Autism headlines: Lisa Jo Rudy urges caution

Lisa Jo Rudy

One of the most important responsibilities of an information professional is to empower clients to evaluate the credibility of information for themselves.

At About.com: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Lisa Jo Rudy offers suggestions about what to watch out for when reading stories in the media about “cures” or “causes” of autism.

Daryl Hannah raises attention for women on autism spectrum

On Facebook, sharing a link to an essay about actress Daryl Hannah, Autism At About.com relates, “I feel a certain obligation to post this sort of celebrity news, though I personally don’t find it especially compelling ... do you guys enjoy reading about ‘celebrity autistics?’”

My response is that the main focus of the essay (by the consistently informative Emily Willingham) seems less to do with Daryl Hannah and more to do with misdiagnosis or under-diagnosis of women and girls. As a woman diagnosed in adulthood, I feel this is a legitimate issue that vitally needs more attention.

Bookmobile transformations mirror those in libraries

Mendocino County Library’s “Traveling Branch Library”
http://www.facebook.com/Mendocino.County.Library

The National Center for Educational Statistics lists 864 library bookmobiles in operation in the United States, with an average annual cost of $200,000 to keep them on the road. For Library Journal, Bob Warburton argues that bookmobiles are in a state of transformation, much like the libraries they serve.

Jackson County: countwide library district proposed

Ryan Pfeil reported this week for the Medford Mail Tribune that Jackson County officials may put a countywide library district on the May 2014 ballot.

“The decision comes on the heels of a survey that polled 500 likely voters — those who have voted in at least two of the last four elections — in Jackson County. Of those surveyed, 52 percent supported creating a special district to fund libraries with a tax rate of 60 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, survey results show. That’s $120 for a $200,000 home.”

Chrastka: Take library card sign-ups door-to-door

John Chrastka

At Library Journal, John Chrastka has a great idea to energize library card sign-ups: going door-to-door or tabling. His commentary is a valuable resource during Library Card Sign-Up Month.

“To shake a person’s hand, look them in the eye, and introduce yourself as their librarian is powerful. The library is one part of civil society where people don’t laugh when you say ‘I am from the government and I am here to help.’ For staff, friends, trustees, and volunteers, this is a powerful opportunity to say to someone ‘I am here as your neighbor. Let me tell you about our library.’”