Episode 10: Pursuing Programming

Programming is an essential daily activity throughout our system.  From storytimes to crafts, business seminars to gardening tips, poetry readings to gaming tournaments; there is something for everyone at every age happening at the library.

(c) Jupiter Images

We all want to reach for the stars and come up with the most stellar idea for programs, but sometimes we fall into the black hole of planning the same types of programs over and over again. Tried and true programs do draw large crowds and consistent audience, but sometimes you may need just that little bit of rocket fuel to discover whole new worlds of programming options.

But don’t worry,  you’re not alone in the cosmos when it comes to planning innovative activities. Harris County provides many resources to help with your programming needs.  We can help with not only the ideas for programs, but also with ways to help market and publicize your events to the public.

Some of these you may already be aware of. The HCPL storytime database is perfect for those times when you may be asked to cover a stortyime at the last minute. Book, rhymes and crafts are already pulled together for you to present the perfect program. Or if you are trying to come up with a program on a specific date and want to find out what wacky event might be happening, you can always turn to the latest edition of Chase’s Calendar of Events or the Dmarie Time Capsule.

...3,2,1 On to the Quest!

Submit your answers to the questions using the form on Harriet. A good practice is to first type your answers into a Word document. When you are finished, Copy/Paste your answers into the form. This may save you from losing your work. Be sure to submit after you have entered all your answers into the form.

1. Find an event that is happening on your birthday using Chase's or the Dmarie Time Capsule. (Also list Month and Day of your birthday)

How about using technology for a program (and I mean in addition to presenting a class on how to open an email account)? You can get an author to speak to your book club for little to no cost to you.  Skype is a wonderful tool to help with this and below are several links to authors/illustrators who will speak to your group through Skype:

• School Library Journal – Have you Met Any Good Authors Lately
• Skype and Author Network

Or contact your favorite author directly and ask.

2. Name an author you would like to host at your library who is available on the the Skype Author Network.

How about thinking completely outside the box? Do you have a special hobby or interest?  Do you keep up with a particular blog that has nothing to do with libraries?  Then keep your eyes (and your mind) open for unique opportunities for library programming.  For example, a recent story on a non-library blog asked the question about the future of libraries and how they will have to change.  One suggestion was to create  a technology working space to allow people to collaborate on physical objects instead of just intellectual ideas. A public library took this idea to heart and has started to develop their own FAB LAB (a Fabrication Laboratory) in their library space loaded with the gear and technology to allow the public to experiment with their ideas and to help create the next big thing. 

 

All you have to do is pay attention to the world around you and you will see that there are programming ideas for your library everywhere.

Once you have a stellar program in the works, you must now shout it out to the far reaches of the galaxies or at least your local community.  Harriet provides many tips and techniques as well as examples on promotional material including press releases, brochures, bookmarks and flyers. All you have to do is to jet on over to Harriet and click on the “Administration” link under the Menu on the left hand side and then click on “Marketing and Programming”. There you will find many resources to help you with your marketing needs including the Guidelines for Print Materials, ideas for different types of publications, our system programming requirements, and the form to request pre-designed printed materials.

3. What is the ADA statement that is required on all printed materials from HCPL?
4. What event must all libraries present an adult, children’s and teen program for in May?

If you are designing your own publicity materials then HCPL has a subscription to Clipart.com for all your library clipart needs.  Ask your branch librarian for your branch log-in and you have access to millions of illustrations and photos to use in your publicity materials [Admin staff please ask Grace or Linda for the password].

Want a way to promote your program immediately for no cost? Then utilize the events calendar, your branch blog or your branch social media account to publicize your program at a moment’s notice.

And don’t forget about during and after the program as well. Take pictures and post them to the HCPL Flickr account. Information on how to upload and post photos can be found here. Showing your community how great your programs are will definitely get them coming in from across the universe to attend your next program.

Take a spin around to check out these resources to discover more about how to create and promote out of this world programs.

5. Utilizing the template found on Harriet (or your own design) create an 8.5" x 11" flyer for a program that this module has inspired you to have at your library.  Include an image from Clipart.com and instead of the copyright information under the image, list the image number provided by clipart.com. Create an email message, attach your flier, and send it to dsica@hcpl.net.  Not sure how to do that?  Visit the Email Mountains to find out.

If you have submitted all the correct answers to accomplish this mission, you will receive the Programming Space Vehicle to add to your command. This will let you dig through our cramped but coveted Cargo Hold for a chance at a great prize. Complete The Fleet by earning all ten vehicles, and you will also receive ten Intergalactic Training Credits. 

Episode 9: Deploying Databases

Image courtesy of NASA

We have previously covered HCPL's most used databases in the 2010 Treasure Hunt.  For the Space Quest, we are going to look at databases that are useful in helping students with homework assignments.  In many cases, multiple databases can help with assignments, so we are going to look at this from the perspective of the types of questions you might be asked.

