Hubbard Hall Opera Theatre in a concert version of Engelbert Humperdincks Hansel and Gretel on Saturday, October 2, 2010 at 8pm in the Recital Hall of the UAlbany Performing Arts Center on the uptown campus. The opera will feature Alexina Jones, Kara Cornell, Irina Petrik, Julian Whitley, Victoria Tralongo, Hillary Esqueda and Olivia Mogul accompanied by pianist Michael Clement.
The operatic telling of Hansel and Gretel began as a simple request from Adelheid Wette to her older brother, Engelbert Humperdinck, to set four songs she had written based on the Brothers Grimm story of the same name. After many revisions and a year later, the fully realized opera received its premier on Christmas day in 1892 under the baton of Richard Strauss who called it ...a masterpiece of highest quality Humperdincks unique synthesis of traditional German folk songs with Wagnerian influences and techniques resulted in an instant and overwhelming success. In fact, it remains to this day one of the most popular operas in standard repertoire.
Building off of the rich tradition of arts in the Cambridge Valley, Hubbard Hall Opera Theater (HHOT) seeks to bring another element of culture to Hubbard Hall, an already bustling arts center. The mission of HHOT is to provide classically trained singers and instrumentalists in New England and upstate New York greater opportunities to create something beautiful close to home, while also giving rural audiences the chance to enjoy an opera without having to spend the night in a city to do so.
Mezzo-soprano Kara Cornell has performed leading roles with Stony Brook Opera, Union Avenue Opera, Center City Opera, St. Petersburg Opera, Musaic Concert Series and locally with Capital Opera and Hubbard Hall Opera Theatre. She will return to the UAlbany Performing Arts Center stage on March 20, 2011 for a duet performance with soprano Lisa Eden entitled Sisters in Song.
A lyric coloratura soprano, Alexina Jones is a graduate of NYU's Steinhardt School who, since moving to upstate New York, has performed with Lake George Opera, Capital Opera and Hubbard Hall Opera Theatre.
Originally from the city of Kiev, Irina Petrik found her love of singing as a soprano soloist with Kiev Youth Symphony. She has performed with The State Philharmonic of Ukraine, Kiev Operetta House, Bay Area Russian Festival, Atlanta Folk Orchestra, Washington Balalaika Society Orchestra, C-R Productions at Cohoes Music Hall, Lake George Opera and Balalaika & Domra Association of America.
A talented singer and actress in both dramatic and comic roles, soprano Victoria Tralongo has appeared with opera companies and orchestras throughout the U.S. and Italy. Recently she has been seen in performances with New Jersey State Opera, Center Stage Opera, Riverside Opera, Opera in the Heights, New York Opera Productions, Chelsea Opera and Regina Opera.
Baritone Julian Whitleys performances have most recently been with Tri-Cities Opera. He has also performed with Opera of the Hamptons and Eastman Opera Theatre as well as the renowned Berkshire Theatre Festival, where he sang over fifty performances of the title role in Bernsteins Candide last summer.
Tickets are $10 for the general public and $5 for students, seniors & UAlbany faculty/staff and may be purchased through the UAlbany Performing Arts Center Box Office. For further information, contact the Box Office at (518) 442-3997.
Friday, September 24, 2010
'A City with a Great Library is a Great City'
By Penny Font; Tuesday, September 21, 2010 Business Report
In reality, public library parking lots are packed. Patrons usage has accelerated for the better part of a decade and is setting new recordsparticularly during the recession, according to separate studies by the American Library Association and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Nationwide, visits to public libraries last year totaled 1.4 billion, or nearly five per capita. Thats up 17% from two years ago...
An evolution
So how is it that libraries manage to remain relevant in an era when research is as close as the home computer and books and magazines can be downloaded in mere seconds?
The phenomenon is attributable to a mixture of evolution and recession.
More than a decade ago, libraries were mainly bastions of information, quiet places where the studious toiled away in the stacks and carrels. Sure, kids could check out books, but they'd better be seen and not heard.
But the ready availability of information through technology has forced libraries to adapt. Theres a new dominant model now: library as community centerless about books, more about people.
These days, those centers boast coffee houses and caf. Puppet shows. Concerts. Lectures. Art galleries. Clubs. Wi-Fi. Language courses. Computer training. Job search assistance. Meeting rooms. Tutoring. Workforce training. Tax assistance. Movies. Yoga classes. Parties with authors. Legal advice. Online databases. And you can, of course, still check out booksor download them. All of it is free.
Suzanne M. Stauffer, an assistant professor in the LSU School of Library and Information Science, says libraries have always been about more than just providing information, but they are indeed rediscovering their historic role as community centers.
There is a resurgence of this desire for community, and were all looking for a place to come together, she says. The library is neutral. It's not political; its not religious; its not commercial. Everybody can come and use it; it doesnt matter what your philosophy is. Its a place you can go and have your educational, informational and recreational needs met.
Robert Ward, an associate professor in the LSU School of Library and Information Science, calls the concept an information commons approach...
In reality, public library parking lots are packed. Patrons usage has accelerated for the better part of a decade and is setting new recordsparticularly during the recession, according to separate studies by the American Library Association and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Nationwide, visits to public libraries last year totaled 1.4 billion, or nearly five per capita. Thats up 17% from two years ago...
An evolution
So how is it that libraries manage to remain relevant in an era when research is as close as the home computer and books and magazines can be downloaded in mere seconds?
The phenomenon is attributable to a mixture of evolution and recession.
More than a decade ago, libraries were mainly bastions of information, quiet places where the studious toiled away in the stacks and carrels. Sure, kids could check out books, but they'd better be seen and not heard.
