Recognition of my work

Today I was suprised when I checked my email. Only one day after giving a presentation on the new LTRC/TTEC Library, my professor sent out an email about the new library to the Dean of SLIS and the Special Librarian Adviser. Not only was I mentioned, she attached my powerpoint presentation as well! I have included my powerpoint in video format and included some important links. Enjoy!

Louisiana Transportation Research Center/Transportation Training and Education Center.
http://www.ltrc.lsu.edu/library.htm

Flickr Pictures of LTRC/TTEC
http://flickr.com/photos/ltrc-tteclibrary/

The LTRC/TTEC Blog
http://ltrc-tteclibrary.blogspot.com/

Board at the Library

On November 15 this year, public libraries will not be considered "boring" as it is the first ever National Gaming Day. The American Library Association has declared the following:

On November 15, 2008, libraries across the country will participate in the largest, simultaneous national video game tournament ever held! Kids will be able to compete against players at other libraries and see their scores in real-time online while playing at their local library.

But gaming in libraries isn’t just about video games. Hasbro is donating a copy of its game Pictureka to every public library branch in the U.S. so that we can set a record for the most number of people playing a board game at once! The goals of this event are to:

• Raise awareness about the use of games as a library program;
• Expose people to a new type of board game;
• Establish connections between local board game groups and the library.

I think this is a great idea and I can't wait to see what libraries come up with for this idea (not only public libraries).

http://www.ilovelibraries.org/gaming/

For more ideas and an update on this post, please read my  Loud @ Your Library post.

Updating LSU Libraries Ready Reference

This week is mid-terms for LSU and I thought I would send a much needed update. Though I have been slowly working on several Ready Reference pages I have now completed four pages. Those four pages are: Biography, Book Reviews, Genealogy, and Position Papers. The first two were updated in the past week or so. I am really proud of the Book Reviews, hoping it will help students all over campus and not just the SLISers when I mention the update.

LSU Libraries Ready Reference page:
http://www.lib.lsu.edu/ref/readyref.html

Perhaps one day I will need to present a review on the updated Book Reviews (which went from six links to the layout it is at now) or the Genealogy page (which I updated in March 2008). Either way, I am sure I will stay busy. For now, it's back to homework.

LSU Libraries is on Facebook

I am so blessed to be working with people that will listen to me as a colleague and not simple as a student. My thoughts or ideas are not only listened to but often put into action. Last month I was added to the Electronics Committee at work and was able to give a quick debriefing about the library's newly created FaceBook page (yes, libraries are creating fan pages on FaceBook). After talking to a co-worker I was added as an administrator to LSU Libraries Fan Page on Facebook. Though I did not create the page I did add some enhancements and rather enjoyed creating a competitive library fan page.

Before adding anything I did some research to see what other libraries have added on their fan pages. I enhanced the page by adding the RSS feeder with LSU Libraries blogs, connecting us to LSU Information Technology Services Favorite Pages (to bond a connection and increase traffic flow/fans), wrote notes about current events, updated the general information, and created the LSU Libraries Links (FBML application- HTML or FBML, Facebook Markup Language). I am working with my co-workers to add a box for the card catalog as well as one for Virtual Reference (to allow people to message us from the page itself). As you can see, I am very proud of this page. I spend a lot of my own time to work on it.

http://www.new.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Baton-Rouge-LA/LSU-Libraries/22954284331?ref=mf

Common Craft-Explanations in Plain English

While at a campus function, a fellow SLISer gave some student an update on what is popular with social networking and technology. I have seen the RSS (usually an orange box with three symbols on it) on many pages but ignored it for the most part. I hadn't add one to my own blog until a couple of months ago. But after watching Common Craft's video, I decided to give it a shot.

Common Craft RSS Video



If you haven't heard of the Common Craft videos, I highly encourage you to look into them. Hey, it's faster than reading an Dummies's or Idiots Guide. They even have one called "Electing a US President in Plain English".
http://www.youtube.com/user/leelefever

My Blog feed for LIS has now been added to the right.

Getting Back Into the Swing of Things

Well now that I have finished summer classes, went back to Michigan for two weeks, and survived the disruption and damage of two hurricane (only Gustav hit Baton Rouge- but it caused LSU to stop classes for a week and left 1.5 million state wide without electricity). So to lighten things up a bit I thought I would lists some websites I have found to help relieve stress and basically waste time- in random order. Enjoy!

