Explore the Internet with Linda Aksomitis

Philosophy, Religion, Language, Literature & Communication

2012-01-30T11:53:00.001-08:00

Today we're going to take a look at the areas of philosophy, religion, language, literature and communication. The following videos will help you understand the wide range of materials that will be in your library collections under these topics.

Video #1 - What is Philosophy?

Video #2 - Major in a Minute - Philosophy

Video #3 - Major in a Minute - Religious Studies

Video #4 - Top 10 Religions of the World (by number of members)

Video #5 - Why Study Languages?

Video #6 - What is Literature? Part I

Video #7 - What is Literature? Part II

Video #8 - Why Study Communication?

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Unit 3 - Anthropology, History & Geography

2012-01-23T12:57:00.001-08:00

Research librarians are often called upon to help people answer many different types of questions from many different areas. Today, let's look at the areas of anthropology, history and geography.

Video #1 - Major in Anthropology

Video #2 - What is anthropology and why should we teach it? (images/text only)

Video #3 - Why Study History? with Billy Joel

Video #4 - History of the World in 7 Minutes

Video #5 - Why Should I Be Interested in Geography from the U of R

Video #6 - Why Geography Matters by Google Earth

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Planning and Conducting Meetings

2012-01-17T08:47:00.000-08:00

No matter where you work, chances are you'll have to attend meetings. Staff meetings. Planning meetings. Committee meetings. Even if you work alone, you may have a Board to report to or clients to meet with. Planning and conducting good meetings takes some skills. These videos will help you develop them.

Video #1 - 8 Steps to Make Your Meetings More Productive

Video #2 - How to Faciliate a Meeting 101 - covers workshops

Video #3 - How to Conduct a Meeting - Role of the Chair

Video #4 - Taking the Minutes

Video #5 - Robert's Rules of Order - How Robert's Rules Can Be a Team Building Tool

Video #6 - Robert's Rules of Order - How to Debate

Video #7 - Robert's Rules of Order - Mastering the 3 Most Important Motions

Video #8 - Robert's Rules of Order - Crash Course 2009 Parliamentary Terms (low volume)

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Unit 2 - Economics, Business, Political Science & Law

2012-01-16T11:16:00.000-08:00

Let's continue our exploration of subjects areas in the social sciences and humanities. Here are some videos to make these next areas a little easier to understand.

Video #1 - Economics in one lesson

Video #2 - Major in Economics - a video from Grant MacEwan College

Video #3 - How to Write a Business Plan | How to Start a Business

Video #4 - Major in Political Science (a video from Grant MacEwan College)

Video #5 - Introduction to Law School

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Understanding the Social Sciences and Humanities

2012-01-09T13:03:00.000-08:00

Librarians are called upon to answer questions on many topics from many disciplines. In order to find information efficiently, they must be familiar with each of them.

Let's look at the social sciences and humanities, along with the single discipline, sociology, today.

Video #1 - An Animated Introduction to Social Sciences

Video #2 - What are the humanities?

Video #3 - What is sociology? (8 minutes long with only music/no narration, but still well done)

Video #4 - Journeys Through Sociology series of 13 videos (each half an hour long)

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Social Learning

2011-12-05T11:21:00.001-08:00

We learn new things every day. Some of us are registered in formal educational classes. We'll get marks and accreditation based on how well we learned the provided content. However, much of what we learn isn't in a classroom. That's what we're going to look at today--social learning.

Video #1 - Theory Master Theatre - Bandura Social Learning

Video #2 - Social Learning - What is it?

Video #3 - Learning Theories Overview (no narration - music only)

Video #4 - What Defines Your Learning and Training Style?

Video #5 - Albert Bandura's Social Learning Theory (biography of this Alberta-born theorist)

Video #6 - What is Organisational Culture? Why Culture Matters to Your Organisation.

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Conflict in the workplace

2011-11-21T12:19:00.000-08:00

Every workplace has some conflict. How we handle that conflict predicts whether or not the workplace thrives or withers. When things go bad, workers suffer stress and employers have lower productivity. Everybody loses. However, workplace conflict can stimulate new ideas and growth, thus improving productivity and creating a healthy work environment.

Let's watch these videos for some tips on handling workplace stress.

Video #1 - Conflict Resolution

Video #2 - 10 Signs You Work for a Bully Boss

Video #3 - How to Handle Your Bully Boss

Video #4 - Conflict Development Personality Development Skills

Video #5 - Conflict Communication Solutions

Video #6 - Daniel Goleman and Social Intelligence

Video #7 - Are You Socially Intelligent? presented by Daniel Goleman

Video #8 - Interview with Daniel Goleman - Emotional Intelligences (video is 56 minutes long)

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Personality & Communication

2011-11-14T13:17:00.000-08:00

We all have different personalities. We think differently. We like different things. We have different strengths. We have different weaknesses. If we understand our own personalities it makes it easier for us to get along with others. We also need to understand the personalities of others to create effective groups, whether we're at home, on the playground, or on the job.

These videos give you good background information on personalities and communicating with others.

Video #1 - Discover Your Personality Type - Myers-Briggs

Video #2 - Discovering Personalities

Video #3 - No matter what your personality here's - A Guide to Effective Communication

Video #4 - Communication Styles - Getting You Started with Better Communication

Video #5 - Communication Theory

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Using ToonDoo

2011-11-08T07:29:00.001-08:00

There are many free applications on the Web that you can use for different purposes. Everyone can have fun while learning! The first one we're going to use is ToonDoo.

What does ToonDoo do? It lets you create your own comic book or graphic novel/story.

Let's take a look at some tutorials.

Video #1 - Toon Doo Tutorial (from registration through getting started)

Video #2 - Toon Doo Lesson 1 (on creating characters for a history storybook assignment)

Video #3 - Toon Doo Lesson 2 (putting characters into the storybook)

Video #4 - The Water Cycle With Toon Doo (putting together a six part book)

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Power

2011-11-07T13:40:00.000-08:00

An organization can be many different things. A family unit is a basic organization. Saskatchewan's provincial library system is a large, complicated organization. In order to understand what happens in an organization, you must understand who wields the power in it.

There are five different types of power:

Legitimate or positional power. This is the type of power you have as head of your family household, or as the librarian in charge in your library.

Expert power. You hold this type of power in your library, since you're the most qualified to find material that's housed there. Nobody else likely knows as well as you do where to find things!

Referant power. People in organizations admire and respect others in the organization, giving them referant power. People with referant power are charismatic and inspire the trust of others.

Coercive power. Your coercive power comes from such things as your ability to remove patrons from your library, or if you work in a school library, to send them to the principal's office for not following library rules.

Reward power. In organizations, your superiors have the power to give you rewards, such as monetary gain or promotions. Favorite members of the staff may get more privileges, which is a problem.

You've likely watched Mr. Bean in movies and on t.v. Many of his comedy scenes are about power. Let's watch this one and consider who has power.

Customer Service with Mr. Bean

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Integrating Content

2011-10-17T16:33:00.000-07:00

Microsoft Office tools are very powerful! They can be even more powerful when you learn how to integrate the content between Word, Excel, and Powerpoint.

These videos will help you learn how.

Video #1 - Calculate Data Using Excel and Present Data in PowerPoint

Video #2 - How to Merge Multiple Excel Workbooks to a Master Budget

Video #3 - How to Share Excel Data with Word Documents

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Social Media & Networking

2011-09-15T10:39:00.001-07:00

Today both the brick-and-mortar and virtual worlds rely on social media and networking.

But, what is social media?

Social media includes such things as user-created video, audio, text or multimedia you put online and share on the World Wide Web in a social environment, like a blog, wiki or video site such as YouTube. You might also describe social media as any form of Internet publication or Web site that allows a number of individuals to communicate with each other in or around whatever content is on the website.

Social Media Videos

Video #1 - Social Media in Plain English

Video #2 - Social Media Revolution by Eric Qualman (June/2011)

Video #3 - Social Networking Sites Used as Outreach Tools by Libraries

Video #4 - Social Bookmarking in Plain English

Video #5 - Social Bookmarking: Making the Web Work for You

Video #6 - Do Libraries Need a Social Media Policy?

Video #7 - Giganews: How to Access Newsgroups

Video #8 - Listservs

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Wages

2011-06-08T15:30:00.000-07:00

Wages are determined by labour supply and demand, as well as unions and government regulations. Let's take a look at how this works.

Video #1 - Perfectly Competitive Labor Market & Firms

Video #2 - Labor Market and Minimum Wage

Video #3 - Resource Market, MRP and MRC

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Comparative Advantage & Trade

2011-06-08T15:21:00.000-07:00

All nations, regardless of their labour, land, or capital intensity can find a niche where they have a comparative advantage. Let's take a look at some videos that will clarify these ideas.

Video #1 - Comparative Advantage & Absolute Advantage

Video #2 - Comparative Advantage

Video #3 - Why do countries restrict trade?

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Types of Markets

2011-05-25T13:09:00.000-07:00

There are four different types of markets. Let's examine them with these video productions.

Video #1 - Types of Markets

Video 2 - Perfect Competition

Video #3 - Monopolies

Video #4 - Monopolistic competition

Video #5 - Oligopoly

Video #6 - Class simulation of four types of markets

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Microforms in the Library

2011-05-24T15:42:00.000-07:00

Material is often archived on microforms. Let`s take a look at some.

Video #1 - Microform Reader/Instruction

Video #2 - Scanning

Video #3 - Microfiche readers

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Marginal Utility

2011-05-18T14:06:00.000-07:00

What do you want out of life? How much satisfaction do you get from what you do get? The economics law of diminishing marginal utility helps explain consumer choices.

