ASRT minutes, November 17, 2016

Attendees:

Kelly, Springville Road
Shannon, Hoover
Leslie, BPL Central
Laura, BPL Southern History
Lutheria, Springville Road
Jonathan, Avondale
Maura, Trussville
Katie, EOM
Deidre, Bessemer
Roy Williams, BPL

“Good promotion is like Chinese food. When it's done right, it's slightly enticing and pleasantly satisfying. And shortly after it's finished, you want to go back for a little bit more. Creating good promotion can be like preparing Chinese food. You may or may not have all the right tools and skills. If not, then you probably want to order out to get it. But you'll choose your vendor carefully, to be sure that you'll get just the right flavor combination that you're looking for.”   Computers in Libraries Vol. 23 No. 5 — May 2004

Simple approach:  Have a rotating screensaver promotion of in-house programs and promotions.

More involved:  Partner with local shops to make promotion of library events a shared community plan.

v Mango Languages:  Newly expanded by JCLC – get the word out to targeted audiences.  Emphasize how Mango also focuses on different ways of learning, i.e. English for Hindi speakers, English for Chinese speakers, etc.

v Facebook: 

o   Why not have Facebook contests to raise the # of “likes” for your library FB page?  Ask library-related questions and give away something simple.

o   Experiment with Facebook LIVE – very trendy right now.

o   Check out FB groups such as “You Know You Grew Up In Birmingham…”

o   Cross-post and update information regularly.

o   Look for ways to post patron testimonials – very popular.

o   If appropriate, pay for a FB ad to push an event or program.

v Checks & Balances:

o   Always have another person, if not more, proof what you are putting online or what you put on a simple flyer.  Mistakes can cost you!

o   Create a “checklist” for your own use to make sure you hit all the right things for your promotion: 

§  List each outlet of promotion

§  List all dates that you post

§  Check for any calendar conflicts

§  Add/change as needed

v Roy Williams, Director of Public Relations for BPL

o   Submit programs 60 days in advance

o   Don’t forget to include the Evance information so that it can get posted

o   Below, you’ll see a 101 course on posting your events to AL.com

o   Don’t forget to use editor@WELDbham.com to possibly have your events covered by WELD magazine

o   Consider your event for Roy’s radio program, Biz Talk with Roy Williams.  Biz Talk With Roy Williams Radio Show Background - Airing Saturdays 7:30-8 pm on WAGG 610 AM, live-streaming at www.610wagg.com

v Other ideas for promotion:

o   Elizabeth Swift can do an Eblast, but these are reserved for BIG events.  All requests go through her.  An Eblast is when specific patrons are sent emails for events according to their email addresses in Sierra.

o   Use ReferenceUSA to create an emailing list of new residents.  Use something free like Mailchimp.com to create an emailing list giving new patrons information about their branch library.

o   Utilizing the Chamber of Commerce might prove beneficial when reaching out to your area businesses.

o   For programs aimed at the Hispanic community, contact HICA (Hispanic Coalition) at 205-942-5505, introduce yourself and ask for the best contact information for your needs.  Or, their generic email address is info@hispanicinterest.org. 

v Websites to check out:

o   New Marketing Trends:  Marketing ideas for Nonprofits and Libraries: The M Word helps librarians learn about marketing trends and ideas.  http://themwordblog.blogspot.com/

v Hoover now subscribes to Ebsco’s NoveList Plus.  As a result, we also get “LibraryAware” which provides ways to create and publish marketing materials for events or just to post a booklist.  INVESTIGATING:  With a new partnership between Bibliotheca and NoveList, we are researching the possibility of providing patrons RA at checkout.  How it works:  as patrons check out on Bibliotheca self-checkout machines, the information would be read by NoveList and recommendations based on the books checked out would appear.  For more advanced self-checkout machines, the patron will be able to follow a link to place a hold on those recommendations.  (This is similar to what Barnes & Noble has when you pay for your books.  A list of recommended books appear on your receipt.)  Upshot:  Anytime you can give a patron their ROI, they are instantly your champion!

