What do you think of libraries?

[Mark]

It's only fair. I'm more confusing than ever, being wholly unable to explain myself coherently, but at least there's a certain natural symmetry of confusedness, even if is entirely my fault. But it's 2:30 in the morning here, the dogs are sticking to the sidewalks, and I don't know where the plutonium is. And what about the penguins? Obviously, there's bound to be some confusion. As Nadine Gordimer says, quoting Antonio Gramsci ( I don't know whom he was quoting), "in this interregnum, there arises a great diversity of morbid symptoms."

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Carmel wrote: "Video advertising libraries
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=artifH..."

Thanks Carmel:) National Year of Reading is having such an impact!

[Faye]

Hi Everyone, just thought I would let you know I LOVE my local library, I order books that are new and too expensive to buy, if you order it you get it first, but if not you join the line of people wanting to read it, but normally it doesn't take long. I get DVD's and music CD's there as well. I find it a great place to sit and read and one of our libraries has a coffee shop!I live on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, so we have 4 main libararies and a mobile library too. I would encourage people to have a good look at their local library. Thanks Faye

[[deleted user]]

I'm learning to be a librarian so I love this thread.

I am joined up to three and will give more details when I am not on phone

[Mish]

Tansy wrote: "I'm learning to be a librarian so I love this thread.

I am joined up to three and will give more details when I am not on phone"

Hi Tansy, yes love to hear you thought. Also I noticed you're a new member. if you have a moment would you like to pop on over the the introduction thread so we can all say a big hello to you.

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/3...

[Faye]

Tansy wrote: "I'm learning to be a librarian so I love this thread.

I am joined up to three and will give more details when I am not on phone"

Hi Tansy, love to hear more about being a librarian and what libraries will do in the future, I hear my local library is trying to work out how "to lend" ebooks, which would be great, they already lend talking books, you download through your computer and then in two weeks time they ask you to delete from your computer....whats your thoughts? Faye

[Monica Lamperd]

Faye, does that work on an honesty system? That's really interesting. I haven't borrowed ebooks from my library yet - they offer them - but I think they somehow delete themselves.. not sure how that works though!

[Faye]

Monica wrote: "Faye, does that work on an honesty system? That's really interesting. I haven't borrowed ebooks from my library yet - they offer them - but I think they somehow delete themselves.. not sure how tha..."

Yes that is exactly it honesty, the audio books you download from the library site and then in two weeks time they send you an email asking for you to delete the audio book. So you don't clog up your e-reader. I believe there is some copywright things that are being worked out and them e-books will be the same. I just think that would be some great to get ebooks from the library, most people are honest and I am sure they would delete when finished. What do you think?

[Monica Lamperd]

Well I love the idea of audio books and ebooks at the library (though I'm not really into either of them myself)! I guess it's the same as borrowing music CDs and DVDs from the library - very easy for people to copy and keep - but as you say most people are honest and especially those who use libraries ;)

[Laura]

I get ebooks from my library and though they don't delete themselves, they have a timeout and after the reservation period (7 or 14 days) they are locked and I can no longer open them on my eReader or laptop. I have to get a new copy (which downloads another version of the file with a new clock embedded) if I haven't finished. Which means I can have to wait if someone else checked it out first (there's a waiting list so if someone is waiting, I can't get it right away).

This is a great system because it solves the copyright issues (I'm an author so I have a bit of sensitivity to this) while making the ebooks avaialable to everyone.

I just have to remember to deleted the locked file off my PC and eReader or I'll end up with a bunch of unusable files.

I'm sure there's a way around this locking and that pirates have figured out how to keep reading beyond the deadline (just like they know how to download movies without paying for them), but I think most of us are honest and when it's locked, we just wait to check it out again.

My library (and most around the world) uses Overdrive as the system which manages this. It seems like a great system to me and solves all the hassles and cost of each library trying to build their own system.

They've also got a system called EBL which used to be for non-fiction but has added a bunch of fiction as well. This is an immature market but I think it's coming along strongly and I, for one, am thrilled by it.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

That sounds like a great system Laura...I'm guessing all libraries will have it up and running in the not too distant future!

