There's an article in today's Chronicle of Higher Education online that talks about how academic libraries are struggling to get OPACs supply what their users need.  If Google can do it ...  (But, Google doesn't struggle with a complex "integrated" system and perennial budget cuts!)In any case, it's an interesting read:  http://chronicle.com/article/After-Losing-Users-in/48588/?sid=wc&utm_sou...

Just in case I'm not the only one with an outdated vocabulary ...  here's some guidance on avoiding formerly-high-tech terms that no longer resonate!http://finance.yahoo.com/career-work/article/107602/12-words-you-can-never-say-in-the-office.html 

A recent study found an inverse correlation between Facebook use and college grades.  I guess they're not all just Facebooking their college library resources.  Jolie Vandal will be bitterly disappointed!  

 Read more at:   http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/facebookusersgetworsegradesincollege

OK, this isn’t even remotely an electronic application.  But, I believe that it has a certain “SPLAT-iness” to it:  Peeps Dioramas! 

Apparently, Washington DC and Denver and other communities around the U.S. have annual contests inviting folks to make dioramas with Peeps--those sugary marshmallow candies that we see every spring.  Many of the prize-winning entries are pictured on the web, ranging from artistic knockoffs to pithy political examples and film scenarios. 

Coming soon to a library near you?  Might a contest and display of dioramas bring folks to your library?

Have a peep at these examples:

Salvador Dali Peeps:  http://farm1.static.flickr.com/1/128607932_23cf8da054.jpg?v=0

Star Trek Peeps:  http://thegrammarvandal.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/peeps.jpg

Peeping Tom Peeps:  http://wwff.files.wordpress.com/2007/04/peep1.jpg

South Park Peeps:  http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v728/VestalVespa/southpeeps.jpg

At yesterday's joint LiLI/SPLAT meeting, a few younger SPLATters were mystified when many of us broke into song, waving Coca-Cola cans. Alas! It appears that "I'd like to teach the world to sing" is losing some of its stature as a cultural icon...

As SPLAT's self-appointed "geezer," I'm posting a couple of links for those who enjoy looking back as well as forward. First, here's the "real thing" -- the original commercial as posted on the Coca-Cola website:

http://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/presscenter/av_advertising.html?vid=7

And for the Wikipedia article, click here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I'd_Like_to_Teach_the_World_to_Sing