Microsoft is rolling out their latest window’s upgrade. So, of course we were curious about the packaging and checked out the Windows Blog to see what they had to say. One of the challenges Microsoft was facing in designing its packaging was the stigma of the Vista packaging which almost needed dynamite to open it.

A quote from Microsoft about their packaging reveals, “We approached the packaging for Windows 7 the same way we approached the product – by listening to what our customers told us they wanted: make it a simple clean design, easy to open, and reduce waste.” So, rest assured, Microsoft listened and has improved the packaging.

Their theme is: Simple, Clean and Easy To Open…

Simple:
The graphics are clear and bold. They text font is larger and easier to read. Each version has its own distinct color which makes it easy to identify which version of the operating system you are picking up.

Clean:
The cover graphics are simple and minimal which gives the packaging a fresh and clean feel.

Easy To Open:
The upgrade disc comes in an easy opening, recyclable, frosty clear DVD style case. The case is shaped with the iconic curve on the upper right corner. For security reasons, there will be a seal on the top of the case which is claimed to be removable with little effort.

Reducing Waste:
So how green is it? The entire package is 37% lighter than previous packaging. They accomplished this by using less material to make the case. And the case is recyclable. In fact, the entire package consists of only 3 elements:

1. The upgrade disc
2. A “Getting Started” manual
3. And the recyclable case

So, we give kudos to Windows for listening to consumers and giving them the packaging they want.

The job losses and pay cuts experienced by many people throughout the country have brought on new roles for librarians. Libraries are no longer just a place to check out books, music, and videos for free. They are a place for the unemployed to go seeking comfort and help during hard times.

An article in The New York Times described the new stresses put on libraries.

Without as much money to spend on leisure, more and more people are turning to the libraries’ free resources and entertainment. Many libraries are seeing as much as 10 to 30 percent increases in patronage, as well as double digit increases in DVD, CD, and audio book circulation. This means that a larger media selection is needed, as well as durable, replacement packaging.

Libraries are serving a whole new crowd of users. There have been 40 million visits to New York libraries over the past year, which is the largest amount ever over 12 months. With the unemployment rate up to 8.5% the highest since November 1983 these people are looking to libraries for job-seeking help.

Many libraries are now offering job-search desks, help writing résumés, and workshops to bring hope to the jobless. Librarians are being trained to help with these specific needs, as well as receive counseling from therapists. They are learning how to deal with the stress of dealing with sometimes very emotional job-seekers. At times, depressed and discouraged people may even try to talk to librarians for emotional support. This can be difficult for librarians. In addition, there has been an increase of theft and violence at libraries has brought the need for added security and support.

More than ever before, people are turning to libraries for entertainment, job-help, and emotional support. People are coming in to write a résumé that may have never used a computer before, or may not know how to read or write in English. Librarians need to be trained, in order to perform these tasks for the new roles in which they are placed. With the added help and support, frustrated job-seekers can be given hope for new possibilities.

Given the current economy, people are using libraries more than ever before. They are looking for any way to save money and are turning to the free resources that libraries provide.

Libraries offer books, audio music and books, magazines, programs, computer services, the Internet, and even some DVDs all free of charge. It’s no wonder that so many people are using these free resources, rather than paying for the same thing.

Laura Dolce from seacoastonlone.com reported on several libraries in southern Maine that are having increased circulation of their collections. Several interesting numbers were cited in her report:

• Huge increase in the number of people taking out books, DVDs and audio materials.
• One library saw circulation from July to December of last year increase 8.5%
• DVD usage has increased significantly.
• The number of patrons using libraries regularly has increased also

Not only do libraries need to increase their collections to support this demand, but they may also need to replace their current DVD cases with more durable, long-lasting ones.

But libraries are not exempt from economic hardships. Costs are rising and budgets are tight. Libraries need to watch where they are spending their money. For this reason, it would be a good idea to invest in premium-quality DVD cases and durable audiobook cases for a reasonable cost. More use means that there will be more wear and tear on the cases. Therefore, libraries need cases that will last long, rather than having to replace them frequently.