Isn't it strange how everyone wants a place in heaven, but they don't want to believe, do, or say anything to get there?
As we celebrate another wonderful Christmas season with family and friends, remember that it isn't all about Santa and presents.
The greatest gift of all was the birth of Jesus. If you are so inclined, open up the Bible before you retire tonight and read the story yet again.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Books for Christmas
I always try to include a few books for Christmas gift giving. So far this year my list includes the following:
One Room Country School: South Dakota Stories by Charles L. Woodard and Norma C. Wilson
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: recipies from an accidental country girl by Ree Drummond
Librarian's night before Christmas by David Davis and Jim Harris (very cute book)
The raccoon and the bee tree by Charles Eastman
Give the gift of reading. What titles are you giving?
One Room Country School: South Dakota Stories by Charles L. Woodard and Norma C. Wilson
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: recipies from an accidental country girl by Ree Drummond
Librarian's night before Christmas by David Davis and Jim Harris (very cute book)
The raccoon and the bee tree by Charles Eastman
Give the gift of reading. What titles are you giving?
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Policies and Procedures
We are in the process of putting together a library policies and procedures training road show. Timely enough, this article just came out in School Library Journal http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6699104.html and will be a good reference as we work on our presentations and handouts. As the example shows at the beginning of the article, what you post may come back to bite you sooner or later.
I recently finished the new Nevada Barr book 13 1/2. It's not the next Anna Pigeon, but Barr has branched out into a psychological thriller that takes the reader across several years of events in the lives of a former runaway and a wrongly accused murderer. It is a real page turner.
Another book I've wanted to read for a long time and have finally started is Waiting for Coyote's Call: An Eco-memoir from the Missouri River Bluff by Jerry Wilson. A review from Amazon describes the book as "author (Jerry) Wilson's memoir of his family's 25 years spent living on the Missouri River in South Dakota...living as eco-friendly a life as is possible". I've just started, but I can already tell that I am going to enjoy this book.
Enjoy a good book over the weekend.
I recently finished the new Nevada Barr book 13 1/2. It's not the next Anna Pigeon, but Barr has branched out into a psychological thriller that takes the reader across several years of events in the lives of a former runaway and a wrongly accused murderer. It is a real page turner.
Another book I've wanted to read for a long time and have finally started is Waiting for Coyote's Call: An Eco-memoir from the Missouri River Bluff by Jerry Wilson. A review from Amazon describes the book as "author (Jerry) Wilson's memoir of his family's 25 years spent living on the Missouri River in South Dakota...living as eco-friendly a life as is possible". I've just started, but I can already tell that I am going to enjoy this book.
Enjoy a good book over the weekend.
Friday, November 6, 2009
State Library resources
It is always nice when someone blogs about the great resources available at the State Library, so I just have to re-post this blog entry from Brian Laurent, who visited SDSL to do some grants research on Wednesday of this week.
http://rushmorevistas.blogspot.com/2009/11/foundation-center.html
http://rushmorevistas.blogspot.com/2009/11/foundation-center.html
Friday, October 30, 2009
Library site visit - Gettysburg
I had a delightful visit at the Potter County Library yesterday. After I get my notes together, I'll post more.
In the meantime, here is something neat that just came across my Bloglines http://blogs.bcr.org/publiclibraries/2009/10/29/library-cereal-boxes/
In the meantime, here is something neat that just came across my Bloglines http://blogs.bcr.org/publiclibraries/2009/10/29/library-cereal-boxes/
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Parking
Here's a little discussion about the new parking lots and parking arrangement at the State Library. The only thing I really can't understand is why the handicapped spaces are to the north of the building instead of right in front of the doors.
http://my605.com/pierrereview/
http://my605.com/pierrereview/
Thursday, October 15, 2009
2009 SD Library Association Conference
I felt like I didn't get to spend enough time at SDLA this year. Due to budget issues, some of us were not able to go until Thursday morning, and the conference ends on Friday. In addition to that, we did not stay at the conference hotel, and it is amazing how disconnected that makes one feel.
Anyway, I attended a couple of really good 2.0/social web sessions. Two librarians from SD State University presented on a Virtual Librarian in every classroom and talked about all of the 2.0 tools and more that they use in library instruction. It was very informative and provided lots of good links to visit. I also attended a session on using Second Life in libraryland. I'd always wondered about Second Life and this session was just what I needed to introduce me to it. I don't think I'll be signing up any time soon, but I am definitely more educated on it now.
