2 Week-ly reader

WiFi Attendance
"With British students expected to become increasingly consumerist after the hike in tuition fees, universities may start to view campus Wi-Fi as a strong selling point. But plans at De Montfort University may give students pause for thought about the virtues of an ever-present Internet connection: the institution is considering using its network to monitor attendance via electronic chips in students' ID cards." -- John Morgan, Times Higher Education, Inside Higher Ed News, 5/26/11

Students Say Tablets Will Transform College, Though Most Don't Own Tablets

"More than two-thirds of a large group of college students say that tablet computers will change the way students learn, according to survey results released today. The Pearson Foundation sponsored the survey of 1,214 college students, as well as 200 high-school seniors who are heading to college, and found overwhelming interest in the devices." -- Josh Fischman, Wired Campus, 5/25/11

Thanks, YouTube Community, For Two Big Gifts on Our Sixth Birthday
"In May 2005, the YouTube founders launched YouTube.com, providing people with a platform to broadcast themselves to the world. Six years on, the world is watching and we wanted to say thank you to the YouTube community for a couple of amazing birthday presents." -- YouTube Team, YouTube Blog, 5/22/11

Academic Crimes and Punishments
"Everyone hates cheaters, right? I certainly do … well, actually, the truth is that what I really hate is catching them. I wish the University of Washington were on an honor system, not so much because I believe in honor but because I don’t like catching crooks. Let me be clear: The awkward thing isn’t catching them, but rather figuring out what to do with them." -- David Barash, Brainstorm (The Chronicle), 5/18/11

Online Ed Trends at Community Colleges
"Community colleges reported a 9 percent increase in their distance education enrollments from fall 2009 to fall 2010, according to a national survey of two-year institutions released Tuesday by the Instructional Technology Council, an affiliated council of the American Association of Community Colleges. This increase is higher than the 7 percent increase in overall student enrollment in all of higher education and the 8 percent increase at community colleges during the same time period." -- David Moltz, Inside Higher Ed News, 5/18/11

CMCIG Workshop 2011

Friday was the annual Academic Library Association of Ohio (ALAO) Curriculum Materials Center Interest Group (CMCIG) Spring workshop; this year our host was Stephanie Bange, Director of the Charles & Renate Frydman Educational Resource Center at Wright State University. Our workshop theme, "Local Resources and Collaborations," presented a wide-range of valuable resources to attendees.

The day began (after a continental breakfast) with a presentation and discussion of Audio Books led by Stephanie Bange, Wright State University's ERC director, workshop hostess, and member of the Odyssey Award committee. Next on our agenda was a tour of the Virginia Hamilton & Adoff Resource Center featuring an introduction by Dr. Dana Murray Patterson, Director of the Bolinga Black Cultural Center at Wright State University. We had opportunity to learn about resources housed in these centers and were granted access to explore the Virginia Hamilton collection.

The next presenter was Mary Anne Kirk, manager of the Educational Projects & Services, ThinkTV Network, Greater Dayton Public Television. Ms. Kirk highlighted local PBS resources available to educators, specifically those in Ohio. We ended the morning with a tour of the ERC, including the Dayton Holocaust Resource Center housed at Wright State.

A short road trip later, thanks to our proximity to Wright Patterson AFB and the National Museum of the United States Air Force, we enjoyed a picnic lunch followed by a docent led tour of the "Prejudice and Memory" exhibit at the National Museum of the United States Air Force conducted by Renate Frydman, director of the Dayton Holocaust Resource Center.

Many thanks to our workshop host and current CMCIG chair, Stephanie Bange, for her efforts designing and presenting our spring workshop! Take a few minutes to watch the CMCIG 2011 Flickr slide show featuring workshop photos.

Google URL Shortener

I was energized to attend the Ohio Google Apps Conference at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Columbus on May 9th. There was an abundance of great sessions and an enthusiastic crowd of educators in attendance (registration was capped at 750). A technology friendly conference, every session - and corresponding room sign - had a QR code that led users to a web page with presenter information, handouts, and links. One frequently used tool in session handouts was Google's URL shortener, Goo.gl. I have used Bitly on occasion, shortening and creating single URLs for link groups, but wondered what Google may have to offer in comparison.

