Featured Post Added - Mary Fortezzo

The gadget that I choose was to add a Featured Post.  I think that a featured post is important to help the viewer have easier access to view our Blog.  Therefore, I chose Jen's QR code as our featured post. The viewer will be able to share and access our blog with ease.

Added Links List Gadget to provide link to Cowbird - Chris Kleit

I decided to add the Links List gadget so that I could provide a link to Cowbird.com. I provided a link to Cowbird because I want to encourage our blog readers to explore the over 70,000 digital stories stored in Cowbird's Library of Human Experience.

Image Gadget Added - Laura Bisagna

I added the Palomar College logo using the image gadget.  I thought it would be a nice addition to our blog, as we should all be proud of everything we've learned here at Palomar and all the work we've done -- it's been A LOT of work! LOL!  I also like the red star in the swoosh signifying that we are all reaching for the stars here, pursuing our educational goals. Great job, everyone, on doing such excellent work this semester.  While this online course may have made it a little bit harder to connect with classmates, I feel we've come to know a lot about each other through out discussion posts, this blog, as well as through projects and discussions in other classes.  It's been a pleasure taking this course with all of you.  Can you believe it's almost over?!  Congratulations, everyone!

Blog Gadgets:
The Blog Gadget I decided to add is "Our Favorite Things" Gadget. I chose this Gadget because I think when people view our Blog, some may be interested in what we like or recommend when it comes to books, movies, food, outings... I thought this would be a fun way to voice our likes and dislikes to our viewers.

 Our own QR Code.

                                                                                                                                                        Blog for Presentation Tools LIT 130

 I decided to add a QR code to our Blog. QR codes are used for just about anything now a days. One of our last assignments for our LIT 130 class showed us how QR codes can engage children in school making their learning experience interactive. I think it is a useful gadget to attach to our Blog, because we can send the QR code to anyone to make viewing our Blog that much faster. I've included a hyperlink to take you to the site I used to generate a QR code. It was easy and quick.
https://www.qr-code-generator.com/a1/?ut_source=google_c&ut_medium=cpc&ut_campaign=en_qr_code_generisch&ut_content=qr_code_free_exact&ut_term=free%20qr%20codes_e&gclid=CjwKCAjw5dnmBRACEiwAmMYGOSIqAfwggCvHQBPZXkhQupc-hwPSquZfGPk5jb3Gu0GbVxKw5Ut3nhoCVPQQAvD_BwE 

Text Gadget Addition - Brigitte Foisy

I thought it would be a nice addition to include a text gadget in our blog. I selected the sidebar-right-1 location where many of our gadgets are located. I used this text gadget to create an "About Presentation Tools" where the reader would be able to see how this blog came to be and why☺
I think the text gadget would be very popular with bloggers, especially because you can add more that one. This is also convenient because you are not limited to what you can put in the text, the opportunities are left up to your creativity!

Contact Form Gadget - Erika Westrich

I chose to add the "Contact Form" gadget. I placed it in the righthand column at the bottom of the page. I feel that this is something every blog should contain because it allows followers to reach the writers of the blog to ask questions or raise concerns about the blog. Many times I have used a "contact us" gadget when I had a question about a post, a website that was mentioned or a product. I think it is a good way to keep readers involved and connected to the creator of the blog.

Blog Search Gadget Addition- Holly Verdugo

I added a Blog Search Gadget, titled "Search this Blog." I thought it would be a nice addition to our blog because there are so many great posts on our blog about different topics on presentation tools. If someone wanted to visit our blog and search for a certain topic, then that person can easily use the Blog Search Gadget to find that topic, instead of scrolling through the entire blog to locate the topic. I think it is a helpful tool or gadget to have.

Wikipedia Gadget added - Robyn Doi

Hello Bloggers,
I added the Wikipedia Gadget to our Blog. I thought this would be helpful to any of our readers so if they wanted to look up anything that we may be blogging about they could do so without leaving the blog directly. This is a website that is used often, and I thought it would be beneficial to anyone who visits this blog.

