Big Things from a Small Company

You know the saying “Good things come in small packages”? Well, sometimes, big things come from small companies!  I’ve been doing some work for a group of library technology consultants who I want to let you all know about.  They have a small company called Law Library Management and, among other solutions, they develop custom applications for libraries using the Quickbase platform.

One of the applications they have developed is a complete library management system that’s fully customizable called HOLMES.  It’s unique in that it’s built on top of the Intuit Quickbase platform, which is a very powerful application development environment that offers complete flexibility to tailor your individual application for your library’s needs.  You may have heard of Intuit’s other applications which include Quickbooks and Turbo Tax.  This solution is perfect for small and solo libraries and yet can scale for larger academic libraries as well.

They are also currently working with the library community to develop a project management application that will take into account the specific needs of librarians.  And they are currently looking for beta testers, so if you’re interested please sign up here.

These folks are doing some pretty unique things.  In addition to these two apps, they also develop specific custom applications for libraries according to their specifications.  Quickbase is an incredibly versatile cloud application platform so the possibilities really are endless.  You can find out more about Law Library Management and the HOLMES application here – and while you’re there sign up for the next webinar!

Farewell to iLibrarian

ellyssa_closeup2_med

After 7+ wonderful years of blogging for the OEDb, it’s time to say goodbye to iLibrarian. Although the iLibrarian blog will no longer be updated, I will still be blogging!

Please follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ellyssa and here on my blog (http://ellyssakroski.com/blog) for updates about my new ventures!!! And you can always contact me at ellyssakroski@yahoo.com.

It’s been an absolute pleasure blogging at iLibrarian, thank you to all of my readers for your loyal support and attention all these years. A post similar to this one will be going up on OEDb/iLibrarian in a week or two as well. Thank you!

32 Free Library Webinars in September

It’s back to school time but learning doesn’t need to be limited to those enrolled in formal classes, there’s a vast amount of knowledge to be gained through free webinars and online tutorials.  Here are 32 free webinars that are relevant for librarians and information professionals.