But the ready availability of information through technology has forced libraries to adapt. Theres a new dominant model now: library as community centerless about books, more about people.
These days, those centers boast coffee houses and caf. Puppet shows. Concerts. Lectures. Art galleries. Clubs. Wi-Fi. Language courses. Computer training. Job search assistance. Meeting rooms. Tutoring. Workforce training. Tax assistance. Movies. Yoga classes. Parties with authors. Legal advice. Online databases. And you can, of course, still check out booksor download them. All of it is free.
Suzanne M. Stauffer, an assistant professor in the LSU School of Library and Information Science, says libraries have always been about more than just providing information, but they are indeed rediscovering their historic role as community centers.
There is a resurgence of this desire for community, and were all looking for a place to come together, she says. The library is neutral. It's not political; its not religious; its not commercial. Everybody can come and use it; it doesnt matter what your philosophy is. Its a place you can go and have your educational, informational and recreational needs met.
Robert Ward, an associate professor in the LSU School of Library and Information Science, calls the concept an information commons approach...
Thursday, September 23, 2010
BFF, Hashtag, Unfriend and Other Additions to the Oxford Dictionary
CBSNews.com
HomeBlogsTech Talk
September 20, 2010
In another sign that the digital world is permeating society, the Oxford
American Dictionary revealed additions to its lexicon last week, adopting
the language of texting, tweeting and social networking. Below are some of
the new inclusions:
BFF n. (pl. BFFs) informal a girl's best friend: my BFF's boyfriend is
cheating on her. - ORIGIN 1996: from the initial letters of best friend
forever.
cloud computing n. the practice of using a network of remote servers
hosted on the Internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than a
local server or a personal computer...
hashtag n. (on social networking websites such as Twitter) a hash or pound
sign (#) used to identify a particular keyword or phrase in a posting...
social media n. [treated as sing. or pl.] websites and applications used
for social networking.
social networking n. the use of dedicated websites and applications to
communicate informally with other users, or to find people with similar
interests to oneself.
unfriend v. [with obj.] informal remove (someone) from a list of friends
or contacts on a social networking site: she broke up with her boyfriend,
but she hasn't unfriended him.
HomeBlogsTech Talk
September 20, 2010
In another sign that the digital world is permeating society, the Oxford
American Dictionary revealed additions to its lexicon last week, adopting
the language of texting, tweeting and social networking. Below are some of
the new inclusions:
BFF n. (pl. BFFs) informal a girl's best friend: my BFF's boyfriend is
cheating on her. - ORIGIN 1996: from the initial letters of best friend
forever.
cloud computing n. the practice of using a network of remote servers
hosted on the Internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than a
local server or a personal computer...
hashtag n. (on social networking websites such as Twitter) a hash or pound
sign (#) used to identify a particular keyword or phrase in a posting...
social media n. [treated as sing. or pl.] websites and applications used
for social networking.
social networking n. the use of dedicated websites and applications to
communicate informally with other users, or to find people with similar
interests to oneself.
unfriend v. [with obj.] informal remove (someone) from a list of friends
or contacts on a social networking site: she broke up with her boyfriend,
but she hasn't unfriended him.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
NewYorkHeritage.org adds collections
New York Heritage Digital Collections has recently added twelve new collections to its cooperative site at newyorkheritage.org, including the Bowers Collection from the Broome County Historical Society, Historic Paintings Unwrapped from the History Center of Tompkins County, the Daughters of Charity Collection from the Lourdes Hospital, the Crandall Public Library Center for Folklife, History, and Cultural Programs Digital Collections, and the Digital Collections of Albany Law School.
NewYorkHeritage.org is a project of the NY 3Rs Association, which uses OCLC’s CONTENTdm Multisite Server to bring previously digitized collections together, allowing researchers to search across all items simultaneously. This project provides free, online access to images of cultural and historical significance in New York State.
Participants in New York Heritage Digital Collections are committed to enhancing the site by adding both content and contributing institutions on a regular basis. The goal of the project is to eventually connect one thousand collections and one million items from throughout New York State. All institutions interested in participating in the project are encouraged to complete this online form.
The New York 3Rs Association is a partnership among New York’s nine reference and research resource systems. The New York 3Rs was incorporated in 2003 to further the ability of those systems to provide statewide services. The members of the New York 3Rs Association are: the Capital District Library Council, Central New York Library Resources Council, Long Island Library Resources Council, Metropolitan New York Library Council, Northern New York Library Network, Rochester Regional Library Council, Southeastern New York Library Resources Council, South Central Regional Library Council, and Western New York Library Resources Council.
NewYorkHeritage.org is a project of the NY 3Rs Association, which uses OCLC’s CONTENTdm Multisite Server to bring previously digitized collections together, allowing researchers to search across all items simultaneously. This project provides free, online access to images of cultural and historical significance in New York State.
Participants in New York Heritage Digital Collections are committed to enhancing the site by adding both content and contributing institutions on a regular basis. The goal of the project is to eventually connect one thousand collections and one million items from throughout New York State. All institutions interested in participating in the project are encouraged to complete this online form.
The New York 3Rs Association is a partnership among New York’s nine reference and research resource systems. The New York 3Rs was incorporated in 2003 to further the ability of those systems to provide statewide services. The members of the New York 3Rs Association are: the Capital District Library Council, Central New York Library Resources Council, Long Island Library Resources Council, Metropolitan New York Library Council, Northern New York Library Network, Rochester Regional Library Council, Southeastern New York Library Resources Council, South Central Regional Library Council, and Western New York Library Resources Council.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Friends of Albany Public Library September meeting agenda
The Friends of Albany Public Library, Inc.