Gadget addition - Sarah Batok

I added the "report abuse" gadget to the bottom of our blog. I think it's important in the highly digital world we live in to monitor websites for potential abuses or inappropriate content. The "report abuse" gadget allows anyone visiting a site to report if there is someone making inappropriate posts, or using the site for ulterior purposes. This helps keep the website accountable for the information on the page, and allows people to focus on the expected content of the website rather than be bombarded by ads, solicitations, or hateful comments.

Virtual Reality - Chris Kleit

The increasing use of Virtual Reality in school libraries is a reflection of the digital age. Virtual Reality provides an opportunity for libraries to expand from their traditional role of providing access to information and the tools necessary for understanding information, to providing guidance to access information.  Virtual Reality in schools “consists of technology, primarily phones and viewers, that simulate a 3D experience, that immerses students in an environment otherwise unavailable. For education purposes” (Foglesong, 2019). Trevor Foglesong, a Teacher Librarian and technology lead at his school district, added the Google Expeditions (Virtual Reality) app as a type of maker space activity designed to help students visualize information in a new way in order to increase their ability to retain information (Foglesong, 2019). Since investing in the Expeditions app, Folgelsong has seen the positive impact that a Virtual Reality trip can have on student learning. He states that a student who merely listened to a lecture on the circulatory system will almost always forget what he had heard by the end of the school year. However, being immersed in a Virtual Reality trip that travels the lengths of the human body, will certainly have a lasting impact (Foglesong, 2019). Click on the below instructional video on how to use Google Expeditions with students.

Works Cited: 

Foglesong, Trevor. “Virtual Reality Changing Our Library Services, Not Our Vision.” CSLA Journal, vol.

     42, no. 2, Winter 2019, pp. 9–10. EBSCOhost,

     search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=134571623&site=eds-live.

Pioneer RESA Tech. "How To Use Google Expeditions with Students." YouTube, 21 Sept. 2016, https://youtu.be/0KgYntZ35fY

Digital Storytelling - Chris Kleit

Academic libraries are centers of education and they serve the students, faculty, and staff at their institutions through the implementation of digital storytelling programs. Digital storytelling can help students develop information literacy skills, which are vital for conducting research and information gathering from a variety of different sources. Students can develop visual literacy by creating and consuming digital stories because it encourages them to combine words with images, an important skill to have in the digital age. Digital storytelling can also help students to learn how to interpret images in a more abstract manner. For example, they can “see how images may be associated with concepts or emotions as opposed to having only a literal meaning” (Czarnecki, 2009).  Digital storytelling has also encouraged faculty to connect with both students and the scholarly community in new ways. For example, the personal voice “used in digital storytelling gives many a new and creative outlet for both talking about and thinking about their work in different ways” (Czarnecki, 2009). Click on the video below to watch the digital story titled "Universal Love" from Cowbird.com. Cowbird is a public library of human experience, with over 70,000 stories.

Works Cited:

Czarnecki, Kelly. “Chapter 4: Digital Storytelling in Different Library Settings.” Library

     Technology Reports, no. 7, 2009, p. 20. EBSCOhost,

     search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsgao&AN=edsgcl.211232127&site=eds-

     live.

Cowbird.com. "Universal Love." YouTube. 25 May 2014. https://youtu.be/uLcSuVGPqzw.

Libraries in the Digital Age - Chris Kleit

School library professionals are having to change the way they teach in the digital age.  For example, Chris Barnabei, a librarian at Chambersburg Area Career Magnet School took on a new role as technology integrator/librarian after his school implemented a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and project-based curriculum in which students are required to use iPads in their classes. Chris and other library staff have always taught their teachers new technology skills as a group, but now they work with them one-on-one to show them how to plan projects with the use of technology and also how to use apps and other resources in their classrooms.  In addition, besides teaching them skills in research and information literacy, Chris makes sure that he is available for tech support during class sessions. Chris found that while having to reinvent himself to stay relevant in the digital age has been a lot of work, it has also been very rewarding. Chris’ advice to anyone else who is willing to undertake a similar endeavor is to “have a willingness to take risks and learn from our failures” (Hammond and Barnabei, 2013).   Watch the short video below about the role of librarians in the digital age.

