On a More Serious Note

Here is some great news about how libraries are making strides in serving customers online and in person. It is an interesting read that justifies the notion of a "virtual branch".

“Public libraries connect people to books, technology and educational programs – in the building and online – so they can remain informed and engaged citizens,” said Jill Nishi, deputy director of the U.S. Libraries initiative of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which helped fund the study." From the report “Libraries Connect Communities: Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study 2007-2008.”

We can and will stay relevant in the new millennium!

(Stepping down off my soap box now - the one in the picture. I never knew what a soap box looked like before!)

So, How Are We Doing?

Is everyone having a great National Library week? Are you enjoying the "day after" the tax deadline? And how cool is it that we will be closed this Friday when we get together for the day to learn about safety!

Here is something to make your week even brighter - the 2008 State of American Libraries report from ALA. I especially like how they misspelled Public Libraries - but I am not one to talk when it comes to spelling.

Be sure to download the "Quotable Facts About America's Libraries" document to "talk up" the library. One such fact is that Americans spend more than twice as much on salty snacks then they do supporting their local public library. Good food for thought!

See you at the Staff Development Day.

How to Spot Email Scams

A very good slide show on how to spot email scams from PC World - be sure to click through the 11 screens (use arrow in the left hand corner of screen to move forward). I found this on the ALA Direct newsletter I subscribe to. If you are interested, here is that site as well.