Twilight, True Blood and this latest launch by Simon & Schuster, the Night World series.
Check it out! Free book!!!!
Night World No. 1
By L.J. Smith
Cover by Howard Pyle
To coincide with the release of the Twilight movie on November 21, 2008, S&S is offering a free download of the first book in the New York Times bestselling Night World Series, Secret Vampire.
Secret Vampire will be available for free download for 1 month—November 21st-December 21st.
Vampires, werewolves, witches, shapeshifters — they live among us without our knowledge. Night World is their secret society, a secret society with very strict rules. And falling in love breaks all the laws of the Night World. In Secret Vampire, Poppy thought the summer would last forever. Then she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Now Poppy's only hope for survival is James, her friend and secret love. A vampire in the Night World, James can make Poppy immortal. But first they both must risk everything to go against the laws of Night World.
The 242 page book is the first in the Night World series of 9 books, and the first book in the 3 book bind-up Night World No. 1—available now. Night World No. 2, containing the next three books in the series, is also available, and No. 3 will be available on June 23, 2009. The never before published 10th book in the series will be released by Simon Pulse in 2010.
Click here to download your free book.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Interested in presenting at ALA Annual 2009 in Chicago?
One of my friends and colleagues on ALA Council, Aaron Dobbs posted an entry on his blog to get the word out of an amazing opportunity for those that are not affiliated with a committee/round table/etc. in ALA.
Aaron the Librarian's blog entry
It would be a great opportunity for those that want to get more involved and share what you are doing that can improve library services.
I would love to pair up with someone on free software, reader's advisory and/or using Twitter as a library tool for marketing, etc. I'm just not sure who/how to get this off the ground. I'm just starting to think about making presentations about what I'm doing, what I'm really excited about and what I see as the future of library services. It's not that I want to be the next Helene Blowers or the next Nancy Pearl. I am really excited about the tools that we can use to be where our patrons are, that enable libraries to provide quality service to those aren't even *at* the library, that launch us into the 21st century.
I sent out the call to all of our reference and children's staff in hopes that they might be inspired to create a program and share it at ALA Annual 2009.
I hope the Creating Connections initiative by Jim Rettig, ALA President has some fantastic programs. Maybe one of them will be yours?
Aaron the Librarian's blog entry
It would be a great opportunity for those that want to get more involved and share what you are doing that can improve library services.
I would love to pair up with someone on free software, reader's advisory and/or using Twitter as a library tool for marketing, etc. I'm just not sure who/how to get this off the ground. I'm just starting to think about making presentations about what I'm doing, what I'm really excited about and what I see as the future of library services. It's not that I want to be the next Helene Blowers or the next Nancy Pearl. I am really excited about the tools that we can use to be where our patrons are, that enable libraries to provide quality service to those aren't even *at* the library, that launch us into the 21st century.
I sent out the call to all of our reference and children's staff in hopes that they might be inspired to create a program and share it at ALA Annual 2009.
I hope the Creating Connections initiative by Jim Rettig, ALA President has some fantastic programs. Maybe one of them will be yours?
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Cool signage @ Cleveland Heights
Re-post from Ohio Library News which is a re-post from PLA Blog October 24th, 2008 by Anne Heidemann
http://oplin.org/ohiolibrarynews/?p=268
We have lots of cool signage and it was noted by Anne Heidemann from Canton Public Library in the Greater Detroit Area. She was visiting our library since she was in town for the PLA Results Boot Camp.
I'm so glad that someone else thinks our signage is pretty nifty. While we still get questions on where's the bathroom and the like, I think our signage is pretty informative and useful. I think when the library renovated in 2006, it gave them the opportunity to wipe the slate and start anew.
I think many libraries should do that. Sometimes there is way too much and the landscape is cluttered with signs. In some ways, I wish there were more.
Things like table tents and flyers just lying on tables to advertise activities and services. Little things can help in such a big way.
http://oplin.org/ohiolibrarynews/?p=268
We have lots of cool signage and it was noted by Anne Heidemann from Canton Public Library in the Greater Detroit Area. She was visiting our library since she was in town for the PLA Results Boot Camp.