Agenda for 27 September 2010, 5 to 6 pm
Meeting on the second floor of the Albany Public Library—Main Branch
Meeting Room 1
Reports
President: Gene Damm (includes announcement of joint event with the Writers Institute)
Vice President: NA
Corresponding Secretary: Judi Baum
Recording Secretary: Jonathan Skinner
Treasurer: Nancy Dover (includes explanation of the paper trail for expenses & reminder of the Bylaw requirement for Board approval of expenses over $100.00)
Committees
Book Reviews: Len Tucker (November), Gene (October)
Fall Local Author Event: Joe Krausman
Communications from the Library
Old Business
Database quality.
New Business
1 Filling the vacant VP office (proposal to ask Gene to find a volunteer for this with subsequent ratification by the Board of Directors)
2 Tuesday book review issues:
a. No duplication of reviews: at most one review for a given book
b. Buy the books for the reviewer only after the book, reviewer, & date have been set.
Adjournment
Next Meeting Date: 25 October 2010, 5 to 6 pm
Next Meeting Location: Meeting Room 1, Albany Public Library—Main Branch (Second Floor)
Date of this document: 9 September 2010
Submitted by Jonathan Skinner, Recording Secretary
Agenda for 27 September 2010, 5 to 6 pm
Meeting on the second floor of the Albany Public Library—Main Branch
Meeting Room 1
Reports
President: Gene Damm (includes announcement of joint event with the Writers Institute)
Vice President: NA
Corresponding Secretary: Judi Baum
Recording Secretary: Jonathan Skinner
Treasurer: Nancy Dover (includes explanation of the paper trail for expenses & reminder of the Bylaw requirement for Board approval of expenses over $100.00)
Committees
Book Reviews: Len Tucker (November), Gene (October)
Fall Local Author Event: Joe Krausman
Communications from the Library
Old Business
Database quality.
New Business
1 Filling the vacant VP office (proposal to ask Gene to find a volunteer for this with subsequent ratification by the Board of Directors)
2 Tuesday book review issues:
a. No duplication of reviews: at most one review for a given book
b. Buy the books for the reviewer only after the book, reviewer, & date have been set.
Adjournment
Next Meeting Date: 25 October 2010, 5 to 6 pm
Next Meeting Location: Meeting Room 1, Albany Public Library—Main Branch (Second Floor)
Date of this document: 9 September 2010
Submitted by Jonathan Skinner, Recording Secretary
Oops. Kindle Cannot Support Library Books
By Vince Horiuchi
The Salt Lake Tribune
Published Sep 13, 2010 01:16PM
Last week, in a question about which e-book reader is best, I was asked which is a good model for renting digital downloadable books from public libraries.
In a sudden fit of brain cramps, I wrote that Amazons Kindle e-reader can download library books. WRONG!
I later learned from a batch of readers and the Salt Lake County Library that the libraries in fact do not support the Kindle. My bad...
But if I read the fine print on the librarys website, I would have realized that the PDF books rented out by the library use DRM, or digital rights management, to protect the files from being copied. Unfortunately, the Kindle does not support that kind of DRM. Why?...
At this point, they want customers of the Kindle and iPad to purchase the files hence, not making them available from their local library.
The Salt Lake Tribune
Published Sep 13, 2010 01:16PM
Last week, in a question about which e-book reader is best, I was asked which is a good model for renting digital downloadable books from public libraries.
In a sudden fit of brain cramps, I wrote that Amazons Kindle e-reader can download library books. WRONG!
I later learned from a batch of readers and the Salt Lake County Library that the libraries in fact do not support the Kindle. My bad...
But if I read the fine print on the librarys website, I would have realized that the PDF books rented out by the library use DRM, or digital rights management, to protect the files from being copied. Unfortunately, the Kindle does not support that kind of DRM. Why?...
At this point, they want customers of the Kindle and iPad to purchase the files hence, not making them available from their local library.
NYCLU TO HOST BANNED BOOK EVENTS IN ALBANY AND TROY
ALBANY—This fall, the Capital Region Chapter of the New York Civil Liberties Union will host events in Albany and Troy that celebrate Americans’ cherished freedom to express ideas and opinions, even if they are unorthodox or unpopular.
The Albany “Read Out” event will be held at the Upstate Artists Guild Gallery at 247 Lark Street on Saturday, Oct. 2 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
On Friday, Sept. 24 the chapter will host a “Read Out” event during the Troy Night Out celebration from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 260 Broadway, corner of Third and Broadway in downtown Troy.
Each year these “Read Out” events bring together well known local writers and media personalities to read from their favorite banned and challenged books. This year’s roster includes: Frankie Bailey, author of mystery novels and non-fiction histories, including Wicked Albany: Lawlessness and Liquor in the Prohibition Era; Diane Cameron, Albany writer and teacher whose columns appear in the Times Union; Joe Donahue, host of WAMC’s daily Roundtable program; Libby Post, founding chair of the Empire State Pride Agenda and frequent media commentator; and Dan Wilcox, poet and peace activist who has hosted regular “open mic” poetry events at the Social Justice Center since 1997.
Books are banned or challenged every year in communities across the nation for any number of reasons. Here’s a small sampling of books that have been banned or challenged in the U.S. during the past decade: Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger; To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee; The Color Purple by Alice Walker; Beloved and Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison; Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov; Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck; Brave New World by Aldous Huxley; Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut; Sophie’s Choice by William Styron; and The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R Tolkien.
