Kentuckiana Digital Library is a Killer Digital Library!

The Online Education Database (OEDb) has released its list of 250+ "killer" digital projects. Here’s a paragraph about the list:

“Hundreds of libraries and archives exist online, from university-supported sites to individual efforts. Each one has something to offer to researchers, students, and teachers. This list contains over 250 libraries and archives that focus mainly on localized, regional, and U.S. history, but it also includes larger collections, eText and eBook repositories, and a short list of directories to help you continue your research efforts.”

Scroll down to the listing for Kentucky to find our Kentuckiana Digital Library! http://oedb.org/library/features/250-plus-killer-digital-libraries-and-archives

Editor of Herald-Sun Speaks about Duke Lacrosse Case

On April 9, Bob Ashley, Editor of the Herald-Sun in Durham, NC, spoke to a packed house in the Young Library Auditorium about the Duke Lacrosse Case. The event was sponsored by the Wendell H. Ford Public Policy Center and attracted a strong showing of students, faculty and community members. While the Ford Center does not endorse any position on issues of public policy, one of its roles is to bring interesting and engaging speakers to campus to discuss issues of public policy. Coverage of the event appeared in a number of media outlets following the presentation.

Progress Continues on Science Library

Renovation work continues on the Science Library in the King Building Addition. The RFP for moving the libraries and their collections into their new space will go out soon with move-in projected for late August. The library will begin operation for the fall semester. The planning working group and the librarians and staff in numerous divisions will be busy this summer with the myriad tasks necessary to prepare for the opening.

Shaver Engineering Library Featured in Quadrangle

The new renovation of the Shaver Engineering Library was featured in the College of Engineering’s magazine, Quadrangle. Click on the link below and scroll down to p. 18. http://www.engr.uky.edu/documents/Winter-Spring2008Quad.pdf My thanks to Esther Edwards for alerting me to this feature.

Libraries Sign Contract with Better World Books

For some time we have been looking for a more efficient way to dispose of gift books which have been reviewed but are not needed for our collection. These gifts are important to us but for those which we do not need, we’d like for them to find a useful home in another library or personal collection while also benefiting the UK Libraries. Plus, we wanted to find a process that would not be staff-intensive. Working with university purchasing, CTS has completed an RFP process and awarded the contract to Better World Books. A recent American Libraries Direct included this information about the company and how they do business.

Online bookseller partners with libraries on discards
Mishawaka, Indiana–based Better World Books distributed more than $470,000 in proceeds from its Library Discards and Donations Program to hundreds of city, county, and university libraries in 2007, providing library systems with resources to pay for basic operations, staff salaries, and acquisitions. The online bookseller collects discarded and donated books from more than 900 libraries nationwide, resells them through 18 online marketplaces, and returns a percentage of net proceeds to participating libraries....Better World Books, Mar. 18

ALA Videos Celebrate National Library Week

The American Library Association has a web site with a number of videos celebrating National Library Week. My particular favorite is the one called "People Magazine."

"Here’s an unpleasant fact: If the cost of People magazine had risen as fast as the cost of academic library periodicals since 1990, its subscription would cost $150 per year. In this National Library Week video (1:34), an avid People reader comes to terms with losing track of Britney, Brangelina, and TomKat. Starring Shad Kunkle and shot at Morton College Library in Cicero, Illinois."

http://alfocus.ala.org/categories/national-library-week

ALA Celebrates National Library Week in Second Life

From American Libraries Direct

ALA to celebrate National Library Week in Second LifeFor 50 years, National Library Week (April 13–19, 2008) has been celebrated by libraries of all types all across the country. This year, ALA brings the celebration to Second Life with a week of “in world” activities. All activities will take place on the ALA Island, and will be hosted by Member Specialist Tina Coleman (Kay Tairov) or Library Reference Specialist Val Hawkins (ALALibraryVal Miles). The ALA Island/ALA Main Stage is located at 128, 107, 29. In Second Life, teleport directly....