Works Cited:

Hammond, Joanne K., and Chris Barnabei. “Reinventing Ourselves in the Digital Age.” Library 

     Media Connection, no. 6, 2013, p. 14. EBSCOhost,

     search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsgao&AN=edsgcl.346371567&site=eds-live.

Harvard X. "Role of Librarians in the Digital Age." YouTube. YouTubehttps://youtu.be/C-QAEIcPNII. 30 April, 

     2019.

Presentation Tools - Chris Kleit

Prezi, a non-linear presentation of text and visuals that you can zoom in and out of on a 3-dimensional canvas, is a true alternative to PowerPoint and becoming an increasingly popular tool for library instruction. Prezi’s bracket and linking tools seem especially designed for building hierarchies, making the presentation software ideal for creating decision trees. Library staff are now creating decision trees to help English Literature students understand when a citation is necessary.  The decision tree walks “students through a number of citation scenarios, providing a solution for each situation” (Kiscaden, 2014). Decision trees are also being created to guide students through a process for downloading e-books onto their mobile devices. The decision tree functionality “allows students to walk through instructions and select what type of device they have (Android or iOS), ‘zooming’ into instructions for that particular device” (Kiscaden, 2014). Prezi offers some powerful tools for today’s library professionals. Click on the link to watch a Prezi tutorial for beginners.

Works Cited:

Kiscaden, Elizabeth. “Promoting Information Literacy with Prezi.” Computers in Libraries, 
no. 2, 2014. EBSCOhost,  

   search.ebscohost.com/login.aspxdirect=true&db=edsbig&AN=edsbig.A363191449&site=eds-live.

Prezi. "Prezi Tutorial for Beginners."

   https://prezi.com/t3juzxgelbl0/do-it-yourself-prezi-tutorial-beginner/

Digital Storytelling - Mary Fortezzo

     Digital storytelling, is a great tool to use to bring actual viewpoints of the participants. Seeing people and hearing them give an account of an event enhances the education of the student.  For example, this young man wanted to interview soldiers from WWII.  This type of storytelling preserves not only the stories but the actual history of an event.  Here is a clip that shows this Boy Scout interview a war hero.

http://highered.nbclearn.com.ezproxy.palomar.edu/portal/site/HigherEd/browse?cuecard=61641

Ellis, Rehema. "Boy Scout’s Mission: Sharing WWII Stories". NBC Learn, NBC Nightly News, 22 Oct. 2012, http://highered.nbclearn.com.ezproxy.palomar.edu/portal/site/HigherEd/browse?cuecard=61641

Digital Storytelling by Robyn Doi

Digital Storytelling was given as the Blog post topic. So my first question was What is Digital Storytelling? So the search began. First, Wikipedia states that "Digital storytelling" is a relatively new term which describes the new practice of everyday people who use digital tools to tell their 'story'. Digital stories often present in compelling and emotionally engaging formats, and can be interactive."

 To my surprise, Digital Storytelling is what my kids do all the time. My life is about photos not videos of any kind. My kids make videos about themselves or things happening around them almost daily. This is something I have not had any interest in doing. I love my photos in my scrapbooks. As the search and learning began I quickly realized that Digital Storytelling is just an extension of scrapbooking. How does this translate to libraries? Digital storytelling is a great way to show off a library or a collection in a library. It is also a great way to keep track of history by sharing stories (kind of like scrapbooking).

 I found a couple of videos that explain Digital storytelling and how to make one in PowerPoint.

Digital Storytelling with PowerPoint by Megan Grady

https://youtu.be/N2MbBSc6930

What is Digital Storytelling by Center for Arts-Inspired Learning

https://youtu.be/e5usc00wa40

Sources

“Digital Storytelling.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 15 Apr. 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_storytelling.

“What Is Digital Storytelling?” YouTube, 17 Jan. 2018, youtu.be/e5usc00wa40.

“Digital Storytelling with PowerPoint.” YouTube, 4 Mar. 2016, youtu.be/N2MbBSc6930.

Virtual Reality and Libraries – Erika Westrich

When you think of virtual reality, you think gaming - shooting zombies, crashing cars and fighting bad guys; but what if you could do more? What if you could walk through a book; see images played out all around you as an audio version of the book creates words and surround-sound in your ears? How about taking a trip, to a faraway land without ever leaving the comfort of an armchair in an air-conditioned library?

