Task #10 - New Website

~I really like the new website and appreciate all the work that went it to this!

As a patron/library assistant I posted a comment on the development survey, so I'll repeat that now.
~ On the Books & Media page, under the Catalog & More section I suggest moving the "Get a Library Card" link above the "Suggest a Purchase" and "ILL" link, since you need your library card number for those 2 links.

Help Finding a Good Book? ~ I really like both of these links!

• What Should I Read Next? (quick version)
• Customized Reading List  (in-depth)

~ Some things may still be a work in progress but currently the URL's for some links aren't up & running, such as the kids & teens blogs.
~ I like the ASK US button being prominently featured and the numerous mechanisms to having patrons questions addressed.
~ I like now there are numerous locations to find links, such as Library News, etc.
~ I LOVE the calendar format for the events calendar and think that the format is much easier to navigate, but the OM January 2012 calendar is currently missing our Story Time every Monday at 10:00. Trevor has gained quite a following and I hope to see Story Time on the calendar when the the website is launched.
~ I like the patron log in on the main page but wonder if the patron's Library card number can show up as ************* instead of the actual card number 409000....... to protect the patron if they are logging in anywhere but at home!
~ I like the phone directory feature also.
Well, I best go assist Rachel and prepare to close OM for the night.
Thanks again for all the hard work.
Terri A

Task #9 - Universal Class

Task: Let us know in your blog what you think about Universal Class and give us an idea of how we could use this database with library programming and/or staff training:


 I went ahead and registered for an account but I wonder when I'll squeeze one more thing into my life (certainly not for the next 6 weeks!)

I think it would be personally fun to delve into herbs or natural remedies.

I think we can refer those folks who want the coveted "behind the reference counter" Wiccan books to the Wiccan class.

Numerous patrons check out the GED training books and always seem to want them for more than 6 weeks. Referring those computer literate patrons to the GED training classes might help them in their self paced quest for a GED.

Many people can likely benefit from the "How to cope with and live with an Illness" type courses.

One caution - I dislike the sites title "Nursing CEU's." This area might be great for those who are interested in exploring careers in health care, such as medical or nursing assistants or as a review type course. We could refer them to the home page disclaimer:
These are non-credit courses and are provided for your personal enrichment. These courses are not intended to be a substitute for any state, government, licensing, or educational requirements.


Thanks for sharing. I'm glad I finally found the time to explore this resource.

Terri A

Task #8 Español LIbGuide

Task #8      Español LibGuideTasks
1. Complete the above quiz either in the staff computer training or on your own.
I missed the training while I was on a vacation to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park. It was a great vacation by the way. Perfect camping weather, great hiking and sleeping temperatures, no crowds and beautiful fall colors!
2. Blog about your score.
I only scored an 80%. (Ouch that is hard to take for a usual "straight A" student - Cum Laude graduate!)
I misunderstood question # 3, but I'll go with the interpretation you were looking for.
I  reviewed the Spanish LibGuide Notes that Rachel provided me, since I missed the training, and still answered # 9 incorrectly by choosing "the first one and consider it a Freebie." Perhaps you have since corrected it and it is no longer a "freebie"  and perhaps my score is higher than 80%. But then again, maybe not. I think the world will continue to spin even if I only scored an 80 %.
3. Share how you might use this LibGuide to help a Spanish-speaking patron.
I  am excited to see the"Juegos" on the "Para Ninos" page! I will be able to offer that resource to my Spanish speaking ninos who accompany their padres while Eusebia Garza tutors them here at Orchard Mesa.

Thanks again for another great tool in my MCPLD toolbox!

Nighty, night!

