Okay so I've tossed around this idea for the last several years in verbal conversations, conference talks, etc. I'd love to see someone jump on it and give it a try.
Target audience is middle and high school teachers and students. The concept is to build an online web site for the teachers and students that highlights resources (electronic, print, web sites, etc.) based on topics the teacher submits electronically. Give the teacher their own library url (http://..... /mrsgreen). The teachers point the kids to the site as a place to gather resources for project work. Be sure to include links to online chat options to provide personalized services for the kids that do visit. The library gains a reputation as a place to go for answers.
Yea, this could be a lot of work from a content perspective, but with a good content management system and content staff, content could be re-used for multiple requests ... plus this is a true online service that matches the needs of the students and builds stronger relationships with our educators. The investment in content is sure to have payoff on the side.
We've been pulling teacher collections for educators for years... let's go virtual with it.
Kids in this age group are not huge library users, but they do rely on the library for homework. Let's find ways to build the library's reputation in the online community as a reliable source for homework.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
Goldilocks and the Kindle!
I just tore open my highly anticipated back ordered Kindles. Yes, we ordered 2 here at the library to play with. My instant thought is that the Kindle to the mobile librarian is like Goldilocks to Baby Bear... a perfect, comfortable, long awaited fit.
Libraries have been trying to figure out the perfect device for a long while. The first batches of PDA's were too small, laptops too large, tablets still too clunky... even the new iTouches from Apple are a bit too small especially when it comes to trying to type URLs, search terms, etc.
But the Kindle is just right... the text on the electronic paper is crisp, there is a small but easy to use "keyboard," and the device is oober-light weight.
Now, we just need to convince Amazon to open this puppy up for full wireless capabilities and the potential is huge. Currently, the device is really only for reading ebooks with limited online access.
Mine is only 10 minutes fresh out of the box, so back to playing. I just had to share my initial feedback.
Libraries have been trying to figure out the perfect device for a long while. The first batches of PDA's were too small, laptops too large, tablets still too clunky... even the new iTouches from Apple are a bit too small especially when it comes to trying to type URLs, search terms, etc.
But the Kindle is just right... the text on the electronic paper is crisp, there is a small but easy to use "keyboard," and the device is oober-light weight.
Now, we just need to convince Amazon to open this puppy up for full wireless capabilities and the potential is huge. Currently, the device is really only for reading ebooks with limited online access.
Mine is only 10 minutes fresh out of the box, so back to playing. I just had to share my initial feedback.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Finally...
... an industry conference with a focus on kids and technology. The Parents' Choice Foundation has paired with the Consumer's Electronic Association (CEA) to put together the Sandbox Summit. The conference will be part of the International Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas, January 7-10. The conference sets out "to examine the ways kids play in today's digital world..."
Wish I could be there, I'm hoping that the library community will be represented at the conference.
Wish I could be there, I'm hoping that the library community will be represented at the conference.
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