Task #10 - New Website

Last task!  Thanks to everyone who participated in this round of Webolution--hopefully it was informative and fun!  This last task is all about the new website that was unveiled at the December staff computer training.  The new site will launch in January, so it's important that we're all up to speed with where to find important info in the new format.

First, let's visit dev.mesacountylibraries.org and take a look at the new navigation.  The first thing you'll notice is that there are no drop-down menus (yay!)  Also, 'Books and More' has become Books and Media, and 'Research' has been replaced with eResources. 

Take a moment to click around the main navigation labels and explore the content.  When you've done that, take a look at the footer:

Some of what used to be top-level navigation is now in the footer, but because there aren't any drop-down menus, it should be easier to find what you're looking for.  Pages have been added as well, e.g. 'Library News' and Bookstore/Book Donations.

Task:
1. Click around the main navigation and take a look at the footer items.
2. In your blog, let us know what you think--is there anything you can't find, anything confusing or missing?
2. Do you think patrons will find this an easier resource to use? Do you? Why or why not?

Thanks everyone! And just a reminder--ALL tasks need to be complete by end of day on 1/23/12 to be eligible for the drawings. Drawings will be held the week of 1/23/12.  Good Luck!  See you next time :)

Task #9 - Universal Class

Hiya Webolutioners--only 2 more tasks to go!  This month's task (sorry, late again!) is all about our awesome new database, Universal Class.  For those of you who haven't had a chance to explore it yet, Universal Class is a FREE self-paced continuing education service offering more than 500 courses.  (check out the full course list: http://www.universalclass.com/a-z/index.htm)

You can enroll in up to 5 courses, and you have up to 6 months to finish each course.  Access your classes 24/7 and complete the assignments on your own schedule.

The possibilities for this new database are vast--we'll definitely be using this resource a lot with our patrons in the coming months.

To get to Universal Class, visit the A-Z resource list in the Research and Learning Center.

Once there, you have a couple options.  You can either:

A. Register for an account and enroll in a class.

B. If you don't want to register for an account, make sure to look over the class list.

The Task:

1. Regardless of whether you chose option A or B, let us know in your blog what you think about Universal Class and give us an idea of how we could use this database with library programming and/or staff training.
(note: the class list shows pricing, but this is FREE for library users--once you register, you won't see a price list).

Task #8 Español LIbGuide

Howdy! This week's task is a quiz created by Jennifer and is directly tied to the staff computer training on 10/19 and 10/20 on our Español LibGuide. If you go to the training, you'll do this task there; otherwise, you can find the guide by clicking on 'Español' from our home page.

You might be wondering how you're supposed to do this task or help people with this guide if you don't speak Spanish. Well, Google to the rescue again!

1. Go the the Español LibGuide and copy the url (http://researchhelp.mcpld.org/espanol)
2. Search for Google Translate, or enter translate.google.com into your browser.
3. Paste the Español LibGuide url into the search box and be sure the boxes above read 'Spanish to English'
4. Hit the translate button.

The entire website is now in English! Super handy.
Make sure to read all the way to the bottom for this month's complete assignment.

Español LibGuide

Question #1: Spanish-speakers can find a library card application on which page?

Servicios/Services Maps y Horarios/Maps and Hours Eventos/Events Mi Tarjeta de Biblioteca/My Library Card

Question #2: Spanish-speaking user can login to their account on how many pages of the libguide?
2 5 4 3

Question #3: To translate the Español libguide into English, you can choose 'english' from the translate menu:
True False

Question #4: On the home page you will find:
Bestsellers in Spanish Books, movies and music in Spanish Local businesses that speak Spanish Nobel Laureate Authors from Latin America All of the above except C

Question #5: The Maps and Hours tab lists all the branches, but how do you see the hours of each location?
Guess Click on a house icon

Question #6: Where can you find the Code of Conduct in Spanish?
Recursos Electronicos/Electronic Resources Servicios/Services Mi Tarjeta de Biblioteca/My Library Card

Question #7: Where on this libguide would you find a link to a 'Guide for New Immigrants'?
Servicios/Services Recursos Electronicos/Electronic Resources Página Principal/Home page

Question #8: How many language-learning resources does the library offer?
2 4 3 none

Question #9: Where can you find the hours for the Literacy Center's Language Lab?
Para Niños Servicios/Services Mapas y Horarios/Maps and Hours

Question #10: Where can you find storytime offerings?
Servicios/Services Para Niños/Children Eventos/Events

Tasks
1. Complete the above quiz either in the staff computer training or on your own.
2. Blog about your score.
3. Share how you might use this LibGuide to help a Spanish-speaking patron.