I have several projects in the works. Website creation, website correction, a couple library guides, and my portfolio. Need to find time for cosmetic work on the truck and a detail job for the Corolla. I should assess the tire situation on the car, too.
This is a brief post. I am worried about family members and cannot concentrate beyond the required tasks. On to the links!
Tires: I have heard great things about Tire Rack (http://www.tirerack.com/index_w.jsp). I may be trying this website soon. On the other hand, I have been quite pleased with the service at my local Firestone (http://www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/). I might just get snows and rims from them. I dread driving the Corolla in snowy conditions with the current tires.
Wheels: Summit Racing (http://www.summitracing.com/) sold the Xterra's wheels to me a couple years ago. They have shipped several items to my home. Customer service has been wonderful! I have to find my shopping mojo and purchase a couple more rims for the X. Spare needs a new one.
New York State Lemon Law (http://www.ag.ny.gov/bureaus/consumer_frauds/lemon_law.html) information is located on the New York State Attorney General's website. NY Lemon Law covers new and used cars, leased automobiles, and motorized wheelchairs! The wheelchair inclusion was a pleasant surprise for me.
New York State Thruway Authority (http://www.thruway.ny.gov/index.shtml) provides weather alerts, construction project locations, and web cameras for up-to-the-second road conditions. Camera images are refreshed every ten seconds (30 or 60 during high traffic times).
LexisNexis Communities (http://www.lexisnexis.com/community/portal/content/lexisonelandingpage.aspx) replaces LexisOne. Free access to U.S. Supreme Court and Federal Courts case law as well as forms. I have to learn more about website. Something to be explored at a later date.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
Scotch Tape and a Bow
Time to wrap up this aspect of my introductory library technology class.
Well, Folks, this is the end (my friend, yes, I listen to The Doors) of my Learning 2.0 experience for school. After this post I will return to my sporadic posts relating to my child, my vehicles, legal information and legal reference, and library studies.
The exercises and discoveries experienced in the Learning 2.0 journey exposed one large element of internet tools: Lack of Privacy. It was extremely difficult to maintain a level of privacy during this program. The need for browsing in private or incognito (see your browser tools) was emphasized during my LinkedIn trial. Once this semester is completed I will return to all my accounts with public access and disable them as completely as possible. From there I will create new, more private accounts with one online citation tool (not Zotero) and one online bookmarking tool.
I enjoyed reading my classmates' blogs. I am always surprised that one thing (website, Web 2.0 tool, or video) can produce a wide variety of reactions or assessments. I frequently state that I am oblivious to the obvious. My classmates provided a multifaceted learning experience, an experience that cannot be taught by just one instructor. The interpretations and evaluations by my classmates exposed aspects of the Web 2.0 tools that I would not have noticed on my own.
Good night to you. I will return with a link or two in the near future.
Well, Folks, this is the end (my friend, yes, I listen to The Doors) of my Learning 2.0 experience for school. After this post I will return to my sporadic posts relating to my child, my vehicles, legal information and legal reference, and library studies.
The exercises and discoveries experienced in the Learning 2.0 journey exposed one large element of internet tools: Lack of Privacy. It was extremely difficult to maintain a level of privacy during this program. The need for browsing in private or incognito (see your browser tools) was emphasized during my LinkedIn trial. Once this semester is completed I will return to all my accounts with public access and disable them as completely as possible. From there I will create new, more private accounts with one online citation tool (not Zotero) and one online bookmarking tool.
I enjoyed reading my classmates' blogs. I am always surprised that one thing (website, Web 2.0 tool, or video) can produce a wide variety of reactions or assessments. I frequently state that I am oblivious to the obvious. My classmates provided a multifaceted learning experience, an experience that cannot be taught by just one instructor. The interpretations and evaluations by my classmates exposed aspects of the Web 2.0 tools that I would not have noticed on my own.
Good night to you. I will return with a link or two in the near future.
Katie
OTHER WEB 2.O APPS
The second last (almost there!) Learning 2.0 assignment required an acquaintance with two additional Web 2.0 tools. Several peers have been raving about Google Earth. Others have been seeking connections with me on LinkedIn. Of the two, Google Earth is my favorite.
I am still exploring Google Earth. I love the ability to see over my neighbors' fences. The housing tract I live in is filled with above ground swimming pools, more homes have than have not. The ability to easily move from Google Earth to Street View is nice. Street view is not always available (not on my street). I hope to learn about Google Earth's ocean views with my son. He loves all things related to Earth and her oceans.LinkedIn frustrated me. Minimal services are available for free. A paid subscription is required before one can access additional features and resources. Aren't LinkedIn's users seeking employment? If so, the next logical thought is that a person seeking a job or career advancement does not have unlimited monetary resources. I would be more prone to use this website if additional features were included in the free subscription. Also, the "People You May Know" is just plain creepy. How do they gather this information? One of the names listed was my cousin's wife, someone I have never corresponded with electronically. I guess an in depth examination of their user agreement.
I did visit Google Books as a lark. I sought a quote about towels. I knew the book, just not the page of the quote. I was surprised that the book was not the first hit in the result list.
