Library Cuts are Not Healthy for Children & Other Living Things

Addendum:
The funding results are here

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Please consider these scenarios

1. It's 9:00pm and you're working on a paper. You need one more source and it has to be from a peer reviewed journal.
   
   What to do.
   
   Why not try the library's chat service AskAway? Within minutes a library staffer has show you a great database filled with peer reviewed articles on your topic. Not only that but they helped you find a source that demonstrates how to cite an electronic resources. You're good to go and you get your paper in on time.


2. When you were a kid you read this (you thought*) great science fiction book. Some 30 years later the book creeps into your head. You'd like to read it again, but your library doesn't own it.
   
   What to do.
   
   Turns out your local library has this great service called Interlibrary Loans. If your library doesn't own a book you want, they can find one that does and order it in for you. Usually within a couple of week.


3. You have a great idea for a business, but are not sure that it's a feasible idea. Times are tough and you want the best information possible to help you make your decision
   
   What to do.
   
   The librarian in the Science & Business division points you to many great sources, including some very helpful databases that supply company statistics, entrepreneurial information and articles about your field.

These are just a few of the services provided by BC libraries that are being threatened with massive grant cuts

If this pisses you off as much as it does me (and my colleagues), please visit Stop BC Library Cuts and:

• Learn how these cuts could diminish the fantastic library service we've all come to rely on here in BC.


• Read some of the media coverage.


• And most important: Sign the petition that could help prevent reductions in service.

If you're not in BC, please contact your local library and offer support. Many, many libraries are hurting right now, and it's not a resource that we can afford to lose.

Another thing to keep in mind. Although this post is Vancouver Public Library centric, (because that's where I work), other small BC libraries will be hit much, much harder. A much smaller percentage of VPL's budget comes from grant money than that of the smaller library systems.

Here's the (itsy bitsy) coverage from Global BC this morning:


* or "me thought" as the case may be. Exciting scenario # 2 is an amazing true story.

Help, I'm Bored

Help Remedies is an ethical New York based pharmaceutical company with absolutely brilliant packaging

I've never actually tried their product (seems to only be available in New York), but when I checked out their home page I fell in love with their Help I'm Bored page.

Please do have a look if you're bored. It will help. I highly recommend "Help, I am ugly" and "Help, I Don't Know if I am Gay"

You'll need to allow pop-ups.

They also slip bits of sly humour into their other pages. From the "sincere apologies " section of their Help, I Have Allergies page:

Dear sneeze fetishist,

Sorry. Help remedies does not intend to deprive anyone of the things that they love in life. In order to counterbalance the impact of “help I have allergies,” help remedies hereby provides www.helpihaveasneezingfetish.com. We hope this will make up for some of the sadness we have caused you.

Found via the brilliant packaging porn site The Dieline