GraphJams
http://graphjam.com/

Not Always Right- Sometimes the customer is wrong
http://notalwaysright.com/

The Onion
http://www.theonion.com/content/index

Bookworm- You say you're a librarian, but what does your score say?
http://get.games.yahoo.com/proddesc;_ylc=X3IDMgRtcANibARwb3MDMTAEc2VjA2dhbWVsaXN0BHNsawNCb29rd29ybQ--?gamekey=bookworm

Free Coloring Book Pages- Embrace coloring outside the lines
http://coloring-book-pages.com/categories2.asp

Learning Games- When you could still solve all the problems without cheating
http://www.thekidzpage.com/learninggames/learningprintable.htm

The Peeps Go to the Library- Yes, the Easter Candy
http://www.millikin.edu/staley/peeps/

The "Tomes and Talismans" Videos (Mississippi Public Broadcasting's post-apocalyptic library science educational show from the mid-eighties. )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5Pb0BdT8Qo

And of course, a classic:
The Original Virtual Bubblewrap
http://www.virtual-bubblewrap.com/popnow.shtml

YouTube and Viacom Reach Data Deal

I am not sure if anyone heard about Viacom asking for the IP addresses to see who was looking at YouTube videos, but it appears the company has change their mind (via court order). This is from Financial Times:

YouTube, the online video site owned by Google, has struck a deal to strip potentially compromising personal information out of reams of user data that it is being forced to hand over to Viacom.

The deal, which was agreed between the two companies' lawyers on Monday, comes a week after a federal judge ordered YouTube to hand over 12 terabytes of data logs to Viacom's lawyers.

That order came as part of a $1bn copyright lawsuit filed against the world's biggest online video site by Viacom last year.

Google/Viacom Article

Original Article

100 Useful Web Tools for Writers

As many ALA members, I receive e-mails from ALA on a weekly basis. This weekly update is used to provide librarians with information about what is happening in the world of libraries and books. I thoroughly enjoy these updates as it allows me to quickly browse the titles (if I do not have time) or find new websites that I have not heard about.

This week I wasn't disappointed with a blog talking about the 100 Useful Web Tools for Writers by Laura Milligan. If you have a chance, take a look at it. With sections entitled Getting Organized; Finding Inspiration; Getting Gigs; Communicating with Vendors, Editors and Partners; Networking and Marketing; Just for Writing; Getting Paid; and Fun Little Extras--this is worth a glance.

All kinds of writers, including poets, biographers, journalists, biz tech writers, bloggers and technical writers, take a unique approach to their jobs, mixing creativity with sustainability...Turn to this list for 100 useful Web tools that will help you with your career, your sanity and your creativity whenever your write.

http://www.collegedegrees.com/blog/2008/06/11/100-useful-web-tools-for-writers/

Libraries on Facebook

I thought I would compile a list of libraries who are trying a different way to reach out to their patrons- through Facebook. The following is a list of libraries on Facebook. Click on their name to be redirected to Facebook or use the link below the name to see their professional site:

Baylor University Libraries
http://www.baylor.edu/lib/splash.php
British Library
http://www.bl.uk/
Dublin City Public Libraries
http://www.dublincity.ie/RecreationandCulture/libraries/Pages/DublinCityLibrary.aspx
Duke University Law Libraries
http://www.law.duke.edu/lib/
The European Library
http://www.theeuropeanlibrary.org/portal/index.html
Hennepin County Library
http://www.hclib.org/
MSU Libraries
http://www2.lib.msu.edu/
Penn State University Libraries
http://www.libraries.psu.edu/
Ryerson University Library
http://www.ryerson.ca/library/
Smithsonian Libraries
http://www.sil.si.edu/
http://smithsonianlibraries.si.edu/
Theodore M. Hesburgh Libraries of Notre Dame
http://www.library.nd.edu/
UIUC Library
http://www.library.uiuc.edu/ (University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign)
University of Kentucky Libraries
http://www.uky.edu/Libraries/
University of Liverpool
http://www.liv.ac.uk/library/
University of Michigan Library
http://www.lib.umich.edu/
University of Oregon Libraries
http://libweb.uoregon.edu/
University of Washington
http://www.lib.washington.edu/
Warwick University Library
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/library
University of Wolverhampton Learning Centres
http://www.wlv.ac.uk/lib
Yale Science Libraries
http://www.library.yale.edu/science/

*This is not a complete list but a selection (applications or fan pages).

