January, 2008

Much of what we learn from public libraries can be described as "successes" or "best practices" or "hip hip hooray, it went well!" But so much can be learned from the things we don't really want to brag about, the challenges, the stuff we "should've known," and the "oops!"

Here's where you come in.

Last week we had the distinct pleasure of getting together with our steering committee to share where we've been and where we're going. What an honor to have such a smart bunch guiding our work!

We're pleased as punch to announce the latest Cookbook, available FREE, here:

Joy of Computing: Recipes for a 5-Star Library

Seems like everyone we talk to has a story about communication between techies and staff. Here are a few of the latest...

Eric Brooks, from Placer County Library in Auburn, CA is the system-wide techie department of one:

"Some people think, ‘I don't know anything about computers,’ and they just kind of clam up when they want to talk about them. And you try to set them at ease."

Becky Heil, from Dubuque County Library in Farley, IA said:

As I mentioned earlier, we talk to hundreds of librarians and staff about how they support public computers. And now: it's YOUR chance to weigh in on topics we'll be covering in future Cookbooks.

If you haven't yet seen Louise Alcorn's wireless checklist, check it out now, and please... steal it! If you have a copy of the December issue of American Libraries magazine, it's reprinted on page 29.

And hip, hip, hooray that Louise's wise words can reach more people! Louise is a marvel, and we're always happy to share her thoughts, and pleased as punch that American Libraries thought so too. Nice work, Louise!

Are you driving hours to complete scheduled computer maintenance and wish you could be beamed there instead, like in Star Trek? The solution of remote access is no transporter, but will help you get the job done without leaving your desk.

Whew--back from a long and restful holiday, and ready to get back in the swing of things! As the new year begets new ideas, I'd like to share this burgeoning idea from Matt Beckstrom, of Lewis and Clark Library in Helena, Montana.