Now more than fifty years later in this day and age of constricted language like BTW, GGIMA (good grief it’s Monday again,) and ROFL, we end up with “Apps.” In a former language called English, these things are actually computer programmed applications. “Distros” are actually updated software program distribution files which send us apps.

Like the handmade cards above, we now have those kinds of electronic apps; a way to capture important but elusive bits of information not in our databases, but in our cumulative knowledge which can greatly help our customers/patrons.

We are now living in a world of links which are supposed to help us in our daily lives. Often we now find searching for solutions brings us to databases of links to suggested problem solving or forums. The issue is these are often circular, one doesn’t always know exact terms to bring up a solution, and you can spend a good portion of time without getting the answer needed. Computer generated answers to our searches are unlikely to be what we need, and often following them don’t work.

Librarians are in a unique position to find those URL links, phone numbers, and people by collecting these undocumented bits of information, and this collection can be facilitated by certain apps.

We now have, by virtue of the Internet, enough links about apps to keep us searching for what we need for a very long time. Searching for “Librarian’s note-taking app” gives a result of 3,400,000 items. I don’t think there’s time to look and try out all of those.

Of course, each of us have different needs for which some apps might be useful, but our particular way of working doesn’t fit the way the app wants us to work. So is it trial and error that we use apps? Do we get friends to suggest a good app for us? There are of course resources we might use (see below links and reference.)

To fix things; to fix issues, we need to determine, as in all goals, the issue or problem. These are the things strategic planning is all about. What’s the mission, the goal, the tasks needed to achieve? Once we have that information, it is a good hunt, but not an extensive one. I’ve written about finding things; it’s a process which is pretty much the same as for finding the right app:

Example: Do we need to take notes? Do we need to find what notes we made? Is there a search engine for this app? What will it search? What is the criteria needed for my app? In the case of the Evernote app, I found it could search words within photos placed on Evernote. I find that wonderful and fascinating as it was something we tried to do unsuccessfully back in the 1980s. Do I use Evernote? Not now, but I may decide to go back to it if I discover it works better than some of these desktop search programs.

THE APPS LIBRARY FOR LIBRARIANS

ACQUIRING BOOKS

BookBub, a daily email that alerts readers to free and deeply discounted ebooks that are available for a limited time.

BOOKS ABOUT APPS.

Selecting and Evaluating the Best Mobile Apps for Library Services

LISTS OF APPS:

Everything

45 Most Exciting Apps For Librarians – This alternative list to Everything desktop search engine is quite valuable.

10 Must Have iPad Apps For Librarians

Apps for academics: mobile web sites & apps: Library research

TRAINING :

Best Apps for Teaching & Learning 2016

LIBRARY RECOMMENDED APPS:

Mobile Apps for Libraries

Mobile Apps via Alexandria Library

ORGANIZING:

4 Android Apps for Managing Your Personal Book Library – This could come in handy for reference; categorizing books for different research requests.

PUBLIC RELATIONS:

A suite of apps for business, organizations, and churches.

The post Useful Apps for Your Library first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

Of biggest interest to the coalition and libraries’ interest, the new “bright line” rules protect against internet service providers (ISPs) blocking, throttling, or prioritizing internet traffic. The FCC also increased transparency requirements so that ISPs must disclose prices and fees, as well as network practices and performance.

The Order also commands that ISPs cannot “unreasonably interfere with or unreasonably disadvantage” the ability of consumers to select the online content and services they want and the ability of content providers to reach those consumers.  The FCC cites library and public education comments proposing an “internet reasonable” standard that would protect the unique and open character of the Internet.

Of great importance to the coalition was ensuring libraries and educational institutions are explicitly included in network neutrality protections and to differentiate between public broadband internet access and private networks. The FCC specifically affirmed both points.

Finally, the FCC also created a standard for future conduct to address concerns that may arise with new technologies. According to the written order in the Federal Register, the Order leaves “in place a framework that will support regulatory action while simultaneously encouraging broadband investment, innovation, and deployment.”

Although the net neutrality battle may not be over, the FCC is prepared to roll with the unending technological changes and the ALA is set to continue voicing why it believes net neutrality is so vital for libraries and all their users.

Sources

https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2015/04/13/2015-07841/protecting-and-promoting-the-open-internet

http://www.districtdispatch.org/2015/03/net-neutrality-battle-continues-in-new-venues/

http://www.districtdispatch.org/2015/02/ala-applauds-fcc-vote-to-protect-open-internet/

http://www.educause.edu/blogs/jcummings/higher-edlibrary-views-impact-final-net-neutrality-order

The post Open Internet Order Now Effective first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

The E-Rate program is built to “help libraries gain affordable, high capacity broadband. . . ; boost library participation in the program; and increase the efficiency of the application and review process” for eligible libraries. Furthermore, the “Got E-Rate?” page lists information about the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reforms of the E-Rate programs and what this means to libraries, particularly public libraries. The page has a lot of information that may or may not be difficult for you to decipher, so I recommend taking a look at “Library Leaders: E-Rate Opportunities Take Center Stage” by Marijke Visser.

