Library News, by Amy Gill, Collection Development Librarian
Red Rock News
Date: November 9, 2007
Listening to Books is Cool Entertainment
Audio books saved my life when I commuted long distances in Los Angeles traffic and returned home late at night. There was no chance of my getting impatient or napping behind the wheel because I listened to terrifying, white-knuckle mystery and thriller books on CD or cassette to stay awake. I was scared stiff and, consequently, completely alert! Now, I’m no longer in L.A.; I get to live in beautiful Sedona and work as the Collection Development Librarian at our wonderful Sedona Public Library. As part of my job I have the pleasure of sharing audio books with the Sedona community. You can enjoy a good book while exercising, doing mundane chores or driving in your car. You might find an audio book will keep you awake on the way home from Phoenix.
Many library patrons have discovered audio books. Yesterday a library patron happily told me that they provide “pure entertainment” for her. Another library patron listens to books constantly while he does handyman work. He says he has continued his education and improved his attitude by listening to upbeat books. This hands-free entertainment gives us the theater experience of a book while still allowing our imaginations to roam free. And, once we start listening, we have favorite readers just like we have favorite movie stars. These books also empower us to listen at our own convenience. We can rest our eyes and read more books…what a concept! And, the whole experience is the ultimate for multi-taskers!
At the Sedona Public Library we currently have audio books on CD, cassette and “Playaways.” The thing they all have in common is that we listen to them and choose the format for listening that best suits our personal lifestyles and tastes. We have a large collection of new CD books in our library and can order others through the Yavapai Library Network. Sedona Public Library has also started a new collection of “Playaway” books and downloadable books are coming soon.
“Playaways” are books loaded individually onto battery operated devices, smaller than a cell phone. We can listen with an ear bud, headset or plug them into a speaker system while we go about our daily activities. I view them as a bridge between Walkman-like CD/cassette players and mp3 player/iPod-like devices. The “Playaways” have little buttons for stop, go, forward and rewind with instructions written in large print inside the carrying box. “Playaways” are a huge success in libraries across the country and they rarely stay on the shelf for long. We’ll be happy to help you try this new technology.
The Sedona community has varied tastes and interests, reflected in the wide range of our collection. We have biography/memoir, business, fiction/novels, foreign language learning, health, history, new age/metaphysical/spiritual, politics, relationships, self-help and more.
You can find our audio books near the Reference desk and internet computers. If you do not find them right away, ask for directions at the Reference desk. We will also show you how to find them in our online catalog or look things up for you.
This year we’ve added many thousands of new items to keep the Sedona Public Library current. Please come in and share and enjoy the collection created to enrich, entertain and inform the members of our community. You can check our web catalog from our new homepage at www.sedonalibrary.org.
The Sedona Public Library aims to serve you. We have a suggestion box at the circulation desk. Please let us know what titles and topics you like and what you want us to buy. You can also suggest a title online from the website. When you put your name and library card number on the request, if we order the item we will put on hold for you and you will be the first person to get it!
Amy Gill needs volunteers to help her refine the Library’s collection and displays. For more information please call Karen Greenwood at 282-7714.
This column is also presented on: Gateway to Sedona and Sedona Biz
Friday, November 9, 2007
Friday, November 2, 2007
Keeber's Kolumn
Library News, by David W. Keeber
Red Rock News
Date: November 2, 2007
A few years back, there was a huge debate in the library profession about adding video tapes of films to our collections of books. Some felt that libraries were about only books, but others reminded the nay sayers that we are supposed to respond to the needs of our users. They also made the case for libraries being providers of information in all forms. In the end, the video proponents won the day. Since then, libraries have expanded their collections to include videos, books on tape, books on CD, DVD’s, and lately, downloadable books.
This last has been a bit slow to start. Many people see portable books such as books on tape or CD as something you listen to in your car, and if they don’t plan on driving a long distance, they just don’t check them out. During the holidays and in the summers, when everyone is traveling distances to vacation or to see family, we check out loads of them. It seems that people see this format as only to be heard in their cars, or occasionally, especially among Sedona’s many artists, they listen to the in their studios while they work.
Everyone has seen the iPod come into wide popularity in the past few years. Many, many teens are perfectly happy to go about their activities with their earbuds in, happily listening to music. Podcasts, downloadable radio shows ranging from music to talk radio, are also starting to gain wider acceptance as more folks get portable music players onto which they load whatever the care to listen to.
Now, books in electronic format are no longer tethered to one’s car stereo system or your home music player. The Sedona Public Library has a great new format for books called the Playaway. These are portable music players that come preloaded with a single book. They are about the size of a matchbook and can be used anywhere, anytime.
Now, you can work in your garden, take long walks, exercise, ride your bike, or do housework while listening to top notch personalities reading your favorite books. The player can be popped into a pocket, hung on a lanyard, tucked into a backpack and you can listen for hours to the latest bestsellers. You don’t need to understand how to download things off of your computer because the books come pre-loaded on the players.
Each player requires a AAA battery to run it for hours. You also need the little earbuds to hear the sounds – no speakers on the players. For sanitary reasons, you will want to have your own earbuds, so the Library will sell you a pair for only $1.00! Keep them safe and you can use them many times, over and over.
