Several of our Buffalo colleagues including Dean Hendrix, Pam Rose and Liz Stellrecht participated.  Their topics included, administering e-textbooks for nurses, clinical librarians in dental clinics and the benefits of therapy dogs.

We were also fortunate to meet Richard Ssenono, a medical librarian at the Infectious Diseases Institute in Kampala, Uganda.  His presentation titled “Virtual Reference: A future for Ugandan Libraries” detailed ways in which resource poor libraries can supplement their collections with free virtual reference services.  To our surprise, one of the services he uses is our very own AskUs 24/7!  We met up with Richard after his presentation to talk about Africa and the challenges that he faces providing library services.  With rapidly expanding mobile adoption in Uganda, Richard is ahead of the curve promoting virtual reference and providing service at the point of need.  For more information on mobile technologies in Africa see the following link http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/13/world/africa/mobile-phones-change-africa

For more information: Presentation_Uganda

Richard Ssenono and HLSP Librarians

AskUs image in presentation!

What does this mean for libraries? The part about being “easy to acquire” is still an issue. You may have seen this cartoon showing the difficulties of downloading an audio book from a library website and why some people may find it easier to just pirate the file instead. But because most ebook lending programs rely on a third-party such as Overdrive and Ebsco, the lending process is likely to remain inherently more complicated than with physical books.

Initiatives such as the Douglas County Libraries’ model of buying the ebooks themselves do give libraries more control over the process. However, this model still uses Overdrive as well as DRM. Most likely the best “solution” to the DRM issue will involve a revolutionary change, and the creation of a new ebook model from the ground up. The next few years will be exciting as we see how this plays out.

On April 26^th, WNYLRC held its every-other-year regional conference, organized by the Continuing Education Committee. The location was Salvatore’s Italian Gardens in Depew. Amid the backdrop of Salvatore’s beautiful décor, four excellent speakers presented to over 60 librarians.

Library Survival–Salvatore’s Italian Gardens

Presenting first was Rebekkah Smith Aldrich of the Mid-Hudson Library System.  She spoke about ways that libraries have been innovating, including Library Box (which you can learn more about if you register for our Gadgets and Gear conference on May 31^st) as well as a NY library which makes books available in a phone booth. She also encouraged us to be excited about the future and left us with some tips on sustaining our libraries for the future, including: embrace change, get out from behind the desk, and foster community partnerships.  More tips are available on her Sustainable Libraries Facebook page.

Rebekkah Smith Aldrich

Next was Joe Janes from the University of Washington. He touched on a number of current and emerging technologies and how they affect libraries. On the topic of ebooks, he felt that the design of ebook file formats and readers was likely to change. Right now they are designed to mimic the characteristics of paper books, such as page turns, but eventually that will change. Joe spoke about the library’s role in content creation, and how they could possibly become a repository for research or original works, contributed directly by authors. An author may be motivated by getting more exposure to research through a publicly available library repository as opposed to a paid-only journal.

Joe Janes–Univ. of Washington

After the buffet lunch, the conference continued with a panel discussion on emerging technologies. This was followed by our third speaker, Bhupesh Shah of Ethnicomm, inc. He spoke about how libraries can leverage social media to meet patrons where they are, particularly Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Attendees went through some exercises in determining who your patrons are, and what activities you see them engaging in at the library. Bhupesh made an interesting point when he asked how many people had checked their phones since he started talking, and several hands went up. His tips for Facebook and Twitter postings included the use of humor, sharing content from the library website, and showing the librarians as human beings. On the more technical side, he showed how to use Facebook analytics and how http://ow.ly can be used to get analytics for your tweets.

Bhupesh Shah–Ethnicomm

Our final speaker was Bob Syracuse, co-owner of Pizza Plant Italian Pubs. The restaurants’ Facebook page has almost 3000 “likes” so they clearly have many devoted fans, and libraries may be able to learn from their strategies. One key part of Pizza Plant’s business is participating in many community events. This includes beer tastings at the restaurants, beer cruises, and participating in cooking demonstrations with other community organizations. Bob spoke of a recent fundraiser he had participated in for the Williamsville public library and stated his willingness to do cooking demos at area libraries. He felt that libraries partnering with other groups in the community could be mutually beneficial  - for example, many local bands may be willing to play at library events for free in order to gain exposure. Another part of Pizza Plant’s strategy is meeting changing customer needs and expectations. As vegan and gluten-free diets have become more common, the restaurant began incorporating suitable items onto their menu. In the same way, libraries should be willing to adapt to the changes in what patrons are seeking.

