Tuesday, 27 October 2009
Thursday, 16 July 2009
Calling all Tory Bookworms
I know this blog is popular across the political spectrum, so if you are a Tory Bookworm in need of some reading inspiration - LOOK NO FURTHER.
Thursday, 18 June 2009
Everybody's talkin' at me
Swansea libraries are now officially on Twitter. Check it out and feel the love in the room.
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
The old ones are the best
Did I ever blog this? Probably.
Still, no harm in blogging it again...
Breakthrough in Educational Technology
New Bio-Optic Organized Knowledge Device (BOOK) is a revolutionary breakthrough in technology; no wires, no electric circuits, no batteries, nothing to be connected or switched on. It's so easy to use, even a child can operate it. Compact and portable, it can be used anywhere - even sitting in an armchair by the fire - yet it is powerful enough to hold as much information as a CD-ROM disc.
Here's how it works: BOOK is constructed of sequentially numbered sheets of paper (recyclable), each capable of holding thousands of bits of information. The pages are locked together with a custom-fit device called a binder which keeps the sheets in their correct sequence. Opaque Paper Technology (OPT) allows manufacturers to use both sides of the sheet, doubling the information density and cutting costs. Experts are divided on the prospects for further increases in information density; for now, BOOKS with more information simply use more pages.
Each sheet is scanned optically, registering information directly into your brain. A flick of the finger takes you to the next sheet. BOOK never crashes or requires rebooting, though, like other devices, it can become damaged if coffee is spilled on it and it becomes unusable if dropped too many times on a hard surface, but it is far more durable than all personal computers on the market.
The "browse" feature allows you to move instantly to any sheet, and move forward or backward as you wish. Many come with an "index" feature, which pin-points the exact location of any selected information for instant retrieval.
An optional "Bookmark" accessory allows you to open BOOK to the exact place you left it in a previous session - even if the BOOK has been closed. Bookmarks fit universal design standards; thus, a single Bookmark can be used in BOOKs by various manufacturers. Conversely, numerous BOOK markers can be used in a single BOOK if the user wants to store numerous views at once. The number is limited only by the number of pages in the BOOK.
You can also make personal notes next to BOOK text entries with optional programming tools, Portable Erasable Nib Cryptic Intercommunication Language Stylii (PENCILS). Portable, durable, and affordable, BOOK is being hailed as a precursor of a new entertainment wave. BOOK's appeal seems so certain that thousands of content creators have committed to the platform and investors are reportedly flocking to invest. Look for a flood of new titles soon.
Still, no harm in blogging it again...
Breakthrough in Educational Technology
New Bio-Optic Organized Knowledge Device (BOOK) is a revolutionary breakthrough in technology; no wires, no electric circuits, no batteries, nothing to be connected or switched on. It's so easy to use, even a child can operate it. Compact and portable, it can be used anywhere - even sitting in an armchair by the fire - yet it is powerful enough to hold as much information as a CD-ROM disc.
Here's how it works: BOOK is constructed of sequentially numbered sheets of paper (recyclable), each capable of holding thousands of bits of information. The pages are locked together with a custom-fit device called a binder which keeps the sheets in their correct sequence. Opaque Paper Technology (OPT) allows manufacturers to use both sides of the sheet, doubling the information density and cutting costs. Experts are divided on the prospects for further increases in information density; for now, BOOKS with more information simply use more pages.
Each sheet is scanned optically, registering information directly into your brain. A flick of the finger takes you to the next sheet. BOOK never crashes or requires rebooting, though, like other devices, it can become damaged if coffee is spilled on it and it becomes unusable if dropped too many times on a hard surface, but it is far more durable than all personal computers on the market.
The "browse" feature allows you to move instantly to any sheet, and move forward or backward as you wish. Many come with an "index" feature, which pin-points the exact location of any selected information for instant retrieval.
An optional "Bookmark" accessory allows you to open BOOK to the exact place you left it in a previous session - even if the BOOK has been closed. Bookmarks fit universal design standards; thus, a single Bookmark can be used in BOOKs by various manufacturers. Conversely, numerous BOOK markers can be used in a single BOOK if the user wants to store numerous views at once. The number is limited only by the number of pages in the BOOK.
You can also make personal notes next to BOOK text entries with optional programming tools, Portable Erasable Nib Cryptic Intercommunication Language Stylii (PENCILS). Portable, durable, and affordable, BOOK is being hailed as a precursor of a new entertainment wave. BOOK's appeal seems so certain that thousands of content creators have committed to the platform and investors are reportedly flocking to invest. Look for a flood of new titles soon.
Reasons to be cheerful...1, 2, 3
1. Gowerton library is closed for refurbishment, reopening just before the school holidays start. Obviously the library being closed isn't cheer making, but it will be quite smashing when it's finished
2. 69 people visited this blog this week, even though I hadn't written on it since March. New disciples of the greatest library service in the western hemisphere or disappointed seekers of the "other PT"? (that's a rhetorical question)
3. Spy librarians are coming to Central Library!! Grab your garbadine mac because the chartership seekers of GCHQ in Cheltenham are on their way to see some best practice in public service librarianship
2. 69 people visited this blog this week, even though I hadn't written on it since March. New disciples of the greatest library service in the western hemisphere or disappointed seekers of the "other PT"? (that's a rhetorical question)
3. Spy librarians are coming to Central Library!! Grab your garbadine mac because the chartership seekers of GCHQ in Cheltenham are on their way to see some best practice in public service librarianship
Time keeps on ticking... into the future
A blog I read is subtitled "Full time dad wastes valuable reading time by writing about reading".
I've been wasting valuable blogging time by well, reading. And now I'm going to waste reading time by blogging about reading.
So, I've realised recently that I read like a man. I used to read like a woman, largely fiction, largely women's fiction. A bookcase full of the characteristic dark green Virago and striped Women's Press spines was testament to my reading proclivities. I cared about the Orange Prize. I was a demographic.
Now I read non fiction. I read non fiction written by men. I read non fiction written by men who used to be music journalists. Not exclusively, but enough to make note of.
Is it also relevant that I used to be fiercely monogamous in my reading and now I have a pile of 6 books on the go?
I am currently reading:
Mark Radcliffe's Biography i.e. a book about a bloke
A book about 2 blokes who get an allotment
A book about a bloke who decides to travel around all the places on the shipping forecast
A book about a bloke who does a load of experiements to prove the theory of social economics
A book by a bloke who needs to get a real job, talking about the pleasures and sorrows of work
A book by a bloke who decides to travel around Britain, drinking in a lot of pubs on the way
If I were the subject of RFID based targeted advertising a la Minority Report, and took the advice of the advertisers, I would be buying a lot of lager, gilette razors and tyres right now.
I am still a demographic, just not the right one.
Question: Does it matter?
I've been wasting valuable blogging time by well, reading. And now I'm going to waste reading time by blogging about reading.
So, I've realised recently that I read like a man. I used to read like a woman, largely fiction, largely women's fiction. A bookcase full of the characteristic dark green Virago and striped Women's Press spines was testament to my reading proclivities. I cared about the Orange Prize. I was a demographic.
Now I read non fiction. I read non fiction written by men. I read non fiction written by men who used to be music journalists. Not exclusively, but enough to make note of.
Is it also relevant that I used to be fiercely monogamous in my reading and now I have a pile of 6 books on the go?
I am currently reading:
Mark Radcliffe's Biography i.e. a book about a bloke
A book about 2 blokes who get an allotment
A book about a bloke who decides to travel around all the places on the shipping forecast
A book about a bloke who does a load of experiements to prove the theory of social economics
A book by a bloke who needs to get a real job, talking about the pleasures and sorrows of work
A book by a bloke who decides to travel around Britain, drinking in a lot of pubs on the way
If I were the subject of RFID based targeted advertising a la Minority Report, and took the advice of the advertisers, I would be buying a lot of lager, gilette razors and tyres right now.
I am still a demographic, just not the right one.
Question: Does it matter?
Thursday, 26 March 2009
My day out
Last week I had a day off. I travelled to a nearby market town and spent an enriching hour or so browsing in the local 2nd hand bookshop. Mr Turner and I spent £11 on 6 books, which we read in the park for an hour. we then went off into the country for lunch before spending another few hours sitting on a bench in the sun reading our new treasures.