The number of vendors at the conference this year was up from year's past and that was really great. There were a couple of new ones. Auto-graphics was there, and Grant County Public Library in Milbank has recently purchased their product.
Dr. Thom Flamboe, an assistant professor of psychology, gave a phenomenal talk on dealing with adolescents over the years. His stories were heartwarming and so funny at the same time. Many of us had tears from laughing so hard by the time the presentation ended.
A wonderful dessert reception followed the awards banquet in downtown Aberdeen. Attendees could tour the Dacotah Prairie Museum, then over to the Ward Hotel for late night coffee and goodies.
There was definitely not enough time to visit with all of the librarians across the state that I like to chat with, so next year I'll make sure to get there earlier so as not to feel so rushed.
Anyway, I attended a couple of really good 2.0/social web sessions. Two librarians from SD State University presented on a Virtual Librarian in every classroom and talked about all of the 2.0 tools and more that they use in library instruction. It was very informative and provided lots of good links to visit. I also attended a session on using Second Life in libraryland. I'd always wondered about Second Life and this session was just what I needed to introduce me to it. I don't think I'll be signing up any time soon, but I am definitely more educated on it now.
The number of vendors at the conference this year was up from year's past and that was really great. There were a couple of new ones. Auto-graphics was there, and Grant County Public Library in Milbank has recently purchased their product.
Dr. Thom Flamboe, an assistant professor of psychology, gave a phenomenal talk on dealing with adolescents over the years. His stories were heartwarming and so funny at the same time. Many of us had tears from laughing so hard by the time the presentation ended.
A wonderful dessert reception followed the awards banquet in downtown Aberdeen. Attendees could tour the Dacotah Prairie Museum, then over to the Ward Hotel for late night coffee and goodies.
There was definitely not enough time to visit with all of the librarians across the state that I like to chat with, so next year I'll make sure to get there earlier so as not to feel so rushed.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
2008 Library of the Year
I went down to Denver last week to see the Broncos/Cowboys football game. Way fun!!
On the way south, we stopped in Cheyenne to spend the night with friends. We had some free time in the afternoon, so we went to visit the Laramie County Library, the Library Journal and Gale Cengage's 2008 Library of the Year.
As we walked about the three story building, we uttered plenty of oohs and aahs. We entered the building through the coffee shop and walked down a large hallway which had displays and access to a meeting room before we actually entered the circulation area. This area has many self check-out machines and we got to see a self check-in system live for the first time. I've read plenty about them, but actually seeing it work was cool. The library has a large windowed area where patrons can see what happens after they return their books on the conveyor belt system. We visited with a patron who had just returned some books and she showed us her receipt for returns. She said she'd only had one incidence where the system did not read the barcode correctly, and she just went straight to the circ desk where they got it fixed right away.
The first floor of the library includes an info desk right as you walk in the door, large print materials (nice so the older patrons do not have to travel upstairs), AV collections, separate room for the Friends book sale, circ area, magazines, newspapers, and fiction. Each floor has a huge circular desk in the middle with large "Ask here" signage for patrons needing assistance. Each floor also has self check-out machines, library catalog computers, restrooms, meeting rooms, a copy room area where you can make copies, pay for copies made from computers on that floor, and even pay fines using a credit card.
The second floor is all about the children and YA's. There are so many neat things, I hope I can post pictures because words won't describe it well enough. The giant chessboard in the middle of the floor was the first thing I saw. The YA area is separate and the teens have their own lounge.
Third floor houses the non-fiction, special collections area, reference collection, and a huge computer lab with 50 machines and a classroom with a large screen for trainings. Second and third floors also have individual study rooms. The study rooms are all glass, and I'm guessing that gives the librarians a good line of sight to make sure nothing "against the rules" is going on inside the study rooms, especially in the teen area. LOL The elevator is also glass, and I'm sure it provides lots of entertainment for the small children to watch it go up and down.
Here is the library map. Notice how everything is color coded. The walls outside the meeting rooms are actually lavendar just like the map. We chatted with the gal at the info desk a bit. She mentioned that every staff person, from the maintenance staff to the library director, spends one hour per week at the info desk greeting patrons and helping to direct them. I thought this was really cool. In my opinion, library directors/managers who work at a public service desk have a better feel for what the patrons and staff need.
Last stop of course was the coffee shop, where they make a really good mocha!
On the way south, we stopped in Cheyenne to spend the night with friends. We had some free time in the afternoon, so we went to visit the Laramie County Library, the Library Journal and Gale Cengage's 2008 Library of the Year.
