Our resident Goblin in the Library, Josh Neff, was interviewed about Library Camp Kansas for LISNews. Listen to the podcast!
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It’s March 19th! I’m here in Manhattan, KS for our first Kansas Library UnConference, which we’re calling Library Camp Kansas. Approx 100 people signed-up and we’ve got a great mix of people… from academic libraries… from public libraries… from special libraries, too.
See the Flickr photos from the event!
Read blog posts from the event! A few posts about the event include:
Eudora Welty said, “A good snapshot stops a moment from running away”. People have been taking photographs to record memories for hundreds of years. Digital cameras now make it easier and more instantaneous than ever. This weekend, Diana and I had the opportunity to attend the grand opening of the Turner Community Library in Kansas City. My sister teaches at Turner Middle School and has been GIDDY waiting for this library to open since it’s so conveniently located for her students. We ate hot dogs and took a tour of the new facility. Diana captured all of it with her digital camera. You can see the photos in our Flickr account.
It has become part of our routine to take photographs at events and to post them in our NEKLS Flickr account. It serves as a photographic diary of where we have been and what we have done. It has become a tool for promotion and a tool for communication. Many NEKLS member libraries have Flickr accounts (Tonganoxie, Richmond, and Hiawatha, for ex).
The library world has been fairly word-centric and I think we’re just starting to realize the potential benefits of sharing images… the power of a picture. Flickr, of course, believes in this power and is collaborating with TechSoup on a new project called Flickr for Good, donating Flickr Pro accounts to individuals working with non-profit organizations. Check out TechSoup’s site, not only for information about that project, but also for ideas about how-to get the most out of Flickr.
I promise this blog post is not just an excuse to quote Styx lyrics….. It is, in fact, an excuse to talk about Legos. Have you explored Legos lately? These are not your mother’s Legos. Check out, for example, the Lego Mindstorms Robotics Invention System. Wow! It’s the kind of toy that has dramatic teaching potential, but might be too expensive for a lot of families. The Plainsboro Public Library in New Jersey has created an innovative and exciting program using Lego NXT Robotics. Local engineers are involved with mentoring the student participants. Imagine the possibilities! Wheels are turning… or should I say gears are moving.
(Thanks to Henry’s dad for the heads up about this cool project!)
Ready to participate in a new type of conference?
Think some of the most valuable and most productive sessions at conferences are the hallway and dinner conversations?
Want to get to know some of your forward-thinking Kansas library colleagues better?
Join us at Library Camp Kansas: the first Un-conference for people interested in customer-friendly libraries, library 2.0 and thinking about how we can all improve our services and organizations to meet the needs of our communities.
This is not a conference with experts behind a podium. It is an opportunity for dialogue and conversation. Sound good to you? Join us on Wednesday, March 19, at K-State’s Hale Library!
Details:
Wednesday, March 19, 2008, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Registration starts at 9 a.m.)
Hale Library, Hemisphere Room
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS
A complete agenda and links to lunch options, directions and parking information are available on the unconference wiki at: http://librarycampks.wetpaint.com/page/Unconference+Details.
Topics:
The participants of Library Camp Kansas choose the topics to be discussed the day of the conference. Potential topics can be posted ahead of time to the wiki: http://librarycampks.wetpaint.com/page/Discussion+Topics.
Registration is free. Visit the “Invitation to Participate page” to register online:
http://librarycampks.wetpaint.com/page/Invitation+to+Participate
If you need a parking permit, you must register by Friday, March 7.
Due to space limitations, overall registration is capped at 100 participants.
What’s provided:
Free wi-fi. Some laptops are available for those who can’t bring their own. Flip charts and meeting supplies will be provided as well. Snacks and drinks thanks to K-LIRT. Parking permits thanks to NEKLS.
What you should bring:
Great ideas, great questions, an interest in collaboration, laptop with wi-fi (if possible), and money for lunch.
For more information, check out the Kansas Library Camp wiki: http://librarycampks.wetpaint.com/
To see how other library camps and unconferences have worked out in other states, see http://www.blyberg.net/?s=unconference&submit=GO
and http://librarycampnyc.wikispaces.com/Program.
Questions? Please contact:
Brenda Hough
Technology Consultant, NEKLS
bhough@nekls.org ~ (785) 838-4090
Hope to see you there!
Many of you may be familiar w/the first Cookbook released by TechSoup’s
MaintainIT Project. Well, now they have released another! It includes practical
tips and techniques and stories from libraries around the country.
Download the FREE Joy of Computing: Recipes for a 5-Star Library here: http://maintainitproject.org/cookbooks
Find out what libraries and library supporters had to say about wireless, time
and print management, and laptop checkout programs. Kudos to the following Kansan contributors, whose experiences were included to help make this Cookbook a practical and handy resource:
Sharon Moreland, Tonganoxie Public Library
Kim Priest, Mary Cotton Public Library
Ken Werne, Johnson County Library
Jamie Kelley, Marysville Public Library
The MaintainIT Project will continue to create guides focused on supporting public computers. You can share your challenges and successes so libraries can learn from *your* experiences, too. Remember, what may be, “that’s nothing!” to you, may be an “aha” to someone else! Email my friends Sarah, Chris, and the rest of the team if you’re interested in being involved: maintainit@techsoup.org.
Wikipedia! Most likely you have used the free user-created online encyclopedia, but have you explored the resource beyond the basics? If you’re interested in learning more and in participating in a thoughtful discussion about Wikipedia, consider attending this class at Johnson County Library on Monday, Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Central Resource Library in the Carmack Community Room. The class will last until 8:45 p.m. I attended a similar class at Johnson County last fall and thought it was really worthwhile! It’s FREE, but registration is requested.