Don't forget to join the group "ALA Think Tank" on Facebook to share/inform ideas on librarianship.  Also there is a group called to

 Library Marketing and Communications Conference Group -- might prove useful!

AL.com Posting 101 

November 2016

From Roy L. Williams, Director of Public Relations at Birmingham Public Library and CEO of Williams Writing Solutions, Birmingham, AL

When you do postings on al.com you need to do three things:

1. Set up an account on al.com using an email address - I have one set up under personal email & another using work email

2. Create a user name - example – mine at work is BirminghamPublicLibrary

3. Create a password

The AL.com link to register, sign in and post releases is:
http://blog.al.com/press-releases/index.html

Also you can post calendar items and photos on al.com

To post items on City Scene or other calendars on al.com go to 

http://myevent.al.com/web/event.php

To post photos on al.com go to www.al.com/photos

Or email photos@al.com

Roy L. Williams
Director of Public Relations
Birmingham Public Library, 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203
Work Phone: (205) 226-⁠3746 Work cell (205) 568-0067, Personal cell (205) 572-1359
Work E-mail: rlwilliams@bham.lib.al.us,   Personal Email Biztalkwithroy@gmail.com

**Below is an example of a post I did on Oct. 9, 2016 -it takes up to 24 hours to get on though I got one up in 2 hours Friday using my home email after work one did not go through - I suggest you set up accounts on both work email and personal email account as a backup

Bards & Brews to close out 2015 Eat Drink Read Write festival, posted Friday, Oct. 9, 2015

http://blog.al.com/press-releases/2015/10/bards_brews_to_close_out_2015.html

Join us on Thursday, November 17 at the Springville Road branch to talk about library promotions and PR. Come prepared to share and learn. We meet at 10 am. Hope to see a big crowd!

Check out this interesting post from Tripod:

http://star61451.tripod.com/marketingthelibrary/id10.html

Please take a moment to vote for next year's topics for ASRT!  Thanks!  Go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RVKCNJB


9/15/16
Adult Services Roundtable Meeting Minutes
Location:  Bessemer Library
Topic:  Unique spaces/collections

Attendees:
Madalyn, Hoover
Shannon, Hoover
Deidre, Bessemer
Kelly, Springville Road
Maura, Trussville
Terri, Vestavia Hills
Christina, East Lake
Megan, Bessemer
Lori, Bessemer
Michelle, Irondale
Leigh, North Birmingham

Thank you to Deidre Sims and the staff at Bessemer for hosting us!

We talked informally about several things that are being circulated throughout the county.  Specifically, Madalyn from Hoover talked about the newest edition: adult designer board games.  These have been a HUGE hit at Hoover.  (I will include a link to the borrowing/processing details for other libraries to see.) When I posted a photo of the display of adult games on ALA Think Tank, we got nationwide attention and responses.  (If you haven't joined the ALA Think Tank group on Facebook, I highly encourage you do so.  There is also a "Programming Librarian" and "Libraries & Social Media" groups that are also invaluable.)  This unique collection is appealing to a younger demographic that might not be very active in public library usage.  Here are some documents detailing the program:

Board Game Collection Guidelines.docx

Board Game Lending Procedures.docx

Board Game Patron Lending Agreement 2016.docx

Board Game Descriptions (with images).xlsx

In addition to board games, Hoover circulates Samsung tablets (taking the place of Nooks), Roku sticks (preloaded with all those "free" digital copies that now come with all our DVD/Blu-Ray copies), and WIFI hotspots.  Several other libraries now circulate WIFI hotspots and are beginning to look into other technological devices to circulate.  Currently, Hoover has 5 Roku sticks that are being circulated.  The goal is to have them loaded with like movies to create "movie bundles/binge packages" on one device.

