What's the Buzz? Keeping Up with Technology for Librarians

What’s the uzz? Keeping Up with Technology for Librarians Presenters: Josalyn Gervasio , Youth Services Librarian Guilderland Public Library [email_address] Michael Sweeney , Dept. Head, Information Technology Guilderland Public Library [email_address] 2008 NYLA Annual Conference & Trade Show Saratoga Springs, New York November 8, 2008

Where Do We Begin….

Let’s start by consulting someone who might be able to provide a way for Librarians to keep up with technology…

Wait… which way do I go? This looks like a place where my Second Life avatar would come in handy. Enter at your own risk!

Shall we consult our magical crystal ball? we command, that you show us all answers to keeping up with technology…. Oh and hurry it up!

Oh Magical Crystal Ball…

Question:Will librarians be able to keep up with technology?

So much information, so little time……

How are you keeping up?

Three Parts To This Presentation

Plugging into our profession

Wii can get Tech Savvy

Keeping up with the buzz

Q&A

“ Plugging into our profession”

Understanding technology kids/tweens are using…

YSSNYLA Wiki W5H What does W5H stand for? Who What Where When Why How

YSSNYLA Wiki Project Who: Josalyn Gervasio and Mike Sweeney collaborated on creating a wiki to implement into our presentation. What: A Wiki! According to Meredith Farkas, “A wiki allows a group of people to collaboratively develop a Web site with no knowledge of HTML or other markup languages.” “ Essentially, a wiki is a work in progress where anyone can add content, edit content, and create relationships between content through hyperlinks.” “ Wiki means “quick” in Hawaiian. It was developed for easy and fast collaborative development and editing of a web site.”

When: Add, edit content or catch up on professional information whenever you have time. No pressure!

Why: Perfect tool for this project!

It will allow us to communicate, collaborate, and build a community online.

The information can be shared, syndicated, reused or remixed.

Where: YSSNYLA Wiki current location & where it will be housed in the future…. http://www.guilpl.org/YSSNYLA YSSNYLA Wiki Project

This wiki can be viewed/used as a one-stop shop. Where you can keep up with technology/information, learn from other librarians, tips & tech tools and maybe showcase or showoff programs you’ve done.

How: If you’re familiar with wikis, just get started (login, etc.). If not, we’ve included a YSSNYLA Wiki Housekeeping section with a tipsheet for editing a wiki.

YSSNYLA Wiki Project Why continued:

Technological change is:

Inevitable

Constant

Disruptive

Creates many new opportunities but also can create a number of dead ends.

“ Leaping into Technology”

When it comes to keeping up or leaping into technology…

Survival Tactics

4 fundamental ways to be constantly Engaged with Technology…

FedEx Previous Slogan: “Don’t Panic” 1. Don’t Panic

2. Pay attention to the latest research

Pew Internet & American Life Project

Professional journals, articles

Online tools

Associations

2008 Kids & Family Reading Report

Targeted web sources

Collaborative resources

Create surveys

Things to do with little time or money…

2. Pay attention to the latest research continued… Survey says… Librarian Survey ( 4 responses) 75% said they’re comfortable with Web 2.0 tools 50% said they’re comfortable using these tools to market programs 50% said they rely on journals to keep up with trends for kids/tweens 50% said they do not feel overwhelmed by the amount of info. on technology 75% said kids ask Very Often for computer help (websites, games, etc.) 75% said they’re comfortable (not very comfortable) assisting kids with computer questions 75% said a wiki with info. on new technology tools/trends geared towards librarians working with kids/tweens, might help you keep up on the new information

2. Pay attention to the latest research continued… Survey says… Tween Survey – ages 8-12 ( 17 responses) 41.2% said they visit the library once a week Reason for using the library: highest %: Materials for personal interest and visiting friends lowest %: homework 25% said books are the major resources they use in the library, 14.1% said the Internet and 5% said Video games. 15 out 17 tweens said they’d like to attend contests at the library What do you like about the library: “I really like how I can just buy a soda, grab my favorite magazine, and chill out and read.”

3. Conversations with kids are INVALUABLE! If You’re Over 30… Here are a few things that you might not know:

Believe it or not making mixtapes is still popular… of course now creating them online.

Breaking virtual world rules is a cool thing to do!

Beware of anonymous gossip sites and applications!

Dance videos are all the range.

Miley’s YouTube channel.

SLJ: The Technology Issue 5/08

4. Keeping up with innovation

Time management techniques that work for you.

Changes with content providers (like YouTube) .

Evolution in social networking tools (like Twitter) .

Leap into technology, get your hands dirty.

Enlist tweens/teens to manage social media.