One day, two great free online presentations! On Tuesday, September 18th, consider attending one (or both) of the following sessions:
From 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Gina Millsap and Rob Banks will be the guest presenters for the free SirsiDynix Institute web seminar, “Dump the Org. Chart: Get `Er Done!: Management for a 2.0 Library” For more information, including connection instructions, see: http://www.sirsidynixinstitute.com/seminar_page.php?sid=94.
Then from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM, Colleen Eggett (training coordinator for the Utah State Library) will be the guest presenter for a free WebJunction Rural Library Sustainability InFocus webinar, “*A Hitchhiker’s Guide to Library Surveys”. For more information, including connection instructions, see: *http://www.webjunction.org/do/Navigation?category=13496
One of the best things about my job is getting to spend time in so many different libraries. Most of the ideas I propose to one library are based on things I have seen in other libraries. The best new ideas are often based on the recycling of other ideas.
The MaintainIT project is all about gathering and disseminating library stories. Their recent Joy of Computing Cookbook (available as a free download) is a collection of practical tips and stories about successfully providing computers for the public. Additional cookbooks are in the works.
This week, I have been paying special attention to the MaintainIT blog as Sarah and friends drive a bookmobile around northern California. They will spend two-weeks on the road, taking pictures and talking to the people in rural libraries. I look forward to learning about the libraries there…, but I’m also hoping that at the end of those two-weeks, Sarah and the team will feel so fired up about visiting libraries that they will turn the bookmobile to the east and to the north and will come visit some of the stellar libraries here, too! (That’s an open invitation!)
Trivia question for you - How many tiles are there in a standard Scrabble game?
Clue: It’s the same number as the number of websites recently selected by PC Magazine as classics. Most of my favorites are there - are yours?
In other news, Tonganoxie has given their website a new look and I like it!
I was reading an email from Arla Jones, the media specialist at Lawrence High School, and was struck by the signature block at the end of her message. Like many librarians, her email signature includes her name, her contact information at the library, and a literary quote. But Arla’s signature block also includes the following sentence, ” Take a look at our cool web page! http://library.lhs.usd497.org“. Reading that inspired me to take a look at their site (and it is cool).
You may have heard that the Johnson County Library unveiled its new library website this week. Clean design, content that makes sense from a user’s perspective, and fun details, too (hmm.. what happens when I click on the word surprise???). The staff at Johnson County Library has worked hard on the site and deserves to be proud!
I know there are libraries out there who don’t feel proud of their website, but instead feel a little ashamed because it is out-of-date or incomplete or dull. In fact, I think that feeling was the norm for several years (after the advent of the web but before website creation tools had become truly friendly). I’m seeing a change though… more and more libraries are finding ways to create websites of which they are proud; sites that are up-to-date, attractive, contain good content, and are fun, too. (If you’re a NEKLS public library and want an easier way to maintain a web presence, consider becoming part of the KLOW project (contact us at NEKLS for more information).)
Maintaining a web presence of which you are proud is time-consuming, which can be a challenge. Even if the technology is easier, creating and updating content still requires a lot of time. Liz has been working on a complete revamp of our NEKLS website (watch for it soon!). The launch of that site will just be the beginning; after that we’ve got to make an ongoing commitment to adding to it and continually working to make it really useful for our members.
It’s exciting to realize that almost every library now has a virtual branch. Is yours what you want it to be?
(Do you read the Unshelved comic strip?)
Attention NEKLS Members! I am excited to invite you to participate in an upcoming workshop: “In the Driver’s Seat: A Technology Planning Workshop”.
Participants will leave this hands-on workshop with a technology plan in hand and a vision of where they would like to go with the library’s technology.
In this workshop, you will:
- Assess your current technology services and resources
- Assess the technology needs of your library and community
- Develop goals and objectives to guide you in extending and enhancing your services and resources
- Use WebJunction’s free online technology planning tool “TechAtlas”. We will have the special opportunity to ask questions and receive training from a member of the TechAtlas team.
If your library does not have a technology plan or if you feel the technology plan you have could be better (more useful and meaningful), then this workshop is for you!
What:
In the Driver’s Seat: A Technology Planning workshop
Who:
Brenda Hough (NEKLS), Kendra Morgan (WebJunction’s TechAtlas), Jeff Hixon (State Library of Kansas)
When:
Tuesday, September 11, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Where:
@ NEKLS Headquarters in Lawrence
How Much:
$5 for NEKLS members (lunch included)
TO REGISTER: Please contact me (Brenda) if you are interested in attending this workshop. I will be emailing registered participants information prior to the class. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Phone: (785) 838-4090
Email: bhough@nekls.org
Back in June, I posted an announcement here for a class being taught by Scott Viera at the Johnson County Library, “Wikipedia: Can We Trust It?”
Diana and I attended the class last night and we’re still talking about it this morning! Scott (a reference librarian at the Johnson County Library) is fascinated by Wikipedia and has done a lot of research into its history and structure.
The class was open to the public and my favorite part was listening to people’s questions and comments. Wikipedia is a topic that inspires discussion! Before the class, some people had been unaware that it was a user-created encyclopedia. A school-librarian in the crowd talked about the challenges/opportunities of teaching students information literacy. Some people had been wary of Wikipedia before the class, but left feeling more knowledgeable and confident.
I’m guessing that most of you have searched Wikipedia, but have you explored the site lately? Having 90-minutes to do that in class last night was a treat. Scott pointed out the Help section (lots of good information there) and the community portal.
There’s some excellent stuff on Wikipedia — I’ve been checking out the portals (introductory pages for topics) lately. Have you seen the Poe Portal? … the Cuba Portal?
