Happy New Year!

In the spirit of renewal, here is a website for you to check out if you are one of millions making some resolutions for 2009: http://www.43things.com/. Why 43 things, and not 50? Check out the FAQs for that answer. By creating an account (currently free, may not be in the future, but don't let that stop you) you can post your goals, chart your progress, peek at the lists of others, and celebrate your success! Any resolutions you want to share? Post in the comments.

Any special plans for New Year's Eve? Post in the comments.

See you next year!

Sparks Fly

Strawberry Neiman Marcus Cake

Neiman Marcus Cake

Bottom Layer:
1 Box Strawberry cake mix (original recipe calls for yellow cake mix - change as desired)
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 stick melted butter
Mix and spread in greased 9x13 cake pan.

Top Layer:
8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
2 eggs
1 tps vanilla
3 1/2 cups powder sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)

Mix the cream cheese and eggs. Add vanilla and mix. Add sugar one cup at a time, mixing between. Add pecans and coconut. Mix well. Pour and spread over bottom layer.

Bake @ 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.

And a Good Time was had by all!

SW was the place to be on Friday evening. We had a great turnout for the library holiday dinner. The food was great, and the company better!

Thanks to everyone who participated, and to Bridget and Jessica who requested that we put recipes on the blog to share. You can put your recipes in the comments or create a new post! I know there are some great cooks in the library and look forward to adding to my recipe collection!

I will start by posting my recipe for Broccoli-Grape salad.
The original recipe calls for
1 broccoli crown, trimmed
1 C red seedless grapes
1/2 C sunflower seed kernals
1 med red onion, finely diced
1/4-1/2 C bacon bits ( pkg of the Oscar Mayer bacon bits works well )

Dressing:
1 C mayo or salad dressing (I didn't use this much. Maybe 1/2-3/4 C)
1/4 C red wine vinegar
1/4 C sugar (I only use a couple of tablespoons; the grapes add sweetness)

I have modified it by at least doubling the broccoli and grapes. You can adjust according to what you like! I don't use an entire cup of mayo for the dressing, or the salad would be swimming in it. I start with 1/2 C and if I don't think that is enough, add by the tablespoon until I think it will work, remembering to add vinegar as well. The dressing will be a light pink.

Stir it all together. Make this the night before so the flavors can meld.

What's Your Dewey?

Go to http://spacefem.com/quizzes/dewey/ to discover your personal Dewey classification.

Here is mine:
Melody Boren's Dewey Decimal Section:

002 The book

Class:000 Computer Science, Information & General Works

Contains:Encyclopedias, magazines, journals and books with quotations. What it says about you:You are very informative and up to date. You're working on living in the here and now, not the past. You go through a lot of changes. When you make a decision you can be very sure of yourself, maybe even stubborn, but your friends appreciate your honesty and resolve.
Me, stubborn?
Have fun!
Melody

Hardest Working Man in the Library

Here is one of APL's busiest employees taking a well-deserved break. More pictures are coming soon!

What to Give/What to Get from Bookreporter.com

Got a bibliophile or two on your Christmas list this year? Are patrons asking you to provide some titles of good books to buy for the people on their lists? Bookreporter.com has compiled a few suggestions that might be helpful:

http://www.bookreporter.com/features/wgwg2008/index.asp

Libraries Rule!

Ever get discouraged by people who "never" go to the library? This essay in L.A. Youth will give you a little encouragement. The 18-year-old author went from hating libraries to loving them.
http://layouth.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Issue&action=IssueArticle&aid=2391&nid=82

Writing on the Walls of the Nation's Library

Take a look at this NPR story about quotations inscribed on the walls of the Library of Congress. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=96049292

This will make it all better

Having a rough day? Need to de-stress for a moment? Check out the puppycam at http://cdn1.ustream.tv/swf/4/viewer.45.swf?cid=317016. A California couple has 6 Shiba Inu pups and have garnered over 66,000 hours of viewing with their webcam broadcast. Sometimes they are off the air, but keep checking as they sleep, play, eat, or bond with their people.

