Wired Funny- Electronic Tools for Teaching

Running out of time!

2012-01-06T14:54:00.001-08:00

Never enough days from school to get all the home stuff done. MAybe if I had not spend all the previous week on Blackboard and correcting syllabi I would not be so panicked. HA!

Harvard Education Letter

2011-06-02T09:55:00.000-07:00

Harvard Education Letter

Google Bookmarks

2010-10-21T13:52:00.000-07:00

Google Bookmarks

ISTE | Computing in the Clouds

2010-04-20T10:42:00.000-07:00

ISTE | Computing in the Clouds

Livescribe- a new addiction

2010-02-09T13:29:00.000-08:00

Yes. I had a birthday and I asked for a Livescribe pen. It is an everyday tool. I use it to write notes for my classes, take notes during student teacher observations, write to-do lists, make lists of songs for the band....you name it-I write it with my Livescribe. I am going to get brave and try to do a pencast showing how to weight grades and show it to my ED 652 class. Should be a kick! I also made several little pianos and taped them to my instruments so that I do not need a tuner all the time. Very cool!

Why teach the arts? Art inspires learning | csmonitor.com

2009-10-27T10:59:00.001-07:00

Why teach the arts? Art inspires learning | csmonitor.com

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Inviting Comments-Our URLs for Blogger-- ED 642

2009-07-30T08:50:00.000-07:00

Krista Pagano: http://kristapagano.blogspot.com
Christina van der Kamp http://msvdkgoestoschool.blogspot.com
Charissa McCulloch http://cmcculloch.blogspot.com
Abe Currin http://grovestudentteacher.blogspot.com
Susan Albertson http://susana-firstdaysofteaching.blogspot.com
Marcella Bosch http://marcella-marshmellow.blogspot.com
Madison Bailey http://madisons-ave.blogspot.com
Brenda Martin: http://bamsblogs.blogspot.com
Amanda Corbridge http://missamandac.blogspot.com
Sharon Porter http://ercpierce.blogspot.com
Lari Whitbeck http://thepaperyear.blogspot.com
Toni Forrest http://tonibalonie.blogspot.com
Ben Iverson http://iversonb.blogspot.com
Denise DeTienne/Moody http://ddetien-teachertalk.blogspot.com
Karla Macy (is awesome!) http://karlamacy.blogspot.com
Kari Pack http://TereTeaching.blogspot.com
tasha humbert http://humbertk-tashaspage.blogspot.com
Jerri Moro http://jerraym.blogspot.com
Erin Ontko http://erinontko.blogspot.com
Donna Brown - http://dbrownsschoolblog.blogspot.com
Becky Wade-http://wadeb-beckysnews.blogspot.com
Dollie Becktold http://becktoldblog.blogspot.com
Molli Vineyard http://mevrocks.blogspot.com
David Ratzlaff http://truedav.blogspot.com
Amanda Brent http://missbrentsblog.blogspot.com
Elijah Romer http://elijahisteaching.blogspot.com

2009-07-30T08:32:00.000-07:00

Today, we are making blogs through Blogger. They are intended as a mechanism for reflection on our teching practice. This will be very useful for our work sample reflections on our lesson plans and for our action research reflections. We are also sharing with three cohort colleagues so that we can practice being supportive of each other.

Blooging Blather

2009-07-21T08:39:00.000-07:00

We are starting blogs today and electronic journals to capture our thoughts. Sometimes, like the scoring guide/rubric conversion example, went to pieces because I am fogged in my brain! Later today will make more sense.

Big Birthday yesterday!

2009-02-20T11:21:00.000-08:00

I had a blow-out yesterday. I was surrounded by friends and family and felt totally lifted up with greetings! The weather was incredible as well! Life is GRAND! Gifts, good food, great companionship! I am one lucky person (albeit ancient one!)

Long time, no sea!

2009-02-16T15:00:00.000-08:00

When is Spring Break? I love my work, I love performing. There has just been a lot of both lately. I am gearing up for Mardi Gras next week and the band at Ten Depot Street (La Grande, Oregon) will be fun and hot! See you there!

2009-01-19T14:14:00.001-08:00

Still no wireless internet. The technician thinks there is a problem with the radio installed on the roof. It keep s putting out the same IP numbers as the tower itself. . . or some such. Patience, Grasshopper! meanwhile I am still on my previous service until I can feel confident that all is well. The price of pioneering!

My new iPod Nano arrived and my...this is a cool way to lose weight. My original iPod is the size of a very heavy deck of cards. I had replaced the battery once and now it is not charging up again. Time to retire it to a family member who doesn't mind being tethered to an electrical socket. Came at a great time to study the chorus parts of the Reluctant Dragon and the Mardi Gras tunes for February 24th's gig. Does that mean spring is coming??????

Irony!

2009-01-07T13:27:00.001-08:00

Spent ten days in Ohio and lot of that time spent getting three households (my parents, brother and sister) connected to high-speed internet. Came home to no telephone service to the house and NO internet. Started classes on Monday and Man! I found out I use the internet for everything! A news service is being installed on Friday. Yippee! No more phone lines....all wireless!

Tumblin' for Tumblr

2008-10-26T20:25:00.000-07:00

Love this thing called Tumblr! You can find my version at http://sporter.tumblr.com

It is a quick, did I say FAST? way to create a blog online that can grab items from your browser with menu bar access! Very cool...and it is free!

Summary of the film Forms of Energy

2008-10-23T13:42:00.000-07:00

Hi! I am Josh leading the discussion. The film says that energy can come from many types of sources, and that potential energy is stored but kinetic energy involves motion.

Here are the questions you are to think about:
1. Is kinetic energy better than potential energy?
2. What are some sources of kinetic energy?

Reciprocal Teaching using a blog!

2008-10-23T13:38:00.000-07:00

Vocabulary terms about Forms of Energy (BrainPOP video):

potential
kinetic
chemical
electrical
light
mechanical
thermal
nuclear

Josh is the assigned discussion leader for this topic.

LIB 490 is making a blog

2008-10-14T14:36:00.001-07:00

Our CUESTE students are creating blogs for LIB 490. I can't wait to see what they create. When I get permission, I will link to them so that you can see the variety of blogs they are working on for the elementary classroom.

Day One at Zabel

2008-09-16T10:33:00.000-07:00

Sure is fun to have an office where you can actually take a private call, make sure your slip is not tucked inappropriately, and you can actually finish a task without interruption. The staff and faculty have made the transition comfortable and sane. I am preparing my classes like a mad dog but will be ready soon! I will be on the road next week to visit my student teachers out in Baker City and Union. I will also be hop-skipping over to La Grande to see the two there at the High School. Great to be teaching again!

I miss my dog, Dewey. He will be adjusting to little contact with Mom and Dad until evening. Poor guy!

Moving soon!

2008-07-24T10:32:00.000-07:00

One more operation next week and I think I am finished for awhile. . . I hope, forever! After that recovery period (when I will be studying and preparing classes for the Fall like a wild thing), I will be packing up this office and moving over to Zabel Hall for next year's work in the College of Education. I will be keeping up this blog but the name may change to more aptly describe my work. I am teaching LIB 490-Educational Technology so am active in the field and still an early adopter of all things cool (as personal budget allows!)

Here's to change and lucky to have it!

Pool side- Life is good!

2008-07-02T11:10:00.000-07:00

I am out on a needed vacation to Ohio with family! We are poolside right now playing Wizard, a favorite, competitive card game. The points are flying. See you when we return via Spokane on Monday.

Changes A-Foot!

2008-06-13T08:38:00.001-07:00

I truly dread this time of year for one reason- saying goodbye. We have student workers who are leaving us to study abroad or to study elsewhere next year. Some are graduating and going on to do other things (like work and graduate school.) I hold them close to my heart and know that they will be somewhere else in the world and not here making me smile! Lucky World!

Meanwhile, on the last day of the school year, I am energized for new work for myself, new relationships, building deeper ones for those colleagues I already know, and reading so many textbooks and research this summer. Renewal, re-energizing, rededicating. May all of us live long and prosper!

We are hiring! Student Library Workers!

2008-06-06T08:17:00.000-07:00

We are now hiring for fall of 2008. If you want to work in a supportive, caring, and fun environment...please pick up an application quickly at Pierce Library's service desks in the Circulation department or in the Electronic Research Center. We work your schedule around your academic and private life, trying to be as flexible as possible and still keep the library running efficiently!

I can even email you an app!

ASAP! Rapidamente!

Moving to the College of Education

2008-06-04T08:42:00.000-07:00

In September, I will be moving to the College of Education to teach secondary curriculum to the MTE students, educational technology to CUESTE, and music methods to both. I am also teaching online the teacher-librarian cognate in the MS in Education program. I haven't gotten my schedule yet but I am sure it will be tons of fun and challenge. Needless to say, I am psyched! I have been in this position at Pierce for four years and it is fun working with students out here in the Electronic Research Center. My brain just needs to use the degrees I have worked so hard to attain. Student loans start in August so this change will help!

