This is one of the Web 2.0 tools that I think is information overload. Regarding Google Docs, I think it is a very good tool with lots and lots of capabilities but I would need to spend an entire day to fully experiment and understand. I did use it to obtain feedback from staff on a project. I plan on trying to learn it better but it will have to wait for now. In regards to ZoHo, I liked being able to sign in using my Google account. I had heard this name mentioned before, especially by academic librarians. It looks to be pretty cool as well. I think I might like to try the meeting function sometime. I plan on experimenting more with Google Docs and Zoho as time permits.
In regards to "cloud computing", I do think that it has its place but it does concern me the amount of "personal" information that people freely share over the internet. I am a fairly "open" person but there is a safety factor that should be considered as people share information about themselves. There are many ways that "cloud computing" can be beneficial for libraries. I have recently been reading about "virtual branch libraries" and I think cloud computing could easily be used when putting together a virtual branch or even a "hyperlinked" library but no matter what we do, the most important thing should always be to provide friendly customer service.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Dozen Ways To Texas Two Step method #1 & #2: On the road with web 2.0 again
I have been writing a library column for many years so that I can keep people informed of library events. What I have learned is that no matter how many people you are reaching, there are other people who are getting their information somewhere else. Trying to figure out how to reach the people who weren't being reached was pretty mind boggling. Then I learned about blogging. For a long time I wanted to turn my library column into a blog so that I could get feedback from people who read it. I like to be walked through new computer experiences but I was not able to find someone who could take the time and I did not have a lot of time to figure it out myself. And then along came the North Texas 23, the online web 2.0 experience. I made sure to sign up myself and staff in order to better serve our patrons. Many library users have been familiar with the web 2.0 tools for a long time so it was time for us to catch up. I have put many of the web 2.0 tools to use. As library 2.0 tools it has been a way to get library news and events out to a greater number of people and reach them where they are in order to keep them informed. Though the Dozen Ways to Two Step is going to be more of a refresher course, it will greater improve what I have already learned. By the way, "The Machine is us/ing us" is my favorite resource that explains Web 2.0.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
What's Happening @ the Little Elm Library?
Little Elm Public Library newsletter
09/08/09
Fall into reading with the fall reading club open to all ages including adults that runs from September 1st to October 31st. Read or listen to 7 items then return the form to receive reading rewards. Many thanks to business sponsors Premier Martial Arts and La Hacienda Ranch.
Need some ideas of books to read for the reading club? New bestsellers added this week include Even Money by Dick Francis and Felix Francis; 92 Pacific Boulevard by Debbie Macomber; 206 Bones by Kathy Reichs; Smash Cut by Sandra Brown; Intervention by Robin Cook; In the President’s Secret Service by Ronald Kessler; and Culture of Corruption by Michelle Malkin.
September is National Library card signup month and the Little Elm Public Library is in a friendly lake competition with Lake Cities Library and The Colony Library. If you or your family and friends have not gotten a library card yet, this month is a great time to get one. It will also give you an opportunity to see Libearian Bear, made especially for the Little Elm Library by Build-A-Bear Workshop (Stonebriar Centre).
There is still time to give your feedback on how you think the Little Elm library is doing. Visit http://tinyurl.com/lelibrarysurvey and tell us what you think.
It is exciting when people work together to benefit the community. Some community partnership fundraisers that are currently taking place include the Caw Coo Parrot Head Club selling raffle tickets for a cool Cruzin Cooler and/or a real wooden treasure chest filled with over $2,000 of merchandise and gift certificates. The tickets are $5.00 each or 5 for $20.00. Though both items are awesome, I have to admit I have never seen a cooler that you can ride. Pretty cool! Tickets can be purchased at the library or contact Caw Coo Parrot Head Starr Brewer at 940-368-2826. The drawing will take place at the Little Elm Autumn Fest, September 26th and the proceeds go to the Little Elm Library.
Another partnership fundraiser involves the Little Elm Food Bank and the Little Elm Library working together to sell one of a kind Lewisville Lake Toll Bridge race t-shirts. They are only $5.00 each. The shirts are cool because they marked a historical event in Little Elm history. T-shirts can be purchased from the library and the proceeds will benefit both the library and the Food Bank.
