Friday, September 30, 2011

What's Your (QR) Code?


QR (quick response) codes are becoming more popular and though it might appear only as a trend, the information it provides are quickly becoming an essential part of life for this social media era. Unlike classic bar codes that are restricted to only 20 numeric digits, QR codes are matrix barcodes and can contain thousands of alphabetic and numeric characters. Other names for QR codes include “2d codes, 2d barcodes, or mobile codes” (November 2010 College & Research Libraries News vol. 71 no. 10, pgs 526-530). The Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) article continues,
“The QR code typically appears as a small white square with black geometric shapes, though colored and even branded QR codes are now being used. QR codes can hold much more information than a regular barcode. The information encoded in a QR code can be a URL, a phone number, an SMS message, a V-card, or any text. They are referred to as QR because they allow the contents to be decoded at high speed. QR codes were developed in 1994 by Denso-Wave, a Toyota subsidiary.”

For an easy to understand video, please visit: Common Craft (unfortunately I am unable to add this directly to my blog, as this is becoming a membership website). When learning a new topic I personally like how Common Craft is able to explain in a quick and simple manner. If you would prefer a YouTube video, please use the following link: http://youtu.be/wmak6uKxr2M to watch the University of Nebraska Omaha Criss Library explanation (1:20 minutes in length).

Library Success: A Best Practices Wiki provides a list of ways libraries are implementing QR codes at libraries. Below is a list created in the College & Research Libraries News  article previously mentioned. (Please refer back to Library Success Wiki to find the correlating link to the below examples).
  • Library exhibits that include a QR code link to songs, videos, Web sites, surveys, contests, etc. or other information that augments the exhibits.
  • Codes in the library stacks/end caps or magazine/journal areas that point to online electronic holdings of print materials or related subject guides.
  • Linking to library audio tours for orientations.
  • Code added to print handouts for additional information on mobile friendly sites.
  • QR code with text that loads the library’s text message reference service and other contact information into the patron’s phone.
  • Art shows or permanent art in libraries with a QR code linking to the artists’ Web sites.
  • In catalog records to offer patrons basic info about an item, including the location and call number. Users can scan the code and head to the stacks rather than writing or printing.
  • Taped to video/DVD cases, linking to mobile-friendly video trailers.
  • Code placed on staff directory pages and research guides that go to mobile friendly sites for later reference.
  • Code placed on audio book cases for author interviews or books for reviews.
  • Code placed on study room doors connecting to room reservation forms.
  • Library video tutorials—individual videos or create a QR code to a YouTube playlists of videos, which create a great mobile home screen app that can be saved for easy access, as needed.

More Information:
“This page is an online two dimensional code generator which is written in PHP. It can generate QR CodeData MatrixAztec Code and Micro QR Code for the time being. Because QR Code is much more popular than the other code formats, it is separately named in the page title. If you need more information on two dimensional bar code systems, I strongly suggest that you take a look at Roger Smolski‘s comprehensive blog on QR Code and two dimensional bar codes. Also you should check out John Hopkins‘s extensive iPhone QR Code reader roundup. Lastly, if you would like to help a student with his university expenses, you can try Michael Schade‘s QR Business Cards service.”


Examples of QR Codes in use:

Business Cards by Library Scenester (and what information should be on the cards).

Campus News Updates at University of Pennsylvania.

For Teachers in Classrooms, article by The Daring Librarian.

PanARMENIAN.Net.

Virginia Tech's Newman Library, Rebecca K. Miller’s blog, explaining QR codes and offering her office hours by code.


How-to:

Q&A: Make a Quick QR Code by New York Times.

How QR Codes Can Grow Your Business by Social Media Examiner (QR Codes 101).


Make a Google Favorite Place.

Print QR codes on Everything (for Marketing and Advertising): http://www.qrstuff.com/.