P.S. This is not my hood....just borrowed the pix!

I am sad...Musetta passed away!

2008-05-29T10:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Musetta made a mad dash across 4th Street---not a good plan for any creature, not matter how fast they think they are!-- and was hit by a car and killed instantly. The driver felt so bad and at first, I was very concerned that he was comforted than the actual loss of Musetta. He was a student of mine a few years ago, a sweetheart, and is a sensitive young man. After hugs and assurances that he did the right thing and that we appreciated that he was not hurt and that he actually stopped to console us (amazing!), he drove off, evening ruined, I am sure. We were then left with the grief and the task of burial. We buried her at the other side of my favorite bench, opposite G. Thanks who died almost a year ago. It is comforting to have those creatures' still nearby when we are outside reading on that bench.

Musetta was a hard cat to cozy to. A bit irascible and cantankerous, she never sought you out. You always had to foist love on her. She mellowed a BIT over the last ten years but would growl if you loved on here a second too long in her count. We have set up a memorial page here: http://www.ilovedmypet.com/view.asp?id=28801 If you have lost a pet, I would appreciate hearing about it there.

Best wishes for a happier day!

ERC Printer being poopy!

2008-05-20T10:06:00.001-07:00

Help is on the way! Koby is coming back today with a part that has been on order and we should be printing with nary a problem SOON!

BTW...the high schoolers will be gone in a few days and you will have the resources all to yourselves again. They will be back to their library that has tons of resources (lots of databases and reference works) but no librarian and no microform readers. We have enjoyed them here this year. They are polite and mannerly. Hope to see them soon at EOU next fall!

Naxos Music LIbrary----neato!

2008-05-09T15:58:00.000-07:00

Don't know Stravinsky from Strauss? An mbira from an akadinda? Check out the streaming audio found at the Naxos Library database found at: http://eou.naxosmusiclibrary.com/default.asp
and access an incredibly deep database of jazz, contemporary instrumental, classical, world, and pop rock music!

Portable Apps and Open Office

2008-05-09T15:52:00.000-07:00

Ever been caught trying to finish a paper and there is no Word on a public computer in the cafe where you are sipping coffee? Have no fear. A little pre-planning will save the day. Download the portable version o Open Office to a thumb drive, iPod, any portable device that acts as a hard drive and then plug it into the public computer. Then....you have instant access to your favorite Office application software. This site also includes Mozilla and many other useful applications. Best part? FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here's the site for the portable Office suite: http://portableapps.com/support/openoffice_portable#installing

The main site, listing other apps is found at:
http://portableapps.com/

Easier than I thought--printing PDF

2008-04-18T08:23:00.000-07:00

Last night, a student had a pdf file to print from Blackboard but it looked unusual in that there was no print icon on the pdf document's toolbar. When we tried to print using the File menu, nothing was being sent to the printer. Jamie just walked over, right-clicked on the document, and that was that! Easy as pie! (which I do not think is too easy--where did that expression come from?)

Cell phones%^*&!!@#%- You can only put up so many signs!

2008-04-17T19:49:00.001-07:00

Check this out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyLTqBARFt8&feature=related

Okay---I even bought Tiki torches!

2008-04-15T14:47:00.000-07:00

Last night, I bought Tiki torches for the backyard to appease the gods of spring! It is still snowing. Anybody have other ideas?

The BIG READ display at Pierce Library

2008-04-11T12:36:00.000-07:00

Come in and check out the display of Chinese objects and supplementary materials to support our town reading The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan. Watch the newspapers and posters around town for the schedule of events to celebrate and magnify the themes of this book.

There is a trunk show from the Kam Wah Chung Museum on May 11th at 2 PM , a presentation 'The Chinese in Early La Grande" at 11 am on May 3rd, and a discussion led by our own Dean Levine on May 17th at 2 PM of the Joy Luck Club, all free programs and held at the Public Library downtown La Grande. It is not too late to read the book and get in on the activities! All of our free copies have been distributed but the bookstore in La Grande stocks the title or you can get a copy through interlibrary loan. Stop in and we will show you how to do that!

Welcome to Spring Term!

2008-03-31T10:14:00.000-07:00

Ignore the snow, but it IS Spring Term! Welcome back and a hearty welcome to new students. I am finally catching the cold that everyone spread around before Spring Break and feel pretty punky-- but cheery in spirit!

Things are already back to normal. TONS of Powerpoint presentations being printed with black backgrounds and LOADS of pages being printed from slides. One student started out with an inch of paper and just kept feeding the printer. Wow! We made an impact on professors' habits, didn't we? (Wry smile.) I hope that Powerpoint is not in the Afterlife.

Set loose on an ice floe

2008-03-19T14:12:00.000-07:00

Those of us left to work next week on campus are warned to be prepared. There is no food service on campus unless you count the snack machines which I do not!) and no coffee service in the library or Mac's Grill. Rumours abound that Aramark will leave out a pump pot for those of us who forget to bring a thermos of java from home. Woe! Cruel and unusual punishment! Waaaa!

Happy Spring Break!

2008-03-19T14:03:00.000-07:00

Sniff! Well, I will be here holding the fort but don't let that stop you from having a refreshing break in the fun spot of your choosing! From what I witnessed thus far this week....you deserve it! Be safe, have a great time, and we await your return with some interesting stories to share with us.

Free online citation software

2008-03-06T15:23:00.000-08:00

Though I can't claim that I have had success with all of these, they ARE free and will get you in the ballpark of citation accuracy! Check with your profs' requirements, however. What is said on the syllabus is the gospel!

Name/URL: Son of Citation Machine / http://citationmachine.net/
Formats: MLA, APA, Turabian, Chicago

Name/URL: Noodle Tools / http://www.noodletools.com/
Formats: MLA, APA

Name/URL: Easy Bib / http://www.easybib.com/
Formats: MLA, APA

Name/URL: Bib Me / http://www.bibme.org/
Formats: MLA, APA, Chicago, Turabian

Name/URL: Zotero (Firefox Extension) / http://www.zotero.org/
Formats: MLA, APA, Chicago

Name/URL: Otto Bib / http://ottobib.com/
Formats: MLA, APA, Chicago/Turabian, BibTeX, Wikipedia

Name/URL: Knight Cite / http://www.calvin.edu/library/knightcite/
Formats: MLA, APA, Chicago

Name/URL: Internet Citation Maker /
http://www.interaction-design.org/citation-maker/
Formats: APA, MLA, BibTex, Refer

Name/URL: Source Aid / http://www.sourceaid.com/
Formats: MLA, APA, Chicago, CSE

Databases are NOT the Internet!

2008-03-04T09:56:00.000-08:00

Using our databases is not using the internet. Some students are so fearful, saying that their professors will not let them use the internet for research, or limit internet resources. Our databases are delivered electronically but they are not the internet. Often, journals in our databases are just electronic copies of our paper journals. Sometimes, our databases have journals that are "born digital"....that is, never were conceived as paper journals. Some of our databases have journals that we only buy in electronic form. These decisions are driven my money (or lack thereof) and access benefits.

Don't worry! Using our databases is not using the internet (deep breath! sigh of relief)

We are hiring-Student LIbrary Assistants!

2008-02-27T09:36:00.000-08:00

We are hiring now for student library positions for Fall 2008. Pick up an application at any service desk at Pierce Library or click on this link for an online copy. Pierce Library has a range of positions open and those positions are listed on the reverse of the application form. Read them over and see what position "speaks to you!" The deadline for applications is March 10th, a Monday. If you have any questions, blog me! Call me 963.3780, IM me: erc_pierce...talk to me!

New Printer!

2008-02-26T16:27:00.000-08:00

Hallelujah! We have a new printer int he ERC. It is not a Brother as shown here but a Lanier! It does a great job. Come by and run her through her paces!

Powerpoint SUCKS...Ink!

2008-02-20T14:22:00.001-08:00

We are asking faculty who are passing the printing of Powerpoint presentations and class notes off to students to stop using black and dark colors as backgrounds for the slides. Some printers allow the suppression of the background but often the printer drivers do not allow that to be done, sucking the ink reservoirs down faster than a soda in the Sahara. It also ties up the printer queues in the library and labs across the campus. Often students run out of time and just leave, allowing a Powerpoint presentation to continue printing. It takes a long time for us to clear that print job causing students to have to wait--or give up in frustration.

Be kind to the budget and our students' time.....print out the presentation for the students on a COPY machine, or at the very least, use white backgrounds!

Email IN....no email out

2008-02-07T15:22:00.000-08:00

Here's the scenario...you bring your laptop into the library and are working away. You check your email over the wireless network here at Pierce and here comes the assignment from Professor X. You need to ask a clarifying question and BAM! the email cannot be sent. What's with that?