Homework questions can be challenging and sometimes it is not possible to find the requested information using HCPL resources. Sometimes the teacher may have restricted the type(s) of resources students can consult.  In such cases, the Homework Assignment Response form can be used to communicate to the teacher that the library tried to assist the student.  This form is found on the Forms page of Harriet.

...3,2,1 On to the Quest!

Submit your answers to the questions using the form on Harriet. A good practice is to first type your answers into a Word document. When you are finished, Copy/Paste your answers into the form. This may save you from losing your work. Be sure to submit after you have entered all your answers into the form.

Elijah McCoy

1. My son's class is studying African-American inventors and he has been assigned Elijah McCoy.  Which two databases do NOT have information about him?
• Biography in Context
• World Book
• World Almanac for Kids Online 
• Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia 
• Student Research Center
2. I'm doing a report on Jim Bowie.  I've found several articles about him (see the databases we searched for Elijah McCoy). What other EBSCO database has biographies of Bowie – and in fact has more than any of our other databases?  Hint – he was a TEXAS hero.
3. Opposing Viewpoints in Context is an excellent database for students who are doing reports on controversial or societal issues. For example:
• I have to do a report on why the death penalty should be legal.
• My teacher assigned us a project on controversial issues.  I have to give the pros and cons of gun control.
• For my science class, I have to explain why I think that global warming is a hoax.
Opposing Viewpoints started out as a book series, which is still available.  The database includes the content of the books as well as several other series and related content including news articles, primary source documents, images, video, and websites.

1. What is the link (it should begin with http:// for one of the websites listed for Nuclear Weapons? Hint: the link should not include galegroup.com.
2. What are the related topics for Cybercrime?
4. My son, who’s in 5th grade, is doing a science project on which way roots grow when gravity changes.  He needs some articles to back-up his project.  The information sheet on his project says this is geotropism. Which of the below EBSCO databases has the most articles from which to choose?
• MAS Ultra – School Edition
• TOPICsearch
• Middle Search Plus
• Student Research Center
5. Kimberly is in second grade.  Her class is doing a unit on endangered species and she has been assigned the Panda and needs age appropriate material.   Which of the following databases has the least age appropriate information?
• Searchasaurus
• World Almanac for Kids Online
• World Book (Kids)
• Gale Virtual Reference Library
6. We’re a homeschooling family.  I really want my 5 year old son to learn Hebrew. Do you have something he can do online? 
1. What database offers this for 5 year olds?
2. In this database, what are the three topical video areas covered for each language? 
7. Literature Resource Center (LRC) is an extensive collection of literary criticism and biography. It includes content from:
• Contemporary Authors
• Dictionary of Literary Biography
• Contemporary Literary Criticism Select
• Gale Literary Criticism series
• Numerous other works from Gale.
The primary use for LRC is for students who need criticism or biographical information about literature and/or authors.  For example:

• I need critical articles about To Kill a Mockingbird
• We are reading The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and I need information about the book and Mark Twain.
There are a variety of search options in LRC.  The Basic (default) search is the easiest to use and includes options for limiting by content type and limiting to peer-reviewed publications.

1. I need peer-reviewed literature criticism on F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby.  How many articles are retrieved under Literature Criticism when you do a Name of Work search and limit to peer-reviewed publications?
2. I need some literary criticism about Suzanne Collins.  In a keyword search on her name, from what journal is the article Mockingjay by James Blasingame (hint: it's one of the first results under the Literature Criticism tab?

If you have submitted all the correct answers to accomplish this mission, you will receive the Databases Space Vehicle to add to your command. This will let you dig through our cramped but coveted cargo hold for a chance at a great prize. Complete The Fleet by earning all ten vehicles, and you will also receive ten Intergalactic Training Credits. 

Episode 8: ILL Exploration



(c) Jupiter Images

 Space is rich with unique materials that are not found in our own galaxy. Any attempt to own all of those materials would cripple any space agency. To ensure that this does not happen, HCPL, with the aid of OCLC, has entered into a materials sharing agreement with other alien space programs. This agreement facilitates the temporary borrowing of materials, so that civilizations across the Universe can benefit from one another. 

It is known as Interlibrary Loan or ILL.


Below you will find a map that will guide you through ILL. WARNING: This is not one of your silly pirate maps from back in the day. Technology has advanced a great deal since then. Any good cadet will want to familiarize themselves with Prezi protocol before trying to use the map.


Some things you need to know about viewing this particular map. Under the More section of the Prezi you will find two options. The Fullscreen option is recommended. Use Esc to exit fullscreen once you are finished. The Autoplay option should be avoided for a maximum learning experience.


Also, there are important videos (with sound) embedded within this map, so you will want to make sure to watch those with your speakers or headphones on.





If you can't view this Prezi, then click here.


...3,2,1 On to the Quest!


Submit your answers to the questions below using the form on Harriet. A good practice is to first type your answers into a Word document. When you are finished, Copy/Paste your answers into the form. This may save you from losing your work. Be sure to submit after you have entered all your answers into the form.

