How NYPL uses Foursquare and other social media

Hello bloggers!

I have abandoned my post in recent weeks while on leave, and notice that others have done likewise! It's a busy time of year for us all in the Library, but I feel it's time to check in and tell you about this interview (flick to page 8) that I came across in the Routledge newsletter with Johannes Nueur of the New York Public Library. He explains how NYPL has used low-cost social media to promote their libraries. While we might not have the same resources and personnel available to us, it's interesting to think about what could be done if we clunk our heads together, with the tools/resources available. Perhaps after the flurry of new students subsides. We could (as mentioned at last staff meeting) have a provisional meeting on Monday 17th Oct. to discuss what we've taken from the 23 Things Programme and decide how we want to take it forward, with a Library video/podcast/etc. I think it would be nice to see what everybody liked the most about the whole experience.

Illustration Corner - children reading

The last picture I had up was a bit dark and moody; I've decided to replace it with a more cheery image of a vintage children's book illustration. I found it nestled in a group of vintage children's book illustrations on Flickr here.
It does a good job of showing how thoroughly absorbing a good (or even mediocre) book can be when you're a soft and malleable childling. I cant wait to bombard my nieces and nephew with beautifully illustrated and cleverly written books!
There are some more beautiful examples of the genre in another Flickr set here.

Making books...then and now

Lots of intriguing little videos to show that the technology of making books has been evolving for centuries in this post: How a Book is Made: AD 400 vs. 1947 vs. 1961 vs. 2011 on BrainPickings.org.

Illustration Corner

Today's Illustration Corner is by Russian digital artist Sergey Ryzhov. Nice and sinister:) The image below is called Fishing. For more of his work see here.

Friday (sanctioned) Fun: Image Mosaic Generator

I couldn't quite bring myself to "smurf" myself, so I had a go at the Image mosaic generator. I used a beautiful photo of my niece Hannah giving one of her very first genuine (non-wind related) smiles, and to be honest I don't know if I like the end result...it's somewhat creepy compared to the original:

Have a great weekend all of y'all!

Library joke *adjusts spectacles

OH. MY. GOD. Becky, look at her book - Imgur

Google maps

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What in the heck did we do before google maps?! I don't know and I don't want to know.
What an amazing (when you think about it) facility to have at your fingertips. I tinkered around with the New York map and could instantly see the current state of the traffic, the public transport system overlaid over the map,cycle lanes, photos/videos of various spots, and something called 'Buzz' which links up to Twitter/flickr, etc. to tell/show you what's going on around New York. I clicked on the buzz around Coney Island and was linked to this lovely polaroid somebody took of the Wonder Wheel.The map will also link you to the relevant Wikipedia page.
Why New York?
Places like Brooklyn, Manhattan and Coney Island hold a fascination for me (and loads of other people!). I was in NY once with my parents and sister for a very humid, slightly touristy weekend, and didn't get to explore the dinky little record and book shops like I wanted to. It's my dream holiday and that's why I chose it as my map. I know I'm not alone with this, (Ann Lib maybe I'll see you in NY some day!)...sigh.
Below is one of the gorgeous kodachrome photos taken by Charles Weever Cushman in New York in the 1940's. His collection is held by Indiana University and documents America in it's golden age. You can see more of the NY ones on Flavorwire, or the whole astounding collection on the Cushman Photograph Collection site.