Well, it is all about security. The scenario can get ugly if email COULD be sent from the wireless system in the library. A bad spammer person could enter our facility and spam anonymously using our infrastructure. Not going to happen!

So, while it may be annoying to have Outlook (PC) or Mail (Mac) just collect your OUT emails and not send them, it is for the common good. Of course, if you use the internal web-based email system, the email will go through.

Quick Search

2008-01-30T09:40:00.000-08:00

Our webpage has a new look! And a new function that should speed you on your way to locating materials here at Pierce Library. It is called QuickSearch and the keyword(s) you enter searches a subset of our databases and the online library catalog to deliver quick results. It is not meant to return a comprehensive list of our holdings but...in a hurry...Go for it!

Like out of Tolstoy!

2008-01-15T07:51:00.000-08:00

I thought I would not get here through the drifts today. Being too cheap to buy a parking pass and having a difficult time with the environmental impact of driving when I live two blocks, sometimes those two blocks feel like two miles. This is especially burdensome when people do not shovel their walks- a violation of city ordinance. So rude! Maybe the city can sound a siren to get people out of bed and to the shovels! I wonder if our students from Wallowa and Baker counties will get here today. Drive safely all!

Caldecott and Newbery Awards announced!

2008-01-15T07:47:00.000-08:00

Why would I be concerned about children's book awards? Well, you don't set aside 30 years of being a youth librarian!

Here is a link to the announcement:
http://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/?p=193.

Print Station moved again!

2008-01-14T13:38:00.000-08:00

We moved it --again! The Print Station did not like going through three hubs to get your documents so we moved it so that documents go directly through to the Print Station. This should work better by having reduced down times! Thanks so much for your patience as we work toward making services better! Josh did a fine job with the move.

Recalled to life!

2008-01-11T10:56:00.000-08:00

As many of you know (because I have made your life miserable from one time or another regaling you with tales of academic woe!) I have been in grad school for two years. Coursework ended on December 7th! I am just now realizing what that means. I can lay on the couch and read a book that I chose. I can sew up a project. I can knit a hat. I can watch The Sopranos. I can spend an hour being entertained by stupid cat videos on YouTube. I can go shopping. I can cook a meal. I can do the laundry. I can go visit a friend. I can practice music without watching the clock. I can write in my journal. I can go for coffee on weekends and do the NY Times crosswords (at least up to Wednesday!) I can write more to my sister. The list is getting longer and more glorious! I had no idea how much sacrifice was made for my degree program until it was over. That is fodder for thought.

New! Quick Search feature on the webpage

2008-01-11T10:40:00.000-08:00

Over the Winter Break, the Pierce Library web page got a new look with the addition of the Quick Search box. This search box invites the patron to enter a subject or keyword and then retrieves journal articles and books from the OPAC. A results list is generated with links to those resources. Pretty slick! (Not unlike the weather today!!!!!!!!!!!!) I've been playing around with it to discover just how thorough the search is. More about the results later.

We're Baaaack!

2008-01-08T19:36:00.000-08:00

Look who the wind blew in! Frozen students all happy and relaxed from winter break! It is great to see so many faces (even though lots of noses are red from the nippy weather!) that we had in the library last term. The library webpage has a new look, the entire collection has been shifted, and we have a new law database so that should keep us hopping for a while! Welcome back! It is NO fun without you!

One happy cat. . . "A" in Research Class

2007-12-14T10:02:00.000-08:00

I am one happy cat! Dr. Brown graded our research papers, portfolios, and special project work already. That's a lot of reading. Now, it is my job to hawk the research to a publisher!

I had surgery in Portland on Tuesday and am very sore. More so that I dreamed. I can't even bend over and put on my own shoes. I wasn't expecting the pain to be so severe. I figured out a way to sleep in our bed that does not slam me when I try to get out. Last night I rested better than any night so far. So, I am doing light work--Christmas card addressing, writing email, journaling, and knitting some Christmas presents. I have Matt conned into moving some knitting books downstairs to make room for my professional books amassed these last two years. Whadda guy!!!!!!

The end is near!

2007-12-05T08:37:00.001-08:00

Just three more days of Finals Week and we are free birds for a bit. As usual, our students handled the pressure with grace and aplomb! Best wishes for good marks this term. Relax on break, be safe traveling, and enjoy some fun things! You deserve it.

I will be finishing my graduate work on Friday. Last night, after staring at periods, commas, citations, and the last paragraph so many times that I was second-guessing every little squiggle, I decided to end my misery and file my last two final projects. I think at some point you become ineffective as your own editor. So, those weights are off my shoulders and onto my profs. I hope they are charitable people! Now, the next step.....what to do with the rest of my life.

More about that later...when I start to breathe easier and really realize that the pressure is over.

Location is everything!

2007-12-05T08:30:00.000-08:00

Patrons are having a lot of trouble finding materials on their own. They get the call number and title down just great! They don't check to see WHERE the material is housed. With all the special collections and various mediums in the library, the call number means very little without the location of the material being sought. I wonder if we should change the field on the OPAC to a flashing box or some sort of signal to get the patron's' attention. Maybe an audible "Hey! Do you know where you are going?" Something! If you have any ideas, let's hear them!

Getting Organized--Another Chance!

2007-11-29T14:39:00.001-08:00

I know...I know..who wants to think of the new term when we are in the throes of finishing this one? But...over the winter break is a good time to let your stress seep out and renew your body and spirit! I am using the break to clear my head and organize my life in different ways now that graduate school is over (next Friday!) I have become a devotee of David Allen, the author of Getting Things Done (GTD). His methods of organization are designed to clear the stuff that keeps you awake at night, out of your head and into a "system." I have been working on perfecting my system but I still mess up now and again. More tweaking is in order!

Check him out on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-lvJAXZNmE and his website is found here: http://www.davidco.com/

Lest you think his ideas are just for corporate geeks, think again. He can teach you to develop a system that can be designed to aesthetically appeal to you and you alone. It can be the thing you need to get it all together. It need not cost you money to buy an expensive planner, etc. There are people who devise all types of hacks to make their own systems. They are called DIYers (Do It Yourselfers) and their forums are found at: http://www.diyplanner.com/

Take some time to kick back over the break and think of ways to make life less stressful by getting organized. After all, the time you save is your own!

The FINAL stretch!

2007-11-27T08:42:00.000-08:00

We are waiting for the final barrage of students to frantically throw together those last minute assignments. I saw poster boards yesterday all ready to go for a presentation, some heads together working on group projects. We are open until midnight over the next two weeks so come and get 'er done! Our staff awaits your bidding!

On Wednesday at 11 AM to 1:30 PM we are feeding our student workers in Room 114 to say "Thanks!" We appreciate their dedication to Pierce Library.

Oh, and 13 more days until Graduate School is over----not that I am counting or anything! Best of luck to all of us as we wind down the days until Winter Holiday!

Something's A-foot! Oh, it's me!

2007-11-17T14:16:00.000-08:00

Last Wednesday's surgery on my left foot to correct a hammertoe and bunion went well. At least from what I could see in my twilight sleep! I heard the saws but figured it was happening to someone else, somewhere else. Amazing what drugs can do to make these procedures so do-able. Anyway, I overestimated my ability to bear pain and the prescription that I had did not cut it. Miserable night. I got better stuff the next day and all was well. I have had two nights of better sleep. Goofed today, though. I created a foolproof way to take a shower AND keep my foot dry. I don't know what happened except it did. I got out of the shower with a bag of water around my foot. Yikers! I quickly dried it off with a hair dryer but the boot is still dampish. I hope I do not get foot rot, or some such dreadful condition. I just have to get through until Monday's checkup. I want to go back to work!!!!!!!!!!!

One more month of Grad School!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-11-05T20:01:00.000-08:00

While this may be exhilarating to be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, Dr. Kusack reminded me once that the light could be a train coming at you! I can't afford to let down until December 7th so I am working every available free moment. Projects are still being assembled, readings still coming at me, and so much more to cram into my head. It IS exciting to look over the last two years while I create my portfolio to see all the work that has been finished and the topics that I have learned about. It is amazing that that much work has been amassed and it gives me a clear picture of my strengths of content and areas I would like to continue to grow in. I am so fortunate to have had so much support from colleagues, friends, and family to succeed these last two years in my studies. More accolades later. I owe so much to my profs and classmates at Southern Connecticut State.

Campus Re-Organization

2007-11-01T20:57:00.000-07:00

Beyond the crazy!

2007-10-27T09:19:00.000-07:00

Last full month of graduate school coming up...working like a demon on final projects. My research stats are finished and graphs made. Just the writing remains...JUST! I have learned one thing...writing a literature review is a bear. There is not much published in my interest area (small academic libraries and digital projects) so I had to think hard to make much sense of what was there. Now, I am concentrating on getting all the periods and captions and italics in the correct places in APA format to produce a publishable research paper. Yikes.

My Acquisitions class is going well. Love the material and the chance to ruminate about the philosophy of collection and deselection, policies for development...all manner of practical processes to be learned for the real world of being a librarian.