1. Prior to any launch, a series of requirements must be reviewed. When reviewed each requirement is given a status of either Go Flight or No-Go Flight. If one is deemed a No-Go Flight, then the launch must be scrubbed. Review the scenarios below for an ILL Request (base answers on the Borrowing section of the ILL Policy) . Which one(s) would result in a No-Go Flight status, thus putting the ILL on hold? [UPDATED]
1. The item was published/release four months ago.
2. All HCPL copies are checked out and are not scheduled to be returned for weeks.
3. The customer already has 8 item requests/loans in process.
4. The customer is prepared to travel to the LaPorte Branch to view microfiche that has been requested.
5. The item is a music CD. 
2. Time for another pre-launch preparation. Review the scenarios below for an On-Line Form launch (base answers on the Can I submit interlibrary loan requests online? section of HCPL's Interlibrary Loan Policy page). Which one(s) would result in a No-Go Flight status, thus putting the mission on hold? 
1. The customer already has 10 item requests/loans in process.
2. The customer no longer uses the e-mail on file, but will update it once the request is made.
3. The customer owes only $30 in fines.
4. The customer's visitor account is accurate down to the e-mail address.
5. The customer updated the card account on-line and not in person. 
3. There is one more launch to go. Review the scenarios below for an ILL Lending launch  (base answers on the Lending section of the ILL Policy) . Which one(s) would result in a No-Go Flight status, thus putting the mission on hold? 
1. The customer is in France. [UPDATED]
2. The customer refuses to pay any processing fees.
3. There are 5 copies available in the system and 10 HCPL customers are currently requesting them. 
4. The customer just wants to see 10 pages out of an item we do not lend.
5. The item was published/released only eight months ago.
6. The item is a DVD.
4. What is the OCLC number for Jake Wizner's audio book, Spanking Shakespeare? Use the record that indicates over 100 libraries owning this audio book.
5. What is the title and who is the author of the item with the OCLC/Accession number 122525712? How many copies are listed in Horizon?

If you have submitted all the correct answers to accomplish this mission, you will receive the ILL Space Vehicle to add to your command. This will let you dig through our cramped but coveted Cargo Hold for a chance to win a great prize. Complete The Fleet by earning all ten vehicles, and you will also receive ten Intergalactic Training Credits.

Episode 7: HCPL Galaxy of Alliances

HARMONIC 

The HARMONIC Consortium is a project of the Harris County Public Library (HCPL), Lone Star College (LSC), and the Montgomery County Memorial Library System (MCMLS) to effectively share the cost of the Horizon Integrated Library System and to provide seamless access to the complete library collections for library users at the Tomball and Cy-Fair joint libraries.

Take a journey to the HARMONIC page on Harriet to learn more.


...3,2,1 On to the Quest! 


Submit your answers to the questions below using the form on Harriet. A good practice is to first type your answers into a Word document. When you are finished, Copy/Paste your answers into the form. This may save you from losing your work. Be sure to submit after you have entered all your answers into the form.

1. List the name, address and phone number of a library from MCMLS and LSC. 
2. What does the term “checkout location rules” mean?  
3. LSC College students can use their LSC card at any HCPL Branch. Should HCPL staff collect fines and fees on LSC student account?
4. When editing borrower information in Horizon, which accounts should not be edited by HCPL staff?
5. Give the name and contact information for the circulation coordinator at North Harris College Library – LSC.

Reciprocal Borrowing with Lone Star College

In addition to lending and borrowing materials from two of the campus libraries (Tomball, Cy-Fair) and HCPL branch (Fairbanks) reciprocal borrowing with (LSC) opens things up to many more users in both the District and HCPL.

Continue on your journey to through the HARMONIC page to explore the reciprocal borrowing process. 

6. Name the 4 LSC district satellite centers not included with the reciprocal service.
7. Name the HCPL branch libraries allowed to collect fines owed on LSC issued cards.  
8. Which HCPL branches have reciprocal borrowing with Montgomery County Memorial Library System? 
9. The Venn diagram is named after its inventor, _________________________.

Houston Public Library One Card

Houston Public Library issues PowerCards to their library customers.  PowerCard numbers can be added to HCPL customer accounts.

Trek over to the One Card page on Harriet to learn more. 

10. HPL materials will be checked in ____________ they are received at a HCPL Branch using HPL’s Millennium Circulation Software. 
11. What are the titles of the two attachments on the One Card Policy page?
12. True or False. HCPL will not collect fines on HPL accounts. This includes FM and KW.    

Texas Medical Center (TMC)

Take a final Journey and visit the Texas Medical Center Library page on Harriet to learn about the Texas Medical Center Library and find out how HCPL materials travel to TMC. 

13. True or False. Fines on HCPL accounts will not be collected at TMC. 
14. HCPL items going to TMC to fill a hold request should be placed ________________ for delivery to TMC.
15. Give the name and contact information for the Assistant Director, Circulation at TMC.

If you have submitted all the correct answers to accomplish this mission, you will receive the Alliances Space Vehicle to add to your command. This will let you dig through our cramped but coveted Cargo Hold for a chance to win a great prize. Complete The Fleet by earning all ten vehicles, and you will also receive ten Intergalactic Training Credits.

