October 2007 Archives
Overdrive Update
Beginning October 31 downloadable music will be added to the OverDrive site. For now, it is a small collection of about 100 standard classical titles from the Naxos record label. OverDrive is working with other record labels and a selection of popular music is likely to be available soon.
Database Trials
We have a trial to Credo Reference (formerly xrefer). Credo Reference offers access to hundreds of standard print reference resources in over 20 subjects. To give it a try, go to http://www.credoreference.com. Our trial is IP-based, so you should be able to access it directly from within a library.
We also have another trial to the Chilton auto repair manuals via Gale. We seem to look at this every year. It is something I know libraries would like, but we never seem to have the budget for it. The same is probably true again this year, but it never hurts to look and let me know what you think. For the trial, go to http://infotrac.galegroup.com/itweb/outagwlstrial. From inside the library you should not need a password. Please email me if you are prompted for a password.
Free Reference Recommendation
A great free reference source worth a look is All About Birds from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Cornell also partners with the American Ornithologists Union on a comprehensive guide, The Birds of North America Online which is available by subscription. Library rates are pretty reasonable. If you think it is worth a trial, let me know. Free samples are available on the web site. Do you think a niche resource like this would fly?
>> contributed by Evan
If you weren't able to attend Karen Schneider's presentation last week, check out the audio file and powerpoint presentation at the OWLS CE page.
Top Tips: Karen recommends thinking like a user and incorporating terms they understand into library signage and web pages. For example, use phrases like "find a book" and "request a book" on your web site and avoid ones like "Reference Services" or "Interlibrary Loan". Ask non-library users to proofread your content before posting it. They will be your best jargon critics. When working to eliminate jargon, start small. Recognize that written communication is a sensitive subject that needs to be handled delicately and in a positive manner so there's no need to crush your staff's spirit in the revision process.
>> contributed by Leslie
Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative, is offering free energy savings tips and information through public literature displays to be placed in libraries, nature centers and other businesses served by participating Focus on Energy utilities. Focus will provide these displays to interested parties at no charge.
Each 11"H x 17"W tabletop display offers a full-color brochure introducing consumers to the Focus on Energy program and describing ways Wisconsin residents and businesses are saving energy, money and the environment. In addition, each display offers one of several "fact sheets" containing energy tips and information on everything from saving energy in the home to assessing a property's potential to benefit from renewable energy systems such as solar or wind power.
Wisconsin businesses within the Focus on Energy territory wishing to offer a Focus on Energy tabletop display in their facilities are invited to contact Lisa Fox at lfox@weccusa.org . For more information about Focus on Energy or this program, including whether the utility in your area is participating, call 800.762.7077 or visit focusonenergy.com.
(From WLA E-Newsletter, Volume VI, Issue 7, October 9, 2007)
>> contributed by Beth
I found an interesting post on Walking Paper discussing charging overdue fines, which included the attempt to start an anti-fine campaign. He believes that fines are a barrier to providing service and suggests a "no overdue" policy instead. Folks have been adding their comments to this post, so it's pretty interesting reading.
What do you think? Are fines good or bad? What would or wouldn't work at your library? Add your thoughts in the comments.
>> contributed by Beth
Last week DPI announced that from now until December 15, 2007, library staff working in libraries that serve a municipal population of less than 25,000 are eligible to register for Ed2Go courses. Ed2Go's courses run a standard timeframe of six weeks, with a two-week grace period at the end. Course areas include digital photography, writing, editing, pc troubleshooting and computer skills.
DPI is funding the courses with money from the Gates' Rural Library Sustainability Program. Interested in enrolling? Deadline for signing up is December 15, 2007, and the course must be completed by February 29, 2008. Please see the program website for registration information.
>> contributed by Leslie
"Publisher John Wiley and Sons is holding another For Dummies Library Display contest. Libraries can participate between January 17 and March 31, 2008, by building a yellow-and-black Dummies branded display. Request a Dummies start-up kit from Wiley by February 15. The grand prize winner will receive 50 books of their choice in the For Dummies series and a staff pizza party." (from American Libraries)
Find out more about how to enter or view pictures of last year's winners.
>> contributed by Beth
Check out MSN's slide show of The Ugliest Products in Tech History. Anyone remember the Osborne 1? Or know what a Furby is? These items will show you how truly far we've come.
(Thanks to Jamie M. from NFLS for sharing this with me!)
>> contributed by Beth
The Friends of Muehl Public Library will be hosting their 5th annual Wine & Beer Tasting Event with Silent Auction. Join them at the Crystal Springs Golf Course in Seymour on Saturday, November 3rd, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the library, Don's Quality Market, and Crystal Springs Golf Course. Advance ticket price is $15 or pay $20 at the door.
Support the Muehl Public Library and attend this fun event!
>> contributed by Beth
We are pleased to announce the following online workshops:
Death to Jargon
Thursday, October 11, 2007, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CST
You spend valuable time and money maintaining your library’s resources. Are you certain that your users are getting the most out of what you provide? Attend this workshop and you will learn writing techniques that will showcase the library’s databases, events and collections in print and on the Web. Karen Schneider, noted technology expert and author of the Free Range Librarian blog, will discuss her top tips for avoiding library jargon and re-framing library services using positive language.
Presented by K.G. Schneider, Research & Development Consultant, College Center for Library Automation.
To access the OPAL Auditorium, click here. Prior to the workshop, please visit the link and download the plug-in. (Enter your name as the User Name and leave the Password field blank.)
(1 contact hours for recertification)
and
Captivating Choices: High-Interest Books for Low-Interest Readers
Wednesday, November 7, 2007, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
This OPAL session will feature books that offer engagement for reluctant readers as CCBC librarians Merri Lindgren and Megan Schliesman highlight a selection of high-appeal picture books, novels, non-fiction and graphic novels for children and teens. Books that may have particular appeal for boys will be emphasized.
Presented by Megan Schliesman, Librarian, CCBC; Merri Lindgren, Librarian, CCBC.
To access the OPAL OWLS Conference Room, click here. Prior to the workshop, please visit the link and download the plug-in. (Enter your name as the User Name and leave the Password field blank.)
(1 contact hours for recertification)
Any questions? Please contact me!
>> contributed by Leslie
The Library of Congress has a great website on digital preservation. Take a look at the site and you may be amazed at wealth of information available. Be sure to take the quiz to see how much you know about digital media. You might even learn something new!
>> contributed by Holly
Library of Congress changed two subject headings that reflect current terminology. The authority for the headings directs users to the new headings but you may want to be aware of the change if asked.
Video Recordings For The Hearing Impaired -- See Films for the hearing impaired
Films For The Visually Handicapped -- See Films for people with visual disabilities
>> contributed by Holly
The value of gaming in libraries is often discussed in relation to our teen customers, but it also has value to seniors. Check out this great video, Erickson Sports' Nintendo Wii Bowling Championship, to see some engaged and appreciative folks fighting for the "gold." Did it give you any ideas about new programs you could offer this age group in your community?
>> contributed by Beth
