E-books? E-xperiments?
Questions about e-books are becoming more frequent. When your patrons ask if you have e-books they probably mean “do you have free current bestselling books in electronic form that will move wirelessly to my reader?”
There are several readers on the market, some have their own wireless access built-in, other use Wi-Fi networks, others use standard USB or proprietary connections to a computer to transferring files.
Both Overdrive and NetLibrary offer downloadable books that are downloaded to a computer and then transferred with a wired connection to the device/reader. Overdrive has recently announced apps for wireless devices that permit transfer of e-books without first downloading to a computer. The apps are installed on the device which then can wirelessly access Overdrive content. Neither Overdrive nor NetLibrary products work with the Kindle.
The most common e-book file types are: .azw (for Kindle), .pdf (works with readers using Adobe Digital Editions –Sony, Barnes&Noble) and epub. EPUB is the standard a nice chart of software to read these files is here. Files for the Kindle are available from Amazon. There are routines that may successfully convert and deliver content to the Kindle. (The Kindleworld Blog lists free sources of books for Kindles as well as routines to convert other formats to use by the Kindle.)
Try these sample books using Adobe Content Reader to get an idea of how these books work. NetLibrary ebooks are downloaded through the Adobe Content Server, an add-on service for libraries subscribing to NetLibrary e-books..
The July ;-) issue of Consumer Reports evaluates e-readers and the Kindle comes out on top. (Ebscohost link) This post by Library Consultant, Cindy Orr explains who may be interested in e-books.
From the TWDL Project
“Twiddle” For You and For Your Library Users
Explore TWDL.ORG to find high quality resources for dealing with unemployment, improving computer skills, and finding employment. Don’t miss the section of Library Tools, there you will find promotional materials and training scripts.
If you have other resources to be added to the site, let me know.
JobNow! THROUGH August 31
NETLS libraries are invited to offer JobNow! To their users through August 31 as part of the TWDL.Org project. This product provides a variety of job hunt resources featuring LIVE, job coaching and LIVE, online interview coaching. Point your users to this portal and authenticate with the shared login (for the library card number).
Contact the NETLS office for the shared login AND for promotional materials – we have JobNow! Posters, bookmarks, brochures, etc. Just ask!
Career and Job Hunt Resources
The items listed below have been purchased as part of the TWDL.ORG project for workplace literacy. These items are designed for self-guided study. The first two items, provide a great basis for teaching job hunting skills. The Survival booklets provide English translations for common phrases with phonetic pronunciation guides for Spanish speakers.
Job Search Basics, 3rd ed.
Job Smarts Workbook, 2nd ed. [has example forms]
Envision Your Career [DVD] a video to measure career field interest
Complete Job Application [DVD]
Survival English for Spanish-Speaking Hotel Employees [booklet]
Survival English for Spanish-Speaking Restaurant Employees [booklet]
Everyday English Survival Guide for Latinos [booklet]
We have FREE copies of all of each of these resources for every library/literacy center/job resource center requesting these items. (We want to share these so don’t be shy!)
Computer training disks if you don’t need them, send them back (please). If you need more, let us know, we have some extra disks we can send. The disks can be circulated and/or used in the library or learning center.
I’d love to hear how your patrons view these products, praise or problems.
netls Tweet
What Happens When XP Expires? http://shar.es/m91g9 Time to go to service pack 3 or a new operating system!
FEEDBACK?
If your library users, library, Friends or Foundation has something to brag about, do it here! We always want to know about successes and struggles.
Let us know when there is something we’ve offered (consulting, continuing education, projects, or just information) that resulted in success or a story of personal accomplishment.
We love to have your stories when we talk to funders about budgets and your stories help us plan when we know what did or didn’t work.
“TechSoup.org is getting a makeover, and we’d love some feedback. If you’ve received donated products from us and have some time (30-45 min) and Internet access to participate in a remote session (from the comfort of your own home or library!), please get in touch with me. We’ll also give you a thank you gift for your time and ideas.”
Thanks for your help,
-sarah
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sarah Washburn
Library Program Manager, TechSoup Global
415-633-9428
Buddy Up
Several libraries in the region are exploring changing their library automation systems. If you are interested in partnering with another library, let us know – maybe we can do some match-making!
