If you use Google Docs, you’ll be happy to know that as of April 12th, Google Docs has added pagination options. This means that in your Google documents you now have the option of using features like visual page breaks and headers and footers. In addition, “native printing” is now available if you use Google Chrome; allowing you to print directly from the browser rather than having to convert the document to a PDF. The native printing option means that the document will appear on the printed page just as it does on your screen. To learn more, please visit http://tinyurl.com/43l5o8h.
All posts by Kate
An Overhaul of YouTube?
Sources “in the know” report that Google is planning a major overhaul of YouTube. Apparently to compete with companies like Hulu and Netflix, as well as cable and network television, Google hopes that an offering of “channels” and live streaming of original “professionally produced programming” will entice viewers to stay on the site for longer periods of time. They hope that people will “watch YouTube” just like they “watch TV”. These changes are expected to occur over an extended period of time, with the first steps starting before the end of the year. Read more here.
Google +1
Yesterday, Google took one more step into the social network world. On March 30th, Google launched their new Google +1 service. Google explains “The +1 button is shorthand for “this is pretty cool” or “you should check this out.” Click +1 to publicly give something your stamp of approval. Your +1’s can help friends, contacts, and others on the web find the best stuff when they search.” Industry experts indicate that Google +1 acts much like the “like” button on Facebook. Click the +1 button, to indicate you recommend or like something, and your friends who have also activated this service will see your recommendations in their Google search results – and vice versa (assuming your +1’s aren’t private!).
Visit http://www.google.com/+1/button/ to learn more about the service direct from Google, or get InformationWeek’s take on the new Google feature here.
Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/striatic/2135057566/ by striatic
The HarperCollins Debate
By now you’ve no doubt heard about HarperCollins’ decision to limit ebook checkouts to 26 per title. Perhaps you’ve even formed a strong opinion about the topic yourself. Now we have an opportunity to learn about some key reactions and responses from libraries that won’t stand for it! The article More Libraries Decide to Give HarperCollins the Cold Shoulder describes the actions taken by libraries and library organizations across the country. What is your library’s response (if any)?
Buffy Hamilton’s Recommended Reads for Media Specialists
Buffy Hamilton, the Unquiet Librarian, was recently asked to identify a list of recommended reads for media specialists. She quickly tuned to her personal learning network (PLN) to help her identify some of the most important reads for media specialists. The list of recommendations can be found here.