Aussie Readers discussion
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What do you think of libraries?
Carmel, the changes to your library sound greta, especially the cafe.Our libraries here are great ... we have libaries in four locations operated by the Darwin City Council, which if you are a member of one your are a member of all four. If you borrow a book from one, you can return it to any of the four. The staff are generally very helpful.
You can view your account and the library catalogues on line and can make requests, renew books etc online, which is very useful.
We can borrow most books for 4 weeks at a time, except some of the new popular books have a 2 week limit. DVDs can be borrowed for 1 week at a time ... and there is the possibility of renewing these periods as many times as you want, until the item is requested by someone else.
I beleive they have a mobile book lending service for those who have difficulty getting to the library.
They also have many programs in the libraries, inlcuding computing for seniors, migrant education, non english speaking book reading sessions and more. They have computers with internet for use, as well as Xbox and Playstation for the kids.
These may be common features in all libraries around the country, but I went for about 5 years without using the library and found that they had grown in what they offered in that period, and am still surprised at what services are offered, and usually for free.
Carmel wrote: "Thanks for starting this thread Mandy,you know you're a ideas girl you know! (quoting from "The Castle" he he:)..."LOL, Don't know that quote Carmel. I think I'll have to go back and watch the movie for oh say... the 20th time!!!
Here is an article on what must be the longest overdue book in Australia's history: $5000 fine for library book that‘s 19,350 days overdue.
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LOL, Don't know that quote Carmel. I think I'll have to go back..."
I was going to make comment on that Mandy...so good that he became such a successful businessman, through the book he borrowed, and was very happy to pay the $5000 'fine'!!
Has anyone suggested titles at their library? I've noticed that people are always surprised when they find good/recent books in their council libraries, yet they dont realise that they themselves can help with "Collection Development"!
Lib here..mmm..i think it's probably gotten better over the years but I honestly stopped using it once the internet came into our house..Around 2 years ago I would pop into the one in town (which is my local) and look around during lunch breaks from work. Was a nice place to spend the winter days.
We've got a small cafe at the front enterance but I've only been to it once..And oddly the woman thought my friend and I were smokers so she told us (without asking) to move outside. Neither of us smoke!
You are able to view your account, renew your books (dunno how many times), look at what books are out there from all the libs and I think reserve copies of books.
I just don't use it cause I don't like the feeling of needing to return a book soon..lol
Did you know that if you go to your "My Account" page and click on "Book Links" you can adjust what links appear below book on Goodreads. Here is the Goodreads blurb to explain it better:about book links
Book links appear on all our book pages, where it says "find at". They let you find the book you're seeing at your favorite online book store, or any site that lets you search by ISBN in a URL.
Book links are intended to link to sites that have an ISBN search and have a large catalogue of books (booksellers, libraries, etc).
When I first checked out that feature I saw my library wasn't listed. So I emailed my library and told them about Goodreads and said that it would be great if they had a link here too. The librarian was quite enthusiastic about it (they didn't know about GR) and she organised the link straight away. Now under any book I search here there is a link to my library so I can look up the book's availability there directly from this page.
Dean wrote: "Has anyone suggested titles at their library? I've noticed that people are always surprised when they find good/recent books in their council libraries, yet they dont realise that they themselves c..."I noticed my library has a "Suggest a purchase" button on their home page but I've never used it so I don't know how successful it would be or how long it would take. It's good however that they listen to what their community wants.:)
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The only thing I don't like about mine, in Carson City Nevada, is that I can only request a few from ILL at a time, and if they take a while to get filled, I have limited access. My mom's library, in Wisconsin, can fill requests for dozens of books within just a few days, over and over again. I read lots and lots of picture books while I was visiting!
I think I'm going to start donating books to my local library: They have nothing in the genres I like to read, and I'm certain I'm not the only one who likes them!~S.
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My library is not really much like the ones in Unshelved, Vol. 1 but those are still very funny books that ring true.
Brenda wrote: "I've done that in the past, donated my books to the library. They were very appreciative!"I release my books via bookcrossing.com, but my Friends of the Library likes all the magazines, movies, and music I donate.
