my little brag

we finally have Paypal access thru the OPAC. it credits the user's account in Unicorn in real time. it wasn't hard, SD offers the option. really, getting the accounting side of it organized was the hardest part...
i know it's not much compared to what Gwinnett and Darien just did but hey, here's to a nice thing done. i shall buy myself a drink tonight.

update 9/5/08:
well, I never got to get myself that drink. It took a few days for the 1st user to discover/try and it seems like the PayPal IPN (instant payment notification) is VERY slow at times. All my testing was done in the early morning hours and I could see credit applied to my library account in Unicorn immediately. The 1st true payment took a whole hour to post. subsequent tests (mid-day, and afternoon) were just as disapointing... Then again this morning at 7, immediate credit appears. I hope this is not what SD and PayPal call "minimal delay"...
more to come




technorati tags:library-20, library2.0, library 2.0, libraries, policies, customers

The Darien Library Model

Blyberg Rocks! See for yourself

Darien Library Director Louise Berry:

...John Blyberg, Darien Library’s Head of Technology and Digital Initiatives, has created our website and the connection to our online catalog using open source software, and at his initiative, we are making it freely available to all libraries, as a contribution to strengthening the role of all libraries in their communities.

Michael puts it best :
“This, friends, is huge - or it has the potential to be huge. The next step is for libraries - many libraries of all types and sizes — to explore this option, to try it out, to make it so…”



also read LJ article

update:
credit also must go to the team that designed this website. the way it's organized, the simplicity and the meat behind it is spectacular.
I just registered and played aroud a little.
Man, it is truly a great usability design.

update 2 the update (He DID do it all!):
Thanks Alan for the clarification. I have been a long time fan of John, and this only goes to confirm and further my admiration. You guys are lucky to have him on your team, we are all lucky to have him in our field.

technorati tags:library-20, library2.0, library 2.0, libraries, policies, blyberg

brain dump

before all these thoughts fall out of my head:

-EXTRAORDINARY web page redesign at Gwinnett County, why isn't everyone talking about it.

-stupid hurricane season gives my twitches, and they are now available via RSS
not sure I want Hanna in my Bloglines...

-I MISS TRAINING! I gave 1 session yesterday and it reminded me of how much smarter and better adjusted teaching makes me feel. It's incredible what I learn from the people who actually use the software/talk to the customers everyday. Not to mention that when you teach it on a regular basis, the language gets in your head and you keep the good lines at the tip of your tongue all the time. I really do miss it.

-FURNITURE MATTERS. I mean, it's not as important as people, or as information, or as cake, but really, if you are going to get some new one, you should put some thought into it. this is so cool...

-what defines an expat? Is it where you chose to live, is it the home that you miss, does it matter if you could return or not? most of all, can I find an expat bar near by? ;)


technorati tags:library-20, library2.0, library 2.0, libraries, policies, customers, hurricanes, training,melancolie, expat

Hi-Fi, Sci-Fi....

couldn't miss out on this... Note joyful appearance of Michelle w/son Gideon




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favorite vacation shot

favorite vacation shot
Originally uploaded by rambleonsylvie

this is one of my best vacation moments.