Cookbooks | The MaintainIT Project, a project of TechSoup

TechSoup's MaintainIT Project is pleased to announce the latest Cookbook, packed with tips, techniques, and stories about supporting public computers from libraries across the country, including South Carolina!

Download the FREE Joy of Computing: Recipes for a 5-Star Library here:  http://maintainitproject.org/cookbooks

Find out what libraries and library supporters had to say about wireless, time and print management, and laptop checkout programs.

The MaintainIT Project continues to craft guides focused on supporting public computers. Please get in touch and share your challenges and successes so libraries can learn from *your* experiences. Remember, what may be, "that's nothing!" to you, may be an "aha" to someone else!

Email them: maintainit@techsoup.org

Cookbooks | The MaintainIT Project, a project of TechSoup

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brunching with authors

brunching1
Originally uploaded by crr29061

Columbia, SC -- The South Carolina Center for the Book, in partnership with SCBook Festival and Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A., announces brunching with authors, a special literary event Sunday, February 24, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

brunching with authors will take place at the Columbia Museum of Art at the corner of Main and Hampton streets in downtown Columbia and will feature a gourmet brunch with authors participating in the Book Festival. Author guests at brunching with authors come from a wide variety of literary backgrounds, including mystery, cookbooks, children’s literature, poetry, nonfiction and general fiction. The guest list includes Tina McElroy Ansa, James O. Born, Sonny Brewer, Orville Vernon Burton, JT Ellison, Josephine Humphreys, Tim Kimmel, Sallie Ann Robinson, Kim Sunee, Jeff VanderMeer, Logan Ward and more. For more information about these authors, please visit www.scbookfestival.org. Tickets are $30 and are limited, so make reservations early. Reservations can be made on the SCBook Festival Web site at www.scbookfestival.org or by calling 803-771-2477.

The South Carolina Center for the Book is the South Carolina affiliate of the Library of Congress Center for the Book in Washington, DC and is a cooperative project of the South Carolina State Library, the USC School of Library and Information Science, and The Humanities Council SC. The Center’s mission is to celebrate South Carolina’s rich literary heritage and bring public attention to the importance of books, writers, and reading.

The Plinkit Collaborative

What is Plinkit?

Plinkit is the web authoring environment that public libraries in partner states use to create smart, new web sites for their patrons. Plinkit stands for "Public Library Interface Kit." It's also a fun word to say. Plinkit is built using Plone, an open-source content management system.

Public library web sites are created and edited right through the web, using built-in text editors and other powerful features that make a tough job simple and give patrons a clean, usable, web site where the information delivery is the true and proper focus. Feel free to check out the demo version.

What is the Plinkit Collaborative?

The Collaborative is a membership organization (at the state level) that formed in July 2006. The goal of the Collaborative is to provide Plinkit to public libraries beyond Oregon (where Plinkit started) and to pool funds in support of software development, training, documentation, and marketing activities.

Who is Currently involved?

Four states currently participate in the Collaborative: Colorado, Illinois, Oregon, and Texas.

The Plinkit Collaborative

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Indiana Library Stats

Indiana Library Stats
Originally uploaded by crr29061

I was just reviewing the ilovelibraries.org newsletter and came across this economic impact report. it's very important that libraries realize their economic impact upon communities. if you don't make a case for increasing funds based upon studies that clearly illustrate to funding decision makers, it's very difficult to make your case why the library should receive increased funds. check it out.

Public Library Appreciation Day wiki

What is Public Library Appreciation Day (PLAD)?

The current economic outlook for next year in South Carolina is not good. This year, we are taking our lobbying efforts to the State House to thank legislators for past support and ask for continued support.

• We have asked members of the House of Representatives and the Senate to recognize January 31, 2008 as Public Library Appreciation Day in a concurrent resolution.
• We are asking library supporters to engage with members of their delegation when they are in session, in committee meetings, or in their offices.
• We will put the logo above on supporters and legislators in the form of crossed ribbons to show support for public libraries.
• We will be giving inexpensive PLAD logo canvas bags filled with items demonstrating the value of public libraries in the lives of South Carolinians.

