Watch the full episode. See more Think.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Friday, July 2, 2010
NETLS Updates & Information 7/2/10
E-books? E-xperiments?
Questions about e-books are becoming more frequent. When your patrons ask if you have e-books they probably mean “do you have free current bestselling books in electronic form that will move wirelessly to my reader?”
There are several readers on the market, some have their own wireless access built-in, other use Wi-Fi networks, others use standard USB or proprietary connections to a computer to transferring files.
Both Overdrive and NetLibrary offer downloadable books that are downloaded to a computer and then transferred with a wired connection to the device/reader. Overdrive has recently announced apps for wireless devices that permit transfer of e-books without first downloading to a computer. The apps are installed on the device which then can wirelessly access Overdrive content. Neither Overdrive nor NetLibrary products work with the Kindle.
The most common e-book file types are: .azw (for Kindle), .pdf (works with readers using Adobe Digital Editions –Sony, Barnes&Noble) and epub. EPUB is the standard a nice chart of software to read these files is here. Files for the Kindle are available from Amazon. There are routines that may successfully convert and deliver content to the Kindle. (The Kindleworld Blog lists free sources of books for Kindles as well as routines to convert other formats to use by the Kindle.)
Try these sample books using Adobe Content Reader to get an idea of how these books work. NetLibrary ebooks are downloaded through the Adobe Content Server, an add-on service for libraries subscribing to NetLibrary e-books..
The July ;-) issue of Consumer Reports evaluates e-readers and the Kindle comes out on top. (Ebscohost link) This post by Library Consultant, Cindy Orr explains who may be interested in e-books.
From the TWDL Project
“Twiddle” For You and For Your Library Users
Explore TWDL.ORG to find high quality resources for dealing with unemployment, improving computer skills, and finding employment. Don’t miss the section of Library Tools, there you will find promotional materials and training scripts.
If you have other resources to be added to the site, let me know.
JobNow! THROUGH August 31
NETLS libraries are invited to offer JobNow! To their users through August 31 as part of the TWDL.Org project. This product provides a variety of job hunt resources featuring LIVE, job coaching and LIVE, online interview coaching. Point your users to this portal and authenticate with the shared login (for the library card number).
Contact the NETLS office for the shared login AND for promotional materials – we have JobNow! Posters, bookmarks, brochures, etc. Just ask!
Career and Job Hunt Resources
The items listed below have been purchased as part of the TWDL.ORG project for workplace literacy. These items are designed for self-guided study. The first two items, provide a great basis for teaching job hunting skills. The Survival booklets provide English translations for common phrases with phonetic pronunciation guides for Spanish speakers.
Job Search Basics, 3rd ed.
Job Smarts Workbook, 2nd ed. [has example forms]
Envision Your Career [DVD] a video to measure career field interest
Complete Job Application [DVD]
Survival English for Spanish-Speaking Hotel Employees [booklet]
Survival English for Spanish-Speaking Restaurant Employees [booklet]
Everyday English Survival Guide for Latinos [booklet]
We have FREE copies of all of each of these resources for every library/literacy center/job resource center requesting these items. (We want to share these so don’t be shy!)
Computer training disks if you don’t need them, send them back (please). If you need more, let us know, we have some extra disks we can send. The disks can be circulated and/or used in the library or learning center.
I’d love to hear how your patrons view these products, praise or problems.
netls Tweet
What Happens When XP Expires? http://shar.es/m91g9 Time to go to service pack 3 or a new operating system!
FEEDBACK?
If your library users, library, Friends or Foundation has something to brag about, do it here! We always want to know about successes and struggles.
Let us know when there is something we’ve offered (consulting, continuing education, projects, or just information) that resulted in success or a story of personal accomplishment.
We love to have your stories when we talk to funders about budgets and your stories help us plan when we know what did or didn’t work.
“TechSoup.org is getting a makeover, and we’d love some feedback. If you’ve received donated products from us and have some time (30-45 min) and Internet access to participate in a remote session (from the comfort of your own home or library!), please get in touch with me. We’ll also give you a thank you gift for your time and ideas.”
Thanks for your help,
-sarah
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sarah Washburn
Library Program Manager, TechSoup Global
415-633-9428
Buddy Up
Several libraries in the region are exploring changing their library automation systems. If you are interested in partnering with another library, let us know – maybe we can do some match-making!
Big Book Sale
Don’t miss the Friends of the Plano Public Library Book Sale, July 15-17.
Seeking Large Print
Dot Linn and DeAnn Hicks are seeking large print books for the Bonham VA Hospital and Senior Outreach Program. If you have large print books (preferably paperback) new or old you can donate, call 903-583-6302 for more information.
Audio Cassette Cases
Chris Ely in Whitewright has a variety of audiobook cassette cases to give away. Contact Chris by email and she’ll see if she’s got something you need.
Coming soon on a computer near you:
Managing Your Library's Online Reputation Wondering what people are saying about your library on Twitter or other social media platforms? Join Meg to learn about tools you can use to track and engage your customers (and non-customers). Meg will introduce tools, tips, and tricks for monitoring the Twitter-verse and other sites to capture what people are saying – the good, bad, and ugly and how you can respond.
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Successful Social Media Programs at Your Library So you have launched your library into the Twitter-verse! Now what? How do you attract followers? How can you use it to publicize events? Provide new services? Join Meg as she takes you on a tour of successful social media experiences. Meg’s tour will cover libraries and other organizations that have been effective at using Twitter to highlight events, achievements, and services.
Free Online CE Events for July 2010 from the TSLAC Library Developments Blog
Also available: Librarian Live Podcasts
Management and Training topics
July 7 Successful Social Media Programs at Your Library, TSLAC Webinar, FREE
July 13 Digital Rights, Internet, and Social Media TLA premium webinar (Fees: $45, $55 non-member)
July 14, Reader-Friendly Library Service TSLAC Webinar, FREE
July 14 Heritage Quest Online training webinar FREE
July 15-17 Friends of the Plano Public Library Book Sale (see attachments)
July 25-28 TLA Annual Assembly, Austin
July 30 Louisa May Alcott NEH/ALA program grants applications due (grants.gov must create organization account prior to submission date)
August 9 & 10 Annual Literacy Texas Conference , Austin.
August 15 Libri Foundation grant applications due. For grants of childrens books for small libraries.
August 20 Submit your career video for possible $1,000 prize
September 10 Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy up to $65,000 for literacy programs for adult primary caregivers and their children....
September 15 Ezra Jack Keats minigrant applications due
Below the line …
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