Shiba Inus are a Japanese breed and some sources say they are a smaller version of the Akita. They were bred for hunting and tracking. Known for their intelligence, Shiba Inus are good family dogs, but need to be socialized properly. They usually weigh 16-23 pounds. Colors can vary from blond to black. These pups are a reddish blond--they look like little foxes to me!

This is serious cute, people.

I was reading an article about rudeness on Oprah.com; she mentions a couple of books about civility. I thought this paragraph really defines our work, too.

In "Choosing Civility," Dr. Forni uses a quote from motivational speaker Peggy Tabor Millin to illustrate the idea of "respectful persons." She said, "We never touch people so lightly that we do not leave a trace."

End of time

Daylight Savings Time ends this weekend - set your clocks back one hour or you'll be really early to work on Monday.

Tony Hillerman

Author Tony Hillerman passed away yesterday. Details are available here.

UK's favorite book

In honor of the fabulous Amarillo Reads/Common Reader festivities (Thanks to Stacy and Cynthia here at APL, and Courtney and Charlotte at AC)I would like to share what I found when I ran across the UK big read courtesy of bbc.co.uk. Here is the link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/bigread/

You can follow another link to see the top 21 books that readers across the pond chose. I was surprised to find so many American authors, but I was even more surprised that I have read 13 of the 21.

How many have you read?

Cheers,
Melody

Tech Tips and Shortcuts

Dozens of shortcuts lurk within your computer keyboard. No one mentions them because they are "common knowledge." Doesn't everyone know that you can use Alt + Tab to switch from one open application to another?

This blog article by David Pogue and its 1000+ comments reveal many of these shortcuts along with other useful technology tips. I even learned a thing or two about using my cell phone.


http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/02/tech-tips-for-the-basic-computer-user/?em


Ivon

Your Inner Superhero

Check out the HeroMachine at ugo.com. Create your own Rock Star, Real Life Superhero, Classic, or Pin Up superhero. http://www.ugo.com/channels/comics/heroMachine2/

Melody

Take a look at this!

If you find a few minutes, take a look at this site: http://www.go2web20.net/ which is a compilation of web 2.0 tools. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of sites to explore. by resting over a logo, you can see what sort of service that site offers, and by clicking, you will get a more in-depth description.

There are some traditional sharing sites, but there are some sevices that make me wonder if people will really use them, like cliqck.com, where you post what you have just purchased. Others make more sense, like lifetick.com, a goal setting application that lets you track your progress while reaching a goal, be it work, education, losing weight, training for a marathon. And then I discovered the mystarbucksidea.com site, that allows the public to give ideas to the coffee giant. Hmm. This could be useful!

Take a look around to see what you find and share in the comments section.

Have fun!
Melody

Time Flies

Over one month without a new posting? Come on, people! Ok, shame on me too. I thought I might delight you with pictures of our new sidewalk and ramps here at Central. Enjoy!

When it started, there was jack hammering and other noise going on. then we saw concrete being poured and were happy. Progress! Now we have new ramps and what I guess will be flowerbeds? here at Central.

Communication Between Techies and Non-Techies (Most of Us!)

Hi Everyone,


Here's a webinar we can all use. It's free and lasts 30 minutes. If you missed this one, scheduled today at 1:00 p.m., don't despair! http://www.webjunction.org/ archives their webinars.


Watch for it to appear soon at http://webjunction.org/events/webinars. While you're on the website, check out the upcoming events on their homepage. You may see another webinar that is just what you've been looking for. The only equipment you will need, in addition to a computer, is a pair of headphones.


Judith

Staff dinner

Mark your calendars now! All library staff members are invited to Lin's Grand Buffet at 8440 W Interstate 40 at 6:30 on Friday, August 22.

At the dinner we need to discuss our next get-together. Are you ready for a change?

Internet Stars?

Hi Everyone,

While it's still in the very early stages, we are talking about creating an online video feature recommending library materials and services with NewsChannel 10. Basically, this would mean--once in a while--doing your monthly staff pick on camera, probably no more than 30 seconds.

