Michael E. Casey's Blog

The release of the 2024 Urban Libraries Council Library Insights Report paints a sobering picture of the challenges facing public libraries today. While libraries have made strides in recovering from the disruptions of the 2020 pandemic, the data reveals significant shifts in how communities interact with these vital institutions. Physical visits, circulation, and in-house service usage have all plummeted compared to pre-pandemic levels, and although some trends show signs of improvement, the overall trajectory raises critical questions about the future role of libraries in our communities.

Since 2019, library visits have declined by 35%, circulation is down 30%, and computer usage has dropped a staggering 79%. Large library systems serving populations of over 700,000 have been particularly hard-hit, reporting steep declines in computer usage and wireless sessions. At the same time, digital resource usage has surged by 40%, signaling a clear shift toward remote access over in-person engagement. These changes reflect the broader societal pivot toward digital convenience but also highlight a troubling trend: fewer people find compelling reasons to visit the physical library. This erosion of foot traffic risks diminishing libraries' relevance in their communities and makes justifying current or increased staffing levels increasingly challenging.

In-person visits, though rising compared to the pandemic lows, remain well below 2019 levels. Libraries are also grappling with a 29% increase in reported incidents in 2023 compared to the previous year, driving higher security budgets. This combination of reduced usage and increased operational challenges threatens the long-term sustainability of libraries, especially as funding agencies scrutinize resource allocation. If libraries cannot reverse the decline in physical visits, they risk facing deeper budget cuts and losing their place as community hubs.

At the same time, the shift to digital resources underscores libraries' adaptability. This pivot, however, cannot be a replacement for the rich in-person experiences that libraries have historically offered. The loss of foot traffic to physical branches is not just about numbers; it represents a loss of connection to the community and a potential decrease in the visibility of libraries as critical public resources.

To address this challenge, libraries must return to their core mission. Historically, libraries have been trusted centers of literacy, education, and public engagement. A renewed focus on customer service, technology education, in-branch literacy programming, and in-depth collection knowledge could help libraries rebuild their value as indispensable community spaces. This is not an argument to abandon newer initiatives like maker spaces and advanced technology training but rather to strike a better balance. By emphasizing their foundational services while maintaining innovation, libraries can better serve their communities and attract the visitors they desperately need.

Staffing levels are another critical consideration. After a decline in 2022, full-time equivalent staffing rose slightly (3%) in 2023, bringing numbers closer to pre-pandemic levels. However, sustaining or increasing staffing levels while facing declining physical visits is a hard sell to funding agencies. 

To secure their future, libraries must demonstrate their impact and relevance through robust in-person programming and community engagement efforts. They need to do this with a deeper understanding of the communities they serve. This can be accomplished through a participatory service model that allows library users to participate in service selection and direction, including collections and programming. 

The future of libraries depends on their ability to evolve without losing sight of their purpose or their community. By refocusing on core services – and being willing to shed services and programs that are not successful – all while embracing strategic innovation, libraries can reclaim their role as vibrant community hubs. This balanced, community-focused approach will not only draw people back to the physical library but also reaffirm libraries' essential place in a rapidly changing world.

an error in printing or writing.

"erratum". Oxford Dictionaries. Oxford University Press, n.d. Web. 07 November 2024. via Oxford Dictionaries Online.

Why would I choose to name my blog “erratum”? Well, I asked ChatGPT4 and I think it gave me a pretty decent list of possible answers:

Question: Why would someone choose to name their blog "erratum"?

ChatGPT’s response:

Naming a blog "Erratum" can have several intriguing implications and appeal to different audiences. Here are some possible reasons someone might choose this name:

A Nod to Imperfection : "Erratum" refers to an error or correction, often in the context of publishing. Naming a blog this way could reflect an acknowledgment of human imperfection, showing that the author is open to growth, learning, and even correction. It could appeal to readers who appreciate humility and the idea that knowledge is an evolving journey.

Focus on Corrections or Revisions : The blog might focus on revising popular opinions, correcting misinformation, or challenging established ideas. It could signal that the content will delve into myths, mistakes, or misunderstandings in a given field.

Literary or Academic Tone : "Erratum" has a scholarly feel and might attract readers with an intellectual or academic background. It suggests a meticulous approach, implying that the content is thoughtful and reflective.