Video #1 - Diminishing Marginal Utility

Video #2 - Law of Diminishing Marginal Returns

Video #3 - Indifference Curve (explains the consumer's choices)

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Price Elasticity

2011-05-18T13:44:00.000-07:00

We study microeconomics to understand how the economy works. Elasticity is a term that describes how consumers respond to price changes. These videos will help you understand how it all works.

Video #1 - Elasticity of Demand

Video #2 - Change in Demand vs Change in Quantity Demanded

Video #3 - Elasticity of Demand (focus on graphs)

Video #4 - Price Elasticity of Supply (focus on graphs)

Video #5 - Market Planning - Income Elasticity (3 minute British video - concrete examples)

Video #6 - Price Elasticity Demand Calculator

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Microeconomics - Demand and Supply

2011-05-11T14:50:00.000-07:00

Demand and supply is one of the key concepts you'll study in microeconmics. Not sure what it is? These videos will clarify.

Video #1 - Introduction to the Supply and Demand Model

Video #2 - Economics Supply and Demand (clear explanation of graphing)

Video #3 - The law of Demand

Video #4 - The Law of Supply

Video #5 - Market Equilibrium

Video #6 - Changes in supply and demand

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Scarcity and Choice

2011-05-11T14:35:00.000-07:00

Are you studying economics? Scarcity and choice is one of the first concepts you'll look at.

Video #1 - Scarcity and Choice

Video #2 - Scarcity

Video #3 - Schoolhouse Rock, Where the Money Goes

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Library Acquisitions

2011-05-03T14:18:00.000-07:00

Every year there are more than a hundred thousand new books published! No library could acquire or hold all of these books, so they have to make selections. How do librarians decide which books they'll add? Let's take a look at the process.

Video #1 - Acquisitions at the Medicine Hat Library

Video #2 - Interview with Mark Pond, Acquisitions Librarian (audio & e-books)

Video #3 - How to get and read e-books from the library

Overdrive provides e-books to many libraries - check it out at: http://www.overdrive.com/#2

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Children's Poetry

2011-01-18T08:53:00.000-08:00

Nursery rhymes and children's poetry are important parts of every library collection. They not only entertain, but are essential in the development of early language skills.

Video #1 - Playlist of Nursery Rhymes

Video #2 - Crocodile's Toothache by Shel Silverstein

Video #3 - The Owl and the Pussycat

Video #4 - The Wheels on the Bus

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Picture Books

2011-01-11T10:10:00.000-08:00

Picture books are amazing! It's no wonder we all enjoy picture book, whether we haven't started school yet or whether we can hardly remember when we finished.

Here are some great picture books being read on YouTube.

Video #1 - Sharing Picture Books

Video #2 - Talking about character in picture books

Video #3 - Talking about setting in picture books

Video #4 - Eric Carle talks about his picture book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Video #5 - The Very Hungry Caterpillar being read aloud

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Storytelling

2011-01-04T11:35:00.001-08:00

We all tell stories. Exciting stories about our daily activities. Funny stories about things that have happened. Narrative stories about our lives.

Children's librarians tell stories as part of their duties. Aaron Shepard has a good guide to storytelling on his Web site at: http://www.aaronshep.com/storytelling/Tips.html

Let's look at these YouTube videos for tips to help you get started.

Playlist from Nicholas the Storyteller from Expert Village with 20 videos on how to tell stories (click on the small square icon between the pause button and the microphone at the bottom left hand corner of the player to access the different titles):

Video #1 - The story of the Wide Mouthed Frog

Video #2 - The story of Five Little Monkeys told with finger puppets

Video #3 - The story of Five Little Monkeys told with a felt board

Video #4 - How to tell a ghost story (excellent step-by-step tips)

Video #5 - Storytelling in Theory & Practice (45 minutes from a Library professor)

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Booktalks for Young Readers

2011-01-04T11:10:00.000-08:00

Promoting the library can be a lot of fun! One of the best ways to promote specific books is to give booktalks. Here's a link to Nancy Keene's Web site on giving booktalks: http://nancykeane.com/booktalks/default.htm

Now, let's listen to some booktalks from YouTube.

Video #1 - Booktalk for Elijah of Buxton

Video #2 - Booktalk for Click

Video #3 - Booktalk for Ruby Key, Moon & Sun, Book 1

Video #4 - Booktalk for Tunnels

Video #5 - Booktalk for Born To Rock

Video #6 - Book talk for The Giver (may need to increase volume)

Video #7 - Booktalk for American Born Chinese (done by two students)

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Processing Library Books

2010-12-02T13:49:00.000-08:00

Processing library books is an important job in the library. These videos will show you some important techniques.

We'll also look at preparing and shipping books for Interlibrary loans of ILL.

Video #1 - Processing New Books

Video # - Processing Magazines

Video #s - Interlibrary Loans

Video #4 - Brodart Services

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Abbreviations, Capitalization and Numbers

2010-11-24T12:35:00.000-08:00

We all know lots of grammar rules. However, we sometimes find areas where we just aren't sure what's right and what's wrong. Here are three of them.

Video #1 - 7 Common Workplace Abbreviations

Video #2 - Abbreviation

Video #3 - Capitalization

Video #4 - When to Write Out Numbers

Video #5 - Numbers in English Writing

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Calendars, Notes, & Time Management

2010-11-16T16:30:00.000-08:00

Are sticky notes your wallpaper of choice? In our busy offices it's hard to keep organized through the day. We have meetings. We need to return calls. We have tasks that must be completed at a specific time.

Let's look at some ways to organize our notes and appointments.

Video #1 - How to Use Your iPhone Calendar

Link to the 15 best apps for iPhone calendars: http://www.iphoneness.com/iphone-apps/10-best-calendar-apps-for-iphone/

Video #2 - How To Get Things Done With Google Calendar

Video #3 - Create and Use a Google Team Calendar

Video #4 - Tutorial for Google Calendar

Video #5 - Sharing Your Outlook Calendar

Video #6 - Using Outlook 2007's Schedule Assistant

Video #7 - Creating Tasks in Microsoft Outlook

Video #8 - Android Calendar and Text Messenger Applications

Video #9 - Google Calendar on Android

Video #10 - Synchronize Blackberry Calendar and Contacts With Google

Video #11 - Set Up Appointments and To-Do Lists With Blackberry

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Library of Congress Classification

2010-11-15T12:53:00.000-08:00

The Library of Congress classification system is used in many libraries around the world. You may already be familiar with the Dewey Decimal System, which is another classification system used primarily in schools and public libraries. The LC or Library of Congress classification system is larger and more complex.

Here are some videos that help you understand the LC system.

Video #1 - LC System

Video #2 - How to Read an LC Call Number

This Web site provides you with detailed information about all of the sections of the Library of Congress classification system: http://www.loc.gov/catdir/cpso/lcco/

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Webquest on Research

2010-11-10T07:18:00.000-08:00

This Webquest is a puzzle you can solve. It guides you through a number of Web sites where you can access trustworthy information. You`ll learn navigation skills, and also find some resources to draw on for future uses.

DIRECTIONS:

Go to each site in order
Locate the answer to the question given for the site
Write the answer down on a sheet of paper. Number the answers in the order given. (1st question should be number 1)
Follow the directions below on how to solve the puzzle.
Enter the solution to the puzzle in the empty space below.

1. Use the Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs, and Other Principal Saints resource from the Bartelby collection of resources at http://www.bartleby.com/reference

What saint, who lived during the 1700s, spent time in Canada ministering to the Iroquois? (Hint * Use his whole title)

2.Go to the CBC archives: http://archives.cbc.ca/

What Quebec farmer was featured in a CBC television broadcast on June 19, 1994, after finding a meteorite in his field. (Hint * Use his whole name)

3. Use the World Factbook at http://www.bartleby.com/reference/:

In the statistics given for Canada's most recent factbook, what ethnic group represented about 2% of the total population?

4. Use the NASA website at: http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/

Where did astronaut, Joseph M. Acaba, go to high school?

5 . Go to this Saskatchewan Government site: http://www.stats.gov.sk.ca/

Question: Saskatchewan had the second highest self-identified aboriginal population in 2006. Which province had a higher aboriginal population?

SOLVING THE PUZZLE:

Take the first letter of each of the five questions. The five-letter answer is also the acronym for an organization that deals with the environment, so you can check your answer yourself!

Search Strategies

2010-11-03T14:21:00.000-07:00

Information literacy is your key to success in today`s world, no matter what field you work in. Here`s a great video demonstrating how information literacy impacted on one person`s career in business management.s

Video 1

Video 2

If the first video hasn`t convinced you of the importance of information literacy, this one will!

Video 3

Today, everyone needs to be able to conduct effective searches on the Internet. We all have questions that must be answered -- and we'd like them answered quickly and efficiently.

Let's take a look at this video by Matt Cutts, from Google:

Compare the Three Top Search Engines:

Taking Notes

2010-10-27T09:30:00.000-07:00

We take notes for many reasons:

To record discussions and decisions at meetings
To keep track of things we need to do
To remember important details from people's names to the directions to someone's house

I'm sure you can think of many more!

Let's look at some videos that provide us with tips on how to take notes.

Video #1 - Work Smart - How to Take Thorough Notes

Video #2 - How to Record Audio & Take Notes With Microsoft Word

Video #3 - How to Insert Audio into Microsoft Word 7

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F52RZBNFe_s

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Web 2.0 and Libraries

2010-10-06T12:57:00.000-07:00

Web 2.0 is sometimes called the interactive web. As you might imagine, that means it's important for librarians to explore the many opportunities Web 2.0 offers for them to engage their patrons and provide the types of services that will attract new library users.

