Hello! This blog was an unexpected outgrowth of a PDA project we
are doing at our hospital library. (library.osfsaintfrancis.org). The project
website is http://pdagrant.osfsaintfrancis.org
This blog is getting quite a few hits each day and our yahoogroup is growing.
Even though the project is ending, this blog will continue. As a way to help
us gage the impact/influence of this blog on you as a librarian, on your library,
on your perspective on PDAs or handheld computing and libraries, would
you mind sharing your thoughts with me (lbell927@yahoo.com) or the list
at handheldlibrarians@yahoogroups.com? This would be great if you are willing
to do this. You can answer some of the questions below or just share your thoughts.
How did you find out about this blog?
What type of information shared on this blog has been most helpful?
Has this blog helped in a project you are doing at your library? If so, could you tell
us a little about the project and how this blog has helped?
Has this blog influenced the way you view PDAs/handheld devices/technology in the library field?
If so, how?
How could this blog be improved?
Thanks!
Friday, May 31, 2002
Australian E-Book Newsletter
Bruce Preston, editor of The Australian E-book Newsletter
(http://www.e-book.com.au/main.html#1) has just made my whole week! Thank you very much, Bruce!
I encourage all of you to look at his beautifully designed website chock full of information about e-books in all formats:
those for devices and those on the Internet such as netLibrary, Questia, and ebrary.
The April newsletter: "This April quarterly newsletter is intended as the last before the site www.e-book.com.au is re-launched to become a full Australian e-book portal website....The e-book itself - halting in its development, flawed in its implementation, yet full of immeasurable promise for the future - is perhaps a fitting metaphor for the continuing struggle of the human race to improve itself."
As Bruce plans for this site expansion, he is planning to feature many PDA resources, since this is where a lot of
the present e-book action is.
Bruce, good luck with your expansion efforts! Keep us all updated, and I look forward to the resources you
will have on e-books and PDAs! Thanks again!
(http://www.e-book.com.au/main.html#1) has just made my whole week! Thank you very much, Bruce!
I encourage all of you to look at his beautifully designed website chock full of information about e-books in all formats:
those for devices and those on the Internet such as netLibrary, Questia, and ebrary.
The April newsletter: "This April quarterly newsletter is intended as the last before the site www.e-book.com.au is re-launched to become a full Australian e-book portal website....The e-book itself - halting in its development, flawed in its implementation, yet full of immeasurable promise for the future - is perhaps a fitting metaphor for the continuing struggle of the human race to improve itself."
As Bruce plans for this site expansion, he is planning to feature many PDA resources, since this is where a lot of
the present e-book action is.
Bruce, good luck with your expansion efforts! Keep us all updated, and I look forward to the resources you
will have on e-books and PDAs! Thanks again!
Thursday, May 30, 2002
Conference countdown!
Conference countdown! One week away for the Point of Care to Your Palm
Conference in Peoria. (http://pdagrant.osfsaintfrancis.org/newpage.htm). One week from now at this time,
the conference will all be over. Our grant project(http://pdagrant.osfsaintfrancis.org)
officially ends tomorrow. In answer to Jenny, the Shifted Librarian's
question that keeps echoing around my brain, "What's your next project, Lori?": I don't know. At a presentation I
did at Jenny's system, Suburban Library System, she introduced me as a person who once had an ideal job in which
I flitted from project to project without having to complete paperwork. I have to say, I love projects! Tomorrow, I will
probably be somewhat maudlin because the project officially ends. But, I know there is yet another project just around
the corner waiting for the right time to reveal itself to me.
I look forward to the conference! We have 70 people coming, mostly from the Midwest, but also from Canada, Virginia, and
of course Mari Stoddard from Arizona. I look forward to meeting a number of people I have met virtually through this blog,
but have never met in person. All of you that are coming get to meet Jenny, the
Shifted Librarian; Peg, whom I have mentioned a number of times in this blog; my boss Carol and Peg's boss Jo, two excellent
and highly skilled and qualified medical librarians; Tom Peters,the ultimate project evaluator; and of course Mari Stoddard, who was doing all of this before I had ever encountered a Palm
organizer! It will be a wonderful exciting day and I plan to enjoy every single minute of it! Especially the afternoon when
Peg's and my presentations are over. I wonder: what happens next? I look forward to our ILA Conference in Chicago in
September. Tom, Teri Ross Embrey, another Handheld Librarian, and Jenny will be doing a presentation on state of the art
PDAs. Peg and I will be doing a poster session on our project. Right after that, Carol, Jo, Peg and I hope to do a poster
session at MCMLA in Minneapolis where I hope to meet some of you. Steven Grove is on a panel discussion there I hope to
attend! With our conference, we have tried to offer a different look at PDAs and the library by discussing training, selection
of resources, challenges in circulating and cataloging, and the trial by fire of some products like Ovid@hand.
If there were a next project, what would it entail? The Visor treo and like devices where we look at accessing library resources on the
Internet via wireless on a handheld device? Different ways to network the library like Tribeam target so that personal handheld
devices can access network resources with or without a network card? How to deliver information in new and different formats?
Determine what services/information is optimally or most conveniently delivered on a handheld device? In the wise words
of Tom Peters, what we are really looking at is new ways of delivering information! The delivery mechanism itself will
continually change, whether it is e-books, PDAs, tablet PCs, etc. The issue is not the gadgetry and the gizmos, but how
the library adapts, improvises, and innovates in the delivery of the information and helping people to adapt and to use
whatever gadget, gizmo or device they choose to use to access that information. Sometimes, I just get too carried away
with the gadgets.
Although the project officially ends, we are really still in the middle of it. Peg, my pda partner from the University of Illinois
at Chicago Library of the Health Sciences-Peoria, and I are slated to do PDA orientations for new residents this summer.
We will be able to do our presentations using Margi presenter to go and display the applications from the handheld
to projector to big screen instead of messing with the palm emulator. Roy, the access expert, is still refining our
access database of PDA software and hardware and unlock codes. People are still calling for training and asking questions.
They are still checking out the specialty PDAs. I will be adding some articles on handhelds to our project website
which Carol Galganski found. We are working on some articles and further presentations. It will still be a part of
my life, just a smaller part since through the grant I got to work half time on PDAs.
Soon after the conference, we will post our power points and outlines to the web page so you can look at them.
We will also put copies of the handouts up.
