Facebook

I now have a Facebook account and 1 friend (my brother)! I sent a note to my brother and he answered. I have been playing around. I added a lot of details and I added a photo. I also joined the American Library Assn. group. I found the Ask A Librarian group as well for Florida's digital reference. I am still playing and trying to get more friends. Great site and great tool.

Overdrive

I had some fun and some frustration playing with overdrive. I cannot download any application to my computer so the only think I could use through overdrive was the overdrive media console. I did get to use that though. I checked out 1984 and downloaded. After several tries got it done and listen to a portion of it. It took quite a while to download each section. I also placed a hold on a book and am waiting for the email on that. I did play a bit with bookmarks too. Quite a great product. I will continue downloading parts and listening to "1984".

Podcasts

I looked at each of the 3 podcast directories. They are great but it is not easy to search. I found several podcasts on library related issues. I also found some on banjo stuff. I subscribed to the Sirsidynix Institute's podcasts. They offer free classes by podcast on MANY library related topics. I have taken several and they are great!
http://www.sirsidynixinstitute.com/archive.php

YouTube and online videos

I have had fun playing with youtube. I am working on putting my syncronized lights display on. Haven't gotten that done yet. I do have some links to youtube videos on the sidebar to the right. The following are some fun videos I found. My all time commercial is the bottom one only be prepaired when you watch it, it is a 9/11 tribute.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwCn-D5xFdc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWb2zaSrU5A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbYAnhpU9o0

I think this a great site and I could browse for hours.

Web 2.0 awarded sites

I had fun playing today. I found several sites that were fun. One allows you to link or embed online free games. One allows you to Instant Message using several different IM providers. One that allows you to post and read one sentance stories. One that allows you to select types of drinks when you put in ingredients. I had the most fun with one that allows you to create your own toolbar to add to IE.

http://browardcountylibrary.ourtoolbar.com/ This is a toolbar I created including BCL sites. Don't click if you don't want to download.

Zoho Writer

I played a bit with Zoho Writer. It is a great resource. I will definately use it for shared documents. I also played with Zoho shows. There are limits. I will probably not use it frequently as there seems to be a size limit and limits to features. Eg. I wanted to add a page border and could not figure out to do that. I tried also to import some documents that I had created. If that would have worked that would have been great as this is a presentation that several people have input to. It did not as my file was too big to import.

Wikis part 2

I had fun with wikis. I added my blog and my two favorite songs in the world, Pachelbel's Cannon and Ashokan Fairwell. If you get a chance sometime listen to them. Great songs.

Wikis

I have been exploring several Wikis. Lots of great information. I looked specifically at LIS Wiki and at Library Success : a best practices wiki. I found more good information at the LIS wiki. I plan on playing a bit more with it. With the increased technology pilot project at DB I thought I might add some information as well. Exciting stuff. Library science lends itself well to wikis. Any area of library science could be served well with a wiki dedicated to it. Eg. a cataloging wiki, a circulation wiki, a reference wiki, etc.

Rollyo

I had a little trouble with this one. I tried to create a roll of Florida Doctor Searches and couldn't make it work. But I did get a banjo tab search to work and pasted it to my blog.

Here is my rollyo search for banjo tabs: http://rollyo.com/lmanners/banjo_tabs/

Library Thing

Too many books!!! If I put them all in I'll still be entering them next Thanksgiving... Great site.

http://www.librarything.com/catalog/lmanners

Images!

I had some fun with creating images. Here they are:

I may even need to make some posters of a couple of them.

Library 2.0

I have long thought the library should be the most 'cutting edge' of all institutions. How many times have I heard or read a quote something like, "Libraries are obsolete. No one checks out books any more." This is because that person has not been to a library in a long time. They don't know what libraries are about. We need to meet the needs of the community. In an age where everything about life in that community is changing at a rapid pace, the library needs to constantly change to not only keep up but keep ahead.

We should be using IMing on cell phones to get news out to the public about services and programs offered. We need to be using all the latest technology. We should be at the forefront of that cutting edge.

Music

I am a musician. My first degree was in Music Education. I play cello, guitar and banjo. This is a picture of my guitar.

del.icio.us

I have been learning about del.icio.us. It is quite a useful tool. I opened an account and started bookmarking. Just lost the harddrive on my computer at home and thus all of my bookmarks. Now if I use this tool, I will not have to worry about loosing them again!

Increased technology in libraries.