[Faye]

Wow thanks for all that information Laura, it is very interesting. Look forward to any other information others might have.

[Kassassinn]

I love my library so much, I volunteer there every Saturday! I'm also excited because it's moving to a much larger place down the road, so all the poor books that have been sitting in storage for years can finally be shelved. :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

That'll be good Mockingjay! Will you help them with their move, and help shelve the books?

[Kassassinn]

I'm actually a volunteer there, so most likely I'll be asked to go in a few days that week to help out. My favourite part of the week is when I get to do some shelving at the library, kinda sad isn't it? But for someone who is soooo OCD, there is something very satisfying about putting a book back in its rightful place. :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I think it'd be a wonderful job:)

[Kassassinn]

It is great when you do an hour here and there, but when I went there for work experience for school

[Kassassinn]

Whoops! I meant to write: it's great to do a few hours here and there but when I went there for work experience, it was 8 hours a day for five days. The books to be shelved ran out pretty quick!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Wonderful:) Fueled your love of books and working with books, I bet!

[Shane]

Mockingjay wrote: "I'm actually a volunteer there, so most likely I'll be asked to go in a few days that week to help out. My favourite part of the week is when I get to do some shelving at the library, kinda sad isn..."

Mockingjay, I couldn't agree more. My wife says that my OCD habits rules my bookshelves and book piles at home:).
I don't like people other than her touching my books, and they CAN NOT be put out of place...lol.

[Faye]

hi everyone, just downloaded my first e-book from my local library - will let you know how it goes, they only just started the e-book lending this month.I don't know much about the timing our or if they just ask you to delete the e-book.I am very excited about this new technology

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

That's exciting news Faye!!

[Tahlia]

Laura wrote: "I get ebooks from my library and though they don't delete themselves, they have a timeout and after the reservation period (7 or 14 days) they are locked and I can no longer open them on my eReader..."

Thanks for explaining this. It sounds like a good way for me to be able to read those really expensive ebooks that I don't buy just because of the price.

[Dale]

Our library charges $2 to reserve a book which I think is a bit high. Previous libraries had not changed or charged 50cents. But I don't reserve many books - just wait till they come in. Lots of others there meanwhile. Caleb's Crossing was one I did reserve,

[Robert]

I am surprised to see your post Dale...I am lucky to have a great local library system which does not charge to reserve books, (I honestly never considered that they would) and our library belongs to a county wide consortium of 8 libraries which provide loans to everyone. So, I can reserve a book from one library and it is delivered to the library nearest to me. It's Great! And, if the book I want is not in any of our libraries, they can request it from else where in the state. I have had books sent to me from libraries 400+ miles away...FOR FREE!

I live in California btw...I guess it's different down under.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Some libraries are better funded than others, and various councils run things differently...our library charged to reserve ($1) until recently, now there is no charge at all, but on the 1st January, there will be a fee for late books, which we have never had. So you're right ddjb, they have to make their money somehow, and even though the amount is small, it helps them out:)

[Dale]

Late books I wouldn't have a problem with. Mine are rarely overdue.

[Dale]

Why am I now not gettng notified when poeple comment? Did I click something wrong in haste the other day? The email when people reply is whited out and I can't get it back.

[Marianne]

I have started using my local library a lot more lately because they have a great range of DVDs too, so sometimes I chance it but often I reserve, especially with new movies of books I've read. I might have to wait in line, but that's no biggie. They charge $1 to reserve, but that's heaps cheaper than hiring from the video shop, you can have the DVD for a month ( never need it that long!) and they have a loyalty card like the coffee cart so every 6th reservation is free.

[Faye]

Our library only charges if the book has to be ordered for you, or there are others waiting for it. However, if the book is on the shelf at any of the branches and you reserve it you don't get charged.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Dale wrote: "Why am I now not gettng notified when poeple comment? Did I click something wrong in haste the other day? The email when people reply is whited out and I can't get it back."

A bug they (the GR staff) are currently working on Dale.

[Dale]

Thanks Brenda. Hope it's sorted soon.

[Iris]

I only skipped through this thread -apologies!- , but I thought I'd still like to leave a little comment.