Sedona Public Library has invested a fair amount of money to start this project with an excellent collection of titles. There are fiction and nonfiction, bestsellers and standards, adult and children’s books. If there are titles you would like to see us add to this collection, be sure to let us know. You can find these new items on the rolling cart in the main lobby. Staff is ready to show you how these work – very easily, by the way – and you will quickly find that there is nothing to it. In no time at all, you’ll be enjoying a great book, happily untethered from your home or auto stereo system.
Come in to the Sedona Public Library and check out a Playaway book. You’ll enjoy them and pretty soon, you may even want you own portable music player, which would be good because at the turn of the year, the Library will begin to offer downloadable audio books that go onto your own player. But, more on that when that new service is offered! In the meantime, check out a Playaway!
Red Rock News
Date: November 2, 2007
A few years back, there was a huge debate in the library profession about adding video tapes of films to our collections of books. Some felt that libraries were about only books, but others reminded the nay sayers that we are supposed to respond to the needs of our users. They also made the case for libraries being providers of information in all forms. In the end, the video proponents won the day. Since then, libraries have expanded their collections to include videos, books on tape, books on CD, DVD’s, and lately, downloadable books.
This last has been a bit slow to start. Many people see portable books such as books on tape or CD as something you listen to in your car, and if they don’t plan on driving a long distance, they just don’t check them out. During the holidays and in the summers, when everyone is traveling distances to vacation or to see family, we check out loads of them. It seems that people see this format as only to be heard in their cars, or occasionally, especially among Sedona’s many artists, they listen to the in their studios while they work.
Everyone has seen the iPod come into wide popularity in the past few years. Many, many teens are perfectly happy to go about their activities with their earbuds in, happily listening to music. Podcasts, downloadable radio shows ranging from music to talk radio, are also starting to gain wider acceptance as more folks get portable music players onto which they load whatever the care to listen to.
Now, books in electronic format are no longer tethered to one’s car stereo system or your home music player. The Sedona Public Library has a great new format for books called the Playaway. These are portable music players that come preloaded with a single book. They are about the size of a matchbook and can be used anywhere, anytime.
Now, you can work in your garden, take long walks, exercise, ride your bike, or do housework while listening to top notch personalities reading your favorite books. The player can be popped into a pocket, hung on a lanyard, tucked into a backpack and you can listen for hours to the latest bestsellers. You don’t need to understand how to download things off of your computer because the books come pre-loaded on the players.
Each player requires a AAA battery to run it for hours. You also need the little earbuds to hear the sounds – no speakers on the players. For sanitary reasons, you will want to have your own earbuds, so the Library will sell you a pair for only $1.00! Keep them safe and you can use them many times, over and over.
Sedona Public Library has invested a fair amount of money to start this project with an excellent collection of titles. There are fiction and nonfiction, bestsellers and standards, adult and children’s books. If there are titles you would like to see us add to this collection, be sure to let us know. You can find these new items on the rolling cart in the main lobby. Staff is ready to show you how these work – very easily, by the way – and you will quickly find that there is nothing to it. In no time at all, you’ll be enjoying a great book, happily untethered from your home or auto stereo system.
Come in to the Sedona Public Library and check out a Playaway book. You’ll enjoy them and pretty soon, you may even want you own portable music player, which would be good because at the turn of the year, the Library will begin to offer downloadable audio books that go onto your own player. But, more on that when that new service is offered! In the meantime, check out a Playaway!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Keeber's Kolumn
Library News
Red Rock News
Date: October 26, 2007
Veterans History Project at the Sedona Public Library
What does the Sedona Public Library have in common with AARP and the Library of Congress? All three are participants in the Veterans History Project, which is honoring our nation’s war veterans and those who supported them by recording their oral histories, and photographing their memoirs and other documents related to their wartime experiences.
First-hand personal stories from men and women from all branches of service: the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy and Merchant Marine, with emphasis on World War I, World War II, and the Korean, Vietnam and Persian Gulf wars, are being collected and preserved. The project also documents the contributions of civilians such as medical volunteers and war industry workers who served in support of our armed forces.
Trained volunteers are interviewing our local veterans at the Sedona Public Library. The interviews are digitally recorded and then transferred to three DVD’s. One of these goes to the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, where it becomes a permanent part of the nation’s record. One copy becomes a part of the collection at the Sedona Public Library, and the third copy is sent to the veteran, who is welcome to make copies for his friends and family if desired.
Interviews from across the country can be seen on the Internet at www.loc.gov/vets. The interviews conducted here at our library are also available to the local public. This is an on-going project during which we hope to collect this audio and visual history from all our area veterans.
Veterans who are interested in taking part in this project are urged to contact Laura Bojanowski at the Sedona Public Library by calling 282-7714 ext. 20 or writing to the Veterans History Project, Sedona Public Library, 3250 White Bear Road, Sedona, AZ 86336. If you know of a veteran who might be interested in participating and you’d like us to contact him/her, just call Laura or drop her a note and give us the name, address and phone number.
During the week beginning November 12th we will be honoring all veterans and especially those of our Verde Valley veterans who have participated in this project. There will be displays of photographs and other memorabilia at the library all that week.
On Saturday, November 17, the library will host Meet the Veterans Day at the library Community Room from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Local veterans who have participated in the Veterans History Project have been invited to come to share their stories directly with the public. There will be light refreshments, veterans to meet and lots of interesting tales to be heard. Everyone is invited to come and meet these honored men and women who served in extraordinary times, to learn some history first-hand, and to express appreciation for their service to our nation.