Google Earth might be a useful tool in libraries. Librarians can use it to assist with geographic, oceanic, and cartographic reference questions. I could not think of a use for the free services offered by LinkedIn. Libraries and their staff would benefit more from memberships in the American Library Association and other professional organizations.
Today's links are library related. Titles are self-explanatory:
American Library Association: http://www.ala.org/
Canadian Library Association: http://www.cla.ca
Music Library Association: http://www.musiclibraryassoc.org/
American Association of Law Libraries: http://www.aallnet.org/
Canadian Association of Law Libraries: http://www.callacbd.ca
Art Libraries Society of North America: http://www.arlisna.org/
Canadian Libraries and Librarianship: http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/6/7/s7-2000-e.html
I hope the members of the United States Armed Forces had a nice Veterans Day today.
Today is Canada's Remembrance Day, similar to our Memorial Day.
Be well all.
Katie
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Library 2.0 Coming to You
Have coffee? Tea? Water? This is a long one!
How will libraries evolve? What does the future hold for these community establishments? Will their automation and technology budgets grow with Web 2.0 and other digital changes? Will decision-makers understand the importance of libraries in a digital world?
This week's Web 2.0 assignment provided five articles that discussed the future of libraries and librarians: library 2.0 and librarian 2.0. All five articles were published five years ago. That is a long time in a constantly changing field. I surfed the source site (http://www.oclc.org/nextspace/) for more recent articles. I learned several things from both sets of readings. First, WorldCat.org offers several "advanced citation functions" (http://www.oclc.org/nextspace/016/tipsandtricks.htm). Second, OCLC's NextSpace publication appears to be a wonderful resource for library students and librarians. I subscribed to the publication. These items are not part of the assignment, so there I must go.
Regardless of age, the assigned articles are timely. Libraries as community places, information cafes, and knowledge sharing spaces are libraries of the future. Librarians need to adapt and adjust routines and tasks to maintain currency in their communities and organizations; a timeless common thread in the provided articles.
Library 2.0 is a necessary step in library evolution. I see two things that will inhibit a library's metamorphosis to Library 2.0: priorities and budget constraints. What is the library's role in an organization? Do academic libraries play a greater role in their organization than a public library? My opinion: No. Both are equally important but academia appears to prioritize libraries as necessary and valued departments. County governments maintain public libraries in my region. Based on resources available in the public libraries I feel they are not as valued.
I use four libraries for homework, two college libraries and two public libraries. The college libraries provide innumerable access points for patrons: public workstations for Windows and Mac users, large tables in quiet areas, and group study rooms with several outlets for laptop power cords. Their print reference collections are not out dated and include several topics.
The two county libraries offer limited hours, minimal print reference materials, and a small amount of personal work space. One library has only one outlet for laptop users. The other limits computer access to ninety minutes per day. In addition, their computers and software are so outdated that library students cannot use these workstations to access the library school's online course tools. The public libraries are not as valued as other departments that have access to current technologies. Does the County Executive's office staff have current technology for their tasks?
Until public libraries are considered valuable by their governing bodies they are crippled, unable to grow and embrace the tools and concepts of Web 2.0 and Library 2.0.
Bookless libraries? In private institutions where technology resources are available to patrons, yes. In government libraries that are funded by taxes, no. .
How will libraries evolve? What does the future hold for these community establishments? Will their automation and technology budgets grow with Web 2.0 and other digital changes? Will decision-makers understand the importance of libraries in a digital world?
This week's Web 2.0 assignment provided five articles that discussed the future of libraries and librarians: library 2.0 and librarian 2.0. All five articles were published five years ago. That is a long time in a constantly changing field. I surfed the source site (http://www.oclc.org/nextspace/) for more recent articles. I learned several things from both sets of readings. First, WorldCat.org offers several "advanced citation functions" (http://www.oclc.org/nextspace/016/tipsandtricks.htm). Second, OCLC's NextSpace publication appears to be a wonderful resource for library students and librarians. I subscribed to the publication. These items are not part of the assignment, so there I must go.
Regardless of age, the assigned articles are timely. Libraries as community places, information cafes, and knowledge sharing spaces are libraries of the future. Librarians need to adapt and adjust routines and tasks to maintain currency in their communities and organizations; a timeless common thread in the provided articles.
Library 2.0 is a necessary step in library evolution. I see two things that will inhibit a library's metamorphosis to Library 2.0: priorities and budget constraints. What is the library's role in an organization? Do academic libraries play a greater role in their organization than a public library? My opinion: No. Both are equally important but academia appears to prioritize libraries as necessary and valued departments. County governments maintain public libraries in my region. Based on resources available in the public libraries I feel they are not as valued.
I use four libraries for homework, two college libraries and two public libraries. The college libraries provide innumerable access points for patrons: public workstations for Windows and Mac users, large tables in quiet areas, and group study rooms with several outlets for laptop power cords. Their print reference collections are not out dated and include several topics.
The two county libraries offer limited hours, minimal print reference materials, and a small amount of personal work space. One library has only one outlet for laptop users. The other limits computer access to ninety minutes per day. In addition, their computers and software are so outdated that library students cannot use these workstations to access the library school's online course tools. The public libraries are not as valued as other departments that have access to current technologies. Does the County Executive's office staff have current technology for their tasks?
