Mountain Gal

Task #7: Cloud Computing - Google Docs and Dropbox

2011-12-31T10:21:00.000-08:00

This was a good task so I can get a better understanding of "the Cloud".
Free services are great! After some review I think the preference would be how you use the storage. Google docs is great for editing and documenting, also great for mobile access. Dropbox can also let you share whole files such as photos etc. So simple is good and a place for the more complex is even better.
This needs more time to understand and play with. Specific tasks in mind....

Task #10 - New Website

2011-12-31T09:43:00.000-08:00

Great work on the new website! Goodbye drop-down menu!!
I love the layout, things are much easier to locate in multiple places. Also the library account log-in at the top is great.
At first the footer seemed rather large and too wordy but I think it will be a great tool for finding exactly what the patron wants.
I am anxious for the branches to each have their own pages!

Task #9 - Universal Class

2011-12-31T09:36:00.000-08:00

I realized I had not blogged about this task! Redo...
I chose not to enroll in a class at this time but many were enticing. I can't believe the extensive list of courses to choose from. This is a great resource especially for someone who is thinking of any online courses to get a taste of technology and commitment.
My favorites would be the photography courses and the psychology information. I can see this also being useful for the serious learner as well as someone seeking a new hobby.
Great Resource!!

task #8 Spanish lib guide

2011-10-19T07:55:00.000-07:00

At first I did not get that great of score.. I missed three. But I took some more time examining the guide and was successful in the end. There is so much information here. Great work! to all who had a part in it. It will be great to recomend this and a good learning experice for myself as well. It did seem easy to use and I'm excited to be able to pass it on to patrons.

Task #3

2011-08-17T07:45:00.000-07:00

playing catch up... I had watched the video but didn't finish or blog about it, busy summer reading.
Intro to master file:

Extra credit-Google-a-day

2011-08-17T07:35:00.000-07:00

Google a day: I had no idea this was available! I could see trivia buffs spending lots of time here. It would be a good tool for someone just learning to search for things and how Google works. I never chose race the clock, it made me too crazy...although it's like when the patron is right there waiting for an answer as you are looking for it ;-)

Enter this for the Sony e-reader, please.

Task #6

2011-08-17T07:18:00.000-07:00

Helping Patrons: Yeah! I got all the answers correct. It was good review to make sure we utilize all our resources not just the obvious. Sometimes we give the quickest answer and can surely be more thorough.
Example question:
A student is looking for information about a battle that took place in Colorado during the late 1800's, and also needs an example of a prominent historical figure around that time.

a) show the student the Colorado History collection in the children's center.
b) open the Regional History Room and spend time finding appropriate info
c) search the Colorado Historic Newspaper Collection for battles.
d) all of the above

Task #5

2011-08-17T07:08:00.000-07:00

Chilton Library: This database is a big hit at the branches and we no longer have to try to keep the large manuals around. Previously the auto repair was not as easy to navigate and printing wiring diagrams etc. was not straight forward. This is a valuable database to tell patrons about and then they can use it from home.."in their garage at all hours of the night "as one gentleman told me. I would like to see a simple bookmark type handout to promote this tool.
There is a lot of information at the Chilton library including recall notices and maintenance recommendations.

Task #4 downloading e-books

2011-06-22T07:14:00.000-07:00

1). After researching many e-readers and the hands-on Sony session (which was very helpful)I have chosen a Nook Color. Nook Color offers many of the features I would be using. Barnes and Noble makes it very user friendly, and Free Fridays are great. I can change font, highlight, and share with friends. Checking FaceBook and e-mail is easy as well as Pandora, pre-loaded.
2). First make sure the Nook is out of sleep mode and plugged into the computer. Make sure adobe digital editions is ready to go!
Browse, this can take a while many things to choose from and seeing what is available or needing to be put on a wait list.
Add to book bag, check-out, download, and drag the e-book. Copy documents... I have noticed that things take a little bit of time to show up in my Nook library after the download is complete. I'm not sure why maybe connection.
Nook is addicting, just a warning.