As we walked about the three story building, we uttered plenty of oohs and aahs. We entered the building through the coffee shop and walked down a large hallway which had displays and access to a meeting room before we actually entered the circulation area. This area has many self check-out machines and we got to see a self check-in system live for the first time. I've read plenty about them, but actually seeing it work was cool. The library has a large windowed area where patrons can see what happens after they return their books on the conveyor belt system. We visited with a patron who had just returned some books and she showed us her receipt for returns. She said she'd only had one incidence where the system did not read the barcode correctly, and she just went straight to the circ desk where they got it fixed right away.
The first floor of the library includes an info desk right as you walk in the door, large print materials (nice so the older patrons do not have to travel upstairs), AV collections, separate room for the Friends book sale, circ area, magazines, newspapers, and fiction. Each floor has a huge circular desk in the middle with large "Ask here" signage for patrons needing assistance. Each floor also has self check-out machines, library catalog computers, restrooms, meeting rooms, a copy room area where you can make copies, pay for copies made from computers on that floor, and even pay fines using a credit card.
The second floor is all about the children and YA's. There are so many neat things, I hope I can post pictures because words won't describe it well enough. The giant chessboard in the middle of the floor was the first thing I saw. The YA area is separate and the teens have their own lounge.
Third floor houses the non-fiction, special collections area, reference collection, and a huge computer lab with 50 machines and a classroom with a large screen for trainings. Second and third floors also have individual study rooms. The study rooms are all glass, and I'm guessing that gives the librarians a good line of sight to make sure nothing "against the rules" is going on inside the study rooms, especially in the teen area. LOL The elevator is also glass, and I'm sure it provides lots of entertainment for the small children to watch it go up and down.
Here is the library map. Notice how everything is color coded. The walls outside the meeting rooms are actually lavendar just like the map. We chatted with the gal at the info desk a bit. She mentioned that every staff person, from the maintenance staff to the library director, spends one hour per week at the info desk greeting patrons and helping to direct them. I thought this was really cool. In my opinion, library directors/managers who work at a public service desk have a better feel for what the patrons and staff need.
Last stop of course was the coffee shop, where they make a really good mocha!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Best Free Reference Web Sites 2009
Eleventh Annual List from RUSA Machine-Assisted Reference Section (MARS)
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/rusa/sections/mars/marspubs/marsbestfreewebsites/marsbestfree2009.cfm
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/rusa/sections/mars/marspubs/marsbestfreewebsites/marsbestfree2009.cfm
Library site visit - Midland Community Library
On Thursday, Sept 24, I visited the Midland Community Library. Midland is back in my old stomping grounds since I have an uncle who lives there, and I graduated high school in Philip, which is 26 miles away.
Midland is a tiny community, but I was quite surprised at how large their library is. It is only open two afternoons a week from 2-5 pm. The collection has a lot of old treasures as well as a few new items. It is hard for them to purchase brand new materials because they do not have a book budget. There is a community supper every year which provides about $500. Luckily, the city takes care of the utilities and maintenance of the building.
Midland closed their high school a few years back due to low enrollment. There are still elementary students who come to the library after school and the summer reading program is well attended.
The local youth of Midland recently got together and applied for a Ted Turner grant to provide a brand new computer for the library. This will be a big help for those students who do research after school, as well as for the librarian to be able to get on the computer and check the library email account.
Midland is a tiny community, but I was quite surprised at how large their library is. It is only open two afternoons a week from 2-5 pm. The collection has a lot of old treasures as well as a few new items. It is hard for them to purchase brand new materials because they do not have a book budget. There is a community supper every year which provides about $500. Luckily, the city takes care of the utilities and maintenance of the building.
Midland closed their high school a few years back due to low enrollment. There are still elementary students who come to the library after school and the summer reading program is well attended.
The local youth of Midland recently got together and applied for a Ted Turner grant to provide a brand new computer for the library. This will be a big help for those students who do research after school, as well as for the librarian to be able to get on the computer and check the library email account.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Photos of Kennebec Library
The display of large books they have there now is on loan from the HOP program http://www.hopsd.org/ at the SD Discovery Center in Pierre.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Library site visit to Kennebec, SD
I visited the Kennebec Community Library on Wednesday afternoon this week. Kennebec is a community of 200+ people. I would love to be the library director of a small town library, if only I wanted to live in a small town, which I don't. But, visiting the small town libraries is, I think, one of the great perks of my job.
