Using game thinking and game mechanics in non-game settings to promote engagement and learning is a new trend in both business and education sectors. Savvy marketers are gamifying their efforts by offering customers loyalty badges, check-in incentives, and achievement rewards and clever employers are leveraging this new trend to gamify their training and innovation processes. Discover how you can use game design techniques to involve patrons and motivate staff in your library. This primer will walk you through incorporating game thinking into bibliographic instruction, staff training, the online catalog, and more. Learn how to gamify the library experience. This A-Z guidebook covers a range of exciting ways to use gamification in your library. Readers will learn the ins and outs of gamification techniques through projects, such as: *badge hunts for staff orientation; *a "face of the library" game for patron services; *badges for your programs; *augmented reality and a catalog Easter egg hunt; *interactive fiction for information literacy education; and, *top-down video games for library orientation.

Libraries are perpetually faced with the challenge of balancing ever-shrinking budgets while steadily improving library services. One way to meet that challenge is to maximize the use of free applications and resources in the library. Free Technology for Libraries will help you discover how you can implement top-notch technology solutions within your organization to create intranets and knowledge bases, conduct webinars and conference calls, manage electronic resources, track library statistics, market your library, and much more, all at no cost! In this all-in-one guide to navigating the array of free applications and tools available online, readers will learn: *How to Manage Internal Policy & Procedure Documentation Using Wordpress *How to Manage Library Statistics with Zoho Creator *How to Provide Programming, Instruction, & Reference to Groups of Off Site Patrons *How to Use Screen Sharing for Remote Reference *Implementing a Scalable E-Resources Management System *Promoting a Library Event through In-Person and Online Advertising *Creating Marketing Posters with PosterOven *Creating an HTML5 Responsive Website - No Design Experience Required! *Managing Meeting Space with Google Calendar

Graphics which visually represent data or complex ideas are oftentimes easier for people to understand and digest than standalone statistics. A map shaded with different colors to represent religious affiliations or income levels enables researchers to quickly identify trends and patterns. New free tools and applications offer librarians the opportunity to organize and manipulate data to quickly create these helpful graphics. Learn how to overlay data sets on maps, create infographics for library services and instruction, use mindmapping for group brainstorming sessions, produce detailed timelines, process flowcharts, diagrams, and much more in this complete how-to-guidebook. This complete how-to guidebook provides you with the tools and inspiration you need to use infographics and data visualization techniques in your library to knock your audience's socks off as you tell your story in a visual format that can be consumed and understood at a glance. You will learn how to: *use the tools you already have to create a simple infographic; *create a library services infographic using Piktochart; *create instructional infographics with Easel.ly; *create interactive timelines; mindmap your brainstorming meetings; *create library flowcharts and diagrams using Creately; *create interactive maps with imported data; and *create complex data visualizations.

Today's library patrons are browsing the Web on a variety of devices including tablets, e-readers, mobile phones, and desktops. Responsive web design employs techniques that will enable your library's website to automatically adapt to whatever screen size it's being viewed on. Learn how to utilize CSS techniques such as fluid grids and flexible images combined with responsive design techniques such as media queries to deliver an optimal experience for your library patrons regardless of device. Design one website to fit them all. With both beginner and expert developers in mind, this complete handbook guides the reader through the process of developing and launching their own Responsive Web Designs and introduces the craft of building multi-screen experiences. Online demos and downloadable code files are included for all projects: *Adapting your Existing Layout into a Responsive Layout - A RWD Retrofit *Building a Responsive Layout from Scratch - A RWD Bookreader *Creating a Responsive Contact Form - "Get a Library Card" *Creating a Responsive Search Interface *Creating a Responsive Single Page Application - "Mobile Feed App" *Using an RWD Framework for a complete site: Twitter Bootstrap

