Just in case anyone needs these photos for their digital portfolio!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Sunday, May 9, 2010
PLA Issues and Advocacy
Today’s public libraries are consistently being challenged to do more with less--less money, less staff, and less time. It has never been more important for librarians, staff members, trustees, and others with a vested interest in their public libraries, to convey to their communities the value of the library. Advocacy, the process of acting on behalf of the public library to increase public funds and ensure that it has the resources need to be up to date, is critical to the success of libraries.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
BFF
The semester is wrapping up, but thanks to social networking we don't have to say good-bye even though we may not all be best friends forever.
It has been a great pleasure blogging, wiki -ing, bulding exhibits, sharing information and experiencing the (sometimes) pain and exhiliration of trying to produce a new project every week with all of you. We all seem to have unique viewpoints that has enriched the learning process.
I don't know how anyone else thinks or feels, but LT 130 has really altered my perceptions about libraries, what library personnel can do, and expanded my horizons about how technology can be used. Thank you, Linda. Thank you, blog mates.
It has been a great pleasure blogging, wiki -ing, bulding exhibits, sharing information and experiencing the (sometimes) pain and exhiliration of trying to produce a new project every week with all of you. We all seem to have unique viewpoints that has enriched the learning process.
I don't know how anyone else thinks or feels, but LT 130 has really altered my perceptions about libraries, what library personnel can do, and expanded my horizons about how technology can be used. Thank you, Linda. Thank you, blog mates.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Your Twitter rant about the wait at Starbucks – now in the Library of Congress!
Even the Library of Congress has recognized the social and historical (if not hysterical) value of all the tweeting that we’ve been doing. It has announced that it will keep a digital archive of every public tweet since Twitter began in 2006. Widely reported and discussed, from the Washington Post to Yahoo! News, this is an action with broad consequences. On the one hand, powerful filtering tools allow access to, and analysis of, a mountain of data on a myriad of topics. As Ben Schneiderman, computer science professor at the University of Maryland, comments in the Post article, “This is a remarkable resource that for the first time . . . allows us to grasp the mood of the culture minute by minute.” On the other hand, those snippy little comments about the person in front of you in line will now be preserved forever. That’s something to think about while you sip your latte.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Facebook for Librarians
Did you know there is a facebook page specifically about librarians using facebook? Here is the link. My favorite part about this page is the Discussions tab. Every question you could imagine is listed here, and any you don't see you can post yourself. Some examples of ongoing discussions are; Do you have a Strategy Plan?, Library policies for Facebook Page Creation/Maintenance, 10 Ways to Promote Your Library with Facebook, and Creating a fully-formed (and non-abuseable) FB page. This is a great place to connect with other librarians and learn how to navigate the new world of social media.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
iPad and Social Reading
I just finished reading this article in the School Library Journal. The author points out his disappointment that Apple did not query librarians regarding the functionality of the ereader software for the iPad. He is left slightly wanting and BORED. I went to Best Buy recently on a whim to check it out. I have to agree with him. Yes, it is pretty. Oooooohhh, Aaaaaaahhh. Ok we got that out of our system. But in regards to reading an ebook on the iPad, there's not much more to it. The author of this article makes the case that Apple could have allowed the reader to not only highlight selected passages, but to be able to post them, comment and collaborate with others. This would basically turn the ereading experience into a social media/collaboration phenomenon. My husband says that its coming. The author even apologizes ahead of time if its on its way and just hasn't been unveiled yet. I have to agree, that sounds way cool. Now, when can I get one?
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
ALA Choose Privacy Week May 2-8, 2010
As I was visiting the ALA website I came across this article that I thought was very interesting and very good for our blog! It talks about how the government and FBI can keep track of our internet searches and if the suspect anything out of the oridinary they can track your calls, online purchases, airline travels, etc. We should take a stand now! You can sign the ballot agreeing that in May we Americans choose to protect our privacy!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Budget cuts good or bad?
Some people or employees for a company or organization think that budget cuts can either be good or bad for the library.
I was informed at the start of this month that the library that I work at, The Oceanside Public library is going to be cutting 12 or of 27 hourly employees this June!
The city has to make a cut of 8 million dollars! The sad thing is that, we just had a major cut last October: losing 10 employees, closing of the Oceanside Computer Resource Center, and the closing of our Spanish Bookmobile, Adelante.
