SLA Information Technology Division Blog

Have you used SLA's Online Libraries?

At the Leadership Summit in January, many of us were surprised to hear about the number of books available to SLA members -- for free -- through the SLA Online Libraries.  The Online Libraries are part of Click U and where formerly called the Leadership & Management Library.  Hundreds of books and reports are here for you to use.  Key subject areas include leadership, entrepreneurship, strategic planning, KM case studies, organizational behavior, personnel management, project management and risk management.  Here is are a few titles:

• Personal Web Usage in the Workplace: A Guide to Effective Human Resources Management
• Transforming Training : A Guide to Creating a Flexible Learning Environment: the Rise of the Learning Architects
• Managing Intellectual Assets in the Digital Age
• Organizational Learning Cycle : How We Can Learn Collectively

If you haven't taken a look at this resource, please do.  You may be pleasantly surprised at what you'll find. 

Click U is located under Professional Development on the SLA homepage.

Click U Course of the Month: Managing the Virtual Office

The FREE course of the month is Managing the Virtual.  This course is available to SLA members until June 22.  Description:

Managing the Virtual Office. Technology is making it possible for employees to perform the same tasks from a remote location that they could if they were on site. In this course, you will explore how managers are moving toward the "virtual office" as a work option.

Topics covered include: Design a Virtual Office, Coach Employees on Set-Up, and Establish Office Requirements.

I've done several of the free Click U courses and each has been good.  They have short courses that I could easily be do during a lunch hour.  If you have not tried one, I hope you'll do one soon.  They are there for you!

ChaCha's Free Mobile Service

An article in the Wall Street Journal's Personal Technology column describes ChaCha's free cellphone service that allows you to ask any question.  Call 1-800-2ChaCha or send a question via text message to 242242.  While the service is fee, regular text messaging/call costs from your carrier may apply. 

The questions are answered by a team of ChaCha guides that are paid a set rate per transaction/answer.  If you're interested in trying the service out and want to learn how it works, here is a link to ChaCha's FAQ.

Event: The Information Industry in China: What YOU Want and Need to Know

This event is on June 13, which is when many of us will be in Seattle.  However, you may know of someone who would be interested in it.

The Information Industry in China: What YOU Want and Need to Know

China cannot be ignored.  It is predicted that by the year 2050 it will have the world’s largest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and could surpass the U.S. as early as 2039.  The percentage of Chinese-language articles and patents is already increasing while the percentage of similar English language documents is in decline. And the China online service, Baidu.com, Inc., has 5.2% of the worldwide search engine market - third only to Google and Yahoo!  What does this mean for you as an information or information technology provider or even as a librarian or information professional who has to provide access to the world’s key information?  This seminar will provide an interactive and intimate setting to learn about current trends in the Chinese Information Industry, the opportunities and challenges that it offers, and the requirements for success in that geographic arena.  The resources available for intellectual property protection and enforcement will also be presented and discussed with ample time for asking questions throughout the program.

More information...

Frightening statistic from Primary Research Group

According to an email I received, the Primary Research Group has published Library Use of E-books, 2008-09 Edition.  The email says:

For the most part, librarians in the sample felt that their patrons were less skilled in using e-book collections than they were in using databases of magazine, newspaper and journal articles.

Given what patrons don't know how using magazine/journal and newspaper databases, I think this is frightening. 

So my question is, what is it that we need to be teaching our patrons about ebooks and how do we do it?

Third Annual Technical Support Roundtable at SLA 2008

For the third conference in a row, the IT division will offer an "unconference" session where attendees can discuss technical support issues with each other:

Technical Support Roundtable
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 11:00AM - 12:30PM

 Bring your questions and share your ideas at this third annual forum for technical support issues. What are your favorite Web 2.0 apps? How have you dealt with security concerns? Have you upgraded to the latest from Microsoft yet? Whether you are a technical support expert or someone who serves as a de facto support professional, join us in this open discussion to share your experiences and concerns.

In order for this session to be successful, participation is essential. Please spread the word to others who might be interested in attending.

More information about other IT-sponsored programs in Seattle

529 Tips to Improve Your Computing Experience

A recent article in PC Magazine provides readers with a whopping 529 computing tips to help you maximize your computing experience.  With the tips organized into almost three dozen categories, you're bound to find something you can use.

IT Awards - Only 7 days left!!!

Did your Chapter do an outstanding program this year featuring technology?

Do you know someone in the IT Divisions who has gone above and beyond and should be recognized?

Only one week left to nominate potential winners for these IT Awards.

Grieg Aspnes Outstanding Memember Award

Outstanding Technology Programming Award

Submissions for these awards should be sent to Kathy Weyand, IT Division Awards Chair at kathy.weyand@munimae.com. Deadline is April 30th.

This is an opportunity to recognize special people and events in your SLA. Don't let time run out!

What is Nerdic?

According to an article in the science and technology section of the Daily Mail, it seems that Nerdic is the fastest growing language in Europe.  What is "Nerdic" you ask?  It describes the new technology terminology that is fast becoming the norm in many day-to-day conversations.  Some of the terms you may already use include:

Mash-up - Take two or more really interesting elements from different websites or applications and make them into one.

RFID - Radio-frequency identification (RFID)

Wimax - Supersized Wi-Fi will give whole cities internet coverage.

How Much Time Does Web 2.0 Take?

A post on the Museum 2.0 website provides readers with a look at the time it takes for people to engage in Web 2.0 activities.  While the blog itself is targeted towards the museum crowd, the data is still applicable for those in the information environment.  Here are the definitions posed by the author:

• Participants spend roughly 1-5 hours in the Web 2.0 world.  These individuals don't need a large amount of time or technical expertise to participate. 
  
• Content providers spend about 5-10 hours per week.  Some of this group's activities include writing blogs and creating podcasts.
• Community directors spend 10-20 hours per week.  This group has more time and technical expertise and are willing to take on bigger projects like developing community websites or creating a presence in Second Life for their organizations. 

What group do you fall into?