At Avondale, Ms. Eve has developed a Ukelele Lending program.  According to Carla Perkins, "We began this program after Mrs. Eve read about similar programs in Portland, Maine, Gretna, Nebraska, Athens, Georgia, and more.  After doing much research, Mrs. Eve wrote a proposal, including all the relevant circulation and cost information provided by the above mentioned libraries, as well as studies linking the study of music to improved academic performance and reduced stress levels.  A small local music store, (Fretted Instruments in Homewood, Alabama) donated 5 ukuleles to get us started.  When they saw the great demand they brought 8 more over for a total of 13.   They all came with a very thin vinyl case which we are hoping will be enough to protect them. No damage so far!  In addition to circulating the ukuleles, Mrs. Eve is teaching a once per month Saturday morning Ukulele 101 beginner’s course. The response from the community has been overwhelmingly favorable.

Specifics:
The check out period for the ukulele is the same as for a book -⁠3 weeks.
The instrument checks out with a book, 21 songs in 6 days, by Jenny Peters and Rebecca Bogart
The Ukulele must be picked up and returned to the Avondale Library Youth Department, Birmingham Public Library System
The fee for lost or damaged instruments is $50.00
They are catalogued as ukuleles 3D
To help with maintenance, Fretted Instruments also donated extra strings"

So far, so good!!  This type of thing will appeal to kids, teens and adults.  And the addition of a "101" class is genius!

Another thing that was discussed were Playaway's "LaunchPads" that are circulating in children's departments.  These are preloaded with games & material such as brain games, math games, STEM games, etc.  For now, most are aimed at children but some libraries will be adding adult learning materials too loaded with things like crosswords, quizzes and brain games.

Lastly, we opened up the floor to discussion of a variety of things we've heard are circulating around the country such as cake pans, neckties, knitting & craft tools and household tools. BPL downtown has for many years circulated art objects --  painting and sculptures -- to anyone for longer loan periods.  These unique collections can make us a wonderful testing ground for adults who like to try before they buy.  One cutting-edge item discussed were Virtual Reality Goggles.  

It was discussed that perhaps ASRT could create a spreadsheet that includes what libraries have what type of collection and their respective lending requirements.  Also, possibly creating a checklist for unique collections  -- a one-stop-shop for anyone considering investing in a unique/unusual collection.  What is your opinion?

Next Meeting:  Thursday, November 17, 2016 @ 10 am

Location:  Springville Road Library

Topic:  Library Public Relations/Promotions

Vote for 2017 topics for Adult Services Roundtable to discuss.  Here is a link to the survey:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RVKCNJB

Thanks!

Clear your calendars!  Save the date!

Next week on September 15th at the Bessemer Library, we will meet at 10 am to discuss "Makerspaces & Unique Collections".  If you have any questions about a special collection whether it be adult board games, videogames, or ukeleles -- along with the most current trend on the horizon, Makerspaces -- come to this meeting to find out more.  We need both sides, those with the collections and those interested in adding them.  What troubles or benefits have you come across?  How are you dealing with processing & checkouts?  Do you wonder if it is all worth it?  Come with questions (and answers if you have them!)

We will also be voting on 2017 topics/moderator/locations for meetings.  Make your voice heard.

There will be coffee and pastries!

Thank you!!

Shannon Haddock

ASRT Meeting Minutes, Topic: Employment Search Support

July 21, 2016
Adult Services Roundtable

Topic:  Employee Search Support

Attendees:
Shannon, Hoover
Kelly, Springville Road
Leslie, BPL
Debbie, Leeds
Terri, Vestavia Hills
Pam, Southside
Susan, Trussville
Deidre Sims, Bessemer
Michelle, Irondale
Laura, BPL
Special Guest:  Bill Carlson, InfoGroup, ReferenceUSA

NEXT MEETING:  September 15, 2016 at Bessemer Library TOPIC:  Maker spaces, Unique places/collections

How do we keep our patrons from going on Internet Explorer and googling "resumes"?  We talked about ways to intervene with patrons so that we can direct them to proper tools in searching for jobs online and in building resumes more efficiently and effectively.  Too many patrons are finding resume builders online, spending too much time building something, then finding out the service charges for the template.  It was suggested that we investigate the possibility of posting a link on the library desktop.

