Now presenting: Open Stacks #22
Also available via the podcast feed.
This episode focuses mostly on a clumsily-delivered, unscripted introduction to Second Life. I also take a moment to talk about John Iliff, as well as plugging my upcoming SDI presentations. Total runtime is 16:22 16:07. [This episode has been re-edited to eliminate the one really long awkward pause that I forgot to rectify. There's a prime example of not listening to one's own advice. Listen to the whole thing before you publish folks!]
Second Life Library blog
SLL Google Group
Now presenting: Open Stacks #21
Also available via the podcast feed. I've added a few one-click options to the sidebar for your convenience.
This shows runs 30:54 and deals almost exclusively with my experience in D.C. at Computers in Libraries. Hope you enjoy.
Might as well take this opportunity to claim My Odeo Channel (odeo/9cd7e6b7e5620ee4).
And where are my Carnival submissions this week? Only two so far. I need your help!
[Technorati tag: cil2006]
Now presenting: Open Stacks #20.
Also available via the podcast feed.
Thought I'd clear out the backfile of things to discuss before I head off to CiL tomorrow. I'm not altogether happy with the sound quality, but not upset enough to re-record. Running time is 24:43.
Show notes:
1. Clubb battles Royal - Everyone loses.
2. An update on Jackson (not my son, who is fine, thanks)
3. On using large libraries to generalize about all libraries - a new report
4. Oklahomophobia - that was too obvious, right?
5. Trading Walden for Walmart
I had also meant to talk briefly about the new Waterloo Public Library podcasting initiative (as reported by Michael Stephens), but the press release speaks for itself. I must say that digitized "heritage walking tours" sound like a very compelling use of resources for the community.
Now presenting: Open Stacks #19
Also available via the podcast feed.
It's amazing what I can get done with a weekday off from work. 19 minutes and 22 seconds this time around. I've tried a few new things, but it's still just me.
Show notes:
1. Speed dating @ your library
2. SLA on the EPA
3. Pornland Security
4. I'm sorry there, Jackson. I am...for real.
5. Mace-book?
Update (Sunday, 2/26 2:02 PM): I was listening to a stream of this show and noticed that you could barely hear the music bed, if at all. So I upped the gain on the music track and exported it again. I also made the file size a bit smaller in the process. I've actually replaced the original mp3 with the new version, so if you've already downloaded it, you may want to take a brief listen to the new one to sample the difference.
Don't call it a comeback. No really.
Now presenting: Open Stacks #18
Also available via the podcast feed.
Finally found the wherewithal to do a quick 12 minute recording using my new mic and mixer. I think I still have some work to do on learning how best to use them, but if you compare this recording with my last, the improvement becomes more salient.
So how did I occupy these here 12 plus minutes? Very loosely. Topics include where I've been, a very haphazard explanation of wikis with a referral to Meredith's wiki presentation (note: it's in two parts - you need both) and a muddled discussion of library podcasts inspired by a recent post, also by Meredith. So I beg your indulgence, but hope you enjoy the moderately improved sound quality.
Now presenting: Open Stacks #17
Also available via the podcast feed.
Today's show clocks in at 12 minutes and 55 seconds.
Show Notes:
1. A brief note about the Carnival
2. LibriVox Project
3. Denver revisited
- CAIR letter demanding Ashton's resignation
- Denver Post article covering protest
4. Librarians now responsible for actions of patrons?
- Gainesville Sun article
- Lengthy Slashdot thread
Now presenting: Open Stacks #16
Also available via the podcast feed.
This is a quick one. Nine minutes and seven seconds to be exact. I wanted to get something out about the Carnival, but that didn't seem enough to warrant breaking out the microphone. Then I stumbled upon this article (courtesy of LISNews) about Denver Public Library's plan to open branches with a Spanish-language focus. My thoughts are poorly formed and even more poorly articulated, but I made the difficult decision to live with the inadequacies and not re-record it. My apologies in advance.
Oops, I did it again: Open Stacks #15b
Also available via the podcast feed.
I thoughtlessly left out two thoughtful comments that had been recorded by listeners regarding previous shows. I present them both in this six minute addendum.
