Task #4 E-Books

This is my caveat: I started this task weeks ago and jotted down notes. I'm also standing at the OM counter while it's quiet. I hope I remember enough to make sense of my notes and I hope my writing isn't terrible from being distracted in the public, but it's time to catch up as #5 task was already posted!

If or when I get around to purchasing an e-reader, I would choose the Nook. Sean is on his second (not because the first was bad, but because they introduced the color Nook) and he likes them. I would actually use and appreciate the color features, particularly for cooking and knitting books, and perhaps magazines. I would be more inclined to subscribe to magazines with a reader because there are plenty I enjoy, I just tend to stash them if I have them but am tired of the piles. The magazines I like are appealing because of recipes, patterns, or how-to instructions accompanied by pictures. I don't read magazines so much for the articles, again making the color device more appealing.

Despite that I already knew what I want, I did use Consumer Reports to do some comparisons. Yes, it was part of the task, but it was useful. Perhaps another reader had a great selling point I didn't know about. This assignment confirmed that Nook is right for me, as there are more book choices with it than there are with Kindle or Sony. Kindle provides more magazine and newspaper choices, but I am, by far, more of a book reader than periodical reader. The Nook also has wireless download and uses the Google Android operating system, which I'm already using with my phone.

If I had a Nook...
Once I have Adobe digital editions, I would find and download the book I want, check it out, and follow the specific instructions on our web site for using the Nook, as follows (credit to Cari :) ):

Before you begin:
-Make sure your Nook is on and out of sleep mode before plugging it in to
your computer.
For Sony’s AND Nooks
-Plug your eReader into your computer. Wait until the computer sees it.
-Open up Adobe Digital Editions.
- If you have not previously set up your Sony or Nook, Adobe Digital Editions
will ask to authorize your device using the same Adobe ID as your Digital
Editions. Click ‘Authorize Device’.

1. Once your device is authorized, you should see it in the Adobe Digital
Editions screen, on the left under Bookshelves. Make sure you are looking at
"Library View" (by clicking the icon of three books in the upper left corner
of the screen). Your eReader should appear at the bottom of the list.

2. To transfer your eBook to your eReader, click on your previously downloaded
eBooks (see Part Two of this guide) and drag them to the eReader icon. The
book will transfer.
3. Disconnect your Reader & unplug.

Nook
-eBooks will appear on Nook readers in the "My Documents" category NOT the
"My B&N Library" section. To see your downloaded library books, go to the
"View My Documents" section.

Then I would find a comfortable spot and settle in.

Task #3 Intro to MasterFile

The most recent article I found specifically comparing smart phones was "Smart phones," published in the September 2010 issue.

"More Blues for Music" is an article I found on the first page of results from the 1/9/92 issue of "Rolling Stone." I hope to win the gift card :)

P.S.
I just learned that the September 2010 issue is not the one with the sought after article for "best" and "smart phones." This is when the reference interview would come in handy. I see (and originally saw) the articles, "Find the Best Fit" and "Best phones and plans" from Jan 2011, but the descriptions refer to the best plans according to users' desires and the best deals, not strictly a comparison of phones, as I interpretted the "patron's" question.
Me to patron: "Is this what you wanted to find, or are you looking for other information on smart phones?"

Task #2 Website Scavenger Hunt

By taking a closer look at the web site, I discovered that logging into your account is clear throughout our site. I also learned that the Polk Directories are now in the history room, something which has changed since I previously worked on public service desks. The one question I answered incorrectly was about the link for help regarding error messages on the Downloadable Media guide. I saw we get troubleshooting help from Arlington, VA and didn't look more closely. When I got my results, I went back to the site and looked around until I found the correct link.

I was a little surprised by the answer choices for the series question and have my own question to other staff members about this. The quiz asks about the "databases" but the answer includes KDL. It seems the database is actually "What's Next" and is provided by Kent Library District. Are staff members referring to this service as "KDL" when talking to the public? I think this is confusing, as the logo and service is clearly marked as "What's Next." Just checking in with all of you about "library lingo" and whether or not this is something we need to watch.

Task #1: Create a blog

After taking a break from Webolution, I'm returning with a new look, title, and basic profile (my introduction to my fellow bloggers).

I'd like to be entered into the drawing for the gift card.