Brenda wrote: "I've done that in the past, donated my books to the library. They were very appreciative!"I want your library!! I have given bags of books in excellent condition to the local Lib. and have never received more than a cursory "Oh ta!" ... I don't expect a song and dance but a little enthusiasm would be nice! Not to mention a date stamp ... :)
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I want your library!! I have given bags of books in excellent condition to the local Li..."
Don't know where you live, Bluesky, but you are most welcome to come to our library..:) They love new members, and we would love to have you...:)
Ha ha! What a great idea! I could just whip out my own stamp and voila! No more worrying if it was this Saturday or next Saturday ...Sorry for whingeing so much ... it's a bit of a shock after my last local library which was well stocked and allowed 8 books out at a time, date stamped the books for 3 weeks loan AND gave out a book mark each time. :)
The library I now have is like the Grinch of libraries lol
I live in the Logan Central area so have six libraries close by and all of them are great. Plus as an Alumni at Queensland Uni I can still use their libraries for research material on my non-fiction WIP.No complaints here :)
I love my local library, I visit it at least once a week to pick or return books & CD's. I am online at least once a day and now that they have an e library that's even better. They have purchased quite a few books at my request and they will borrow a book from wherever they can get it. My library is the Sunshine Coast Library and they have even borrowed a book once from a NSW library, which I thought was good. There's not much that they can't get or won't try to.
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There is nothing worse than a grumpy librarian - I mean it's not like they personally OWN the books. They're supposed to be there to help. Drives me nuts that one.
Tracey wrote: "There is nothing worse than a grumpy librarian - I mean it's not like they personally OWN the books. They're supposed to be there to help. Drives me nuts that one."Yes there is a grumpy librarian at one of the small Brisbane libraries and she really spoils going there. She makes it not the sort of place you want to hang out. Luckily that's not my local library.;D
My local library is okay - it's being rebuilt so everything is a bit cramped, but the collection is quite large. It's going to be the biggest library in NSW (I think) when it reopens.What I HATE about it is that they charge $2.50 to put a book on reserve. Which means if I want something, say for a Goodreads monthly read or The First Tuesday Book Club - or even the book club I attend hosted by the library - I have to hope the book's currently on the shelf or fork out $2.50 to have it held.
I know that's not a huge amount of money, but it rivals what you can buy a used book for in some places and it makes the library much less valuable for me. When I lived in Darwin it cost 0 to reserve a book and so I used that feature all the time. Now, it's more pot luck.
Does anyone else have to pay to reserve a book at their local library?
I have been told that our library won't take books that are donated, they just put them out for sale and not into their catalogue.
We are lucky there as at the moment our library charges nothing for reservations, or if they have to hire from another library (even though I have been told each book inter library loaned costs the library $40.00) they also don't charge if you are overdue. I will take it while I can.Our book club which is through the library costs us $24.00 a year and for that the library buys new sets of books for book club use only.
Laura wrote: "What I HATE about it is that they charge $2.50 to put a book on reserve. Which means if I want something, say for a Goodreads monthly read or The First Tuesday Book Club - or even the book club I attend hosted by the library - I have to hope the book's currently on the shelf or fork out $2.50 to have it held..."What a rip-off! Our library only charges 60c to reserve a book and (best of all) it has no late fees!!
Bronwyn wrote: "We are lucky there as at the moment our library charges nothing for reservations, or if they have to hire from another library (even though I have been told each book inter library loaned costs the..."$40?? Can't be right! It'd be cheaper to buy it! I'd be curious if you decide to look into this, ask some more questions. Do you pay taxes to support your library? If so, I'd imagine you'd have a right to know what it really costs.
I live in the Redlands district, south east of Brisbane. Our local libraries here rock! You can borrow up to 20 items at a time, for 4 weeks. If you join and register online, you can scroll through by genre, author or title and request books (for free) and they email you as each requested item is held for you (on an alphabetised shelf with your name inserted into each item). So I borrow some, and as I am in the area frequently, pick up requested items, return those read, and have a quick browse for any others I hanker for. Brilliant! They also clear stock regularly, and sell 10 books for $1!!!! I have taken advantage of these sales quite a few times now, and have a selection that if I choose not to keep, can exchange for those I do want forever, from a fantastic book exchange/2nd hand shop in Wynnum! I have it made!
