Update on Branch not using Dewey

The Maricopa County Library has chosen to organize its collection by BISAC instead of Dewey. "The result? Circulation is robust, patrons are happy, and though the library staff steeled themselves for "outrage," not a single customer has complained. As Maricopa County library director Harry Courtwright points out, if it doesn't work, they can always go back to Dewey--but they are optimistic enough, based on the initial response, that they are planning to use BISAC organization for a library they are opening in 2008." Read more.

Net Generation

I came across an interesting article in the LJXpress electronic newsletter. The article was about "Net Generation Students and Libraries" (see link)

http://www.educause.edu/rationStudentsandLibraries/6067

This is basically a discussion about the changes in searching patterns among students who have a wider exposure to the web; and who are more used to multi-tasking and visuals using graphics rather than traditionally text based information.

While it was written about academic libraries, I think we are seeing some of the same behaviors in our younger users; and over time I think these behaviors will continue. So an awareness of this issue and potential solutions is important to all of us. Take a look at the article and tell me what you think.

Pew Research Technology User Type

What type of tech user are you? An omnivore? A connector? "Do you cringe when your cell phone rings? Do you suffer from withdrawal when you can't check your Blackberry? Do you rush to post your vacation video to your Web site?" Take the quiz.

I'm a Connector. "Connectors combine a sense that information technology is good for social purposes with a clear recognition that online resources are a great way to learn new things. Their cell phones have a lot of features, and they also try new things with technology; more than half have watched TV programming on a device like a laptop computer or cell phone."

Library Journal Article about Tech Access Study

"Preliminary results from the 2007 Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study suggest that even though nearly every public library in the country is connected to the Internet and more and more offer wireless service, libraries face challenges in providing sufficient workstations and bandwidth to meet the needs of their users."

Read more.