libraries

The Librarian's Tale

Stevie Converse — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 07:13:18 -0400

Full article: The Economist
Over the past two years, hard-hit Americans have been economizing by canceling their broadband contracts at home and looking to public libraries to fill the gap. At the same time, companies and government agencies are saving money by moving job applications and services online; so a rush of new visitors is arriving at libraries just as the local governments that fund them run out of money.

Technology in Libraries Critical to Unemployment Turnaround, Access to Social Services, Study Finds

Stevie Converse — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 12:33:20 -0400

Full article: Government Technology
Karen Wilkinson
Public libraries are seeing more demand for access to technology so that citizens can interact with their government. But there's a catch-22: Public libraries are faced with reduced funding and shorter operating hours.

U.S. Public Libraries: We Lose Them at Our Peril

Stevie Converse — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 12:13:48 -0400

Full article: Los Angeles Times
Marilyn Johnson
The U.S. is beginning an interesting experiment in democracy: We're cutting public library funds, shrinking our public and school libraries, and in some places, shutting them altogether. Sooner or later, we'll all feel the loss as one of the most effective levelers of privilege and avenues of reinvention -- one of the great engines of democracy -- begins to disappear.

Libraries Have a Novel Idea

Stevie Converse — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 10:07:03 -0400

Full article: Wall Street Journal
Geoffrey A. Fowler
Libraries are expanding e-book offerings with out-of-print editions, part of a broader effort to expand borrowing privileges in the Internet Age that could challenge traditional ideas about copyright.

Librarians Weigh in on National Ed-Tech Plan

Lindsy Embree — Thu, 20 May 2010 10:33:54 -0400

Full article: eSchool News
School libraries are an important resource that should be leveraged as state and local leaders implement the recommendations in the National Education Technology Plan, according to the American Library Association.

State Court Says Internet Filtering at Libraries Constitutional

Stevie Converse — Wed, 12 May 2010 07:59:05 -0400

Full article: Ars Technica
Jacqui Cheng
Libraries that choose to filter Internet access are not engaging in censorship, according to the Washington Supreme Court. Dissenting justices feel that filters should be removed at the request of an adult, and that the decision is "draconian."

Public Library Computers Get a Real Workout

Lindsy Embree — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:32:52 -0400

Full article: Pocono Record
Public libraries have special reason to celebrate during this year's National Library Week. A third of Americans are using public library computers. Those 77 million people are saying something important: Public libraries are essential to them.

Our Public Library Lifeline Is Fraying. We'll Be Sorry When it Snaps

Lindsy Embree — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 12:41:05 -0400

Full article: Huffington Post
Art Brodsky
This is National Library Week, a time normally reserved for celebrating an institution that plays a vital role in many of our cities, towns and counties. Instead, many libraries, particularly public libraries, are being decimated by budget cuts at a time when library services are needed most.

Libraries Ask for Oversight of Google Books Product

Stevie Converse — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:52:36 -0500

Full article: Reuters
Three library associations have asked the Justice Department to oversee Google's plans to create a massive digital library to prevent an excessively high price for institutional subscriptions. They said it was unlikely that an effective competitor would emerge in the near term.

Bill Gates Fund: Libraries Need More Cash for Broadband

Stevie Converse — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:10:13 -0500

Full article: Ars Technica
Matthew Lasar
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation wants the government to lift the cap on spending for broadband at schools and libraries. Meanwhile, the FCC says it's interested in a cable industry proposal that could cut funding to small rural phone services.