• Pixlr–has a fairly simple interface and yet includes more advanced functionality like layers and masks.  Also has a neat browser extension you can install, called Grabber, that allows you to right-click a web image and have it open up automatically in Pixlr.
• Splashup–Allows for editing multiple images at once and integrates very well with photo sharing sites like Flickr, Picasa and Facebook.  Advanced functionality is somewhat more limited than Pixlr.
• Picnik–Picnik has a free version and a premium version.  It’s primarily a tool for editing photos,rather than creating anything from scratch. The free version may be enough for simple tasks such as resizing, rotating or removing redeye from existing photographs.  One annoying thing about this tool is that it shows you options for unique features such as stickers, only to tell you that they are only available with the premium subscription if you try to use them.
• Aviary–This is a whole suite of tools (all of them have bird-related names) that are best suited for creating new images rather than photo editing.  Tools include Phoenix (the base image editor), Raven (a vector editor) and even Myna, which is for editing audio.  Up until a month ago, Aviary had a premium and a free version.  Due to an influx of venture capital, they now offer all tools and feature for free.
• Photoshop.com–wait, what?  Yes, it’s true; Photoshop itself has a free, online edition–but it’s only distantly related to the full package.  It’s more of a pure photo editing and organizing tool than an image editor. You’ll need to sign up for a free account to upload your photos.  It does allow you to import photos from other sharing sites (more even than Splashup) and it also does some video editing.  It also has apps for both iPhone and Android.

What does this mean to me, Laura?

• Most image editors have similar interfaces, even if they don’t all have the same features.  Learning to use one often means that using others will be simple.  If you already know how to use full-scale programs like Photoshop or Paint Shop Pro, then all of these will likely be a walk in the proverbial park.
• Some of these have a limit on how much you can store on their servers.   Photoshop.com, for example, has a 2 gig limit for free accounts (upgrading your account primarily gets you more storage for your photo albums, not more functionality).

Any web-based image editors you’re fond of (or not)?  Let us know in the comments!

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I admit it; I’ve put off writing about Second Life for a while. Mostly because I’ve gotten very tired of uninformed people making judgements about it based on the hype, rather than the reality. Last year, an ignorant speaker at Computers in Libraries declared Second Life to be “dead.” The only thing that has died is some of the hype…finally. Second Life is actually thriving in many ways. Virtual meetings and educational opportunities abound. So do librarians.

Let’s start defining Second Life (SL) by first defining what it is not; it is not a game. Games have rules, goals, objectives, points and so on. These kinds of parameters do not exist for SL. Rather, SL is a 3D virtual environment or virtual world. What people do in that environment is as varied as the human beings who populate it.

So what can one do in Second Life?

Almost anything one can do in real life (RL), one can do in SL. Activities include (but are far from limited to) concerts, lectures, classes, dancing, shopping, socializing, traveling, historical role play, book discussions, contests, theater and many, many more. If you get bored in SL, it’s only because you’re not looking for anything.

What makes Second Life unique?

Second Life is perhaps one of the oldest virtual worlds (there are hundreds of them!), and it is certainly one of the largest. What truly differentiates SL from many others is the philosophy about intellectual property rights. When one creates something in SL, that person owns it. That means they also have the right to sell it. There is a thriving, real economy in SL. A rare few can make real life livings selling and/or creating custom virtual items, but most do it for fun. Second Life is also a very diverse community; 60% of the residents are not from the U.S. This gives an interesting, international flavor to many areas of SL and gives SL users a chance to interact with people from around the world.

What are libraries doing in Second Life?

A lot! Most libraries/librarians in SL collaborate within the Community Virtual Library (CVL). This project is huge and has many volunteers from all over the globe. Activities run the gamut; lectures, art galleries, book discussions and training are all popular. The CVL maintains a reference desk as well to answer questions from SL residents. The CVL encompasses partner organizations as well, including many college and university libraries and library-related organizations, such as TechSoup, the American Library Association, and OPLIN.