Facebook- The Newest Place to Advertise

I am one of millions that have found themselves onto Facebook. Most join because of a friend who already has an account or join out of curiosity. What's with all the buzz? Facebook allows you to talk with friends, network, join organizations, become "fans" of those who are famous, create your own groups, and any other way to put yourself online for all to see. And people are noticing.

Mark Zuckerberg, the creator of Facebook, is one of the youngest billionaires (no that's right, billions) after he sold his rights . Forbes.com quotes:

We think Zuckerberg's stake is worth $1.5 billion. Regardless, Zuckerberg is the youngest billionaire on earth and possibly the youngest self-made billionaire ever.

So, why am I stating what everyone knows? What about a new way at having surveys from willing participants? Mountain Dew has found a way to get personal feedback from their fan base. By having spot sponsored on Facebook and creating an application. Click here to see this application. It's called DEWmocracy and is filled with Mountain Dew fans voting on a new flavor.

DEWmocracy invites you to participate in an online journey across a mythical world where you take control over creating the next Mountain Dew. Three nominees will result from these creations, with each vying in a national online election to become the next Mountain Dew.

The DEWmocracy application allows you to exhibit your drink preferences, compare your compatibility to friends, and stay connected to the DEWmocracy community.

I think this is a creative way to see if there is a market for a product. However, I am a little weary to have a corporation know what my tastes are for beverages.

Warning: Facebook does not delete your account if you try to close it out. It will save ALL your information in case you wish to open the account again. MySpace does not have that policy. So, before you start an account or put something you probably shouldn't--consider what you are about to do.

Forbes article

The Tale of the Kindle and the Future of the e-paper

I heard about Kindle from a professor at LSU when she brought it to class. When I came across this article I knew I should post it. The title of the article is "The future of e-paper: The Kindle is only the beginning."

June 6, 2008 (Computerworld) Amazon.com Inc.'s Kindle has turned a long underperforming category of tech gadget -- e-book readers -- into an overnight hit, and in the process has boosted interest in electronic paper display (EPD) technology. The Kindle and its rival, the Sony Reader 505, both boast e-paper displays that look unnervingly like printed pages and consume next to no power. However, today's EPDs -- and today's e-book readers -- are only the beginning.

Computer World Article: http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9091118&source=NLT_AM&nlid=1

iPods as Learning Tools

I love my iPod but after a while I grow sick of music. I am glad that I was told about this article. Now I can learn and be entertained at the same time!

100 Ways to Use Your iPod to Learn and Study Better

Published on Tuesday 12th of February, 2008

If you think that iPods are used just for listening to music, you obviously haven't been keeping up with the latest technology. The Apple-developed music player now features all kinds of accessories to help you study better, and now other companies are in a rush to get their designs in sync with the iPod. Pre-teens, college kids and even adults are taking advantage of the educational benefits an iPod affords them. From downloadable podcasts to just-for-iPod study guides and applications, learning on the go has never been easier. To find out about the many different ways you can transform your iPod into a learning device, check out our list below.

http://oedb.org/library/beginning-online-learning/100-ways-to-use-your-ipod-to-learn-and-study-better

Podcasts

Radio isn't dead, it's just getting hotter and more convenient. Podcasts are the latest way to stay up-to-date on issues but with one major perk, no commercials! Here are some that should not be missed:

Geeks: One Big Library
I heard about this one from Jan Thomas, a School of Library and Information Science employee who helps us SLISers keep in the now,

"Podcast with interviews with some different people in the library field hosted by Daniel Chudnov, a librarian and programmer currently working as an Information Technology Specialist in the Office of Strategic Initiatives at the Library of Congress."

LibVibe: the library news podcast

"A newscast of our own. Concise, professional, listenable. Hear the difference. Tell a colleague."

For only 7 minutes a week, get your weekly update.


LISPodcasts.com: Where Librarians Sound Off

"LISPodcasts.com serves as a central clearinghouse of everything that is happening in the world of LIS Internet Audio."

Your all rolled into one type blog.


The Smithsonian Institution- Podcasts: American's Jewel of Knowledge
I'm not sure if that is a good nickname for the Smithsonian but I know to me that the Smithsonian is the place for reliable information. This one link will take you to several collections that are preserving several American cultures.