This is why ebooks will never be right for bibliophiles. The glare of the sun on the screen; the battery going flat miles from a plug point or docking station; the coldness in the hand; the strange and slightly nauseating one sided weight that never resolves as you read through the book; the sensuous pleasure of the pages rustling, the feel of the paper, the smell of the ink, of the new, of the old; the fact that books really do furnish a room; the updates, the next generation; the flicking, the scrolling, the surfeit of choice crippling the reader; the short attention spans, the publish anything culture, the constant clamour of more, more, more; the battery acid, the plastic, the endless parade of gaudy and unecessary accessories; the consumerism, the soulessness, the decay of simple pleasures; the digital divide, the exclusion, the fashionability; the headaches, the eyeache, the over complication; the magnanimity, ease and credit crunch busting of bookcrossing, charity shops, 2nd hand books and libraries; the erosion of simple and elegant beauty and perfection.
Libraries - recycling since 1850.
This is why ebooks will never be right for bibliophiles. The glare of the sun on the screen; the battery going flat miles from a plug point or docking station; the coldness in the hand; the strange and slightly nauseating one sided weight that never resolves as you read through the book; the sensuous pleasure of the pages rustling, the feel of the paper, the smell of the ink, of the new, of the old; the fact that books really do furnish a room; the updates, the next generation; the flicking, the scrolling, the surfeit of choice crippling the reader; the short attention spans, the publish anything culture, the constant clamour of more, more, more; the battery acid, the plastic, the endless parade of gaudy and unecessary accessories; the consumerism, the soulessness, the decay of simple pleasures; the digital divide, the exclusion, the fashionability; the headaches, the eyeache, the over complication; the magnanimity, ease and credit crunch busting of bookcrossing, charity shops, 2nd hand books and libraries; the erosion of simple and elegant beauty and perfection.
Libraries - recycling since 1850.
Friday, 20 March 2009
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
News from the front line
Those of you who follow Tim Coates blog, or library news in general won't have failed to notice the debate about library closures whihc has been rumbling on for a good few years now.
Recently it's come to a head with Wirral's proposals to close half it's libraries. Under pressure from a growing campaign, CILIP stepped into the ring by asking the culture minister, Andy Burnham to intervene using his statutory powers. Here's the latest:
CILIP slams government's inaction
Local people to suffer as government inaction exposes libraries to cutsCILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library & Information Professionals has slammed Andy Burnham's decision to neither intervene nor investigate the controversial closures of libraries and cultural facilities agreed by Wirral Council. Secretary of State, Andy Burnham, has a statutory responsibility to safeguard the provision of public libraries in England, but is failing to do so.Bob McKee, Chief Executive of CILIP commented, "As the recession bites and people need their local libraries more than ever, this government has effectively given local authorities complete freedom to close their libraries. Exactly when local authorities are looking to make reductions to meet budget targets for the new financial year, Andy Burnham has made local libraries an even softer target for cuts."The cuts in Wirral library services are looking increasingly like the tip of the iceberg, as more local authorities including Swindon, Nottingham and Warwickshire announce plans to review or cut services. CILIP calls on everyone who cares about libraries, learning, reading, or their community to contact their local authority or Andy Burnham to voice their concern.Andy Burnham's response comes after the Leader of CILIP Council and CILIP’s Chief Executive both formally asked the Secretary of State to review Wirral Council's plans to close almost half its public libraries. CILIP has now been advised that the Secretary of State had considered this case in light of his powers of investigation and "is not minded at this stage to investigate further or intervene."This inaction flies in the face of statistics from local authorities who have seen a surge in library use. An extra 4,989 people joined Cumbrian libraries between September and December 2008, up 39% on the previous year. The Bookseller recently reported that London Borough of Westminster have seen visits increase by 10.5% (634,600) over the three months to the end of January 2009, compared to the same period in the previous year. The Birmingham Mail reported that membership numbers increased by nearly 4,500 towards the end of 2008, taking the number of people who use Birmingham’s libraries on a regular basis to 175,000.
Caroline Moss-Gibbons, Leader of the CILIP Council, points out the inconsistency of this inaction with recent government initiatives, "The Department of Culture, Media and Sport should be embarrassed that while 2008 was the government-backed National Year of Reading, 2009 looks like the year they do nothing while increasing numbers of libraries close."
Bob McKee keenly looks forward to working with the DCMS on the review of England's public library services, “There's an opportunity for the government to provide clear leadership on expected standards of library services. This is necessary so local authorities know what standard of library service they need to deliver, and local people are clear what they are entitled to receive.”
Recently it's come to a head with Wirral's proposals to close half it's libraries. Under pressure from a growing campaign, CILIP stepped into the ring by asking the culture minister, Andy Burnham to intervene using his statutory powers. Here's the latest:
CILIP slams government's inaction
Local people to suffer as government inaction exposes libraries to cutsCILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library & Information Professionals has slammed Andy Burnham's decision to neither intervene nor investigate the controversial closures of libraries and cultural facilities agreed by Wirral Council. Secretary of State, Andy Burnham, has a statutory responsibility to safeguard the provision of public libraries in England, but is failing to do so.Bob McKee, Chief Executive of CILIP commented, "As the recession bites and people need their local libraries more than ever, this government has effectively given local authorities complete freedom to close their libraries. Exactly when local authorities are looking to make reductions to meet budget targets for the new financial year, Andy Burnham has made local libraries an even softer target for cuts."The cuts in Wirral library services are looking increasingly like the tip of the iceberg, as more local authorities including Swindon, Nottingham and Warwickshire announce plans to review or cut services. CILIP calls on everyone who cares about libraries, learning, reading, or their community to contact their local authority or Andy Burnham to voice their concern.Andy Burnham's response comes after the Leader of CILIP Council and CILIP’s Chief Executive both formally asked the Secretary of State to review Wirral Council's plans to close almost half its public libraries. CILIP has now been advised that the Secretary of State had considered this case in light of his powers of investigation and "is not minded at this stage to investigate further or intervene."This inaction flies in the face of statistics from local authorities who have seen a surge in library use. An extra 4,989 people joined Cumbrian libraries between September and December 2008, up 39% on the previous year. The Bookseller recently reported that London Borough of Westminster have seen visits increase by 10.5% (634,600) over the three months to the end of January 2009, compared to the same period in the previous year. The Birmingham Mail reported that membership numbers increased by nearly 4,500 towards the end of 2008, taking the number of people who use Birmingham’s libraries on a regular basis to 175,000.
Caroline Moss-Gibbons, Leader of the CILIP Council, points out the inconsistency of this inaction with recent government initiatives, "The Department of Culture, Media and Sport should be embarrassed that while 2008 was the government-backed National Year of Reading, 2009 looks like the year they do nothing while increasing numbers of libraries close."
Bob McKee keenly looks forward to working with the DCMS on the review of England's public library services, “There's an opportunity for the government to provide clear leadership on expected standards of library services. This is necessary so local authorities know what standard of library service they need to deliver, and local people are clear what they are entitled to receive.”
Chirpy chirpy cheep cheep
At the risk of showing my age (which I still like to flatter myself is "quite young" in librarian years), I also get The Birdie Song in my head when using twitter.
My name is Paige Turner...
...and I'm an addict. I'm addicted to Twitter. Unfortuately this addiction is manifesting itself in a way which is having detrimental effects.
Firstly - I can't use it properly, my tweets are like buses, nothing for ages then 3 come along at once.
Secondly, I leap from one topic to another as thoughts jump randomly into my head.
Posts follow each other at rapid fire speed as I become increasingly hampered by the dreaded 140 countdown.
I have to drag myself away - and worst of all, my micro blogging is hampering my macro blogging :(
sorry
Firstly - I can't use it properly, my tweets are like buses, nothing for ages then 3 come along at once.
Secondly, I leap from one topic to another as thoughts jump randomly into my head.
Posts follow each other at rapid fire speed as I become increasingly hampered by the dreaded 140 countdown.
I have to drag myself away - and worst of all, my micro blogging is hampering my macro blogging :(
sorry
Monday, 23 February 2009
Life on film
I'd forgotten about this - they filmed it when they visited last year. "Catch the library bug" indeed.
Friday, 20 February 2009
Stars of page and screen
I was in Swansea central library this afternoon and just had to take a picture of the staff dressed up in "Hollywood Glamour" to promote the DVD service (it is Oscar night you know!)