Microsoft Resume Template is one of the basic tools we have to offer patrons.  

Other things we can do is direct them to Learning Express (we are very much in the mode of "use-it-or-lose-it" with many of our database tools).  Learning Express provides high-school equivalency information, software tutorials, adult learning, and a career center.  There is also a great number of testing practices within this resource.

For example, did you know that ALL basic food service entry-level applicants have to pass a Food Safety Certification through Jefferson County? These certification tests are available online through the JeffCo Health Department:(http://www.statefoodsafety.com/food-handler/alabama/jefferson-county)

Some library employees encourage patrons to visit the Alabama Career Centers.  There, people are trained and paid to attend to employment needs such as basic resume building, certification help and completion, and many other aspects of prospective employment. https://joblink.alabama.gov/ada/r/resources

Another example of libraries in action is Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest.  Their Tech Department leads classes on resume building.  One noted thing they mention to prospective applicants is the importance of including "keywords" in your resume.  By that it means that now, computer programs are reading resumes and those computers are programmed to look for specific terms in a resume -- called Optical Character Recognition.  OCR means if your wonderful resume doesn't mention specific things, it will never even reach a human for further consideration.  VH works to help patrons include vital terminology so that their resumes can get past the computers and into the hands of humans.  (Learn something new/frightening everyday!)

Another resource for our libraries to use is Homework Alabama.  Surprisingly, they provide support/help 10 am - 10 pm job search assistance.  Once you've arrived at the Homework Alabama website, you can visit the "Adult Education and Career Center" to learn more.  

I brought up the question of whether patrons are asking for the use of computers for online interviews through webcams, Skype, or Google Hangouts, etc.  No one said that they had had too much of this but there was concern brought up about patrons needing quiet spaces to conduct interviews using the library's WIFI (bringing their own equipment). It was noted that librarians would benefit from a community listing of available quiet/conference rooms available to the public in spaces other than the library.  For example, Habitat for Humanity's ReStore in Irondale provides a free quiet conference room to the public.  This might be a valuable resource to market to Chamber of Commerce offices too.

Please post here or on our Facebook page if you have other employment search support tools not mentioned here.  The more ideas, the better!!

Next, InfoGroup's ReferenceUSA database presented by Bill Carlson.

Bill's business card (if anyone wants to contact him for more information.)



Bill highlighted tools on ReferenceUSA that could be used by prospective job hunters.  For instance, on the front page of RefUSA, you see a selection for US Jobs/Internships. Evidently, InfoGroup generates content for this section *everyday*.  By using the site Indeed.com, which is a job search aggregate, they can merge job openings with their own research into companies and provide a depth of information to the job seeker that can help them in the search.  


For several screenshots of links on ReferenceUSA that are key for patron job searches, please go to this document in Google docs.

We will be having a very special guest on Thursday, July 21st at the Adult Service Roundtable meeting.  The meeting starts at 10 am with a discussion on Employee Search Support, then Bill Carlson from Reference USA will be showing us expert tips on his database.  Bill is traveling quite a distance to meet with us, so please consider making it over if you possibly can.  Please bring your ideas, tips, resources for helping our patrons find their dream jobs, then stay for some advanced tips that may be new to you.  

Where:  Hoover Library's Children's Programming Room
When:  10 am to noon (?)
Who:  EVERYONE!!!

JCPLA Staff Day Awards





Librarian of the Year


The Librarian of the Year award will be presented to a professional librarian for outstanding achievement and accomplishments in librarianship within Jefferson County.


Eligibility Any working librarian serving in a professional capacity in a Jefferson County public library who holds a Master’s degree in library information studies.





Paralibrarian of the Year


The Paralibrarian Award shall be presented to an exceptional library employee who has contributed to the advancement of library service in Jefferson County.


Eligibility


Open to any library support staff working in a Jefferson County public library. This individual may not have obtained a professional library degree.


Nomination Process Nominating letters should name the candidate, nominator, and describe in 250 words or less why the nominee is deserving of recognition. Additional letters of support are welcome but not required.






