When I started my library career, way back in the eighties, the hardest working books in the library where the encyclopedias. Even in a small library the encyclopedias would become discolored through use and would be replaced every year or so. The publishers would update the books using dozens of editors and hundreds of experts.

In the past few years the use of print encyclopedias has fallen dramatically. But, at the same time, the on line encyclopedia called Wikipedia has become one of the top ten web sites. What is interesting about Wikipedia is that all of the articles are generated by anyone who wishes to spend the time and effort to write one. Though this method is unorthodox, compared to traditional encyclopedias, it has produced a pretty effective encyclopedia. The Washington Post article Death by Wikipedia: The Kenneth Lay Chronicles illustrates some of the issues using Wikipedia, especially for controversial information.

Articles of Interest

In the library world OPAC stand for On-line Patron Access Catalog, which is a fancy term for computerized card catalog. MPL will be updating our OPAC in the next few months and I have been doing some research on the topic. One of the more interesting article I found was How OPACs Suck by Karen Schneider. Though the title is rather blunt her article details features that are needed in future OPACs.

Library Trends

When we started our new web site the idea was that certain people, me included, would write and blog about our favorite articles. Since I am the Director of the library, I thought I would blog about current trends and ideas in the library universe. Obviously what I planned to do has not happened. However, in the future I do plan to get back to task and start making this a part of my normal routine.

Uncategorized

Popular Science magazine has just printed its latest what’s new article just in time for the Christmas shopping season. So if you don’t know what to buy for the person who has everything just check this article out.

Articles of Interest

This week’s Business Week has an article on the 50 best practices of the web. Feel free to view it on the web or stop in the library to take a look at it.

Articles of Interest

The Utne Reader ran an article last summer on how public libraries have sold themselves out to technology. Makes for some thought provoking reading.

Library Trends

In my readings today I discovered a new site that finds the most interesting new web sites. If you’re interested in finding out the next web trend check out digg.com

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