Banned Books Week has been celebrated each year since 1982. It is sponsored by the American Library Association, the American Booksellers Association, the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, the American Society of Journalists and Authors, the Association of American Publishers, and the National Association of College Stores. It is also endorsed by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress.
The NYCLU Capital Region Chapter is the local branch of the New York Civil Liberties Union, which is the state affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union. The Capital Region Chapter serves eight counties: Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren, and Washington.
The Albany “Read Out” event will be held at the Upstate Artists Guild Gallery at 247 Lark Street on Saturday, Oct. 2 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
On Friday, Sept. 24 the chapter will host a “Read Out” event during the Troy Night Out celebration from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 260 Broadway, corner of Third and Broadway in downtown Troy.
Each year these “Read Out” events bring together well known local writers and media personalities to read from their favorite banned and challenged books. This year’s roster includes: Frankie Bailey, author of mystery novels and non-fiction histories, including Wicked Albany: Lawlessness and Liquor in the Prohibition Era; Diane Cameron, Albany writer and teacher whose columns appear in the Times Union; Joe Donahue, host of WAMC’s daily Roundtable program; Libby Post, founding chair of the Empire State Pride Agenda and frequent media commentator; and Dan Wilcox, poet and peace activist who has hosted regular “open mic” poetry events at the Social Justice Center since 1997.
Books are banned or challenged every year in communities across the nation for any number of reasons. Here’s a small sampling of books that have been banned or challenged in the U.S. during the past decade: Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger; To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee; The Color Purple by Alice Walker; Beloved and Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison; Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov; Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck; Brave New World by Aldous Huxley; Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut; Sophie’s Choice by William Styron; and The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R Tolkien.
Banned Books Week has been celebrated each year since 1982. It is sponsored by the American Library Association, the American Booksellers Association, the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, the American Society of Journalists and Authors, the Association of American Publishers, and the National Association of College Stores. It is also endorsed by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress.
The NYCLU Capital Region Chapter is the local branch of the New York Civil Liberties Union, which is the state affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union. The Capital Region Chapter serves eight counties: Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren, and Washington.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Vatican's Magnificent Library Restored After 3 Years
$11.5 Million Restoration
Researchers Can Use the Library, But Only the Pope Can Borrow a Book
By ANN WISE
ROME Sept.13, 2010
Researchers Can Use the Library, But Only the Pope Can Borrow a Book
By ANN WISE
ROME Sept.13, 2010
"Fight for Libraries as you do for Freedom"
Atlanta Journal-Chronicle article by author Karin Slaughter (Broken). One quote: "This is why the funding of American libraries should be a matter of national security. Keeping libraries open, giving access to all children to all books is vital to our nation’s sovereignty."
Library information desk
This desk is made of recycled books. These pictures don’t do justice to how lovely it looks : very tactile and appealing.
SeeThroughNY Posts 189 Updated School Labor Contracts
Updated school labor contracts for 77 teacher unions and 112 school superintendents were posted this week on www.SeeThroughNY.net, the Empire Center's government transparency web site.
The newest contracts are part of the most comprehensive public collection of school district labor contracts in New York. Contracts for the 733 school districts and BOCES districts were obtained under the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL).
The full text of this press release is available here.
Contact: Lise Bang-Jensen
518.434.3100
The newest contracts are part of the most comprehensive public collection of school district labor contracts in New York. Contracts for the 733 school districts and BOCES districts were obtained under the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL).
The full text of this press release is available here.
Contact: Lise Bang-Jensen
518.434.3100
Public School Educators: Help Solve Challenges
If you are a public school educator, check out the Department of Education's Open Innovation Portal.
Through the portal, you can help to identify and solve education's most pressing classroom problems. Participating will allow you to connect with other innovators and possibly win a prize.
Through the portal, you can help to identify and solve education's most pressing classroom problems. Participating will allow you to connect with other innovators and possibly win a prize.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Library Card Sign-Up Month
If you don't already have a library card, consider this a nudge to get one.
In addition to providing an assortment of books, your local library may also have videos, CDs, Internet access, story hours for children, and more.
Locate a Public Library Near You.
Ask a Librarian.
Visit National Libraries Online.
In addition to providing an assortment of books, your local library may also have videos, CDs, Internet access, story hours for children, and more.
Locate a Public Library Near You.
Ask a Librarian.
Visit National Libraries Online.
Free Online Tool for Job Seekers
A new, free online tool to help job seekers increase their career mobility and economic prospects has been developed by the Federal Department of Labor / Employment Training Administration.
The self-paced tool helps people who were previously employed to:
(1) use their previous experience to identify occupations for which they qualify
(2) identify the skills needed to qualify for a specific job
(3) identify appropriate education or training institutions
AND
The site also provides links to relevant job opportunities in national and state job banks.
Link to mySkills myFuture
The self-paced tool helps people who were previously employed to:
(1) use their previous experience to identify occupations for which they qualify
(2) identify the skills needed to qualify for a specific job
(3) identify appropriate education or training institutions
AND
The site also provides links to relevant job opportunities in national and state job banks.
Link to mySkills myFuture
Friday, September 17, 2010
Thursday, September 16, 2010
RARE PUBLIC EXHIBIT OF LINCOLN’S HANDWRITTEN PRELIMINARY EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION
A rare, one day only public exhibit of one of the nation’s greatest documentary treasures, a handwritten copy of President Abraham Lincoln’s Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, will be part of a celebration commemorating the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln hosted by the New York State Library.
The manuscript copy of the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, part of the New York State Library’s collection, will be on display for one day on September 19th in the Carole Huxley Theater in the New York State Museum, 222 Madison Avenue, Albany, NY from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free.
More HERE.