Until public libraries are considered valuable by their governing bodies they are crippled, unable to grow and embrace the tools and concepts of Web 2.0 and Library 2.0.
Bookless libraries? In private institutions where technology resources are available to patrons, yes. In government libraries that are funded by taxes, no. .
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Zotero or Zorro?
I prefer Zorro. (Long post, feel free to skip to links at bottom)
I can see where Zotero would be useful for group projects. Members can post articles, websites, and other information sources. Judges presiding over cases in multiple counties might be able to use it to share resources with their confidential lawyers (law clerks) and secretaries. I cannot picture the court system embracing Zotero in the near future. First, Westlaw and Lexis are not Zotero friendly sites; second, the courts do not use the Firefox browser.
I most likely will not make an effort to use this tool. Most of the databases I access provide citations in the document delivery. In addition, I have to check the citations against my style manual (APA, MLA, NY Official Reports Style Manual: depends on project requirements). See today's links for more information.
This week's assignment called for the creation and posting of my Zotero library. Feel free to browse. I easily added items from Amazon. I had to enter information manually for the one legal publisher I visited and two legal databases.
I experienced several quirks with Zotero. First, I lost my internet connection and had to rely on a public library. The library system in my county limits users to Internet Explorer. That eliminated Zotero. Zotero's homepage does not state that it is a Mozilla Firefox add-on.
Second, I could not access my school's course resources at this library, the software/hardware was too old. I experienced this three years ago. It is odd how one branch has more advanced technology than another branch. These limitations will adversely affect a library's decision to use Zotero. If the supporting technology is not available, Zotero is not a Web2.0 tool that will be used professionally.
It is not as simple as installing a free browser and add-ons on a computer. Anyone who has worked in a complex organization understands this. In addition to a multitude of factors, most libraries are at the bottom of the organizational food chain / flow chart. This leads to other concerns.
Today's Rant:
If libraries are fighting for technology scraps, how are they to provide patrons access to current educational and employment tools? As a library school student I could not utilize the online tools provided by my school because this library was technologically insufficient to meet my needs. Civil service exams, job applications, court forms, DMV transactions, and information for parents are all online. In many cases, they are only online. How are parents going to learn about their children's school activities if they cannot go to the library to access the internet. Oh, they just go online at home. No, many cannot! We have to remember that libraries are the only place that large portions of our population can access the internet with a high speed connection. And that is a topic for another day. And a topic for a research paper.
Back from the tangent.
Today's legal links are about citation:
1. The New York Official Reports Style Manual (http://www.nycourts.gov/reporter/Styman_Menu.htm): When I worked in chambers this was our primary citation guide. This is available online at no charge or in print.
2. Basic Legal Citation (http://www.legalbluebook.com/) from Legal Information Institute at Cornell Law School: Another free legal citation manual. E-books are available without a charge, too.
3. The Bluebook: (http://www.legalbluebook.com/): If you are in the legal field you have heard of the Bluebook. It is available online for a fee. Print edition available, too.
And for the non-law person:
4. The Purdue Owl (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/) is Purdue's Online Writing Lab. Surfing this site is not a waste of time. APA and MLA are only two of several research and writing tools provided by Purdue.
5. Grammar Girl (http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/) had to be included in this post. A search for citations resulted in an informative page that discussed the citation forms for podcasts and the importance of citing sources.
I can see where Zotero would be useful for group projects. Members can post articles, websites, and other information sources. Judges presiding over cases in multiple counties might be able to use it to share resources with their confidential lawyers (law clerks) and secretaries. I cannot picture the court system embracing Zotero in the near future. First, Westlaw and Lexis are not Zotero friendly sites; second, the courts do not use the Firefox browser.
I most likely will not make an effort to use this tool. Most of the databases I access provide citations in the document delivery. In addition, I have to check the citations against my style manual (APA, MLA, NY Official Reports Style Manual: depends on project requirements). See today's links for more information.
This week's assignment called for the creation and posting of my Zotero library. Feel free to browse. I easily added items from Amazon. I had to enter information manually for the one legal publisher I visited and two legal databases.
I experienced several quirks with Zotero. First, I lost my internet connection and had to rely on a public library. The library system in my county limits users to Internet Explorer. That eliminated Zotero. Zotero's homepage does not state that it is a Mozilla Firefox add-on.
Second, I could not access my school's course resources at this library, the software/hardware was too old. I experienced this three years ago. It is odd how one branch has more advanced technology than another branch. These limitations will adversely affect a library's decision to use Zotero. If the supporting technology is not available, Zotero is not a Web2.0 tool that will be used professionally.
It is not as simple as installing a free browser and add-ons on a computer. Anyone who has worked in a complex organization understands this. In addition to a multitude of factors, most libraries are at the bottom of the organizational food chain / flow chart. This leads to other concerns.
Today's Rant:
If libraries are fighting for technology scraps, how are they to provide patrons access to current educational and employment tools? As a library school student I could not utilize the online tools provided by my school because this library was technologically insufficient to meet my needs. Civil service exams, job applications, court forms, DMV transactions, and information for parents are all online. In many cases, they are only online. How are parents going to learn about their children's school activities if they cannot go to the library to access the internet. Oh, they just go online at home. No, many cannot! We have to remember that libraries are the only place that large portions of our population can access the internet with a high speed connection. And that is a topic for another day. And a topic for a research paper.
