How to Pick a Book for the Beach
“Reading is going toward something that is about to be, and no one yet knows what it will be.” – Italo Calvino At risk of being presumptuous, you seem … Continue reading
How not to get sick at the library
There is nothing to be gained from obfuscation, so let us be clear, there is a growing level of concern about the coronavirus COVID-19. There is absolutely no reason to … Continue reading
How to stay cool in a library
According to numerous scientific studies, as well as ample anecdotal evidence, it is hot in the summer. Furthermore, as recent headlines from around the world attest, this particular summer is … Continue reading
How to Reserve a Seat in a Library
Not unlike New Year’s Day, the start of the academic year is a time during which many people try to establish the routines and behaviors that they hope to stick … Continue reading
We are the 91% (who think libraries are important)
Librarians have become accustomed to the tragic chorus declaring that libraries must adjust to changing times or woe shall befall them. Well, some have become accustomed; others have become frustrated, … Continue reading
Librarians and Lawsuits – From Persecution to Prosecution, the tale of Edwin Mellen Press
If you were wondering whether Edwin Mellen Press’s lawsuit against librarian Dale Askey (which is still going forward) and its threats of legal action against the Scholarly Kitchen were bizarre … Continue reading
Communities Matter – It’s National Library Week in Boston, and in your town too.
In the aftermath of a national tragedy—such as the bombing of the Boston Marathon—it is common for people to seek out community. Even as the news media frantically looks for … Continue reading
What Becomes of Our Books? A Eulogy of Sorts in Four Glances
1. What becomes of our books when we are no longer present to care for them? Do family and friends incorporate our carefully constructed collection into their own? Shall the … Continue reading
Librarians and Lawsuits – Edwin Mellen Press Threatens to Sue Another Librarian
Imagine for a moment that you are a publisher of academic books. In such a situation it would be likely that your primary market would be libraries, particularly academic libraries. … Continue reading
So, Has Your Information Been Sold to Any Huge Companies Lately?
Part of enjoying a book comes after you finish reading it. Once that last page is read a reader is able to discuss it with their friends, recommend it to … Continue reading
The Library in the High-Rise’s Lobby
So, have you heard the one about the library in financial trouble? You have!? Of course you have. That question hasn’t changed much in the last years, but luckily the … Continue reading
Librarians Hit the Streets (and parks)
Sometimes the best way to make people recognize the value of libraries is to put a library somewhere they had not expected: in a park, on the sidewalk, in front … Continue reading
No Soda, No Tobacco, No Libraries
Mayor Bloomberg has been spending a lot of time worrying about your health (assuming you’re a New Yorker) lately. While he has been active in campaigning for stricter gun regulations, … Continue reading
The Public, and The Digital Public Library of America
In our increasingly digital age there are many who adopt an attitude of: if it is not on the Internet it must not be anywhere. As a librarian I have … Continue reading
The Used Book Store in the Cloud (probably isn’t heaven)
Do you “own” any of the albums, books, or movies that you have downloaded? You hit the “buy” button, didn’t you? Your bank statement provides you with evidence that you … Continue reading
Librarians and Lawsuits [update] – Dale Askey
Legal update time! [This is an update to my post: Libel and Libraians and Lawsuits (Oh my)!] Begin recap: librarian Dale Askey is being sued by Edwin Mellen Press for … Continue reading
The Name Chiseled Above the Door
For those who don’t know, the actual name of the NYPL main branch on 42nd street (in NYC) is the: Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. Who is this Stephen A. Schwarzman? … Continue reading
Reference Desk
We present to you the reference desk. Ask questions — anonymously, if you’d like — and we’ll try to answer them. Note (6/28/2016) – we have heard reports that this … Continue reading
Libel and Librarians and Lawsuits (Oh my)!
What is the line between voicing a professional opinion and libel? This is a matter that one unlucky librarian is currently learning quite a bit about. To summarize the story: … Continue reading
An Obituary for the E-Reader
Do you remember MiniDiscs? If so, kudos to you. But if not, know that you are far from alone. For a brief moment in the 90s MiniDiscs seemed like they … Continue reading
“Demolition by neglect”
It requires patience and fortitude just to follow the planned renovations to the New York Public Library’s 42nd Street branch. The project was announced years ago, and in the time … Continue reading
LibrarianShipwreck 