Big Book Sale
Don’t miss the Friends of the Plano Public Library Book Sale, July 15-17.
Seeking Large Print
Dot Linn and DeAnn Hicks are seeking large print books for the Bonham VA Hospital and Senior Outreach Program. If you have large print books (preferably paperback) new or old you can donate, call 903-583-6302 for more information.
Audio Cassette Cases
Chris Ely in Whitewright has a variety of audiobook cassette cases to give away. Contact Chris by email and she’ll see if she’s got something you need.
Coming soon on a computer near you:
Managing Your Library's Online Reputation Wondering what people are saying about your library on Twitter or other social media platforms? Join Meg to learn about tools you can use to track and engage your customers (and non-customers). Meg will introduce tools, tips, and tricks for monitoring the Twitter-verse and other sites to capture what people are saying – the good, bad, and ugly and how you can respond.
---------------
Successful Social Media Programs at Your Library So you have launched your library into the Twitter-verse! Now what? How do you attract followers? How can you use it to publicize events? Provide new services? Join Meg as she takes you on a tour of successful social media experiences. Meg’s tour will cover libraries and other organizations that have been effective at using Twitter to highlight events, achievements, and services.
Also available: Librarian Live Podcasts
Management and Training topics
July 7 Successful Social Media Programs at Your Library, TSLAC Webinar, FREE
July 13 Digital Rights, Internet, and Social Media TLA premium webinar (Fees: $45, $55 non-member)
July 14, Reader-Friendly Library Service TSLAC Webinar, FREE
July 14 Heritage Quest Online training webinar FREE
July 15-17 Friends of the Plano Public Library Book Sale (see attachments)
July 25-28 TLA Annual Assembly, Austin
July 30 Louisa May Alcott NEH/ALA program grants applications due (grants.gov must create organization account prior to submission date)
August 9 & 10 Annual Literacy Texas Conference , Austin.
August 15 Libri Foundation grant applications due. For grants of childrens books for small libraries.
August 20 Submit your career video for possible $1,000 prize
September 10 Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy up to $65,000 for literacy programs for adult primary caregivers and their children....
September 15 Ezra Jack Keats minigrant applications due
Below the line …
From the June 7 Meeting
Congratulations:
Advisory Council Election Results:
NETLS members elected two Advisory Council members to serve full 3-year terms, and one Alternate member to serve a 1-year term during the annual meeting on June 7, 2010 in Garland.
* Linda Garrett (Rockwall) and Linda Larey (Texarkana) will serve until August 2013.
*Anne Saucer (Dallas) will serve a one year term as Alternate Council Member until August 2011.
Congratulations:
We congratulate all of our NETLS 2010 Award Winners, here is the full list of awardees.
Thank you to the committee members for their support and participation: Yasma Holland (Kaufman), Donna Gillespie (Crandall), Susan Maxwell (Waxahachie), Kara Spitz (Longview), Terri Allison (Carrollton), and Advisory Council Liaisons, Linda Garrett and Lynne Kornegay.
Congratulations:
Literacy Mini-grants Awarded,
Bullard Community Library
Cooke County Library
Dallas Public Library
Longview Public Library
McKinney Public Library
Palestine Public Library
Richardson Public Library
Rockwall County Library
Tatum Public Library
Congratulations:
Seven NETLS libraries are up and running on Koha, the open source software. Visit the TRUCat catalog for holdings of libraries in WTLS and NETLS regions for a sample search or two.
Congratulations:
To the new libraries in Hughes Springs (now open) and Alba (coming soon).
If your library was not represented at this meeting, look for your meeting packet and SYNG computer training disks soon!
ON THEIR WAY
Computer training disks purchased for member libraries by the TWDL.org project were distributed to libraries in attendance at the June 7 meeting. Libraries not represented at the meeting will received their disks in the packets being sent to them.
The Typing Instructor disks have arrived and will be sent to all member libraries. These disks play on both PC and Mac and offer the ability to change settings to view instruction in Spanish.