Conference in Peoria. (http://pdagrant.osfsaintfrancis.org/newpage.htm). One week from now at this time,
the conference will all be over. Our grant project(http://pdagrant.osfsaintfrancis.org)
officially ends tomorrow. In answer to Jenny, the Shifted Librarian's
question that keeps echoing around my brain, "What's your next project, Lori?": I don't know. At a presentation I
did at Jenny's system, Suburban Library System, she introduced me as a person who once had an ideal job in which
I flitted from project to project without having to complete paperwork. I have to say, I love projects! Tomorrow, I will
probably be somewhat maudlin because the project officially ends. But, I know there is yet another project just around
the corner waiting for the right time to reveal itself to me.
I look forward to the conference! We have 70 people coming, mostly from the Midwest, but also from Canada, Virginia, and
of course Mari Stoddard from Arizona. I look forward to meeting a number of people I have met virtually through this blog,
but have never met in person. All of you that are coming get to meet Jenny, the
Shifted Librarian; Peg, whom I have mentioned a number of times in this blog; my boss Carol and Peg's boss Jo, two excellent
and highly skilled and qualified medical librarians; Tom Peters,the ultimate project evaluator; and of course Mari Stoddard, who was doing all of this before I had ever encountered a Palm
organizer! It will be a wonderful exciting day and I plan to enjoy every single minute of it! Especially the afternoon when
Peg's and my presentations are over. I wonder: what happens next? I look forward to our ILA Conference in Chicago in
September. Tom, Teri Ross Embrey, another Handheld Librarian, and Jenny will be doing a presentation on state of the art
PDAs. Peg and I will be doing a poster session on our project. Right after that, Carol, Jo, Peg and I hope to do a poster
session at MCMLA in Minneapolis where I hope to meet some of you. Steven Grove is on a panel discussion there I hope to
attend! With our conference, we have tried to offer a different look at PDAs and the library by discussing training, selection
of resources, challenges in circulating and cataloging, and the trial by fire of some products like Ovid@hand.
If there were a next project, what would it entail? The Visor treo and like devices where we look at accessing library resources on the
Internet via wireless on a handheld device? Different ways to network the library like Tribeam target so that personal handheld
devices can access network resources with or without a network card? How to deliver information in new and different formats?
Determine what services/information is optimally or most conveniently delivered on a handheld device? In the wise words
of Tom Peters, what we are really looking at is new ways of delivering information! The delivery mechanism itself will
continually change, whether it is e-books, PDAs, tablet PCs, etc. The issue is not the gadgetry and the gizmos, but how
the library adapts, improvises, and innovates in the delivery of the information and helping people to adapt and to use
whatever gadget, gizmo or device they choose to use to access that information. Sometimes, I just get too carried away
with the gadgets.
Although the project officially ends, we are really still in the middle of it. Peg, my pda partner from the University of Illinois
at Chicago Library of the Health Sciences-Peoria, and I are slated to do PDA orientations for new residents this summer.
We will be able to do our presentations using Margi presenter to go and display the applications from the handheld
to projector to big screen instead of messing with the palm emulator. Roy, the access expert, is still refining our
access database of PDA software and hardware and unlock codes. People are still calling for training and asking questions.
They are still checking out the specialty PDAs. I will be adding some articles on handhelds to our project website
which Carol Galganski found. We are working on some articles and further presentations. It will still be a part of
my life, just a smaller part since through the grant I got to work half time on PDAs.
Soon after the conference, we will post our power points and outlines to the web page so you can look at them.
We will also put copies of the handouts up.
PalmAddict Website
The PalmAddict Website is another blog for users of Palm OS devices. Their link page has lots of good links, but not in any kind of discernable order.
Wednesday, May 29, 2002
PDA Market Report
Andrew Raff, the primary author of eMarketer's PDA Report is willing
to share an 8 page summary of his report if you email him at araff@emarketer.com.
For a summary and more information on the report, go to
http://www.emarketer.com/ereports/pda_market/welcome.html
"eMarketer's PDA Market Report reviews the current status of the worldwide PDA/handheld computer market - from the perspective of data-centric devices - and analyzes the trends that are shaping its future growth. The report reviews enterprise and consumer adoption and is an ideal resource for technology vendors, industry analysts, enterprise buyers and anyone who is marketing to or for the industry. "
Thanks, Andrew!
to share an 8 page summary of his report if you email him at araff@emarketer.com.
For a summary and more information on the report, go to
http://www.emarketer.com/ereports/pda_market/welcome.html
"eMarketer's PDA Market Report reviews the current status of the worldwide PDA/handheld computer market - from the perspective of data-centric devices - and analyzes the trends that are shaping its future growth. The report reviews enterprise and consumer adoption and is an ideal resource for technology vendors, industry analysts, enterprise buyers and anyone who is marketing to or for the industry. "
Thanks, Andrew!
Tuesday, May 28, 2002
Palm Tome Raider
Has anyone used TomeRaider for the Palm? It claims to be a cross platform text and reference
viewer with many files available such as encyclopedias, dictionaries, and more.
http://software.palm.com/PlatformProductDetail.jsp?siteId=291&jid=
8CEA2158E6DXAD2BCAFE6A1F7559AD3E&platformId=1&
productType=2&catalog=0§ionId=0&productId=23668
This from the Palm site: "What is TomeRaider?
TomeRaider is an application that views compressed; indexed and formatted text files at amazing speeds. From small e-texts to 35-megabyte encyclopedias, TomeRaider has the versatility and design handle any kind of text or reference work. With over 2000 TomeRaider files are freely available; including entire encyclopedias, dictionaries, movie guides, bibles, novels as well as extensive English and foreign language dictionaries. And because TomeRaider files are so easy to make this number is growing weekly.
TomeRaider is the first truly cross platform text and reference viewer with versions for Palm, Windows, Pocket PC and Epoc/Symbian.
TomeRaider is already one of the most successful applications for the Palm, Psion and Pocket PC
The Advantages of TomeRaider:
Versatility: The TR format can be used for anything from a small 4 chapter book to a 120,000 entry database. The fact that TR files are indexed means that normal etext books can be formatted in a chapter by chapter structure - much nicer than the single text chunk of normal etexts.
Speed: TomeRaider is the fastest way to get to knowledge and content. This is a bold claim but we think it is true. You can go from aardvark to zebra in under a second, even in one of the free 80000+ word dictionaries or encyclopedias. TomeRaider 2.5 is many many times faster than the last version (And that was blitzin)
Power: Try loading a 5 meg database into any other Palm application? oops. Unless its in TomeRaider format the machine just cant cope.
