Google Plus Plus Library Minus Trouble

So your library is all about the social networks.  Your staff twitters, they blog, they tumbr...ize... they got it all down.  Well, now the great and mighty Google has opened the curtain on Google+ and the Page feature behind it is a nice guy looking to give you circles and connectivity.  We at the Banned Library (if you add us to your circles, we will come... eww, sorry) have played around with it for a day or so and have come up with a couple of great ways to use it in the library.  Most of them can be replicated with a variety of tools and other social networks, but Google+ puts them all in one nice, if not clinical looking, package.

The entire reason to use social networks with your library is to connect to your patrons.  Google Plus does this great, allowing the same wall posts (called stream), photos, and other uploadables that you used on that blue network.  Sharing content and reader advisory is easy as a cut and paste link.  This leads to the best thing that Google+ can do better than the other networks: Circles.

Circles are an enhancement of the "share with your friends" feature.  By dividing your fan base into groups, you can give each of them the news or information they are most interested in.  We started by creating several circles, such as "Friends of the Library" and "Bookclub" that we knew would need specialty information every once in a while.  If everyone needs to know, simply throw it out as "public."

Hangouts are another cool feature in Google+.  Back to the bookclub option, if a member can not make it, they can still be around via voice chat.  Since they got the same information as everyone else through circle updates, everyone is on the same page (pun intended).

Now this might seem like a Google fanboy rant, and that is because I kind of am.  Google+ Pages do have their  problems, though.  Some, like only one admin account at a time, may be fixed in the future.  Others, like having to wait for people to add you to their circles before you can interact with them, are understandable if not frustrating design features.  The major complaint I have is I could not find integration with Google Books as of this writing, which would really help create content for readers advisory.

The most problematic element of Google+ Pages is that its new.  Early adopters will be right on it but it may take some time for the network to take ground.  Do not worry, though, simply create content just like you would for the Blue Network and people will come.

Google+ Becomes Google-

Will you be my friend?

The new social network service Google+ has been forced to shut down access to new members.  The service started up just a while ago with and "invite only" policy and quickly became overwhelmed with requests. 

I have just one question:  how come noone invited meeeee?  I'd totally be your friend and play Farmville with you and help you attack another mob and stuff.  I mean, Facespacester is just so yesterday.  My mom's on it, you guys.

But to be not so serious, how come this seems a little like a social experiment to me?  This is Google we are talking about here.  Are you telling me they do not have the resources to handle this kind of traffic?  I think they just did this to see how fast something online would spread.  They put the plague of social network out there just to see how fast it would spread, am I right?  I would not be shocked to learn they were working with the CDC on this to invent a cure for another blue social network that will not be getting a Facebook group.  [computerworld]

M is for Marketing

Hot, sexy books on display

Did you know your library was trying to sell you something?  Oh, yeah, that friendly neighborhood library down the street is a hotbed of propaganda that serves to get you to check out more items and come to more functions. Honestly, their funding depends on it.  Let's look at a few ways your local library is trying to sell you on them.

Library Logo

The one thing the library system needs is logo.  Brand the library so as it creates all its library marketing projects it has a graphic to slap on everything.  And I mean EVERYTHING.  If the library had a chance in creating anything, it should have a that logo on it.  Think of it like NASCAR, the library want its logo distinct enough to show up anywhere and be recognized.

Book Jackets

Sure, the publishers are the ones that really do most of the work here, what with all the images and lettering and names and such.  Placement, however, is something the library uses the book jacket for.  Did you know that if you display a book jacket flat out on a shelf, it will check out more than if it is vertical on a shelf with a hundred other books?  This is a form of brand recognition and the tendency of people in general to be lazy.  People are less likely to hunt for their favorite authors, especially if the name is staring them in the face from the get go.

Displays

Right up there with the book jacket is the display.  Now, this can go from displaying a lot of books or just pictures that put the book or author in the person's mind so that when they are browsing and see that book or name they go for it.  Special subject displays, like "Mystery Month," get the idea in the patrons mind to go for the mystery books, kinda put them in the mood if you will.  