Sometimes budget cuts can be good in the sense of "saving money" for future projects or purchasing of new materials. In this case it is a bad one and a lot of the community is blaming our City Council. The community does not understand that we are state funded and if the state of California has no money then we get no money. The cause of this is no good at all for employees and patrons. I had a co-worker of mine tell me that she had a very angry woman on the phone upset on the fact that a book that she placed on hold months ago was still in processing and did not know when it was going to be made available. She then told me that the library technicians are 4 months behind on processing new materials! It is really upsetting knowing about it has come down to and not knowing when it will get better. The library is a place of learning, and getting information and we are slowly losing them!
I was informed at the start of this month that the library that I work at, The Oceanside Public library is going to be cutting 12 or of 27 hourly employees this June!
The city has to make a cut of 8 million dollars! The sad thing is that, we just had a major cut last October: losing 10 employees, closing of the Oceanside Computer Resource Center, and the closing of our Spanish Bookmobile, Adelante.
Sometimes budget cuts can be good in the sense of "saving money" for future projects or purchasing of new materials. In this case it is a bad one and a lot of the community is blaming our City Council. The community does not understand that we are state funded and if the state of California has no money then we get no money. The cause of this is no good at all for employees and patrons. I had a co-worker of mine tell me that she had a very angry woman on the phone upset on the fact that a book that she placed on hold months ago was still in processing and did not know when it was going to be made available. She then told me that the library technicians are 4 months behind on processing new materials! It is really upsetting knowing about it has come down to and not knowing when it will get better. The library is a place of learning, and getting information and we are slowly losing them!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
In regards to Michelle's "it's an ipad world"
I found that you can use www.worldcat.org on your phone real easy to see if your library has a book that you need/want all you need to do is type in your zip code and you get results for nearby libraries. The only downside is, is that you cannot place a hold on this website you would need to call in or go to a desktop or laptop computer to add a hold.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
It's an iPad world now
I just ran across this article in my search for information for our next assignment. Very interesting. The author makes the point that libraries need to get with the program regarding delivering information that is more accessible and readable by mobile devices. Trying to operate an online catalog with a mobile device is quite cumbersome apparently! Here is the link. Just imagine if patrons could access the online catalog from their cell phones! They could renew their books quickly and easily no matter where they are, download ebooks and place holds. If libraries offered this accessibility, you would see patrons using the library's services even more!
Monday, March 15, 2010
10 Technology Ideas Your Library Can Implement Next Week | American Libraries Magazine
10 Technology Ideas Your Library Can Implement Next Week | American Libraries Magazine
Posted using ShareThis
Hey Library Technology Fans... you have to check out this article from American Libraries, ALA's publication. It's right up our alley!
Posted using ShareThis
Hey Library Technology Fans... you have to check out this article from American Libraries, ALA's publication. It's right up our alley!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Libraries Reaching Out
Our world is changing, and technology has a lot to do with it. From the comfort of our home we can buy our groceries, trade stock, manage our finances and check on Johnny’s grades. Libraries have long been the place we go to with our questions, to find a good book to curl up with, or take our little one to hear a good story. Increasingly, libraries are harnessing the power of technology to bring their library services to us. Although we may still want to visit the library in person, because of the advances of technology, we can now use many of the library’s services without ever setting foot within its physical walls.
Many libraries are allowing users to apply for library cards online. San Francisco Public Library is a great example. They have set up a simple online library application that can be accessed on their website. This allows users who may have a hard time getting to the library the ability to access the library’s services from home. Almost all libraries now have websites that include their calendar of events, the online public access catalog, as well as links to frequently asked questions. A good example is the Riverside County Library System. From this website you can access each individual branch, view their calendars, as well as reserve spots for specific events. A user can also use the online catalog to search for materials and resources, place holds, manage checkouts and renewals and access the library’s free databases. Allowing patrons to access these resources online enhances the usage because the patron is able to choose the best time for them.
Another really exciting advancement that many libraries are embracing is live online reference chat. This is an online chat session that allows users to ask questions, get help with research or the library’s other online services. It is usually staffed by a reference librarian and some are available 24/7. Some libraries, such as Palomar College’s Library share the online reference slots with a consortium of libraries so that the workload is shared. This is a great service that benefits both parties involved. The patron gets help even when the library is closed, at a time that is convenient for them, while the library benefits from increasing its service hours and access, and at the same time reducing the in-person foot traffic, thus reducing staff hours and overall cost.
