[CALIBK12] ALA highlights: technology

[SIMINITUS, JACQUELYN E (ATTPB)]

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