Remember to honor our veterans by celebrating Veteran’s Day on Sunday, November 11.
This column is also presented on: Gateway to Sedona and Sedona Biz
Red Rock News
Date: October 26, 2007
Veterans History Project at the Sedona Public Library
What does the Sedona Public Library have in common with AARP and the Library of Congress? All three are participants in the Veterans History Project, which is honoring our nation’s war veterans and those who supported them by recording their oral histories, and photographing their memoirs and other documents related to their wartime experiences.
First-hand personal stories from men and women from all branches of service: the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy and Merchant Marine, with emphasis on World War I, World War II, and the Korean, Vietnam and Persian Gulf wars, are being collected and preserved. The project also documents the contributions of civilians such as medical volunteers and war industry workers who served in support of our armed forces.
Trained volunteers are interviewing our local veterans at the Sedona Public Library. The interviews are digitally recorded and then transferred to three DVD’s. One of these goes to the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, where it becomes a permanent part of the nation’s record. One copy becomes a part of the collection at the Sedona Public Library, and the third copy is sent to the veteran, who is welcome to make copies for his friends and family if desired.
Interviews from across the country can be seen on the Internet at www.loc.gov/vets. The interviews conducted here at our library are also available to the local public. This is an on-going project during which we hope to collect this audio and visual history from all our area veterans.
Veterans who are interested in taking part in this project are urged to contact Laura Bojanowski at the Sedona Public Library by calling 282-7714 ext. 20 or writing to the Veterans History Project, Sedona Public Library, 3250 White Bear Road, Sedona, AZ 86336. If you know of a veteran who might be interested in participating and you’d like us to contact him/her, just call Laura or drop her a note and give us the name, address and phone number.
During the week beginning November 12th we will be honoring all veterans and especially those of our Verde Valley veterans who have participated in this project. There will be displays of photographs and other memorabilia at the library all that week.
On Saturday, November 17, the library will host Meet the Veterans Day at the library Community Room from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Local veterans who have participated in the Veterans History Project have been invited to come to share their stories directly with the public. There will be light refreshments, veterans to meet and lots of interesting tales to be heard. Everyone is invited to come and meet these honored men and women who served in extraordinary times, to learn some history first-hand, and to express appreciation for their service to our nation.
Remember to honor our veterans by celebrating Veteran’s Day on Sunday, November 11.
This column is also presented on: Gateway to Sedona and Sedona Biz
Monday, October 22, 2007
Keeber's Kolumn
Library News, by Pamela Comello, Youth Services Librarian
Red Rock News
Date: October 19, 2007
Teens and Libraries
Teens and libraries seemed like an appropriate topic being that the week of October 14-20 is National Teen Read Week at libraries across the country. Teens that check out items from Sedona Public Library this week have the opportunity to put their name in a drawing to win a free book! However, I imagine Teens and Libraries may not be a topic to draw interest from the majority of our community. But, being the Librarian in charge of Youth Services, several articles I read recently definitely caught my interest, and some interesting research and findings that are relative to the present and future state of libraries I felt warranted sharing.
“Tweens” is a term that refers to early teens between the ages of eight and fourteen. In 1999, this age group encompassed approximately twenty-seven million kids and represented the largest number of this age group in twenty years as quoted from Barbara Kantrowitz in the Jan. 18, 1999 article “The Truth about Tweens” written in Newsweek. The article points out that these early teens are generally extremely well –educated, optimistic in their approaches to life, have expectations of going on to college, hold their parents as the most important influencers in terms of morals and life goals, and represent approximately $14 billion per year in spending power. A 1996 study conducted by the Benton and Kellogg foundations examined attitudes of potential patrons of public libraries. Some of their findings were warning signs to public libraries of the dangers of continuing with their current strategies and demonstrated how it is vital that libraries pay attention to the opinions of younger users if libraries want these individuals to become long-term users of library services.
In 1999, Elaine Meyers wrote “The Coolness Factor: Ten Libraries Listen to Youth” published in American Libraries. Described in this article were reports from surveys conducted of young people in an attempt to reveal their views regarding public libraries. Some of the research cited in this study and other studies suggested that many public libraries are perceived negatively by teens. Many of these perceptions were based on stereotypes held by teens or by stereotypes of what librarians think tweens think. Some of these stereotypes included perceptions that libraries are “unwelcoming and uncool” locations that store books, have long tables or dreary physical spaces and the majority of library staff is not helpful or friendly. However, the overall attitudes that early teens hold in terms of their view of the public library system shows libraries meet the needs of the vast majority of teens that responded to the study. Survey project leaders suggested “teens want a multiple-use library space offering both a place for quiet study and space to socialize. The majority of the teens surveyed said they came to the library to study, to do assignments, and to use the Internet.” Surveys also showed teens wanted more welcoming space, more access to higher-end technology, more help with their homework, and better books and magazines. Teens seem to respond positively to libraries that have addressed these negative stereotypes and updated libraries that have created inviting spaces and specialized teen areas and activities with places for teens to have social interaction with their peers or entertainment without disturbing patrons in other parts of the library.
