Have Tablets Replaced Laptops?

And Have Laptops Replaced Desktops?

Perhaps at home for the Internet browsing, app using every-man (or woman) a tablet is enough. I can pay my bills with my iPad and even write this post--albeit awkwardly. I can Facebook and Pin and read my Dear Prudence.

But I think for traveling business users the laptop is a necessity. The tablet cannot do everything the laptop can. But the laptop can do most of what the tablet does, just via browsers.

And the desktop still has a place in offices and, I think, in the Libraries. Yes, there is a place for tablets and laptops (and 3D printers and more). But a computer lab for public use is an essential part of  library life. And desktops are harder to stick under your sweater and walk out the front door.

Program Reminders

I am throwing this out into the universe because apparently there are still librarians out there who do not know about Remind.

The $1 Million Potato Photo

Does this look familiar?

If it doesn't then you really need to dust off your pop-culture specs and take a peek online.

Computers, Libraries and DC

I am lucky enough in my career to be able to go to library conferences to continue my education in libraries and technology.

This year, I attended the Computers in Libraries conference, held annually in Washington D.C.







Of course, I made time to see the sites.

But I also learned a lot. I learned about staff training, and making it a fun staple in my workplace. So that people seek out Continuing Education opportunities in fields of their interests that they can then incorporate into the library.

I learned about makerspaces with 3D Printers (Lulzbot Mini was a common favorite), lasercutters, sewing machines, and more.

I learned about the Internet of Things with Lee Rainie, from Pew Research Center.

I also learned about holding a hack-a-thon and engaging Millenials in the library.

Cheers from DC!

It was a great trip. I learned so much. I'm now ready to try to digest it all and incorporate it into my work life.

The Importance of Teen Advisory

I love teen groups. If you are not already on the advisory board bandwagon, climb aboard!

When I started at my new library I knew right away that the old TAB group needed to be restored AND massively restructured. Having done this before I knew why I thought the group had gone extinct. So enter TASK:

Novelist Plus

The Central Kansas Library System has added Novelist Plus to its consortial catalog. And...It. Is. Awesome!

You love the Hunger Games?
Novelist can suggest read-alike stand alones and series. AND (Drumroll please) it links to items ALREADY in the library catalog! So patrons can search and discover and place holds all in one place.

And if the catalog doesn't have the book you want? You can go to Novelist Plus and search and then put in a ShareIT statewide ILL. How cool is that?

Try it out on the Pathfinder Central catalog. You don't need a library card to search, just one to place holds.

I don't want to scare you, but every library needs YOU to Advocate!

I know it is a scary word, Advocate. It means contacting those legislators for whom you many not have voted. It means making a statement in writing or on the phone and taking a stance. But advocating for libraries is more than just you. A library is for your community. A library is to give children the opportunity to love reading, a place for teens to hang out and do something good, a place for adults to apply for jobs or continue learning. A library is the community meeting place for clubs and interest groups. So make sure your legislator knows how much the library means to your town. Let the representative know that you want to pay taxes for your library. Let the senator know that you support the library. And, let all your friends and colleagues and patrons know when legislation threatens your library.

Because, when you do...

The Librarians make a stand!

1) Personal website finally back up and working. 2) Here's a Storify from yesterday's hearing, that pulls together a...
Posted by Heather Braum on Tuesday, March 15, 2016

New find for summer!

I spent last week sharing ideas with other awesome librarians. First at the Northeast Kansas Library System in Topeka and then at the South Central Kansas Library System in Wichita. My presentation was "Putting on Your Game Face" and focused on teen summer ideas, but I won't by any means be ignoring children's programming in my posts.

This summer's theme for children: On Your Mark, Get Set, Read!

With this sporty theme I wanted to make sure everyone doesn't miss out on these:

These sporty Easter baskets are available at Dollar Tree right now, but we think they will be a perfect fit for themed giveaways this summer. Go hunt them down before they all disappear!

Smoothies!

Mmmmmmm . . . .  smoothies . . .

When I heard about this summer's theme being all about sports/fitness/wellness I knew I wanted to have a smoothie day. Then I began to consider how I could go about doing it properly. After a lot of thought I decided to create what I am lovingly calling Smoothie Cubes.

Canvas Art

I love art projects. They are the perfect form of expression for teens. And this one is perfect even for the non-creatively minded of the bunch because it doesn't have to be freehand drawings.

Canvas Art

Oversized Games

I love giant games and have been dying to try them out with my teens. So a summer theme that is centered around "Get in The Game" seems like a good time.

A Little Healthy Competition

Iron Chef battles are becoming almost ubiquitous for library teen programs and this summer should be no exception. In honor of the healthy side of things I present two options:

Sandwiches & Desserts

Both of these I figured can be done without a full kitchen. For hot sandwiches a small griddle or panini press could do the trick. And healthy desserts? That could be some delicious fun! Secret Ingredient: Banana.

Teamwork is the Key

I think teamwork is a valuable lesson that everyone should practice and this summer I would like to take the time to allow teens the opportunity in a fun atmosphere.

Here are some ideas for inspiration (sources follow):

Mini Games

I've been seeing a lot of mini-sized sports games online for a while now and while they are predominately geared towards children I have had the urge to try them out on my teens.

And they actually seem excited about them too!