Technology is bringing the library to the patron, and changing the way we view the library and its services. It is no longer just a building with four walls, but an online resource that meets us wherever we are.
Many libraries are allowing users to apply for library cards online. San Francisco Public Library is a great example. They have set up a simple online library application that can be accessed on their website. This allows users who may have a hard time getting to the library the ability to access the library’s services from home. Almost all libraries now have websites that include their calendar of events, the online public access catalog, as well as links to frequently asked questions. A good example is the Riverside County Library System. From this website you can access each individual branch, view their calendars, as well as reserve spots for specific events. A user can also use the online catalog to search for materials and resources, place holds, manage checkouts and renewals and access the library’s free databases. Allowing patrons to access these resources online enhances the usage because the patron is able to choose the best time for them.
Another really exciting advancement that many libraries are embracing is live online reference chat. This is an online chat session that allows users to ask questions, get help with research or the library’s other online services. It is usually staffed by a reference librarian and some are available 24/7. Some libraries, such as Palomar College’s Library share the online reference slots with a consortium of libraries so that the workload is shared. This is a great service that benefits both parties involved. The patron gets help even when the library is closed, at a time that is convenient for them, while the library benefits from increasing its service hours and access, and at the same time reducing the in-person foot traffic, thus reducing staff hours and overall cost.
Technology is bringing the library to the patron, and changing the way we view the library and its services. It is no longer just a building with four walls, but an online resource that meets us wherever we are.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
The armchair library patron
For those of us born into a world where technology consisted of manual typewriters, carbon paper, and rotary phones, technology has changed every aspect of our lives and how we live. Some changes have been gradual and some not, but in retrospect none are more amazing than the changes in our local library and how the library delivers information and how we access library information and services. Once upon a time a visit to the library entailed a manual search through the card catalogue and then, checking out the allowed allotment of books with hand stamped due dates. As the years passed a radical new section that contained movies on VHS appeared and somehow the card catalogue disappeared. Today a library can exist as a virtual entity. It used to be that one could be an "armchair traveler"; today one can be an armchair library patron.
Unless an individual wishes to walk in and check out a title or enjoy the community of an event, a library can exist for a patron as a virtual entity. Libraries have online catalogues as well as 24/7 reference services through an email enabled feature called "Ask-a-Librarian", as well as web access to the library's data bases. Many libraries have a large selection of e-books available to download. Inter-library loans are possible with a click of a mouse and book clubs can be enjoyed through a blog format. Technology has made library resources as available and as close as your computer and as fast to receive as your Internet connection.
Unless an individual wishes to walk in and check out a title or enjoy the community of an event, a library can exist for a patron as a virtual entity. Libraries have online catalogues as well as 24/7 reference services through an email enabled feature called "Ask-a-Librarian", as well as web access to the library's data bases. Many libraries have a large selection of e-books available to download. Inter-library loans are possible with a click of a mouse and book clubs can be enjoyed through a blog format. Technology has made library resources as available and as close as your computer and as fast to receive as your Internet connection.
Let's Get Tweeting
Social media tools, like Twitter, Facebook, Delicious, and Digg, are hugely popular, especially with young people. I think it’s vital for libraries to capitalize on this popularity to increase library usage and awareness. This kind of publicity works especially well for events like concerts, appearances by authors or other popular speakers, and reading programs. These events are designed to increase the visibility of the library and its patronage. Once inside the library, folks can see all the services available and they might even start reading something!
Some library administrations may have been slow to utilize these tools, having the opinion that they are fads or that only the young people are using them. That’s no longer true. The fact is that, although MySpace seems to be on the decline, Facebook and Twitter usage continues to grow by leaps and bounds. More and more businesses are now seeing the benefit of being connected in this way. Companies like Home Depot and GM have Twitter accounts to increase their visibility, and they wouldn’t be doing it if it weren’t good for their bottom line!
A major difficulty that libraries may have with social media tools, however, is that staff members may not be sufficiently familiar with them to utilize them effectively. Although I am very computer literate, I personally have been quite reluctant to get onto Twitter or Facebook and, therefore, slow to see their possibilities. Fortunately, there are resources available to digital immigrants like me (and you thought I knew what I was talking about!) for navigating this landscape. SearchEngineWatch.com is a web marketing research company that assists its members in maximizing their exposure on the web. Their web page SearchEngineWatch.com/SocialMediaMarketing is a great place to start. I’m going to check out their Social Media Marketing 101 page and Twitter 101. I’ll post more after I learn what it’s all about.
