Results tagged “play dates” from Carpe Hootem

The next Project Play Date will take place on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 1:30 PM via GoToWebinar. Here's the info:

Join Beth and Stef and learn about screencasting: what it is, why you should consider creating some, tools and resources to get you started, along with tips to keep in mind when recording. These brief video tutorials are a fantastic way to empower your customers by providing training on demand in a popular, easily accessible format.

Anyone is welcome to attend, just be sure to sign up soon. "See" you there!

> contributed by Beth

The next Project Play Date will take place this Friday, May 22nd at 10 AM via GoToWebinar. We are honored to have Helene Blowers, founder of the Learning 2.0 phenomenon and inspiration for Project Play, joining us to present "Innovation Starts with I." Here's the propaganda:

Innovation has become such a bandied word these days that in some organizations it’s now an expectation for library staff to be innovative from the ground up. So, where does “innovation” really come from? and how do you kickstart something at an organizational level that is, by its very nature, connected to the elusive waves of individual creativity? The answer: Innovation starts with “I.” This session will explore how the I, YOU, WE of organization cultures are involved in responding to the needs and desires to innovate and change.

In 2007, our presenter was named a Mover & Shaker by Library Journal as one of the 50 most influential people shaping the future of libraries. The discovery learning program, Learning 2.0: 23 Things, that she created while serving as Technology Director for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (NC) has launched a world-wide 2.0 learning sensation and has been replicated by over 700 organizations in 15 countries, including our very own Project Play.

I really hope you'll be able to join us! Please sign up today to be sure not to miss this exciting event. If you have any questions about it, feel free to give me a call.

Speaking of Helene Blowers, I came across a great video from the Aarhus Library on her blog last week. Here's the blurb:

User-driven innovation is on everybody's lips. But it's not easy to find out what it is all about: Participatory design, workshops, questionnaires, social technologies, user-generated content, personas, scenarios, observations etc. Aarhus Main Library unleashed the users in the period 2007-2009 and worked with various methods of user involvement in the libraries.

Here's the video, in case you're interested:




Looks like an intense process, but what a great way to engage your users and have them take ownership in what the library becomes in the community!

> contributed by Beth

Helene Blowers recently blogged about the Columbus Metropolitan Library's Homework Help Centers. They're doing more than just providing space and assistance, they let kids print their papers for free, live chat help, and they provide free school supplies when needed. Check out this brief video to learn more:



There has been a lot of focus on helping job seekers lately, which is obviously very important. But what about the children of struggling households? Adopting some of CML's ideas could be really helpful to them.

By the way, Helene Blowers will be our presenter for the May Project Play Date. Sign up now to join us on the 22nd for "Innovation Starts with I."

> contributed by Beth

It's not too late to sign up for this Wednesday's Project Play Date on "Exploring Google Reader" with Jean Anderson. We'll be meeting online, as usual, via GoToWebinar at 10 a.m. Here's the description:

During Project Play, we explored RSS and using Bloglines to collect and organize your RSS feeds (Week 3 of Semester 1). If you’re a Gmail or Google Docs user, you probably know about Google Reader. This program will explore all the features of Google Reader including subscribing to and organizing your feeds, sharing items with friends, and tips for using Google Reader (or any newsreader) effectively. If you want to refresh your memory on RSS and Newsreaders, check out the Common Craft video: RSS in Plain English.

In April, Joy Schwarz will be presenting "Get More Out of Firefox" on the 28th at 1:30 p.m. Here's the blurb for this Play Date:

Already use Firefox for your browser, but want to learn about the features and add-ons that can make your work day more efficient and productive? Don't use Firefox yet and wonder why anyone would switch from Internet Explorer?

Join Joy Schwarz of Winnefox Library System to get...

• Tips for tabbed browsing
• A demo of how to install and manage add-ons
• Add-ons that fit your workflow and help get stuff done faster and easier.

And in May, we have a real treat planned! Helene Blowers, the inventor of the first Learning 2.0 program, will join us to share "Innovation Starts with I."

Innovation has become such a bandied word these days that in some organizations it’s now an expectation for library staff to be innovative from the ground up. So, where does “innovation” really come from? and how do you kickstart something at an organizational level that is, by its very nature, connected to the elusive waves of individual creativity? The answer: Innovation starts with “I.” This session will explore how the I, YOU, WE of organization cultures are involved in responding to the needs and desires to innovate and change.