Compression TomeRaider files are compressed by over 50%. As used in MondoPondo.
Bookmarks: TomeRaider files have bookmarks you can set and go to. Normal text files do not. Also TomeRaider always goes to the last place you were at in a file when restarting, handy for any e-texts you are reading.
Hyperlinks: TomeRaider files can have inline Hyperlinks making navigation a breeze.
Text Formatting: In TomeRaider 2.5 it is possible to have text formatting features such as underlined text.
File Variety: All TomeRaider files are free, and there is a wide range of files available, from Etexts to Encyclopedias, Dictionaries to Movie Guides. Have a look at MemoWare's 2000+ TomeRaider files including Encyclopedias, Dictionaries, Movie Guides, Novels and Religious works."
Congratulations to LTLS on their feature in the epixtech's newsletter and to
Teri Ross Embrey for her article! Teri, we are lucky to have you as a Handheld Librarian!
viewer with many files available such as encyclopedias, dictionaries, and more.
http://software.palm.com/PlatformProductDetail.jsp?siteId=291&jid=
8CEA2158E6DXAD2BCAFE6A1F7559AD3E&platformId=1&
productType=2&catalog=0§ionId=0&productId=23668
This from the Palm site: "What is TomeRaider?
TomeRaider is an application that views compressed; indexed and formatted text files at amazing speeds. From small e-texts to 35-megabyte encyclopedias, TomeRaider has the versatility and design handle any kind of text or reference work. With over 2000 TomeRaider files are freely available; including entire encyclopedias, dictionaries, movie guides, bibles, novels as well as extensive English and foreign language dictionaries. And because TomeRaider files are so easy to make this number is growing weekly.
TomeRaider is the first truly cross platform text and reference viewer with versions for Palm, Windows, Pocket PC and Epoc/Symbian.
TomeRaider is already one of the most successful applications for the Palm, Psion and Pocket PC
The Advantages of TomeRaider:
Versatility: The TR format can be used for anything from a small 4 chapter book to a 120,000 entry database. The fact that TR files are indexed means that normal etext books can be formatted in a chapter by chapter structure - much nicer than the single text chunk of normal etexts.
Speed: TomeRaider is the fastest way to get to knowledge and content. This is a bold claim but we think it is true. You can go from aardvark to zebra in under a second, even in one of the free 80000+ word dictionaries or encyclopedias. TomeRaider 2.5 is many many times faster than the last version (And that was blitzin)
Power: Try loading a 5 meg database into any other Palm application? oops. Unless its in TomeRaider format the machine just cant cope.
Compression TomeRaider files are compressed by over 50%. As used in MondoPondo.
Bookmarks: TomeRaider files have bookmarks you can set and go to. Normal text files do not. Also TomeRaider always goes to the last place you were at in a file when restarting, handy for any e-texts you are reading.
Hyperlinks: TomeRaider files can have inline Hyperlinks making navigation a breeze.
Text Formatting: In TomeRaider 2.5 it is possible to have text formatting features such as underlined text.
File Variety: All TomeRaider files are free, and there is a wide range of files available, from Etexts to Encyclopedias, Dictionaries to Movie Guides. Have a look at MemoWare's 2000+ TomeRaider files including Encyclopedias, Dictionaries, Movie Guides, Novels and Religious works."
Congratulations to LTLS on their feature in the epixtech's newsletter and to
Teri Ross Embrey for her article! Teri, we are lucky to have you as a Handheld Librarian!
LTLS Connect
The Lincoln Trail Library System (LTLS) is being featured in epixtech's newsletter and on its website for its LTLS PDA Connect. They used Avantgo to create the service.
Working with Wireless
My article, "Working with Wireless", appears in the June issue of Teacher Librarian. The article looks briefly at how the devices are used in business, medicine, etc. and how they can be used to support the curriculum. The article was aimed at teacher librarians who haven't used handheld devices. It gave information on Avantgo and similar products, ebooks, where to get additional support,etc. Many of the readers of this blog will find it repetitive, but it would make a great introduction to give to administrators and others who are just beginning to think about these kinds of initatives.
Friday, May 24, 2002
New PDA glossary/Inforetriever now for Palm/Scott e-vest/the gadget girl and guy
Hello! Jenny, the Shifted Librarian (http://www.theshiftedlibrarian.com), needs her own
sitcom show, or better yet, her own webcast with guests. I want to meet all the people
she talks about in her blog - Ernie the Attorney, Bruce, Mom, and Dad, Brent and Kayley!
I have had the privilege of meeting Kate and Andy, and now I want to meet the rest. Are the
rest of you finding that blog reading is addictive? Or, maybe it's just me. However, I don't think
it's just me, because Jenny's blog is like a bestselling book. She's getting as many hits
as USA Today! Go, Jenny!
Does anyone out there have a scott e-vest? (http://www.scottevest.com) Peg Burnette made
this discovery! Technology-enabled clothing at its best! "With any version of SCOTT eVEST™ you can discreetly carry cell phone, pager, PDA, CD/MP3 player digital camera, portable keyboard, GPS device, two-way radio and even bottled water or soda, wallet, keys and more!" Their poster boy is a cool cat leaning nonchalantly on a bicycle, decked out in a Scott e-vest with sunglasses
and protective helmet on. He's got shorts and is shown along the ocean shore as his gadgets flash on and off in the picture
so you can tell where the gadgets are located. I can't decide whether the Handheld Librarian logo should be this guy or
Print Boy. At our PDA Conference, we are hoping one of the speakers, "Inspector Gadget" will show up in his Scott e-vest
so that all may see how mobile all of these gadgets are. What will Inspector Gadget and Scott e-vest do when all of these
functions are enabled by one device? Not my problem, I guess.
Here is the promised new pda glossary. Thanks to the brilliant Peg Burnette and Carol Galganski
for additions and suggestions! Let me know if you have any.802.11a – Newer version of 802.11b that allows devices to exchange information at up to 54 mbs.
802.11b – A wireless standard for device connectivity. Mainly for LAN connections and not necessarily wireless Internet . This standard allows handhelds, desktops and other wireless devices to exchange information at up to 11 mbs at several hundred feet.
ASP – Application service provider
Backlight – Optional function in handheld or e-book reader displays that allows the user to read in the dark.
Beam – a way to send information between two PDAs via the infrared port. Can also be used to send information to the printer.