I didn't know libraries could charge to reserve a book? That seems unfair to me. Late fees ok but reserving?
Tracey wrote: "I didn't know libraries could charge to reserve a book? That seems unfair to me. Late fees ok but reserving?"Michelle - you now have ruined my day. At least someone has it made (just too bad it isn't me!)
Tracey - I totally agree about it being unfair. I complained to one of the librarians and he told me that the council expects them to contribute to their costs and late fees and reservation charges are their only real income stream. Neither of which do they get from me. Perhaps I should write my local council rep. Our council rates are not low so I don't know why we have to help fund services in other ways.
All of you are now making me think I need to go on a rampage!
Can I watch Laura? I am sure you would be impressive.
Girls with gumption. I would be the wuss on the sideline offering moral support.
I am sorry that avid readers don't all get the same opportunities that I have had with rediscovering my library. I suggest writing or calling your local councillors and putting on pressure to do better. Then again, cheaper rates may be better...we are in the top category for high rates here I think...the rates are killers! About $2,500 per year for a suburban block of dirt and house.
Well, I just emailed my local councilor. I don't have high expectations, but at least he knows how I feel. Maybe if others are saying the same thing, there will be a change.Not exactly a rampage I know, but when I asked the librarian directly he hid behind the council. I bet the council guy comes back and tells me that he doesn't set library policy. I may need to ask Wikileaks to help me find the real culprit :-)
Michelle, what council area do you live in? I pay about $1200 (I think) but friends of mine in the same council area pay $3000 (land value? lot size?). I'm in Willoughby Council on the north shore of Sydney.
I live in Redland City, south east of Brisbane. This council is a law unto itself. But let's face it - if you don't complain to the guy/woman that represents your electorate in the Council, they will continue to get re-elected and continue to do little for the huge amounts of money they get while they also run businesses, or carry on with their other jobs. Also you could complain to the Mayor about the lack of service from the library - it is true that they can only do what Council will fund them for. Our Council about 15 years ago had a reference group made up of people with disability, parents, and service providers who lobbied to make our shire (it was a shire back then) physically accessible for people with disability. They haven't done much else since, but the power of people can be felt if enough energy is inserted. People voted to have a green community here, and so a lot of Councillors run with that as their ticket (especially on the island communities here) but while Council severely inhibits what individuals can do with their properties, allow developers to do as they please. So I understand about the corruption of local government and their inactivity when it comes to their constituents.
Carmel wrote: "Laura wrote: "Well, I just emailed my local councilor. I don't have high expectations, but at least he knows how I feel. Maybe if others are saying the same thing, there will be a change.I may ne..."
Thanks for not telling me I'm wasting my time. I sway between thinking we should all stand up and tell our government (whatever the level) what we think and being positive that it makes no difference whatsoever.
As for Wikileaks, everything about it kind of cracks me up :-)
OMG, my councillor answered me 10 minutes after I hit "send". He's getting my vote, regardless of the outcome on this library thing.The email was actually written by an actual person (not a form response). He said he'd forward it to the library manager for response (as suspected) but he took the time to tell me that the library is run at a huge cost to the council and with very little govt funding. Plus he plugged in inter-library-loan function which really does cost them.
I'm VERY impressed. This is a Saturday night.
Well it IS good that the Councillor responded so quickly, but where we live it is the COUNCIL that funds the libraries, not the state government, so I think saying that they get little government funding is a cop out. If they think the library should have higher funcitons then they should consider funding it better. Yes it does cost a lot to run...our Council has mobile libraries that visit suburbs, as well as libraries that are situated on several islands (Stradbroke is one). I think that several other islands have visiting mobile libraries, but you can request books and if they are situated at one of the other libraries in our Council area, they will be transported to your closest branch for you to pick up.
