Task #9--Universal Class

I'm embarrassed to say that I signed up for the "Customer Service" class almost a month ago, and have yet to find time to do the first class. I chose "Customer Service" because that's a huge part of our job at MCPLD. There are any number of classes that staff would benefit from, including the one I'm taking. As for our patrons, the following classes (to name only a few), would be a great help:
Career Training
General Education (help for those needing to take the GED, etc.)
Health & Medicine
Homeschooling (we have a very active homeschooling group in Mesa County)
How to/do it yourself (Very helpful since we lost that database)
Writing Skills (we all could use help in this area)

We, as staff, need to encourage our patrons to use this new tool.

Now, if I can just find time to study...

#8--Spanish Libguide

This is a great libguide for the Spanish-speaking community. I can see opening a couple of windows--one with the English translation and one with Spanish--when helping a Spanish-speaking patron with questions about the guide. I noticed that when in the English translation, if you put the cursor over a heading, it would show the Spanish words--very helpful.

As for the quiz--I missed two.
#3 was a little confusing. I had false at first, then changed it to true. I wasn't sure whether the question was referring to the guide itself, or the Google translation page. It's Monday, okay?!
#8--thought it was difficult to determine which were actual language-learning links. (See above comment concerning day.)

Cloud Computing--#7

I don't use Dropbox or Google docs. However, I can see the advantages of using either one. Dropbox seems more geared to a business, or a group working on a single project. Google docs is more personal, although documents can be shared if desired. As a writer, I would prbably use Google docs. I'm paranoid enough to have a flash drive with all my novels on it, plus having them on my laptop, and I've considered a second flash drive at an entirely different site. I carry the flash drive with me, in case the house burns down. Ack! Don't even want to think about that. By using Google documents (my second flash drive of sorts), that would be a central location for agents and editors to access my writing. All I would have to do is share the file I want them to see. And if something happens to both the flash drive and the laptop, I won't have to re-create 3 novels of 90,000 words + and a novella of about 36,000 words. There's no way I could duplicate them word for word from memory. I think I'll have to look into Google docs.

Webolution #6

I think I was most surprised by question #5. The answer was "D", but I picked "A" (I think) as that referred the patron to the business libguide, which includes a link to "Book a Librarian," if they can't find the answers. No since booking a librarian if they can easily find the answers.

"I need to find information on growing grapes and making wine." We have numerous non-fiction books on both topics, plus they can access ebsco for articles, and the libguide "Home & Garden" has references to magazines, such as organic gardening that might be helpful. This guide should also have a reference to Tri-River Cooperative Extension Service, which it does not. And we might even be having a program that would speak to their topic.

Extra Credit #2--Google a day

This was a hoot! Of course, I could't answer any of the questions, but it was still fun. I only tried three, and quit after the gold sphere question. Who wants to do math late in the afternoon? Aaaaargh! It does help with searching skills, so it would be good to visit several times a week, time willing.

Of course, I want the Sony Reader!

Task #5--Chiltons

Okay, I have a husband and two sons who work on vehicles (one is actually working as an engineer for a company that designs carburetor parts), so this one is pretty much a no-brainer for me. All three guys have used the site--more than once. I also show patrons asking for our repair manuals the site and its easy access from home. I thnk this is one of our better databases. The guys love it. I've even had guys sign up for a card so they can access it at home. One even remarked, "I can take my laptop out to the garage and look at Chilton's while I'm working on my truck."

As for ease of use, the site is visitor friendly. It's also nice to have recall notices for vehicles.

I looked up my car (Pontiac Grand Am 2000) and found instructions for removal & installation of struts and HVAC blower motor. The pictures are great and print out very clear. Believe I'll leave the mechanicking part up to my guys.

Task #4--e-Readers

So, the Kindle gets top marks, but doesn't play well with OverDrive. Thank goodness the Sony reader, which I intend to WIN, ranks fairly close to the Kindle, and actually rates as high or higher in some features that I would consider important, such as navigation, versatility, and response time. The rating was actually only 3 points apart for the higher end Sony and 7 points for the less expensive one, which is the one I would buy--if I were going to buy one. Winning one is soooo much better. The Sony Touch edition weighs the same as the Kindle, has only a slightly bigger screen (which, at my age, I'd prefer), and is comparable in price. So, I'm looking forward to winning the Sony and getting some books downloaded. YES!

Cari's instructions for downloading to the Nook and Sony readers is very clear and concise. The first three steps are crucial for first-time users.

1. Go to the websie and click on "Downloadable Media" under "Books and More."

2. Click on the "OverDrive" image; click on "get Adobe Digital Editions."

3. Click on "Install" and follow the instructions. (I know--step 4.)

Happy reading!!

Task #3--Masterfile Premier

There are several Consumer Reports articles listing smartphones in the subject area, but the first several articles concentrate on cell phone plans and cell phones, too. So, I'm assuming the article you want is Sept. 2010, volume 75, issue 9, pgs. 24-27. The title of the article is: "Smart Phones." However, the very first article, although it's not just about smart phones, also rates smart phones, so you might be looking for Jan. 2011, Vol. 76, Issue 1, pgs. 30-38, titled "Find the Best Fit." You pick. I guess you can compare the two smart phone charts and see how they've changed in one year. Or if they have.

From "Rolling Stone" 1/9/1992--"Izzy quits Guns n' Roses." How sad.

And yes, please enter my extra credit in the Sony Reader drawing!

Discovery Task #2--Scavenger Hunt

100%!!!!!! A good many of the questions I knew without having to look them up, including the first one. I did learn that we have 4 mobile resources--okay, I'm living in the dark ages...don't text, don't have internet on my phone, just the bare bones. I can call for help if I need to. I also learned that we connect to the Hover Public Library if an error message comes up when downloading ebooks. Do I feel smarter? Well, yes. At least a tiny little bit.

Discovery Task #1

Yaaaay!!!!! I have this part already done. WhooHoo!! And of course, I'd like the Sony reader. What a perfect way to get more adept at ebooks downloading.