Speaking of community events, make sure to mark your calendar for the Patriots Day ceremony on Sept. 11th from 8:45am-10:45am at the Little Elm Athletic Complex. The event is hosted by Little Elm American Legion Post 182. Guest speaker will be U.S. Navy Captain Tracy D. Smyers. The event is free and open to the public. For more information contact Hal Grant at 214-407-6010.
Little Elm Library events include free Spanish, French, and elementary math tutoring on Sept. 8th and 10th at 4:15-5:15; on Sept. 8th Intro to Jewelry Design Class $10 + supplies 6pm for ages 13 and up and Saturday, Sept. 12th at 11:30 (registration required for both classes); chess club is Sept. 10th at 5:30pm; Little Elm Epilepsy Support Group and the library is sponsoring a presentation by DARS Sept. 10th at 7pm and the Little Elm Friends of the Library will be meeting on Sept. 10th at 7pm. On Saturday, Sept. 12th, free tax return extension assistance will be available 10-1 and the Little Elm Crafters Guild will be meeting that same day at 1pm. For more information contact the library at 214-975-0430 or email library@littleelm.org.
09/08/09
Fall into reading with the fall reading club open to all ages including adults that runs from September 1st to October 31st. Read or listen to 7 items then return the form to receive reading rewards. Many thanks to business sponsors Premier Martial Arts and La Hacienda Ranch.
Need some ideas of books to read for the reading club? New bestsellers added this week include Even Money by Dick Francis and Felix Francis; 92 Pacific Boulevard by Debbie Macomber; 206 Bones by Kathy Reichs; Smash Cut by Sandra Brown; Intervention by Robin Cook; In the President’s Secret Service by Ronald Kessler; and Culture of Corruption by Michelle Malkin.
September is National Library card signup month and the Little Elm Public Library is in a friendly lake competition with Lake Cities Library and The Colony Library. If you or your family and friends have not gotten a library card yet, this month is a great time to get one. It will also give you an opportunity to see Libearian Bear, made especially for the Little Elm Library by Build-A-Bear Workshop (Stonebriar Centre).
There is still time to give your feedback on how you think the Little Elm library is doing. Visit http://tinyurl.com/lelibrarysurvey and tell us what you think.
It is exciting when people work together to benefit the community. Some community partnership fundraisers that are currently taking place include the Caw Coo Parrot Head Club selling raffle tickets for a cool Cruzin Cooler and/or a real wooden treasure chest filled with over $2,000 of merchandise and gift certificates. The tickets are $5.00 each or 5 for $20.00. Though both items are awesome, I have to admit I have never seen a cooler that you can ride. Pretty cool! Tickets can be purchased at the library or contact Caw Coo Parrot Head Starr Brewer at 940-368-2826. The drawing will take place at the Little Elm Autumn Fest, September 26th and the proceeds go to the Little Elm Library.
Another partnership fundraiser involves the Little Elm Food Bank and the Little Elm Library working together to sell one of a kind Lewisville Lake Toll Bridge race t-shirts. They are only $5.00 each. The shirts are cool because they marked a historical event in Little Elm history. T-shirts can be purchased from the library and the proceeds will benefit both the library and the Food Bank.
Speaking of community events, make sure to mark your calendar for the Patriots Day ceremony on Sept. 11th from 8:45am-10:45am at the Little Elm Athletic Complex. The event is hosted by Little Elm American Legion Post 182. Guest speaker will be U.S. Navy Captain Tracy D. Smyers. The event is free and open to the public. For more information contact Hal Grant at 214-407-6010.