All this, though, against the backdrop of what is happening at our university this coming week-- layoffs. We will get called in on Monday or Tuesday if our position is eliminated. Then, if you don't get a call, you may still be bumped by someone who has. The entire restructuring plan will be announced to the public on Wednesday- Halloween. Maybe we can all come to work dressed as the Grim Reaper to add a bit of levity to all the craziness!

So, if stress were a surplus item, it would be ON SALE at my house!

Another paper turned in!

2007-10-19T10:39:00.001-07:00

Ever get so frazzled that you just stand in the middle of the room and disappear into thoughts that are unfocused and off-topic? I guess that is what is called hitting the wall. Luckily, a friend rescued me and made me go to a movie just to change the pace. I had been working on a serials paper for so long that I was no longer making sense. So, last night we went to see Michael Clayton at the local theatre. Just the ticket (so to speak) that I needed to come home and finish writing the sucker! It is not my best assignment but as Theresa says "A good project is a finished project." I learned a lot in the research about the status of serials acquisition (it is controlled chaos with lots of competing models) and so the assignment fulfilled its purpose. I am much better prepared to choose a subscription agent and to work my way through the morass of subscriptions and the balance of print to electronic formats.

Now, I have to re-write my research paper's literature review so that it resembles work from a human being instead of the random typings of a primate!

Idea Mapping

2007-10-04T08:14:00.000-07:00

Everyone has moments (and mine are occurring more often these days!) when decisions have to be made, or I want to pause and gather thoughts, or work out all the elements of a project. There is a process called idea mapping, or mind mapping. I won't go into the history of the process but I can tell you that I would not be as successful in grad school without it. It is a process of brainstorming that gets all the ideas out and then helps you put them in a semblance of order leading to ACTION and COMPLETION of a task. Two worthy goals!

Here is a link to some explanation of it and some links to software to help. I am not advocating a commercial product because mind-mapping can be done with just pencil and paper but along with the ads come some great ideas on how to apply this process to your life. Pretty soon you will be so organized that you will know why and how you are coming and going!

Tony Buzan, the guru
Idea Mapping
Free Mind
Nova Mind
Inspiration-30 day free trial!
MindManager

Pocket Agenda for Free

2007-09-24T08:33:00.000-07:00

Have a planner but too big to carry around? Wanna be more mobile?

In my never-ending quest to get organized, I have hit on a system that works for me, Getting Things Done by David Allen. More about that later. In the process, I have met lots of fellow geeksters who are mad to figure out how to get through the day without missing something. One of them told me about this website: http://repocketmod.com/

It is a way to construct a mobile agenda, shopping list, formula list, to do list, etc. You put in eight mini-pages, by dragging in an order that makes sense to you, and print them out. Using the folding instructions, it makes a little book to slip in your pocket or purse. It is very cool! No more lugging around your big planner but yet it keeps your appointments, lists, to do list very close to you!

You can even download the PC software and customize it to fit your needs.

Conversion Experience!

2007-09-23T15:44:00.000-07:00

No, no, no----not a religious experience---a file conversion experience. Zamzar is a web utility that allows you to upload a file to their server in one format and get it emailed to you in another---for FREE!!!!!!!! So, what is the big deal about that? Ever get a pdf form to fill out but you can't write on it? Zamzar! Converted so that you can and then email it to the agency, prospective employer, or whoever as a Word document! No more faxing those pesky pdfs that can't be edited! YES!

Here's the BEST part- it will convert WordPerfect to Word! That will save much heartache in the ERC this school year. Many students come in with WordPerfect files and we can't convert them. Now, we can. This will be wonderful!

The link is: http://www.zamzar.com/

Getting it Together!

2007-09-20T15:49:00.000-07:00

Ah! The smell of carpet glue, the pssst of the coffee cart's milk frother, the students rushing about looking for Loso or Inlow....it is that time of year! I can't wait to see all the new student library assistants on Saturday for our training day. It is new start....a time to initiate lasting friendships and kick up some fun at work! We are soooooooooooo dedicated to exceptional customer service. I will be hammering that home constantly!

Ryan and David came in for coffee cart training and they are doing well. Kathleen comes in for training on the Observer Project and the archive work tomorrow. It begins!

Another life FIRST-frothing milk!

2007-08-30T07:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, under the tutelage of Shauntay, I frothed my first milk to make lattes at our coffee cart, Magna Cum Latte. It was so cool! (or should I say 160 degrees!) The students practiced yesterday and did a magnificent job. Pierce Library is putting great effort into this project to make the library more like a living room for students and faculty to relax, research. and study. There will be promotions and coffee cards to track purchases toward a free coffee. Keep watching this space for hours and days. Tentative opening is September 10th at 7:30 AM or as soon as the cart warms up, until 11AM. See you there!!!!!!!!!!!!

Unpacked!

2007-08-07T12:10:00.000-07:00

The clothes are not what I would call hung up yet but at least everything is out of the suitcases. This included the excellent cans of Skyline Chili that will try to get us through the winter until another trip to Ohio brings more. For those of you not enlightened about Skyline Chili, you do not know what you are missing! A four-way can make your day!

In the library we are on skeleton crew as the staff finishes up summer vacations. We are kept busy by people visiting La Grande and wanting info about their deceased relatives. Since parking is free, they pile in here looking for newspaper articles, obituaries, and items donated in the past.

We continue to try to work on special projects in the spare moments. The Photo Archive project has halted since the personnel on that project are now holding down the service desks. The scanners are being put on other projects until the flow begins again from the photo archive personnel. The Observer Project is stopped as we lost our data-entry and indexing personnel. So, things are not moving as fast as I wanted them to. Working reference has slowed down my progress on the OH-GR Project. That time of year when Peter is paying Paul!

I continue to study Spanish, work on my summer grant proposal for Dr. Liu at SCSU, and play my heart out with The Summit Ridge Band in the evenings. Life is good!

We need YOU! Hiring at Pierce Library!

2007-06-22T07:53:00.000-07:00

We are hiring for Fall 2007 as I write this! We have openings in most positions in the service areas of ERC/Circulation, shelving, shelf reading, and Government Documents. Our interview process is painless and quick-just about thirty minutes of your time. We do telephone interviews, too, so don't let the fact that you are in New York on vacation slow you down.

We are an excellent employment choice for work-study students. Your class schedule and other commitments are planned around when we work out a work schedule. We are very flexible to arrive at a schedule that supports you and your academic life.

Call 541.962.3780 for an application and interview time. Or write to sporter@eou.edu and an application will be sent to you via email. Join the Pierce family!

Back in the saddle-again! Summer School at SCSU

2007-06-08T14:20:00.000-07:00

After three short weeks of rest, I am back in school again. This time working on a Field Project for Dr. Yan Liu. I am writing a grant proposal for a digital library (topic undisclosed to avoid tempting an industrial spy!) I am finding it hard to stay focused with our school year winding down here and all the grad parties, recitals, potlucks, departmental hooplah. It is hard to serve all masters with equal energy! Thank Goodness I set a timeline and am using that as I would any course syllabus. To adhere to my own deadlines is discipline indeed!

DRAT! Opening documents from EOU email

2007-06-08T11:28:00.000-07:00

Some students are telling me that they try to open Word documents from their email and in the ERC the computers default to WordPad when the document opens. WordPad does not reflect their spacing and format.

To avoid that, right click on the document in email and "save as target" to the Desktop. Open up Microsoft Word and then under the File menu, open the document on the Desktop that you saved and ta da! your formatting should be intact--just like you left it before you sent it through the campus email system.

Coffee Break Spanish...excelente!

2007-06-06T08:15:00.000-07:00

I know, I know...multitasking is really not being efficient, so says the research but...I am not filling my head with the non-harmonic music that is piped in full-blast into the gym each morning! I found Coffee Break Spanish to be just my cup of latte. It is a fifteen-minute or so program that I download on my iPod (I subscribe so it is easy to get this free and automatically downloaded through iTunes every week.) It is conversational Spanish and the hosts of the show are Scottish. It is a different twist- cutting through the Scottish accent to get to the Spanish- but it is like getting two cultures at once! Profesor Mark teaches the Spain-ish dialect in the instruction but he often points out sounds that are different in Mexican or Latin American Spanish. I am so enchanted by the show that I am now a bonus member that allows me to download pdf forms of the lessons, flashcards, and bonus broadcasts that often have relaxation elements that are very effective in lowering your anxiety while learning vocabulary.

Encantada Coffee Break Spanish. Este es la URL link: http://www.radiolingua.com/cbs/home.html

Whole Lot of Powerpoint Goin' On!