Bob Syracuse–Pizza Plant

An activity held throughout the day was our “Post-it Note Frenzy,” introduced by Anne Bouvier from the University at Buffalo. Starting with the question “What does survival mean to you?” participants were encouraged to write their comments on post-it notes and leave them for others to see. You could leave replies to other post-its and put stars on ones that you particularly agreed with.

Post-It Note Frenzy

Although the size of the board makes it appear like there were not a great number of post-its, we did get some great comments:

What does survival mean to you?

• Implement ideas! Go for it!
• I hope it doesn’t mean there will be a “last man standing.”
• Adapting to an everchanging environment, keeping user needs in mind and revamping traditional ideology.
• Proving your value to the financial decision maker$!
• Adapting
• Collaboration
• New librarians – what is different about/how do they approach/view issues? What are some of their ideas?
• Working with other library departments.
• Partnership
• Tough balance between budgets and services – how to survive!
• Relationships
• Never be complacent [starred]
• Staying relevant
• (Academics) The digitally embedded librarian!
• Surprising people with SDI to let them know you are thinking about them
• Faculty involvement
• Meeting users where they are [starred]
• Making yourself indespensible [starred]
• Scouring the literature for cutting-edge ideas and areas of interest
• Do the unexpected [starred]

Thank you to all our speakers, WNYLRC staff, and attendees for making this a great conference. And of course, thanks to the members of our Continuing Education Committee:

Anne Bouvier, University at Buffalo

Blake Carver, New York Power Authority (Niagara Power Plant)

Deborah Ceppaglia, Medaille College

Kelly Donovan, Buffalo and Erie County Public Library

Ryan Grimmer, Erie Community College South Campus

Corinne Leone, Gowanda Correctional Facility

Rebecca Bley, Daemen College

Dawn Peters, Buffalo and Erie County Public Library

Laura Ryan, Erie Community College South Campus

Andrew Yeager, Medaille College

Beverly Federspiel, NIOGA Library System

Lisa Erickson, NIOGA Library System

The Buffalo News reported on UB’s Stress Relief Days a few months ago, at the end of the fall semester. The event is a way to help students manage the stress associated with preparing for finals, by offering an opportunity to play with certified therapy dogs, among other activities.
At the recent close of the spring semester, Stress Relief Days were held again, offering coffee and snacks, games, and soothing music, in addition to the dogs. This time, the event was reported by Business First. Check out the photo gallery for the Fall 2012 semester and the latest gallery, for the Spring 2013 semester.

Medaille College is also offering therapy dogs to pet, which will be available to students this Wednesday, May 8th.

This is part of a growing trend for colleges, at least in the U.S. Other libraries with similar programs include:
Harvard Medical School and Yale Law School , Boston University and Bentley University and Brookdale College.

After Hours @ the Library - Happy Hour fundraiser to benefit the 

Buffalo & Erie County Public Library System 
Wednesday, May 8
5:30 – 8:00 p.m. 
at the downtown Central Library, 1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo 

After Hours @ the Library 
Outdoors (weather permitting) at the Washington Street main entrance to the Library
overlooking Lafayette Square, the magnificent Hotel @ Lafayette,
and downtown Buffalo’s majestic cityscape.
Also, inside the Library, main floor featuring….

Fabulous food & drink for purchase by
Fables Cafe & Catering
Live upbeat, dance music by The Rockaz
Unique blend of Rockin Soul, Dub, Reggae, R&B, SKA and Funk.

 TICKETS
At the door or purchase online now - http://bit.ly/16O8uwI
$12 – Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Cardholders (must be valid)
$15 – General Public
Age 21 and over event, please bring proof of age.

Proceeds benefit programming & materials for the 37-member Library System.

Info: 716-858-7182  

Sponsored by Wayne & Janet Wisbaum

We Hope To See You There!

    www.BuffaloLib.org   

Online registration is now open!