Little Elm Library events include free Spanish, French, and elementary math tutoring on Sept. 8th and 10th at 4:15-5:15; on Sept. 8th Intro to Jewelry Design Class $10 + supplies 6pm for ages 13 and up and Saturday, Sept. 12th at 11:30 (registration required for both classes); chess club is Sept. 10th at 5:30pm; Little Elm Epilepsy Support Group and the library is sponsoring a presentation by DARS Sept. 10th at 7pm and the Little Elm Friends of the Library will be meeting on Sept. 10th at 7pm. On Saturday, Sept. 12th, free tax return extension assistance will be available 10-1 and the Little Elm Crafters Guild will be meeting that same day at 1pm. For more information contact the library at 214-975-0430 or email library@littleelm.org.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
What's Happening @ the Little Elm Public Library
08/24/09
I finally broke down and bought a new phone. It all came about when my old phone’s battery kept going out when someone called. My standard answering procedure started being “talk fast, my battery is going out”. Not real professional. So, I stepped into the twenty first century and bought a phone that has a qwerty keyboard so I can text, a camera for taking pictures, and a speakerphone, etc. The good thing is that it only cost me ten dollars and my monthly bill is not supposed to be too much either. One reason that I needed text is to keep in touch with my daughter who will be having a baby soon. She is Queen of Text. The other reason is to get better at texting and understanding text language that we are using in a national collaborative text messaging service.
My Info quest--- In a press release written by Kitty Pope of Alliance Library System, My Info Quest is the first collaborative text messaging reference service of its kind. Alliance Library System (http://www.alliancelibrarysystem.com) in East Peoria, Illinois has partnered with approximately 50 participating libraries (including Little Elm Public Library www.littleelm.org/library ) across the United States, Altarama (http://www.altarama.com) and Web Clarity Software Inc. (http://www.webclarity.info) developers of Peoplewhere (http://www.peoplewhere.com) to build this exciting new reference service. To use this service just txt (309) 222-7740 and put “LEL” before your question if you are in the Little Elm or surrounding area. The LEL shows that you are in the Little Elm Public Library area. A librarian somewhere across the United States will text an expert answer to you within ten minutes of the hours of service. The service runs Monday through Friday 8am-10pm and Saturday 9am-5pm Central time. Standard txt msging rates apply.
Speaking of service, how are we doing? We would like to hear from you. Please visit our survey at http://tinyurl.com/lelibrarysurvey and let us know what you think. Our goal is to provide you with the best service that we can. We are looking forward to hearing from you.
Last minute reminders! If you picked up the Texas Tornado Hockey Reading program forms, they are due by Thursday, August 27th at 8pm to be eligible for the drawing on Saturday, August 29th at 10:30am. That is when Texas Tornado Hockey Team mascot Ike the Polar Bear visits family story time and will draw the winning entries for a free hockey game voucher provided by Little Elm Friends of the Library. Remember that the reading program is for all ages but kid’s ages 6-12 who read or listen to ten items will automatically receive a voucher for the October 24th hockey game. Also, August is National Inventors Month and Inventors Digest magazine is hosting a national youth essay contest for ages 12-17. Forms can be picked up at the library or by visiting the website at www.InventorsDigest.com. The contest ends August 31st.
Mum’s the word! The library is hosting a mum workshop on Thursday, September 3rd at 6:30pm. The workshop is being presented by Woodhaven Creations for thirteen years old and up. The fee is only $15 but registration is required so give us a call at 214-975-0430 by Monday, August 31st at 5pm to reserve your spot!
I finally broke down and bought a new phone. It all came about when my old phone’s battery kept going out when someone called. My standard answering procedure started being “talk fast, my battery is going out”. Not real professional. So, I stepped into the twenty first century and bought a phone that has a qwerty keyboard so I can text, a camera for taking pictures, and a speakerphone, etc. The good thing is that it only cost me ten dollars and my monthly bill is not supposed to be too much either. One reason that I needed text is to keep in touch with my daughter who will be having a baby soon. She is Queen of Text. The other reason is to get better at texting and understanding text language that we are using in a national collaborative text messaging service.
My Info quest--- In a press release written by Kitty Pope of Alliance Library System, My Info Quest is the first collaborative text messaging reference service of its kind. Alliance Library System (http://www.alliancelibrarysystem.com) in East Peoria, Illinois has partnered with approximately 50 participating libraries (including Little Elm Public Library www.littleelm.org/library ) across the United States, Altarama (http://www.altarama.com) and Web Clarity Software Inc. (http://www.webclarity.info) developers of Peoplewhere (http://www.peoplewhere.com) to build this exciting new reference service. To use this service just txt (309) 222-7740 and put “LEL” before your question if you are in the Little Elm or surrounding area. The LEL shows that you are in the Little Elm Public Library area. A librarian somewhere across the United States will text an expert answer to you within ten minutes of the hours of service. The service runs Monday through Friday 8am-10pm and Saturday 9am-5pm Central time. Standard txt msging rates apply.
