Park and Read Program Inspires Library Cardholders to Experience the Great Outdoors of Michigan

Entering its fourth year, the Park and Read Program has begun for the 2012 spring and summer. This program has over 400 Michigan libraries participating and offers patrons the opportunity to spend the day at any state park, completely free of charge. Park and Read allows library cardholders to “check-out” a one-day pass that waives the Recreation Passport Vehicle entry fee into any Michigan state park or recreation area (a cost which easily amounts to roughly $10).

Even furthermore, the parks themselves are offering amenities to ensure that the patrons are really utilizing the park space for reading purposes and to make the day even more relaxing: some of the state parks are offering the loan of a hammock.

Much similar to the previously blogged about Museum Adventure Pass, the Park and Read Program allows patrons to check out a pass from his/her library that can be used for one day at any of Michigan’s 98 state parks. While passes are valid for seven days, they are valid for only one day of actual usage.

This program is a spectacular way “to save green while being green” (Stephens, 2011). It combines the natural beauty of Michigan with a library’s heartfelt intention to encourage family togetherness and educational programming. Because of economic turmoil, certainly Michigan families have been practically unable to afford day trips to the beach or exciting extracurricular activities. With programs like Park and Read however, Michigan families are able to stimulate and exercise the body and mind entirely free of charge.

In order to make the program most successful, several Michigan libraries teamed up with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, whose ultimate goal is to implement the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. And what better way to do that than by offering library cardholders free access to experience the natural beauty?

While I myself have yet to actually participate in the Park and Read Program, I do work at the Novi Public Library and on countless occasions hear the gratitude expressed by staff and patrons for offering such a delightful service. People are overwhelmed by the generosity of the state to offer such a program, and are delighted by the library’s implementation of it.

Works Cited

Stephens, M. (2011). DNR – Read and Relax in Michigan State Parks; Park & Read Program Offers Free Park Passes for Michigan Readers. SOM – State of Michigan. Retrieved April 8, 2012, from http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7--247949--,00.html

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Alternative Partnerships: The Rise of Seed Lending Libraries

While borrowing seeds from your local library may seem like a fairy tale, it is in fact, a reality. A recent article on Boing Boing led me to research further this fairly new and quite amazing phenomenon of seed lending libraries. According to the article taken from PC Sweeney's blog, "A free seed lending library can also provide people with a chance to transform their lives and communities by providing access to fresh, healthy food that may not otherwise be available" (2011). This access is provided to patrons by means of making available seeds to "check out," take home, and plant. While this article pertains specifically to the East Palo Alto Library and their partnership with Collective Roots, many other libraries across the country are participating in similar endeavors.

The idea for the East Palo Alto Seed Library actually stemmed from a similar program at the Richmond Public Library in California (Sweeney, 2011). According to Richmond Grows Seed Lending Library website, "[the library] is open to everyone and provides, in addition to seeds, education about growing and saving seeds and organic gardening. It is our hope that seed library patrons will return some seeds from their harvest to make the library self-sustaining" (2012). While the Richmond Grows Seed Library promotes the return of seeds, the East Palo Alto Seed Library does not.

San Francisco Public Library's Potrero branch (in partnership with Transition SF and San Francisco Permaculture Guild) also opened a seed lending library in April of last year (Landgraf, 2011). The organizations provided the seeds and seed saving programs to patrons, while the library provided the space, gardening books and reference advice on gardening (Landgraf, 2011).

Above are just three examples of libraries branching out into their communities through innovative programs such as seed lending. To find a list of seed lending libraries, how to start a seed lending program or more information about such programs, check out Richmond Grows Seed Lending Library's site.

Sources

Sweeney, P.C. (2011, April 12). I'm starting a seed library at my library. [Web log]. Retrieved from http://pcsweeney.com/2011/04/12/im-starting-a-seed-library-at-my-library/

Landgraf, G. (2011, April 6). Seed lending libraries bloom. Retrieved from http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/green-your-library/seed-lending-libraries-bloom

Richmond Grows Seed Lending Library. (2012). About us. Retrieved from http://www.richmondgrowsseeds.org/index.html

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Britannica Shifts From Paper to Web

It has been highly publicized for the past week, but as many people know - Britannica Encyclopedia has ended their production of printing their literature after 244 years. The last hard copy of Britannica's collection is their 32 volume 2010 edition (Bosman, 2012). Now the question is: will Britannica be in competition with Wikipedia?

