April, 2010

After Sarah's post about the ARSL conference scholarships, scholarship winner Nola Ramirez wrote the following email to the California rural library list. Nola shared that "attending the conference renewed my sense of purpose, recharged my batteries, and helped me to be more committed to be my best everyday."

After I wrote about Windows 7 and SteadyState last week, Sarah Washburn asked me a question that led me to look up some of the alternatives to Windows SteadyState that might help libraries secure and manage their public access computers if they’re really anxious to leave behind XP and/or Vista for Windows 7.

George Needham and Joan Frye Williams are two of my favorite library consultants, definitely in my Top 10. They are smart, witty, and know how to keep it real. They joined forces and began doing workshops, presentations, and even podcasts together a year ago. Now they have announced a contest! Win a free week-long consulting visit or workshops or coaching or whatever you can dream up for them to do (hey, they mention bartending!).

Microsoft released a new version of Windows last fall, a recurring event that always results in new decisions and new questions for libraries, especially those that provide shared, public access computers.  Perhaps the most pressing question for small and budget-strapped libraries is, “Is Windows 7 compatible with Windows SteadyState?"

I'm a big fan of the ARSL conference, so I was thrilled when I heard news of scholarships for librarians interested in attending the 2010 event in Denver this fall. There are three available scholarships, and to apply, you'll need to complete a form and write an essay explaining why you'd like to go.

Adobe and TechSoup Global are pleased to announce the 2010 Adobe Show Your Impact Design Contest for libraries and nonprofits using donated Adobe software. Submit a piece of work created with Adobe products that demonstrates how your library addresses issues that impact the communities you serve. You could win a $1,000 grant and Adobe products.

Today I attended a webinar sponsored by the Southwest Ohio and Neighboring Libraries (SWON) called Tech News You Can Use.

I was driving to work one day, down the miles of dirt road, listening to an audio book version of the This I Believe. This I Believe is a radio program of the personal philosophies of folks the what they believe to be true. (Hmm.., you say, I thought this was a tech blog. I'll get there..never fear, but I warn you this will be a looooong train.)

There's still time to register!

When: 4/6/2010 11:00am - 12:00pm PST

Registration link: https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/schedule/display.do?udc=wbwxfztnxq5n