Public Library Appreciation Day wiki

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SC State Library Obituary Resources Page

This was recently featured on the Genealogy Blog at http://genealogyblog.com/libraries/the-dead-librarian-6647.  It's great to see Debbie's blog picked up on such a popular Genealogy blog. It also highlights our YouTube video along with the Obit resources page at the SCSL web site.

Conversation with Michael Stephens

Here's a nice little video with Michael Stephens about libraries...

Library of Congress on Flickr

General view of one of the classification yards of the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad, Chicago, Ill. (LOC)
Originally uploaded by The Library of Congress

Just in case you weren't aware, the Library of Congress has a Flickr account! I love it! They have over 3000 images posted. For more info, click on the Library of Congress link above and check out the information in the listed profile.

ALA Midwinter Thoughts

Well, I just got done with another day at ALA Midwinter. Here are some highlights:

I attended the CLENE-RT staff development discussion group and they are always so wonderful! I really miss being secretary for that organization so I thought I'd see what they were doing. The conversation was great. They have a blog: cebuzz.wordpress.com which I'll have to check out. They were discussing e-learning and mentioned LE@D and something new that Neal Schuman is doing called the Professional Education Network (PEN) and the person talking about it said it was well worth looking into for online learning. Infopeople.org was also mentioned. I talked a little about using YouTube for communication and mentioned what we're doing in SC with our SCSL and SCLA YouTube Channels and got lots of questions. Someone also mentioned The Flip video recorder. It's only $150 and has a built in USB connection. Check it out at www.theflip.com. I think libraries should get these and record some PR pieces and post to YouTube! It's a great way to promote the library. There is a learning curve when it comes to using things like iMovie and MS Movie Maker but it CAN be done!

Also, today at the Chapter Relations Committee II meeting there was lots of committee business that took place for instance Doug Evans gave an update form the International Council of Library Association Executives, Larra Clark from the ALA Office for Research and Statistics talked about some recent studies that have been published. Also Emily Sheketoff from the ALA Washington Office talked about IMLS and the whole statistics program move and how the ALA WO is trying to make sure that IMLS has enough staff to handle the transition from NCES. It will be quite interesting in the next couple of years to see how this all pans out with IMLS managing the statistics program for public libraries. There was also discussion about CAPWIZ - http://capwiz.com/ala/home/ which is the issues and advocacy section of ALA where you can find lots of legislative updates, etc. I got some neat ilovelibraries.org bookmarks that I will take back to my library :-)

Tomorrow will be my travel day back to Columbia!

Counting Opinions

Counting Opinions
Originally uploaded by crr29061

This is a screenshot of the University of Toronto's web site. They are using the Counting Opinions online survey for comments and user feedback. I am attending the session right now at the ALA Midwinter Meeting in Philly and learning more about the product. It's interesting to see how dynamic the software is to be able to group similar responses and context of respondant. For more information, visit www.countingopinions.com


I really like how the customer service survey works on the organization's web site because it's added to the upper right hand corner of the organization's web site and when you hover over it, the right corner of the web site peels back exposing the link that reads, "take our survey". To see how it works, go to the University of Toronto Library web site at http://www.utm.utoronto.ca/library/.

PLA Marketing Committee

This morning at ALA Midwinter I attended the PLA Marketing Committee meeting just to see what they were all about and what is coming up at future conferences. At the upcoming PLA conference in March in Minneapolis, the program will be "Libraries Prosper with Passion, Purpose and Persuasion: A PLA Toolkit for Success" Wow, I would LOVE to be able to go to this as it really sounds great - but there's only so much time in the year to go to conferences! During the issues discussion, I was surprised to hear how little YouTube and Flickr are still not being used. I tried to impress upon a few of the hangers on how much you can do with these tools for very little cost. I got some great ideas for Barbara Peterson who is the director of Council Bluffs Public Library on marketing library services, one of which was advertising at the local cineplex. It cost them on $3500 and this was a negotiated lower amount since the library is a non-profit entity. Before the issues discussion, the PLA president talked about the new PLA Communities of Practice which will be electronic versions of groups of committees. Personally I think PLA just needs to do away with inactive groups and focus more on the active ones! That's something I really need to look at with SCLA this year because there are some sections and round tables that are very inactive and probably just need to be done away with...

