Information R/evolution

Thanks to Engaged Learning for pointing me to this video. It's about a year old but still so relevant to why Social Learning is so important. The video's description states:

"This video explores the changes in the way we find, store, create, critique, and share information. This video was created as a conversation starter, and works especially well when brainstorming with people about the near future and the skills needed in order to harness, evaluate, and create information effectively."

Quarryville Youth Services Blog

A big thumbs up to Nikki Hartman, Youth Services Coordinator at the Quarryville Library for starting the QVL Youth Services Blog. I'm subscribed, are you?!

Thriller - National Library of Australia Style

Thanks to American Libraries Direct for sharing a link to this YouTube video from the Staff at the National Library of Australia in Canberra. They really get creative when it comes to the annual Christmas staff party. Who says libraries don't throw good parties?!



And check out what they did LAST year? I wonder if they need a trainer? (just kidding...)

Nonprofits in Second Life Video

This link was in my Techsoup weekly email - By the Cup It really makes me wish my computer had a video card that could handle Second Life. Unfortunately, my virtual body breaks in half when I try to move around in the virtual world. I feel like I am missing a lot of great opportunities! Anyway, this is a great video of how Nonprofits are using Second Life successfully despite a lot of misunderstanding. From this link:

I am Not Unique

Unlike Beth who IS unique, I am not:

HowManyOfMe.com

There are 159 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

Thanks Beth for another fun online toy...

How I Learn Online

Marianne did a wonderful post that describes beautifully how I continue my education for my job online, daily. Her ten steps are exactly what I have done over the 5 years in my position to help me. I will continue to do this and hope you will take some of her advice! Go over and read her ten steps - NOW. PS, I also do this in other areas like my hobbies, parenting and my faith. I love to learn and doing so in this manner is efficient, powerful and breeds success in many areas.

Let Me Google That For You

Thanks to the BaldGeek for pointing me to the Let Me Google That For You site. Now, for those people who don't bother to Google something before asking another person, just type in the google search for them at this site and share the link with them. Here's an example of the results.

Libraries Offer Free Relief from Tough Times

Seems libraries are getting a lot of attention these days in our hurting economy. Too bad we're experiencing some deep cuts at the state and local levels this year in our area. The whole country is really feeling the pain. Here is NBC Nightly News reporting on the value of libraries in tough economic times:

How to Help Someone Use a Computer

Librarians are computer trainers by default because of the Public Computers present in most libraries today. However, did they receive computer training classes during their library studies? Thanks to Brenda Hough who posted this great article written by Phil Agre titled "How to help someone use a computer". These are great tips and ones any computer trainer should become familiar with.

I also COMPLETELY agree wtih Brenda's additional tip. She states:
"The tip I would add to the list (and I think it fits with Agre’s, “Never do something for someone that they are capable of doing for themselves”) is try not to take control of someone’s mouse unless absolutely necessary and only then after asking permission."
I can't stand to see someone just grab a mouse out of a user's hand; what an insult!!