Create QR Codes for Free
http://myqr.co/ (Can make two toned QR Codes, like the one located on my blog).
“Paste any URL into the box below. myQR will shorten it, and display your QR code in the box to the right. Create QR codes for your Facebook profile, your LinkedIn page, or any other website you can think of.”

http://qrcode.kaywa.com/ (Choose Content type, URL, and size for code).

http://www.qrstuff.com/ (Select: Data type, text, and background color for free. Other printing options available for a fee).

 “Not everyone is happy with just being able to create a puny little GIF file that's only good for pinning to a web page, so we've extended the possibilities to include handy ways to get your QR Code out into the "real world" where it can actually work for you:


  • Generate QR Codes in printable formats - either a single code or as an array of codes - and then you print them out yourself.
  • Generate a QR Code and then email it to someone.
  • Generate QR Codes that are good enough to use as artwork for a t-shirt and allow you to actually buy the shirt with your custom QR Code on it via the Zazzle print-on-demand website.
  • Generate unlimited numbers of high resolution QR Code artwork files for graphic design use at up to 25.4cm (10 inches) at 300dpi by opening a subscription accountMore info about subscriptions here.
 Generate unlimited numbers of high resolution QR Code artwork files for graphic design use at up to 25.4cm (10 inches) at 300dpi by opening a subscription account. More info about subscriptions here.”

“Quikqr is a free QR code generator with added cool bits. Once you have generated your code you can save it, print it, email it, share it with your friends or make fun things like t-shirts and Moo cards. Quikqr is totally free and you don't need to sign in.”

“How to make a QR Code?
                                                1. Type your message
                                                2. Click "Qurify!" to qurify the message.
                                                3. Download the QR Code image.
                                    4. QR Code Done!”


Readers
QR code Readers Explained: http://2d-code.co.uk/qr-code-readers/


Friday, September 23, 2011

Kindle eBooks Available @ Public Libaries

On Wednesday, September 21, Amazon announced that they have kept their promise. Public libraries can now allow patrons to borrow ebooks onto their Kindles. To read the full announcement, click here.

"You can check out a Kindle book from your local library and read it on any generation Kindle device or free Kindle reading app. 

When you borrow a Kindle public library book, you'll have access to all the unique features of Kindle books, including real page numbers and Whispersync technology that synchronizes your notes, highlights, and last page read. After a public library book expires, if you check it out again or choose to purchase it from the Kindle store, all of your annotations and bookmarks will be preserved.

Kindle books are available at more than 11,000 libraries in the U.S."


As a Kindle owner I am excited that that Amazon has allowed Kindle to borrow books from public libraries, as the Nook, tablets, and other eReaders have had this option for some time. Part of the drive to allow Kindle to borrow books from libraries is not only because of Barnes and Noble's Nook but also because of a new Sony e-Reader that is coming out next month. 

From a Library Journal article, author David Rapp states: 
"Sony unveiled its latest ereader device today, Reader Wi-Fi, which will be the first dedicated ereader—though not the first device—to offer wireless borrowing of OverDrive library ebook titles. The Reader Wi-Fi, which the company calls "the lightest touch screen 6" eReader device ever" in the announcement, will be available for purchase in October.

According to Sony Electronics spokesperson Maya Wasserman, the ereader will feature a dedicated icon on its touch screen's main menu to connect to the OverDrive system, in a similar manner as the OverDrive Media Console app currently available for other devices.

Sony has had a cross-promotion deal with OverDrive since 2009, but this is the first time that Sony has offered direct wireless OverDrive borrowing with its Reader device; previously, a physical connection and sync with a computer was required."


For more information about eReaders and free ebooks, please read my previous blog. Library card will be needed to borrow books onto the Kindle and currently only in the United States at this time.

