The “Dangerous Reader” store is up. If you’re interested in getting a bumpersticker, baby t-shirt or other merch with the “I read therefore I’m dangerous” slogan, go to it. Jason Pettis runs it and he is donating proceeds to the ACLU to help them fight the PATRIOT Act.
Category: pr, hype & bs
kvetching and kvelling
Speaking of kvetching, this guy has a good point.
It’s possible, however, that society’s collective inability to appreciate the public library as a vital institution is the library’s fault. But libraries are also venturing into murky waters. They are attempting to be everything to everybody, particularly at a time when higher usage is often rewarded with higher levels of funding support from government. [lisnews]
islamic collection development
In the months after 9/11 and continuing today, libraries have tried to get more books on Islam for their patrons. The Council on American-Islamic Relations helped libraries fill their collection gaps with book and information donations. Now some are saying CAIR is running a PR campaign in America’s libraries for a kinder gentler, and inaccurate, view of Islam. [thanks taylor]
with friends like these….?
If you consider yourself a capital-F Friend of Cuban Libraries, you might like the Rule of Law and Cuba site at Florida State.
Really Freaking Invasive Device?
ALA Council has been discussing the new RFID sensation that’s been sweeping the nation. San Francisco Public may want to put tracking devices into their books to assist in checkout, book location and security. The EFF, among others, are a bit skeptical. Wal-Mart may have changed their mind about RFID… will libraries?[thanks john]