When looking at the choices for this topic I was tempted to try the audiobooks, as that would be nice on the bus ride to work. However, knowing how little experience I have with teen and young adult books, I chose the YALSA app. While I'm talking to a patron about book ideas, I could be looking at my phone for more ideas.
When using the YALSA app, I wasn't sure if it was a work in progress because parts didn't seem to work. If you look under book title, anything you select will result in a book not found message. If you look for the same book in any other way it works. I also like the variety of ways to search for books.
I tried using the find it part of the app. That also doesn't seem to work so well. In addition to assuming I am in Saint Paul Kansas, it can't show books available in the SPPL system. Instead, it directs me to college libraries and other county libraries.
I would use this app for informational and idea purposes, being careful to not search by title. I would then use Sierra or Mnlink on the computer to find the exact location of the book. Otherwise, it looks like a fun app.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Sunday, March 23, 2014
23 mobile things #11
For this post, I looked at the elm4you.org website on my Iphone, as well as the library apps for Saint Paul, Ramsey County, and Hennepin County. These are a real time saver when helping patrons, especially if I'm away from the reference desk or the internet goes down.
Elm4you.org looks almost the same whether on a mobile device or the desktop. In fact, I think the mobile version is easier to use. Once you click the research now, it gives you a list of mobile friendly databases that work nicely.
What I would use day to day, though, is the mobile apps from the 3 library systems named above. There are times when I am away from the desk or at home and want to know which library has which book or dvd. I can easily find that out and even request from the app.
What I would hope for is a Mnlink app that can be used for inter-library loans without having to be on a desktop computer. I would assume that the same rules apply, but it would make things easier for patrons to get the materials they want.
Elm4you.org looks almost the same whether on a mobile device or the desktop. In fact, I think the mobile version is easier to use. Once you click the research now, it gives you a list of mobile friendly databases that work nicely.
What I would use day to day, though, is the mobile apps from the 3 library systems named above. There are times when I am away from the desk or at home and want to know which library has which book or dvd. I can easily find that out and even request from the app.
What I would hope for is a Mnlink app that can be used for inter-library loans without having to be on a desktop computer. I would assume that the same rules apply, but it would make things easier for patrons to get the materials they want.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
23 mobile things thing #10
For the tenth mobile thing, the topic is sharing photos. For this, I looked at Instagram as a possibility. As I said in my last post, I use my Iphone for any pictures I take on vacation or day to day. I usually share my photos through text message, or occasionally Facebook. This doesn't seem workable as a permanent solution because I would either have to text everyone and have their phone numbers or post for the world to see. If I could limit it to who is following me, I could feel more comfortable with the sharing process.
After registering with Instagram, I found that many of my Facebook friends are already actively sharing their pics. I found out that even Prince has an Instagram account, which is really cool. I lingered around and finally decided to share a test photo of my birthday cake. I posted it both on Facebook and Instagram and was surprised by the results. It seems that I get more feedback and "like"s on Facebook. I realized that it's probably because I don't have many followers on Instagram yet.
Since I don't use Twitter though I do have an account, Instagram is probably my best choice for sharing photos I don't want the public to see necessarily. I'm not sure I would actually use it in the library, but in day to day life it will be fun and interesting to use.
After registering with Instagram, I found that many of my Facebook friends are already actively sharing their pics. I found out that even Prince has an Instagram account, which is really cool. I lingered around and finally decided to share a test photo of my birthday cake. I posted it both on Facebook and Instagram and was surprised by the results. It seems that I get more feedback and "like"s on Facebook. I realized that it's probably because I don't have many followers on Instagram yet.
Since I don't use Twitter though I do have an account, Instagram is probably my best choice for sharing photos I don't want the public to see necessarily. I'm not sure I would actually use it in the library, but in day to day life it will be fun and interesting to use.
Saturday, March 15, 2014
23 mobile things thing #9
For this mobile thing, I looked at different apps to make taking pictures easier on my Iphone. I use my Iphone as my primary camera and would love to find ways of making fun pictures for displays and promotional materials. I tried Linecamera, CamMe and one called TimerCam.
I first tried to use CamMe. When taking a picture, it was hard to get it to recognize my hand. I probably should have tried to set my camera down further away. I could get it to work somewhat but instead decided to try TimerCam next. TimerCam works in the same way as CamMe, but there is a timer that can be set before the picture is taken. This seems to work better for me than having to raise your hand.
The editing app I tried was Linecamera. This was a fun app that let me combine pics, add words, add background and do other things. I would use it for fun pics both in and outside the library. There are so many different ways to change things that it is very useful.
After using these apps, I feel that my Iphone will continue to be my only camera for everything. They really work well together.
I first tried to use CamMe. When taking a picture, it was hard to get it to recognize my hand. I probably should have tried to set my camera down further away. I could get it to work somewhat but instead decided to try TimerCam next. TimerCam works in the same way as CamMe, but there is a timer that can be set before the picture is taken. This seems to work better for me than having to raise your hand.
The editing app I tried was Linecamera. This was a fun app that let me combine pics, add words, add background and do other things. I would use it for fun pics both in and outside the library. There are so many different ways to change things that it is very useful.
After using these apps, I feel that my Iphone will continue to be my only camera for everything. They really work well together.
