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Thursday, May 26, 2016

And Basic Book Repair for Libraries is... Filled!


Thanks to all of you who have already registered for the 2016 OLA SSD Conference in Wilsonville, "Coming to a Crossroads: Intersecting Roles in Library Service and Community"! If you can believe it, the Basic Book Repair for Libraries workshop has already filled up and we've started a waitlist.

Just a reminder to those who haven't heard, there's a discount for early registration. Head to our registration page by June 10th to snag our Early Bird discount off the already-reasonable fee. Check here for more information on the conference particulars as well as what other fantastic sessions await you on July 17th!

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Little Free Libraries: A Public Good... Right?

The first Little Free Library, built by  Todd Bol

These days, if you look around the neighborhoods in most cities, you're bound to run across something odd: what looks like an over-sized mailbox full of books with a sign telling you something like "take one, leave one." These so-called "Little Free Libraries" are popping up everywhere, and from their humble roots they are becoming something of a movement. Where did these cute little boxes come from?

The history, as it turns out, is an interesting one. In 2009, a man named Todd Bol built the first LFL in the shape of a small school house. His original intent had been to honor his mother's memory (she loved books and reading), but the idea quickly spread throughout the country and eventually the world. These days LFLs have their own website where interested library lovers can purchase/register their own version, and there are now over 15,000 of them worldwide.

Despite their seemingly innocuous appearance, Little Free Libraries were not without their share of controversy. In a few spots around the country, LFLs have led to citations and "Cease and Desist" letters due to laws that (we assume) simply weren't written with community book-donation in mind. Nowadays, these laws seem to be changing to allow LFLs their spot in the community network, so they appear to be here to stay.

What do you think? Are these unregulated boxes a community resource, or an unecessary eyesore? Would you love to see a box on every corner, or are our roles as library support staff an important part of the book-sharing process? Feel free to leave a comment below if you're passionate about this phenomenon!


Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Registration Now Open

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You’ve heard about it, now it’s time to sign up! Registration is now open for the OLA Support Staff Division Conference “Coming to a Crossroads: Intersecting Roles in Library Service and Community.” Follow this link to register. Remember, if you sign up soon you can take advantage of our early-bird discount! Once you're registered, RSVP for the Facebook event and see who else will be there.

For more information about what's in store for you at this year’s conference, the location, or anything else, check out the 2016 Conference tab up at the top of the blog or click right here.

If you have any trouble registering or have any questions at all about the conference, email us at olassdconference@gmail.com or call our Conference Committee chairs Justyne Triest or Jennifer Patterson at (503) 352-1426 and (503) 691-3074 respectively.