Task #1 & #2

2011-04-20T07:25:00.000-07:00

Yeah! Back to Webolution. I already had my blog set up so just getting back in.... Task two was a fun scavenger hunt. I admit I did get one wrong because I did not read the question close enough. The Downloadable media guide I answered Great Lakes because I found it on the troubleshooting guide on the left, but I realize the answer was in the text and error messages can be found on Hoover.
Thanks for getting us started again.

I think I would like to be in the drawing for the Downtown gift certificate.

September Weboluting...

2010-10-01T11:29:00.000-07:00

I was very glad the quiz did not time out on me as I started it and got very distracted, by patrons, and when I came back it let me finish and submit! I am happy to report I got a 100%. The Libquides are great one stop shopping esp for things like the election that I don't keep up with very well. It was easy to navigate and it will be great to show patrons. So much in one place!! Thanks for the work Ref team!

june task

2010-08-26T14:57:00.000-07:00

I somehow skipped over this one~ Must have been due to SLP.
A patron had actually showed me Newseum. He is a news junkie!
I looked up all sorts of things from all over. News is not my big thing so this a great tool for me to recommend to patrons.

july

2010-08-26T14:50:00.000-07:00

I have done many things using the new OPAC I just did not post my experience. So playing catch up.
The most exciting thing on the new OPAC is the series list and visuals. What a great tool.
The next best thing is how easy it is to put multiple holds on. As I was playing with it I placed many holds. I had a full box when I did not go in to cancel some. I feel when it goes live it is user friendly.

August

2010-08-26T14:30:00.000-07:00

This was timely as today is my birthday!! I learned:

In 1920 women registered to vote,

In 1945

US President Harry S. Truman announces the surrender of Japan and civilians celebrate victory in the United States.

And a fun, short video~

American football players charge at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. in 1954

Foodsafety.gov:

USDA recommends cooking ground beef and all cuts of pork to a safe minimum internal temperature of 160 °F. Other meats such as: beef, veal and lamb, steaks and roasts should be cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature of 145 °F. Poultry, casseroles and leftovers should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F.
I guess the food thermometer I use only at Thanksgiving for the turkey needs to be used for more meat items!

May E-books

2010-05-15T09:22:00.000-07:00

Project Gutenberg: I downloaded

THE SCIENCE OF HUMAN NATURE A PSYCHOLOGY FOR BEGINNERS

BY WILLIAM HENRY PYLEPROFESSOR OF EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI

227 pages, I especially love the index where you could click right to the page desired.

It went very fast and easy to find by topic. Interesting to see what was listed as "no longer copy-righted"

Google books: I could see a good mix of new and classics. Great tool ! I chose Backpacker Cooking. With the right device, and ingredients, it could be very handy on the road.

ManyBooks.net:Very simple home page. I browsed mostly, didn't download anything. I will tell my sister, the teacher, about this site as well as patrons who have different devices to download to.

April Optimal Resume

2010-04-16T15:41:00.000-07:00

Wow! this is a one stop shopping and so much easier to use than other programs. So many people are coming in needing to update their resume or start from fresh and have no clue what to do. This is a great tool. The biggest thing is they can save it and have it anywhere they are. It can be a work in progress and can be easily "tweaked" for different positions they may be looking at. I like the action words and preview of styles. The portfolio seems easy to use and, to my knowledge, in not something found in other tools.
Great investment for the library.

March '10

2010-04-03T08:15:00.000-07:00

Printfriendly.com is my new friend! This is great to not only save paper but to get rid of the extra annoying stuff you don't want to read anyway. I can't wait to show several patrons this feature. It's too bad that it can't be automatic. The article from GJ Sentinel was so easy to read and saved the mess on the paper. This is a great tool. Thanks!

February '10

2010-03-06T13:35:00.000-08:00

Learn-a-test One of the great things about this database is how many different subjects and levels are here. My son is studying for his EMT basic and I had him try these tests. He does have practice tests with his text book but these are a good alternative also. I have also had patrons use this to see how hard something might be before they go into that certain field.
The GED portion is great at these books are usually on a hold list.
What was new to me was the Job Search and Workplace skills, a great Resume source.

