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Tech

Online Collaboration, Tech, groups
New WJ Group: Windows 7 Public Access Computer Project
May 11th, 2010 | Permalink | Comment?

A new group was created today on WebJunction related to Workstation Protection for Public Access Computers. Thanks to David Sullivan for launching a group, the Windows 7 Public Access Computer Project in an effort to address the need for an alternative to Windows SteadyState.

In his introduction post, David shares:

I’ve have been working on a process to secure windows 7 (enterprise or ultimate editions) public access computers using Microsoft virtual hard drives, group policy. I made significant head way with the process but the decision was made to utilize a commercial product for locking down our organizations PAC’s. So, I’m left with a body of work that has great potential but is incomplete. I would like to propose a group project to complete work on the process collaboratively. Then open up the resulting process for the community as a way around the “Windows 7 Steady State” quandary.

I’m thrilled to see WebJunction used like this, as a collaboration tool, and encourage all who have an interest in exploring the topic to help create a solution to the “quandary”, whether it’s to ask more questions or to provide your own insights. Thank you, David, for starting the group and I look forward to supporting your efforts!

Go to group »
Go to related topic »
MaintainIT, Online Collaboration, Tech, Webinar
Top networking questions update
November 12th, 2009 | Permalink | 1 Comment
We’re still looking to collect your most burning computer networking questions. Based on the poll results so far, security risks and prevention, policies is in the lead as top area of focus for those managing their library’s computer network, but the other areas are not far behind. I’d like to invite folks to start sharing more specific networking questions here on the blog in comments, in a discussion on WebJunction or as a tweet with this hashtag #wjcompnet.

Our panel of expert presenters will be using your questions to guide the December 2nd Library Computer Networking Q&A.

In the mean time, take a look at the great resources on Networking and Security in the latest MaintainIT Cookbook:
Think of this as your opportunity to “call in” and get your toughest questions answered from Libraryland’s equivalent of the “Car Talk” guys!
Online Collaboration, Tech, Webinar
ILS webinar moderated by Marshall Breeding
November 5th, 2009 | Permalink | Comment?

With all the recent news and discussion about Integrated Library Systems (including Marshall Breeding’s call for participation in this year’s Perceptions 2009 International Library Automation Survey), I thought it apropos to mention the upcoming webinar WebJunction is hosting in collaboration with ALA TechSource.

On December 10th at 1:00 Eastern join us for a discussion of Integrated Library Systems (ILS) and the trend toward customizability through Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) with library systems expert Marshall Breeding and representatives from leading vendors in the field. We’ll discuss new features and capabilities available in the most modern library software, and what it really means for these tools to be “customizable.” This event will coincide with the publication of Marshall Breeding’s December 2009 issue of Library Technology Reports.

Register now for the webinar »
Tech, Webinar
Your Computer Networking Questions Answered
November 3rd, 2009 | Permalink | 1 Comment

During the month of November, WebJunction is gathering your most burning questions related to the networking of your library’s computers. This is your chance to tap into the expertise in the WebJunction community!

Step 1: Take this quick poll

Step 2: Post your most burning question below in comments or in the discussion on WebJunction

Step 3: Register for the live event on December 2 at 3:00 Eastern, Library Computer Networking Q&A where a special expert panel will answer your most burning questions.

Step 4: Watch it grow…it will be added to the already rich topic area of Networking on WebJunction.

It’s that simple.
Library 2.0, Staff Training, Sustainability, Tech, Web 2.0, WebJunction Staff
Library 101 Project debuts
October 30th, 2009 | Permalink | Comment?

Our fellow staffer Michael Porter (aka Libraryman) has been spending his off hours working slavishly with David Lee King on a project they call Library 101. We know Michael as an unrepentent cheerleader of libraries and librarians who can convince anyone to get up and dance and sing for the cause (and have fun while doing it!). Well, their project debuted just a few days ago, with quite a splash. The project website includes a collection of more than 20 essays from thought leaders in the field, an extensive list of resources (101, actually) on “need to know” technology, and last but not least, a 7-minute song and video featuring Michael, David, and a huge cast of characters from libraries around the globe. Around the office, we all have the chorus “101 our parts make a sum that will be the key to what is to come. 101’s how we get the job done! Evolve and make your Library 101!” totally stuck in our heads.