Back from the tangent.
Today's legal links are about citation:
1. The New York Official Reports Style Manual (http://www.nycourts.gov/reporter/Styman_Menu.htm): When I worked in chambers this was our primary citation guide. This is available online at no charge or in print.
2. Basic Legal Citation (http://www.legalbluebook.com/) from Legal Information Institute at Cornell Law School: Another free legal citation manual. E-books are available without a charge, too.
3. The Bluebook: (http://www.legalbluebook.com/): If you are in the legal field you have heard of the Bluebook. It is available online for a fee. Print edition available, too.
And for the non-law person:
4. The Purdue Owl (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/) is Purdue's Online Writing Lab. Surfing this site is not a waste of time. APA and MLA are only two of several research and writing tools provided by Purdue.
5. Grammar Girl (http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/) had to be included in this post. A search for citations resulted in an informative page that discussed the citation forms for podcasts and the importance of citing sources.
Why Tag?
I don't get it. Do you really need to know what websites interest me enough to be added to my bookmarks? As my favorite first grader would say, "Seriously?" Creating an account, adding links, and then sharing them seems to be another time-waster for me. Yes, this may be useful for individuals using multiple computers in multiple locations. But sharing my links? Really? Is the world that interested in my favorite websites? Are you?
Future employers might like to see what websites I frequent. My links can determine if I am aware of relevant resources.
Libraries can use this type of service to share links with patrons, but I find this redundant to other services. Link pages on library websites already fulfill that objective. User guides (pathfinders) do the same at the local level. Do libraries have the resources available to maintain an account with a bookmarking website? Not many do during the current economic climate.
People without a computer and personal Internet access would find websites like Del.icio.us useful. Patrons without a home Internet connection can use Del.icio.us and a Google account to fulfill their computer needs. One service stores bookmarks and the other provides e-mail, blogging, document creations and storage, a homepage, and more.
I created my Del.icio.us account, added links, and tried to sort the links into stacks. Stacking my links did not work. It may have been my browser. I followed the directions, but were Del.icio.us stated ADD I could not find ADD. I was not able to select individual links to add to a created stack and I was not able to save new stacks. I doubt I would use this type of service for a long-term research project. I am too leery of the lack of permanence on the Internet. I might consider using it for a short-term project, but I would still back-up my links in my favorites and on an external drive. This is another case of redundancy.
Once I fix my laptop I will try different browsers.
Now for some law related links:
I have shared the NYCRR with you in the past. The NYS DOS website is a repeat, but needs to be shared again.
The New York State (NYS) Department of State (DOS) Division of Code Enforcement and Administration (DCEA) (http://www.dos.state.ny.us/DCEA/) provides easy access to a wealth of information from manufactured homes to swimming pools. The building codes, current AND past, are available, too.
Fire, plumbing, building, residential, energy, fuel gas, and other code books can be found at http://publicecodes.citation.com/st/ny/st/index.htm. The 2010 books are current for today (no guarantee for tomorrow). The 2007 books are also available at this link.
Future employers might like to see what websites I frequent. My links can determine if I am aware of relevant resources.
Libraries can use this type of service to share links with patrons, but I find this redundant to other services. Link pages on library websites already fulfill that objective. User guides (pathfinders) do the same at the local level. Do libraries have the resources available to maintain an account with a bookmarking website? Not many do during the current economic climate.
People without a computer and personal Internet access would find websites like Del.icio.us useful. Patrons without a home Internet connection can use Del.icio.us and a Google account to fulfill their computer needs. One service stores bookmarks and the other provides e-mail, blogging, document creations and storage, a homepage, and more.
I created my Del.icio.us account, added links, and tried to sort the links into stacks. Stacking my links did not work. It may have been my browser. I followed the directions, but were Del.icio.us stated ADD I could not find ADD. I was not able to select individual links to add to a created stack and I was not able to save new stacks. I doubt I would use this type of service for a long-term research project. I am too leery of the lack of permanence on the Internet. I might consider using it for a short-term project, but I would still back-up my links in my favorites and on an external drive. This is another case of redundancy.
Once I fix my laptop I will try different browsers.
Now for some law related links:
I have shared the NYCRR with you in the past. The NYS DOS website is a repeat, but needs to be shared again.
The New York State (NYS) Department of State (DOS) Division of Code Enforcement and Administration (DCEA) (http://www.dos.state.ny.us/DCEA/) provides easy access to a wealth of information from manufactured homes to swimming pools. The building codes, current AND past, are available, too.
Fire, plumbing, building, residential, energy, fuel gas, and other code books can be found at http://publicecodes.citation.com/st/ny/st/index.htm. The 2010 books are current for today (no guarantee for tomorrow). The 2007 books are also available at this link.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Feed and Read, Read and Feed
Learning 2.0 lesson number six was an introduction to RSS and newsreaders. I used my Google Reader account to subscribe to several RSS feeds. The exercise called for the initiation of ten library related RSS subscriptions. My first thought: Who has time to read TEN different subscriptions every day, all day??