Today's library patrons are browsing the Web on a variety of devices including tablets, e-readers, mobile phones, and desktops. Responsive web design employs techniques that will enable your library's website to automatically adapt to whatever screen size it's being viewed on. Learn how to utilize CSS techniques such as fluid grids and flexible images combined with responsive design techniques such as media queries to deliver an optimal experience for your library patrons regardless of device. Design one website to fit them all. With both beginner and expert developers in mind, this complete handbook guides the reader through the process of developing and launching their own Responsive Web Designs and introduces the craft of building multi-screen experiences. Online demos and downloadable code files are included for all projects: *Adapting your Existing Layout into a Responsive Layout - A RWD Retrofit *Building a Responsive Layout from Scratch - A RWD Bookreader *Creating a Responsive Contact Form - "Get a Library Card" *Creating a Responsive Search Interface *Creating a Responsive Single Page Application - "Mobile Feed App" *Using an RWD Framework for a complete site: Twitter Bootstrap

Over 52 million tablet devices were sold during the fourth quarter of 2012 and sales are predicted to continue to increase in years to come. These lightweight mobile computing devices are quickly becoming an integral part of patrons' everyday lives. Libraries are responding by incorporating them into their programs and services. Using Tablets and App in Libraries outlines how libraries can support this new BYOD (bring your own device) culture including offering app events and instruction, installing mounted tablets within the library, offering tablet lending programs, initiating tablet training programs for staff, and ways to evaluate and use quality apps. Discover how you can implement a successful tablet program in your library. Through this comprehensive guide, readers will learn: * How to integrate the potential of tablet technology into existing library programs and staff workflows *How to Host a Staff Training Technology Petting Zoo *How to provide tablet support and training for your patrons *How to use tablets in your story time and other children's programming *How to circulate tablets in your library *How to use tablets to promote library services *How to use tablets in your physical spaces to provide and gather information

Over 52 million tablet devices were sold during the fourth quarter of 2012 and sales are predicted to continue to increase in years to come. These lightweight mobile computing devices are quickly becoming an integral part of patrons' everyday lives. Libraries are responding by incorporating them into their programs and services. Using Tablets and App in Libraries outlines how libraries can support this new BYOD (bring your own device) culture including offering app events and instruction, installing mounted tablets within the library, offering tablet lending programs, initiating tablet training programs for staff, and ways to evaluate and use quality apps. Discover how you can implement a successful tablet program in your library. Through this comprehensive guide, readers will learn: * How to integrate the potential of tablet technology into existing library programs and staff workflows *How to Host a Staff Training Technology Petting Zoo *How to provide tablet support and training for your patrons *How to use tablets in your story time and other children's programming *How to circulate tablets in your library *How to use tablets to promote library services *How to use tablets in your physical spaces to provide and gather information

Snapchat, a new photo and video sharing mobile app logs over 400 million messages every day. Instagram, a similar mobile app boasts over 130 million users. And the 6-second video-making app Vine has skyrocketed to 40 million users within its first year. Discover how you can leverage the popularity of these new mobile social applications for your library by joining these social networks and creating engaging content. Learn how to encourage library patrons to create their own content and tag it with the library's location. Mobile Social Marketing in Libraries walks you through the process of planning, creating, and sharing mobile social marketing content for your library. This practical handbook leads readers through the process of planning, creating, and sharing mobile social marketing content for their library, offering insight into the essentials of using mobile social marketing apps in the context of library engagement. Successfully advertise a new series of programs, promote traditional resources, and place a hand on the pulse of the library's service community with steps included in this book including: *How to Create a Teen Library Tumblr *How to Use Snapchat for Library Social Media Marketing *How to Provide Reader's Advisory Through Instagram *How to Use Instagram for Library Marketing *How to Use Vine for Library Instruction *How to Host a Library Contest for Twitter *How to Create a Facebook Group for a Library Book Club