Don’t try too hard to be cool.

Know your audience.

Play!

The myth of “keeping up”

We have selective amnesia about what we'll ever get to, but mainly because most of us keep feeling like we have to keep up!

You can’t keep up with Everything!

There is no way. And trying to keep up with everything will probably result in this…

You can never be current on everything you think you should be.

Technology

Current events

Pop culture

Professional practices

Health/fitness/diet trends

And on and on and on...

“ Your place. Stories you want, information you need, connections you seek.”

Libraries that are “in the know”… Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library Darien Public Library “ This is my favorite place in town.” There’s a huge technology shift happening, whether it’s with online social tools or expectations. Libraries need to “ be in the know!”

The Great Good Place

“ We plan to redefine the role public libraries will play in their communities during the twenty-first century, with the construction of a new building that will open in January 2009, by changing services so they work for you, and, as a first step, this new online presence. We hope you believe the Library is the third important place in your life, after work and home. We want it to be the heart and intellectual center of our community, and the place where you can meet your friends, discuss your interests, and continue life-long learning and enjoyment. Our new website is all about community, conversations, connections and the library of the future. It’s yours, and it's for you! ”

Welcome to the Darien Public Library !

Comments & Reviews “ On this site, you can comment on almost everything. We want to hear from you! The Library's new website is a collaboration between the Library staff and you, the Library's members. You can review books, movies, and music and you can comment on most of the stories on the site. We mean it when we say that the Darien Library is for you. For you, by you, and about you. Join the conversation.” Darien Public Library

Darien Public Library other cool things…

Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library Making connections with RSS feeds & Meebo…

Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library Making connections using Google Maps to show Bookmobile Stops …

Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library About This Video: Librarians at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library organized and promoted the travel resources to help customers plan their trips more easily. Making connections using videos: Take a trip to the Travel neighborhood!

Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library Making connections with videos… Book Reviews/ Book Discussions (kid created)

“ Plugging into our profession” Understanding technology kids/tweens are using… The Library as a Place: Space, Service, Technology

The Library as a Place Space: envision a new library space “ Leave the structured book-deposit library of the industrial age and create a space with one strong ambition: to be inspiring . Changing all the time with exhibitions, displaying the newest offers, various learning opportunities, workshops for childrens own creatívity, cultural events, and contests -and as in the old library: peaceful corners….” New Strategies for Children's Libraries Director Mr. Jens Thorhauge , Danish National Library Authority

Accepting the nature of change:

living conditions, media & access, behavior, learning and technology.

Space: Envision an Inspiring new library space!

Providing techie items in your new space!

No Cookies in the Library!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJlkplvYdgA&feature=related

The Library as a Place Service: books and beyond!

Play

Create

Interact

Explore

The Library as a Place Technology: shift happens! Librarians – Your users are not just operating a machine anymore. They are connecting with people. In order to connect with your younger and wired users, you need to adapt this same mind-set.

Shift Happens….

“ We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.”

Albert Einstein

“ Wii can get Tech Savvy!” It’s not just for kids anymore: connecting by using the technology that kids/tweens are using…

Yes… Play can be professional development!

Introducing new technologies:

Keep in mind:

Think baby steps! The first stage in any learning journey is Exposure , not skill building! Get Use To Playing on the Job!

It is All Fun and Games! Fun and learning for all ages… 10 Ways to Connect to Kids/Tweens Using the Technology that They Use!

Communication!

Ask kids what technology they’re using.

Create a survey. Don’t forget an incentive!

Use social networking tools that they’re using.

Use active listening. This is an essential ingredient of true communication that demonstrates interest and respect for children.

Have an annual panels of kid/tween users interact with staff.

2. Get Your Game On!

Host a National Gaming Day @ Your Library! (On Nov. 15 th libraries across the country will participate in the largest, simultaneous national video game tournament ever held! Kids will be able to compete against players at other libraries and see their scores in real-time online while playing at their local library.)

Set up a mobile gaming unit: Bring gaming to community events, and you'll be able to attract more gamers for events inside the library.

http://www.videogamelibrarian.com/

Incorporate gaming programs for all ages ! Offer board games, lego competitions (My Lego Network), chess club, etc. Allow kids to bring wireless gaming devices to play multiplayer games.

Play together!

Ask kids/tweens what they want. Involving them will increase their ownership of the program.

3. Adopt a virtual pet for the Library

It’s a Webkinz World! Adopt a webkinz critter, webkinz wednesdays, webkinz passports, tournaments, etc.

Virtual pets continue to capture the imagination of kids and parents. They are an interesting example of old-fashioned doll play combined with modern electronic game. Virtual pets for kids get your children playing in virtual pet worlds, where play and pet care combine to offer a fun online experience!

