Computers in Libraries April 2008 Arlington, VA

Summary and Highlights of Computers in Libraries 2008
View the links to youtube videos!

ABOUT THIS CONFERENCE This is the east coast version of Monterey's Internet Librarian Conference.

WHAT WERE THE BEST SESSIONS?
I attended two sessions about Mobile Search and Mobile Trends. This is a major trend that will be hitting the scene within two years, (everyone having something like an iphone) and people will be getting their "ready reference" info via mobile phones, and that's just one of the many online conveniences to come.The Link is the power point of the session. Colleges are now creating websites that can be transformed into accessible formats by using software that is already available.

Collaborating with YouTubers to Enhance Library Instruction: presented by USF Librarian Susan Ariew. She worked with students to create YouTube videos concerning plagiarism, databases, and other library resources. The Chronicles of Libraria Defintely an activity to explore! Also, Video, YouTube, and Libraries: learned the techy parts about posting the videos on YouTube.

InfoTubey Awards
YouTube videos created by Libraries were selected for recognition. Some of these were very funny,(Submission by Allen County Public Library) but I'd rather spend my time on instructional videos.

Gaming and Gadgets Petting Zoo
I tried out the "Rock Band" game; saw the $100 Laptop; and affirmed the fact that we are way ahead of the game, because our students are now organizing the gaming events! See Don't Fear the Reaper and you'll see a short blip of me!

Vendors
Brought back the OECD Factbook for Buzby's Economy class. Talked with a vendor who explained the process for digitizing newspapers. Jim and I have already come up with a plan to write a LSTA grant to pay UF to digitize everything pre-2005.

Keynote Speakers were the same as those at Internet Librarian Conference!

Summary and Highlights of OCLS Conference in Savannah, GA April 2006

WHERE & WHEN IS THE CONFERENCE HELD?
This conference is held every two years in smaller cities like Savannah,
Phoenix, Providence, and Cincinatti.

WHO ATTENDS?
Library directors
Reference and Distant Learning Librarians
Distance Education Coordinators
Faculty
Deans of Instructional Support
Associate Deans of Academic Advising
Assistant Directors associated with distance learning

WHAT ARE THE TOPICS?
Topics covered include:
copyright issues
innovations in instruction, electronic resourcs and technology
successes and failures
survey of distance education trends
See presentation titles at http://ocls.cmich.edu/conference/presentations.htm

WHAT WERE SOME OF THE BEST PRESENTATIONS?

• Appalachian State University "faculty in Instructional Technology has built a virtual library to deliver research assistance within AppEdTech (a 3-D virtual teaching environment)." They loaded the software on my laptop, and gave me a special tour!
• A University of Florida presenter explained how "an evaluation of distance learning sites and portals reveals that few libraries use a logo specific for distance learning. Creating a brand identity is a marketing element underutilized in promoting distance learning library services."
• Library Director Hazel Davis presented a workshop on copyright best practices. This workshop was similar to what she has presented "for faculty members at all 10 institutions in her community college district who are teaching in the online or hybrid environment."
• Issues were explored concerning Library Services for the PDA
• Sample surveys were shared to determine what faculty want from the library for their distant learners.
• Presenters evaluated their successful Off-Campus Library Services Web Site.
• More ideas of using blogs within library orientation were suggested.

(Content of all presentations is available on CD)

NEXT STEPS FOR THE LCCC LIBRARY

• Revise Fall '06 surveys for distant learning faculty
• Incorporate copyright information into policy
• Design an Off-Campus Library Services Web Site
• Network with Appalachian State University librarians and consider the October conference in Boone, N.C.
• Purchase PDA and explore future applications
• Evaluate and improve use of blogs within orientation instruction
• Read through all papers of presentations I could not attend
• Continue contact with Daryl Schulz & Patty Anderson concerning learning the software Camtasia to create online orientation tutorials