A regular contributor to this blog has commented before that a "disproportionately high percentage of both male & female SCL staff members are extremely attractive" and I must say, I have to agree!
Wednesday, 11 February 2009
Another good news day
What a lovely letter in the local paper. I am feeling all warm and fuzzy today...
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
Extra special reason to be cheerful
Comment number 73 on the One Show piece below reads:
73. At 8:53pm on 09 Feb 2009, Maggietilt wrote:
Very interested in your article about libraries. Swansea has a new library opened last year. It is the best I've ever come across. Books in the fiction section are set out in genre eg crime, historic novels, family saga. A wonderful children's section, can't wait to take the grandson on his visit at Easter. Upstairs in the non fiction section there are plenty of newspapers and magazines with comfortable seating areas overlooking Swansea Bay to the Mumbles. And then when you've finished in the library there is a great cafe to enjoy a coffee. Books can be signed out electronically and returned in the same way, no queing. I can order and renew books on line. Best of all the library is open on Sundays, it was full last Sunday. Swansea really deserve praise for getting their library so right - well done.
What a lovely warm glow of satisfaction...
73. At 8:53pm on 09 Feb 2009, Maggietilt wrote:
Very interested in your article about libraries. Swansea has a new library opened last year. It is the best I've ever come across. Books in the fiction section are set out in genre eg crime, historic novels, family saga. A wonderful children's section, can't wait to take the grandson on his visit at Easter. Upstairs in the non fiction section there are plenty of newspapers and magazines with comfortable seating areas overlooking Swansea Bay to the Mumbles. And then when you've finished in the library there is a great cafe to enjoy a coffee. Books can be signed out electronically and returned in the same way, no queing. I can order and renew books on line. Best of all the library is open on Sundays, it was full last Sunday. Swansea really deserve praise for getting their library so right - well done.
What a lovely warm glow of satisfaction...
Reasons to be cheerful...1, 2, 3
1. The comments on this piece
2. The relaunched singles night at Swansea Central Library - it's back! Friday Feb 13th 6pm-8pm
3. Swansea missed the snow this time so Jeremy Strong should be able to get here...
2. The relaunched singles night at Swansea Central Library - it's back! Friday Feb 13th 6pm-8pm
3. Swansea missed the snow this time so Jeremy Strong should be able to get here...
Monday, 2 February 2009
A chicken walks into a library...
( I heard this joke the other day, as told by Joni Mitchell during a radio interview)
A chicken walks into the library. It goes up to the circulation desk and says: "book, bok, bok, boook". The librarian hands the chicken a book. It tucks it under his wing and runs out. A while later, the chicken runs back in, throws the first book into the return bin and goes back to the librarian saying: "book, bok, bok, bok, boook". Again the librarian gives it a book, and the chicken runs out. The librarian shakes her head. Within a few minutes, the chicken is back, returns the book and starts all over again: "boook, book, bok bok boook". The librarian gives him yet a third book, but this time as the chicken is running out the door, she follows it. The chicken runs down the street, through the park and down to the riverbank. There, sitting on a lily pad is a big, green frog. The chicken holds up the book and shows it to the frog, saying: "Book, bok, bok, boook". The frog blinks, and croaks: "read-it, read-it, read-it".
A chicken walks into the library. It goes up to the circulation desk and says: "book, bok, bok, boook". The librarian hands the chicken a book. It tucks it under his wing and runs out. A while later, the chicken runs back in, throws the first book into the return bin and goes back to the librarian saying: "book, bok, bok, bok, boook". Again the librarian gives it a book, and the chicken runs out. The librarian shakes her head. Within a few minutes, the chicken is back, returns the book and starts all over again: "boook, book, bok bok boook". The librarian gives him yet a third book, but this time as the chicken is running out the door, she follows it. The chicken runs down the street, through the park and down to the riverbank. There, sitting on a lily pad is a big, green frog. The chicken holds up the book and shows it to the frog, saying: "Book, bok, bok, boook". The frog blinks, and croaks: "read-it, read-it, read-it".
Reasons to be cheerful..1, 2, 3
1. It's not snowing....much.... so all libraries remain open to the good people of Swansea
2. Our new online catalogue is now live... feedback most welcome to iron out teething troubles
3. Jeremy Strong (!) is coming to Central Library next week - we can't wait!!
2. Our new online catalogue is now live... feedback most welcome to iron out teething troubles
3. Jeremy Strong (!) is coming to Central Library next week - we can't wait!!
Friday, 30 January 2009
100% proof
Excitement here as a batch of advance reading copies has arrived today. We have made friends with Random House (at a recent Reading Partners event) and now we're getting proof copies to read and review. For public librarians this is gold dust!
I've got a history of Britpop, a Japanese literary fiction, a history of New Europe, a pop science book about the universe (very light) and an extremely odd looking fiction title.
I'll let you know how I get on
I've got a history of Britpop, a Japanese literary fiction, a history of New Europe, a pop science book about the universe (very light) and an extremely odd looking fiction title.
I'll let you know how I get on
Reasons to be cheerful... 1, 2, 3
1. Fantastic jute bags for only £2 - environmentally friendly, practical, stylish and instant moral virtue comes as standard
2. Credit crunch busting free books for one and all!!!
3. My colleague's desk is not as messy as it could be
2. Credit crunch busting free books for one and all!!!
3. My colleague's desk is not as messy as it could be
Wednesday, 28 January 2009
Reasons to be cheerful...1, 2, 3
1. There were loads of babies having fun at baby rhyme time this morning
2. The e-mail system is broken (this could become a reason to be annoyed if it lasts too long)
3. More customer compliments than complaints this month
2. The e-mail system is broken (this could become a reason to be annoyed if it lasts too long)
3. More customer compliments than complaints this month
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
Pontarddulais...such a beautiful horizon
Pontarddulais libray reopened in October after a CyMAl funded refit and of course, lots of new books!
Initial statistics are very positive - in the first month visits rose 120% on the previous year, with adult issues up 30% and children's issues up 66%.
Looks nice too
Reasons to be cheerful... 1, 2, 3
1. Swansea Central Library is on course to have loaned half a million items by its 1st birthday
2. So far in January, 1644 people have joined Swansea libraries
3. Ralph and Mud Mouth will be rapping at Penlan and Townhill libraries in February as part of the Read a Million Words project.
2. So far in January, 1644 people have joined Swansea libraries
3. Ralph and Mud Mouth will be rapping at Penlan and Townhill libraries in February as part of the Read a Million Words project.
Monday, 26 January 2009
Reasons to be cheerful... 1, 2, 3
1. Libraries are "a good thing"
2. Reading changes lives
3. Swansea Central library has a fantabulous view
Friday, 16 January 2009
Find us on Facebook
Those of you who are on Facebook, can now become a fan of "swansea Central library", "gorseinon library" or preferably both to keep up to date with news and events!
Sign up today for regular notifications.
Sign up today for regular notifications.
Wednesday, 7 January 2009
Watching...
House, season 2 - highly recommended for all curmudgeons and of passing interest to Sherlock Holmes fans due to the similarities in the House/Wilson & Holmes/Watson relationships.
Reading...
one of my Christmas books,
A nice cup of tea and a sit down shortly to be followed by Enough , although I'm not sure how they'll work back to back. Can you have enough biscuits? Pink wafers maybe, but hob nobs... I don't know.
Hoping, as ever, for enlightenment.
A nice cup of tea and a sit down shortly to be followed by Enough , although I'm not sure how they'll work back to back. Can you have enough biscuits? Pink wafers maybe, but hob nobs... I don't know.
Hoping, as ever, for enlightenment.
Beat the credit crunch
with the amazing Jauary sale at Swansea Central library - running until Friday!
"New year, new you"
Is the name of the New Year membership drive in Swansea libraries. New customers are being encouraged through some key marketing messages including "do more" "save more" "recycle more" and "learn more".
Some nice artwork has been created by an esteemed colleague of mine and we'll wait and see...
Some nice artwork has been created by an esteemed colleague of mine and we'll wait and see...
Thursday, 25 September 2008
News update
In the news this week, Gordon Brown's plan to ensure all family homes have a broadband connected computer. Whatever the ins and outs of the plan may be (and there is much debate about ongoing support and sustainability costs - sound familiar?) I do wonder where it would leave the people's network of public PCs in libraries.
