Tag Archives: prettysweettech

NCompass Live: Pretty Sweet Tech: Screaming Frog SEO: A tool to keep websites neat and up to date

Posted on July 26, 2024 by Christa Porter

Learn how to use Screaming Frog SEO to keep your library website neat and up to date on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, July 31 at 10am CT.

Special monthly episodes of NCompass Live! Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.

Many years ago I stumbled across a tool called Screaming Frog SEO. It’s a free/ low-cost tool to keep your website and resource documents up to date, Google keyword-friendly, and just all-around awesome. It is code-free and easy to learn with plenty of tutorials. In this session you will see how Screaming Frog can help you:

  • Check for broken links on your web pages for easy repair.
  • Make sure all images on your website are accessible.
  • Spell check and grammar check your whole website.
  • Find out when pages were last updated.
  • Other helpful tips and tricks.

As a fun fact, I found this tool because frogs are my favorite animal and I just wanted to see which website tools were frog-friendly. Now this is one of my most-used tools to update website and resource listings!

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • Aug. 7 – Learning New Technologies On-the-Fly: Vendorbrarian to Public Librarian
  • Aug. 14 – Operating a Culture of Belonging: Personal Librarian 2.0
  • Sept. 4 – Board Games & Computer Science in Libraries

To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.

The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

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NCompass Live: Helping Students Be Google Aware

Posted on June 28, 2024 by Christa Porter

Learn about ‘Helping Students Be Google Aware’ on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, July 3 at 10am CT.

Google has become the most common and dominant search engine in our culture. Students use it to find information about everything, including scholarly research. As teaching librarians, we have to ask: What do students use when not at school? More than likely than not, they will turn to Google to search. Because of this, we must teach them to become careful consumers of the information the Google algorithm produces. Relevance is a complex combination of advertising influence, proprietary interests, programmers’ language, and predictions (based off of prior search patterns). Schembri discusses how to recognize and report inaccuracies of marginalized groups, and how Google has worked to maintain a better, more neutral output for potentially inflammatory searches.

Presenter: Pamela Schembri, School Library Media Specialist, Horace Greeley High School Library, Chappaqua, NY.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • July 17 – Think Outside the Box: Transformative Training with Breakout Challenges
  • July 31 – Pretty Sweet Tech
  • Aug. 14 – Operating a Culture of Belonging: Personal Librarian 2.0

To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.

The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

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NCompass Live: Pretty Sweet Tech: Geocaching Summer Adventures: Librarians Gone Wild

Posted on June 21, 2024 by Christa Porter

Dig into the wonderful world of geocaching to send kids, teens and adults on treasure hunts on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, June 26 at 10am CT.

Special monthly episodes of NCompass Live! Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.

This session will help you dig into the wonderful world of geocaching to send kids, teens and adults on treasure hunts! You don’t even have to hide the things yourself because the Geocaching community has already hidden little trinkets and treasures all over the world. Though you can add more stuff to the shared treasure map if you’re so inclined.

Learn how to leverage existing resources to get a geocaching adventure up and running for free or low cost using geocaching.com and the associated app on your smartphone, with the option to go all out and build a custom, themed geocaching adventure for your community. By the end of this session you will have:

  • Guide to set up geocaching adventures for all ages
  • Complementary summer reading, STEM & STEAM activities for kids
  • Complementary material displays, STEM & STEAM activities for teens & adults
  • Known geocaching trails across Nebraska & beyond

While the examples are from Nebraska, geocaching adventures are for everyone, everywhere!

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • July 3 – Helping Students Be Google Aware
  • July 17 – Think Outside the Box: Transformative Training with Breakout Challenges
  • Aug. 14 – Operating a Culture of Belonging: Personal Librarian 2.0

To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.

The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

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NCompass Live: Pretty Sweet Tech: Responsive WordPress Layouts in Elementor

Posted on May 24, 2024 by Christa Porter

Do you have some WordPress layouts that work really well on desktop but squish into unrecognizable chaos on smaller screens? Learn how to set up responsive layouts using Elementor on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, May 29 at 10am CT.

Special monthly episodes of NCompass Live! Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.

In this session I will show you how to set up responsive layouts that display one way on larger screens and another way on smaller screens. This can be difficult with the built-in Gutenberg editor, so we’re going to use Elementor. Here’s what I’ll cover:

  • Responsive website best practices
  • Elementor settings for responsive layouts
  • Layout examples:
    • Displaying or hiding different images based on screen size
    • Gallery views on different screen sizes
    • Tips for saving images that display well on all screen sizes
    • Displaying calendar view vs. list view based on screen size

I will also open it up to requests if there are specific things you’re running into. It’s time to get responsive!

