just in case

I ever get a reference question about the history of the Mason jar, I now know where to go:

Barclay, John C. The Canadian fruit jar report : an illustrated book of all known Canadian fruit jars and produce jars, plus a brief history of the glass works in Canada. Kent Bridge, Ont: J.C. Barclay.

(FYI, this book popped up in the results list for a title search on "History of the Book in Canada." If you ever want it, it's at the ROM Library, where all the fruit-jar enthusiasts hang out.)

surprised

A friend let me know about a tool to test blog readability. I couldn't figure out what the test was based on (sentence length? word choice?) but here's the surprising result!

Get a Cash Advance

Greenstone Software - My Evaluation

My report is addressed to the director of a mid-sized public library system (referred to throughout as “the Library”), which is interested in partnering with community groups to create an online digital library of local history materials such as photographs, posters, pamphlets and maps.

Conclusion and Recommendations: Greenstone digital library software meets the Library’s needs for a low-cost and functional tool for building an online digital library. The software is reputable, stable, customizable and has been used successfully in public-service and educational settings. However, usability, training and support are areas of concern. The next step for the Library should be to implement a pilot project using Greenstone to create a local history collection on a small scale. During the pilot project, library staff should investigate Greenstone’s usability, assess support options and evaluate human resources and training needs.