Michael and David are hoping that you will help build the project by adding your comments to the essays, to answer the question, What do you think librarians need to know to succeed?
Tech, Technology Planning, Webinar
Hidden Gems: TechSoup Donation Partners Every Librarian Should Know
October 23rd, 2009 | Permalink | Comment?

TechSoup is a nonprofit that partners with corporations to distribute software and hardware donations to nonprofits and libraries. You may already know about their donation programs that can save your library approximately 90% on Microsoft products and Symantec’s Norton Antivirus donations but did you know they offer a typing program, discount on Flickr and more? Attend this free webinar, Wednesday, October 28, 11 a.m. Pacific time and learn about TechSoup for Libraries and how they can help you offer more to your patrons and staff and save money.

WebJunction member, Stephanie Gerding will interview Victoria Yarbrough, City Librarian at Douglas Public Library in Arizona, Todd Schlechte, Library Director at Gretna Public Library in Nebraska and Jennifer Doyon, Information Technology/Teen Librarian at the Brookfield Library in Connecticut, to learn about the donation they requested and how they’re using it.

This webinar is best suited for public libraries that are listed in the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) database or have 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. For more information about TechSoup for Libraries, visit http://techsoupforlibraries.org.

UPDATE: View archive »
Tech
Microsoft donating Windows 7 upgrades to eligible libraries
October 22nd, 2009 | Permalink | Comment?

Windows 7, the much-anticipated new operating system from Microsoft, was released today, and I expect that many are wondering whether and how to upgrade. TechSoup has provided some excellent resources to help; check them out here: http://home.techsoup.org/pages/windows7.aspx.

Your library may also be eligible to receive a donated upgrade to your public access computers. Read the eligibility requirements here: http://www.techsoup.org/stock/restrictions.asp#ms

Ross Riker has posted to our Operating Systems discussion a note about Windows 7 downgrade options. Read it here: http://www.webjunction.org/operating-systems/-/resources/discussion/66203324
Tech
Public Access Technology Survey
August 14th, 2009 | Permalink | 1 Comment

Below is a link to a new survey about the practices you engage in and the challenges you face in maintaining your library’s public access technology.

http://www.keysurvey.com/survey/267775/2e33/

Your response to this survey will help the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation understand how your library currently maintains its public access computers. This knowledge will also assist MaintainIT Project (recently renamed TechSoup for Libraries) and WebJunction, two library-focused technical support organizations funded by the foundation, in developing useful tools and resources for public libraries. Furthermore, the survey data will be used to help the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, WebJunction, and MaintainIT understand their effectiveness in helping libraries maintain quality public access technology.

This survey is being conducted by the independent evaluation firms LFA Group (LFA) and Bertot Information Consulting Services (BICS). It should take approximately 20 minutes to complete and is confidential: only LFA/BICS team members will be able to see your responses, and only aggregate information will be presented to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, WebJunction, or MaintainIT.

To complete online we ask that you enter your library’s IMILSID code. If you do not know this number, you can find it by clicking here: IMILSID code index (this link is also included in the survey itself).

This important study will help the MaintainIT, WebJunction, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to understand the technical support needed to sustain public computing and Internet access in public libraries.

Thank you for taking the time to participate in this valuable research! The survey will close on August 25th.

Questions regarding this survey can be sent to Andrew Robinson
at Andrew@LFAgroup.com.
Library Management, Tech, Technology Planning
Surveying library technology policies
July 31st, 2009 | Permalink | 2 Comments
WebJunction is gearing up for an August focus on Technology Policies and we’d like to hear from you first. To understand how libraries develop, update and communicate technology policies we would like to invite you to complete a short survey. The short survey asks questions about:
- What sorts of technology policies you’ve developed and why?
- Who’s involved in the review, creation or updating of your policies?
- Which factors prompt you to update your policies?
We will share the results of the survey later in August and will address some of the key issues in an August 26 webinar. Thank you for taking the time to help share a current understanding of library technology policies!

