Friday Follow-up: a weekly message from Brian M. Hildreth, STLS Executive Director Protecting Humankind One Story Hour at a Time What if libraries opted not to provide story hours or coordinated children’s programs? Would the world be less civilized without these public services? As librarians, we inherently believe encouraging our youth to learn will improve
Blog Archives
The Cultural Lifeline to America’s Most Sincere Communities Rural public libraries are the cultural lifeline to America’s most sincere communities. I subscribe to this self-authored statement because I witness it every day. For more than 13 years I have been immersed in the rural public library experience, and quite honestly I wouldn’t have it any
The only constant is change. This is why it is vital for all organizations (including libraries) to cultivate an environment in which continuous learning is encouraged and taken advantage of by all staff. We need to continually re-tool ourselves to meet the demands and challenges of an ever-changing world. There are certainly a myriad of learning opportunities and resources available to do this,
Recently, while tinkering with a 3D printer for loan to STLS member libraries, I had two epiphanies. One was reaching the “sweet spot” with the calibration of the printer to achieve a consistent print. The other had to do with the role of technology within public libraries. I think the first thing to note is that usually when we speak of
Public Libraries Are Government Economist Adam Smith, who authored the Wealth of Nations, believed government’s role was to maintain defense, infrastructure and education. Public libraries are government institutions even though libraries sometimes view their organizations as too small to be lumped in with government. I think this misperception stems from the way other governments
Friday Follow-up: a weekly message from Brian M. Hildreth, STLS Executive Director An Invitation to Say Your Library is Amazing This time of year most public librarians are least excited about public service. I am not saying we discontinue our passion for our trade, but rather we must roll up our sleeves and account for
When STLS staff recently conducted a book breakfast at the Dormann Library in Bath NY, the question was asked, “Why do you read?” I was recently reminded of an infographic (developed by graphic designer Raphael Lysander) that concisely touches on many of the points mentioned at the event…and more. The infographic is divided into chapters: Chapter One:
I recently read the book, Fundamentals of Library Instruction by Monty L. McAdoo (available in our consultants collection). After reading through it, I realized that is was geared more towards academic librarians, although the majority of the concepts are certainly applicable to anyone providing instruction in a public library. Chapter eight focuses on the characteristics of an effective
I assume many of you are now aware that Penguin Random House has moved to a no loan cap, perpetual licensing model for ebooks purchased through vendors such as Overdrive. This means that purchased Penguin Random House titles will be available within our digital collection in perpetuity (no need to re-purchase titles after a set period of time
Newer STLS Librarians Discuss Continuing Education Working in Southern Tier libraries for the last two weeks has been fantastic. In addition to my ongoing projects of connecting libraries to Broadband, strategic planning for 2017-2021 and assisting member libraries in obtaining sustainable funds, I have had the joy of visiting many people who make this library
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