These things and many more could be in our futures as virtual technology advances. Companies such as Google and Facebook are creating or acquiring apps, programs and virtual technology devises to expand their portfolios’ and our lives. Websites/Apps like With.in (and their new, kid-friendly “Wonderscope”) are paving the way for content that will support and evolve the way we use a library. Every month With.in is adding new content to their site. Currently, the content is all new and original but it is just a matter of time before books, new and old, evolve into the virtual reality world; which book would you like to step into?

Works Cited:

Lambert, Troy. “Virtual Reality in the Library: Creating a New Experience.” Public Libraries Online. Public Library Association. 2019. www.publiclibrariesonline.org. Accessed 19 April 2019.

Roettgers, Janko. “A sense of Wonder: How Within Is Evolving Storytelling in Augmented Reality.” Variety. Variety Media, LLC. https://variety.com/2018/digital/features/within-wonderland-ar-storytelling-1203020435/. Accessed 19 April 2019.

Within. 2019. www.with.in. Accessed 19 April 2019.

Digital Storytelling – Erika Westrich

Digital storytelling is a way to use video, audio, photographs, graphic art, animation, and other forms of communication and media to tell a story. From Book trailers, and videoed book readings, to recording a journal entry digitally, even Instagram, Facebook and Twitter could all be considered forms of digital storytelling.

Librarians can use fun presentation tools to create stories about their library and their community. They could even offer such tools, in a hands-on program, as a fun way for kids (and adults) to learn about digital storytelling. One such digital presentation tool is Vyond.com. This program is a fun way to use characters and settings to create fun digital stories. The website has many examples listed under “showcase” that demonstrate how to use Vyond.

In a world that has gone digital, finding ways to create new and exciting stories is just a mouse click away.

Works Cited:

Schein, Christine. “Digital Presentation Tools.” Colorado Virtual Library. Colorado State Library. https://www.coloradovirtuallibrary.org/technology/digital-presentation-tools/. Accessed 22 April 2019.

Vyond. 2019. https://www.vyond.com/. Accessed 22 April 2019.

Presentation Tools in Libraries – Erika Westrich

Presentation tools are developing into the standard for amercing an audience in the digital age. Libraries need to find new and exciting ways to entice the public to want to use their services. The use of presentation tools gives any library website enhanced experiences that patrons will surely enjoy. Libraries can even offer the use of these tools through their website or even offer classes to teach how to use presentation tools.

In, Christine Schein’s, Digital Presentation Tools, she has accumulated a large selection of presentation tools that libraries and/or their patrons can utilize. Some require subscriptions (that the library can provide) others are free. These tools range from simple slide show presentations (like PowerPoint) to more detailed, animated presentations. Each tool in her list can create a fun and informative presentation that will keep the viewer engaged and wanting to learn more about the topic being presented.

Works Cited:

Schein, Christine. “Digital Presentation Tools.” Colorado Virtual Library. Colorado State Library. https://www.coloradovirtuallibrary.org/technology/digital-presentation-tools/. Accessed 22 April 2019.

Libraries in the Digital Age – Erika Westrich

With the evolution of the digital age, libraries will die or evolve. “The internet has already had a major impact on how people find and access information, and now the rising popularity of e-books is helping transform Americans’ reading habits. In this changing landscape, public libraries are trying to adjust their services to these new realities while still serving the needs of patrons who rely on more traditional resources” (Library Services).

The Pew Research Center conducted a nationwide survey of Americans 16-years and older, about the importance of libraries and what services they would benefit from when using a library.

“Moreover, a notable share of Americans say they would embrace even wider uses of technology at libraries such as:

§  Online research services allowing patrons to pose questions and get answers from librarians: 37% of Americans ages 16 and older would “very likely” use an “ask a librarian” type of service, and another 36% say they would be “somewhat likely” to do so.

§  Apps-based access to library materials and programs: 35% of Americans ages 16 and older would “very likely” use that service and another 28% say they would be “somewhat likely” to do so.

§  Access to technology “petting zoos” to try out new devices: 35% of Americans ages 16 and older would “very likely” use that service and another 34% say they would be “somewhat likely” to do so.