Blackberry – a combination pager/mini PDA
Bluetooth – technology specification for short range wireless connection using chips in cellular phones, mobile PCs and other portable devices. Fairly new standard that works with few devices.
CIS – Clinical information system
Compact flash – A removeable expansion device that could be memory or other connectivity software.
Cradle – Device which handheld computer is placed in to synchronize data with the desktop computer. Cradle connects to the computer via USB or serial connection. Can also be used to recharge handheld computer batteries.
Doc – document. This term is usually used for electronic documents.
Document reader – a program to read documents on the handheld computer
ECS – Electronic clinical services
EMR – Electronic medical record
E-scribing - E-mail prescribing.
E-text – Text in electronic format which can be read from a handheld computer
GPS – global positioning system
Expansion slot – Physical slot on some handheld computers that can be used for extra memory, digital camera, electronic book, Margi-Presenter-to-go etc.
Graffiti – Handwriting recognition on Palm OS devices
Handspring – a company that manufactures handheld computers that use the Palm operating system.
HIPAA – Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
Hotsync – The process and software by which handheld computers synchronize/share information with a desktop computer
Infrared – Handheld devices can use this to transmit information to each other or to a printer without being physically connected
IT – Information technology
Kilobyte – 1000 print or non-print characters
LAN – Land access network
LCD – Liquid crystal display. Optical technology making small flat screens possible.
Megabyte – 1000 kilobytes
Memory stick - A removable flash-memory system developed by Sony and used in Sony handheld computers
Native applications – The handheld computing applications like calendar and memopad that come on the handheld computer.
OS – operating system. Handheld computers usually have a Windows CE operating system or a palm operating system.
Palm – company that manufactures handheld devices. Also a generic term for a handheld computer.
PDA – personal digital assistant. A generic term that could apply to Pocket PCs with Windows CE or Palm OS devices.
PIM – personal information management. Refers to handheld computer applications that organize personal information such as calendar, to do lists, memos.
Pocket PC – Handheld operating system developed by Microsoft – generic term for handheld devices that run Windows CE
POC – Point of care
POE – Physician order entry
RAM – Random access memory. Temporary storage for computer files.
ROM – Read only memory. Used for static information on computers.
Stylus – a pen writing device for the handheld computer. Writes directly on the screen.
Sync – short for hotsync or synchronization; process that updates information on the PC and/or handheld
USB – Universal Serial bus – a way for handheld computers to connect with desktop computers.
WAN – Wireless access network or wide area network
WAP – Wireless Application Protocol; standard that describes display interface for handhelds.
Windows CE – Microsoft operating system for handheld and mobile computers.
WML – Wireless Markup Language
The following information is from Hospital Reps and is on the new version of Inforetriever available
for the Palm now. Until this time, it was only available on the Pocket PC. Thanks to Joe Cassel
and Hospital Reps for this information! The PALM version is free for the next few months until they
get the entire version done. What a deal!
Dr. Ebell has finished the PALM packet and provides the following detail
and description:
The PALM "rules and tools" packet will be done May 31. It will be free
via the InfoPOEMs site.
In January (or sooner), when we have a complete PALM app, it will cost
the same as the PocketPC app ($249/yr incl the DailyPOEMs and access to
the Internet version of InfoRetriever), and will be included with an
institutional subscription at no extra charge.
The new PALM packet has 86 rules, 812 unique combinations of
symptom/diagnosis/test, and 827 unique combinations of
symptom/diagnosis/History and Physical item.
Space is about 1.5 mb - about 1/2 runtime files, 1/3 data files, 1/6 the
actual program.
"InfoRetriever for Palm 4.2 integrates useful clinical decision rules
and calculators and detailed data on over 1600 tests in a useful bedside
tool."
Here is a list of the rules (Long Titles):
ABG interpretation
Screening - cardiac risk profile (Framingham data)
Stroke - risk in patients with nonvalvular afib
Stroke - carotid endarterectomy prognosis
Pulmonary embolism diagnosis
Risk of bleeding with warfarin treatment for DVT
Melanoma - 5 year prognosis
Induction of labor: Bishop score
Acute sinusitis diagnosis in URI
Minor head injury and nl GCS: who needs head CT?
Pediatric IV fluid calculator
Pre-op eval - vascular surgery
Induction of labor: Dhall score
Breast cancer - probability of cancer by Gail Risk model
Chest pain - probability of significant CAD in outpatients
Strep diagnosis in sore throat
Chest pain - risk of AMI with normal or near-normal ECG
Stroke - acute stroke prognosis (G-Score)
Dyspepsia - probability of ulcer
Probability of bad outcome in patients with syncope
Pediatric IV fluid calculator
GI bleed - inpatient mortality risk
Pre-op eval - non-cardiac surgery (Detsky score)
Chest pain - treadmill interpretation (Duke score)
Pneumonia - mortality risk (Fine rule)
Cough/URI - diagnosis of pneumonia
Probability of gestational diabetes
Probability of successful VBAC
Ankle injury - x-rays needed?
Knee injury - x-rays needed?
Cough - diagnosis of pneumonia
Meningitis (bacterial) diagnosis in adults
Acute MI or unstable angina - ACI-TIPI risk score
Pre-op eval - AAA surgery mortality
Diabetes mellitus screening
Chest pain - probability of complications requiring ICU care
Prognosis in near drowning
DVT - clinical diagnosis
Acute MI - probability of normal LVEF
Thyroid cancer - 5 year prognosis
UTI diagnosis
Acute MI - risk of death
Foot injury - x-rays needed?
Stroke - prediction of recovery
Blunt trauma - which patients need C-spine films?
