Enjoy a fun but relevant site on how to create a good (or terrible) non-profit website.
I giggled because I can remember all of these things happening in regards to my first non-profit job. I check the website once in a while, and it's STILL awful. Too many Chiefs and not enough Indians!
http://talance.com/blog/2010/06/30/15-ways-to-create-a-horrible-non-profit-website/
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
I got a new gig!
I interviewed this week at the Spring City Library, part of the Chester County Library System for their Director position on Monday. They called on Tuesday to offer me the position, and Wednesday I accepted!
I cannot even express how excited I am. I'm scared to death of what to expect, and every time I think about it, I get a little queasy (I've never actually had to manage a staff before!)
But the board and I clicked immediately, we were both on on the same page in regards to creating a community space at the library, and they LOVE my focus on programming and getting out into the town and partnering with different groups.
They, of course, expressed a concern about getting teens into the library, so we'll see what we can do to make that happen.
Part of the issue is that it's a one room building, so the teens are literally sitting on top of the adults and that's probably a deterrent, but maybe some after-hours coffee houses and things like that will bring them in.
Also the giant "NO SKATEBOARDING" sign usually translates to "WE HATE SKATERS" in teen-speak.
They're getting ready for a rebuild in the near future, so I will get to experience what it's like to build a library from the ground up. (Again, makes my stomach turn with nerves)
And I thought the most exciting part of this week was getting new glasses! (I'm bringing emo back!)
I cannot even express how excited I am. I'm scared to death of what to expect, and every time I think about it, I get a little queasy (I've never actually had to manage a staff before!)
But the board and I clicked immediately, we were both on on the same page in regards to creating a community space at the library, and they LOVE my focus on programming and getting out into the town and partnering with different groups.
They, of course, expressed a concern about getting teens into the library, so we'll see what we can do to make that happen.
Part of the issue is that it's a one room building, so the teens are literally sitting on top of the adults and that's probably a deterrent, but maybe some after-hours coffee houses and things like that will bring them in.
Also the giant "NO SKATEBOARDING" sign usually translates to "WE HATE SKATERS" in teen-speak.
They're getting ready for a rebuild in the near future, so I will get to experience what it's like to build a library from the ground up. (Again, makes my stomach turn with nerves)
And I thought the most exciting part of this week was getting new glasses! (I'm bringing emo back!)
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Google tests academic value
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/lifestyle/49953970-80/books-google-digital-copies.html.csp
Interesting blurb about Google.
They've distributed 12 grants to humanities projects to to test the academic value of their digital resources.
Interesting blurb about Google.
They've distributed 12 grants to humanities projects to to test the academic value of their digital resources.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
On The Media: Transcript of "Book It" (July 2, 2010)
On The Media: Transcript of "Book It" (July 2, 2010): "- Sent using Google Toolbar"
Here is another of the many stories that I've enjoyed listening to from On The Media. This has by far become my favorite NPR show of the moment. I'm still loyal to my This American Life and Wait, Wait, but I'm happy to have another show to add to the list.
Enjoy! :o)
Here is another of the many stories that I've enjoyed listening to from On The Media. This has by far become my favorite NPR show of the moment. I'm still loyal to my This American Life and Wait, Wait, but I'm happy to have another show to add to the list.
Enjoy! :o)
Monday, July 12, 2010
that stressed the Dickens out of me!
Amaya made my head hurt! I don't know if my copy was being buggy, but I just couldn't get the darn program to run smoothly.
I decided to try and type the code into notepad, but I struggled with figuring out how to make margins and a fixed width.
When I downloaded Kompozer as a last minute attempt, I finally got the site to format the excerpt into a book like view.
I didn't research old books quite as much as some of my classmates, but I'm hoping that what I did was sufficient.
Now on to finished up our latest essay. Bring on the copyright issues!
I decided to try and type the code into notepad, but I struggled with figuring out how to make margins and a fixed width.
When I downloaded Kompozer as a last minute attempt, I finally got the site to format the excerpt into a book like view.
I didn't research old books quite as much as some of my classmates, but I'm hoping that what I did was sufficient.
