Prairie Librarian

How cool are librarians?!

2010-06-15T08:39:00.003-05:00

Check out this little video...can you say c-c-c-cataog?! I LOVE IT!

Brave New World

2010-05-10T17:45:00.003-05:00

I have gushed about 23 Things Kansas periodically throughout the course, and the temptation to do so again is great. Instead, I’d like to look at the journey from point A to point B.

Before I began the course, I paid lip service to many of the online tools therein. Facebook? Twitter? Fine—for someone else. I claimed to see the value, but I wasn’t on board. 23 Things challenged me to “get on the bus.” Knowledge may be a good thing, but it becomes a great thing when coupled with experience.

23 Things was my unlimited travel ticket to online opportunities. Each of the stops gave me something: a tool, appreciation, knowledge, and yes, occasionally, a bit of frustration. I am now better equipped for the 21st century and its digital natives. Now I know what I didn’t know about online tools. Now I know that I don’t know nearly enough but I am much closer!

What did I like least? Twitter. It is not my chosen communication style. It is, however, a great tool for pushing breaking information, and I can see using it in a professional context.

What else? Not crazy about RSS and feed readers—but I so want to be!! I think my experience with Google Reader reveals more about me than about the product. I was like a kid in a candy shop: oh I want to this…and this…and this…and…suddenly, information avalanche! The lesson: be selective in what one follows.

What surprised me? That I actually like Facebook. I love the ability to connect with other people on various levels. I’m getting to know better people that I thought I already knew. It’s another great tool for libraries to maintain contact with interested users and the post information about their programs.

What else? De.li.ci.ous!!! I honestly heard people talk about it, wax poetic about how much they love/use/rely on it. I didn’t know what it was, but the instant that I started using it, I could see its value. What a great organizational tool! I’m looking forward to weeding my hundreds of bookmarks and creating my own, organized web reference lists. Social bookmarking also has the added benefit of being a viable research tool—searching by subject to find websites in a more refined universe than Google.

If I had to choose one favorite, it would be the online conferencing module. I had only a modest view of what was out there—I’d attended some online meetings and a couple of Sirsi/Dynix seminars, but I hadn’t connected the dots per se. Attending conferences virtually in real time or afterward through archived sessions is an idea whose time has come. The volume of online educational opportunities is extraordinary and often free. I want to avail myself of continuing education opportunities, and being able to do so on my own schedule is a godsend.

Finally, my hat is off to Claudia in Atchison. Her creative streak shines through her 23 Things projects. Her virtual library tour was terrific! Her poem about 23Things was hilarious yet true. Her Animoto slide shows were well planned. I must say that the runners-up were those who made videos of their children and cats.

Where do we go from here? To the public! My excitement about what I was learning throughout 23 Things was infectious. I found myself telling people about it as though I were proselytizing—with a woman in my water aerobics class, with friends at church, with my sister long distance, through my screencast of measuring the family cradle. I had little idea of the myriad tools available, and I suspect that is true for many people. We can introduce them to these tools, and teach them to use them.

What did I love about 23 Things? I loved the community aspect of the class: being able to interact with colleagues as we learned together mentored by generous colleagues. I truly enjoyed seeing what others did with each of the tools. I didn’t always have as much time I would have liked each of the tools, but I could marvel at what others did and gather new ideas in the process. I feel like a cyber-powered Felix the Cat, with a bigger, better bag of tricks! That’s me at point B. Thank you for empowering us.

Wikis--so many uses

2010-05-10T15:44:00.001-05:00

My first wiki experience came with our module activity. I posted to our 23ThingsKS participants' wiki:
Rave Review of 23ThingsKS

I had some difficulty thinking of what I might edit in a wiki. I tried to edit a subject guide on our library's website, but I wasn't permitted to create an account. So I turned to the wiki of all wikis, Wikipedia. I decide to read the entry of Benedict of Nursia, whose Rule is still practiced today by both monastics and non-monastics, including yours truly. I read through the entry and discovered a grammatical error in the section on the Rule involving the use of the verb comprise (parts comprise the whole; the whole is composed of parts). I changed that. It took very little time and was not difficult. You can see that change midway down the page here.

