Technical Services Tools Redux Handout

Technical Services Tools Redux Handout

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  Technical Services ToolsRedux ALAO, 10/30/2009 • Mashable General o http://mashable.com/ • O’Reilly Blogs o http://oreilly.com/blogs/ What to look for when scouting for new tools: • Cost o How much will it cost to use the software? o “Free” means that the software is free. Installing and maintaining said software will still Communication cost you money. • Technical specs and maintenance Problems: o Who will be responsible for troubleshooting or Incorrect information, missing information, and upgrades? bureaucratic procedures in updating information o For certain types of software, what are the Solution: pros and cons of using a local server vs. Wiki Intranet hosted server? Tool: • Technical skills needed to operate PBWorks (free, hosted), http://pbworks.com/ o Can the majority of staff confidently use the Features tool? • WYSIWYG editor – similar to other rich text editors o How much training will the staff need to master staff use everyday the basics of the tool? • Free hosting – server and software maintenance • Licensing no longer the responsibility of the department o What are the restrictions set by the license? • Security – offers private, password protected wiki • Does it address the problem? options for sensitive information o Are you implementing this tool because of an • Document manager – folder/file system for macro existing problem or for other reasons? scripts, excel files, and more • Plugins – allows for use of widgets and plugins, Places to look for new tools: such as an instant translator and an embedded Library-specific Google Calendar • Librarian in Black Uses o http://librarianinblack.net/librarianinblack/ • Polices/procedures • Planet Code4Lib • Staff information o http://planet.code4lib.org/ • Staff calendar (Google Calendar) • What I Learned Today • File sharing o http://www.web2learning.net/ • Resource bookmarking General • Training • Computerworld • Application/macro documentation and updates o http://www.computerworld.com/ • Google Apps Other tools o http://googleapps.blogspot.com/ Wiki matrix, http://www.wikimatrix.org/ Becky Yoose, yoosebj@muohio.edu
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  Technical Services ToolsRedux ALAO, 10/30/2009 • Lists available wiki software o http://tinyurl.com/yfpqbnj (Slide Show) • Choice wizard to help you determine which wiki o Covers downloading macro files and software is appropriate for your situation importing them into ME • Accessing an item's records o http://tinyurl.com/yfvannh (PDF) o How to access an item's order, item, and bibliographic records Other tools Jing, http://www.jingproject.com/ • Static and video screen capture • Store captures to disc or host them on screencast.com Training • 5 minute limit on video, limited editing features Problems: Un-uniform training materials, gaps between training and doing actual task, lack of training documentation Automation Solution: Tutorials Tool: Problems: Wink (free, download for Windows/Linux), Repetitive actions on computer by humans leaves http://www.debugmode.com/wink/ greater chance of error and is more expensive in the Features long run • Capture screen in two ways Solution: o Input driven (keystrokes, mouse clicks) Automation o Timed capture Tools: • Post-capture editing Macro Express ($40/cpu), o Insert and edit text boxes, shapes, http://www.macroexpress.com/ navigational guides, images, internal and AutoIt (free), http://www.autoitscript.com/autoit3/ external links (both Windows only) • Capture audio during screen capture or post- General Features capture editing • Automate workflows that involve multiple • Create customized templates to use for multiple programs tutorials • Replicates repetitive keystrokes • Output tutorials in different formats • Automate simple decision making logic o PDF, Flash movie, HTML, .exe files, and processes postscript Macro Express Features Examples of Wink tutorials • Record actions to create a macro on the fly • Import macros into Macro Express • Wizard for simple macro building Becky Yoose, yoosebj@muohio.edu