Incorporate virtual pets into your social networking sites. Social Gaming Network (fluff)Friends - Create, share, and enjoy a world of fluffy fun!

Dragun Dragun was once the most ferocious of friends, with his fearsome roar and great flapping wings. However, his love of bon-bons eventually caught up to him and he developed a lazy disposition and quite a tummy. Nowadays he just plays chess and stages pranks on his friends.

“ The library is a community gathering point and this is a good way to bring kids together to bring their virtual pets out and play with them for real.” 3. Adopt a virtual pet for the Library continued…

Feature these sites on your computer stations/web site. Link of the Month!

3. Adopt a virtual pet for the Library continued…

Invite kids to bring their trading cards, play card games and link up virtually.

4. Enter their world… Virtually! “ Virtual worlds are INTERACTIVE spaces. We know this. The more you can offer up opportunities for your users to engage themselves in the world itself - the more they will become a citizen of the world, and the more citizens you have, the stronger the community, the stronger the community, the higher the success potential.” Blog Post by Izzy Neis on September 24, 2008 These worlds range from plush toy kid virtual pet sites, to educational virtual worlds, virtual websites for girls, and pure adventurous game fun. Researchers estimate that more than 50% of kids on the Internet will belong to such an environment by 2012, double that of the current population of virtual world members.

Whyville A virtual world where boys and girls from all over the real world come to chat, play, learn, and have fun together. You design your face, earn clams by playing games, hang out at the beach, and go to town events at the Greek Theater. You can start your own business, buy a car and give your friends a ride, or write for the town newspaper. For Libraries: JUST IMAGINE — THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS 4. Enter their world… Virtually! continued… Libraria population: 4035349

4. Enter their world… Virtually! continued… Whybrary Ideas:

Book discussions

Book jam about some of your favorite books

Video storyhour

Host programs or concerts

Browse stories in many formats

Look at or create exhibits

Attend live discussions

Meet children from all over the world

Homeschooling opportunities

What would a Whyvillian want from an in-world library?

What it would look like?

What kind of content and services it would offer?

Hands on customization, management, etc.

4. Enter their world… Virtually! continued… This MP3 player unlocks pages and pages of games, virtual shops and online chatting functions on the Web site. More Examples of Library Services in Virtual Worlds:

English as a Second Language

virtual reference

supporting web 2.0 technologies

film festivals

fashion shows

5. Mash things up! What’s a Mashup? It’s is web application that combines data from more than one source into a single integrated tool.

popular APIs

Flickr

Google Maps

YouTube

del.icio.us

Twitter

popular mashup editors

youMashTube

Yahoo! Pipes

Google Mashup

Create a Daily/Monthly/Themed Mashup The day/month/theme popular photos, links, and news Combines popular items from Flickr, del.icio.us, and RSS feeds. Upcoming programs/events Images Library news Links

Storytime Mashup Create a Storytime SofaTube using YouTube, Flickr, Twitter, MP3 files, and del.icio.us. Video Storytime Chat with others Book covers Music Links

Book Discussion Mashup Reading Maps Create notes Book covers Chat Links (author videos/information ) Combine items from Flickr, Twitter, del.icio.us, and YouTube.

Book Discussion Mashup continued… Combine items from Flickr, Flickervision, Twitter, and Twttervision.

Try this fun way to discover new books and new authors! Librarians/Kids/ Tweens can create their own version.

Customized Travel Mashup Create travel blogs, post photos & videos, review destinations, befriend other travelers, share with your friends. Combine items from Flickr, Google Maps, and YouTube. Example: Explore Your Shore Another Example: Local History Collections

6. Establish Advisory Groups TAG: You’re it! Do you have a kid/tween advisory board?

We are not cool!

Ask Kids/Tweens!

Brainstorm ideas for programs/purchases

Techie: Show and Tell

Take the risk

7.Don’t be afraid to implement web applications that they already use! Interactive sites, software, electronic learning toys, etc. Be aware of site installations (Flash or Shockwave plug-ins). Online social networking sites.

8. Be cautious about restricting sites on your computer stations!

Review your Internet Use Policy.

What sites are you filter/restricting?

If possible, don’t punish everyone!

Library Journal; 9/15/2008

Computer Demand Increases!

73% of libraries and 83% of rural libraries are their communities' only source of free access to computers/Internet.

9. Spend some dough on techie stuff for kids . What do we buy for the Digital Generation?

Subscription to Children’s Technology Review (Guide to Software, Electronic Toys, Video Games and Web Sites), consider game subscriptions or Computers in Libraries Buyer’s Guide

Budget for technology/software/electronic toys

Borrow a gadget

Number of computers/sufficient availability

Factors limiting library adding computers/other items ( Space , Cost, etc.)

