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Technology Competencies: Can Your Staff Do This Stuff?

Jun 26th, 2009
by pollyalida.
4 comments
A Clovis point, made via pressure flaking
Need to update your tech skills?  Image via Wikipedia

WebJunction has published a wonderful new document that details the basic skills that library staff should have – from management skills to tech skills to public service skills and everything in between. Of course,  I was particularly interested in the Core technology skills section.

I think most of us are doing great with the basics of using our computers, email, word processing and getting on the Internet. I remember the days when every trouble shooting call had to begin with “is it plugged in and turned on”!  When I’m teaching classes these days, participants rarely have basic skills issues any more. Indeed over the last year I’ve been adding more content to my classes because people aren’t getting bogged down with basic computer skills issues and are getting through the class content much faster. Yay for that!

Where I think many of us aren’t all doing so great is with the competencies in the Core Web Tools section. (more…)

Technology to the students!!

Jun 24th, 2009
by pollyalida.
3 comments

Originally uploaded by Extra Ketchup

I have lots of school library media specialists in the technology classes I teach. They are often the ones in the forefront of using technology in their school districts and come up with great ideas for how technology can support student learning and help teachers do their jobs better.  At the same time, they often tell me that many of the tools we explore are blocked or that students can’t have email, so therefore can’t even get accounts with so many of the tools.

When I was a gov docs librarian, our tagline was “documents to the people”. Well I think my new clarion call will be “technology to the students”!

In that vein, take a look at this great blog post Google Apps for Education overview by Kathy Schrock. She details how they arranged for school email accounts for all their students and teachers. How they use Google services to share documents, calendars and more. And she includes an excellent model for an email permission slip, explaining why students need email and acceptable use guidelines.

If you’re having challenges in your school district, maybe this model can help. Just keep at it! Demonstrating the value and need for access to technology. You’ll get their eventually.

Had successes in your district? Please share!!!!

Thank you HostMySite!

Jun 14th, 2009
by pollyalida.
No comments yet

A big thanks to a really great web hosting company HostMySite. My blog disappeared last night, my own fault. And I hadn’t backed up the files recently. But HostMySite to the rescue! While I had a glass of wine, they restored everything. I knew they’d come through, they always do! Thank you, thank you, thank you. Now if only I could find the same level of service to keep my computers running smoothly.

David Lee King: CDLC Emerging Tech Program – May 7

Apr 28th, 2009
by pollyalida.
1 comment

digexpApril 30th is the deadline to sign up for this great program: The Future is Not Out of Reach: Change, Emerging Trends, 2.0, and Libraries.

The speaker is David Lee King, the Digital Branch & Services Manager at Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library in Topeka. He’s written and spoken at conferences about websites, digital experience, working with techies and other technology-library related topics. David is also the author of the recently published book, Designing the Digital Experience.

Library Journal says: “Librarians agree: David Lee King is your go-to guy for simplifying complex technology. King’s real focus, though, is not on the technology itself. “It is,‟ he says, “making sure our focus stays on the user rather than on the great features of new web sites or technology.‟”

The program will be held at Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library on Thursday May 7th and is sponsored by CDLC, MVLS, SALS & UHLS.

Register now before it’s too late!

Hope to see you there!

Ten Trends & Technologies for 2009

Jan 14th, 2009
by pollyalida.
1 comment

Michael Stephens has posted his annual look at what technology trends he thinks will impact libraries in 2009.

This year, I’m focusing on some ideas and technologies that I believe will impact everyone. These things will surely influence library users and nonusers alike. My biggest concern is how can libraries respond in turbulent economic times.  So, here goes. In 2009, librarians, information professionals and libraries will be touched by:

  1. The Ubiquity of the Cloud
  2. The Changing role of IT
  3. The Value of the Commons
  4. The Promise of Micro-Interaction (more…)

History of the Internet

Jan 12th, 2009
by pollyalida.
No comments yet

I’ve run across this terrific video on a number of blogs this week. In 8 minutes of wonderful black & white graphics, it covers the 50 year history of how the internet came to be. I promise, you’ll learn a lot! The video is part of a degree project by Melih Bilgil at the University of Applied Sciences in Mainz, Germany. Well done!


History of the Internet from PICOL on Vimeo.

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