Kennebec has so much community support for their library. If anything is needed from funds, to computers, to book donations, the community is there. In the current economic times when some libraries are closing due to lack of funds and support, it is great to see that this is not true in Kennebec.
Anywhere from 1-30 kids are at the library every day after school. Kennebec Library does not open until 2:30 in the afternoons, but several schools, preschools, and other groups in the Kennebec area call and make appointments to come in and use the library in the morning. On the morning of my visit, a group of preschoolers made their very first visit to a library. I'm sure they took home a lasting impression of a place to which they would like to return.
I will post a couple of photos next week.
Kennebec has so much community support for their library. If anything is needed from funds, to computers, to book donations, the community is there. In the current economic times when some libraries are closing due to lack of funds and support, it is great to see that this is not true in Kennebec.
Anywhere from 1-30 kids are at the library every day after school. Kennebec Library does not open until 2:30 in the afternoons, but several schools, preschools, and other groups in the Kennebec area call and make appointments to come in and use the library in the morning. On the morning of my visit, a group of preschoolers made their very first visit to a library. I'm sure they took home a lasting impression of a place to which they would like to return.
I will post a couple of photos next week.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Friday, September 4, 2009
Trading Card
I had a little extra time today after doing some research on illegitimate children in SD in the 1930's, so I thought I'd go back to the Flickr lesson and try the trading card thing. I didn't think I had a good pic the first time, but thanks to our wonderful graphics person here at the library, I think this will do.
CNN and Libraries
CNN is running a lengthy post today about the current state/future of
libraries and librarianship including a section titled Library 2.0.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/09/04/future.library.technology/index.html?iref=newssearch
libraries and librarianship including a section titled Library 2.0.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/09/04/future.library.technology/index.html?iref=newssearch
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
The end...
It has been fun and educational. Two things I'm definitely going to continue: my blog and more Flickr stuff. I admit I have not looked at Flickr since the lesson, but I really want to do more stuff with the photos I have and I'm going to make it a priority to play more with my Flickr account.
Since I like to write and share my opinions for whatever they are worth, I am going to continue this blog. It may not be all library stuff; I'll add a tinge of personal adventures. I think this blog will be a great way for me to share what is going on in other libraries in SD as I go out on site visits. It is truly amazing what small SD communities are doing to keep their libraries alive and vibrant in today's economy.
I love having my Bloglines account for all of my RSS feeds! It helps keep me organized. If you have not checked out the new Librarian in Black blog, it has moved to a new URL at http://librarianinblack.net/librarianinblack/ and RSS feed is http://feeds.feedburner.com/Librarianinblack Very cool site.
I do have a LibraryThing account, but I have not accessed it in a very long time. I have a very small personal library at home because I hate clutter, so I don't have a lot of books to add to LibraryThing. I'd rather check books out from the library. Imagine! I do have all of the Harry Potter books, a good number of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, and a few miscellaneous books at home, but I really would rather check them out from the library.
I've enjoyed reading blogs from others on this challenge. We are a diverse and talented group of 2.0'ers. ;-)
Since I like to write and share my opinions for whatever they are worth, I am going to continue this blog. It may not be all library stuff; I'll add a tinge of personal adventures. I think this blog will be a great way for me to share what is going on in other libraries in SD as I go out on site visits. It is truly amazing what small SD communities are doing to keep their libraries alive and vibrant in today's economy.
I love having my Bloglines account for all of my RSS feeds! It helps keep me organized. If you have not checked out the new Librarian in Black blog, it has moved to a new URL at http://librarianinblack.net/librarianinblack/ and RSS feed is http://feeds.feedburner.com/Librarianinblack Very cool site.
I do have a LibraryThing account, but I have not accessed it in a very long time. I have a very small personal library at home because I hate clutter, so I don't have a lot of books to add to LibraryThing. I'd rather check books out from the library. Imagine! I do have all of the Harry Potter books, a good number of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, and a few miscellaneous books at home, but I really would rather check them out from the library.
I've enjoyed reading blogs from others on this challenge. We are a diverse and talented group of 2.0'ers. ;-)
Friday, August 28, 2009
It's hip to be a librarian
Now if we only had the salaries to go with our 'hipness'.
