Facebook Twitter Pinterest Flickr Google+ YouTube Instagram
Written on: May 24th, 2010 by: in Blog Posts
The Division of Libraries maintains subscriptions to a number of full-text online databases, with thousands of high quality magazines, journals, and newspapers available at no cost to all public library users in Delaware. You can access these databases through library websites, the Delaware Library Catalog, or this page.
Most people who use databases use them when a question or need arises- and as last week’s posting here concerning the recent NFAIS workshop suggests, our current restrictions and contractual requirements for authenticating access through use of library accounts puts databases at a competitive disadvantage to search engines, despite the fact that in many cases the reliability and scope of information available in the subscription services is much better than that found on the open web. We’re hoping that over time, through technological and regulatory improvements, that we can level the playing field to some extent and make the validated and superior online information that is available through library subscriptions the first thing that people think of when looking for information online.
Written on: May 23rd, 2010 by: in Blog Posts
Didn’t get time to read the NYT book reviews this Sunday? Allow me to summarize!
Nick Bunker’s Making Haste From Babylon is a new history of the Pilgrims, and explores the financial motivations for their original flight from England. The author also explores the political aspects of the expedition- King James saw the advantages of being rid of troublemakers- although perhaps King George would think differently years later…
Last Exit by Olen Steinhauer is an espionage thriller which “skillfully renders the game of espionage in the post-cold-war, post-9/11 era.” The hero of the story is on one hand a merciless operative for the C.I.A., and on the other a loving family man with a “scarred psyche and a complex back story.”
Steinbrenner: the Last Lion of Baseball by Bill Madden covers the much-hated manager from the beginning of his career to the current day, with the backing of the Steinbrenner family and unprecedented access to unique background material. It’s not a kind portrait of a man who is portrayed as having “precious little nobility”- many of the Yankee’s successes are seen as coming despite his leadership, certainly not because of it.
What Becomes, a new collection of short stories by A.L. Kennedy is harrowing and challenging, with the recurrent theme being, as expressed by one character: “It’s not all right. It won’t be fine.”
Written on: May 21st, 2010 by: in Blog Posts
New York City’s Improv Everywhere crew recently staged this event at the New York City Public Library to help the library’s Don’t Close the Book campaign.
Written on: May 20th, 2010 by: in Blog Posts, Informal learning, Learning, Learning Journeys, Reading, Reviews
Launched at the 2007 Delaware Book Festival, the path for the Delaware Library Learning Journeys (Learning Journeys) program has always been forward but rarely in a straight line. Informal learning is like that. The beauty of our offering is the shared experience between participants and presenters. As you/they spoke, the well of stories, tools and techniques became deeper and wider; informal learning is like that too. So as it should, the program evolved.
As we continue to move forward, a survey invitation may have come to your Inbox earlier this week. Tell us about your own learning journey since attending the program. What tools do you use to track your reading/learning? Do you find what you need to “unleash your inner genius” at your library? The survey is available here also. We welcome your feedback.
Are you asking “What is this woman talking about?” Acquaint yourself with the Learning Journeys program here. The central idea is captured well by our State Librarian, Annie Norman. “Geniuses keep journals. We are all geniuses. We just need to get organized.”
Remember that I use Goodreads to track my learning. Well, guess what I found after digging into the titles there. Here goes: *non-fiction stands at 51% of my reading, fiction at 49% *spirituality was the big winner at 17% of titles *ornamental grass/meadow gardening is at 8% * books that make me laugh – 9%. My Aha Moments? First, “required” reading can be good. Some of my favorite reads were from our Book Festival authors…I may not have read them otherwise. Maybe I need to consider a book club. Second, I need to better track my picture book reading. I’m a picture book addict. But, they only register 2% of my total. Last, I need to buy Kiki Strike:Inside the Shadow City and Caramelo:or Puro Cuento I have reread both of these books…they speak to me…I must own them. How about a few of your insights?
Written on: May 18th, 2010 by: in Blog Posts
Your Delaware library card is more than just books and movies! The Division of Libraries provides access for all public libraries in the state to a vast array of information websites and databases that are only available through subscription. Full-text online access to core business journals such as BusinessWeek, Fast Company and Fortune is available through our research databases, ReferenceUSA gives access to national business and residential listings, and for small and no-so-small business owners, and those who are interested in starting a business the Small Business Reference Center™ database contains nearly 400 full-text periodicals, short videos and over 450 full-text reference books- including the outstanding and incredibly popular NOLO guides on topics including:
The user-friendly interface guides users through small business and entrepreneurial subject areas, common business types, a help and advice section, and provides information on how to create business plans that lead to successful funding. The database includes state-specific resources- including demographic information and links to state government agencies, business chambers, and other essential agencies and organizations.