First, Daniel Cornwall comments on Rep. Walter "Freedom Fries" Jones, reminding us that the Congressman can sometimes, indeed, be a friend to freedom. Then, Miranda Doyle (whose very first podcast can be found here) defends the summer reading program as a genuine benefit to children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The site she refers to can be found here.
Don't call it a comeback: Open Stacks #15
Also available via the podcast feed.
I'm warning you now: it's 13 minutes of unscripted Greg. This is not widely regarded as a "Good Thing." Any real news I had planned on talking about is already weeks old, so why bother? I didn't really have anything substantial to say anyway. And Walt wouldn't want me ramblin' just to ramble, would he?
Show notes:
1. A compelling model for future conferences (Concept forwarded by Steve Dembo in a July 8th podcast. It looks like he generated a lot of feedback and discussion in the edusphere, so he returns to the topic in a new podcast that I have yet to hear.)
2. LISWiki and the Library Success wiki
3. And an audio call to start the Carnival of the Infosciences
Now presenting: Open Stacks #14
Also available via the podcast feed.
26 minutes and 42 seconds of egomania. I suspect the volume is a bit low on this one. If it's really unlistenable, please let me know.
Show notes:
1. GLBT @ your library (St. Petersburg Times article)
2. On the "value" of summer reading programs (inspired by Rochelle)
3. Adults in the children section (NWITimes article)
4. "Dumbed down" by Michael Gorman (as motivated by Dorothea)
See also: Library opens its door to hip-hop
5. On the call to update the US News and World Report Rankings
- LJ article
- The ALA Council discussion (starting at message 14620 and peppered throughout)
6. On Ben Ostrowsky's anonymous library cards
Now presenting: Open Stacks #13
Also available via the podcast feed.
23+ minutes of nearly insightful discourse. This just might be the best episode yet. I focus heavily on only two topics this week: biometrics and legislating gay-themed children's books. Sticking with the divisive stuff. If you wanna know my take on it, you'll just have to listen.
One quick correction: For whatever reason, I had gotten it in my head that Sherri's last name over at schwagbag was Vogel. It is in fact Vokey. Not even close. So my sincerest apologies to Sherri for the misrepresentation on the show.
Show notes:
1. Johnson County Public Library has a change of brain
Kansas City Star coverage (courtesy of LISNews)
2. Let's Talk Biometrics
a. Library Card? Check. Fingerprint? Really? - Chicago Tribune, May 20, 2005
b. Jessamyn's comments
c. Why fingerprint based biometric systems are bad for you.. (courtesy of Michael Pate)
d. On the gummi bear workaround:
- The Register
- PC World
- Impact of Artificial “Gummy” Fingers on Fingerprint Systems (courtesy of Rochelle)
e. the Slashdot thread
f. Sherri Vokey (Vokey!) on fingerprinting
g. Michael McGrorty on the imminence of technology
x. See also LiB and KGS
3. The "King and King" and I
a. Oklahoma
- Okla. lawmakers vote to restrict gay books, Washington Times, May 10
- Okla. tells librarians to pull gay books, New York Blade, May 20 (fourth article down)
- Oklahoma lawmakers vow more work on gay books policy, The Advocate, May 26
b. Louisiana
- Gay book not child's play, says lawmaker, The Times-Picayune, May 20
- Book restriction motion rejected by House panel, The Times-Picayune, May 26
c. U.S. House
- Federal bill restricts access to gay books, Washington Blade, May 27
4. Oh I almost forgot, a quick plug for Walt Crawford's comments on podcasting in the most recent Cites & Insights (now available either in its entirety as a pdf or chapterized in HTML)
Now presenting: Open Stacks #12
Also available via the podcast feed.
A mere 12+ minutes this time. I must have been in a hurry. This week, I talk a bit about productivity and the pursuit of improving my own. For those of you who don't listen to the show, but still read this blog, I asked people to share their approaches to project/time management. Give me a call (206-350-STAX) or perhaps post it on your blog. Thanks in advance.