January~ e-books

2010-02-01T09:26:00.000-08:00

E-books: We have actually seen many of these portable devices in the library. (Probably Christmas gifts). It nice to know we now offer this format also. Even though at first I though it would be hard to read from the screen in large amounts I see that the font can be changed and that would even be a bonus for our low vision patrons. Overdrive has it easy to limit the search to find just these.

Disc Task # 23

2009-12-29T12:33:00.004-08:00

I completed the survey, I realize since I did not complete Webolution by the deadline that info was outdated. I'm looking forward to doing Webolution but with less pressure and time constraints so I can actually be dedicated and learn from it.

Disc Task # 22

2009-12-29T12:33:00.003-08:00

Disc Task # 21

2009-12-29T12:33:00.001-08:00

Disc Task # 20

2009-12-29T12:31:00.001-08:00

Government websites:

Disc Task # 19

2009-12-29T12:22:00.000-08:00

I only got one wrong on the wiki scavenger hunt! I know it should have been 100%
I find new stuff on the staff wiki all the time! Just need more opportunities to read through it .
Thanks!

Disc Task # 17

2009-12-29T12:10:00.000-08:00

I like the delicious site! Other staff members (at the central library) have introduced me to this.
Library success; best practices wiki was very interesting.
I check the CLiC site often, I'm always looking for training opportunities.

Disc Task # 16

2009-12-29T12:08:00.000-08:00

I have use Open Office at home because when my lap top had a virus and everything got wiped out I no longer had MS word etc. Open office was a great gem for free! My son prefers it to do home work in. I have since added MS office to my home machine but still like Open office and have told many patrons about it.

Disc Task # 15

2009-12-29T12:05:00.000-08:00

I shared Clipmarks with my professor for extra credit points during my last semester!
I think this is great , not sure if I'll use it regularly enough.

Disc Task # 14

2009-11-17T10:07:00.000-08:00

Downloadable audios: This is such a great service. Where I run into trouble is when a patron is in the middle of of a download and has some issue I am helping to trouble shoot. I do love Overdrive and the video addition. I spent some time on the dedicated computer upstairs while I was trading places. I did not see it used much, but think it's great! Not going to try to burn to a CD at this time. Most patrons are happy with just the download and can multitask while they listen, without even leaving home to check out or return LOL

2009-10-17T13:45:00.001-07:00

Disc Task #13
Soundsnap! I am excited to use several of these sounds in a power point presentation I have to make early December. How fun!
Still love LastFM, since I like a variety and usually like certain songs or songwriters, I love to mix is up and not have the same artist.

Disc Task #12

2009-09-16T07:46:00.000-07:00

Novelist Plus: well I've known Novelist has a lot of information on it but I find it not to be user friendly(it's there but you have to click and dig). Here goes giving it another shot...

I. Series: more user friendly than before but I like KDL better. The drop down (like on Google) is nice but it did not find the first two I tried.
II. There again lots of information but it did not find the authors I had in mind. Of the authors that were there good information, but a lot to read through. Not a fast answer. Patrons with time would love it. As a staff person looking for a quicker method I would only use occasionally.
III. I love the visuals on this section. Great place to browse.
I like the printable help sheet!

Disc Task #11

2009-09-16T07:30:00.000-07:00

Book Report Network! WOW this was new to me, what a great resource. Graphic novels, Faithful Reads, and Book Club lots to explore here. I could see myself using this site a lot as well as patrons. One could search and play here for hours. This is inspiring!

Disc Task #10

2009-09-16T07:05:00.000-07:00

Ebsco:
Consumer Reports : I searched for vacuums and was pleased that it told me that the March '09 issue was "held locally". But this is such a great resource for finding the info anywhere, not in the library building. I was great to have full text and pictures. User friendly and many search options.
Biography:Of course on the main page was Patrick Swayze, sadly missed! I looked up Sir William Wallace, Scottish soldier, for a historical bio. & Chris VanAllsburg, children's author. I enjoyed the "sidelights" section and learned about his childhood. More user friendly then when we first subscribed. Great photos or pictures on this database too. Good source for school reports.

