Wheel of Time: On Time at a Library

I know I'm biased, but libraries are wonderful.  The final book in the epic Wheel of Time series released today.  My local public library system had 21 copies listed as "in processing" yesterday which means they already had the book (otherwise it would have said "on order").  As of 11:30am today, two of the branches had their copies on the hold shelf waiting for eager patrons to pick up.  Sadly, my branch is not one of these, but I'm still hoping they'll have it ready by the end of the day.

If not, I can wait.  Impatiently.  I hope....

Also, I know someone who pre-ordered it through Amazon and probably won't get it until the weekend.  That may be a shipping choice he made, but still, go libraries!

Public Library Resources

It always amazes me when I check out public library websites and discover all the great resources they have to offer. Ohio and PA have fantastic public library networks that group purchase databases to give everyone in the state with a library card access to those databases (well, perhaps. I think some states give everyone access but others require individual libraries to pay to be a member and have access).

So if you want to check them out, here's how to do it:

Ohio: Visit the OPLIN (Ohio Public Library Information Network) website, click on Research Databases on the left hand side (or just click here), and pick a resource. You will be prompted to enter your library card number or zip code. I think it recognizes most Ohio computers and just prompts for zip code, so technically you probably don't even need a library card.

PA: Not quite as easy. You need to go through the website of whichever public library you use. The library network is called POWER Library. However, many of the public libraries probably provide additional databases as well (well, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh does, at least).

Everyone Else: Check out the website of your local library. Look for a link to "Research Databases", "Resources", etc. Then find out what your library offers.

What kind of things are often included?

• Resources for kids to use for research
• Car repair databases
• Financial databases (Standard & Poors, Morningstar, etc)
  
• EBSCO databases - Academic Search Premier, Health Source, Business Search Premier, EBSCO Animals, and much more
• Resources to help you find popular reading materials (NoveList)
• Online encyclopedias
• Lots lots lots more.
  

Closing Oregon Libraries

According to this article from SFGate.com, Oregon's Jackson County Public Libraries are going to have to close due to a $7 million cut in federal funding.

The imminent closure or threatened reduction in services and hours has happened in other libraries lately, but they are always saved in the nick of time. Here's hoping that these libraries won't have to close their doors either!

Miscreants in the Library

A friend [thanks Elizabeth!] forwarded me this article: Lock the Library! Rowdy Students Are Taking Over

I work at an academic institution, so we don't encounter this problem. However, I remember it all too well from my days at a public library. They had to hire a separate employee to work in the afternoons JUST to watch the teenagers who arrived after school. It was insane.

Closing the library for a few hours after school doesn't seem like the answer, but many things have been tried and few, if any, work.