As directed, I subscribed to the Learning 2.0 blog feed, Unshelved, and Reader's Club new review feeds. I promptly unsubscribed to the Learning 2.0 and Reader's Club feeds. Learning 2.0's last post was years ago. No need for this feed! I noticed the same thing with the Reader's Club feeds that I had chosen. The RC feeds were a little more recent (last year) but still not current enough to warrant more than an entry in my bookmarks.
My favorite? Unshelved. It is a series of library-related cartoons. Great way to start the day. Will I continue this subscription? Don't see why. I can use Unshelved as my homepage. It will provide the same service to me.
I did subscribe to several regional alert feeds. The alerts notify me of emergencies, traffic problems, and weather advisories for specific geographical regions. Genesee County experienced an airborne irritant alert this morning. For more information regarding the NY-Alert services go to http://www.nyalert.gov/Public/RSS/AllHazRSSInfo.aspx.
I will not be using RSS feeds habitually for a long time. They are just another thing to check.
RSS feeds can be a powerful library tool. They can be used to increase community awareness of library events. Advertising new technologies and training sessions, promoting teen events, and sharing upcoming after-hours parties for adults are a few additional items that can be shared using RSS feeds. Announcements that require more than 140 characters can be quickly shared with subscribers by utilizing feeds.
It is now time to discover what is creating that noise in the Xterra's front end.
I hope all is well out there!
Katie
As directed, I subscribed to the Learning 2.0 blog feed, Unshelved, and Reader's Club new review feeds. I promptly unsubscribed to the Learning 2.0 and Reader's Club feeds. Learning 2.0's last post was years ago. No need for this feed! I noticed the same thing with the Reader's Club feeds that I had chosen. The RC feeds were a little more recent (last year) but still not current enough to warrant more than an entry in my bookmarks.
My favorite? Unshelved. It is a series of library-related cartoons. Great way to start the day. Will I continue this subscription? Don't see why. I can use Unshelved as my homepage. It will provide the same service to me.
I did subscribe to several regional alert feeds. The alerts notify me of emergencies, traffic problems, and weather advisories for specific geographical regions. Genesee County experienced an airborne irritant alert this morning. For more information regarding the NY-Alert services go to http://www.nyalert.gov/Public/RSS/AllHazRSSInfo.aspx.
I will not be using RSS feeds habitually for a long time. They are just another thing to check.
RSS feeds can be a powerful library tool. They can be used to increase community awareness of library events. Advertising new technologies and training sessions, promoting teen events, and sharing upcoming after-hours parties for adults are a few additional items that can be shared using RSS feeds. Announcements that require more than 140 characters can be quickly shared with subscribers by utilizing feeds.
It is now time to discover what is creating that noise in the Xterra's front end.
I hope all is well out there!
Katie
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Which Wiki Will You Wiki?
Wiki Wiki Wiki. My son can make a fun song from the word "Wiki." The current assignment called for the exploration of wikis. My wiki experience is limited to online classes. I found wikis to be a useful tool for communicating with my cyber-classmates. I was a little put-out by participants' ability to edit any entry in the wiki. No one took advantage of this feature. Posted rules were followed.
The Learning 2.0 assignment recommended several wikis. This blog entry nicely summarize the wiki experience and provided several relevant guidelines for maintaining a public wiki.
I attempted access to the AALL wikis, but the work-space was not available.
Most of the wikis I found appeared to be links to other wikis or to useful websites.
What is in a Wiki? What ever you want to be in a wiki! That is the beauty of wikis. While a blog is a soapbox or podium, a wiki is a conference room.
I feel a wiki would be more appropriate than a blog in my library. It could be used to keep each other appraised of the Helpdesk calls, publisher quirks, and database irregularities that occur frequently within our organization.
Today's Gripe: Microsoft. TechSoup for Libraries provides informationto nonprofits and public libraries regarding the receipt of donated technology. My problem with Microsoft is their restrictions:
"The following types of organizations are ineligible for Microsoft software donations:
If the aforementioned libraries are restricted from participating in Microsoft's portion of the program, what is left? Court libraries are government agencies. Most public libraries are part of a government organization.
I know one public library that is not a part of the Erie County system. Erie County closed the West Falls branch several years ago. It is still open, but I could not find a website (does a classmate need a project?). Maybe the West Falls library will qualify for donated software from Microsoft.
The incredible skies I have viewed that past few days bring us to today's links:
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (http://www.noaa.gov/) provides in-depth weather information. Weather alerts, oceans, satellites, and climates are just a few topics available for exploration.
The National Weather Service (http://weather.gov/) is a part of NOAA.
The New York State Thruway Authority (http://www.thruway.ny.gov/index.shtml) provides up-to-the-minute traffic status for the Interstate highways in New York State. Web cameras are strategically placed so that travelers can check road conditions before departing from warm safe environments. This is important in Western and Central New York during the upcoming months.
Happy Trails!
Katie
The Learning 2.0 assignment recommended several wikis. This blog entry nicely summarize the wiki experience and provided several relevant guidelines for maintaining a public wiki.
I attempted access to the AALL wikis, but the work-space was not available.
Most of the wikis I found appeared to be links to other wikis or to useful websites.
What is in a Wiki? What ever you want to be in a wiki! That is the beauty of wikis. While a blog is a soapbox or podium, a wiki is a conference room.