Speaking of service, how are we doing? We would like to hear from you. Please visit our survey at http://tinyurl.com/lelibrarysurvey and let us know what you think. Our goal is to provide you with the best service that we can. We are looking forward to hearing from you.
Last minute reminders! If you picked up the Texas Tornado Hockey Reading program forms, they are due by Thursday, August 27th at 8pm to be eligible for the drawing on Saturday, August 29th at 10:30am. That is when Texas Tornado Hockey Team mascot Ike the Polar Bear visits family story time and will draw the winning entries for a free hockey game voucher provided by Little Elm Friends of the Library. Remember that the reading program is for all ages but kid’s ages 6-12 who read or listen to ten items will automatically receive a voucher for the October 24th hockey game. Also, August is National Inventors Month and Inventors Digest magazine is hosting a national youth essay contest for ages 12-17. Forms can be picked up at the library or by visiting the website at www.InventorsDigest.com. The contest ends August 31st.
Mum’s the word! The library is hosting a mum workshop on Thursday, September 3rd at 6:30pm. The workshop is being presented by Woodhaven Creations for thirteen years old and up. The fee is only $15 but registration is required so give us a call at 214-975-0430 by Monday, August 31st at 5pm to reserve your spot!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
What's Happening @ the Little Elm Public Library
Little Elm Public Library newsletter
08/17/09
Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Look no further! Little Elm Library, Little Elm Chamber of Commerce, Point Bank, Capital One Bank, Independent Bank, and Sterling Bank all have last chance tickets to see the Frisco RoughRiders play the NA Naturals. It is Little Elm Family Night at the Dr. Pepper Ballpark on Saturday, August 22nd at 7pm. Don’t have a family? Bring your friends, neighbors, or co-workers. The idea is to kick back and relax for a good cause. The ticket cost $12 and includes a PlayBall game program, pre-game player autographs, bullpen section ticket, and a limited edition RoughRiders hat. A portion of the proceeds goes to benefit The Ryan Project (www.theryanproject.org) for more information about this event contact Laura Avis at 214-975-0406. Let’s PLAY BALL!
The ball game will be a great way to spend the evening but while you are at the library buying tickets for the game, make sure to visit the monthly business and craft fair going on from 11-2. Who knows what goodies you will find to start the school year or get a jump on holiday gift buying. Businesses and crafters who will be at the fair Saturday, August 22nd include New Home Locaters, Avon, 1st Class DJ Service, Scentsy (wickless candles), Little Elm Knitting Club, Woodhaven Creations, Marilyn S. (quilt pot holders and lap quilts), Linda D. (wire wrap), Enchanted Dragonfly (handmade jewelry), Mrs. Martins Goodies (stained glass and wood craft), Kelly Elise Creations (handmade wall plaques) and local artist Pali will be doing henna art. Members of the Little Elm Craft Guild will be on hand to sign up members and answer questions.
Saving money is the name of the game all the time but especially this year. The library is once again selling the Entertainment Passbooks for the Dallas area that includes Little Elm, Aubrey, The Colony, Frisco, and Denton, just to name a few. The book is only $20 but the money you will save with the coupons is priceless and a portion of the proceeds goes to help the library.
Speaking of saving money, this weekend (21st, 22nd, and 23rd) is tax free weekend so while you are out buying items, please consider buying some extra school supplies to donate for those kids who need them. The library, Communities in Schools (www.CISNT.org), and The Ryan Project are partnering together to collect school supplies to benefit students in Little Elm ISD. Supplies will be collected through September 17th at Little Elm Library, Little Elm High School, and Living Word Baptist church. For more information call Tina at 214-975-0430 or Correne Lynch-Fierro at 972-292-1840, ext. 26005.
Another way to save money is to check out books to read. New books added to the collection this week include Castaways by Elin Hilderbrand; Delicacy by C.L. Kelly; and Scrapping Plans by Rebeca Seitz. Is there something you need to know? Give us a call and tell us so. Contact us at 214-975-0430 or send us an email at library@littleelm.org.