The manuscript copy of the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, part of the New York State Library’s collection, will be on display for one day on September 19th in the Carole Huxley Theater in the New York State Museum, 222 Madison Avenue, Albany, NY from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free.
More HERE.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
NYS Transportation Equity Forum 9/21
NYS Transportation Equity Alliance (NYSTEA) is sponsoring a meeting in Albany on Tuesday, September 21 at 7 pm at the Main branch of the Albany Public Library to introduce its mission and meet with Capital District partners.
Please see the attached flyer and consider attending.
Please see the attached flyer and consider attending.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Help eba win grant
eba Dance Theater has a great opportunity to win a $250,000 grant from Pepsi!
eba need your help to vote for eba through the link created on the website at www.eba-arts.org
The grant would enable eba to create a fitness center on the 1st floor of its historic building on Lark Street in the heart of Albany. Dance will continue in the 2nd floor theater. When the local YMCA moved, a void in the fitness arena was created in the community. Adding a fitness center will better utilize eba’s studio space, meet a real community need and keep eba's arts programs available.
The arts have been hit very hard by this recession. The fitness center will allow eba to use program funds for arts programming and the fitness center can take care of the building. A win-win! The winners of the Pepsi Refresh program are determined by online votes.
The two projects with the most votes win. You can vote once a day - every day -
during the month of September. If you and your friends vote for eba each day, it can win this funding. If you’d like, eba can send a daily e-mail reminder so you can reply with single click to vote. Just sign up at www.eba-arts.org today.
eba need your help to vote for eba through the link created on the website at www.eba-arts.org
The grant would enable eba to create a fitness center on the 1st floor of its historic building on Lark Street in the heart of Albany. Dance will continue in the 2nd floor theater. When the local YMCA moved, a void in the fitness arena was created in the community. Adding a fitness center will better utilize eba’s studio space, meet a real community need and keep eba's arts programs available.
The arts have been hit very hard by this recession. The fitness center will allow eba to use program funds for arts programming and the fitness center can take care of the building. A win-win! The winners of the Pepsi Refresh program are determined by online votes.
The two projects with the most votes win. You can vote once a day - every day -
during the month of September. If you and your friends vote for eba each day, it can win this funding. If you’d like, eba can send a daily e-mail reminder so you can reply with single click to vote. Just sign up at www.eba-arts.org today.
Libraries awarded stimulus funds
On Monday, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced 35 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act investments to “will fund projects that pave the way to bring enhanced high-speed Internet access to millions of households and businesses and link thousands of schools, hospitals, libraries, and public safety offices to the information superhighway.”
Monday, September 13, 2010
UAlbany accreditation
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education acted to reaffirm the University at Albany's accreditation and commended UAlbany "for the quality of the self-study process."
The final self-study document, along with the statement of reaccreditation, is available on the wiki HERE.
The final self-study document, along with the statement of reaccreditation, is available on the wiki HERE.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Jazz Benefit for the Underground Railroad Project
Don't Miss Out!
Bobby Sanabria and Quarteto Ache` are playing their special rythmic blends from various Latin traditions
When? Sunday, September 19th from 4pm - 8pm
Where? The Van Dyck at 237 Union Street in Schenectady
For: Underground Railroad History Project's 6th annual Jazz event fundraiser
Seating is limited - get your tickets now - online at www.ugrworkshop.com or by calling 518-253-3529
Don't Miss Out! Tickets are $55! Silent Auction!
This event is organized in cooperation with Jazz/Latino, Inc. founded by Dr. Jose Cruz and is a benefit for the Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region, Inc.
Bobby Sanabria and Quarteto Ache` are playing their special rythmic blends from various Latin traditions
When? Sunday, September 19th from 4pm - 8pm
Where? The Van Dyck at 237 Union Street in Schenectady
For: Underground Railroad History Project's 6th annual Jazz event fundraiser
Seating is limited - get your tickets now - online at www.ugrworkshop.com or by calling 518-253-3529
Don't Miss Out! Tickets are $55! Silent Auction!
This event is organized in cooperation with Jazz/Latino, Inc. founded by Dr. Jose Cruz and is a benefit for the Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region, Inc.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Free Shredding in Albany's Washington Park for City Residents
The City of Albany is having its shredding/recycling event Saturday, September 11 at Washington Park Lake House from 10a.m. to 1 p.m. City residents: "Bring your documents that need shredding and they will be shredded on site. This event is for personal papers and documents, no commercial please. Limit 3 boxes/bags per person." We've been saving up our unsolicited credit card offers ever since we heard about it. The provider of the shredding "is AAA certified by the National Association for Information Destruction."
CDTA TO CELEBRATE 40TH ANNIVERSARY WITH 40 CENT RIDE DAY
(Albany, NY) – The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) is currently celebrating 40 years of service. In honor of this milestone, CDTA will roll back to its original fare on Thursday, September 16, 2010. For this one day, people who use CDTA’s regular route, STAR, and NX Northway Commuter services may ride any bus for just 40 cents.
CDTA has served more than half a billion customers on its regular route system since it started in 1970. “We’re proud of our 40 years of service to the Capital Region, delivering innovative transportation solutions while making a strong economical and environmental impact along the way,” said CDTA Chairwoman Denise Figueroa. “To thank our loyal customers and our community for their steadfast support over the years, we are winding back to the original 40-cent fare for this one day only. Moving forward, we will continue to improve, expand and adapt to the changing transportation needs of the Capital Region.”
Note: 40 cents per ride - Customers who participate in the 40 cent fare promotion must use exact change in the fare box as neither the fare boxes or operators can give change.
Note: STAR service IS INCLUDED in this promotion.