§  GPS-navigation apps to help patrons locate material inside library buildings: 34% of Americans ages 16 and older would “very likely” use that service and another 28% say they would be “somewhat likely” to do so.

§  “Redbox”-style lending machines or kiosks located throughout the community where people can check out books, movies or music without having to go to the library itself: 33% of Americans ages 16 and older would “very likely” use that service and another 30% say they would be “somewhat likely” to do so.

§  “Amazon”-style customized book/audio/video recommendation schemes that are based on patrons’ prior library behavior: 29% of Americans ages 16 and older would “very likely” use that service and another 35% say they would be “somewhat likely” to do so” (Library Services).

When it comes to libraries in the digital age and presentation tools the idea of, “Ask A Librarian”, could be a great tool to create for libraries. A device, similar to Siri or Alexa, could be developed into an app using a program similar to VOKI. Patrons could ask about books, directions, library hours, programs the library offers, as well as many more categories. This would be beneficial to busy patrons who do not have time to search the libraries website, as well as people with vision or reading deficiencies.

With the technological developments of today, everyone wants information quick. If libraries can be innovative and stay ahead of the demand, their existence will not go the way of the dinosaurs.

Works Cited:

“Library Services in the Digital Age – Summary of Findings.” Pew Internet. Pew Research Center. 2019. https://www.pewinternet.org/2013/01/22/library-services/. Accessed 22 April 2019.

Oddcast Inc. 2019. https://www.voki.com/. Accessed 22 April 2019.

Presentation Tools in Libraries By Robyn Doi

Since I have been in the Library Information Technology program at Palomar I have been exposed to different types of tools I never thought would be something I would use.  Take for instance this blog. Blogging is new to me as a user and with some time I believe this would be a great way to communicate with the library world. Blogging would be a great tool for Library staff to keep patrons updated on what is happening in the library. Let's consider listing new books that the library has just gotten in or maybe activities and programs that are happening. This would allow a library to stay more relevant. Blogger is fast and easy to use. There are youtube videos to help you learn how to use Blogger in addition to the already integrated help. Any employee in the library could update the blogg. It seems that Bloggs have been in use for a while now but not being used effectively.

Here are some blogs that are pretty current and have some fun and interesting content.

Programming Librarian - http://www.programminglibrarian.org/articles/best-blogs-programming-librarians

Teen Librarian toolbox - http://www.teenlibrariantoolbox.com/

The Daring Librarian - https://www.thedaringlibrarian.com/

Virtual Reality and Libraries by Robyn Doi

It is surprising to me how common Virtual Reality is in Libraries.
Different types of Virtual Reality hardware can be used, from Google
cardboard to Oculus Rift.

Oculus Rift

Google Cardboard

  

Mobile VR for your phone

The price range is vast. You could get a Google Cardboard for around $15 or cheaper
Virtual Reality glasses for $5 from Walmart. The Oculus Rift can run as much as $800.
The cost could be an issue regarding a Libraries budget, but they can be used for so
many different types of educational experiences; it just may be well worth the cost.
The Oculus Rift is used with a computer unlike the mobile types of VR where you use
your phone. Mobile VR can be used anywhere. The Oculus Rift would hold up way better
than any of the cheaper versions. On the other hand, the library I used to work at had
VR glasses you could check out, and the High School Science kits all had a pair of
classes that the students could use for additional learning experiences. It all depends
on what the VR is being used for.

What if you could take a live tour of the stacks like you were walking down the
aisle looking for a book? Checking out a library using VR? This sounds like fun to me.

Penn State University uses Virtual reality for field trips, labs, instruction, etc.

Check out their website and see what cool things they do with VR.

https://guides.libraries.psu.edu/c.php?g=821576&p=5863291#s-lg-box-18703920

Virtual reality isn’t just for Gaming and Art anymore.

Sources

Penn State University

https://guides.libraries.psu.edu/c.php?g=821576&p=5863291#s-lg-box-18703920

Digital Storytelling by Brigitte Foisy

The more things change the more they stay the same…storytelling has gone digital!

The art of storytelling has been around as long as mankind can remember. People passing on stories from one to another is how we have learned about the culture and history of mankind, and the experiences that happened before pen and paper. Storytelling is how a great deal of information is shared, it always has been and always will be.

