Jigsaw Puzzles that Teach or Reinforce

Click and solve a jigsaw puzzle.  This is a way to prepare students for an assignment or for work.  For example, before letting student library workers start shelving books, be sure they know the difference between FICTION and NON-FICTION, alphabetizing by author last name, and of course the Dewey Decimal System.  So many students and teachers have not been introduced to basic library skills.  Give them a few games to play (and successfully solve) before letting them loose on a project.  One jigsaw puzzle tool if available for free from ProProfs Brain Games.

What are you reading? jigsaw puzzle game 

Connie's suitcase @ airport

Petaluma (CA) High School Librarian Connie Williams now writes a monthly article for Follett Software's Library Connections blog.  Connie tells a story or two about using a technology, and then connects them to the school library.  "The Suitcase Strategy and the Power of Search" is a good example: two technology stories on the power of "search".

Connie's is the kind of column that should appear in the general news media, such as local newspapers.  How does a column get syndicated?  Educators and librarians spend too much time preaching to the choir and not enough time reaching out to the public, public policymakers, and TV/movie producers.

LITA Annual Library Technology Trends - July 2010

Each year at the American Library Association conference, the LITA Division -- Library Information Technology Association, sponsors a program called Top Ten Library Technology Trends.  The list is longer than ten trends, but includes short term and longer term trends.

CardStar iPhone App for Your Library Card Barcode

Some libraries are now using a mobile app, CardStar, to include your library card barcode.  This allows you to keep your library and other cards at home.  See this video explanation by Hinsdale Public Library in Illinois.

Booktrailers - Using and Creating Them

When librarians use, create, or teach others to create booktrailers... they are marketing books, authors, and reading. This new Librarian-promoted (and student-promoted) trend is a good thing. It is NOT something librarians and other educators are taught in college or grad school. It is a win-win-win strategy. Librarians need to develop a tag line such as "powered by the XYZ library". Next step: Figure out how to measure results.

The June 2010 annual American Library Association conference included a panel program organized by the YALSA (Young Adult Library Services) Teens and Technology Interest Group on creating booktrailers. Booktrailers are promotional music videos similar to movie trailers. "ALA10: Lights! Camera! Booktrailers!" included an author, a book publisher, school and public librarians who shared how they create or teach booktrailers.

Librarians interest young people in reading books by teaching them how to create booktrailers. After all, you can't create a video about a book if you haven't read it! Vallencia District Librarian Joy Millam's "Booktalks and More" wiki includes a how-to on creating book trailers and a growing list of booktrailer student-created examples.

Georgia Teacher Librarian and blogger (The Unquiet Librarian) Buffy Hamilton spoke about how librarians can use existing booktrailers to teach and engage students.

Contra Costa County Library: QR (quick response) Mobile Application

Emerging Technologies Specialist Susan Kantor posted an announcement on the CALIX listserv about "Snap & Go!", a Contra Costa County Library mobile patron support system to support QR (Quick Response) codes. I first heard about QR or "2D Bar Codes" for retailer loyalty marketing from a March 2010 Bloomsberg Business Week article. I learned more about QR codes a few months ago at a print industry conference, PINC (now Visual Media Alliance), in San Francisco. It is good to see a California library moving ahead with this and other customer service tools. Kudos to the CCCL and Cathy Sanford's technology team

Susan says the California public library system expanded its "services to people on-the-go by providing mobile access to downloadable audio eBooks, podcasts, reading recommendations, library catalog and account information, and more through QR codes and a new mobile website. The website is part of the Snap & Go project which links customers with cell phones to library services and information." The Contra Costa County Library used funding from a $60,000 BALIS (Bay Area Library & Information Service) Innovation grant to work with Quipu Group to develop a mobile patron support system for pushing new and existing library content and services into the hands of the growing number of people who want to access library services on the go. See the library's press release.

