I had to look up DRM (Digital Rights Management). Many of the articles kept referring to DRM.
Just some quick thoughts:
If you haven't figured it out yet, I'm a sci-fi lover. And the message is usually, don't trust the machines (because they'll fail, they'll develop AI and kill us all, or there's no Off switch, etc...) I do like a lot of features with ebooks: notes, highlighting, dictionaries, easily searchable, links to chapters, and some even give the proper citation. All very cool features. However, the thing that makes me the most nervous is the lack of ownership. (Actually, Meredith Farkas brought up TONS of great reasons to really think about ebooks). I just keep thinking about the Amazon versus Orwell incident. My budget is TINY. And the thought of spending tons of money on licenses for ebooks when they can dictate how many devices I can put a copy on, how long they can go out, the length of time I will have that title, printing, copying, lending, etc makes me nervous. What if they decided they need more money? What if they start imposing harsher restrictions than what copyright law already dictates? I don't want to limit my patrons to public domain. I want them to have everything.
Exercise:
I first searched Project Gutenberg using the popular author search. I thought that was pretty good. Then I looked up Thoreau and picked Civil Disobedience (HTML download).
Looking at the download options (also not owning any ereader of any kind and never even using one), I would say it is easy to know which one to select if I had a Kindle. If I had another device, I don't think I'd know which one to choose (unless the device came with directions like "look for ePubs"). But there is also a mobile version of this website. That might help me determine which file type to use on my device (if I was using a mobile device as my ereader).
Reading the title from my computer, I found the HTML download much easier to read than the read this ebook online option right above it. Reading the HTML version was just like reading an extremely long article.
I've used Gutenberg before. It is even easier to use than it was before. I love it. I think patrons would be interested in a service like this if they needed to read books in the public domain. I work in two academic libraries. Most of my patrons don't read for fun. They read for assignments. So, unless they were assigned a book in the public domain (and we didn't have a physical copy), they might not use it. But that doesn't mean that it's not awesome. We still have links to the site.
If a patron required help with getting an ebook on an ereader...I don't know if I could help them. I usually just try stuff until it works. Like I said before, I don't own an ereader and have never used one. I've only read ebooks using a computer (usually a desktop). And I usually go through specific ebook websites like ABC Clio, NetLibrary, or ebrary.
This post might be a little all over the place...sorry! I need to go eat some lunch.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
For Syed
For some reason I can't seem to reply to your comment.
So here it is:
Thanks.
I am no resume expert. But, here are a few links that I found that you might find useful:
Your Teenager
Resumes and Cover Letters for Students
Yahoo! Answers - teen CVs
Punch the Sphinx - includes lots of swearing
Good website on creating CVs
Also, check out Microsoft Word's resume/CV templates. On 2007 or 2010, open up Microsoft Word, then go to New, scroll down to Resumes & CVs to browse their templates. Download the one you like and fill in your information.
If you're still in school, you might want to see if your school provides career counseling. You might also try a nearby Community College to see if they have a career counselor or a resume class.
Another option is to stop by your library. They usually have loads of great books on resumes and CVs. One of my favorite resume books is: The Only Resume and Cover Letter Book You'll Ever Need (it looks scary, but it is just full of sample resumes and cover letters). The library might even offer resume workshops.
So here it is:
Thanks.
I am no resume expert. But, here are a few links that I found that you might find useful:
Your Teenager
Resumes and Cover Letters for Students
Yahoo! Answers - teen CVs
Punch the Sphinx - includes lots of swearing
Good website on creating CVs
Also, check out Microsoft Word's resume/CV templates. On 2007 or 2010, open up Microsoft Word, then go to New, scroll down to Resumes & CVs to browse their templates. Download the one you like and fill in your information.
If you're still in school, you might want to see if your school provides career counseling. You might also try a nearby Community College to see if they have a career counselor or a resume class.
Another option is to stop by your library. They usually have loads of great books on resumes and CVs. One of my favorite resume books is: The Only Resume and Cover Letter Book You'll Ever Need (it looks scary, but it is just full of sample resumes and cover letters). The library might even offer resume workshops.
Beyond Method #5
I've used both Shelfari and LibraryThing before. I love Shelfari. I use it all the time to keep track of books that I'm reading, books I want to read, and books I've read. One of my coworkers introduced it to me. We're all on it. I think I have 200+ books on my wish list (to be read). I think Shelfari is very easy to use. I love the widgets. My friends send me book recommendations. The only thing I have not done is tie it to my Amazon account. I don't think I'll ever do that. LibraryThing is very cool as a catalog. I was actually thinking of using it for one of my jobs. But, I think I'm going to go with an opensource catalog instead. I do like LibraryThing's statistics (very fun). It is very time consuming to add materials. I don't think I've used it since 2007.
I just joined GoodReads today. It's pretty neat. I like the quizzes. I was put off by some of the comments from this blog entry. Some of the people who left comments referred to the snark of people in the GoodRead community. I don't like that. I think that might scare patrons away from sharing their opinions.