Here's a great 2007 slideshare that introduces you to the history of Web 2.0:

Web 2.0 in Libraries: Theory and Practice

View more presentations from Meredith Farkas.

Below is a selection of videos that introduce some of the most popular Web 2.0 applications.

Video #1 - A Librarian's Web 2.0 Manifesto

Video #2 -- Web 1.0 to 2.0 to 3.0

Video #3 - Blogs in Plain English

Video #4 - Wikis in Plain English

Video #5 - RSS in Plain English

Video #6 - Google Reader in Plain English

Video #7 - Twitter in Plain English

Video #8 - Google Docs in Plain English

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

PRESENTATIONS

2010-10-06T09:30:00.000-07:00

No matter what library or business you're in, you'll likely have to make presentations from time to time. It's easy with Powerpoint! So, let's go through a few videos to help you create the most exciting presentations possible.

For print instructions, see: http://www.baycongroup.com/powerpoint/00_powerpoint_tutorial.htm

Video #1 - Introduction to Powerpoint (3 minutes)

Video #2 - Powerpoint Tutorials Basics 1 (5 minutes)

Video #3 - Adding Images in Powerpoint

Video #4 - Themes & Smart Art in Powerpoint

Video #5 - Powerpoint Animations Tutorial

Video #6 - Tips & Tricks Using Smartart

Video #7 - 3-D Effects in Powerpoint

Video #8 - Art Objects & Effects

Video #9 - Embed a YouTube Video in Powerpoint (Show Developer tab from the ribbon)

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Evaluating Web Sites

2010-09-23T08:44:00.000-07:00

There are billions of Web sites on the Internet, so how do we know which ones have information we can trust? Here are some tutorials to help you in your quest for information.

This is an excellent written source from the Cornell University Library: http://www.library.cornell.edu/olinuris/ref/webcrit.html

Video #1 -- Evaluating Web Sites

Video # 2 - Finding Valid Web Sites

Video #3 - Citing A Website

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Spreadsheets

2010-09-22T10:30:00.000-07:00

We all have to manage money, whether it's our personal budget or planning a conference for our company. One of the easiest ways to manage money is to use an electronic spreadsheet. Let's take a look at some videos that will take you from the basics to more advanced applications.

Video #1 - Overview of Excel from SchoolFreeWare

Video #2 - Autofill in Excel Tutorial from SchoolFreeWare

Video #3 - Format Text in Excel 2007 (2 minutes)

Video #4 - Format Cells as a Table in Excel

Video #5 - Basic Math in Excel

Video #6 - Keyboard Shortcuts

Video #7 - Formula Basics using the equal sign & ampersand

Video #8 - Calculating Formulas - Using Percentage (monthly payments)

Video #9 - Sorting Data in Excel

Video #10 - Create a Cluster Column Chart in Excel 2007

Video # 11 - Creating and Editing Charts in Excel 2007 - clear instructions/sound - creates a chart based on a survey

Video #12 - Creating Excel Pie Charts

Video #13 - Using Themes

Series links: on YouTube

DemoTrainer videos (high quality, professional videos) -- I'd rank them #1 (however, they can't be embedded, so must be watched at YouTube) http://www.youtube.com/user/DemoTrainer

Excelsfun videos -- you can also download the free workbook to go along with this series of videos -- http://www.youtube.com/user/ExcelIsFun

MotionTraining Excel Videos -- http://www.youtube.com/user/MotionTraining

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Social Networking & Media

2010-09-16T13:25:00.000-07:00

We connect and share with others around the world using social media.

So, what's social media?

Social media includes such things as user-created video, audio, text or multimedia that we put online and share on the World Wide Web in a social environment, like a blog, wiki or video site such as YouTube. Another way to think of social media is as any form of Internet publication or Web site that allows a number of individuals to communicate with each other in or around whatever content is on the website.

Some Videos

Video #1 - The World Wide Web in Plain English

Video #2 - Social Media in Plain English

Video #3 - Exploring the Impact of Social Media

Video #4 - Social Bookmarking in Plain English

For more videos on Social Bookmarking, see my earlier post: http://credendalibrary.blogspot.com/2009/04/social-bookmarking-for-librarians.html

Video #5 - Social Networking in Plain English

Video #6 - Safer Social Networking

Video #7 - Folksonomies & Tags

Video #8 - Tagging in Plain English

Video #9 - Photo Sharing in Plain English

Video #10 - Newsgroups

Video #11 - Listserv Basics

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Using Microsoft Word - Part 2

2010-09-08T13:19:00.000-07:00

Microsoft Word is one of the most popular word processing programs. I started collecting video tutorials that will help you learn how to use it in http://credendalibrary.blogspot.com/2010/09/using-microsoft-word.html and here are some more!

Video # 6 - Microsoft Word - taking/inserting screen captures

Video # 7 - Microsoft Word - working with templates

Video # 8 - Creating a Table of Contents (ToC) in Word

Video # 9 - Creating Tables in Word

Video # 10 - How to Create Macros in Word

Video # 11 - Mail Merge with Microsoft Word

Video # 12 - How to Add Borders, Boxes and Backgrounds

Video # 13 - How To Track Changes on a Word Document

Video # 14 - Creating Headers & Footers in Word

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Using Microsoft Word - Part 1

2010-09-08T12:37:00.001-07:00

Microsoft Word is one of the most popular word processing programs. I've collected some great tutorials that will help you learn how to use this software effectively.

Let's start with watching this video titled The Secretary's Day - 1945, so we can how much things have changed in 55 years in the office!

Video #1 - Microsoft Word 2007 navigation basics

Video # 2 - Paragraph Layout in Word

Video # 3 - Creating Bullets & Numbered Lists

Video # 4 - Microsoft Word - add images

Video # 5 - Page Numbers in Word

For more videos on Word see: http://credendalibrary.blogspot.com/2010/09/using-microsoft-word-part-2.html

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Computer File Management

2010-09-01T08:53:00.000-07:00

How comfortable are you with your computer? If you're not familiar with its basic parts and how to manage your files, you may feel overwhelmed! So, let's take a look at some of the basics with these videos.

Video #1 - How Does My Computer Work?

Video #2 - Windows 7 Tutorial - Start Up using the Desktop (see series of related videos in the sidebar for additional tutorials)

Video #3 - First Video of series on Windows Vista Tips & Tricks (see additional videos in sidebar)

Video #3 - File Management Using Windows Explorer in Vista

Video #4 - Storage Devices

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Dewey Decimal System

2010-08-30T13:18:00.000-07:00

The Dewey Decimal Classification System or DDC is used to organize materials in a library collection. You'll find it in most school and public libraries! Let's take a look at some online resources that will introduce you to the DDC.

Video #1 - How Do You Do the Dewey

Video #2 - Dewey Decimal Game

Let's end with the Librarian's Manifesto - video #3

Links

The Dewey Decimal Classification System - http://bpeck.com/references/DDC/ddc.htm

Understanding the DDC through Innovative Displays (great ideas for librarians) - http://understandingddc.blogspot.com/

A matching game to test yourself - http://www.studystack.com/matching-471

Hotlist of URLs on the DDC - http://www.kn.att.com/wired/fil/pages/listthedeweli.html

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Teamwork

2010-06-28T13:50:00.000-07:00

workWe're all part of teams. We have family teams. We have teams of friends. We have work teams on the job. However, we don't always know how to be effective team members, so let's take a look at some tips.

Video #1 - Teamwork

Video #2 - Effective Teamwork - Lessons Learned - 1

Video #3 - Effective Teamwork - Lessons Learned 2

Video #4 - Leadership & Motivation at Work

Video #5 - Constructive Criticism

Video #6 - Constructive Criticism

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Types of Written Communications

2010-06-21T12:26:00.000-07:00

Written communications all have a goal -- or are intended to achieve or "do" something. They may:

Inform
Respond
Request
Report
Develop goodwill

Let's look at the following videos for some writing tips!

Video #1 - The Key Forms of Business Writing - Reports

Video #2 - The Key Forms of Business Writing - Proposals

Video #3 - The Key Forms of Business Writing - Instructions

Video #4 - The Key Forms of Business Writing - the Letter

Video #5 - Four Message Types

Video #6 - The Key Forms of Business Writing - E-Mail

Learn with Linda: Library Training Certificate or Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

Creating Voice Threads

2010-06-09T14:23:00.000-07:00

Voice threads can be useful, as well as fun. A voice thread about somewhere you've visited can include images, your voice narration, and written comments -- plus, you can record it using your Web cam, so viewers will be able to see you as well as your photos while you describe your trip. Or, you may want to use voice threads to send a friend a birthday wish that includes images of you together. The voice thread could even be a tutorial for something you'd like to demonstrate. Voicethreads can be shared with friends, family, even clients!

So, let's look at these great video clips on how to create voice threads.

Video #1 - An introduction to voice thread

Video #2 - Voicethread (8 minutes long, so a little more detailed)

Video #3 - Voice thread demonstration of working with customers

Video #4 - Editing and sharing your voice thread

Video #5 - Commenting in voice thread

Learn with Linda: Library Training Certificate or Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

Editing Tips

2010-06-09T07:51:00.000-07:00

Experts tell us that editing should make up 50% of the time spent on creating written communications. So, where do you begin? These videos will give you a few tips.