  1. Thursday Sept 5
    11:00 am – 12:00 pm (Eastern)
    The Affordable Care Act – Assisting Your Library Patrons (Texas State Library & Archives Commission)
    In this webinar, Cheryl Rowan (Consumer Health Coordinator for the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, South Central Region), will help librarians prepare for the questions they may receive from patrons regarding the Affordable Care Act. What are the best resources to use for questions from library patrons? How much assistance can and should you provide as a librarian? Join us for this “can’t miss” event — offered again on September 26 for your scheduling convenience.
  2. Monday Sept 9
    11:00 am – 12:00 pm (Eastern)
    Going Digital (LYRASIS)
    Join us for a one hour free webinar that briefly introduces the critical components of digital content creation and collection development.
  3. Monday Sept 9
    1:00 pm – 2:00 pm (Eastern)
    Grantseeking Basics (GrantSpace)
    Learn how to become a better grantseeker! In this class we will cover: what you need to have in place before you seek a grant; the world of grantmakers; the grantseeking process; and available tools and resources.
  4. Monday Sept 9
    1:00 pm – 2:00 pm (Eastern)
    Adults Just Wanna Have Fun: Adults Programming Beyond Lectures (Libraries Thriving)
    Many public libraries promote themselves as centers of lifelong learning, but fail to engage adults 20-55. Both notoriously underserved “emerging adults” in their 20s and 30s and middle-aged adults who find that there are more learning opportunities for their children than for themselves need creative, social hands-on programs to attract them back to the library. Learn how to remind your adult patrons–and yourself!–that lifelong learning really is fun and fulfilling during this online session.
  5. Tuesday Sept 10
    2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Eastern)
    A Passion for Romance (Booklist)
    Find out about newly available classics and the most alluring of soon-to-come titles in this free, hour-long webinar that highlights the rich and pleasurable happily-ever-after variety this ever-popular genre generates.
  6. Wednesday Sept 11
    12:00 pm – 1:00 pm (Eastern)
    How to Manage Millennials and Keep Them Engaged (American Management Association)
    In this webcast you’ll hear about the differences between Millennial, Gen X and Boomer employees; ways to effectively reach and work with them; and  practical methods from case studies of companies that are managing them successfully.
  7. Wednesday Sept 11
    1:00 pm – 2:00 pm (Eastern)
    Introduction to Finding Funders (GrantSpace)
    This session provides an introduction to the Foundation Center’s comprehensive online database, Foundation Directory Online Professional. Learn how to create customized searches to develop targeted lists of foundations that will match your nonprofit organization’s funding needs.
  8. Wednesday Sept 11
    3:00 pm – 4:00 pm (Eastern)
    Common Core State Standards and Public Libraries (Infopeople)
    With the implementation of the Common Core State Standards now occurring in 45 states, the time is perfect for public libraries to be seen in their communities as an integral piece of the CCSS. Participants will learn what the CCSS are, how they will affect students, as well as simple and effective ways to incorporate them into existing library programs and services.
  9. Thursday Sept 12
    2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Eastern)
    Up Next: We Talk Databases with Marshall Breeding and an Expert Panel (American Libraries Live)
    Marshall Breeding will lead our expert panel in a discussion of how databases are changing and shaping the present and future of libraries. This interactive discussion will incorporate live audience questions and comments.
  10. Thursday Sept 12
    3:00 pm – 4:00 pm (Eastern)
    Google Analytics for Nonprofits (GiftWorks)
    Join us for this overview of Google Analytics, a FREE web analytics tool that shows you how visitors are using your site. We will start with how it is possible to capture data on visitors and then hit the highlights of using Google Analytics to improve your website. This overview is for anyone that wants to know the value of using web analytics!
  11. Friday Sept 13
    2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Eastern)
    There’s an APP for that! 4.0 (The TLT Group)
    In this session will be showing some of the best apps for education across multiple types of devices. It doesn’t matter if you use an iPad, Android device, or even Google Chrome, more often than not, there is in fact an “app for that”. Get some new ideas for your classroom and share some of your ideas of how apps can be used in education.
  12. Monday Sept 16
    1:00 pm – 2:00 pm (Eastern)
    Proposal Writing Basics (GrantSpace)
    Learn the key components of a proposal to a foundation. This class will cover how the proposal fits into the overall grantseeking process, what to include in a standard proposal to a foundation, tips for making each section of your proposal stronger, and more.
  13. Tuesday Sept 17
    1:00 pm – 2:00 pm (Eastern)
    Representing Reference – Measuring Success: How one institution is determining the impact of bibliographic instruction and what they are doing with the results (LYRASIS)
    Staff at the William C. Jason Library at Delaware State University. They’ve developed a tool called Knowledge Check Survey – a survey administered (through LibGuides) to first-year university seminar students to assess the impact of information literacy (IL) sessions. They will discuss how the results are used to improve IL classes for future students.
  14. Tuesday Sept 17
    2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Eastern)
    Geek the Library Q&A with Mary Stein (OCLC)
    The Geek the Library community awareness campaign at East Baton Rouge Parish Library (EBRPL) activated both internal and external library advocates, and got the community talking about the library. Learn more about the EBRPL story and get your questions answered live!
  15. Tuesday Sept 17
    2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Eastern)
    What’s New in Youth Nonfiction: Fall 2013 (Booklist)
    Don’t miss the latest titles from three top youth nonfiction publishers in this free, hour-long webinar! Join representatives from Boyds Mills Press, DK, and Simon & Schuster to learn about new nonfiction titles, plus ways to incorporate these titles in the library and classroom.
  16. Tuesday Sept 17
    2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Eastern)
    Kevin Henkes Live! (School Library Journal)
    Join us for an exclusive webcast with beloved children’s book author Kevin Henkes, creator of nearly 50 picture books and novels for children. He will talk about his work, his inspirations, and The Year of Billy Miller–an acclaimed and irresistible story about friendship, siblings, and the perils of elementary school. Take this chance to ask him your questions live!
  17. Tuesday Sept 17
    2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Eastern)
    Developing a Strategic Plan for Volunteer Engagement (VolunteerMatch)
    Are you engaging volunteers with an eye to the future? Do you know what your volunteer program should look like in 3 or 5 years? Join us as we talk about the fundamentals for creating a strategic plan for volunteer engagement for your organization.
