reads4teens.org redone...

Well, it was a long time coming, but we re-launched reads4teens.org.

The site is nearly 10 years old, and it was time for a change. The new site is still based on user-generated reviews, but also adds more comment capabilities, blog posts from staff, user-generated lists, and more! Check it out!

Computers in Libraries 2009

I'm heading off to Washington DC in just a few minutes to attend Computers in Libraries 2009. I'll try and post some thoughts about some of the sessions over the next few days. I'm hoping to come back with some new ideas.

The Ergotrons - A Mobile Workstation Solution

In July of 2008, I broke my hand during a kayaking trip to Michigan. The bone had to be screwed back together, so I grudgingly scheduled myself for surgery. During the short time I was in the hospital, I quickly noticed how hospitals are using mobile technology to work more efficiently. Instead of taking me to a station to take blood pressure and vitals, that station was brought to me. Information was entered and transmitted over an internal wireless network. That got me thinking -- how might I use mobile technology to streamline our work processes and make the library more efficient?

Enter the Ergotrons! The Ergotrons are Ergotron Neo-Flex Mobile WorkSpace carts, with a Dell laptops and scanners attached to them:

The laptops are powered on their internal battery, and run for up to 5 hours. They connect to a secure internal wireless network, which allows staff access to their shared network files, as well as the automation system. They have a barcode scanner, which points downward so that items can be easily scanned.

Any number of uses have been found for this techology. In the past, staff would request large shelf lists to be printed off for the purpose of shelf reading. Of course, those lists were out of date the minute they were printed. Now, they can simply wheel an Ergotron out into the stacks and do the work there -- saving time and paper.

Mobile technology such as this can also be used for overflow circulation stations, program signup and registration, weeding the collection, presentations, etc.

We have been very happy with the Neo-Flex carts. They are easily height-adjustable, so that staff can adjust them for their height. They move easily on their wheels, which can also be locked in place. They have a handle on the back which makes them easy to push. They come with a built-in mouse tray and holder. This cart is really designed for hospital use, so there are many accessories which may be of use (chart holder?) in some environments. The cost for the cart is around $700, laptop and scanner prices vary widely.

Ergotron now offers a Neo-Flex cart specifically for laptop use, which is about $20 cheaper than the Neo-Flex Mobile Workspace, and includes a locking bar to hold the laptop to the cart. The Mobile Workspace cart can be used with a standard CPU, and has a monitor arm for an LCD monitor, so if versatility is the goal, the Mobile Workspace cart is propably the better choice.

January 2009 Computers in Libraries

I see the January 2009 Computers in Libraries is out! My article, Using Text Messages to Communicate With Patrons, appears in this issue, page 11. The article reviews three text-message services I have put into place -- notices, send-to-phone, and program reminders.

We have not received our copy yet. I am looking forward to getting our copy, and am curious to see what discussion may evolve from my article.

Flash and library websites

Many libraries are looking for quick and easy ways to jazz up their websites. One way to do that is by incorporating flash technology onto the site. Unfortunately, Flash has gotten a reputation for being difficult to integrate. Fear not, there are easy ways to incorporate flash into your website.

One of the easiest ways is to use a flash slideshow to rotate through jpeg images. These can be photos of your library, program information, or any other kind of promotion you wish to run.

One of the easiest flash slideshows I have found is JW Image Rotator (http://www.longtailvideo.com/players/jw-image-rotator/). It's free, and easily configurable.

The JW Image Rotator enables you to display photos in sequence with fluid transitions. It supports rotation of an RSS, XSPF or ASX playlists with JPG, GIF and PNG images, a wide range of flashvars (variables) for tweaking both behavior and appearance and an extensive javascript API.

First, download the software.

Put the src file in whichever directory you choose on your website, then reference it in the webpage which will hold the slideshow:

<script type="text/javascript" src="swfobject.js"></script>

Next, enter the appropriate code into the page to load the player and display:

<p id="player2"><a href="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer">Get the Flash Player</a> to see this player.</p>
<script type="text/javascript">
 var s2 = new SWFObject("imagerotator.swf","rotator","400","300","7");
 s2.addVariable("file","images.xml");
 s2.addVariable("transition","fade");
 s2.addVariable("shownavigation","false");
 s2.addVariable("overstretch","true");
 s2.addVariable("width","400");
 s2.addVariable("height","300");
 s2.addVariable("rotatetime","7");
 s2.write("player2");
</script>

Edit the file variable to set the path to your file (in this case, called images.xml), and make sure the height and width are correct.
The images file is simply an xml style file formatted playlist as such:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<playlist version="1" xmlns="http://xspf.org/ns/0/">
 
<trackList>

<track>
 <location>/images/picture1.jpg</location>
</track>

<track>
 <location>/images/picture2.jpg</location>
</track>

</trackList>
 
</playlist>

You now have a flash slideshow for your homepage!

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays to any (and all) readers of this blog.

I'll be back after Christmas with some interesting posts. I hope to blog more about our streaming video (GerbilCam), text messaging (my article on Text messaging will be in the January, 2009 Computers in Libraries), and mobile workstations.

Libraries on NBC Nighty News

NBC had a nice segment about public libraries on their nightly newscast last night:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#28165432

In brief, use is up -- way up. This includes circulation, computer use, etc.

We've certainly seen an increase in use, in particular our Technology centers. Lots of job seekers, and people who perhaps are cutting back and can't afford internet at home anymore.