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