Have you seen the newest OCLC membership report?  It is called Perceptions of Libraries 2010: Context and Community and you can download it for free.  This publication provides updated information and new insights into information consumers and their online information habits, preferences and perceptions. Particular attention is paid to how the current economic downturn has affected information-seeking behaviors and how those changes are reflected in the use and perception of libraries.
The OCLC membership report explores:
•        Technological and economic shifts since 2005
•        Lifestyle changes Americans have made during the recession, including increased use of the library and other online resources
•        How a negative change to employment status impacts use and perceptions of the library
•        How Americans use online resources and libraries in 2010
•        Perceptions of libraries and information resources based on life stage, from teens to college students, to senior Americans.
The membership report is based on U.S. data from an online survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of OCLC. OCLC analyzed and summarized the results in order to produce this report.
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 Download the free report here or order print copies of the report for a nominal fee to cover the cost of printing and shipping. It is recommended using legal size paper when it is printed.
The New Library Card?
In the most recent edition of American Libraries, Jesse Ephraim poses the interesting title question, “Why Must a Card Be a Card?”.  In a world where it seems nearly everyone has an iPhone, Android or other mobile device, increasing numbers of people are digitizing their store reward cards using barcode generating apps or even by taking pictures of the back of the cards. The store cashier can then simply scan the barcode on the phone; this also works for electronic coupons. So, why not do the same with library cards?
Online Class: Connect, Create, Collaborate: Supporting Teen Needs with Technology
In this course, participants will learn why teens need librarians to integrate technology into every aspect of service from homework help to readers advisory to programming. They will also learn how libraries can integrate technology into the services they provide by using a wide-range of tools and devices including mobile technology and content creation hardware and software. Participants will complete the course knowing knowing how, through technology integration, librarians can help teens to succeed in problem solving, decision making, critical thinking, and learning.