Show Notes:
1. Productivity:
Getting Things Done by David Allen (related post at Library Supporter)
TiddlyWiki and GTDTiddlyWiki (Fiona posts about information management)
Ta-da Lists (Science Library Pad)
2. White supremacists in Somerville, MA (via LISNews):
Boston Globe article - White supremacists rally in Somerville
Travelin' Librarian asks a good question
Somerville Journal article - White Revolution threatens to sue
Library Journal blurb
3. Condom Machines at Tucson PL? (also via LISNews)
4. Clermont County PL (OH) looks at charging fees for Internet usage (yes, also via LISNews)
5. My new hero, Diane Davis (see also remarks by KGS)
Now presenting: Open Stacks #11
Also available via the podcast feed.
Show Notes:
1. Welcome to the NEASIST conference attendees (Note: link leads to the conference blog)
2. Correction regarding last week's show
3. Why I'm Glad I Went to Illinois
4. Houston Public Library regulations
Houston Chronicle story
5. Fairfax County Public Library gets DRMed (courtesy of Boing Boing):
Washington Post article (I'm sure this requires registration)
Phil Shapiro's screed and song
MAKE audio show
6. Podcasting at WebJunction?
Now presenting: Open Stacks #10
Also available via the podcast feed.
Just over 25 minutes of rambling bounty.
Show notes:
1. Liblime - open source support for libraries
2a. Free Government Information
2b. Government Information in the Digital Age: The Once and Future Federal Depository Library Program
2c. Government Information Online
3. Brief mention of Jybe 2.0
4. Metabrainz Foundation
5a. Podscope
5b. Podiobooks
5c. As-of-yet unavailable podcasting article by Jaap Van Der Geer
6. Johnson County Library board says no to ALA Bill of Rights (LISNews)
County library vote spurs 'rights' debate (Kansas City Star)
Cohen opts out of second term on Johnson County Library board (Johnson County Sun)
Johnson County Library blog
7. Turkmenistan shutting down libraries and foreign literature
Absurd isolation of Turkmenistan causes no concerns to the rest of the world (Pravda via Library Link of the Day)
Now presenting: Open Stacks #9
Also available via the podcast feed.
17+ minutes of my seriously lacking verbal dexterity (fun game to play at home - count how many times I use the word "interesting"). Due to lack of available hours in the day, I didn't edit the sound to the extent I might normally. I offer my apologies in advance.
Show notes:
1. Jybe revisited
Here's the post that Paul (my newest good buddy!) mentions in his comment.
2. Podscope and the notion of "embracing podcasting"
3. The Bibliocasting listserv
4. My experience with screencasting
5. The DVD crisis at Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library
From the Tampa Tribune: County Grabs Library Remote
Michael Pate's compilation of responses
I'm having some scheduling problems at the moment, but that's the problem with free content, right? You only get content when I'm free. In the meantime, go play with the Annotated New York Times.
Now presenting: Open Stacks #8
Also available via the podcast feed.
Just about fourteen minutes. Not the most coherent fourteen minutes of recorded audio content ever, but there's some kernels of cohesion in there, I promise.
Show notes:
1. Jybe test drive
2. Are Public Libraries Criminalizing Poor People?
3. Bill seeking to open up children's patron records in Maine:
--Portland Press Herald piece
--Morning Sentinel piece
4. Belligerent IM Patrons
Here it is: CIL Recap Show
As always, the show is also available via the podcast feed.
Listen to how many times I use the word "space" in 15+ minutes. Rejoice when I edit out my coughing fit. It's can't-miss entertainment.
If I get a chance, I'll post some related links a bit later tonight.
At long last: Open Stacks #7
Also available via the podcast feed.
I am extremely pleased to bring you an interview with Michael Stephens, best known in the blogosphere as the author of the Tame the Web blog. The topic of conversation is the forthcoming Computers in Libraries conference.
18 minutes in all, 16 of which is the interview. I'd love to get some feedback on the interviewing concept, a skill with which I have no experience. Apologies in advance for any volume inconsistencies.
Thanks to everyone who has been voting for the show over at Podcast Alley. The new one-vote-per-month system is much more equitable, but I'll need your continued (non-monetary) support to gain some presence in the rankings.