It's possible to create the shortened URL without a Google account, but with sign-in user statistics are generated and displayed. The first thing I noticed using Goo.gl? It creates a QR code along with the finished shortened URL. The QR code is small, conveniently located on the page, and easy to save as a png or bitmap file; having both available means I do not have to save the QR code image and URL separately for later use. However, there is an image clarity consequence for that convenience.

Creating slides in PowerPoint for the library's digital sign, I used the QR code generated by Goo.gl to feature more colorful QR codes for the library web site, IRC web site, and LibGuides. However, the image (QR code) became significantly pixilated and blurred when adjusted, regardless of if method used - copy and paste or save and insert - for placement in the PowerPoint slide. To get the results needed, I used the shortened Goo.gl shortened URL in conjunction with the Kaywa code generator (options for a small, medium, large or extra-large QR code) to create what I needed. For display purposes, the slide is saved as a .jpeg for compatibility with the signage system. It's necessary for the image to be clear on the original slide; it will be enlarged significantly on the flat screen.

I like the convenience of Goo.gl as a URL shortener, but will stick with the Kawya Code Generator when I need to create a QR code for publications and the web.

ACRL 2011: Videos!

From the ACRL Insider, two 2011 ACRL Philadelphia Conference videos - the Closing Ceremony Montage and the All-Conference Reception's "Faces of ACRL." See anyone you know? I do!

"Relive your ACRL 2011 experience, or see what you missed, in these videos that were shown at the conclusion on the conference in Philadelphia. And make sure to mark your calendar for ACRL 2013, to be held April 10-13, 2013, in Indianapolis!" -- David Free, ACRL Insider, 5/18/11

Revisiting ACRL: To the Cloud!

I planned to 'live' blog during ACRL in Philadelphia, using Facebook and Twitter updates to keep track of sessions attended. I planned to upload session photos from my camera and iphone and publish wonderfully compelling blog narratives using the digital images and QR Codes saved to my RedLaser app. Both plans were stunningly simple, supported by technology, and made with the best of intentions.  Reality took a bite out of those plans when the end of the semester took center stage upon my return; I was oddly stunned to see as of today it has been five weeks since our Cyber Zed Shed presentation at ACRL 2011.

As mentioned here previously, To the Cloud: Exploring Tools to Enhance Teaching and Learning, focused on cloud applications we have successfully used within LibGuides and learning management systems. We used a LibGuide to present our session.  However, it was important the accompanying materials were presented so attendees understood they could be used in a LibGuide and LMS, as well as embedded in blogs, web sites, or information portals such as Netvibes.  We created 'mirror' sites to accompany our presentation, developing the presention on a Stark State College LibGuide and then duplicating it on a free Netvibes page.

LibGuide: To the Cloud!	Netvibe: To the Cloud!

Though initially concerned with presenting such an early session it was soon obvious CZS sessions continue to be popular, the room was full. We had a nice confidence boost before our presentation started when an attendee came up to our table, pointed to her highlighted program, and whispered "did we miss this session? It's why I came so early." It was exciting to see the session in question was ours and I was happy to reply, "No, we're next." She graciously wished us luck - and stopped us after the presentation with an additional question and business card request. Our time moved swiftly and soon there were questions to answer and it was time to move on to the next presenter. Several times that day we were stopped by attendees with comments and questions about the session, it was exciting to talk to so many interested (and interesting) people.

After the conference concluded, I read various online discussions (blogs, articles, etc.) regarding the location of Cyber Zed Shed sessions in Philadelphia - it was a large traditional room as opposed to the open area at previous conferences - and the possibility that it was a presentation format no longer in demand.  I will admit to missing the open area Cyber Zed Shed enjoyed in Seattle, it was a more informal location and provided opportunity for attendees to 'drop by' for a presentation or two. In Philadelphia the room doors remained open, there were tables with seating, electrical outlets for attendees needing to 're-charge,' and an assortment of pub-style tables were available for those passing through the sessions. If the number of attendees in sessions is any indication, the CZS has not lost any of its appeal.  These sessions remain a great resource for quick technology ideas. That said, I would recommend an effort be made to return it to a more informal venue for the next conference.