Where can I learn more about Second Life?

OPLIN offers free, inworld classes on Second Life. You can learn more at http://www.oplin.org/secondlife, or feel free to contact Laura Solomon at OPLIN (laura@oplin.org ), also known as Lebachai Vesta in SL. The official Second Life web site is at http://www.secondlife.com and the site of CVL is at http://www.infoisland.org.

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So, what do you need to do to make this happen?  Not much, as it turns out:

1. Smartphone that can run the Qik app (supported phone list here)
2. Qik app, downloaded and installed to said smartphone and
3. A free Qik account (which will create a broadcast channel for you).

I’ve done a couple of public videos you can check out, to get an idea of the quality of the video; you can see them at my Qik channel, http://www.qik.com/laurasolomon.

What does this mean to me, Laura?

• This could be a quick and dirty way to capture and broadcast library programs and/or meetings.  Keep in mind, however, that there can be some delay between what you are broadcasting and it being captured on the Qik channel. (I noticed about 3-5 seconds of lag during my most recent test.)
• You can’t edit the video before it is broadcast or captured, so make sure that you’re comfortable broadcasting whatever it is before you start.
• You can make certain videos private and others public.
• The Qik site also has some social media features; videos can be tweeted directly, and people can also comment and discuss individual videos.  Live chat is also available, so if you’re broadcasting live, you can also see chat feedback in real time.
• You can also add a map (location) to the video, to let people know where it took place.
• Yes, you can embed Qik videos in a website, much like YouTube videos.
• Conveniently, you can also sign in with your Facebook account.

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From Wikipedia:

Foursquare is a location-based social networking website, software for mobile devices, and game. Users “check-in” at venues using text messaging or a device specific application.  They are then awarded points and sometimes “badges.”

In other words, every time I check in any public place (using my iPhone or Droid and the Foursquare app), I am participating in a game.  The more times I check in, the more points and badges I can get.  There are a few things that make this really interesting:

• Foursquare users can create tips for other Foursquare users that check in to a particular venue, making Foursquare also, at least partially, a recommendation engine;
• You can friend other users, much like Facebook, and get notifications of where your friends are in real time;
• If you check in to a location (on separate days) more than any other user, you become the “Mayor” of that location.  In doing so, you may potentially unseat the current “Mayor.”  This can lead to fierce competition.

What does this mean to me, Laura?

• Right now, the Foursquare app is only available to iPhone and Droid smartphone users.  Palm Pre and Blackberry versions are quickly forthcoming (both are currently in beta testing).  However, check-ins can also be done via any browser or by texting.
• Your library should keep an eye on what tips users are posting about your library.  Don’t have your library get an account and check in daily, though–that’s not fair, since your library would always be Mayor of the library!  The point is to encourage others to want that coveted title.
• Speaking of Mayors, this is where many businesses have gotten on the Foursquare cluetrain.  Many businesses now offer discounts to the Mayor of the location; such as a coffee shop offering a free beverage to the Mayor of the place that day.  Could a library do this?  Absolutely!  Your library could offer to erase the fines of  the library’s Mayor.  Or give them an extra amount of computer time.  Anything you can think of that concretely rewards someone for frequenting your building.  Make sure to advertise this.  If people often take cell calls out to your library’s lobby, that would be an ideal place for a sign.
• There is a caveat–Foursquare does not count check-ins during what they call “normal work hours” (8am to 4pm, weekdays).  However, the first time someone checks into a new location, they always get a five-point “discovery” bonus, regardless of the time or day.

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The prediction:  The real-time web hits the mainstream.  More information will become INSTANTLY available.

My thoughts: Reference librarians that aren’t familiar with Twitter are going to get thrown for a lot of loops.  Many news outlets already post news stories on Twitter first (or at least simultaneously) with their stories on traditional media, and this practice is only going to increase.  Librarians will likely need to follow some reputable local and national news outlets on Twitter to get a better grasp on current events.   I remember when it was advised for librarians to read a newspaper to keep up; now, you might be better off to start by checking your Twitter feed in the morning.