23ThingsKS--uploading that video the web

2010-05-10T14:49:00.000-05:00

As I reviewed my blog posts to be sure I'd covered all of the class modules, I discovered that I hadn't posted her about my video experience. What you'll find after this post is the text (complete with links) of my comments posted to the 23thingsKS module blog . I discovered that making a video can be straightforward and fun, despite the somewhat somber tone of my first attempt. During the process I wished for a new camera with which to film, longing for the Flip camera I'd seen reviewed in School Library Journal, complete with a microphone and tripod! I was thwarted and thus frustrated in my attempt to combine the two pieces of video that I shot. As you'll see below, we worked with a film crew on our SRP promotion video. They used full-sized equipment but did their editing digitally. I can seem several uses for video beyond the library tour and the summer reading program promotion, and it is great to know that we don't need to hire professionals when we can do it ourselves!

After watching the terrific video made by the folks at Atchison Public Library, I offer my fledgling effort. I filmed this using our branch library’s v-e-r-y O-L-D digital camera. I was surprised to discover that it came with old fashioned movie camera background sound! I filmed it in two parts, hoping to edit it in Windows Movie Maker, but WMM won’t accept the files for editing. So…here, uncut are the two video clips. At least you may get a few grins out of them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZhFLOrw4iU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbDxFI_4beo

Please don't diss Comic Books!

2010-05-07T11:39:00.001-05:00

When I was a kid (back in the 60s), my brother and I read comic books as well as novels. They were only $.25 each, and they certainly lasted longer than the penny candy we could get at the dime store. We both became avid readers of just about everything. I remain convinced that the Classic Comics, which gave heavily abridged visual versions of classic works of literature, piqued my interest in great literature at any early age. Below, from the great comic strip Unshelved, is a link to a mini-analysis of comics. If you don't already subscribe to Unshelved, it's not to missed! They'll email it to you--how easy is that?! Just visit http://www.unshelved.com/ and sign up.

Unshelved (on comics)

Our 2010 Summer Reading Program promotion

2010-04-29T20:54:00.003-05:00

The Olathe School District has 34 elementary schools and 2 early childhood development centers. There are also several private schools. We don't have enough staff to visit every school and do a good job of it. Here's our solution: a promotional video that classroom teachers and librarians can use when it fits their schedule (which, at the end of the school year, is always tricky). We partnered with the e-communications department at Olathe Northwest High School. This video is a student creation.
http://www.olathelibrary.org/kids/summerreading/video.cfm
Would it make you want to come to the library this summer?

Rila Monastery, Bulgaria

2010-04-07T21:45:00.002-05:00

In the fall of 2006, I traveled with my childhood friend Nancy to Bulgaria. We were there just over a week on a tour led by Rebecca Miller, my friend from library school. One of the remarkably beautiful places we visited was Rila Monastery, tucked in the mountains south of Sofia. A thirty-second video hardly does it justice, but perhaps it will whet someone's appetite for more. Take a look:

Rila Monastery, Bulgaria

Through the Looking Glass

2010-04-05T21:20:00.002-05:00

...and into the Land of Jing! Screencasting is really fun--especially if you have working microphone jack, which apparently I do not. Plan B meant a silent movie, and here it is:

http://screencast.com/t/NjdmMmJhMGQ

I welcome your feedback--all except "nice cradle."

Editorial Philosophy Regarding Children's Books

2010-04-02T12:11:00.000-05:00

From Leonard S. Marcus' interview with Jean Feiwel (children's book publisher)in Horn Book :

LSM: You once summed up your editorial philosophy in the words "blind/orphan/pony." What exactly did you mean by that, and has the mantra changed?

JF: It still holds up pretty well. "Blind" refers to children's empathy for the bad things that happen in life. "Orphan" we know is one of the great categories of hero in the literature. And "pony" stands for all the animal stories, stories of animals in jeopardy, to which children respond so strongly. To that extent, I am a fan of tried-and-true themes. I should probably add "friend" to the list.

