Walking Paper

A library design consultancy and blog by Aaron Schmidt

7 Dec 10

About Roger

All of the “roger” found in Spacelog is great and got me wondering how the word came to be used that way. I figured that using “roger” and “copy” in the sense of “I understand” were rooted in military communication. “Copy” makes sense, but “roger?” It turns out that before the NATO phonetic alphabet in which R is spoken as “Romeo” the US military used the Joint Army/Navy Phonetic Alphabet in which R is “Roger.” So the shortened version of “received” was R, or “roger.”

Explanations of the differences between “copy” and “roger” are varied and unsatisfactory. I’m sure that like many words the usage changed subtlety over time and distance and a definitive answer might be impossible to find.

2 Dec 10

Spacelog is Impressive. Roger.

Spacelog is an absolutely stunning and fun to use interface for the transcripts of the Apollo 13 and Mercury 6 space missions. It is the best website I’ve seen in a long time. I don’t know what I enjoyed more: reading the transcripts or using the website. And not just because of its excessive use of the word “roger.” Take, for instance, the use of images.

The open source font League Gothic was an inspired choice as it echoes a font used in the original documents.


The Twitter-like display of transmissions is effective and fun. Much like the new New York Times feature, each transmission is linkable.

The site really demonstrates how visual design and a usable interface can enhance content, give it a new life, and help tell a story.

2 Dec 10

New Identity for Danish Library School

The design firm’s site states that they chose a Fibonacci spiral because, like libraries, it spans the arts and sciences.

I like it most on that tote!

Brand New reports: “An interesting aspect of this visual evolution is that it correlates with the perception of the practice of library sciences: Where the cliché is an old lady with thick glasses resolving dusty books and organizing indecipherable index cards, the reality is that library organization has become an increasingly complex and technologically innovative practice. In this regard, the overly governmental and academic look of the old identity is the kind of identity an institution in the twenty-first century wants to ditch.”

2 Dec 10

In the Library Perfume

Can’t get enough of smelling as if you’ve been hanging out in the stacks all day? Try using Christopher Brosius’ In the Library perfume.

In the Library is a warm blend of English Novel*, Russian & Moroccan Leather Bindings, Worn Cloth and a hint of Wood Polish.

*The main note in this scent was copied from one of my favorite novels originally published in 1927. I happened to find a signed first edition in pristine condition many years ago in London. I was more than a little excited because there were only ever a hundred of these in the first place. It had a marvelous warm woody slightly sweet smell and I set about immediately to bottle it.

23 Nov 10

Cycling for Libraries

Fancy riding from Copenhagen to Berlin with a bunch of librarians next summer? I do. Kai, a information school professor and cycling enthusiast is organizing a ride.

Cycling for libraries is a politically and economically independent unconference and a bicycle tour. It also supports physical and mental well-being of library professionals, grassroots networking, and internationalism and — last but not least — the crucial role of libraries for the society and for the intellectual and scientific education in general. Cycling for libraries also supports environmental values and ecological way of life.

More info at Cycling for Libraries.

22 Nov 10

Lost in Chair

The Lost in Chair turns something annoying and turns it into a feature. This could be a neat way to merchandise some books around the library.

There’s also the Bibliochaise.

22 Nov 10

Walking Paper Audio Winter 10


Only 29 days until more hours of daylight! Need some new tunes to get you through these wintry days? Download Walking Paper Audio Winter 10. There are guitars, there are beats, there’s old stuff, new stuff, and there might be something you like.

Tracklist

It’s Not Meant To Be – Tame Impala
Sleep Forever – Crocodiles
Evergreen – The Brian Jonestown Massacre
Home – Glasser
Drink drank drunk – A Sunny Day in Glasgow
Sunburn – Beat Connection
Primal – Slowdive
Leaves Me Cold – Lush
Desire Lines – Deerhunter
Take ‘Em Up – S Robot
Shipwreck Glue – Kelpe
Train to Baltimore (Original Mix) – Ambivalent
C-Beams – Pariah
Hearts – oOoOO
Redlights – Salem

Newer Posts
Older Posts