CDTA has served more than half a billion customers on its regular route system since it started in 1970. “We’re proud of our 40 years of service to the Capital Region, delivering innovative transportation solutions while making a strong economical and environmental impact along the way,” said CDTA Chairwoman Denise Figueroa. “To thank our loyal customers and our community for their steadfast support over the years, we are winding back to the original 40-cent fare for this one day only. Moving forward, we will continue to improve, expand and adapt to the changing transportation needs of the Capital Region.”
Note: 40 cents per ride - Customers who participate in the 40 cent fare promotion must use exact change in the fare box as neither the fare boxes or operators can give change.
Note: STAR service IS INCLUDED in this promotion.
Thursday, September 09, 2010
Third Thursday Poetry Night
September 16 · 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Location The Social Justice Center
33 Central Ave.
Albany, NY
Featured poet John Roche with an open mic before & after the feature for community poets. $3.00 Donation
Location The Social Justice Center
33 Central Ave.
Albany, NY
Featured poet John Roche with an open mic before & after the feature for community poets. $3.00 Donation
Government Challenges, Contests, and Prizes
Visit Challenge.gov to participate in government contests and challenges for the chance to win a variety of prizes (monetary or non-monetary).
You may be challenged to solve a problem, make a suggestion, shoot and upload a video, create a logo, build an online game, invent something, and much more. A new challenge from Kids.gov, for example, calls for posters that answer the question, "How do I become President?" Find more details about this and other challenges.
Even if you don't have a solution for a specific challenge, you can share challenges with friends or sign up to show support for a challenge.
You may be challenged to solve a problem, make a suggestion, shoot and upload a video, create a logo, build an online game, invent something, and much more. A new challenge from Kids.gov, for example, calls for posters that answer the question, "How do I become President?" Find more details about this and other challenges.
Even if you don't have a solution for a specific challenge, you can share challenges with friends or sign up to show support for a challenge.
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Updated Legislative Spending Posted on Internet
Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada (D-Bronx), spent $880,201 on his legislative office operations and staff in the most recent six-month period reported by the Legislature -- nearly $273,000 more than former Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno (R-Brunswick) spent during a comparable period in 2008.
Espada's office expenditures and those of other Senators and Assembly members for the six months ending March 31, 2010, was posted today as part of a searchable database on the Empire Center's government transparency website, SeeThroughNY.net.
The full text of this press release is available here.
Contact: Tim Hoefer - 518.434.3100
Espada's office expenditures and those of other Senators and Assembly members for the six months ending March 31, 2010, was posted today as part of a searchable database on the Empire Center's government transparency website, SeeThroughNY.net.
The full text of this press release is available here.
Contact: Tim Hoefer - 518.434.3100
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
The Legislative Gazette
The Legislative Gazette is "the weekly newspaper of the New York State government" issued each Tuesday in Albany under the auspices of the Research Foundation of the State University of New York. It is sponsored and administered by the State University of New York at New Paltz and is produced in part by students.
The Legislative Gazette was not printed during the summer months of 2010 but was issued only online in PDF format. The paper edition resumes on September 7. The most recent edition of the newspaper, five years of digital back issues, and a link to the New York State Library's digital collection can be found at the web site, which also features daily news updates with a live Associated Press wire feed.
The Legislative Gazette was not printed during the summer months of 2010 but was issued only online in PDF format. The paper edition resumes on September 7. The most recent edition of the newspaper, five years of digital back issues, and a link to the New York State Library's digital collection can be found at the web site, which also features daily news updates with a live Associated Press wire feed.
Sunday, September 05, 2010
Before the Internet Was Your Local Library
Harvey Mackay On Business
Published: 12:00 a.m., Sunday, September 5, 2010
Albany Times Union
Studies show that children who use the library tend to perform better in school. They are also more likely to continue learning and exploring throughout their lives.
If you don't use the library for business, now is a good time to start. We can obtain a high percentage of the information we need via search engines using our home or work computers. But there are a lot of hidden business jewels available at your local library, and many of them can be accessed online.
The average small business or job seeker is penalized by having limited research capabilities. Big companies with big budgets pay for expensive databases. With a mouse click, they can instantly access company data, sort through research reports, and locate current and archived newspaper and trade journal articles. Small companies and individuals who can't afford premium access are left out. Unless they have a local library card.
Most libraries pay for premium subscription databases that you can use for free. Want to use Dun & Bradstreet, ReferenceUSA, or Hoovers to research companies, competitors and build lead lists? There's a good chance your library subscribes to a company search database.
The complete article may be read HERE.
Published: 12:00 a.m., Sunday, September 5, 2010
Albany Times Union
Studies show that children who use the library tend to perform better in school. They are also more likely to continue learning and exploring throughout their lives.
If you don't use the library for business, now is a good time to start. We can obtain a high percentage of the information we need via search engines using our home or work computers. But there are a lot of hidden business jewels available at your local library, and many of them can be accessed online.
The average small business or job seeker is penalized by having limited research capabilities. Big companies with big budgets pay for expensive databases. With a mouse click, they can instantly access company data, sort through research reports, and locate current and archived newspaper and trade journal articles. Small companies and individuals who can't afford premium access are left out. Unless they have a local library card.
Most libraries pay for premium subscription databases that you can use for free. Want to use Dun & Bradstreet, ReferenceUSA, or Hoovers to research companies, competitors and build lead lists? There's a good chance your library subscribes to a company search database.
The complete article may be read HERE.
Friday, September 03, 2010
Position at Albany Public Library
Computer Support Technician – Full Time
*Note: This position will be filled as a PROVISIONAL Civil Service appointment. The appointee will be required to qualify for permanent appointment to this position when the next classification test is offered.
