MALA  - The Metro-Atlanta Library Association

2005 Summer Meeting

It was a warm afternoon.  There was a carload of books, tapes, CD/DVD items, posters, and lots of media equipment.  Also, a wall of window letting in that warm afternoon sun was a concern.  Early thoughts about the temperature cooled we finished setting up. The A/C kicked in quite nicely at the Tucker Branch of the Dakalb County Public Library.

The meeting began with conversations about several topics.  It appears that the USA Congress will not be changing substantially any provisions of the Patriot Act relative to libraries. Tim Wojcik asked members to submit suggestions for changes to the MALA logo.  The benefits of the GLA Hubbard Scholarship Program were noted along with a reminder about the annual fundraising raffle at COMO.  Progress is being made by the GLA Scholarship Committee toward finalizing another award - this in honor of the late Charles Beard.

Other topics included Galileo's addition of the Books in Review (BIR) database and the related non-renewal of Books in Print (BIP).  BIR is an EBSCO offering. Galileo subscribers are encouraged to contact Galileo if they wish to continue to have access to BIP.  If there is enough interest, Galileo may be able to negotiate a consortium type of cost for those interested. BIP's last day in Galileo is August 15th. In related news, the rollout of the 13 digit ISBN is becoming more evident. 

Also, the frequent programming of the Georgia Center for the Book was noted.  In July alone, seven dates of author visits  were scheduled.  The GA Center for the Book promotes reading, writing and books of interest to Georgians in a variety of ways, including the semi-annual Lindbergh Award given to a writer who makes substantial contributions to our Georgia literary presence. Upcoming GA Center for the Book programs include visits by renown authors such as  Roddy Doyle and E.L. Doctorow.

Following these discussions, Tim Wojcik gave a presentation on some approaches to collection development of topics of interest sparked by Dan Brown's novel The Da Vinci Code.  In support of this topic, Barnes & Noble provided a wide variety of Da Vinci Code titles for members to peruse.  One result of this collaboration is an account MALA set up with B&N.  This account allows MALA to offer, at some discount to members, titles related to topics of future meetings. 

By the way, do you have a suggestion for the performer you'd like to see cast as the brainy British librarian Pamela Gettum in the upcomingThe Da Vinci Code movie?  If you do, send your choice to MALA's webmaster.  Results will be shared.

Thanks to all who came and enjoyed this lively round of discussions.

 

 

Da Vinci Code Related Websites: Suggested by MALA Members

 Bookreporter.com -  A well annotated bibliography of books, such as mystery thrillers, other books by Dan Brown, and books about Da Vinci Code topics.  Includes the book cover and ISBN.  http://www.bookreporter.com/features/031219-davinci-code.asp

 ReadingGroupGuides.com – Synopsis, discussion questions, and kudos from fellow thriller writers for the novel.   http://www.readinggroupguides.com/guides3/da_vinci_code1.asp

 Uncover the Code – Have fun with this game of answer the question about The Da Vinci Code. Provided by Doubleday.  Replete with soundtrack and directions that rhyme!  http://www.randomhouse.com/doubleday/davinci/index-utc.php

 DanBrown.com – The author’s website.  Much of the content relates to The Da Vinci Code, however each of his novels is represented.  Author bio and extensive Q & A give the reader a better sense of the author’s influences and tastes.  http://www.danbrown.com/

 Catholic.com -  Cracking the Da Vinci Code – A deeply researched response by the Catholic Church to many topics and related personalities of the Da Vinci Code phenomena.  Significant space is given to St. Mary Magdalene and Opus Dei.  Included is a list of recommended books and websites.  Footnotes are included.   http://www.catholic.com/library/cracking_da_vinci_code.asp 

 Da Vinci Code Documentaries – A list of several documentaries including the names of commentators along with the original date and channel broadcasting each show.  The webpage begins with judgments on the worth of each production.  http://priory-of-sion.com/dvc/documentaries.html

 The Da Vinci Code: Of Magdalene, Gnostics, the Goddess and the Grail -  This substantial webpage from LeadershipU of the Christian Leadership Ministries  offers commentary and opinion from several experts. About half of the content is given to an annotated bibliography of related resources reflecting the orthodox Christian position towards the novel.   http://www.leaderu.com/focus/davincicode.html

 

MALA secretary Nancy Bryant's official minutes of the meeting to follow. 

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