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Full-Text Articles in Library and Information Science

Public Libraries: Essential Infrastructure For The Public Humanities, Stephen Podgajny Jan 2015

Public Libraries: Essential Infrastructure For The Public Humanities, Stephen Podgajny

Maine Policy Review

Public libraries are a key component in the delivery of local humanities programs in Maine. Stephen Podgajny, executive director of the Portland (Maine) Public Library, outlines how public library infrastructure and resources support the humanities as collectors of humanities-related material, conveners and presenters of humanities programs, as collaborators with other humanities organizations, and as conservators of local historical collections. The author also discusses the future of public humanities and public libraries.


Maine’S Btop Information Commons Project: The Building Block To Statewide Digital Literacy Efforts, Janet Mckenney Jan 2013

Maine’S Btop Information Commons Project: The Building Block To Statewide Digital Literacy Efforts, Janet Mckenney

Maine Policy Review

Although Maine is a rural state, it has had success in keeping pace with technological changes since the rise of the Internet 20 years ago. In this section, authors describe some of these successes and the challenges faced by both consumers and libraries in the new digital environment. Janet McKenney discusses the recent BTOP [Broadband Technology Opportunities Program] federal grant that has increased the number of computers, workstations, and videoconferencing units in Maine libraries and is providing training and online learning resources to unemployed, low-income and senior citizens, along with assistance to local librarians to increase their technology skills.


Good Libraries Make Good Citizens, Charles Stanhope Jan 2013

Good Libraries Make Good Citizens, Charles Stanhope

Maine Policy Review

No abstract provided.


Are Libraries Necessary? Are Libraries Obsolete?, Linda Silka, Joyce Rumery Jan 2013

Are Libraries Necessary? Are Libraries Obsolete?, Linda Silka, Joyce Rumery

Maine Policy Review

Libraries are under siege. They face competing demands not only from different people but also from the same people at different times. Some assert that libraries must continue to strengthen their role as physical centers at the heart of their communities. Others argue that the future of libraries is at the leading edge of the revolution in digital information technologies. The authors introduce this special issue of Maine Policy Review on libraries and information. They provide an overview of the importance and complexity of the issues underlying these varying visions for how Maine libraries should serve their communities in the …


Maine Library History, Melora Norman Jan 2013

Maine Library History, Melora Norman

Maine Policy Review

From the earliest small private and university libraries of the 1700s to today’s high-speed Internet-connected institutions, the history of Maine’s libraries mirrors the development of the state and provides a sense of the concerns people had for access to information and education. Melora Norman describes the development of various kinds of libraries in Maine and the opportunities and challenges they have faced over time. She notes that the 20th century was a time of increasing professionalization and standardization in Maine’s libraries. During the late 1990s through the present, libraries have been changing dramatically as they shift from a focus on …


Maine Public Libraries Jan 2013

Maine Public Libraries

Maine Policy Review

Map of Maine public libraries, by collection size.


Maine’S Three Ring Binder, Fletcher Kittredge Jan 2013

Maine’S Three Ring Binder, Fletcher Kittredge

Maine Policy Review

Although Maine is a rural state, it has had success in keeping pace with technological changes since the rise of the Internet 20 years ago. In this section, authors describe some of these successes and the challenges faced by both consumers and libraries in the new digital environment. Fletcher Kittredge presents the history and promise of Maine’s “Three Ring Binder,” a new and important fiber optic network that will bring high-speed broadband connectivity to rural parts of the state. The Three Ring Binder is expected both to improve economic opportunities for businesses and to increase high-speed Internet access for underserved …


Maine Libraries: A History Of Sharing And Collaboration, James Jackson Sanborn, David Nutty Jan 2013

Maine Libraries: A History Of Sharing And Collaboration, James Jackson Sanborn, David Nutty

Maine Policy Review

The high degree of collaboration among all types of Maine libraries is a unique and defining characteristic of the Maine library community. This article explores the history of sharing and cooperation among Maine’s libraries, identifies several ongoing collaborations and current projects, and explores some of the underlying factors that support this culture of collaboration. An argument is made for policies that would further collaboration through better coordination and funding of cooperative library activities.