Where will Wikipedia go next? How will it change? Will it continue to grow (the English language Wikipedia encyclopedia is nearing the 2 million article mark — 1,949,791 articles as I publish this)? What is its place in the information world?
OK, I realize Wii’d is probably not a word, but one of my goals in this life is to invent a word, so I keep trying. Tech Day 2007 is done and I’m exhausted, but happy. We were lucky to have Mary Madden from the Pew Internet Project serve as keynote speaker for the event, but the rest of the day was all about hearing from people who work in libraries right here in the northeastern part of Kansas. There must be something in the water because we have a lot of smart people and a lot of good things going on. I’ll write more soon (as I process all of the information and pull together the notes from the brainstorming session), but I wanted to at least get a link to the photos from the day up here for all to see. Thanks everyone for a great day!
I’m posting from the barn. No, there are no farm animals, no piles of hay, and the dominant smell in the air (thank goodness) is fresh-baked cranberry scones. The Barn is actually a lovely inn near Valley Falls, KS and we’re gathered here for our annual NEKLS School Librarian’s Workshop. Technology is not the focus of this day and in fact, I don’t need to fire up the projector and laptop until after lunch. The buzz in the air as people visit before the day begins is, as it almost always is when librarians gather, all about books. I am humbled by the massive number of titles on the book lists this group’s members seem to have plowed through this summer. One of the things I enjoy most about my job is the opportunity I have to be in the presence of people so dedicated to literacy and reading. One of the things I strive to do in my job is to seek ways to make technology something that is not entirely separate from that.
Michael Cart was the morning speaker, presenting on “Literacy Leadership.” I found out during a chat over coffee that his city is famous for its architecture (I.M. Pei designed the public library there!). He’s a writer and an expert on young adult literature. Several things that he said during his presentation resonated as places where technology can be a valuable mechanism for reaching goals.
- Michael talked about the need for literacy leaders to have success stories about individuals, which they can present to administrators and decision-makers. Data and numbers are necessary, but stories can incite the passion and understanding that will lead to support. Technology can be used to capture and to disseminate those stories.
- Michael talked about reluctant readers and ways to reach them. I wonder what % of reluctant readers are enthusiastic technology users. (See notes on Terry Hime’s presentation a bit later in this post for a great example of being innovative about using technology as a bridge to reading and literacy).
It is an unfortunate fact that in many communities, the school librarians and the public librarians operate in isolation from one another. In her role as School Liaison at Johnson County Library, Erin Downey Howerton seeks to connect the two groups. Her energetic book talk was tech-free, but I was sending Amazon links to my middle school teacher sister repeatedly. If we were able to take the pulse of the room throughout the day, then I’m guessing we would have discovered the fastest, most excited heart beats at this point in the agenda. Book lovers are we.
The afternoon’s later sessions did focus on technology. Christie Brandau (arguably one of the most tech-friendly state librarians around) and Patti Butcher from the State Library of Kansas introduced several statewide technology initiatives of interest to school librarians. Cheers were heard from the crowd when Christie announced that the Kansas Library Card is going away. Soon, IP recognition will make the card unnecessary. Other topics included:
- Statewide databases
- WebJunction (your online resource for continuing education)
- New State Library of Kansas website (we got a sneak peek) - It features a federated search of all resources. Watch for it in December 2007!
- Audio Books, Music, and More
- Kansas Library Catalog
- Patron-initiated ILL
- Homework Kansas
- Live support for these tools provided by Eric Gustafson. Librarians and patrons can reach Eric by calling 800/432-3919, or 785/296-8152. Eric can be reached by e-mail at: egustafson@kslib.info
The day ended with two breakout sessions. Diana Weaver spoke on ILL and Terry Hime and I talked about wikis in the school environment. Terry’s successful book discussion wiki is an excellent example of the potential connection between literacy/reading and technology.
Registration is now open for NEKLS Tech Day 2007!
Thursday, August 2nd, from 9:00 - 4:00 (registration begins at 8:30 AM)
@ The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library
This event is designed to appeal to all skill levels — from those who are new to library technology to those who have been working with it for years.
2005’s keynote speaker was Jenny Levine, “The Shifted Librarian”. 2006’s keynote speaker was Michael Stephens, “Tame the Web”. This year’s keynote speaker is Mary Madden, Pew Internet and American Life Project.
Other session topics will include library automation, Web 2.0, WebJunction, new gadgets, Second Life, and patron-centered website design. Tech Day speakers will include Gina Millsap, David King, and Diana Sowers from the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library; Erica Reynolds, Josh Neff, and Michelle Beattie from Johnson County Public Library; Patti Butcher, Cindi Hickey, and Bill Sowers from the State Library of Kansas; NEKLS staff members, and others!
Who should attend? Public librarians, school librarians, academic librarians, library trustees, library friends, and library lovers are all encouraged to attend. Cost is $20 for NEKLS members and $40 for non-members. You may register online at: http://www.nekls.org/apps/signup/index.cgi
In so many ways, libraries are worlds of words, but Flickr is really proving that we’ve got a photogenic side, too! At NEKLS, we use Flickr to share photos from our events. Many libraries in the region are also using it to share photos and to keep a photo archive of recent events. Incorporating photos into a library website adds visual interest and a personal and local touch. Try it! You’ll like it! And even if you don’t, it’s free 
(Or at least there is a free option… if you want more storage space, then there’s a fee - $24.95/year).
Atchison Public Library’s Flickr Photos
Mary Cotton (Sabetha) Public Library’s Flickr Photos
Morrill (Hiawatha) Public Library’s Flickr Photos
Richmond Public Library’s Flickr Photos
Seneca Free Library’s Flickr Photos
Tonganoxie Public Library’s Flickr photos
Libraries are buildings and libraries are books, but we’re also puppet shows and 5K runs and pre-teen princesses and so much more!
