PLN - eReader news, freebies and first looks

Books OnTheKnob (free books for eReaders) is updated daily with lists of free books available for eReaders and news about eReader hardware and accessories. I've been reading the blog almost daily since 2008 and I included it in my PLN because the blog's author is good at explaining to new users how to navigate through the various menu headings on their devices and how to navigate the websites that offer free or low cost eReader and tablet content. The site itself is very well organized, easy to search and has the quick links the Kindle and Nook deal of the day. There are also thoughtful blog posts about the pro and cons of various eReaders and help topics with screen shots.

 @BooksOnTheKnob

The Digital Reader, updated often, with news articles about ebooks, ebook readers, and digital publishing. There also pages for Resources, Tips & Tricks and Gadget Reviews.

 

More ereader resouces, an American Libraries the article titled "Essential Bookmarks".  It's a quality annotated list of 11 sites and sources.
 

PLN - Staying current with Web 2.0 and other tools librarians use

Information Wants To Be Free by SJSU SLIS faculty member Meredith Farkas. I included this blog in my PLN because the writer offers some practical insight into both current trends in library land and the real world application of the those trends. Farkas' American Libraries article on screencasting inspired me to create theTalking Books Screencast.


American Libraries Columnist “Technology in Practice”

@librarianmer




The Scout Report is a weekly newsletter published by Computer Sciences Department at University of Wisconsin-Madison.  Each issue has about 20 hyperlinked annotations arranged by topic (Research and Education, General Interest, Network Tools and In the News) for quality Internet resources.  

David Lee King offers thoughtful opinions and practical advice in his blog posts. Topics often focus on the social web, emerging trends and libraries.  My experience has been that many of the most active and interesting librarian bloggers come from an academic library background. I feel that King is one of a few quality bloggers to write from the public librarians' perspective.

 

Public libraries are often used by people with disabilities. Unfortunately many public library staffer are not trained in how to use assistive technology and software. This part of my PLN is to help supplement that gap in my on the job training. No Limits 2 Learning is written by an assistive technology specialist and trainer. Topics include how education theory, gadget reviews and opinion pieces about accessibility issues related to technology and the Internet.

The Thinking Stick author, Jeff Utecht wrote the book Web 2.0: How-To for Educators. Along with some great practical advice about using Web 2.0 tools for education, for me this blog is source of inspiration and encouragement.
 

Walking Paper author Aaron Schmidt blogs about libraries with a focus on the user experiences. His post often include photos that clearly demonstrate what works and needs improvement.  For example this post about confusing library sign posted on the book drop "Signs On Signs. Never Good"
 

American Library Magazine and American Libraries Direct weekly email. I basically skim these source for article and links that catch my eye.  

Digital Talking Books Celebrated by Librarians Serving Blind and Physically Handicapped Readers

News release from the Library of Congress "The delivery of high-quality-sound book cartridges and easy-to-navigate players was the result of 10 years of research, planning, and development," said Frank Kurt Cylke, NLS director. "The digital talking-book system will eventually replace cassettes and the machines used to play them in the homes of all our patrons."

Tom Miller, executive director of the Blinded Veterans Association, lauded the librarians for their work. He said that "besides not being able to drive anymore, not being able to read" is a concern to soldiers who return from the war blind. "The service you provide is truly a joy and a pleasure to us."

Read the whole story here:
http://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2010/10-146.html

Digital Talking-Book Internet Service Delivers One Millionth Download

A patron from the Kentucky Talking Book Library made history when she downloaded "Charlotte’s Web" from BARD!

Read the News Release from the Library of Congress here

YouTube Video Featuring the New Talking Book Digital Player

Talking book patrons curious about the digital transition should watch this video produced by State Library of Kansas. It’s a cute head on comparison between the cassette player and the digital player.

If you or someone you know would like to apply for the Talking Book program, contact your local library or go to this webpage http://www.loc.gov/nls/find.html to search by county or state.

Benetech, WGBH National Center for Accessible Media and U.S. Fund for DAISY Receive $5 Million to Transform Production of Accessible Images

Benetech, WGBH National Center for Accessible Media and U.S. Fund for DAISY Receive $5 Million to Transform Production of Accessible Images

Quotes for the artcle -
Too often, students using text-based accessible instructional materials (AIM) are presented with only the words "image" or "graphic" when the devices they use to read digital text encounter illustrations, equations, graphics, photos or diagrams in textbooks.

The new Digital Image and Graphic Resources for Accessible Materials Center (DIAGRAM) will develop tools and best practices that will make it easier and more cost-effective to create and use accessible images across a range of educational content.

Posted using ShareThis

Postal Service seeks 5-day delivery

Read the USA today article here:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2010-03-01-postalservice_N.htm

This is bad news for Talking Book Libraries and Patrons. Digital download of books through BARD will help but the transition to digital is slow. Currently less than half of NKTBL's patrons have the digital players that are required for BARD service. Talking book players are also sent through the mail. That means if a person’s player breaks after the Thursday mail pick-up, the soonest they could get a replacement player would be Monday.