With most authorities currently puzzling out how to fund replacements for their public computers and some authorities in England already charging for access, this development is going to be an interesting one.
Incidentally Welsh public libraries have made free access to computers a core entitlement for all users as part of the new "entitlements".
With most authorities currently puzzling out how to fund replacements for their public computers and some authorities in England already charging for access, this development is going to be an interesting one.
Incidentally Welsh public libraries have made free access to computers a core entitlement for all users as part of the new "entitlements".
Wednesday, 27 August 2008
I've heard of copy cats...
... but not copy penguins. No doubt inspired by the tremendous singles nights at Swansea Central Library, at last a major player in the book trade has recognised the link between literature and love.
Penguin books have teamed up with online dating agency Match.com to help lonely literature lovers hook up. Read all about it here
Penguin books have teamed up with online dating agency Match.com to help lonely literature lovers hook up. Read all about it here
room for a little one?
Seems not as all seats are taken by reading children at Swansea Central library! Now there's a scene to warm the heart...Friday, 8 August 2008
A recipe to save libraries?
An interesting blog entry from The Bookseller site about the future of public libraries.
Interesting as it is written by a Waterstones branch manager who has probably(?) never worked in public libraries. We in libraries are often being told to look to retail to raise standards. In Swansea, we have taken this on board. We have improved presentation, stock management, customer service skills, book knowledge of staff, opening hours, library layout and environment.
We even (just), pipped the big W with the introduction of a black polo shirt for staff.
And yet, here is Mr. Latham, telling us that we shouldn't have gotten rid of the books that no-one wants to borrow, and criticising libraries for not wanting his Dad's old book collection.
All reserve stock should be orderable via the internet, he proclaims. Held presumably in giant warehouses, staffed, lit, heated, rent payable &c. on the offchance that bucking the trend, someone should one day want to borrow a copy of of Lord Snodbury's guide to modern manners 1936 edition. Hardly a good use of public money. It might be alright in Dr. Who but where do you stop? With publishing seemingly expanding every year, soon every square yard of this sceptered isle would be covered with huge hangars storing every book ever held by any library ever, as if that were in itself a mark of quality.
You know what - no.
Libraries are public services and have to repsond to customer needs and demands. Library managers apply principles of collection management that boil down to basic common sense when deciding what to keep in store for a rainy day. Sometimes we get it right and sometimes we get it wrong. It's not as perverse as the retail practice of returning everything at month end that hasn't sold, even if the same day more copies of the same book arrive in boxes. We are not governed by the same commercial principals but we do have to ensure good use of resources to maximise usage.
This doesn't mean dumbing down - far from it. In fact I know that Swansea Central library boasts a far wider range than the local W, even in very popular areas such as fiction and childrens.
If Mr Latham had his way, libraries would be full of dusty old books and Waterstones would be full of shiny new ones. Libraries would be staffed by "veteran librarians" for whom "customer skills" would not be a priority, and Waterstone's staffed with customer friendly book lovers.
I wonder if Waterstone's believe that you can't have both customer skills and book knowledge? Do their staff need LIS degrees to select and recommend books or do they just employ people who love books and people?
I wonder if he's a little bit scared of what a good library could mean for his business?
I know the answers to a lot of these questions - do you?
Interesting as it is written by a Waterstones branch manager who has probably(?) never worked in public libraries. We in libraries are often being told to look to retail to raise standards. In Swansea, we have taken this on board. We have improved presentation, stock management, customer service skills, book knowledge of staff, opening hours, library layout and environment.
We even (just), pipped the big W with the introduction of a black polo shirt for staff.
And yet, here is Mr. Latham, telling us that we shouldn't have gotten rid of the books that no-one wants to borrow, and criticising libraries for not wanting his Dad's old book collection.
All reserve stock should be orderable via the internet, he proclaims. Held presumably in giant warehouses, staffed, lit, heated, rent payable &c. on the offchance that bucking the trend, someone should one day want to borrow a copy of of Lord Snodbury's guide to modern manners 1936 edition. Hardly a good use of public money. It might be alright in Dr. Who but where do you stop? With publishing seemingly expanding every year, soon every square yard of this sceptered isle would be covered with huge hangars storing every book ever held by any library ever, as if that were in itself a mark of quality.
You know what - no.
Libraries are public services and have to repsond to customer needs and demands. Library managers apply principles of collection management that boil down to basic common sense when deciding what to keep in store for a rainy day. Sometimes we get it right and sometimes we get it wrong. It's not as perverse as the retail practice of returning everything at month end that hasn't sold, even if the same day more copies of the same book arrive in boxes. We are not governed by the same commercial principals but we do have to ensure good use of resources to maximise usage.
This doesn't mean dumbing down - far from it. In fact I know that Swansea Central library boasts a far wider range than the local W, even in very popular areas such as fiction and childrens.
If Mr Latham had his way, libraries would be full of dusty old books and Waterstones would be full of shiny new ones. Libraries would be staffed by "veteran librarians" for whom "customer skills" would not be a priority, and Waterstone's staffed with customer friendly book lovers.
I wonder if Waterstone's believe that you can't have both customer skills and book knowledge? Do their staff need LIS degrees to select and recommend books or do they just employ people who love books and people?
I wonder if he's a little bit scared of what a good library could mean for his business?
I know the answers to a lot of these questions - do you?
Wednesday, 6 August 2008
Show me the cakes!
Interesting article in The Times about low literacy levels in boys (particularly white, working class boys).
This year's Read a Million Words in Wales campaign is focusing on reluctant reader boys, and getting them engaged with reading but it's a hard ask. We've been thinking about library author events, sports related events, even graffitti art and rap workshops (with reading at the heart - obviously). Maybe a trip to Greggs would be more successful though...
This year's Read a Million Words in Wales campaign is focusing on reluctant reader boys, and getting them engaged with reading but it's a hard ask. We've been thinking about library author events, sports related events, even graffitti art and rap workshops (with reading at the heart - obviously). Maybe a trip to Greggs would be more successful though...
Wednesday, 30 July 2008
Introducing...
My good friend the library bug!
Inspired by Plynouth's bookstart bear (and maybe me but I wouldn't like to say...), my good friend the library bug has started his own blog. You can read it here
Inspired by Plynouth's bookstart bear (and maybe me but I wouldn't like to say...), my good friend the library bug has started his own blog. You can read it here
Wednesday, 23 July 2008
How does he type with those paws?
Practicalities aside, here's the beginnings of a nice blog , from Plymouth Libraries. I'm a great fan of Plymouth's Bookstart bear and his many and varied travels as documented on Flikr. I would link but computer says no - Web 2.0 is often incompatible with workplace filtering.
I should have called this post "web 2.NO"
I should have called this post "web 2.NO"
Poetry in Motion
I forgot to say - please feel free to leave comments on the post below, I'd be interested in your opinions.
Tuesday, 22 July 2008
Appetite for instruction
An interesting article in the Independent on the weekend by Andrew Motion, the poet laureate. Motion, recently appointed as chair of the MLA, apparently wants to shake up our libraries.
Not too much new in Motion's article for those of us in the trade... libraries are old fashioned (check), libraries have an image problem (check), lots of people think libraries are not for them (check) along with the usual anxiety around the medium for storing and diseminating knowledge - book vs computer.
He does have a good point about community engagement though. In libraries we all know that there is something for everyone. Outside of libraries there are a huge number of people who are kind of vaguely aware that libraries exist and that they are on balance "a good thing" but would never think of crossing the threshold themselves. Non users surveys are remarkably consistent. Depending on your vantage point, libraries are simultaneously for the poor and disadvantaged who can't afford to buy their own books and largely populated by the middle classes and posh educated people - exclusive.
A lot of what Motion suggests is already going on in the better libraries - remodelling, refurbishments, family history workshops, online services, literary events etc. What some libraries seem to get wrong though is acting in isolation or picking one thing to focus on at the expense of others.
How many of us have experienced the "fur coat and no knickers" of library refurbs or new builds where someone has spent an inordinate amount of time and energy on a fantastic new building and then stocked it with the same old books as before?
Or the amazing events programme, reading groups, author talks and baby rhyme time in a building with plaster coming off in chunks and no toilet?
Or the modern, accessible, light and airy, toilet filled library that is shut on Saturday afternoon?
Or (possibly worst of all), the new library with every book, PC, event and toilet you could want, whenever you want it - staffed with the grumpiest, most miserable, untrained, unmotivated staff you could ever wish to see.