I feel a wiki would be more appropriate than a blog in my library. It could be used to keep each other appraised of the Helpdesk calls, publisher quirks, and database irregularities that occur frequently within our organization.
Today's Gripe: Microsoft. TechSoup for Libraries provides informationto nonprofits and public libraries regarding the receipt of donated technology. My problem with Microsoft is their restrictions:
"The following types of organizations are ineligible for Microsoft software donations:
- Governmental organizations or agencies.
- Educational institutions, including K-12 schools, colleges, universities, and trade schools.
- Healthcare organizations and networks, including hospitals, specialty networks, ambulatory healthcare services, home healthcare and assisted living healthcare organizations, research organizations, and laboratories. Exceptions: Community health clinics, medical research groups, behavioral healthcare nonprofits, women's health centers, and blood banks are eligible to request Microsoft software donations.
- Political, labor, and fraternal organizations; commerce and trade associations without charitable aims or activities; sponsorships of events, tables, exhibitions, or performances; fundraising events such as luncheons, dinners, walks, runs, or sports tournaments.
- Religious organizations not registered as a charity and without a secular community designation that is separate from the church or religious organization. A secular designation is defined as an organization that provides services to people regardless of their religious beliefs and does not propagate a belief in a specific faith. Example: A food bank with nonprofit or charity status that is run by a church but is a separate and unique organization that provides food and meals to anyone who qualifies for services, regardless of religious beliefs. Religious organizations without secular designations can visit Programs for Charitable Organizations for information regarding licensing options; they may be eligible to receive discounted Microsoft software through these programs.
- Refurbishers that will be installing the donated software on refurbished computers to be distributed or donated to nonprofits or schools. Please visit theRegistered Refurbisher Program.
- Nonpublic libraries, including private libraries, school libraries, specialty libraries, armed forces libraries, and libraries in government agencies"
If the aforementioned libraries are restricted from participating in Microsoft's portion of the program, what is left? Court libraries are government agencies. Most public libraries are part of a government organization.
I know one public library that is not a part of the Erie County system. Erie County closed the West Falls branch several years ago. It is still open, but I could not find a website (does a classmate need a project?). Maybe the West Falls library will qualify for donated software from Microsoft.
The incredible skies I have viewed that past few days bring us to today's links:
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (http://www.noaa.gov/) provides in-depth weather information. Weather alerts, oceans, satellites, and climates are just a few topics available for exploration.
The National Weather Service (http://weather.gov/) is a part of NOAA.
The New York State Thruway Authority (http://www.thruway.ny.gov/index.shtml) provides up-to-the-minute traffic status for the Interstate highways in New York State. Web cameras are strategically placed so that travelers can check road conditions before departing from warm safe environments. This is important in Western and Central New York during the upcoming months.
Happy Trails!
Katie
Sunday, September 25, 2011
What Does Insurance Cover?
The current Web2.0 learning activities requires the addition of a library related video to my blog. I don't want people to forget about the devastation experienced by schools and libraries during recent hurricanes.
The quest for flood-related library videos was interesting. The majority of search results were library collections of videos. You Tube was easier to search than the web (using Google).
The Pittson Library in Lazurne County, Pennsylvania, is just one of many flood-damaged libraries.
A flood-related library video I found on You Tube
(click on library name to view): Louisville Library
The Library of Congress has several videos available regarding disaster preparedness and recovery. The videos demonstrate how to clean audio and visual media after a flood.
Recent weather related catastrophes have created many questions for this clerical library worker. Several libraries in Northeast communities suffered extensive damage to or total loss of their collections.
I work in a state agency that is housed in a county building. Which party is responsible for the insurance policies?
1. Does the current insurance policy cover the contents of a building as a result of flooding? (It is available according to Floodsmart.gov)
2. Is the landlord or tenant responsible for purchasing the insurance policy?
3. How does a government agency learn about any policies held by its organization or landlord?
More questions than answers today.
The Sunday links (no, not football related!) are:
Library of Congress (http://www.loc.gov/index.html) = every web search reveals another aspect of LOC's diverse collection of information. I am always surprised by what is contained in the Nation's unofficial national library.
American Library Association disaster response bibliography.
The Buffalo Sabres (http://sabres.nhl.com/) = I know, not legal and not library. Oh well, HOCKEY SEASON IS ALMOST HERE!!! Can you smell the ice?'
-and for my friends in Ontario-
The Toronto Maple Leafs (http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/)
Let the season begin! Go Sabres!
The quest for flood-related library videos was interesting. The majority of search results were library collections of videos. You Tube was easier to search than the web (using Google).
The Pittson Library in Lazurne County, Pennsylvania, is just one of many flood-damaged libraries.
A flood-related library video I found on You Tube
(click on library name to view): Louisville Library
The Library of Congress has several videos available regarding disaster preparedness and recovery. The videos demonstrate how to clean audio and visual media after a flood.
Recent weather related catastrophes have created many questions for this clerical library worker. Several libraries in Northeast communities suffered extensive damage to or total loss of their collections.
I work in a state agency that is housed in a county building. Which party is responsible for the insurance policies?
1. Does the current insurance policy cover the contents of a building as a result of flooding? (It is available according to Floodsmart.gov)
2. Is the landlord or tenant responsible for purchasing the insurance policy?
3. How does a government agency learn about any policies held by its organization or landlord?
More questions than answers today.
