Mental Health Workshop — Library Updates

Participants of the May 2010 Mental Health Workshop presented by the CDPC Mental Health Players, learned about mental illness and how to handle different situations involving mentally ill patrons in the library through improvisational skits.  Mental health professionals were also available to answer questions and address concerns.  As a result of this LSTA grant sponsored workshop, attendees were asked to tell SALS what they learned and how it has affected their interactions with mentally disabled patrons who visit the library.

Here are some of their stories.

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Perceptions of Libraries 2010

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.
 
 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?

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