I do LOVE using tagging in catalogs. I think tagging can be a very powerful tool to make finding things a little easier. For example, looking for a book on littering? The subject terms one might use: Refuse and refuse disposal or Conservation of natural resources -- Waste disposal. While, someone who tags the same book might use: trash, litter, pollution. Which do you think an 18 year old would use to find what they want? I think incorporating natural language is important. Please note, I'm not saying do away with subject terms - they are VERY useful...to those who understand them...but, sometimes they are a bit outdated...sometimes even offensive.
Do you think Goodreads and LibraryThing could be effective readers advisory tools?
I think that Goodreads or LibraryThing would be good to get recommendations. I think the reviews of books are helpful. I like LibraryThing's recommendations. I like that you can see why LT has given you the suggestion. I like that it also has member based recommendations. GoodReads, I have not tried the recommendations. You have to put in a request. I will have to play around on it a bit later. I just joined it today. I did not like What Should I Read Next. It listed a bunch of books that I did not like as recommendations for one that I did like.
I will have to try BookLamp. That seemed pretty cool. I like that you can find books based on tone, speed, length, etc. That's pretty rad.
Also, I will have to try Zotero. I keep hearing about it. I've been showing NoodleTools, EasyBib, Son of a Citation Machine, and Knight Cite. I will download Zotero today.
I just joined GoodReads today. It's pretty neat. I like the quizzes. I was put off by some of the comments from this blog entry. Some of the people who left comments referred to the snark of people in the GoodRead community. I don't like that. I think that might scare patrons away from sharing their opinions.
I do LOVE using tagging in catalogs. I think tagging can be a very powerful tool to make finding things a little easier. For example, looking for a book on littering? The subject terms one might use: Refuse and refuse disposal or Conservation of natural resources -- Waste disposal. While, someone who tags the same book might use: trash, litter, pollution. Which do you think an 18 year old would use to find what they want? I think incorporating natural language is important. Please note, I'm not saying do away with subject terms - they are VERY useful...to those who understand them...but, sometimes they are a bit outdated...sometimes even offensive.
Do you think Goodreads and LibraryThing could be effective readers advisory tools?
I think that Goodreads or LibraryThing would be good to get recommendations. I think the reviews of books are helpful. I like LibraryThing's recommendations. I like that you can see why LT has given you the suggestion. I like that it also has member based recommendations. GoodReads, I have not tried the recommendations. You have to put in a request. I will have to play around on it a bit later. I just joined it today. I did not like What Should I Read Next. It listed a bunch of books that I did not like as recommendations for one that I did like.
I will have to try BookLamp. That seemed pretty cool. I like that you can find books based on tone, speed, length, etc. That's pretty rad.
Also, I will have to try Zotero. I keep hearing about it. I've been showing NoodleTools, EasyBib, Son of a Citation Machine, and Knight Cite. I will download Zotero today.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Beyond Method 4
1.Take a look at the Finding Jobs page from the Texas Workskills Development in Libraries website. Search two or three employment sites listed.
Do you think that you would be able to do this if you were not computer literate?
Probably not. Especially if I was just plunked down in front of a computer and someone else pulled up this page. I would probably need some additional information/assistance (scrolling down the page, clicking on each site, learning about what goes in which search box, etc).
Were there any confusions on the employment site?
I might click on the first link since I am a novice. And then get sucked into the online instruction instead of finding jobs.
2.Take a look at the Goodwill Community Foundation’s Computer Basics page.
Do you think that this would be helpful for patrons in learning to use the computer?
Yes. At least to learn some of the lingo. Thinking about this with my patrons in mind, I think most of them are looking for more practical lessons. For example, How do I email this thing to my teacher? How do I double space? How do I start a new page? I ran out of slides on my PPT, now what? I think some of the other cool tutorials would be useful, but I don't think my patrons would have the patience. Usually, they have a deadline.
3.Blog about your experiences looking at these resources (make sure to include Beyond Method #4 as the title).
What do you think you could do at your library to help job seekers?
I am working on creating a tutorial about job searching using Camtasia. I think that would help. I also have created a resource page with links to information about jobs and links to job search websites. Both of my libraries are a little different because they are Academic. They both have classes that teach students how to create resumes, search for jobs, create cover letters, etc. But, it never hurts to have additional resources (such as books on how to create resumes, tutorials on how to use Word 2007/2010 to create resumes using templates, etc). Maybe offering a resume workshop or a career research/search workshop.
Blogging about my experiences...I think the Visual CV looks pretty awesome. I would like to try it out. I've done a lot of interesting stuff online, and it would be nice to add images or direct links to them from my CV. However, I don't know if any places I would like to apply would be able to accept it. I know some online applications require specific file types such as .doc, .docx, .rtf, etc. I am also going to try out Emurse. It might be a really useful tool for students. I've been on LinkedIn for a number of years, but don't have many contacts at the moment. I don't know if anyone would actually hire me off of LinkedIn. I know networking is very important, but I'm socially awkward. Where's the networking site for the socially awkward?