Sarah Houghton-Jan (better known as the Librarian in Black) has published an interesting article in School Library Journal, with a practical and accessible discussion about digital rights management and libraries. It’s a big complex topic and she does a great job of boiling it down to… ‘what does this mean for us right now?’.
In Kansas, for example, we have the Kansas Audio Books, Music, and More project. OverDrive is the company that provides the resources for Kansas (and for many other libraries, too). Although it is possible to listen to the books and music on a computer, many people want to use this type of resource on their MP3 players. The iPod is an extremely popular MP3 player. Because of DRM, however, OverDrive content is not compatible with Apple players (without some clumsy and prohibitively time-consuming work-arounds). Have your iPod carrying patrons expressed frustration with this? Sarah’s article has some good ideas for responding to those concerns.
Wiki means quick and here’s a class that I’m planning to sign up for very quickly! Leslie N from Johnson County Library just sent me a heads-up that they are offering a class in August, which may be of interest to people working in libraries. As many of you know, this is a topic that is on my mind a lot, so I’m looking forward to this!
Wikipedia: Can We Trust It?
Johnson County Central Resource Library, (9875 W 87th St., Overland Park, KS)
Monday, August 13, 7pm
What information does Wikipedia offer me? Can I trust the information?
This class will take a look at how social networking is changing the way
information is created and shared. We will also look at the pros and
cons to Wikipedia and what the collaborative online encyclopedia teaches
us about information.
Anyone who is interested needs to register on Johnson County Library’s webpage: www.jocolibrary.org - the calendar is a graphic on the right-hand side. Or you can send an email to librarian Scott Vieira vieiras@jocolibrary.org (the instructor for the class).
I remember a college assignment that required the creation of a mind-map. Once students got past worrying about whether they were doing it “right” or “wrong”, it was actually pretty fun to create. Mind-mapping can be a useful tool, because it helps us see the forest - the big picture - the macro-view. It’s about being aware of the connections and the inter-relatedness of things.
I think visualization tools like this can be especially useful when we’re trying to understand things that are really, really big. As many of you know, I have a strong interest in Wikipedia, the user-created online encyclopedia. I came across an amazing Wikipedia visualization this morning. I would love to see the 5′x5′ version and will probably buy the poster when it becomes available (you MUST check out that ‘buy the poster’ link - nerdy nirvana!).
Ten years ago, many library websites consisted of a picture of the library, the library’s address and phone number, and not much else. Now, many library websites are truly functioning as a sort of “virtual branch” – helping local libraries connect to their communities.
We have talked about the Kansas Libraries on the Web project here on this blog before. It’s a project that was created to help small public libraries easily maintain an up-to-date, useful, and attractive web presence. We’re seeing a lot of great content and innovative ideas and thought it would be fun to highlight some examples here.
Atchison Public Library (Population of Library Service Area (LSA) 10,106)
Many libraries in Kansas have a physical Kansas room on-site, which includes local history and documentation. Atchison Public Library has gone beyond that to start creating a virtual Kansas room, too.
Also, check out the recent post, What the director is reading, which inspired some online book discussion. And also see the online storytime info - wow!!
Corning City Library (Pop. of LSA 166)
The smallest library in the NEKLS region has one of the liveliest websites! Moving images, local weather, and a “word of the day” feature add interest and content to the site.
Morrill Public Library, Hiawatha (Pop. of LSA 3,366)
The library staff spice up the clean look of the site with images. The Morrill Public Library site is regularly updated. All of the posts are categorized and can be browsed under the Library News and Views section.
Lyndon Public Library (Pop. of LSA 1,539)
The library recently encouraged contributions to a local cookbook and posted a historical photograph, creating a true feeling of local connection.
Osawatomie Public Library (Pop. of LSA 4,622)
This site is regularly updated and visually appealing, too. The library staff recently used the website to give special thanks to a local family.
Richmond Public Library (Pop. of LSA 514)
Many libraries promote upcoming events on their websites. Richmond, however, took that idea to the next level and posted photographs as a follow-up to a recent Mother’s Day event.
Mary Cotton Library, Sabetha (Pop. of LSA 2,553)
When the Mary Cotton Library staff received word that the local sales tax increase vote for the library had passed, they posted the exciting news with a big note of thanks on their website. Other recent content includes the story of a young boy’s job shadowing at the library and memorials.
Seneca Free Public Library (Pop. of LSA 2,077)
Summer Reading Program is on everyone’s mind this time of year and Seneca Free Public Library uses their website to promote this year’s events.
Tonganoxie Public Library (Pop. of LSA 3,169)
Web 2.0 is a popular topic in the library world and Tonganoxie is a small library making a big impact using some 2.0 tools. Browse their site for lots of examples. Be sure to read about the online book discussion group they are starting.
After the initial five panelists addressed the questions, a second panel (reactor panel) responded to their comments.
A. Richard Brown, School Library Media Specialist, Topeka West High School
- Does not think technology skills are a generation thing - it’s an attitude thing.
- Programming gets library used.
- Educating kids — to be good consumers.
- Still don’t allow food and drink in the media center.
- Technology coordinators need to develop an “let’s just open it up and mess it up” attitude.
- Need to be more technologically advanced; less focused on inner workings of the library.
B. Bill Crowe, KU Libraries (ACADEMIC)
- We offer our users trust.
- It’s not about liking books; it’s about liking PEOPLE.
- Need for increased diversity
C. Scott Brown, Sun MicroSystems (SPECIAL)
- Moving into an information consulting role
- Learning to mine new tools - for ex, LinkedIn
- Reach outside of your immediate realm - making connections
D. Donna Reed, Web Services Coord, Multnomah County Lib, Portland (PUBLIC)
- How many of you ever feel overwhelmed by technology?
