David Hoffman and Thoughts About Libraries

This is a TED video presentation by filmmaker David Hoffman. In 2008 a fire destroyed his books, photos, negatives and home.

From the TED biography page:

Documentary filmmaker David Hoffman has been capturing reality for almost 4 decades, following his wide-ranging interests and turning them into films for PBS, The Discovery Channel, A&E, National Geographic.

This is his presentation on converting his loss into a positive experience. Which begs the question; are libraries important enough to the society to save? If we believe that then what are we doing to help the general and politicized public understand why it essential to maintain a vital public library system?

This man is a collector. What he lost cannot be replaced. Libraries are living collections of what we believe to be essential information for a community to have access to and use.

What will the community lose if the doors are allowed to be bolted shut?

Abby and A Look at What Digital Natives Want From Libraries

We have to get ready for Abby and her peers. Actually, they are hear but some of the adults want to pretend that they are not.



If you have ever seen a four year-old pick up an iPad and master it in five minutes you know that this is not that much of an exaggeration.

From the web site:

VALA - Libraries, Technology and the Future Inc. is an independent Australian based not-for-profit organisation that aims to promote the use and understanding of information technology within libraries and the broader information sector. VALA also offers its members access to a dynamic and professional network of information technology practitioners.

Yes, she may have been coached in what to say but the words are true. Wow. The times they are a changing.

Research Channel - Feed Your Head

If left to my own devices I would be watching TED videos and those of the Research Channel. Intelligent information, discussions and alternative sources to the barking reality shows of prime time television. No insult to canines intended.

The topics range from geology, medicine, engineering, genetics, psychology and more.
Per the channel description:

Research Channel is a nonprofit media and technology organization that connects a global audience with the research and academic institutions whose developments, insights and discoveries affect our lives and futures.

This is a video from 2008 by the California State University Monterey Bay on the role that libraries play on the university campus.

The web site seems to be down at the moment so the best place to catch up on the video archive is the YouTube channel or visiting YouTube.edu

Video Tutorial on Using Boolean Operators

I love the fact that libraries are creating tutorial videos on research techniques.



This is a video from Virginia Commonwealth University Libraries on how to use Boolean Operators. You can use these in Ask.com, Bing and Google. Operators can help you target the materials you need in a search.

For more library tutorial videos check out the VCU Libraries YouTube channel.

Libros Schmibros

Libros Schmibros:
a lending library/used bookstore for Boyle Heights
2000 E. 1st St.Los Angeles, CA 90033
accessible from the Metro Gold line /Mariachi Plaza exit

Check their Blog for events and needs: http://librosschmibros.wordpress.com/

Our Partial Catalog: http://www.librarything.com/catalog/kipen
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=173562995996562

Interested in supporting Libros Schmibros?
Consider making a donation. You can do so through our parent organization, The Arroyo Project .
Your donation of $10, $25, or $50 helps us bring books and literary programming to Boyle Heights.

Questions? We’d love to hear from you. Email us at librosschmibros@gmail.com.

More information:

Reed Johnson. "Libros Schmibros is part library, part used-book seller, totally chill." LA Times Nov 9, 2010

Holiday Shopping - Amazon

Planning to go holiday shopping at Amazon? If you use the link at the bottom of PCC Shatford Library's page, you can also help support the library. The library gets 5% of what shoppers spend. You may think 5% isn't very much but it all adds up. So next time you're planning on shopping at Amazon, click here.

Public Libraries and funding

Los Angeles Times article on Los Angeles County Library System
"Los Angeles County Libraries in a Bind."
By Rong-Gong Lin II, Los Angeles Times
December 6, 2010

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-county-library-20101201,0,2066297,full.story


Private company to take over Camarillo's public library
By Steve Chawkins, Los Angeles Times
October 25, 2010
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-libraries-20101025,0,494283.story