SPLAT Archive
11 Dec 2014
JobScout for Job Seekers
We have all had those patrons who are looking for work but whose computer skills are not quite where they need them to be. Just filling out an application or uploading a resumé can be frustrating for some. It can also be frustrating for Librarians when people need help at what I call the the
04 Dec 2014
When technology fails
We’ve all been there. The computer that dies or becomes infected with spyware, printers no longer printing, power failures, equipment damage due to power surges, or the internet goes down. I’ve dealt with all of this the last few weeks at the library. The initial reaction is to panic which invariably makes the problem worse.
12 Nov 2014
Learn (and teach!) Code
Computer Science Education week is coming up and libraries across the country, including mine, are participating in Hour of Code. If you haven’t hear of it, Hour of Code is a world-wide learning event where people can learn basic computer code. Last year, over 15 million people participated and I was one of them. During
30 Oct 2014
Positions available on SPLAT!
The Special Projects Library Action Team (SPLAT), sponsored by the Idaho Commission for Libraries (ICfL), has several positions to fill at the end of 2014. ICfL is currently soliciting applications from individuals who are working in the Idaho library community to serve a three-year term on SPLAT. We need representatives from all types of libraries
22 Oct 2014
Public WiFi – More Dangerous Than You Think
You all know me… I’m concerned about personal security and privacy and staying safe online. I think it’s an important part of our lives and certainly an important part of information literacy in ANY library. And it’s challenging to balance how much you choose to share about yourself on social networking sites while remaining safe
15 Oct 2014
Culture eats strategy for breakfast!
Technology is a means to create meaningful conversations with people. Digital transformation comes down to people. http://www.altimetergroup.com/2014/09/the-2014-state-of-digital-transformation-infographic/
13 Oct 2014
PowToon: Superpowered Presentations!
With the concepts of “Show, Don’t Tell,” and “A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words,” firmly imprinted on my brain, I decided to make a presentation about this website, using this website, instead of talking about this website. But, before I do that I should mention three things: 1) This website is called PowToon, and
09 Oct 2014
A Good Book + A Fun Walk = Storywalk!
If you’re looking for a fun, creative way to get your Library out into the community, you might try a Storywalk. Developed by the Vermont Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition to promote outdoor activity for kids, a Storywalk is a combination of an engaging story, a scavenger hunt, and a walk around town. The basic design
04 Oct 2014
Trends, Futurists, and Much More!
Just finishing the second week of a San Jose State University MOOC, entitled “The Emerging Future: Technology Issues and Trends.” So many resources to share — here are a few just to get started: Organizations To Watch Institute for Ethics: Emerging Technologies (Links to an external site.) “A nonprofit think tank which promotes ideas about how
29 Sep 2014
The digital divide with Seniors
Many of my technology encounters at the library have been with Seniors. Sometimes the request for help is simple. Sometimes it is complex. In nearly all cases there is a level of frustration. Seniors require a different approach in teaching style. Kids, even when they don’t have access to technology at home, have a natural