Have had fun at DB lately with an Increased technology pilot project. I will summarize.
I. Increase the amount of technology installed at Deerfield Beach Branch not currently – or widely available – to Broward County Library Customers.
A. Wireless internet access: Is currently being offered throughout the building. Not accessible in many staff areas which makes it difficult to use staff PDA’s in those zones. This is a service that is widely used by customers and staff alike. It is also an integral part of the total of this project as many new technologies offered rely on wireless access.
B. Portable Digital Assistant (PDA) devices for Branch supervisory staff: This technology has been invaluable to staff. It has given us immediate access to many kinds of data including staff and building schedules as well as important documents such as hurricane plan, etc. These devices are capable of wireless internet access. Staff have found CARLWeb to be slow on PDA (as it is on a wired computer). Staff can generally reach a computer to look up an item before CarlWeb will respond. However, internet access has been a great asset in other ways. All scheduling is sent by email through PDA and is thus instantly accessible to all supervisors. Internet access has been a tremendous asset in many other ways as well.
C. Vocera (portable radios): Not implemented as originally planned. Broward County OIT did not approve the Division using this technology for this service. As an alternative, DB Branch Manager purchased some walkie-talkies with DB Friends of the Library funds. This has addressed the actions of this portion of the plan. However, it is a noisier and less discreet way of communicating. These radios have helped in many situations. Extra staff are called out to assist at busier times. Supervisors can be called out when needed to assist. In case of an emergency, the call button is pressed and as many supervisors as can answer will ‘come running.’ This provides much easier and much more reliable means of communication for all staff. When a reference staff member is not at the desk, they may be called on to assist customers. This makes all reference staff instantly available to help in a roving reference capacity at any time of day. Friends of the Library also have a walkie-talkie and can call for assistance if needed.
D. Playstation video gaming with DDR technology: This technology has greatly increased teen programming. We are looking at expanding gaming programs offered.
E. Laptop computers: These computers are used in several ways quite successfully.
1. They are used in the meeting room for computer and technology classes. This has given us the ability to teach more students in one class as well as expand the number of classes offered.
2. Used for in house check out during the busier times of days. This project will be more successful as customers become more aware of it.
3. They are used for outreach. We will take these computers out to offer classes outside of the library. This program will continue to expand.
F. AV Projection system with ADA capabilities: This is a brand new addition and will be used a great deal.
G. Flat screen monitor for advertising library services and programs: We are able to advertise many services and programs which customers read while they stand in line to check out their items.
H. Circulating video games: Games have been purchased and are being processed at the ROC.
I. Fax services to the public: This is under study by the Adult Services Coordinator who will report back his findings.
II. Offer new and/or expanded services to customers resulting from new technology available at the branch

A. Wireless internet access
B. Playstation video gaming with DDR technology
C. Roving reference services: This portion of the project has helped us to offer excellent service to our customers in spite of having a very small reference staff. We are able to reach the customer where they are and when they need us and still accomplish other tasks we have to do. It has greatly increased our reference statistics.
D. Laptop computers
E. AV Projection system with ADA capabilities in meeting room
F. Circulating video games
G. Fax services to the public

III. Increase and improve computer and technology instructional opportunities for customers using the branch: The number of computer and technology classes offered has tripled. Among many other types of classes, we are now offering a class not yet offered at other BCL libraries, “Music using iTunes and iPods.” We also look forward to the opportunity to take these laptops out and offer outreach classes to schools and community groups.

IV. Increase in-house customer awareness of library services and programs: Flat screen monitor and computer advertise services and programs and are located at the circulation desk where customers can see while in line to check out their items.
V. Provide improved customer service by using new technology to more effectively locate and serve customers throughout the building

A. Roving Reference
B. Wireless Access
C. Laptops for in-house check out
Statistics have shown large increases in reference and technology instruction. We are more aware of the customer where they are at and more able to help meet their needs. This project has also helped us to offer greater service to the public while giving more time for a staff that is small in number to complete behind the scenes work. It has helped us to become much more efficient.

VI. Introduce and educate Deerfield Beach Branch staff in the use of additional technology services and equipment to better serve current customers and increase library usage by non-traditional customers: Staff has become educated in use of technologies and much more able to use them on a daily basis. As noted throughout this document, statistics have greatly increased in all areas.

VII. Improve communication and building security among Branch staff and volunteers: Portable radios have added a great deal in the area of communication and security. They have become an invaluable tool for staff, volunteers and Friends.

Through this project and some other factors, statistics in general have seen a huge increase. In past years average customer count was 12,000-13,000 per month. This year, we have seen average counts of 16,000-17,000 month. Reference and programming statistics have also seen great increases. There are many factors which have combined to make this happen, not the least of which is a great staff committed to Sunsational Customer Service. See full report and statistics attached for more information.