Posters and pamphlets

Get out your graphic design hats, folks, cause the library is going to start real advertising.  Whether it is a program, subject display, or service that the library is advertising a well designed poster can lead people to the library or to the place in the library it wants them to go.  Posters and pamphlets are something the patron can take with them, remind them that "Hey, the library has a polka dancing monkey on Saturday and the book about the monkey is in nonficiton!"  The best way to do this is by creating the pamphlet as a bookmark.

Social Networking

One of the best tools today in getting people interested in the library is social networking.  Web 2.0, Library 2.0, whatever goofy name you want to call it, getting a library a Facebook, Myspace and/or Friendster account is a great way to connect with the users.  Taking what the library learned above, displaying services and events on the library's Facerbook can reach out to its users in a whole new way.  My favorite way to use this is to post book jackets in a reader advisory type of way and link it to your online catalog record.  

Library Website

Fancy websites are all the rage now-a-days.  Make sure the library website has three things on its home page:  the logo, hours and contact info, and for god sakes, a catalog search.  The logo is so people know they got to a library's website. The contact information and search are because noone likes to look for those.  Think of all the calls a library receives in a day.  I bet you dollars to donut-holes that the two most popular questions libraries get are "When do you close?" and "Do you have random item?"  A library website should serve these two functions first.  Here's a test, go to your library's website and if you cannot clearly see a couple of phone numbers and a box to start typing, tell them to call their tech support immediately.

Library Merchandising

8 Types of Patrons in the Computer Lab

Helping someone on a computer who is not familiar with the Internetz and all its glory is daunting.  From basic copying and pasting to navigating the land mines of garbage out there, patrons without much experience are almost doomed to fail.  Here is where we come in.  Librarians, physical search engines and masters of PEBKAC*, must help our patrons the best we can.

After the jump are the most common patrons that I know of and how to deal with them.

1. Entry Level:  We can help you set up an email, first put the mouse back on the table.
Your entry level computer user will have no idea how to do things you take for granted, such as navigating the GUI**.  He or she will not understand how the mouse works and honestly, does not need to.  Simply explain what it does and have them play with it.  Best practice when working with entry level users is to not do the work for them.  Tell them what to click and what the clicks mean.  Tell them what to type and why they are typing there.  Do not do the typing and clicking for them.  The best way for computer users to learn is to simply do the work.  They will get better, just keep encouraging them and telling them that everyone makes these mistakes at first.  The worst thing you can say is "You are not doing that right."  This is a computer, no one does it right.

2. Wikihounds: I am sorry, but just because Wikipedia claims Obama is Canadian today does not make it so.

The next person up is the almost competent "Wikihound".  This person has just enough knowledge to be a danger to himself.  The Wikihound is the person that came up with the idea of "Just Google It."  He or she finds information from  sources when only the best will do.  When researching a paper on ancient Roman mythology, the Wikihound flies right by the ".edu" sites and copies and pastes the entirety of www.ancientromekicksass.com.  Beware this user as he or she will attempt to help other patrons.  The best way to handle these users is to explain to them how Wikipedia works and use the word "plagarism" a lot.  Other than that, not much anyone can do.

3. Job Searchers:  I guess your tractor experience would help you get into flight school.

The Job Searcher could be either an Entry Level or a Wikihound.  The Entry Level Job Searcher takes tender care, as he or she will have endless questions often pertaining to delicate information you may not wish to be priviy to, such as references and other personal information.  The Wikihound will simply search the wrong sources and become lost in a quagmire of websites charging for resumes and others that ask for social security numbers.  The best way to help these people is to give them books on the subject and steer them toward simple websites that will guide them through the process.  In this economic times, treat these patrons with kid gloves as their need is one of the strongest.

