[CALIBK12] ALA highlights: technology

[Barbara Jeffus]

I had a chance to use the guide by cell idea that Jackie mentions below. A couple of art galleries in D.C. were set up for it. I stood in front of the painting and listened to the artist describe how and what he did, then moved on the next painting and pressed the next number without redialing everything. As a person with a modest cell phone plan, I was grateful I was on weekend rates! Barbara

Barbara Jeffus
School Library Consultant
California Department of Education
1430 N Street, Suite 3207
Sacramento, CA 95814
916.319.0445
FAX 916.319.0172
http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/cr/lb

READ Green. Borrow a Library Book!


-----Original Message-----
From: calibk12-bounces at lists.sjsu.edu [mailto:calibk12-bounces at lists.sjsu.edu] On Behalf Of SIMINITUS, JACQUELYN E (ATTPB)
Sent: Monday, June 30, 2008 4:31 PM
To: calibk12 at listproc.sjsu.edu
Subject: [CALIBK12] ALA highlights: technology

Let's post ALA highlights on CALIBK12 (or your blogs) by category so we can better discuss new ideas, trends, and such.
ALA highlights: technology
ALA highlights: advocacy
ALA highlights: (pick a heading)

I'll go first.  See my technology blog at http://2cooltools.blogspot.com/ or
text version:
LOOK.  LISTEN.  LEARN.  One of the first exhibits that jumped out at me was GUIDE BY CELL <http://www.guidebycell.com/gbc/> . It is a way for libraries and museums to offer self-guided tours of their library or special exhibits. Sounds great for an Open House or special fundraising events. It lets you create self-guided audio tours accessible through cell phones. Visitors use their own equipment. NOTE -- when I say "you" it means either you use your own voice or recruit others such as a volunteer with a special voice, members of the drama club, student library assistants, local celebrity -- you are in charge, so you decide.)

Here is how it works:
1.      Record the tour. Librarian calls a unique phone number to record audio prompts, just like recording voice mail. Or upload existing audio files (interviews, sound effects, songs) into a specific prompt number.
2.      Identify exhibits. Post small numbered identifier signs next to items in your tour.
3.      Visitors guide themselves. To access the audio guides, visitors call in using their own cell phone, then select the item they want to hear. Easy. Visitors may remain connected throughout their visit, or hang up and call back as desired. They may listen to descriptions in any order.
Think about all the visitors, decked out with their finest new hands-free cell phone devices (jewelry), touring your library -- what a Grand Night Out @ the Library. See http://www.guidebycell.com/gbc/

HOW WOULD YOU USE THIS IN YOUR LIBRARY OR SCHOOL?  Would this be a good candidate for the CSLA exhibits in Sacramento?  Would it work as a library treasure hunt?  Week #1:  Tour of Reference Section.  Week #2:  Tour of Banned Books.  Etc.
Would your special education, ELL, or other teachers find this to be a useful tool for their students?
Best wishes.
- Jackie
**********************
Jackie Siminitus, MLS
AT&T Library Advocate
795 Folsom Street, Room 400, San Francisco, CA 94107
415-644-7112 : jacquelyn.siminitus at att.com
AT&T Knowledge Network Explorer, www.kn.att.com
Blue Web'n Library, www.kn.att.com/wired/bluewebn/
http://2CoolTools.blogspot.com; http://Advocate4Libraries.blogspot.com
http://SchoolLibraryLearning2.blogspot.com
http://ClassroomLearning2.blogspot.com






_______________________________________________
CALIBK12 site list
CALIBK12 at lists.sjsu.edu
http://lists.sjsu.edu/mailman/listinfo/calibk12

For information about the Calibk12 listserve, please
visit  http://www.calibk12.net.