The prediction: The advent of 3D television.

My thoughts: Actually, that’s not really a prediction:  it’s a fact.  Both Sky and Panasonic have confirmed 3D sets coming out next year.  However, this is just a beginning, and only early adopters are going to jump on what will undoubtedly be a very expensive bandwagon, intially.  I think libraries will have at least 3-4 years of grace before they have to worry about people asking for the 3D versions of movies.  Libraries need to keep an eye on this, though; it will likely mean yet another format to purchase down the road.

The prediction: Augmented reality in information and games.

My thoughts:  Already, those folks with advanced smartphones (e.g., iPhones, Droids) are using augmented reality in real life.   These phones provide all kinds of interesting additional layers of information based on location, such as where my friends are, what restaurants or gas stations are nearby, and much more.  We’re going to see this explode as people discover just how useful (and not just geeky) these kinds of applications are.  Libraries need to consider what it means when someone with Layar installed on their phone comes into the building; what additional value are they getting from the library through this kind of information layer?  Wouldn’t it be great if they could easily be pointed to the bathrooms, DVD or reference assistance?

The prediction:  Near-field communications will allow people to start paying for things using their mobile devices.

My thoughts:  This is already in use in many countries (but, alas, not the U.S. yet).  It’s a matter of time before Americans catch on to the idea that their phone can also be their wallet.  It probably won’t happen in 2010 though.  For libraries, this raises some big questions.  Most libraries still haven’t managed to accept fine payments online.  What happens when people want to pay via their phones?

The prediction: Internet Explorer 6 support will be dropped by up to 90% of websites.

My thoughts: Again, this is something that is already happening.  Many developers even charge extra now to create sites that render clearly in Internet Explorer 6, because IE is already on version 8 and so 6 is essentially legacy software. Even Microsoft is encouraging people to upgrade to newer versions of their browser.  If your library still uses Internet Explorer 6, it will become increasingly difficult for your library’s patrons to view the Web in 2010.  Resolve to upgrade the browsing experience for your patrons in 2010.

What does this mean to me, Laura?

• Don’t panic. We all know change will happen, and it will happen faster than we can really absorb it.  However, major shifts tend to happen a little more gradually.  The problem is that libraries tend to be more reactive than proactive; the kinds of shifts I mention, above, really require some thinking ahead.  Don’t wait until the last minute to learn more about these technologies.
• Upgrade your Internet Explorer browser.  NOW. IE6 is just evil and must die.  Not that I’m biased or anything.

Happy New Year!

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So, today I asked folks what they wasted time on, online (not necessarily at work).  I was curious about some things:

1. What specific things they choose to do online, and
2. What things they (perhaps unwittingly) classified as “wastes of time?”
3. What fun things might I possibly be missing?

Without further ado, here are most of the responses:

• “Gaming”
• “Trolling”
• “The fun stuff at HuffingtonPost.com“
• “Looking for recipes and giving $$ to Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Addictive, all of them”
• “Facebook, Slashdot, and Toy-a-day . Although the last one has more of an offline component”
• “Twitter , blog reading”
• “I really hate to admit it, but I play Mafia Wars on Facebook. Such a guilty pleasure…”
• “Facebook, Facebook, Facebook. Gotta see how my friends are celebrating/what they’re getting for xmas while I’m w/ my own fam”
• “Twitter!”
• “Facebook. I’ve let many of my apps go…will probably revive the farm, and the fish. Definitely play some scrabble!”

(It’s only fair that I throw my own in there, so I’ll list my own time-waster:  Bejeweled.  A simple puzzle game that I can play for seemingly endless amounts of time. And live Scramble on Facebook.  Please don’t look at how many games of that I’ve played.  It’s frightening.)