- Web 3.0 — semantic web (see this blog for more info)
- What we learn in library school — a good foundation - critical thinking, evaluation…
- What are the core tools for our prof and how can we specialize?
- Bridging — bridge librarians (between IT and reference) — need to build a curriculum that creates strong bridge librarians.
- Need curiosity, confidence… need to like people
- In our profession, we need to educate ourselves - continuously - throughout our careers.
- Need strong project management skills - real project management skills.
- Need strategic planning and budgeting skills.
A panel of library leaders was asked to address two questions:
1. What are the key trends that are influencing library and information services?
2. How will these trends influence SLIM’s programs?
A. Sharon Coatney, Acquistions Editor for Libraries Unlimited (SCHOOL)
- Library as place - are our libraries the libraries we want or the libraries that our users want?
- School libraries cannot be the public library in the school - they have to be something different.
- Technology is pervasive. There’s so much to learn and it’s constant. There is not a lot of in-service for technology that school librarians can attend (often just for teachers).
- Universal pre-school - many districts are mandating. That has tremendous impact on library service in that building.
B. Lori Goetsch, Dean of Kansas State Libraries (ACADEMIC)
- Her responses are drawing heavily from ACRL’s Top Ten Assumptions for the Future
- Technology skills are vital
- Technology as the great leveler (so many things are available for free on the web - available not only to the big libraries, but also to the small)
- Academic library as leisure environment. 30+% of K State students, when asked where they spend their free time, said Hale Library.
- Instructional design is becoming increasingly important.
- Strategic planning and budgeting
C. Christie Brandau, State Librarian of Kansas
- Exciting time to be a librarian! So many opportunities for innovation and outreach.
- Skype as a reference tool?
- Personal, to-your-desk, user-centric service — we have new technology tools that can help us provide that user-centric service. We have competition that is good, convenient and accessible.
- Technology has shifted the way we think (we choose our own ring tone!).
- Digital natives - a freshman entering college today has never lived without the Internet.
- People need info 24/7 and 365. We need to not only deliver, but also to figure out where to deliver.
- If MySpace were a country, it would be the 11th largest country in the world!
- Libraries in the future will need to be marketed as if their livelihood depends upon it (it does!).
D. Ethel Salonen, MITRE Corporation (past-president of SLA) (SPECIAL)
- In special libraries, we don’t think about library as place, because there is no library. We don’t use that word.
- In a corporate setting, library is not the central place to come to. It is more of an embedded environment; in many cases actually embedded with the client.
- The trends they are seeing are related to technology. Must be extremely confident about technology skills. That’s something they look for in the staff they hire.
- Intellipedia
- SLIM’s Information Management certificate - that’s the kind of people they need. When she looks at applicants, she looks for ones that went to an I school rather than an L school.
E. Susan Hamada, Associate Director, Salt Lake County Library, Utah (PUBLIC)
- Susan is a member of the SLIM advisory board.
- OCLC recent report
- Changing role… becoming expert guides - becoming partners with users.
- Becoming cultural and educational hubs in the community
- People want convenience.
- Until universal preschool is in place, we are the library for preschoolers.
- Need to reach people who are not using the library — need to get out of the library.
- Information literacy - how-to find information and how-to evaluate it, too. Needing to know how-to use information.
- Library as place — when you build, how do you know what you will want in the future? Raised floors… so if you need to change cabling in the future. Configuring meeting space so that it can accommodate large groups and small groups.
- For every project they engage in, they ask “who are our partners?”
- They are a physical space and also thinking about their online presence.
- They are starting to mail out materials (Netflix model).
Cell phones, cell phones, everywhere you look…. People talking in cars, in bars, even while out looking at the stars. And cell phones are not just being used for phone calls anymore. People use them to take pictures, to signal appreciation for a favorite ballad at a rock concert, to surf the web, and more.
I rarely am without my cell phone, but am not a fan of actually talking on it. Instead, my preferred mode of cell phone use is “texting”. Text messaging from your cell phone is a handy way to send brief messages to people. “What are you doing for dinner?” “Do you mind if I eat this last brownie?” “Want to meet up for pizza?” (Hmm… I think 90% of my texts revolve around food.) I send over 200 text messages per month. My friend told me that he sends over 750 each month…. I’m sure there are others who send many more.
Most cell phones can do text messaging. Talk to your cell phone provider to find out what your plan includes and to see if there are extra fees. Typing on the phone is frustrating and slow when you first begin doing it, but as with most technology things, it soon becomes second nature and your thumb will fly!
The Orange County Library System in Florida is using text messaging to communicate with their patrons (thank you Shifted Librarian for sharing that link). It’s a method of communication that is very much a part of people’s lives and this seems like a great example of meeting users “where they are at.”
We’ve been talking about social technologies like blogs, Flickr, Meebo, YouTube, and MySpace for quite a while. A friend recently pointed me to a website that lists over 1200 different social technology sites! Trying to use all of those technologies would be overwhelming (and kind of silly). How do you decide which ones are worth your time?
I don’t think there’s an exact science to determining which to explore. A few things that would encourage me to explore a particular technology might include:
- I know that it is a technology that is really, really, really popular with the general public (MySpace would be in this category with me - I had to know, what’s all the hype?)
- It fits a need I have heard expressed by our member libraries…. (blogs, Meebo, and Flickr would fall in this category for me).
