Compentencies 10 & 11: Accessing San Diego Public Library's Online Catalog

Dr. Anti Virus

Identity Guard

Phishing Kat

Eyejot Intro

Malware

Spam

Wireless Access at Libraries and other Hotspots

Avoiding Spam

Virus Protection

Identity Theft Protection on Social Networking Sites

Not just for the severely disabled

Libraries must use adaptive technology to meet the needs of all patrons. Disabled persons now make up the largest minority group in our country. But adaptive technology is not just for the severely disabled. Many people have disabilities that are not obvious but still benefit from technologies such as e- books and other audio resources. The sight-impaired can include anyone from someone who wears glasses to someone who is totally blind. People with learning disabilities such as dyslexia can also benefit from audio resources. Additionally, language-learners can often understand material better when it is spoken rather than written, especially if the speed of the device can be controlled. The Association for Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies, a division of the American Library Association, found that a surprising number of patrons benefit when adaptive technology is incorporated into a library setting.
ASCLA/ALA
Serving Students with Disabilities

Assistive Technology Video

Assistive Technology

Assistive technology or (AT) is a generic term that includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices for people with disabilities and includes the process used in selecting, locating, and using such devices. This technology is most commonly used by those who are blind or visually impaired, though any device, piece of equipment, or apparatus designed to help others to compensate for impairment is, by definition an assistive technology. This type of technology is most often applied to computers enabling ease of use and internet surfing and can be prominently found in libraries! Libraries, such as Washington State University, Palomar Collage and provide common types of assistive technology that include; screen magnifiers and screen reading software such as voice synthesizers, navigators, scanners, text enlargement software, and Braille output devices. Some common enlargement devices include; A1 Squared, Freedom Scientific and Dolphin’s Lunar and Super Nova programs. Commonly used reading software includes; GW Micro, Freedom Scientific and Dolphin, all of which are very user friendly and allow the user to easily control the amount of magnification and/or allow the user to have their chosen text to be read aloud to them. Other forms of assistive technology focus on the use of keyboards and the computer mouse; Oversize keyboards with large keys afford users with limited dexterity a greater chance of pressing the correct key. Smaller keyboards, similar to those on cellular phones, can help individuals who have limited movement in their hands. On-screen keyboards are available for someone who cannot use his or her hands but is able to control the movement of his or her head. Patrons unable to learn the layout of the keyboard will benefit from products such as Intellikeys, a device that offers keyboard layouts to fit specific needs. There are also alternatives to the standard mouse. Senior-friendly models with a larger mouse and larger buttons can be useful to individuals with cognitive disabilities. There are also models with differently colored click-function buttons, making it easier to comprehend and execute tasks. For users who cannot adjust to using a standard mouse, trackballs and joysticks similar to those found with gaming consoles will simulate the mouse’s job. All this technology can become confusing, however, to ensure that library staff has a rudimentary knowledge of how to work with persons with disabilities, American Library Association (ALA’s) Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) has developed a helpful toolkit of etiquette tip sheets. The sheets, which can be read and assimilated relatively quickly, suggest appropriate behaviors for staff working with persons who have specific disabilities, and identify materials and assistive technologies that will help disabled individuals use the library more successfully. The toolkit will be a useful supplement to training organized by a library’s human resources department. The many types of assistive technology that can be found in libraries can help to enable users to master tasks at home, school, and work. It can also increase their independence and quality of life by allowing users to be more efficient and successful throughout their daily life!

Assistive Technology in Libraries

Assistive technology serves to make library services easier to use for users with disabilities. Most of these technologies are targeted to make public computers easy to use. Screen magnifying software is used to help patrons with low vision more clearly by enabling them to control the magnification of the screen. A screen reading software enables patrons with no or low vision to access library materials on a computer. This software reads aloud the text that appears on the computer; the patron may choose different voices, pronunciation and speed with which the text that is read. Touchpad or trackball controllers serve patrons who are unable to use a standard mouse. This tool exerts less pressure on the arm, wrist and hand of the user. The on-screen keyboard serves to help patrons enter text without having to use the actual keyboard.
Other assistive technology include teletypewriters, closed-captioning at DVD or video viewing stations, book/periodical magnifiers, Braille translators, and more. At my library I have seen hearing aid type earphones and a computer that is specifically for people with disabilities to use. It has a larger screen and is located near the front of the library.