In 2007, our presenter was named a Mover & Shaker by Library Journal as one of the 50 most influential people shaping the future of libraries. The discovery learning program, Learning 2.0: 23 Things, that she created while serving as Technology Director for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (NC) has launched a world-wide 2.0 learning sensation and has been replicated by over 700 organizations in 15 countries, including our very own Project Play.

Blowers program will take place at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 22nd, so save the date!

More details and registration links for these Play Dates, along with other online class options are available on the Online Classes page on OWLSweb. Sign up today!

> contributed by Beth

The American Library Association (ALA) has created a new resource, The Librarian's Guide to Gaming: An Online Toolkit for Building Gaming @ Your Library. The toolkit includes gaming history, resources, tips, and best practices from librarians delivering successful gaming programs at all types of libraries. There is great, practical info here if you're just getting started, and wonderful ideas if you want to expand your gaming options.

And while we're on the topic, you might want to view the last Project Play Date recording, Gaming @ the Library: The Whys, Wiis, and Hows Explained, presented by Jeannie McBeth of the Oshkosh Public Library. Jeannie provided some great resources and websites and loads of enthusiasm on the topic, so it's worth a look.

And while we're still on the topic... Remember that OWLS member libraries can borrow gaming equipment to use for programs at your library. A list of available equipment and games, along with a reservation calendar and online request form can be found on the Gaming page on OWLSweb.

Start gaming @ your library today!

> contributed by Beth

Couldn't make it to a CE workshop or Project Play Date? Never fear! I have been posting recordings of past CE programs whenever possible on the Past Programs page on OWLSweb. Recent additions include More with Flickr and the Debra Wilcox Johnson sessions, Getting Things Done and Personnel Management. (You will need to use the staff username and password to access the Johnson workshop recordings - click on the padlock icon if you can't remember what they are.)

Most recordings will stay up indefinitely, unless requested otherwise by the presenter. So take a look, see what interests you and listen in when it suits you. If handouts are available, they are included with the recording links for each program. Enjoy!

> contributed by Beth

Don't miss the next Project Play Date, "Gaming @ the Library: The Whys, Wiis, and Hows Explained," scheduled for Friday, February 27th at 10 a.m. Our presenter will be Jeannie McBeth from the Oshkosh Public Library. Here's the program description:

If you're unsure of the role gaming has in libraries, or if you want to start new game programs at your library but don't know how to go about it, attend this session to get answers as well as basic and practical tips.

Jeannie McBeth of Oshkosh Public Library will talk about the gamut of gaming opportunities in libraries -- from board games to Wii, and from kids to seniors. Join us to learn about libraries as the setting for gaming, playing, and learning!

The Play Dates are held online using GoToWebinar. Everyone is welcome to attend! Sign up today on the Online Classes page on OWLSweb.

The Project Play team has also decided to liven up the PP blog and use it for more than just posts about the Play Dates, so we'll be making weekly posts from here on out about more cool 2.0 tools to play with or follow-up on past topics. Be sure to subscribe to the blog in your RSS reader or visit weekly to check out the new posts.

> contributed by Beth

Don't miss the February Project Play Dates coming up in the next couple of weeks! We'll learn more about Flickr with Tana Elias from the Madison Public Library on Tuesday, February 17th at 2 PM. Here's the program description:

Expand your Flickr knowledge with an overview of Flickr changes in the last year. Learn how to make the most of your library's Flickr account (or find some compellling reasons to sign up with Flickr) including: customization options; badges; easy photo editing; Flickr time-saving utilities; behind-the-scenes manipulation of dates and viewing permissions; Flickr's new video storage. Discover the differences between a free and Pro account, and explore legal ramifications of Flickr for libraries - including questions about photo copyright and photo permissions.

We also have "Gaming @ the Library: the Whys, Wiis, and Hows Explained" scheduled for Friday, February 27th at 10 AM. Our presenter will be Jeannie McBeth from the Oshkosh Public Library.

If you're unsure of the role gaming has in libraries, or if you want to start new game programs at your library but don't know how to go about it, attend this session to get answers as well as basic and practical tips.

Jeannie McBeth of Oshkosh Public Library will talk about the gamut of gaming opportunities in libraries -- from board games to Wii, and from kids to seniors. Join us to learn about libraries as the setting for gaming, playing, and learning!