Anyone working in a Jefferson County Public Library may submit a nomination for Librarian of the Year and Paralibrarian of the Year. Nominations are due July 5, 2016. Submit nominations to April Wallace, JCPLA Parliamentarian at adeaton@bham.lib.al.us.

Topic:  Using Social Media to Your Advantage

Thursday, May 19, Hoover Public Library

Next Meeting:  Thursday, July 21, 10 am in the Children's Programming Room of the Hoover Library.  Topic:  Employment Search Support, also:  Demonstration of advanced search tips on ReferenceUSA.  (Representative coming in special from out-of-town.  Please try to attend!!!!)

Attendees:
Shannon, Hoover
Joel, Hoover
Teresa, Southside
Ginny, Leeds
Kelly, Springville Road
Jon, Avondale
Maura, Trussville
Deidre, Bessemer
Michelle, Irondale

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Pinterest, GoodReads.com, NextDoor.com, Meetup.com - what are your favorites?  Which does your libraries utilize?

Joel talked about a session at ALA in San Francisco presented by NYPL about their usage of all things social media.  Fortunately, they have dedicated staff.  One of their main tips was to avoid simply using social media as an events calendar.  People will quickly learn not to pay attention if that is all you have to offer.  They suggested fostering intellectual curiosity.  For example, Hoover posted something about NASA's astronaut applications and their efforts to find qualified applicants.  Response was amazing.  Another example is that if your book group is reading a particular author's work and they are actually on social media, it behooves you to tag them.  When Joel posted that Hoover would be discussing Shanghai Girls by Lisa See, she responded that she would love to Skype with us if that was possible.  You never know about the response.  Another post about Cornell's Bird Call Library was re-posted and shared widely.  Sources for book-related posts abound through publishers, news agents, etc.  Being re-posted and shared is vital to getting your name brand out there as someone worthy of a person's screen time.

Other success stories come from other branches such as Pinson, whose very own "Socks the Library Cat" has a wonderful following.  Another library posted pics of their pet lizard "holding" a library card.  Photo ops make for great, quick posts.  Joel spoke of responses from around the world at all hours of the night and day.  Although he usually tries to respond in a timely fashion, responding to questions from social media is important and hopefully can be done during the workday.  He spoke on the use of both Facebook and Twitter.

He emphasized that if you are going to undertake anything other than Facebook, it is important to research and learn what is unique about each social media vehicle -- not just repost Facebook content to Snapchat, etc.  Unique audiences choose their platform for specific reasons and do not want to just see the same content over multiple platforms.  For example, Twitter is for short messages and posts under 140 characters.  SnapChat is for images, video, etc.

An up and coming app that Joel recommends is the List App created and promoted by actor/writer BJ Novak.  Evidently it is for lists of all kinds -- perfect for a library to use to promote materials.  As of now, they do not have a desktop application, but it is expected down the line.  (Pinterest is also useful for a visual display of books or pictures from programs.)

Jon spoke of posting Cornell Lab's annual backyard bird count.  Things like this are intellectually stimulating and create wide interest throughout the community.  Another networking opportunity came along for Joel when he posted his musical acts performing at the library and a new whole network of musicians became aware of the library's performing space and have contacted or come to the library in regards to future performances.  For those more popular focused groups, such as Hoover's "Game Night" followers, it was beneficial to create a separate FB group in order to channel talk about new games, schedule changes, etc.

Of course, all of this not only takes up staff time, but also takes time to grow an audience/following.  However, it can reach new audiences and that is critical for public libraries.  Kelly pointed out that she became aware of scheduling your FB posts ahead of time to help in time management.  Joel spoke on having to sometimes be hyper-vigilant of "inappropriate" posts or followers to the library's many outlets.  Self-policing is necessary in order to moderate your social media.  "You can't totally be in control of your social media narrative," stated Joel.  There may be inappropriate language and/or photos that may cause harm.