The deadline to apply for a Professional Development Grant has been extended to 5pm on April 29th! More information, and the application form can be found here: http://www.nyarchivists.org/nyac/?page_id=256

Questions concerning the conference can be sent to: Kristine Boniello, NYAC Co-Chair, boniellk@dowling.edu

This post was submitted by Kristine Boniello.

In July 2010, I was copied on an email from a contact at OCLC, which manages the chat software and the cooperative. She wanted to congratulate one of our participating librarians, Beverly Choltco-Devlin of the Mid-York Library System, on an outstanding job. The transcript is below (posted with Beverly’s permission) but I’d like to draw your attention to the reference interview portion.

In this chat, the patron’s question was not what it seemed. This is a great reminder that you need to reference interview the patron to find out their “real” information need. At first, it looked like the patron just wanted to look up their old account records from 25 years ago, but what they really wanted was to identify a particular song they had listened to. While the original question would have been impossible to answer, even by a local UK librarian, their actual information need turned out to be doable.

After the chat, the patron left this feedback in a survey:
“The reason for my search was personal and my own efforts had yielded no result, so to have an answer in just a few minutes was surprising. the lady who helped me, Beverly, was damn good at her job and i would recommend this service.”

The transcript was posted to the listserv for Enquire (UK’s chat service) as an example of a great chat, and it also ended up winning Ask Us 24/7′s “Transcript of the Quarter” award for public libraries.

The transcript, below, is just one example of the many great transactions that our librarians have participated in over the last 10 years. It is interactions like these that make our patrons come back for help again and again! Check out the transcript below – it’s a bit longer than the usual chat, but definitely worth the read.

Full transcript:

2010/07/23 (GMT+0)

Patron: 01:36:17  Might it be possible that you have records of what items I checked out from Catford libary when it was located on Bromley Rd se6 circa 25+ years ago?

Librarian 1: 01:36:17  Note: Patron’s screen name: X

Librarian 1: 01:36:41  Librarian ‘Beverly at Mid-York Library System’ has joined the session.

Librarian 1:01:36:52  Hi X,

Librarian 1:01:37:10  Thanks for your patience

Librarian 1:01:37:37  There are no librarians from the UK monitoring the service tonight and I am from the United States

Librarian 1:01:38:13  We monitor the international reference service.

Librarian 1:01:38:25  I do not have access to your patron records.

Librarian 1:01:39:12  Also, most libraries, at least in the US, do not keep patron’s circulation records once items are returned in an effort to protect your privacy. I am not sure if the same practice happens in the UK.

Librarian 1:01:39:53  Did you have a specific question regarding a particular book that you can’t remember taking out. If you describe it I may be able to track down the title for you.

Patron:01:41:38  hi Beverly, it was a music cassette that i`m trying remember, and catford libray was only place i heard it

Librarian 1:01:41:50  I see.

Librarian 1:01:42:07  Can you describe it to me. I may be able to do figure it out

Librarian 1:01:42:49  things like whether it was music or spoken would narrow it down a little

Librarian 1:01:43:15  or was it a recording of a local performer of some sort

Patron:01:43:24  i dont remember title or artist, just the lyrics are driving mad!

Librarian 1:01:43:36  Do you remember any of the lyrics

Librarian 1:01:44:02  or even a few words from the song

Patron:01:44:10  yes, wes some

Librarian 1:01:44:15  great

Librarian 1:01:44:18  I can try to help

Patron:01:44:28  sorry, not good at typing

Librarian 1:01:44:47  That is oK I am really not very good either.

Librarian 1:01:45:06  I use the backspace key more than any of the others

Patron:01:45:43  “you kow the words you speak are truthful, but you hurt me when you say”

Patron:01:45:59  haha!

Patron:01:47:01  “that the time you spend with me, is but a small part of your day”

Patron:01:47:28  more?

Librarian 1:01:47:58  I can work with this for a while if you can give me a couple of minutes

Patron:01:48:23  oh, please do!