Video #1 - Avoiding run-on sentences

Video #2 - Sentence Fragments

Vidoe #3 - Power of Positive Language

Learn with Linda: Library Training Certificate or Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

Basic Types of Business Correspondence

2010-05-26T08:37:00.000-07:00

Everyone in business must communicate using written correspondence. Some may use e-mail widely, while others will spend more time preparing business letters. Here are some video tutorials to help you create professional written documents of all types.

Video #1 - The Key Forms of Business Writing: Basic Letter

Video #2 - The Key Forms of Business Writing: Basic Memo

Video #3 - The Key Forms of Business Writing: E-Mail

Video #4 - How to Write a Great Email (or Memo) Subject Line

Learn with Linda: Library Training Certificate or Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

Preparing & Giving Presentations

2009-12-07T09:31:00.000-08:00

Librarians are often called upon to make presentations! Library presentations can be informal, just one-on-one bibliographic training with a new patron who wants to learn how to use the OPAC. Library presentations can also be formal — such as summarizing the library's programs and objectives at budget time.

So, let's start with utilizing technology.

Video #1 — Powerpoint presentations with Terri Sjodin — some of the don't dos!

Video #2 - Eight Powerpoint Tips

Video #3 - Present Like Steve Jobs

Video #4 - Presentation Tips: anyone can do this!

Video #5 - What To do With Your Hands When You're Presenting

Video #6 - Presentation Pitfalls

Learn with Linda: Library Training Certificate or Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

Communicating in Meetings

2009-11-30T09:17:00.000-08:00

It seems we all have meetings to attend, no matter where we work or volunteer. The following videos will help you ensure meetings are organized and productive.

Video #1 - 8 Steps to Make Your Meetings More Effective

Video #2 - Corporate Business Etiquette & Protocol

Video #3 - The Power of Teamwork

Video #4 - Reading Body Language

Video #5 - Public Speaking Skills

Learn with Linda: Library Training Certificate or Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

Barcodes

2009-11-18T12:12:00.000-08:00

Barcodes revolutionized the way goods or materials are processed in stores. They've also changed the way librarians process books.

Here's a powerpoint on barcodes for libraries: www.icast.org.in/staff/barcode.ppt

This pdf document outlines the types of barcodes used in libraries: http://www.aurorabarcode.com/PDFs/Primer%20on%20the%20Use%20of%20Bar%20Code%20Technology%20in%20Libraries.pdf

Let's take a look at this video that outlines the history of barcodes.

Video #1 -- Ag Minute - History of the Barcode

Learn with Linda: Library Training Certificate or Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

Writing Business Reports

2009-11-16T12:15:00.001-08:00

No matter what business or service industry you're in, you likely have to create a number of different reports. These reports may be in various forms, from letters to a fill-in-the-blanks format, and they may also be delivered in various ways from e-mail to fax.

So, let's take a look at the many things that you need to know when you're writing business reports.

Video #1
The Key Forms of Business Writing -- Writing Reports

Video #2
How to Write a Business Report -- Know Your Audience

Video #3
How Do I Conclude?

Learn with Linda: Library Training Certificate or Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

Writing Business E-Mail and Memos

2009-11-02T11:28:00.000-08:00

Almost everyone uses business e-mail today, so it's important to know how to write professional e-mails. Since the information you communicate by e-mail is similar to that of a memo, many of the skills are the same. Let's learn some more!

Video #1
Comedian Lucy Porter: The Email That Changed My Life

Video #2
The Key Forms of Business Writing: E-Mail

Video #3
The Key Forms of Business Writing: Memo

Learn with Linda: Library Training Certificate or Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

Welcome to the Library!

2009-10-28T13:16:00.000-07:00

Libraries have been around for centuries! Isn't it about time you got to know your librarian and learned more about what you can find at the library?

Video #1 - The Adventures of Super Librarian

Video #2 - What is a library?

Video #3 - The Wizard of Oz, A Tale of Library Circulation

Video #4 - What's the future of the library?

So, don't you think it's time you visited your local library?

Learn with Linda: Library Training Certificate or Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

Blogs to follow

2009-10-26T10:47:00.000-07:00

Looking for some interesting blogs to follow? Try these ones:

Latest Entry in the Snowmobile Encyclopedia

Latest Canadian Destinations from guide2travel:

Or, try these new articles on other destinations:

Latest vacations from guide2travel in the United States:

International destinations:

Travel vacations from editor, Neilia Sherman:

Learn with Linda: Library Training Certificate or Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

Business Writing Style

2009-10-05T12:02:00.000-07:00

Business writing should be clear, concise, and say what you mean! But how do you achieve good style in business writing? Let's take a look at some videos that will help you.

Video #1 -- Passive v.s. Active

Video #2 -- Paragraph Song & Lesson

Video #3 -- Transitions in Writing & the Given New Theory

Learn with Linda: Library Training Certificate or Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

Search the Web

2009-09-23T12:52:00.000-07:00

The most important skill a librarian can have is the ability to conduct a thorough search for information. Since many of our searches begin with the Internet, let's start there.

Video #1
Search Engines

Video #2
Metasearch Engines

Video #3
Boolean Search Terms

Video #4
Google Search Tips & Tricks

Video #5
Evaluating Web Resources

Video #6
Evaluating Web Sites Tutorial

Learn with Linda: Library Training Certificate or Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

How to Use Commas & Semicolons

2009-09-21T14:26:00.000-07:00

Commas and semicolons can be confusing to use! However, proper punctuation is essential in preparing clear, professional written communications.

Video #1
How to Use Commas in English Writing

You can read more about comma rules at:
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/commas.htm

Video #2
English Punctuation: the Semicolon

More information about using semicolons:
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/marks/semicolon.htm

That's it! I hope this review of commas and semicolons helps you with your business writing.

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual High School & College

Get Started With Business Writing

2009-09-07T14:10:00.000-07:00

Librarians are not only surrounded with books and other forms of written materials, librarians write overdue notes, reports, newsletters, summaries, emails and many other things every day.

So, lets look at how to present yourself professionally with your written communications.

This About.com article summarizes business writing: http://management.about.com/od/communication/a/businesswriting.htm

Video #1
The Writing Process

Video #2
Purposes of Business Writing (10 minutes)

It's important to match your writing to your audience in business communications. This Web link provides you with information on how to analyze or profile your audience, then make required adaptations.

http://www.io.com/~hcexres/textbook/aud.html

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual High School & College

Parts of Speech

2009-09-07T12:56:00.000-07:00

Sentences start with nouns and verbs, then become more complicated when we add other parts of speech. So, what can we add to make language clearer?

Video #1
Grammar Rock Adjectives

You can also read more about using pronouns at http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/pronouns1.htm, then take the self-correcting quiz to be sure you've understood everything.

Video #2
Adverbs

You can also read more about using adverbs at http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/adverbs.htm, then take the self-correcting quiz to be sure you've understood everything.

Video #3
Grammar Rock Conjunctions

You can also read more about using conjunctions at http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/conjunctions.htm, then take the self-correcting quiz to be sure you've understood everything.

Video #4
Grammar Rock Prepositions

You can also read more about using prepositions at http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/prepositions.htm, then take the self-correcting quiz to be sure you've understood everything.

MORE IN DEPTH VIDEOS

Video #5
Learn English - Adjectives Tutorial

Video #6
The Adverb, and how they're used

Video #7
Common Mistakes in English - Prepositions, Part A

Video #8
Conjunctions

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual High School & College

Developing Better Listening Skills

2009-09-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

Librarians have to be good listeners! But good listening skills don't just happen, they need to be developed. These videos present a variety of perspectives on how to improve listening skills.

Video #1
Dilbert Good Morning & Bad Listener Video

Video #2
Listening Skills with Professor Eleanor Earl

Video #3
Seven Sins of Communication

Video #4
Active Listening Skills

Video #5
Cultural Diversity - Tips for communicating with cultural awareness

Video #6
The Different Ways We Communicate

Video #7
How to Deal with Difficult People

Video #8
How to be a Good Listener Playlist

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual High School & College

Basic Grammar

2009-08-31T11:38:00.000-07:00

How confident are you about your written business communication skills? Let's review some grammar, so you'll be sure you've got it right!

Video #1

Mad TV - Public School House Rock - Nouns

Now, read the grammar tutorial and do the self-correcting quiz at: http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/nouns.htm

Video #2
Grammar Rocks Verbs

Now, read the grammar tutorial and do the self-correcting quiz at: http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/verbs.htm

Video #3
Learn English - Singular, Plural, and Non-Count

Now, read the grammar tutorial and do the self-correcting quiz at: http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/plurals.htm

Video #4
Possessive Nouns

Now, read the grammar tutorial and do the self-correcting quiz at: http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/possesives.htm

Video #5
Schoolhouse Rock Rufus Xavier Sarsparilla - Pronouns

Now, read the grammar tutorial and do the self-correcting quiz at: http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/pronouns1.htm

Video #6
Irregular Verbs - Past Tense and Past Participle

Now, read the grammar tutorial and do the self-correcting quiz at: http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/sequence.htm

Video #7
Subject Verb Agreement (you may want to turn the sound down immediately as the music is loud)

Now, read the grammar tutorial and do the self-correcting quiz at: http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/sv_agr.htm

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual High School & College

Different Types of Libraries

2009-06-24T08:42:00.000-07:00

There are many different types of libraries, all serving different communities. The library building and collection are developed to best serve the needs of these communities.

Let's visit some different libraries!

Video # 1 - School Library - Brock School Library

Video #2 - Public Library - Penfield Public Library

Video #3 - Academic Library - Montana State University

Video #4 - Special Libraries - State Library of Kansas

Video #5 - Special Libraries - Riley Hospital Virtual Tour

Video #6 - Library of Congress (music soundtrack only)

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual High School & College

History of Libraries

2009-06-10T09:11:00.000-07:00

Libraries have been around for thousands of years, so lets start our session in the ancient world with the Library of Alexandria.