The Margaret Chase Smith Library: A Unique Collection Fostered By A History Of Collaboration, David Richards Jan 2013

The Margaret Chase Smith Library: A Unique Collection Fostered By A History Of Collaboration, David Richards

Maine Policy Review

Maine is a small state with a long history of scarce resources, of “making do,” and of “helping your neighbor.” The state’s libraries are a prime example what can be achieved to maximize resources through partnerships and collaboration. David Richards discusses the Margaret Chase Smith Library in Skowhegan, Maine, which he terms “a unique collection fostered by a history of collaboration.” Richards describes the vital role collaborations with multiple kinds of partners have played in helping the library fulfill its four functions: archives, museum, education, and public policy.


Libraries In The Community: Changing Opportunities, Stephanie Zurinski, Valerie Osborne, Mamie Anthoine-Ney, Janet Mckenney Jan 2013

Libraries In The Community: Changing Opportunities, Stephanie Zurinski, Valerie Osborne, Mamie Anthoine-Ney, Janet Mckenney

Maine Policy Review

When libraries first began, books were scarce and expensive. We live now in the Information Age. Public expectations about information are rapidly evolving. To remain relevant, libraries are expanding on sociologist Ray Oldenburg’s “Third Place” concept – public spaces which are “anchors of community life and important places for civic engagement”. Libraries have always offered a place for the community to come together. Now, libraries are becoming destinations by offering experiences ranging from the traditional story-telling to creation spaces and business incubators. Even with all the changes occurring in the world, libraries will remain the glue that holds the community …


Health Sciences Libraries, Susan Bloomfield, Deborah Clark, Dina Mckelvy, Lucinda White Jan 2013

Health Sciences Libraries, Susan Bloomfield, Deborah Clark, Dina Mckelvy, Lucinda White

Maine Policy Review

Health sciences librarians serve as uniquely trained reference librarians who specialize in the research and dissemination of medical and health information and are an important link to quality health information for patients and consumers. The authors describe how the landscape of health sciences librarianship is constantly changing as new technology emerges, along with librarians' roles within the healthcare system.


What Makes The Maine State Library Unique?, Linda Lord Jan 2013

What Makes The Maine State Library Unique?, Linda Lord

Maine Policy Review

Linda Lord describes the Maine State Library and its unique role in the state.The MSL’s service model requires it to provide services to other libraries in the state; to deliver and provide resources to the citizens of the state; to serve other state agencies; and to be a conduit with federal agencies and the Maine State Legislature.


Public Libraries And The Immigrant Community, Steve Podgajny Jan 2013

Public Libraries And The Immigrant Community, Steve Podgajny

Maine Policy Review

This short article describes programs and services to the immigrant community by Maine libraries.


Family Place Libraries™, Deanna Gouzie Jan 2013

Family Place Libraries™, Deanna Gouzie

Maine Policy Review

This article discusses Family Place Libraries™ which are part of a national initiative that has redefined library service to children by expanding the traditional role of the library and recognizing that libraries play a crucial role in helping to build healthy families and community.


Homeschoolers And Public Libraries: A Synergistic Relationship, Cynthia Jennings Jan 2013

Homeschoolers And Public Libraries: A Synergistic Relationship, Cynthia Jennings

Maine Policy Review

Homeschoolers are commonly heavy users of their local libraries. this article discusses how libraries can become educational “hubs” for for homeschoolers by developing programs and services to support this burgeoning population.


Local History: A Gateway To 21st Century Communications, Stephen Bromage Jan 2013

Local History: A Gateway To 21st Century Communications, Stephen Bromage

Maine Policy Review

Stephen Bromage discusses the important role libraries are playing through collaboration with the Maine Historical Society and local historical societies in documenting local history and making it accessible online.


Portable Libraries, Steve Podgajny Jan 2013

Portable Libraries, Steve Podgajny

Maine Policy Review

Steve Podgajny describes Portland’s new bookmobile and the library’s new model of “portable libraries.”


