The wishlist for Zinio and Indieflix has been fulfilled! Both products are from Recorded Books and look wonderful on iPads. I signed up for more than I really should have, but wanted to test as many as possible to see how they looked and if the site was user-friendly. I didn’t have any problems but some staff were confused by the having two logins (one for the library account; one for personal account). The good news is that you can use the same email/pw for both of these since Recorded Books has it set up to do so.

Despite rumors, there is no Librarian IV, III, II or Clerk positions upcoming for Web Services at this time. So much to do. . .

Image via CrunchBase

We are looking forward to adding new resources this year. These include JobScout, a self-paced digital learning program aimed at folks with little to no computer training. Lessons such as how to get an email or Facebook account, as well as other essential tools for job seekers. We will add soon the next step which would be Career Cruising. This product includes job information, education, schools, resumes etc., with easy-to-use steps. It is one of the better products I’ve seen and look forward to getting feedback from staff and public. Another wonderful digital product coming in the next couple of weeks is Zinio. Zinio is digital magazine product. We will have approximately 300 titles, with some of those in international languages. The trial was a hit and I think our public will enjoy the ease of use and the variety available.

We are re-merging the Adult Services and Electronic Services Committees. Not sure if it is the best thing to do but that’s the consensus of the group.

I am looking forward to Internet Librarian conference where I hope to see many more products and hear about new projects from other libraries. Not to mention that it is always a beautiful October in Monterey.

I didn’t mention at first, but I locked myself out of this blog and could not find a way in until today. Duh. One can always when one has too many email addresses and logins, eh?

TGIF

Hell’s bells, it has been six months since last I posted. This is my life. There have been three birthdays, spouse, daughter-in-law and grandson. Anniversary of son and daughter-in-law (5 years!) A big retirement (spouse) and another big C scare. All is well. Spouse needs carpel tunnel surgery. Dog is on death’s door. Garden is mostly in containers this year as we have a rascally rabbit in our yard, eating all my leafy plants. (I have seen him/her). There is also a humongous black widow amongst my containers that gives me the shivers every time I see her.

Work has been a well-spring of frustration which continues on and on. At some point, addressing the staffing in IT and Web Services might be beneficial. Fortunately, we are getting started on branch needs. They have been hurting a long time. We cannot keep adding programs and services without at minimum back filling vacancies. We are getting way too many injuries. Add that to retirements, the staffing needs attention.

Good news! Yes, there is some. I re-arranged my desk area and have more room and a better layout. It makes a huge difference is one’s ability to organize and work. Little changes can make a big difference.

Okay, my guilt is somewhat assuaged.

After a week in Hawaii, you would think that I would be refreshed and renewed. Whether it is winter’s gloom or rainy day blues, I’m not so enthused. Some of it may be attributed to the waiting. When I am the person doing the actual work, then it is my pace and no excuses on why something isn’t done. When I must wait for others to do their job, then I’m impatient. I have stopped giving dates on some projects so that the due date won’t come and go yet again.

Despite all the waiting on some projects, the planning for new is still needed. Last Tuesday I did another training on our subject guides for our Teen staff. They have an opportunity to make the Teen pages (and other) better. The pages need some love. Out of 10, maybe 3 will get active. It’s a little like the 80-20% rule which seems to play out in most projects. I’ll be doing another round of training for adult and the children’s staff as well.

Management staff had a workshop, which I missed. So, yesterday I took the “test” to see whether I am Direct, Spirited, Considerate or Systematic. I was pretty much divided into 3 the areas with Considerate getting the slight edge. Not too surprising. I think most of us don’t fit into rigid characterizations. The point was to figure out who is in what category in order to better communicate.

Computers in Libraries is in March. I have gone once to this conference and enjoyed it very much. I’m not sure yet if I get to go this year. Out-of-state travel is a tough sell and others are going to ALA mid-winter and PLA.

 

A new year. Again. So soon. Looking back on the past year, it is going to be hard to beat the number of tech changes that we have put in place at the library in 2011. Mobile library application, eBooks, eAudiobooks, online museum passes and new subject guides. There has hardly been any time to enjoy the process but I am proud of my part in pushing the library along, even if kicking and screaming.

For 2012, there will be a long-promised catalog update and maybe, just maybe, a start on the homepage redesign. The majority of our web presence is now on our LibGuides. It really is the homepage and logo that needs updating.

 

The Blog Action Day has the theme of FOOD.

I would like to talk about food on a personal level. How can we as individuals contribute to the reversal of the obesity crisis here in America? I would suggest that we can set an example to important people in our lives. Whether it is a husband, child, sister or brother, significant others or best friend or colleague, invite them to take a walk with you.

Yes, it is simplistic, but studies show that exercising with someone is a good way to improve the chance of continuing to walk. As little as 30 minutes a day will help combat encroaching weight gain and promote a healthy attitude. Taking a walk will get you off the couch and out of the house/office. Walking with a partner allows for conversation and may relieve stress. You may even find yourself laughing. I certainly feel better about myself and have a little less guilt to carry around.

Taking a walk will also have an impact on what you eat. I am less apt to pig-out after I walk. I don’t want to lose the good-girl feeling. A follow-up to feeling good about yourself may translate into thinking about what you eat. Learn just a little about superfoods such as blueberries, sweet potatoes or salmon. The benefits of including these easy-prep foods in your diet may win over yourself and the family.

Want to combine exercise with food? Grow your own super foods. Gardening is a great way to get out and work out and have two end products: great food and better health.

Happy Blog Action Day.

Leaving on Sunday for Monterey! I opted out of Saturday and Sunday pre-conference workshop as it is just too exhausting. Monday through Wednesday will be enough. I miss home too much even though Monterey is one of the most beautiful places on earth.

I am looking at some new software for content curation (a buzzword if I’ve ever heard one). Anyway, one works something like Google+ but has more options. You add blog posts, videos, images etc. and organize it on the fly. Then, drumroll, please. You can make it into a magazine/book. With pages that turn. Did I mention it was FREE? And it is being beta tested to work with WordPress. Way cool. Anyway, I may give it a whirl. The other program is similar but I haven’t signed up yet so I don’t know enough to explain.

I hope the learning curve won’t be too steep! Eventually I hope to post  about the process and do a little show and tell. And maybe some snapshots too!

Hope to see you there!

Just signed up for the Blog Action Day, which is October 16th. This year the discussion revolves around FOOD. There are so many issues and possibilities for posts. Hunger and famine, of course, are at the top of the list but you are not limited to just those. You can share recipes, tips on raising your own food, sustainability or food prices. If interested, go to the website and sign-up. http://blogactionday.org

And be sure to watch the “F” word video from one.org, which goes along with the topic.

Summer is over although hot weather will continue here through September. It has been a busy summer as witnessed by my lack of posts for four months. Four months!

What have I been doing you say? I’m glad you asked!

1. Virtual museum passes

2. Mobile library

3. Overdrive ebooks & audiobooks

4. OneClick audiobooks

5. EBSCOhost ebooks

6. Tech Help for 3-5

7. LibGuides

8. Catalog updating (in bits & pieces between the other tasks)

9. Tons of Ask Us! questions.

All are launched except our mobile app which is awaiting approval and the catalog which is so-o-o close but needs testing.

I hope it won’t be another four months until I post again but I make no promises.

I am thrilled to announce the launch of Universal Class (UC), online continuing education courses available through Recorded Books. Over 500 courses are available, some academic, others for hobbies, self-improvement or just for fun. See the full list and learn how to sign up. Webinars are available to learn how to use UC, although it is pretty user-friendly.

What do you want to learn?