Absolutely Free Software -
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September 26, 2005.
Hacking the Library - 4
Where information is already free
Best Bets and Advice
- If you're local district hasn't jumped into online services, write letters, first to the library district, then to the district's funding source, usually the local county. Ebooks are very attractive from a bottom-line point of view, and the bean counters love them. You'll usually find that librarians are very connected and very aware of the electronic resources available but may be stifled by the inertia of the powers-that-be. Many can't get over the idea that a library doesn't have to be dead-tree-centric.
- When requesting materials online, build up a queue. Don't just get those things you know you want. Get things you're curious about. If you don't like them, put them in the drop box the next day. Remember, it's free.
- Use Amazon to review and hunt for materials. Most library catalogues don't lend themselves to casual browsing, but Amazon fills this role excellently.
- Keep a list of things you've checked out. It's amazing how quickly you forget. This way, you can go back for ideas on what to get next.
- Almost all libraries maintain waiting lists of customers for soon-to-be-published materials. If your favorite artist or author has something coming out next month, request it now.