In my view we need to apply a simple and holistic approach to library service delivery.
Great product - books, services, information, events, ICT
Accessible places - opening hours, cleanliness, design, repair, location
Great staff - trained, motivated, friendly, diverse
Then - let peple know about it.
All good things come from here and we need to get it right - all of it. Libraries fell down when they lost pace with customer expectations. Never pass something second rate off to customers and expect to get away with it. Aim high - that's where customer expectations are.
Don't get in a comfort zone - very few businesses have the luxury of segmenting their market and staying alive. Libraries are for everyone and we have to reach out to all sections of the community - not just the easy hits.
Often the cry is for more money, but it's time for services to prove that they are competent to spend it
In Swansea we are trying hard to achieve this high quality, customer focused and holistic service. The ongoing programme of refurbishments (ticking all the boxes) and the opening of our new Central library have had a big impact but we have a long way to go yet. We are an improving business, looking to grow.
Come and visit us Mr Motion (we can all forget that we're in Wales for the purpose of the exercise) - and we promise that if you give us some money, it won't be wasted.
Not too much new in Motion's article for those of us in the trade... libraries are old fashioned (check), libraries have an image problem (check), lots of people think libraries are not for them (check) along with the usual anxiety around the medium for storing and diseminating knowledge - book vs computer.
He does have a good point about community engagement though. In libraries we all know that there is something for everyone. Outside of libraries there are a huge number of people who are kind of vaguely aware that libraries exist and that they are on balance "a good thing" but would never think of crossing the threshold themselves. Non users surveys are remarkably consistent. Depending on your vantage point, libraries are simultaneously for the poor and disadvantaged who can't afford to buy their own books and largely populated by the middle classes and posh educated people - exclusive.
A lot of what Motion suggests is already going on in the better libraries - remodelling, refurbishments, family history workshops, online services, literary events etc. What some libraries seem to get wrong though is acting in isolation or picking one thing to focus on at the expense of others.
How many of us have experienced the "fur coat and no knickers" of library refurbs or new builds where someone has spent an inordinate amount of time and energy on a fantastic new building and then stocked it with the same old books as before?
Or the amazing events programme, reading groups, author talks and baby rhyme time in a building with plaster coming off in chunks and no toilet?
Or the modern, accessible, light and airy, toilet filled library that is shut on Saturday afternoon?
Or (possibly worst of all), the new library with every book, PC, event and toilet you could want, whenever you want it - staffed with the grumpiest, most miserable, untrained, unmotivated staff you could ever wish to see.
In my view we need to apply a simple and holistic approach to library service delivery.
Great product - books, services, information, events, ICT
Accessible places - opening hours, cleanliness, design, repair, location
Great staff - trained, motivated, friendly, diverse
Then - let peple know about it.
All good things come from here and we need to get it right - all of it. Libraries fell down when they lost pace with customer expectations. Never pass something second rate off to customers and expect to get away with it. Aim high - that's where customer expectations are.
Don't get in a comfort zone - very few businesses have the luxury of segmenting their market and staying alive. Libraries are for everyone and we have to reach out to all sections of the community - not just the easy hits.
Often the cry is for more money, but it's time for services to prove that they are competent to spend it
In Swansea we are trying hard to achieve this high quality, customer focused and holistic service. The ongoing programme of refurbishments (ticking all the boxes) and the opening of our new Central library have had a big impact but we have a long way to go yet. We are an improving business, looking to grow.
Come and visit us Mr Motion (we can all forget that we're in Wales for the purpose of the exercise) - and we promise that if you give us some money, it won't be wasted.
Watching...
Into the wild and The Invasion - one has a happy ending and one has a sad ending but both were a good watch.
Reading...
Against the machine - being human in the era of the electronic mob - I have a bit of a love/hate thing going on with the old interweb...
also
Swan Peak by James Lee Burke - possibly my favourite crime author ever.
and
Teach yourself decluttering - the Turner household needs some order!
finally
Thrifty ways for modern days - what better way to beat the credit crunch?
also
Swan Peak by James Lee Burke - possibly my favourite crime author ever.
and
Teach yourself decluttering - the Turner household needs some order!
finally
Thrifty ways for modern days - what better way to beat the credit crunch?
Wednesday, 9 July 2008
Babs in the house
Esteemed author Barabara Erskine will be rocking up to Central Library tomorrow at 2pm to talk about her new book, The Warrior's Princess.
Monday, 7 July 2008
Looking for love?
Literary lonely hearts take note - there's love to be found at Swansea Central library on their regular singles night. I haven't been myself, but I understand it's very popular and growing in notoriety as the place to meet.
People are quite literally coming from miles around in the hope of finding love among the shelves, and we've even made the national press, as well as the redoubtable South Wales Evening Post.
If you're interested in finding romance at the next singles night, it's on Friday 11th July between 6pm and 8pm.
People are quite literally coming from miles around in the hope of finding love among the shelves, and we've even made the national press, as well as the redoubtable South Wales Evening Post.
If you're interested in finding romance at the next singles night, it's on Friday 11th July between 6pm and 8pm.
Amnesty International
OK, I hold my hands up, I've been AWOL for a while. It's not that Swansea Libraries hasn't been an exciting place to be or that I haven't had anything to report. Far from it, there's been loads going on and I have been utterly negligent in my duties. More of that later.
No, the sad truth is... I've been too ashamed to post.
Ashamed because I am a flagged user, a defaulter, an abuser of the system, operating on the very margins of a legal and just society.
I have had overdue books.
There - I've said it. I, Paige Turner, am no sort of library role model and not fit to communicate with you. But, salvation is at hand. My blushes will be spared by the good folk who run the library service here in Swansea.
For an amnesty has been announced, a chance for all those of us who have crossed the line to sally forth and become upright citizens once more. Between 14th July and 2nd August Swansea Libraries will be accepting back all overdue items FINE FREE!
It's an opportunity too good to miss - I'm off to clear out the attic.
No, the sad truth is... I've been too ashamed to post.
Ashamed because I am a flagged user, a defaulter, an abuser of the system, operating on the very margins of a legal and just society.
I have had overdue books.
There - I've said it. I, Paige Turner, am no sort of library role model and not fit to communicate with you. But, salvation is at hand. My blushes will be spared by the good folk who run the library service here in Swansea.
For an amnesty has been announced, a chance for all those of us who have crossed the line to sally forth and become upright citizens once more. Between 14th July and 2nd August Swansea Libraries will be accepting back all overdue items FINE FREE!
It's an opportunity too good to miss - I'm off to clear out the attic.
Thursday, 17 April 2008
View from the Bont
Those nice folk from the Welsh Assembly Government have given us some money to refurb the lovely but rather dated library at Pontarddulais.
As ever, you can look forward to a brighter and more welcoming space, a review of opening hours, modern and user friendly shelving and layout and of course (what Swansea libraries do best) - loads of new BOOKS!
Hurrah!
Roll on September.
As ever, you can look forward to a brighter and more welcoming space, a review of opening hours, modern and user friendly shelving and layout and of course (what Swansea libraries do best) - loads of new BOOKS!
Hurrah!
Roll on September.
Brum Brum!
I read here that there is a new £193 million library proposed for Birmingham. Being a good librarian ;-) I have validated this information, and you can read more about it here
I wonder if it's the same library that was being project managed ooooh, around 5 years ago now by the delightful Ayub Khan.
Anyway - it's going to be great I'm sure. Either enormously HUGE or made of solid platinum. Hope it's the former.
Mr. Coates thinks they should spend £20 million on new books, which is around 10% of the toal budget (maths not my strong point). Sounds reasonable - the book suppliers could pre-order their lear jets now - but I'm not sure how big it's going to be.
Being a much 'umbler city, our new library cost around £6 million and we had around £700,000 to spend on new books to add to the decent stuff from the old place that we bought along with us.
When I say new books I mean newly bought, not newly published i.e. we were able to get spanking new sets of brilliant backlist as well as new titles.
I was at Birmingham central library a while ago (undercover on covert ops) and counted 3 spine labels on one fiction book (author surname lead letter, number corresponding to the row of shelves in which book was to be shelved, and genre). It would probably have been easier to shelve and find if the labels hadn't obscured the author's name!
Still, I'm sure that's why the good librarians of Birmingham are desperate for a new library and best wishes to them in their endeavours!