We've only started "using" our library since the start of this year (don't ask me why! I have no idea) and from the very first moment we set foot in this place someone told us where to find what how and where. Since my daughter (11) figured out the website, there's no stopping her. The staff was really nice explaining her how to find books and place them on hold w/out losing their patience. I can only give big kudos to our library!

[[deleted user]]

Our local is only 10 mins away. Home away from home. Lovely librarians, great state wide service!

[Chris]

I will give my opinion of the libraries here in Australia... As an American I am used to the card catalog and dewey decimal system which has been around forever. Here in Australia the libraries I have been to have been an unorganized mess... You can't locate a book because it may be in one genre or another. There are Young Adult books in the Children's section and children's books in the Adult section. I have to say that our library is run by volunteers who obviously have no clue on how to categorize books. The entire series of one Author is actually split up into different areas of the library. I went in to get the books and no one could tell me where they all were. I found books 1, 3, and 7 in one section and some of the others in the children's section which made no sense at all. Then the last two books were in a totally different area of the library in the fiction section alphabetized (sort of) by Authors name, sometimes they used first name sometimes last... Talk about a nightmare for someone anal retentive like me. So in my opinion... Australia needs lessons on not only Libraries but also Book Stores because those are a nightmare to me as well... I prefer to just buy my book from the Book Depository or from Ebay or from Amazon... Saves me time and frustration...

[Kelly]

I live on the edge of two local council areas- Holroyd & Parramatta. So I am able to borrow from both library networks. I was appalled to read the charges for placing items on hold & interlibrary loans. Both library networks, it is free to place books, dvds, ebooks etc on hold. My last book for the Spring Challenge (Ghost Story) is the only item i've requested an interlibrary loan. Neither Parramatta or Holroyd library had this book. It came from Lane Cove library. I was told it would cost me around $3.50 for the interlibrary loan but I haven't been charged. It costs $3 if you lose your library card and need a replacement. They also have books for 20cents on a regular basis. It also has after hours return box, self service borrowing, printed receipts (with due date),free wifi and you can book a computer though there is a limit of 90mins.
I have found that Holroyd Library has a better range than Parramatta. Parramatta Library is often very crowded as well. Probably because it is so close to Westfields and Church st mall.


Being able to buy books and ebooks is great if you can afford it. There are alot of homeless people in the Parramatta area. The local library may be the only way some people can access the internet. Unfortunately many people seem to take the latest smartphones, ipads etc. for granted and don't realise that some people in this world rely on the community services just to help with school work.

[l]

I honestly haven't been to my local library since the beginning of this year. I just haven't had the need to, because I recieved an e-reader last Christmas and have been reading the majority of my books on it.

I love libraries, though. I really like the atmosphere inside them, it's very relaxing and refreshing. AND the fact that it's filled to the brim with books is just excellent xD

[Lisa]

I work in an Australian library, and I admit thatit is really annoying when people catalogue things all over the place. That's whymy council library has done away with genres and we just have a continuous fiction run organised by the authors surname. Everyone in our library requires a degree or diploma in library/information services. We won't even take volunteers.

[Lauredhel]

I adore my library. No charges to reserve books (or CDs or DVDs), or for interlibrary loans within the State system, which I use liberally! We can go to any of four branch libraries without our Council to borrow/return books.

They've started an Overdrive ebook borrowing system, which works well, although the current offerings are a bit limited. They have also just started offering Zinio access, so I can get magazines on my tablet for free - which is awesome.

The only thing we've ever paid for is a nominal $2 fee for children's school holiday events, many of which have craft materials, etc supplied. They do have late fees, but I can't remember the last time I've paid one. I'm a fast reader, there is web access to the details of your borrowings and to renewals, and you also get an email three days before an item is due.

[Dale]

Lauredhel your library sounds perfect. When I lived in Western Sydney years ago I belonged to Blacktown and Parramatta libraries.Blacktown was the best out . We could borrow unlimited books on one card, framed art prints, toys etc. Much of my first children's novel Chasing after the Wind and info on the depression was researched with the help of Parramatta library from newspapers there.

