Monthly Archives: August 2008

79 posts

How Can Libraries Use the Cloud?

  I’ve been using Apple’s .mac service for years, since 2001 as a matter of fact. The recent upgrade from .Mac to MobileMe has garnered a lot of press for the problems, breakdowns and failures of the service meant to “push” data to my iPhone, my Macs and to the service itself, described as a “cloud.” Luckily I haven’t had much issue with the upgrade/switchover. I will say, however, that I think for a couple of weeks in July some emails I sent took a long time to get where they were going as did some I received. Compared to […]

Student Multimedia Design Center

  http://www.udel.edu/smdc/ Spaces for students, faculty and staff in university and college libraries are evolving rapidly. Here’s another to add to the list: the Student Multimedia design Center at the University of Delaware Morris Library. From the site:  Make your PowerPoint presentations come alive with video and animation.   Practice your presentation skills in a studio.   Create a custom sound track.   Access a wide variety of computer hardware, software, and peripherals. This speaks to me about the need for coursework that emphasizes planning, implementation and staffing for digital creation spaces in libraries.

Blogging Policy Fresh and New

blogging policy fresh and new, originally uploaded by cambodia4kidsorg. I’m updating various presentations today and I’m adding this great resource: the Powerhouse Museum’ blogging policy. PDF: http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/dmsblog/wp-content/powerhouse_museum_blog_policy_2007.pdf Blog post is here. Many organizations struggle with blogging because of many of the worries addressed in this document. I think a library can foster open, transparent conversation on many levels while still using a policy such as this to fall back on if problems arise. Take a look.

Columbus! Don’t Hold Back!

  I am really looking forward to visiting Columbus Metropolitan Library to help launch their Learn & Play program next week. Get a load of the video the folks there made to generate interest and excitement. I’m impressed with the creativity for sure. Helene Blowers blogged it too and said: Hat’s off to the awesome team leading this effort. Gerald, Joy, Sam, Tonya, John & Tammy (hope I haven’t forgot anyone) You guys rawk! 

Banning Social Networking… Again?

Lori Reed writes: http://librarytrainer.com/2008/08/02/bill-to-ban-facebook-in-libraries/ What I am really here to say is that it’s important to educate children so that they can make smart decisions in any circumstance. From USA Today: Congress is considering a bill that would bar children who use computers in public libraries from accessing Facebook and other social networking websites without parental permission. This has to be one of the most ridiculous things I’ve heard recently. First, how will we define “other social networking websites” when pretty much every site is becoming a social networking site? Has anyone in Congress heard of Web 2.0? Second, how […]

“Write for the person on the other side of the monitor.”

Nice piece at CopyBlogger called “I Don’t Care About You” at http://www.copyblogger.com/who-cares/ There ate insights here for those who write blog posts for their libraries and all of us who blog. Good stuff. Egotistical Marketing We’re an egotistical bunch, aren’t we? We love to talk about ourselves. We want to tell people how wonderful we are and blather on about how much they need us. We ramble uselessly about our innovative products and excellent services. We’re all about us. Want a tip? They don’t care about us. They care about themselves. Let’s Talk About You For content to be effective, it […]

Upcoming Presentations: Fall 2008

August 26, 2008. Sirsi Dynix Institute: Taming Technolust: Planning in a Hyperlinked World. September 8,2008. University Libraries/LIS Lecture Series, “Transforming Academic Libraries” UNC Greensboro. September 12, 2008. Mount Prospect Public Library Staff InService October 15, 2008. “Transparency, Planning & Change: See-Through Libraries” Workshop, with Michael Casey. Internet Librarian International, London. October 16, 2008. “The Transparent Library” with Michael Casey. Internet Librarian International, London. October 16, 2008. “What Constitutes a Next Generation Library” with Michael Casey, Gwenda Sippings and Patrick Danowski. Internet Librarian International, London. October 24, 2008. Endnote, 17th * Annual Conference on Libraries and Future: “Talkin’ ‘bout Y Generation,” Dowling College, Oakdale, NY. November 5 & 6, 2008. […]

What’s Up at Franklin Park Public Library

I’m always happy to hear from former students. I just got a nice email from Mick Jacobsen. TTW readers may remember him from his info about LibGuides. He’s moved on to some cool stuff: Our first gaming event is taking place later today (spearheaded by me).  We have a Wii and PS2 for DDR.  So far nearly 50 kids of signed up, luckily we also have lots of board games so no riots.  We will have an adult gaming event in the near future and I am working with the senior centers to bring the Wii to them. The website […]