Ms. Feiwel has been in children's book publishing more than 30 years. She was an editor at Scholastic and was responsible for several popular series, including The Babysitters Club, Goosebumps, and Harry Potter. The interview is worth reading in its entirety: HB September 2009 issue, pages 465-478.

Two Great Videos Too Good To Pass Up!

2010-03-20T15:33:00.003-05:00

Yes, it's another 23ThingsKansas class posting--this time for video on the web. One of my colleagues sent a link to this wonderful Rube Goldberg send-up by the musical group OK Go.

The other great video, which should also make you smile if not guffaw, is a parody of movie trailers. Thanks, Lisa, for the link. You know who you are!

What? You're a film aficionado and you're not amused? So sorry...

Instant messaging and the telephone

2010-03-08T13:42:00.000-06:00

We use Google Talk instant messaging at work. It is very helpful because our two buildings are across town from one another. It's great for quick questions or to verify where someone may be--provided they change their status line (something I'm guilty of not remembering to do!).

I discovered this weekend that Facebook also have a chat function. I noticed that a good friend from grad school was online, so we chatted for several minutes. It was really good to catch up. Was it satisfactory? Yes. Was it as nice as talking on the phone? Not really. I am a great fan of the sound of my friends and loved ones' voices. They stir my heart in an excellent way that chat and email cannot. An emoticon is just not warm, not as good as a belly laugh or a smiling chuckle (that chuckle that insures that the person is also smiling).

So what's great about instant messaging? It's quick (no kidding!) and can be quite efficient. There is another facet that may fall under the heading of unintended benefits: when the chat list pops up, it can serve as a memory jog. "Gosh, I haven't spoken with them in a long time." or "I wonder what's new with hiim..." As one who has lived many places in my life, I have friends strewn across the world. This is one small way to stay in touch.

Let's Hear it for Reading!

2010-03-08T12:40:00.002-06:00

Check out this great video.

Reading is the greatest single skill we can possess. Make no mistake: reading is power.

Cloud Computing--How Cool Is This!?!

2010-03-02T21:11:00.001-06:00

This week's 23ThingsKS module is on cloud computing...and until I started the unit, I had no idea what cloud computing was. Well, it's a marvel of cyberspace, to say the least! Cloud computing allows users to store material elsewhere/offsite, collaborate on a variety of projects with any size group (just invite them), and get organized with a single calendar that can be accessed from any computer.

No longer will I need to burn the library's summer reading program Power Point presentation on a CD then deliver it to the school district because the file is too large to get by the district's firewall, not mention our own firewall! I can upload it to Google Docs with a click, email the library media coordinator, and she can access it and download it on her end of town.

As I surfed through the various options offered in the realm of cloud computing, I was pleased to see that many are FREE. However, if one is serious about using it for business, there are some fees attached. I thought of a use for online calendars: at our library we plan the weekend rotations far in advance (we're trying a year's forward plan at present). We also keep several weeks of desk schedules for reference coverage on our intranet. The current system for the desk schedules is pretty clunky and requires training. It would be terrific to use Google calendar, which can be embedded on one's website, then grant access to all pertinent staff so they can check the schedule from home. It's not possible with our intranet at present. I mentioned this to the branch manager, and we're going to pursue the matter. I love the immediate benefit of 23ThingsKS!!!

Great Bibliofile and Literacy Website

2010-02-26T14:15:00.000-06:00

Am I the last one to have stumbled upon James Patterson's great website for encouraging kids to become lifelong readers? Patterson's advertising background shows in the best possible light on this well-constructed easy to use website. He has great lists of books, tips for parents, and much much more. Check it out!

http://www.readkiddoread.com/

Twitter and its Possible Uses

2010-02-22T17:20:00.000-06:00

This week's 23ThingsKansas lesson is on microblogging--so now I have a Twitter account. My Twitter handle is lovestheprairie.

I am now following tweets from several libraries, Library Journal, and a parenting book publisher. I can see some great professional uses for libraries. Libraries could have individual accounts for various departments to keep patrons apprised of programs. It could also be a great way to communicate urgent changes, such as program cancellations due to weather or low interest. It seems that Twitter may be a type of "real time" communication that reaches a target audience. It would also be a good way to create targeted readers' advisory--a kind of "what do I read next?" from one's favorite librarian.

