News & Views, August 2009 (mp3 file; 4.5 MB; 4:40 min.)
The times they've been a-changin'; New event and activity ideas; The Wheels on the Bus Go 'Round and 'Round


Today is my 25th anniversary here at the regional library/library service area. Where does the time go? I've been doing a little reminiscing over the past couple of weeks, remembering how we used to do things. The fundamental job is the same, but how we do it has changed in ways we couldn't have imagined then. I remember the first Internet workshop we did, with AEA13. Everyone had to bring their own computers--and this was LONG before laptops or even before the big suitcases that passed for portables at the time. There was no http, no graphical interface...does anyone remember Gopher? Archie? Veronica?

We did interlibrary loan using a union card file in the office--everyone sent us an extra shelf list card and when a request was phoned in we would check the file, and call the libraries who owned it. If none of our libraries owned it, it was put on the I-LITE "wheel," a teleype system among the resource libraries around the state. When SWIRLS started doing a microfiche catalog, and each library could have a copy--well, we'd gone to heaven. We're pretty spoiled today, but what a great improvement in service the Iowa Locator and the statewide interlibrary loan system are!

And the fax network! I remember running to the fax when the first ones came in, three of us standing over it, almost giggling.

Well, I won't carry on with memories any longer but think about your own time in libraries, and how much has changed--even if you've been at the library only a short time, look at how much you have absorbed, how much more you are doing for your patrons. I look at what all of you are doing, and I am amazed and humbled. Keep up the good work with carrying libraries into the exciting future!
--Karen

Links from today's podcast:
Hispanic Heritage Month resources on SWILSA
Activities for building early childhood literacy skills