It's Been Great

I have truly enjoyed my introduction to technology and libraries. I have learned so much and made many worthwhile connections. Thank you, Professor and all my classmates. Good luck to all and enjoy your summer! See you in the fall.

Take care,
Cherese

Choosing WordPress CMS for CCLS

Meet the Virtual Services Librarian

Technology is changing rapidly. The need to stay relevant in this respect has compelled academic and public libraries to try to keep up. Clayton County Library System (CCLS) is no exception.  It offers one main branch and five satellite branches that serves a population of about 272,600. With a budget of around $3.5 million for 2015, the library system utilizes only one Virtual Services Librarian (Clayton County Annual Operating Budget, 2015).

Roy Cummings has been the Virtual Services Librarian for CCLS since April 2014. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Communication and Media Studies from Clayton State University.  His MLS and Graduate Certificate in Digital Content Management came from the University of North Texas (UNT). Before starting with CCLS Cummings worked at as a Reference Librarian at the Atlanta University Center Woodruff Library and was Webmaster for the Swilley Library at Mercer University. He stated, “Most of my tech training has been self-guided, usually from online tutorials, tinkering, and trial and error” (R. Cummings, personal communication, May 26, 2015).

Content Management System (CMS)

When I spoke with Cummings about CCLS’s website, he described the transition to its current Content Management System (CMS) and how the decision was made. A Content Management System is “a computer application that allows publishing, editing and modifying content, organizing, deleting as well as maintenance from a central interface” (Wikipedia, 2015). One of the major aspects of a Content Management System is that “unlike a traditional Web site, where HTML defined both the content and the formatting in a single document, a CMS uses databases and newer Web languages to store content and define formatting separately” (Austin and Harris, 2008, p. 5).

Its strength lies in that changes can be made to individual pages without compromising coding for the entire website. Content can be edited in a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) environment where it is stored outside of the website. This enables different users to edit content without the possibility of disrupting the code. Content management systems include three common attributes:

·      They provide a framework for creating, managing, and publishing Web-based content;

·      They provide a secure environment with managed user roles; and

·      They provide extensions for enhanced capabilities (Austin, 2008).

 Making the Decision

As the sole Virtual Services Librarian, Roy Cummings was charged with making the decision to transition from ColdFusion to WordPress. Some points he considered were the cost of software and hosting, scalability for future growth, and determining if it was easy to learn. He also needed to know if there was documentation for the CMS and theme so he could address any issues and fix any associated problems. Most importantly, the county library needed a system that was widely used and well-supported with resources such as tutorials that would quickly allow him to learn new features.

Cummings considered WordPress mainly because it “made sense” for him to pick something he had experience with and was comfortable using. “I thought about ‘stretching’ myself and using a tool I’m not very familiar with (namely Joomla or Drupal), but I was on a tight deadline to get the site done and that wasn’t the best time to experiment.”

The biggest motivation from changing from ColdFusion to WordPress was sustainability. According to Cummings, ColdFusion seldom used web technology. It also had a learning curve that required a large investment of time in order to update the site. He could only make changes from his desk, which was not always convenient. On the other hand, WordPress had what he deemed “ample” documentation, and several forums, as well as tutorials all over the web. One benefit of WordPress’s extensive documentation and online help is that anyone can find answers to almost any question or issue.

Benefits and Disadvantages

For Cummings, the greatest benefit of WordPress is the site’s mobility. He is able to update it from any location with Internet connectivity because it is web-based. The website is hosted by the Georgia Public Library Service that offers free hosting to most public libraries as long as the library uses a technology they support.

Another selling point for Cummings was the availability of plugins that allow the administrator to add different functionality to the website like contact forms and image galleries without extensive coding knowledge. Because of these features included in the CMS, it is not necessary to know coding such as HTML and CSS. After using several WordPress themes, he has found that no two operate exactly the same, so the learning process is continual. The current theme used in the CCLS’s website is Spacious.

When asked what the disadvantages were in using WordPress, Cummings responded, “While WordPress has good documentation, there is no 1-800-Help-Me available. In other words, you might find yourself spending a bit of time searching the web for solutions to issues you might have.”

Conclusion

Cumming is satisfied with WordPress for CCLS’s website. Although his learning curve was not “terribly steep” because of his web design background, he suspects that it may be more difficult for someone who is new to web design. He urged that while it’s not necessary, knowing HTML and CSS at a minimum will make its use easier. Clayton County, Georgia library system’s website can be viewed at http://www.claytonpl.org.

Reflections

Before I began trying to create a website using Joomla’s Content Management System, I thought that I would have to learn HTML coding and spend a lot of time in training. Although using Joomla simplified web development, knowing all the different components and their functions ahead of time would have made the process easier as Cummings noted.

I believe that CMS are valuable tools that can allow a team of professionals to contribute equally to website development and maintenance without being experts. My experience with Joomla was a practice in patience and perseverance. Based on my interview and my experience with Joomla, I will consider the ease of use of a Content Management System in the future due to their cost effectiveness as well as readily available literature and support.