Some library administrations may have been slow to utilize these tools, having the opinion that they are fads or that only the young people are using them. That’s no longer true. The fact is that, although MySpace seems to be on the decline, Facebook and Twitter usage continues to grow by leaps and bounds. More and more businesses are now seeing the benefit of being connected in this way. Companies like Home Depot and GM have Twitter accounts to increase their visibility, and they wouldn’t be doing it if it weren’t good for their bottom line!
A major difficulty that libraries may have with social media tools, however, is that staff members may not be sufficiently familiar with them to utilize them effectively. Although I am very computer literate, I personally have been quite reluctant to get onto Twitter or Facebook and, therefore, slow to see their possibilities. Fortunately, there are resources available to digital immigrants like me (and you thought I knew what I was talking about!) for navigating this landscape. SearchEngineWatch.com is a web marketing research company that assists its members in maximizing their exposure on the web. Their web page SearchEngineWatch.com/SocialMediaMarketing is a great place to start. I’m going to check out their Social Media Marketing 101 page and Twitter 101. I’ll post more after I learn what it’s all about.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Facebook "becoming a fan"
As I logged on to my Facebook over the weekend I had noticed that I had a new invite to a group fan page. It was to my local library and thought it was really interesting because it was made from a patron and not an employee of that library. I was pleased to see that the community is reaching out to others to inform them about the events happening daily at our library.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Welcome to the "It's Cool to Be Smart Club"
Here's a fun video that shows how exciting and welcoming a library can be. The Santa Monica main library is located at
601 Santa Monica Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-8600
601 Santa Monica Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-8600
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
The ALA Lists Great Web Sites for Kids
Here's a great resource for kids. The ALA and the Association for Library Service to Children have reviewed web sites based upon Authorship, Purpose, Design & Stability, and Content, and have come up with a list of excellent sites for young people. They are also labeled for appropriateness to various age groups of kids or for parents/teachers. These are sites for browsing, playing, and learning. I've posted the link with our favorites.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
A clean bill of health...for my PC.
After two weeks of problems with my computer I finally brought it to my friend who built the thing. Why didn't I realize it was seriously sick with a bad virus. Well, after reloading XP it is finally well enough to play with the rest of the other little kids on the internet playground. Sorry for the delay.
I posted a link to the library where I first volunteered, the Juneau Public in Alaska; a great small town library. I changed the font color on the sidebar headings and I made a poll on the sidebar.
I was thinking about who uses social networking sites. I know everyone uses it, but teens seem to be the biggest demographic. That is also a demographic that isn't as represented in public libraries as the little ones or adults. So I have was thinking to have a weekly mini interview with my teen daughter about what libraries could do, from a teens point of view, to make libraries more approachable using social networking as a tool. I would like all of you to help me by posting possible questions. As the weeks go on I think we could develope a well thought out conversation with a teen who loves book but rarely thinks about using the library.
One more change
I read back through what Linda had highlighted for tonight and realized I needed to change something on the template. Wasn't sure if adding a link counted so I changed the text color. It can be changed back. I just thought this was the least invasive. I didn't want to make any huge changes as you all have been working on it all week.
New to Group One
Hi all,
Thank you for allowing me to barge in on your group. I love what you all have done so far and am looking forward to getting to know everyone and have a productive semester. I added a favorite link; delicious.com. It's a social bookmarking site that I think is really helpful. It allows you to share your bookmarks with others as well as have access to your own personal bookmarks wherever you are. You log in like you would for your email account. It just happens to be another Google App! Check it out. I thought it might fit as your theme is Social Networking for Libraries. I know that many libraries actually use Delicious to keep bookmarks handy for students. It's a very useful tool. The only downfall is that it can get out of hand. As you start to click, sometimes you can't stop, and then you end up with lists and lists and lists. But no matter. Every link is "tagged" and easy to find. I also posted my profile. Thanks again for welcoming me.