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/217821/it-s-hip-be-a-librarian
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/217821/it-s-hip-be-a-librarian
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Wiki's
I think wikis definitely have a use in library land. The examples given in the blog post are excellent. In addition to those, I can think of a couple ways to use a wiki. Almost every reference department I've ever worked in has those little recipe cards of answers to frequently asked questions from patrons. These are usually of local flavor, so there may not be a website that gives the answer. If there were a website, then delicious might be more appropriate to use. Anyway, a reference department wiki could be created and all of the staff members could be adding little tidbits of this type of information as questions come up at the desk. Here at the State Library, one of the questions we get is for information on the "Think...why die?" signs that are posted beside highways throughout the state. We have information on how that was started, so it could be put into a wiki instead of my "good to know" folder that I keep in my email.
Another idea that has been floating around the State Library is creating a wiki of SD authors. First we have to define what a SD author is: were they born here, do they live and write here now, etc. It would be a quick way to keep track of SD authors and people could add more as they come across them.
Wouldn't it be cool to create a family wiki? If one had tech savvy family members, rather than send emails out on occasion, the family could be posting activities and updates on the wiki. This would eliminate having to bookmark and read everyone's family blog, although that would be easy too with RSS. But then there is also Facebook.... So many possibilities. One just has to experiment to see which 2.0 tool will work the best for each project or idea.
Another idea that has been floating around the State Library is creating a wiki of SD authors. First we have to define what a SD author is: were they born here, do they live and write here now, etc. It would be a quick way to keep track of SD authors and people could add more as they come across them.
Wouldn't it be cool to create a family wiki? If one had tech savvy family members, rather than send emails out on occasion, the family could be posting activities and updates on the wiki. This would eliminate having to bookmark and read everyone's family blog, although that would be easy too with RSS. But then there is also Facebook.... So many possibilities. One just has to experiment to see which 2.0 tool will work the best for each project or idea.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Delicious....mmmmmm
I've had a delicious account for a while (since June '08 according to my first saved URL), and I do find it useful. I've not saved any URL's for a while and I've got a list that I need to add. I just have not done it. My delicious URL is http://delicious.com/bkstand/ Not too exciting, I know, but there you have it.
Here is what I am excited about, though. The State Library website is being totally redesigned and we are hopefully going to be incorporating a delicious page into that. It will be so great to have URL's handy that the research staff uses often, as well as government publications websites, library development links for librarians throughout the state, etc etc etc. There will be so many great uses for this for the State Library.
That's about it. I do like the tagging feature and I learned a couple new things by reading the article that was linked from the 2.0 blog, so I'll have to give those a whirl at some point too.
Here is what I am excited about, though. The State Library website is being totally redesigned and we are hopefully going to be incorporating a delicious page into that. It will be so great to have URL's handy that the research staff uses often, as well as government publications websites, library development links for librarians throughout the state, etc etc etc. There will be so many great uses for this for the State Library.
That's about it. I do like the tagging feature and I learned a couple new things by reading the article that was linked from the 2.0 blog, so I'll have to give those a whirl at some point too.
Tools list...
ResourceShelf is a great site to subscribe via your Bloglines or Google Reader account. Here is a neat list of useful resources.
http://www.resourceshelf.com/2009/08/17/resources-of-the-week-useful-10-tools-i-love/
http://www.resourceshelf.com/2009/08/17/resources-of-the-week-useful-10-tools-i-love/
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
I've had a Facebook account for probably six months or so. I never really thought I'd create one, but got a wild hair one day. Within days, I heard from a high school classmate who has been in Jersey for over 20 years, and I've been able to make contact with a few other high school and college classmates as well. That part has been cool. I'm still exploring adding photos and such, but need to find more time to concentrate on that.
What I've found a bit disappointing is that most of the people I've "friended" either just play the games (which are fun, don't get me wrong) or don't bother posting at all. I like to comment on posts and see if people comment on posts of mine. It's just another way of communicating and keeping in touch. Can you "unfriend" someone and not have them know it? I'll have to figure that out, because that is probably what I'll do in some cases.
If I had to choose Facebook or Twitter, I would pick Facebook, just because it is more fun. I can't really think of any component that I would use in my job. I've become a "fan" of some library associations and college related groups. A co-worker and I recently did some polling of other state library agencies that use chat and we also asked about other 2.0 tools that they used. Most of those we chatted with said they had or have had a Facebook page, but saw it as a tool they could live without. But that is what challenges like this are good for because you never know if something will be useful until you try it.
What I've found a bit disappointing is that most of the people I've "friended" either just play the games (which are fun, don't get me wrong) or don't bother posting at all. I like to comment on posts and see if people comment on posts of mine. It's just another way of communicating and keeping in touch. Can you "unfriend" someone and not have them know it? I'll have to figure that out, because that is probably what I'll do in some cases.