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • June 19 – NO NCOMPASS LIVE
  • June 26 – Pretty Sweet Tech
  • July 3 – Helping Students Be Google Aware
  • July 17 – Think Outside the Box: Transformative Training with Breakout Challenges

To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.

The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

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NCompass Live: Pretty Sweet Tech: Computers in Libraries 2024 Highlights & Trends

Posted on April 19, 2024 by Christa Porter

Highlights and Trends from Computers in Libraries 2024 will be shared on next week’s ‘Pretty Sweet Tech’ NCompass Live webinar, on Wednesday, April 24 at 10am 1:30pm CT.

Special monthly episodes of NCompass Live! Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.

Computers in Libraries is the world’s leading technology and innovation conference for librarians! In this session I will cover come of the awesome ideas, tools, tips and tricks of the trade I picked up while in D.C. this year.

I hope to see you there! As a side note, if you’re looking for more emerging tech trends in the library, check out Computers in Libraries magazine.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • May 1 – One Book for Nebraska Kids & Teens 2024
  • May 8 – The 2024 Public Library Accreditation Process

To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

This week’s NCompass Live will be held from 1:30pm-2:30pm Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.

The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

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NCompass Live: Pretty Sweet Tech: Computers in Libraries 2024 Highlights & Trends

Posted on March 22, 2024 by Christa Porter

Highlights and Trends from Computers in Libraries 2024 will be shared on next week’s ‘Pretty Sweet Tech’ NCompass Live webinar, on Wednesday, March 27 at 10am CT.

Special monthly episodes of NCompass Live! Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.

Computers in Libraries is the world’s leading technology and innovation conference for librarians! In this session I will cover come of the awesome ideas, tools, tips and tricks of the trade I picked up while in D.C. this year.

I hope to see you there! As a side note, if you’re looking for more emerging tech trends in the library, check out Computers in Libraries magazine.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • April 3 – Improving the Quality of Childcare Through STREAM
  • April 10 – Program Planning with a Marketing Mindset

To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.

The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

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NCompass Live: Pretty Sweet Tech: Evolve Project: Shaping the Libraries of the Future

Posted on February 23, 2024 by Christa Porter

Brian Pichman of the Evolve Project will be Amanda’s guest on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, February 28, at 10am CT.

Special monthly episodes of NCompass Live! Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.

Brian Pichman of the Evolve Project is the man behind the scenes, transforming how libraries engage with technology. Here at the Commission, he helped a lot with the Tech Kits Through the Mail. If you’ve gotten a kit from us, it’s because he tracks tech trends, works with tech gadget startups, and helps build solid strategies to connect communities with transformative technology.

Honestly, he’s helped me a lot over the years. But I can’t be selfish. I decided to share his expertise with you all! Turns out Brian does way more than I ever knew possible.

In this session we will get Brian talking about all the cool things he has going on:

  • Explore how his pilot programs of new games & gadgets are shaping the future of libraries through makerspaces, innovation spaces, and leading edge programming
  • Learn how Brian helps libraries embrace AI, VR and AR to revolutionize library services and enhance accessibility and engagement for all.
  • Discover his passion for open-source solutions to drive positive change, and his recent endeavors with ByWater Solutions, a leading provider of open-source library software.
  • Dig into his work with libchalk, a web hosting platform designed specifically to help libraries host digital content, websites, courses, and online resource libraries.

The real question is, what doesn’t he do? He can help your library too. Find out how.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • March 13 – Winning Grants for Your Library Programming
  • March 27 – Pretty Sweet Tech
  • April 3 – Improving the Quality of Childcare Through STREAM

To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.

The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

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NCompass Live: Pretty Sweet Tech: New Tech Kits Through the Mail Options!

Posted on December 22, 2023 by Christa Porter

That’s right, you heard it here first, the Tech Kits Through the Mail service has some new tech kits available! Learn all about them on next week’s ‘Pretty Sweet Tech’ NCompass Live webinar, on Wednesday, December 27 at 10am CT.

Special monthly episodes of NCompass Live! Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.

For anyone new to the Tech Kits, the Nebraska Library Commission circulates drones, robotics, circuit kits, virtual reality headsets, and more! The kits are designed to introduce communities to the Industry 4.0 technologies that are changing the way we all live, work and interact with one another. Attend this session to:

  • Learn about the newly added kits.
  • Explore updated resources & activities.
  • Learn how the service works.
  • Explore practical ways Industry 4.0 tech is being used to solve real problems.