More or Less .. If your library does not want to use these disks, please contact us and we will not send them to you or if you have already received them, please return them to the NETLS office. If your library needs more disks, contact us. We may have disks to redistribute or may purchase additional copies.
RAINS COUNTY WINS!
The Friends of the Rains County Public Library are one of 14 groups nationally recognized with ALTAFF's Best Friends Award 2009! Best Friends Awards are given to Friends groups for outstanding publicity and marketing materials that promote the group and its programs and projects.
Their marketing materials were recognized in two categories (more):
View the Summer Reading Club Animoto
See their winning book sale poster (.pdf)
Congratulations to the Friends, the staff and Rains County community.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS?
If your library users, library, Friends or Foundation has something to brag about, do it here! We always want to know about successes and struggles.
Let us know when there is something we’ve offered (consulting, continuing education, projects, or just information) that resulted in a success or story of personal accomplishment.
We love to have your stories when we talk to funders about budgets and your stories help us plan when we know what did or didn’t work.
Wild & Crazy?
If you’ve got some innovation up your sleeve that would challenge the status quo and be a model for others, start gathering the information needed to apply for a Sparks! Ignition Grant. Guidelines for the $25,000 grants will be available after August 15, applications due November 15.
Praxair Foundation Grants
See Chris Jowaisas’ reminder of the Praxair Foundation Grants. Here is a list of Texas communities where Praxair does business. Thanks, Chris!
RESUMEMAKER TRAINING MATERIALS
Theresa Holden of the Palestine Public Library invites you to view the Power Point training guide she uses in ResumeMaker classes. We shared McKinney Public Library System’s ResumeMaker training guide and brochure earlier this month.
If you have a training guide to share, send it on! If you aren’t a ResumeMaker program participant and you want to be, contact Connie.
More Free webinars.
Try Booklist webinars. Note the archived sessions offered as well as the featured upcoming session:
HOUSTON CLASS – SECURING CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS
This class (not free) is for nonprofit agencies. The Friday, June 18, course is $195, $100 scholarships are available.
Keeps up with library news around the state. (Note: Most programming will not be listed.)
And MORE TECH LEARNING
Explore TWDL.ORG to find high quality resources for dealing with unemployment, improving computer skills, and finding employment.
If you have other resources to be added to the site, let me know.
Job Postings
Recruitment continues to fill a new position for Electronic Services with the Rita and Truett Smith Public Library in Wylie.
SMU is seeking candidates to fill an opening at their Cox School of Business, Business Information Center.
Buddy Up
Several libraries in the region are exploring changing their library automation systems. If you are interested in partnering with another library, let us know – maybe we can do some match-making!
Contact
Tammy Crooks of Baker and Taylor for possible Summer Reading club give-aways.
Puppet Sharing Co-op?
Indicate interest in a possible Puppet Sharing Co-op here.
Audio Cassette Cases
Chris Ely in Whitewright has a variety of audiobook cassette cases to give away. Contact Chris by email and she’ll see if she’s got something you need.
Coming soon on a computer near you:
Getting Started with a Social Media Plan Learn about Twitter and Facebook and how they can fit into your library’s outreach, marketing, and programming efforts. Meg will introduce the tools, the plans, and the questions you should answer before launching social media at your library.
---------------
Managing Your Library's Online Reputation Wondering what people are saying about your library on Twitter or other social media platforms? Join Meg to learn about tools you can use to track and engage your customers (and non-customers). Meg will introduce tools, tips, and tricks for monitoring the Twitter-verse and other sites to capture what people are saying – the good, bad, and ugly and how you can respond.
---------------
Successful Social Media Programs at Your Library So you have launched your library into the Twitter-verse! Now what? How do you attract followers? How can you use it to publicize events? Provide new services? Join Meg as she takes you on a tour of successful social media experiences. Meg’s tour will cover libraries and other organizations that have been effective at using Twitter to highlight events, achievements, and services.