On a personal note, I think Twitter in addition to Facebook and a blog and email may be more information bombardment that I can handle. I may change my mind, but as a non-text message person, it's one more thing to keep track of. If I were "text ready" and used my cellphone heavily or was an iPhone user, it would make more sense.

Social bookmarking is del.icio.us!

2010-02-16T16:21:00.000-06:00

This week's 23Things module is on tagging and social bookmarking. I'm so glad to know what this is all about! I've hated having some of my website bookmarks at home and others at work. Now I can store them in one place, log in anywhere, and access them. I can organize them and cross reference them--woo hoo!!! No more will I need to remember where I filed that bookmark in my favorites. And what a great ~~excuse~~, um, reason to weed out all those old dead links and unused sites. This is a great tool for librarians--or anyone who likes to be organized.

RSS--It really IS really simple syndication

2010-02-10T10:48:00.001-06:00

Today I created my Google Reader account and subscribed to some of my favorite book review and news feeds. Now I won't miss the Sunday NYTBR. Now I can see what's cooking at Horn Book, a great resource for children's librarians. Now I don't have to worry that I'll miss "Only A Game," NPR's great sports show for the armchair sports fan. And I can catch up when I choose to. I only have one question: what took me so long? 23 Things Kansas, my hat is off to you. You're adding stars to our information diva crowns.

What did I subscribe to? Oh, way too much, I'm sure, but time will be the judge of that. Here's the list (which immediately loaded 85 posts):

Horn Book Magazine
School Library Journal
National Public Radio
Only a Game
Ominivoracious
The New York Times Book Review

I chose Google Reader over Bloglines and Feed My Inbox for two reasons. Google Reader and Bloglines seems comparable. Being a librarian, I like some semblance of order--I have a gmail account, use Google Talk at work, have this lovely Blogger account--so I have a nice tidy Google package. I find Google Reader very easy to use. Perhaps my next stop should be iGoogle?

One of my Flickr account photos.

2010-02-02T20:28:00.001-06:00

Tsarevets
Originally uploaded by ckaterun

I took a trip to Bulgaria a few years ago, and one of the cities we visited was Veliko Turnovo. It is the site of an amazing fortress called Tsarevets. The place is replete with history--there's even a spot where enemies were thrown off the walls into the valley. I found Bulgaria fascinating.

23 Things Flickr!

2010-02-02T20:25:00.001-06:00

Library in Santa Caterina Palopó
Originally uploaded by dande

Our library already has a virtual tour on Flickr, so I decided to do something else. I now have a Flickr account with some tagged photos, including some from library activities. I've even succeeded in linking my blog and Flickr--a precision operation, to be sure!

I decided to explore the Libraries and Librarians group. There are some architectural wonders there! What really caught my attention was this photograph of the sign outside the library in Santa Caterina Palopó in Guatemala. It's the text that thrills me: Heart of Knowledge. That's the library all right. And I think librarians have both heart and knowledge.

23ThingsKansas--Online Conferencing Experience.

2010-01-30T17:11:00.000-06:00

N.B. This is a duplicate posting. I posted these comments on the 23ThingsKansas site earlier today.

I decided to sample a couple of the webinar options, and I got some great ideas (as well learning about some new concepts/technology tools like bee tags!) from the Infopeople archived webinar on revitalizing the library experience. For example, rethinking hospitality: how welcoming is our building? the entrance? How do we get people to think of it as a place for them, like the British museum with the slogan, "the free destination for the incurably curious?" I found the format for this webinar easy to use--it offered chat and Q&A options.

One of the nice facets of archived webinars is the ability to pause as well as to skip to slides to which one might want to return.

I nipped into the Kansas Tax webinar using Wimba and found it quite similar to the format of Infopeople. I have participated in a SirsiDynix webinar in the past, and I found it easy to interact. I contrast this with a recent training webinar experience I had. The firm used Netspoke for video conferencing, and while the information was good, there was some lag time between screens from the presenter. In addition, participants had to phone in as well as be logged in. That was awkward. i don't understand why they didn't opt for a platform that would allow participants to headsets. Moreover, one had to press a certain code in order to mute and unmute the phone for questions.

