The Source: news about digital libraries and library innovations from around the web

Introducing The Source

Seen and Heard: Children’s Media Use, Exposure, and Response (Note: PDF)

From the NZ Broadcasting Standards Authority website

This major study reports the findings of a qualitative study of children’s use of electronic media, and the way parents and children mediate that use. The focus of the research was how New Zealand children use and respond to television, radio, the internet, and cellphones. The report is based on a 2007 survey of 600 children aged between 6 and 13, and their primary caregivers. It includes information about the use of newer media such as the internet and cellphones.


The DCC Curation Lifecycle Model (Note: PDF)

From the Digital Curation Centre website

The DCC [Digital Curation Centre] Curation Lifecycle Model provides a graphical high-level overview of the stages required for successful curation and preservation of data from initial conceptualisation or receipt. The model can be used to plan activities within an organisation or consortium to ensure that all necessary stages are undertaken, each in the correct sequence.


Preserving the Data Explosion: Using PDF (Note: PDF)

From the Digital Preservation Coalition website

This report reviews PDF and the newly introduced PDF/Archive (PDF/A) format as a potential solution for long-term digital preservation. It considers the use of PDF/A as part of a comprehensive records management program, to archive electronic documents as a standard to aid preservation and future retrieval.


Connecting to Collections (Note: Video)

From the Institute of Museum and Library Services website

The 'Connecting to Collections' initiative is a call to action, spurring activity at the local, state and national level to care for America’s collections. This video was developed to underscore the importance of collections held in museums, libraries and archives throughout the U.S., and to inspire communities to take action.


Nine to nineteen: Youth in Museums and Libraries: A Practitioner’s Guide (Note: PDF)

From the Institute of Museum and Library Services website

This Guide is based on the findings of the study and discussions with the IMLS Youth Action Committee and practitioners about the kind of information needed for planning and implementing effective youth programmes. It includes a variety of resources and references to critical works that have been gathered from the fields of youth and community development, education, and informal learning. The guide’s primary audience is museum and library practitioners who are building, or wish to build, strong programs to reach and engage youth. It is also intended for community planners, youth development leaders, and educators who want to build bridges across the many types of organizations and institutions that serve youth in our communities.


Libraries Connect Communities: Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study 2006-2007 Report (Note: PDF)

From the American Library Association website

In the first of a series of reports related to technology access in U.S. public libraries, the American Library Association (ALA) Office for Research & Statistics (ORS) is drawing attention to challenges and opportunities related to available bandwidth for patron Internet access and online library services.


Hi-tech paper AND New way to save energy: Disappearing ink

From the Computerworld AND C/Net websites

Xerox Corp.'s research arm has showcased its latest innovations, including erasable paper and tools that make documents "smart" by adding a deeper meaning to words and images. Scientists demonstrated paper that can be reused after printed text automatically deletes itself from the paper's surface within 24 hours. Instead of trashing or recycling after one use, a single piece of paper can be used a second time, and reused up to 100 times.