I loved “Pedaling Revolution: How Cyclists Are Changing American Cities,” especially once I realized it was reviewed by David Byrne in the NY Times… But when I read that Jeffrey Kovac, author of “Refusing War: Assuming Peace: A History of Civilian Public Service at Cascade Locks” was coming to OSU, I knew I had to pass it on to all our blog readers!

Kovak will be in Corvallis Oct. 18 for a 3 p.m. talk, presentation, and discussion at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library. The event is free and open to the community.

Here’s a blurb from the OSU Press site:

“One of the untold stories of America’s World War II experience belongs to the thousands who refused military service for reasons of conscience, instead serving their country through non-military alternate service. Refusing War, Affirming Peace offers an intimate view of a single Civilian Public Service Camp, Camp #21 at Cascade Locks, Oregon, one of the largest and longest-serving camps in the system—and one of the most unusual. Under the leadership of a remarkable director, Rev. Mark Y. Schrock, and some outstanding camp leaders, the men at Camp #21 created a vibrant community. Despite the requisite long days of physical labor, the men developed a strong educational program, published a newspaper and a literary magazine, produced plays and concerts, and participated in a special school and research project called the School of Pacifist Living. They also challenged the Selective Service System in two political protests—one concerning the threatened removal of a Japanese American, George Yamada, and a second concerning a war- related work project.”

Click here to find out more…

Yesterday someone pointed out that the last two blog posts were all about books I was reading or wanted to read — so to divert slightly from that pattern I wanted to point to something I actually wrote! The Interactive Archivist, a Society of American Archivists e-publication, was just released.

And it happens to be all about how archivists interact with users with Web2.0 tools.

And it happens to feature a chapter by me comparing Flickr and the Libraries’ image management system (CONTENTdm).

[me smiling because I am thrilled with the project — and always happy to talk about Flickr]

Of course, it’s not all by me or about Flickr, you can also read how archivists are using tools like wikis, podcasts, RSS, blogs, mashups, social networking, and other online photo management sites.

Here’s the official blurb on the SAA site:

The Interactive Archivist: Case Studies in Utilizing Web 2.0 to Improve the Archival Experience, edited by J. Gordon Daines III and Cory L. Nimer.

“Blogs, wikis, podcasts, social networking sites, and a host of other Web 2.0 technologies have revolutionized the way that students and scholars access information. This innovative e-publication introduces archivists to practical solutions for integrating Web 2.0 technologies into their everyday work. Featuring case studies by archivists discussing actual implementations of Web 2.0 technologies it is sure to foster an ongoing dialogue about the best ways to meet patron needs.”

This e-publication is available at http://interactivearchivist.lib.byu.edu.

The new book, “Images of America: Oregon Shakespeare Festival” is a good one to pick up! It was written by fellow NW archivist Kathleen F. Leary and Amy E. Richard, and documents the OSF’s road from obscurity to prominence.

Want to know more? The Mail Tribune has a great article with great details.

A detailed study of American public radio’s early history: Radio’s Hidden Voice: The Origins of Public Broadcasting in the United States, by Hugh Richard Slotten.

“Employing extensive research from archives across the United States, Hugh Richard Slotten examines the origins of alternative broadcasting models based especially on a commitment to providing noncommercial service for the public. These stations, operated largely by universities and colleges, offered diverse forms of programming meant not merely to entertain but also to educate, inform, enlighten, and uplift local citizens.” Want to know more?