2009 Sessions
Keynote – New Tech Headed To Libraryland: 2009-2020 edition
Michael Porter, Interactive Strategy Manager, WebJunction
As a profession, we have come a long way with technology, community and information access. But the most exciting potential is just around the corner, headed our way FAST! That means understanding and planning is needed in libraries NOW so that we can harness impending technological advances. To help with this task we are going to examine dozens of exciting and surprising real world projects and research initiatives that you can expect will have powerful impacts on our real world library services. We will look at new methods of information access, funding, community building, sharing and communication along with multiple hardware and software gadgets. You can also expect a few amusing and amazingly practical surprises.
DD-WRT-OMG!
Karl Jendretzky, OPLIN
DD-WRT is free Linux-based firmware that can be installed on several brands of wireless routers. It allows users to configure many aspects of the router’s operation and is incredibly stable. OPLIN uses DD-WRT for several applications, and has had nothing but great experiences. Come hear about some of the amazing things you can do with DD-WRT.
Extreme Makeover: Redesigning Your Library’s Digital Services in the Era of Web 2.0
Kara Reuter, Worthington Libraries
In the era of Web 2.0, libraries can offer a wider variety of digital services than ever before, including blogs, chat reference, social networking sites, social media sites, podcasts, wikis, virtual worlds, and more. But what services are right for your community and your library? This session will outline the comprehensive process used by Worthington Libraries to complete the recent redesign of our library Web site (worthingtonlibraries.org) and to determine the range of digital services we provide. Learn how we used familiar methods, such as focus group discussions, surveys, and user testing, and less used approaches, such as card-sorting exercises and sticky-note sessions to gather feedback from members of our community and from library staff regarding their expectations of the library’s digital services. Find out how we incorporated the extensive feedback we gathered to deliver a usable new Web site and dynamic online presence.
Using Free Tools to Image Computers
Ed Liddle, Marysville Public Library
Ed will talk about how he uses several free tools to image work stations utilizing an external hard drive to store and deploy images from. He will also talk about how he uses some of the free space on library computers that would otherwise not be used to help him quickly get a sick PC operational again.
OpenDNS – Free, Featured, Faster and (optionally!) Filtered
Chip Kruthoffer, The Lane Libraries
An introduction to the service OpenDNS, a free DNS alternative that provides excellent service and a number of features that may be of interest to your library.
Send it to Cloud City: An Introduction to Online Storage Services
Glen Horton, SWON Libraries
The rise of cloud computing has not only brought us online applications, but also many ways store our data “in the cloud.” Tools like Dropbox and Amazon’s Simple Storage Service provide easy ways to remotely store data for fast access or safe backup. Glen will demo some of the popular cloud storage services, discuss their pros and cons, and suggest ways that libraries and individuals can benefit from them.
Spread Your Face all Over the Place: Embedding Video in Library Services
Chad F. Boeninger, Ohio University
Web-based video is a simple and inexpensive way for libraries to use to enhance their web presence with dynamic visual content. This session will provide live demonstrations of how to incorporate web-based video into your library website to enhance your reference and instructional initiatives. The session will also demonstrate how to use a web-cam and online applications to hold virtual reference desks or virtual office hours.
Using Dynamic Pathfinders to Reach Your Target Audience
Amy Fyn, Bowling Green State University
Katherine Najacht, Bowling Green State University
Tamara Murray, Westerville Public Library
Evan Struble, OHIONET
Murray/Struble slides
Murray/Struble bookmarks
Fyn/Najacht handout
Wondering how to take your reference staff to the next level? Gone are the static pages of web links and book titles from yesteryear. Murray and Struble will demonstrate dynamic pathfinders (a.k.a. subject guides) using products and social networking sites such as Delicious, wikis, SlideShare, Library a la Carte and local subject headings. Fyn and Najacht will demonstrate a web 2.0 technology—LibGuides—that addresses concerns with static library website and content management systems by transforming subject portals and class webpages into customizable teaching tools.
“You Say Learn, We Say Play!” Helping Library Staff at all Levels Embrace Technology
Joy Marlow, Columbus Metropolitan Library
Gerald Schwab, Columbus Metropolitan Library
Finding it hard to move forward with the latest library- or Web 2.0-technology because you can’t get your staff to come with you? Why not try a system-wide technology training program that allows staff to have fun with technology while learning at their own pace? Find out how the Columbus Metropolitan Library implemented an all-staff training that engaged their staff and got them excited about technology, and, more importantly, about learning and trying new things.
WebJunction Ohio Technology Resources
Marsha McDevitt-Stredney, State Library of Ohio
Stephen Hedges, OPLIN
This session will introduce library technology staff to Topics covered on WJOH including Emerging Technologies, Mobile Devices, Networking, Web-based Tools, and many more. This session will demonstrate some of the documents and discussion already available on technology topics, and show participants how they can contribute their own information to WJOH.