The following is an informative video about using various assistive technologies at the library.



The following links contain information on services for persons with disabilities offered by San Diego Public Libraries.


http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/services/disability.shtml

http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/pdf/icanperiodicals.pdf

http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/services/disability.shtml#branches

Disability Resources

One of the important roles libraries have in our society is to provide access to information for all. Not everyone's needs are the same, and libraries should make every effort to meet those needs. Disability Resources Monthly provides numerous resources on its Web site, including "Librarians' Connections": www.disabilityresources.org/DRMlibs.html

The Web site could certainly be more attractive, but it nonetheless provides a valuable resource for librarians. As is pointed out on the Web site, providing these resources for librarians is important to Disability Resources. The editor of DRM is a librarian, and many of the subscribers to the periodical are libraries. Disability Resources believes that libraries "can play a vital role in connecting people with disabilities with information that can help them lead productive, independent lives."

Just by browsing through the Web site's resources, you'll see that there is a huge amount of information available online. Disability Resources helpfully brings together and organizes the best and most useful to libraries.

The "General Information" page alone is full of useful links, categorized by "Web Sites," "Policies, Standards, and Guidelines," "Articles, Speeches, and Documents," and more. This is a good place to start. Other pages provide links to listservs, professional organizations, and pages with resources specifically for resources to assist patrons with visual and hearing disabilities.

Overall, this is a great place for library workers to go to find out how to better serve patrons with disabilities. Bookmark it and make it the first place to check for online resources.

Mashups

Libraries use multiple data sources in mashups to provide services to their clients. A common example is linking a Google Map that shows library locations to the library home page. San Diego County Library uses a Google Map mashup on their site: San Diego County Libraries.

YouTube is a social network video site that can be used as a library resource. Many libraries post videos about how to search their library catalogs or other databases. Educational YouTube videos can be show to classes in a school library setting. I like to show the Dewey Decimal Rap Video when introducing the Dewey Decimal System to classes.

In my last post, I talked about using social media tools like Facebook and Twitter to keep the public informed regarding your library and to keep yourself informed about what the public is saying regarding your library.

Another social media tool that can be useful is Youtube. Many libraries post Youtube videos on their Web sites for various purposes. Youtube is user-driven content, meaning anyone can post videos of their creation on the site. Libraries can make their own videos or use those made by others (respecting copyright law, of course). A library that makes its own videos may find that Youtube users from all over the world enjoy watching them or find them useful, without ever visiting the library itself or its Web site.

A lot of times, videos may be used like other social media tools, informing the public about what's going on at the library. Another purpose is instruction. Patrons may need to learn how to use features of the library, and videos give them the chance to do so any time, without having to ask for help (something they may be embarrassed to do) or having to read through instructions (regardless of literacy level, reading complicated instructions online can be annoying). The University of Arkansas Libraries, for instance, have this useful video on how to read Library of Congress call numbers:



A lot of videos are humorous, and this can help get patrons to watch them. While some videos are made mostly for fun, others can use humor while still offering instruction. Harper College Library uses humor to spice up their library tour video:

Libraries Benefit from Social Media Participation

A library would derive many benefits from participating in social media including effectively marketing the library, informing and attracting local patrons to library programs and fulfilling their information needs. Social media helps libraries bond with locals in the area and keep up with them. For instance, by "following" locals, libraries will be more aware of their needs. They will be better able to fulfill those needs by adding new collections, programs, workshops, and more. Two services which allow libraries to do this include Twitter and Skype.