2007-06-05T08:28:00.000-07:00

I look up often to see what is going on out there and if I don't see FaceBook or MySpace, I often see some Powerpoint presentations being constructed. There were so many yesterday, I thought I was teaching a clinic on the product. I also learned a thing of two and if I am wrong, someone please tell me more elegant ways to produce the same results. In particular, when a creator wants to use chemical symbols that require a subscript as in H20 (I can't do that properly in this dinky word processor), you have to highlight the letter that needs to be "sub-scripted" and change it in the Font menu under EDIT. It is a bit tedious if you have a group of them to do. Anyone know a better way?

New York Times Select Free!!!!!!!

2007-05-16T15:52:00.000-07:00

To students and anyone with the .edu suffix on their email account., the New York Times Select is now free!!!!! Can't beat that price!

Go to
nytimes.com/university, input your .edu email address and follow the
directions from there.

A subscription to TimesSelect includes:

* OP-ED COLUMNISTS Enjoy exclusive online access.
* NEWS COLUMNISTS Explore the perspectives of select columnists
from Business, New York/Region, Sports and The International Herald
Tribune.
* THE ARCHIVE Explore The Times archive back to 1851. Access up to
100 articles per month.

Get in the know---for free!

One space or two after a period? Get hip!

2007-05-02T14:58:00.000-07:00

It is time to drag yourself into the modern era! There is only one space after a period in modern typesetting (word processing.) In the old typewriter days, the characters were placed on the page with mono-spacing. That is why you had to use two spaces to make the sentence look as though it was ended. Now, though, characters are placed on the page by the computer using proportional spacing and the period carries it own extra space to signal the end of a sentence.

Don't believe me....just check out these sources:

http://webword.com/reports/period.html
http://wsu.edu/~brians/errors/spaces.html
http://www.mla.org/style/style_faq/style_faq3 Modern Language Association (MLA)
http://www.getitwriteonline.com/archive/011803.htm
http://channel9.msdn.com/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=112 a short film
http://desktoppub.about.com/cs/typespacing/a/onetwospaces.htm

And the hangers-on:
http://roselli.org/adrian/articles/2spaces.asp

if you just can't break the habit, go ahead and do your ol' thing and then FIND/REPLACE the two spaces for one space throughout the document. Fix all those holes that make your document look like Irish lace!

Scan the Man!

2007-04-30T11:41:00.000-07:00

We have a new scanner in the ERC paid for by Tech Fees! Thanks to the student body for providing this station for your fellow students.

When scanning, it saves automatically to "My Pictures" on the C Drive or you can manipulate it to your flash drive.

Enjoy! The software is so easy that you will probably need no help from teh library staff!

Have at it!

Here's the technical skinny:

48-bit color depth and 600 x 1200 optical resolution, 600 dpi
will scan up to 16 pages per minute
large scan bed : 11.7 x 17 inches (297 x 432 mm)
EPSON scan software and Adobe Photoshop Elements (manipulate the scanned image)
ABBYY FineReader 5.0 Sprint for optical character recognition (never retype another document!)

We are wired! All over!

2007-04-24T11:53:00.000-07:00

We have been wireless in the library for some time now but....the signal did not quite reach to the ends of the book stacks on the first and the second floor where the great tables and electricity are. They are sweet spots to study because the views are great and you are in the tree line. It is isolated and quiet. Now, the signal has been amplified so that wireless goes all the way there.

Enjoy!!!!

A conversion experience- NEW Microsoft Word!

2007-04-23T08:20:00.000-07:00

I just had my first Microsoft conversion experience this morning. I tried to open a document that a colleague had sent me and I got prompted to go to: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/thankyou.aspx?familyId=941b3470-3ae9-4aee-8f43-c6bb74cd1466&displayLang=en to download a converter for the new Microsoft 2007 family of Powerpoint, Word, and Excel. Expect to see this as more and more people upgrade to the new software. The converter is very easy to download and install so . . . no worries!

Scanning 'R Us!

2007-04-05T14:46:00.000-07:00

We were given a long-bed Vista Umax scanner for use from a very-supportive patron Matt. We are so appreciative! We hooked it up to a PC on a station by the Reading Room. There are instructions there but it is quite easy to use. The software is under the Programs menu and it is called "Vista Scanner." You do have to change the settings to direct where it is saving and what format you wish to scan as. You can access thos settings by choosing the small icon on the top right-hand corner of the scanning window (it looks like a scanner.)

If you need help, just ask one of us friendly library staff members!

Oh, where, oh, where has the printer gone?

2007-04-05T14:35:00.000-07:00

We (Sharon) was becoming deaf on the right side hearing the repetitive clickety-clack of the printer for the last couple of years. It had actually gotten worse the last couple of terms since some faculty have passed the cost of printing to the students and they are printing out tomes of Powerpoint lecture slides.

We also moved it to give patrons more room to stand when they print and it puts students closer to the other tools on the work table: stapler, hold punch, and paper cutter.

Hope you like it. We are getting some good comments over the change!

Cramming it all in my head!

2007-03-30T16:47:00.000-07:00

I am down to the wire on a couple of BIG projects and I am running on excitement alone- I think! Certainly not running on sleep. I am working furiously on enough of the "oral history" project to have something to show on April 24th. Plus I have a repository paper to write and the final write up for Digital Libraries. Yikers! Where does the time go? Next week I may have to give up the New York Times Crossword Puzzle that steals time like a thief in the night.

Office 2007-Great stuff!

2007-03-05T20:48:00.001-08:00

I had to download Office 2007 (trial version) because my old Office crashed and burned last week. I could not, for the life of me, reinstall it so….frustration turned to desperation and I downloaded a 60 day trial of Office 2007. I love it! Word is aesthetically pleasing to even look at. When you want to change a typeface or size of a font, indent…several options, a ghosty box appears over a word you have selected and you can change it right there. No more traveling clear to the top of the screen to make changes. Those of us with large monitors will appreciate not having to cover so much real estate.

It also publishes blogs like a dream. You write your entry and then it posts to the blog for you. Too easy! I also have been playing with Note—but I am not sure where the notes are going and how to get them back. More on that later!

I have a good playing gig in April-just in time to hand the money over to Microsoft! The price at Academic Superstore is just about manageable,

A caution—I have to remember to save "backwards" so that others can read it. There are also readers that I can send with documents to that others can read this version of Word. More later!

It certainly was not OUR Eastern time!

2007-03-05T20:39:00.001-08:00

Summer school registration started this morning at 6 AM in Connecticut—that is 3 AM here! Cruel! I had to get up and register for my research class as it is the last required course and I needed to get it finished! In the fall, I will have two electives and then I am sooooooooooo finished! Oh, and the Capstone.

I was the 7^th person to register for the class so I expect that if 7 people signed up at 6 AM (or 3 AM in my case!) that the class will probably fill soon. Early bird and all that. I am a bit apprehensive about this class. I took it once before in my first Masters' work and it was dreadful. We took our prof out to lunch on a riverboat on the Ohio River after the exam. Then three of us hoisted our textbooks off the side of the boat! It felt great. She laughed. (We were not very environmentally conscious then---nor did textbooks cost $100 for a paperback as one of my Digital Libraries book did this term-yikes!)

Best wishes to all the students at Eastern who are feverishly finishing the term in a couple of weeks. Sure have seen a lot of activity last week and today. It is always a pleasure to serve the most appreciative and nice students on the planet!

PastPerfect Software Review

2007-03-05T20:30:00.001-08:00

Sharon Porter

ILS 655 Unit 3/4-Digital Library Technology Review

February 25, 2007

In the lecture notes in Unit 5, elements of a desirable user interface were discussed in terms of feasibility, integration, usability, consistency, reliability, security and recoverability. PastPerfect software is a commercially-available software package used by over 2,750 libraries, museums, and historical societies to manage their digital library collections. Usability is the element most evident when working with this software. In their training sessions, the practical day-to-day workflow is acknowledged by beginning with "A man comes into your library with a box." Anyone who has worked in a library, museum, or historical society knows this scenario. From intake to dissemination, the designers of the software seem to know the daily routines of data entry personnel, librarians assigning metadata, historians writing narratives, and harried directors who have little time to compose thank you letters and track gifts and loans. Much care has been taken to manage the people side of the business of preservation. Tracking fund-raising, patrons, donors, and volunteers is also a feature of the software.

PastPerfect Software Contact Information

PastPerfect is the flagship of the Pastime Software Company, Inc. located at 300 N. 300 N. Pottstown Pike, Suite 200, Exton, PA 19341. Their business telephone number is 610.363.7844 and the Sales Department can be emailed at sales@museumsoftware.com. The company was founded in 1998 and remains a small company of about eleven employees in their single location. The main contact person is Vice-President Brian Gomez. Their internet address is http://www.museumsoftware.com/ and their toll-free telephone number is 1-800-562-6080. Version 4 has just been released and the pricing is $795 for a single user license but members of AASLH (American Association for School and Local History) receive a 20% discount. Network upgrades are available for 2-5 computers at $450, 6-10 computers at $800, 11-25 users at $1,100 and for 26+ computers it costs $1,400. The company maintains a client list and map on their website under the Resources tab with links to online projects.