Thank you for allowing me to barge in on your group. I love what you all have done so far and am looking forward to getting to know everyone and have a productive semester. I added a favorite link; delicious.com. It's a social bookmarking site that I think is really helpful. It allows you to share your bookmarks with others as well as have access to your own personal bookmarks wherever you are. You log in like you would for your email account. It just happens to be another Google App! Check it out. I thought it might fit as your theme is Social Networking for Libraries. I know that many libraries actually use Delicious to keep bookmarks handy for students. It's a very useful tool. The only downfall is that it can get out of hand. As you start to click, sometimes you can't stop, and then you end up with lists and lists and lists. But no matter. Every link is "tagged" and easy to find. I also posted my profile. Thanks again for welcoming me.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Hi Gang,
Well, I changed the blog text font on the template to Verdana. I hope you like it. Looks like we've got a good blog going. After everybody makes a change to the template and lets Linda know what you did by posting here, we can send Linda an invite. Remember, we need to do it by midnight Thursday. Then we can delete these posts later.
Well, I changed the blog text font on the template to Verdana. I hope you like it. Looks like we've got a good blog going. After everybody makes a change to the template and lets Linda know what you did by posting here, we can send Linda an invite. Remember, we need to do it by midnight Thursday. Then we can delete these posts later.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Favorite Libraries
Going to a library on a weekly basis has always been a part of my life. I didn't learn to read until I was 8 years old and it was a life defining moment when I was able to join the Summer Reading Program at my childhood library. Since then "going to the library" has been an integral part of my life.
I have favorite libraries that I have passed through over the years: my college library, Butler Library, where I spent two years of my life in the 3rd floor sub basement stacks researching and writing papers for my major. The New York Public Library's main branch with the famous flanking stone lions and the best selection of "New Fiction", and my childhood library, Noble Rd. Library. I still visit online- it's has a very active website.
Since we now also live in a virtual world, I visit the Bodleian Library at Oxford University, and highly recommend their"bodcasts". If you like mysteries, you would probably enjoy the bodcasts of P.D. James and Ruth Rendell.
If you have a favorite library- share it. I'll find a picture and post it.
I have favorite libraries that I have passed through over the years: my college library, Butler Library, where I spent two years of my life in the 3rd floor sub basement stacks researching and writing papers for my major. The New York Public Library's main branch with the famous flanking stone lions and the best selection of "New Fiction", and my childhood library, Noble Rd. Library. I still visit online- it's has a very active website.
Since we now also live in a virtual world, I visit the Bodleian Library at Oxford University, and highly recommend their"bodcasts". If you like mysteries, you would probably enjoy the bodcasts of P.D. James and Ruth Rendell.
If you have a favorite library- share it. I'll find a picture and post it.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Wikipedia defines a social network as a social structure made up of individuals (or organizations) called "nodes" which are tied (connected) by one or more types of specific interdependency such as, friendship, kinship, financial exchange, dislike, or relationships of belief, knowledge, or prestige.
Is social networking via the Web just another new digital hype or could it be a renewed, revisited opportunity( compliments of the Internet) to reach out and target niche groups of like interests, attitudes, and concerns? Libraries have so much to offer besides books, but not everyone is in the habit of going to their library.
I say, yes, yes, yes. Let's begin by bringing out those charming and specific displays from their cases, animating them, add a reading list, and patron comments and share it through the library's website with the community at large. Or do you have a concern with an issue like filtering? Let's have a community discussion online and get everyone's perspective. Do you love Project Guttenberg and want to share it with the others. Don't understand the concept of e-Books and want to learn? Library blog. Possibilities abound, and yes, there are questions- who manages this, how does it work, and probably many more. But like most of the changes brought by evolving technology: the Internet, Google, Wikipedia, e-books, etc. and on into the future, librarians and libraries remain a constant as the keepers of knowledge and place we can all share even if it is not the traditional brick and mortar.
Is social networking via the Web just another new digital hype or could it be a renewed, revisited opportunity( compliments of the Internet) to reach out and target niche groups of like interests, attitudes, and concerns? Libraries have so much to offer besides books, but not everyone is in the habit of going to their library.
I say, yes, yes, yes. Let's begin by bringing out those charming and specific displays from their cases, animating them, add a reading list, and patron comments and share it through the library's website with the community at large. Or do you have a concern with an issue like filtering? Let's have a community discussion online and get everyone's perspective. Do you love Project Guttenberg and want to share it with the others. Don't understand the concept of e-Books and want to learn? Library blog. Possibilities abound, and yes, there are questions- who manages this, how does it work, and probably many more. But like most of the changes brought by evolving technology: the Internet, Google, Wikipedia, e-books, etc. and on into the future, librarians and libraries remain a constant as the keepers of knowledge and place we can all share even if it is not the traditional brick and mortar.
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