Video #1 - The Library of Alexandria from the History Channel

If you found this fascinating, do watch parts 2 through 5 that are also listed.

This Web site provides an amazing amount of information on the history of books and libraries, from Mesopotamia to the Renaissance.

http://www.libraries.gr/nonmembers/en/main.htm

Let's jump ahead now, and take a look at one of the items that's changed the way our libraries function — the barcode.

Video #2 - Barcodes (the audio is poor on this video as it is only through half of the headset)

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual High School & College

Library Webquest

2009-06-08T09:50:00.000-07:00

Welcome to this library activity Webquest.

Introduction
You are the librarian responsible for library acquisitions. You've just received an unsolicited donation of some books from someone in your community. By working through this webquest you'll find out the title of the first book on the list, then, you'll have to decide whether or not to accept the gift, and if you do accept it, will you catalogue it for the shelf or do something else with it.

Task
The purpose of this Webquest is two-fold. First of all, you're going to use search engines to solve the puzzle of the title of the first book. Second, you're going to evaluate the book by researching the title on the Internet. Finally, you'll have to consider how your collection development policy covers this type of situation and make a decision about the book.

The Process
PART I - Identifying the title

1. Use the metasearch engine All Plus to find the first clue: http://www.allplus.com/

What is the title of the book written in 1897 by the Irish author Stoker? The first FOUR letters of this title are the first word of the book you've been given. (Write these out on a slip of paper)

2. The second and third words of the title are the two words: "and the" - write these down after the first word. Your title now looks like this: __ __ __ __ and the

3. Use All Plus again to find the first letter of the fourth word: http://www.allplus.com/

What's the name of the national park in southwest Saskatchewan? The first letter of the name is the first letter of your last word. Write it down.

You may use any search engine you wish for the rest of the clues.

4. What's the name of the organization that performs the Sunset Retreat every summer in Regina as a tourist attraction? The first letter of the name is the second letter of your last word. Write it down after the letter from clue #3.

5. What King of England was also called Longshanks, English Justinian, and Hammer of the Scots. The first letter of his first name is the third letter of your last word. Write it down after the letter from clue #4.

6. What Queen was both the Queen of England and the Queen of Ireland at the same time until her death in November of 1558? The first letter of her first name is the fourth letter of your last word. Write it down after the letter from clue #5.

7. What animal has the scientific name: Felidae Panthera leo? The first letter of the animal is the fifth letter of your last word. Write it down after the letter from clue #6.

8. In what country will you find one of the world's largest Cathedrals, the Duomo di Milano? The first letter of the country is the sixth letter of your last word. Write it down after the letter from clue #7.

9. What is the provincial grass emblem of Saskatchewan? The first letter of the grass is the seventh and last letter of your last word. Write it down after the letter from clue #8.

Your title should have this many letters:
__ __ __ __ and the __ __ __ __ __ __ __

Check Your Answer

Use Google, or another search engine, to look up the title of the book. If you find a book that was written by an Australian and illustrated by an Australian, and published in 1988, you have identified the title correctly.

PART II - Examining the book

Now that you know the title and author of the book, along with the year of publication, you need to examine it to determine whether or not you'll add it to your library collection. Go through these steps:

1. Research both the author and illustrator on the Internet to learn a little more about them.
2. Research the book title to find out if there are reviews for the book and read them.
3. Research the book title to see if it has won any awards, and if it has, what kind of award is it?

PART III - Unsolicited Gifts Library Policy

Examine your library policy for two things:

Unsolicited Book Options
1. When books are donated to the library, do you: a) accept all donations, but advise people that you'll dispose books you decide not to add to the collection in any way you feel is appropriate, or b) examine books first, then refuse books you decide not to add, and suggest the person donate the book to some other place such as a charitable organization or booksale.

Acquisitions Policy
1) Does this book fit the parameters of your collection development policy. Why?
2) If this book doesn't fit the parameters of your collection development policy, why not?

CONCLUSION

What is your decision on this book? Shelve it or ???

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual High School & College

Basic Bookkeeping for Libraries

2009-05-25T10:19:00.000-07:00

Every organization must keep track of income and expenses. If you have a tiny library, your income may be very small — perhaps just a few dollars to replace lost books or maybe some small fund raisers, like your annual discarded book sale. However, you should always have a formal system of keeping track of your income and expenses. While a pen and notebook will work, you're wise to learn how to archive your data electronically using a spreadsheet or special accounting software.

Video #1 — Let's start with the basics of using an Excel Spreadsheet.

Even if your library doesn't have Microsoft Excel, you can use the open source spreadsheet software from OpenOffice.org — http://www.openoffice.org/

Video #2 — Some specifics on using Excel

Large libraries and bookstores often use an electronic data exchange to order materials over the Internet. There are various services available, but this video explains how an electronic data exchange works.

Video #3 Industry Data Exchange

If you require more information on using spreadsheets view some of the related videos on YouTube. You can also find many tutorials for spreadsheets at Expert Village. See http://www.expertvillage.com/search.htm?s=spreadsheet

Specialty software is also available to create your purchase orders. This link includes screen shots that will show you how they're set up and their capabilities:

http://www.uwsa.edu/fadmin/sfs/pocreate.htm

This content was prepared by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Credenda Virtual College Library Training Certificate and

Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

How Books Are Made

2009-05-13T15:13:00.000-07:00

Libraries are full of books! The process by which books are made has changed over the years. Modern printing press technology began with Gutenberg. Want to know more?

Video #1 - Old Skool Printing

If you have time, Video #2 is long (10 minutes, 47 seconds), but fascinating - Printing a Book Old School!

Video #3 - The Espresso Book Machine - Modern print on demand publishing

Still interested? Let's go back to Gutenberg's story. Check out this series of videos with Stephen Fry and the Gutenberg Press. (note that each of the following 6 videoclips is 10 minutes in length)

This was prepared by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Credenda Virtual College & High School Library Training Certificate and

Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

Library Staff Roles

2009-05-13T12:19:00.000-07:00

Libraries have many different types of staff, each having a specific role. Let's take a look at the difference between all the different types of qualifications and roles

Video #1 - The Librarian of the Past

Video #2 - Library Assistants - Clerical roles

Video #3 - Library Technician Job Description

Video #4 - Become a Librarian

Professional librarians may either have a Master of Library Science or be a Teacher-Librarian.

Here's a great Web page titled Become a Librarian - http://www.becomealibrarian.org/

For those interested in becoming a Teacher-Librarian, here's all the information from the U of A on their Distance Education program: http://www.quasar.ualberta.ca/tl-dl/

This was prepared by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Credenda Virtual College & High School Library Training Certificate and

Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

Periodicals on the Internet

2009-05-04T09:21:00.000-07:00

There are many types of periodicals available for individuals and libraries. These include:

Journals
Magazines
Newspapers
Newsletters
House Magazines
Trade Journals
Controlled circulation serials
Electronic journals or E-journals or Online Journals
Electronic Magazines or E-Magazines 0r online magazines

Here's a link outlining the key differences between the main types of periodicals and providing examples of each: http://lib.utsa.edu/Research/Subject/periodicalsguide.html

Selection Tools
How do you find out what periodicals are available and what they're about? Selection tools give you details about purpose, scope, audience, difficulty, physical form, bibliographic verification and subject matter.

Media Finder database - requires subscription - http://www.mediafinder.com/
ISSN portal - requires subscription to access information on 900,000 serials published in over 180 countries - http://www.issn.org/
Ulrich's Periodical Directory - requires subscription - http://www.ulrichsweb.com/ulrichsweb/

Magazine Databases not requiring subscription:

Canadian Magazines - lists only Canadian consumer magazines - links to purchase included - http://www.cmpa.ca/consumer/index.ph p
Magazine City - http://magazinecity.net/
News Directory - http://newsdirectory.com/

Electronic Publications

Alexa.com lists top sites - may not all be magazines - http://www.alexa.com/topsites/category
The Internet Public Library - Magazines - http://www.ipl.org/div/serials/
E-Journals.org - Journals - http://www.e-journals.org/
Online literary magazines - http://www.newpages.com/litmags/

Let's Look at Some Online Publications

Travel - http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/
Families Online Magazine - http://www.familiesonlinemagazine.com/
Faith Writers Magazine - http://www.faithwritersmagazine.com/
Crafts - http://www.creativetimesmagazine.com/
Literary magazine - http://www.2river.org/
Science Fiction magazine - http://futurismic.com/

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual High School & College

Mass Communications on the Internet

2009-04-22T09:06:00.000-07:00

The Internet provides many ways to communicate with people you know — and people you don't! Let's take a look.

Mailing Lists

Mailing lists or listservs are popular ways to find people interested in the same things you are. Learn more at Wikipedia — http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LISTSERV

Find a group or mailing list at Yahoo — http://groups.yahoo.com/

Video #1 - Social Media in Plain English

Video #2 - Networking in Plain English

Video #3 - Social Bookmarking in Plain English

Video #4 Wikis in Plain English

Video #5 Online Photo Sharing in Plain English

Video #6 - RSS in Plain English

Video #7 Podcasting in Plain English

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual High School & College

Internet Security

2009-04-22T08:26:00.000-07:00

We learn early how to be safe in the bricks-and-mortar world. Don't talk to strangers. Don't give out your personal information. Lock your cars and houses. It's all pretty standard information. But, did you know you also have to learn techniques that keep you safe in cyberspace? Let's take a look!

