Thing 6: Screencasting

Because of the fun weather and other excitement, we're a little late getting back on track, we'll fix up the schedule a bit later. So let's get started already: Thing 6 is all about screencasting. What is screencasting? Basically, it's all about making a movie of your desktop usually while you're demonstrating something. Now I'm sure you've heard of Camtasia and Captivate and may have even heard of Jing. (If not, go find out now, I'll wait).

For this Thing:

• Find a screencasting tool not mentioned above and give it a whirl.
• On your blog, give us a link and a review of the screencasting tool
• Also, see if you can come up with any extra clever ideas for screencasting we're not currently doing

Core Values - January - Accountability

The Core Value of Accountability is defined in the Strategic Plan as:

• Accepts responsibility for own actions and decisions
  
• Demonstrates commitment to accomplish work in an ethical, efficient, and cost-effective manner
• Takes responsibility for self-development
• Actively and continuously learns
• Efficiently monitors progress on projects
• Takes responsibility for knowing, understanding, and correctly implementing library policies

To assist in focusing on this value, write a short entry in your blog that describes a work related new year resolution that you have that you will....(surprise)...hold yourself accountable for.

Core Values - December - User/Quality Focus

The Core Values of User/Quality Focus is defined in the Strategic Plan as:

• Anticipates, monitors, and meets the needs of users and responds to them in an appropriate manner
• Demonstrates a personal commitment to identify users' apparent and underlying needs
  
• Continually seeks to provide the highest quality service and product to all users
• Responds appropriately and in a timely manner to users' requests
• Builds and maintains a positive rapport with users
• Takes reasonable risks in satisfying user needs
• Anticipates user needs and expectations across functions
• Ensures user needs are consistently satisfied with the highest standards of quality

To assist in focusing on this value:

Write a blog post with

1. an example of something you intend to do soon to increase your user/quality focus
2. a suggestion for something the library can do to meet this core value
3. and, finally, give a link to a resource on the web that you think would be useful in thinking about this core value

Thing 5: Facebook

Changes are you may have heard of this one and you may already have an account, so this will be easier yet.

For this Thing:

1. Sign up for an account, if you don't already have one
2. Click around and see what other libraries are doing on Facebook (including Belk!)
3. Write a post on your blog with 3 suggestions for something we could be doing with Facebook but currently aren't.

Thing 4: Prezi

Today's thing is a substitute for that standby of old, PowerPoint. You can learn more about it at http://prezi.com.

Here's an example of a Prezi, which coincidentally (or maybe not) explains why you should use Prezi.

Why should you move beyond slides? on Prezi

So for this Thing:

1. Go to http://prezi.com
2. Look at some of the prezis.
3. Find one you like, and one you don't
4. Write a post on your blog with a link to both and explain why you liked one and didn't like the other

Thing 3: Twitter

Look, I found another one of those videos!




Your assignments for Thing 3:

1. Sign up for a Twitter account at http://www.twitter.com
2. Write at least one tweet
3. Find at least one person to follow
4. Write a blog post about what libraries could use Twitter for

Core Values - November - Inclusiveness

The Core Value of Inclusiveness is defined in our Strategic plan with the following characteristics:

• Interacts appropriately with all members of the campus and community, without regard to individual characteristics.
• Demonstrates a personal commitment to create a hospitable and welcoming environment.
  
• Fosters respect for all individuals and points of view.
  
• Treats all users and coworkers with respect;
  
• Shows sensitivity;
  
• Displays inclusive behavior;
  
• Uses empathy;
  
• Integrates new library staff members into the organization;
  
• Encourages and utilizes different viewpoints;
  
• Fosters an environment based on fairness and respect.

To help foster this value, we are asking staff to attend 3 out of the following 4 events during the month of November:

• Int'l Education Week


• Intercultural Lunch 'n' Learn Series


• Diversity Lecture Series


• Find Yosef a Holiday

For each event you attend, put up a blog post on any reflections you have about the event and how it addresses inclusiveness.