Librarian 1:01:48:26  Do you remember if it was a rock and roll song or jazz or a hymn

Patron:01:49:14  more pop, folk. dont think it charted

Librarian 1:01:49:52  Ok. that helps. I will be working on it. I know this doesn’t tell you that I am still here but I will check in every few minutes

Patron:01:50:15  thakyou!

Librarian 1:01:50:24  male or female performer?

Patron:01:51:12  female lead vocal(beautiful voice)

Librarian 1:01:51:45  Ah…annie haslam from renaissance perhaps

Librarian 1:01:51:55  or sandy denny

Librarian 1:01:52:03  still working on the lyrics

Patron:01:53:12  not sure but think `Begin` was in titlle

Librarian 1:01:53:46  Ok. That helps. sometimes it is one little word that will help me get it. I love doing these kinds of questions

Librarian 1:01:53:59  And if I can find it tonight I will keep working on it for you

Patron:01:54:19  then you must love your job…

Librarian 1:01:54:39  I DO!!!

Librarian 1:01:55:03  Was the performer British or American

Patron:01:55:12  then i`m a lucky bloke!

Patron:01:56:24  erm, english i`m sure, but back then english artists tried for the ¬mid atlantic` sound#

Librarian 1:01:56:50  I see. That helps too. I will get this for you…It may take a couple of days – but I haven’t failed yet

Librarian 1:01:57:16  any other little words or snippets will help

Patron:01:57:47  thinking…

Librarian 1:01:58:29  Could it be “Beguiling Eyes”

Patron:01:59:18  “and it seems that I`m the one, that always comes a`calling, and i`m asking you away from other frieds”

Librarian 1:01:59:40  Stephen Fearon.

Patron:01:59:55  cor! that sound s familiar!

Librarian 1:02:00:06  Fearing

Librarian 1:02:00:10  sorry

Librarian 1:02:00:15  See I am a bad typist also

Patron:02:00:32  lol

Librarian 1:02:01:28  That’s it…It is “The Most Beguiling Eyes” by Steven Fearing.

Librarian 1:02:01:33  Here are the lyrics.

Patron:02:01:36  now i`ve got to go on than i`v had for a long time

Librarian 1:02:01:51  THE MOST BEGUILING EYES (Stephen Fearing) Clive Cregson You have the most beguiling eyes, that I have ever seen They can catch me up and spin me, and leave me in a dream Though the words you speak are truthful, you know, you hurt me when you say that the time you spend with me is but a small part of your day It seems that i’m the one that always comes a calling, and I’m asking you away from other friends but I’m waiting for the sounds of your step outside my door when the sun is setting low and the evening ends … I have always thaught, that the picture’s what you make it, and I’ve always believed that my actions were my own Tell me can you see, that to give without recieving is bound to leave my heart like a piece of molten stone Because it seems that I’m the one, that always comes a-calling, and I’m asking you away from other friends But Im waiting for the sounds of your step outside my door when the sun is setting low and the evening ends …

Librarian 1:02:02:26  Do you want me to see who has recorded it?

Librarian 1:02:02:38  Who is female with a beautiful voice?

Patron:02:02:39  Yahooo! you are the biz!that`s it!

Patron:02:03:02  oh pleae

Patron:02:03:17  PLEASE

Librarian 1:02:03:23  Ok I will check the WorldCat which lists recording.

Librarian 1:02:03:38  BTW you will get a copy of this transcript in your email

Librarian 1:02:03:45  So you don’t have to write anything down

Patron:02:05:41  i`m so i pleaed icould kiss you!

Librarian 1:02:06:01  Could the album be Strange Hotel by Clive Gregson and Christine Collister.

Librarian 1:02:06:04  Haha

Librarian 1:02:06:33  1990\

Patron:02:06:50  Bingo! i`ve been trwing the net for weeks…

Librarian 1:02:06:53  http://www.amazon.com/Strange-Hotel-Gregson-Christine-Collister/dp/B002HM6AS0

Librarian 1:02:07:06  Let me know if you can see the Amazon Link

Patron:02:07:24  yes

Librarian 1:02:07:45  Great

Librarian 1:02:07:58  I am going to see if there is a old video on YouTube

Patron:02:08:35  blimey, dont know what to do with myself now, i`m grinning like mad!

Librarian 1:02:08:54  That is wonderful!!!!

