For many children, learning to read is challenging enough. Learning to read if they have an undetected vision problem makes the process even more difficult. In Oregon, they began the program “See to Read” in 2013 that aims to correct this issue, with the help of public libraries!
Check out this article in OLA Quarterly that describes how the program began through a partnership with eye care professionals, legislators, and public libraries. Then visit the “See To Read” site to learn more about this great program!
What is “See to Read”?
There are many interesting apps available for library use, and we are looking at some of them this week. But what if you want something that is unique to the special needs of your library? What if you want to stretch yourself and your tech skills by trying something new? What if you just don’t want to pay for an app??
You might be the perfect audience for this (free!) Udacity class!
Android Development for Beginners How to Make an Android App gives you some training in Java and programming for Android. “This course is designed for students who are new to programming, and want to learn how to build Android apps. You don’t need any programming experience to take this course. If you’ve been using a smartphone to surf the web and chat with friends, then you’re our perfect target student!”
Your library may want to reach out to patrons in a way that works for them, and speaks to them with tools they are already using. “Android powers over 80 percent of the world’s smartphones, and represents an incredible opportunity for developers everywhere. The next billion people coming online will interact with the internet for the very first time on a mobile device. Building for Android gives you the best opportunity to reach these users and make an impact — both in your community, and on the world.”
You may not need to connect to everyone in the world – but you do want to connect with as many of your potential users as possible; and an app you create may be one tool to help make that happen!
Have you been struggling to get more participants in programs at your library? Do you need more involvement to make the programs worthwhile? Read about this success story that took place at the New Carrollton library in Maryland.
Their program “Boys Read” (created in 2013 to encourage boys ages 8-13 to read aloud from their favorite books) had a dedicated following, but their numbers were small. In order to improve attendance, they took a few different steps that could be adapted and implemented at any library:
Read the whole article here.
Have you successfully increased involvement at your library? Tell us what worked/didn’t work in your experience in the comments!
Image credit: http://tinyurl.com/q5av5ev, licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Recently, at the PLA Conference in Denver, results of the Pew Research Center survey were released. Here are a few interesting facts, but as usual, since there is beauty in details, we encourage you to peruse the full report.
Could most of this be a result of a failure to communicate? Librarians are always seeking better ways to do exactly that, and those with social media outlets are experimenting in that venue too.
Please consider all of the facts from the report, and comment about what was striking to you!