What does this mean to me, Laura?

I was a little surprised not to see more Facebook apps appear in the list, especially considering that’s where the majority of the responses came from.  Aside from that, perhaps I’ll have to investigate Toy-A-Day. Not too much in the way of analysis today…there’s not much room in my brain, considering that the elves are filling the place up with garland and I can’t get “Frosty the Snowman” out of my head.

I hope your holidays are grand and full of opportunities to waste time.

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Aside from technological considerations, presenting via the web can be more challenging than face-to-face, from a presenter’s perspective.  To help you, I’ve provided some guidelines that will aid you in knowing what to expect and how to prepare for this type of presentation.

• Webinars require you to be more engaging.  Webinars have been compared to radio; the more exciting you are, the more likely your listeners are to pay attention.  Maintain a high energy level.  Remember, it’s very, very simple for your attendees to jump ship if they’re bored…and they will.
• Slides have to be even simpler. If you’re accustomed to using lots of bulletpoints and/or charts with small print, you will need to significantly change your approach.  Keep visuals clear and as simple as possible.
• Webinars move faster. The rule is that a presenter should plan to talk no more than 45-60 seconds on any given slide.  Otherwise, you are likely to lose listeners.
• Don’t use clip art. Find photos or create your own infographic, but beware of the standard Microsoft clip art, which will likely brand your work as unprofessional and uncreative.
• If you’re on video (not just audio): Don’t fidget.  Think about how people on TV look.  They’re not playing with their hair or twirling the mic.
• Turn off your phones, IM, whatever.  (This includes locking your howling cat out of the room.  Yes, I have to do this.)
• Be prepared to answer questions. Just like in a face-to-face session, expect to have a Q&A period of 5-10 minutes at the end.
• Understand that you will need to multitask, somewhat. In many cases, waiting until the very end to answer ALL questions just isn’t practical.  It can be more useful (and more engaging for your attendees) to answer the question in context.  So keep one eye on the ongoing text chat.  If you don’t think you can monitor and speak, have someone else with you to monitor the chat and signal when there are comments or questions.
• When you answer questions or respond to comments, REPEAT it first! Not everyone is watching the chat like you are or knows who said what.  More importantly, if the session is being recorded, the chat log will not likely be a part of the archive.  So say something like “Susan asks:  what will this cost a small library?”  Then answer the question.
• Include your contact information on the last slide. You can’t have a stack of business cards or handouts, so be sure people can contact you via email and/or social networks and that information is posted here so people can find it.
• Tell people where to find the slides after the presentation. No handouts in a webinar!  If you don’t have a place to host your slides, I heartily recommend getting a Slideshare account and posting them there.

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The Global Language Monitor  has released its list of Top Words 2009.  Coming in at #10 is TRANSPARENCY.

Transparency in this instance means putting all you do (at least all of the interesting stuff) out for users to see…then welcoming the comments, and the criticisms, and the advice from people who think they know how to run your library.

But THEN come the comments that you’ve been waiting for…the ones that tell you what your customers want from you.  Comments from regular users that start something like, “I wish the library…” and comments from people who wouldn’t feel comfortable offering suggestions in person.  (Perhaps Mommyof3, now under the shadow of anonymity, may be able to tell you why story time doesn’t work for her at 7 PM.)

Why are public agencies, including libraries, afraid to let their guard down in public? We’re not hiding anything.  We’re one of the good guys. Let’s prove it!

Providing a free-flowing, transparent view into your library by providing real-time information allows your patrons to be involved. But how do you do it?