So...I'm trying to find out now exactly how shy librarians are. Please let me know if this is something you would be willing to do now and then.

Thanks!
Stacy

The work begins. . . .

Exciting times here at Central! Something is happening! People, I present Demolition! Our intrepid fellow City workers have started work on our sidewalk!

Desperately Seeking Assistance

Seriously Folks...PLEASE check your schedules and your hearts to see if you can volunteer at KidsFest this Saturday. So far I've only heard from three people and will need considerably more volunteers to make this work.

KidsFest is a huge event--attended last year by more than 4000 kids--so I would like to have at least 3-4 people there (besides myself) all the time. We start at 8 a.m. this Saturday, August 9 in Thompson Park and the event lasts until 1 PM. I'll also need some help with take down when the event is over.

I wouldn't even think of trying to match Amanda's cookies, but I will definitely provide donuts and pizza to everyone who volunteers.

Please let me know if you would like to help. Donna has approved comp time for anyone who works KidsFest as long as it doesn't interfere with your regular schedule.

Yours anxiously,
Stacy

Printer notification

Rob found this solution to the annoying window that has started popping up when a network printer is used. Go here:
http://www.sleeter.com/kbase/kbarticles/1094839345

The instructions are very easy.

Bridget

Cuil etc

In a followup to yesterday's report about new search engine Cuil, Time magazine mentioned other, cleverer search engines. Ask.com was familiar*, but SearchMe.com was a new one. The Time article says it shows visual images of the search results, in a flippable format "which you can flip like the album covers on iTunes". (Now where have I heard iTunes mentioned before....)

Anyway, I don't know how handy SearchMe will be, but it does have possible uses in finding web pages you have been to before but can't remember the URL to. Just browse through the photos until you find one that looks familiar!

Bridget/SWRef

*I miss Jeeves

KidsFest!

Hi Everyone,
The library will be participating in KidsFest, a project of America's Promise, on Saturday, August 9 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.. We will be accepting applications for library cards and letting kids make their own bookmarks.

This is a huge event--attended last year by more than 4000 kids!

Please let me know if you would like to volunteer to help. Donna has approved comp time for anyone who works KidsFest as long as it doesn't interfere with your regular schedule.
Thanks!
Stacy

Winter Reading Festival Ideas?

Hello Everyone!

Winter may be months away, but planning for the Winter Reading Festival is now commencing, and I am looking for ideas for themes, slogans, events. If you have an idea you think would work, please let me know, either by responding to this posting, or directly at 378-6019 or my e-mail address Cynthia.Hunt@amarillolibrary.org

Thanks for any creative fodder you can muster!

Cynthia

Telephone Number Correction

Oops! My office telephone number is now ext. 4226. Mary Redmond's number is 4245.

Thanks,
Judith

Tuition Assistance

Good Morning to Everyone,

As you may already know, the City recently revised its Tuition Assistance program. This is an excellent time to think about your short-term and long-term career goals. What do you want to become? What kind of work do you enjoy most or find most gratifying and fulfilling? Are you acquiring the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will help you achieve your desires? If not, what courses, training, and experiences are needed to get you on the path to accomplishment? If your answer to any of these questions involves a serious commitment to a library career, the Tuition Assistance program can help.

Here are some of the main points in the program: Donna evaluates all requests for tuition assistance from library employees. This evaluation includes job performance and the employee's potential for promotion or the ability to use the coursework in a current position. Tuition and fees are covered, but textbooks are not included. The employee may be responsible for part of the tuition if the City does not approve the entire amount.

Copies of the program, officially named "Tuition Assistance Procedure," are available to anyone who is interested. Just call me at ext. 4245 or e-mail judith.sample@amarillolibrary.org.

Please feel free to call and discuss Tuition Assistance with Donna at ext. 3050. Your career development is important!

Judith

Which Harry Potter character are you?