4. Unsocial Networker:  I do not know why your daughter does not join your "I love Great Danes" group.

Now we begin to delve into the horror of patron assistance.  Behold as we attempt to help those that take your time simply because you offer it.  The first is the Unsocial Networker.  The next step past Entry Level.  Most issues with social networks are easy to solve, how to upload a picture or how to "invite" someone.  The Unsocial Networker will attempt to drag you into his or her personal issues, asking why someone has not replied to an email or why no one cares that Fluffy, the family Great Dane, is sick with a broken heart.  Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do with this patron besides listen.  That is probably all they need anyway.

5. The Unsocial Gamer:  I am sorry, but I cannot join your Farmville.

Beyond the Unsocial Networker is the Unsocial Gamer.  Fighting to keep their crops growing at all costs, these patrons will monopolize computer time until they grow into the chair.  Most problems exist when they have not finished running through all their games before time is up.  A subset is the poker player, who often has money riding on his terrible, terrible hands.  The Unsocial Gamer will stay until the librarian pulls the plug on the machine.  I recommend doing that.

6. Unwary Public:  Probably not the best idea to read your SSN into your cell in the computer lab.

The Unwary Public are often not aware they are in public at all.  They will use public computers for every unsecured, dangerous and stupid task in the world.  Not only will they use the public computers with wild abandon, they will say aloud passwords, PIN numbers and even Social Security Numbers as they type or, more often, talk to tech support on their cell phones.  The public library should be an identity thief's favorite hangout spot.  Again, there is no real way to protect people from themselves besides warning them of the dangers.

7. Quizzeteers:  I am not sure why it says you should be in Slytherin, you are obviously a Griffindor.

While not the most obvious computer lab patron, the Quizzeteer can be multitude of things.  He or she could ask you ten times in a row how to find contact information on the same website within an hour.  They could ask you how to bold something when you just showed them.  They could also be crazy and sit doing Internet quizzes over and over again.  Fun to hang out with if you want to know what kind of ninja you would be (Hint: Silent but Deadly.) but soon the questions would just come right back out.

8. Target Demographic:  They want your money.  All of it.

Yet another aspect of the Entry Level is the Target Demographic.  This is not the same as "white she-male, age 12-92."  No, the Target Demo for Internet ads is generally, "dumb enough, able to click on flashy flashy advertisement."  These are the people who sit in casinos all day feeding machines nickels waiting for the big pay out.  Poor, naive souls that believe anything the flashing lights tell them, without contemplation of where the message is coming from.  The message is They want your money, all of it.

In conclusion, computer lab patrons work like the brakes on your car:  when they are good you do not notice them, but when they are not you will crash into a tree that was hanging over the overpass and get run over by a train.  A big train.  Called Interwebs.  Super highway.  Enjoy some Tom Cochrane.

*"Problem Exists Between Keyboard and Chair" also known as an "ID-10T error"
**"Graphic User Interface" Using a mouse to click on stuff on a screen.

Are You Seeing Color?

Wrong, Just not even close.

The new Iphone/Android app* Color came out today, and boy is it getting folks's panties in a twist.  The app is a photo sharing app, but with a twist.  As PC Mag reports, 

"It taps into your GPS to find your location and shares photos that you took with other users—any other users, not just your friends—who are within a 100-foot radius. It's voluntary in the sense that you have to download and install the app in order to use it or be included in what other people see, but once you're in, you're in, with little ability to limit who sees what."

Government spies!!! The rooskies are a'comin and they are peering in at you peers and there ain't nothing you can do about it.  Look at the guy next to you.  Commie!  And that girl.  No not her, she's cool, the blonde one.  Yeah, that straw-haired vixen's plotting your downfall, looking into your phone and stealing all your pictures.  No more privacy, just the twisted fantasies of a world where all mankind's secrets are locked away in each and every brain not out on the wires-less for all to see.  Hussies.  

Wow.  I am not sure if I channeled crazy conspiracy guy or the old lady who lived at the end of our block.  She smelled like meatballs and burnt tires and loved Rocky IV.  

