10.05.06
Posted in Resources at 12:19 am by Paloma Cruz
Need inspiration and help putting together a Teen Read Week celebration? Try the American Library Association’s Web site. Of particular note:
Meg Cabot, author of The Princess Diaries,has recorded two PSAs for Teen Read Week, both of them 30 seconds long, and can be used to raise awareness about Teen Read Week. The PSAs can be played over school announcements or on a local radio station and were made possible by Listening Library. For more information, including tips on how to ensure the PSA is played, click here.
Need more ideas? Check out the post at Alternative Teen Services to find out what they’re doing. When in doubt, copy! 
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07.07.06
Posted in Resources at 11:35 pm by Paloma Cruz
In a follow up to a previous “cool tools” post, here’s another resource for finding great little tools: Library Web Chic’s Cool Tools Update for Webmasters. Included in the list are link popularity checkers, password keepers and php editors. Worth bookmarking.
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07.05.06
Posted in Resources at 10:15 pm by Paloma Cruz
Here’s an oldie but goodie, a powerpoint presentation presented at Computers in Libraries earlier this year. The download time sucks, but it’s worth it.
(Found via LibrarianInBlack.)
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06.13.06
Posted in Resources, General at 11:03 pm by Paloma Cruz
Just looking to get started in podcasting? Still figuring out what podcasting means? Read the Beginner’s guide to podcasts and podcasting (plus: how to create a basic podcast of your own). “A podcast is an audio programme distributed via the Internet. It is very much like a broadcast on AM radio, with much commentary or discussion involved. Or, it can be like FM radio, with artists regularly releasing original music tracks on a regular basis.” (Found via LifeHacker.)
Library Technology in Texas points us to the Podcasting Legal Guide. “Much of the information has to do with copyright and should be familiar to libraries, however, there are sections that deal with audio and trademarks. Definitely a good read if you are thinking about podcasting.”
LibrarianInBlack also points us to the podcasting legal guide wiki. “The purpose of this Guide is to provide you with a general roadmap of some of the legal issues specific to podcasting.”
Information Today provides a primer to podcasting in Podcasting 101 for K–12 Librarians. “Podcasting supports efforts to differentiate instruction in the library in accordance with No Child Left Behind requirements.” (Found via LibrarianInBlack.)
Want to know how libraries are using podcasts? Read Podcasting with the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Teens. An an intern at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh details a podcast project with the teens at that library. “Our digital media project is essentially a virtual pen pal program between the Trails West Teen Advisory Council (Kansas City Public Library) and the TAC at the main Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh facility. Each advisory group creates a podcast that addresses the other group, with information about activities, books being read, and even the music we enjoy.”
For another view on how to podcast, SitePoint has Podtastic! Professional Podcasting for the Rest of Us. “This article will give you a complete introduction to podcasting; by the end of it you should be in an excellent position to set up, record, and distribute your own podcast to the masses! But, before we roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty, it’s important to understand a few of the basics.”
You can also go to How to Make Podcasting Work for You to learn… well, how to make podcasting work for you. Or learn what podcasting can do for your blog.
Still need some help getting started? Learn how to use Audacity for podcasting. (Found via LifeHacker.)
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06.01.06
Posted in Resources, News at 9:07 pm by Paloma Cruz
Small business start-ups begin @ your library
– reported by the American Library Association
Every year, more than 500,000 entrepreneurs start new businesses in the United States. But how and where, with little money beyond what they can borrow on credit cards or from family and friends, do they do the market research, licensing, and all the rest of what it takes to succeed? The answer is @ your library.
As they work toward realizing their dreams, many aspiring small business owners turn to public libraries for help. In fact, a study in early 2006 conducted by the American Library Association (ALA), found that 61 percent of people living in the United States said libraries are important in helping to start small businesses.
Public libraries provide many crucial tools and resources to help small businesses launch and thrive in today’s competitive marketplace - often for free. They range from training on how to apply for business licenses, to seminars on securing bank financing to workshops on creating successful marketing campaigns. Many public libraries across the country employ trained staff who provide advice on how to use print and online business resources:
[snip]
America’s libraries are paving the way for small business owners to be the engines that drive our economy. Since small businesses represent a large and increasing number of all U.S. employers, they employ a growing majority of the workforce. Many seeds of innovation are planted at libraries, and ideas and products blossom under the watchful eyes of small business owners.
For more about American Library Association (ALA) recommendations and resources created by business librarians, including the Best of the Best Business Web sites, visit www.ala.org/smallbizweb.
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05.06.06
Posted in Resources at 3:21 pm by Paloma Cruz
EngagedPatrons.org, touted as the service that connected libraries and users, offers a variety of online services for the small library:
We provide website services connecting public libraries and their patrons. We handle the programming; you reap the benefits of being able to offer your users a more engaging and interactive web presence. The following services are currently available. Subscribe to our News blog to stay current!
Library Events
Offer your patrons a list of your library’s upcoming events, searchable by branch or keyword. Add online registration when you’re ready! Learn more…
Library Blogs
Create interactive blogs integrated into your site’s look and feel. Learn more…
Contact Your Library
Gather valuable feedback from your patrons right on your website with an easy-to-complete form. Learn more…
RSS Feeds
Offer your patrons the option of getting library news updates via RSS. Learn more…
Custom Web-enabled Databases
Have a card file or database you would like to make available to your staff or patrons? Contact us for assistance.
Found via The Shifted Librarian.
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05.04.06
Posted in Resources at 11:02 pm by Paloma Cruz
Library Marketing just posted an informative piece on blogging and social networking for libraries. What Jill recommends:
Done right, I think librarians can be a welcome addition to blogs and social networks by:
- Adding value to our services from our patrons’ perspective
- Being respectful of the social environment we’re a part of (no library-ese, no sales pitches)
- Inserting our expertise and resources in a relevant way (such as in response to an expressed need, as Brian’s initiative does)
- Monitoring discussions to assess needs and improve our services
- Having fun and engaging patrons!
Good advice.
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04.19.06
Posted in Resources at 11:44 pm by Paloma Cruz
from Michael Stephens:
- We’ve always done it this way.
- He/She is a roadblock for anything to get done.
- The IT department won’t let us.
- I don’t have time for (insert new social tool here).
- Our director doesn’t like technology.
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04.15.06
Posted in Resources at 2:10 am by Paloma Cruz
ALA Recruitment Assembly launches recruitment Web site
The American Library Association (ALA) Recruitment Assembly is pleased to announce the launch of a new Web site www.LibraryCareers.org. The Web site includes basic information on what it takes to become a librarian or library worker and also information on education, financial assistance and possible career paths.
[snip]
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