As it turns out, Wikipedia has gone from being a website that no one trusts to one that is now being used in higher education for research. Now, sources must be cited. From reading different articles and blogs on this issue, many people think that Britannica will have a set up similar to Wikipedia and will be always-changing and current. I do think that this is a nice concept to have for an online, trusted encyclopedia source. It will be different not seeing the newest set of Britannica at a local library anymore, though!

I personally like to read a print book. I feel like by thumbing through pages, I can stumble across more facts and articles than just using a search engine to find a subject I may be interested in. I know many people that prefer this and are disappointed that Britannica is no longer in print. However, a collection of encyclopedias can be very expensive and not many people are willing to keep a collection of encyclopedias current.

What do you think? Are you a fan of digital copies? Do you think online encyclopedias will now be in competition with Wikipedia?

Bosman, J. (2012, March 13). After 244 years, encyclopaedia britannica stops the presses. New York Times. Retrieved from http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/13/after-244-years-encyclopaedia-britannica-stops-the-presses/

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Sharing Ideas: Using Pinterest in Libraries

In this day and age, technology plays a huge role in many people’s everyday lives. Social media sites that were once being using primarily by individuals are now becoming an excellent tool for businesses and organizations, alike. Pinterest is an excellent social media tool for individual users, organizations, businesses, AND libraries. Not only is it an excellent resource for finding and “pinning” ideas but it is an excellent source for sharing your ideas and, also, marketing. “People are providing information for and acquiring information from each other thus fundamentally shifting the web from an information access tool to a knowledge sharing tool” (Heinrichs, 2012). As easily as friends can share their favorite new home project ideas, teachers can also share their lesson plans, a photography business can highlight their best work and market themselves, and libraries can share their collections and show their community, even the world, what is happening inside their doors.

How can your library use Pinterest? What is the benefit? In the recent article, 20 Great Ways Libraries are Using Pinterest, the authors discuss many ways that libraries are already using this tool to relay the message to others about their library and what it has to offer. The article lists many great ideas including: creating reading lists, showcasing historic archives, promoting library activities, offering access to digital collections, and research to name a few (Rooney & Schumann, 2012). Not only can a library use Pinterest to upload and share what is happening at their establishment, but, librarians can also use it to collaborate with other libraries and learn about what they are working on, as well. If you don’t already have a Pinterest page of your own, I suggest you make one for yourself. More than likely, it will suck you in and you will begin spending much of your free time enthralled with the spectacular ideas that are out there that you never even knew existed. If it can spark such a great motivation and interest on an individual level, imagine where it can take your library.

Heinrichs, J. (2012, January 27) Social Media Marketing [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://blog.slis.wayne.edu/blog/bid/95977/Default.aspx?&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

Rooney, J., & Schumann, A. (2012) 20 Great Ways Libraries Are Using Pinterest. Retrieved from http://www.onlinecolleges.net/2012/03/12/20-great-ways-libraries-are-using-pinterest/

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Technology Buzz: Printing On Demand with Espresso Book Machines

I first heard of Espresso Book Machines (EBMs) a few months ago when Michigan State University introduced theirs. For some reason I didn't think much of it until I more recently stumbled upon an article in American Libraries online. On March 7, Brooklyn Public Library's Central branch unveiled their own EBM in order to "[join] several dozen universities, public libraries, and bookstores around the world in offering the technology to their clientele." (Goldberg, 2012). So what exactly is an EBM, what do they do, and what's the big deal?

The Espresso Book Machine, manufactured by On Demand Books, prints books on demand in paperback form. Still a fairly new technology, the first ever EBM was installed just 5 years ago at New York Public Library's Science, Industry and Business Library (PRWEB). According to On Demand Books, "...[their] technology is intended to distribute virtually every book ever published, in any language, anywhere on earth, as easily, quickly, and cheaply as e-mail." (2012). Being able to print in any language is a huge benefit to libraries or institutions that serve diverse, non-English speaking populations. Another perk associated with EBMs is the ability to self-publish. Anyone can publish their work quickly and cost effectively with these machines.

While EBM benefits are many, there are also a few issues, cost being one. Several EBMs have been implemented in independent bookstores and academic libraries where funds may be less of an issue, but what about public libraries and other institutions with limited funding? In the case of Brooklyn Public Library, "the library and On Demand struck a deal in which the firm would install and operate the EBM at no cost to BPL, and charge patrons for printing out a book" (Goldberg, 2012). So it seems there may in fact be hope for the budget conscious library.

Looking to experience EBMs first hand? Locations in Michigan include Michigan State University's Library in East Lansing, University of Michigan's Library in Ann Arbor and Schuler Books in Grand Rapids. More information on Espresso Book Machines can be found here.