More information can be found on Amazon's Help page for Kindle, which includes Frequently Asked Questions. To find a location of a library in your area that uses OverDrive, use this link: http://search.overdrive.com/classic/default.asp.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Loud @ Your Library: Programs, Creative Promoting, and Family Nights


I have been working on an idea to provide inexpensive or free entertainment for family night at the library - a time where people of various ages can get together to learn and play new games; a night when people can be “Loud @ Your Library” with a four week rotation that includes the following types of family game nights:

1) “Board games @ Your Library,” where everyone plays board games like: Sorry, Monopoly, Chutes and Ladders, etc. , based on the National Gaming Day @ your Library (November 12, this year; see: http://www.ilovelibraries.org/gaming/ ). More information is listed below under children’s programming ideas.

2) “Card night @ Your Library” with a focus of peer based style of teaching: each on teach one. The adults teach other adults, the children teach other children. This includes games such as: Gin, Euchre, War, Go Fish, and for toddlers, a matching card game. (Poker is not recommended since gambling or other issues might arise). Other quiet paper games are possible, like Tic-Tac-Toe or even popular games such as Magic: The Gathering. This week can have groups separated by skill levels, allowing parents time to spend with their children or with other local adults.

3) “Playground night @ Your Library”: here, the main focus is games that require movement but not many additional resources such as: Red Light/Green Light, Mother May I?,  Simon Says, etc. Local cultural or social groups could be included to teach hand clapping, cheerleading, or stepping to the patrons. Red Rover might not be acceptable, but Four Square, Hopscotch, and Double Dutch or jumping ropes could be considered.

4) “Video Game Night @ Your Library”: an employee or patron may bring in an appropriate video game that is meant for multiple players to enjoy moving and teamwork such as: Wii’s Mario Party. The audience would be toddlers to adults. The initial outcome would vary, depending on how well the night was planned and organized and if enough people were interested in participating. Librarians should be prepared for problems that cannot be avoided: arguing (need rules of use for video game night), people leaving children and not staying (under a certain age, child must be accompanied by an adult), and other problems that relate to local community that the library already might already be trying to address.

Expected outcome: this type of program could provide a night when families can laugh and enjoy time together, a time for patrons to make new friends, an increase in the number of people who return on an non-game night, a chance for the library to inform the community of other ways the library can benefit the patron, and the community could feel closer through learning old favorites and new games that stitch cultures and generations together.

Success would be measured not only in the number of people who show up for the event but also if the amount of materials being checked out rises or if there is an increase in memberships. Marketing is very important to the success of this program.


Four innovative ideas for children’s programming.

1) Same Story/Different Story. Read The Three Little Pigs and then read The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka. Or read Little Red Riding Hood  and then Petite Rouge: A Cajun Red Riding Hood by Mike Artell. There are many variations to the same story, usually from different cultures. A great way to discuss the differences and understanding that there are different points of views.

2) Board @ the Library. Where everyone plays board games like: Sorry, Monopoly, Chutes and Ladders, etc. , based on the National Gaming Day @ your Library (November 12, this year; see: http://www.ilovelibraries.org/gaming/ ). Or playing card games with a focus of peers as teachers: each on teach one. The adults teach other adults, the children teach other children. This includes games such as: Gin, Euchre, War, Go Fish, and for toddlers, a matching card game. (Poker is not recommended since gambling or other issues might arise). Other quiet paper games are possible, like Tic-Tac-Toe or even popular games such as Magic: The Gathering.

3) LOL @ the Library. The main focus is games that require movement but not many additional resources such as: Red Light/Green Light, Mother May I?,  Simon Says, etc. Local cultural or social groups could be included to teach hand clapping, cheerleading, or stepping to the patrons. Red Rover might not be acceptable, but Four Square, Hopscotch, and Double Dutch or jumping ropes could be considered.

 4) Pirate Party. Especially good for “Talk Like a Pirate Day” (September 19 this year; see: http://www.talklikeapirate.com/piratehome.html). Bring out the pirate and buccaneers books (and movies) and get ready for some fun.


Three creative ideas for promoting a library and/or children services.