References

Austin, A., & Harris, C. (2008). Welcome to a new paradigm. Library Technology Reports, 44(4), 5-7.

Clayton County Government. (2015). Clayton County Annual Operating Budget. Jonesboro, Georgia: Ramona Thurman.

Wikipedia. (2015, May 29). Content Management System. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Content_management_system - cite_note-MEC-UCS-1

A Review of What I'm Learning

In Module 3 we've been learning about cloud networks, 3D printers, QR codes, gamification, and open source software. Cloud networks include products like Dropbox and Google Docs. These storage networks allow sharing of information with others no matter the distance between them. Information can be shared without being tied to one location because it is available for retrieval through the internet.

Printing using 3D printers takes 3D images and creates physical representations from plastic. The equipment drips melted plastic onto a surface and as it cools another layer is added building upon the first until an object takes form. A device like this can assist students to develop objects that can assist learning in subjects like engineering and art.

A QR code is similar to a barcode and can hold a variety of information. I was able to create a code for my website using free software from the internet.  These codes are easy to access using a QR app and a mobile device with a camera. This can provide library users with more information and enhance their learning experiences.

I also read about gamification which uses games, contests, awards, and incentives to encourage learning. Scavenger hunts are an example of a game that can be utilized to get library users involved in library programs and bring awareness to services. 

Also in the reading are articles about the advantages of open source software to libraries. These OSS are especially valuable as budget constraints threaten library services. These are only a few of the many technologies and so much still to discover.

My QR Code

This was an interesting endeavor. I have never used a QR Code and here I am creating one. I have heard of them and have seen them around, but I never made the effort to download the app to read the codes. So this was a first all around for me.

The Start of Module 3

After the last five days of wrestling with Joomla, I think I won! 

Cherese Joomla Website

What I've Learned So Far

Module 1 showed me that social media is prevalent in academic and public libraries. It is mostly used to broadcast information to library users and potential library users. There is some debate about who should be in charge of social networking site (SNS) maintenance and how to evaluate its effectiveness. Each library has to determine its goal for social networking sites. They have to have a strategic plan for implementing and maintaining the accounts. I also learned

Emerging into Web 2.0

Web 2.0

When we last met, I was explaining my journey in technology from the Web 1.0 side. Now follow me as we emerge into awesome possibilities of Web 2.0.

The Workforce (2004-2011): I was still basically using the Internet to email at this time. There were very few websites that I visited and no social media. I checked out my books at the library and learned to use the online catalog to look up books. At work, I used computers to enter information into databases. The Internet was mainly used to look up directions on Mapquest. I did try to create a website but it was difficult to use and not very appealing. I had a MySpace account. Come to think of it, I think I still do. Although I didn't realize that Web 2.0 had emerged from Web 1.0 at the time, I see the transition in hindsight.

Web 2.0 (2011-Present): The year I decided to publish my second fiction book, a college friend of mine said, "Why don't you brand yourself? Get a blog." What was a blog? I had no idea, but she helped me build one. From there, my Web 2.0 training began. I became a blogger on WordPress. I set up accounts on Goodreads and Facebook. I started following blogs and subscribing to RSS feeds. I discovered Smashwords.com and Amazon.com and learned how to format my own book and upload it for eBook distribution. I began purchasing items on the internet. At the library, I changed my log in credentials and renewed books. I became a Pinterest junkie. My food intake is being monitored by MyFitnessPal and I use my phone as an alarm clock.
Now I am on Twitter for this class. I can see the value in it, but I do not foresee a long term use on my part. But we shall see.

In short, I have become well versed in social media. Even if I haven't used it, I have heard of it. There is still so much to learn and next time, I'll discuss my expectations for MLIS 7505-Applied Tech Library Practice at Valdosta State University....after I build a wiki (whatever that is).

First Day Jitters

Hello, I'm Cherese. I decided that I wanted to be a librarian some day. So I enrolled into an ALA-accredited university near me, namely Valdosta State University in Valdosta, GA. I survived my first semester of two classes while working part-time, taking care of two young children, a husband, and then my house flooded. It's dry now and I amazingly passed both classes.

Then I thought, "Hey, let's do this again!" So, I enrolled in Applied Tech Library Practice during Maymester. This is a 3-credit course that packs 16-weeks of information into 3-weeks. Am I nervous?... Let's come back to that question.

I checked my syllabus and began. I read and read (there's a lot of reading) and read and read, until I was pretty sure I didn't remember a bit of it. So I decided to work on Assignment #1, this blog. I think this is the fun part. I'm not sure if it's off to a good start or not. Let me know.

Now am I nervous? Yes and no. It's obviously doable--others have survived. I just need to learn the art of reading in my sleep and I'll be fine.


So to see if I can do this, hop along on my Technology Adventure and find out.