In this digital age that we live in and with technology continuing to change, results showed that technology plays a major role in young people’s lives. Research demonstrated that young teens have not given up on older technologies, such as watching television or using VCR and DVD equipment to view movies or video game equipment, but they have added new technologies as they have come along, such as text messaging and IPODs. This is of particular importance in designing strategies for libraries, because if early teens are currently using technology to locate information, and if they don’t view the public library on their list as an informational source, then librarians must take new approaches and attitudes towards actively marketing their libraries as well as updating their strategies. In fact, the majority of early teen respondents reported that they use the Internet on a daily basis, like to surf the Web, and like to get e-mail. A study in 2004 done by Stephanie Azzarone, president of Child’s Play Communications found that teens in the U.S. spent approximately 16.7 hours a week on the Internet.
At Sedona Public Library, we use teen volunteers to assist with programs, shelve books, read stories to younger children, and design arts and crafts projects for pre-school storytimes. We offer programs for teens, and have fun and informative links on the teen page on the Library’s newly designed website. Last year, we hosted a database workshop for the entire freshman class at Red Rock High School. We have many current teen magazines, anime books, and fiction book series of interest to teens. We continue to strive to meet the needs of our changing and growing youth population, and we welcome new ideas and comments from youth in our community of ways we can better serve the teen population.
On another note, If you haven’t seen the exceptional photography exhibit by the Sedona Camera Club on display in the Library’s center stacks, be sure to come in to see it before the end of the month. There are dozens of outstanding photographs on display that you won’t want to miss!
Red Rock News
Date: October 19, 2007
Teens and Libraries
Teens and libraries seemed like an appropriate topic being that the week of October 14-20 is National Teen Read Week at libraries across the country. Teens that check out items from Sedona Public Library this week have the opportunity to put their name in a drawing to win a free book! However, I imagine Teens and Libraries may not be a topic to draw interest from the majority of our community. But, being the Librarian in charge of Youth Services, several articles I read recently definitely caught my interest, and some interesting research and findings that are relative to the present and future state of libraries I felt warranted sharing.
“Tweens” is a term that refers to early teens between the ages of eight and fourteen. In 1999, this age group encompassed approximately twenty-seven million kids and represented the largest number of this age group in twenty years as quoted from Barbara Kantrowitz in the Jan. 18, 1999 article “The Truth about Tweens” written in Newsweek. The article points out that these early teens are generally extremely well –educated, optimistic in their approaches to life, have expectations of going on to college, hold their parents as the most important influencers in terms of morals and life goals, and represent approximately $14 billion per year in spending power. A 1996 study conducted by the Benton and Kellogg foundations examined attitudes of potential patrons of public libraries. Some of their findings were warning signs to public libraries of the dangers of continuing with their current strategies and demonstrated how it is vital that libraries pay attention to the opinions of younger users if libraries want these individuals to become long-term users of library services.
In 1999, Elaine Meyers wrote “The Coolness Factor: Ten Libraries Listen to Youth” published in American Libraries. Described in this article were reports from surveys conducted of young people in an attempt to reveal their views regarding public libraries. Some of the research cited in this study and other studies suggested that many public libraries are perceived negatively by teens. Many of these perceptions were based on stereotypes held by teens or by stereotypes of what librarians think tweens think. Some of these stereotypes included perceptions that libraries are “unwelcoming and uncool” locations that store books, have long tables or dreary physical spaces and the majority of library staff is not helpful or friendly. However, the overall attitudes that early teens hold in terms of their view of the public library system shows libraries meet the needs of the vast majority of teens that responded to the study. Survey project leaders suggested “teens want a multiple-use library space offering both a place for quiet study and space to socialize. The majority of the teens surveyed said they came to the library to study, to do assignments, and to use the Internet.” Surveys also showed teens wanted more welcoming space, more access to higher-end technology, more help with their homework, and better books and magazines. Teens seem to respond positively to libraries that have addressed these negative stereotypes and updated libraries that have created inviting spaces and specialized teen areas and activities with places for teens to have social interaction with their peers or entertainment without disturbing patrons in other parts of the library.
In this digital age that we live in and with technology continuing to change, results showed that technology plays a major role in young people’s lives. Research demonstrated that young teens have not given up on older technologies, such as watching television or using VCR and DVD equipment to view movies or video game equipment, but they have added new technologies as they have come along, such as text messaging and IPODs. This is of particular importance in designing strategies for libraries, because if early teens are currently using technology to locate information, and if they don’t view the public library on their list as an informational source, then librarians must take new approaches and attitudes towards actively marketing their libraries as well as updating their strategies. In fact, the majority of early teen respondents reported that they use the Internet on a daily basis, like to surf the Web, and like to get e-mail. A study in 2004 done by Stephanie Azzarone, president of Child’s Play Communications found that teens in the U.S. spent approximately 16.7 hours a week on the Internet.
At Sedona Public Library, we use teen volunteers to assist with programs, shelve books, read stories to younger children, and design arts and crafts projects for pre-school storytimes. We offer programs for teens, and have fun and informative links on the teen page on the Library’s newly designed website. Last year, we hosted a database workshop for the entire freshman class at Red Rock High School. We have many current teen magazines, anime books, and fiction book series of interest to teens. We continue to strive to meet the needs of our changing and growing youth population, and we welcome new ideas and comments from youth in our community of ways we can better serve the teen population.
On another note, If you haven’t seen the exceptional photography exhibit by the Sedona Camera Club on display in the Library’s center stacks, be sure to come in to see it before the end of the month. There are dozens of outstanding photographs on display that you won’t want to miss!