I hope to see you there as you follow the tech kit saga! If you’re not in Nebraska, you can still access the supplementary resources, and gather ideas for which tech kits you want in your own library!

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • Jan. 3, 2024 – Meet the NLC, Part 1
  • Jan. 10, 2024 – Meet the NLC, Part 2
  • Jan. 17, 2024 – Auditing Library Websites
  • Jan. 24, 2024 – Best New Teen Reads of 2023
  • Jan. 31, 2024 – Pretty Sweet Tech
  • Feb. 14, 2024 – ConnectEd Nebraska: Bridging the Digital Divide through Innovative eduroam Expansion
  • Feb. 21, 2024 – Using Creativity to Grow & Develop

To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.

The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

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NCompass Live: Pretty Sweet Tech: Internet Librarian 2023 Highlights

Posted on November 24, 2023 by Christa Porter

Highlights from Internet Librarian 2023 will be shared on next week’s Pretty Sweet Tech NCompass Live webinar, on Wednesday, November 29 at 10am CT.

Special monthly episodes of NCompass Live! Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.

Just in case you missed it, this Pretty Sweet Tech will offer some highlights from Internet Librarian 2023 that ran from October 17-19. Internet Librarian is a great big tech conference for librarians. If you’ve attended one of these recaps before, you know that I love to choose some major themes and pluck out the sessions that really stood out to me for various reasons. Here are this year’s themes, as chosen by me, not the conference coordinators:

  • AI, XR & Emerging Tech: Explore how emerging tech is shaping our world, and how the library can not only keep up, but set the stage for the future of tech in our communities
  • Digital Presence: Tips and tricks for improving digital materials, going all digital, or connecting with your community online. This trend is here to stay.
  • Handling Change: The world is just going to keep moving faster, so these sessions covered some tips and techniques to help both individuals and libraries adapt and thrive.
  • Tech Tools, Resources & Gadgets: As always there were a motley assortment of helpful tools, services, resources & gadgets. I will share my highlights here.

As always, I couldn’t make it to every session, but these are the ones I caught or heard about after the fact. There’s only so much time in the day, so I did my best!

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • Dec. 6 – Using Creativity to Grow & Develop
  • Dec. 13 – Canvaholic
  • Dec. 20 – Summer Reading Program 2024: Adventure Begins at Your Library
  • Jan. 17, 2024 – Auditing Library Websites
  • Jan. 24, 2024 – Best New Teen Reads of 2023

To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.

The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

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NCompass Live: Pretty Sweet Tech: How Augmented Reality Can Create Optimal Literacy Experiences

Posted on October 20, 2023 by Christa Porter

Explore how Living Popups transforms classic and original books into interactive experiences on next week’s Pretty Sweet Tech NCompass Live webinar, ‘How Augmented Reality Can Create Optimal Literacy Experiences’, on Wednesday, October 25, at 10am CT.

Special monthly episodes of NCompass Live! Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.

LP Bookspace engages all readers and keeps them coming back for more! LP Bookspace brings to your library augmented reality experiences where characters literally jump off the page and help build comprehension and confidence.

The goal of this session is to explore how easy it is to create an optimal literacy experience within your library environment by applying innovative technology. You will discover the LB Bookspace tools to help you create an exciting Story Time, track students’ progress in the Dashboard, implement Book Clubs for older children and have families returning to your library again and again. You will learn about the Meet the Makers series introducing patrons of all ages to how the books are produced and the potential careers in the future all around great literature.

Join us to see how LP Bookspace could provide you with creative ways to deliver innovative programming to your community.

Guest Presenter: Cheryl Bayer, CEO, Living Popups, LLC.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • Nov. 1 – Golden Sower Award: Get in the Know
  • Nov. 8 – Racial & Gender Bias in Search
  • Nov. 15 – Redesigning a Library Website
  • Nov. 22 – Best New Children’s Books of 2023
  • Dec. 6 – Using Creativity to Grow & Develop
  • Dec. 13 – Canvaholic
  • Dec. 20 – Summer Reading Program 2024: Adventure Begins at Your Library
  • Jan. 17, 2024 – Auditing Library Websites
  • Jan. 24, 2024 – Best New Teen Reads of 2023

To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.