The Sunday links (no, not football related!) are:
Library of Congress (http://www.loc.gov/index.html) = every web search reveals another aspect of LOC's diverse collection of information. I am always surprised by what is contained in the Nation's unofficial national library.
American Library Association disaster response bibliography.
The Buffalo Sabres (http://sabres.nhl.com/) = I know, not legal and not library. Oh well, HOCKEY SEASON IS ALMOST HERE!!! Can you smell the ice?'
-and for my friends in Ontario-
The Toronto Maple Leafs (http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/)
Let the season begin! Go Sabres!
Monday, September 19, 2011
Podcast Anyone?
Today's assignment requires the addition of a podcast to a blog entry. I am happy that I am not required to record my voice for this project. Some days my voice sounds like a ten year-old boy and others it sounds like a sixty year-old smoker.
I found a series of author interviews on the National Public Radio (npr) website. The podcast/audio file that I chose to include in today's post is an author interview from the npr website (www.npr.org). Christine Sismondo, the author of America Walks into a Bar, discusses the importance of colonial taverns during the Revolution. If the enclosure link does not work you can access the interview at http://www.npr.org/2011/09/18/140442065/american-history-seen-through-a-shot-glass. Sismondo also discusses other aspects of American history that were influenced by bars. The article, American History, Seen Through a Shot Glass, can be viewed by clicking here.
Some of the npr audio files are lengthy, surpassing 15 minutes.
I can see how bars and taverns are an important part of our past. My grandfather owned a bar in the Buffalo region. Family events were celebrated in Johnnie's Old Timer. In Buffalo, families gather in bars after funerals, before weddings, or during baby showers (come on, folks, you know you have all sat at a bar and watched the Bills or Sabres while your partner was in the next room watching a mother-to-be rip open boxes of baby gear). This is a topic I would love to explore this topic in depth: the connection between taverns and history, local or national. I would like to know how Canada's history compares with the States and Western New York.
Today's link for the legal-minded reader:
The highest court in New York, The New York State Court of Appeals (http://www.courts.state.ny.us/) website includes decisions and oral argument webcasts. Available archived webcasts include past oral arguments and lectures.
And for the non-laywer:
The New York State Department of Corrections (http://www.docs.state.ny.us/) provides in-depth agency-related coverage on its website. Information is provided regarding inmates, facilities, visitors, and victims.
The preview option of Blogger does not test links. This entry was posted before final editing for testing purposes.
Friday, September 16, 2011
A Call for Aid!
This is a test of Blogger's photo-editing feature. I was easily able to resize this photo in Blogger. Please note that I remembered Super Why's cape. Superheroes (except Spider Man) need a cape!
I have to figure out how to change the alignment of the photo without loosing the links in the caption. Ideas, anyone? Today's shout-out for volunteers is book related. This is an event that is close to my heart. My son and I make the annual trek to Henrietta, New York, for the Rochester Children's Book Festival (http://www.rochesterchildrensbookfestival.org/rcbf/Welcome.html). In the past this event was the focus of a minivacation involving a hotel stay (must have a swimming pool and free breakfast!) and other local sites. The Festival needs volunteers. Just click on the Volunteer link at the top of the page if you are able to help out.
DSC02416, a photo by MiniXterra on Flickr.
For those of you unable to get a sitter (like me) I highly recommend attending this event. It is all about books and children. Meet the authors, get autographs, participate in workshops, or attend a reading. Last year I realized too late that Yolen and Teague were autographing Spanish editions of their books as well as English editions. This year I hope to find several titles in Spanish for donation to the local Outreach Committee.
Other folks in need include the public libraries in Schoharie County, NY. Links and more information to follow. I need to learn more before I can share with you. Anyone with information for their County library and Court library please feel free to post it here!
Thanks!
Katie
Monday, September 5, 2011
The Power To Read
One of the reasons I am studying to become a librarian is because I believe in the power of reading. For two years my son dressed as Super Why for Halloween. Super Why is Wyatt's alter-ego. Super Why and his friends areSuper Readers. They can found on PBS Kids.
DSC02411, a photo by MiniXterra on Flickr.
The second Web 2.0 assignment called for the posting of library related pictures to students' blogs. I could not think of anything that was more closely related to libraries than reading. Reading is needed to access information in most print and electronic formats. Usage of Web 2.0 tools may be cumbersome if a person cannot read.
One scary thing I learned today involves location. Flickr has an option for users to place a photo on a map. I am thankful I do not use a camera phone. If so, would Flickr automatically place the photos on the map according to their embedded geotags?
Today's links are about literacy with just a touch of law.
PBS Parents, Super Why parent and teachers website: http://www.pbs.org/parents/superwhy/
PBS Parents, Between the Lion parent and teachers website: http://www.pbs.org/parents/lions/
-One award-winning literacy volunteer that I spoke with recently stated that she regularly assigns this program to her adult reading students
Volunteer Opportunities:
Literacy Volunteers of Buffalo and Erie County: http://www.literacybuffalo.org/
Lawyers for Learning, Monroe County Bar Association:
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Is Lifelong Learning Hard?
