Final Task #10

Wow! What a difference.

I like the organization-it's much easier to find things in a number of different places: tabs on the top, the icons and footer topics. I think once patrons get used to the new look, they'll be happier with navigating the site. The "New Titles" scrolling bar is terrific (may eliminate a part of my libguide!), the ASK button is prominent and I especially like the clear calendar with upcoming events. Much easier to see a lot of information at one time.

Cari, you and your team have done a terrific job with this.

Universal Class: Something for Everyone!

I'm actually really excited about this database and have been talking it up to people outside of the library. The variety is amazing! I recommended the Floral Arranging 101 class to the people who came to our Fall Floral Arranging program, and suggested 11 Key Principles for Good Health, Lifetime Wellness 101 and Stress Management 101 for the people who came to the acupuncture and acutonics programs.

I am enrolled in a class to test it out, and am impressed with the fact that-at least for this class-lessons are presented both in print and on video for those with different learning styles.

This could be a terrific resource for our patrons if we work at getting the word out!

Spanish LibGuide #8

No real reason for this photo other than it looks like a cool place to be!

It's always a good idea to TAKE a quiz before giving it to others. That's one of the things I learned-especially when I created it. It's amazing how things can "slip" by. Luckily, Cari's here, and she quickly took care of the two oddities on the original quiz. No excuses for missing any of the questions now!

What I tried to emphasize in training is the fact that there is SO MUCH information here, you DON'T need to know Spanish to use it, and much of the information is repeated in several places so that access is easier. I was most impressed with the ability of Google Translate to easily and effectively translated the entire libguide from Spanish to English.

"Behind every cloud is another cloud." Judy Garland #7

I don't actually use either Dropbox or Google Docs, but could see using them both. I edit a weekly gardening article and have emails from the author as well as the finished articles I send off. Either Dropbox or Google Docs would be a terrific place to "store" it all so that I would have access anywhere, anytime.

I just bought a new computer and the old one was SO OLD, that many of my files didn't transfer over; had I put them on Dropbox, there'd be no problem. Likewise NONE of my albums transferred. All the photos are there, but there's no organization (kind of like my old shoeboxes full of photos).

Don't let this happen to you!

Patrons often want to type up letters, information, resumes but don't have, or want, to store them on a device; these would be terrific places for them to save their work, have access to it, and be able to revise and print off whatever they needed without paying for anything! We're all about access, here's another way to share it!

Task #6

Great questions! Easy quiz! I like that.

My multiple choice question:

A patron wants to find another author like Janet Evanovich; she's read them all and isn't sure what to try next.

A. Try to find a coworker who reads that kind of stuff.
B. You've read Janet Evanovich, have found similar authors and share them with the patron.
C. Show the patron how to access the Author Read-alike section on Novelist from the library website.
D. Both B & C.

A Google A Day...

is a good way to keep one's mind sharp!

I discovered, however, that I was trying to make it more complicated than it actually was. Checked out the Minuteman Bike trail and found lots of interesting tours, then checked on the actual mileage and then looked up the average MPH on a bicycle which can vary greatly depending upon your skill level. Got close, but no cigar.

Please enter my extra credit entry into the $100 downtown GC. Thank you!

I DID get today's answer to the following question:
If your doorknob is made with this alloy of copper and zinc, it naturally disinfects itself. How many hours does it take to sanitize?

Library Renewal

Check out this video-it's what we're working on here in our library!

Task 5-Chiltons Database

This one's a keeper!!!!! I use this several times a week and patrons are usually blown away by the fact that they can use it from home. Once they know how to access it, it's pretty easy to choose year, make and model and then focus upon whatever part of the vehicle needs their attention. Most diagrams are clear and easily printed too.

I looked for any bulletins/recalls on our 1997 Nissan Sentra and was relieved to see nothing since 1998, so we're good to go!

Was also impressed with the very thorough maintenance schedule, though I usually just leave that to Mark.

Another Blog?!

Yes, I decided that it would be wise to learn how to use WordPress, so I've started a second blog. It's more of a Readers' Advisory blog with reviews and library commentary.

Task #4-Downloading eBooks

The Nook is #1 in my book!

Found a cover story from December, 2010 which rates eReaders: "E-Book Readers, They've Never Been Better or Cheaper." Having used the Nook more than any of the others, I feel comfortable with it; it would be my choice were I to purchase one. Reasons I'm impressed with it: easy to read in the sun (as they all are, I believe), the touch screen is very responsive and easy to use, and it fits comfortably in my hands like a trade paperback. Of course, it's also compatible with Overdrive and since I purchase ebooks for the library, I would want to be sure that my device could take advantage of that!

Downloading to a Nook:
1. Turn on and wake up the Nook
2. Plug the Nook into the computer
3. Open Adobe Digial Editions

Task #3 MasterFILE Premier

Find the most recent 'best' review article for smartphones, and post the date and title of the article in your blog post

"Find the Best Fit" January 1,2011 ("Best Phones and Plans" is in the same issue)

EXTRA CREDIT:
Rolling Stones Magazine 1/9/1992
"Michael Jackson: The making of 'the king of pop.'"

Please put my extra credit entry into the Sony Reader drawing.

2011 Task #1 & #2

Great to be back to Webolution!

My blog is established, so that's task #1; nothing's changed there.

My preference for a prize: $100 GC.

Task #2 Got 100%, but learned from one mistake Wynell and I made in the lab. I did not know Question #5: On the Downloadable Media guide, which library do we link to for help with error messages? Now, of course, I do.

:)