Digital Literacy And Public Policy Through The Library Lens, Marijke Visser Jan 2013

Digital Literacy And Public Policy Through The Library Lens, Marijke Visser

Maine Policy Review

Virtually every aspect of our lives now has a digital dimension. Our first interaction with an employer is online; our education occurs online; we collaborate online with colleagues in different countries in real-time; and we keep in touch with friends and family online. It is essential that everyone has the skills necessary to be part of this digital reality. Libraries play a pivotal role in supporting the development of digital literacy skills of their patrons and are a key partner in digital literacy activities in communities across the county.


Students And Information Literacy: High School And Postsecondary Perspectives, Debe Averill, Nancy Lewis Jan 2013

Students And Information Literacy: High School And Postsecondary Perspectives, Debe Averill, Nancy Lewis

Maine Policy Review

Using current research and professional standards, the authors discuss the importance of information literacy skills at all educational levels. Recent research, as well as anecdotal evidence from students, librarians and teachers, indicates that students lack knowledge of research process steps and rely too heavily on general and non-vetted sources. Studies show that students default to these sources in an attempt to complete assignments quickly and demonstrate of a lack of knowledge regarding topic development, source evaluation and ethical use. Policy issues addressed include the need for K-12 information literacy instruction by qualified library/media professionals, cooperation between secondary and postsecondary stakeholders …


Libraries And The First Amendment, Melora Norman Jan 2013

Libraries And The First Amendment, Melora Norman

Maine Policy Review

Melora Norman reviews the history and challenges faced by libraries in dealing with citizen first amendment rights to freedom of speech, freedom to receive information, and privacy.


The Public Library In The Community: Governance And Funding, Barbara Mcdade Jan 2013

The Public Library In The Community: Governance And Funding, Barbara Mcdade

Maine Policy Review

Barbara McDade’s article looks at the varied ways Maine public libraries are governed and funded, and the sustainability challenges they face.


When Disasters Strike: An Interview By Linda Silka With Joyce Rumery And Tom Abbott, Joyce Rumery, Thomas Abbott, Linda Silka Jan 2013

When Disasters Strike: An Interview By Linda Silka With Joyce Rumery And Tom Abbott, Joyce Rumery, Thomas Abbott, Linda Silka

Maine Policy Review

Joyce Rumery and Tom Abbott in this interview with Linda Silka describe their experiences when they helped libraries devastated by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, and how Maine libraries might prepare for disasters.


Libraries And Book Publishers, Maureen Sullivan Jan 2013

Libraries And Book Publishers, Maureen Sullivan

Maine Policy Review

Although Maine is a rural state, it has had success in keeping pace with technological changes since the rise of the Internet 20 years ago. In this section, authors describe some of these successes and the challenges faced by both consumers and libraries in the new digital environment. New technologies and new forms of digital media pose challenges both for publishers and libraries, as discussed by Tom Allen and Maureen Sullivan in their articles on e-books. Allen presents the publisher’s perspective on this potentially disruptive technology, while Sullivan examines the issue from the perspective of libraries and their historic mission …


A Shared Approach To Managing Legacy Print Collections In Maine, Matthew Revitt Jan 2013

A Shared Approach To Managing Legacy Print Collections In Maine, Matthew Revitt

Maine Policy Review

The Maine Shared Collections Strategy is a collaborative library project seeking to create a model for the long-term preservation and management of legacy print collections.


Institutional Repositories, Joyce Rumery Jan 2013

Institutional Repositories, Joyce Rumery

Maine Policy Review

Joyce Rumery discusses the opportunities presented by participation in the “Digital Commons,” a national online service (institutional repository) that allows institutions to highlight the work of faculty and students and to provide a medium for managing and preserving items such as materials from special collections.


Digital Public Library Of America, Clem Guthro Jan 2013

Digital Public Library Of America, Clem Guthro

Maine Policy Review

Clem Guthro describes the national, collaborative effort to establish the “Digital Public Library of America.”