articles of interest: March 2008 Archives
When reading the recent issue of Marketing Library Services, I came across an article about a place called DOK in the Netherlands, in Delft, to be precise. DOK calls itself a "Library Concept Center," mashing media, music, film, literature, and art together in an amazing, active, and thriving community center.
The mission of DOK is to become and remain the most advanced library in the world. Using creativity, technical innovation, and advancing scientific understanding, DOK endeavors to be an indispensable source of inspiration for its members, visitors, and partners in the city of Delft, in the Netherlands, and in the world. In this way, DOK hopes to safeguard access to the independent, objective, free flow of information that is essential for democracy now and in the future.
Be sure the read the full article, because I think you'll be inspired by it. Jenny Levine, blogger also known as The Shifted Librarian, recently visited DOK and wrote about her trip in her blog. Take a look at Visiting the Most Modern Library in the World to see her take on this unique facility. She has also shared her photos of the trip in a Flickr set, so be sure to check that out while you're at it.
After you read the articles posted here, what do you think? Has DOK inspired you to look differently at your library? What kind of library would you like to have, assuming there were no limitations in budget, staff, or any of the other restrictions we feel daily?
>> contributed by Beth
Did you know that sales of Encyclopaedia Britannica peaked in 1990? Current sales are 10% of what they were in 1990. Other encyclopedias are dropping their print versions, as well. Check out the New York Times article to see how internet access has changed the print encyclopedia market.
>> contributed by Holly
U.S. Senator Russ Feingold has been awarded the 2008 James Madison award from the American Library Association for his work to champion, protect, and promote public access to government information. Feingold has been a Senate leader on strengthening the Freedom of Information Act, reforming lobbying disclosure rules, restricting data mining and the use of National Security Letters, and seeking greater public access to court proceedings.
“I am honored to receive this award from a group that is dedicated to enhancing learning and ensuring access to information,” Feingold said. “When the workings of government are transparent, the American people can more readily hold their public officials accountable. Our government will better respond to the concerns of the American people if it is open for public scrutiny.”
Read the press release and send your congratulations to Senator Feingold.
>> contributed by Beth
You may be happy to hear that book lovers aren't ready to give up the paper editions of their books any time soon. Of course, we knew that all along, didn't we?! Check out this post on ars technica entitled Book lovers have emotional bond with paper.
According to the research, sponsored by UK media lawyers Wiggin, survey data shows books have the highest "attachment" rating of any leisure media activity. People are more attached to their books than they are to their satellite television, radio stations, newspapers, magazines, social networks, video games, blogs, DVDs, and P2P file-swapping. And it's not like this high rate of affection for the book occurs only among a small group; books came in second only to "listen to the radio" in terms of the number of people who engage in those activities.
What's your opinion? Eager to try out ebooks or will you be hanging onto your books until they have to pry them away?
>> contributed by Beth