General Statement of Duties:
Responsible for set-up, maintenance, and troubleshooting of library computer and audio-visual equipment in all locations. Trains staff and public in use of library technology. Assists with network support and planning, and maintains network hardware and software documentation.
Distinguishing Features of the Class:
This position involves supporting microcomputer systems in a Windows-based networking environment. This position requires strong interpersonal and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize, make independent judgments, troubleshoot, seek information, independently follow tasks through to completion, communicate results to staff, and document activities. Familiarity with Windows-based microcomputers, Windows XP/Vista workstation operating systems, Windows Server 2003 and 2008, and key components of the Microsoft Office 2007 suite is essential. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Automation Services Librarian. Does related work as required.
Typical Work Activities (illustrative only):
configures, installs, maintains and repairs microcomputers; assists staff and public with use of hardware and software as needed; performs server maintenance activities, such as back-ups and updates; helps price, search for, evaluate and select microcomputer and server hardware and software; maintains network documentation and software and hardware inventories; drafts equipment procedures; special projects as assigned.
Full Performance Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Personal Characteristics:
Working knowledge of Windows-based microcomputer hardware and software, including Microsoft Windows XP /Vista workstation operating systems, Windows Server 2003 and 2008, and key components of the Microsoft Office 2007 suite; strong communication and organizational skills; good judgment; flexibility; tact and courtesy; strong writing skills; willingness to develop computer skills to keep pace with evolving technologies. Physical condition must be commensurate with the demands of the position.
Minimum Qualifications:
A. Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS registered college or university or one accredited by the NYS Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Bachelor’s Degree in computer science or a related field, and three (3) years of fulltime paid experience in the operation of personal computers, software applications or peripherals; OR
B. Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS registered college or one accredited by the NYS Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associate’s Degree in computer science or a closely related field, and five (5) years of fulltime paid experience in the operation of personal computers, software applications or peripherals; OR
C. Any equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B) above.
Preferred Requirements:
COMPTIA A+ Computer Technician Certification.
Highly desirable: Experience with virtual computing models, remote software deployment, scripting languages, and group policy management in a Windows Server 2003/2008 network environment.
Classification: Computer Support Technician
Supervisor: Information Technology Manager
Work Schedule: 37.5 hours/week in a combination of daytime, evening and weekend hours as needed.
Salary: $42,407.60 or current salary with a generous benefit package.
Resume review begins: October 4, 2010
Apply to: Marjorie Reinhart, Human Resources & Finance Manager, Albany Public Library
161 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12210
reinharm@uhls.lib.ny.us
*Note: This position will be filled as a PROVISIONAL Civil Service appointment. The appointee will be required to qualify for permanent appointment to this position when the next classification test is offered.
General Statement of Duties:
Responsible for set-up, maintenance, and troubleshooting of library computer and audio-visual equipment in all locations. Trains staff and public in use of library technology. Assists with network support and planning, and maintains network hardware and software documentation.
Distinguishing Features of the Class:
This position involves supporting microcomputer systems in a Windows-based networking environment. This position requires strong interpersonal and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize, make independent judgments, troubleshoot, seek information, independently follow tasks through to completion, communicate results to staff, and document activities. Familiarity with Windows-based microcomputers, Windows XP/Vista workstation operating systems, Windows Server 2003 and 2008, and key components of the Microsoft Office 2007 suite is essential. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Automation Services Librarian. Does related work as required.
Typical Work Activities (illustrative only):
configures, installs, maintains and repairs microcomputers; assists staff and public with use of hardware and software as needed; performs server maintenance activities, such as back-ups and updates; helps price, search for, evaluate and select microcomputer and server hardware and software; maintains network documentation and software and hardware inventories; drafts equipment procedures; special projects as assigned.
Full Performance Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Personal Characteristics:
Working knowledge of Windows-based microcomputer hardware and software, including Microsoft Windows XP /Vista workstation operating systems, Windows Server 2003 and 2008, and key components of the Microsoft Office 2007 suite; strong communication and organizational skills; good judgment; flexibility; tact and courtesy; strong writing skills; willingness to develop computer skills to keep pace with evolving technologies. Physical condition must be commensurate with the demands of the position.
Minimum Qualifications:
A. Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS registered college or university or one accredited by the NYS Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Bachelor’s Degree in computer science or a related field, and three (3) years of fulltime paid experience in the operation of personal computers, software applications or peripherals; OR
B. Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS registered college or one accredited by the NYS Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associate’s Degree in computer science or a closely related field, and five (5) years of fulltime paid experience in the operation of personal computers, software applications or peripherals; OR
C. Any equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B) above.
Preferred Requirements:
COMPTIA A+ Computer Technician Certification.
Highly desirable: Experience with virtual computing models, remote software deployment, scripting languages, and group policy management in a Windows Server 2003/2008 network environment.
Classification: Computer Support Technician
Supervisor: Information Technology Manager
Work Schedule: 37.5 hours/week in a combination of daytime, evening and weekend hours as needed.
Salary: $42,407.60 or current salary with a generous benefit package.
Resume review begins: October 4, 2010
Apply to: Marjorie Reinhart, Human Resources & Finance Manager, Albany Public Library
161 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12210
reinharm@uhls.lib.ny.us
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Time To Revive The Library?
More Intelligent Life: The Blog
It's no wonder that the world's largest bookseller, with 720 stores around the country, has been wobbling. As we've reported, bricks-and-mortar bookstores are on the outs, except as spots for leisurely coffee and book signings. Online retailers, with their serious discounts and 24-hour availability, have hurt the hegemony of even the grandest bookstores, and more than half of book sales in America take place at big discount retailers such as Wal-Mart and Target. In August Barnes & Noble announced it was putting itself up for sale.
