Things You Need to Know about Protecting Your Online Reputation

You don’t have to be running for a political position or a new job to care about your online reputation. Almost everything you do online is easy to track, especially when you’re using social media sites. This infographic shows you how to manage your “e-reputation,” perhaps saving you some embarrassment, or even your career.
It’s filled with tips, techniques and information about what companies and individuals are looking for inside your personal profiles and social information, and what you can do to show off your best side to those who might want to find out unflattering things about you.
So, this would be a good time to do a bit of backtracking, cleaning up those mistakes you made in the past as much as you can, and at the same time, keeping an eye on your online behavior so there won’t be anything to hide in the future.

Read more at: http://mashable.com/2011/11/02/protecting-your-online-reputation/

Automate the Web with "If This Then That"

The website http://ifttt.com, which stands for "If This Then That," allows you to makes things happen online as a result of something else happening. The If/Then is a reference to logical casusality, and in this case basically means,"if this one thing happens on the internet, then do this other thing automatically." They explain it very well on their "About" page.

There already are some tools that offer consequence-action services (like Google Alerts, getting an email if someone comments on your flickr photos, using Twitterfeed to automatically tweet blog posts, etc). This one, however, seems to be the most versatile, because it isn't service-dependent, it does more than just notifications, and it lets you manage all your notifications from one service.

There are lots of triggers and actions available, and it seems limited only by your imagination. But of course, like with any online tool, the more you use it, the bigger impact you'll feel if it suddenly goes away - which never stopped me before.

This is a tool I think peoople can use on an individual basis - I say this because it offers notifications by text, phone, and email, and triggers can be calendar events, feeds, and more.

Convert Files

Ever find yourself at the library, at home, or at work and the computer won't open your file because the program to open it isn't available!?! Have no fear, go to the Convert Files website. It's a free and simple online file converter that works with a wide range of file types. It will convert any document, archive file, spreadsheet, audio and video file from one format to another. Just upload your file by clicking the Browse button, choose the format you'd like to convert to, and then click convert.

http://www.convertfiles.com

App for iPhone: Local Books By Concept House

This free app is similar to UrbanSpoon for restaurants, LocalBooks lets users know about libraries, bookstores, and bookish events near their location.

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 2.2.1 or later.

Check Out the Encore SWAN Catalog

Encore is an innovative way to find materials in the library collections. It functions like a search engine, so you do not need to search by title, author or subject.

Type what you are looking for in the search box and click GO! Encore will return a list of related items. If you do not see what you are looking for, use the "Refine by" options to narrow down what you are looking for by format, subject, or library location.

http://swanencore.mls.lib.il.us/iii/encore/home?lang=eng

eBook growth in public libraries powered by OverDrive results in record checkouts and new Users

I read an interesting article about Overdrive which our library circulates.

OverDrive released 3rd quarter 2011 results showing continued circulation growth at libraries and schools worldwide. Through September 30, the 15,000 libraries in the OverDrive network nearly triple the number of eBook checkouts versus all of 2010, as well as more than 2 million new users and expansion in mobile device use.

Contributing to this growth are a number of factors, including upgrades in the OverDrive platform, compatibility across major desktop and mobile devices including Kindle, and direct mobile access to devices including smartphones, tablets and Sony Reader.

Circulation statistics through September 30, 2011 at OverDrive's 15,000 libraries and schools worldwide:

• eBook checkouts already up 200% versus all of 2010 to more than 12 million and on pace to exceed 16 million
• Nearly 2 million new users signed up with libraries in the OverDrive network (on pace to nearly double in 2011 vs. 2010)
• Readers browsing on their smartphones and tablets grew significantly, as mobile checkouts increased to 21 percent of overall checkouts
• Installs of the free OverDrive Media Console application for eBook and audiobook reading and listening have passed 9 million, including more than 2 million on smartphones and tablets such as iPhone, iPad and Android

Check out OverDrive Media on Demand: http://www.mediaondemand.org/1CA9FAF7-88CD-4018-A14B-7AEBE325BAE3/10/678/en/Default.htm

October Programs

Beginner Computer Classes

Publisher

Monday, October 3rd (2-3:30pm)

Students learn how to create and edit flyers in Microsoft Publisher

Mouse & Keyboard

Wednesday, October 5th (1-2:30pm) 

Students practice learning how the mouse works and practice basic keyboarding skills.

Email 

Wednesday, October 19th (1-2:30pm)

Students set up and learn the basic functions of a Yahoo email account.

Computer Refresher Classes

Microsoft Publisher 

Thursday, October 20th (7-8:30pm)

Computer Refreshers are designed to help those who are familiar with Microsoft Office 2007 become more proficient with their use.

Technology Classes

eStory Time

2nd Monday of Month (2-2:30pm)

Join us as we bring Technology to Story Time with e-books and Smart Boards

Open to Children Ages 3 to 6 and Caregiver.

iPod & iTunes Basics

Monday, October 17th (2-3:00pm)

Join us as we take a look at how to use the popular mp3 device and music service.

Digital Camera Basics

Monday, October 24th (2-3:00pm)

Join us as we take a look at Digital Cameras and their functions.

E-Readers Made Easy

Monday, October 24th (7-8:30pm)
Join us as we take a look at eReaders, choosing the best eReader for you, checking out eBooks from the library, and more! Participants will also have the chance to interact with popular e-Book devices and get practical demonstrations.

Step Into Technology: Blogging

Join in this exciting new program as each month we explore a new technology. In each class, students will learn more about the month’s topic with hands-on instruction.  

     Weekend Edition 

     Saturday, October 1st (1-4:00pm)

     Covers the entire program in one sitting!  

     After 5 Edition

     Monday, October 3rd, 10th, & 17th (6-6:45pm)

     Breaks the program up into three units which you can take over 

     the course of 3 Mondays.

     Attendance at all sessions is required!

How to Register

You can register for all programs at the Richton Park Public Library. Call for more information: (708) 481-5333