Snapchat, a new photo and video sharing mobile app logs over 400 million messages every day. Instagram, a similar mobile app boasts over 130 million users. And the 6-second video-making app Vine has skyrocketed to 40 million users within its first year. Discover how you can leverage the popularity of these new mobile social applications for your library by joining these social networks and creating engaging content. Learn how to encourage library patrons to create their own content and tag it with the library's location. Mobile Social Marketing in Libraries walks you through the process of planning, creating, and sharing mobile social marketing content for your library. This practical handbook leads readers through the process of planning, creating, and sharing mobile social marketing content for their library, offering insight into the essentials of using mobile social marketing apps in the context of library engagement. Successfully advertise a new series of programs, promote traditional resources, and place a hand on the pulse of the library's service community with steps included in this book including: *How to Create a Teen Library Tumblr *How to Use Snapchat for Library Social Media Marketing *How to Provide Reader's Advisory Through Instagram *How to Use Instagram for Library Marketing *How to Use Vine for Library Instruction *How to Host a Library Contest for Twitter *How to Create a Facebook Group for a Library Book Club

Graphics which visually represent data or complex ideas are oftentimes easier for people to understand and digest than standalone statistics. A map shaded with different colors to represent religious affiliations or income levels enables researchers to quickly identify trends and patterns. New free tools and applications offer librarians the opportunity to organize and manipulate data to quickly create these helpful graphics. Learn how to overlay data sets on maps, create infographics for library services and instruction, use mindmapping for group brainstorming sessions, produce detailed timelines, process flowcharts, diagrams, and much more in this complete how-to-guidebook. This complete how-to guidebook provides you with the tools and inspiration you need to use infographics and data visualization techniques in your library to knock your audience's socks off as you tell your story in a visual format that can be consumed and understood at a glance. You will learn how to: *use the tools you already have to create a simple infographic; *create a library services infographic using Piktochart; *create instructional infographics with Easel.ly; *create interactive timelines; mindmap your brainstorming meetings; *create library flowcharts and diagrams using Creately; *create interactive maps with imported data; and *create complex data visualizations.

MOOCs or massive open online courses that can be attended by hundreds of thousands of students at the same time have become wildly popular in recent years, and have begun to gain traction with libraries as well. There are many potential roles for libraries in MOOCs including: development, support, assessment, modeling, teaching, and preservation. In MOOCs and Libraries, learn how you can utilize MOOCs for staff training, bibliographic instruction, supporting faculty curriculum, and more! Readers of this start-to-finish guide to MOOC's in libraries will learn all about MOOC creation, from early stage planning, pedagogy, and equipment selection, to filming and launch, including: *How to Choose Hardware and Software for Your MOOC *Planning your first MOOC project *Planning for a Library MOOC Video Project *How to Develop MOOC Scripts *Storyboarding *Choosing a MOOC Filming Location *How to create MOOCs for bibliographic instruction *How to create MOOCs for staff training *How to create video lectures and screencasts

Libraries are creating dynamic knowledge bases to capture both tacit and explicit knowledge and subject expertise for use within and beyond their organizations. In this book, readers will learn to move policies and procedures manuals online using a wiki, get the most out of Microsoft SharePoint with custom portals and Web Parts, and build an FAQ knowledge base from reference management applications such as LibAnswers. Knowledge Management for Libraries guides readers through the process of planning, developing, and launching their own library knowledge base. This A-Z guidebook will teach you how to implement tools that will help your colleagues communicate, collaborate, share documents and files, and greatly clarify and simplify workflows through projects such as: *How to Create a Document Management System with Google Drive *How to Construct a Web-Based Knowledge Base Using Wiki Software *How to Set Up a Private Social Network for Your Staff with Yammer *How to Create an Organizational Commons with WordPress *How to Build a Library Intranet Site in Microsoft SharePoint *How to Create a Dynamic FAQ with Springshare's LibAnswers