- My friends and family keep sending me things from the site (… like all of the YouTube links people have sent me — library stuff like March of the Librarians and funny stuff like the OK Go video)
Beyond those reasons, a social software can “catch me” by appearing on my radar at just the right moment (when I’m at the right place to explore something) or if I keep seeing it referred to on the different library blogs I read. In the last week, I’ve joined two social software sites for that latter reason. Twitter and the Library 2.0 network Bill Drew started on Ning. I have spent a little bit of time playing with each of them. The dollar investment was $0.00 and the time investment was small, too. I’m not sure if either of them will become a part of my regular routine, but I do think it’s important to try a new thing now and then.
What’s on your social technology radar this week?
Scheduling meetings can be a nightmare - trying to accomodate different day/time requests can be time-consuming and frustrating. Here to save the day is DOODLE! This simple (and free!) tool allows you to create a meeting request w/different date and time options. Then you send a link to meeting participants. They follow that link and indicate which dates and times would work. You, as the meeting organizer, can then see which date and time works best for the most people. It’s slick and easy! Next time you need to schedule a meeting (or even a family dinner), try it! You’ll like it!
I’m at a workshop in Manhattan, KS today and the guest speaker is Jessamyn West of librarian.net fame. She’s talking about all kinds of library 2.0 topics and during her presentation she highlighted some Kansas sites and projects — including Tonganoxie Public Library’s website. If you haven’t seen it, take a look! Cool things are happening in this library (in a town with a population of approx 3500) - both in the building and also virtually. Instant messaging with patrons! Regularly updated content! Photos of people (not just buildings)!
Tonganoxie Public Library is one of the libraries participating in the statewide Kansas Libraries on the Web project (which uses Wordpress software, just like this blog). Some of the other sites include: Morrill Public Library in Hiawatha and Atchison Public Library. It’s exciting to see fresh content and connection to community happening in the world of library websites….
The staff at the Beaufort Public Library in South Carolina have pulled together some Web 2.0 resources. There are familiar sites here (MySpace, Meebo, Flickr…), but some new ones, too. Podcast Pickle anyone??
A while back, I blogged about hot pink being a popular text color choice for Meebo users. Elaine from Meebo has been gathering more statistics about usage. This time she looked at emoticon usage. The smile is, of course, the most popular choice. The second most popular choice is… the kiss!
A PBS documentary airing this month, Generation Next, may be of interest to you, especially to those of you working with young adults.
On a related note, I am very excited to announce that our NEKLS Tech Day 2007 speaker will be Mary Madden, a Senior Research Specialist with the Pew Internet & American Life Project. Her research centers around teens and technology. NEKLS Tech Day 2007 will be held in Topeka on August 2, 2007. More details will be announced later in the year, but save the date. We’re going to try to make this the best Tech Day yet!
More and more people are bringing their own personal laptop to the library. They are using the wireless Internet and appreciating the ability to use the space to work, study, and play. Mickey shared this recent post from the Ubiquitous Librarian’s blog with me; the article includes one librarian’s observations about how the need to find a place to plug in a laptop actually brings people together.
In many ways, technology is making it less necessary to visit the library. BUT we’re realizing that we have new roles for our space that are just as important as the old. Many libraries (small and large) are thinking about the best ways to facilitate the connection and communication users want. Here are some resources that might help you think in innovative ways about making the most of the space you have:
- WebJunction’s Focus on Space Planning
- South Jersey’s Trading Spaces
- Chris Rippel’s article What Libraries can Learn from Bookstores
I think we’re familiar with library space challenges, especially regarding technology and public access computing. I would love to hear your thoughts about what works well. Have you been in a library that really does a great job of creating a space that is accomodating and tech friendly (I know policies are important and staff attitudes, etc, but I’m specifically interested in examples of layout and space planning which work well)?
A few days ago, I wrote about my love for Meebo. I also quoted the Meebo blog. Today, I was excited to see, the Meebo blog was all about loving librarians!
“librarian love
elaine posted this on December 12, 2006
When we initially launched meebo, we crossed our fingers, gave our two little servers some encouraging pats, and sent out those first emails to friends and family. Words of encouragement started trickling in from students, office workers, soldiers, and travelers. One of our most loyal user groups was completely unexpected… librarians.
Turns out that locked-down computers, reference librarians who always want to be in touch with their patrons, and the desire to make libraries fun and friendly have given meebo and meebo me the perfect opportunity to shine.
Just recently, we smiled when reading Jessamyn’s blog where she helped a librarian post these posters advocating the use of meebo instead of download clients. Also, Aaron has been traipsing around libraries promoting meebo me as well. He explains, meebo me doesn’t require a download and the widget can be placed directly on the library’s website.
Thanks for keeping meebo in mind when you’re visiting your local library and public computer clusters. We’re happy to help out!
Take Care,
- Elaine”
What is it about pictures that makes things so much more appealing? The cliche is that a picture is worth a thousand words and I think that just might be true. The Kansas Libraries on the Web project uses WordPress software to help libraries create an attractive and up-to-date web presence. One of the most popular features is the ability to link to the library’s Flickr account to share photos (see Hiawatha’s page for example or Tonganoxie’s). We have a NEKLS Flickr account. Many of our member libraries have Flickr accounts, too. Josh Neff has created a Flickr group for Kansas Libraries. In our text-loving library world, it seems that there is a lot of photo innovation happening.
Another really cool photo project is happening in conjunction with KLA Legislative Day 2007. The theme is “The World Is Yours @ the Library”. Photographs are being gathered from as many libraries in Kansas as possible. Photos of the library in the home town of each legislator will be put in a frame and distributed to that legislator along with an invitation to the KLA Legislative Day Luncheon. All of the library photos will be displayed on KLA Legislative Day on a large map of Kansas so legislators at the luncheon can see and sign the photos of “their” libraries in each legislative district. This will be a huge map in front of the State Library. It is also planned that Governor Sebelius will be invited to accept a poster of the map with all photos of Kansas libraries (contact Rosanne at KLA if you would like more details). I think this is such a great idea and predict that it’s going to have a lot of impact — more impact than a spreadsheet of usage statistics or statements about needs.
