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Programs

May 5 Program: Beyond Consumer Reports

alextodd2Everyone wants to stretch their dollar as far as it can go. Not only do they want to find the cheapest prices, biggest discounts, and best coupons possible, they also need to buy quality products that will last the longest. Shannon Scanlan and Alex Todd, Technology Resources Librarian and Head of Adult Services from the Prospect Heights Library will highlight the best websites for today’s shannonconsumers. Shannon will talk about where to find quality product reviews, ratings, and comparisons while Alex will cover the top sites for discounts, coupons, and other bargains. Their report for consumers goes well beyond Consumer Reports. But don’t worry, it does include CR as well!

Tuesday, May 5, 9:30-noon
NSLS Auditorium, 200 Dundee, Wheeling, IL

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Programs

Putting the “You” in YouTube


Putting the “You” in YouTube

Originally uploaded by kongtemplation

More than 50 librarians gathered on a cold, rainy day to hear Karen McBride, Web Services Librarian at Des Plaines Public Library, talk about how her library is using YouTube. I think everyone who was present would agree that Karen gave an entertaining and helpful presentation explaining how to create videos, edit them, and post them on YouTube to share with the rest of the world! Karen emphasized the point of not trying to be so formal and perfect with our library videos. She encouraged the audience to have fun, relax, and not be afraid of making mistakes.

For those of you who weren’t able to attend, or for those of us who need a reminder of what we learned, Karen has graciously provided her tips and tricks on a wiki at http://nslsyoutube.pbwiki.com, so head on over there! But, wait! Before you leave, check out the video clip below to see Karen explaining some cool effects that are available on iMovie.

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Programs

Curious about YouTube for Libraries?

Please join us for our next program, “Putting the You in YouTube” with Karen McBride.

When: Thursday, February 26, 2009 9:30 a.m.-noon

Where: NSLS Auditorium, 200 West Dundee Road, Wheeling, IL

Cost: Free

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Online video is a fun, exciting way to share library/community events and promote materials and services. Is it possible for a librarian with little or no audiovisual training to make high quality videos? The answer is “Yes,” and Web Services Librarian Karen McBride will share her experiences in making videos for her library, as well as helpful, practical tips for putting the “You” in YouTube.

This program is sponsored by H.W. Wilson.

Register online today!

Download flyer (PDF)

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Programs Resources

Gotta Love Dot Gov – Online Government Resources for Reference Librarians

This morning, reference librarian extraordinaire, Steven Jablonski of Skokie Public Library, gave a presentation called “Gotta Love Dot Gov.” With his usual good humor and mastery of information resources, Jablonski talked about the best online resources containing information for consumers, job seekers, people in need, seniors, and more. For many of us librarians in attendance, the presentation will definitely be useful back at our reference desks!

Were you in attendance? Leave us a comment and let us know what you thought of this program!

Categories
Articles

Reference librarians in the age of Google

Has anyone else out there read this recent article from Duke magazine, “Brave New World: Reference Librarians in the Age of Google“? There’s nothing really new in it from what I could tell. It mostly talks about the challenge librarians are facing adapting to a world in which most people start searching for information on Google instead of a library. Virtual reference options are mentioned, as is Facebook.

Does this sound like a possible program that the committee should take on? Steven Bell would be a good guest speaker. Maybe we can have a conversation between Bell and someone else who has a different take on what the future holds for reference librarians. What do you all think?

Here’s an excerpt:

UNC’s Pomerantz acknowledges that there is some tension as libraries are pulled in two different directions, the physical and the virtual. On the one hand, he says, public and university libraries are increasingly playing to “hyper-local” niches, often serving as community centers. “At the same time, there is a lessening of importance of geography,” as libraries reach out via the Web to patrons around the world.

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Programs

Gotta Love Dot Gov!

Do you love dot gov resources? Well, you should!

Federal, state, and local government agencies produce some of the most helpful websites out there, but how well do you know them? Join Skokie Public Library reference librarian Steven Jablonski for a tour of online government resources every librarian should know about. This program will meet at the Skokie Public Library and participants will have the option of staying for a tour of the library which was recently awarded the 2008 National Medal for Museum and Library Service.

This program is sponsored by H.W. Wilson.

When: Wednesday, December 10, 2008 9:30 a.m.-noon

Where: Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton St. Skokie, IL 60077

Cost: Free

Register online today!

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Programs

Mary Pergander’s Slides

Did you miss Mary Pergander’s presentation? Still interested in being an effective leader at work from any position? You’re in luck because Mary Pergander has allowed us to share her slides on this website! Visit the Past Programs page and take a look at her slides!

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Programs

Want more Power at work?

It’s not too late to register for and attend the 2008 RLA CE Kick-off program! Mary Pergander, who is doing some exciting things at Deerfield Public Library, will be speaking on ways to recognize opportunities to manage your relationships with your boss and others, enabling you to lead from any position in an organization.

Mary is also the American Libraries columnist on employment issues, so she’s definitely considered an expert on this stuff!

Download Program Flyer

Register online using the Library Learning calendar!

Btw, we’re serving breakfast! In this economy, who can afford to turn down a free meal?!

Categories
Field Trips

The Old (Archives) and the New (IC) at Loyola

This morning, a group of librarians gathered at Loyola University’s beautiful lakefront campus for a tour of their new Information Commons, recognized as an impressive example of the national trend for academic libraries. Leslie Haas, director of the IC, kindly led the tour of the entire facility and I think it’s safe to say that everyone was impressed! The digital media lab, computers, comfy seating, group study rooms, automated blinds, and the best view from any library office I’ve ever seen were just some of the highlights. It’s definitely worth checking out for yourself if you couldn’t make it to today’s trip!

We also toured the Women and Leadership Archives, housed in the newly refurbished Piper Hall. Beth Myers, director of the Archives, talked about this collection, which focuses on materials relating to women’s contributions to society. Every inch of Piper Hall, formerly a mansion, is full of interesting, beautiful details and it’s no wonder that it’s often booked for wedding receptions.

We also had the opportunity to visit the Reading Room at the Cudahy Library as well as the newly refurbished Madonna della Strada Chapel, both located nearby. Overall, it was a great morning!

View photos of the trip on Flickr!

Categories
Programs

Working Knowledge with Mary Pergander!

Mary Pergander, Director of the Deerfield Public Library and American Libraries columnist on employment issues, will discuss ways to recognize opportunities to manage your relationships with your boss and others, enabling you to lead from any position in an organization. Download Program Flyer

Oh, and we’re also offering free breakfast! Can’t beat that! 

Register Online!