Cosplay, Comics, and Geek Culture in Libraries Has Launched

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After months of planning, and thanks to a team of exceptional writers, my new blog Cosplay, Comics, and Geek Culture in Libraries has gone live!

I decided to start this blog, not only because I am a self-proclaimed geek, cosplayer, and comics reader and collector myself, but because this is a cutting-edge area of growth in libraries with significant appeal to today’s patrons. I think that there is much that we can do to expand and develop this type of programming and collection development. And I’m not alone. I’ve been joined by a talented group of international writers, librarians, information professionals, and library patrons to provide articles and inspiration to libraries seeking to incorporate cosplay, comics, and geek culture in their libraries!

This is an exciting time for geeks of all kinds to be involved with libraries as today’s savvy libraries have begun to embrace new ways to engage library patrons such as fandom events, comic book and graphic novel collections, comic cons, cosplay events.

The intersection of these interests with libraries is a perfect match as libraries are striving to develop entertaining and educational new programs and services that will appeal to not only children but young adults as well as “kids at heart” of all ages. And these new programs and resources fit well with the interests of cosplayers who can utilize the equipment in library makerspaces such as 3D printers and sewing machines to create many of their props and costume pieces, as well as comics fans who can come to the library to read comics and graphic novel collections, video and board game enthusiasts who attend library gaming events, and geeks of all types who are drawn to “nerd nights”, Dr. Who marathons, and Harry Potter socials, etc.

Please come by and check us out and help support us by spreading the word!

Presenting on eBooks at AALL Seattle!

I will be discussing the current landscape of eBooks in law libraries at the AALL Annual 2013 conference on Tuesday, July 16th at 10:15 am.

How to Implement/Access an E-Book Collection in a Law Library

Date: Tuesday, July 16

Time: 10:15am – 11:45am

Location: 618-620

Description: Apple has sold more than 40 million iPads, and Amazon now sells more Kindle titles than print books. E-books have reached the tipping point. Libraries are watching the demand for e-book borrowing steadily rise and are responding by rolling out new e-book initiatives. Learn how to compare and evaluate e-book platforms, the ins and outs of pricing models-including demand-driven acquisitions, functionality unique to this format, and vendor types, as well as the questions you should ask about technical requirements. Become knowledgeable about the key challenges and benefits of launching an e-book initiative in your law library, as well as alternatives to purchasing e-books.

Takeaway 1: Participants will understand the various e-book vendor types, sales and pricing models- including demand-driven acquisitions, and functionality of major e-book packages.

Takeaway 2: Participants will be able to create an informed list of questions about content, functionality, and technical requirements of e-book packages to submit to vendors.

Takeaway 3: Participants will also become knowledgeable about alternatives to purchasing e-books.

Who should attend: Reference and acquisitions librarians; library administrators

Speaking at the West Cork Literary Festival

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I’m very excited to let everyone know that I’ll be giving a 3-day professional workshop on How to Create and Manage Your Online Presence at the West Cork Literary Festival, a week-long celebration of writing and reading for people of all ages in Bantry, Ireland. If you’re a writer, musician, or songwriter or just plan to be on south west coast of Ireland the week of July 8-12, 2013, please register for my workshop!