Blogs

Will the library of the future be a focal point for civic engagement in the community?

National Issues Forums is seeking libraries to host deliberative community forums on national security issues. To that end, they are offering free materials from Feb. 15 through March 15 (issue book, questionnaires, and more). Call the Kettering Foundation at 800.221.3657 for more information!

Deadline extended to March 15, 2010

Faculty Librarian Start Date: Fall 2010
Assistant University Librarian - Position # 991244

The faculty line librarian will take the lead in collection development, instructional outreach, and reference for students and faculty of five colleges at Florida Atlantic University's John D. MacArthur partner campus, located in Jupiter, FL. The campus serves a student population of 2,000 commuters and residents, and is home to the Harriet Wilkes Honors College. Also located on the campus are: The Florida Center for Environmental Studies, Scripps Florida Institute, Max Planck Florida Institute, and the Hibel Museum of Art.

The successful candidate will work in a team environment with a cross-trained technical staff. The librarian may serve on library and university wide committees, while also pursuing research, scholarship, and professional expertise. Desirable skills and experience include web site development, teaching, publication, and service within a professional organization. Knowledge of computer systems, graduate study in another discipline, and evidence of initiative-taking will distinguish candidates.

An ALA-accredited MLS or its equivalent, effective communication skills, and schedule flexibility are required for this position.

Salary: $43,00 plus benefits. Florida Atlantic University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and is committed to the diversity of its workforce. To apply for this position, visit http://www.fau.edu/hr

Here are the five books announced by the PBC Literacy Coalition for the “Read Together Palm Beach County Campaign”. Only one will be selected. A series of “book events”, whose themes will be relevant to the winning book, will then be provided throughout the county by participating libraries. Links have been attached to book reviews.

Cast your online vote here!

1. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford

An exploration of the age-old conflicts between father and son, the sadness of Japanese Americans during World War II, and the depths of love, this first novel gives a glimpse of the cold, cruel damage caused by war to the hearts and humanity of individuals.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/12/books/review/McCulloch-t.html?scp=2&sq...

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/books/2008712524_br06bitter.html

2. The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien

Is it fiction or memoir? A novel, or a collection of short stories? This masterpiece depicts the men of Alpha Company during the author's tour in Vietnam as they battle the enemy and occasionally each other. In their relationships we see the isolation, longings, loneliness, rage and fear. Yet they find sympathy for strangers and love for each other.

http://www.txstate.edu/rising-stars/tim-obrien.html

http://www.washington-dc-area.com/frame.php?web=http://www.loc.gov/bookf...

http://www.nytimes.com/1990/03/11/books/too-embarrassed-not-to-kill.html...

3. Run by Ann Patchett

This modern domestic drama deals with big issues touching us all - religion, race, class, politics and, above all else, family. By weaving together seemingly disparate lives to show how intimately humans can connect, this novel explores what truly defines family and the lengths we will go to protect our children.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/20/books/20masl.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/20/AR200709...

4. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

A remarkable tale of the island of Guernsey during the German occupation, this vivid novel, whose characters spring to life in letters and telegrams exchanged over the course of nine months, affirms the power of books to nourish people enduring hard times.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/31/AR200807...

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/08/08/RVC411T80R.DTL

5. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

This is the story of a German foster girl in the 1940s, who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can't resist - books. She learns to read and shares her stolen books with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau. This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/27/books/27masl.html

http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/...

New job posting for a library technical assistant in Lake Park:

LIBRARY TECHNICAL ASSISTANT I

P/T Under the direct supervision of the Library Director, perform technical maintenance and computer/Internet support for Library staff and patrons. Also responsible for performing circulation functions at the Circulation Desk and basic clerical activities in support of all Library Services. High School Diploma or GED and at least 12 credits of college computer science. Previous experience working with computer hardware and software preferred. $13.01 per hour. Deadline: January 5, 2010 or until the position is closed. Applications may be obtained from and must be submitted to the Human Resources Department, Lake Park Town Hall, 535 Park Avenue, Lark Park, Florida. Application forms may be downloaded from the Town’s website at www.lakeparkflorida.gov. Applications will not be accepted by fax or by email. Phone: 561-881-3300. EOE.

WPBF Channel 25 reports that the $11 million expansion of North County Regional Library, now known as the Gardens Branch, is well underway. The Gardens Branch, located in Palm Beach Gardens, will be the largest library in the Palm Beach County Library system upon its completion in mid-2010, at 40,000 feet.

In contrast to building expansion, the PBCLS staff has been slowly decreasing in size. WPBF reports that 60 vacancies will not be filled, due to a shrinking budget. However, automated checkout machines, book returns that automatically discharge materials, and other new equipment are expected to keep the smaller staff from being overworked.

Photo of Matt Elia accepting his award

Congratulations to Palm Beach Atlantic's Matt Elia, winner of the PBCLA logo contest! Twenty-three logos were submitted, PBCLA members and board members voted, and Matt's entry #5, pictured at left, emerged victorious!