Librarian 1:02:09:01  See why I love my job?

Librarian 1:02:09:10  I get to help people across the pond….

Patron:02:09:17  oh yeah!

Librarian 1:02:10:00  no Youtube. Just a couple of cover versions

Librarian 1:02:10:25  Well, X….I am glad to have helped.

Patron:02:10:35  dont matter, you did real good!

Librarian 1:02:10:40  One of my questions took me five years to find, but I never gave up

Librarian 1:02:10:42  hah

Librarian 1:02:11:07  I never give up

Patron:02:11:31  Beverly, i am in awe and very, very grateful

Librarian 1:02:11:41  Is there anything else I can help you with>

Librarian 1:02:11:53  And I am very very happy to help. You have made my day, X.

Librarian 1:02:12:07  Now I am going to go find a copy and listen to it.

Librarian 1:02:12:23  BTW if you can’t get a copy online, your library may be able to borrow a copy for you

Patron:02:12:35  hope you like it…

Librarian 1:02:12:48  It sounds like a beautiful heartbreaking song

Librarian 1:02:12:56  from reading the lyrics

Patron:02:13:29  oh thats why its been driving me mad

Librarian 1:02:13:53  I have songs like that from days past also.

Librarian 1:02:14:31  I hope the memories are not too painful for you, but am glad that I was able to bring you some peace in the effort of remembering

Patron:02:16:09  well it was a story from a long time ago, but well, i`m smiling now!

Librarian 1:02:16:18  That is GOOD!

Patron:02:17:17  `spose i`ll have to say goodnight now,but dont want to1

Librarian 1:02:17:18  Well I had best go help the next person smile….It was a pleasure to help you and I hope you have a grand day. And thanks for introducing me to this music.

Patron:02:17:50  pleasure, and many thanks

Librarian 1:02:17:56  Take care and if you ever need to find anything else out feel free to give me an email jingle

Librarian 1:02:18:03  I will get the message.

Librarian 1:02:18:33  You are welcome

Patron:02:18:58  thats an invite i`ll be happy to keep. thanks Bev xx

Librarian 1:02:19:08  take care, X. You are very welcome.

Librarian 1:02:19:20  bye

Patron:02:19:41  bye!

Librarian 1:02:19:47 

Librarian 1:02:19:51  Librarian ended chat session.

The advantage of having the capability to search across regional content in one location is apparent if you do a search for “Roycroft”. The results include finding aids for collections at BECPL, the Buffalo History Museum (the former Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society), and University Archives. If desired, searches can also be limited to within a particular repository’s holdings.

The finding aids database also has a new design implemented by Web Developer/Graphic Designer Kris Miller. New features in this update include a bookbag function, subject and genre facets, and use of an icon to indicate which collections link to digital content.

This XTF database provides access to finding aids for archival collections from four units of the University Libraries: University Archives, The Poetry Collection, the Music Library, and the Law Library. Finding aids from other regional institutions, the Buffalo History Museum, SUNY Fredonia, and the Lockport Public Library are also included. Work is progressing on additional repositories joining this project.

For more information, contact Amy Vilz, University Archivist, at 716-645-2991 or amyvilz@buffalo.edu.

This post was submitted by Amy Vilz.

The testers and tablets are:

Karlen Chase: Google Nexus7
Sheryl Knab: 3rd Generation iPad
Jaclyn McKewan: iPad Mini and Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1
Janelle Toner: Windows Surface

Built-in Cameras:
Jaclyn felt the quality was not great on the Galaxy Note, based on some blurry pictures she had taken of her pets, but was okay on her iPad Mini. Sheryl felt the quality was good on her iPad, and Janelle felt that her Windows Surface was about average. We all agreed that we would not use these as our first choice for a camera, but would work in a pinch if nothing else was available.

At first, we were puzzled as to why Karlen’s Google Nexus did not have a “Camera” app, until we discovered that it did not have a rear-facing camera – although it did have a front-facing camera that could be used for video chat. This was curious, since her Nexus is 7 inches, and would likely make a more convenient camera alternative than some of the bigger tablets.