If I had to choose Facebook or Twitter, I would pick Facebook, just because it is more fun. I can't really think of any component that I would use in my job. I've become a "fan" of some library associations and college related groups. A co-worker and I recently did some polling of other state library agencies that use chat and we also asked about other 2.0 tools that they used. Most of those we chatted with said they had or have had a Facebook page, but saw it as a tool they could live without. But that is what challenges like this are good for because you never know if something will be useful until you try it.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Goodbye Twitter
I made the not too difficult decision to delete my Twitter account. I probably would never have created one in the first place had I not had to have an account for an online conference I was attending. I find I much prefer to update my Facebook page or my blog, and now I have one less username/password to remember. Hurrah! I think I'll be saying goodbye to Ning soon too. :-)
BTW, for those of you book lovers out there, I am currently almost finished with The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. I highly recommend. It is a fast, delightful read.
BTW, for those of you book lovers out there, I am currently almost finished with The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. I highly recommend. It is a fast, delightful read.
Office Tools/Google Docs
I am familiar with several of these tools, having been introduced to Google Docs through work projects earlier this year. One of the things I've done in Google Docs is create a spreadsheet of books that the State Library was discarding. It was easy to then copy the link and send the list to various listservs without having to worry about compatibility with others' MS Word versions.
Other things I've used on the web-based productivity applications list are Doodle and SurveyMonkey. Doodle was great in helping to organize meetings. Possible attendees can put in what dates/times don't work for them and it makes selecting a date/time for a meeting so much easier than emailing or calling everyone. I used SurveyMonkey to put together the SD Library Association conference attendee survey. An email link as well as a web link are created, so that when the conference is over, I can email the survey link to all of the attendees and the web link can also be placed on the SDLA website. A free account only allows 10 questions, but this was just enough. It will be so much easier to compile responses now, rather than have to re-key everything from paper copies to create a master response document. I found a similar feature to create surveys in Google Docs - Forms option.
I will be exploring a calendar option, mainly for the sole purpose of organizing family and friend birthdays! No longer do we have to write those on a wall calendar from one year to the next. Great stuff!
Other things I've used on the web-based productivity applications list are Doodle and SurveyMonkey. Doodle was great in helping to organize meetings. Possible attendees can put in what dates/times don't work for them and it makes selecting a date/time for a meeting so much easier than emailing or calling everyone. I used SurveyMonkey to put together the SD Library Association conference attendee survey. An email link as well as a web link are created, so that when the conference is over, I can email the survey link to all of the attendees and the web link can also be placed on the SDLA website. A free account only allows 10 questions, but this was just enough. It will be so much easier to compile responses now, rather than have to re-key everything from paper copies to create a master response document. I found a similar feature to create surveys in Google Docs - Forms option.
I will be exploring a calendar option, mainly for the sole purpose of organizing family and friend birthdays! No longer do we have to write those on a wall calendar from one year to the next. Great stuff!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
YouTube/Google Video
I'm mind boggled by all of the things that are on the internet nowadays. Ever wonder why it is so easy for identities to be stolen?
I'm not sure I would use YouTube or any of these types of sites since I do like some semblance of privacy. I might use them if I can password it for just family and friends and I'm sure that is an option. I just haven't delved that far into it yet.
For my exercise, I chose to revisit Tucson, Arizona. I spent three summers there while taking classes for my master's degree in Info Resources and Library Science from the U of A. I really enjoyed Tucson even though it was blazing hot. It is just a whole different atmosphere and I love the saguaros! http://www.flickr.com/photos/7298460@N03/3396899427/
Here is a video from YouTube of a tour through Sabino Canyon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dqPNSOmUG8
and another of the renovations at San Xavier Del Bac Mission
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaXFtveYq2o Visit the website at http://www.sanxaviermission.org/
What I think is wonderful about the internet and 2.0 tools like YouTube, Flickr, etc is that I have an opportunity to visit places via video and photos that I will probably never get to see in this lifetime. I find that very valuable, on a personal as well as educational level.
I'm not sure I would use YouTube or any of these types of sites since I do like some semblance of privacy. I might use them if I can password it for just family and friends and I'm sure that is an option. I just haven't delved that far into it yet.