Monday, March 10, 2014
23 mobile things- thing #8
I tend to sign up for many social media sites but either forget to use them or decide against it. The only 2 I use regularily are facebook and linkedin. I do have a twitter account but it's been years since I used it. I do have both the facebook and linkedin mobile apps and check them quite frequently.
I downloaded Hootsuite to see if being able to check both facebook and linkedin at the same time would be helpful or not. It is easy to refresh the feeds and get the info, but I couldn't figure out how to post or comment on anything like I can in regular facebook. Also, it seems geared to someone with a twitter account.
Though I like the idea of Hootsuite, it doesn't seem to be as useful to me as it could be. I would rather check the few apps I have. For professional development and networking, I would probably stick with linkedin. However, I do welcome any librarian friends on facebook.
I downloaded Hootsuite to see if being able to check both facebook and linkedin at the same time would be helpful or not. It is easy to refresh the feeds and get the info, but I couldn't figure out how to post or comment on anything like I can in regular facebook. Also, it seems geared to someone with a twitter account.
Though I like the idea of Hootsuite, it doesn't seem to be as useful to me as it could be. I would rather check the few apps I have. For professional development and networking, I would probably stick with linkedin. However, I do welcome any librarian friends on facebook.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
23 mobile things: thing #7
For this part of the experience, I decided to try Bitly. I had already used Delicious in library school to save bookmarks for a project and hoped that Bitly would be the same thing. It would be nice to be able to save my favorite websites and access them wherever I went. However, neither Bitly nor Delicious worked for me. I couldn't figure out how to import my Firefox bookmarks into Bitly and there was no help for that.
I did find out I could transfer bookmarks from Delicious to Bitly. Unfortunately, when I logged into Delicious, every one of my links is duplicated and I can't erase the duplicates. Also, Firefox is incompatible so I can't import those.
It seems to me that Bitly, Firefox and Delicious should be compatible with each other. Otherwise there doesn't seem to be a point in content sharing. I could use Pinterest, but I had more experience with Delicious and thet type of application.
I did find out I could transfer bookmarks from Delicious to Bitly. Unfortunately, when I logged into Delicious, every one of my links is duplicated and I can't erase the duplicates. Also, Firefox is incompatible so I can't import those.
It seems to me that Bitly, Firefox and Delicious should be compatible with each other. Otherwise there doesn't seem to be a point in content sharing. I could use Pinterest, but I had more experience with Delicious and thet type of application.
Sunday, March 2, 2014
23 mobile things- thing #6!
This time I looked at Quick Office as a way of editing and saving documents on my Iphone. I have always used Google Drive and Gmail to send and save documents I want to use elsewhere. Before Quick Office, I would have to download my documents to my laptop to make any changes before uploading back to Google. I could never edit anything unless I emailed it to myself first.
After using Quick Office, it has gotten better. Though not perfect, it is a nice step in the right direction. I am able to create and edit files on the go and save them to my cloud drive. I can even create a powerpoint on the bus and finish it at work. I love I have used it to edit lists of things I need to do or books I want to get. I love the way you can track the changes made and center the text.
The only problems I see with Quick Office are the limitations. There is no way to see or add page numbers or change the margins. It would be nice to be able to insert pictures into the document as well. Maybe, at least for the Iphone version, one could insert things saved to Photos. This could be cleared up in another version. I know that it can never be the same as Office, but these could make things better. All in All, this is a great use of mobile technology as long as you get used to the Iphone keyboard.
After using Quick Office, it has gotten better. Though not perfect, it is a nice step in the right direction. I am able to create and edit files on the go and save them to my cloud drive. I can even create a powerpoint on the bus and finish it at work. I love I have used it to edit lists of things I need to do or books I want to get. I love the way you can track the changes made and center the text.
The only problems I see with Quick Office are the limitations. There is no way to see or add page numbers or change the margins. It would be nice to be able to insert pictures into the document as well. Maybe, at least for the Iphone version, one could insert things saved to Photos. This could be cleared up in another version. I know that it can never be the same as Office, but these could make things better. All in All, this is a great use of mobile technology as long as you get used to the Iphone keyboard.
Saturday, March 1, 2014
23 mobile things thing# 5- notetaking
While I use my iphone for many things, note taking is usually not one of them. When I do, the app that came with the phone is used, mainly to remember certain things. However, I did have Dragon on my old phone and looked into using it again at the library.
The problem with Dragon for me is that I would need to find a quiet place to use it. Because it relies on the microphone, it either picks up other conversations or doesn't recognize my note. When I used it before, it was to send texts without having to type it in. However, I now have Siri to do that. Otherwise, I would try the voice memo app for notes during meetings.
When thinking about how I would use the Iphone for keeping organized lists personally, I like my current set up and do not plan on changing it. The various apps listed would work depending on the needs of the individual user.
The problem with Dragon for me is that I would need to find a quiet place to use it. Because it relies on the microphone, it either picks up other conversations or doesn't recognize my note. When I used it before, it was to send texts without having to type it in. However, I now have Siri to do that. Otherwise, I would try the voice memo app for notes during meetings.
When thinking about how I would use the Iphone for keeping organized lists personally, I like my current set up and do not plan on changing it. The various apps listed would work depending on the needs of the individual user.
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