Connecting Librarian

Screen capture software allows you to capture a region on your screen, a file or a scrolling window. Much like the Windows print screen command does, but with more control and lots of other features. Screencasting software allows you to do a ‘video’ of what’s happening on your screen.

I have high hopes that we will be able to do either one of these or both, starting with how to use our catalogue.

Unfortunately, like any good software, it costs money. However, Techsmith, the creators of widely respected screencasting software Camtasia Studio and screen capture software SnagIt is making a special offer. You can download an older copy of each package from the web (Camtasia 3 - version 5 is the current and SnagIt 7.2.5 as opposed to current 8.2). If you then choose to upgrade from that to the current version, you get it at a cheaper rate. Upgrade or no, its worth looking into.

Sounds great and I have already downloaded both, without planning to upgrade. However, be aware that not all is wonderful - according to comments on the Download Squad blog post which highlighted these offers, some users had trouble installing and using the software and ended up uninstalling. I had no trouble installing, but haven’t yet tried using them. Will keep you posted. In the meantime, why not get a copy of each for yourself and see what you can do with them for your library.

“Promoting “2.0 Training” with “Fantastic Freebies” and other innovative programs. Janie & Bob from Princeton whom I spent time with last week.

Inspired by Computers in Libraries 2006. You can do more than basic tech training. Several easy to implement paths to grow at Tech training program - low cost in money and staff time.

Position yourself as Tech Gurus. Get involved with local users groups, present for local groups, develop and/or join technology mailing lists, create a tech training blogs, sell up at each and every class, tease with new content. Never underestimate the power of a full colour poster.
Databytes program - brown bag session for an hour at 1pm, each librarian takes a turn at it, open to staff and public.

Bringing them in - 15 freebies in 15 minutes. Locate freebies through PC Magazine, SEOmoz’s Web 2.0 awards, Time Magazine’s 50 coolest websites, Filehippo. Constantly scan tech blogs, library blogs, tech news sites and the popular media. ie. Slashdot.

Text editing freebies - Google Docs, YourDraft, Ajaxwrite
Organisation freebies - Tadalists, Cozi Central, Google Calendar
Productivity freebies - LogMeIn (control a remote computer), CCleaner
Photo and Video freebies - GIMP, Everystockphoto, Flickr, OneTrueMedia

Future class plans at options. Photoshop to GIMP and Pixer/Picnik. Blogger to Wordpress. Bloglines to Google Reader. Social Bookmarking. Podcasts. YouTube/OneTrueMedia/SplashCast. Digital scrapbooking. Classes are alway in constant beta, keep things fresh and keep innovating.

Slides will be on Library Garden Blog.

Tech Freebies Program Ideas - Matt and Robin who I will see at Charlotte tomorrow!

People are coming to us, wanting to create. Kids are Media Snackers (check their website).
Make it happen from painting to pixels, from crayons to cameras. Use what you already have - ie. Office suite. Use Freebies - ie. Tux Paint - basic painting program for kids.

More - Game Maker, Architect Studio 3D, Google Sketchup, YouTube, Picasa, GIMP, Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust, flickr, Audacity, MySpace, Second Life and Wink (debug mode). Do some simple things to address the interests of kids.

Purchased software and activities - Youth Digital Arts CyberSchool, iMovie, Garage Bank, ACID Music Studio, pinnacle, Stop MotionPro, Fraps, Kudlian Soft, Digital Storytelling.

Robin explained all about ImaginOn - more about that after I visit it tomorrow. In house creation, including animation using Stop Motion Pro, Pinnacle Studio, Sony Acid Music Studio, Garage Band (Mac) and Final Cut Studio (Mac). Have a portable animation station. Next steps - “Participatory culture shifts the focus of literacy from one of individual expression to community involvement.”

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