View survey results »
Library Management, Library Services, News, Online Learning, Staff Training, Tech
Library competency seedlings are sprouting
June 22nd, 2009 | Permalink | Comment?
I feel like I’ve spent much of the winter and spring planting competency seeds and I’m finally seeing the seedlings push up the soil and greet the light of day. So here’s what’s growing in the WebJunction competency garden …

♣ The Competency Index

Competency Index for the Library Field is a compilation of competency statements that address a broad spectrum of library practice and service. We aggregated and de-duped twelve leading competency sets from the field and then subjected them to a vigorous review by subject matter expert practitioners. We invite you to download the resulting publication and remix and reinvent it in whatever way best serves your library’s size, structure, and personnel development needs.

♣ Competency-course-content connections

We have integrated a fourth set of competencies from the Index with the WebJunction catalog—The Personal/Interpersonal competencies. Also referred to as soft skills, foundational or behavioral competencies, they apply to most job roles and form the underpinning of effective and stellar practice and service. Start on the Competencies tab of the WebJunction Courses page and discover connections to courses and resources aligned with specific skills and knowledge statements. You can also explore learning opportunities related to library management, core technology, and systems & IT.

♣ Competency evaluations

The results are in from the two competency evaluations WebJunction conducted in March and April. We asked respondents from across the field to evaluate themselves on a selection of skills and knowledge statements for library management and technology. Read the summaries and look for the detailed results in the PDF attached to each summary.
- Library Management Competency Evaluation Results
- Technology Competency Evaluation Results
Staff Training, Tech
Clarity is a competency
April 24th, 2009 | Permalink | 2 Comments
Clear communication is one of the competencies defined in the Personal/Interpersonal set (coming in May) of the WebJunction Competency Index. In the interests of improving my own level of competence, I’d like to add some clarity to the information about the current Technology Competencies Evaluation announced in my Monday post.

Now that over 700 people have taken the evaluation (wow!), I’ve had a chance to peek at some of the comments. There is some confusion to address.
1. This is a self-evaluation. It is intended to help you determine where your skills and knowledge are strong and where there’s a need for improvement. It is beyond the scope of our efforts to design and implement an objective, diagnostic technology test based on field-wide standards.
2. The Core technologies are intentionally very basic. These are the minimum set that everyone working in the library, including the parking attendants, are likely to need in order to do their jobs.
3. You are welcome to take the evaluation again and choose the other of the two paths. At the latest count, people have chosen the Core path by a margin of 3:1. If you felt it was too basic, choose the Systems & IT path.
  Go to: http://tinyurl.com/cfex6u
And thanks for your enthusiastic participation!
Community Building, MaintainIT, Tech, Webinar, groups
Webinar to Celebrate the MaintainIT Cookbooks
April 21st, 2009 | Permalink | Comment?

It’s not too late to register for tomorrow’s Cookbook Celebration webinar with friends and contributors from the Maintain IT project. Why the celebration? Well, Sarah Washburn explains it best in her MaintainIT blog post earlier this month, to mark a time of transition for the project:

While grants have explicit start and end dates, the work we do at TechSoup to support libraries does not. TechSoup’s MaintainIT Project was funded by a 3-year grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation that ended last month. It’s hard to believe that three years have passed, but March 31 just came and went, because nothing really changed for us behind the scenes of MaintainIT. And nothing much will, really…We’re continuing to support libraries and we’ll continue to share stories from libraries, so please stay in touch.

And we here at WebJunction would like to invite you to join the celebration as we honor the over 400 Cookbook contributors, share lessons learned from the project, and to let you know that the Cookbooks are alive and well on WebJunction. In addition to all three MaintainIT Cookbooks, WebJunction is home to the Cookbook Contributors Group, the collaborative group who uses and updates the Cookbooks.