The GOOGLE Book Settlement & The Future of Reading

Here is a well-written article on "5 Ways the GOOGLE Book Settlement Will Change the Future of Reading" by Annalee Newitz. Annalee is the editor-in-chief of a blog called io9: We Come From the Future.

This is an overview of the impact of the copyright law and its challenges, related to books. "Book Monster" illustrations are colorful.

Annalee lists several ways copyright will change, thanks to the newest version of the Google Book Settlement (aka: GBS 2.0):

1. It may become harder to find information online about books from your favorite writers.
   
2. You will find yourself reading free books online, by authors who have disappeared. And Google will make money when you do.
3. Google will be competing with Apple and Amazon and everyone else to be your favorite online bookseller.
4. Libraries and bookstores will become the same thing.
5. Pulp fiction will make a comeback in unexpected ways.

Checking Out the Future - OITP

The American Library Association's Office for Information Technology Policy released the first of several 2010 policy briefs on the revolution in information technology and its implications for the future of libraries. The 24-page February 2010 policy brief by Jennifer Hendrix, Checking Out the Future: Perspectives from the Library Community on Information Technology and 21st-Century Libraries "explores how many library professionals are driving adaptations designed to ensure that libraries remain an integral part of our society’s commitment to education, equity, and access to information...."

Tennant's Top 10 Technology Things To Know for Library Administrators

Academic Librarian and technology guru Roy Tennant writes: “It’s not insulting to say that those who run libraries tend not to know all that much about technology. A very different set of skills are needed to run an organization, and those skills do not often come packaged along with technical knowledge and experience. But administrators need to know some specific things about technology in order to do their jobs well, so here is my list.”...
TechEssence, Sept. 12

1. Technology isn't as hard as you think it is.
   
2. Technology gets easier all the time.
3. Technology gets cheaper all the time.
   
4. Maximize the effectiveness of your most costly technology investment -- your people.
   
5. Iterate, don't perfect.
   
6. Be prepared to fail.
   
7. Be prepared to succeed.
   
8. Never underestimate the power of a prototype.
   
9. A major part of good technology implementation is good project management.
   
10. The single biggest threat to any technology project is political in nature.

See Roy's explanations on his TechEssence blog.

CARL's "Impossibly Wonderful Things"

The Northern Regional meeting of the California Academic and Research Libraries (CARL) attracted a roomful of academic librarians to Sonoma State University on Friday, February 27, 2009. CARL members were welcomed by Sonoma State University Librarian Barbara Butler and CARL VP North Ned Fielden. Special presenter was CARL President Tracey Mayfield, who showcased the newly designed CARL website. Check it out! We also learned that the 2010 CARL Conference will be in Sacramento. Details to follow. In the near term, there is a New Basic Skills Curriculum workshop on April 24, 2009 -- a good time to advocate for Information Literacy.

CARL Interest Groups met and networked over lunch break. The North IT Special Interest Group attracted a number of new and potentially new members. Co-chairs Sheila Cunningham and Ann Hubble gave an overview of the SIG's annual summer workshops, website, listserv, and blog. Pam Howard of San Francisco State University Library encouraged us to look at Library H3LP, an integrated IM/web-chat program especially designed for libraries. We also considered addressing new or ways to present library stats and measurements.

In the afternoon, several members were invited to give 5-minute presentations on "Wonderful Things" -- useful new tools and practices for the profession from around the region. Here are some of them:

• Jeff Rosen of San Francisco State sped us through an overview of MobiLib Home, ways libraries are making the library accessible via wireless devices such as cell and smart phones. Some examples of mobile access include University of Richmond, Scottsdale Public Library, Ball State Library, American University Library, Harvard University Library, and Washington Public Library. Of the above libraries, only Ball State Library had a "mobile access" option on their website. Jeff provided an impressive list of mobile applications: catalog search, computers (reservations?), library hours, ask-a-librarian, reserve a room, video services, LibraryThing, and more -- remember, all this in 5-minutes!
• Snoopy Library Catalog - Paula Hammett of Sonoma State University Library showed how students could use the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) phone link for text messages.
• Worldcat. Caroline Harnly of San Francisco State University Library did some special WorldCat tricks for Collection Development
• Captivate by Adobe. Aline Soules of CSU East Bay gave an impressive overview of how she has personally invested in Captivate software for creating 10-12 minute modules for students. It is 508 compliant. Preparing for closed captioning takes a bit of practice, but works well.
• Merlot.org - multimedia
• 2CoolThings blog by Jackie Siminitus. It captures CARL and a wide range of cool IT tools, events, and issues. It was started two years ago, thanks to an invitation by CARL North IT blogmaster Christine Holmes of San Jose State University Library to participate in SJLearning2.0. Recent posts include Second Life events and mobile access examples in libraries (see tags on sidebar).
  

Second Life TV -

At 5 pm on February 17, I logged into Second Life as "CyberLibrarian Wrangler" and participated in a Second Life program by ISTE eduverse Talks: Beyond the Dewey Decimal System. It was captured on Second Life TV, so check it out. The sound cuts out from time to time, but overall it is very good.

• Presenters: Several library technology pioneers spoke about when and why they joined Second Life, their early frustrations, and what they are doing and why they are staying. Host Kevin Jarrett talks with Area Library Coordinator, Chicago Public Schools Lisa Perez (Elaine Tulip in SL), Librarian, Springfield Township High School (PA) Joyce Valenza (Joyce Story in SL) and Rhonda Trueman (Abbey Zenith in SL)
• Navigating. Practice getting around in Second Life -- there is a steep learning curve, especially if you "dip in" only 1-2 times a month or so. I "transported" myself to the event, "sat" in the back row, and got my bearings while listening to the program. This archived version is much superior than my experience participating and watching live! :)
  
• Book Review. Learn about the book co-authored by Lori Bell and Rhonda Trueman, "Virtual Worlds, Real Libraries."
  

Mobility@Your Library - #9 Programs

Here is #9 of 10 categories of how libraries use mobile devices.

#9 - Library Programs.

• Library Programs – Podcast or video. Author & illustrator visits; other Guest speakers. Read-Alouds. Poetry Slams. Book Club discussions
• Library-Recommended Programs. Library of Congress and other national forums. University lecture series. Endless possibilities
• Library Tours and Exhibits. Writing contests or book displays – Audio tours. See GuidebyCell or iPod tours (iTours). See also podcast-based library tours.

Mobility@Your Library - #8 Publishing

Here is #8 of 10 categories of how libraries use mobile devices.

#8- Publishing. Mobile reporting and more. Library Conference bloggers. Library Legislation Day bloggers. Government and School Board Meeting bloggers. Here are some examples of cool tools.

• Gabcast – a podcasting and audioblogging platform to create and distribute audio content to mobile devices.
• GCast - run by the same people that run GarageBand.com.
• Blogger on the Go – blog from anywhere.
• Mobango – download anything to mobile phone

Many of these Mobility @ YourLibrary categories and examples overlap. See also #4-Assistive Technology and #5- Productivity Tools.

Mobility@Your Library - #7 Outreach/PR

Here is #7 of 10 categories of how libraries use mobile devices.

#7- Library Outreach and PR. Web 2.0 ways to market your library and library programs.

• Text messaging: Holds. New arrivals.
• Polling and surveys
• Broadcast reminders: Special programs. Library hours
  

Examples of Polling and Surveys:

• Poll Everywhere – simple text messaging for voting and polling. Collect data while interacting with your library audience. Replaces proprietary response equipment.
• Mobile Study (quizzes) – do a Dewey Quiz!
• MobiOde – mobile surveys and polls

Mobility@Your Library - #6 Productivity Tools

Here is #6 of 10 categories of how libraries use mobile devices.

