Of Dewey, Libraries, and the Kama Sutra

Sometimes disputes CAN be resolved in a reasonable manner – everyone is happy except the lawyers (who will be shot after the revolution anyway so who gives a shit what they think):

OCLC Online Computer Library Center, Inc. and The Library Hotel (New York, New York) have reached a settlement agreement regarding the use of the Dewey Decimal Classification system trademarks by The Library Hotel.

On Sept. 10, 2003, OCLC filed a trademark infringement complaint against The Library Hotel in federal court in Columbus, Ohio. Under the settlement terms, The Library Hotel will receive permission from OCLC to use the Dewey Decimal Classification trademarks in its hotel and in its marketing materials, with an acknowledgment that OCLC is the owner of the Dewey trademarks. The Library Hotel will make a financial donation to a non-profit organization that promotes reading by children.

“We are pleased that this matter has been resolved so quickly,” said Jay Jordan, OCLC President and CEO. “The agreement is a good outcome for both the library cooperative and The Library Hotel. It permits the use of the Dewey Decimal Classification trademarks at the hotel and in the hotel’s marketing materials and acknowledges OCLC’s trademark rights.”

The Library Hotel also is pleased with this settlement. “We do not believe that our use of the Dewey trademarks in our beautiful boutique hotel near the New York Public Library infringes OCLC’s Dewey trademarks,” said the hotel’s owner, Henry Kallan. “But acknowledging OCLC’s Dewey trademarks and making a charitable contribution to promote reading by children, rather than spending money litigating, seems to be a reasonable way to resolve this matter.”

About OCLC

Founded in 1967, OCLC Online Computer Library Center is a nonprofit, membership, computer library service and research organization dedicated to the public purposes of furthering access to the world’s information and reducing information costs. More than 43,000 libraries in 86 countries and territories around the world have used OCLC services including cataloging, reference, resource sharing, eContent and preservation services. OCLC and its worldwide member libraries cooperatively produce and maintain WorldCat, making it the world’s largest and richest database of bibliographic information. OCLC is headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, USA and has over 1,200 employees worldwide. For more information visit <http://www.oclc.org/>.

More information on the Dewey Decimal Classification system can be found at .

About The Library Hotel

The intimate 60-room Library Hotel, located on “Library Way” at Madison Avenue and 41st Street in New York City, just steps from the majestic New York Public Library and the Pierpont Morgan Library was designed to feel more like a private club than a hotel. Each of the Library’s elegantly appointed guest rooms is decorated with framed art and a library of books that relate to the room’s specific Dewey Decimal theme. Guests can request a room based on personal interests. Henry Kallan, one of New York’s leading “indie” boutique hoteliers, created the Library Hotel.

Additional information on The Library Hotel can be found at http://www.libraryhotel.com/.

Note the hotel’s wicked “Erotica Package”:

The Library Hotel is now offering a unique Erotica Package for $650,
per room, per night, based upon availability. Experience the
Erotic Literature Room, the Love Room, or any room you choose,
with this special package which includes many gifts to take home
to keep the passions burning:

Champagne on arrival
1 dozen Red Roses
Strawberries, and a bowl of Low-Fat Cool Whip
Kama Sutra Love Essentials Package
This irresistible set of Kama Sutra’s all-time favorites includes a sprinkling of sweet, edible Honey Dust, tongue-tempting Original Oil of Love and a lubricating Love Liquid.
Kama Sutra Treasures of the Sea
Transform a simple bath into an ocean of azure blue, relinquishing body and soul to the soothing rhythms and distant scent of the sea with this wondrous blend
Erotic Dice (yours to take home)
Erotic Moods: The Very Best of Nusound.
Godiva Gold Ballotin 1/4 lb box
Tantric Massage Video
This video shows the grace, the flow, and the dance of erotic massage.
Two plush Library Hotel bath robes (yes, yours to take home)
Choose one of the following books to take home as our gift to you:
The Art of Arousal, by Dr. Ruth Westheimer
Mars and Venus in the Bedroom: A Guide to Lasting Romance and Passion,
Or, a copy of the Kama Sutra
All Library Hotel guests enjoy the following complimentary services:

Deluxe continental breakfast buffet
Cappuccino, coffee, teas and cookies throughout the day
Wine and cheese reception with champagne each weekday evening
A selection of international newspapers, CDs, and books
Video Library of American Film institute’s Top 100 Films
Turndown service with bottled spring water and Belgian chocolate
Passes to nearby fitness center

All Library Hotel guests enjoy our three gracious living rooms:

The Reading Room, The Poetry Garden with terrace, The Writer’s Den with terrace

Additionally, our concierge can arrange for professional in-room massage,
room service candle-lit dinner for two from Branzini Restaurant,
or other romantic amenities if you wish.

Oh, I wish.