Cloud storage: the answer to most of my problems...

Save files in one place and access them anywhere!  Cloud storage makes digital file organization simple; all your files are in one place and can be accessed from anywhere.      
 
I started using this cloud storage, specifically Dropbox, to access files on multiple computers at work, my home laptop, and my smartphone.  I easily access my files through the Dropbox website or through a Dropbox folder I downloaded onto my devices.  When I save it in that folder it's automatically synced with all my devices connected to that folder. Dropbox provides users with 2GB of storage for free or users can subscribe and pay for up to 100GB of storage.  I found this to be a simple way to keep all my devices updated without having to transport files using an external storage device.  I always have the most up-to-date file on each of my devices and Dropbox saves a history so I can access older versions of files.   

Beyond Dropbox:

Here is list of other cloud storage options from top10cloudstorage.com.  It is important to make sure the storage is secure and it will provide sufficient accessibility.  This takes some research and familiarity with Internet security, but there are benefits of simplified cloud storage.  Top 10 Cloud Storage is a great resource with information and access to multiple cloud storage services in one place. 


Who may be interested in cloud storage?

• Anybody who doesn't own a computer.  Save email attachments, documents, pictures, music that is downloaded from a public computer to cloud storage and access it from any other device at any time.  If you don't own a computer you can still store digital files!
• Groups can share information easily by sharing a selected folder with its group members.  When something in the folder is updated or added, each member will have access to it right away.  
• If you use multiple electronic devices or upgrade devices regularly.
• Commuters and frequent travelers.  Access your files from anywhere around the world anytime!

Upper Hudson Library System to Boycott Major Publisher’s E-books

PRESS RELEASE


Upper Hudson Library System to Boycott Major Publisher’s E-books

Albany, NY - The Upper Hudson Library System (UHLS) announced today that the 29 public libraries serving Albany and Rensselaer Counties have decided to boycott all future electronic content purchases from HarperCollins Publishers, one of the world’s largest publishing houses. The decision to boycott is in reaction to a recent HarperCollins policy change in the sale of their e-book titles that establishes a license limit of 26 checkouts per title on all e-books purchased for library use.

Electronic books (e-books or e-content) are digital files that are purchased by public libraries and made available to library users who can download the book onto their e-reader or other mobile device for use for a limited checkout period just like traditional library books. With the recent proliferation of these devices, the use of e-content at local libraries has increased dramatically in the last six months. The UHLS member libraries have begun to devote more of their limited materials budgets to build their e-content collections to meet this demand.

This new policy requires libraries to re-purchase HarperCollins e-books after the book has been checked out 26 times, which is a radical departure from the purchase agreements used by other e-content publishers, who typically sell the library the use of the file for as long as the library wants to provide it to their users.

”The UHLS member libraries felt strongly that this was a change that would hurt libraries and library users and that we needed to push back," said Timothy Burke, UHLS Executive Director. "The policy change works contrary to what library consortia are designed to do. We are trying to share resources to stretch the taxpayer dollar as far as possible. We understand the profit motive of the publishers, but they are losing sight of the purpose of libraries and consortia. We are driven by service to our users."

An open letter from the Upper Hudson Library System was sent to the publisher, posted on the UHLS website, and shared with member libraries. The letter informs HarperCollins of the boycott decision, explains why this new policy is harmful to libraries and library users, and urges the publisher to reconsider their decision. It also encourages HarperCollins and all publishers to work together with the library community on a mutually beneficial system to make information in this new format available to library users.

In a March 7, 2011 article in Library Journal.com, UHLS was listed along with library consortia in Oklahoma, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Missouri as the leaders in the push back movement against HarperCollins.

Breaking down the boundary: beyond the book

I'm out to dinner with friends and am introduced to a few new people.  The topic of 'profession' comes up.  Then it comes out that I am librarian.  After the initial "Do you need a degree for that?" they move on to:  "Oh!  You must love to read."  And while I do love to read, preferrably YA and Juvenile literature which is socially unacceptable unless one is activly involved in the education of children, I think beyond the books.  Not only can a person borrow books at a public library but he or she can also download music, videos, books, and audiobooks to a computer, smartphone or e-reader.  It is important to recognize all the avenues people are able to obtain infomation; books are not the only source of information and information is not only history and facts.  Information comes from interacting with a person, sharing a story, listening, and talking.  For preschoolers, social interaction through a story hour is important so they learn to interact with peers.  For early tweens and teens, it's important to remember the importance of positive social interaction, adult role models, and creative activity.  These developmental assets are key factors to create an environemnts for children to mature into responsible and healthy adults. 

Check these out:
40 Developmental Assets for Adolescents
40 Developmental Assets for Middle Childhood
40 Developmental Assets for Children Grades K-3

Crunch

Leslie Connor's newest book, Crunch is a story about a young man determined to help a community challenged by the lack of oil.  While mom and dad are stranded in their big rig, Dewey and his siblings are left alone to manage a small farm and a family bike shop.  Crunch explores the independence and determination of a teenager and how he balances a responsibility to his family with a demanding bike shop.

Contact your elected official!

"Dear Library Advocate, a modified version of the ELFA Article VII bill (S.2026/A.2289) that will authorize the distribution of designated system aid, continue hold harmless provisions and enable SED Commissioner to grant waivers from local maintenance of effort requirements in order to receive Library Aid, is on committee agendas today in both the Senate and Assembly (see below).  So please visit www.nyla.org and click on Contact Your Elected Officials button to send fax/email to your state legislator urging them to past this bill as soon as possible.  Thank you."  Michael Borges

 

Zipping: the alternative to renting.

As I'm driving I recently noticed a few cars with "www.zipcar.com" on the bumper.  I finally decided to look up what zipcar was already having an idea after I heard about a community car borrowing project in Vermont.  It seems like a great idea, especially for city dwellers.  Need a car for the weekend?  Done!  I ventured onto the zipcar website and found that in 4 steps I could borrow a car.  It's not yet in Albany, but I see potential.  First, join.  Second, reserve.  Third, unlock.  Fourth, drive.  Seems easy enough.  I do have some questions about insurance because I always tend to think of the worst case scenario.  What if I get in a car accident and it's completely my fault?  Who pays for everything?  Do I need my own insurance?  According to the website, insurance, gas and mileage are all included.  I looked at plans based in Syracuse, NY since they are not yet in Albany, NY.  To sign up it would cost $75.  To drive it would cost $65/day, $9/hour and an annual fee of $50.  Seems like a pretty good deal compared to car rentals.  Something to certainly keep in mind for college students, city dwellers and the inconvenience of a broken down car. 

Do you Isuu?

Isuu is an online networking site for publications.  Rather those of us with publications or simply things that could be published or just a file we want to share.  The site is the home to millions of individuals and publishers with types of content from magazines to résumés.  These days, a lot of us can bypass the publisher and get right to the point and circulate what we consider valuable information.  This is not to disregard the publisher.  The publisher is still a gateway to reviewed information and a way to differentiate between legitimate information with standards and those of us with this need to be heard who use the Internet as our bullhorn.  Back to Isuu...this site allows individuals to publish presentations, résumés, even self-publishing authors have used Issu.  It's a great way to collaborate and keep an online portfolio to access anywhere there is Internet.  I put my presentation for a class I taught about Internet Safety on the site to get a feel for what I could use it for.  I'm all about having another tool in my toolbox!  For me, it's another way to back-up my work.  I kept the file on Isuu so I have access to it if I ever forget my drive with my file on it, no big deal.  I will likely use it for other files I find useful to have access to at all times or so others can view them....and so I can never forget them.