Library Spot.com

   Libraryspot.com is a virtual library resource center for librarians, educators and students , or just about anyone looking for accurate information.  Library Spot was created to help librarians and educators and  students  figure out  how to obtain information  more easily . They bring the best sources together so that those who need the information do not have to spend a lot of time searching through  many places to find the right information

  In the left hand column on the main page you will find helpful links. The most helpful is then section called reference desk. There you will see many topics with links . For example under Encyclopedias, Biography, and Almanacs, they give you links to the most accurate and useful sites with that type of information.

  On the right hand side there are grade level links that show both math and English links that will help each grade level.

  Sites featured are hand selected and reviewed  by their editorial teams  for quality, content, and utility. Library spot is committed to help the searcher find  the best information on the internet  in a quick easy  search.

   Check out this site  and see how very helpful it is!

David Lee King- blogs for public & school librarians

   Follow David Lee Kings blog at http://www.davidleeking.com.  David Lee King is the Digital Services Director at Topeka Shawnee County Public Library.
    He is in charge of planning, implementing  the latest technology.  He is  a speaker for many conferences both nationally and internationally  about issues  pertinent to both school and public librarians and teachers.   He is up on all the latest social  and ditigal mediahe plans, implements, and experiments with emerging technology trends. He believes they should be used at the public level to advance the librarians services and  encourage more interest.
     David  writes for many library and technology journals. He was named Library Journal Mover and Shaker for 2008.  His latest book is Face2Face which came out in September.
    I am looking forward to learning more  about using technology at the public level  and I think reading this blog will be most helpful.

Digital literacy for Public Librarians-Why

    Digital literacy means the ability to locate, evaluate , and use digital information. The ability to recognize what information is needed and when to use it are also important components of digital literacy.   Using a wide range of technologies effectively is also important to the adult community( computer, mobile devices, blogs, twitter, facebook , youtube).
    Without access to the internet , adults can't develop digital literacy. Without digital literacy, patrons will not gain maximum benefit from online resources. Being digital literate will also help adults and seniors procure a job in today's job market.
    Training provided by the public libraries to adult patrons is an important service.  Offering a variety of technology training is key .
   Some public libraries have informal assistance , one on one sessions, formal tech training classes and online training materials. This training help adults  to  have skills to join or rejoin the workforce. Some libraries also provide  access to job databases and job opportunity resources,  There may also be provision for civil service materials.
  Many libraries offer other resources to help them with resumes and interviews. Additionally librarians may have staff to help patrons complete online job applications.
   In providing Digital literacy services and classes , the public library help create a skilled and knowledgeable workforce able to meet the technology of the 21st century.

Pubic Librarians & Digital Literacy

        I am in my new position as branch library manager. It is exciting and just a bit different from  the school, moslty being the patrons and the computer systems. We have three libraries in three towns that are close to each other. The three branches support the one merged school.
        A big part of this library system is the offering to the public internet acdcess and educational services toward Digital Literacy. We have classs given by computer specilaist in using the cojmputer, an employment series, and onlien data base classes, among others ( Cuponing is one I want to take!)
       Public librarians play a major role in bringing the adult patorn up to speed on the newest technology and helping them get used to the 'new' computers.
       There are still many patrons and families that do not have computers and interent access in their homes.  So our library is providing digital literacy to those who do not have the measn  to afford it.  So both the school and public library are great equalizers by providing these services.,
What types of programs does your public library have for bring adult patrons up to speed?