The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

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Pretty Sweet Tech: CyberPatriot’s National Youth Cyber Defense Competition

Posted on September 5, 2023 by Amanda Sweet

Cybersecurity is one of the top growing tech careers in the nation. The Air Force Association started their CyberPatriot’s National Youth Cyber Defense Competition to help middle and high school students explore cybersecurity careers by taking on the role of a cybersecurity systems administrator, working to prevent and address cyber threats to a small business. CyberPatriots is now the world’s largest cybersecurity competition!

Eligibility: The competition is open to all schools and approved youth organizations, including Boys & Girl Scout troops, STEM groups, libraries, and homeschool groups. School and public libraries are encouraged to apply!

Learn more about the competition structure, team member requirements, costs, and tech requirements on the CyberPatriot website.

Registration is due by October 3, 2023 so start planning now!

While you’re on the site, check out the Air Force’s other cybersecurity resources for senior citizens:

  • CyberGenerations: This pre-packaged program is designed to introduce senior citizens to cybersecurity basics, password management, common internet threats, scams and fraud, and social media safety. CyberGenerations offers a Self-Paced Guide, and Workshop Resources to help facilitate virtual or in-person workshops.
  • Tech Caregiver: This training course with resources and guides certifies trainers to assist senior citizens to safely operate online. This is a good course to get comfortable facilitating CyberGenerations workshops in your community.
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NCompass Live: Pretty Sweet Tech: Internet Filtering For E-Rate CIPA Compliance And Cybersecurity

Posted on July 21, 2023 by Christa Porter

Learn about ‘Internet Filtering For E-Rate CIPA Compliance And Cybersecurity’ on next week’s Pretty Sweet Tech NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, July 26, at 10am CT.

Special monthly episodes of NCompass Live! Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.

To take advantage of the E-rate funding to pay for your library’s Internet service, you are required to have CIPA (Children’s Internet Protection Act) compliant filtering in place. Filtering can also provide strong cybersecurity protection for library staff and customers. Guest Presenter Andrew “Sherm” Sherman, with the Nebraska Library Commission Computer Services team, will discuss how this filtering can be implemented, the cyber security benefits, and the various solutions that meet CIPA guidelines.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • August 9 – Deploying Soft Skills in the Library Setting
  • August 30 – Pretty Sweet Tech

To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.

The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

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NCompass Live: Pretty Sweet Tech: Secure Computers For Public Use

Posted on June 23, 2023 by Christa Porter

Learn how to keep your library computers secure for public use on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, June 28, at 10am CT.

Special monthly episodes of NCompass Live! Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.

Computers for public use are a service unique to libraries. To provide the best possible protection for the customers that use them and maximize their availability, they need to be properly secured and maintained. Guest Presenter Andrew “Sherm” Sherman, with the Nebraska Library Commission Computer Services team, will take you through the process he has used to do this for the libraries he has provided IT support for.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • July 5 – One Book for Nebraska Kids & Teens 2023
  • July 12 – A Library Centennial Celebration in Photos and Memories
  • July 19 – Nebraska Open Meetings Act: 2023 Overview and Updates
  • July 26 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Internet Filtering For E-Rate CIPA Compliance And Cybersecurity

To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.

The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

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NCompass Live: Pretty Sweet Tech: Bots for the Community!

Posted on May 26, 2023 by Christa Porter

Join us to hear how the FarmBot project, ‘Harvest at the Library’, was born on next week’s ‘Pretty Sweet Tech’ NCompass Live webinar, ‘Bots for the Community!’, on Wednesday, May 31, at 10am CT.

Special monthly episodes of NCompass Live! Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.

Hear how a FarmBot had an impact on the community and how the library launched videos to teach people how the bot works (in-person programs were not open yet at the library). Lou shares the excitement of harvesting the very first carrot from the FarmBot!

Guest Presenters: Dan Lou, Library Program Coordinator, Palo Alto City Library; Susan T. Cheng, Lead Mentor, Space Cookies FIRST Robotics Competition Team 1868, Adult Co-Leader, Space Cookies Girl Scout Troop 62868; and Navika S., Space Cookies FIRST Robotics Competition Team 1868, Space Cookies Girl Scout Troop 62868.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • June 7 – In Search of the Obscure – Using Library & Online Sources to Find Resources that are Out of the Ordinary
  • June 14 – Transforming Library Staff Learning Through Technology Skills Assessments
  • June 21 – Nebraska Public Library Laws: Chapter 51 and Beyond
  • June 28 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Secure Computers For Public Use
  • July 5 – One Book for Nebraska Kids & Teens 2023
  • July 12 – A Library Centennial Celebration in Photos and Memories
  • July 19 – Nebraska Open Meetings Act: 2023 Overview and Updates
  • July 26 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Internet Filtering For E-Rate CIPA Compliance And Cybersecurity

To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.