Sheryl noted that she had seen an iPad used on a tripod as a video camera, at an event from the Rochester Regional Library Council. She observed that this made it much easier to see what you were recording due to the larger screen, compared to a small camcorder or camera.

Battery Life:
Janelle reported that the battery of her Surface seemed to drain even with the screen off, and was disappointed in the battery life. Jaclyn felt the battery life of her Galaxy was good but not great, and that the iPad mini was better – probably due to the smaller screen size. Noting how long it took to charge from 0% to 100%, she found that the Galaxy took about 4 hours 15 minutes and the iPad mini took about 4 hours 30 minutes. Interestingly, Sheryl found her full-sized iPad to take less time – about 3 hours. Karlen made note of how much use she could get on her Nexus, and reported about 8 hours of active use when starting fully charged.

Processing/Download Speed:
We all tried looking at the same YouTube video to compare how long it took to load. We chose the <a href=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyPnQw_Lqds”>official teaser trailer for Hunger Games: Catching Fire.</a> Trying to all start the video at the same time, within the YouTube app, the video began playing on our devices in this order:

Nexus
iPad
Galaxy
The Surface rebooted and Janelle had to wait for it to finish. It turned out the Surface did not have a YouTube app, so Janelle used the web version.

We all found the playback to be choppy as the video kept stopping to buffer. The video finished on each of our devices in this order:

iPad
Surface, despite starting after everyone else
Galaxy
Nexus

Sheryl wondered if the Surface played the video faster because Janelle had been forced to use the web version of YouTube, as there was no Surface app. So Sheryl, Karlen and Jaclyn all tried the web version on their devices, and all found it faster than the app. Jaclyn realized she hadn’t checked the video on her iPad mini, so she played the video on there separately. There was still buffering with the app version, taking about 3 minutes to play the 2:25 video.

Other Thoughts:
Sheryl liked her iPad but felt that what would really work best was to have both a full-sized iPad and an iPad mini. The iPad worked well for doing research or watching movies, while the iPad mini, being more portable, was more convenient for bringing to a conference, using for note-taking, and checking email.

At our next meeting, we will be discussing availability of various apps and how we feel about the different “content universes” provided by Apple, Android, and Windows.

My first presentation—“The One-Shot Mixtape: Lessons for Planning, Delivering, and Integrating Instruction”—was given to an audience of 200+ attendees. As noted, this was an ensemble presentation; it included input from library instruction luminaries, Megan Oakleaf, Debra Gilchrist, Randy Hensley, and others. The purpose of the presentation was to provide practical advice and professional insight for newer library instructors, but also some refreshers for those who commonly experience instructional fatigue. My particular contribution was the proposition that library instructors should consider using elements of the case study teaching method in one-shot instruction, and I provided some relevant examples. Since a full description of the case method and its various uses required more time than I was afforded, I presented the idea as yet another example of active student engagement; our collection assertion as a group of presenters was that students must be actively involved in the process of their own learning in order for them to gain anything meaningful from the experience.

My panel presentation and discussion—“The Publishing Rollercoaster: Writers Sound Off”—was part of the ACRL Virtual Conference Webcast. I was honored to be included on a panel that included eminent LIS authors Barbara Fister, Angela, Courtney, and Kim Leeder. The purpose of the panel was to illuminate various aspects of professional writing and publishing—open access, peer review, research processes, selecting appropriate publishers, submissions, and the actual writing process. My particular contribution was solicited because of my forthcoming book, Handbook of Academic Writing for Librarians (ACRL, 2013), which is scheduled for release later this year. This webcast was attended by over 200 online conference registrants, and it resulted in an invitation for the panel to develop an ACRL e-Learning Course on the same subject matter.

Attending the ACRL 2013 Conference was beneficial in many ways; this biannual conference is widely regarded as a premier professional event for academic librarians. As a result, the conference attracts the most skilled and innovative LIS practitioners. Although I was unable to attend as many of the professional development opportunities as I would have liked, I was privileged to be able to present to the greater community of academic librarians, and by extension, to contribute to the professional discourse. I encourage my colleagues in the academic library community to find ways in which to attend future ACRL conferences, whether in-person or online. Furthermore, I encourage my colleagues to support WNYLRC; I would not have been able to attend ACRL 2013 without their generous support.