Terri A

Task #7: Cloud Computing - Google Docs and Dropbox

Tasks Accomplished:
1. Watch Cloud Computing in Plain English video.
I remember this video from last time. I have discussed cloud computing a few times since I first learned about it. Nancy Trimm also mentioned it at the "Technology Training on Demand" class.
2. Read the 'differences' article. 
I didn't find this article too helpful. It actually confused me more. I guess I'll have to let the thoughts simmer for a few days and try and re-read the article again. Or discuss it more with my smarter, more tech savvy co-workers to get a better grasp of the differences. (It could be the distracting crying baby that I can hear as I do this Webolution task and it is after lunch!)
3. Watch the Dropbox video. 
I thought this video was helpful.
4. Watch the Google Docs video.
I also thought this video was helpful.
5. Blog about whether you would use Dropbox or Google Docs and/or suggest it to patrons. If you already use either one, tell us about it.
Nancy Trimm mentioned some helpful uses of Google Docs in her line of work, while traveling for the training sessions while also working on shared projects with other co-workers. Likewise I think on-line or traditional brick and mortar students could find these programs helpful on group projects. Also family members in different states who work on joint genealogy projects or who send family letters where multiple people can chime in to add their comments. I could see discussing these programs with patrons and letting them decide what might be most helpful for their needs. Alas, it made me think of people who use their garages to hold all their worldly belongings EXCEPT their cars. It made me also think of everyone who pay fees to store even more STUFF at storage garages, etc. (Which also made me think of George Carlins "STUFF" comedy routine, but I digress.) I always go kicking and screaming into the latest trends and likely won't hop on board this train even for the "free" amount of CLOUD storage they provide much less the extra storage they will be happy to sell me. I'm sure that Creative Memories "Memory Manager" or Shutterfly already are painlessly cloud computing for me with the photos I upload to their sites and share with family and friends from there!


Thanks again for trying to keep me up to date with the latest and greatest new trends!

Task #6: Helping Patrons

1. Complete the multiple choice quiz below. 

 I answered all the questions correctly!

2. Blog about your results and the answers that surprised you the most, if any.

That was a nice way to review material that we have covered in previous Webolution activities.

3. Post your own example of a multiple choice question that relates to considering more than one resource to assist a patron.  


A patron wants to know what is the next book in J.D. Robb's Eve Dallas series, after book 12 - "Visions in Death" and if I know who writes stories similar to this author and type of book so she can keep reading once she finishes all 33 books in this series and the the Eve Dallas companion books.

a.) Have the patron show me book # 11 so we can see if the book lists all the next book in the series.
b.) Provide the phone number for the Central library and have her ask for the Information Desk.
c.) Show her how to utilize KDL "What's Next" for the list of books in J.D. Robb's Eve Dallas series from the Mesa County Library home page under the "Books and More" tab. You can then introduce her to the features available in "Novelist Plus" for read-alikes and more!

d.) Tell her to Google Amazon.com

Now what answer do you think would be the most help for this patron?

Thanks again,

Terri A

Extra Credit #2 - A Google A Day

 1. How fun (or not) this exercise was.
The Friday 8/12/11 "Google a Day" question:
In 1260, the Barons of Acre let the Mamluks pass through their territory, which allowed the Mamluks to achieve a decisive victory against the Mongols in Galilee. What key new weapon was used in this battle?
For this extra credit Webolution exercise I found the answer (hand cannons) easily by typing in "Barons of Acre vs Mamluks in 1260" into the "Google a Day" search engine. I found this exercise a test of obscure trivial pursuit type material fun, but unlikely I'd do this  "Google a Day" often. Since I found the first answer so quickly, I went back to try mu luck on the question for Thursday 8/11/11. I entered " Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania" into the "Google a day" search engine which brought me to Dr Jane Goodalls chimpanzee research, but I didn't find the familiar "arrival call" as easily in the article, so I finally gave up after a few attempts and hit the "hint" and "submit" buttons to come up with the answer. This was helpful since I think I could learn more about my search techniques by my failures than from my successes. Ahh...What a great way to learn to refine my searchs.

2. Which drawing do you want your extra entry to go toward--the Sony Reader or the $100 downtown gift card? Please enter me in the $100 downtown gift card drawing for this exercise!

Thanks,

Terri A

Task #5: Chilton Library

Hello fellow Webolution bloggers,

Just about a year ago I was introduced to Chilton when I had some training with the Information and Reference Desk at the Central library before starting out at Orchard Mesa. Chilton and KLD "What's next " have been my 2 favorite frequently used resources for my OM patrons.

