Thing #11: Library and Reference

I decided to look more closely at ELM Mobile for this "Thing".  I work extensively with several other library apps (Overdrive, 3M Cloud, Zinio, OneclickDigital, etc.), so I thought I'd become for familiar with ELM portal.

As I delved into ELM Mobile on our library's IPAD, it occurred to me that the last time I tried to access Masterfile Premier, Academic Premier, and other ELM sources, several years ago, before it was available in mobile format - it was very awkward on my iphone!  I remember being frustrated because the limiting fields were hard to find, I couldn't see the text I was entering in the search fields, and I could read all the text of the article clearly on my device! 

Now it's a luxery to be able to use these sources on a mobile device!  Things appear on a mobile device as they appear on computer.  I can see how our patrons are much more likely to use these ELM sources now.

Thing #15: Infographics

It took me awhile to "grasp" what an infographic was.  I eventually realized I see infographics everyday!  (I just didn't realize that was what they were called!)  After not being able to find the Infographics Hub app on my app store, and then not being able to download the info.graphics app (because I haven't yet updated to 7.0), I downloaded the "Lemonly Infographic" app.  This app allows you to search infographics by category and also browse most recent infographics.

I can see using some of these clever infographics for something like a bulletin board at the library.  Or perhaps creating a clever infograph for library use: describing and promoting summer reading program, for example.

Thing #13: Presentations

I decided to download the Deck app.  I entered a quick "E-books at the Library" presentation.  I couldn't believe how simple it was!  And the presentation was really professional looking!  It was easy to add text for each slide, and also to add images from my iphone camera roll.  This is something I can see using at work, if I needed to pull together a quick, last minute presentation, without having time for creating a powerpoint.

Thing #12: Books, Books, & More Books

I decided to try out the "Audiobooks" app on my iphone.  It's amazing how many free audiobooks are available!  I downloaded Anne of Green Gables. 

The only drawback is that books are not downloaded, you have to stream the titles. 

I can see that this would be a good source for a patron/student frantically looking for an audio version of a classic - last minute (and the library's copies are checked out).