Upon a cursory walk-through of the software screen, it would seem that the product is designed for museums. The detail in the Objects Module is extensive and the Contacts activities with pledge collection abilities underscore its utility in that realm of work. However, the Library, Photo, and Archive modules are just as deep in detail and supportive of activities you would expect in collecting many types of materials aside from realia. The software is aesthetically appealing. Even the data-entry screens don't seem like work. Pull-down menus, use of authority files, and links to the Library of Congress Thesaurus for Graphical Materials-Subject Terms and the Getty Union List of Artist Names and Art and Architecture Thesaurus websites aid in data-entry. Authority files are customizable for local definitions to help speed up data entry processes.

After evaluating objects for inclusion into the collection, the Accession module allows the user to temporary take custody of the item, describe the item(s) and print a receipt for the donor. If the item is kept for the collection, accession activities are managed in this module: assigning it an accession number and completing a Deed of Gift and Thank You letter.

The Basic Four Modules

The cataloging of an item begins in the Objects, Library, Archive and Photos modules. The Objects catalog is chosen from the main menu. There are different screen views for Archaeology, Art, Geology, History and Natural History. Each type of object will bring up a specialized screen. For example, the natural history screen presents taxonomic choices but in the case of art objects, provenance fields are presented. Chenhall-approved names of objects are accessed through a Lexicon as an authority file. Site information can be described here for archaeological, geological, and paleontological sites and sensitive site information can be password-protected. Repatriation processes are included in this module for noting items that are subject to review, investigation, and disposition. Appraisals are recorded here as well as the condition of the item. Authority files are used to speed data entry for people, classification, subjects (using the Library of Congress Thesaurus for Graphical Materials), and search terms. Dublin Core metadata is generated here and the AAT online button accesses the Getty Museum's Art and Architecture Thesaurus (Library of Congress, 2007) (Getty Museum, 2007).

The Photos Catalog has specialized fields for describing photographs that includes details of the size, negative number, and film size of the photo. Again, the Authority files aid in data entry. Classification is based on a photograph classification system, a finding aid, developed by the Bishop Museum in Honolulu and is organized in a hierarchical system. There is event detail to add for the photographer, the studio, the medium, and storage location fields (Bishop Museum, 2007).

The Archives Catalog is the area where unpublished materials are catalogued. Examples of materials are manuscripts, oral histories, videotapes, personal papers, maps, music collections, and other documents. Items may be catalogued singly or in collection sets. In this module, conditions of access are defined that restrict or affect access of the item for its use, reproduction, or publication. Finding aids that relate to the item may be identified along with how to obtain a copy. Materials that are associated are described, such as copies or other related materials in the repository. There is multi-level linking to help organize series of documents with a parent directory. Music collections are described in this module with specific fields for track number, composer, artists and their associated instruments, song title, and composer. The genre, a scope and content abstract note, recording label, and recording media may also be defined. Oral histories are catalogued here with notes for applicable restrictions, narrator and interviewer information, transcriptionist, and donor release forms. Links may be made to the audio files for playback while viewing the record but it requires the additional Multimedia Upgrade.

The Library Catalog is designed for a non-circulating library and describes newspapers, pamphlets, books, and periodicals. Some specialized fields include information found in the CIP (Cataloging in Publication) but cutting and pasting from WorldCat for older titles, or original cataloging is allowable. The Dublin Core and Library of Congress website buttons are available in this module as well (Parr, Hilton, & Danner, 2004).

Add-On Modules

To amplify features of the software and to more easily disseminate the collection, add-on modules are available. The Multimedia Module ($370) allows users to attach, view, print images, and link multimedia documents to records. These documents can be digital audio or visual, web page, Microsoft Word,
Excel and pdf files. PastPerfect also will allow the user to acquire images through most digital cameras and scanner directly into the software. The Virtual Exhibit add-on module is $375.00 and produces HTML webpages from selected records or the entire website with search capability. It can then be hosted on the user's server or a hosting service is available. The hosting service, PastPefect Online, has a $248 set-up fee and charges $410 for annual hosting. An additional 10,000 online records sell for $236. MWeb software supports the online collection and features advanced search capabilities and Click-and-Search, an alphabetic browsing feature. Strategic Planning is the company that has developed MWeb, a proprietary software they would not share information about, but they provide a list of examples of websites using their search software (MWeb, 2007). Barcode printing is available in a module selling for $79 that includes the most common barcode formats, Code 128 and Code 39. It also supports Codabar, Interleaved 2/5, UPC (both EAN and JAN), and UPC A and E. The EZ-MARC module is $95 and allows the import and export of MARC data to library catalogs. Scatter-Gather is an essential add-on for situations where a user is working off-site so that the data can be merged with the parent site. This would be useful for field work and for working at home (Pastime Software, 2007).

Technical Requirements

The data-entry station requirements are unremarkable using a 600 MHz Pentium 3 or equivalent CPU with a Windows 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP operating system of 128 MB RAM. Forty megabytes of storage space is needed for the program and 5 MB is needed for every 1,000 records. The local area network (LAN) can be Windows NT, Novell, or the Network Neighborhood that comes with the Windows operating system. The software is a simple self-installation.

Technical Standards

Metadata can be added using the Dublin Core standard and it can be exported to XML for viewing and sharing. To describe man-made objects, the software uses Chenhall' s Revised Nomenclature, a museum standard that is a hierarchical classification system published by the American Association of State and Local History (AASLH) (Canadian Heritage Information Network, 2007b). The software uses the Library of Congress Thesaurus for Graphical Materials for Subjects, a thesaurus of over 6,300 terms for indexing visual materials (Library of Congress, 2007). To describe photographs, a thesaurus from the Bishop Museum of Honolulu, based on their experience with over one million photographs, is used to assign content (Bishop Museum, 2007). There are over 100 pre-inserted authority files to help with data-entry for author, classification, collection, content, creator, material medium, object name, people, photographer, places, print size, storage location, and subject fields. Authority files are also user-defined as data is entered into the records, such as the Contacts file. Many of these files are pull-down menus for easy data entry. MARC data can be imported and exported to aid in data entry and dissemination.

The Archives are compatible with International Council on Archives ISAD(G) standards. Relational, hierarchical, network, and object oriented data structures are featured. Underlying the database management software is Microsoft Visual FoxPro SQL handles the query language. The character sets are Extended ASCII and image formats supported are TIFF, JPEG, and BMP. Data can be imported from ASCII-comma delimited, tab delimited, DBase, Excel, FoxPro. Data can be exported to ASCII-comma delimited, tab delimited, DBase, Excel, FoxPro, Excel/HTML, XML, Dublin Core XML, Microtext, MARC21 (with the add-on module mentioned earlier)(Museum Documentation Association, 2007). The maximum number of concurrent users of the system is not set by the software, with 78 recorded from the largest installed system. The largest record can have 255 maximum fields and the largest installed system has 200,000 records but is, again, not limited by the software. Recommendations for data backup are outlined in the software documentation and a button on the Main Menu accesses the options available.

Functionalities

In addition to the functions of each main module, data for PastPerfect can be converted from Access, Argus, ASCII, dBase, DIF, Excel, Filemaker Pro, Foxpro, MARC, MCMS, Mimsy, Minaret, Paradox, Q&A, Snap for DOS, and Snap for Windows. Each catalog record has an update history including the date, time, and the user who last made changes in the record. Records can be noted for approval of a supervisor. User-defined function keys can cut down the time used to input today's date, name of the institution or collection, or any other data phrase that is used regularly. In acquisition management, registering an item develops and maintains an immediate brief and permanent means of identifying an object. It also establishes the right of ownership. All associations with a person, place, and event are preserved. A numbering system assures that each item has a unique identification number to track that item through all the processes of the software. Temporary custody status of an item can be converted easily to a permanently owned item, a loan, or an item to be returned to the owner. All of these end results triggers a donor letter to the owner reflecting the status of the item. Up to four donors can be linked to a single item. De-accessions are tracked as well. People biographies may be established to ascertain the relationships of donors, the subjects of photographs, or the creator of documents. Catalog records can be associated with that person's biography.

The interface is clean with links clearly marked for the various functions of the software and the four main modules. The data entry screens are surprisingly neat considering how much information is organized in each screen and the amount of resources and links used to help catalog the item. Navigation is clear and consistent from screen to screen, module to module. Exits are clearly marked and warning messages are appropriately given for permanent changes to items, such as watermarking a photograph. Searching is called "Research" and is accomplished by choosing all catalogs, keyword, lexicon, people, and search term as parameters. Boolean logic is used to search through the catalogs, one by one or collectively, and by keyword. The keyword search includes a "sounds like" parameter.

The Reports function includes over 200 built-in customizable reports and also includes a Report Maker utility for designing your own reports. Print previews are available. There is also a place to store any custom reports that the user may have commissioned from the software developer.