I wonder if it's the same library that was being project managed ooooh, around 5 years ago now by the delightful Ayub Khan.
Anyway - it's going to be great I'm sure. Either enormously HUGE or made of solid platinum. Hope it's the former.
Mr. Coates thinks they should spend £20 million on new books, which is around 10% of the toal budget (maths not my strong point). Sounds reasonable - the book suppliers could pre-order their lear jets now - but I'm not sure how big it's going to be.
Being a much 'umbler city, our new library cost around £6 million and we had around £700,000 to spend on new books to add to the decent stuff from the old place that we bought along with us.
When I say new books I mean newly bought, not newly published i.e. we were able to get spanking new sets of brilliant backlist as well as new titles.
I was at Birmingham central library a while ago (undercover on covert ops) and counted 3 spine labels on one fiction book (author surname lead letter, number corresponding to the row of shelves in which book was to be shelved, and genre). It would probably have been easier to shelve and find if the labels hadn't obscured the author's name!
Still, I'm sure that's why the good librarians of Birmingham are desperate for a new library and best wishes to them in their endeavours!
Monday, 7 April 2008
The Story so far...
We have joined 1500 new library members.
We have loaned out over 20,000 items.
80% of customers are using the self service machines (and most seem to like them)
95% of customers tell us they love the library and many have written complimenting the staff :)
We have walked and walked and walked... 2 pedometers have already cracked under the strain!
We love our new library - come and see us!!!
We have loaned out over 20,000 items.
80% of customers are using the self service machines (and most seem to like them)
95% of customers tell us they love the library and many have written complimenting the staff :)
We have walked and walked and walked... 2 pedometers have already cracked under the strain!
We love our new library - come and see us!!!
Tuesday, 18 March 2008
We have lift off!
Central Library is now open! I think it's fabulous - what do you think? Please leave any comments here.
Friday, 8 February 2008
Ok, it's a bit late
but I have been busy.
What books did you get for Christmas?
I got these:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/What-Do-Tales-Everyday-Craziness/dp/0330453734/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=gateway&qid=1202478699&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dawn-Dumb-Dispatches-Idiotic-Frontline/dp/0571238416/ref=pd_bbs_2?ie=UTF8&s=gateway&qid=1202478727&sr=8-2
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Estates-Intimate-History-Lynsey-Hanley/dp/1862079099/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=gateway&qid=1202478778&sr=8-1
http://www.libraries.swansea.gov.uk/uhtbin/cgisirsi.exe/sSO01Ogehc/HQ/125100003/8/743064/Affluenza+(,aeflu'enza)
What books did you get for Christmas?
I got these:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/What-Do-Tales-Everyday-Craziness/dp/0330453734/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=gateway&qid=1202478699&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dawn-Dumb-Dispatches-Idiotic-Frontline/dp/0571238416/ref=pd_bbs_2?ie=UTF8&s=gateway&qid=1202478727&sr=8-2
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Estates-Intimate-History-Lynsey-Hanley/dp/1862079099/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=gateway&qid=1202478778&sr=8-1
http://www.libraries.swansea.gov.uk/uhtbin/cgisirsi.exe/sSO01Ogehc/HQ/125100003/8/743064/Affluenza+(,aeflu'enza)
Monday, 7 January 2008
Happy New Year!
Well the season to be jolly has ended but 2008 will hopefully bring many other reasons to be jolly for all those involved with Swansea libraries.
First on the agenda of course is the opening of Central library in March. I did manage to sneak down for a few photos just before Christmas and it looks fantastic!
Just think of all these shelves filled with lovely books!!
Looks comfy too!
Who thought map cabinets could look so good?
and the view....
Tuesday, 18 December 2007
Reading
Chuck Klosterman IV
I love Chuck Klosterman -he did the whole "eating nothing but McDonalds" thing years before Morgan Spurlock and Fargo Rock City is one of my favourite music books ever!
I love Chuck Klosterman -he did the whole "eating nothing but McDonalds" thing years before Morgan Spurlock and Fargo Rock City is one of my favourite music books ever!
shhhh.....
I hear on the grapevine that another refurbishment may be on the cards later this year in a Swansea library.
Watch this space for more news
Watch this space for more news
Phew
Well, we've finished buying books for the new library and things are really gathering pace. The fit out of the library is now complete bar all the electrical and ICT equipment and a few bits and bobs like blinds and signage.
We will be going in on 21st January to start stocking all the shelves and training our 20 or so brand new staff prior to opening in mid March.
I will try to get some updated photos soon....
We will be going in on 21st January to start stocking all the shelves and training our 20 or so brand new staff prior to opening in mid March.
I will try to get some updated photos soon....
Friday, 7 December 2007
Friday, 9 November 2007
Collective nouns
I can't find one for librarians. Suggestions in use include "a catalogue of librarians", " a stack of librarians" and "a shush of librarians"..
No matter.
Anyway - all Swansea libraries staff will be coming together next week for the 4th annual staff conference - the one day a year when we can all get together for training and development. This year the keynote speaker is none other than Sergio Dogliani of the Tower Hamlets Ideas Stores. In the tradition of Italians bringing excellent innovation to South Wales, we are hoping for a good day.
No matter.
Anyway - all Swansea libraries staff will be coming together next week for the 4th annual staff conference - the one day a year when we can all get together for training and development. This year the keynote speaker is none other than Sergio Dogliani of the Tower Hamlets Ideas Stores. In the tradition of Italians bringing excellent innovation to South Wales, we are hoping for a good day.
2000!
Yesterday evening at around 8.20pm (while I was complacently watching The Bill), this blog had it's 2000th visitor!
Seems like only yesterday I was announcing the 1000th visitor and I've beaten my self imposed target of 2000 visitors by the blog's first birthday.
It does help that I share a name with an (ahem) "adult entertainment star", but some of you are real... aren't you?
Seems like only yesterday I was announcing the 1000th visitor and I've beaten my self imposed target of 2000 visitors by the blog's first birthday.
It does help that I share a name with an (ahem) "adult entertainment star", but some of you are real... aren't you?
Thursday, 1 November 2007
Recommended reading...
Look!
Recommended reading for delegates at the recent Internet Librarian International Conference 2007 was (I kid you not), this blog!!
Here's the proof - http://www.ukoln.ac.uk/web-focus/events/conferences/ili-2007/masterclass/
That's the trouble with this blinking internerd thing - do I see a penny in royalties or conference fees?
I do not.
Am I bestowed with great honours by that organisation - what's it called, CLIP?
I am not.
Still the professional recognition, the pride, the warm rosy glow that someone somewhere reads this stuff.........
Recommended reading for delegates at the recent Internet Librarian International Conference 2007 was (I kid you not), this blog!!
Here's the proof - http://www.ukoln.ac.uk/web-focus/events/conferences/ili-2007/masterclass/
That's the trouble with this blinking internerd thing - do I see a penny in royalties or conference fees?
I do not.
Am I bestowed with great honours by that organisation - what's it called, CLIP?
I am not.
Still the professional recognition, the pride, the warm rosy glow that someone somewhere reads this stuff.........
Wednesday, 31 October 2007
Cultural differences
I know a lot of librarians read this blog, but bear with me a few moments...
Imagine you're a customer. Yes, "customer", not "borrower" as they are small people who live behind the skirting boards. Not "user" - libraries are not heroin, nor even opiates for the masses. Not even "reader", as we all offer much more than that - don't we?
Anyway, for the sake of argument, you're a customer and you're looking for Elizabeth David's French Provincial Cooking.
You walk into a bookshop - you look around at the headings on the bookshelves - you notice that there is an area headed "cookery" or "food and drink", you think - ah, yes, that sounds right. On closer inspection, you notice that every couple of shelves is a smaller sign "barbecues", "soups", "A-z by country" Ah-ha!!!! a,b,c,d,e,f - French cookery.
You take the initiative - you read the titles and author's names on the spines of the books - OK sorry, getting a bit controversial there. But hey - you did it!
Now the alternative scenario - you walk into a traditional library. There are no signs above the shelves. On the end of each run of shelving, you notice an array of numbers (340-385, 610-649 etc.) You walk further and may notice a decrepid poster filled with a list of these numbers and what they mean, written in arcane language. (If you're a kid, your poster may have a jungle theme but the language will be the same).