Sign up today! Visit:
http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/workshops/webinars/socialmedia3.html
Flip-in' Out @ the Library Learn how Flip Video has partnered with TechSoup to make its pocket-sized digital camcorders available to eligible libraries and nonprofit organizations. These simple camcorders can be used by people with any level of video experience to create, edit, and share movies. Learn how libraries use these camcorders to give their staff, volunteers, and constituents the ability to further their causes through digital storytelling.
Training Resources:
From TSLAC
June webinar calendar. Did you miss a webinar? Check here.
From WebJunction
Ongoing Gale guided tours
Ongoing E-Library training – see blog post here
Also available: Librarian Live Podcasts
June 17 Flip-in’ Out @ the Library, a TechSoup Webinar, FREE
June 23 Getting started with a Social Media Plan, TSLAC Webinar, FREE
June 24 AFP DFW Philanthropy Conference 2010. Arlington Convention Center
June 25 – 28 ALA Annual Conference, Washington
By June 30 Apply for Broookdale National Group Respite program grants of up to $10,000 over two years for weekly half day social programs for individuals with dementia/Alzheimer Disease
June 30 Managing Your Library’s Online Reputation, TSLAC Webinar, FREE
By July 1 Non-profit applications due for Best Buy’s @ 15 Community Grants
July 7 Successful Social Media Programs at Your Library, TSLAC Webinar, FREE
July 13 Digital Rights, Internet, and Social Media TLA premium webinar (Fees: $45, $55 non-member)
August 9 & 10 Annual Literacy Texas Conference , Austin. NETLS stipends available, contact Connie
August 15 Libri Foundation grant applications due. For grants of childrens books for small libraries.
Below the line …
.. Dough fun!
June 7
Membership Meeting
Your Assignment:
1. Register everyone attending (even if not having a meal)
2. Brag or just update everyone with a library report
3. Nominate a lay representative for the Advisory Council
4. Attend, enjoy, learn, and applaud award winners
Tocker Grant Review
Steve, Jerry and I are always happy to review Tocker Grant applications before you submit your requests. If you would like us to review an application, please give us 3-4 days to review and get back to you. We will respond as soon as we can.
SnapShot Day
View SnapShot Day photos as Flickr slideshows from NETLS libraries in Coppell, Mineola, and Winnsboro. For the entire group visit this link.
Let your community know
May 29 – 31 Texas sales tax holiday for the purchase of Energy Star® appliances. The list of eligible appliances and additional details are here.
For Students
Announcing the Pen 2 Paper project, a disability-focused, state-wide creative writing competition. This contest seeks to engage Texans of all ages to consider and reconsider their experiences with and ideas and stereotypes about disability. Students (junior high through university) are encouraged to submit entries.
mRenewals?
Thanks for your input on the mini-survey. Twenty-nine of the 33 libraries responding say renewal due dates are calculated based on date of renewal. All the responding libraries renew materials for the same length of time as the original loan.
Book Repair Service
A new book repair service is now offered by a local library support company, Library Integrated Solutions & Assoc. The $2.00 per item service includes replacing book jackets, repairs, labels, etc. (This is not a bindery service.) Contact the company by phone at 214-726-9290.
Neat Idea
This photo from flickr shows how one library can identify library owned laptops at a glance. Note they have identified an instructor laptop and use a different skin for the student/public computers. This photo shows the public “skin” with donor recognition and computer number.
Wild & Crazy?
If you’ve got some innovation up your sleeve that would challenge the status quo and be a model for others start gathering the information needed to apply for a Sparks! Ignition Grant. Guidelines for the $25,000 grants will be available after August 15, applications due November 15.
MORE RESUME MAKER TRAINInG MATERIALS
Theresa Holden of the Palestine Public Library invites you to view the Power Point training guide she uses in Resume Maker classes. We shared McKinney Public Library System’s Resume Maker training guide and brochure earlier this month.
If you have a training guide to share, send it on! If you aren’t a Resume Maker program participant and you want to be, contact Connie.
More Free webinars.
Try Booklist webinars. Note the archived sessions offered as well as the featured upcoming session: June 1 for Power to the User on Interactive Online Reference Sources and June 8 for Now Hear This: Audiobooks A to Z
HOUSTON CLASS – SECURING CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS
This class (not free) is for nonprofit agencies. The course is $195, $100 scholarships are available.