Suicidal ideation risk
Chest pain - probability of left main CAD
Acute pancreatitis - prognosis (Ranson score)
Mini-Mental State to screen for dementia
Acute pancreatitis - prognosis (Imrie score)
Pregnancy wheel
Acute MI - mortality in ST elevation AMI
Warfarin dosing in outpatients
Venous leg ulcer healing
Screening - NCEP ATP III cardiac risk guideline
Stroke - 5 year stroke risk
Minor head injury - Canadian Head CT rule
Canadian C-spine rule in trauma patients
Osteoporosis - predicting need for bone density testing
GI bleed (upper) - predicting need for intervention
Diarrhea - need for cultures in nosocomial diarrhea
Heparin dosing by weight
Acute MI - prognosis in ST elevation AMI
Acute MI - prognosis in non-ST elevation AMI
Stroke - 30 day mortality
Asthma relapse in adults
Pulmonary fibrosis survival
Pneumonia - mortality in nursing home
Predicting pressure ulcer development with Braden Score
Glasgow Coma Score
Burn injury prognosis
Pneumonia - diagnosis in nursing home
Apgar score
Acute coronary syndrome - TIMI risk score
A-a gradient Hypertension - renal artery stenosis diagnosis
Pediatric head injury prognosis
Depression screening
Stroke - diagnosis of ischemic vs hemorrhagic
Dyspepsia - predicting response to omeprazole
Risk of ectopic pregnancy with 1st trimester pain or bleeding
Leprosy - predicting nerve function impairment
Osteoporosis - probability of osteoporosis or low BMD
Bowel obstruction diagnosis - need for x-ray
Stroke - TIA prognosis Dialysis prognosis
Joe Cassels
joe@hospitalreps.com
561-775-3915 (direct)
561-775-1178 (fax)
Founder and Regional Sales Manager
Hospital Reps Inc.
"Software with Ambition"
Cheryl Litt, Media Specialist from Bloomfield Hills School, Michigan shared these highlights
about a conference on PDAs in education: "Washtenaw ISD in Ann Arbor, Michigan recently hosted a conference on
using
handhelds in education. Elliott Soloway from Hi-Ce at the University
of
Michigan was the keynote speaker. Over 100 educators from the area
attended
the conference to learn more about handhelds and their possibilities in
the
classroom. One of the more interesting items being shown by the
vendors was
a product from Scantron. Teachers are able to prepare exams (or
download
samples from a database) that are beamed to the handheld. While
working on
the exam, students cannot beam to each other or access any other
application
on the handheld. When the exam is complete, the student beams the
answers
to a special device which instantly scores the exam and records the
results
for the teacher. We were pretty impressed and have already ordered the
software for our pilot project with sixth graders next year, but I can
see application of software for all levels of education."
Barbara Fullerton, a gadget expert and librarian from Pioneer had a great idea!
She thought that vendors should lend us hardware and software to trial! What a great idea!
Many of the people in this group are speaking at conferences and programs on handheld
computing applications in libraries, schools, and corporations. Many are also writing
articles for library and computing journals. What better way for
vendors to get out the word about their hardware and software? If there are any vendors
who would like to do this, I know of a number of projects they could assist with.
Has anyone had any luck doing something like this?
Peg Burnette pointed to this link which is Handheld Computing Magazine's Best Palm Powered
Product of 2001 Awards. More about these tomorrow. http://www.hhcmag.com/award_winners/
sitcom show, or better yet, her own webcast with guests. I want to meet all the people
she talks about in her blog - Ernie the Attorney, Bruce, Mom, and Dad, Brent and Kayley!
I have had the privilege of meeting Kate and Andy, and now I want to meet the rest. Are the
rest of you finding that blog reading is addictive? Or, maybe it's just me. However, I don't think
it's just me, because Jenny's blog is like a bestselling book. She's getting as many hits
as USA Today! Go, Jenny!
Does anyone out there have a scott e-vest? (http://www.scottevest.com) Peg Burnette made
this discovery! Technology-enabled clothing at its best! "With any version of SCOTT eVEST™ you can discreetly carry cell phone, pager, PDA, CD/MP3 player digital camera, portable keyboard, GPS device, two-way radio and even bottled water or soda, wallet, keys and more!" Their poster boy is a cool cat leaning nonchalantly on a bicycle, decked out in a Scott e-vest with sunglasses
and protective helmet on. He's got shorts and is shown along the ocean shore as his gadgets flash on and off in the picture
so you can tell where the gadgets are located. I can't decide whether the Handheld Librarian logo should be this guy or
Print Boy. At our PDA Conference, we are hoping one of the speakers, "Inspector Gadget" will show up in his Scott e-vest
so that all may see how mobile all of these gadgets are. What will Inspector Gadget and Scott e-vest do when all of these
functions are enabled by one device? Not my problem, I guess.
Here is the promised new pda glossary. Thanks to the brilliant Peg Burnette and Carol Galganski
for additions and suggestions! Let me know if you have any.802.11a – Newer version of 802.11b that allows devices to exchange information at up to 54 mbs.
802.11b – A wireless standard for device connectivity. Mainly for LAN connections and not necessarily wireless Internet . This standard allows handhelds, desktops and other wireless devices to exchange information at up to 11 mbs at several hundred feet.
ASP – Application service provider
Backlight – Optional function in handheld or e-book reader displays that allows the user to read in the dark.
Beam – a way to send information between two PDAs via the infrared port. Can also be used to send information to the printer.
Blackberry – a combination pager/mini PDA
Bluetooth – technology specification for short range wireless connection using chips in cellular phones, mobile PCs and other portable devices. Fairly new standard that works with few devices.
CIS – Clinical information system
Compact flash – A removeable expansion device that could be memory or other connectivity software.
Cradle – Device which handheld computer is placed in to synchronize data with the desktop computer. Cradle connects to the computer via USB or serial connection. Can also be used to recharge handheld computer batteries.
Doc – document. This term is usually used for electronic documents.
Document reader – a program to read documents on the handheld computer
ECS – Electronic clinical services
EMR – Electronic medical record
E-scribing - E-mail prescribing.
E-text – Text in electronic format which can be read from a handheld computer
GPS – global positioning system
Expansion slot – Physical slot on some handheld computers that can be used for extra memory, digital camera, electronic book, Margi-Presenter-to-go etc.
Graffiti – Handwriting recognition on Palm OS devices
Handspring – a company that manufactures handheld computers that use the Palm operating system.
HIPAA – Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
Hotsync – The process and software by which handheld computers synchronize/share information with a desktop computer
Infrared – Handheld devices can use this to transmit information to each other or to a printer without being physically connected
IT – Information technology
Kilobyte – 1000 print or non-print characters
LAN – Land access network
LCD – Liquid crystal display. Optical technology making small flat screens possible.
Megabyte – 1000 kilobytes
Memory stick - A removable flash-memory system developed by Sony and used in Sony handheld computers
Native applications – The handheld computing applications like calendar and memopad that come on the handheld computer.
OS – operating system. Handheld computers usually have a Windows CE operating system or a palm operating system.
Palm – company that manufactures handheld devices. Also a generic term for a handheld computer.
PDA – personal digital assistant. A generic term that could apply to Pocket PCs with Windows CE or Palm OS devices.