Indispensable for public library, museums, and historical associations is the Contact and Campaigns functions of PastPerfect. The Contact database tracks members, donors, pledges, memberships, volunteer hours, planned giving, giving history, and contact information. A contact's email address is linked to the computer's email program for quick messages. The Campaigns function tracks the goals, membership, and pledges of fund-raising programs, complete with a thermometer to indicate progress. Initial pledge and reminder letters are found here as is an Excel spreadsheet for managing campaign expenditures. From these areas, contacts can be assigned to an array of lists for specific letters and for printing mailing labels.

A small feature, but one that points to the developer's understanding of how people work, is the small icon for the "To Do" found in the main modules and on the Main Menu. Many workers work in environments fraught with interruptions. The sticky note function allows workers to communicate among themselves or to leave notes for themselves. In the four main modules, the sticky note has a pull-down menu to flag that record for special treatment, such as items that need to be checked by a supervisor or to have dates verified.

Technical Support

There is a free thirty-day support period after purchase but PastTime Software, Inc. also offers a first-year support option for $299 for a single license and $372 for network users. Customization of the software and for reports is arranged by one percent of the clients. Custom forms and reports cost $50 an hour for development and the typical job runs from $50 to $250. Data conversion rates are also $50 an hour with the typical conversion costing $400 to $800. Training modules are available for $119 per module for management training, membership, reports and the Report Maker, and Virtual Exhibit with a per diem of $300 per day plus expenses. The user guide is a free online download and the bound volume is $20. It is well-written with useful screen shots and helpful discussion on the practical aspects of setting up systems and how to save time in data-entry. The manual narrative is a clear explanation in layman terms about classification systems, lexicons and what they do, search functions, and various other terms and processes that volunteers may not have encountered before working in a cataloging environment. There is a newsletter that is produced six times a year and also a discussion forum is online for users' to contribute tips and ask questions. Free upgrades are posted monthly. Versions are offered for no charge but the newest major upgrade to Version 4.0 was $300. The telephone and email response is excellent in content and timeliness (Canadian Heritage Information Network, 2007a).

Observation and Comments

After training for two days and working with the evaluative copy of the software for a few weeks, the software gets high marks for its integration, usability, and consistency. The screens are all organized to make sense and are kept consistent from module to module. Great care has been taken to reduce the data-entry time that is instrumental in keeping volunteers and data-entry workers from becoming fatigued. It is easy to learn and remember. Recoverability is an issue to be considered (McCray & Gallagher, 2001). With the data export functions featured in this software, the raw data can be exported to other management systems if the company falls apart and there is no more support of the product. Since the data is structured to professional standards, the issue of proprietary restrictions of the item descriptions is addressed. In terms of the security of the data, users are assigned various layers of security by the supervisor so as to protect sensitive data (pledges and personal contact information, for example) and to keep a volunteer in an area for which they have been trained.

PastPerfect is a package that would get an institution up and running with an aesthetically-pleasing interface and solid user services for retrieval of data with a minimum investment of time and expense. The cost of the software in terms of the range of functionality and ease of operation is a value. Larger institutions who have their own technical staff could adapt the HTML code to customize the interface and add some user services to the online presence. Provisions for purchasing a copy of original photographs might be one service to add. Examples of online collections powered by MWeb and PastPerfect are found at http://pastperfect-online.com to illustrate that the standard look and feel can be branded to look unique. The Amelia Island Museum (http://ameliaisland.pastperfect-online.com/30803cgi/mweb.exe?request=advform) is a nice example of how the search engine works.

Although there are few reviews in the library literature about this product, an unscientific study in our region shows that most of the libraries, museums, and historical societies in this part of Oregon are writing grants to secure funds or outright purchasing PastPerfect software to manage their collections. Given the extensive range of types of mediums and materials that are addressed in the development of this product, the software can adapt to tasks of institutions small and large, with experienced cataloging staff or not. With a well-planned workflow and timeline, this product would enable a library to produce a digital library with a minimum of training and frustration. The results of the cataloging and description of the items produces data that brings resources to the end user in an efficient and pleasing manner.

Bishop Museum. (2007). Archives: Photo Collection. Retrieved February 27, 2007, from http://www.bishopmuseum.org/research/cultstud/libarch/archphoto.html

Canadian Heritage Information Network. (2007a). Collections Management Software Review: Product Reports-Pastime Software Company, Inc. Retrieved February 22, 2007, from http://www.chin.gc.ca/CMSR/index.cfm?fuseaction=SoftwareDetail&SoftwareID=14

Canadian Heritage Information Network. (2007b). Vocabulary and classification. Retrieved February 26, 2007, from http://www.chin.gc.ca/English/Standards/vocabulary_classification.html

Getty Museum. (2007). Getty Vocabulary Program (Research at the Getty). Retrieved February 26, 2007, from http://www.getty.edu/research/conducting_research/vocabularies/

Library of Congress. (2007). Thesaurus for Graphic Materials I: Subject Terms (TGM I). Retrieved February 27, 2007, from http://www.loc.gov/rr/print/tgm1

McCray, A. T., & Gallagher, M. E. (2001). Principles of digital library development. Communications of the ACM, 44(5), 49-54.

Museum Documentation Association. (2007). MDA Software Survey: PastPerfect. Retrieved February 22, 2007, from http://www.mda.org.uk/pstperf.htm

MWeb. (2007). PastPerfect Online. Retrieved February 28, 2007, from http://pastperfect-online.com/

Parr, M., Hilton, R., & Danner, J. (2004). PastPerfect Software for Museum Collections. Exton, PA: Pastime Software Company, Inc.

Pastime Software. (2007). PastPerfect 4 Features. Retrieved February 22, 2007, from http://www.museumsoftware.com/features_pp4.htm

Foo-Foo La Roo---go easy on the perfume!

2007-02-27T14:17:00.000-08:00

Some ladies and gentlemen are wearing WAYYYYYYYYYY too much perfume and cologne. One patron just about knocked me silly a few weeks back. I could hardly catch my breath. She asked me for help and I think I did not treat with my usual exuberance because I could not breathe! Musk is so hard on some folks that often doctors have it posted in their offices asking patients not to wear it.

A little goes a long way! Go easy!

ERC Printer cannibalized itself!

2007-02-27T14:09:00.000-08:00

Holy Moley! The printer in the ERC has huge ISH! As it turns out, the fuser turned on itself and tried to eat its way out. Not a pretty sight. So, strategies to cope may be:
--research but send the articles to yourself by email
--save them to a flash drive
--print out your papers in the lab on the third floor
--send them to me and I will print them out for you (sporter@eou.edu)
--realize that being a Luddite is not all bad!

The part will be in tomorrow so Koby, our brave repair person will have it snapped back into shape on Wednesday.

Thank you for your patience. This is the first time this printer has been down in two years.

It's crying time again! Pitfalls!

2007-02-02T15:14:00.000-08:00

Two calamitous items this week:

1. We only support Microsoft Word here in the library. If you expect to print it here and you do not have Word at home, save as "RTF" or cut and paste it into an email to yourself. Some word processors even let you "Save As" and Word is in the list. Or...try an online word processor like Zoho Writer that is just like Word only it is online and you can save your work online to print out wherever you find yourself working next. Too cool!

2. Files cannot be saved on the library computer. They will disappear by the next day. Buy a flash drive, email docs to yourself, access your EOU server space....just don't depend on saving to our hard drives.

Bonkin' Biblio! Espresso Machine for Books!

2007-01-26T14:32:00.000-08:00

Now, I have seen everything! An ATM or a coffee machine approach to getting a paperback book. There are machines now (at $50,000 each--let's buy two!) that access a database for the book (usually in the public domain) , print it, glue and bind it and spit it out at you! Here's the Fortune Magazine article that talks all about it!

Just think....no more being on a long flight with only the SkyMall Magazine to read. Or, needing Huck Finn for a paper and the library does not open until 9 AM! Or Aunt Tessie's birthday is tomorrow and she really loves poems of Emily Dickinson. You can even print and bind your own private musings or the latest Great American novel you wrote last week!

Historical stock quotes- The Skinny !

2007-01-25T09:03:00.000-08:00

So, you missed the stock quote that you need for a project? A quick source is found at cnnmoney.com

Type in your stock's symbol in the "Get Quotes" search box (there is a look-up feature there if you do not know it) and the page will refresh with your company's current stock prices. There is a link to "historical quotes" and you can pull-down the menu to the date you wish, Voila---step back in time and find the opening price, daily high, closing price and volumes traded. Very cool!

Quick and Dirty SIC Codes

2007-01-25T08:09:00.000-08:00

We've been working a mile a minute these days! Ordering time! But, in all the crazy stuff, I noticed many students asking for SIC codes to do an assignment for a business class. We have a book in the library titled Standard Industrial Classification Manual and it is located in the Reading Room HF1042 .S73 1987. There is also a link to it on the internet at: http://www.osha.gov/pls/imis/iscsearch.html

SIC'em!