Disc task #9

2009-09-11T09:06:00.000-07:00

Ok needs work but check out webstersweb.weebly.com

Disc. task #8

2009-09-01T13:08:00.000-07:00

Creative commons
First off what a good way to search many search engines. I rarely use flickr and go right to Google images. This searches much more. I could see how it would be great to direct patrons too.

Disc. task #7

2009-09-01T12:49:00.000-07:00

Good Reads: Has great information. I can see why personally and professionally it would be so useful. Upkeep might be a trick. Many ways to find display ideas and readers advisory.
Library Thing was the most appealing. I did find that Library Thing local listed the Clifton Branch but had our old address. But the web link took me right to the Clifton page of Mesa County.

Disc task #6

2009-08-19T07:34:00.000-07:00

Ohio Library: so much info here! The right side bar has a lot to read as well as all everything in the menu. A valuable tool for all staff, at any library. Great reminders for public library workers. I need to spend more time here.

Houston Area Library:

Disc task #5

2009-08-19T07:15:00.000-07:00

OPAC holds: One thing that is so handy is to be able to do is multiple holds in the the book bag. I know patrons love the reading history option. Each method has advantages, but I like this for big lists that patrons bring in. It amazes me how savvy they are from home.

Disc task #4

2009-08-14T07:33:00.000-07:00

I signed up for Facebook yesterday and now I have a new ave to see more of my grandson. My daughter allowed me to be her "friend" and so she can post her pictures and tidbits there. I have to admit I really don't like so much info being out there. I'm a pretty private person and this is a little overwhelming.

Disc Task #3

2009-08-13T07:50:00.000-07:00

Yeah! I got a 100% on my quiz! That was fun to take the time to look over the website. Usually I'm looking those things up at a patron's request and the clock seems to be ticking. It was good to look through it more leisurely. It is well laid out and good that some infomation is in several different places.

Disc task #2

2009-08-13T07:32:00.000-07:00

Great a whole new world of music.
I really like the menu on last.fm. It exposed me to new artists etc. I might not be aware of and try something new. Plus I love videos! Much easier than finding them on YouTube.
Pandora is great and I've used it before. It is good to hear it on the lap top while doing homework!

Disc. task #1

2009-08-12T16:45:00.000-07:00

Wow! My inactive account is still here waiting for me.

Del.icio.us

2007-08-15T07:48:00.000-07:00

Emilie had first showed this to me. Robert showed me how to use it. Being at a branch and feeding on what other centers save to the del.icio.us account is a great resource. I see it as very beneficial but do not go to it as much as I should. This was a good reminder to use it and for other areas of interest.

Loved the 7 1/2 habits of Lifelong learners.

Library professional sites

2007-08-15T07:38:00.000-07:00

I have most of these sites bookmarked and use them regularly.
Except for PLA which I read with new interest since I am going to Minneapolis in the Spring.
Found State library page somewhat univiting.
Love Library support staff site, have always used it a lot as a parapro.

webjunction

2007-08-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

It has been quite a while since I looked at Webjunction. The newness had worn off and I needed to be refreshed.
The collection development section took me to an RSS feed!
Lots and lots of stuff esp for branch staff who do so many things not specialized
Need to spend more time on webjunction.

Bloglines

2007-08-15T07:26:00.000-07:00

Signed up for feeds from a parenting site, Librarians Internet, and Daily Quotes. I get daily quotes in my e-mail but this has many more. I could see how this would make things in you e-mail less messy and have interests located somewhere else.

flickr

2007-06-27T07:54:00.001-07:00

Had a little trouble with Flickr but will keep working on it. Did set up an account so I can add my own photos

Flickr

2007-06-27T07:30:00.000-07:00

Can't wait tio send photos from my camera phone!