The British Library
If you didn't know about this podcast, you really should! I am a huge fan of the British Library.


CILIP
Podcasts selected for the CILIP community from CILIP and other websites. CILIP= the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (based in United Kingdom).

Library Success: A Best Practices Wiki
A list of public and academic libraries.

"For the library that works hard to produce audio content such as recordings of programs or library tours, podcasting can be an effective means of making that content more widely available."

MU: LiSRadio

"This is a new and exciting series of interactive webcasts brought to you by the School of Information Science and Learning Technologies at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Our aim with these webcasts is to help in "...creating and exploring the intersection of information and learning." We hope to present interesting and stimulating conversations with movers, shakers, and the odd gadfly or two in libraryland."

Finally a link to the iTunes Store with more Podcasts, some are free but I am not 100% sure:

iTunes's Podcast

But if you STILL are not a believer in the positive outcomes of having blogs, podcasts, RSS feeds, or Instant Messaging read the review by ALA TechSource (American Library Association) about Web 2.0 and Libraries: Best Practices for Social Software by Michael Stephens, Jul/Aug 2006 (Volume 42 Issue 4) .

The Art of Books, the Bliss of Binding

For those who are not in love with books or a librarian, this page might be of little interest to you. I found it to be interesting enough to blog it. The University of Alabama has a website devoted to book binding called Publishers' Bindings Online, 1815- 1930: The Art of Books. It provides information about collections, galleries, essays, tools, and lessons. Just watching the books change on their main screen is interesting enough. Check it out if you are interested or have the time.

http://bindings.lib.ua.edu/

British Library

Did you know that the British Library has a Facebook page? A new trend for companies is to create a page in Facebook that people can add by becoming a "fan". A new loophole that allows various companies and organizations to add themselves to a popular website. They could make some trouble for MySpace due to the fact that in MySpace you have to lie and create a page as if your organization is a real person.

Why am I talking about all this? It is because I am a fan of the British Library and I am able to get updates on what their website has to offer. Something that I have just learned today is that the British Library provides:

Treasures in full: High-quality digital editions, free to your desktop.

Examine every page of rare historic works; compare different editions side-by-side; choose standard or magnified view; read supporting material by our curators and other experts.

• Shakespeare in Quarto
• Caxton's Chaucer
• Gutenberg Bible
• Magna Carta
• Renaissance Festival Books
• Preview: Malory's Arthurian manuscript

Technology really has come a long way and I am glad that people are going out of their way to preserve pieces of history for future generations.

http://www.bl.uk/treasures/treasuresinfull.html

Blogging, good for the Soul

In an article entitled Blogging boosts your social life: research by Claudine Ryan for ABC Science Online states that:

Blogging can help you feel less isolated, more connected to a community and more satisfied with your friendships, both online and face-to-face

That's good to know because I was beginning to feel guilty for creating a blog. Now that I know it's trendy and psychologically comforting I find that I feel better. lol

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/03/03/2178512.htm

The Life Cycle Of A Blog and Geekipedia

Wired Magazine has a interesting article about blogs and its "life cycle". Interesting to see who is watching whom. What I'm more excited about on this site is the 149 people I should know in Wired Magazine's Geekipedia. Finally, being a geek (other than Bill Gates) is paying off.

http://www.wired.com/special_multimedia/2008/ff_secretlife_1602

Geekipedia

Ten Emerging Technologies 2008

The relevancy of this is almost too funny. I was just talking about technology and how to stay up-to-date with the new gadgets or trends and the ALA (American Library Association) includes a story about "Ten Emerging Technologies 2008" from Technology Review! I have never head of this site before but I will from now on!

"Technology Review presents our list of the 10 technologies that we think are most likely to change the way we live."

http://www.technologyreview.com/specialreports/specialreport.aspx?id=25

What I DID Learn In Library School

What a better way to start off a blog than to include another blog? I give this honor to the Association of College and Research Libraries online blog for posting a former LSU student with a MLIS (Master's in Library and Information Science). In this posting she mentions how her education DID prepare her for a job after graduation. The former student's name is Melissa Mallon. I hope any MLISers out there enjoyed this post as much as I did.

http://acrlog.org/2008/02/10/what-i-did-learn-in-library-school/