Episode 6: Websites at Warp Speed!

(c) Jupiter Images

Your fellow space travelers will often look to you to assist them when they are in pursuit of information.  The challenge for a good leader is to provide courteous, accurate, and complete information as quickly as possible. The mission in Episode 6 is intended to let you wander through some useful websites that can make you look as if you have all the answers!

The Harris County Public Library home page has a very useful starting point for your search for information. The "WEBSITES" tab includes links for handling many of the questions that are commonly asked about local issues. It can be used at your service desk to search for answers. Because it is on the library's public site, it also is a handy place to direct customers when they call or e-mail with questions.

Begin your quest by hovering over the "WEBSITES" tab.  Put your space vehicle into Cruise mode, and spend some time exploring the richness hidden under this small unassuming tab. You will find the links there very useful in accomplishing this mission.

Sometimes the Websites tab won't have what you seek, and you will have to move deeper into space in order to locate what you need. Unfortunately, you are going to encounter a lot of space junk as you wander among websites. How can you sort out the good stuff?

You can use a list of basic criteria to do your own evaluation of a website, to decide whether it shows accuracy, authority, objectivity, currency, and coverage. Another way is to start out with an authoritative collection of links, like the university-sponsored  Internet Public Library.  Some experienced librarians share their personal collections of useful links with others. Click here to see an example from one of HCPL's own specialists.

Another way is to find links through an online Encylcopedia like Wikipedia. Wikipedia is a project to build free encyclopedias in all languages of the world. Virtually anyone with Internet access is free to contribute, by adding neutral, cited information. A word of caution: because anyone can contribute to Wikipedia, there is great variation in the quality of the information from topic to topic. For this reason, some teachers won't accept Wikipedia as a source on homework assignments. Be careful to double check your information when possible. It is often helpful to review the list of citations at the end of a Wikipedia article for authoritative sources on the subject.

...3,2,1 On to the Quest!

Submit your answers to the questions below using the form on Harriet. A good practice is to first type your answers into a Word document. When you are finished, Copy/Paste your answers into the form. This may save you from losing your work. Be sure to submit after you have entered all your answers into the form.

(c) Jupiter Images

1. Some space travelers, especially the Klingons, will expect you to give them all the answers, but there are some legitimate limits on the provision of reference service. Review the "Fleet Commander's Guidebook" (a.k.a. the Harris County Public Library Reference Policy on Harriet) and list at least three circumstances in which the assistance you can provide is restricted.
2. Former Rockets player Hakeem Olajuwon owns about 40,000 sq. ft. of vacant commercial property along the East Freeway. What was the appraised value of this property for tax year 2011? Provide the answer to the question, and copy/paste the link where you found it. [Hint: Check within the "Home and Housing" section of the Websites tab.]
3. Today the Romulans are electing a new ruler, and those residing on earth are allowed to vote absentee at regular election day polling places. Your friend Ruanek wants to know where to go to vote. At what website can you enter his information and find out his polling place?
4. Occasionally as you move from one space vehicle to another, you will feel like you have gone through a time warp. Everything is shifting! Using the Neighborhood links under the Webites tab, identify some of the specifics for each location.
1. What is one of the newspapers covering the Crosby area?
2. What school district serves the Evelyn Meador branch in Seabrook?
3. What's the name of the competitive swimming club in the Fairbanks area? 

In your travels through the neighborhoods, if you drop into a black hole and find a link that has disappeared or needs revision, make sure to notify ebranch@hcpl.net of the needed change. If you know of other links that would be helpful to your fellow travelers, let ebranch know about that, too!

5. A very useful resource for your travels is this book by two authors, found in the HCPL catalog:

Smithsonian Atlas of Space Exploration. You want to cite this resource in your latest funding proposal to the United Federation of Planets. Look up the details of the item in the HCPL catalog. Use the Citation Machine (found in the Ready Reference links) to create a citation for this book in proper MLA format, and copy it here. [Hint:
Note that this book has two authors.]

6. Go to the Internet Public Library (http://www.ipl.org/) and follow these tracks: Resources by Subject; Science & Technology; Astronomy; Galactic. What website does this trail lead you to?

7. Wikipedia is a very useful resource when you need something that only an ardent "fan" would know. For example, many sources consider that "The City on the Edge of Forever" was the best episode of the original Star Trek series. What number was this episode, and when was it first broadcast?

If you have submitted all the correct answers to accomplish this mission, you will receive the Websites Space Vehicle to add to your command. This will let you dig through our cramped but coveted Cargo Hold for a chance at a great prize. Complete The Fleet by earning all ten vehicles, and you will also receive ten Intergalactic Training Credits.

Episode 5: Circulation Constellation

Part 1: Horizon Blocks
Adding Blocks to Customer Accounts
Blocks are the first thing you see when you scan a customer's card.
There are two different kinds of blocks

1. Manual Blocks
2. System Generated Blocks

Manual Blocks

• Manual blocks are placed manually by library staff.
• They must be deleted manually when the issue is resolved.
• When these blocks are deleted they go into History Blocks.
• Horizon keeps this information in History Blocks for a time and then automatically deletes it.

