TechBits

Scanning USB devices with eScan

Patrons bringing USB (jump) drives should have these devices scanned for viruses before using a public access computer.  You must have at least an 8.0 corporate version of eScan installed on your computer.  To determine the version on your machine, right click on the e left click on About eScan.  The top line will tell you the version. 

If you are running at least 8.0 version of eScan, Double click on the icon to open the program. Click on Actions in the left navigation bar, and then on Check Directories/Files. The next window you'll see My Computer.  You want to select the USB drive

and then Scan.  This process will take a very short time but could save your public access computer from becoming infected with a virus.

Social Networking -- Getting in the Game

Social Networking is defining much of the current online world.  The Nicolet Federated Library System would like to assist member public libraries' understanding of social networking.  This will include ways that member library websites could enable better communication with library patrons.

Aaron Schmidt from Walking Papers Blog

30 Positive Uses of Social Networking by YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association)

   Aaron Schmidt, librarian formerly from Madison, WI, writes the Walking Papers Blog . He says that the ideas presented (by YALSA in their 30 positive uses of Social Networking)  point out how libraries can engage not only their younger users but general community as well. "They are a great illustration of how libraries can reach out and be proactive. School librarians can read this and get inspired, and then use it to combat the fears of administration."

 

Learning Library 2.0 - 23 Things

This is a project by the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County (PLCMC). Listed are 23 Things (or small exercises) that can be done on the web to explore and expand your knowledge of the Internet and Web 2.0. Staff were encouraged to complete all 23 exercises on this list by a certain date in order to   receive a free USB/MP3 player. These are very useful tools to incorporate in our libraries.

Geni - Family Tree Made Easy

Jamie mentioned Geni one of the websites demonstrated at the "Have u Heard About" program during the recent WAPL conference presented by Beth Carpenter (Outagamie Waupaca Library System), Nichole Fromm (South Central Library System), Tasha Saecker (Menasha Public Library) and Joy Schwarz (Winnefox Library System). I visited to see just how easy Geni is to create a Family Tree.

Geni allows you create a family tree that expands as relatives are added. Each family member has a profile which is viewable by clicking their name in the tree. This helps family members learn more about each other and stay in touch, share photos, birthdays and more about common ancestors. Click on the image below to view a larger picture of the family tree.