www.twitter.com

Twitter allows people and organizations (like the library) to send and receive one hundred and forty character long posts (tweets). These 140 characters can be links as well as messages. For libraries, these may consist of links to the library catalog and messages about library programs and upcoming events. Tweets can easily be accessed and posted through SMS messages on cell phones and Twitter applications on smart phones, thus making Twitter an effective social media tool to attract more patrons to a library. On Twitter, a library can also seek out locals to “follow” and attract them by posting relevant library topics relevant to their interests. “Following” locals on Twitter can also benefit libraries in understanding the information needs of the patrons in its area. A beneficial way for libraries to use Twitter is to “follow” users and make quality posts to attract them.

http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/welcomeback/

Skype is a free social media service that allows its users to communicate through visual, aural and textual forms. It can easily be accessed on the Internet, through a computer, cell phone and even a television. Additional features of Skype include instant messaging, file transferring and video conferencing. In the library field, video conferencing can be used for conducting and presenting at meetings or conferences. This way, the audience can see and hear the contents of the meeting live. Skype may also be used in a library's Reference Services. Having a visual, aural or textual contact can humanize the librarian in the eyes of the patron. Such contact may attract patrons as well.

Emails Needed to Stop Privitization of Public Libraries

The City Council of Santa Clarita rushed through a vote to privitize their public libraries. The private corporation, LSSI, is running a committee for feedback. Please check on the link to find out more and to give your input.

http://privatizationbeast.org/

Library Express, A break through in Library Tech?Click the Link to learn more. . .

Now Read the Blog Post!

Emerging Library Technologies

Library Express - A stack of metal lockers, set outside of City Hall. Patrons access these digitally locked glove compartment sized lockers to pick-up a book or DVD they ordered a few days prior.
Pros - This system is centrally located and allows pick-up to take place at the patron’s convenience. It requires little to no staff and is relatively maintenance free.
Cons - Lack of need for staff equals less staff!! If patrons have problems or need assistance this system becomes a hindrance instead of a help.
Self-Checkout - A system set into place with self-scanners that allow patrons to check out books or DVD's without the assistance of library staff.
Pros - This system allows patrons to 'help themselves' to book and DVD checkout. Library staff has additional time to dedicate to other areas of education.
Cons - Taking the time to educate patrons and staff alike to use the self-checkout system can become very cost prohibitive.
Online Databases - A way to access a wealth of information from a specific online data base.
Pros - The sky is the limit and the world is at your fingertips with the online data base. This is a great tool for patrons when researching a wide array of information, which can be accessed from home at patrons own pace. Librarian staff can utilize this tool to complete work from home or anywhere. They can create databases that aid in the growth and interest of the library.
Cons - Not a lot of cons here with the idea of the online database itself. I think the biggest con of the online database is the user friendliness of it. Online data bases can be overwhelming visually and become discouraging to the user.

RADICAL REFERENCE LIBRARIANS

A group of younger librarians have created a group called “Radical Reference” to provide services to political activists and independent journalists. The organization started somewhat spontaneously at the Republican National Convention in New York City in 2004 when a couple of reference librarians wanted to help the demonstrators by providing information about everything from where the nearest bathroom was to who was organizing the demonstration. In addition to the blog on their website, http://www.radicalreference.info/, radical reference librarians use such social networks as Twitter and smart phones, as well as paper information and contact with colleagues at computers. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of activity since 2008, but hopefully this budding group will endure and grow.

REAL LIBRARIES IN A VIRTUAL WORLD

Thousands of librarians, library science students, and want-to-be librarians are creating real libraries in Second Life Virtual Worlds. Library aficionados have abundant opportunities to interact socially and professionally with like-minded avatars at parties, dances, book talks, streamed readings, and other events. Info-Island is a popular destination for many librarians . The virtual libraries provide real-life services, such as reference desks where questions about Second Life, history, literature, and other subjects are answered by real librarians represented by avatars. Patrons can “check out” collections of electronic books, movies, and web sites. Libraries are sometimes based on real-world libraries and sometimes are complete works of fantasy. They are often related to the themes of the worlds, or islands, in which they reside, such as a Wild West town. Most librarian avatars are volunteers, but a few are paid by groups such as the Alliance Library System . The social network of librarians in Second Life is growing by leaps and bounds as a younger generation of technology-savvy librarians takes over the dusty libraries of the past.