The Play Dates are held online using GoToWebinar. Everyone is welcome to attend! Sign up today on the Online Classes page on OWLSweb.

The Project Play team has also decided to liven up the PP blog and use it for more than just posts about the Play Dates, so we'll be making weekly posts from here on out about more cool 2.0 tools to play with or follow-up on past topics. Be sure to subscribe to the blog in your RSS reader or visit weekly to check out the new posts.

> contributed by Beth

Project Play's two semesters of learning officially ended last Spring, but we have kept it going on a monthly basis by offering Play Dates online via OPAL. As we begin planning for Play Dates in 2009, we want to get your input on how the Play Dates have been going and how we might improve them.

Please take a few minutes to respond to a short online survey. We'd like to hear from everyone who has participated in the Play Dates, but even if you haven't played along in OPAL this is your chance to let us know why not.

Thanks for your help!

> contributed by Beth

Our next Play Date is scheduled for Friday, December 19th at 10 a.m. online in OPAL. The topic will be “The Social Library.” Here’s the description:

Come and play with some of the hot social networking tools, including Twitter, FriendFeed and Delicious. Tasha Saecker, director of the Menasha Public Library, will speak about the impact of having your library involved in the new social web.

If you’d like to attend this online Play Date please register on the SCLS web site, so we’ll know how many people to expect. If you can’t make the Play Date, the content will be posted on the PP blog so you’ll be able to go through it at your leisure.

Remember, anyone can participate in the Play Dates, even if you didn't participate in the past. So please join us! If you'd like help getting familiar with OPAL, please contact me so I can help you out.

> contributed by Beth

Our next Play Date is scheduled for Friday, November 21st at 10 a.m. online in OPAL. The topic will be "The Wonderful World of Widgets." Here’s the description:

Learn how to liven up your web sites and blogs with portable chunks of code called widgets. There are loads of sizes and types, and they are incredibly easy to use. Just copy and paste! Joy Schwarz and Beth Carpenter will show you how to find them and why you should consider using them.

If you’d like to attend the online Play Date please register on the SCLS web site, so we’ll know how many people to expect. If you can’t make it to the Play Date, the content will be posted on the blog so you’ll be able to go through it at your leisure.

"See" you on the 21st!

> contributed by Beth

If you missed the CE workshops last week in Seymour, never fear! The sessions were recorded and are now available on blip.tv. The videos and handouts are available on the Past CE Program Information page on OWLSweb, along with handouts and recordings from other workshops, including Project Play Dates.

> contributed by Beth

Be sure to sign up for the next Project Play Date on Friday, October 24 at 10 AM. Stef will be presenting "Tech Gadgets - Cool Toys... and More!" via OPAL. Here's the description:

Come learn about some cool gadgets and why they are important. Not just cool tech toys, gadgets are indicators of trends that are shaping our media and technology world. Stef Morrill will share information about various gadgets and their impact.

Remember, anyone can sign up, even if you never participated in Project Play before. And if you have questions about participating via OPAL just give me a call - I'll do my best to help you out!

> contributed by Beth

Project Play held its second Play Date this morning on the topic of Google apps. If you missed the OPAL session, you can still get all the info on the blog, including a recording of the Play Date session.

Our next OPAL date will take place on Friday, August 22nd, when Jean Anderson from South Central Library System will present "More on LibraryThing." Be sure to register online if you'll be able to join us!

(Remember, anyone can participate in the Play Dates, even if you haven't participated in Project Play before this. Directors seeking recertification can earn contact hours for the OPAL session, too!)

> contributed by Beth

Our next Play Date is scheduled for Friday, July 25th at 10 a.m. online in OPAL. The topic will be “More on Google Apps.” Since this is a continuation of an earlier topic, be sure to do Week 2 of Semester 2 so you’re up to speed on the topic before the OPAL session. If you’d like to attend the online Play Date please register on the SCLS web site, so we’ll know how many people to expect. If you can’t make it to the Play Date, the content will be posted here on the blog so you’ll be able to go through it at your leisure.

Remember that you can attend and participate in the Play Dates even if you didn't participate in either semester of Project Play. Just do the blog exercises included above to be sure to be up to speed with everyone else.

“See” you on the 25th!

> contributed by Beth