For my exercise, I chose to revisit Tucson, Arizona. I spent three summers there while taking classes for my master's degree in Info Resources and Library Science from the U of A. I really enjoyed Tucson even though it was blazing hot. It is just a whole different atmosphere and I love the saguaros! http://www.flickr.com/photos/7298460@N03/3396899427/
Here is a video from YouTube of a tour through Sabino Canyon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dqPNSOmUG8
and another of the renovations at San Xavier Del Bac Mission
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaXFtveYq2o Visit the website at http://www.sanxaviermission.org/
What I think is wonderful about the internet and 2.0 tools like YouTube, Flickr, etc is that I have an opportunity to visit places via video and photos that I will probably never get to see in this lifetime. I find that very valuable, on a personal as well as educational level.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Podcasts
I'm not quite done with Flickr yet. I still want to explore that further. However, in the interest of time, I wanted to move on, so here I am at podcasts. I like the idea of a library using these as a media tool, a "what's happening at the library" weekly podcast (or daily if you are a really busy public library).
I used podcastalley.com to search for 'library' and came up with a lot of hits, so there are a lot of library's and library junkies using this tool. I looked at podcasts like 'the library channel' and 'open stacks' but avoided that one titled 'erotic xpression'. After all, I am on a state computer and the title of that one scared me a little. Maybe I'll explore that one when I am at home on my own computer. Of course, it may be a book talk program, who knows?
I also did some other searches for things like national public radio and Black Hills. There really are a lot of podcasts out there. I think, though, that unless it is related to my job, I would probably not use them much.
I used podcastalley.com to search for 'library' and came up with a lot of hits, so there are a lot of library's and library junkies using this tool. I looked at podcasts like 'the library channel' and 'open stacks' but avoided that one titled 'erotic xpression'. After all, I am on a state computer and the title of that one scared me a little. Maybe I'll explore that one when I am at home on my own computer. Of course, it may be a book talk program, who knows?
I also did some other searches for things like national public radio and Black Hills. There really are a lot of podcasts out there. I think, though, that unless it is related to my job, I would probably not use them much.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Flickr photo
Success! This photo is from a Fall 2007 1880 train ride that we took from Hill City to Keystone and back. Great colors. I recommend a ride on the train if you have the chance. Last Christmas, we took the Christmas train ride. They had it all decorated up, we sang songs, rode the train up to "the North Pole" where Santa's house was all lit up. Santa got on the train with us there and rode back to Hill City. Wonderful for the kiddos!Here is a link to a Flickr photo of one of my other favorite things to do in the Hills! Yes, Sturgis is almost upon us and I am excited to be heading to the Aerosmith show on August 5.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8759441@N02/964090357/
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Flickr and more
So far, I have my Flickr account created. But first, I had to create a Yahoo account. I chose to create a Gmail account at the beginning of the 2.0 Challenge. Now I wish I'd done a Yahoo account instead. I really don't need four email addresses, but now that is what I have. Fellow 2.0 bloggers, is there a 2.0 tool that keeps track of the seemingly hundreds of usernames/passwords that I have for emails, Facebook, LibraryThing, Flickr, State Library listservs, bank accounts, Ning, Twitter, Delicious, Bloglines, and on, and on, and on.....?
More Flickr later. I also saw Daria's IGoogle page the other day and decided that I must have one of those as well.
Gotta love 2.0
More Flickr later. I also saw Daria's IGoogle page the other day and decided that I must have one of those as well.
Gotta love 2.0
Monday, July 13, 2009
RSS
I have had a Bloglines account for probably a good year now, and I don't know what I'd do without it.
I have lots of library blogs saved here, plus some news RSS feeds so I can stay up to date on the headlines. I think it is an important thing for a reference librarian to be aware of headlines because you never know when someone is going to call and ask about something related to what is going on in the world or locally. I usually just glance at the headlines. Once in a while, I'll click on the link to the story just because I think I need additional info. 99% of my Bloglines feeds are library related, with the exception of CNN. I also check the Rapid City Journal and Keloland news online, but I don't have RSS feeds set up for them. It has just become a habit for me to check those.
I have lots of library blogs saved here, plus some news RSS feeds so I can stay up to date on the headlines. I think it is an important thing for a reference librarian to be aware of headlines because you never know when someone is going to call and ask about something related to what is going on in the world or locally. I usually just glance at the headlines. Once in a while, I'll click on the link to the story just because I think I need additional info. 99% of my Bloglines feeds are library related, with the exception of CNN. I also check the Rapid City Journal and Keloland news online, but I don't have RSS feeds set up for them. It has just become a habit for me to check those.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
I have a Twitter account. I set it up a couple month's back for the sole purpose of the Foundation Center online network days conference. It was recommended that participants of this conference have a Twitter or LinkedIn account.
