23ThingsKansas--Online Conferencing Experience.

N.B. This is a duplicate posting. I posted these comments on the 23ThingsKansas site earlier today.

I decided to sample a couple of the webinar options, and I got some great ideas (as well learning about some new concepts/technology tools like bee tags!) from the Infopeople archived webinar on revitalizing the library experience. For example, rethinking hospitality: how welcoming is our building? the entrance? How do we get people to think of it as a place for them, like the British museum with the slogan, "the free destination for the incurably curious?" I found the format for this webinar easy to use--it offered chat and Q&A options.

One of the nice facets of archived webinars is the ability to pause as well as to skip to slides to which one might want to return.

I nipped into the Kansas Tax webinar using Wimba and found it quite similar to the format of Infopeople. I have participated in a SirsiDynix webinar in the past, and I found it easy to interact. I contrast this with a recent training webinar experience I had. The firm used Netspoke for video conferencing, and while the information was good, there was some lag time between screens from the presenter. In addition, participants had to phone in as well as be logged in. That was awkward. i don't understand why they didn't opt for a platform that would allow participants to headsets. Moreover, one had to press a certain code in order to mute and unmute the phone for questions.

I think online conferencing is the future for committee meetings where members are separated by great physical distance. They also enable groups to archive those meetings for members who had schedule conflicts. This would allow absent members to catch up and follow up as needed.

Cat books for Feline Fans

Where do cats go at night? John Marie Elaine as she convinces her cat Malcolm (the one with the plumed hat on the cover) to let her accompany him. This book is sheer delight; Burningham's water colors set the tone for the story, and the characters are wonderful--especially the dogs. This is a great bedtime story for ages 3 and up.

If you like It's a Secret!, try There Are Cats in This Book by Viviane Schwarz. Three cats will entertain you and charm you with their conversation. It's a hilarious lift-the-flap book. Not to be missed by feline fans. Who can resist cats that talk to directly to you?!

Facebook Better

In the light of day, I guess it wasn't so much falling down the rabbit hole so much as stepping through the looking glass. It is different, but it has some truly satisfying facets. I've discovered that I share a common vision with a professional friend--not something a topic that we've ever had time for during meetings. I'm becoming aware of a variety of opportunities and causes that interest me, and I am delightfully surprised by the sources. I may still try Ning, if I can fine the time.

Face Time

This week's 23 Things Kansas assignment is online communities, and while I'd already made a modest foray into the realm of Facebook, I don't consider myself well versed on the subject. Little did I know how very little I know! I have friends, and I've joined a couple of causes. My wall is covered with messages from others. I feel as though I've fallen down the proverbial rabbit hole. At any moment I expect to encounter a hookah-smioking caterpillar sitting on a mushroom--what is the cyber version of that? Surely it's not Masheable?! As one who loves face time with others, I find the online community a bit surreal but that's just the newbie in me speaking.

I joined Facebook about three months ago, and it's been interesting to reconnect with people from the past. I found an old friend from high school who now lives in Germany. A friend from college found me, and her invitations to join causes tell me a lot about her life. A friend who is a graduate student sent me two great music videos. Those aspects of Facebook are wonderful--but how does one maintain balance?

Tomorrow is another day, and I'll try another new thing--maybe Ning?

The Book Awards Have Been Announced

This is a big day in the library and publishing world. We await these awards as many do the Academy Awards. I am particularly excited because several of the books I was rooting for are winners! These include

Caldecott Medal winner    

The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

Newbery Medal winner     

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

Newbery Medal honor       

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg  by Rodman Philbrick

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly

There are many other distinguished books and authors who won awards today. For a complete list of awards, go to www.ala.org/yma/

Good news!

I just received the monthly circulation statistics for the Olathe Public Library, and our checkouts for December were up 16.4% over 2008.

Our annual circulation was up almost 9%--
1,491,737 items checked out! 

Here's what's checking out:

Nurture Shock

I recently read NurtureShock: New Thinking about Children by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman. It provides important insights into parenting and education. I was particularly struck by the results of the tests they performed concerning the subtle use of language when praising children. There is a world of difference between telling a child that he or she is smart and encouraging a child by telling him or her that they did a good job. Children who were told they are smart were less likely to attempt something challenging because they might fail while children who had been encouraged would try irrespective of the possibility of failure. The implications for innovation and creativity in the future are clear. What happened to "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again." or "practice makes perfect."?

So many prairie librarians!

My first choice for a blog name and address seems not to be clever or fresh. There seem to be many who view themselves as prairie librarians. I hope it is all right to join their august company.

23 Things Kansas

Hooray for 23 Things Kansas! This course will help me stay in touch with the tech tools that are available for individuals on the Internet. I'm excited about "catching up" on tools I've heard of but have not yet used.