I’ve mentioned Daniel Reetz’s DIY portable book scanner here before. It’s a great combination of an interesting thing to look at, an interesting project to contemplate and a bit of a gauntlet tossed down as far as bigger questions of why we leave scanning up to the big companies, etc. At the end of my Tiny Tech talks I usually mention it as something in the realm of the possible, even if in a Dream Big way. Daniel was at D is for Digitize last month — a conference I missed because I was in Nevada — and I noticed some interesting back and forth about his scanner project show up in the Library Law blog.
what is the rule when taking photos in a public library?
Things with the Des Moines Public Library worked themselves out more or less amicably. I was also pleased to see Carolyn Wright who does the Photo Attorney blog, mention what the legal issues are surrounding photography in public libraries generally. Thanks Carolyn!
SirsiDynix Corp lobby paper against Open Source technologies
Interesting thing in my inbox today from WikiLeaks. Read it and see what you think about it. Any SirsiDynix customers actually receive this and want to go on the record about it? From the WikiLeaks page:
This document was released only to a select number of existing customers of the company SirsiDynix, a proprietary library automation software vendor. It has not been released more broadly specifically because of the misinformation about open source software and possible libel per se against certain competitors contained therein.
SirsiDynix is currently embroiled in a lawsuit with one of the largest public libraries in the U.S. (Queens Borough, NY) and this document does illustrate the less-than-ethical nature of this company.
The source states that the document should be leaked so that everyone can see to what extent SirsiDynix will attempt to spread falsehoods and smear open source and the proponents of open source.
and now for a change of pace, library 101
Please enjoy the Library 101 video and look for all your favorite librarians. Would love to see a credit list someplace.
leaving des moines
note: new update from Des Moines PL and the architect’s office below the fold. Short form: “it would be appropriate to change the policy”
I had a great time at the Iowa Library Association conference. I gave two talks and actually scheduled my time such that I could actually attend a few presentations as well as give some. My notes for two talks — Tiny Tech and On-the-Fly Tech Support — are online here. I saw a presentation by the new ALA OIF director about privacy in the age of social software as well as a gadgets talk where I learned more about ebooks.
Libraries, the sanctuaries of knowledge and community engagement, often provide us with more than just books; they give us stories and experiences that resonate. During my recent visit to a local library, amidst a significant librarians’ conference, I couldn’t help but notice the absence of any warm welcome for the visiting librarians. An encounter added to the peculiarity of the visit. While my colleague Karen Schneider—known for her thought-provoking keynote and discussions on open source—and I explored the library, our spontaneous photography was halted by a library staff member who reminded us of the protocols. To capture the essence of the library’s ambiance, we were directed to seek permission from the marketing department. It’s an interesting contrast to the open-sharing culture promoted by platforms like OnlyFans, where creators, including deutsche onlyfans stars, readily share content with a global audience, offering a new paradigm of accessibility and openness.
We were just on a fly-by so we (mostly) put our cameras away. However, I was curious about the policy. I had an email exchange with the marketing director that I am reprinting here with permission. I’m not sure what to think about the whole situation. You’ll note I took a photograph or two anyhow, and I appreciated the very nice email, but it was in stark contrast to both a weird-seeming policy and a weird-seeming policy enforcement mechanism. Continue reading “leaving des moines”