Visser breaks down the main take-aways of the E-Rate program with these points:

1. About $1.5 billion has been added to the funding for the E-Rate program
2. The American Library Association, Public Library Association, state library agencies, and other organizations will produce E-rate resources that are aimed to provide libraries that are interested in applying for E-rate funding with “communications, education, practical tools, and technical support.”
3. Increasing broadband capacity is not simply for rural libraries, but also applies to suburban and urban libraries that may need to expand their services.

After reading both of these articles, I had a few initial thoughts:

1. As a librarian, I am (typically) aware and/or reminded of the digital divide in communities. Connecting and working with librarians throughout the state and nation has exposed me to the different resources available (or unavailable) to public libraries and the disparities between communities. However…
2. …as an individual, I tend to forget about things like the “digital divide.” This is easy to do when I’m in my own little world, streaming music from my iPhone on my way to work, and watching Netflix on Apple TV at home. But…
3. ..the digital divide is real. Just take a look at the statistics, “How Americans Go Online” published by Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Library Project. The graph shows the correlation between lower income and education levels with lower access to Internet usage at home and in general. Race and geographic location affect the result.

The Internet is a necessity for not just checking email or research, but also for applying for jobs, learning new technological skills, and gaining confidence. If a person is unable to have broadband access at home, it is all the more imperative that their local library have sufficient access to not only bridge the gap in the digital divide, but also in digital literacy. What are your experiences with broadband access in your community?

Sources

“Got E-rate?” Got E-rate? Web. 22 Feb. 2015. http://www.ala.org/advocacy/goterate

“Library Leaders: E-rate Opportunities Take Center Stage.” District Dispatch. 28 Jan. 2015. Web. 1 Mar. 2015. http://www.districtdispatch.org/2015/01/library-leaders-e-rate-opportunities-take-center-stage

“How Americans Go Online.” Pew Research Centers Internet American Life Project RSS. 24 Sept. 2013. Web. 24 Feb. 2015. <http://www.pewinternet.org/2013/09/25/how-americans-go-online/>.

The post Got E-Rate? Bridging the Broadband Divide with the E-Rate Program first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

Maximizing impact
In addition to increased funding, changing the types of services that are allowed for reimbursement will more specifically target the audience this funding is intended to reach: students without reliable wireless connectivity. The program aims to reach an additional 10 million students by 2016.

Modernization
The plan shifts funding away from what was known as “Category 1” services toward “Category 2” services. This will move funding in phases toward broadband-related needs like wireless service and away from standard telephone service, web hosting, and text messaging. Funding for email services is also eliminated.

Funding discontinued for the following Category 1 services:

• 900/976 call blocking
• custom calling services
• direct inward dialing
• directory assistance charges
• email
• inside wire maintenance plans
• paging
• text messaging
• voice mail
• web hosting

Category 2 services include those needed to establish and maintain broadband connections within libraries and schools. Category 2 services qualifying for FY2015 e-rate funding include:

• Access points used in a local area network (LAN) or wireless local area network (WLAN) environment (such as wireless access points)
• Antennas, cabling, connectors, and related components used for internal broadband connections
• Caching
• Firewall services and components
• Switches
• Routers
• Racks
• Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)/Battery Backup
• Wireless controller systems
• Software supporting each of the components on this list used to distribute high-speed broadband throughout school buildings and libraries
• Repair and upkeep of eligible hardware
• Wire and cable maintenance
• Configuration changes
• Basic technical support including online and telephone based technical support
• Software upgrades and patches including bug fixes and security patches

Streamlining
One of the most notable changes is that a technology plan is no longer required for funding. The application is designed to make the process “faster, simpler and more efficient” than it has been in previous years. All documents will be filed electronically. The emphasis will be on faster turnaround times so that schools and libraries can focus their resources on building strong, internal broadband and wireless systems.

Resources
USAC Schools and Libraries E-Rate Modernization Order

District Dispatch: New Year, New E-rate: E-rate implementation begins

District Dispatch: E-rate modernization process in the news

The post FY2015 E-rate Funding Targeted Toward Expanding and Modernizing Wireless Networks in Schools and Libraries first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

Currently in my home state, there is great discussion about a requested utility rate hike of 20%. Thinking about this possibility in light of the Internet regulation debate gave me pause. Utilities are regulated in my state and the rate hike is currently being “discussed and evaluated,” though I have heard no discussion that a rate increase will not occur. It is simply a question of how much.