You can connect with this database at this link with your library card ID and PIN, or click on the logo at the top of the posting.
Written on: May 17th, 2010 by: in Blog Posts
Scott Turow’s long awaited new legal thriller Innocent leads the reviews in today’s New York Times. This new book, “a meticulously constructed and superbly paced mystery”, is a follow up to Turow’s debut work Presumed Innocent and features judge Rusty Sabich making the same mistakes he made almost 25 years ago. However, it’s more than old wine in new bottles- it’s “lovely…gripping and darkly self-reflective” with all of the procedural and technical bells and whistles that the CSI generation have come to expect along with Turow’s love of the law and his crafty literary style.
There’s a wealth of reviews from genre to non-fiction in this week’s reviews. Once again, readers will be spoiled for choice and their Delaware public library can deliver the goods:
Written on: May 16th, 2010 by: in Blog Posts
From Bear in the Big Blue House to Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas, Jim Henson’s work never failed to delight. Henson died on this date 20 years ago but it seems as if he never left the room as his creations continue to bring joy to children (and adults) around the world.
Written on: May 15th, 2010 by: in Blog Posts
Division of Libraries staff attended a recent workshop in Philadelphia hosted by Lyrasis and NFAIS, the National Federation of Advanced Information Services. The workshop looked at how publishers and librarians can leverage technology to improve their users’ search experience, and how to design their services to optimize discovery and usability.
The first presentation was by Cody Hanson, technology librarian at U. of Minnesota, who discussed a recent project on Discoverability, an effort to identify trends in user discovery behavior which would enable the school to support new technology initiatives.
The project’s main question was “how can we make relevant resources more visible and easy to find?”. Their final report can be read in full here, but Cody was kind enough to break down the major findings for the attendees. A literature review and other research on how their own users interacted with the school’s online services outlined the main current discovery trends that needed to be placed at the forefront of institutional strategy:
More discussion of this and other presentations below the fold…
(more…)
Written on: May 14th, 2010 by: in Blog Posts, Informal learning, Learning
The Mid-Atlantic Regional Archives Conference met in Wilmington a few weeks back. Since it was at home and closely related to projects in the wings,* a few Delaware State Library staff were able to attend. I’ve talked here about how historians keep popping up in my reading/learning of late; well, this event sure brought a richer palette to that picture! Not surprisingly, the conference centered on gathering and protecting our cultural memory. But, aside from discussions about digitizing collections, there was no emphasis on access for our patrons/customers/citizens. The beauty of the times in which we live is that the guardian/curator role of librarians and archivists no longer requires rare materials to be unavailable to the general public to ensure their preservation. It’s a new world of sharing our cultural heritage across the senses and across media formats. A few virtual excursions follow for your enjoyment/enlightenment. One must start with the American Memory project of the Library of Congress, of course. And as an East Coaster with a developing interest in things West, I’ve learned much at the Arizona and Washington state collections. Have fun.
*A hearty congratulations to Beth-Ann Ryan for her recent grant award from the Institute for Museum & Library Services for staff training in preservation and conservation.
Written on: May 12th, 2010 by: in Blog Posts
Is the title of a new guide by the Federal Trade Commission for parents, teachers, librarians and others to help kids navigate the online world. The free booklet covers issues like cyber-bullying, ‘sexting’, social networking, and protecting the family computer, and provides a summary of the technological state of the union, how kids are using the new tools, and how to identify and discuss the inherent risks.
It’s written in a straightforward, non-hysterical way, and gives parents the tools to understand and guide their kids’ online activities in a way that helps maximize the value of these new tools safely. Copies of Net Cetera will soon be available from your local public library, at no charge- alternatively, you can download the guide, view it online, or connect with other resources about online safety by clicking on the ‘read more’ link below this paragraph.
Delaware’s Senate Judiciary Committee is currently considering H.B. 340, which updates a 2004 law covering acceptable use and access to the internet in public libraries. The new proposal, which was introduced by co-sponsors of the original legislation, and passed Delaware’s House of Representatives with unanimous support, makes the legislation “technology-neutral”, and anticipates the increasing role of wireless services at public libraries.
Delaware's Governor
State Agencies
Elected Officials
General Assembly
Delaware Courts
State Employees
Cities & Towns
Delaware State Code
State Regulations
Business First Steps
Phone Directory
Locations Directory
Public Meetings
Voting & Elections
Transparency
Delaware Marketplace
Tax Center
Personal Income Tax
Privacy Policy
Weather & Travel
Contact Us
Corporations
Franchise Tax
Gross Receipts Tax
Withholding Tax
Delaware Topics
Help Center
Mobile Apps
E-mail / Text Alerts
Social Media
Built by the Government Information Center
©MMXVIII Delaware.gov
