resource of the week: free Microsoft ebooks

Eric Ligman of Microsoft shares access to free Microsoft step-by-steps, resource guides and ebooks (almost 300 total) on his blog.  Ebooks are available in PDF, ePUB, and MOBI formats.

resource of the week: WebJunction eCourses

Introducing free access to library-specific courses through WebJunction

Beginning on July 1, access to WebJunction’s library-specific courses is available for free to all library workers (including volunteers) across the nation. Simply create an account at learn.webjunction.org, and then explore the catalog of library-focused self-paced courses and webinars. Certificates of completion will be available to you after you have completed any course or webinar that you enroll in from the catalog.  Many of these subjects will fit with your tech competency requirements, so let your supervisor know if you're interested in signing up for any of these courses.

If you haven't already, I would encourage you to sign up for Crossroads, WebJunction's free monthly e-newsletter.  It is full of new learning programs and professional development opportunities, most of which are free and all of which are high quality content!

resource of the week: ok google

The latest version of Chrome (web browser) includes Ok Google, a voice activated search.  Once you've downloaded the latest version of Chrome, simply enable the Ok Google feature and provide Chrome permission to use the computer's microphone.  After that, it's as simple as opening a new tab, navigating to Google.com, and saying "Ok Google..."  This would be an excellent free tool for anyone with dexterity issues.  Click here for instructions on how to enable Ok Google in Chrome.

resource of the week: home grown ebook collection

Beginning this summer, NC LIVE will pilot the Home Grown eBook Collection, a project that will provide member libraries access to a collection of more than 1,000 eBooks from a variety of North Carolina publishers. The collection will include an exciting range of content including readable and scholarly nonfiction, novels by popular NC authors, and award-winning short fiction and poetry.

During a pilot period from July through December 2014, the Home Grown eBook Collection will allow users to search or browse to discover the titles that interest them.  Patrons will be able to read an eBook instantly in a reader-friendly, in-browser window, or they can choose to download the eBook to their tablet through the BiblioBoard app for iOS, Android, or Kindle Fire.

Best of all, every eBook title will always be available, to every patron, anytime...that means no holds, no checkout limits, and no holds or wait lists!