International and Comparative Librarianship

DEDICATED TO PIONEERS   INCLUDING:
S. R. Ranganathan, P. N. Kaula, R. N. Sharma, J. F. Harvey, D. J. Foskett, J. P. Danton, M. M. Jackson, etc.
This Blogosphere has a slant towards India [a.k.a Indica, Indo, South-Asian, Oriental, Bharat, Hindustan, Asian-Indian (not American Indian)].

Wednesday, August 06, 2014

Public Libraries in US and Canada are now a great attraction with foreign language learning tools

  • The idea was up in 2006 in the minds of a knowledge curator, JABRA GHNEIM, and he  said:

Public Libraries as a Resource for Foreign Language Learning

Public libraries in America are one of the best functioning and worth while public institutions. Making language resources available there is a wonderful idea. Language material is usually very expensive. Buying it through the public library system is a great idea. I have been learning Farsi for three years now using the resources of our great public library system here in the Salt lake City area. I also use it when I am designing curriculum or tests for other languages. Since we are now in a phase where we are trying to encourage the learning of critical foreign languages in this country I totally believe that public libraries should jump on board and use some of the available public funding to finance their purchases of foreign language learning material."
  • Mango Language Learning @ Toronto Public Library: . A tutorial on how to use the Mango online languages system to help you learn languages such as French, Japanese, Greek and more

"More and more, libraries strive not only to be spaces for researching subjects of interest to their patrons but to offer options that let users learn new skills, whether they’re physically in the library or not. One area in which mobile learning through the library is making headway is language learning. Many online lesson providers offer programs through libraries that patrons can use in the building, at home, or even while waiting in line for a cup of coffee.
In our first language learning survey, which gathered information on language learning programs from 337 public libraries nationwide, LJ asked public librarians around the country what they’re doing to help patrons study a foreign tongue. From picking up enough French to order dinner on vacation to improving English-language skills to shore up job prospects, all sorts of language learners are learning in libraries to hone their abilities... 
A sample question and response: Which languages are most popular with your users?
continue reading... Library Journal
On the same shelf:

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Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Nation's First Bookless Public Library in Texas

  • Nation's First Bookless Public Library Could Be in Texas
  • Nation's First Bookless Library Set To Open
  • All-digital library system is planned for Texas community
  • Completely Paperless Public Library Could Come to Texas

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  • Friday, June 25, 2010

    Library Advocacy Day from ALA Washington

    Countdown to National Library Advocacy Day
    For one year only, Library Advocacy Day will replace National Library Legislative Day (NLLD). On June 29, 2010, library advocates from all 50 states and Washington, D.C. will meet at Upper Senate Park on the U.S. Capitol grounds. The event, which will begin at 11 a.m., will feature Lauren Myracle, photo ops, and a chance to cheer on libraries! After the rally, participants will meet with their elected officials and their staffs. Continue reading: Library Advocacy Day from ALA Washington





    On the same shelf:
  • i need. i value. i love my library campaign
  • What is your Library worth to you?
  • Pull and Push Communications: Ranganathan's Laws re-interpreted
  • Market Research Techniques for Libraries

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  • Friday, December 25, 2009

    The Best Bottomline of the Year 2009 by Dan Lett

    If more city councillors were married to librarians, it would be an easy call. Is writing on the wall for city's libraries? By: Dan Lett,
    Libraries discussed in the above article:

    The new Minneapolis Central Library

    The New York Public Library in Manhattan

    Vancouver Public Library

    Seattle Central Library with Rem Koolhaas

    Winnipeg Public Library – Millennium Library


    See on the same shelf:
  • The 25 Most Modern Libraries in the World
  • Librarians at the gate [Toronto Reference Library renovation]
  • Really Modern Library
  • Eight recipients announced for 2009 AIA/ALA Library Building Awards
  • The Library of Alexandria by Kelly Trumble
  • Better by Design: An Introduction to Planning and Designing a New Library Building by Ayub Khan
  • Property tax boost to help libraries [Vancouver City Council], Globe and Mail - Wendy Steuck - ‎Dec 18, 2009‎

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    Monday, November 06, 2006

    MEGA Website for Indian Public Libraries - Is there any?

    While, there are many portals, directories, gateways, about libraries in India, is there one specifically for (31563) public libraries in India? Is there a directoy of (28) state level public libraries? Any help in finding this? Note: Based on my research, I will be updating the following directory of state libraries:



  • Andhra Pradesh @ WikiMap [image source: The Hindu]
  • Chandigarh About
  • Delhi
  • Gujarat
  • Haryana About
  • Karnataka State Library
  • Kerala
  • Maharashtra
  • North Bengal State Library
  • Tamil Nadu About
  • West Bengal


    I checked the following, but found no help:

  • Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation
  • Finding a Public Library
  • http://www.wowdirectory.com/dir/16205/106.php
  • http://in.dir.yahoo.com/Regional/Countries/India
  • Calcutta Library Network (CALIBNET)
  • Delhi Librabry Network (DELNET)
  • Mysore Library Network (mylibnet)
  • List of Conveners of State Library Planning
    Committees of All States And Union Territories

  • State Libraries
  • Digital Library India
  • Libraries on the Web
    Asian Libraries">

  • www.dmoz.org
  • www.ipl.org
  • INFLIBNET
  • IP Information Professional
  • Library & Information Science Gateway
  • The Digital South Asia Library
  • Department of Information Technology, "Ministry of Information Technology, Government of India
  • National Informatics Centre (NIC), Department of Information Technology, Government of India
  • SHIPPED SITES, e-Granthalaya (NIC), Department of Information Technology, Government of India


    Images of other State Libraries: Central State Library of Punjab, more Much more

    See also books and chapters:
  • Status of State Central Libraries in India : An Analytical Study / R. Ramasamy. Delhi, Gyan, 318 p., tables, maps, ISBN 81-212-0823-8.
  • "Union/State Library Bills," and "Growth of library movement : statewise analysis," in Libraries in India - National Developmental Perspectives: A saga of Fifty years since independence, by Mohamed Taher. New Delhi, Concept Publishing, 2001
  • M. K. Jain, Chief Editor; P. B. Mangla, D. R. Kalia and Neela Jagannathan, Editors. Library and Information Services in India - States and Union Territories on the Eve of Millenium. Delhi: Shipra Publications, 2000. BOOK REVIEW
  • Public libraries: An idea that can transform India
  • Public Library Revitalization in India: Hopes, Challenges, and New Visions, by Ajit K. Pyati
    First Monday, Volume 14, Number 7 - 6 July 2009

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