Texas Reading Club / Texas Teen Read
Materials are now available – don’t miss the Governor’s proclamation declaring June 5 Texas Reading Club Day and June 7 Texas Teens Read! Day.
Keeps up with library news around the state courtesy of TLA. (Note: Most programming will not be listed.)
And MORE TECH LEARNING
Explore TWDL.ORG to find high quality resources for dealing with unemployment, improving computer skills, and finding employment.
If you have other resources to be added to the site, let me know!
Did you know about InPictures?
InPictures is a site that offers step-by-step computer productivity training (MS Office and OpenOffice) along with some web and query tutorials. Visit InPictures to see if this training method works for you and your computer learners.
Job Posting
Rita and Truett Smith Public Library in Wylie is seeking an Electronic Services Librarian.
Buddy Up
Several libraries in the region are exploring changing their library automation systems. If you are interested in partnering with another library, let us know – maybe we can do some match-making!
Contact
Tammy Crooks of Baker and Taylor for possible Summer Reading club give-aways.
Puppet Sharing Co-op?
Indicate interest in a possible Puppet Sharing Co-op here.
Northeast Texas Digital Library Consortium
This project is a vendor plan, NOT ASSOCIATED WITH NETLS. The project is offered to libraries with population served under 100,000, not current Overdrive customers and in our service area. Some interested parties are interested in knowing who their partners would be if they participate – so let them know if your library is planning to participate by providing your contact information here.
Overdrive contact is Claudia Weissman.
NETLS Training Resources:
Non-NETLS webinars
From TSLAC
May webinar calendar. Did you miss a webinar? Check here.
From WebJunction
Ongoing Gale guided tours
Ongoing E-Library training – see blog post here
Also available: Archives of SirsiDynix Institutes
By May 28 Literacy Texas nominations for volunteer and learner of the year
By May 28 Literacy Texas Financial Fitness Festival grant applications due
By May 31 Toys for Tots Alferd Williams Literacy Awards nominations due
By May 31 Final reports on Picturing American artwork awards due
By June 1 Tocker Foundation grant applications due
By June 1 Members apply for YALSA’s Teen Read Week Grant
By June 1 Bridging Cultures NEH grant applications due
June 5 Texas Reading Club Day
June 7 NETLS Membership Meeting, Garland
June 7 Texas Teens Read! Day
June 9 Fair Use vs. Copyright TLA premium webinar (Fees: $45, $55 non-member)
June 25 – 28 ALA Annual Conference, Washington
By June 30 Apply for Broookdale National Group Respite program grants of up to $10,000 over two years for weekly half day social programs for individuals with dementia/Alzheimer Disease
By July 1 Non-profit applications due for Best Buy’s @ 15 Community Grants
July 13 Digital Rights, Internet, and Social Media TLA premium webinar (Fees: $45, $55 non-member)
August 9 & 10 Annual Literacy Texas Conference , Austin. NETLS stipends available, contact Connie
Below the line …
.. Miss the old photobooth and bad photos? Try this!
June 7 Membership Meeting
Registration is now underway …. More
We’re looking for library supporters to fill upcoming vacancies on the NETLS Advisory Council. More information about the Advisory Council election process is here.
Tocker Grant Review
Steve, Jerry and I are always happy to review Tocker Grant applications before you submit your requests. If you would like us to review an application, please give us 3-4 days to review and get back to you. We will respond as soon as we can.
Congratulations
NETLS libraries are among the recent Dollar General Summer Reading and Tocker Foundation grant recipients!
Let your community know
May 29 – 31 Texas sales tax holiday for the purchase of Energy Star® appliances. The list of eligible appliances and additional details are here.
For Students
Announcing the Pen 2 Paper project, a disability-focused, state-wide creative writing competition. This contest seeks to engage Texans of all ages to consider and reconsider their experiences with and ideas and stereotypes about disability. Students (junior high through university) are encouraged to submit entries.
mHow do you do renewals?
Please follow this link to a very brief questionnaire on library renewal practices.
