Are you a Librarian who is looking for tech-library websites?

Ten Helpful Websites for keeping up with library technology

1)      http://www.techlearning.com/CurrentIssue

Tech & Learning Magazine is a great magazine that keeps you updated in the latest trends in library media technology.  It is available in print and digital form.  Each issue is loaded with information from best laptops to best applications and software.  Many of the articles focus on integrating technology into the classrooms.

2)       http://www.librarytechnology.org/news.pl?SID=2010093038848876&code=pr

This website talks mostly about Library Automation and provides different links to guides and articles about the industry and what is coming up.  There are also links to grants.

3)      http://www.alatechsource.org/ltr/index

The American Library Association’s ALA Tech Source is a great site that provides information on library technology as well as gaming symposium and blog.  It also provides many articles on Integrating Library Systems, Gaming in Libraries, Digital Storytelling and many others.

4)      http://www.lita.org/ala/mgrps/divs/lita/ital/italinformation.cfm

Another ALA site, Library of Information Technologies and Libraries, that provides a journal for industry professionals.  This publication deals with all aspect of library and information technology:  cataloging, bibliographic systems, desktop applications, online catalogs, etc.

5)      http://www.webjunction.org/technology

Webjunction, a learning community, provides many articles for beginners or those new to technology.  It has links to basic computer and internet skills as well as social network and website development.  It also provides courses for those who want to keep up with the latest in library tech and management.

6)      http://www.librarianchick.walkerhost.com/mediawiki/index.php?title=Main_Page

Although this site is not technology based, it does provide great links and resources for Collaboration and Social Networking.  The site talks about links like Jotspot (create and share documents), Jottit (Creating websites), Ipeer (online peer evaluations), Blackboard Scholar (social bookmarking) and Edmodo (a micro blogging platform). 

7)      http://21stcenturylibrary.wordpress.com/

This blog, which is newly updated, provides many articles and links on the 21^st Century Libraries.  It also discusses the constant need for libraries and support.  The blogger is no doubt a library advocate dedicated to the mission of libraries and to the service that they give to their patrons.  It speaks about the issues facing libraries today in this dire economy.

8)      http://www.teacherlibrarian.com/

Teacher Librarian is a Journal for school librarians.  They offer a free 30-day trial on the Digital Copy.  There are many nice features in the magazine including Web 2.0 tools and links.   Feature articles include:  Teaching in the Digital Age. 

9)      http://www.educause.edu/

A non-profit organization, Educase, promotes the “Intelligent use of information Technology.”

This site is geared towards the Education and Academic markets.  A school media specialist or academic librarian could benefit from this.  It offers symposiums, conferences and personal development classes dedicated to information technology. 

10)   http://www.nytimes.com/pages/technology/index.html

The New York Time technology section is a great place to read the latest in technology.  Many of what is mentioned can be used in most libraries today.  Info on social networking, blogging and other digital media is presented. 

So what about all those books?

As I sit in my home office/library I can't help but think......where did I get all these books?  Most of all when will I get a chance to read them all?  And that nice comfy reading chair I bought purposely to enhance my reading experience.....when will I get a chance to curl up in it?  Am I the only person like this?  Do other people actually use their home libraries?  Or is for show....."Oh, look at my collection of books" or "Shall we sit in the library this afternoon for a spot of tea?"

Do you have a library full of books at home and no time to read?

I love  books!!!  As I young child I enjoyed curling up with a good book, (usually a Nancy Drew mystery).  I loved getting lost in the story and becoming the character.  A detective one moment or a spy another moment.  In these stories I traveled to far and away places.  Having one great adventure after another.  As I got older I continued these journeys through Adult books by V.C. Andrews.  After finishing one book, I would run to the store to get the next book.  Always finding the time to drift off to another place.  When I married my reading became rare.  With the responsibilities of a Full Time job and keeping a house, my reading adventures began to diminish.  Yet, after the birth of my son, Dominic, I found myself curling up with my newborn child reading the children books I remember from days before.  Eric Carle, Dr. Seuss, Leo Lionni took us on adventures with  pretty watercolors and crazy critters.  The bookstore became our favorite place with selections of picture books galore!  Story-time a fun-time to get lost in a world of fairies and knights and dinosaurs.