A Playful Sense of Irony : Using a word that means "error" or "correction" could be a humorous choice, especially if the blog tackles topics in a nontraditional way. It could draw readers who enjoy a bit of irony and a lighthearted approach to serious subjects.

Embracing Trial and Error : It could signify the blog's exploratory nature, embracing trial and error as part of the creative or intellectual process. This might resonate with readers who value experimentation and are comfortable with ambiguity or evolving viewpoints.

Overall, "Erratum" as a blog name can attract readers who appreciate honesty, a critical approach, and an openness to revising ideas.

I took delivery of my white/white Model 3 Standard Range Plus in June of 2020. This is a brief account of the costs related to those first two years of ownership.

The original Michelin Primacy MXM4 tires (235/45 R18 XL) lasted a little over 33,000 miles (53,108km). I replaced them when the wear indicators began showing and got Michelin CrossClimate2 tires as replacements. We’ve been having more and more rain in the Atlanta area over the past few years and I wanted a tire that was highly rated in wet braking.

Over that 2 year time period with the original Michelin tires I put 33,381 miles on the car, using 7,508 kWh of energy for an average of 225 Wh/mi. At an average of 10.5 cents per kWh, I spent $788.34 on electricity for those first 33,381 miles, which works out to about $33 per month. Had I kept my 2017 VW Golf that was averaging 27 mpg, I would have spent about $4,327 on fuel, figuring an average of $3.50/gallon. This works out to about $180 per month. It means I saved about $147 per month in fuel costs.

It’s worth noting that I removed the aero covers on the wheels as soon as I took possession of the car. It’s likely that I could have slightly improved by kWh/mi savings had I kept them on and not replaced them with the aero caps.

The only parts expenses during these first two years was $85 for the two cabin filters to be replaced by Tesla and $46 for Tesla wiper replacements. I did spend a total of $125 getting the tires rotated every 5,000 miles but this cost will go away now that I can get my new tires rotated for free. Immediately after getting the new Michelin tires installed I had a 4-wheel alignment done at the Tesla shop for $286.

Jack in the Tesla M3

I bought my car in 2020. If I was buying today I’d be paying about $7,000 more for the same model. Ownership has been relatively painless, and in return I have a very comfortable and quick car that does everything it needs to do in a very competent manner. The large monitor is easy to read and use. All of the controls are logically laid out. I like having everything on one screen, but I know not everyone likes it that way. Perhaps the single most aggravating thing about the Tesla are the automatic wipers — they’re either going way too fast or not fast enough. Rarely do I keep them on auto for just that reason.

I’ll try to add things to this site as they happen with the Model 3, but for now it’s been a pretty pain-free time period.

To better understand how DKIM works, you can create a record manually. Various tools are available free of charge on the Internet, such as the DKIM Record Generator by EasyDMARC. At the top of the screen, enter a selector of your choice (such as k1) on the left and a domain on the right. The generator displays a private and a public key. The private key must be stored on the mail server (this can only be done by your email provider), and the public key is entered in the DKIM record.

The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol returned to prime time on Thursday to continue making its case it against former President Donald J. Trump, accusing him of dereliction of duty for failing to call off the assault carried out in his name.

“For 187 minutes on Jan. 6, this man of unbridled destructive energy could not be moved,” Representative Bennie Thompson, Democrat of Mississippi and the chairman of the committee, said in opening remarks. “Not by his aides, not by his allies, not by the violent chance of rioters, or the desperate pleas of those facing down the mob. He could not be moved.”

Thursday night’s presentation is the culmination of weeks of gripping public hearings designed to document for the public, and for history, the relentless efforts by Mr. Trump and his allies to subvert the 2020 election — efforts that led to a violent mob assaulting the Capitol in a desperate bid to stop the election’s final certification.

Using testimony from some of Mr. Trump’s top aides — including his deputy national security adviser, his top lawyer, his spokeswoman and others — the committee on Thursday accused the president of having been derelict in his duty to protect Congress, saying he did nothing to help for more than three hours as he watched the attack play out live on television from just.

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All outfits were made by teens at the Gwinnett County Public Library, using library sewing machines and other equipment that is part of our Learning Labs. This was the culminating runway show for the Fashion Project that had been ongoing for 6 weeks. Full gallery of images can be seen here. Full gallery of images […]