Task #8 Español LibGuide

Well, I missed three questions - one of them I didn't read correctly and the other two, I didn't look at the LibGuide closely enough. It's too bad I couldn't make it to the computer training.

I am really impressed by how much information, detail, and time has been devoted to the Spanish LibGuide. I love that you can translate it into other languages as well - very helpful for assisting patrons who speak other languages also. I will show Spanish speakers the LibGuide so that can find out more about what the library has to offer. (Side note: Loved Google Translate already, but never knew you could translate whole websites! Cool.)

Task #7: Cloud Computing - Google Docs and Dropbox

After reading the article and watching the videos, I was more interested in Dropbox. I like the idea of accessing the same files through different computers or my phone (when I get an iphone that is :) ). I could see Dropbox being really useful for people who travel a bunch or have their own businesses - it's a workaholic's dream.

Google Docs seems useful for doing projects and sharing remotely with people. For example, students doing online coursework, like myself, probably get a lot of use out of it. I haven't had the occasion yet, because we've used wikis and blackboard software, but I'm sure I'll get to use it for some future group project.

Task #6: Helping Patrons

I liked the quiz, especially the part about researching different names for French fries - "freedom fries and artery cloggers". :) I was surprised by the last question's answer - the part about booking a librarian to help a patron start up a business in addition to the other resources. It's a good idea, but I think I would first feel out the situation and see if she wanted the additional help.

My question:

A teen is looking for horror books, any horror books, and he's not interested in the Twilight saga. Where could you find some good teen horror titles using our resources?

a. Type "horror fiction" and do a subject search in the catalog, scrolling down just for teen.

b. Click on the teen tab and find the Goodreads account. Next browse Shanna's teen list called "teen-dark-fiction supernatural".

c. Use Novelist K-8 Plus and browse through the "horror" list.

d. One of these, or a combination of a,b,c.

Extra Credit #2: A Google A Day

1. I thought the Google A Day exercise was fun, primarily because my question was about Roman mythology. I really enjoy mythology. Today, I learned that Zeus threw a titan under Mount Etna in Sicily - a really important piece of information I'll need some day. :) No, but seriously, it was interesting to read about.

I have used the advance search in Google before, and always found it helpful. I need to remember to use it more often.

2. I would like to be entered into the drawing for the $100 gift certificate. Thanks.

Task #5: Chilton Library

Well, accessing the Chilton database is definitely easy. I looked up information on my car - a '94 Honda Accord. I was hoping to find out why my car beeps occasionally, as if the keys are left in the ignition or the lights are on. Neither of these scenarios are the case, and my car just beeps at me when I open the door. The Chilton information is mostly on how to repair systems, and not general manual information, though. (I don't have an owner's manual, unfortunately.) Anyway, I guess I need to take to the shop...

I like the fact that patrons have access to this information at home - while they're in the middle of repairing their car, and they don't have to drop everything, come the library, and hopefully find the right repair diagram. This is very convenient - I think more people would use this database, if they knew about.

Task #4: Downloading eBooks

After reviewing a couple of articles in Consumer Reports, it seems as though tablets, instead of specific ereader devices, are the way to go. Tablets such as Apple's iPad or Android varieties offer an ereader app, while allowing you much more versatility. I like the idea of being able to not only read an ebook, but surf online, access email, and download music. In addition, tablets are in color - an important feature for a visual person like myself.

Cari's instructions for the downloading ebooks are excellent - very thorough. Here are the first three steps to downloading ebooks:

1. Go to the library's website and click on "Downloadable Media" under "Books and More."

2. Find the OverDrive icon and select "Adobe Digital Editions," if you're a newcomer.

3. Click on the "Install" button so that you can download ebooks onto your computer, and then transfer to your ereader.

Task #3: Intro to MasterFile

The Consumer Reports article is called "Best Phones & Plans," found in January 2011.

Extra Credit:
* "Michael Jackson: The Making of `The King of Pop'"
* Extra drawing for gift certificate, please.

Task #2 - Scavenger Hunt Quiz

Bummer...missed one. I missed the question about which library to send error messages to when downloading media. For the board member question, I found the bios interesting. And about the The Kiva Book Club question, next month's book sounds creepy! It's a true story - yikes!

Happy hunting, everyone!

Task #1- Which Drawing?

Hi Cari,

I would like to be entered into the drawing for the gift certificate.

Thanks,
Diana