However, times have changed in the way we are able to story tell. We don’t necessarily all have to be sitting around a campfire or reading hieroglyphics on a cave wall…we’ve gone digital!

Digital storytelling has been happening for decades. The use of multimedia to tell our stories is important because so much information can be relayed thru images, allowing the patron to actually see what is happening, the emotions being felt, the actual location of the event, the way one’s surroundings appeared during the time and place of the story. Digital storytelling allows us to preserve memories long after the storyteller has passed.

For example, in this video from NBC Learn, a young Boy Scout is on a mission to record stories of World War II Veterans. It is estimated that 740 WWII Veterans were dying per day as of the time of this video in 2012. Digital storytelling will allow us to recount the stories of these men and women long after they have all past, keeping their memories, experiences, and life lessons alive for the rest of us to appreciate. Click on the link below to check it out:

Boy Scout's Mission: Sharing WWII Stories

Even though the ways we are able to present our stories have changed over the years, from cave walls and campfires to audio clips and still frames…from record reels to high definition video…one thing is for sure, the art of storytelling is here to stay!

Resources:

“Digital Storytelling.” Library Technology and Digital Resources: an Introduction for Support Staff, by Marie Keen Shaw, Rowman & Littlefield, 2016, pp. 201–202.

Ellis, Rehema. "Boy Scout’s Mission: Sharing WWII Stories". NBC Learn, NBC Nightly News, 22 Oct. 2012, highered.nbclearn.com.ezproxy.palomar.edu/portal/site/HigherEd/browse?cuecard=61641

Presentation Tools in Libraries by Brigitte Foisy

Let's admit it...who wants to sit through a boring presentation? No color, no special effects, all text... is it just me or does everyone feel like this during a boring presentation...

This is not how we as library staff want to present to our patrons! We want them to be excited to learn, eager to grasp the technical concepts we are presenting. In order to do this, we need to do more than just tell them how fun it can be...we need to show them! Whether our patrons are students in school, or citizens accessing the public library, it is our job to teach them how to use these tools to further their education, career, or just their plain old curiosity. 

"As the Chinese proverb declares, a picture is worth a thousand words. We like visual presentations. Presentation software can make even a dull subject come to life with colorful text, videos, and hyperlinks."(Safransky & Burmeister, 2009).

In order to teach them, it is helpful to have a few great presentation tools that we can utilize to make for a fun and interactive lesson that will hold their attention. What we want is an audience that looks more like this:

How can we do that? First off, we need to stay current with the latest and greatest presentation tools available, using guides and resources such as the AASL's Best Website List. Additionally, we can't be afraid of the unknown. It is not uncommon for people to fear technology advancement, worried that a lack of skill may cause embarrassment or insecurity. We owe it to ourselves and to our patrons to jump in feet first and familiarize ourselves so that in return we are able to lead, instruct, and encourage those who come to us for help. It is our job to be the ones that our patrons can turn to when they need a comfortable place to become acquainted with these skills.

Our team of bloggers has also provided multiple links to presentation tools, tips, and guides. Check out the links tab to the right for more information on PowerPoint, Prezi, Visme, & Powtoon!

Resources:

Safransky, Robert J., and Marsha L. Burmeister. “Put Power into Your Presentations: Using Presentation Software Effectively.” School Business Affairs, vol. 75, no. 4, Apr. 2009, pp. 18–19. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ918600&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

Libraries in the Digital Age by Brigitte Foisy

In a world where digital advancements are moving at the greatest speed ever, librarians all over the world are having to hang on to their hats and hold on tight!

Above is a computer-generated picture of an all-digital library. It may seem futuristic, but believe it or not, they already exist! Check out this YouTube video from CBS News about a Public Library in Texas that is 100% book-free! This is just one of a handful of all digital libraries that exist today:

So where do we fit in? What does a librarian do in a library with no books? Fortunately, it should be quite some time before all libraries are 100% digital, but as of today, all libraries are at least partially digital and the digital growth is not slowing down. Library staff needs to see the transition as a positive. "The libraries of the future are more than just housing centers for books and media. They are invigorating meeting places and communities where truly meaningful learning and discovery take place." (Crockett, 2018).