Book Repair Service
A new book repair service is now offered by a local library support company, Library Integrated Solutions & Assoc. The $2.00 per item service includes replacing book jackets, repairs, labels, etc. (This is not a bindery service.) Contact the company by phone at 214-726-9290.
Neat Idea
This photo from flickr shows how one library can identify library owned laptops at a glance. Note they have identified an instructor laptop and use a different skin for the student/public computers. This photo shows the public “skin” with donor recognition and computer number.
RESUME MAKER TRAINInG MATERIALS
Many thanks to Mike Smith of the McKinney Public Library System for sharing their Resume Maker training guide and brochure (contact the office for the attachments; one is .doc and the other .pub) . Libraries are encouraged to adapt the documents for their local use. Should you find a typo or some other problem with the documents let Mike know. If you have a training guide to share, send it on! If you aren’t a Resume Maker program participant and you want to be, contact Connie.
Get on the Bus – FREE Online Reference Training
In the spirit of the 23 Things program, Wyoming State Library offers their recently completed series of online webinars, Get on the bus, Revving up your reference skills. The webinars are archived so you can access them at your convenience :-) but because they are archived you’ll not be eligible for the prizes offered ;-( nor will you be able to call in to ask questions.
Texas Reading Club / Texas Teen Read
Materials are now available – don’t miss the Governor’s proclamation declaring June 5 Texas Reading Club Day and June 7 Texas Teens Read! Day.
And MORE TECH LEARNING
Explore TWDL.ORG to find high quality resources for dealing with unemployment, improving computer skills, and finding employment.
If you have other resources to be added to the site, let me know!
Coming soon to your library …. Computer training on DVD and CD. These training programs do not install on the computer, they must be in the computer’s DVD or CD drive to play. Please make the programs available to your library users and let us know if they do/don’t help with your computer training needs.
Did you know about InPictures?
InPictures is a site that offers step-by-step computer productivity training (MS Office and OpenOffice) along with some web and query tutorials. Visit InPictures to see if this training method works for you and your computer learners.
Changes to TexShare Core Databases
eLibrary, will no longer be included in the TexShare Core Databases. The database will be available through the TexSelect program through which eLibrary and other databases are available for additional fees. TexSelect database trials are now underway, For the required login and password, call the TexShare offices at 512-463-7610 or email your request to: databases@tsl.state.tx.us
Buddy Up
Several libraries in the region are exploring changing their library automation systems. If you are interested in partnering with another library, let us know – maybe we can do some match-making!
NETLS Training Resources:
Non-NETLS webinars
From TSLAC
May webinar calendar. Did you miss a webinar? Check here.
From WebJunction
Ongoing Gale guided tours
Ongoing E-Library training – see blog post here
Also available: Archives of SirsiDynix Institutes
TODAY Dollar General Back to School Literacy grant applications due
TODAY Dollar General Youth Literacy grant applications due
TODAY Letters of intent to apply for Promise Neighborhood grants due (See preapplication webinars)
May 24 Serving diverse communities *FREE* TLA webinar (Strategic Initiative Series)
May 26 Customer care NETLS workshop Tyler More
May 27 Customer care NETLS workshop, Garland, South Branch More
By May 31 Final reports on Picturing American artwork awards due
By June 1 Tocker Foundation grant applications due
By June 1 Members apply for YALSA’s Teen Read Week Grant
By June 1 Bridging Cultures NEH grant applications due
June 5 Texas Reading Club Day
June 7 NETLS Membership Meeting, Garland
June 7 Texas Teens Read! Day
June 9 Fair Use vs. Copyright TLA premium webinar (Fees: $45, $55 non-member)
June 25 – 28 ALA Annual Conference, Washington
By June 30 Apply for Broookdale National Group Respite program grants of up to $10,000 over two years for weekly half day social programs for individuals with dementia/Alzheimer Disease
By July 1 Non-profit applications due for Best Buy’s @ 15 Community Grants
July 13 Digital Rights, Internet, and Social Media TLA premium webinar (Fees: $45, $55 non-member)
August 9 & 10 Annual Literacy Texas Conference , Austin. NETLS stipends available, contact Connie
Below the line … .. What’s that?
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