Goldberg, B. (2012). Books on demand technology comes to brooklyn public library. American Libraries. Retrieved from http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/news/03072012/books-demand-comes-brooklyn-public-library?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AmericanLibrariesMagazine+%28American+Libraries+Magazine+Top+News%29

PRWEB. (2007, June 21). First espresso book machine installed and demonstrated at new york public library’s science, industry and business library. Retrieved from http://www.prweb.com/releases/2007/6/prweb534914.htm

On Demand Books. (2012). The EBM technology. Retrieved from http://ondemandbooks.com/ebm_overview.php

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E-books in Libraries

E-books have become a growing trend and often bring about the question (which I’m sure all LIS students and professionals have heard more than once) “Will e-books bring an end to libraries?” While print books will not go away anytime soon, e-books may eventually rule over print, making it vitally important that libraries embrace e-books and are able to meet patron demand. Libraries have been moving toward increased involvement with digital and electronic technologies for many years now (for instance electronic scholarly journals in academic libraries), e-books are yet another step forward. Libraries are so much more than a collection of print books, they are community organizations that help their patrons in so many ways beyond just helping them find a book, but it is still important that libraries continue to grow and embrace the same new technologies as their patrons do.

Librarians must continue to see themselves as bearers of information, continuing to guide patrons in seeking the information they desire. “For librarians to strengthen their position in this unfolding future where e-books will eventually dominate over print, we need to gain mastery of this media in both the delivery of access and related services to our patrons and in the behind-the-scenes management. Librarians cannot afford to lose ground in their relevance to their patrons or in their operational efficiencies as this shift transpires…The development of the e-book component of library collections should reflect the same care and control that libraries exert with their physical collections” (Breeding, 2011, p. 26). Adopting e-books into libraries does not come without challenges, for instance, digital rights management, file formats, licensing agreements, copyright laws, and assisting patrons in using their e-readers.

The popularity of e-books is continuing to increase, The Free Library of Philadelphia reported that in February 2012 they had 26,800 e-book downloads (Loh, 2012). So, how can libraries incorporate e-books into their collections? According to Breeding (2011), libraries can use programs such as OverDrive with which libraries pay a fee for a subscription which is based on the amount of titles they license (which usually depends on population of their service area). This service permits users to read e-books either through their web browser or download it to their e-reader (which like an actual library book has a due date and on this date the title will “disappear” from the e-reader).

As long as libraries continue to grow with their patrons, including growing as e-books and other technologies do, e-books will not be the end of libraries. Libraries continue to be customer-service and community oriented entities of our society which patrons will always find useful.

Breeding, M. (2011). Ebook Lending: Asserting the value of libraries as the future of books unfolds. Computers in Libraries, 31(9), 24-28.

Loh, D. (2012). Libraries need e-books, too. Retrieved from http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/inquirer/20120319_Libraries_need_e-books__too.html?142840985=Y&submit=Vote&mr=1&oid=4&pid=142840985&downpage=Y&cid=8500281#pollDisplay

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Museum Adventure Pass: A Metro Detroit Library Trend

A current trend unique to the metro Detroit area public libraries is the Museum Adventure Pass, which is a library program that provides free admission to nearby cultural attractions. Although information has not yet been released for summer 2012, the program last summer had 33 attractions, with passes available at 205 libraries in nine counties (Hall, 2010, pg. A8).

Among some of the more popular museum destinations includes the Automotive Hall of Fame, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, Michigan Youth Theater and the Detroit Children’s Museum. In past years—this summer will mark the fifth and final year of the program—participation has also included cultural attractions such as the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Michigan Historical Society and the Detroit Science Center.

How the program works is quite simple: library patrons use their library card to check out a pass. These passes admit either two or four people and must be used within one week of their check out date. Although each library card holder is allowed to only check out one pass at a time, s/he is not limited to only a certain number of passes throughout the duration of the summer.

I have participated in this program in summers before as a library patron, and am gearing up to prepare for it as a public library employee. While details have not been released, it seems that the program will now transition online: patrons will print the free or discounted tickets from their computers.

Obviously, the Museum Adventure Pass is a beneficial program to the community. In times of economic hardship, the pass provides families with the opportunity to seek out free attractions within the metro Detroit area. In addition—it encourages residents to embrace the culture which surrounds them. Often times, the city of Detroit is overlooked, by nearby residents and visiting persons. By providing free and discounted tickets to such attractions, it is probable that the museums of Detroit are earning more recognition.

Hall, C. (2010, October 10). Museum Adventure Pass covers more of state. Detroit Free Press, p. A.8.