I searched for the definition of lifelong learning. The definitions were as varied as the number of hits in my search results. My favorite, "continuing to acquire knowledge and skills, through both formal and informal education, throughout one's life" was found at the State of Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations website, http://www.careerkokua.org/glossary/, on Sept. 4, 2011.
I feel that the hardest thing about lifelong learning is realizing that we are responsible for our own learning opportunities. A recent school assignment outlined several habits of lifelong learning. Habit One is creating your goal. Having goals is easy, achieving those goals is hard. The second habit, accepting responsibility for your learning (first step to reaching your goals), is harder.
For me, taking that first step in learning something new is the scariest habit to conquer. I have to show up at class or I have to seek help from people in cyber world. In other words, I have to put myself out there for others to see, hear, or encounter. This is scary to me. Once I accept that I have to take that step and initiate that habit, I am fine.
The purchase of my Xterra provided the opportunities to work through the learning habits. In addition, I had to discover new ways of using technology. In 2002 I learned how to use website forums to seek knowledge regarding the proper use and maintenance of my truck. Since then Web 2.0 has played a role, albeit a small one, in my learning experiences. I have been a reluctant W2.0 user. I barely use my use my twitter account, I neglected my blog for a long time, and I have been remiss in learning to use other Web2.0 tools.
I feel that the hardest thing about lifelong learning is realizing that we are responsible for our own learning opportunities. A recent school assignment outlined several habits of lifelong learning. Habit One is creating your goal. Having goals is easy, achieving those goals is hard. The second habit, accepting responsibility for your learning (first step to reaching your goals), is harder.
For me, taking that first step in learning something new is the scariest habit to conquer. I have to show up at class or I have to seek help from people in cyber world. In other words, I have to put myself out there for others to see, hear, or encounter. This is scary to me. Once I accept that I have to take that step and initiate that habit, I am fine.
The purchase of my Xterra provided the opportunities to work through the learning habits. In addition, I had to discover new ways of using technology. In 2002 I learned how to use website forums to seek knowledge regarding the proper use and maintenance of my truck. Since then Web 2.0 has played a role, albeit a small one, in my learning experiences. I have been a reluctant W2.0 user. I barely use my use my twitter account, I neglected my blog for a long time, and I have been remiss in learning to use other Web2.0 tools.
Kindergarten & Graduate School
I feel as though April 2010 was one or two lifetimes ago. My husband's deployment overseas ended (Covert Operation), Pre-K and Kindergarten have passed, and I survived workplace layoffs. I continue to be an Xterra-driving graduate school student who has neglected her truck the last year or so. The Xterra needs mud and I need an off road adventure.
This semester I am taking the Introduction to Information Technology class. It is my fourth library and information studies course. This is my third school year working on the Masters in Library Sciences degree. I may be sidetracked from the legal reference websites by Web 2.0 discoveries. I will do my best to combine the two for your future use.
Current lifelong learning events outside of school include soccer, hockey, and Xterra body work. This summer I coached soccer, purchased hockey equipment for the first time, and discovered the need to learn about repairing rust damage on a vehicle. Coaching was more fun than anticipated. I learned not to take the competition aspect as seriously as the fun aspect of the game. I managed to outfit my beginner hockey player for less than $200. I learned that garage sales are a great source of used equipment. Sellers were willing to share information with this ignorant hockey mom. The Xterra has a rust spot that requires work before salt season (winter). I also need to learn how to re-affix the ceiling cloth to the interior roof of the truck.
There is homework that needs completion.
One quick resource for you before I leave:
NOVELny (http://novelnewyork.org/)
New York Online Virtual Electronic Library
All you need is a library card or NYS driver license/non-driver ID number to access a wealth of resources including magazines, reference materials, newspapers, and maps. Surf this site before you need it for a report or paper. I have been accessing the provided databases for my schoolwork for nearly five years. I doubt you will be disappointed.
Learning never ends!
Enjoy the Labor Day holiday!
Katie
This semester I am taking the Introduction to Information Technology class. It is my fourth library and information studies course. This is my third school year working on the Masters in Library Sciences degree. I may be sidetracked from the legal reference websites by Web 2.0 discoveries. I will do my best to combine the two for your future use.
Current lifelong learning events outside of school include soccer, hockey, and Xterra body work. This summer I coached soccer, purchased hockey equipment for the first time, and discovered the need to learn about repairing rust damage on a vehicle. Coaching was more fun than anticipated. I learned not to take the competition aspect as seriously as the fun aspect of the game. I managed to outfit my beginner hockey player for less than $200. I learned that garage sales are a great source of used equipment. Sellers were willing to share information with this ignorant hockey mom. The Xterra has a rust spot that requires work before salt season (winter). I also need to learn how to re-affix the ceiling cloth to the interior roof of the truck.
There is homework that needs completion.
One quick resource for you before I leave:
NOVELny (http://novelnewyork.org/)
New York Online Virtual Electronic Library
All you need is a library card or NYS driver license/non-driver ID number to access a wealth of resources including magazines, reference materials, newspapers, and maps. Surf this site before you need it for a report or paper. I have been accessing the provided databases for my schoolwork for nearly five years. I doubt you will be disappointed.
Learning never ends!
Enjoy the Labor Day holiday!
Katie
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