Do you think that you would be able to do this if you were not computer literate?
Probably not. Especially if I was just plunked down in front of a computer and someone else pulled up this page. I would probably need some additional information/assistance (scrolling down the page, clicking on each site, learning about what goes in which search box, etc).
Were there any confusions on the employment site?
I might click on the first link since I am a novice. And then get sucked into the online instruction instead of finding jobs.
2.Take a look at the Goodwill Community Foundation’s Computer Basics page.
Do you think that this would be helpful for patrons in learning to use the computer?
Yes. At least to learn some of the lingo. Thinking about this with my patrons in mind, I think most of them are looking for more practical lessons. For example, How do I email this thing to my teacher? How do I double space? How do I start a new page? I ran out of slides on my PPT, now what? I think some of the other cool tutorials would be useful, but I don't think my patrons would have the patience. Usually, they have a deadline.
3.Blog about your experiences looking at these resources (make sure to include Beyond Method #4 as the title).
What do you think you could do at your library to help job seekers?
I am working on creating a tutorial about job searching using Camtasia. I think that would help. I also have created a resource page with links to information about jobs and links to job search websites. Both of my libraries are a little different because they are Academic. They both have classes that teach students how to create resumes, search for jobs, create cover letters, etc. But, it never hurts to have additional resources (such as books on how to create resumes, tutorials on how to use Word 2007/2010 to create resumes using templates, etc). Maybe offering a resume workshop or a career research/search workshop.
Blogging about my experiences...I think the Visual CV looks pretty awesome. I would like to try it out. I've done a lot of interesting stuff online, and it would be nice to add images or direct links to them from my CV. However, I don't know if any places I would like to apply would be able to accept it. I know some online applications require specific file types such as .doc, .docx, .rtf, etc. I am also going to try out Emurse. It might be a really useful tool for students. I've been on LinkedIn for a number of years, but don't have many contacts at the moment. I don't know if anyone would actually hire me off of LinkedIn. I know networking is very important, but I'm socially awkward. Where's the networking site for the socially awkward?
Beyond Method 3
It is not very hard to do. There were a few places that I got lost at first (My Places versus My Maps)...but with the help of the Two Stepping Directions and some of the suggested websites, I was able to do this. I've added one map to my library's wiki (still debating about switching the homepage to the NetVibe's page).
Here is a map of my favorite library:
View My Favorite Library in a larger map
I haven't been here since I was an undergrad (1,000,000+ years ago)...but I still love it. Next time I'm in Madison...I should see if I can stop by.
The only thing that is still bugging me is how to crop it. I can't seem to save the view that I want. I will have to try again later today.
Tried. Failed. I will keep trying.
Here is a map of my favorite library:
View My Favorite Library in a larger map
I haven't been here since I was an undergrad (1,000,000+ years ago)...but I still love it. Next time I'm in Madison...I should see if I can stop by.
The only thing that is still bugging me is how to crop it. I can't seem to save the view that I want. I will have to try again later today.
Tried. Failed. I will keep trying.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Beyond Method #2
I think NetVibes would be the best option. My computer does not play well with PageFlakes...and the student computers are even slower than mine (in some cases). iGoogle would only be useful on my personal computer.
NetVibes is really cool, I can see loads of potential uses for it. I think it would be fun to create subject specific RSS feeds featuring well-known blogs, papers, websites, etc. I could even add some delicious links for each subject, links to specific databases (maybe even database subject-specific RSS feeds). I like the Cranbury Public Library netvibe page. I don't think I'd replace the current website with a NetVibes homepage, but I definitely will incorporate them into library user instruction. In fact, I'm trying to work on one right now.
The NetVibes page is easy. It is easy to add RSS feeds and stuff. I am also very easily sucked into spending a lot of time on it! Maybe once I finally finish a page, I will post it on this blog.
NetVibes is really cool, I can see loads of potential uses for it. I think it would be fun to create subject specific RSS feeds featuring well-known blogs, papers, websites, etc. I could even add some delicious links for each subject, links to specific databases (maybe even database subject-specific RSS feeds). I like the Cranbury Public Library netvibe page. I don't think I'd replace the current website with a NetVibes homepage, but I definitely will incorporate them into library user instruction. In fact, I'm trying to work on one right now.
The NetVibes page is easy. It is easy to add RSS feeds and stuff. I am also very easily sucked into spending a lot of time on it! Maybe once I finally finish a page, I will post it on this blog.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
#1 Part Deux!
I've changed up the blog...added an avatar.
Just some quick thoughts about some of those blog types:
Just some quick thoughts about some of those blog types:
- Link blogging feels like what we do on a regular basis for class and subject guides
- Video blogging could be very cool if I ever had the time. Maybe quick weekly tips that are no longer than 2 minutes (on everything from hours of operation to reference to info lit. Could even use Xtranormal!
- Event blogging - I wish I had thought of this during/after all the conferences I went to this year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)