Michelle brought up that you can also purchase FB advertising that can target a specific message.  It is relatively cheap and effective.  You can create a niche for specific types of activities or performances and with FB advertising, you can look at the analytics in real-time.  You can choose up to 10 factors such as geography, age, sex, zip code, etc. with a minimum cost of $1/day.

Shannon spoke on other social media venues such as Ravelry.com for knitters and crocheters.  This network is perfect for those craft groups and/or reaching a specified audience.  Also, NextDoor.com can be useful in targeting just your neighborhood for social gathering or new services you wish to get to a targeted audience.  GoodReads.com was mentioned but it was also stated that since Amazon.com had bought the site, it was much less useful.

Please feel free to post your own experiences and uses of social media so that we can have an ongoing conversation on this topic.

Please note the following updates and changes.

UPCOMING MEETINGS:

May 19, 2016 at Hoover Library
  Topic:  Using Social Media to Your Advantage

July 21, 2016 at Hoover Library (change:  Children’s Programming Room)
Topic:  Employment Search Support  

Product Review:  Reference USA (expert tips from Bill Carlson)

September 15, 2016 at Bessemer Public Library

Topic:  Maker Spaces & Unique Places/Collections

November 17, 2016 at Springville Road, BPL
Topic:  Library PR, promoting events, collections

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Attendees:
Shannon, Hoover
Pam, Hoover
Kelly, Springville Road
Leslie, BPL
Maura, Trussville
Caleb, BPL
Debbie, Leeds
Holley, EOL
Deidre, Bessemer
Leigh, North B'ham
Terri, Vestavia Hills

Thank you to Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest for volunteering their location for our meeting.  I am looking for a volunteer guest library for our September 15 meeting. Hopefully that location will be decided soon.

General announcement:  During our July 21st ASRT meeting (topic: employment search support) we will welcome Bill Carlson of Reference USA to discuss more in-depth uses for the database, along with particular uses for employment searches.  Please plan to join us so that we can fully utilize this resource.

Our topic today was Adult Outreach, Programs and Collections.  Most libraries spoke on their long-existing book groups, some of which take place in Assisted Living facilities, Senior Centers, or as, Homewood and Vestavia Hills does, at a local restaurant.  These seem to have loyal followings.  It was noted that if you do go to other facilities, it might be helpful to check out fiction book kits from the Hoover Library. These check out for six weeks and have over 10 copies of each book title.  Here's the link to the latest kit titles.  Terri talked about sponsoring a local group at the Cahaba Brewing Company as a way to start an outside book group. This group continues its "Literary Libations" on the last Wednesday of every month and is no longer affiliated with VH. She also talked about a very loyal group of attendees to a book group that currently meets at the Pita Stop in Cahaba Heights monthly.

Holley spoke about her library's book talks done about twice a year.  The staff there presents the latest reads and gives out wish lists so that participants can be placed on holds for whatever they want.  Other libraries have done this for community groups, garden groups, etc.  Sometimes, it is more of a presentation of services to an audience that may be unaware of what happens at their library.  Sometimes this is because a neighborhood or community is far-flung from the nearest branch.  Raising awareness is a crucial part of our jobs, of course.

Another outside activity is Hoover's example of Trivia Night at Beef O'Brady's restaurant. This is held the second Monday of every month and is open to the public.  Lauren develops individual trivia questions based on a particular theme, always trying to incorporate some library trivia throughout. This has garnered quite a following.

That was about all of the programs mentioned that are out in the community, but we did talk about other efforts to bring patrons into the library such as the very popular adult coloring programs.  These are very passive, minimalist programs that run on Hawaiian Punch and cookies!  Other popular efforts involve fiber arts programs, lessons and talks along with crafting such as sewing (both Springville Road and Leeds have sewing machines at their libraries!)

Caleb mentioned that as a result of one individual requesting a trivia contest to be held at the library for their family reunion, this will be developed into an offering to other local family reunions.  All departments participate and can last all day for the family members.