Wow that is impressive. Why would the inter-library-loan cost so much money?
Gail "cyborg" wrote: "Wow that is impressive. Why would the inter-library-loan cost so much money?"He said the books go by courier. How ever they move around, I do accept that there is some cost there. Honestly if I had to pay $2.50 for a book from another library (that I'm free to get to myself and use), I'd find that a good compromise.
I probably should mention that my library is part of a group that are linked (different councils) so I can use any in a pretty large area around my home.
My councillor should run for Prime Minister - he'd have my vote.I replied to his response suggesting what I said above, that I understand fees on ILL, but not on local holds. He's written back saying he'll pass that comment along and that he personally thinks local book clubs (I told him I was a member at the library) should have exclusions which he thinks the reservation system can handle.
He's actually thinking about what I'm writing about, not just fobbing me off.
Hooray, some government may actually be interested in the little guy.
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What I HAT..."
No way!! That's terrible Laura. Absolutely no cost to reserve, and then 90c when you pick them up. Plus my library doesn't fine when you're late, either....
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I replied to his response suggesting what I said above, that I understand fees on ILL, but not on local holds. He's written back ..."
Good on you Laura, for having a go...and for getting a councillor who is interested in talking to you. Sometimes we 'little' people can make a difference. I'm hoping that will happen with our local council/library problems.
I love my library! They are very responsive to buying books, there are no fees to request, no fees on DVDs and CDs. Occasionally I get late fees on my son's card which I don't use very often, but as a heavy library user, I don't seem to get charged fees unless it is really, really, really late. The other good thing is that it is a growing service. There was a new branch that opened a couple of years ago now, and there is going to be another one next year as well.
My library does not charge me for an interlibrary loan, that's just what a friend told me, who works for the library. It is probably a flat rate charge between libraries - courier, person to person, one council to another council. I am just glad I still get it for free.
As far as I am aware, in Qld. you can request books from the State Library, and they will come to your local library...just may have to wait a little while. I am not sure if there is any charge to get them out.
Here in 'rural' Nevada all the towns, including Carson City (pop. almost 60K) are linked. I believe they get grants, and federal & state money, but most funding is from the towns. And we, as a people, don't prioritize reading much. In fact, until the library started an outreach to the schools, there were thousands of people in CC who couldn't even tell you where the library is (even though it's centrally located, and next door to one of our best-priced supermarkets.)Given all that, I'm very glad we get free online ILL reservations through all the towns (though not Washoe County, which includes Reno, or Clark County, which inncludes Las Vegas) in the state. And 4-week checkout usually. And online renewals, usually. And a grace period on fines. And the fines are a pittance when they are charged. And there are Drives: periods when you can bring in overdue materials without getting fined.
So, I suspect that running a library system efficiently is possible. I suggest anyone who isn't satisfied join (or start) your version of Friends of the Library and see what you can do to help. That's my analysis, anyway - hope I didn't bore you to tears. :)
Cheryl wrote: "I suggest anyone who isn't satisfied join (or start) your version of Friends of the Library and see what you can do to help. That's my analysis, anyway - hope I didn't bore you to tears..."Thanks for your observations Cheryl! As you've mentioned there are "Friends of the Library' groups that you can join. In Australia you can find them at this website. It's a great way to get involved and have a say in what you want from your libraries and how they are supported in Australia.
Cheryl wrote: "Bronwyn wrote: "We are lucky there as at the moment our library charges nothing for reservations, or if they have to hire from another library (even though I have been told each book inter library ..."The library does not charge me $40.00 - I just have a friend who works at the library and she tells me that is a flat rate charge between libraries - thank goodnes they don't pass that on to me. I get my books for nothing.
Huh. Like, per year or something maybe. I'm still flummoxed.
Aussie Readers
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Carmel's excited about changes to her local library!
http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/n...
Brenda's not so excited :(
http://www.theherald.com.au/news/loca...
Do you use your library? Does it stock the books you like? Does it offer a good range of services/parking etc? Do you have an overdue book or have to pay too large fees? Post all your library news and views here...