I'm so glad that someone else thinks our signage is pretty nifty. While we still get questions on where's the bathroom and the like, I think our signage is pretty informative and useful. I think when the library renovated in 2006, it gave them the opportunity to wipe the slate and start anew.
I think many libraries should do that. Sometimes there is way too much and the landscape is cluttered with signs. In some ways, I wish there were more.
Things like table tents and flyers just lying on tables to advertise activities and services. Little things can help in such a big way.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
OPLIN list firestorm
There is a bit of a firestorm going on the OPLIN list-serv discussing one library's decision to disallow patrons to check out books if they have > $0 balance on their accounts.
Many people, including myself, find this less than desirable. While it is not necessarily a punishment, the plan leaves a very sour taste in my mouth.
In these tough economic times, we need to innovate to find new ways that we can raise funds. Yes, fines are a revenue source. But we should *never* rely on that and hold our books hostage. Fines are merely to deter the patron from keeping the books.
It would be fantastic if we were able to move to a model of "If you want to keep it, we'll bill you for it, no questions asked." That way, we can replace that book immediately. Should a book be irreplacable, we should scan those. The patron is still billed for keeping the book but the digital copy will be also available.
Irreplacable is typically out-of-print. Out-of-print does not necessarily mean out of copyright so that would be something to consider.
By no means have I figured out the perfect solution to the library fines dilemma. However, zero balance for checkout is not an option.
Many people, including myself, find this less than desirable. While it is not necessarily a punishment, the plan leaves a very sour taste in my mouth.
In these tough economic times, we need to innovate to find new ways that we can raise funds. Yes, fines are a revenue source. But we should *never* rely on that and hold our books hostage. Fines are merely to deter the patron from keeping the books.
It would be fantastic if we were able to move to a model of "If you want to keep it, we'll bill you for it, no questions asked." That way, we can replace that book immediately. Should a book be irreplacable, we should scan those. The patron is still billed for keeping the book but the digital copy will be also available.
Irreplacable is typically out-of-print. Out-of-print does not necessarily mean out of copyright so that would be something to consider.
By no means have I figured out the perfect solution to the library fines dilemma. However, zero balance for checkout is not an option.
Friday, September 12, 2008
EBSCO Publishing and Marketing
EBSCO has launched a brand new promotional/marketing page on their site.
Public Library Marketing Materials
Also, there are two resources that are free that we should promote.
History is Happening
Reading Rave
I sometimes think that the databases are the ones that should be marketing themselves better. Why is the onus on libraries to do the marketing, get people excited about these resources, etc?
It's great when companies put out this stuff though. Don't get me wrong. I just wish that database companies, etc. would take into account that libraries themselves are not exactly masters of marketing. How can we change that?
I'm trying to market the library's website, Facebook, Flickr, YouTube and other social media things. But what else can we do?
Public Library Marketing Materials
Also, there are two resources that are free that we should promote.
History is Happening
Reading Rave
I sometimes think that the databases are the ones that should be marketing themselves better. Why is the onus on libraries to do the marketing, get people excited about these resources, etc?
It's great when companies put out this stuff though. Don't get me wrong. I just wish that database companies, etc. would take into account that libraries themselves are not exactly masters of marketing. How can we change that?
I'm trying to market the library's website, Facebook, Flickr, YouTube and other social media things. But what else can we do?
Thursday, July 10, 2008
I ended up blogging here and there for PLA and neglected to post much to my blog while I was in Anaheim for ALA Annual.
Here are my PLA Blog entries:
I'm not sure if I could/will be writing more for the PLA blog. I'll keep you posted if it's a go.
I also need to write up a post about my new job. I really enjoy it. It is without a doubt, my dream job. I've been busy with a lot of things there:
I have been wanting to do the 23 Things for a while. Now that it is a self learning project at the Heights Library, I'm totally in!
Pointing everyone to my 23 Things blog!
Here are my PLA Blog entries:
- ALA-APA : A cause to support
- Digital Storytelling: Where Outreach, Local History & Technology Collide
I'm not sure if I could/will be writing more for the PLA blog. I'll keep you posted if it's a go.
I also need to write up a post about my new job. I really enjoy it. It is without a doubt, my dream job. I've been busy with a lot of things there:
- a new website launch that incorporates a brand new reader's advisory area.
