Chrystie R. Hill led off on this session with some great examples and facts about Librarians and Libraries in networked communities. “Big Ups” to Michael Porter who followed with a smart and funny presentation that woke me up before my 3rd cup of coffee, something that’s pretty hard to do. He showed some example Library website and the great things they are doing. Some of the ideas he showed and my thoughts about them Big WiFi zone button – we have WiFi? Do we advertise it on our site? I have to check. ugh I should know this Featured Local Artist – hey! We have an Art Gallery in our Library and we let local artist display their work, why don’t we have this? Survey linked from main page in an eye catching way – Topeka Shawnee – another great idea I’d love to steal, Robin have you noticed I keep adding to your “to-do” list? A “Donate to your Library” Button right on the homepage -great idea! Some startling statistics, which I didn’t get written down except the last part, essentially use of almost all online tools has gone up considerably in the last 2 years, except Library websites,
Internet Librarian 2007
2.0 & the Internet World – Opening Keynote
Lee Raine from the Pew Internet and American Life Project gave the keynote address. There was a lot of facts put out there really fast and some of it was interesting. I didn’t think it was engaging as some other people did, but we’re allowed our own opinions. Bookmark on Delicious Digg this post Share on FriendFeed Buzz it up Share on netvibes share via Reddit Share with Stumblers Tumblr it Buzz it up Subscribe to the comments on this post Print for later Tell a friend
What’s Happening in IL Space
This reception was at the Monterey Public Library on Sunday evening, there were a several speakers and a wine and cheese reception afterwards. I know, I know, how could I have forgotten to write about this yesterday? The Library was open with a lot of natural light and some great book displays, the staff was friendly and helpful to all of the strangers convening in their space. There was a LOT of information presented in a very short time so forgive the briefness of my notes. It was a great teaser for the rest of the week. Jeremy Kemp from San Jose State University School of Library & Information Science spoke about their virtual campus in Second Life and what the school and students are doing with Second Life. Very cool. Lori Bell from Alliance Library System talked about what they are doing in Second Life – virtual exhibits, volunteers, networking and meetings, reference, etc. Aaron Schmidt talked about games in Libraries. This was the third time I’d seen him talk about games in libraries and each version was as good as the last. (see earlier posts) Amanda Etches-Johnson talked about OPACs and all the cool things Libraries are doing
Games, Gaming and Libraries
My Sunday morning pre-conference workshop was presented by Aaron Schmidt and Jenny Levine. Jenny presented first, reminding us the wide scoop that “gaming” covers – board games, computer games, online computer games such as scrabble, cell phone games, pda game etc. The stereotype that gamers are 13 year old boys sitting in their basements alone, is wrong. Sure there are 13 year old boys sitting in their basements but the average online gamer is a woman over 40. Aaron followed up with some great information about how to hold your own gaming programs. Dance, Dance Revolution and Guitar Hero are both really popular. You can do an open play or a tournament. Open Play is easier for the staff hosting it, but might lose the interest of the players faster. It’s a good way to introduce people to the games and good for people who haven’t played before. Tournaments are more time and work intensive for staff, but people really like these. Carver’s Bay did a gaming t0 literacy program. They included games as a part of the new branch and patrons earned time to play the games based on how much reading they did. Ann Arbor has a great
Training Adults: Getting and Keeping Attention
Sunday morning I attended a pre-conference workshop on training adults. I was a little disappointed in the content. It was aimed towards people who have never done any training and geared towards all day workshops. Since I work at a public library almost all of the training for both the staff and the public is an hour long maybe two. So a lot of the tips and techniques will be hard to apply. My impression from the other people who spoke up is they will have the same problems. Some of the good things I did get and will be using Guidelines – no matter how short my training sessions are I can take a couple of minutes to lay down guidelines at the beginning. This will help with any problems later in the class such as people dominating the conversation, side conversations, etc. SOT – Start on time, Stop on Time, Stay on Topic – oh how I wish we did this at my library, even for meetings, no one bothers to show up on time and often the person “hosting” the meeting choices to wait for that person rather than respecting that the rest of us got there
Reading
