It’s time for libraries to stop functioning like grocery stores where people simply come to get stuff and start acting more like kitchens where people come to create and tell their own stories. This program will provide insights into why libraries need to start empowering users of all ages to work with videos, music, podcasts, and graphic design. Also, hear about “StoryTubes”, an exciting yet simple project that combines kids’ interest in technology with their love for books and reading. We’ll end with some tips on how to create a simple digital media lab for you library.

The main point of the presentation is that libraries need to stop functioning only like grocery stores where people simply come to get stuff and start functioning like kitchens where people do stuff and create stuff. Joyce Valenza wrote about this metaphor after hearing Joan Frye Williams speak on it back in 2008. Here are my slides from this presentation:

The second presentation was much shorter as I was part of a panel discussing examples of transliteracy in action at libraries. Here’s the description for this program:

Transliteracy is the ability to read, write and interact across a range of platforms, tools and media from signing and orality through handwriting, print, TV, radio and film, to digital social networks. This session looks at the practical aspects of what we can do to help our patrons become transliterate citizens, including real world examples from academic, public and school libraries. Sponsored by LITA Transliteracy Interest Group.

Here are my slides for that presentation.

Thanks to Bobbi Newman for inviting me to take part in this program. And thanks to everyone who attended both of these presentations today. Please leave a comment here if you’d like to continue the conversation!

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I’m working on a new series of classes called “Business Bytes.” The basic idea is to help local business owners learn more about ways to use technology and the internet. Tonight, I taught the very first one in the series, providing an introduction to Google Places and the benefits of verifying your businesses’ listing.

Even though it was my first time making my way through this presentation, I think it went fairly well. Hearing people talk about their struggles with keeping up with technology and the intimidation that they often feel reminded me of my own parents, who have been small business owners for over 30 years. Owning one’s own business obviously comes with an ongoing set of challenges and frustrations, and I grew up seeing these first-hand at home. Tonight, I feel like I helped people like my parents, and that felt really good. Not to sound too sappy, but it’s moments like this that really make being a public librarian a total joy.