Just as library staff is able to assist patrons in finding the right book, for example, we are also able to help them find the right website. We are evolving into informational specialists. The job of the library staff has always been and will always be to assist patrons in accessing information. The way we go about this job has changed over the years and will continue to do so. It is our responsibility to grow with the times. We can teach our patrons how to use the technology in our libraries; how to check out eBooks, start a blog, find trustworthy resources through information literacy, set up or use email...the list goes on. 

"The fact is we have always needed librarians as guides and providers to assist us in learning and discovery. Furthermore, we must realize that librarians in the information age play a critical role in our access to and application of knowledge." (Crockett, 2018).

Resources:

CBS This Morning. “Completely digital library opens in Texas.” YouTube, 30 Dec. 2008, youtu.be/qUfpoanU4lc

Crockett, Lee Watanabe. “LIBRARIANS LEAD THE GROWTH: Of Information Literacy and Global Digital Citizens.” Knowledge Quest, vol. 46, no. 4, Mar. 2018, pp. 28–33. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=128199629&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

Virtual Reality and Libraries by Brigitte Foisy

Virtual reality…you know…that crazy looking device people wear over their eyes…and we all laugh while they reach into space and spin in circles looking silly?!

Well as it turns out, virtual reality is for more than just laughs...

Virtual reality is a computer technology that uses headsets to create an immersive, computer-generated simulation that allows users to truly feel like they are in the moment as if they were a real part of what is happening.

Virtual reality has been an important part of education in academic libraries as well as public libraries. Academic college libraries use virtual reality (VR) for science and medical courses, allowing their VR studios to be used by faculty and researchers to do things like analyze 3-D anatomical models or even simulate heart surgery!  Some University libraries have professors using their VR equipment to help teach anthropology, structural biology, and biochemistry. When you open your mind to the world of VR, the opportunities are endless.

Public libraries have seen positive results as well. Currently, VR equipment is out the average consumer's price range but has come down enough for some libraries to warrant its expense. This makes for a wonderful opportunity for public libraries to take the initiative. I read a statement given by Matt Cook, emerging technologies librarian for Oklahoma University Library that I think best describes why VR could benefit libraries; "Libraries are known for providing access to information, instead of accessing text...you're visiting a historic site, you're viewing a fossil that's been 3-D scanned, or you're accessing architecture in Europe -- you're giving the public access to things that are far away, or too big or too small, or otherwise too hard to access."

Resources:

Enis, Matt. “VR Meets the Real World.” Library Journal, vol. 143, no. 6, Apr. 2018, pp. 22–25. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=128688061&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

Lessick, Susan, and Michelle Kraft. “Facing Reality: The Growth of Virtual Reality and Health Sciences Libraries.” Journal of the Medical Library Association, vol. 105, no. 4, Oct. 2017, pp. 407–417. EBSCOhost, doi:10.5195/jmla.2017.329.

Virtual reality and libraries by Jen Davis

Looking into this subject I came across one of my favorite cities in California, Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Public Library will hold virtual reality events throughout the year of 2019. Patrons can attend the events to obtain knowledge and exposure to the virtual reality equipment. This will also give patrons an opportunity to ask as many questions as they may have regarding this technology. As stated on their web page "Santa Cruz Public Libraries has an Oculus Rift Virtual Reality system.  The Oculus system is manufactured by Oculus VR, a division of Facebook.  It is currently being employed for the Make Lab events happening at the Scotts Valley Branch Library and complimenting other library programs throughout 2019." So, if you're on a summer road trip, passing through beautiful Santa Cruz, stop by their Scotts Valley Branch Library to see if they have an event happening. You can also visit their web site listed bellow to obtain more information. Another great article to check out regarding virtual reality is "In a Virtual World" by American Libraries. In this article you will see how public libraries, schools and academic are using this technology in their own communities. The findings were interesting to read, especially a school that gave special needs students sessions with the technology. They saw an increase in focus and retention with the students.
https://www.santacruzpl.org/digitallearning/?display=virtual-reality
https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2018/03/01/virtual-world-virtual-reality-libraries/