As many of you know, the Myers-Briggs assessment test was developed to serve as a tool to determine personality types and is often used in the workforce to assist with team building. Someone has adapted the test methodology and connected the 16 personality types associated with Myers-Briggs to characters in the Harry Potter universe. Are you a Severus Snape or a Hermione Granger? Take the test and find out! Albus Dumbledore was the character my personality type most closely mirrored. Tell us in the comments field who yours is!

http://piratemonkeysinc.com/quiz.php

Got Stuff?

Hello Everyone!

As you know, I am now doing Adult Programming (and anything else Donna wants) for APL.

Prinicipally, this includes overseeing and implementing events, programs and displays/exhibits library-wide, to promote better cohesiveness (less overlap) in what we're offering our patrons.

From time to time, I may be coming to you to ask for assistance in locating possible program presenters, display items, etc, so we don't waste time tracking down presenters (possibly ending up with someone who might not be as good as the person you know), and or Friends funds (by buying things we could have borrowed for a display).

Right now, I'm looking for mountain/rock climbing equipment/apparrel for a display on mountaineering. If you, or anyone in your circle of acquaintance (friends, family, etc) has any such items and might be willing to lend them to the library, please let me know. In all likelihood, we won't need the items until September or October, but once we have them we'll probably need to keep them for a month or two. All items will be kept in a locked display case.

As of this past Monday, I am in a new location, in the Administration Office at Central, and my new phone number is 378-6019. You can also e-mail me at Cynthia.Hunt@amarillolibrary.org

Thanks for helping make APL look its best!

Cynthia

Free Software Cheat Sheets Printing Problem

Greetings!


Melody successfully printed the Excel 2003 sheet on the newer printer in Central's administrative office, and Rob got good copies from the printer at the Central Reference desk. We don't know why the older printer failed to print all the letters; but if you have any difficulty, please let us know. We will be glad to send copies.

Judith

Free Software Cheat Sheets

Hello to All,

The latest message from "Librarian in Black," one of the links on our blogsite, profiles a site offering free software cheat sheets www.customguide.com. Sheets for several different versions are offered, including some dating back to 1997-1998. I looked at the sheet for Excel 2003 which has an impressive number of tips and shortcuts. Posting copies of the appropriate sheets at the reference desks and staff terminals could be helpful to everyone who services the public access computers.

Now for the challenge! I copied the Excel 2003 sheets twice, once from the customguide site and once from the "Librarian in Black," link. Many letters did not print. For example, "Open a workbook," printed as "Open a orkbook." This happened to black-and-white text and some letters printed in color. If anyone has a solution to the print problem, please let us know. We will work on it here as well.

Happy July 4th,
Judith

What I learned on my visit to Hastings

Hi Everyone,
This morning I was at the Hastings on Georgia and ran into a Hastings employee (Pilar) I had met through an Amarillo Reads event. Since I was purchasing something for the library, she asked if I had my institutional account card which would give me a 25% discount. As I was filling out the paperwork she said, "You can use this for your own purchases as well. As long as no one abuses it, we don't mind."
Of course I needed to know more...
It turns out that libraries and librarians are included in Hastings' Community Partner Discounts and anyone who works at the library can sign up for a discount card which provides up to 25% off publisher's list price on books, 15% off list price of CDs and 10% off tag price of DVDs.
(An example of abuse would be buying things with your discount and then reselling them.)
If you want to sign up for a discount card, you should do so at the Hastings on Georgia. Go to the book desk and ask for Pilar or Patrick. They both work Mondays and Pilar is usually there until 6 except on Thursdays and Sundays. You will need your drivers license and a letter on library letterhead stating that you do indeed work for the Amarillo Public Library. Donna has graciously agreed to provide such a letter to library employees. So...let me know if you want one and we will get it to you.
Have fun!
Stacy

Do You LibraryThing?

Have you discovered this? It is either one of the best things on the Internet, or a disturbingly addictive creation to distract readers all over the world so the non-readers can take over while we are not looking. It is an online service that you can use to record, catalog, and track your books. Free for libraries of up to 200 books, $10/year, or $25/lifetime membership.