This is of course grim news for those who love to browse and thumb through actual physical books, and share space with others who are doing the same thing. But now would be a good time to recall another community landmark where we once happily did all of those things, and for free: the library. It's true that there is something vaguely titillating about browsing in an atmosphere where the temptations are to purchase and own, not simply borrow and read. It's also true that libraries have felt like dormant, dated spaces of late, where WiFi is absent, coffee is banned and budget cuts are rife. But if book-buying trends now sidestep bookstores, yet people still crave hushed public spaces in an atmosphere of books, then it is time to rethink our libraries: what they look like, what they offer and how they store their wares. (September, incidentally, is Library Card Sign-Up Month in America, but you probably knew that already.)
It's no wonder that the world's largest bookseller, with 720 stores around the country, has been wobbling. As we've reported, bricks-and-mortar bookstores are on the outs, except as spots for leisurely coffee and book signings. Online retailers, with their serious discounts and 24-hour availability, have hurt the hegemony of even the grandest bookstores, and more than half of book sales in America take place at big discount retailers such as Wal-Mart and Target. In August Barnes & Noble announced it was putting itself up for sale.
This is of course grim news for those who love to browse and thumb through actual physical books, and share space with others who are doing the same thing. But now would be a good time to recall another community landmark where we once happily did all of those things, and for free: the library. It's true that there is something vaguely titillating about browsing in an atmosphere where the temptations are to purchase and own, not simply borrow and read. It's also true that libraries have felt like dormant, dated spaces of late, where WiFi is absent, coffee is banned and budget cuts are rife. But if book-buying trends now sidestep bookstores, yet people still crave hushed public spaces in an atmosphere of books, then it is time to rethink our libraries: what they look like, what they offer and how they store their wares. (September, incidentally, is Library Card Sign-Up Month in America, but you probably knew that already.)
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Libraries at a crossroads
More about problems in Buffalo: Sunday August 29, 2010 Buffalo News, p. F1-F2::
By Charity Vogel, News Staff Reporter Published:August 27 2010, 2:56 PM
Excerpts:
" ... there's only so much money to go around when it comes to buying books and media -- even though there are more formats than ever to spend it on.
Think these are problems just in your own household? Think again. That dilemma -- multiplied a thousandfold -- is the situation currently facing public libraries across Western New York, as well as around the nation."
"... Quinn-Carey, director of the Erie County system, said the system needs to put everything on the table when it comes to planning the future of libraries in Erie County.
County Executive Chris Collins has said he may ask the system to take a significant funding cut in 2011 -- as much as 20 percent. He has also said that while he does not have oversight or control over the library system's budget, he would put branch closures on the agenda of possibilities for the system going forward."
See the full story HERE.
By Charity Vogel, News Staff Reporter Published:August 27 2010, 2:56 PM
Excerpts:
" ... there's only so much money to go around when it comes to buying books and media -- even though there are more formats than ever to spend it on.
Think these are problems just in your own household? Think again. That dilemma -- multiplied a thousandfold -- is the situation currently facing public libraries across Western New York, as well as around the nation."
"... Quinn-Carey, director of the Erie County system, said the system needs to put everything on the table when it comes to planning the future of libraries in Erie County.
County Executive Chris Collins has said he may ask the system to take a significant funding cut in 2011 -- as much as 20 percent. He has also said that while he does not have oversight or control over the library system's budget, he would put branch closures on the agenda of possibilities for the system going forward."
See the full story HERE.
Public Libraries: Diverse Picture of Patrons Emerges
Public Libraries: Diverse Picture of Patrons Emerges Here, Elsewhere
Published: Saturday, August 28, 2010, 7:39 AM Elizabeth Hovde, Oregonian columnist Oregon Live
The American Library Association has a better idea about who uses libraries. A recent report by the University of Washington, funded in part by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, found that nearly a third of Americans age 14 or older used a public library computer in 2009. It also found that the recession is fueling demand for Internet access and job-finding help in libraries. And while teens are libraries' heaviest computer users, 44 percent of people living below the poverty line used computers and the Internet at their libraries.
A 2008 Harris Poll found that 68 percent of Americans had a library card and that 76 percent had visited a library in the year prior. Newer research shows that library usage is increasing and that the majority of users still go for the actual books, not computers or DVDs.
That large, diverse picture of library users helps me sort things out a bit. It's clear a lot of us -- those who can afford to pay for services, those who cannot and those who simply adore Emily Elizabeth and her enormous red dog Clifford -- still consider libraries a shared community asset worth visiting.
Published: Saturday, August 28, 2010, 7:39 AM Elizabeth Hovde, Oregonian columnist Oregon Live
The American Library Association has a better idea about who uses libraries. A recent report by the University of Washington, funded in part by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, found that nearly a third of Americans age 14 or older used a public library computer in 2009. It also found that the recession is fueling demand for Internet access and job-finding help in libraries. And while teens are libraries' heaviest computer users, 44 percent of people living below the poverty line used computers and the Internet at their libraries.
A 2008 Harris Poll found that 68 percent of Americans had a library card and that 76 percent had visited a library in the year prior. Newer research shows that library usage is increasing and that the majority of users still go for the actual books, not computers or DVDs.
That large, diverse picture of library users helps me sort things out a bit. It's clear a lot of us -- those who can afford to pay for services, those who cannot and those who simply adore Emily Elizabeth and her enormous red dog Clifford -- still consider libraries a shared community asset worth visiting.
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