Examples of Manual blocks include the following.

• Manually added fines/fees
• Message to Borrower
• See Supervisor Block
• Note Block

Blocks should include a brief but detailed message with Branch Code and Initials of staff.  Example (TOM/KG)


Language in Blocks should always be professional.  Customers have the right to look at any block on their record.


System Generated Blocks
These blocks are generated by Horizon Examples of System Generated blocks include the following.

• Overdues
• Exceeded Maximums
• Hold Notifications

These blocks are deleted when the issue is resolved.  Example:  When a Hold is checked out the Hold block goes away.  Kind of like a White Dwarf.


Blocks Currently Used

• The following blocks restrict customers from using account.
• aa supv:  See Supervisor blocks should only be added by a supervisor.
• acr:  Address correction Requested.

• The following blocks do not restrict customers from using account.
• aa tape:  Missing Tape or Item Block
• dNote:  HCPL Damaged Note
• ecr:  HCPL Email Address Correction Requested
• Note:  Comment Block- similar to Message to Borrower Block - Comments are not      specifically directed to customer
• Message to Borrower-block can be seen by customer in IPAC.

Blocks That Should Be Deleted - They should definitely go into a Black Hole

• After a customer has been spoken with about an issue like Missing Pieces, the block should be deleted.
• Holds Deleted blocks should be deleted.
• Damaged blocks should be deleted after customer is spoken with.
• When blocks are deleted they go into the History Blocks.

See Harriet for the complete policy.


Part 2:  Changing Hold Pickup Location

• Customers at times may want to change where their Hold is after it is on the Hold Shelf.
• The following procedures enable staff to change the pickup location in Horizon.
• You may want to suggest to the customer to change their location in Horizon.

Can't see the presentation?  View it on SlideRocket.
Sliderocket is a free presentation software.  It is similar to PowerPoint, but you don't have to install it on your computer.  Check it out!

BONUS: HORIZON SHORTCUTS FOR CIRCULATION

In Horizon, when you press ALT it will underline one letter of the words in the menu bar. Pressing ALT+ the letter underlined will take you to that menu. For example ALT+B will take you to the Borrower Menu.

F1	Opens Help		F4+ESC	Closes Current Process
F2	Opens Edit | Search for an Item		ALT+F4	Closes Everything
F4	Opens Find Borrower		CTRL+S	Saves Changes
F5	Opens Add New Borrower		CTRL+F6	Moves to the Next Window
F6	Opens Edit Borrower		CTRL+SHIFT+F6	Moves to Previous Window
F8	Toggles Between CKI/CKO		Page Down	Moves to Next Page
F9	Activates the Navigation Bar		Page Up	Moves to Previous Page
F10	Prints Single Item Slip		Tab Key	Moves Cursor from Field to Field
F11	Prints Multi-item Slip		SHIFT+TAB	Moves Cursor to Previous Field
F12	Opens Code Boxes

...3,2,1 On to the Quest!

Submit your answers to the questions below using the form on Harriet. A good practice is to first type your answers into a Word document. When you are finished, Copy/Paste your answers into the form. This may save you from losing your work. Be sure to submit after you have entered all your answers into the form.

Test Your Knowledge
It's not rocket science!!

1. What are the two kinds of Blocks?
2. True or False- Manual Blocks are deleted automatically by Horizon.
3. What Blocks keep customers from checking out?
4. True or False- Blocks should be added with no initials or branch code to protect the staff.
5. List the six steps to change the Pickup Location of a Hold on the Hold Shelf.

If you have submitted all the correct answers to accomplish this mission, you will receive the Circulation Space Vehicle to add to your command. This will let you dig through our cramped but coveted Cargo Hold for a chance to win a great prize. Complete The Fleet by earning all ten vehicles, and you will also receive ten Intergalactic Training Credits.

F6 opens Edit Borros Code Bo

Episode 4: A.I. App Intelligence

What is an app? It’s pretty likely you already know since the word is so ubiquitous that it was named the 2010 Word of the Year by the American Dialect Society. They define app as “an abbreviated form of application, a software program for a computer or phone operating system.” Like the word itself, an app is a sort of shortened or condensed version of a software application. Instead of having to use a whole software package, apps allow users to pick and choose what function they’d like on their device.


Apps can be downloaded on a variety of portable devices, from smart phones to tablets. With devices that run on an Android operating system (such as most smart phones and tablets), apps can be purchased through the Android Market. Apple products (such as iPhones and iPads) make their applications available through iTunes. By now, you’ve noticed that each branch has received at least one iPad. These iPads have come preloaded with over 100 apps already installed. In this episode, we will be exploring the galaxy of apps available on these iPads and through iTunes.


...3,2,1 On to the Quest!


Submit your answers to the questions below using the form on Harriet. A good practice is to first type your answers into a Word document. When you are finished, Copy/Paste your answers into the form. This may save you from losing your work. Be sure to submit after you have entered all your answers into the form.