Jim Rettig - ALA President Elect

Today at ALA Midwinter, Jim Rettig talked to us at the Chapter Relations Committee I meeting about the future of ALA and what he is planning to concentrate on during his presidency. Didn't mean to save as widescreen because it chopped the top of his head off but I'm still learning iMovie! :-)

Chapter Leader Orientation - ALA Midwinter

Today I decided to take some different video shots at the Chapter Leaders Orientation session when two presenters from the MD Library Assn talked about communications both electronic and traditional. Personally I think library associations should have been doing this all along when it comes to blogging, flickr, wikis, etc. but there are many library associations who still do not utilize these 2.0 tools. Also, I wanted to play with iMovie on my Macbook to create this little video. EnjoY!

A New Look for SCLA

This is the first YouTube video for SCLA.org. I hope to do some more in the near future so be sure and subscribe to the SCLA YouTube channel.

AASLH - IMLS Connecting to Collections Bookshelf

The IMLS Connecting to Collections Bookshelf is part of a multi-year, multi-faceted IMLS national initiative to raise public awareness and inspire action to care for the collections held in public trust by libraries and museums throughout the United States. The initiative is grounded in the results of A Public Trust at Risk: The Heritage Health Index Report on the State of America’s Collections, which reports that a stunning 190 million objects in U.S. collections need conservation treatment.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is dedicated to providing resources and encouragement to ensure that future generations are able to connect to the rich cultural, scientific, historic, and aesthetic insights and knowledge embedded in the nation’s collections. The Bookshelf is also made possible by the generous contributions of the Getty Foundation and the Henry Luce Foundation.

Who will get the Bookshelf?

The Bookshelf will be distributed free of charge to 2,000 institutions. Under a cooperative agreement, AASLH is purchasing, promoting, and distributing the IMLS Connecting to Collections Bookshelf. Recipients will include attendees at Connecting to Collections events as well as institutions that apply for the bookshelf using a simple electronic process.

For complete info:

AASLH - IMLS Connecting to Collections Bookshelf

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Rovelstad Scholarship in International Librarianship, 2008

Information for Applicants

The Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) is pleased to announce a scholarship for a student of library and information science to attend the World Library and Information Congress of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA).The scholarship is intended to encourage students who have an interest in international library work and enable them to participate in IFLA early in their careers. The 2008 IFLA annual meeting takes place in Québec, Canada, in August. The scholarship is made possible through the generosity of Mathilde and Howard Rovelstad. For more info, visit

CLIR Awards&Fellowships

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Verizon Tech Savvy Awards - National Center for Family Literacy

Call for Nominations

The National Center for Family Literacy is now accepting nominations for the 2008 Verizon Tech Savvy Awards. They are the first national awards to honor programs that improve parents and children’s understanding and use of technology. Four $5,000 regional awards and one $25,000 national award will be presented. The deadline for submissions is Jan. 11, 2008.The annual honor will awarded March 31, 2008 in Louisville, Ky., at the National Conference on Family Literacy.The awards – established in 2007 by the Verizon Foundation, the National Center for Family Literacy and former First Lady of Iowa Christie Vilsack – are designed to support sustainable programs that help parents bridge the widening gap between adults and children’s understanding of technology. Those two generations must learn about technology together, so parents can be effective teachers and advocates to ensure that their children are literate in technology and prepared for the 21st century workforce.Programs should create innovative ways to employ technology as an important component in family literacy, and those methods should have the ability to be easily replicated at other sites across the country.Organizations that are 501(c)(3) nonprofits, such as community-based non-profits, libraries and schools, should apply.To access the 2008 Nomination Form, click here.For a map of the award regions, click here.