So… what is it about photos? What innovative photo-type things are you doing in your library? Do you have a digital photo archive documenting your library’s events? Do you have a digital camera to use at library events (or even at events outside of the library)? What are the possibilities?
About ten years go, a lot of libraries prohibited emailing from public access computers. I think that rule was in place for two reasons… 1. Web-based tools like Hotmail or Yahoo Mail (which don’t require software to be installed on the computer) were not as well-known (and libraries, justifiably, did not want patron emails to come from a library account). 2. Libraries had different ideas about how library computers should be used (school reports, resume writing, “real” research). Now I think we know that communication is an important use of computers and it’s definitely one of THE most popular uses of library computers. I am not aware of a single library that continues to prohibit patron access to email.
I do still see some libraries prohibiting the use of instant messaging (IM). One of the reasons libraries have prohibited it is because of the need to install the Instant Messaging client on each public access computer. That, however, is no longer required. There are web-based tools that allow you to use IM without having to install software. My personal favorite is Meebo. It allows users to access their AIM, Yahoo!, MSN, Google Talk, ICQ or Jabber accounts, without needing to install any software. And it’s free! (Liz and Mickey have both mentioned Meebo here on the blog before.)
When you access Meebo, you will frequently see interesting notes from the developers. Today, for example, Elaine from Meebo posted some statistics they have gathered about text customization. 75% of users just use the default black font when are chatting. If people do change the color of the text, however, what do you think is the most popular choice? Hot pink!
Lots of our time gets spent reacting to here-and-now needs — computers that need troubleshooting, printers that need paper, etc…. I think it’s important to take a bit of time now and then to step back from the moment to reflect upon the bigger picture. It can be a refreshing thing. There are some wonderful events happening in the world of online library presentations and even if you can’t make it to the live, scheduled sessions, many are being archived so you can watch at a time that is convenient for you.
Three places with archived goodies:
1. I have been consistently impressed with the SirsiDynix Institutes. Some of the best and brightest from libraryland are sharing their ideas in these sessions. Recent sessions of interest include; ‘Engaging Youth on their Own Terms: Instant Messaging and Gaming in Libraries’, ‘Networking and Politics: Influencing Action to Get The Right Things Done’, and ‘Google Inc. and Libraries: Our Common Future‘.
2. Many of you attended the WebJunction Rural Library Sustainability workshops that were held throughout the state earlier this year. The InFocus webinar series exists to complement the work done in those workshops. The emphasis, of course, is on the needs of small libraries. Recent topics include; ‘Tech Support and the Rural Library’, ‘Technology Training for Patrons’, and ‘Grant Writing and the Rural Library’.
3. And don’t forget about OPAL (Online Programming for All Libraries). We have several virtual meeting rooms that are being used in Kansas, but there are also archived presentations that are worth checking out. Recent presentations of note include; ‘Libraries and Flickr‘, ‘Sustaining the Rural Library‘ and ‘Libraries Building Community through Citizen Dialogue‘.
If you attend or view a presentation that you think is particularly useful, please let us know and we’ll help spread the word!
You probably have heard that Google recently paid a whopping $1.65 billion to acquire YouTube. They obviously see great potential and a lucrative future for this technology. If you haven’t had a chance to explore YouTube, I encourage you to do so (although I warn you that it can be a bit addictive). It’s a video sharing website and it’s amazing how many strange and esoteric things can be found there. Certain videos seem to capture people’s attention and usually the most popular are not the most professional or polished. See Geriatric1927’s videos, for example. I personally love to look-up comedy clips and favorite bands from the 80s and 90s (and it’s amazing how many are there). There are copyright issues, of course… and it’s going to be one of Google’s big challenges, I think, to work those out.
What does this mean to us as library professionals? What are the implications for libraries? The most obvious implication, of course, is that many of your patrons use and enjoy YouTube. The video format is appealing to people. Are there other ways, creative and innovative ways, that YouTube can be used by libraries? I think there are and so do many others — here’s a list of links put together by a librarian at Austin Community College. She highlights ways libraries are using YouTube for marketing, instruction, and entertainment.
Are you a YouTube fan? How do you use it? Have you used it for professional purposes (as well as personal and recreational)?
I spent some time at the Centralia Community Library yesterday, working with Sonny on various things, including getting her library’s equipment inventoried using the free WebJunction technology planning tool, TechAtlas. It was so slick! We ran the automatic inventory tool, which captured information about the hardware (how much RAM? how much hard drive space? what type of processor?) and also about the software versions. We then manually added other details for the computers, including purchase date, service plan parameters, etc…. We also manually entered the fax machine, the hand-held scanner, the printers, and the photocopier. It’s great to have all of that information in one place. As we all know, keeping up with technology can feel overwhelming. I think having an up-to-date inventory is such a powerful step towards feeling on top of things.
If you want to learn more about TechAtlas, there are numerous resources that can help:
- *The TechAtlas for Libraries Blog has current information.
- *A free online course, WebJunction’s TechAtlas for Libraries
- *ME! I would be glad to work with you to take advantage of the TechAtlas tools.
So far, I have seen libraries really taking advantage of the inventory capabilities of TechAtlas. It can, however, also help a library create a technology plan (e-rate compatible). Lots of potential for NEKLS libraries….
As Liz said, we’re in Monterey at the Internet Librarian Conference. It’s great to be here and to see and talk to the people who write the blogs and articles that inspire me regularly. I attended a great session this afternoon on podcasting and videocasting. Topeka and Shawnee County Library’s digital branch manager David King was one of the panel speakers.