#6 Productivity Tools. These are much needed, given so many libraries still rely on traditional methods of doing things. Baby-Boomer Librarians are retiring in large numbers. Keeping library doors open requires good use of staff time. Some library tasks lead to repetitive stress injury, so those tasks are good candidates for new ways of doing things. Self-service is one trend that increases library productivity.

• Self checkout
• Shelf check/inventory
• Weeding
• e-Scheduling
• Reference Desk Statistics
• Research Starter eWorksheets

EXAMPLES:

1. When I asked for examples of library mobile or wireless tools, I heard from Jaye A. H. Lapachet, M.L.I.S. of San Francisco-based Content Innovations. The company's product, ProBarcodes, allows a library staff to store scanned barcode (or RFID) information on a handheld device, including barcode readers, PDAs, and mobile phones for later upload to database systems. “ProBarcodes is targeted at small and mid-sized special libraries that would not be able to afford a barcode solution. CheckScan and ShelfScan currently work with ProBarcodes to allow librarians to facilitate self checkout (CheckScan). ShelfScan allows library staff to assign books to certain shelves which assists with inventory and location control.” Mostly in Law and Special libraries. Equipment: HP PDAs, Worth dedicated barcode reader, AT&T Tilt, Windows CE phones.
2. Scheduline exhibited at the California Library Association annual conference. Their product caught my eye because about six months ago I began working the reference desk at my local college. Each week, I get an e-mail with the reference desk schedule. Wonder how much time and energy that takes each week?!! Well, this company provided a handy and very compelling library cost analysis to go along with its literature. The website lists its benefits to administrators and personnel: Scheduline uses the web to schedule and communicate with personnel. Benefits for Administration: Make schedules at your convenience from any computer (or smartphone) with Internet access at any time. Personnel can view their own schedules online, reducing distracting phone calls and visits. No new hardware or software to purchase or maintain. Your system is always current. Benefits for Personnel: Check schedules online via the Internet. Send requests for special shifts, time off, comp time, paid time off, vacation, etc. without calling or visiting workplace. View or print schedules from any screen.

I'd like to add some solid library examples of Research Starter eForms (for students and Reference Desk Librarians to fill out). I've created a form in MS WORD that helps me remember all the questions to ask students, but the form is also ideal for students off campus or any student starting a new research assignment. This form saves me and students time and energy.

Mobility@Your Library - #5 Administrative

Here is #5 of 10 categories of how libraries use mobile devices.

#5 Administrative. This is the most popular category used by library leadership. Equipment is often provided by the larger institution (city, county, university, school district). Many large institutions or enterprises use MSOffice, so it is common that library administrators stay with that platform and most compatable mobile devices. Monthly service for public and school librarians is often partially covered by Federal E-Rate funds. Here are top administrative uses of cell phones and smartphones:

• Calling. One-2-One. Conference calls.
• Database updating/scheduling on the go!
• eCalendar (ie: Outlook Calendar)
• e-mail
• Text messaging
• Reporting
• Mobile notepad

Many of these categories and examples overlap. See also #4-Assistive Technology and #5- Productivity Tools.

Mobility@Your Library - #4 Assistive Technology

Here is #4 of 10 categories of how libraries use mobile devices.

#4 Assistive Technology. This includes Handhelds. Text-to-Speech. Speech-to-Text.
Text-to-Sign Language. See also CSLA 2.0 Team tutorial on “Discovering Assistive Technology.”

EXAMPLES:

