3 #GR8GoogleFinds #ThisWeek 05.01.15 - Textbooks, Google+ on Twitter, and Reference Users Wanted

It happened again -- all of my #GR8Finds #ThisWeek have to do with Google. What can I say? I find Google utterly fascinating. ☺

1. Textbooks using Google Docs

Can't wait to see more schools doing this!

2.  Google+ on Twitter

Google+ says this is its first tweet, but there were 36 previous tweets. It joined in 2011, and has 16k followers.  I guess Google+ is getting serious about participating on Twitter. I think this is a good thing!

Hello Twitterverse! Can we get some love for our #firstTweet?

— GooglePlus (@GooglePlus) May 1, 2015

Here's +Martin Beck's take on the situation: Signs Of Social Life At Google+? Network Sends Out Its First Tweet

3. Google is looking for reference users

Become a Google reference user for research studies! http://t.co/yq0z638YNa Right up a librarian's alley, imo :) #TLChat @mtdasilv

— Linda Lindsay (@mauilibrarian2) May 2, 2015

Perfect for librarians, imo.

Maui teaser:  Geckos, surf dog, sunset, rainbows, and jacaranda ❤

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Reflecting on 2013: The Reasons I Blog, and My Top 10 Posts

I get asked this question all of the time. Why do you blog?

I enjoy it! That's the #1 reason.

I like documenting and reflecting on what I learn, for future reference. My memory bank is sometimes unreliable. That's #2.

I like sharing what I learn with others who might benefit. #3.

We librarians teach and thrive in an open environment. Now that open environment is a whole lot bigger, and so are the rewards.

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I'm sharing my top 10 (of 54) blog posts for 2013 in the hope that more educators in the Internetverse will find something they can use.


(in chronological order)

Google+ Tip: How to Adjust the Flow of Information from your Circles -- A Snapshot

5 Scholarly Science Search Engines for the College Student's Toolbox

Innovative Chromebook Teachers in Math, Science, Social Studies and Foreign Language, Special Education, Language Arts - EducationOnAir - All in One Place

This "Libraries of the Future" Infographic Nails it!

My 10 Favorite Google Tips of the 100 Shared by @EdReach

Use this Google Custom Search Engine to Search Through 40 Sources for Curated Educational Videos

Resources for Learning about COPPA's (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act) New Rules

How to Use Google Hangouts in the Classroom: Tips from Students (guest post)

School Libraries as Maker Spaces -- A Few Resources to √ Out

Plussers that Pin and Vice Versa, shared by Peg Fitzpatrick

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My blog post goal for 2014? 100 quality posts.

I think I can do it!

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@mauilibrarian2
G+

Guide to Circulating Ideas' First Librarian Interview Podcast: Buffy Hamilton

Interview podcasts with librarian leaders -- what a fantastic idea, courtesy of Circulating Ideas aka Steve Thomas aka @stevelibrarian!

And who better to start off with than Buffy Hamilton?

Circulating Ideas: Episode One: Buffy Hamilton

Listen to the episode

(47 min.)

Yes, the interview is definitely worth taking the time to enjoy with a cup or two of coffee/tea, but if you want to break up listening into small chunks of time, here's a timelog of the podcast to guide you.

00:00 - Relaxing music.

01:00 - Steve introduces Buffy.

01:45 - Buffy talks about how the moniker "Unquiet Library" came to be, with reference to Library, An Unquiet History by Matthew Battles

04:20 - Buffy reacts to Seth Godin's May 16 blog post The Future of the Library.

11:30 - Buffy talks about influences on her thinking, including R. David Lankes, Henry Jenkins, Howard Rheingold, Digital Media and Learning Central, and Wendy Drexler with Michael Wesh. (See the Circulating Ideas original article for corresponding links).

19:15 - Buffy explains the role of Twitter in her professional development, including how she met Joseph McCaleb of the National Writing Project via Twitter. Buffy's advice? "Try It (Twitter) On and Roll With It." (@buffyjhamilton)

27:00 - Buffy describes her school's model Media 21 Project.

34:50 - Buffy explains how her experience as an English teacher influences her school librarianship.

38:05 - Buffy and Steve discuss the term "Digital Native". Buffy: "We have to be careful with labels."

41:35 - And the last item that everyone seems to want to know: When does Buffy find time to sleep? :D  (Her answers demonstrate the passion she has for her work.)

This first episode is a fantastic start! I'm really looking forward to the next interview, Steve!

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@mauilibrarian2

2011 Study Tour for School Librarians Working in Schools with German Language Programs

This was sent to me from Miss Dearden, one of our history teachers:

Study Tour for School Librarians 2011

The Goethe-Institut (German Cultural Centre) in North America is now accepting applications from school librarians working in schools with a strong focus on German language programs and German-related topics, for a study tour of German libraries, schools and historical points of interest. The excursion will last approximately eight days and will take participants to various cities in Germany. The goal of this tour is to help familiarize librarians with some of Germany’s preeminent institutions as well as day to day life so that they become better able to deal with questions from students on these issues.
 
Funding for this initiative will primarily come from the Goethe-Institut. This program will cover the international flight costs, hotel costs in Germany and transport within Germany. All other costs such as meals, travel insurance and individual incidentals will have to be covered by the applicant. Criteria for applications are as follows:

• Close work with teachers and students studying the German language or Germany- related topics
• An interest in promoting German language and culture in the school systems of the US and Canada. 
• A basic knowledge of German would be of advantage, but is not a prerequisite

Participants will be chosen on the basis of their expressed commitment to assist teachers and students with their studies of German language and culture within the framework of the North American school systems.

The deadline for applications is May 31, 2011. Successful candidates will be notified by email as soon as the committee has made its decision.

The participants are expected to write a report about their experience and the Goethe-Institut reserves the right to use these reports for promotional reasons on its website or publish in a blog maintained by the Goethe-Institut. Further reports about the study tour, within the wider community of school librarians, is strongly encouraged.

Applications should be sent to:
Shawn Whatley
Head Librarian / Leiter der Bibliothek
Goethe-Institut Toronto
100 University Ave, Suite 201
Toronto, ON M5J 1V6
CANADA


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"Yes, Virginia, Libraries DO Twitter ... "

Sarah Milstein

So many libraries and librarians are using Twitter!

Sarah Milstein's article in InfoToday paints a bright picture of how libraries are using technology to better serve their patrons.


Twitter for Libraries (and Librarians)
I especially like the sidebar describing Twittiquette for Institutions -- excellent advice!

Here's a list of Libraries using Twitter, compiled by Lindy Brown and updated recently (thanks, Lindy).

I received a reply from Sarah to my tweet regarding her article, and here's her reply:  

"SarahM @mauilibrarian2 Thanks! I wrote that story a while back, but most of the tips (maybe all) all still very relevant."

Yes, Sarah, I will be able to use those tips. Thanks!

So, Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus Libraries DO Twitter ...

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P. S. You might want to ✓ out  The Twitter Book by Tim O'Reilly and Sarah Milstein