I think online conferencing is the future for committee meetings where members are separated by great physical distance. They also enable groups to archive those meetings for members who had schedule conflicts. This would allow absent members to catch up and follow up as needed.

Cat books for Feline Fans

2010-01-21T20:41:00.002-06:00

Where do cats go at night? John Marie Elaine as she convinces her cat Malcolm (the one with the plumed hat on the cover) to let her accompany him. This book is sheer delight; Burningham's water colors set the tone for the story, and the characters are wonderful--especially the dogs. This is a great bedtime story for ages 3 and up.

If you like It's a Secret!, try There Are Cats in This Book by Viviane Schwarz. Three cats will entertain you and charm you with their conversation. It's a hilarious lift-the-flap book. Not to be missed by feline fans. Who can resist cats that talk to directly to you?!

Facebook Better

2010-01-20T10:40:00.000-06:00

In the light of day, I guess it wasn't so much falling down the rabbit hole so much as stepping through the looking glass. It is different, but it has some truly satisfying facets. I've discovered that I share a common vision with a professional friend--not something a topic that we've ever had time for during meetings. I'm becoming aware of a variety of opportunities and causes that interest me, and I am delightfully surprised by the sources. I may still try Ning, if I can fine the time.

Face Time

2010-01-18T20:23:00.002-06:00

This week's 23 Things Kansas assignment is online communities, and while I'd already made a modest foray into the realm of Facebook, I don't consider myself well versed on the subject. Little did I know how very little I know! I have friends, and I've joined a couple of causes. My wall is covered with messages from others. I feel as though I've fallen down the proverbial rabbit hole. At any moment I expect to encounter a hookah-smioking caterpillar sitting on a mushroom--what is the cyber version of that? Surely it's not Masheable?! As one who loves face time with others, I find the online community a bit surreal but that's just the newbie in me speaking.

I joined Facebook about three months ago, and it's been interesting to reconnect with people from the past. I found an old friend from high school who now lives in Germany. A friend from college found me, and her invitations to join causes tell me a lot about her life. A friend who is a graduate student sent me two great music videos. Those aspects of Facebook are wonderful--but how does one maintain balance?

Tomorrow is another day, and I'll try another new thing--maybe Ning?

The Book Awards Have Been Announced

2010-01-18T13:00:00.004-06:00

This is a big day in the library and publishing world. We await these awards as many do the Academy Awards. I am particularly excited because several of the books I was rooting for are winners! These include

Caldecott Medal winner

The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

Newbery Medal winner

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

Newbery Medal honor

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly

There are many other distinguished books and authors who won awards today. For a complete list of awards, go to www.ala.org/yma/

Good news!

2010-01-13T14:06:00.003-06:00

I just received the monthly circulation statistics for the Olathe Public Library, and our checkouts for December were up 16.4% over 2008.

Our annual circulation was up almost 9%--
1,491,737 items checked out!

Here's what's checking out:

Nurture Shock

2010-01-11T17:00:00.000-06:00

I recently read NurtureShock: New Thinking about Children by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman. It provides important insights into parenting and education. I was particularly struck by the results of the tests they performed concerning the subtle use of language when praising children. There is a world of difference between telling a child that he or she is smart and encouraging a child by telling him or her that they did a good job. Children who were told they are smart were less likely to attempt something challenging because they might fail while children who had been encouraged would try irrespective of the possibility of failure. The implications for innovation and creativity in the future are clear. What happened to "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again." or "practice makes perfect."?

So many prairie librarians!

2010-01-11T16:42:00.000-06:00

My first choice for a blog name and address seems not to be clever or fresh. There seem to be many who view themselves as prairie librarians. I hope it is all right to join their august company.

23 Things Kansas

2010-01-11T16:06:00.000-06:00

Hooray for 23 Things Kansas! This course will help me stay in touch with the tech tools that are available for individuals on the Internet. I'm excited about "catching up" on tools I've heard of but have not yet used.