OK - you say - I get it, there's some sort of coded system in play here! But, I'm an intelligent human so I can work it out. Right, let's see:
000 - computers, information and general works (nope)
100 - philosophy and psychology (nope)
200 - religion (well Delia's a bit fanatical about eggs but...nope)
300 - social sciences (don't think so)
400 - language (non!)
500 - science (erm, no)
600 - technology (nope)
700 - arts and recreation (ah-ha! The culinary arts! Recreational activity - sounds good, just finish checking)
800 - Literature (nah!)
900 - History and geography (no - hee-hee! I've cracked it, now, off to find the 700 section!)
time passes.
slowly.
Give up.
Go home or ask the code master.
Of course 641.5944!! "Utilising the sciences to harness the natural world and it's resources for the benefit of mankind" = Cookery! Silly me.
By the way - helpful tip, when you do get to it, if you do get to it, hope there's not too may books on French cookery, because chances are, you won't be able to identify the book you want behind all the spine labels.
There ends today's anti-Dewey rant.
Imagine you're a customer. Yes, "customer", not "borrower" as they are small people who live behind the skirting boards. Not "user" - libraries are not heroin, nor even opiates for the masses. Not even "reader", as we all offer much more than that - don't we?
Anyway, for the sake of argument, you're a customer and you're looking for Elizabeth David's French Provincial Cooking.
You walk into a bookshop - you look around at the headings on the bookshelves - you notice that there is an area headed "cookery" or "food and drink", you think - ah, yes, that sounds right. On closer inspection, you notice that every couple of shelves is a smaller sign "barbecues", "soups", "A-z by country" Ah-ha!!!! a,b,c,d,e,f - French cookery.
You take the initiative - you read the titles and author's names on the spines of the books - OK sorry, getting a bit controversial there. But hey - you did it!
Now the alternative scenario - you walk into a traditional library. There are no signs above the shelves. On the end of each run of shelving, you notice an array of numbers (340-385, 610-649 etc.) You walk further and may notice a decrepid poster filled with a list of these numbers and what they mean, written in arcane language. (If you're a kid, your poster may have a jungle theme but the language will be the same).
OK - you say - I get it, there's some sort of coded system in play here! But, I'm an intelligent human so I can work it out. Right, let's see:
000 - computers, information and general works (nope)
100 - philosophy and psychology (nope)
200 - religion (well Delia's a bit fanatical about eggs but...nope)
300 - social sciences (don't think so)
400 - language (non!)
500 - science (erm, no)
600 - technology (nope)
700 - arts and recreation (ah-ha! The culinary arts! Recreational activity - sounds good, just finish checking)
800 - Literature (nah!)
900 - History and geography (no - hee-hee! I've cracked it, now, off to find the 700 section!)
time passes.
slowly.
Give up.
Go home or ask the code master.
Of course 641.5944!! "Utilising the sciences to harness the natural world and it's resources for the benefit of mankind" = Cookery! Silly me.
By the way - helpful tip, when you do get to it, if you do get to it, hope there's not too may books on French cookery, because chances are, you won't be able to identify the book you want behind all the spine labels.
There ends today's anti-Dewey rant.
Monday, 29 October 2007
Reading...
Recently finished The World Without Us by Alan Wiseman.
A great book - coming to a library near you soon!
A great book - coming to a library near you soon!
Hooray, hooray it's Gorseinon Lib-ra-ay!
More information about the Gorseinon refurbishment is available on the Designing Libraries website and on the website of the Welsh Assembly Government.
Apparantly there were 3000 visitors in the first week alone - great stuff!
Apparantly there were 3000 visitors in the first week alone - great stuff!
Thursday, 25 October 2007
Gorseinon Library
The refurbishment of Gorseinon Library is now complete and it opened last Saturday to great acclaim. You can read about it here (complete with dreaded "bookworm" reference) but pictures are always better - aren't they?
Monday, 22 October 2007
Central library - peek inside...
Follow this link for a short film (yes, film!!) of the inside of the new Central library as it looks now.
Click here for the article and follow the link entitled "click here for a video tour of the new library" which is under external links just below the picture.
My esteemed colleague was very brave and had to talk with no preparation. She did of course mean "customer service desks" and not "counters"...
Click here for the article and follow the link entitled "click here for a video tour of the new library" which is under external links just below the picture.
My esteemed colleague was very brave and had to talk with no preparation. She did of course mean "customer service desks" and not "counters"...
Tuesday, 9 October 2007
Next please!
Apologies for my absence in recent weeks - just goes to prove that unlike some other blogs, this one is written by me, Paige Turner and me alone, not a group of people posing under a ridiculous made up name.
Anyway, it's interview-tastic this week in library land as we sift and sort our way through the nearly 500 applicants who want to come and work in the new library!
(I told you the Charlie's Angels recruitment campaign would work!)
Lots of excellent people to talk to - looks like we will be spoilt for choice.
Anyway, it's interview-tastic this week in library land as we sift and sort our way through the nearly 500 applicants who want to come and work in the new library!
(I told you the Charlie's Angels recruitment campaign would work!)
Lots of excellent people to talk to - looks like we will be spoilt for choice.
Wednesday, 29 August 2007
Wednesday, 22 August 2007
Bibliomulas
Had to laugh at this article!
Could this be the future of mobile library services? Answers on a postcard to the usual address.
Could this be the future of mobile library services? Answers on a postcard to the usual address.
Countdown Continues
to the opening of the New Central Library! Spies tell me that painting has now commenced on the first floor of the site. I'm hoping to sneak down myself next week and take some photos - you will, of course, be the first to know!
Summertime...and the living is easy
What terrible weather we've been having this summer. Luckily, Swansea hasn't been afflicted with floods or other such plagues so we are able to enjoy the boost in library visits during the bad weather.
Loads of stuff going on for kids as usual, including the Summer reading challenge, which this year has an environmental theme.
Loads of stuff going on for kids as usual, including the Summer reading challenge, which this year has an environmental theme.
Tuesday, 31 July 2007
If I could be bothered
I might conduct a survey into the favourite reads of library staff. I wonder how it would compare with the favourite reads of Waterstone's staff, polled recently to decide their top 100 books of the last 25 years. For those interested, the results can be found here
A Room With a View?
We librarians have to work hard in the call of duty you know. Selflessly, we travel the world in search of the very best printed materials with which to stock our libraries, and bring knowledge and pleasure to the masses.
Sometimes our world collides with less pleasant worlds as in my recent book buying trip to a city which shall remain nameless, and a hotel which shall remain nameless, in an area the luminescence of which could be descibed as "rose tinted" at night.
How we librarians marvelled at our neighbour - "Jonny Diamond's Pink Flamingo", its business too, being about the bringing of pleasure to the masses....
Tuesday, 24 July 2007
Adult literacy
An interesting article on the BBC today about how poor literacy is preventing some parents from being able to read stories with their children confidently.
Libraries are doing some excellent work in this area to raise literacy levels among adults (BBC RaW partnership is an example of this) but also to encourage reading from an early age in children with the aim of breaking the cycle.
Bookstart, Flying Start, Read a Million words and the Libraries Summer Reading challenge are all examples of this intervention, to facilitate and develop a love of reading from an early age.
Libraries are doing some excellent work in this area to raise literacy levels among adults (BBC RaW partnership is an example of this) but also to encourage reading from an early age in children with the aim of breaking the cycle.
Bookstart, Flying Start, Read a Million words and the Libraries Summer Reading challenge are all examples of this intervention, to facilitate and develop a love of reading from an early age.
Wednesday, 18 July 2007
My favourite things
One of my favourite parts of this job (apart from arguing about the Dewey Decimal system and getting to wear comfy shoes to work) is buying books.
Today, I'm off on a book buying trip for the new Central library with some esteemed colleagues. I like buying most things, particularly adult non fiction and adult contemporary fiction. It's fair to say, in fact, that I like buying books for adults best of all. There is however one exception:
First rule of book buying - I buy the board books
Second rule of book buying - I buy the board books
I hope they've got this one, and this one
No library in the world can have too many copies.
Today, I'm off on a book buying trip for the new Central library with some esteemed colleagues. I like buying most things, particularly adult non fiction and adult contemporary fiction. It's fair to say, in fact, that I like buying books for adults best of all. There is however one exception:
First rule of book buying - I buy the board books
Second rule of book buying - I buy the board books
I hope they've got this one, and this one
No library in the world can have too many copies.