1) Create an icon that will grab attention and place in local community- at church, daycares, grocery stores, and local attractions that parents and children visit. Children are able to understand that the double arches for McDonalds symbolizes the location and fond memories before they can say the word “McDonalds”. By creating an icon (preferably with some information “See you @ Your Library”) will draw curiosity as well as provide memories and acknowledgement.

2) A survey hidden as a prize. Ask that children from the age of 5 to 12 write to your library and tell the library what they would like at the library and why. Free suggestions, possible out come of the idea being in place. But implement local community by the prize fitting in the community. Free passes to local theaters or restaurant (preferably) not owned by a chain.

3) Bookmark contest. Children or Teens come up with an idea to create a bookmark that implements something in the library that they hadn’t known before. Such as: audio books, reference desk assistance with tough homework questions, etc.

Library Certificates & Library Education

After receiving my Library Certificate (Level 2- Professional) from the Library of Michigan and the Michigan Department of Education, I wondered if there was a National Librarian Certification. I’ve quoted a brief understanding of this link below. Unfortunately, there is not an overall librarian certificate at a national level (without specializing), but I did find other options that I thought I would share.

The American Library Association- Allied Professional Association provides two certificates, the first is the Certified Public Library Administrator(CPLA). The second is for those who only have a high school degree (or equivalent) and have “worked (paid or unpaid) in Libraries for at least one year” and is called the Library Support Staff Certification Program (LSSC). Further information about certificates can be found on this ALA-APA webpage, which includes State/Regional Certifications (primarily for public library staff). This last link is important as it gives you an idea of the differences between states (for example: range of price (free in Michigan), whether mandatory or voluntary, etc).

History of why there is no National Librarian Certification:
“In 2006, the American Library Association–Allied Professional Association is launching its first national certification, for public librarians who have three or more years of supervisory experience. The goal of the Certified Public Library Administrator (CPLA) program is to improve the quality of library service through the provision of practical knowledge and skills essential to successful library management.”

Some Organizations that do have certificates (may require fees).
From the ALA-APA website:
“Organizations listed below have issued formal statements about their views on certification for the profession:
·       American Library Association (ALA)
·       Special Library Association (SLA)“

Another resource for those seeking information about School Library Media Certification by State provided by School Library Monthly

Although this post is mostly for those who already have their Master’s degree, do not give up if you do not. The Library of Michigan offers several levels of certificates, the lowest levels require a workshop to be completed.

When choosing to receive a Librarian degree, make sure to receive on that is ALA approved as most employers require this when applying.

Here is the link to ALA approved schools:


FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Monday, September 12, 2011

Red Wagon- Book Review (Children's Book)

Borrowed from GoodReads.com


Red Wagon by Renata Liwska. 
Published 2011 (32 Pages, for ages 3 and up).

What begins with Lucy, a little girl fox, receiving a shinny red wagon quickly turns into an adventure. The story line makes it seem like Lucy is alone on an errand for her mother, but in the pictures Lucy is joined by several animal friends. From the wagon turning into a pirate ship to a rocket ship or a train, the excitement to find out what will be on the next page is infectious.

I enjoyed reading the book because the words did not exactly correlate with the images. Although the little fox looks like she is doing a chore, the illustrations show her having fun with her friends and her red wagon. Since I have a toddler I know how important the images are more than the words. We point to the different animals and what they are doing. I learn new things each time I read the book because it seems I keep noticing things that I didn't notice before. 

While reading the illustrator's blog (who is also the author), I was able to understand how she created the images. They were created with several levels, but the finished product is what I find the most interesting. The sweeps that you would find from using pencils are found on almost all objects in the pictures. This is because Liwska first draws images and then uses photoshop to insert color. Below I have included links for the Author and other books she has illustrated. Please take a chance to look at her sketches and drawings, they are wonderful to look at. 

About the Author

Professional website
Quick Link to Liwska’s Sketchbook
Quick Link to Liwska’s Gallery

Most known for Illustrating The Quite Book (before creating her own).
Good Reads Book Review