Video #1 - Firewalls and other computer "stuff" to secure your home network

Video #2 - What are bots, viruses, malware and spyware?

Video #3 - Internet Safety - Avoid Spyware - Part 1

Video #4 - Phishing Scams in Plain English

Video #5 - How do criminals steal your identity?

Video #6 - Pop Up Blocker & Other Web tools

Video #7 - Steganography

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual College

Non-English Materials

2009-04-20T14:26:00.001-07:00

Libraries often have collections in various languages to serve the needs of their patrons. Since Canada has two official languages, English and French, many materials are readily available in both of them.

Libraries & Archives Canada provides an online toolkit for libraries developing multicultural collections: http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/multicultural/005007-301-e.html

The Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers — http://www.caslt.org/index_en.php — provides various resources for schools.

How does a public library increase its collection in a second language? This article is from: Partnership: the Canadian Journal of Library and Information Practice and Research, Vol 3, No 1 (2008).

http://journal.lib.uoguelph.ca/index.php/perj/article/viewArticle/469/881

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual High School & College

Social Bookmarking for Librarians

2009-04-20T13:56:00.000-07:00

Many librarians remember the old days of Vertical Files — We carefully clipped newspapers and periodicals, gathered company reports and free public service handouts, pictures, and many other things we thought might be helpful to our patrons, then we stashed them into a large filing cabinet for access. But today the focus is on less paper, not more. So, we can gather all of these things into Virtual Vertical Files.

Your virtual vertical file can be created on a Web site, in a blog, or even more easily by using social bookmarking. What's social bookmarking all about? Let's find out.

Video #1 - Social Bookmarking in Plain English

Video #2 - Social Bookmarking: Making the Web Work for You

Video #3 - Highlight and Share the Web

Video #4 - How to Bookmark With Diigo

Video # 5Step-by-step screencast on how to install Diigo on the Explorer browser:

Video #6 - Step-by-step screencast on how to to use Diigo to bookmark when you don't want to install a toolbar (Using Diigolet):

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual High School & College

Using HTML

2009-04-08T12:27:00.000-07:00

The language of Web pages may seem confusing - but really, it's quite simple! This language is called HTML or hypertext markup language. There are many tutorials available online. I've selected some to help you get started!

Video #1 - How to Make a Web Page

This tutorial uses a computer generated voice that takes you through all the steps required to create a basic Web page using Notepad.

Here's an excellent interactive HTML tutorial - it allows you to practice writing your own HTML code and see the results as you learn to change the tags.

http://www.w3schools.com/htmL/

There is also free wysiwyg (what you see is what you get) Web page creation software available - I like Nvu. You can download it free at: http://www.net2.com/nvu/

Video #2 - Building Web pages with Nvu

Video #3 - Editing HTML in Angel

Learn with Linda: Library Training Certificate or Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

Information Literacy

2009-04-06T12:50:00.000-07:00

Libraries have much more than books in their collections! Let's take a look at what you can expect to find in your library as we explore information literacy.

What is Information Literacy? - Video #1

Types of Information Sources - Video #2

Online Reference Databases - Video #3

Tips for Librarians - 7 Ways to Think Outside the Box with Information Literacy - Video #4

Selection Criteria for non-print resources

Non-print resources are reviewed by reviewing agencies, just like books are.

Check out the latest edition of CM at: http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm/ - multimedia reviews follow books and professional materials.

American Library Association (ALA) Best Films for Young Adults - http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/booklistsawards/fabfilms/fabfilms.cfm

ALA Great Web sites for kids - http://www.ala.org/gwstemplate.cfm?section=greatwebsites&template=/cfapps/gws/default.cfm

School Library Journal (SLJ) provides lots of free information, interviews, trends at - http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/

Reviewing sources on the Web - http://www.acqweb.org/bookrev.html

Learn with Linda: Library Training Certificate or Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

Downloading & Uploading Data

2009-03-31T12:35:00.000-07:00

You probably find yourself needing to download applications all the time! It seems there's always a new version of java, or a toolbar, or a free player to view content. Downloading—and uploading—aren't as hard as they seem.

Video #1 - Shareware & Freeware

Video #2 - Using download.com software

Video #3 - Enhancing your browser experience - downloading the Google toolbar for Explorer

Video #4 - How to Create a folder on your desktop for your downloads

Video #5 - How to Download a Web page from the Internet and save it

Here's another video from Expert Village (on YouTube) on how to save a Web page: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73xQ_SAkwy4

Video #6 - Download a photo from the Internet

Video #7 - Playlist of 28 videos & screen captures on the Basic use of your computer

If you have a Macintosh —Mac— computer, you will find these Expert Village tutorials useful: http://www.expertvillage.com/search.htm?s=computer+basics

Video #9 - Screencast that shows you how to do the assignment in Angel:

Learn with Linda: Library Training Certificate or Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

Webquest on Bibliographic Searching

2009-03-30T10:10:00.000-07:00

For this webquest imagine you're role playing being a librarian who has a request form for a specific book title. This process includes bibliographic searching and takes you up to the point of actually purchasing the book.

These are the skills you need to develop for this activity:

Read and follow instructions.
Understand the requirements of bibliographic searching.
Locate specific Web sites and find required information.
Take accurate notes to answer specific questions.
Perform all of the steps in bibliographic searching.

Steps in this activity:

Verify bibliographic information provided — make corrections if required.
Locate review, best books list, or award citing this title.
Compare Canadian (Cdn) costs listed at two online sources.

Requested Book:

Linda Aksomitis requests the book titled, A Prairie Nightmare, by P. Berton. Date required: anytime, but as soon as possible. Format requested: any.

The task outlined step-by-step (take careful notes):

Verify the bibliographic information (author/title).
Check if the item is located in your library collection. (for this webquest assume you're at the Saskatoon Public Library main branch - http://www.saskatoonlibrary.ca/ )
Check if the item is in print (remember any format will suit the patron's needs).
Find out the publisher, cost, and ISBN for the book.
Determine from reviews, best reading lists, awards, etc., if the item should be added to your collection if you don't have it.
Find the least expensive price from the online bookstores: Amazon.ca or Chapters.

Fill in the blanks in the request form below to complete your purchase review:

Full title of the item to purchase: _________________________
Statements of responsibility: ____________________________
Place, name of publisher, and date published: _______________________
ISBN (13 digit): ____________________
Best price of item/source: _____________________________________
Source of reviewing agency/award (name and URL): _______________________________

Use the information from your purchase review to hand in:

______ ______ _______ _______

First blank: insert the first word of the title you're purchasing.
Second blank: insert the surname of the author who wrote the book's forward.
Third blank: insert the best price of the item.
Fourth blank: insert the first word in the name of the reviewing source/award used.

Submit this information directly to "just" your instructor in the chat area in Elluminate or by email.

Learn with Linda: Library Training Certificate or Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

Finding Multimedia on the Internet

2009-03-25T14:05:00.000-07:00

How do you find something besides text based information on the Internet? There are lots of different ways!

Search Engines

Many search engines give you the option of accessing various types of multimedia.

Here's a quick look at a how and when you might use a Google image search:

Video #1

You can see from this video that Google also has special Maps, News, and Videos searches simply by clicking on the appropriate link.

Google's two biggest search engine competitors are Yahoo Search! and Live Search.

Yahoo search options include Images, Video, Local, & Shopping - http://search.yahoo.com/
[MSN] Live Search options include Images, Video, News, & Maps - http://www.live.com/

Metasearch Engines

Clusty allows you to search for News, Images, Wikipedia, Blogs, and more - http://clusty.com/
AllPlus, which searches all three main search engines , plus Ask (also provides a 3-D view of results), allows you to search for News, Images, Video, Twitter, and Blogs - http://www.allplus.com/

Interested in learning more about search engines and your options? Check out this Web site from WSG Research - http://www.websearchguide.ca/index.html

Specialty Search Engines

Video Search

Blinkx [35 million hours of video listed] - http://www.blinkx.com/
YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/
Top 10 Video Search Engines [ranked in 2007] - http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/top_10_video_search_engines.php

Image Search

15 Best Search Engines to Images online ranked & described [2008] - http://www.quickonlinetips.com/archives/2008/01/find-best-photo-image-search-engines-online/
Search your choice of 22 different search engines all from this one-step search page - http://www.search-22.com/downloads/images.php
Pic Search - links to more than 3,000,000,000 pictures - http://www.picsearch.com/

Sound Search

Find Sounds - http://www.findsounds.com/
Sound Search - http://www.soundsearch.com/
Best Bit Torrent Search Engines for 2009 - http://netforbeginners.about.com/od/peersharing/f/torrentsearch.htm

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual High School & College

Information Resources on the Internet

2009-03-25T11:06:00.000-07:00

The Web is the world's biggest source of information, but unfortunately, also its biggest source of misinformation. How do you tell the difference between factual content and flawed sources? Let's watch these videos and see.

Video #1 - Evaluating a Web site

Video #2 - Establishing authoritative sources using top level domains

Once you've found reliable information, you may be asked to prepare a citation providing all the information others will need to find it themselves. Librarians preparing bibliographies, Webquests, pathfinders and other types of lists for patrons must be able to cite references, both Web and print. Let's find out how.

Video #3 - Citing a Web reference

Here are two amazing Web sites that show you, using different colored fonts for each part of the citation, exactly how to prepare citations for print and electronic sources, using APA (American Psychological Association) or MLA (Modern Language Association) style guides.