Saturday, 14 July 2007
Thursday, 12 July 2007
1000
I am thrilled to announce that this blog has had it's 1000th visitor today!
So, if you were the person reading at around 1.30pm from a City and County of Swansea IP address then
"give yourself a shiny!"
So, if you were the person reading at around 1.30pm from a City and County of Swansea IP address then
"give yourself a shiny!"
Wednesday, 11 July 2007
Reading...
Talk to the Hand by Lynne Truss. Very funny polite little rant of a book.
I'm also a big fan of the "Panda says no" campaign in her previous book but it leaves me in a strange place.
At what point in my life did I start agreeing with Daily Telegraph readers?
I'm also a big fan of the "Panda says no" campaign in her previous book but it leaves me in a strange place.
At what point in my life did I start agreeing with Daily Telegraph readers?
Friday, 6 July 2007
Thursday, 5 July 2007
You heard it here first..
Well "technically" I suppose it was second, but I did give an inkling didn't I??
What am I talking about? Read all about it here
Good news isn't it? Apart from the "B word". I'm going to start a one woman anti bookworm crusade, but being a good librarian (fnarrr) I am going to document instances of occurence first.
That's 2 - in 2 days.
Please join me on my "bookworm" hunt and stamp out the worm!
What am I talking about? Read all about it here
Good news isn't it? Apart from the "B word". I'm going to start a one woman anti bookworm crusade, but being a good librarian (fnarrr) I am going to document instances of occurence first.
That's 2 - in 2 days.
Please join me on my "bookworm" hunt and stamp out the worm!
I pick my favourite quotations...
.... and store them in my mind as ready armour, offensive or defensive, amid the struggle of this turbulent existence. Robert Burns
Well known in these parts for my ability to use words creatively (a euphemism I suspect for never shutting up), I have been tasked with identifying a few appropriate quotations to decorate the walls of the new Central library.
What a difficult job!
Here's a few that we're considering -
CENSOREDCENSOREDCENSORED
CENSOREDCENSOREDCENSORED
CENSOREDCENSOREDCENSORED
ETA - Shortly after writing this post, I, Paige was gagged by a higher authority. Something to do with not wanting to spoil the surprise. Or was it copyright infringement? Can't remember. Anyway - you'll just have to wait and see...
Well known in these parts for my ability to use words creatively (a euphemism I suspect for never shutting up), I have been tasked with identifying a few appropriate quotations to decorate the walls of the new Central library.
What a difficult job!
Here's a few that we're considering -
CENSOREDCENSOREDCENSORED
CENSOREDCENSOREDCENSORED
CENSOREDCENSOREDCENSORED
ETA - Shortly after writing this post, I, Paige was gagged by a higher authority. Something to do with not wanting to spoil the surprise. Or was it copyright infringement? Can't remember. Anyway - you'll just have to wait and see...
Wednesday, 4 July 2007
Another first!
The pilot RFID self issue system has gone live this week in Morriston library - making it the first RFID library in Wales. We're hoping that the new Central Library will offer 100% self service when it opens in March next year, beating even Sutton who currently claim the highest rates.
My particular favourite thing about RFID is the "animal noises" functionality described in this article in the local paper - and, yes - they did manage to get the word "bookworms" in again!
My particular favourite thing about RFID is the "animal noises" functionality described in this article in the local paper - and, yes - they did manage to get the word "bookworms" in again!
Bookstart
I love Bookstart; the free books, the universal entitlement, the early intervention into reading and literacy, the improvement of familial relationships caused by "reading together", the funky bag, the bear...
THE BEAR!!!
Gets about, doesn't he?
THE BEAR!!!
Gets about, doesn't he?
Am I the only one
who isn't consumed with excitement about the forthcoming release of the lastest and (thankfully) last in the HP series?
I always remember casually flicking through this book **warning - rude word in title** and chuckling to myself when I read the description of HP as "a public school conjurer".
Don't get me wrong - it's a great series for children, and I'm sure I'd have loved it when I was 9 or 10 but why oh why oh why do people keep insisting that I try it, when I'm at the ripe old age of "not much past 29".
And the other thing that annoys me (easily annoyed - moi?), is the ridiculous pantomime that poor booksellers have to go to in order to give the book away at a loss.
And another thing, HP and the goblet of fire was in a list of the top 10 books that people start and never finish Seems to me that could be something to do with the fact that every one is about 600 pages longer than the last.
I understand they'll be giving out surgical hoists with the next one.
I always remember casually flicking through this book **warning - rude word in title** and chuckling to myself when I read the description of HP as "a public school conjurer".
Don't get me wrong - it's a great series for children, and I'm sure I'd have loved it when I was 9 or 10 but why oh why oh why do people keep insisting that I try it, when I'm at the ripe old age of "not much past 29".
And the other thing that annoys me (easily annoyed - moi?), is the ridiculous pantomime that poor booksellers have to go to in order to give the book away at a loss.
And another thing
I understand they'll be giving out surgical hoists with the next one.
It's all about me
I read this post at Swashford's blog and it got me to thinking....
Just what is the point of this blog? What do you think? I like to think that it is:
a. a witty insight into the world of public libraries in the 21st century
b. a stroke of marketing genius designed to promote Swansea libraries to the world
c. an opportunity for me to burble on without the risk of being hit (again) by someone in my office
Just what is the point of this blog? What do you think? I like to think that it is:
a. a witty insight into the world of public libraries in the 21st century
b. a stroke of marketing genius designed to promote Swansea libraries to the world
c. an opportunity for me to burble on without the risk of being hit (again) by someone in my office
Friday, 29 June 2007
Blast from the past
Interesting to see this post over at Information Overlord from an ex-staff member of Swansea libraries.
Tuesday, 26 June 2007
Gis a Job!
Recruiting very soon for more staff for the new library.
Assistant manager vacancies will be published in the next couple of weeks with the rest of the frontline staff published in the next couple of months.
It's really coming together now!
Assistant manager vacancies will be published in the next couple of weeks with the rest of the frontline staff published in the next couple of months.
It's really coming together now!
Reading
The Cleaning Bible: Kim and Aggie's complete guide to modern household management
Reading about it makes me feel virtuous, even if I never get around to the practical bits...
Reading about it makes me feel virtuous, even if I never get around to the practical bits...
Tuesday, 19 June 2007
Links to the library catalogue
Reading
Watching The English by Kate Fox. Great bit of pop anthropology on the characteristics of "Englishness". I'm not English myslef, but I do suffer from many of the identifed traits.
I am a particular fan of the "denial rule" of public transport - denial that anyone else exists, and sometimes that even you exist. This rule may only be broken on 3 counts:
1. The politeness rule - to say sorry, excuse me or "is anyone sitting there"
2. The information rule - to ask a direct information question, "is this the Paddington train?"
3. The collective moan - something goes wrong, delay is announced, and everyone is permitted to have a whinge, provided that the denial rule is only temporarily suspended and immediately the problem is resolved, everyone goes back to ignoring one another.
I am a particular fan of the "denial rule" of public transport - denial that anyone else exists, and sometimes that even you exist. This rule may only be broken on 3 counts:
1. The politeness rule - to say sorry, excuse me or "is anyone sitting there"
2. The information rule - to ask a direct information question, "is this the Paddington train?"
3. The collective moan - something goes wrong, delay is announced, and everyone is permitted to have a whinge, provided that the denial rule is only temporarily suspended and immediately the problem is resolved, everyone goes back to ignoring one another.
Saturday, 9 June 2007
ICT, Schm-ICT
Anonymous said...
Why not link this to your catalogue entry rather than to Amazon?
08 June 2007 19:06
Good question "anonymous". Like all the best questions, this one has a really simple answer - it doesn't work. I'm not sure why - may have to ask an esteemed colleague, but it doesn't.
However, rest assured that you can check availability of any titles I mention at any time by clicking the link on the right hand menu (scroll down a bit).
Not perfect but thems the breaks.
Why not link this to your catalogue entry rather than to Amazon?
08 June 2007 19:06
Good question "anonymous". Like all the best questions, this one has a really simple answer - it doesn't work. I'm not sure why - may have to ask an esteemed colleague, but it doesn't.
However, rest assured that you can check availability of any titles I mention at any time by clicking the link on the right hand menu (scroll down a bit).
Not perfect but thems the breaks.
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