ALA Midwinter 2014 Day 2

Another cold and snowy day in the City of Brotherly Love!  Some highlights of the day include:
1.  NSA session for highlights see ...
2.  Will need to stop by the Google Glass display to try a pair .. Just to see what all the talk is about.
3.  Spent some time at another Edge session facilitated by Lyrasis.  Gained some great insight into  how ICfL can support public libraries who wish to participate in the assessment process during 2014. The benefits of Edge is that is provides valuable data and insight for State Libraries in regard to training and support needs of public libraries.  It also provides a local focus, starts conversations, and creates a common vocabulary.  Pennsylvania provided 10 workshops to get all libraries on the same page as to the process, answering questions and redirecting fears.  The beauty of the tool is that is provides a snapshot of where the library is at a point in time.  Edge is tailored around technology, however community partnerships are key
4.  Reaching Outward session once again focused on the Harwood tools.  March 6 is the deadline to apply for the OTC Public Innovators.  Learn more at www.ala.org.otc.
5.  Digital Badging.  While I didn't learn much about how to creat a digital badge system, I did learn about the diplomatic Reception Rooms in the US State Department.  They are working with the Smithsonian, National Parks Service and ALA to create a quest series in diplomacy.  This series will be featured in an online web conference to be held on February 12.  While a Badge is an image gained for completing a learning quest, not all badges are created equal.  Quality badges contain the following data: Name, Description, Criteria, Issuer, Evidence, Date issued, Standards,Tags.  For registration and more information go to Smithsonianeducationconferences.org/diplomacy, Www.diplomaticrooms.state.gov, Www.diplomacy.state.gov, Www.history.state.gov

Rounded out the day at the ALA-APA Fundraising Reception.  Enjoyed the music by Ian Lashbrook's brother and even Ian got in on the act!  Nice.