Besides programs, we also discussed particular special materials that are currently circulating at various libraries.  Hoover has Nooks, Samsung tablets, adult designer board games, adult video games, and Internet hotspots.  Other libraries do have Internet hotspots that are extremely popular.  BPL Central branch also checks out Art pieces to the community for a two-month circulation period.  Although Hoover's experience with these new types of collections so far is new, everyone agrees it has brought in an untapped dynamic of the community to the library.  

What are your experiences with alternative outreach or alternative collections?  Have you read about other libraries doing something innovative?  Please feel free to visit the Facebook page for JCPLA Adult Services Roundtable for an open discussion!

Don't forget:  This Thursday's (3/17/16) meeting is at the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest.  Our meeting will be in the Community Room which is the first left as you enter the lobby beginning at 10 am.  Our topic:  Adult Outreach, Programs and Collections.  Not guest speaker, just us!  Let's have a lively discussion!

January 21, 2016

Attendees:
Shannon, Hoover
Kelly, Springville Road
Leslie, BPL Downtown
Terri, Vestavia Hills
Holley, EOM
Michelle, Irondale
Edward, Homewood
Maura, Trussville
Debbie, Leeds
Bryce, Hoover
Leigh, North Birmingham

Topic:  REFERENCE RESOURCES

Because of a health issue, our speaker, Greg Sumner from Mergent, was unable to attend the Roundtable meeting.  Therefore, we all discussed various reference resources that we utilize.

A number of participants emphasized that a great deal of their marketing questions are answered using Reference USA, to which the entire county has access.  BPL purchases Alabama Legal Forms/Gale Legal Forms Library which is very useful.  Springville Road also noted that the online version of the Occupational Outlook Handbook  proves invaluable for job hunters.

One participant asked about the particularly thorny question of finding locally-focused competitor information -- ie.. for very small businesses.  It was suggested that Reference USA did provide some of this.  We discussed the possibility of having more in-depth training on this resource in the near future.

One very important notice was mentioned:  if we do not utilize and spread the word about HomeWork Help/Tutor.com, we may lose the resource.  PLEASE get with any teachers in your area to convey how important this source can be.  Spread the word!  For more information, please logon to Tutor.com with the password:  APL36117.   Parents and students alike can take advantage of this valuable resource by going to http://homework.apls.state.al.us daily from 1 pm to 10 pm.  (All sessions are online with professional tutors.) Perhaps one suggestion can help:  find out when your area schools have their Teacher Training Days and make sure the information gets to them.  Tutor.com also has downloadable training and marketing materials online.  Use it or lose it!

If you were not aware, the famous "Opposing Viewpoints" resources can be accessed online through Gale online.  We also discussed the ever useful Consumer Reports and their Buying Guides.  For those that don't subscribe to the hard copy, it can be found via Serial Solutions or Masterfile Premier.  Most of the larger libraries still pay to send back copies to the Bindery (if they survive).

Now, most libraries are getting rid of their Chilton Auto Repair books in favor of the online version. Evidently,the online version utilizes multiple drop-down menus for different types of repair, along with helpful videos.  Another participant mentioned that if a patron is looking for small engine repair to no avail, to try Google Images for schematics and that might provide helpful for repair.

For Fiction help, Fantastic Fiction was highly recommended.  It is especially good for printing lists of book series -- although it may not look like it, the print version strips out all graphics, photos and other information to just list the books in order, which is usually what the patron wants.  Gnooks was recommended for read-alikes.  This source presents the user with a word-cloud association for any given author.

Another item recommended were shelf talkers.  Hoover orders plastic shelf talkers from Brodart, the item is called "Opening the Book Reader to Reader Frames."  However, any library could just print shelf talkers on cardstock and post on the shelves.  Most often used are those that list series titles in order for people that don't want to ask at the desk.

Please:  if you have a well-loved resource for a particular use or want to recommend something, please share here!!

NEXT ADULT SERVICES ROUNDTABLE MEETING:  Thursday, March 17, 2016 at 10 am at the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest.  Topic:  Adult Outreach, Collections and Programs.