The library is also updating their materials management system from barcodes to RFIDs – this after just a couple of years ago adding self-check in/out stations in the library and scanners outside for receipt check-in – all using barcode technology. Of course, none of the barcode scanners can be used for the RFIDs – different technolgies! Wonder what the ROI was on that project! Now there is a new RFID system and I’m sure the contracts had the typical astronomical, screw-the-taxpayer mark-up. What a waste.

Last week I noticed there were all new chairs in the teen study area. These were sleek, gorgeous, sky-blue leather wraparound numbers. Must have cost a fortune! I was shocked at first, then I remembered that this is what our government does – waste, waste, waste.

All this in a state that is on the verge of financial collapse with some of the highest unemployment in the nation.

We need to pull the plug on this – our government is a very poor steward of precious resources at every level. Time to make those resources scarce. Cut, cut, cut!

First, the differences in terms of book and library availability between the two groups was small to begin with, and is getting more minuscule every year.

Second, much of the money is blown on fancy infrastructure upgrades, poorly attended workshops, and what seems peripheral activities. Only a small fraction goes to buy more books or keep libraries open longer.

But the decisive factor for my current opinion was simply that: despite all the praise that grantees heaped on the program (they want to keep getting the money, after all) the only meaningful measure of success–did the kids increased their book checkout–didn’t budge. Check out the recent report form ED on that:

http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/opepd/ppss/reports.html#libraries

So my verdict is simple. Kill it! As we should so many other wonderfully-sounding but ineffective programs.

As a journalist you should be aghast Joanne. Instead you seem to be praising the work of yet another group of amateurs in charge of the Dept. of Education. Shame on you.

The only thing missing from the Dept. of Ed is Send In The Clown playing in the background.