Weekly Reader

I've been using Diigo for the last six months; the transition from Delicious to Diigo was easy and at the time I needed my bookmarks available immediately.  Like the previous move to Google Reader, I hoped at some point I would be pleased with the results.  This week I had email messages from Delicious with information regarding their recent acquisition by the founders of YouTube and the opportunity to let them move my bookmarks to the new provider. 

"AVOS plans to continue the service that users have come to know and love and by working with the community, make the site even easier and more fun to save, share and discover the web's "tastiest" content" (Delicious FAQs).

I've given permission to move my bookmarks.  They've been gathering dust for four months, what could it hurt?  Here's this week's weekly reader round-up. Naturally, there's a link to information about Delicious included.

YouTube Founders Save Delicious, But is it too Late?
"After news leaked out that Yahoo! was shutting down Delicious (then announcing plans on selling the social bookmarking service), it looks like the former Internet titan has found a new lease on life under new leadership." -- Darnell Clayton, The Blog Herald, 4/27/11

The Real LMS Failure (Hint: We Should Look in the Mirror)
"We spend way too much energy thinking and worrying about LMS providers, features, companies and technologies. Blackboard or D2L or Moodle or Sakai or (now) Instructure? Open source or proprietary? This discussion board or that assessment engine? etc. etc. etc. The real LMS failure has nothing to do with any of these questions. Whether you are a Blackboard or Sakai school matters only marginally to our success in what truly matters about the LMS; how well we are utilizing the LMS to improve, support and facilitate authentic student learning." -- Joshua Kim, Blog U Technology & Learning, 4/28/11


ACRL National 2011: Conference Papers
An alphabetical listing of papers presented at ACRL National 2011 is now available in PDF. -- 4/26/11

Do You Over Explain? Five Speaker Tips for Using Data, Details Wisely
"You're smart--and loaded with facts, numbers, data points and the charts, graphs and diagrams to go with them. But if you haven't thought through how to use data and details sparingly, your audience will just get overwhelmed and miss your message. Try these five useful tactics for taming that tsunami of technical detail in your next presentation:" --  Denise Graveline, The Eloquent Woman, 4/26/11

Web Surveillance and the Campus (Blown to Bits II)
"Every Campus Life dean, academic counselor, undergraduate dean, and disciplinary officer should read Blown to Bits: You Life, Liberty, and Happiness after the Digital Explosion.  Then, they should summarize the statements in the opening chapters and present them to students at orientation sessions, in email blasts, and in informal occasions, for instance, when they address student groups." -- Mark Bauerlein, Brainstorm, 4/25/11 

OLSSI 2011

One MONSTER of a Conference!

The Ohio Library Support Staff Institute

July 31 – August 2, 2011

Ohio University - Athens, Ohio

The OLSSI Steering Committee is proud to announce the TENTH ANNUAL Ohio Library Support Staff Institute!

Budget issues haven’t gotten any easier for libraries, and so we have worked hard to prepare three days and two nights of outstanding classes, programs and lectures, along with evening entertainment & activities, for the same reasonable price for 10 straight years – $225.00 !

And we will again be having Early Bird Registration – with the discounted price of $200.00 – from April 5th through May 5th! And we’ll be offering three scholarships for first-time attendees, to have the event paid for in full!

Important dates are:

• Scholarship Contest: March 14 – April 14
• Early Bird Registration ($200): April 5 – May 5
• Regular Registration ($225): May 6 – July 6
• OLSSI 2011: July 31 – August 2, 2011

And also of note, we’ll be having a costume contest Sunday night to go with this year’s “spooky” theme, and our Grand Prize giveaway on Tuesday will be a Color Nook e-book reader!