Now on to finished up our latest essay. Bring on the copyright issues!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Mom: Son in 'extensive therapy' after viewing library book | son, book, therapy - News - WaltonSun.com
Mom: Son in 'extensive therapy' after viewing library book | son, book, therapy - News - WaltonSun.com
And this article makes me shake my head....
So the kid "put the book in his backpack." Does that mean he didn't check it out, but decided to "steal" the book? Which would make me believe that he knew it was a book that he probably wouldn't be able to check out of the library without some questioning.
Also, what could have possibly been portrayed in the book that would warrant being sent to an in-patient treatment facility? It sounds like this child may have had some issues before he took the book. Or maybe Mom is a little banana-town?
And this article makes me shake my head....
So the kid "put the book in his backpack." Does that mean he didn't check it out, but decided to "steal" the book? Which would make me believe that he knew it was a book that he probably wouldn't be able to check out of the library without some questioning.
Also, what could have possibly been portrayed in the book that would warrant being sent to an in-patient treatment facility? It sounds like this child may have had some issues before he took the book. Or maybe Mom is a little banana-town?
Welcome mat out for skateboarders at Gardner library - KansasCity.com
Welcome mat out for skateboarders at Gardner library - KansasCity.com
As a former punk kid, the above article makes me smile. My home library never discriminated against kids with skateboards, roller blades, chain wallets, or multi-colored hair. As long as you respected the space, they were more than happy to see you there.
As a former punk kid, the above article makes me smile. My home library never discriminated against kids with skateboards, roller blades, chain wallets, or multi-colored hair. As long as you respected the space, they were more than happy to see you there.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Top Trends 2010
I'm watching the LITA Top Tech Trends and I'm so happy to hear these panelists talking about things that I've thought about and hadn't really heard people talking about in the library.
I loved Dave's comment that when iPad users are asked what they think about the interface, they describe it in a very emotional way, which is a circle back to the book. When people talk about books they do use a sort of nostalgic romantic way of describing their affection for them. I giggled when he said his 2 year old daughter now thinks that all screens are touch interfaces.
Also another panelist mentioned the role of libraries computer labs. How, now that these hardware devices are becoming more affordable and more common, the users are coming to the library, not to use the new hardware, but to get the "stuff" and information that goes into it.
I was also so happy to hear someone talking about the Apple store, and how the POS is an iPhone! I was floored, and completely overwhelmed by going into an Apple store for the first time (without my husband) to get my iPhone replaced, and I could not for the life of me figure out where the cashier was.
A "Genius" found me roaming aimlessly and offered to check me in right on his iPhone.
Why aren't we moving towards this in the library more often? Our management team is equipping our reference librarians with iPads so that they can roam the stacks and help people where they are at to find the information and answers they need without walking up to a big desk. I cannot wait to see this initiative roll out.
I loved Dave's comment that when iPad users are asked what they think about the interface, they describe it in a very emotional way, which is a circle back to the book. When people talk about books they do use a sort of nostalgic romantic way of describing their affection for them. I giggled when he said his 2 year old daughter now thinks that all screens are touch interfaces.
Also another panelist mentioned the role of libraries computer labs. How, now that these hardware devices are becoming more affordable and more common, the users are coming to the library, not to use the new hardware, but to get the "stuff" and information that goes into it.
I was also so happy to hear someone talking about the Apple store, and how the POS is an iPhone! I was floored, and completely overwhelmed by going into an Apple store for the first time (without my husband) to get my iPhone replaced, and I could not for the life of me figure out where the cashier was.
A "Genius" found me roaming aimlessly and offered to check me in right on his iPhone.
Why aren't we moving towards this in the library more often? Our management team is equipping our reference librarians with iPads so that they can roam the stacks and help people where they are at to find the information and answers they need without walking up to a big desk. I cannot wait to see this initiative roll out.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Koha
Totally geeking out on the Koha project and adding 15 books on crochet. Partly because, I love yarn! The other part being that my desk houses my crochet bookshelf, and all are within reaching for the ISBN numbers. :o)
My Koha didn't look like the tutorial, so I had a minor freak out. However, all the same information is there, just in different spots.
I really got nervous about this one, just with all the questions and concerns on the discussion board and in the lecture presentaiton. But, I think I'm getting it.
