Posts Tagged ‘ recession ’

Technology for Tight Budgets

March 3, 2009
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Technology for Tight Budgets

Times are tight, and likely to get tighter, if you’re looking to save money talk with your IT department. They may have some helpful solutions. Take a look at the University of Missouri’s IT department suggestions – Technology for Tight Budges. Many of these can be used by libraries and other businesses looking to save funds. Investigate the Technologies Available to Stretch Your Budget MeetingPlace Audio/Web Conferencing SharePoint Online Collaboration Tools IT Training — In the Classroom and Online Captivate e-Learning Authoring Tools Voice over IP (VoIP) Go Green, IT! Power Down and Virtualize Server Virtualization Videoconferencing TelePresence Smartphone Technologies Bookmark on Delicious Digg this post Share on FriendFeed 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

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Stress Management in the Library Workplace

February 13, 2009
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Stress Management in the Library Workplace

Yesterday I attended a MaintainIT webinar – Using MaintainIT Resources for Technology Training, where they shared some useful information and links.  One of the sites was Infopeople, a nonprofit that archives their presentations and handouts and makes them available under a Creative Commons license! As I was exploring I came across materials for a previous workshop - Stress Management in the Library Workplace.  There are a lot of workshops listed but since my post – Library usage will go up during a recession – management are you really prepared? is still getting a lot of hits, I thought I’d share this one specifically. You can download the PowerPoint presentation, some exercise and these handouts: The “Bakers Dozen” – How to Reduce Stress Relieving Stress through Exercise Stress Relief through Nutrition Stress Relief and Sleeping Habits – 10 Tips for Better Sleep Symptoms of Stress and Causes of Stress Seven Quick Tips for Time Management Bookmark on Delicious Digg this post Share on FriendFeed 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

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Libraries looking to save money? Consider telecommuting!

January 13, 2009
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Libraries looking to save money? Consider telecommuting!

Talking about the blurred line between home and work when I was writing about Twitter started me thinking about telecommuting.  Writing about the recession and it affects on libraries got me thinking about telecommuting.  Let’s talk about telecommuting, it seems to be something libraries have been slow to embrace.  Yes, I know the old standard that we sit at the reference desk all day and read books, but anyone actually working a library knows that’s not true.  Many libraries are short on space and funding and much could be done from home, at least one day a week, so why aren’t we looking more closely at telecommuting? Given the tough economic times and the reports that show telecommuting saves employers money and increases productivity it seems a good time to point to some information about it.  Employers see savings in multiple areas and it helps to boost employee morale. According to Business Week Benefits of letting employees work from outside the office include keeping cars off the road, helping a company to bolster its green bona fides. But the practice can also foster employee retention, boost worker productivity, and slash real estate costs. There are some cons too, according to this

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Library Usage Will Go Up During a Recession – Management Are You Really Prepared?

January 9, 2009
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Library Usage Will Go Up During a Recession – Management Are You Really Prepared?

I’ve seen many news articles and video lately about usage of libraries increasing during a recession. I’ve personally noticed my library seems busier.  While many have celebrated the increase of use and the public attention we so rightly deserve, we also need to consider the down side.  Our funding might be cut, the public is less likely to approve bonds or tax levies to increase services, in some cases staff may be laid off.  Libraries are masters of doing more with less and we are really going to need that skill now. The other side of recession is that is causes stress.  Patrons are likely to be less happy about paying their fines and, in general, be a little more on edge.  Staff are aware of the news and what is happening, even those who feel secure in their jobs, have family and friends who have been affected. So why am I asking management if they are ready?  All of this stress means an increase in irritable, angry, demanding, stressed out patrons who are rubbing up against your irritable, angry, tired, stressed out staff.  See where I’m going with this? The one thing you can do is try to decrease the

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Save Money – Use the Library

February 5, 2008
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Use the library. Your taxes are paying for it, so take advantage of the free books and movies. Austin says that even her small library in Maryland’s rural Kent County offers DVDs, audio books, and free Internet service. from 8 Ways to Cut Back without Sacrificing I wonder, does use of a Public Libraries increase when money is tight for Americans? I’ve always been a power user, so I know it’s not changing my usage, but what about everyone else? Bookmark on Delicious Digg this post Share on FriendFeed 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

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photo by Beth Tribe

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