A Galaxy of Apps

In this section, you will be asked to begin exploring some of the apps already installed on your branch's iPad.  You will find the answers to these questions in the apps.  The iPad will need to be signed in to HCPL's wireless network for some of these apps to work. 
Google Translate
This app is a voice translator that can translate spoken word into 17 languages or translating the written word into 60 languages.  You can speak a word or phrase into the app, select a language, and have the translated phrase repeated.

1. After opening this app, select the microphone and say "I need a library card."  You may choose to translate this into any language you like.  
1. What language did you choose 
2. What was the written translation?

How Stuff Works (HSW HD)
An information junkie's dream, the How Stuff Works app is chock full of articles, quizzes, videos and podcast on a huge range of topics.  You can search for a variety of topics by touching the magnifying glass icon in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.

2. Do a search on the term "iPad apps".  What are the first 2 results?

NASA App HD
This NASA app is loaded with all kinds of information that every space explorer needs.  You can find live NASA TV  and track satellites in addition to finding information about  planets and current NASA mission information. 

3. What is Jupiter's distance from the sun in miles?

BB Magic Lite
This is the free app version for the Bob books.  Bob books are a popular early reader series that gradually increases the letters, vowels and sight words in each book as a child progresses through the series.  This app is a great introduction to the type of book geared toward emergent readers.

4. Select Play and choose one of the levels.  If you see multiple options, play the first one, 'Mat Sat.'  What does Mat do, in addition to sitting, after you complete the word puzzle(s)?

QR Codes-Decoding Secret Transmissions
A QR code is a 2-dimensional bar code used to encode content including website links, coupons, digital business cards, videos and reviews.  You’ll find QR codes in magazines, advertisements, websites, museums, and even TV shows.  Here's a fun video from Cy-Fair explaining QR codes.

Even though QR codes have been around since 1994 when Toyota designed them to track auto parts, they are becoming more common because of the increased popularity of smart phones and tablets.  You can download a free QR reader app onto your device.  Your branch iPad already has QR reader installed called Scan.

5. For the next question, use the branch iPad to scan the QR  code below. What was the message or link encoded in the QR code?

The Unexplored Frontier Before starting this section, you will need to ask your branch librarian for your branch iTunes password.


For this section, you will install an app on your branch's iPad, uninstall it, and report your findings.  Your first step to completing this assignment will be to find and install a free app:

• On the iPad, tap the App Store icon.  This brings you to the Apple App store.  You can search for apps in a variety of ways, such as price, featured apps, keyword, subject, customer rating, and so forth.  Find a free app that interests you.
• Once you've located the free app you want to install, you will tap the gray button on the left-hand side of the screen that says "FREE."  After tapping it, the button will change and now say "INSTALL APP."  Tap the button again to begin the installation process.
• You will be prompted to enter your iTunes account password. 
• The app will begin installing.  While it is installing, the app's icon on the iPad will be grayed out.  When it is finished installing, the icon will be in full color.

That's it.  You've successfully installed an app on an iPad.  Take some time to explore this new app you've discovered before moving on to the next phase of your mission.

Not all apps are winners.  Sometimes they just end up cluttering devices.  Let's learn how to uninstall an app on your branch iPad.

• Press your finger over the app you want to delete.  After a few seconds, all of the app icons will starting wiggling and a black circle with an "X" will appear on the left-hand corner of the app icons.
• Tap the "X" button on the app you want to delete.  Don't worry if you accidentally tap the wrong icon.  You will be prompted to confirm your choice before the app is actually deleted.
• Confirm that you do want to delete this app. 

6. What app did you install and uninstall?

Star-If you found a great free app that you think would be helpful or interesting to your fellow employees, please share it below in the comments section!

If you have submitted all the correct answers to accomplish this mission, you will receive the App Intelligence Space Vehicle to add to your command. This will let you dig through our cramped but coveted Cargo Hold for a chance at a great prize. Complete The Fleet by earning all ten vehicles, and you will also receive ten Intergalactic Training Credits.

Episode 3: Launching eMedia

Since HCPL started offering eMedia in 2006, the collection has grown to over 25,000 items and circulation is averaging around 30,000 per month.  Easy success, right?  Taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture, there are many other issues to consider when you think about libraries and eMedia, and the popularity of eBooks, in general.



Can't see the video.  Check it out on YouTube.

Why don't we have Harry Potter titles in the Digital Media Catalog?  The truth is that not all books are available as ebooks and not all ebooks are available to be sold to libraries.  Many publishers don't like the idea that libraries can buy a book that won't wear out and check it out for free to anyone who has a library card.  So, most of the big publishers won't sell to libraries and some, like Penguin, are now changing their minds and placing an embargo on new titles.  Others are simply charging more, which is ultimately good for libraries, but hard on the budget. [editor's note:  HP titles are now available, but concept remains the same.]

What if your vendor goes out of business? Another issue is purchasing and ownership.  When you don't have a physical book in your hand, how can you be sure that you will always have access to it?  What if you decide to switch?  Many think ebooks should be accessed as a subscription service, rather than purchased title by title, so that the purchasing is more like leasing.