  18. Tuesday Sept 17
    3:00 pm – 4:00 pm (Eastern)
    Public Libraries and the Homeless: Legal Issues (InfoPeople)
    Because courts give greater latitude to library rules that are behavior focused, and a tighter scrutiny to rules based on status or speech, it’s important to know the how to frame your policies, especially when dealing with specific populations such as the homeless. This one-hour webinar will look at the movement for Homeless Persons’ Bill of Rights and Fairness, and the current legal rights and professional ethics as they apply to public libraries.
  19. Tuesday Sept 17
    3:00 pm – 4:00 pm (Eastern)
    Early Literacy as Library Culture (Texas Library Association)
    Early literacy development serves as a critical foundation for later learning and academic success.  In this webinar, staff members of Lewisville Public Library will share simple tips and practical suggestions for easily integrating early literacy into library services for young children and their families.  Learn how one library has put early literacy at the heart of its early childhood services, incorporating it throughout programming, community outreach, and marketing.
  20. Wednesday Sept 18
    11:00 am – 12:00 pm (Eastern)
    Tech Talk with Michael Sauers (Nebraska Library Commission)
    In this monthly feature of NCompass Live, the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Michael Sauers, will discuss the tech news of the month and share new and exciting tech for your library. Includes Q&A.
  21. Wednesday Sept 18
    3:00 pm – 4:00 pm (Eastern)
    What Every Director Needs to Know about Credit Cards and Patron Privacy (Library Journal)
    Credit cards are a way of life, even at public libraries.  However, many library decision-makers are unsure of how to meet their obligations when it comes to protecting patron information. This Webcast will provide clear-cut, definitive answers about how to accept credit cards, protect patron privacy, and comply with the PCI Standard.
  22. Thursday Sept 19
    6:30 pm – 7:30 pm (Eastern)
    Everyday Technology for Learning Differences: Use the Tools You Already Have (Accessible Technology Coalition)
    Participants will learn how everyday tech –word processors, Web browsers, consumer electronics, and more – can assist students who struggle with reading, writing, notetaking, math, organization, time management, and attention.
  23. Monday Sept 23
    2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Eastern)
    Conversation Sparks: Community Partnerships (Southern Maryland Regional Library)
    Do you want to know what others in the country are doing in their libraries? Are you curious about the library world beyond your own stacks?  Join Conversation Sparks!  Our 9/session focuses on Community Partnerships with examples from libraries across the country. Examples from our guest speakers include school-library partnerships, museum-library partnerships, community sharing programs, and One Book programs. If you have an example of a community partnership, share it with us during our Open Sharing portion of the session.
  24. Monday Sept 23
    3:00 pm – 4:00 pm (Eastern)
    Proposal Budgeting Basics (GrantSpace)
    Learn to prepare and present a budget in a grant proposal. Session geared to the novice grantseeker. Prior attendance at Proposal Writing Basics is strongly recommended.
  25. Tuesday Sept 24
    1:00 pm – 2:30 pm (Eastern)
    Leaving Fort Ref: Frontiers of Embedded Librarianship (WebJunction)
    At the innovative Douglas County (Colo.) Libraries, librarians don’t just wait for the questions to come to them. This webinar explores new approaches to reference that embed the librarian in the community, answering questions at the point of need, and growing community connections.
  26. Tuesday Sept 24
    2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Eastern)
    Book It: Fall Titles for Youth (Booklist)
    Get the inside scoop on new youth titles for fall and beyond. Representatives from Annick Press, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Running Press, and Teacher Created Library Materials will spotlight their favorite upcoming fiction and nonfiction titles.
  27. Tuesday Sept 24
    2:30 pm – 4:00 pm (Eastern)
    Hacking, Making, & Creating – at the Library! Technology Innovations & Customer Created Content (Texas State Library & Archives Commission)
    Traditionally, when our library customers wanted to make something, we’d send them to the craft section or to the “how to write a poem” section of the library. Today’s makers want to make gadgets, 3D-printed prototypes, and a video series. And guess what? They want the library’s help! In this webinar, renowned librarian/author/blogger David Lee King provides an overview of technology innovations that focus on “making” – including hackerspaces, digital media labs, co-working spaces, and self-publishing tools, and provides ideas on how to incorporate these innovations into your library.
  28. Wednesday Sept 25
    11:00 am – 12:00 pm (Eastern)
    Genealogy Resources for Librarians (Nebraska Library Commission)
    Join Cindy Cochran and Judi Cook, from the Lincoln-Lancaster County Genealogical Society, as they guide you through the many historical resources available for librarians assisting anyone with an interest in genealogy and family history.
  29. Wednesday Sept 25
    2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Eastern)
    Going First: The Edge Pilot Project and Rural Libraries (TechSoup)
    The Edge Initiative is a voluntary assessment program that provides libraries with benchmarks, best practices, tools and resources that support continuous improvement and reinvestment in public technology services. A group of pilot libraries has been testing the benchmarks. Join us as we talk with participants from pilot libraries located in rural communities.
  30. Thursday Sept 26
    11:00 am – 12:00 pm (Eastern)
    The Affordable Care Act – Assisting Your Library Patrons (Texas State Library & Archives Commission)
    This is a repeat of 9/6 session. In this webinar, Cheryl Rowan (Consumer Health Coordinator for the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, South Central Region), will help librarians prepare for the questions they may receive from patrons regarding the Affordable Care Act. What are the best resources to use for questions from library patrons? How much assistance can and should you provide as a librarian? Join us for this “can’t miss” event.
  31. Thursday Sept 26
    3:00 pm – 4:00 pm (Eastern)
    Fall Teen Book Buzz (School Library Journal)
    Summer vacations and summer reading programs are just distant memories now. School is back in session, and now it’s time to restock the library shelves! Join us for our fall Teen Book Buzz webcast to be sure you have the latest releases ready for your teen readers.
  32. Monday Sept 30
    2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Eastern)
    Maximizing the Value of WorldCat.org (OCLC)
    This course provides a brief introduction to the Worldcat.org platform and illustrates how libraries can help patrons derive maximum advantage from the service.

Thanks to these awesome sites:

The post 32 Free Library Webinars in September appeared first on OEDB.org.