We'll see how I'm feeling 15 entries later :o)
Hopefully this will move along smoothly, as I need all the time I can get to focus on the upcoming exam and essay due in LIS2000.
Happy 4th of July!
My Koha didn't look like the tutorial, so I had a minor freak out. However, all the same information is there, just in different spots.
I really got nervous about this one, just with all the questions and concerns on the discussion board and in the lecture presentaiton. But, I think I'm getting it.
We'll see how I'm feeling 15 entries later :o)
Hopefully this will move along smoothly, as I need all the time I can get to focus on the upcoming exam and essay due in LIS2000.
Happy 4th of July!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Library moments that make you shake your head...
Let me preface this by saying that I hope this is my only "rant" of the term. However this particular event happened 3 days ago, and I am still mortified* every time the memory pops into my head.
I am fortunate enough to work in a library that offers a ton of training opportunities and staff development programs for its employees. However, I constantly am faced with coworkers who don't strive to learn the next best thing. We all hear the term "Legacy Librarian" thrown around a lot to describe the "stuck in their ways" old school librarian who refuses to get with the program and try new things at the library.
However, our library is struck by and even bigger issue.... "legacy non-professionals." Now, I HATE the use of "non-professional" or "para-professional" in the library. I have been called it more than once, and I have to restrain myself from slapping that person.
These employees refuse to believe that the library is changing and evolving, and in turn, refuse to believe that advancements in technology have any place in our library system. This was made insanely apparent the other day when I was sitting in my cubicle and on the other side I heard a conversation. (I promise I'm not always eaves dropping!)
I don't 100% know what the discussion was about, but one person said, "Oh yes, you can see it on their blog." The other individual's response was, "What's a blog?"
Seriously? What's a BLOG?!?!?
Almost every library in our system has at least one, sometimes 2 or 3, and you don't even know what the technology is?
Ok, ok, she was "older"... but the woman works in Tech Services... TECH SERVICES! She is on a computer all day. In addition, our library in 2008 did 23 Things and kicked off the event by hosting a day long program for all staff, and the keynote speaker was the creator of the darn initiative. And guess what, he wasn't too much younger than the woman who didn't know what a blog was. Guess what Step 1 of 23 things is? Start a blog!
I know this seems like an extreme reaction, but this is just one of the many moments where I just shake my head and wonder when people will get it.
*You know you're from Philadelphia when you keep trying to spell Mortify with a 'ph' instead of an 'f' and can't figure out what you're doing wrong. Go Phillies! I have the same issue with flier vs. flyer.
I am fortunate enough to work in a library that offers a ton of training opportunities and staff development programs for its employees. However, I constantly am faced with coworkers who don't strive to learn the next best thing. We all hear the term "Legacy Librarian" thrown around a lot to describe the "stuck in their ways" old school librarian who refuses to get with the program and try new things at the library.
However, our library is struck by and even bigger issue.... "legacy non-professionals." Now, I HATE the use of "non-professional" or "para-professional" in the library. I have been called it more than once, and I have to restrain myself from slapping that person.
These employees refuse to believe that the library is changing and evolving, and in turn, refuse to believe that advancements in technology have any place in our library system. This was made insanely apparent the other day when I was sitting in my cubicle and on the other side I heard a conversation. (I promise I'm not always eaves dropping!)
I don't 100% know what the discussion was about, but one person said, "Oh yes, you can see it on their blog." The other individual's response was, "What's a blog?"
Seriously? What's a BLOG?!?!?
Almost every library in our system has at least one, sometimes 2 or 3, and you don't even know what the technology is?
Ok, ok, she was "older"... but the woman works in Tech Services... TECH SERVICES! She is on a computer all day. In addition, our library in 2008 did 23 Things and kicked off the event by hosting a day long program for all staff, and the keynote speaker was the creator of the darn initiative. And guess what, he wasn't too much younger than the woman who didn't know what a blog was. Guess what Step 1 of 23 things is? Start a blog!
I know this seems like an extreme reaction, but this is just one of the many moments where I just shake my head and wonder when people will get it.
*You know you're from Philadelphia when you keep trying to spell Mortify with a 'ph' instead of an 'f' and can't figure out what you're doing wrong. Go Phillies! I have the same issue with flier vs. flyer.
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