Braille on Demand
The National Library Services(NLS) for the Blind and Print Disabled is offering a Braille on Demand program where patrons can request one hardcopy braille book per month using this form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/nlsbrailleondemand This is a book that they can keep.
So how can anyone become a patron? First, you need to join the NYS Talking Book and Braille Library. You can do that here https://www.nysl.nysed.gov/tbbl/apply.htm By registering you can borrow items from the NYS Talking Book and Braille Library and request free books from the National Library Services program.
If you want to add this service to your website just let me know and I can help. If you have any questions please let me know or reach out to the NYS Talking Book and Braille Library. Phone: 518-474-5935 or (800) 342-3688 M-F 9-5.
ConnectedLib
Helping Library Staff make Learning Connections with Youth
The ConnectedLib Toolkit has been refurbished to provide a better user experience and more relevance to small and rural libraries.
There are 9 self-guided modules:
- Introducing the Toolkit: You are here! This module provides a quick introduction to the Toolkit and the different ways you can use it.
- The Connected Learning Mindset provides an introduction to what connected learning is and how it can help your library’s teen services.
- Community-Centered Services will help you describe community in terms of assets and strengths and put community at the center of your youth services.
- Youth Development explores how libraries can support tweens and teens in their development at every stage.
- Mentoring offers guidance and best practices for encouraging mentoring relationships within a youth services context.
- Capacity will help you recognize and optimize the unique capacity of your library and community.
- Civic Engagement provides concepts, tips, and resources for developing civic engagement programs and advancing the quality of life in your community.
Assessment & Evaluation illustrates how to conduct assessment and evaluation throughout the lifecycle of a connected learning program or service.
Designing Connected Learning Services provides a framework for designing connected learning services with community stakeholders, including teens.
https://connectedlib.github.io/
SaratogaCanCode
SaratogaCanCode is playing a critical role in preparing individuals with aptitude and interest for tech careers, and in addressing the needs of employers to enable further high-tech growth.
Working closely with educational partner SUNY Adirondack, and supported by funding partner Saratoga National Bank, SaratogaCanCode offers free computer coding education and training through the Workforce Readiness Academies Program (WRAP). The initial courses, Front End Web Development and Python for Data Analytics, will serve up to 75 unemployed and underemployed residents.
Courses Start in January
ai
AI has been all over social media recently. In what ways can you explore some of these tools?
Chat. OpenAI
I've been using this for the past few weeks instead of google. I really like it.
Here is a transcript of my conversation.
Jack: Why are libraries important?
Open AI: Libraries are important because they provide a wide range of resources and services to the communities they serve. These resources and services can include books, periodicals, computers and internet access, and educational and cultural programming. Libraries also play a crucial role in promoting literacy and lifelong learning, and they can serve as important gathering spaces for community members. Additionally, libraries often serve as a cornerstone of a community, providing access to information and resources that can help people make informed decisions and improve their lives.
Jack: What will the impact of AI be on public libraries?
Open AI: It is difficult to predict the exact impact that AI will have on public libraries, as the technology is still developing and its potential uses are not yet fully understood. However, some potential impacts of AI on public libraries could include the use of AI to automate routine tasks, such as cataloguing books and managing the circulation of materials, which could allow librarians to focus on more complex and high-level tasks. AI could also be used to improve the accuracy and efficiency of library search systems, making it easier for patrons to find the resources they need. Additionally, AI could be used to provide personalized recommendations to library patrons, helping them discover new books and resources that they might be interested in. Overall, the potential uses for AI in public libraries are numerous and varied, and it is likely that the technology will play a significant role in shaping the future of these important institutions.
I asked for a couple of library Haiku's and here are a few responses:
- In the quiet space
- Books line the shelves like friends
- A home for the mind
or
- In the library
- The pages whisper secrets
- Waiting to be heard
It can also write scripts. The real miracle is that it writes comments!
Canva AI
Canva now has an app that lets you create images using text. You can find it in the App on the lower left side.
Caktus
This one writes essays, cover letters, Java, and translates ted talks
Libby
In the coming days, Libby will release an update to automatically show users with multiple library cards the quickest option to access the title they want to read. Here’s how it will work:
If a book they’re interested in is available to borrow from their active library (i.e., the library collection they’re searching in), they’ll see the option to Borrow from that library.
If there is a wait list on the title at their active library:
- They’ll see the option to Borrow from one of their other saved libraries (if it’s available from one of them).
- They’ll see the option to place a hold from the library with the shortest wait list. This may be their active library or one of their other saved libraries.
- After borrowing or placing a hold, the user’s active library won’t change.
The Great Give Back
This year nine libraries participated in the GGB and I just wanted to share the amazing things they did.
- Bancroft, Eat, Read and Be Scary. The Bancroft Public Library is very excited to partner with Books In Kids' Hands and the Salem Food Pantry during the Historic Salem Courthouse's Trunk or Treat Halloween celebration. Our "Halloween Treats" will include free books for kids to take home, a healthy snack item, and a Halloween kids' craft. Dress up in your favorite Halloween costume and have some fun!
- Clifton Park, Stratton VA Medical Center & The Albany VA Fisher House. Support our community partners, Stratton VA Medical Center & The Albany VA Fisher House, with a hygiene and necessities drive.
- Crandall, Feminine Hygiene Product Drive and MoonBee Workshop. Helping women and girls at home and around the world.
- Easton, Warm Hearts and Warm Toes. The Great Give Back program is providing an opportunity for community members and the patrons of the Easton Library to give NEW warm adult winter accessories, new socks, mittens, gloves, hats and scarves for people who need them. They will be collected at the library from Saturday, October 15, 2022 thru Saturday, October 29, 2022 and donated to the local schools, Open Door Mission and the Wait House in Glens Falls, serving adults and youths from Warren and Washington County communities.
- Galway, Sewing Open House at the Galway Public Library. Come and help make quilts for Hospice Veterans and for people in nursing homes. No sewing knowledge is required and all the needed supplies are provided by the QUILT NORTH GUILD.
- Galway, Make Cards for Soldiers to Send Home Drive. There is nothing more thoughtful and personal than a handwritten note inside a beautiful handmade card. We will make blank greeting cards for Operation Gratitude for service members' own personal use. We will put our paper crafting skills to work making blank cards that deployed troops can then use to write home to their loved ones.
- Greenwich, Warm Hearts and Warm Toes. The Greenwich Free Library and the Easton Library will be collecting donations of NEW warm winter accessories (hats, gloves, mittens, socks and scarves) for teens and adults for 2 weeks in October to support two different local organizations.
- Schuylerville, Fall Food Drive. Give back at the Schuylerville Public Library's Fall Food Drive!
- Stillwater, Pet Supply Drive. "The Stillwater Public Library will be collecting pet supplies to benefit the Saratoga County Animal Shelter. Donations will be collected until October 28th, and the Animal Shelter will be presented with the donations at the Stillwater Fall Festival on Saturday, October 29th.
Victorian Slang Dictionary
Looking to increase your vocabulary in 2023? Well look no further than the Passing English of the Victorian Era:
Credits:
Created with an image by Tierney - "AI concept with person working with a laptop"