Maximum Internet connection speed

Wireless availability

Some things to consider…

9. Spend some dough on techie stuff for kids . So…What do we buy for the Digital Generation?

Age/Size appropriate computer equipment

Consider laptops / LCD projector

Digital Camera

Wii

Playaways

MP3 Players/iPods

USB Keys

Video recorders

Updated Computer software

TV Series iCarly Spawns Techno Line!

Kidizoom Camera Think about Tech for Tinies… V-motion TV Learning System lets your 3-7 yr old have fun while learning math, spelling, reading, and science.

Even Mr. Potato Head has gone interactive !

10. Collaborate with kids/tweens!

Work together to create technology programs/services

Let them be presenters.

Tween Techie Training Reverse mentoring

Junior Friends

Create a Tech Buzz section

Tween Technology Petting Zoo! displays, demos, project stations for kids, information stations for adults, etc.

Keeping Up with the Buzz Five Steps and Some Resources

We have no control over the “forces of change” but we can control our strategy! Change Happens…..

Keeping Up with the Buzz Strategy A good keeping up with technology strategy boils down to five simple steps: 1. Determine your needs. 2. Assess the technology available to you. 3. Make or allow the time to use/play with the technology. 4. All Aboard 5. The Next Big Thing

1. Determine your needs

Type of technology

Time allocated & Resources

Technology department needs

Training in house

Attending classes/workshops/webinars, etc.

Taught by self or learn from colleagues

2. Assess the technology available to you

Does the technology fit your need?

Figure out which resources work for you!

Don’t overload or become too much of a social butterfly

Deleting accounts is okay

Maintenance, managability and usability

Rank the technology in order of usefulness to you

3. Make or allow the time to use/play with technology

YSSNYLA Wiki (We Need You!)

15 minutes a day

Think Day

Use a web-based aggregator

Subscribe to just 5 blogs

Listen to Library/Tech Podcasts

Tag “play items” in Del.icio.us

Create a learning blog

Play! Make a Learn and Play Commitment

4. All Aboard! Working with your IT department to implement technology solutions:

Communicate

Actively involved

Team Up

Respect

Flexible

5. The Next Big Thing! * Do you have a technology resolution for 2009? * What continuing education will you take advantage of in 2009? * What issues will need Youth Services Librarians’ attention? * What are you looking forward to? * Will something old be new again in 2009?

May the Force Be with You Next Year!

Some “Keeping Up” Resources

Television/Radio

Newspapers

Magazines

Internet

People

It’s impossible to list all the resources available to you, but the following ideas will give you a good start.

Remember to Take Control!

Keeping up with technology often becomes a central role in our lives and work.

Be open to new technology but resist pressure to do it all

Keeping up is possible with strategies that work.

Practice using these techniques and soon it will be as much a part of your life as your morning coffee!

This is your library! Right Now…

credits

photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/franklinparklibrary/2760905252/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/webchicken/428926111/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/spcummings/1973241547/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/kitpfish/2247904214/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/squidish/159629327/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/ghostboy/71619318/ http://www.splashcomics.de/images/portraits/charaktere/whoiswho_shazam_1.jpg http://www.flickr.com/photos/diggersf/677849569/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/brighton/2153602543/ http://blogofwishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/08/panic-button2.jpg http://www.flickr.com/photos/fyunkie/947903477/

http://www.librarian.net/talks/cmrls/mashups.jpg http://flickr.com/photos/felipearte/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/flattop341/1085739925/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/midiman/465631244/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/webchicken/71516827/

http://images.employmentcrossing.com/government/articleimages/childrens_librarian_xlarge.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kjarrett/2062590095/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/botheredbybees/245215850/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/willamettevalley/238689480/

http://calnewport.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/questionmark.jpg

Kids, technology and common sense http:// flickr .com/photos/galina135/523385661/

http:// davidleeking .com/ pdf /cla08. pdf (David Lee King ~ Go Go Gadget!?!: Technology, Trends, and Children’s Services)

http://www.lyrics007.com/Gloria%20Gaynor%20Lyrics/I%20Will%20Survive%20Lyrics.html

http://www.qctimes.com/articles/2008/01/06//news/local/doc4780657f12bbe459813528.txt

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/12/technology/personaltech/12basics.html?_r=1&em&ex=1213848000&en=7889d262f01f9187&ei=5087%0A&oref= slogin

research:

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What's the Buzz? Keeping Up with Technology for Librarians

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