July, 2010

Wow, I don't know what I love best about this video...the fact that it is about the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library's media dispenser OR the fact that a patron voluntarily created it as part of a series on why he loves Topeka. It is really nicely done and even includes TechSoup friend Patti Butcher, from the State Library of Kansas!

Pat Carterette, Director of Continuing Education at the Georgia Public Library Service, just announced a new series of library webinars. The August sessions both sound fantastic! 

Net neutrality and related broadband policies are complex, contentious subjects because all parties realize that the decisions made now could determine the distribution of power on the Internet for decades while also shaping its progress and development. Both sides in this debate have rich, powerful allies. On the pro side is the High Tech Broadband Coalition, whose members include employees from Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, and the Save the Internet Coalition. On the anti- side, phone companies and cable companies want the right to offer tiered services and charge higher rates for better-quality Internet access.

Registration is now open for the MS Office 2010 webinar! Find more free webinars on the TechSoup for Libraries Events Page.

Microsoft Office 2010: Web Apps and More 
Tuesday, July 27, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pacific (Noon Mountain / 1pm Central / 2pm Eastern)

The latest version of Microsoft’s Office was released last month. Should you upgrade? We’ll help your nonprofit or public library determine what’s new with the new Office and why there may be some compelling reasons to make the switch.

I am so excited about our first, brand new, easy-to-use digital catalog. With interactive search tools and intuitive browsing, choosing donated products and finding technology resources for your library just got easier.

I've heard such great things about the Advocacy workshops that were given as part of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation funded program, Turning the Page: Building Your Library Community, developed by the Public Library Association. And now you can take an online version to learn about creating community partnerships, building alliances with local and regional decision makers, and ultimately increasing funding for your library. 

I just saw this great post by Anna Jaegar on the TechSoup blog, and it made me very happy! I'm a new iPhone user, and there is still a lot I'm learning about it's capabilities and maintenance. When in DC for the ALA conference recently, I finally used the maps to find my way around, and though the maps were correct and helpful, it didn't always update my location correctly. At one point it displayed that I was heading in the wrong direction, but I kept the faith and found I was on the right path anyway. But wow, did my battery get drained. My husband shared some great tips with me...and now I see many of these in Anna's post. Hope it helps you too!

We have some great webinars coming up! Register and find more details on the TechSoup for Libraries Events Page.