Ref Rap

Tech Set - Part 2

Vol. 5
Wikis for libraries by Lauren Pressley
Most of us probably know what a ‘Wiki’ is by now, but may not know how, or why, you might need one. Lauren Pressley defines wikis as “nothing more than easy-to-edit Web sites.” Wikipedia is the most well known of these sites but you may have used many others wiki-based sites without knowing it. In this book she explains how to establish an effective wiki; from planning to creation and implementation. There are explanations of the different types of wikis, what software you may need, how to market it and how to assess the wiki’s usefulness.
Vol. 6
Technology training in libraries by Sarah Houghton-Jan
As Librarians it is important that we keep up to date with new technology that is emerging every day. When our customers ask how technology works; whether it is downloading e-books, how to follow us on twitter or how to search our newest database, staff need to know how it works themselves before they can pass on the knowledge. This book explains how to create effective training programs both in terms of addressing different learning styles and being cost effective. One interesting idea is having a technology petting zoo!
Vol. 7
Social networking primer for libraries by Cliff Landis
As with other new technology that librarians have had to learn about, social networking is quickly encroaching on the way we have done things in the past. These sites and tools are another way for the library to find new users and to keep current ones. This book is a great guide to the basics of social networking and how it can be used to our advantage.
Vol. 8
Library camps and unconferences by Steve Lawson
What is an unconference you might ask? You might also wonder what librarians are getting together and talking about books by the campfire looking up at the stars? Not that sort of camp. Going to a professional library conference sounds great career wise but sitting down for an afternoon with a good book sounds like it would be much more fun. In fact if you asked most conference attendees they would probably say the best part of their experience was the informal chats they had in the hallway or at lunch. Introducing the ‘Library Camp’ or ‘Unconference’! These events attempt to provide an informal forum for sharing and learning with no fixed agenda. This book provides the ideas to run one of these types of events yourself; showing the host how to provide just enough structure so attendees now where they need to be but also still creating an environment that encourages freedom.

“I recently attended an Unconference, which was a great learning experience. This book is an excellent resource covering everything we would need if we wanted to host one of these fun events ourselves.” Monique Akauola Co-ordinator Reader Services

Vol. 9
Gaming in libraries by Kelly Nicole Czarnecki
Gaming sometimes gets a bad reputation but it can be a positive social activity bringing together people both inside the library and online. While we have had the playstations in our libraries for a while, we have only now just begun to experiment a bit with gaming in our libraries. We have started wii nights and board game afternoons at several of our branches and some staff have been to seminars looking at what other libraries are doing. This book could help those interested in making gaming a permanent part of our library’s life. The author provides practical tools and ideas for implementation of gaming events, not just for children but for all ages. It includes a basic introduction to the different types of gaming programs available, pricing and marketing ideas; whether you decide on a monthly or one off event.

Vol. 10
Effective blogging for libraries by Connie Crosby
By now most of you should have had some experience with a blog; whether it be creating your own or even just reading the library blog. You may have thought about contributing to a blog but are not sure how to go about it. Connie Crosby gives you the know-how to do so not just techniques for creating a great blog but also strategies for dealing with things like negative feedback. Blogging is easy to do but if you want to make your blog interesting to more than just yourself then this book is for you! From choosing a template to measuring the success of your blog, the reader is taken through all the best practices and shown some of the pitfalls to ensure their blog will reach their target audience. Because this book is specific to libraries it is a really handy reference for those of us working in this industry.

That’s all from the Tech Set; hopefully one or more of these volumes will help you at some stage while we all try to understand this thing called ‘Technology’!