WordPress is not only the most popular blogging software in the world, but it is also a powerful content management system that runs more than 23 percent of all websites. The current version alone has been downloaded almost 20 million times, and the WordPress community has built more than 38,000 plugins to extend and enhance the system. Libraries are using this technology to create community-oriented websites, blogs, subject guides, digital archives, and more. This hands-on, practical book walks readers through the entire process of setting up a WordPress website for their library, provides tips and best practices for using themes and library-oriented plug-ins, and contains information on how to use WordPress to create nontraditional library websites. No matter your library's size or resources, this all-in-one practical manual will show you how to improve your website by building it in WordPress through projects such as: *How to Install and Use Common Plugins *How to Install and Customize a Theme *How to Build an Exhibit to Display an Image Collection *How to Analyze and Manage Your Content in WordPress *How to Create Re-Usable Chunks of Text With Shortcodes *How to Build a Professional Library Website

Using game thinking and game mechanics in non-game settings to promote engagement and learning is a new trend in both business and education sectors. Savvy marketers are gamifying their efforts by offering customers loyalty badges, check-in incentives, and achievement rewards and clever employers are leveraging this new trend to gamify their training and innovation processes. Discover how you can use game design techniques to involve patrons and motivate staff in your library. This primer will walk you through incorporating game thinking into bibliographic instruction, staff training, the online catalog, and more. Learn how to gamify the library experience. This A-Z guidebook covers a range of exciting ways to use gamification in your library. Readers will learn the ins and outs of gamification techniques through projects, such as: *badge hunts for staff orientation; *a "face of the library" game for patron services; *badges for your programs; *augmented reality and a catalog Easter egg hunt; *interactive fiction for information literacy education; and, *top-down video games for library orientation

Libraries are creating dynamic knowledge bases to capture both tacit and explicit knowledge and subject expertise for use within and beyond their organizations. In this book, readers will learn to move policies and procedures manuals online using a wiki, get the most out of Microsoft SharePoint with custom portals and Web Parts, and build an FAQ knowledge base from reference management applications such as LibAnswers. Knowledge Management for Libraries guides readers through the process of planning, developing, and launching their own library knowledge base. This A-Z guidebook will teach you how to implement tools that will help your colleagues communicate, collaborate, share documents and files, and greatly clarify and simplify workflows through projects such as: *How to Create a Document Management System with Google Drive *How to Construct a Web-Based Knowledge Base Using Wiki Software *How to Set Up a Private Social Network for Your Staff with Yammer *How to Create an Organizational Commons with WordPress *How to Build a Library Intranet Site in Microsoft SharePoint *How to Create a Dynamic FAQ with Springshare's LibAnswers

Emerging devices are placing powerful computing abilities into the wardrobes of consumers through wearable technology which combines fashion and function in new and exciting ways. The most recognizable of these emerging gadgets is Google Glass. Wearable Technology: Smart Watches to Google Glass for Libraries provides a comprehensive overview of the current wearable technology landscape, the types of devices and functionality available, the benefits and limitations of this type of technology, and how you can make use of it in your library. Learn the ins and outs of Google Glass and other devices along with the privacy and other concerns that your organization needs to know about. With this informative handbook, Discover how you can utilize use these new tools for language translations, creating videos, providing mobile reference, and much more. In this "how-to" guide for incorporating wearable technology into your library's services, programming, and activities, you will learn: *How to circulate wearable technology in your library *How to Use Google Glass as an Alternative to Traditional Info/Reference *How to Initiate a Wearable Technology Training Program for Library Staff *How to create first-person videos using GoPro Cameras *How to add real-time translation services using Google Glass *How to use wearable technology as a promotional tool for your library *Make Your Own Immersive Virtual Reality Headset using Google Cardboard

Today's libraries are taking advantage of cutting-edge technologies such as flat panel displays using touch, sound, and hands-free motions to design amazing exhibits using everything from simple computer hardware to advanced technologies such as the Microsoft Kinect. Libraries of all types are striving to add new interactive experiences for their patrons through exciting digital exhibits, both online and off. Digital Collections and Exhibits takes away the mystery of designing stunning digital exhibits to spotlight library treasures by walking the reader through implementation projects that are sure to astound and impress. This collection of easy-to-follow instructions will give readers the knowledge and confidence to create and design their very own extraordinary digital exhibits. Readers will learn: *How to Create a Digital Exhibit Using Omeka.net *How to Create a Hands-Free Digital Exhibit Showcase with Microsoft Kinect *How to Create a Digital Exhibit Using Open Exhibits *How to Create 3D Objects and Add them to Online Exhibits