You’re encouraged to join the group if you’re responsible for buying, supporting or maintaining your library’s technology, so you can continue to share your experiences, solutions and challenges with others. And we’re excited to provide a number of ways for folks to update and build upon the Cookbooks over time.

Please join tomorrow’s virtual celebration, where you’ll get top technology tips from library technology experts, hear what MaintainIT Project staff learned from their many conversations and library travels around the country, and learn more about how you can keep the Cookbook community alive on WebJunction.

In these tough times, there’s little more important than recognizing the efforts of so many people committed to sustaining strong and relevant technologies in our libraries, who have taken the time to share their experience and expertise so that all libraries might benefit. Here’s to all who have stopped “reinventing the wheel”!

Register for the webinar »
Staff Training, Tech
Technology in the library: evaluate yourself
April 20th, 2009 | Permalink | Comment?
The Competency Index on WebJunction is growing. We just added two new sets for technology applicable to libraries:
- Core Technology competencies address skills that all staff need in order to work in today’s “wired” library.
- System & IT competencies address the various complex technology systems that drive library operations.
New competencies warrant a new opportunity to assess your level of skill in key library technology areas. No matter whether you’re at the beginner or the advanced end of the technology spectrum, the Technology Competencies Evaluation will help you measure your skills and will help WebJunction determine where to focus courses and resources to move you and libraries forward.

Please take 10-15 minutes to complete the evaluation and then start pursuing your path to higher achievement with technologies.
Online Collaboration, Tech, Technology Planning
Help Collect 101 Tech Tips in 30 Days
April 7th, 2009 | Permalink | Comment?
Along with rapidly changing technologies, the public’s increased use of library computers puts extra demands on the setup and maintenance of hardware, software, networks, and security. Part of technology planning is staying on top of those tasks. Help build a list of 101 tips for managing public access computers by submitting one tech success tip from your library. It takes just 5 minutes to share your favorite quick tip that will help others be more successful with technology in their library and you’ll receive 100 in return!
1. Sign in to WebJunction (be sure to use “remember me”!)
2. Create an account for free if you’re not yet a member
3. Post your tip in the Tech Success Tips discussion
4. Members with winning Tech Success Tips will be recognized in the May issue of Crossroads and awarded prizes for “best” and “most” tips posted.
Conferences, Tech, Web 2.0
SXSW Interactive and the Value of Always On (or Off?)
March 19th, 2009 | Permalink | 2 Comments

Over the weekend I attended the South by Southwest Interactive Conference (SXSWi) in Austin. For those that don’t know, SxSWi is the tech/social media conference the week before it’s more famous music-festival sibling.

The depth and variety of topics, panels, presentations, activities, and conversations eclipse what you’d even imagine to find anywhere. Blogging for fun and profit? Check. A pile of Legos the size of your local coffee shop? Why not? A debrief on the future past of CSS 3.0. Check. How about a solar-powered, photo-snapping, flickr-bike? You bet. Or maybe you want a deep dive on best practices for privacy tools on social networking sites? Of course. And … so on, and so on… Yep, SXSW has gotcha ya covered.

Such richness nearly tempted me into four full days of blogging. Luckily for you, I instead found a way to spend the bulk of my time watching, talking, and thinking. Well, actually, that path chose me… but let me back up a step.

(more…)

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Tech

Online Collaboration, Tech, groups

MaintainIT, Online Collaboration, Tech, Webinar

Online Collaboration, Tech, Webinar

Tech, Webinar

Library 2.0, Staff Training, Sustainability, Tech, Web 2.0, WebJunction Staff

Tech, Technology Planning, Webinar

Library Management, Tech, Technology Planning

Library Management, Library Services, News, Online Learning, Staff Training, Tech

♣ The Competency Index

♣ Competency-course-content connections

♣ Competency evaluations

Staff Training, Tech

Community Building, MaintainIT, Tech, Webinar, groups

Staff Training, Tech

Online Collaboration, Tech, Technology Planning

Conferences, Tech, Web 2.0