APA citation style - http://www.liu.edu/cwis/cwp/library/workshop/citapa.htm
MLA citation style - http://www.liu.edu/cwis/cwp/library/workshop/citmla.htm

Have you ever heard of Worldcat? More than 9000 libraries around the world share their databases in Worldcat, including the National libraries of countries, which have copies of all published books in the country.

Let's watch this tutorial.

Video #4

One really neat feature of Worldcat is that it provides the citations for any book listed in a variety of formats, so you can either import a whole list or just examine the citations for one book.

Video #5 - Worldcat Citations

Let's go ahead and explore Worldcat now. Once you've selected a single title in Worldcat, simply click on the citation link in the entry, and you'll get a pop-up box providing all the different styles. Remember, you'll have to enable pop-ups from this site in order to use this feature.

Worldcat - http://www.worldcat.org/

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual High School & College

Request Form to Materials Purchase

2009-03-23T10:53:00.000-07:00

Adding materials to your library collection can be a very time-consuming job!

Library patrons can help you with developing your collection by filling in library request forms. Here are a variety of examples from different types of libraries.

Teacher Materials request form from http://www.lexpublib.org/teacherrequest/
University request form from http://libweb.uoregon.edu/colldev/orderform.htm
Purchase request form from http://www2.lib.virginia.edu/purchaserequest/
Public Library request form from http://www.skokielibrary.info/catalog/purchreq.asp

Library patrons, of course, just provide the basic information. In order to purchase, you'll need to know more about the book!

Deciding where to purchase a book is also important. You may check publisher Web sites, large book sellers, and book packagers to decide which will be the best option. Remember, the more materials you have shipped at one time, the less shipping costs you'll pay. Postage costs are structured so that there's almost no difference cost between shipping one or a dozen books with larger books.

Many online bookstores will provide you with purchasing information as well as price. In Saskatchewan you might consider:

Regina - Book & Brier Patch - http://www.bookbrier.ca/
Saskatoon - McNally Robinson - http://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/home
Online/Saskatoon & Regina - Chapters - http://www.chapters.indigo.ca
Online - Amazon Canada - http://www.amazon.ca/

Practice Excercise
Assume you've received this request form this morning, listing only the title and author of a book:
________________________________________________________________
Requester: Linda Aksomitis, Your Library Patron #1000 (contact info in your patron files)
Title: Generating Wind Power
Author: Niki Walker
________________________________________________________________

In order to complete this request form you need to check verification sources. Bibliographic verification should answer three questions:

Does the item exist?
How much does it cost?
Is it still in print?

Once you've confirmed the item exists, you'll need to check your OPAC to ensure the title isn't already available, or if it is, to make a decision on whether the demand is so high that you should have two copies. For this exercise, assume you're at the Alice Turner Branch of the Saskatoon Public Library system. Check the OPAC at: http://www.saskatoonlibrary.ca/

Do you have the title? If not, should you proceed? Does this title that fit your selection policy? You'll either need to locate reviews to make a purchasing decision or find it listed in a required bibliography if you have a school library. Locate one or the other and make note of where you found the information (for example, CM Magazine, or grade ? science bibliography).

Once you've decided to proceed, this is the information you'll need to gather:

Full title
Statements of responsibility
Place, name of publisher and date published
Edition required
Series titles and specific number within series
ISBN
Price of item (use List price here, so do price comparisons later)
Number of copies required
Name of requester and contact information
Date of request
Call number of item if already in the collection or of previous editions in the collection
Verification of sources checked
Fund to be charged for item

If you decide to order this book, compare the price with a minimum of two booksellers (you can use the ones listed above) and/or the publisher.

Will you buy the book? If so, from whom?

__________________________________________________________________

Once you've made a decision on the patron request form, you'll need to inform the patron. If you already have the item, you'll advise the patron where it may be found (or requested on inter-library loan). If you decide against purchasing, you'll indicate why. If you've ordered the item, you'll provide an expected date of availability.
___________________________________________________________________

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual High School & College

Evaluating Information Sources

2009-03-16T12:22:00.000-07:00

When evaluating nonfiction, or informational literature, no matter what the targeted age of the reader, there are some specific things you should keep in mind:

Accuracy is the most important criteria. Material should not be over-generalized, and should not include biased opinions or viewpoints of the authors. Facts should speak for themselves.

Nonfiction should be well organized and have logical development. Ideally the book will have headings and subheadings that will make it easy for readers to follow the material.

Books that have an index, glossary, guide to pronunciation, and good table of contents are preferred.

If the source provides directions on how-to do things, directions should be easy to follow and include safety considerations. This includes books on things like science experiments or cookbooks.

With some subjects, the author’s qualifications may be relevant. This would particularly include books in the psychological field and self-help area, where research alone might not be sufficient to allow the author to present the best information.

Illustrations should be used when appropriate and be of high quality. Remember, a picture can be worth a thousand words. Photographs are considered the best choice in many nonfiction subjects, as opposed to drawings.

Let's go through this slide show on Evaluating Nonfiction: http://people.virginia.edu/~lbs5z/Reviewing%20Nonfiction/

http://www.thwink.org/sustain/articles/misc/CriteriaForEvaluatingBook.pdf - Criteria for Evaluating a Book of Nonfiction (PDF)

WORK SHEET FOR EVALUATING NONFICTION

Table of Contents: Indicate how descriptive chapter titles seem and how much information is given about each chapter contents.

Index: Describe length/type of index. Are there a sufficient amount of entries for the length of the book? Is the index easy to read and sorted into subheadings? Does the index include such things as a different colored letter for A, B, etc, to make it easy to navigate?

Introduction: Does the book have an introduction? If so, what does it cover? Is it useful?

Glossary: Does the book have a glossary? If so, are glossary words highlighted in the text of the book, so the reader knows to refer to the glossary? After scanning the text, can you determine if the glossary is exhaustive or are there other terms that you feel could have been included?

Illustrations: Are the illustrations well done? Are they an appropriate style for the contents? Are there sufficient illustrations to support the text and intended readership? Is information about the illustrations provided?

Pronounciation guide: Is there a guide to pronounciation? Should there be?

Headings: Does the book use headings to organize the information into topics under each chapter? Are the headings vague or concise? Can scanning the headings generally show the reader where to find the information they're looking for? Are the headings consistently formatted throughout the book, so the reader can follow the pattern?

Subheadings: Does the book use subheadings to further organize information in subtopics? Are the subheadings vague or concise? Can a reader scan the subheadings to find information quickly? Are the subheadings appropriately formatted?

Sidebars: Do sidebars extend the information of the text? Are there sufficient sidebars? Is the formatting in the sidebars appropriate to the style of the book?

Charts/Diagrams: Does the book contain any charts and diagrams that are required to fully understand the content? Are they well formatted and clearly marked? Do they complement/extend the text and other illustrations?

Supplementary URLs and organizations: Does the book contain supplementary information for readers to explore further? Are the URLs, if used, functioning? Are the organizations still in operation?

Bibliography: Does the book contain a bibliography providing sources for the information? Is the bibliography well formatted and easy to follow?

Other Front or Back Matter: Is there any other front or back matter that makes this book a useful resource?

LET'S EVALUATE A BOOK
Check out the Google books limited preview of Robots: From Everyday to Out of This World

Read a CM Magazine review of the book: http://umanitoba.ca/outreach/cm/vol15/no6/robots.html

Read a Quill & Quire Magazine review of the book: http://www.quillandquire.com/books_young/review.cfm?review_id=6284

Jelly Mom Children's Book Reviews Blog: http://jellymom-bookreviews.blogspot.com/2008/09/robots-from-everyday-to-out-of-this.html

MORE RESOURCES ON THE WEB:
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/subarticle.jsp?id=3740 - Choosing Nonfiction books for children, an article from Scholastic.

http://www.learningwithliterature.ualberta.ca/crit_nonfiction.htm - Criteria for Evaluating Non-fiction books.

http://reading.ecb.org/teacher/evaluating/eval_studentvideo.html - Student unit on evaluating books. Contains short video clips of teacher/student interaction.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4442571_write-evaluation-paper.html - How to write an evaluation paper.

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual High School & College

How To Use Email

2009-03-11T10:08:00.000-07:00

Email, or electronic mail, is one of the most frequently used features of the Internet. There are many different ways to send and receive email, some of which are integrated with other applications.

Video #1 - The Ins and Outs of Email

Now, let's take a look at how to avoid spam — all that junk mail — that ends up in your email box.

Video #2 How to Avoid Spam Email

As you know, we rely on Webopedia as the #1 authority on Web terms and definitions. Here's their extensive list of chat abbreviations: http://www.webopedia.com/quick_ref/textmessageabbreviations.asp

Video #3 Chat Acronyms to "talk" in emails, cyberspace, chat, IM, and texting

Video #4 Proper Email Etiquette with comedian Greg Schwem

Video #5 Urban Legend Emails

Video #6 Use Google to Find Email Addresses

We're going to look at Gmail, which is a free email service from Google (there are many others, such as hotmail, yahoo, mail, etc), since you need to have a Gmail account to do such things as set up a free blog on Blogger. There are also many excellent options available with your Gmail account such as sharing documents, using the calendar, etc.

Video #7 Using Gmail Part I

Video #8 Using Gmail Part II

Video #9 Using Gmail Part III

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual High School & College

Meet the Author - Virtual Tour with Arthur Slade

2009-03-09T13:06:00.000-07:00

Arthur Slade is one of the best known children's and young adult writers in Saskatchewan. This virtual tour introduces you to Arthur Slade's books, and provides you with the tools to find reviews for them.

Let's meet Arthur Slade on these very short YouTube videos from his publisher, HarperCollins Canada.