There were many ‘best’ aspects of this project and very few ‘worst’.
We have become very dependant on the two-way radios in all aspects of library work. They have become vital in our communication. They are particularly necessary for security purposes. They have become a tool in constant use.
We also have become very dependant on the PDA’s. The PDA’s have given us instant access to building calendar, documents, internet, contact lists, and many other items we need and use on a regular basis.
The roving reference project has become a new way of life. It really helps in a time when we are stretched for staff with a higher volume of business then we have ever seen. Staff can have off desk time and yet still be available instantly.
I would say the ‘worst’ aspect of this project is for all staff to get used to a new way of doing things. That is not necessarily a bad thing, just something that took more work.
Breaking old habits and forming new ones has been the most challenging part of this project. Staff at all levels have had to learn new ways to do things and that is always a challenge.
We have found that we could not reach high enough. There are many technologies that we discovered would be great in a library system. Many should be explored (e.g. web2.0, blogging, podcasts, videocasts and text messaging). I think there will always be more we could do. Maybe it is worth making a new position or section for this type of exploration of new technologies and the feasibility for their use in libraries.
Recommended for All Branches
Two-way radios should be purchased for all libraries. Each person capable of being Supervisor In Charge of the Building and each service desk should have one. In larger branches, probably the secretary, building security, and custodians should all have one as well. Radios are a second best choice. Vocera or a like technology would be much better. With two-way radios, everyone in the building knows what is being said. With Vocera, you can direct a comment to one person. You can also transfer phone calls to Vocera. If it is not possible to purchase Vocera or like technology, radios are a must for every branch.
All branches should be able to go mobile with PDA’s for supervisors. We have found it to be an invaluable help to be able to have information accessible where we are, at any given moment.
All branches should make use of the roving reference concept. This just makes sense in a time where we are downsizing staff. It also gives the opportunity to help the customer where they are. For example, if a customer wants a book on training puppies and the reference staff on desk is busy, a circ. staff will call for reference help for, “a customer who needs something on training puppies.” An available reference staff member will then respond over radio to say, “send the customer toward the 600’s and I’ll meet them there.” They can meet the customer and look up details on their PDA about what is available and even place holds on items in the stacks without ever going to the desk.
Not considered with this project but still a necessity is to have a staff accessible scanner at every library. With scanners installed on public access computers, it is hard for branch staff to gain access for branch needs. We are becoming more dependant on scanners to transmit information and have not provided easy access for a fairly inexpensive technology.
All branches should offer local area fax services to customers. We have not been able to institute this yet. It would be a service we could offer at no cost to the library.
Flat screen monitors for advertising programs and services are also a great thing for branches of all sizes. Branch staff would create the Powerpoint file and keep it up to date.
Recommended for Small Branches
Laptop computers would be a huge help with smaller branches that have a limited amount of public access computers. They provide a huge service to customers who may have to wait long periods of time for a computer reservation.
Laptops are a big help when offering classes. Branches that do not have computer labs but offer computer classes have to rely on public access computers for those classes. With a laptop lab, those classes can be moved out of the public area and off of public access computers.
Recommended for Larger Branches
Items listed under small branches apply here too.
Video gaming technology (e.g. DDR) is a wonderful way to get teens and people of all ages interested in what happens at the library.
Any building with a meeting room should have an AV projection system and sound system.
Larger branches should be taking classes on the road for outreach. This is where the laptop lab is a necessity. YS librarians can take a ‘library databases’ class to the schools for teachers as well as for the children. Laptop and portable projector should be used in talks to community groups about library services and programs.
Recommended for Regionals & Main
All the above goes as well for the regional and main libraries. Regionals have enough public access computers to meet the needs of the public. Laptops would be more useful for outreach rather than for in house use in these locations.
In my opinion, Main Library and the Regionals should be exploring technologies such as web 2.0, blogging, podcasts of programs and classes and using text messaging to reach new segments of the population.

The future?
We have seen a great increase in statistics over the last 6 months. This is in part due to the Increased Technology Pilot Project. Our patron count has increased by 4,000-6,000 per month. The library is a much busier place than it used to be. Because of this, staff have become busier and much more efficient. Technology has been a great help in this. While I understand that budget cuts may severely limit what can be done in the near future, I also realize (largely due to being involved in this pilot project) that technology can help do much more with less.
Many of these technologies should be instituted as soon as possible without further pilot projects. Staff need to be more mobile and more efficient and these technologies can help make that happen.
The next pilot project should involve a larger library who can really expand on what we have done. A lot more could be done as far as outreach using these technologies. Also much more could be done with gaming in the library.
In conjunction with the above listed, another pilot project should be undertaken to use some of the other technologies available. Web 2.0, blogging, texting are all ways to reach a portion of the population never reached by traditional library services. Podcasts and videocasts could be the ultimate way to offer library programming with less staff.

Trading Card

I learned how to create a librarian trading card. I also posted it to the librariantradingcard group. Here is the link.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7787186@N03/1818847910/in/pool-librariancards/

Photos of DB

The first librarian, Annie McDonald at the first
Deerfield Beach Library in 1960.

The new library at 837 E Hillsboro in 1969.

A more recent renovation that made the building look
the way it does today.

In 2010, the Deerfield Beach Library will be 50 years old!!!

Locating feeds

I explored Feedster. I found it a bit difficult to subscribe to certain feeds. Maybe they are not public? I did find several and subscribed to them. Quite interesting. I must keep exploring.

RSS feeds

http://www.bloglines.com/public/librarymanners

I just made my bloglines feeds public. That was not easy but it's done.

RSS feeds

I have created a Bloglines account and signed up for 11 blogs. Several of them are related to libraries. I searched through Bloglines to see what was available. I have to explore much more though. I also went in to feedster to search for feeds as well. It is quite interesting. As I said I must explore more.

Lifelong Learner

7 1/2 Habits of a Lifelong Learner.
I am pretty good at each of the 7 1/2 habits. Probably the easiest for me is to Use technology to my advantage or to accept responsibility for my learning. The hardest is # 7 1/2, play. It is too hard to find time and too hard to justify taking time to play. I am working on this.

Just starting

Just starting on this learning 2.0 venture. I am quite excited about the challenge.