Why do I have to jump through digital hoops to get a book on my device?  The rise of portable devices led to the huge popularity of eMedia.  However, compatibility issues with differing formats and devices make sure that you need some sort of chart to keep up with what item can be used with what device.  The digital rights management that helps publishers and authors feel more secure provides frustration for the users.

Amazon: friend or foe?  Library people were very excited to have Amazon Kindle compatibility with library materials, but some worried about privacy and sale issues.  Publishers are not happy with Amazon for other reasons, and libraries are caught in the middle.  What about authors who self-publish?  They have popularity in the eBook market, but how will libraries offer books not represented by a publisher?  The tangle of rights issues, compatibility issues and availability issues makes the eMedia topic interesting to watch right now.

How do we pay for it all?  Add all of this together with the fact that library budgets are not growing, to put it mildly, and adding new formats while keeping up with demand costs a great deal of money and you get some understanding of what this means for all public libraries.  Right now, we can do best by purchasing strategically, keeping up with technology, and marketing this collection and expertise to our customers.

...3,2,1 On to the Quest!

Submit your answers to the questions below using the form on Harriet. A good practice is to first type your answers into a Word document. When you are finished, Copy/Paste your answers into the form. This may save you from losing your work. Be sure to submit after you have entered all your answers into the form.

In the previous eMedia module, we had a brief introduction to different eMedia formats.  Now, let's put our hands on each of the devices and see how they work with eBooks.  Your branch should have an iPad, a Nook and a Kindle for you to use to practice.  Note that these are not the only devices people will use with library eBooks, they are just the most popular. Please check with your branch manager to use the devices at your location.  If you work at the Administrative Offices, please check with Linda Stevens or Grace Lillevig to get access to the devices.  If you need help with the exercises, the Digital Media Support Page is a great resource.

The iPad
The iPad is not yet as ubiquitous as the iPhone, but it is still the giant in the tablet market, with iPads making up around 75% of all tablets sold to consumers.  The advantage of a tablet is that you can do many, many other things besides reading or listening to books.  Some iPad disadvantages include not being able to view Flash based products or PDF documents.

1. What iPad app do you use to read eBooks purchased from iTunes?
2. What steps must you take before loading eBooks onto your iPad with OverDrive Media Console?
3. What app do you use to read eBooks from Amazon on the iPad?

The NOOK
The Barnes & Noble Nook now comes in three flavors:  the NOOK Tablet, which attempts to expand the Nook to beyond-reading activities; the NOOK Color, which is a very attractive eBook and video device; and the NOOK Simple Touch, which is the e-ink device available at your library locations for practice.  Prices are a bit higher than the Amazon equivalents, but NOOK devices have a devoted following and you can read EPUB or PDF eBooks on them.

4. What software has to be installed before you can begin reading library eBooks on a NOOK device?
5. How do you return an eBook early on a NOOK?

The Kindle
Amazon is the eBook dominator, and now also has three Kindle devices to offer:  the Kindle, the Kindle Touch, and the Kindle Fire.  The Kindle and Kindle Touch can be purchased with 3G options for constant connectivity.  The Kindle Touch is the reader available in your branches for practice. The Amazon devices are the cheapest and probably the simplest to use for reading purposes.

6. What steps must be taken if a customer receives the message "Your Kindle does not support WI-FI?"
7. What two action options are offered by Amazon when deleting a returned library ebook?

If you have submitted all the correct answers to accomplish this mission, you will receive the eMedia Space Vehicle to add to your command. This will let you dig through our cramped but coveted Cargo Hold for a chance to win a great prize. Complete The Fleet by earning all ten vehicles, and you will also receive ten Intergalactic Training Credits.

Episode 2: The EBSCO Sphere

Greetings Space Cadets, for this leg of the journey we will be exploring the vast world of Magazines and Journals.   There is an unlimited amount of knowledge to be harvested.


Scholarly Journals vs. Popular Magazines
When conducting research, scholars often rely on articles from scholarly journals rather than popular magazines.  See the table below for a list of some differences that exist between these two types of resources.

Characteristics	Scholarly Journal	Popular Magazine
Appearance	Sober and serious May contain graphs or charts Will not find glossy pages or photographs	Attractive appearance Advertisements Heavily illustrated Glossy paper
Audience	Scholars and students	General audience
Authors	Scholars in the field of study	Reporters, usually not experts on the subject
Documentation	Sources cited in footnotes and/or bibliography	Sources not cited or cited informally
Purpose	Report results of original research or experimentation	Provide general information
Article Acceptance Procedure	Many scholarly journals are "refereed journals" - they undergo a process called "peer-review" where other scholars in the field examine the articles before being published.	Written by hired reporters, edited by magazine editors, and published.
Examples	American Journal of Psychology Journal of the American Medical Association  American Quarterly	Psychology Today Newsweek National Geographic

  Duke University Libraries

The Difference Between the Three Choices in Our Database  
Academic Search Complete –  Provides a scholarly collection providing full text journal coverage for nearly all academic areas of study - including social sciences, humanities, education, computer sciences, engineering, language and linguistics, arts & literature, medical sciences, and ethnic studies, etc. Full text for nearly 4,600 scholarly publications.