I have something a little different planned for this week, so I'm going to hold off on posting any audio until later in the week.
In other news, Chris over at Podcast Alley has changed the voting procedure to a one-vote-per-month approach. It's a much more sensible, equitable voting system. He's reset the vote tally, so if you've heard and liked the show, I would certainly appreciate your vote. I'm currently in the top 100 for the month, but we can do better than that, can't we? And if you haven't heard the show, what are you waiting for?
Now presenting, warts and all: Open Stacks #6
Also available via the podcast feed.
Just under 17 minutes of rambling and unnecessary adverbs.
Show Notes:
Intro courtesy of Radio Daddy
Incoherent thoughts on Gormangate (see related links)
R-rated movie borrowing policy at the Omaha Public Libraries (some related links)
The death of federated search?
Related links:
The original LA Times op-ed as HTML or PDF
The source of the "Michael Gorman is an idiot" quote? (thanks to Seth Finkelstein)
The infamous LJ piece
There are too many responses from which to choose, so try this Feedster search on Michael Gorman.
Mr. Gorman's response on the ALA Council list
My comment on Web4Lib
Dorothea Salo on the blogosphere's missed opportunity
First of all, in case you hadn't heard the tragic news, Hunter S. Thompson commmited suicide yesterday. May he rest in peace.
Now on with the business at hand: Open Stacks #5
Also available via the podcast feed.
Show notes:
Dave Sifry's Web 2.0 presentation
The Columbus Self-Checkout Story:
LISNews article (read the comments)
Article in Columbus' Alive
Electronic Petition
I react/respond to jessamyn's call for comments on podcasting. (Sorry jessamyn. No writing here.)
Just under 11 minutes this time. I make the bizarre statement "going to have to listen to what I write" which is at least partially apt, as I had some vague notes for that segment, but still. As always, comments are welcome.
Now presenting: Open Stacks #4
Also available via the podcast feed.
Show notes:
Two featured articles at Webjunction:
Library of the Month: How Do You Spell Blog?
Blog the Web with RSS: Is It Really Simple Syndication?
Follow-up on the Jenna Jameson book story (related article)
Jon Udell's Heavy Metal Umlaut @ Wikipedia screencast (and Jon's other screencasts - thanks to The Distant Librarian)
OCLC Symposium: Gaming and the Significance for Information Literacy (thanks to It's All Good)
Heather Wilson's Gaming for Librarians: An Introduction (pdf)
Jakob Nielsen's Usability of Websites for Teenagers
Comment on the Illinois shooting in a library parking lot
I kept it to 15 minutes this time around. One clarification: While talking about the Jakob Nielsen article, I suggest that the study produced no noticeable differences across socioeconomic lines. This is not accurate, as the article actually does not indicate one way or the other. Also, for some unknown reason, I twice pronounce OCLC as oh-see-ell-SEE, whereas I would usually say OH-see-ELL-see. Strange and altogether insignificant, yet curious.
Thanks for listening and for taking the time to cast your vote over at Podcast Alley.
Now presenting Open Stacks #3
Or grab the feed: 
Thanks to Paul Pival for suggesting that I encode this show at a lower bit rate, which has cut the file size in half. Yay! This show clocks in at 18 minutes.
Show notes:
Ways to contact me, including my new telephone comment line
A follow-up to the podcasting applications for libraries segment
Mentions of two LIS-related radio shows:Dan Carr's (Marin County Free Library) radio show (webcast on KWMR) and Springfield College's Schoolhouse Rock
Librarians in the 21st Century (particularly the Who Wants to Be a 21st Century Librarian? game)
Library Lounge and the need for new LIS virtual communites (or lack thereof)
Brewster Kahle's talk at the Web 2.0 conference (from October 2004, not November or December as I posit on the show), courtesy of the wonderful IT Conversations
Michael McGrorty's Endangered Libraries list
How to Get Your Patronage to Read Jenna Jameson
Thanks to everyone who has voted for Open Stacks over at Podcast Alley. Your support and positive comments are greatly appreciated.