Hexes, Hashtags, and Hypersigils: Happy Halloween

Our world has been dealing with becoming digital for almost 30 years, but the next frontier, digital transformation, is now upon us. This year, Computers in Libraries will delve deeper into library models, strategies, transformational technologies, creative processes, and innovative programs while looking for new and exciting solutions to engage communities and have positive impacts on members.

At Computers in Libraries, you'll hear from excellent and innovative libraries, network and learn from leaders in the field, and definitely be an active participant.

Mark your calendar now to join your peers in Arlington, VA in 2018!

NewsBreaks

by Kenneth D. Evans

Maybe you or some of your friends, like mine, are feeling worn down by this scary year and are horrified by the lack of respect for critical media inquiry, for consensus-building and peer review. The moorings have shifted. The commonweal broke a spoke. The geese are flying backward, and the bats are hunting horses. But don't worry, trick-or-treaters, it gets worse …

Weekly News Digests

Credo's 'Spooky Reference'

"Digging up hard facts on mythical monsters can be tricky ..."

'All the Candy That’s Sold During Halloween Week …'

All of the candy sold during Halloween week would "be as large as six Titanics and weigh 300,000 tons."

'New Online: Scary Stories and More'

"[T]he Library of Congress has released a new web guide to Halloween resources at the Library."

'A Ghostly Image: Spirit Photographs'

"Claims of capturing a spirit with the camera lens were made as early as the 1850s, when photography was relatively new to the world."

'Amazon Prime’s New Delivery Service Is Low-Key Terrifying'

Amazon Key "allows Amazon couriers to open your door via a smart lock and leave your package inside your home."

'Phantoms Among the Folios: A Guide to Haunted Libraries'

"[G]hostly phenomena--whatever the cause--can manifest in well-lit, modern offices as well as crumbling Carnegies."

NewsLink Spotlight

What's New From Pew Research Center

by Brandi Scardilli

NewsBreaks often covers the latest surveys and reports from Pew Research Center, "a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world." Its website has eight topic sections, each of which showcases the latest research, which is collected in reports, fact sheets, or other formats that extrapolate respondents' answers to cover the entire U.S. population. ... Here's a roundup of the latest news from each section.

How to Help Researchers Find Reliable Sources and Avoid Fake News (5:37)

California State University-Northridge librarian Doris Helfer discusses a rubric she and her colleagues created to identify credible research sources and help their patrons steer clear of fake news in this clip from Computers in Libraries 2018.

ITI Blogs

If you regularly read blogs, add these to your reader:

ITI Conference Blog – libconf.com – covering ITI's library conferences worldwide.

ILI365/InfoToday Europe Blog – infotoday.eu – news and ideas for, and by, innovative info pros from around the world, throughout the year.

destinationCRM Blog – destinationcrmblog.com – a blog from the editors of CRM magazine, dedicated to providing Customer Relationship Management information in a timely manner to connect decision makers and providers.

SpeechTech Blog – speechtechblog.com – updates on speech technology and its applications in daily life, covering everything from ASR to VUI, with lots of links, threads, and even a few pictures thrown in for good measure.

This newsletter is published by Information Today, Inc.
Editor: Brandi Scardilli
Website: http://www.infotoday.com/NewsLink
Email: bscardilli@infotoday.com