2005

Web Services Pre-Conference

The more than 40 people who attended the LITA preconference, “Introduction to Web Services,” at the Hotel Inter-Continental Chicago on June 24th received both an overview of web services and demonstrations of ongoing projects. But most importantly, they received congratulations on developing an interest in a topic that will drastically change the online library. The four speakers introduced the subject and gave examples of the way that web services are contributing to the dis-integration of integrated library services. In fact, the final speaker cited an article in the June 15th issue of Library Journal (The Dis-Integrating World of Library Automation) as testament. The plainspoken Eric Lease Morgan opened the half-day session with a simple explanation of web services and some of the key concepts. Because XML is the defining feature of web services, Morgan sometimes used the term, “XML Services.” He emphasized that attendees need to know XML to create…

2005

At the OCLC Symposium

At OCLC Symposium (arrived 40 minutes late. came directly from airport. traffic, etc.). These are pretty rough notes. Overall, it was a very interesting program on the role of libraries in the long tail, with a variety of viewpoints. Wish I hadn’t been late. I tend to be kind of worried about this issue. One questioner at the end asked about why can’t public libraries have the same depth of video holdings as Netflix. I’ve never considered that as a goal. But it was a clarion call from a user. The old truism that popularity has a lock on markets is over. Libraries can be guardians of the long tail, look at ways to provide access for our patrons, use it ourselves…so many ideas! Chicago Hilton Grand Ballroom—very grand. Lacy gold balconies, chandeliers everywhere. Great orange OCLC tote bags swag. Scream beach bag. Chris Anderson—Mining the Long Tail. Thin, very…

2005

MARBI Matters

In the old days, MARBI was the ALA home base for the data geeks, and there were often three half-days of meetings every six months. The agendas were full and the documentation for the meetings, when printed out (we didn’t bring laptops then) often approached an inch or more piled up. That was in the days before the distractions of MODS, METS and such, when MARBI was still lively and fractious. Now the issues are generally a bit niche and often ho-hum, and there are few in the room below the age of forty.

2005

A Very Long Tail Indeed

Note: expect a lag on many LITA blog postings, since Internet access is sparse and spotty (wifi in McCormick is only available in three spots, and many of us will be covering events in hotels we aren’t staying at, where wifi would be an extra charge for us) and many of us are in the “eye of the storm,” running from event to event from early in the morning until late at night. Press your ear against the wall, celebrate the confluence of the Web and niche marketing, keep your eyes on “That damned, elusive Pimpernel,” and think big-picture, long-view about preservation and access for digital content. Those were just a few of the ideas that came out of Friday’s OCLC symposium, Mining the Long Tail, held to an overflow crowd in Hilton’s eponymous Grand Ballroom, a huge, elegant venue dripping with gilt, mirror, and crystal. The Long Tail concept…

2005

Discount WiFi at McCormick

Wifi at McCormick Center can be purchased for $25 for the entire ALA conference (June 24-29) by going to Conference Services. I know this was posted to a couple of lists earlier, but I just got IM’ed that an ALA member asking at the registration desk was met with blank stares, so if people are asking, pass the word. This was negotiated by ALA just prior to the conference. Wifi can also be purchased a la carte for $9.95 a day, the standard McCormick price (compare to Boston at $25 a day–clearly a service where prices have no bearing on reality).

2005

Introduction and Welcome to Chicago (Pt. 2 Dining Out)

If at some point you start getting hungry during your stay in our fair city, I highly recommend that you concentrate on the three principle food groups making up the traditional Chicago Diet: Deep Dish Pizza, Ribs and Polish Sausage. Though at first glance, this may not seem like the healthiest combination, just remember that you’ll be leaving in a few days and so will probably avoid the worst consequences of indulging in such fare. The problem is in order to get to the best places, you have to be willing to travel. I mean the best place I know for Ribs — at least on the North Side — is Smokin’ Woody’s on Lincoln and Berteau (the tips are heavenly). Ditto for a Polish (notice we omit the word ‘sausage’) where I make a monthly pilgrimage to a trailer marked “Maxwell Street” on Diversey and Damen. Even my favorite…

2005

Introduction and Welcome to Chicago (Pt. 1 Entertainment)

So much is happening in Chicago during ALA that you’d think it was a conspiracy to befuddle the out-of-towners. Do not despair! In my role as social butterfly, I have taken it upon myself (and the LITA Blog authorities have given me access!) to try and help you make sense of this embarrassment of riches. Of course, you’ll be spending most of your time at the conference. Nevertheless, you’ll hopefully still have opportunities to step out and sample life in the Windy City. The first thing you should do is pick up a copy of the Chicago Reader. This is our alternative weekly and it lists within seven days more things than a normal person could do in a whole year. If you dip into it, you’ll find that the “Big” event during ALA is Taste of Chicago. The “Taste” as they call it in these parts, takes place in…