Social Media Tools

www.youtube.com


YouTube is a social media tool that allows its users to share the videos they have recorded, created or captured. These include movie clips, education materials, personal productions, tutorials and more. Other users are entitled to view and provide feedback on these to the user by commenting on the video.
Youtube would be an effective content sharing resource for the library. It can be used as an information resource to patrons, a means of marketing the library as well as in attracting patrons. The library could record videos at popular library programs and post them online to attract more patrons. It could also post tutorials to teach patrons tasks such as using the library's online database, catalog, placing holds on materials online and more.

The attached videos contain information about new library hours and the building of a new library.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofcjJZUbmHg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4X96iu7bq7s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw1Dgwg4yvM



ww.facebook.com

Facebook is a social networking media tool that allows its users to interact, share pictures and "stay connected" with individuals or groups they are familiar (and not so familiar) with. This would be an effective content sharing medium for the library in that since social networks are popular, they are a "natural draw" to the public.
The library can use Facebook to distribute updated information about current and future library programs, services, and other special events. If users do not want to "friend" the library, they have the choice to "like" it. By doing this, they will promote a the library. Thus, by establishing an online connection to the public through Facebook, the library will be more marketable and easier to access for patrons.

The attached link leads to the Facebook page for the San Diego Public Library: Mira Mesa Branch.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/SDPL-Mira-Mesa-Branch-Library/138417379520151

Social Media in the Library

Your Public Face on the Web

The world, like it or not, is becoming more social on the Internet. Even young children have begun using social media. Having a presence on the Web is important for any institution. Besides having a functioning, attractive Web site, it's a good idea to connect with your patrons through social media tools, like Facebook, blogs, or Twitter. Some of these are easy to use (you might use them already for your personal life), though it does take precious time. And if these forms of communication are set up, but then neglected, your patrons will definitely notice. At the same time, you don't necessarily need to constantly update your pages. Use them to alert your patrons of new programs, changes in services or operations, and special events. And the good news is, you can use some of the same information in your various social media tools.

For some examples of how the San Diego County Library system uses these tools, check the following links:

La Mesa Teen Library Page blog: http://lmteens.wordpress.com/

San Diego County Library Hot Right Now Twitter page: http://twitter.com/hotrightnowsdcl

San Diego County Library Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/sdcountylibrary

ALERT! ALERT! Someone's Talking About You

Web 2.0 tools can be used not only to post news updates about the library, they can also be used to find out what people are saying about the library. You can set up a system to alert you when your library is mentioned on Twitter, Facebook, or elsewhere on the Web. Aaron Tay blogs about using Google alerts: http://musingsaboutlibrarianship.blogspot.com/2010/03/scanning-mentions-of-library-twitter.html.

In a later post, he provides examples of how he's used this in his own institution, the National University of Singapore: http://musingsaboutlibrarianship.blogspot.com/2010/06/why-libraries-should-proactively-scan.html.

One benefit is that you can see comments, both negative and positive, or cries for help that you might not receive directly. You can then respond if you choose. Also, he sometimes discovered crucial information this way, quicker than he would otherwise. For example, when the library had a series of problems with its network server, he often found out about it through Google alerts first.

Using Google alerts like this is probably most useful for large libraries. On the other hand, it might not hurt for almost any library to try it out. Smaller libraries will have fewer alerts to sift through, so it probably won't be much of a burden. And since it's not an advertised service, no one will know if you suspend it.

Keep in Touch with Your Peers





A potentially useful resource is the Library 2.0 Web site, http://www.library20.org/, where you can connect with other library workers to discuss and learn about Web 2.0 tools and how to apply them to the library setting.