I LOVE this resource, and think its almost as great as "sliced bread." BUT today I found my first thing to dislike. We have been having some intermittent windshield wiper issues on our 1994 Ford F-250 pickup that rarely gives us any trouble at all. Lately though the windshield wipers of this usually dependable workhorse come on for no apparent reason, except that it usually occurs when we are in Colorado's high country on some fairly remote rough 4WD road in the heat of  summer when it is NOT raining. So I used this Webolution task to look up this issue on this pickup truck.

The path I used after entering my trucks year, make and model was this:  

Repair >Wiring Diagrams (Ironic isn't it, since the task mentioned that wiring diagrams are a commonly needed patron request.) > Wipers and Washers > Interval Wiper Washer. But alas that was the end of the road! It said the information was on page 00 (1994). And when attempting to click on "View Image" it says "The file is damaged or cannot be repaired." So at this point I'm no further closer to solving the intermittent  (always the worst kind of vehicle problem to solve) mystery. But I still love Chilton and will continue to empower patrons to use this awesome resource instead of trying to locate a book that may or may not be on the shelf and readily available. Patrons seem to LOVE this resource too!

TTFN,

Terri A at OM

Task #4 Downloading eBooks

Hello ladies and gentlemen,

After our Sony e-reader staff computer training in May I felt more at ease about e-readers.At that point my dearly beloved husband was ready to go out and buy one for me for my birthday in May. But now I'm glad he didn't do that!  Last week I attended Betsey's class with several of  the Orchard Mesa patrons and I found that review was very helpful to me as well. After reviewing 2 articles in Consumer Reports I likely would currently choose to purchase a Barnes and Noble Nook instead of an Amazon Kindle or a Sony e-reader. After the training Sony had me sold until I saw the ratings in the December 2010 Consumer Reports Cover Story "E-Book Readers." Alas in that report Sony is no where to be found. Kindle was tops in the Consumer Reports "Kindle tops our e-reader Ratings" article of July 2010 currently I'd pass on that brand due to its current lack of being able to accept library rentals. After all I'm a library employee!

I never am the first consumer on the block to purchase new technology, instead I usually go kicking and screaming towards new "tech toys." Waiting usually works to my advantage, as often items/apps get added and price comes down during my research phase. So if I wait long enough... Kindles will accept library rentals and combining that with their light weight, readability, versatility, responsiveness, page turns, and navigation I'll become a happy e-reader.

I've also learned that the first several steps to downloading are:
1. Download Adobe Digital Editions
2. Find and download an eBook from OverDrive or download Public Domain eBooks from Overdrive
3. Use Adobe Digital Editions to access my downloaded eBook
4. Transferring OverDrive eBooks to the Nook eReaders or possibly Kindle (once it accepts library rentals in the near future?)

Terri A

Task #3 Intro to MasterFile

Hello ladies & gentlemen,

*Best...' review article in Consumer Reports for smartphones:


Best phones & plans: Here’s how to get the best cell-phone deal amid changing choices
Consumer Reports, Jan2011, Vol. 76 Issue 1

Extra credit for the Sony Reader drawing:

FREDDIE MERCURY 1946-1991 

Thanks for the help on this resource!

Terri A

Discovery Task #2 Website Scavenger Hunt

Hello,

I scored 100%. I appreciate the scavenger hunts. I always find numerous items that are new to me. The other day Blair (from Clifton) noticed there wasn't a linnk to FreeGal but she called to clarify that issue. I've had some older patrons who were very used to always finding their favorite links from our website that were moved ever so slightly and this allowed some teachable moments as I assisted them with the various ways to find what they are looking for.

 I use KDL as by favorite database for finding books in a series. I will practice using novelist and see if I like that as well or better. Thanks for the learning opportunity.


See you later,


Terri

2011 Discovery Task #1 Create a Blog

Hello everyone,

Here I am starting the  Webolution 2011 Discovery Task #1 Create a Blog
I'm still "The Cat's Meow", which is the blog I started last fall.

I'd love to be in the drawing for the Sony Reader.

That's it for now,


Terri A

Task 8: Share, Remix, Reuse -- Legally

Hello,

"The more I know the more I know I don't know." WOW, changing career paths at midlife brings it's own set of challenges. I love learning and am constantly challenged in this library assistant position. Today's task is learning about Creative Commons, yet another thing I'd never even heard of until today.