So, stop by our new website at http://www.olssi.org/ to see our complete class & instructor list and the registration form. And, as always, feel free to contact us with any and all questions:

Michael Bradshaw
E-mail: Michael.Bradshaw -at- sc.ohio.gov

* Announcement origin: ALAO List Serv, 4/25/11

Weekly Reader

I've "cheated" a bit with this weekly reader, it's scheduled to publish at the regular Friday time while I enjoy the Easter holiday weekend.  Among other things, there has been a lot of interesting discussion this week regarding rumors of a Blackboard buy-out and Amazon's Kindle policy for library users.

Amazon to Allow Library Lending of Kindles (Updated)
"Library patrons across the United States will soon be able to borrow ebooks from over 11,000 libraries using Amazon's Kindle reading device. Long a missing link in the library lending chain, Amazon's announcement today that it will offer, sometime later this year, Kindle library lending is likely to create a flood of demand, since many patrons have long been puzzled and librarians irritated by the inability to use the market-leading device to access library books." -- Michael Kelly, Library Journal, 4/20/11

Amazon to Introduce Library Lending for Kindle
"Amazon.com announced today that it will make Kindle books available for library lending later this year. Its partner in the Kindle Library Lending program is OverDrive, a widely used distributor of e-books and audiobooks. Customers will be able to check out a Kindle book from their local library and start reading on any Kindle device or free Kindle app for Android, iPad, iPod touch, iPhone, PC, Mac, BlackBerry, or Windows Phone,” the company said in its announcement. “If a Kindle book is checked out again or that book is purchased from Amazon, all of a customer’s annotations and bookmarks will be preserved.”" - Jennifer Howard, Wired Campus, 4/20/11

Which Streaming Video Site is Right For Your Video Content
"There are a lot of options out there for distributing your brand’s custom video content. Obviously, YouTube is the biggest player in the market and one you can’t ignore. But depending on your content and the audiences you are trying to reach, it’s worth considering some others. I took some time and explored some of the other sites out there. I focus below on what the channel’s unique value appears to be and what the audience seems like. It’s important when distributing video that your content fit the channel and resonate with the audience. Otherwise it will just be stranded out there." -- Josh Cole, TippingPoint Lab Blogs, 4/21/11

Fake Web Site Pretends to Be Youngstown State U.’s
"Youngstown State University has been plagued by a Web mimic. Officials alerted the campus community last week to a Web site that appeared to be masquerading as the official university Web site, according to the Youngstown State student newspaper The Jambar." -- Ben Wieder, Wired Campus, 4/21/11


Quickwire: Blackboard is Considering Takover Proposals
"Blackboard Inc., the course-management software company, announced on Tuesday that it was considering proposals to acquire the company. It did not disclose the source of the proposals. Blackboard’s stock jumped by nearly 30 percent early on Tuesday afternoon to its highest point since 2007." -- Josh Keller, QuickWire, The Chronicle Wired Campus, 4/20/11

Blackboard Considers Purchase Offer
"Blackboard, the e-learning giant, announced on Tuesday that it has received "unsolicited, non-binding proposals" to be bought out. The company, which is publicly traded, appears to be taking the offers seriously; it has retained the investment firm Barclays Capital to help it figure out whether it wants to sell. Blackboard's stock leaped by nearly 30 percent with the news." -- Quick Takes, Inside Higher Ed, 4/20/11

Blogger Redesigned
"Today, we're thrilled to announce the public launch of our redesign! But please wait a second before you go check out your Blogger dashboard, because we’re planning a gradual rollout that will start with a limited set of users who visit our new feature testing ground, Blogger in Draft. At the start, only some of you (lucky draws!) can see the new design on Blogger in Draft. Over the course of the next few days and weeks we’ll be ramping up to support all Draft users. " -- Jinwoo Lee, Blogger in Draft, 4/19/11

5 Myths About the Information Age
"Confusion about the nature of the so-called information age has led to a state of collective false consciousness. It's no one's fault but everyone's problem, because in trying to get our bearings in cyberspace, we often get things wrong, and the misconceptions spread so rapidly that they go unchallenged. Taken together, they constitute a font of proverbial nonwisdom. " -- Robert Darnton, The Chronicle Review, 4/17/11

ALAO Research & Publication Grant Opportunity

The following announcement is from ALAO Research and Publications Committee Chair Mark Eddy and was originally posted on the CMCIG blog.