The Privatization Beast: Libraries

http://www.seiu.org/2011/02/hide-your-libraries-the-privatization-beast-is-loo.php

This is a video in which "privatization" is portrayed as a beast to libraries. According to this video, the privatization of the library will result in a commercialized library. There will be gift shops and Starbucks inside the library if they are privatized. We must sign the petition in the link above to stop this from happening.

Round Two of USA PATRIOT Act Voting

On February 8, the House didn't get enough votes to extend the sunsetting provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act, which include the so-called "library provisions." There's another vote scheduled for tonight, and this one is just a simple majority vote, making it more likely to succeed. To read more about it and to take action (you can also see how your representative voted last time), see the ACLU's blog: http://www.aclu.org/blog/national-security/latest-patriot-act.

I posted the picture of the solider holding books. I should have mentioned that a while ago. I hope it creates a buzz :)

Title Template Change

Hello everyone,

Now, as an administrator, I have changed the font and color of our group name. I hope you like it.

- Ratna

Protests Against Privatization

There is strong growing resistance to the notion of privatizing public libraries. Here is a group of protesters against the privatization of public libraries organized in front of a library. Their arguments are presented on their signs as "Don't privatize knowledge" and "Keep our libraries public and local". There are many reasons why public libraries should be kept public. One of those reasons is that privatization may lead to corruption.

Hungry Blonde

Template Change

I've changed the color of our navigation bar at the top of our blog from blue to silver.

Privatization of Public Libraries

Did you know that some public libraries are being taken over by a for-profit corporation? What started as a desperate attempt to save libraries threatened with closure is now being considered as a cost-saving measure for healthy library systems. More often than not, the existing staff is replaced with a cheaper, less educated staff who has no job security and no pension plan. The company, L.S.S.I., runs 14 library systems in 63 locations and, in terms of number of branches, ranks as the 5th largest library system in the United States (NY Times, September 26, 2010).

This trend towards privatization brings up some serious concerns:
Is privatization in the best interests of the patrons?
Would services be drastically cut to save money?
How would a new, less experienced staff affect services?
Would employees feel more loyal to the corporation than to the library itself?
Would libraries be more likely to buy only best sellers or discounted books and thereby limit their selection?

For more information, check out the following websites:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/27/business/27libraries.html
http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6561373.html
http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/print/4522
http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/oif/iftoolkits/outsourcing/outsourcingamericanlibs.cfm
http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/oif/iftoolkits/outsourcing/alaproposaloutsourcing.cfm

Dewey Rap Video

Have you seen this video? Pretty funny.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHiUQb5xg7A

I don't have access to the template, so I'm adding this blog.

Kathy Tom

LT 130 Row 2 Rocks!: OCLC Link

Hello Everyone,

I am adding a link to the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) and WorldCat. OCLC or Online Computer Library Center, Inc is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to expanding public access to information and reducing rising library costs. It also serves as a bibliographic utility for libraries to share catalog records. The following is a link to the WorldCat database; it is the Worlds largest online database. It consists of items from collections in 71,000 libraries in aproximately 112 countries world wide.

http://www.oclc.org/us/en/default.htm


http://www.oclc.org/worldcat/default.htm

Enjoy! :)

- Ratna

"Library provision" of the Patriot Act up for Renewal

Surprise! The House announced late in the day on Friday, 2/4, that they'll be voting to renew the expiring sections of the USA PATRIOT Act on Tuesday, 2/8, which include the so-called "library provision." Details can be found on the ACLU's blog: http://www.aclu.org/blog/national-security/house-voting-patriot-act-tomorrow.

The ALA's Web site has a wealth of information on how these sections impact libraries: http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/oif/ifissues/usapatriotact.cfm.

Our First Group Post :)

Welcome to our so so awesome blog. . . and yes row 2 does rock!

We are currently learning to create a blog and so far so good.

Be sure to let us know your thoughts and we look forward to

your awesome blogs as well. . . How Exciting!