Today's libraries are taking advantage of cutting-edge technologies such as flat panel displays using touch, sound, and hands-free motions to design amazing exhibits using everything from simple computer hardware to advanced technologies such as the Microsoft Kinect. Libraries of all types are striving to add new interactive experiences for their patrons through exciting digital exhibits, both online and off. Digital Collections and Exhibits takes away the mystery of designing stunning digital exhibits to spotlight library treasures by walking the reader through implementation projects that are sure to astound and impress. This collection of easy-to-follow instructions will give readers the knowledge and confidence to create and design their very own extraordinary digital exhibits. Readers will learn: *How to Create a Digital Exhibit Using Omeka.net *How to Create a Hands-Free Digital Exhibit Showcase with Microsoft Kinect *How to Create a Digital Exhibit Using Open Exhibits *How to Create 3D Objects and Add them to Online Exhibits

Libraries are perpetually faced with the challenge of balancing ever-shrinking budgets while steadily improving library services. One way to meet that challenge is to maximize the use of free applications and resources in the library. Free Technology for Libraries will help you discover how you can implement top-notch technology solutions within your organization to create intranets and knowledge bases, conduct webinars and conference calls, manage electronic resources, track library statistics, market your library, and much more, all at no cost! In this all-in-one guide to navigating the array of free applications and tools available online, readers will learn: *How to Manage Internal Policy & Procedure Documentation Using Wordpress *How to Manage Library Statistics with Zoho Creator *How to Provide Programming, Instruction, & Reference to Groups of Off Site Patrons *How to Use Screen Sharing for Remote Reference *Implementing a Scalable E-Resources Management System *Promoting a Library Event through In-Person and Online Advertising *Creating Marketing Posters with PosterOven *Creating an HTML5 Responsive Website - No Design Experience Required! *Managing Meeting Space with Google Calendar

It is absolutely essential that today's law librarians are digitally literate in addition to possessing an understanding and awareness of recent advancements and trends in information technology as they pertain to the library field. Law Libraries in the Digital Age offers a one-stop, comprehensive guide to achieving both of those goals. This go-to resource covers the most cutting-edge developments that face today's modern law libraries, including e-Books, mobile device management, Web scale discovery, cloud computing, social software, and much more. These critical issues and concepts are approached from the perspective of tech-savvy library leaders who each discuss how forward-thinking libraries are tackling such traditional library practices as reference, collection development, technical services, and administration in this new "digital age." Each chapter explores the key concepts and issues that are currently being discussed at major law library conferences and events today and looks ahead to what's on the horizon for law libraries in the future. Chapters have been written by the field's top innovators from all areas of legal librarianship, including academic, government, and private law libraries, who have strived to provide inspiration and guidance to tomorrow's law library leaders.

It is absolutely essential that today's law librarians are digitally literate in addition to possessing an understanding and awareness of recent advancements and trends in information technology as they pertain to the library field. Law Libraries in the Digital Age offers a one-stop, comprehensive guide to achieving both of those goals. This go-to resource covers the most cutting-edge developments that face today's modern law libraries, including e-Books, mobile device management, Web scale discovery, cloud computing, social software, and much more. These critical issues and concepts are approached from the perspective of tech-savvy library leaders who each discuss how forward-thinking libraries are tackling such traditional library practices as reference, collection development, technical services, and administration in this new "digital age." Each chapter explores the key concepts and issues that are currently being discussed at major law library conferences and events today and looks ahead to what's on the horizon for law libraries in the future. Chapters have been written by the field's top innovators from all areas of legal librarianship, including academic, government, and private law libraries, who have strived to provide inspiration and guidance to tomorrow's law library leaders.

