60 Apps...

in 60 minutes.

Today I received the invitation to the Oklahoma ACRL Fall Conference in Tulsa November 2nd. The keynote speaker is "Joe Murphy, librarian, author and technology trend spotter extraordinaire." So, checking out his website at http://joemurphylibraryfuture.com/ -- lo and behold, 60 Apps in 60 Minutes. He presented this to Special Libraries Association in June 2011, but since his technology savvy is way ahead of mine, I knew it would be worth a look, even a year+ later.

Yes, I have a few of them for my iPhone. But I didn't know Google search had a voice component. Or that it will let me search using pictures from my phone camera (Google Goggles). Oh, and GoodReader has a PDF reflow, so I can finally read PDF on my iPhone... and take notes. Neato. This has been so worth looking at already.

Whew. Now I see the update from July this year: 60 Apps in 60 Minutes, Redux: The Next 60 Apps You Need to Know.

I think I'm going to need to go to Tulsa this year.

Librarians -- the Original Search Engines

This came out a year ago, but bears repeating:

Also troubling to the researchers was their finding that students don't typically ask librarians for help, even when they know the resource is available. Asher says librarians are "absent from most students' academic worldview." They don't realize that 30 minutes with the librarian could open up a whole range of scholarly research material and databases that aren't available through a quick Google search.

From Just Google It: How Search Engines Stunt College Students' Research Skills, August 30, 2011.

Time for Learning

No time for anything else, but look at this: http://chronicle.com/blogs/innovations/learning-takes-time/33717

Kansas Notable Books

One of the most intriguing projects of the Kansas Center for the Book is the Notable Books List and awards.

The Kansas Notable Books List is the annual recognition of 15 outstanding titles by Kansas authors or about Kansas. It is the only honor for Kansas books by Kansans, highlighting our lively contemporary writing community and encouraging readers to enjoy some of the best writing of the authors among us.

We have all but 8 of the titles, listed in alphabetical order below, and those 8 are on order today. Go here for a summary of each.

Mango Languages

The State Library of Kansas Announces the Addition of Mango Languages
-- A Free and Fun New Way for Kansas to Learn New Languages

Topeka, KS, July, 19, 2012 — The State Library of Kansas is pleased to announce that beginning August 1st, it will offer the Mango Languages online language-learning system to the state of Kansas.

Learning a new language with Mango Languages is made available to all Kansas library patrons, at no charge, by the State Library of Kansas and offers a fast and convenient solution for our state’s increasing language-learning needs. Each lesson combines real life situations and audio from native speakers with simple, clear instructions. The courses are presented with an appreciation for cultural nuance and real-world application that integrates components of vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar and culture. Users learn actual conversation, breaking down complex linguistic elements within an audio-visual framework that draws important connections and builds on information they have already learned.

Mango will be available in two versions per language selected. One is Mango Complete, a 100-lesson course that is designed to provide a deep understanding of a language and its culture. The second is Mango Basic, which teaches everyday greetings, goodbyes and helpful phrases in a short period of time and is designed to appeal to a beginner in a new language. There are more than 40 foreign language courses available and 16 English as a Second Language (ESL) courses.

"We are thrilled to add Mango Languages to our new list of databases launching August 1st." said State Librarian Jo Budler. "Kansans want to learn a second language for business, travel, or just because they think it would be interesting. No matter the reason, Mango makes learning a language fun and we hope the state takes full advantage of one of our newest investments towards enhancing Kansas."

For a full list of all the databases included in the packages the State Library will offer statewide as of August 1, 2012, visit http://www.kslib.info/librarians/databases-fy2013.html.

Founded in 2007, Mango Languages is recognized as a leading provider of online language learning services to libraries, government agencies, corporations and the general public. Designed by a team of linguists, teachers, software developers, human interface specialists, writers, voice talents and designers, the company’s award-winning language learning system has drawn acclaim from prominent national and international reference groups, educational resources, Web organizations and travel guides. For more information, visit www.mangolanguages.com.


For more information, contact:

Candace LeDuc, 785-291-3230

Many Thanks,

Candace LeDuc
Communications Coordinator
State Library of Kansas
300 SW 10th Street
Room 169W
Topeka, Kansas 66612
(785) 291-3230

Yay Libraries!!

http://www.qwantz.com/index.php?comic=2243

Creating Learning spaces

We're getting KI's new award-winning Learn2™ Mobile seating for the Library Classroom. This uniquely versatile seat and tablet combination personalizes the learning experience for lefties or righties, for those drinking coffee from Library Latte, and for our instructor, Judy Bastin. At this year's NeoCon, KI was recognized with a Best of NeoCon Gold award for Learn2™ in the Education Solutions category. They look beautiful and work well!

Jacob, one of the Facilities student workers here on campus, at work on the wall that will highlight the smart board in the classroom.