Save Small and Independent Presses...

On the May 18 episode of his new PBS program, Bill Moyers Journal, Moyers made a plea for viewers to save small and independent presses from the proposed postal rate hikes which will unfairly burden these presses. Today, CommonDreams.org posted the transcript of this plea. You can find out more and take action by sending an online letter to your Congressperson at FreePress.net.

The Reference Discussion, Continued

In this week's Chronicle, Todd Gilman writes about "The Four Habits of Highly Effective Librarians." These habits include openess, responsiveness, collaboration and communication. The piece is worth reading, and I'm including it here because the first two habits Gilman elaborates on address two of the issues we discussed at our last meeting: the future of the reference desk and instant message reference. Gilman also cites the Columbia Reference Debate while discussing the future of the reference desk. (The comments following the debate summary are worth reading, too.) Take a look for some food for thought.

"Google, Ken Burns, and Fractal Cognitive Engagement"

Take a look at this video about how the brain works while searching Google. Perhaps at our next meeting we can discuss implications of this for OPACs and other reference-related library services. Posted on behalf of Martin Crabtree.