ALAO RPC Research Grant - Round Two!

The ALAO RPC is very pleased to announce a second round of our Research Grant program for 2011. This is a special, one-time opportunity for our ALAO members to apply for up to $500 in research funding.

This second round will be a "lightning round" with completed grant applications due to the RPC chair by May 20, 2011. Awards will be announced by June 1, 2011. The awards can be applied to such research costs as data organization, hiring research assistants, and modest travel costs.

The Academic Library Association of Ohio (ALAO) seeks to promote research. The ALAO Executive Board may award up to $500.00 to support and encourage research projects proposed by ALAO members. Both ongoing and new research projects are considered. Grants are intended to help in funding such incremental research costs as the organization of data, the hiring of interviewers or other assistants, charges for computer time, and modest travel costs associated with research. Grants may not be used for purchase of equipment. Grants are limited to investigations related to issues in libraries, librarianship, and information science and technology.

For more information and to apply for the 2011 ALAO Research Grant please visit our ALAO web page.  Questions? Contact the Chair of the Research & Publications Committee, Mark Eddy, mark.eddy -at- case.edu .

QR Codes in color?

A Mashable post about QR codes caught my attention this afternoon, "How to Make Your QR Codes More Beautiful."

"A thing of beauty or an eyesore? The magical barcodes that can be scanned by a smartphone to launch an offline-to-online experience are often criticized for their black and white checkerbox appearance. " -- Hamilton Chan

I have to admit, changing the color of a QR code was not something I considered. Adjusting the QR code size? Sure. Making everything around the QR code more visually appealing? Definitely.But actually changing the color or display, even branding it to match a LibGuide or presentation? The sanctity of the black and white code seemed generally untouchable. But now, the possibilities are interesting.



These are four renditions of a QR code generated for the LibGuide supporting our ACRL Cyber Zed Shed presentation, To the Cloud. The upper left code is a traditional black & white rendition. I copied the QR code image into Word to adjust color and display. First, I changed black to blue and left the white area intact. I also worked with color and picture style using "simple frame, white" and "bevel perspective." Results were certainly more visually appealing, but I was curious to learn if the code remained functional. So, I pulled out my phone and tested each with the bar code app.

The original QR code worked flawlessly, as did the first color change. It took more time for my reader to focus and scan the framed orange code, even longer for the beveled green code. In the end, all four codes directed my phone to the correct URL and successfully display the LibGuide. I like the visual appeal of the last two codes, but found having to adjust it in the app scan area took more time than may be warranted. Form or function? It will be interesting to see how QR codes may evolve.

Update: ALAO Conference 11/4/11

QR Codes were part of an ALAO conference presentation, Web Tools: The More Things Change. A QR Code and 2D Generator was featured, this site offers users opportunit to develop a QR code specifying a foreground and background color. Enter the hex code for a specific color or use the color picker provided.

The 2011 Library Blog Awards

Salem Press is once again honoring library blogs.  If you are interested in nominating your favorite, take a few minutes to review their submission process.

"Blogs about libraries continue to spread across the web, with hundreds of people writing about books, libraries, and related subjects. Last year Salem Press set out on a mission to reward the achievements of librarian bloggers. Several hundred blogs by and about librarians entered the pool of nominations when the contest was announced. After the votes were tallied, 16 blogs were awarded prizes in five topical categories. Some were well-known and well-established, others on the rise or newly discovered. (For more information about last year's blogs, click 2010 Library Blog Awards.)"

"2011 Nominations:  Please share your favorite blogs with us. Doing so will enter your beloved online reading in our 2011 Awards process. We'll be accepting suggestions through June 1, 2011. To send us nominations (including a working link to the blog), email ptobey@salempress.com."