Resource Shelf is reporting that Local Books is powered by LibraryThing Local, a member created database of 51,000 bookstores and libraries around the world. Events are covered, as well as books. From the App Store: 1. It’s a free app. 2. Local Books resembles popular dining apps like LocalEats or UrbanSpoon—but for book lovers. It shows you local bookstores, libraries and bookish events wherever you are or plan to be. Note: At present Local Books does not show inventory from local bookstores and libraries. However, we wouldn’t be surprised to see this feature available in the near future.. 3. Search for venues...

As if the Kirkus and E&P shutdown announcements aren’t enough for traditionalists, here’s a warning for savvy librarians eager to avoid the fate of this bird---if they want to stay at an academic or public library rather than end up in the corporate world. Project Information Literacy’s recent paper (PDF) says librarians were “rarely” used by eight out of ten college students participating in a survey. And that’s for “course-related assignments,” the very kind of situation where a librarian might make the most difference. The paper isn’t so much about librarians per se as it as about...

PcketLint has a few tips, most of which will seem familiar to American readers (via booktrade.info)....

LibraryThing is cracking down on sleazes who charge authors to generate five-star reviews. This isn't a major problem at LibraryThing now. But the site is wisely taking precautions. The key rule is, "Reviewers must not be paid for their reviews, except in free books and similar non-monetary perks." Exactly. Do we really want LT to turn into Usenet? At the same time, some members are calling for refinements in the rules, and LT's Tim Spalding has responded: "I'd be glad to make it more clear that selling your own review, indirectly through adsense on your blog or directly...