I must admit I had not logged for over a month until today. I follow a couple things, and I have some followers. That makes me feel sort of bad since I really don't get on there to update what I am doing. Maybe that makes me one of the Twitterers I've read about recently that sign up because it's cool, then never bothers to update. I do, however, log in and update my Facebook page quite often.
I also feel that most of my posts during the week would be rather boring..."updating the 2.0 blog"; "working on a PPT presentation"; "getting ready for a meeting"; "lunch time". I'm not sure that it would be the greatest use of my work time, and I rarely get on the computer at home at night.
I can certainly see uses for Twitter. Recently a large soccer tournament was held in Sioux Falls. Someone (a coach, manager, media person...I don't remember) was using Twitter to update games. This, I'm sure, was great for the folks back home who did not make it to SF. This gave them instant updates on who scored, who had the ball, etc. Definitely useful in that respect.
I must admit I had not logged for over a month until today. I follow a couple things, and I have some followers. That makes me feel sort of bad since I really don't get on there to update what I am doing. Maybe that makes me one of the Twitterers I've read about recently that sign up because it's cool, then never bothers to update. I do, however, log in and update my Facebook page quite often.
I also feel that most of my posts during the week would be rather boring..."updating the 2.0 blog"; "working on a PPT presentation"; "getting ready for a meeting"; "lunch time". I'm not sure that it would be the greatest use of my work time, and I rarely get on the computer at home at night.
I can certainly see uses for Twitter. Recently a large soccer tournament was held in Sioux Falls. Someone (a coach, manager, media person...I don't remember) was using Twitter to update games. This, I'm sure, was great for the folks back home who did not make it to SF. This gave them instant updates on who scored, who had the ball, etc. Definitely useful in that respect.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
State Library move
I thought I'd try to get into the habit of blogging, so I am updating you all on the move at the State Library. :-)
Yesterday half of the staff moved their offices downstairs into the new office space. Everything seemed to go smoothly except for a couple of "no electricity" issues that were fixed by day's end. Today the remainder of the staff will move. There is nothing like moving to force one to purge stuff. I have found statistics way back to the 70's that were still in a file drawer.
Our public area looks really nice. We have new furniture. New tables are still on the way. We are hoping to do some nice displays out there.
Most of the staff now works out of cubicles. I don't mind it except that my back is to traffic that walks by, and that feels kind of weird. If you study feng shui, as I do, having your back to traffic is not a good thing! Hopefully I can hang a mirror at some point.
Yesterday half of the staff moved their offices downstairs into the new office space. Everything seemed to go smoothly except for a couple of "no electricity" issues that were fixed by day's end. Today the remainder of the staff will move. There is nothing like moving to force one to purge stuff. I have found statistics way back to the 70's that were still in a file drawer.
Our public area looks really nice. We have new furniture. New tables are still on the way. We are hoping to do some nice displays out there.
Most of the staff now works out of cubicles. I don't mind it except that my back is to traffic that walks by, and that feels kind of weird. If you study feng shui, as I do, having your back to traffic is not a good thing! Hopefully I can hang a mirror at some point.
Monday, July 6, 2009
7 1/2 lifelong learning habits
7 ½ Habits - easiest vs. hardest
Begin with the end in mind – this seems to be easiest. Whether the goal is to learn something that can be used in my job, or to learn something new “just because I’m curious”, it is easy to determine the goal
Accept responsibility for your own learning – On a personal level, this is the hardest for me. At work, it is very easy for me to sign up for webinars and tutorials because I am focused and know that I have eight hours in my work day to complete whatever and learn new things too. After work, it is hard for me to not get distracted by life in general. So on a personal level, to sign up for an online class or even read a how-to book of some sort takes coordination and determination to actually set aside my personal time to do it
Begin with the end in mind – this seems to be easiest. Whether the goal is to learn something that can be used in my job, or to learn something new “just because I’m curious”, it is easy to determine the goal
Accept responsibility for your own learning – On a personal level, this is the hardest for me. At work, it is very easy for me to sign up for webinars and tutorials because I am focused and know that I have eight hours in my work day to complete whatever and learn new things too. After work, it is hard for me to not get distracted by life in general. So on a personal level, to sign up for an online class or even read a how-to book of some sort takes coordination and determination to actually set aside my personal time to do it
Hello 2.0
I've always thought about creating a blog. Now I've actually done it thanks to the State Library 2.0 challenge. My personal challenge will be to come up with creative things to blog about once the challenge is complete.
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