08/17/09
Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Look no further! Little Elm Library, Little Elm Chamber of Commerce, Point Bank, Capital One Bank, Independent Bank, and Sterling Bank all have last chance tickets to see the Frisco RoughRiders play the NA Naturals. It is Little Elm Family Night at the Dr. Pepper Ballpark on Saturday, August 22nd at 7pm. Don’t have a family? Bring your friends, neighbors, or co-workers. The idea is to kick back and relax for a good cause. The ticket cost $12 and includes a PlayBall game program, pre-game player autographs, bullpen section ticket, and a limited edition RoughRiders hat. A portion of the proceeds goes to benefit The Ryan Project (www.theryanproject.org) for more information about this event contact Laura Avis at 214-975-0406. Let’s PLAY BALL!
The ball game will be a great way to spend the evening but while you are at the library buying tickets for the game, make sure to visit the monthly business and craft fair going on from 11-2. Who knows what goodies you will find to start the school year or get a jump on holiday gift buying. Businesses and crafters who will be at the fair Saturday, August 22nd include New Home Locaters, Avon, 1st Class DJ Service, Scentsy (wickless candles), Little Elm Knitting Club, Woodhaven Creations, Marilyn S. (quilt pot holders and lap quilts), Linda D. (wire wrap), Enchanted Dragonfly (handmade jewelry), Mrs. Martins Goodies (stained glass and wood craft), Kelly Elise Creations (handmade wall plaques) and local artist Pali will be doing henna art. Members of the Little Elm Craft Guild will be on hand to sign up members and answer questions.
Saving money is the name of the game all the time but especially this year. The library is once again selling the Entertainment Passbooks for the Dallas area that includes Little Elm, Aubrey, The Colony, Frisco, and Denton, just to name a few. The book is only $20 but the money you will save with the coupons is priceless and a portion of the proceeds goes to help the library.
Speaking of saving money, this weekend (21st, 22nd, and 23rd) is tax free weekend so while you are out buying items, please consider buying some extra school supplies to donate for those kids who need them. The library, Communities in Schools (www.CISNT.org), and The Ryan Project are partnering together to collect school supplies to benefit students in Little Elm ISD. Supplies will be collected through September 17th at Little Elm Library, Little Elm High School, and Living Word Baptist church. For more information call Tina at 214-975-0430 or Correne Lynch-Fierro at 972-292-1840, ext. 26005.
Another way to save money is to check out books to read. New books added to the collection this week include Castaways by Elin Hilderbrand; Delicacy by C.L. Kelly; and Scrapping Plans by Rebeca Seitz. Is there something you need to know? Give us a call and tell us so. Contact us at 214-975-0430 or send us an email at library@littleelm.org.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
YaaaaaaaHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
This is supposed to be a reflection, but I have been reflecting all along in my blogs. Some recap worth mentioning (or not depending on who you talk too). I don't know that I really had a favorite. I liked the opportunity to do the 23 because I have been wanting to learn about these applications for a long time and always put it aside for later, where this made me learn it within a time frame. My least favorite I think was the wiki but that may be because that is what I currently remember that gave me a headache. Wiki was challenging (thank goodness my staff member Laurie was around). Laurie also said that Twitter will be the most challenging for me since I have to keep things brief, hah I'll show her. RSS feeds were confusing but maybe it is because I need more practice. As I said in the previous blog, I have already incorporated a lot of what has been learned into daily library applications and plan on adding more. Staff will be required to apply something they have learned and we are also going to work on another 23 things, submitted by staff. We will also come up with other ways that the public will benefit. Some of the things that I have learned I have already been doing in other library projects. So TTFN and keep up with Little Elm Library Page by Page!
Wild Things
The North Texas 23 Things has been a rewarding experience though sometimes challenging (as it should be). I did require all my staff to participate so we all could benefit from the trials and tribulations in order to better serve our patrons. In order to expand on what we have learned, I have not only asked staff to pick something out of the 23 things to focus on and do something for the library I have also asked staff to pick three more sites that they would like for us all to learn so we can do our own 23 things project. From my blogs, you can see that my goal has been to incorporate as much as possible into everyday library use, but I hope that we can also figure out creative ways to share this information with our patrons as classes, bookmark guides, etc.
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