Zip through research with Zotero!

2007-01-11T13:11:00.000-08:00

Zotero is a great new web browser helper that allows a student to collect, manage and cite research sources from the browser itself. There is a cool demo available at: http://www.zotero.org/documentation/screencasts/intro

Check it out! The best feature: it is FREE!!!!!

Slow Learner--Knives on Board

2007-01-03T08:18:00.000-08:00

Just returned from a stressful trip to Ohio. Once I got there, I had a great time with family. Getting there was the problem. The first flight didn't and so we were asked to come back the next day to Portland airport. By the next day, all the parking lots were full and we had to park in the last remaining area- the airport terminal parking at $24 a day! Nothing like jacking up the trip expenses by paying triple rates to park and having to buy another night in a hotel.

Then, the real fun began. I was"'selected" for special security screening again. I say, again, because this happens to me almost every time I fly now. i have a habit of having multi-tools in my purse. Last time the TSA got my very expensive USB data drive Swiss Army Knife. I had heard on NPR that blades less than three inches were permitted...wrong. So, I lost that one last Christmas. I carry multi-tools because I am a musician and computer nut and need tools from time to time. This time, I had searched my purse and carry-on for banned items. As a knitter, I had many tools and several sets of knitting needles with me. Lo, and behold....there was a Swiss Army multi-tool so deep in my purse that even I could not find it. TSA did. So, the inquisition continued with me having to step into a glass chamber and just as I was setting my feet in the correct positions as directed, the machine went off jetting air in all directions at my body. I was caught off-guard and almost shrieked. I was so angry by then that I started crying. They examined all my arms and legs and the compression garments that I wear were a concern. Then my bag of gels was not the right size--I had grabbed a gallon size one at home and they have to be quart size Ziplocs. I wonder if Haliburton owns ZipLoc. Emerging from the security area, i was a mess.

Aside from wearing a bathrobe through airport security, you just have to keep up with the newest level of paranoia before you fly. So, I got busy doing some research and found a Leatherman Fuse that has no knife!!!!!!! It is on my birthday list! Here's a link to it!

Happy Traveling...do I feel any safer? Absolutely not. The rules are arbitrary and only provide the drama of security.

Visual Search in the EBSCO databases

2006-12-15T12:07:00.000-08:00

Need to find more synonyms for a research topic? Not sure how your research topic applies to other related aspects? Just wanna find out about a topic in general?

Try using the Visual Search tab in any EBSCO database. Type in your subject and watch the grokker-powered search engine do its thing! It is interactive so you can click as deep or as shallow as you wish. The window on the right opens to the article you have chosen to examine. From that window you can print, save, or email the article.

It is Microsoft Word, Folks!

2006-12-05T07:57:00.000-08:00

Yes, monopoly or not...Microsoft Word is the standard word processor for sharing files with others and for printing in public labs. Several times this week, I have had to disappoint students when I tell them we only have Word.

Can't afford it? (It is SPENDY!!!!!!) Here are some inexpensive options...like in FREE!

Zoho Writer is an online word processor that stores your files for you in the sky somewhere so that you can move from computer to computer with impunity.

OpenOffice is the complete suite that produces compatible files with Word and the other parts of the suite.

Not free, but somewhat manageable:

ThinkFree is $49.95 and is also available for online access.

Color Commentary-Stay REALLY local!

2006-12-01T15:51:00.000-08:00

Need color copies? This reporter can tell you that you will find a bargain by getting color copies made in our Bookstore! It is $.69 per 8.5 by 11 inches paper. There are larger sizes that increase in cost. (Hint...it costs more downtown.)

Just bring your document on a flash drive into the Copy Center at the Bookstore and Mac will help you! And remember...an emergency on your part does not constitute one for their part. In other words, don't wait until the last minute!

Google Notebook! Now I can study anywhere!

2006-11-24T20:14:00.000-08:00

This is what geeks do at Thanksgiving.....they sit around burping turkey and talking about RSS feeds, coding language, and Google anything! I learned about Google Notebook. It has changed this grad student's life! I can highlight something online and by right-clicking, add it to my online Google notebook. I can organize the notebooks by topic, and organize them within the notebook into sections. I can search them (where was that stat on user searches using word cloud software?) I can access my notebook from any internet-connected computer so my notes are with me whereever! Go to Google and sign up for the free gmail account and get started today!

On a similar line...you can customize your homepage to add content like news, comics, reference aids...you name it. You can organize all the content under tabs along the top!!!! VERY COOl!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2006-11-21T15:43:00.000-08:00

Be careful on the road! Here are links to the cameras on top of Cabbage Hill and Ladd Canyon! Be safe and see you on Sunday. We are open from 2 PM until midnight as we approach Tenth Week and Finals. Best of luck to all of you!

Solidarity! I am SOOOOO with you students!

2006-11-15T14:15:00.000-08:00

I earned the worst grade of my graduate school career (another Masters and this one!) yesterday on an assignment. I went into a psychological tailspin and felt pretty crummy. I moped and whined for a day about it. I probably lost friends who are tired of it all! But....I did what I needed to to make myself feel better...played bass in a bar last night. Nothing like singing the blues to cure them!

My point...I DO empathize with your struggles. It will make me a more understanding worker in the library as I assist you.

Practice that test for free!!!!

2006-11-09T16:23:00.000-08:00

Need to practice a test looming in your future? Like the TOEFL, nursing, real estate, grammar....you name it---we got it! Go to www.unioncountylibraries.info and follow the links to eShelf and Research, then Magazines and Databases and Learning Express Library is toward the bottom of the page. You will need a username and password. Call me at 962.3780 or drop by your local public library for a bookmark with the information printed on it. This is offered through Pierce Library and the Union County Library District Demonstration Project with funds from their LSTA grant of the Oregon State Library. Your tax dollars at work to make you a more successful citizen! Try Learning Express Library!

Library Thing!

2006-11-02T10:11:00.000-08:00

Maybe this is a library student/librarian thing but.....I have a need to know what is in my personal library at home. I want to be able to search through my books and see if I already own that used knitting book I saw at Powell's. I am also searching for away to catalog my CDs. So, I found this thing called Library Thing and if you have less than 200 items, it is free! It takes the title you input (they even sell barcode readers!) and compares it to databases of your choice and returns the record back to you into your library. People even contribute cover art if the database you chose does not list that title with cover art. It is very cool!!!!! You can even check your holdings remotely if you have wireless internet access with your cellphone or PDA. Just plain ol' bibliographic fun!

Library Toolbar

2006-11-01T15:27:00.000-08:00

I KNOW most of you are as busy as me! I see you frantically searching for just the right article to make your paper stellar, the best quote to use for a flyer, the website you need to see that baby picture of Barack Obama!

Wouldn't it be cool to have a library toolbar that was specific to Pierce? You could search the catalog, find out about your ILLs, use a search engine, renew your books, and find out about new materials in the library! (Plus a whole lot more.)

Check out what Harris County Public Library (TX) is doing!

I'm Baaaaack!

2006-10-23T16:30:00.000-07:00

And it feels good!!!!! What a wonderful day I had working with patrons and just finding my desk!!! Thank you all for your patience and numerous kindnesses! I am, as in TheTale of Two Cities--"recalled to life!"

searchmash.com brought to you by Google

2006-10-05T23:03:00.000-07:00

Remember playing in the sandbox when you were little? Well, so do the people at Google. They have their very own, very expensive one at http://www.searchmash.com

At this website, they are experimenting with ways for the search engine to deliver results and are toying with the way the pages expands to show you more results, includes images on your topic, and who knows what by tomorrow? If you want to check out some of their ideas, go look!

Welcome Back!

2006-09-25T19:32:00.000-07:00

Ooooh, I missed you all today! It was the first day of classes and my favorite time of year. Sure, it will take some adjustment to get into the internet now with your email username and password. Yeah, you will have to turn over your student ID to retrieve your barcode. Those little bumps in the road will not keep you from discovering all the print and electronic resources at Pierce and better yet...the fine Pierce staff who are dedicated in making your school year as successful as possible. Stop by and introduce yourself!

Three Particular Things We Do Right!

2006-09-12T20:44:00.000-07:00

I have been visiting a lot of libraries this past two weeks. There are so many to visit in this area and I am picking up ideas. However, in my poking around I discovered three particular things that we do at Pierce that I am really proud of:

1. We give access to our databases and OPAC to guests. Some libraries offer these resources to their patrons only.
2. We have a printer server in the ERC. This is a huge benefit that I took for granted until I had to plow through several other patrons' documents to find the articles I printed out. It is also a matter of privacy. I don't want to know what Joe Cool is reading or writing!
3. This is huge-customer service! We are just downright more friendly than other libraries. I am REALLY proud of us for being interested in our patrons and smiling at them.

Later....I am off to discover more! (Radiation is going well but I am getting sore and a bit more tired.)