- various web updates and getting others trained in how to update the website as well.
- getting things up and running for the Heights Library 23 Things.It started this week!
- handling database vendors and juggling any problems that occur.
- doing the reference thing here and there. I love working with such a diverse community!
- meetings...Ah, the joys of a coordinator/manager!
- many projects on the horizon that include digital storytelling, teen photography, text to chat application for our chat server, etc.
I have been wanting to do the 23 Things for a while. Now that it is a self learning project at the Heights Library, I'm totally in!
Pointing everyone to my 23 Things blog!
Friday, June 27, 2008
Blogging - ALA ...and Iowa
I have been meaning to write in my blog for a while. I don't know why I find myself blogging in spurts. Nonetheless, here I am....Amy Harmon: Occasional Blogger. :P
There are a number of entries that I've been meaning to make. I write them in my head but unfortunately I don't set them to digital format. However, I'll be writing a number of entries in the PLA Blog. So...maybe I'll get some of my other entries down now.
I just flew over the Mississippi River. I think I'm near Iowa. The river seems really swollen. I can't tell if this is anywhere near a city or if there are structures under water, etc. What is striking to me is that the Mississippi is swollen, beyond capacity. Part of my wishes to wax poetic about this new flood that our country has faced/still facing. Anthropomorphizing the river delta does not really help though. There are those that have lost everything. Since this is mainly a library blog, I'll focus on the libraries that have been affected.
Library Journal has written a great article and has a wealth of information there as well.
The State Library of Iowa is serving as an aggregate site for information here.
The Iowa Library Association has a number of first person accounts of the flood as well.
I'm half Slovak and learning that the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library was affected by the flood struck a chord with me. While there may be some areas of the country that are less likely to be effected by hurricane versus earthquake versus typhoon, there will always be those that are effected by the loss of works of importance to one's heritage and culture.
The libraries that were heavily damaged by the floods are asking for donations of money, rather than books and materials. Unfortunately, they do not have anywhere to put donated materials. Funds to pay for the remediation process are much appreciated.
Donations to the Cedar Rapids Library should be sent to the Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation at 500 1st St. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401.
Donations to the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library Flood Relief Fund may be made at the NCSML website, at any Wells Fargo Bank location in the U.S. or by mailing a check to: National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, 30 Sixteenth Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404.
Donations to the New Hartford Public Library should be sent to the Friends of New Hartford Public Library, PO Box 292, New Hartford, IA 50660.
Any other places that need help?
I'm in Anaheim and will post my schedule soon.
There are a number of entries that I've been meaning to make. I write them in my head but unfortunately I don't set them to digital format. However, I'll be writing a number of entries in the PLA Blog. So...maybe I'll get some of my other entries down now.
I just flew over the Mississippi River. I think I'm near Iowa. The river seems really swollen. I can't tell if this is anywhere near a city or if there are structures under water, etc. What is striking to me is that the Mississippi is swollen, beyond capacity. Part of my wishes to wax poetic about this new flood that our country has faced/still facing. Anthropomorphizing the river delta does not really help though. There are those that have lost everything. Since this is mainly a library blog, I'll focus on the libraries that have been affected.
Library Journal has written a great article and has a wealth of information there as well.
The State Library of Iowa is serving as an aggregate site for information here.
The Iowa Library Association has a number of first person accounts of the flood as well.
I'm half Slovak and learning that the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library was affected by the flood struck a chord with me. While there may be some areas of the country that are less likely to be effected by hurricane versus earthquake versus typhoon, there will always be those that are effected by the loss of works of importance to one's heritage and culture.
The libraries that were heavily damaged by the floods are asking for donations of money, rather than books and materials. Unfortunately, they do not have anywhere to put donated materials. Funds to pay for the remediation process are much appreciated.
Donations to the Cedar Rapids Library should be sent to the Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation at 500 1st St. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401.
Donations to the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library Flood Relief Fund may be made at the NCSML website, at any Wells Fargo Bank location in the U.S. or by mailing a check to: National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, 30 Sixteenth Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404.
Donations to the New Hartford Public Library should be sent to the Friends of New Hartford Public Library, PO Box 292, New Hartford, IA 50660.
Any other places that need help?
I'm in Anaheim and will post my schedule soon.
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