The Knight Foundation has released a new report Information Needs of Communities in a Democracy. A good deal of the content either is or could be applies to libraries. The entire report is 148 pages, you can also download a 2 page summary that includes recommendations like these 2: Increase support for public service media aimed at meeting community information needs. Read more … 6: Integrate digital and media literacy as critical elements of education at all levels through collaboration among federal, state, and local education officials. Read more … 7: Fund and support public libraries and other community institutions as centers of digital and media training, especially for adults. Read more … 10: Support the activities of information providers to reach local audiences with quality content through all appropriate media, such as mobile phones, radio, and public-access cable. Read more … 12: Engage young people in developing the digital information and communication capacities of local communities. Read more … 14: Emphasize community information flow in the design and enhancement of a local community’s public spaces.. Read more … 15: Ensure that every local community has at least one high-quality online hub. Read more … The Foundation has also taken actions that affect libraries: $3.3 million to improve free, public Internet
Posts Tagged ‘ Technology ’
ALA Learning – On Demand Training for Staff
I have a new post over at ALA Learning about on demand training for staff, the benefits of it and how to make it happen. Because these impromptu, or on demand, sessions are one on one, people often feel more comfortable asking questions they may not ask in front of a group. One on one sessions have other advantages too. You move at the pace of the individual, not the group or a schedule. You can walk them through the process step by step, more than once if needed. You can see if the person doesn’t understand right away and explain it again or in a different way. I also find that providing on demand training can make staff more interested in attending your training classes, give you new ideas for training sessions and even get you invited to department meetings for training! 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
Libraries and Transliteracy Slideshow
I haven’t been able to stop thinking about transliteracy and how important the concept is for libraries and librarians. I’ve created a slideshow I hope conveys the message and is easy to share. I have also added page with information on transliteracy. Libraries and Transliteracy View more presentations from Bobbi Newman. 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
Did You Know? v4.0
A newly updated Did You Know video 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
Yes I am a Digital Branch Manager, No I Do Not Regularly Build Bonfires of Print Books in My Backyard & Dance Around Wearing Warpaint
Not regularly, actually, not ever. I keep seeing the perception that by going digital, being aware of and, gasp! even using technology means that librarians and libraries are throwing aside traditionally services in favor of sexy new toys like Twitter. That in order for a library to have a Facebook profile first we have sacrifice 100 books to the Social Media gods. As a Digital Branch Manager I have nothing against books, heck, I think we should have more books. At home, in my personal library, I probably have more books at home than some of my “traditional” peers. Do not get rid of the books. I do think libraries need to develop along with the society they serve. I don’t understand the people who want libraries to continue to be about the book; solely about the ink and paper book. The world is evolving at an amazing rate, nothing is standing still. Why shouldn’t libraries move forward? If we stand still how will we serve our patrons as they move forward? So many people see the addition of new services as a threat to the old. I don’t think anyone is planning to throughout the baby with the bathwater.
Reading