Verizon Tech Savvy Awards - National Center for Family Literacy

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CES: Belkin Podcast Studio Takes Your Show on the Road | Gadget Lab from Wired.com

Check out this new device from Belkin.  Maybe your library should think about getting into the Podcasting game! I'm sure your IT person, who loves gadgets (they all do) needs to get one and get your library started Podcasting!  You can Podcast weekly library news, author interviews, and much more.  Think outside the book :-)

"The Podcast Studio uses an iPod as its processor and recording medium, cutting costs considerably (the competition, although it may offer audiophile-level sound, also offers audiophile-level pricing). The device does not include a mic, but the 1/4-inch and XLR inputs mean that the mic of your choice will work just fine. A recording meter, gain control, and a compressor/limiter ensure that your recordings won't sound distorted."

CES: Belkin Podcast Studio Takes Your Show on the Road | Gadget Lab from Wired.com

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Ben Schott's Almanac

Ben Schott's Almanac
Originally uploaded by crr29061

I'm just listening about this on the Sunday morning show. Sounds really neat! I'll have to see if my library has a copy!

Save Money - Use Your Library

Save Money - Use Your Library
Originally uploaded by crr29061

check out this article on finding financial information and doing research at your library

Libraries - clean your PC keyboards and mice every day with alcohol wipes!

THURSDAY, Jan. 3 (HealthDay News) -- The highly contagious norovirus, often called the stomach flu, can be passed from one person to another through contact with commonly shared items such as computer keyboards and computer mice, U.S. health officials report.

The virus, which is common in winter and is the most frequent cause of outbreaks of vomiting and diarrhea in the United States, is often contracted in schools, at work and on cruise ships.On Thursday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on a norovirus outbreak at a Washington, D.C., elementary school last February in which some of the victims picked up the virus from contaminated computer equipment.

Stomach Flu Spread By Contaminated Computer Keyboards - Yahoo! News

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The Apple Store - amazing customer service story

Yesterday I decided to get my new MacBook so I drove to Charlotte NC to the Apple store at Southpark Mall. The first thing I heard was, "Nice sweater!" from a sales person.  Then she asked how she could help me. I explained what I was looking for and she was very helpful in answering some of my questions, and when she didn't know an answer, she asked someone else who had worked there longer.  When I was ready to check out, I never moved...  I kept on looking for her to walk me to the back of the store to the check out counter but that was not the case. Another guy came up and while she went to grab my new MacBook, he checked my ID so I would get the State Government discount and with a handheld device, processed the sale.  I NEVER moved! He swiped my card right there, I signed his handheld device and was good to go.  What a great experience!!!  Why can't libraries do this?  I know, the first answer is "lack of funds", but there are some things that lack of funds has nothing to do with.  How about come out from behind the desk and do roving reference.  Ask patrons what they need help with. Take them to the shelves and show them areas to browse.  If you do have the funds, get handheld devices that let you browse your card catalog and the web so while roving, you can answer questions on the spot!  Go to an Apple store and take notes.  Make changes in how you do business and you'll get more people to come into the library!

The Apple Store (U.S.) - MacBook

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Pew Internet: Libraries Report

Information Searches That Solve Problems

12/30/2007 | Leigh Estabrook Evans Witt Lee Rainie

There are several major findings in this report. One is this: For help with a variety of common problems, more people turn to the internet than consult experts or family members to provide information and resources.

Another key insight is that members of Gen Y are the leading users of libraries for help solving problems and in more general patronage.

In a national phone survey, respondents were asked whether they had encountered 10 possible problems in the previous two years, all of which had a potential connection to the government or government-provided information. Those who had dealt with the problems were asked where they went for help and the internet topped the list:

58% of those who had recently experienced one of those problems said they used the internet (at home, work, a public library or some other place) to get help.

53% said they turned to professionals such as doctors, lawyers or financial experts.

45% said they sought out friends and family members for advice and help.

36% said they consulted newspapers and magazines.

34% said they directly contacted a government office or agency.

16% said they consulted television and radio.

13% said they went to the public library.

for more info:

Pew Internet: Libraries Report

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