Makerspaces, sometimes also referred to as hackerspaces, hackspaces, and fablabs are creative, DIY spaces where people can gather to create, invent, and learn. In libraries they often have 3D printers, software, electronics, craft and hardware supplies and tools, and more. Makerspaces are becoming increasingly popular in both public and academic libraries as a new way to engage patrons and add value to traditional library services. Discover how you can create a makerspace within your own library though this step-by-step guidebook. From planning your innovation center to hosting hack-a-thons, guest lectures, and social events in your new lab, Makerspaces in Libraries provides detailed guidance and best practices for creating an enduring, community driven space for all to enjoy and from which both staff and patrons will benefit. This well researched, in-depth guide will serve libraries of all sizes seeking to implement the latest technologies and bring fresh life and engaging programming to their libraries. Highlights and best practices include: *budgeting and business planning for a librarymakerspace, *creating operational documents, *tools and resources overviews, *national and international case studies, *becoming familiar with 3D printers through practical printing projects (seed bombs), *how to get started with Arduino (illuminate your library with a LED ambient mood light), *how to host a FIRST Robotics Team at the library, *how to develop hands-on engagement for senior makers (Squishy Circuits), and *how to host a Hackathon and build a coding community.

Makerspaces, sometimes also referred to as hackerspaces, hackspaces, and fablabs are creative, DIY spaces where people can gather to create, invent, and learn. In libraries they often have 3D printers, software, electronics, craft and hardware supplies and tools, and more. Makerspaces are becoming increasingly popular in both public and academic libraries as a new way to engage patrons and add value to traditional library services. Discover how you can create a makerspace within your own library though this step-by-step guidebook. From planning your innovation center to hosting hack-a-thons, guest lectures, and social events in your new lab, Makerspaces in Libraries provides detailed guidance and best practices for creating an enduring, community driven space for all to enjoy and from which both staff and patrons will benefit. This well researched, in-depth guide will serve libraries of all sizes seeking to implement the latest technologies and bring fresh life and engaging programming to their libraries. Highlights and best practices include: *budgeting and business planning for a librarymakerspace, *creating operational documents, *tools and resources overviews, *national and international case studies, *becoming familiar with 3D printers through practical printing projects (seed bombs), *how to get started with Arduino (illuminate your library with a LED ambient mood light), *how to host a FIRST Robotics Team at the library, *how to develop hands-on engagement for senior makers (Squishy Circuits), and *how to host a Hackathon and build a coding community.

Makerspaces: A Practical Guide for Librarians, Second Edition is an A-Z guidebook jam-packed with resources, advice, and information to help you develop and fund your own makerspace from the ground up. Learn what other libraries are making, building, and doing in their makerspaces and how you can, too. Readers are introduced to makerspace equipment, new technologies, models for planning and assessing projects, and useful case studies that will equip them with the knowledge to implement their own library makerspaces. This expanded second edition features eighteen brand new library makerspace profiles providing advice and inspiration for how to create your own library makerspace, over twenty new images and figures illustrating maker tools and trends as well as library makerspaces in action and new lists of actual grant and funding sources for library makerspaces.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, library patrons of all ages are becoming ever more interested in sustainability and self-reliance topics. And libraries are enhancing their programming to embrace these timely concerns by organizing instructional workshops, forming gardening clubs, creating community gardens, building beekeeping exhibits, teaching patrons about reducing waste and sustainable food sources, and more. Drawing on real-world initiatives from public, school, and academic libraries across the country, this all-in-one guide walks you through how to plan, organize, and run sustainable living programs at your own library. Complete with a materials and equipment list, budget, and recommendations for age ranges and type of library, the programs you’ll learn about include Mason jar hydroponic gardening, straw bale gardening, growing vegetables outside in winter, and a variety of other gardening activities; sharing fixing skills and fostering sustainable culture through repair events; family-friendly programs such as how to make rolled beeswax candles and glycerin soap; upcycled jewelry for teens and adults;  a hands-on canning workshop; making herbal tea blends; how to start a food waste collection, the basics of composting, raising chicks and chickens, and more homesteading programs; and coordinating gardening and sustainability programs with local experts.