In the case of heat and electricity, the consumer is truly over a barrel. But what about Internet? Despite how many of us feel, Internet access is not a fundamental need. If a regulated utility can request a 20% increase after a few years of bad snow storms, what might be considered a legitimate regulated increase for Internet? Of course, there are dangers on the other side of the coin as well. If there is no regulation, then does the situation become massively out of control leaving Internet service to only the wealthy and elite?

The issue has large implications for us in Libraryland. With our current political climate suggesting that libraries could/should go the way of the dodo, there is little incentive for providers to ensure libraries are in the “fast lane.” Further, we already see in libraries the same socioeconomic divide between the haves and the have-nots. Wealthy communities have large libraries with makerspaces, robotics, etc. while smaller libraries in less affluent communities exist more as reading rooms. If this divide is accepted among Internet service as well, the implications and effects of such divide will surely trickle down to the individual level.

In 2010, the FCC ruled that ISPs could not block or delay content and none would be allowed to pay for priority delivery. In effect, it ruled for status quo. But others question the whole concept. They suggest that the notion of network neutrality is nothing more than an illusion; Internet operators have always and still discriminate in what goes to where and how fast it gets there. In this context too, I think about my own Internet provider options, where I can pay more for higher speeds. I don’t understand how this is not in contradiction to the FCC ruling.

I am left to wonder if the issue of network neutrality for libraries will become akin to issues of censorship in libraries. No library engages in “censorship.” Yet every day we make collection decisions based on various criteria. Some of that criterion is cost in relation to our budgets. For most of us, our patrons have limited access, and our access is often a function of the socioeconomic status of our community. Regulation or no regulation—what does it mean for us?

Works Cited

[1] http://www.technologyreview.com/view/531671/are-we-really-saving-the-open-internet/

Cover Art Credit: EFF-Graphics (C.C. BY 3.0)

The post Net Neutral? first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

Online backup storage – the cloud – is an attractive option for backing up files, especially since a) you should backup your data in different geographic locations and b) with online backup you don’t have to worry about hardware upgrades. However, online storage services are still congealing into something realistic, practical and affordable, and when you shop for a cloud service, there are many conditions to consider.

What about the initial transfer when you upload all of your files? Depending on web traffic, network speed, and other factors, it might take a long time to upload a full drive — say, 750 GB of files — to the cloud.

What if the connection gets dropped during the upload? Do you have to re-do the transfer all over again? Does the cloud service impose file-size limits or limit the amount you can upload? For example, an hour of home video, an uncompressed file, can be about 12 GB. Some services limit file sizes to less than half of that. Does that mean you have to split all your video files in half?

Another consideration is the type of Internet connection and service that you have. Most cable or DSL Internet connections enable you to transfer an almost limitless amount files relatively quickly for one monthly rate. Satellite Internet service providers charge by usage – they measure and charge for every little bit and byte that you upload and download; therefore, transferring even a single 12 GB video to a cloud service via a satellite Internet service will run up your expenses. In this case, cloud storage may not be financially practical until your Internet service changes its pricing model.

Does the cloud service have tools available for uploading files? Can you schedule periodic automated backups? Can you access your cloud-stored stuff from any Internet connection, anywhere? Can you delete stuff once you’ve uploaded it? Does the service make exact copies of your files or override your old files with your new ones?

Cloud-service costs and pricing plans vary wildly. Some services charge per volume of data. For example, one service that I looked at charges $25 a month for 250 GB of storage…$75 per month to host 750 GB of digital content. Other services have flat—and much lower—rates with no data-size limitations. That seems to be more reasonable.

It takes a lot of research and feature comparison to find a reasonably priced online service to fit your needs. It might also take some trial and error, so it is important to avoid getting locked into a long-term plan before you are certain that you are satisfied with the service.

Some services allow you to pay month-to-month and some require yearly subscriptions.

The two essential elements you should research before you decide on an online backup service are 1) cost and 2) ease of use. Consumer cloud storage is in its infancy and business models are still being invented, so take your time and make an informed decision before you open your wallet or start uploading your precious stuff. Ask your friends, relatives, neighbors and co-workers about their experiences and recommendations.

Most importantly, the saying “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” applies to personal archiving: don’t store your digital collection in just one place. No digital storage medium is 100% guaranteed. What if the cloud service goes out of business? Cloud storage is only one of several possible backup options and the keyword here is “backup.”Storage diversity is crucial and you still need to replace your home backup drives eventually.
For related information and resources, please visit digitalpreservation.gov.[1]

The post Personal Digital Archiving: Cloud Storage as a Backup first appeared on Public Libraries Online.