• ReadtheWords is a free text-to-audio service that lets you (1) upload all sorts of text including: MS Word, Adobe PDF, HTML File. Write Text Content. Cut & Paste Text. Website Address. RSS Feed. (2) Select a reader. (3) Listen.
• Jott allows a user to dictate thoughts or stories into your computer. Ideal for communicating on the go. It allows you to use your voice to send hands-free e-mail and text messages, post to Twitter, and more. Librarian-in-Black Sarah Houghton-Jan reports that she uses Jott during her long commute to San Jose Public Library.
• GuidebyCell allows a library or museum give self-guided tours, where individuals use their own cell phones to call a number and listen to explanations or stories at different locations. For example, a library display of childrens book illustrators through the ages could have 10-15 display cases, each with a story available through GuidebyCell.
• Cell phone features. Here are examples of features available from the Apple iPhone: tactile buttons, zoom, giant fonts for mail messages, network-based voice-dialing, voice-dialing applications, hands-free speakerphone, audible/visible/vibrating alerts, downloadable assignable ringtones.
• iCommunicator: wireless text-to-speech device makes effective two-way communication possible for persons who are deaf, hard-of-hearing or experience unique communication challenges. iCommunicator translates in real-time:• Speech to Text• Speech/Text to Video Sign-Language• Speech/Text to Computer Generated Voice
• Signing Avatar by VOLT – Vcom3D – story demo
• HandHelds for Autistic students help them cope in many ways. The Edutopia article describes how a PalmPilot helps a young boy keep up with his studies and relate better with classmates.
  

Mobility@Your Library - #3 Disaster Preparedness/ Emergency Response

Here is #3 of 10 categories of how libraries use mobile devices.

#3- Disaster Preparedness/ Emergency Response. In times of trouble, libraries often become community gathering centers and communication hubs. After all, libraries have Internet access, Internet workstations, tons of reading material, places to rest and ... restrooms!

Has your library or library system participated in any large-scale disaster drill? Does your emergency plan include how to reach staff, communicate status of each library location, and provide information to the community in a variety of ways? Here are a few examples of capabilities and devices that can be used in emergencies.

Immediate access to communication tool - by librarians, staff, and library users: Push-to-Talk and Group Messaging.

Eyespot Mobile Cast – shoot, mix, share a video from mobile phone.

EAS – Emergency Alert Systems. Librarian as a part of an emergency response team. Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS), a system by which commercial mobile service (CMS) providers may transmit emergency alerts to their subscribers.

PIN to PIN Each devise has a unique personal identifying number (PIN) that identifies each handheld on the network. If you know the PIN of another handheld user, you can send a PIN message to that person. PIN messages are not routed through an existing email account.

Mobility@Your Library - #2 Language Translation

Here is #2 of 10 categories of how libraries use mobile devices.
#2 - Language Translation. This category includes more than simple language translation as a customer service communication tool. Here is a starter set:

• Language Translation as a reference desk "tool"
• Program translation - along the lines of closed-captioning for the hearing impaired.
• Language Lessons – mobile flash cards, dictionary, phrase book, guided tours, exams, cell phone delivered lectures

Story from High School Library Media Teacher and Partner and CTO, Mouse Magic! Wesley A. Doak: He uses his mac laptop as a translation machine for folks who have difficulty in English -- or when he doesn't know their language either. “I discovered this feature at an airport when a Chinese family got totally confused by our having to unload due to an aircraft malfunction. Friends had taken them to the airport and got them on the plane but now they were totally lost. I cranked up my MacbookPro and wrote out what had happened in English, translated it into Chinese and showed them the screen. We "spoke" for a few minutes, using the computer only, until a Chinese speaking employee finally showed up. The Chinese people said they'd rather keep "talking" to me!!! Well, I now use it in the libraries in which I work and it's great. I usually use Babelfish but a few others have worked as well. I'm working on iPod applications for public and school libraries but have no stories yet. All the Best!”

Mobility@Your Library - #1 Reference and Research

Here is #1 of 10 categories of how libraries use mobile devices.

#1- Reference and Research – anytime, anywhere. This includes Mobile Search. Search Engines. Directories. Dictionaries & Enclyclopedias. Online Access to Library Website.

Examples:

• iQ Mobile Search. Search on multiple search engines. Use iQ Mobile Search to search from a variety of today’s most popular search providers and services. Type in a search term and quickly choose from any of the services on the list. Company: iFonify.com
• Mobile Directories. YellowPages.com – mobile and more.
• Mobile Dictionaries. Mobile Webster