To blog or not to blog: that is the question...

Task # 10 New Website

tconrath — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:09:28 +0000

I like the new format for the website, and think most patrons will appreciate the change as well. I’ve been able to find everything I’ve looked for, and haven’t had any issues thus far. GREAT JOB !!!

Task #9 – Universal Class

tconrath — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 02:33:41 +0000

I believe the Universal Class is a great addition to our existing on-line databases. I definitely see numerous topics that are of interest to me, and I think the public will certainly see the value as well. My main concern is the cost – since library patrons are used to using our resources for free. Other than to tell them about it to use on their own at home, I guess I’m not sure how we can logistically incorporate it into our general programming. However, there may be information I’m not aware of, so perhaps there is a mechanism in place to charge patrons for these courses.

Task # 7: Cloud Computing—Google Docs and Dropbox

tconrath — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 15:23:22 +0000

After reading the articles and viewing the videos, I believe that both Google Docs and Dropbox offer valuable features for anyone working on a collaborative project. I would certainly mention these services to any of our patrons, should the occasion arise.

Task #8: Español LIbGuide

tconrath — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 15:20:28 +0000

I missed two on the quiz — questions #3 & #9.

Although I found the hours for the Literacy Lab under the ‘Events’ tab, that was not one of the answers listed, so I was out of luck there for question #9.

As for #3, I’m not sure if I took the question too literally, since I was able to translate back and forth by choosing ‘english’ from the translate menu, although I realize that you have to already have copied the url for the Español LibGuide (http://researchhelp.mcpld.org/espanol) into the Google Translate search box first.

At any rate, I think this is a wonderful resource for all of our Spanish-speaking patrons, and I will certainly be happy to pass along this information.

Task # 6 : Helping Patrons

tconrath — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 22:53:03 +0000

1. Completed quiz

2. I have used each of these different databases and resources to help patrons, so it was a good refresher.

3. Multiple choice question:

An exasperated patron tells you she has read all of the series her favorite author has written except for one, but she can’t remember what it is. To add insult to injury, she is forlorn, because once she finishes the last series, she will have read everything ever printed by that author but still wants more of the same kind of stories.

a) Commiserate with her, and tell her that’s the saddest thing you’ve ever heard.
b) Explain how she can use, What’s Next™: Books in Series Database courtesy of Kent District Library.
c) Walk her through NoveList Plus so she can find an Author Read-Alike.

d) Show her how to use, What’s Next™: Books in Series Database, as well as NoveList Plus to find an Author Read-Alike.

Extra Credit # 2

tconrath — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 01:43:39 +0000

1. Extremely fun!
2. $100 downtown gift card

Task # 5

tconrath — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 22:26:32 +0000

I frequently refer patrons to the Chilton database, and have had good feedback from folks. They are especially pleased that they can access it from home, and don’t have to deal with the cumbersome manuals.

Task # 4

tconrath — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:55:51 +0000

I reviewed several of the e-readers, namely the Kindle, Sony Reader, B&N Nook Color & Apple iPad. Given all of the similarity in features and functionality, If I were in the market for an e-reader, I would probably wait until I could afford an iPad. The reason for this is mainly because it’s a multi-faceted device which makes more sense to me, since the fewer gadgets the better. It also offers the largest screen size which is a lot easier on my eyes, and it has the greatest versatility in reading apps from the widest variety of stores such as, Apple (iBooks), Barnes & Noble (Nook), Amazon (Kindle), Kobo, as well as others.

The steps to downloading an eBook on the iPad are:

1) Download the free OverDrive Media Console app from the App Store (iDevice).

2) Click on ‘Get Books’ and ‘Add a Website. Enter ‘Mesa County Libraries’ or your zip code to find the digital library (Marmot Library Network).

3) Select ‘Marmot Library Network’.

4) Find a book, proceed to checkout, enter your library card number, confirm checkout and click ‘download’.

Task # 3

tconrath — Wed, 11 May 2011 01:17:23 +0000

1.) Best phones and plans / Jan. 2011 Vol. 76 Issue 1 p. 26-29

2.) Freddy Mercury: 1946-1991 / 1/9/1992

3.) Downtown Gift Card

Discovery Task # 1 & 2 4/20/11

tconrath — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 14:40:08 +0000

Task 1: Blog is already in place from previous Webolution task.

Task 2: Completed scavenger hunt and learned: 1) We use the Hoover library link to help with error messages.

2) Joe Taylor is the new board member introduced at the 2/24/11 meeting.