"Charge it, point it, zoom it, press it,/Snap it, work it, quick, erase it,/Write it, cut it, paste it, save it,..." I was looking for some musical inspiration to write this blog post about technology when I stumbled upon and downloaded this catchy song called Technologic by Daft Punk from Freegal. It made me think about all the action words we use when talking about technology. At MCPL we're calling you to action to tap into your inner techie. We're here to help you learn, dream, and create with the help of technology, resources, events, and books.
Technology at MCPL Branches
Apply for a job, keep in touch with others via email, use the internet to telecommute to work, and more with our branch technology. Computers for public use are available in all MCPL branches, except the Noyes Library for Young Children. All libraries provide WiFi access. Several branches also provide laptops that can be checked out for in branch use. In addition, teens and adults can learn and create digital media in our Long Branch and Silver Spring Digital Media Labs.
It's also a great time to get your children excited about technology. Kids can go on STEM adventures with a Go! Kit that includes a tablet and themed resources you can check out for Little Explorers (ages 3-6) and Young Voyagers (ages 7-12). Kids from ages 2-10 can gain early literacy and STEM skills at our branch using AWE computers and tablets. These devices make learning science, math, geography, and reading fun. These programs are designed to inspire children to become life-long learners through education and technology.
Online Learning
Looking for e-books or online computer and technology classes? We have several resources for you. For e-books, two good resources are Safari Books Online and Maryland's Digital eLibrary Consortium/Overdrive. Safari Books Online do not need to be checked out and are read within your browser. They provide e-books on subjects like mobile and web development, databases, game programming, 3D printing, animation, graphic design, and IT. Maryland's Digital eLibrary Consortium/Overdrive has e-books you can checkout and download. They have an entire collection focused on science and technology. If you are using a mobile device they offer two apps (same content but each has a different look and feel) called OverDrive and Libby.
Gale Courses offers six week, instructor led courses on a variety of subjects like computer applications (Adobe, Microsoft, QuickBooks), digital photography, graphic design, web design, computer programming, web technology, and more. LearningExpress Library offers video courses on computer and internet basics, Microsoft software, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop.
Video courses are also offered by Lynda.com. They offer a huge range of options on topics ranging from 3D, animation, audio, music, design, developing, IT, marketing, photography, video, and the web. If you're looking for a broader umbrella to put courses under, you can try one of their Learning Paths like Become a Photographer, Become a Web Designer, or Become a 3D Character Animator. The site also provides customized training such as bookmarking, creating video playlists, writing notes, setting goals, and more.
Events
For adults and seniors, we offer in-person technology learning events. Many branches offer help to get you started downloading free e-books, audiobooks, e-magazines, or other content offered by MCPL. There are also a number of computer and technology basics events that are great for someone just starting out or needing a refresher on computers and mobile devices.
Looking for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs for kids and teens? We've got STEM Smart, Teen Tech Week, and Literary Explorers events they won't want to miss. Ages 10-14 can register for engaging STEM Smart events on topics such as electronics, kitchen chemistry, how to extract DNA from a strawberry, and computer programming. For Teen Tech Week (March 3-10), we've got exciting programs on robots, and stop motion animation. Be a literary explorer! Come to the library, bring a book you have recently read, learn how to do a book talk, then record it on video. This is for ages 10-14 and registration is required. This program was made possible by a grant from the NBC Universal Foundation and Washington's NBC 4. You'll also want to save the date for the Gandhi Brigade video production, coding, robotics and JellyCam events.
Books
In addition to nonfiction technology books, don't forget about checking out a science fiction, dystopian, or other fictional book where technology plays a role. I just finished reading Feed by M.T. Anderson that shows a world in peril where most people have implants in their bodies to shop, keep up with the news, communicate, and more. But mysterious lesions have started appearing on those who have the feed. Have you been enjoying watching The Alienist by Caleb Carr on tv? His historical fiction crime book provides a fascinating look at modern forensics like fingerprinting. I also can't wait to read the science fiction book Too Like the Lightning by Ada Palmer. A colleague on our online reading suggestion service, What Do I Check Out Next, recommended it to me. And you can always feel free to ask you local librarian for reading suggestions too. We love to recommend books!
There's no better time to become a techie than this March at MCPL. Enjoy your technology adventures!
Susan M.Labels: Books, Databases, e-Books, Education, STEM