LibraryThing is the brainchild of Tim Spalding who is an active participant. There is more information about him here: http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6535083.html

But be prepared. Your family, pets, friends may miss you if you find LT as habit-forming as some. There is a discussion component that for me personally, is the real reason to sign up. I find new books to read, join in trashing a movie made of a beloved book, wonder why someone would hate a book I love, and so on. You can see how your life as you know it could be in danger from this online community. LT has a group for everyone, and there is always a thread worth reading.

Curious? Go to www.librarything.com and see for yourself. Enjoy, and don't forget to feed the animals!

If you would like to be a blog author, please let Judith or me know so we can set you up! The more the merrier. If you are an author, why aren't you writing?

Cheers,
Melody

Pronunciations

Have you seen this website? I found it handy for pronouncing country names. There's also a section of author names, including my personal problem, Jon Scieszka. Skooshka. Scooscooshka. Something like that. The website has audio; it worked on my home computer but not on the SW computer.

http://inogolo.com/

Bridget

Friday Fun

Found a new website, http://www.jigzone.com/, via the Cook Memorial Library (IL) website that allows you to upload your own photos to make jigsaw puzzles. I made a puzzle of our entrance here at Central. Photo by Shawn Watson.



Clicking on the arrow will take you to the site so you can solve the puzzle. It was FREE and you could send puzzles of family photos, vacation shots, or wedding announcements, if that strikes your fancy. It it pretty easy to do, which is always a bonus.

You will see my time of 10:39. I had to stop and do other things. I expect you will solve it much quicker than I! Have a good weekend!

Melody

SW Happenings

Bridget from SW wanted to share some photos with everyone.



SW has a display on photography, including different cameras and photographs. The photographs are from Bridget and Dana at SW. The display is shown in segments as it was tough to get a large picture without glare.

Jessica's shower was last week, so here are pictures from that event.

What Books Are You?

From guest blogger Kay Johnson:


"If you were asked to pick five books from your bookselves that define you, which would they be? Or, for that matter, from any shelves, whether you own them or not?"

I expect most of us will have to go home to look at our bookshelves, but I am looking forward to everyone's answers! Remember, you can comment without being an official blogger--just click on the comments. You can check the blog from any computer with an Internet connection, too!

Have a great, refreshing holiday!

Melody

TLA Conference 2008

I had the opportunity to attend the TLA Conference this year--it was great! Lots of wonderful presentations and the opportunity to network are just two reasons to go. And we had a little fun, too. I was present when the Bookcart Drill Team competition was held, and it made me forget my tired feet. Please enjoy this excellent video courtesy of YouTube.
Melody

Priorities for the Amarillo Public Library

Donna has given us an outstanding set of goals to guide our actions and inspire our thoughts as we work each day to serve the citizens of Amarillo. Please share this information with your colleagues to assure that every employee understands the library's priorities.

I. We guarantee our patrons the BEST library experience. They want to return.

II. We make materials available as soon as possible.

III. We offer a combination of traditional and online services to meet community expectations.

IV. We collaborate with other entities that share our mission.

V. We have a learning environment. Staff development is key to our success.

VI. We have dynamic marketing and programming that raises community awareness, appreciation, and usage of library materials and services!

Gentle Reminders

I just wanted to remind everyone that we are meeting at Lin's at 6:30 this evening. We have lots of new faces in the library so please encourage each other to come. We have fun and, need I say it? Mongolian Stir-Fry!

Secondly, SW is holding Jessica's wedding shower on Tuesday May 20 from 2-4. You are all invited!

Melody

Rental news!

From guest blogger Terri Jolly:

Have you noticed the new look on the rentals? Baker and Taylor is processing the books for us. The bar codes and spine labels look different. Let us know what you think.


Please check the staff information page for changes on the new rental contract. The changes are in red and are easy to spot.

Digital Picture Quality

Do you know what "picture quality" setting you should use when taking pictures with your digital camera?

