Postcards from the Cracker Coast

PLAN recently hosted a workshop on social media, mobile technologies, and libraries. As part of the class, participants received invitations to join Google+. I enjoyed playing with this new social network. It seemed easier to organize than Facebook and it has features that Facebook doesn’t. The library blogosphere has been abuzz about this new product including posts by David Lee King, David Booker, and Sarah Houghton-Jan.

If you would like an opportunity to play with Google+, let me know and I will send you an invite.

In September, PLAN is offering a two part webinar, “HTML5 and CSS3: New Markup and Styles for the Emerging Web.” We hope you will join us to learn about the new features these changes enable. You can register on the PLAN website.

In the meantime you can get started learning about these changes on your own. Check out these posts:

• 6 Free E-Books and Tutorials on HTML5 on the ReadWriteWeb
• 4 Free Ways to Learn to Code Online on Mashable

Last year both the LSTA Advisory Council and the State Library’s Management group expressed that training paid for by LSTA funds must be available to all libraries at no charge.   The PLAN training points system was implemented to fairly distribute training.  Giving a base of 30 points with each membership and the ability to purchase additional points allowed the member to spend their points as they saw fit.  This policy could be interpreted as charging for training.  Also since non-members can obtain training at no charge, it is unfair to our members to make them “buy the cow while others get free milk”.  Therefore, PLAN is abandoning the point system and we will no longer charge, or invoice, for additional points.  Since training points are no longer used to distribute training, PLAN must now more actively evaluate requests for training.  This increased monitoring will be particularly important with regard to scholarships.

On May 20, 2011 the PLAN Board of Directors approved changes to PLAN’s Training Policy.  A copy of this policy is on our website under the “Training” tab.  Please carefully review this document, particularly the Cancellation Policy section.  Also, please note in the Registration and Payment section that after the registration deadline for a workshop, we will open registration to non-members for that session.  If your staff is interested in attending a workshop, they should register by the deadline.  We cannot guarantee them a seat after that date.

Thank you for your understanding.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the PLAN office.

The Bay County Public Library will host a memoir writing workshop on Saturday May 14, 9 am - 12 pm at the library (898 West 11th Street), featuring local author - Karon Goodman. 

Seating is limited so register by calling Bettina Mead 850-522-2120 or bmead@nwrs.com. (or if you want more details)

There has been a lot written in the library literature regarding technology competencies for library staff. Sarah Houghton-Jan recently wrote a post for the ALA Learning Roundtable blog, “Technology Skills Library Staff Should Have.” This contains a list of skills that may seem overwhelming at first glance. Remember the old joke, how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.

First, you probably know more than you realize. Review the list and cross off the tasks you feel comfortable doing. Next, start at the beginning. I recently learned of a free e-book, “How the Internet Works.” This guide gives a great overview of the Internet and how it works. It provides definitions of basic terminology and has great illustrations. Once you understand the basic concepts, the rest will be easier.

Your next step is to continue to learn a new task on a regular basis. Read blogs. Ask your colleagues which blogs they follow. Watch for continuing education opportunities. More and more training is being offered online. Check the PLAN website and the Florida Library Training site for upcoming events. Also, if your library staff needs training on a particular topic, contact the PLAN office. We will be glad to arrange a session at your library.

Most people learn best by doing. So don’t’ be afraid to play!

HTML5 is a new version of HTML and XHTML. This standard introduces a number of new elements and attributes. For example, instead of using div tags to layout sections of a webpage, there are now elements such as header, footer, nav, section, article, and aside. There are also new ways to deal with audio and video.

In attempting to learn more about this new standard I have discovered some resources that I am happy to share with you. The Underworld Magazine blog has a post with links to several resources for learning about HTML5. The Natcoll Design Technology site has a post with links to 75 HTML5 resources.

Be aware that not all browsers support the new standard yet, especially IE. But it never hurts to start planning the next version of your library’s website. It’s also advantageous to keep out skills up-to-date.

I hope this gets you started on the journey. I’ll post more as I learn more myself.

The Joint Steering Committee for Development of RDA, formerly the Joint Steering Committee for Revision of AACR, has developed a new cataloging code, RDA (Resource Description and Access), which was released in June 2010. What does this mean for you? PLAN is offering several continuing education opportunities to learn more about these changes in cataloging practices.

• Transition to Resource Description and Access (RDA): Getting Catalogers Ready for the Change
• Understanding FRBR for RDA and Beyond (2 Day Live Online)
• Introducing RDA: 1, Structure, Principles and Core Elements (Live Online)
• FRBR, FRAD, and FRSAD: A New Model for Cataloging (Live Online)
• Introducing RDA: 2, Resource Description (2 Day Live Online)

For more information about these and other PLAN workshops, visit the PLAN website.

On March 13, Bay County Public Library will hold a gaming tournament featuring Guitar Hero.  The event will be at 2 pm for 12-18 year olds.  Prizes will be awarded and registration is required.  Please call 850-522-2115 for registration or more information.

Did you know there is a central location to learn about all the training opportunities available to library staff in Florida? PLAN, the other multi-type library cooperatives, and the Division of Library and Information Services are all contributing information about continuing education programs to the Florida Library Training Calendar. This web-based calendar provides one-stop shopping for information about face-to face and online library training available statewide to Florida library staff.

Use the Event List to view a chronological list of training sessions. Each listing includes a brief description of the event, date and time, and a link to the registration information.

The Calendar shows all events on a monthly calendar with links to the event details.

You can take advantage of additional features of this site from the Blog, including:
• Viewing the events added to the calendar most recently.
• Subscribing to the RSS feed so the announcements come to you.
• Searching for training by topic.
• The tag list, which lets you see all training on a particular topic.

Learn about this cooperative project and find contact information for the collaborating organizations.

We encourage you to visit www.floridalibrarytraining.com to find out about available training.

The Bay County Public Library Foundation is presenting its 12th Annual Festival of Reading, booksALIVE 2011 on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at Gulf Coast Community College. The Festival features individual and panel author presentations, local authors, and special programs on narrating the written word. The Keynote Speaker will be Carl Hiaasen, columnist and author.

For a complete schedule of events and ticket information for the literary luncheon and keynote program, visit www.booksalive.net.