The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

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NCompass Live: The 2023 Public Library Accreditation Process

Posted on May 5, 2023 by Christa Porter

Get a head start on ‘The 2023 Public Library Accreditation Process’ on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, May 10 at 10am CT.

The 2023 Nebraska Public Library Accreditation process opens on July 1. If your library is up for re-accreditation this year, join us for a short refresher on the process. Or, if your library is not currently Accredited, attend this session to explore the possibility of becoming an Accredited Public Library. In this general overview, you will learn why Accreditation is important and what it can do for your library. We’ll also show you the Application Form, and explain how it relates to the required Community Needs Response Plan. Public Library Directors, Staff, and Library Board Members are encouraged to attend.

Presenter: Christa Porter, Library Development Director, Nebraska Library Commission.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • May 17 – Read the Rainbow: Serving the LGBTQ+ Community in Your Library
  • May 24 – La Biblioteca Es Para Ti – Building Community Relationships in a Different Language
  • May 31 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Bots for the Community!
  • June 7 – In Search of the Obscure – Using Library & Online Sources to Find Resources that are Out of the Ordinary
  • June 14 – Transforming Library Staff Learning Through Technology Skills Assessments

To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.

The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

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NCompass Live: Public Libraries & Wikipedia: Creative Collaborations

Posted on April 28, 2023 by Christa Porter

Learn about the Wikipedian in Residence program at the Kansas City Public Library on next week’s NCompass Live webinar, ‘Public Libraries & Wikipedia: Creative Collaborations’, on Wednesday, May 3 at 10am CT.

Kansas City Public Library hosted the first Wikipedian in Residence (WiR) at a public library in the country. Explore what a WiR is, how WiRs collaborate with community members and GLAM institutions (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums), and why collaborations between Wikipedia and public libraries are mutually beneficial and have an impact.

Kim Gile, Director of Branch Services & Engagement, will reflect on the residency at KCPL and give an update on the Library’s Wikipedia journey that started in 2018.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • May 10 – The 2023 Public Library Accreditation Process
  • May 17 – Read the Rainbow: Serving the LGBTQ+ Community in Your Library
  • May 24 – La Biblioteca Es Para Ti – Building Community Relationships in a Different Language
  • May 31 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Bots for the Community!
  • June 7 – In Search of the Obscure – Using Library & Online Sources to Find Resources that are Out of the Ordinary
  • June 14 – Transforming Library Staff Learning Through Technology Skills Assessments

To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.

The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

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NCompass Live: Pretty Sweet Tech – Computers in Libraries 2023 Highlights & Trends

Posted on April 21, 2023 by Christa Porter

Highlights and Trends from Computers in Libraries 2023 will be shared on next week’s Pretty Sweet Tech NCompass Live webinar, on Wednesday, April 26 at 10am CT.

Special monthly episodes of NCompass Live! Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.

Computers in Libraries is the world’s leading technology and innovation conference for librarians! In this session I will cover come of the awesome ideas, tools, tips and tricks of the trade I picked up while in D.C. this year. I was a moderator for one of the tracks this year, so some of the highlights are skewed heavily towards UX Design and Website Revamps, but that is not a bad thing!

Here’s a preview of some of the trends I will cover:

  • New User Experience Library Trends
  • Partnerships to Expand Services
  • Workforce Development & Business Librarianship
  • Techy Goodness (obviously!)

I hope to see you there! As a side note, if you’re looking for more emerging tech trends in the library, check out Computers in Libraries magazine.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • May 3 – Public Libraries & Wikipedia: Creative Collaborations
  • May 10 – The 2023 Public Library Accreditation Process
  • May 17 – Read the Rainbow: Serving the LGBTQ+ Community in Your Library
  • May 24 – La Biblioteca Es Para Ti – Building Community Relationships in a Different Language
  • May 31 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Bots for the Community!
  • June 7 – In Search of the Obscure – Using Library & Online Sources to Find Resources that are Out of the Ordinary
  • June 14 – Transforming Library Staff Learning Through Technology Skills Assessments

To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.

The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

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NCompass Live: Pretty Sweet Tech: GrandPads: Creating Digital Connections for Older Adults

Posted on March 24, 2023 by Christa Porter

Learn how to plan and implement a GrandPad program, with tablets designed by older adults for older adults, on next week’s NCompass Live webinar, ‘GrandPads: Creating Digital Connections for Older Adults’, on Wednesday, March 29 at 10am CT.