The best! ;-)

Melody pointed me at this video -- Enjoy! -- Heather

Books In Print

From guest blogger Terri Jolly:

Did you know that you can use Books in Print online? The website is booksinprint.com. Some of the items have reviews and most items have a synopsis or annotation. It gives the publication information and picture of the cover. Try it and enjoy!

Melody adds: We have a link to this site from our web page: Click on Online Resources then on Research Tools. Books in Print is on the list of links!

SaaS in Real Life

One of the hot discussion topics may not be news to some of you. SaaS, or Software as a Service, is getting more attention in the mainstream these days. It may be the way of the future, simplifying how we work, and making it less expensive to boot! Companies host or maintain software applications for their users, eliminating cost and maintenance for individual users. Many people use Flickr or Photobucket as a way to share photos online, and those are good examples, but there are many more applications out there!

If you have ever clicked on the “more” link on the Google homepage you have seen examples of SaaS. Google is providing hosting for services that people use the most: word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, etc. There are others, but as these are heavily used for work and recreation, I will focus on these.

Anyone who has an Internet connection can use these services. With the high prices of productivity software, more people are exploring these options. With Google Documents, you can create, store, and share documents ranging from proposals or articles to spreadsheets, or slide-show presentations. This ability gives the word "collaboration" a whole new meaning! I store presentations in Google Docs, because you never know about technology. I like to have options before things happen, and Google Docs allows users to have a Plan B.

I started this document in Word, but switched to Google Docs to finish and store it "out there" so I can access it from anywhere with an Internet connection. Google Docs doesn't have all the bells and whistles that Word does, but it is a perfectly serviceable FREE word processor that can handle most jobs. Great for those who switch between computers at work and home to complete projects! Everyone should take a look at this great FREE service, and read some of the user examples for inspiration.

Cheers!
Melody

Your Favorite Reader's Advisory Resources

When you receive an RA request, what websites, books, or other sources do you use most or think of first? You are probably wondering, "Wow, where do I start?" How about sharing the last patron request you had and the resources that were helpful to you?

Happy Friday,

Judith

Staff dinner

Mark your calendars for May 16 for the next informal staff dinner! We'll see you at Lin's Grand Buffet at 6:30, okay? Summer Reading will start in less than a month, so this is your chance to relax with a plate of Mongolian Stir Fry or some sushi (watch out for that wasabi!!) before the invading hordes, er, joyful masses, I mean, of school-free children make us their summer home-away-from-home!

Bridget

Thoughts from a First-Time Blogger

Hi All,

I am excited to be part of APL's first venture into the world of social networking where innovative ways of communicating and learning are the norm. Share your thoughts with colleagues and enjoy the exchange of information, ideas, and solutions for better service to our patrons. My thanks to Melody for setting up the site (hands clapping) and to Donna for supporting this new project (cheers and hands clapping!) Never blogged before? Come join us!

Experienced bloggers, give us the benefit of your knowledge! How about a Blogger Tip thread?

Judith

Welcome to the APL blog

Welcome to the APL blog
Here is the place for library staff to share tips, ask questions, or make suggestions. I hope everyone finds this a useful tool. Feel free to start a discussion. If you would enjoy being a blog author, please let me know and I will set that. You need to set up a Google Account, which can be your email. I use my Yahoo! account as my Google account. They are not choosy.

Library/technology/book/life haikus are welcome! I will start:

Oh, wily YouTube.

Not telling me how-to

So I can understand.

Hope you enjoyed that. If any of you comprehend the YouTube process feel free to let me know!And I know haiku is really 5-7-5, but cut me a little slack, will you?

To post a comment you need to use your name. The comments will come to one of my email accounts and I will post them in a hopefully timely manner. Though this blog will only be linked through our staff intranet, it will be on the web, and therefore public in a sense. As library staff, and public employees, this communication tool will still be subject to the Texas Open Records Act, like our staff email. It is intended as a place for staff to gather virtually and exchange ideas and extend opportunities for professional growth and camaraderie.

And before anyone asks, I tried to name the blog aplstaff, but that name was taken. By a library that has not used it since 2004.There you go.

Cheers!

Melody