Monday, October 15, 2007
Keeber's Kolumn
Library News, by Carla M. Felsted
Red Rock News
Date: October 12, 2007
As anti-hero Michael from The Office concluded in a recent TV episode, “Life and business are about human connections. Computers are about trying to murder you in a lake.” The first I am wholly in agreement with. The second may be overstated but bears a hint of truth. Computers can literally save your life, or at least enhance it, but using them injudiciously can wreck relationships and even cars, as Michael demonstrated by following onboard, computerized driving instructions too literally and hastily.
I don’t think I’ve ever had a computer that wanted to murder me, but have had reverse fantasies about bricks and monitors and even airborne mechanical parts (die fledermaus?) over my 30 years with these machines. Still, one of the greatest enhancements to my life and career has been the Internet search engine. I even like the term, as it conveys the image of something reaching out and grabbing information needed for my personal use or to meet the needs of our many library customers. My librarian colleagues and I do leave our keyboards from time to time and stroll over to just the right section and hand just the right book to a grateful patron, thus being a “human search engine.” For now I will dispense some advice to the readers of this column on using the computerized kind.
Google, of course, comes to mind immediately. In fact the very name of the company has been “verbed,” and is now included in the venerable Oxford English Dictionary denoting the use of that search engine to find a “person, place or thing.” Even the computer-shy are amazed by its utility. Artists looking for pictures have been greatly pleased when we at the Reference Desk have gone to Google Images, a feature on the main search menu, and typed in key words like “male angel” and pulled up dozens of examples to study for inspiration. For a frequently asked question about certain banded snakes, using Google Images and the words “king coral snake” retrieves pictorial representations of coral and king snakes, and some of the “ditties” used to remember the way to distinguish them.
Google Earth, a “virtual globe” program that allows one to view not just rivers and lakes, but the Grand Canyon or Mount Kilimanjaro in three dimensions, has been spoken of in an earlier Library column. A good place to start is choosing “Maps” from Google’s main page, typing your own address and getting a satellite view of your neighborhood, and quick directions and mapping to other places. Detailed information on all your options can be found from earth.google.com, including popularly viewed locations in 360 cities around the world and even “out of this world” wonders such as the Crab Nebula.
You can set up a free email account on gmail, waste countless hours watching Google videos, set up discussion/support groups on any number of topics, utilize a web page builder, start a web log or diary (aka “blog”), set up photo albums on Picasa, track the stock market in real time (even your own portfolio if you are brave) and shop for bargains on the aptly named Froogle. Google Calendar is invaluable for keeping up with the activities of the Felsted household. These treasures may all be found by going to www.google.com. Look for menu options other than simply typing in a search in the box; some are listed under “Other.” Google is the search engine of choice, or default, on many computer browsers now and is included on the SPL web site, www.sedonalibrary.org .
Somewhat lesser known but highly useful features for the researcher are Google Reader, for monitoring one’s favorite news sites and blogs; Google Scholar for articles in medical, scientific and other journals; and Google Book for viewing “snippets” of published works of fiction and nonfiction and, in some cases, front to back content.
In addition to the “900 pound gorilla “ known as Google, other search engines have survived major shakeouts and acquisitions and remain useful. Yahoo comes closest to it in popularity, and is followed by Ask.com (formerly known as Ask Jeeves) and Windows Live. All want to be your portal, or gateway to Internet resources. Each has its strengths and unique offerings, such as Yahoo’s Kelley Blue Book for assessing automobile prices. I found so many new features in Google while researching this article that I will have to deal with the other 3 search engines in a future one. And, in yet a separate piece, you will learn about the “new, improved” package of databases of articles, encyclopedias, images and other gems offered by the Arizona State Library offered via our Library web site.
Speaking of images, don’t miss the annual exhibit of splendid photographs by the Sedona Camera Club in the Library’s center stacks on display through the end of the month.
Red Rock News
Date: October 12, 2007
As anti-hero Michael from The Office concluded in a recent TV episode, “Life and business are about human connections. Computers are about trying to murder you in a lake.” The first I am wholly in agreement with. The second may be overstated but bears a hint of truth. Computers can literally save your life, or at least enhance it, but using them injudiciously can wreck relationships and even cars, as Michael demonstrated by following onboard, computerized driving instructions too literally and hastily.
I don’t think I’ve ever had a computer that wanted to murder me, but have had reverse fantasies about bricks and monitors and even airborne mechanical parts (die fledermaus?) over my 30 years with these machines. Still, one of the greatest enhancements to my life and career has been the Internet search engine. I even like the term, as it conveys the image of something reaching out and grabbing information needed for my personal use or to meet the needs of our many library customers. My librarian colleagues and I do leave our keyboards from time to time and stroll over to just the right section and hand just the right book to a grateful patron, thus being a “human search engine.” For now I will dispense some advice to the readers of this column on using the computerized kind.
Google, of course, comes to mind immediately. In fact the very name of the company has been “verbed,” and is now included in the venerable Oxford English Dictionary denoting the use of that search engine to find a “person, place or thing.” Even the computer-shy are amazed by its utility. Artists looking for pictures have been greatly pleased when we at the Reference Desk have gone to Google Images, a feature on the main search menu, and typed in key words like “male angel” and pulled up dozens of examples to study for inspiration. For a frequently asked question about certain banded snakes, using Google Images and the words “king coral snake” retrieves pictorial representations of coral and king snakes, and some of the “ditties” used to remember the way to distinguish them.