Special monthly episodes of NCompass Live! Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.

During the pandemic, social isolation became a significant problem for many seniors, who were also the most vulnerable to COVID-19. On top of the isolation, the persistent digital divide left many older adults in the St. Louis area either without internet access, a device, the skills to use digital technology, or all three. St. Louis County Library devised a way to serve the digital needs of the community through an innovative program of lending GrandPads to isolated, low-income older adults. GrandPads are tablets designed by older adults for older adults with a simple, intuitive, and decluttered design. In this session, learn how St. Louis County Library planned and implemented the GrandPad program, including securing $1,000,000 in funding from local government, reviewing applications, and distributing and administering the GrandPads.

Guest Presenter: Eric Button, Deputy Director, St. Louis County Library.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • April 5 – T(w)eens: Programming, Partnership, and Burnout
  • April 12 – Art Show! Where Art and Science Meet to Bring the Community Together
  • April 19 – Creative Aging Arts Program for Nebraska Libraries
  • April 26 – Pretty Sweet Tech
  • May 17 – Read the Rainbow: Serving the LGBTQ+ Community in Your Library
  • May 24 – La Biblioteca Es Para Ti – Building Community Relationships in a Different Language
  • May 31 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Bots for the Community!

For more information, to register for NCompass Live, or to listen to recordings of past events, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website. The show is presented online using the GoToWebinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoToWebinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

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NCompass Live: Pretty Sweet Tech: Makerspaces: Hubs for Interdisciplinary Learning

Posted on February 17, 2023 by Christa Porter

Learn how to demonstrate the impact of maker-centered learning on student success in any discipline on next week’s NCompass Live webinar, ‘Makerspaces: Hubs for Interdisciplinary Learning’, on Wednesday, February 22 at 10am CT.

Special monthly episodes of NCompass Live! Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.

Makerspaces and maker-centered instruction continue to grow in academic libraries. However, it may not always be clear how makerspaces support the missions of academic libraries, or how they further the goals of information literacy. Explore makerspaces as tools for helping students develop non-cognitive skills that are crucial to mastering the threshold concepts for information literacy. Using specific interdisciplinary classroom examples, Nagle explores how connecting maker-centered learning to the ACRL Framework centers makerspaces within the core missions of academic libraries, ensuring that makerspaces remain relevant and on the cutting edge of library trends. These learning outcomes expand partnership possibilities across campus by demonstrating the impact of maker-centered learning on student success in any discipline.

Presenter: Sarah Nagle, Creation and Innovation Services Librarian, Miami University Libraries, Oxford, OH.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • March 1 – 2023 One Book One Nebraska: The Mystery of Hunting’s End
  • March 8 – Read the Rainbow: Serving the LGBTQ+ Community in Your Library
  • April 19 – Creative Aging Arts Program for Nebraska Libraries

For more information, to register for NCompass Live, or to listen to recordings of past events, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website. The show is presented online using the GoToWebinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoToWebinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

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NCompass Live: Pretty Sweet Tech: Learn About TechGirlz & Inspire Girls in Your Community Today!

Posted on January 20, 2023 by Christa Porter

Learn how your library can work with TechGirlz to empower girls to be future technology leaders on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, January 25 at 10am CT.

Special monthly episodes of NCompass Live! Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.

TechGirlz is a non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire middle school girls to explore all the possibilities in technology to empower their future careers. They accomplish this mission through free, hands-on, project-based workshops called TechShopz. TechGirlz provides the curriculum, a playbook on how to run a workshop, marketing, and registration support to organizations that want to impact their community by leading a group of girls in a fun, interactive program. Join us to learn how your library can work with TechGirlz.

Presenter: Sara Neiman, Senior Specialist, Program Operations, TechGirlz.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • Feb. 1 – A New Partnership to Provide Tax Preparation Services to Hard-to-Reach Taxpayers
  • Feb. 8 – Accessibility Isn’t Just for Patrons! Internal Documentation for Everyone
  • Feb. 15 – Digital Libraries as Digital Third Place: Virtual Library Programming
  • Feb. 22 – Pretty Sweet Tech
  • March 1 – 2023 One Book One Nebraska: ‘The Mystery of Hunting’s End’
  • March 8 – Read the Rainbow: Serving the LGBTQ+ Community in Your Library

For more information, to register for NCompass Live, or to listen to recordings of past events, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website. The show is presented online using the GoToWebinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoToWebinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

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