PIM – personal information management. Refers to handheld computer applications that organize personal information such as calendar, to do lists, memos.
Pocket PC – Handheld operating system developed by Microsoft – generic term for handheld devices that run Windows CE
POC – Point of care
POE – Physician order entry
RAM – Random access memory. Temporary storage for computer files.
ROM – Read only memory. Used for static information on computers.
Stylus – a pen writing device for the handheld computer. Writes directly on the screen.
Sync – short for hotsync or synchronization; process that updates information on the PC and/or handheld
USB – Universal Serial bus – a way for handheld computers to connect with desktop computers.
WAN – Wireless access network or wide area network
WAP – Wireless Application Protocol; standard that describes display interface for handhelds.
Windows CE – Microsoft operating system for handheld and mobile computers.
WML – Wireless Markup Language
The following information is from Hospital Reps and is on the new version of Inforetriever available
for the Palm now. Until this time, it was only available on the Pocket PC. Thanks to Joe Cassel
and Hospital Reps for this information! The PALM version is free for the next few months until they
get the entire version done. What a deal!
Dr. Ebell has finished the PALM packet and provides the following detail
and description:
The PALM "rules and tools" packet will be done May 31. It will be free
via the InfoPOEMs site.
In January (or sooner), when we have a complete PALM app, it will cost
the same as the PocketPC app ($249/yr incl the DailyPOEMs and access to
the Internet version of InfoRetriever), and will be included with an
institutional subscription at no extra charge.
The new PALM packet has 86 rules, 812 unique combinations of
symptom/diagnosis/test, and 827 unique combinations of
symptom/diagnosis/History and Physical item.
Space is about 1.5 mb - about 1/2 runtime files, 1/3 data files, 1/6 the
actual program.
"InfoRetriever for Palm 4.2 integrates useful clinical decision rules
and calculators and detailed data on over 1600 tests in a useful bedside
tool."
Here is a list of the rules (Long Titles):
ABG interpretation
Screening - cardiac risk profile (Framingham data)
Stroke - risk in patients with nonvalvular afib
Stroke - carotid endarterectomy prognosis
Pulmonary embolism diagnosis
Risk of bleeding with warfarin treatment for DVT
Melanoma - 5 year prognosis
Induction of labor: Bishop score
Acute sinusitis diagnosis in URI
Minor head injury and nl GCS: who needs head CT?
Pediatric IV fluid calculator
Pre-op eval - vascular surgery
Induction of labor: Dhall score
Breast cancer - probability of cancer by Gail Risk model
Chest pain - probability of significant CAD in outpatients
Strep diagnosis in sore throat
Chest pain - risk of AMI with normal or near-normal ECG
Stroke - acute stroke prognosis (G-Score)
Dyspepsia - probability of ulcer
Probability of bad outcome in patients with syncope
Pediatric IV fluid calculator
GI bleed - inpatient mortality risk
Pre-op eval - non-cardiac surgery (Detsky score)
Chest pain - treadmill interpretation (Duke score)
Pneumonia - mortality risk (Fine rule)
Cough/URI - diagnosis of pneumonia
Probability of gestational diabetes
Probability of successful VBAC
Ankle injury - x-rays needed?
Knee injury - x-rays needed?
Cough - diagnosis of pneumonia
Meningitis (bacterial) diagnosis in adults
Acute MI or unstable angina - ACI-TIPI risk score
Pre-op eval - AAA surgery mortality
Diabetes mellitus screening
Chest pain - probability of complications requiring ICU care
Prognosis in near drowning
DVT - clinical diagnosis
Acute MI - probability of normal LVEF
Thyroid cancer - 5 year prognosis
UTI diagnosis
Acute MI - risk of death
Foot injury - x-rays needed?
Stroke - prediction of recovery
Blunt trauma - which patients need C-spine films?
Suicidal ideation risk
Chest pain - probability of left main CAD
Acute pancreatitis - prognosis (Ranson score)
Mini-Mental State to screen for dementia
Acute pancreatitis - prognosis (Imrie score)
Pregnancy wheel
Acute MI - mortality in ST elevation AMI
Warfarin dosing in outpatients
Venous leg ulcer healing
Screening - NCEP ATP III cardiac risk guideline
Stroke - 5 year stroke risk
Minor head injury - Canadian Head CT rule
Canadian C-spine rule in trauma patients
Osteoporosis - predicting need for bone density testing
GI bleed (upper) - predicting need for intervention
Diarrhea - need for cultures in nosocomial diarrhea
Heparin dosing by weight
Acute MI - prognosis in ST elevation AMI
Acute MI - prognosis in non-ST elevation AMI
Stroke - 30 day mortality
Asthma relapse in adults
Pulmonary fibrosis survival
Pneumonia - mortality in nursing home
Predicting pressure ulcer development with Braden Score
Glasgow Coma Score
Burn injury prognosis
Pneumonia - diagnosis in nursing home
Apgar score
Acute coronary syndrome - TIMI risk score
A-a gradient Hypertension - renal artery stenosis diagnosis
Pediatric head injury prognosis
Depression screening
Stroke - diagnosis of ischemic vs hemorrhagic
Dyspepsia - predicting response to omeprazole
Risk of ectopic pregnancy with 1st trimester pain or bleeding
Leprosy - predicting nerve function impairment
Osteoporosis - probability of osteoporosis or low BMD
Bowel obstruction diagnosis - need for x-ray
Stroke - TIA prognosis Dialysis prognosis
Joe Cassels
joe@hospitalreps.com
561-775-3915 (direct)
561-775-1178 (fax)
Founder and Regional Sales Manager
Hospital Reps Inc.
"Software with Ambition"
Cheryl Litt, Media Specialist from Bloomfield Hills School, Michigan shared these highlights
about a conference on PDAs in education: "Washtenaw ISD in Ann Arbor, Michigan recently hosted a conference on
using
handhelds in education. Elliott Soloway from Hi-Ce at the University
of
Michigan was the keynote speaker. Over 100 educators from the area
attended
the conference to learn more about handhelds and their possibilities in
the
classroom. One of the more interesting items being shown by the
vendors was
a product from Scantron. Teachers are able to prepare exams (or
download
samples from a database) that are beamed to the handheld. While
working on
the exam, students cannot beam to each other or access any other
application
on the handheld. When the exam is complete, the student beams the
answers
to a special device which instantly scores the exam and records the
results
for the teacher. We were pretty impressed and have already ordered the
software for our pilot project with sixth graders next year, but I can
see application of software for all levels of education."