The best part about "Color"?  There's a little TM after it.  Yep, they trademarked that shit.  Suck it, Crayola!

*Someone at Apple and Google fell over dead when I put them that close.

Facebook Renting Movies

Like the Matrix, dude.

Warner Brothers has tied with Facebook to rent movies over the social network reports Hollywood Reporter..   The first movie, The Dark Knight, is up now for $3 in Facebook Credits, whatever those are.  A little Netflix envy, eh, Facebook?

Over at Galleycat, they are wondering if this will lead to ebooks in the future.  I have a better question:  What if this kills us all?  Think about it, if the Social Network plays on Facebook, the whole universe might just blow right the hell up!  And do not try to fill my head with your blah blah physics, this stuff is real people!  Wake up and take the red pill and face your fears for judgement day for it is upon you, suckas!

5 Vices in the Library to Give Up for Lent

Happy Fat Tuesday, every body!  I am not a practicing anything (maybe pastafarian), but even I can see the reason for the season.  Mardi Gras, the end of which is tonight on Fat Tuesday, is a time for celebration and indulgence where we enjoy life to its fullest and celebrate our continued existence.  Lent is all about sacrifice, putting behind those celebratory feelings and getting a little perspective.  So when you go out and get wildly plastered on wine coolers tonight, remember that tomorrow and the next 39 days (or until Easter, personal time tables aside) are all about atoning and thinking about what you could give up.  With that in mind, I give you 5 Vices in the Library to Give Up for Lent:


Special Note:  Most workplaces, including libraries, have rules against booze and handguns on the premises.  I am not going to talk about such mundane vices because, well, you are really not supposed to do that anyway.  Also, breaks and lunches are often state mandated, so you do not get those either.


1. Snacks

Put'em down, Jimmy

Oh, how we love a soft drink or bag of chips on break or at lunch.  Chomping down on that sugary, fatty goodness is sometimes the only relief we have in a day.  But think of what it would mean to give that up.  To spend your break sitting quietly reading without Jimmy from IT chomping down on a Dorito three feet away.  Heaven.

2.  Social Networks and Blogs

I'm your friend...

Most libraries have rules about how their workers use the computers, but come on, most of you are reading this right now at work, am I right?  That's okay, like the snacks this little pitstop can refuel you to go out and deal with that guy who has made 32 copies of his hand and wants his money back.  Giving up all the Twitters, Facebooks, and blogs will give you a little more productivity, though.  Plus, you can always read us on your break instead of getting down with a bag of chips.

3.  Cellphone

Seductress, you are...

Again, jobs really do not like it when you use your cell at work.  Again, most of you have it with you right now, though, huh?  The gentle vibrate of a text or notice in your pocket comforts you, makes you aware that, "hey, you're not alone."  Well, lock that thing in your desk while you are on the clock.  All your "followers" and "friends" can wait, and if they can not, go old school and have them call the library.

4.  Chairs

Not for library attire.

Give up your chair when you are at work.  One of the greatest pieces of advice for constructing a library I ever heard was "Make every desk chest high."  When people are standing, they are more likely to be active and helpful.  Yes, your feet will hurt at the end of the day.  I apologize if your shoes do that to you.  Possibly, it is time to get better shoes for working in.  Plus, they make some real stylish walkin shoes, I hear.

Ambrosia

5.  Coffee
Now is the time for a real sense of sacrifice.  Possibly to others.  Coffee, that sweet nectar of the gods, Mr. C, all that is great about the morning.  Give it up.  Cold.  More than anything else on this list coffee should show people that you are serious about what you will and will not sacrifice in your life.  If you can do this, you are a stronger soul than most, a divine one.  Go to it, you golden god.

Now, for those of you sitting in comfy chairs sipping a cup of joe, munching on biscotti and reading this on your iphone, for shame.  You have much to atone for and should start from the bottom up.