I am thinking about podcasting as a training tool. What if we had monthly or even weekly podcasts on a technology topic? More and more library staff members have MP3 players now and could use them to listen to these podcasts.
I’m not sure that I’m ready for videocasting, but I do like to think about the use of videos for training, too. I like the idea of creating short video tutorials on technology topics. These tutorials could be used and viewed independently or as a follow-up to face-to-face training. The tutorials could be created to meet the needs of NEKLS libraries. Hmm… maybe I’ll soon be sending out a casting call notice for some technology video actors??!!
Here’s something that I have been reading about that some of you may find relevant….
If you want to learn more about
* Blogs
* RSS
* Wikis
* Social Networking Software and SecondLife
* Flickr
* Social Bookmarking Software
* Selling Social Software @ Your Library
then consider applying for an upcoming free course, offered entirely online: Five Weeks to a Social Library. This is the first time this has been offered, but I have a feeling this is going to be a course with a lot of impact. The creators of the course are currently some of the most exciting thinkers in the world of library technology use.
The class will be limited to 40 participants and the intended audience is “those librarians who have the most to gain from learning about social software and who would not otherwise have access to conferences or continuing education.” The participant applications are due December 1st and you will find out by January 1st whether or not you have been selected to participate.
If any NEKLS library members apply and complete the course, I’d love to know, so I can hear all about it and also so I can interview you about the experience for a NEKLS newsletter article. Go for it!
I remember when I first started using the web. I was giddy over all of the things I could find and could not stop thinking about the possibilities. Now, over a decade later, I still feel pretty excited about the web.
I’ve noticed a similar sort of excitement in the air in the last few weeks… this time over podcasts. I have had at least three people tell me they are seriously ga-ga over finding and downloading podcasts to their iPods. I think there was a wave a while back, where people got really, really excited about the coolness of downloading music. Now I think there’s some buzz in the air over how cool it is to find content, download it to your player, and have it available to listen to at your convenience.
Are you new to the world of podcasting? Wikipedia helps explain what a podcast is.
Are you a podcast lover? What do you listen to? About which resources are you most excited? I’ve heard several people mention NPR podcasts. What else?
It has been 2 1/2 weeks since NEKLS Tech Day 2006, so I feel like I have had some distance and space to think about things and start to plan for next year. It has been thrilling to see the response from some of the attendees. We had eval forms and got some good feedback on those, but even more telling has been the response in the “blogosphere.”
- For example, From a KC Librarian created an audioblog entry while at the gas station on his way home!
- It’s all about connections! At Tech Day, A The Book of Nature was able to meet The Goblin in the Library….
- Erica and others from Johnson County brainstormed possibilities and applications in their community.
- We think that David liked us so much he decided to become a Kansas librarian
Thank you everyone for being there and for sharing your ideas and excitement on your blogs! If you have ideas for next year’s Tech Day, please share them with us. Liz and I will both be going to the Internet Librarian conference in October and we’ll be scouting out potential keynote speakers there.
Are genealogy print resources going the way of the dodo bird? A recent posting in Eastman’s Genealogy Newsletter tackles the question of whether digital will make print obsolete in the world of genealogy materials.
Thanks to Raymond for sharing this article!
For some reason, it always seems a little odd to me to see books about online tools. Have you, for example, seen all of the eBay books that have been published? There have been a few Google books published and this recent one looks intriguing to me: 55 Ways to Have Fun with Google. You can order a print version of the book ($$) or you can download it online (free!). Check it out and you’ll learn all about the Google Snake Game, Googledromes, Googlesport, the Google Calculator, Googlepark, even Google Weddings!
Have you ever used a wiki? The NEKLS Tech Site is a wiki. They are a technology perfectly suited for online collaboration. Wikis are being used elsewhere in the library world, too. Library Success, for example, is a best practices wiki.
If you’re intrigued by this new-ish technology, consider attending the free SirsiDynix webinar that will be offered on July 13th. Meredith Farkas is the presenter and she’s a knowledgeable expert at the forefront of thinking about the use of wikis in libraries. I have attended other SirsiDynix webinars and have been impressed by the quality, so expect this to be well worth the time, too. It’s free, but you need to register.
Dayna Williams-Capone, director of the Parsons Public Library, recently interviewed Kansas state librarian Christie Brandau about Library 2.0. The interview is now available as a podcast.
Library 2.0 is a topic that is near and dear to Michael Stephen’s heart. He will be our NEKLS Tech Day 2006 speaker, so listening to Christie’s podcast will be a good warm-up for that presentation.
NEKLS Tech Day will be held Thursday, August 10th, on the Washburn University campus. Watch for more details and registration information… coming soon!
I like blogs. I scan a lot of them regularly and have a few that I read religiously. Without Bloglines, I think I would be overwhelmed by trying to keep up. Bloglines is my RSS reader — I can scan a list of the blogs I like, to see which ones have been updated since I last looked at them. If you’re new to RSS feeds and readers, you may want to check out this article from TechCrunch. It overviews some of the RSS feed readers that are out there. My vote goes to Bloglines — anyone out there using something different and wonderful that you would like to recommend?
If you subscribe to the print version of Newsweek, you may have already scanned the article “The New Wisdom of the Web.” If not, check it out online. MySpace, Flickr, and other social technologies are explored and future possibilities are discussed. A lot of this will be review if you’re a regular reader of this blog, but this might be an interesting article to pass along to board members, patrons, and even staff members who are new to thinking about the implications of social technologies.
Gaming in libraries is a HOT topic this year! Read about various gaming events on the LibrarySuccess site. If you’ve been hosting gaming events in your library, consider adding your information to the wiki, too. Let the larger library world know about the cool things that are happening right here in Kansas! (Nortonville, Silver Lake,… who else?)