[[deleted user]]

My eclectic taste in music comes from the availability of CD's at my local library, because my internet download is, well, minuscule. My library also stocks DVD's but sadly, they get scratched sooner than I can get my hands on them. Recently, they have been stocking Wii games, and also blu-rays. I don't subscribe to my favourite magazines, because they are always at my library within a week of being in the newsagents.
As well as that, my library had a wide range of books to suit anyone's taste (trust me, I've tested this theory) and librarians that are overflowing with suggestions of books to read. And they have a request system, so you can order in books that they don't have.
Jealous yet? :D

[[deleted user]]

Dale wrote: "Lauredhel your library sounds perfect. When I lived in Western Sydney years ago I belonged to Blacktown and Parramatta libraries.Blacktown was the best out . We could borrow unlimited books on one ..."

Blacktown lib sounds amazing, like they've really put thought into what their community needs.

[[deleted user]]

Lisa wrote: "I work in an Australian library, and I admit thatit is really annoying when people catalogue things all over the place. That's whymy council library has done away with genres and we just have a con..."

Yes, that would make things much easier, but what if you had a book series like the Quentaris series, written by different authors? I know my local library has them all catalogued under Quentaris, after much petitioning by the passionate children's librarian.

[[deleted user]]

Christina M wrote: "I will give my opinion of the libraries here in Australia... As an American I am used to the card catalog and dewey decimal system which has been around forever. Here in Australia the libraries I h..."

I've had similar experiences with my local library as well, and it is SO FRUSTRATING. Luckily, we have a professional cataloguer who is just amazing, and a children's librarian who's knowledge could rival anybody's. Together, things are starting to get better.

[Dale]

Murf wrote: "Lisa wrote: "I work in an Australian library, and I admit thatit is really annoying when people catalogue things all over the place. That's whymy council library has done away with genres and we ju..."

And Blacktown also had a good range of the literary magazines so those of us on limited incomes could borrow and then submit poetry etc geared to those mags.I miss that. Our current library is not as well equipped, though has some lit mags.

[Dale]

The amount of books I read, I couldn't exist without my library. However they don't put brand new donated books on the shelves either which I find odd. They charge for reserving a book, $2 which I don't like and hardly ever do. I just wait till its available.

[Zara's Corner]

I love libraries. For my daughter and I they are a Godsend as we read so much and so widely that if we were to purchase all the books we have read, or would like to read, we would be bankrupt by now. LOL

[Dale]

exactly!

[Kim BookGirl]

I have very fond memories as a child spending many hours in the library during school holidays. We (my sister and I) got to know the librarians and were allowed to help with checking books in and out and shelving them. This was before computers in the library so it was using cards and stamps. It was so much fun. Still love the library and there are no fees for reserving items but there are overdue fees.

[Kathryn]

I love libraries. I love sitting in them, I love browsing their shelves, I love how they’re all different. I’ve been to a couple of events run by a library near me lately and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed them. And I’ve been wondering about other libraries around Australia.

I’ve skimmed through the posts in this thread and was just wondering whether other libraries organize any events – Meet the Author/Author signings, workshops teaching various skills, morning/afternoon teas/lunches discussing books/genres or with guest speakers? Have you been to any of the events they’ve organised? What have been your favourites?

I live near a city council (Brisbane City Council) which allows non-Brisbane residents to join their library – you only need to reside in Queensland to be a member and I live in a council area just north of Brisbane (Moreton Rivers Council) and am a member of this library service. Both libraries have author events, but I’ve only just started going to them at Brisbane libraries so will have to go to some of the Moreton Rivers library events. And the Brisbane City Council libraries have a very wide range and a large number of events at their various locations, which I think are absolutely fantastic. Not sure why there is so much more than the Moreton Rivers libraries, but I guess it probably comes down to funding. Hopefully not lack of interest in the Moreton Rivers area!

Both libraries have computer skills workshops, some digital photography workshops and other similar things, but the Brisbane libraries have crochet workshops, gardening workshops, writing workshops, food/cooking/ethnic cuisine workshops, and in addition they have morning teas, lunches and afternoon teas where different books or genres are discussed, and speakers on various topics e.g. aspects of local history, health, safety etc. So, now that I know how interesting these events are, I will continue to go to Brisbane library events that take my fancy, but will also go along to the events in my local council libraries to support them.