E-readers

I have a Kindle and have checked out e-books prior to this assignment.  The Missoula Public Library has pre-printed directions for different brands of e-readers, and the reference desk staff are trained and willing to give one on one assistance if needed.  There are over 4100 fiction titles available for a Kindle.  The biggest problem is that there is only on license per title, so only one patron can check a book out at a time.  You can place holds and get on a waiting list for new/popular titles on the MontanaLibrary2Go website after you sign in with a library card from a participating library.  With a Kindle after you check out a book you go to Amazon.com to download the e-book, and it comes with a timer so that after the 14 day checkout period the e-book is removed from your e-reader and goes to the next patron waiting.  If no holds exist for the title you have an option to renew the e-book, I'm not sure if there is a limit to the number of renewals for a single title.  I like the e-book option, but sometimes 14 days is not long enough to finish a book if there are other things going on in your life.

Automation Systems

I chose SirsiDynix because Missoula schools are now on the Montana Shared Catalog and that is the automated system that they use.  I have used this system while substituting, so I am familiar with the circulation portion of the system.  The following description came from their website.  Out of the box, SirsiDynix Symphony offers powerful tools to support day-to-day operations, including circulation, cataloging, acquisitions, serials, academic reserves, outreach and media booking.  Last year SirsiDynix was the largest selling automation software provider.  They are promoting a new option that allows for collection management of e-materials that are circulated.  The Automation Marketplace article states that eight library systems have already purchased this program even though it is not yet available.  

As for recommending that a T/L look more into this software I would say yes.  It is a fully functional software automation package.  However, if your library is part of the Montana Shared Catalog you don't have a choice, but the nice thing is that the cost is split among all participating libraries based on collection size and number of patrons. 

Top 5 school library website inclusions

1.  Simplicity, I have seen too many websites go down in flames because they were too busy and hard to navigate.  I also include eliminating broken links in this category.

2.  Contact information-students and parents need to know how to contact you by multiple methods.

3.  Online catalog access, Missoula schools have this available so that it may be accesed on site or remotely.

4.  Policies, I like this because it is publicly posted and available for all to view before there are any issues.  Then, should an issue arise, it is right there all to review and follow as long as you follow the policies faithfully.

5.   Age appropriate information-elementary schools would not need a link to OWL at Purdue for help in creating citations.  Websites need to match their information to their intended audience, otherwise the sites will never get used.

HTML assignment

Unidentified Flying Object

Feedly RSS Option

I do not use RSS but Feedly seems like a good alternative to Google Reader.  The link at the bottom is for the full article.

Today Feedly officially turned on its own cloud sync, effectively cutting ties from Google Reader for good. The web app has also been redesigned to adapt to multiple browsers on different screen sizes without the need for a plugin.
Feedly had previously been using Google Reader’s backend to sync RSS feeds while allowing existing Reader users to import their feeds. Now that Google Reader’s days are coming to a close, Feedly has fully transitioned to its own proprietary sync technology on mobile and desktop. Google Reader users can still quickly import their feeds when signing up for a Feedly account.
The web interface for Feedly has been redesigned to operate on its own without the need for a browser plugin. You can login into Feedly from any web browser and view your feeds in a clean, app-like interface. The cross-platform nature of the service makes it a compelling option.

Read more at http://www.cultofandroid.com/30272/feedly-rss-service-updated-with-cloud-sync-and-new-web-app-making-it-top-google-reader-alternative/#tIW3LwkbTDouh3mE.99

Blogging History

I have created two other blogs for different classes, but am not an active blogger.  I have not held a permanent teaching job, so I do not have any success stories or failures.  The blogs I have created were designed as areas to turn in assignments.  The addition of a drop box allows you to place links, podcasts, movies, pictures, documents, etc.  Last time I checked the free box held 1 Gig of data.  Depending on your knowledge of HTML you can make the blog as complex or simple as you like.  I think a class blog might be a fun alternative to a class website because you can make quick posts more easily than changing a website.