EBSCOhost – Contains information on a broad range of subjects. Database designed specifically for a Public Library environment. Searchable full text for nearly 1,860 journals, including Consumer Reports and Business Week. EBSCOhost database by way of TexShare.


Tip:  At the bottom of the description of the databases there is a link that says “Title List” if you click on this link it will list all the different journals in that database.


MasterFile Premier - Designed specifically for the public library, it offers information on a broad variety of subjects, including general interest, multicultural, and business.  Use when you want to search for popular information.

Searching Tips and Tricks


How to search by publication within EBSCOhost

1. Using Masterfile Premier, click the Publications button located just above the search dialog box.
2. Browse to find out what years are covered and whether is full text for just citations
3. Often, we might have longer coverage for just citations

Boolean Operators


And - combines search terms so that each search result contains all of the terms. For example, education and technology finds articles that contain both terms.


Or - combines search terms so that each search result contains at least one of the terms. For example, education or technology finds results that contain either term.


Not - excludes terms so that each search result does not contain any of the terms that follow it. For example, education not technology finds results that contain the term education but not the term technology. 


Limiters


Limiters let you narrow the focus of your search so that the information retrieved from the databases you search is limited according to the values you select. You can use more than one limiter if more than one is available.


Common limiters that can appear in the Limit your results area include:

• Full Text – Click to limit results to articles with full text. Where an article will appear in its entirety for the user, not just a summary or abstract.
• Image Quick View – Click to limit results to articles that contain Image Quick View images available.
• Cover Story – Click to limit results to articles that were featured as cover stories.
• Local Titles – Click to limit results to articles available at your library.
• Journal/Magazine – Enter a journal/magazine name in this field to limit results to articles only from that title.
• Peer Reviewed – Limits search results to articles from peer-reviewed journals. Peer-reviewed journals are publications that include only those articles that have been reviewed and/or qualified by a selected panel of acknowledged experts in the field of study covered by the journal.
• Date Published – Use this option to search for articles within a specified date range. Create a range by using the drop-down lists to specify the months of the range and enter the last four digits of the year in the entry fields to specify the years of the range.
• Number of Pages – Enter a number in this field to limit results to a specific number of pages in length. Place the < (less than) or > (greater than) symbol before the number to search for articles with a specific page length range. For example: to search for articles that are greater than three pages in length, enter >3 in this field. You can also use a dash to enter a range of pages. For example, to find articles between five and ten pages long, enter 5 - 10.

Limiters do limit one another. If you select both Full Text and Cover Story limiters, the results that are retrieved include only Full Text items that are Cover Story items. The exception to this rule is the use of Full Text and Local Titles limiters. In this situation, use of these limiters produces a list of results that has Full Text or is part of a local collection.


(The use of limiters may also vary by database. For example, MEDLINE may handle limiters differently than e-psyche.)


To create a search using a limiter:

1. In the Find field, enter your search terms.
2. Select the limiters you want to use from the Limit Your Results section of the search screen.
3. Click Search. The Result List appears.

Subject Browse


Academic Search Complete, click on Subject Terms on top of page.  Now you can search your subject.  Let’s do Vacuum cleaners.  You have three choices on how you want to view your results.  If you click on Relevancy Ranked it will search similar a key word search.

For more in depth information please see Margaret Davis’s handout on Harriet.

...3,2,1 On to the Quest!

Submit your answers to the questions below using the form on Harriet. A good practice is to first type your answers into a Word document. When you are finished, Copy/Paste  your answers into the form. This may save you from losing your work. Be sure to submit after you have entered all your answers into the form.

Guided search

If you are unable to view this presentation please go to www.slideshare.net/ssilvey

1. For your first mission take this guided search, you must duplicate the search on your own to reach the correct answer.   From this selection which brand of Coffee maker is considered a CR Best Buy in both the A 8- to 14- CUP DRIP MODELS WITH CARAFES  and B 10- to 12- CUP     BREW-and-Dispense MODELS?  
2. In Magazines and Journals databases using EBSCOhost.  Find and select Texas Reference Center then click continue. Do an image search and find a picture from a Galveston storm and copy and paste the permalink to the form.  The permalink is located on the right hand side under Tools.
3. From the homepage using the database tab select Electronics Journal List.  Select “title contains all words” for your search.  Then select “languages and literatures” for your subject category.  Use the search Shakespeare.  How many records did you pull?
4. In MasterFile Premier click on the publications tab.  Find Men’s Health how many issues were there in 1993?

If you have submitted all the correct answers to accomplish this mission, you will receive the EBSCO Sphere Space Vehicle to add to your command. This will let you dig through our cramped but coveted Cargo Hold for a chance at a great prize. Complete The Fleet by earning all ten vehicles, and you will also receive ten Intergalactic Training Credits.