Google Earth, a “virtual globe” program that allows one to view not just rivers and lakes, but the Grand Canyon or Mount Kilimanjaro in three dimensions, has been spoken of in an earlier Library column. A good place to start is choosing “Maps” from Google’s main page, typing your own address and getting a satellite view of your neighborhood, and quick directions and mapping to other places. Detailed information on all your options can be found from earth.google.com, including popularly viewed locations in 360 cities around the world and even “out of this world” wonders such as the Crab Nebula.
You can set up a free email account on gmail, waste countless hours watching Google videos, set up discussion/support groups on any number of topics, utilize a web page builder, start a web log or diary (aka “blog”), set up photo albums on Picasa, track the stock market in real time (even your own portfolio if you are brave) and shop for bargains on the aptly named Froogle. Google Calendar is invaluable for keeping up with the activities of the Felsted household. These treasures may all be found by going to www.google.com. Look for menu options other than simply typing in a search in the box; some are listed under “Other.” Google is the search engine of choice, or default, on many computer browsers now and is included on the SPL web site, www.sedonalibrary.org .
Somewhat lesser known but highly useful features for the researcher are Google Reader, for monitoring one’s favorite news sites and blogs; Google Scholar for articles in medical, scientific and other journals; and Google Book for viewing “snippets” of published works of fiction and nonfiction and, in some cases, front to back content.
In addition to the “900 pound gorilla “ known as Google, other search engines have survived major shakeouts and acquisitions and remain useful. Yahoo comes closest to it in popularity, and is followed by Ask.com (formerly known as Ask Jeeves) and Windows Live. All want to be your portal, or gateway to Internet resources. Each has its strengths and unique offerings, such as Yahoo’s Kelley Blue Book for assessing automobile prices. I found so many new features in Google while researching this article that I will have to deal with the other 3 search engines in a future one. And, in yet a separate piece, you will learn about the “new, improved” package of databases of articles, encyclopedias, images and other gems offered by the Arizona State Library offered via our Library web site.
Speaking of images, don’t miss the annual exhibit of splendid photographs by the Sedona Camera Club in the Library’s center stacks on display through the end of the month.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Keeber's Kolumn
Library News, by Dr. David R. Black, President,
Sedona Public Library Board of Trustees
Red Rock News
Date: October 5, 2007
Later this month, we will celebrate a group that is vital to your Sedona Public Li-brary – the Friends of the Sedona Library, Inc. The week of October 22 – 28 is National Friends of the Library Week, which gives us a chance to reflect on the contributions this group makes to your Library.
The Friends of the Sedona Library (FOL) was formed in 1967 to support the public library that opened in 1958. At that time, the City of Sedona had not yet been incorporated. The Library was an entirely volunteer effort, and all funding was through donations. The first officers were David W. Stallard, president; Cecil Lockhart-Smith, first vice president; Vera Shultz, second vice president; and Donald H. Rymer, treasurer.
This year, FOL is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The officers are Charlene Lipka, president; Leigh Shafer, first vice president; Mary Snyder, second vice president; Pat Loveless, secretary; and Donna Hawk, treasurer.
Today the Sedona Public Library contracts with the City of Sedona and both Coconino and Yavapai Counties to provide free library services to area residents and visitors. While this public funding covers the costs of salaries for our professional staff, utilities and other operational costs, we look to private sources of funding for a significant portion of our budget each year. The bulk of that annual private funding comes from FOL, through its book sales and special events such as the Festival of the Wreaths. This year, FOL has pledged a minimum of $90,000 that will be used to increase and enhance our collection of books, audio/visual materials, computers and other technological resources; provide special programming such as the Children’s Summer Reading Program; add shelving to house the collection; and meet other needs that may arise.
As with most such groups, a small number of people do the bulk of the work. FOL is always looking for more volunteers to help support the Library. Here are some current opportunities:
• Fall Book Sale – Setup begins on Wednesday, Oct. 10. Volunteers (especially those who can lift boxes of books and set up tables) are needed to arrange the books on tables by subject. The sale opens with a preview for FOL members and invited guests at 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 15, and is open during Library hours through Saturday, Oct. 27. Volunteers are needed to keep the sales area looking neat and to cashier. Call Charlene Lipka at 203-4808 if you’d like to help.
• Festival of the Wreaths – This popular event offers for sale wreaths and other decorations that have been made and donated by businesses and individuals. Wreaths will be accepted at the Library on Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Festival opens with a gala at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 11. Music will be provided by Frost & Frost and Walt Flory and Friends. In addition to the beautiful wreaths for sale, donated gifts, gift certificates from local restaurants and businesses, and hand-made items and artwork will be raffled. If you’d like to donate a wreath or raffle item or help with the gala, call SanDee Kinnen at 203-4363.
• Internet Book Sales – FOL began selling certain items on eBay and Amazon.com in December 2005 and now averages listings of more than 600 items. Volunteers are needed to research, price and list the items. E-sale volunteers need to be mini-mally computer literate. A sense of humor and the instincts of a detective are help-ful. Hands-on training is provided. Anyone interested should send an email to sedonafossilz@yahoo.com.
