Reading

The Internet and the news are full of reports of how libraries are meeting the needs of hurting patrons.  Here are a few examples:
Libraries are bustling with job huntersHouston Chronicle - United States
Hard times are boom times for public libraries, experts say, noting
that scanning computerized job banks and filing résumés via the
Internet largely have [...]

Continue Reading Recession and Public Libraries

Jen Matsick wrote a thoughtful and insightful article comparing advertising and marketing of books as compared to other forms of media:
“Books are a bit of a unique element of the world of entertainment. Unlike movies and music, which can be heard, seen, and advertised using just about every aspect of the media - television, radio, [...]

Continue Reading ‘Blockbuster Books’

Ironically one of the best passages about the value of libraries I’ve ever read came from an article about library cutbacks and closings in Pennsylvania:
“In Franklin’s and Carnegie’s times, the library offered access to encyclopedias and books. It gave everyone a chance to educate himself during a time when access to education, especially higher education, [...]

Continue Reading Library Cutbacks in Pennsylvania and Lower Income Citizens

Fallon, NV’s Lahontan Valley News reports in “Libraries thrive in poor economies” that
“People’s wallets are getting lighter and are going out less unless it is to their local library.  As the economy continues to slide, local libraries are experiencing a sudden influx in clientele using their free services.”
Read on…http://www.lahontanvalleynews.com

Continue Reading “Libraries thrive in poor economies”

The Bend (Oregon) Bulletin reported in “Books fly off shelves as library use soars: Phenomenon may be a chapter in story of nation’s economy”:
“People are flocking to Deschutes County libraries, and officials say the slumping economy may be bringing them business. From July through November, patrons checked out about 10 percent more books and other [...]

Continue Reading Public Library Funding in this Economy? It’s a ‘no brainer’!

Daneeta Loretta Jackson wrote Six reasons to love the downtown public library for Examiner.com:
“Being homeless and jobless in America’s third world can be a real drag. Finding a place that can help you feel normal and provide much needed resources is important to keeping up morale. The New Orleans Public Library downtown branch is one [...]

Continue Reading Reasons to love downtown public libraries

ResourceShelf.com posted a report from Crain’s New York Business report that “the number of new magazines launched was down 13% in 2008″.
Read on…

Continue Reading “Serials: Magazine launches down 13% in ‘08″