TechBits

Emergency internet resources

Just a quick reminder that the Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin has a webpage to help consumers find internet resources during the pandemic. It includes a map of public wifi locations, special internet deals from commercial providers, and a few other options.

Most of the SCLS libraries filled out a survey in April to provide information about their wireless signal and coverage, and this information should be reflected on the map. If you've had changes to your library's wireless availability (added an outdoor AP, maybe?), a link to contact the PSC about changes to your wireless info can be found on this SCLS webpage (password required).

If you have patrons, friends, or community members who may need help finding internet resources, consider directing them to the PSC page in addition to mentioning your own library's offerings!

Trivia & Streaming

Over the last few months, I've been hosting Zoom meetings for Adult Services/Programming Librarians and I've learned a lot! I wanted to share a couple of the tools that have come up in our discussions recently.

First up is Crowdpurr. From the cool name, you may think it's a crowd of purring kittens. In reality, this is an "Audience Engagement Platform that helps you create amazing interactive mobile-driven experiences for your live or virtual events." The E.D. Locke Public library used Crowdpurr to host trivia game recently. You can use this with Zoom, your YouTube channel, or your Twitch livestream (see previous TechBits post).

Speaking of livestreaming, have you heard of StreamYard? Sun Prairie is using this to stream their weekly Book Buzz interviews with Sun Prairie staff. Check out this recent episode featuring librarians Erin and Emily. Streamyard can stream to multiple platforms at the same time - Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, Periscope, and more. One of the cool things that you can do is add a caption during the broadcast. Erin and Emily add the titles of the books they're discussing to the screen.

What tools are you using to connect and engage with your patrons and community?

 

 

Image by Kiều Trường from Pixabay

How to mix up your working from home routine

As working from home is lasting longer than expected, I find myself looking for ways to improve my productivity and experience.  I never realized how much being in the presence of others generates my creativity and improves my mood.  I have found some useful suggestions in the article “Getting Antsy? 9 Ways to Shake Up Working From Home.”

I wanted to share a few tips from this article that have helped me.  Of course, everyone is different so it’s important to find what works for you.  For instance, I get up early, enjoy my coffee, and work on my list of tasks for the day.  After that, I try to get out for a short walk with my dogs before my workday is set to begin.  This time allows me to wake up, clear my head, and time to revise my task list as needed.

Another suggestion I find useful is taking breaks.  During quarantine, I don’t have to commute so I have extra time to get up early and/or work later if I need to.  This is especially helpful because I have a teenage daughter that will be attending school virtually again starting in September.  Even though my breaks will be mostly devoted to checking in with her, I think it’s important for both of us that she has a time when she can interrupt me during the day to help her if she needs it. 

I spent time setting up a designated workspace over the summer.  I have turned our spare bedroom into an office space that we can both use when we need to.  Of course, having a laptop is nice because sometimes I enjoy moving to another room to change things up or even outside if the weather permits.  I found this has helped my overall mood and productivity during the pandemic. 

The final point in the article I think can help anyone working from home.  Taking time to stretch, play music, read, or anything else that can help you take an actual break from your work and computer is so important.  We can’t do our work well if we feel like we’re “living at work” instead of “working from home.”  Wishing everyone health and happiness during this challenging time.    

The Pandemic Keychain

With the growing awareness of how germs and bacteria spread, It become increasingly important to avoid possibly virus laden surfaces. When you stop and think about it, what surfaces receive the most contact, from the largest number of people? Some of the big answers are keypads, and computer touch screens. 

With the current pandemic, it becomes ever more important that we personally touch as few surfaces as possible. The main problem with that, is that life still goes on. In today's technology prevalent society, it is near impossible to avoid a keypad. They are everywhere, from grocery stores to call buttons. 

One way to avoid germs is to wear gloves.....everywhere. Like most people, I find that concept to be a little hard to bear.  I was recently introduced to a Stylus tipped multi-tool that a lot of people have started using to address these very issues.  There are a number of different brands and types that have been created recently, and most of them are similar to the one pictured below. The thicker stylus can be used on both keypads and touch screen, the open area was designed to help open doors, and some of them even include a bottle opener. 

This low tech solution can help keep ourselves, and our computer screens, safe and clean. Personally, I am glad it attaches to keys, or I would never be able to find it!

 

Viz of the Day

It is always a delight to receive my Viz of the Day (VOTD) emails. These visualizations are created with Tableau and nominated for the Tableau Public Gallery. The topics are timely and the Vizzes are visibly stunning. Here are a few of my favorites (click on any to explore):

Here is the link to subscribe to the Viz of the Day: https://public.tableau.com/en-us/s/viz-of-the-day/subscribe. 

For even more inspiration, check out the Iron Viz Gallery:  https://www.tableau.com/iron-viz/gallery.