Barbara Fullerton, a gadget expert and librarian from Pioneer had a great idea!
She thought that vendors should lend us hardware and software to trial! What a great idea!
Many of the people in this group are speaking at conferences and programs on handheld
computing applications in libraries, schools, and corporations. Many are also writing
articles for library and computing journals. What better way for
vendors to get out the word about their hardware and software? If there are any vendors
who would like to do this, I know of a number of projects they could assist with.
Has anyone had any luck doing something like this?
Peg Burnette pointed to this link which is Handheld Computing Magazine's Best Palm Powered
Product of 2001 Awards. More about these tomorrow. http://www.hhcmag.com/award_winners/
Thursday, May 23, 2002
Big news on the virtual reference front/have a great weekend!
Hello! Hope all of you have a happy holiday weekend!
Big news on the virtual reference front: The Library of Congress
and OCLC have developed a new collaborative reference service which
will be released on June 3: QuestionPoint.
This service "provides libraries with access to a growing collaborative network
of reference librarians in the United States and around the world."
"QuestionPoint offers libraries and library groups a powerful,
inexpensive and easy-to-use resource to provide and manage Web-based
reference services. QuestionPoint can also be used in conjunction with
existing Web-based reference services to add broader coverage and
enhance reference resources."
This will make for interesting developments in this rapidly evolving area.
Just two years ago, there were about 5 libraries offering this service.
It was June of 2000 that the electronic yahoo group "livereference" was
started to specificly discuss issues related to web based reference service
in libraries. Today, two years later it has almost 800 members. The big
players in the game right now include LSSI, 24x7, Live Assistance, Convey Systems, and
to some extent Live Person. Some libraries, such as Bill Drew's are using
AOL Instant Messenger.
Are there any libraries out there that have requests to offer reference service
via handheld? Is there any software capable of handling requests via handheld/wireless
besides instant messaging systems? Have any libraries tried to offer live reference
to people using handheld devices or come up with a pda friendly system for providing
this service? Many of the systems listed above might not work well on a handheld
because they have a lot of overhead and involve java.
I heard that the Medical Library Association Conference had some excellent
pda presentations! I wish I could have heard them. If anyone attended and wants to share
a synopsis of any of the meetings, please send them and I will post them. I heard
that one librarian talked of the necessity of librarians getting familiar with handheld
technology and doing it quickly or losing business. Librarians need to get acquainted
with it and begin investigation of offering services to the growing number of users using
handheld devices.
Cheryl Litt just attended an educational conference on handheld technology in Ann
Arbor, Michigan. She came across an interesting device called a c pen. "I came across an interesting device called a "c pen". It is an
electronic highlighter that will scan text which can then be beamed
directly to the Palm into Memo. No special software is needed. More
information can be found at www.cpen.com.
First seen on The Shifted Librarian:
Margi-Presenter-to-Go is going to be available for Palms in June 2002.
. Available in June 2002, Presenter-to-Go will offer Palm m125, m130, m500, m505, m515 and i705 handheld users a complete solution for the delivery of high-quality color presentations, allowing presentations created in PowerPoint or any printable Windows application to be transferred directly to their Palm handhelds and displayed at 1024 x 768 resolution. This is a particularly exciting development! I have done a number of presentations
in the last few weeks using the Margi Presenter-to-Go for the Handspring Visor. Of all the handheld applications
and modules, this has been one of the most popular and no one, including me, could understand why it was not
yet available for the Palm. We had a pda preview/open house at UIC LHS Peoria today and Margi was a close
second in popularity to the keyboard!
Matthew Eberle, who writes the most excellent blog Library
Techlog mentioned in a post May 22 that he had taken the plunge and spent $50 on a Franklin ebookman
that was on sale. Matthew, I will be watching your blog to see if you have any more to say about the Franklin
ebookman. For anyone else curious about the Franklin ebookman, read our LJ Article in the May 1 issue
E-Books Go to College. Tom Peters, Ginny McCoy, and I have some first hand experience to share
on Franklin EBookman! :)
This blog has been a very unique and interesting experience! I have had the privilege of meeting some really neat
people through e-mail through this blog. Thanks to everyone who has sent news and experiences with handheld
computing!
Big news on the virtual reference front: The Library of Congress
and OCLC have developed a new collaborative reference service which
will be released on June 3: QuestionPoint.
This service "provides libraries with access to a growing collaborative network
of reference librarians in the United States and around the world."
"QuestionPoint offers libraries and library groups a powerful,
inexpensive and easy-to-use resource to provide and manage Web-based
reference services. QuestionPoint can also be used in conjunction with
existing Web-based reference services to add broader coverage and
enhance reference resources."
This will make for interesting developments in this rapidly evolving area.
Just two years ago, there were about 5 libraries offering this service.
It was June of 2000 that the electronic yahoo group "livereference" was
started to specificly discuss issues related to web based reference service
in libraries. Today, two years later it has almost 800 members. The big
players in the game right now include LSSI, 24x7, Live Assistance, Convey Systems, and
to some extent Live Person. Some libraries, such as Bill Drew's are using
AOL Instant Messenger.
Are there any libraries out there that have requests to offer reference service
via handheld? Is there any software capable of handling requests via handheld/wireless
besides instant messaging systems? Have any libraries tried to offer live reference
to people using handheld devices or come up with a pda friendly system for providing
this service? Many of the systems listed above might not work well on a handheld
because they have a lot of overhead and involve java.
I heard that the Medical Library Association Conference had some excellent
pda presentations! I wish I could have heard them. If anyone attended and wants to share
a synopsis of any of the meetings, please send them and I will post them. I heard
that one librarian talked of the necessity of librarians getting familiar with handheld
technology and doing it quickly or losing business. Librarians need to get acquainted
with it and begin investigation of offering services to the growing number of users using
handheld devices.
Cheryl Litt just attended an educational conference on handheld technology in Ann
Arbor, Michigan. She came across an interesting device called a c pen. "I came across an interesting device called a "c pen". It is an
electronic highlighter that will scan text which can then be beamed
directly to the Palm into Memo. No special software is needed. More
information can be found at www.cpen.com.
First seen on The Shifted Librarian:
Margi-Presenter-to-Go is going to be available for Palms in June 2002.
