Yesterday a patron came in with her father to request "Magazines in Special Media" and they had a 2005 brochure (apprently the newest) given to them by the California Library for the Blind. The catalog lists magazines available in braille and sound cassette, and must be requested through "participating libraries."
Since these apparently were not provided by the California Library for the Blind in Los Angeles, I wrote to the Melbourne, Florida address on the brochure for more information and submitted the gentleman's request to them. Since then I did come across a memo online from a participating library in the midwest reminding their library staff that the Florida address is only a mailing service. Now, I am in the process of attempting to locate that brochure. I thought I had found it online but it would not download from one of the .gov sites. Since libraries may see an increase in retiring babyboomers wanting these services, I am in pursuit of what is feasible for us to provide and preferably that we can provide this as a middleman, that is getting our patrons onto a mailing list, rather than ordering devices (readers) and cassettes to be delivered here.
However, I think we could subscribe to one periodical: The New York Times Large Print Edition (weekly). http://homedelivery.nytimes.com/HDS/LargeTypeWeeklyHome.do?mode=ChooseCountry.LargeTypeWeekly
Today a patron received 3 rolls of microfilm. One was the incorrect date and will be re-ordered. I will ask for no charge if the mistake was on the supplying library's end. This entry is to remind me of the date of the circumstances, in case it is needed in the future.
A patron reported that she is thrilled with our downloadble audiobooks, but she asked for improvements:
The patron specifically addressed concerns about using Overdrive. She has completed listening to the 4 items she downloaded, but since tthe items have not expired she is prevented from downloading more. She asks that we lobby the company for a feature allowing patrons to "return" or "release" titles.
I had another call today about recommending an audioplayer. I said that while I cannot recommend a particular brand I would help her locate evaluations. That is when I found the mobileread.com website, and a couple of Consumer Reports articles (July 2009 and December 2009, neither not very comprehensive). I'm also going to refer her to the current issue of The Christian Science Monitor (Volume 102/Issue 4) that includes "The Future of Reading."
Looking at mobileread.com I found avid readers discussing their favorite e-readers and MP3 Players. While the Sony e-Readers can play MP3 files (but not WMA files) some say that they are happier with a dedicated device. They use a dedicated audio-player for audiofiles and a dedicated text reader for text. (See comments below about iPod and iPhone.)
The July 2009 Consumer Reports states that Kindle beats Sony as a text reader.It states that "Sony requires you to install software on your PC" (and it is not Mac compatible). The Kindle is wireless. Navigation is rated better on Sony, and its software "allows easy access to 500,000 free public domain titles" digitized by Google Book project. The Consumer Reports states that the Sony is solely for reading books (contrary to what Sony and Overdrive say on their websites) and that Kindle provides a voice that can "read them to you."
The mobileread.com forum is not keen on the dual capacity of even the iPod for use as a text reader and a player. However, I have to say that my experience with iPod Touch is excellent. I've downloaded dozens of copyright-free classics as text, and am currently listening to an e-book. The sound is excellent. I also have dozens of free podcasts ranging from news reports and commentary to spiritual talks. While I have yet to experiment with my new iPhone in that regard, I expect to have all those features in addition to the phone and camera. But I can save the iPhone battery by using the iPod for my reading and listening choices. Yes, battery depletion is the main drawback. I recharge my iPhone every other night.
I received an e-mail from the main HQ Reference about getting into Yahoo at http://us.m.yahoo.com/p/mail
I have made a note of this and it is available for whomever is working at the information desk. The question now is, should it be posted at each terminal?
Today between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm public Internet stations 5, 7, and 8 were reported as unable to access AOL and Yahoo. Asking the people present regarding their experience with Yahoo someone stated that she was able to access Yahoo on Station 4.
This journal is for keeping notes of reference trends and use of databases and Internet stations in the library. Privacy Policy: Because this is a public version of my journal, it is visible to the public. Therefore, personal names and details will not be listed.
A patron using the Tribune's online classifieds had difficulty finding them because the first half of the page was taken up by a message that read You are using an outdated browser and lists a number of competing browsers to IE. I showed the patron how to scroll down to the classifieds. I also showed her that she can x out this advertisement. This happened on Station 8 our Windows Vista station.
Note: Registration profile did not accept my personal data; and additional editing of account (gender/age and location) is not working.
A patron remarked about two libraries he recently visited that had two levels accommodating all ages and user needs as to activity and also quiet spaces. He likes the option to go to quiet spaces, but appreciates the need for youngsters and book club groups to have a place to speak openly. He says that two-level or more buildings accommodate this well.
Reference Trends Note: With the release of the book, The China Study, we may see increased requests for: 1) books on vegetarian diets, 2) books by Dr. John McDougall, 3) books on natural healing methods and alternative therapies.
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