• Make things simple and seamless, so much so that the end-user doesn’t even notice that the technology itself doesn’t get in the way.  This way, they are more able to adapt to and use the service and get the answers they need.  For example, give your website an easy to use interface and don’t require special software (ie: .pdf) to retrieve results.
• Use the social media services regularly such as wikis, podcasts, blogs, mashups, online videos, and social media sites.
• Listen and respond. Post meaningful responses to all questions to let people know you’re hearing them.  For those users who don’t use the social media sites, post the conversations near your suggestion box.
• Use Wordle (or other visuals) to  show your website users at a glance what you and other users are talking about.  Link it to your Twitter or Facebook account.
• Don’t just advertise, tell people what you are doing. Make it personal to them.  Say things like, “Cutting out cute things for story time.  Want to come and help?” or “Reference question of the day…” or even, “WOW! 22 people signed up for our quilting class so far!  Join us!”

What does this mean to me, Bobbi?
Transparency answers questions that people don’t even know to ask.  Reducing confusion and creating an open channel of two-way communication increases trust and removes all doubt about your intentions and your services.  It lets people know you are listening and are willing to respond to their needs.  Happy patrons = a well-supported library.

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What will HTML5 do that old HTML can’t?

• Mostly what HTML5 will do (and this is really in the future and will not happen entirely upon release) is reduce the need for proprietary software plugins.    Silverlight?  Flash?  Java?  Don’t worry, the browser will figure it out.
• New elements are being introduced to make markup more semantic, such as <nav> and <footer>.
• New APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) that will enable drag-and-drop, offline storage , timed media playback and more.
• New form controls and elements to handle dates, times, emails and more.

Anything going away?

You bet.  Kiss <center>, <font>, <strike> and <frameset> goodbye.  About darn time, too!

Sounds cool.  When did you say this was all coming?

It’s going to be a while; it won’t reach W3C official recommendation status until likely around 2012.  However, a few elements are already stable and supported by some current browsers.

What does this mean to me, Laura?

• If you haven’t already updated your web skills from HTML to XHTML/CSS, you’d better do so before the advent of HTML5; otherwise, the learning curve will only get steeper.  Not having a full grasp of CSS and proper semantic markup will make the new HTML5 standard much harder to learn.
• Even if you’re raring to go on HTML5’s currently available features, I recommend taking a deep breath and a long walk first.  Not all browsers are ready to support them.  Feel free to play, but use caution when using on your library’s web site.

*World Wide Web Consortium.  The official international body responsible for approving web standards.

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The above paragraph refers to technology that is slowly creeping our way; the Internet of Things (yes, it’s capitalized.)  It’s not actually here yet.

Or is it?

How many of you immediately thought of RFID tags or QR codes when you read that paragraph?  If you did, you’re not wrong.  The Internet of Things connects everyday objects to the net and to each other.  RFID and QR codes may be baby steps, but they are still significant inroads to the Internet of Things.  Right now the Internet is essentially a bunch of documents.  But it can, and will be, more.

Some further explanation from WebOfThings.com:

“It is an alternative vision to what the Web of tomorrow will look like. It’s about taking the Web as we know it and extending it so that anyone can plug devices to it. It’s basically about giving eyes, ears, and all kinds of sensory appendixes located worldwide to it. It’s about seamlessly connecting the physical world with the virtual.”

Some real examples of the Internet of Things:

• The Internet of Things began at least as far back as 1990, with the creation of a networked Coke machine by some Xerox employees (they could tell when it was empty and when it had been refilled).
• In 1998 a protocol was created by the Internet Society for controlling coffee pots
• Nike+ products (Nike shoes integrated with the Apple iPod)
• I can scan the barcode on any book with my Droid phone and it will automatically do a Google search for that ISBN and link me directly to online booksellers’ listings. (Yep, iPhone can do this, too.)
• In Boston, you can track your bus via your iPhone.

Companies are already working together to standardize how objects will talk to the Internet.

What does this mean to me, Laura?

• Don’t be surprised to see people with smartphones scanning barcodes on library books.
• In the not-to-far future, people might not think you’re strange for saying “Wait, let me check the fridge”…while you’re in the grocery store.
• The Internet of Things will likely require some shifts in how we think.  Check out the video, below:

Trillions from MAYAnMAYA on Vimeo.

A

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