You can also visit Arthur Slade in cyberspace at: http://www.arthurslade.com/

Read a long article at CM based on an interview: http://www.umanitoba.ca/outreach/cm/profiles/slade.html

Or a short interview with Joelle Anthony: http://joelleanthony.com/daily-writings/author-interview-arthur-slade/

Interact with Art on his blog at: http://arthurslade.livejournal.com/

Trailers for Arthur Slade's most recent titles.

Megiddo's Shadow

Jolted

Now, let's take a look at what reviewers are saying about Arthur Slade's books! Choose one or two of his titles that you're most interested in and navigate these reviewing Web sites. You may search the databases either by locating the search box on each site, or using Google's site search command. This is what you'll type in the search box: Arthur Slade site:??? (enter the domain name for the site you want to search from this list in place of the ???)

Quill & Quire - http://www.quillandquire.com

Booklist (published by ALA) - http://www.ala.org/booklist/

Books in Canada - http://www.booksincanada.com/

CM: Canadian Review of Materials - http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm/

Library Journal - http://www.libraryjournal.com/ (also lists reviews from School Library Journal)

Other Reviewing Agencies You Must Subscribe to for access (some reviews may be posted to Amazon and other online bookseller sites):

Canadian Book Review Annual - http://pages.interlog.com/~cbra/

Resource Links: http://www.resourcelinks.ca/

Kirkus Reviews: http://www.kirkusreviews.com/

Other Reviews

Kidlitosphere Bloggers - http://www.kidlitosphere.org/KidLitosphere_Central/Welcome.html

Book Awards

Arthur Slade's books have won many awards. You can check out the awards at: http://www.bookcentre.ca/award

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual High School & College

Using Microsoft Internet Explorer

2009-03-03T13:23:00.000-08:00

You use your browser to explore cyberspace -- imagine it's your raft or spaceship!

In 2002 and 2003 the Microsoft Internet Explorer browser (IE5 and IE6) was used by about 95% of people on the Internet. Since then, usage has dropped, with Mozilla Firefox gaining in popularity in 2009. Today, Google Chrome, along with Safari, are also contenders in the "Browser Wars."

Let's begin by checking through this 2010 Internet Browser Software Review:
http://internet-browser-review.toptenreviews.com/

Video #1
Now let's watch someone from Firefox 3.5 demonstrate its latest features:

Video #2
Internet Explorer has a new browser out too -- let's take a look:

So, how much do you know about using your Web browser? Let's walk through the basic parts of all browsers with this tutorial at: http://www.lib.unc.edu/instruct/community_tutorials/web/browsers/overview.html

Video #3
Do you know the difference between a Web browser and a search engine? Here's a video that will help (the video uses the Safari browser & Google as a search engine):

Video #4 Make Your Internet Explorer Faster (9:23 minutes)

Video #5 - How to Add Bookmarks in Explorer 7

The Expert Village Web site offers a full series of excellent videos on how to use IE Explorer 7 (plus tons of other computer applications!). You do have to join the FREE site to have access. Here's Video # 6 - How to sign up with Expert Village:

The Expert Village videos are superior learning aides on many topics, including this playlist on using MS Explorer 7: http://www.expertvillage.com/video-series/579_using-windows-internet-explorer.htm

Expert Village also has videos on the Firefox browser: http://www.expertvillage.com/search.htm?s=use+firefox#

Now that you're surfing the Web, make sure you're familiar with copyright laws to make sure you're following all the rules.

http://www.templetons.com/brad/copymyths.html

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual High School & College

Book Publishing Practices & Libraries

2009-03-02T09:32:00.000-08:00

How exactly does a book end up on a library's shelves? A book begins, of course, with an author and an idea, and a lot of hard work to turn an idea into a product for a reader!

Once the author has a book written, he or she may submit it directly to a publisher or they may have an agent who does this. There are different types of publishers in the book publishing industry: http://www.bookjobs.com/page.php?prmID=8

Here's more info: http://www.netread.com/howto/publisher/index.cfm?article=types.cfm

The author does a lot of research to choose an appropriate publisher, and often submits a book 10, 20 or even 50 times before getting a publishing contract. Other writers may skip this part of the process and go directly to self-publishing or vanity presses.

Once the manuscript is accepted or the decision has been made to self-publish, the publishing process begins.

This PDF document outlines the publishing process: http://www.acblack.com/media/Understanding%20the%20publishing%20process.pdf

What kind of publishers do we have in Saskatchewan! More than you might expect. We'll take a quick tour through them on this site: http://www.saskpublishers.sk.ca/

Publishers often use a wholesaler or distributor to sell their books, rather than shipping single book orders themselves, so libraries usually order from a vendor.

Many libraries in Saskatchewan use the services of McNally Robinson bookstores at http://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/home (Saskatoon) or Book & Brier Patch at http://www.bookbrier.ca/ (Regina)

McNally Robinson has a wholesale division as well as their bookstore: http://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/wholesale-books

The Association of Canadian Book Wholesalers provides information on Canadian wholesalers you may wish to investigate: http://www.acbw.ca/members.html

Ever heard of "buying around?" It's the practice of purchasing foreign published materials directly from a publisher, instead of through a Canadian distributor. Over the decades the topic has been so controversial as to have policies on book importation developed by the Copyright Board of Canada. See: http://www.cb-cda.gc.ca/info/regulations/99324-e.html

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual High School & College

Introduction to the Internet

2009-02-25T09:09:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Internet! Let's begin by going back in time and learning the history of the Internet.

Video #1

Now let's take a look at the evolution of Internet Governance!

Video #2

So, how do you use the Internet in your library? Do you have an Acceptable Use Policy such as this one?

Video #3

Want to know more about how it all works? Here's an animated discussion of TCP / IP - or how stuff moves on the Internet.

Video #4

Tim Berners Lee discusses the Internet in the next two videos if you'd like to learn more:

Video #5

Video #6

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual High School & College

Library Collection Development

2009-02-23T11:38:00.000-08:00

Library collection development is one of the most important activities of a library — a good collection means the library can meet the needs of its users, while a poor collection means the library will become less and less useful to its community and ultimately lose hours until it's no longer a viable service.

Video #1
This short videoclip from a public library will outline how circulation and library use impacts on library programming. When things change in the library community, the library needs to respond.

Libraries need to do a community analysis or profile to understand their patrons' needs.

In the changing world a needs assessment is very important. This video demonstrates the elements of a needs assessment.

Video #2

The key is to understand the difference between wants, needs, demands and expectations.

Libraries may create a library profile to understand the logistics of circulation in their libraries. Here's an example of a profile: http://jpl.coj.net/lib/factsheet.html

Here's a bibliography of collection development related web sites, including links to various collection development policies: http://www.sldirectory.com/libsf/resf/coldev2.html

This York University Web page explains in detail the six levels of collection intensity used in the Conspectus approach to subject collection analysis: http://www.library.yorku.ca/ccm/Home/About/CollPolicies/CollectingLevels.htm

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual High School & College

Issues In Libraries

2009-02-02T11:10:00.000-08:00

Libraries are important places to people! Libraries archive and distribute information in a variety of formats. Libraries serve and protect the needs of creators and users, so require library policies that will do this.

Libraries Following Copyright Law

Video #1 - The Purpose of Copyright Law

Video #2 - What is Copyright? [poor quality video, but good sound track info]

Video #3 - Canadian Copyright Law Proposed Changes

Video #4 - Video Jesse Hirsch interview on Copyright proposals

Facebook Fair Copyright For Canada Group and posted updates - http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6315846683

Access Copyright information for copying in Canada - http://www.accesscopyright.ca/Default.aspx?id=31

Censorship & Book Banning

Video #4 - Freedom to Read Week from the American Library Association

Video #5 - Banned Books Week

Video #6 - Banned Books Around the World

Video #7 Controversial Books (long - 10 minutes)

Freedom to Read Canada - http://www.freedomtoread.ca/

American Library Association [ALA] Freedom to Read Foundation - http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/othergroups/freedomtoreadfoundation/index.cfm

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual High School & College

Virtual Reference and the Hidden Web

2009-01-26T08:18:00.001-08:00

Are you a virtual reference librarian? If you are, you provide your library patrons with material found on the Internet, in electronic databases, and the hidden web.

Virtual reference is also described using these terms:

Reference sources available 24/7
Ask a Librarian
Digital Reference
E Reference
Live Chat
Chat Reference
Electronic Reference sources

Let's check out this PDF document link that gives us the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Virtual Librarians - http://qandanj.org/description/7habits.pdf

Now, let's conduct a virtual reference interview. How does it differ from a face-to-face one?

http://www.ifla.org/VII/dg/dgrw/dp99-06.htm

But, you may ask, how do you interact with your patron in a virtual library reference interview?

Email
Chat
SMS or Short Message Service, such as text messaging using a CELL phone

Interested in finding a chat reference librarian? Here's a list of libraries offering these services: http://liswiki.org/wiki/Chat_reference_libraries

What's the invisible or hidden or deep web?

Video #1

Video #2 Searching the Deep Web

Visit these indexes to the deep Web:

Science.gov searches over 36 databases and 1,850 selected websites, offering 200 million pages of full text government science information, including research and development results. http://www.science.gov/index.html
PubMed a free archive of life science journals. http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/

Libraries of the future

Video #3 - South Carolina Digital Library initiative

The South Carolina Digital Library is a great example of the library of the future. You can access all of their free resources online at: http://www.scmemory.org/index.php

Video #4 - The Library of Congress Digital Library

This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual High School & College