• Ongoing Book Sales – Donations for the semi-annual (Fall and Spring) book sales come in throughout the year and have to be processed. Paperbacks and trade pub-lications are offered for sale throughout the year. The shelves are stocked weekly to ensure a good selection. Because we are blessed with so many donations, FOL has begun offering Mini Book Sales of items in specific categories during certain months. For example, the September sale featured Westerns and Arizona History books. The next Mini Book Sale is Dec. 2 – 9 and will feature Holiday, Children’s and Gift books. To volunteer to help with these sales, contact Charlene Lipka at 203-4808.
As you can see, the Friends keep busy. Even if you can’t volunteer for one of the events mentioned, you can help by becoming a member of Friends of the Sedona Library. Applications are available at the Circulation Desk at the Library, or you can mail your tax-deductible membership fee to Friends of the Sedona Library, P.O. Box 268, Sedona, AZ 86339. Membership categories are:
Member, $15
Family, $25
Patron, $100
Benefactor, $250
Other, any amount you wish to contribute
Remember, the Sedona Public Library is your library. Be a Friend.
Sedona Public Library Board of Trustees
Red Rock News
Date: October 5, 2007
Later this month, we will celebrate a group that is vital to your Sedona Public Li-brary – the Friends of the Sedona Library, Inc. The week of October 22 – 28 is National Friends of the Library Week, which gives us a chance to reflect on the contributions this group makes to your Library.
The Friends of the Sedona Library (FOL) was formed in 1967 to support the public library that opened in 1958. At that time, the City of Sedona had not yet been incorporated. The Library was an entirely volunteer effort, and all funding was through donations. The first officers were David W. Stallard, president; Cecil Lockhart-Smith, first vice president; Vera Shultz, second vice president; and Donald H. Rymer, treasurer.
This year, FOL is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The officers are Charlene Lipka, president; Leigh Shafer, first vice president; Mary Snyder, second vice president; Pat Loveless, secretary; and Donna Hawk, treasurer.
Today the Sedona Public Library contracts with the City of Sedona and both Coconino and Yavapai Counties to provide free library services to area residents and visitors. While this public funding covers the costs of salaries for our professional staff, utilities and other operational costs, we look to private sources of funding for a significant portion of our budget each year. The bulk of that annual private funding comes from FOL, through its book sales and special events such as the Festival of the Wreaths. This year, FOL has pledged a minimum of $90,000 that will be used to increase and enhance our collection of books, audio/visual materials, computers and other technological resources; provide special programming such as the Children’s Summer Reading Program; add shelving to house the collection; and meet other needs that may arise.
As with most such groups, a small number of people do the bulk of the work. FOL is always looking for more volunteers to help support the Library. Here are some current opportunities:
• Fall Book Sale – Setup begins on Wednesday, Oct. 10. Volunteers (especially those who can lift boxes of books and set up tables) are needed to arrange the books on tables by subject. The sale opens with a preview for FOL members and invited guests at 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 15, and is open during Library hours through Saturday, Oct. 27. Volunteers are needed to keep the sales area looking neat and to cashier. Call Charlene Lipka at 203-4808 if you’d like to help.
• Festival of the Wreaths – This popular event offers for sale wreaths and other decorations that have been made and donated by businesses and individuals. Wreaths will be accepted at the Library on Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Festival opens with a gala at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 11. Music will be provided by Frost & Frost and Walt Flory and Friends. In addition to the beautiful wreaths for sale, donated gifts, gift certificates from local restaurants and businesses, and hand-made items and artwork will be raffled. If you’d like to donate a wreath or raffle item or help with the gala, call SanDee Kinnen at 203-4363.
• Internet Book Sales – FOL began selling certain items on eBay and Amazon.com in December 2005 and now averages listings of more than 600 items. Volunteers are needed to research, price and list the items. E-sale volunteers need to be mini-mally computer literate. A sense of humor and the instincts of a detective are help-ful. Hands-on training is provided. Anyone interested should send an email to sedonafossilz@yahoo.com.
• Ongoing Book Sales – Donations for the semi-annual (Fall and Spring) book sales come in throughout the year and have to be processed. Paperbacks and trade pub-lications are offered for sale throughout the year. The shelves are stocked weekly to ensure a good selection. Because we are blessed with so many donations, FOL has begun offering Mini Book Sales of items in specific categories during certain months. For example, the September sale featured Westerns and Arizona History books. The next Mini Book Sale is Dec. 2 – 9 and will feature Holiday, Children’s and Gift books. To volunteer to help with these sales, contact Charlene Lipka at 203-4808.
As you can see, the Friends keep busy. Even if you can’t volunteer for one of the events mentioned, you can help by becoming a member of Friends of the Sedona Library. Applications are available at the Circulation Desk at the Library, or you can mail your tax-deductible membership fee to Friends of the Sedona Library, P.O. Box 268, Sedona, AZ 86339. Membership categories are:
Member, $15
Family, $25
Patron, $100
Benefactor, $250
Other, any amount you wish to contribute
Remember, the Sedona Public Library is your library. Be a Friend.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Keeber's Kolumn
Library News, by David W. Keeber
Red Rock News
Date: September 21, 2007
Books, books, and more books. It is logical that as librarians we are surrounded by books, but sometimes, it can be too much! Not that I am complaining but after awhile, the number and sheer volume can be a challenge. Sedona Public Library receives hundreds and hundreds of books per week. New ones, old ones, purchased and donated – it wouldn’t be excessive to tell you that we can easily receive one or two pickup trucks of books each week.
