Task #4 Downloading eBooks

When I was growing up. we didn't have cable. We got a microwave and vcr years after all my friends families had them. Same goes for a video game console (Nintendo). I still bought and listened to cassette tapes well into the cd era. And I've never owned a nice TV or stereo. I held out on a cell phone and iPod for a long time but did finally break down. I'm writing all this not to show that I grew up impoverished but to show that I've never really cared much about new technology. It just doesn't matter much to me and even more importantly, I always have a hard time figuring it out.
SO.
This will be hypothetical, as I have no interest in owning an ereader. I still don't see a reason to spend all that money on something that is, too me, totally unnecessary. Maybe this is a bad attitude to have as a library employee. I am happy to learn about ereaders for my job. I have no problem with that. I'm even interested. And who knows, maybe I'll change my mind and grow to love electro-books.
SO.
The most important thing for me would be price. According to the July 2010 Consumer Reports, the Kindle A1 is the least expensive AND highest rated. It has the most readable type and is fastest at refreshing pages. HOWEVER, I would probably still go with an iPad since it is not just an ereader. It seems it would make sense to buy it since it's a full-on computer, too. Although the price ($500) might keep me away.
It's too bad that the Kindle can't get library books. Weird. So, it appears that if I was downloading a book onto an iPad I would connect the iPad to the computer then select a title and drag it to the ebook icon.

Task #3 Intro To Master File

I didn't understand the instructions very well. Were we supposed to only look up Consumer Reports? The instructions didn't say so but that's what happened in the video. So, I think the answer is 04/2011.

For extra credit - Michael Jackson: The Making of The King of Pop.
Sony Reader, please

This is a great thing to know about. I didn't know about this before and will probably use it a lot, myself. Thanks, Cari!

Task #2 Website Scavenger Hunt

My score was 90%. I missed the question about what library we link to for help with error messages. Cari DID admit that it was kind of a trick question.

Task #1 Blog

I already have a blog. I would like the Sony eReader, please.

CAL 2010 Pt. 2

The Anythink libraries do a lot of things differently, other than dumping Dewey. One of the things I liked a lot was that they combined JF books with JF audiobooks. I think this would help our circs for audiobooks because parents often want the book and the audiobook at the same time and if they were next to each other on the shelves it would be that much easier for them to find. In general, I love how dumping Dewey allows you to put materials pretty much wherever you want. Whenever I go to a new library or bookstore I check out their music area. At the Anythink libraries, the music books, magazines, dvds and cds are all in the same spot! Brilliant! And, of course, this is true for other subjects, as well. As a patron, I would love this. I love the concept that they are trying to make their libraries more like community centers than research facilities.

One keynote speaker suggested that libraries are becoming more like kitchens and less like grocery stores. A place to use things, to do things, rather than just a place to get things. That came from the keynote address from George Needham and Joan Frye Williams. www.georgeandjoan.com. They had a lot of good things to say. For example, they suggest that libraries should be more concerned with transformation than information. Helping to transform people's lives rather than just provide them with info. Also, that we are here to share materials, not to guard them. They pointed out that we often presume guilt of patrons and that we need to focus on relationships rather than transactions. Another point they made was that we must learn to help patrons on their terms. We have to think about the civilian point-of-view.

Well, I did pick up more than that at CAL but that is all that I have coherent notes on, so I'll leave it at that.

CAL 2010 Pt. 1

Going to CAL for the first time was a great experience for me. I learned a lot and got inspired a lot.

One of the best parts about driving to Loveland was that Donna, Sharlene, Randalee and I got to stop at two of the Anythink branches. These libraries are AMAZING! We were all blown away! We were given a tour and we were grinning the entire time. The non-Dewey system is impressive but there a lot of other things about Anythink that are great, too. These are brand-new libraries with beautiful architecture and design. The spaces are so inviting! It was hard to leave. I highly recommend that any and all library employees go visit if they can. I have some photos that I'd love to share, as soon as I figure out how to upload them to this blog and/or the wiki. http://www.anythinklibraries.org/

Quite a few of us attended the workshop put on by Anythink on Thursday morning. We got a lot of great ideas to use for the Fruita branch and perhaps the whole district, in the future. I really hope we do end up going all Dewey-free. It makes a lot of sense to me.

Since I am always on the info desk, I think I'll write these posts about CAL in parts, because I don't really have the time to write about it all in one sitting. So this ends Pt. 1.

Sept. Task - LibGuide

It's good to know about this. I doubt I'll ever have an opportunity to suggest it to a patron, while working in the children's center, but you never know. I got an 83.3333333 % on the quiz. I couldn't find the League of Women Voters info.