I searched for photographic images and reviewed a case study for 1 of  the 2 photographers that use Creative Commons. The photographers case study I looked at was monkeyc.net. (Clever name and an awesome flower photograph.)

 I also looked for images of Carlos Santana (numerous) and Dan Fogelberg using Google image and flickr.

I also used jamendo to look for lyrics by both of the above 2 musical artists and the lyrics to Jimmy Buffets famous "Cheeseburger in Paradise" on Google web.

I reviewed the case study for Nine Inch Nails and read some of the following posts after that case study.

We have a frequent flyer (patron) who loves to bring us (the OM staff) music CD's he has found for $.25 cents at a garage sale to share with us and always asks if we, "burned a copy for ourselves." We frequently find ourselves repeating information about piracy and copyrights. I'd love to spend more time on the Copyright FAQ page to be better able to discuss these issues with him.

That's all for now,

Terri

Task 7 A Sampling of Readers Resources

Hello!

It's a beautiful spring day and we are s-l-o-w enough here on this "spring break week" day that I get to contribute to my blog while learning new library resources. I think I would chose LitLovers. I think it would be helpful for the 2 book clubs I currently belong to. I think one of my book clubs used Shelfari before. Now I need to go home and check and see if I still have a password to enter and see if we have updated our good reads this past year. I also liked GoodReads. The Boulder Public Library GoodReads look likes it hasn't been updated recently, since there are no "upcoming events" posted. I think AllReaders might come in handy someday but the website was boring. LibraryThing was also interesting but it looked like folks were vying for bragging rights.... Well, that's all for now... so I can let my co-worker have some much needed desk time as well.
TTFN,
Terri

Discovery Task #6: ORE tutorials Part 2

Continuing  saga: Things I liked or learned about reviewing this site:

Houston Area Library Service's training site; Customer Service 123 - Customer Service Module 1

Value of Customer Service in Libraries:

Best quote: “The personal touch provided by a considerate staff can provide an edge in the increasing competition of today's information market.”

Staff Role:

Best quotes: …everybody in the library is part of good customer service. Everything we do affects the users of the library. Libraries are service organizations. Ultimately everyone who is involved with the library, every service provided by the library, and all library facilities affect the library's service to customers.

Our attitude is the most important part of customer service.

The key to working well with customers is understanding the true value of the library to the community and appreciating your role in providing library services to the community.

Everyone in the library is part of providing great customer service. Be proud of your contribution. Personal satisfaction will show in your transactions with customers.

That's it for now, Now it's Rachel's turn for desk time.

Terri

Webolution Task # 6 Part 1

 Friday, January 14, 2011

Hello,

I liked learning the Public Library Association's service priorities.

The Public Library Association now identifies 13 library service priorities:

• Basic literacy
• Business and career information
• Commons environment for meetings
• Community referral
• Consumer information
• Cultural awareness
• Current topics and titles
• Formal learning support
• General information
• Government information
• Information literacy
• Lifelong learning
• Local history and genealogy

Here's the recently updated 2010-2012 Library Strategic Plan Mission Statement and Goals

The Mission of the Mesa County Libraries:
Mesa County Libraries provide information and enrichment to our community, and connection to the world.
We at the Library Value:

•  excellent customer service.
•  open and respectful access for all.
•  diversity, intellectual freedom and personal privacy.
•  collaboration with local agencies and organizations.
•  effective and efficient stewardship of library resources.
•  staff for their initiative, flexibility, and teamwork.

Goal #1 - Mesa County Libraries stimulate the curiosities of new and existing library users, who will find
what they want readily available and who will receive expert assistance.
Goal # 2 - Mesa County Libraries attract a diverse range of Mesa County residents into the Libraries’
comfortable and welcoming physical and virtual places.
Goal #3 - Mesa County Libraries provide the technology and training necessary to participate in and keep
pace with the online world and to aid business development in our community.
Goal #4 - Mesa County Libraries support K – 12 education by ensuring that students have the resources they
need to succeed in school.
Goal #5 – Mesa County Libraries improve the foundational literacy skills of adult learners throughout Mesa
County.

To be continued.....

Terri