The ones that are the most interesting, in my view, are the donated books. Whether someone has simply cleared off their shelves to make room for more they intend to purchase, or it’s an estate being dissolved and the Library receives all those that cannot be sold, almost invariably one can find a treasure or three in each odd lot. The challenge is to know the good from the bad – especially whether the good ones are REALLY good and worth some money.
The Friends of the Sedona Library have managed the book sales for years. All proceeds from those sales allow the Friends to support the Library directly. So, even if a book you donate doesn’t end up in the collection, its sale does directly benefit our work here. During the past year, we have changed how we handle some of those donated books. Often, people bring us a book from out of the book sales and state that “This book is worth at least $500. Why are you selling it for $3?” we have decided to delve more deeply into the “real” worth of many of the donated books. Real is a matter of perspective as one person’s treasure is another many trash.
Sometimes, a really obvious example of a rare book comes along and we have been able to sell it for its true worth. But, much of an esoteric book’s value is in the eye of the purchaser. Not all would agree it has real worth. Some collectors specialize in books of certain genre, style, period, author and so many more criteria. Knowing that there is a market for a particular book requires years of experience, or – the Internet!
Nowadays, there are many websites that post the value of collectibles – books or otherwise – from which a reasonable understanding of an item’s worth can be obtained. And that is just what we do. Sites such as alibris, abebooks, biblio, bookfinder, usedbookcentral and allbookstores all provide excellent information on the value of many old, rare, collectible or unusual books. A search gives you the value of the item you hold and then you simply list the title, a description and the price on other sites like eBay. We have found purchasers of many books and actually brought in “real money” to the tune of hundreds of dollars for a book. This has been a good avenue for the Sedona Public Library because we don’t often find those who wish to pay high dollars for a rarity coming into our book sales.
Our big challenge is to find enough people who are interested in learning the searching work and to donate their time to list the many titles that are starting to back up on our shelves. If you are interested in working with computers, searching the Internet, have an interest in old books and want to help the Library in a very direct way, please consider becoming a book searcher.
Each week, books we have listed have gone out the front door and returned to us a goodly sum of money. Please help the Library and the Friends of the Library by donating a few hours each week to this fascinating work. We will show you the ropes and establish a regular schedule with you. Your time spent here will be among interesting and friendly folks, doing work that truly helps us. And I’ll bet you learn something, too!
Please contact Karen Greenwood, our Volunteer Coordinator, to express your interest and schedule. Help the Library, have fun and raise money quickly for us without much effort at all!
Red Rock News
Date: September 21, 2007
Books, books, and more books. It is logical that as librarians we are surrounded by books, but sometimes, it can be too much! Not that I am complaining but after awhile, the number and sheer volume can be a challenge. Sedona Public Library receives hundreds and hundreds of books per week. New ones, old ones, purchased and donated – it wouldn’t be excessive to tell you that we can easily receive one or two pickup trucks of books each week.
The ones that are the most interesting, in my view, are the donated books. Whether someone has simply cleared off their shelves to make room for more they intend to purchase, or it’s an estate being dissolved and the Library receives all those that cannot be sold, almost invariably one can find a treasure or three in each odd lot. The challenge is to know the good from the bad – especially whether the good ones are REALLY good and worth some money.
The Friends of the Sedona Library have managed the book sales for years. All proceeds from those sales allow the Friends to support the Library directly. So, even if a book you donate doesn’t end up in the collection, its sale does directly benefit our work here. During the past year, we have changed how we handle some of those donated books. Often, people bring us a book from out of the book sales and state that “This book is worth at least $500. Why are you selling it for $3?” we have decided to delve more deeply into the “real” worth of many of the donated books. Real is a matter of perspective as one person’s treasure is another many trash.
Sometimes, a really obvious example of a rare book comes along and we have been able to sell it for its true worth. But, much of an esoteric book’s value is in the eye of the purchaser. Not all would agree it has real worth. Some collectors specialize in books of certain genre, style, period, author and so many more criteria. Knowing that there is a market for a particular book requires years of experience, or – the Internet!
Nowadays, there are many websites that post the value of collectibles – books or otherwise – from which a reasonable understanding of an item’s worth can be obtained. And that is just what we do. Sites such as alibris, abebooks, biblio, bookfinder, usedbookcentral and allbookstores all provide excellent information on the value of many old, rare, collectible or unusual books. A search gives you the value of the item you hold and then you simply list the title, a description and the price on other sites like eBay. We have found purchasers of many books and actually brought in “real money” to the tune of hundreds of dollars for a book. This has been a good avenue for the Sedona Public Library because we don’t often find those who wish to pay high dollars for a rarity coming into our book sales.
Our big challenge is to find enough people who are interested in learning the searching work and to donate their time to list the many titles that are starting to back up on our shelves. If you are interested in working with computers, searching the Internet, have an interest in old books and want to help the Library in a very direct way, please consider becoming a book searcher.
Each week, books we have listed have gone out the front door and returned to us a goodly sum of money. Please help the Library and the Friends of the Library by donating a few hours each week to this fascinating work. We will show you the ropes and establish a regular schedule with you. Your time spent here will be among interesting and friendly folks, doing work that truly helps us. And I’ll bet you learn something, too!
Please contact Karen Greenwood, our Volunteer Coordinator, to express your interest and schedule. Help the Library, have fun and raise money quickly for us without much effort at all!
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