I requested a few books via the Northfield Public Library last week… using their SELCO online service, one of many electronic resources.
Left: I was surprised when this email arrived (screenshot). The library is using the Library Elf Service.
Right: the Web version of my ‘Daily Snapshot’ account (screenshot)
It’s now very easy to see what books I have out, when each is due back, what I’ve requested, etc. Very cool.
The service is free. There are sidebar banner ads from Amazon, both in the email and on the web page.
I’ve always said that elves were an underutilized resource.
In Milwaukee, they’ve long been put to productive work (http://www.usinger.com/), making sausages for over 150 years.
And don’t get me started about labor practices at the North Pole.
Still, I’m glad to see we’re taking our first small step towards closing the elf gap.