. Available in June 2002, Presenter-to-Go will offer Palm m125, m130, m500, m505, m515 and i705 handheld users a complete solution for the delivery of high-quality color presentations, allowing presentations created in PowerPoint or any printable Windows application to be transferred directly to their Palm handhelds and displayed at 1024 x 768 resolution. This is a particularly exciting development! I have done a number of presentations
in the last few weeks using the Margi Presenter-to-Go for the Handspring Visor. Of all the handheld applications
and modules, this has been one of the most popular and no one, including me, could understand why it was not
yet available for the Palm. We had a pda preview/open house at UIC LHS Peoria today and Margi was a close
second in popularity to the keyboard!
Matthew Eberle, who writes the most excellent blog Library
Techlog mentioned in a post May 22 that he had taken the plunge and spent $50 on a Franklin ebookman
that was on sale. Matthew, I will be watching your blog to see if you have any more to say about the Franklin
ebookman. For anyone else curious about the Franklin ebookman, read our LJ Article in the May 1 issue
E-Books Go to College. Tom Peters, Ginny McCoy, and I have some first hand experience to share
on Franklin EBookman! :)
This blog has been a very unique and interesting experience! I have had the privilege of meeting some really neat
people through e-mail through this blog. Thanks to everyone who has sent news and experiences with handheld
computing!
P DA Glossary on PDA Support!
Mark Glissmeyer, webmaster of PDASupport.com
has used the pda glossary listed here a few days ago on his site! Thanks, Mark, and thanks
for the credit! Peg Burnette and Carol Galganski have given me some excellent additions so a
new one will be coming out in the next few days with a few more terms. Glad people are finding
it helpful!
has used the pda glossary listed here a few days ago on his site! Thanks, Mark, and thanks
for the credit! Peg Burnette and Carol Galganski have given me some excellent additions so a
new one will be coming out in the next few days with a few more terms. Glad people are finding
it helpful!
Wednesday, May 22, 2002
Movies on the pocket pc/tablet pc news
Mark Glissmeyer, webmaster of PDA support,
bought somepocket pc films and shared this experience: (thanks, Mark!)
"I notice you mentioned those Pocket PC Films on your site, and I just bought a few to try out. One of the ones I got will not fit on a 128 MB card, so a 256 MB would be needed. For example, the Funny Flix pack has three movies, Africa Screams, His Girl Friday, and My Dear Secretary at 110 MB, 128 MB, and 132 MB in size. These three are 80 minutes, 92 minutes, and 95 minutes in length. Another one I have is Cult Classics and those two movies are 61 minutes and 67 minutes and 86 MB and 96 MB in size respectively. SO 4 out of these five will fit individually on a 128 MB card, but not quite all.
Another issue is getting the movie on your memory card. I couldn’t by using the standard hotsync drag and drop method, or using the included loader that comes with the movies. Either way I could load about 20 MB of a movie and things would grind to a halt. Might be my software or XP or something else, but I have ordered a product to move files like this to my CF card more easily I think will work-
SanDisk SDDR-31-01 USB Imagemate CompactFlash Card Reader
It should arrive in a couple of days and I will let you know how it does.
Also, you can view these movies on your PC besides your Pocket PC. They seem to have done a wonderful job of getting the quality correct on the older movies as it looks great on mine. I would say it appears to be about 80% of TV quality as a guess. There are slight scratches in the sound and picture quality isn’t perfect, but for the movie size they look very good!
Of the two CD’s above I mentioned the Funny Flix one is the better one. The Abbot and Costello movie is a laugher"
Barbara Fullerton shares this news on tablet pcs: (thanks, Barbara!)
Tablet PC Talk - Your Place for Tablet PC New and Faqs.
New CEOs to test drive Microsoft Tablet PCs
bought somepocket pc films and shared this experience: (thanks, Mark!)
"I notice you mentioned those Pocket PC Films on your site, and I just bought a few to try out. One of the ones I got will not fit on a 128 MB card, so a 256 MB would be needed. For example, the Funny Flix pack has three movies, Africa Screams, His Girl Friday, and My Dear Secretary at 110 MB, 128 MB, and 132 MB in size. These three are 80 minutes, 92 minutes, and 95 minutes in length. Another one I have is Cult Classics and those two movies are 61 minutes and 67 minutes and 86 MB and 96 MB in size respectively. SO 4 out of these five will fit individually on a 128 MB card, but not quite all.
Another issue is getting the movie on your memory card. I couldn’t by using the standard hotsync drag and drop method, or using the included loader that comes with the movies. Either way I could load about 20 MB of a movie and things would grind to a halt. Might be my software or XP or something else, but I have ordered a product to move files like this to my CF card more easily I think will work-
SanDisk SDDR-31-01 USB Imagemate CompactFlash Card Reader
It should arrive in a couple of days and I will let you know how it does.
Also, you can view these movies on your PC besides your Pocket PC. They seem to have done a wonderful job of getting the quality correct on the older movies as it looks great on mine. I would say it appears to be about 80% of TV quality as a guess. There are slight scratches in the sound and picture quality isn’t perfect, but for the movie size they look very good!
Of the two CD’s above I mentioned the Funny Flix one is the better one. The Abbot and Costello movie is a laugher"
Barbara Fullerton shares this news on tablet pcs: (thanks, Barbara!)
Tablet PC Talk - Your Place for Tablet PC New and Faqs.
New CEOs to test drive Microsoft Tablet PCs
Wall Street Journal
The Wall Street Journal via Avantgo and others mobile service providers seems to be transitioning to a paid service. I discovered this earlier this morning when I tried to use Avantgo to access the Wall Street Journal and got a message "Access Denied --- The page you requested is available only to users of the Wall Street Journal Online Mobile and Wireless Services partner sites...." The note went on to say that I could subscribe to a two week trial of the Wall Street Journal.
I was a little disappointed as I had been scanning WSJ headlines this way for months. Even more frustrating is that the blurb on the Avantgo site gives no indication that you must register separately with the Wall Street Journal for this channel to work. I resynced my device with the link from WSJ's site only to get the message "To Subscribe to The Wall Street Journal Online go to http://interactive.wsj.com/avantgo. " On the upside, at least I can see today's headlines.
I was a little disappointed as I had been scanning WSJ headlines this way for months. Even more frustrating is that the blurb on the Avantgo site gives no indication that you must register separately with the Wall Street Journal for this channel to work. I resynced my device with the link from WSJ's site only to get the message "To Subscribe to The Wall Street Journal Online go to http://interactive.wsj.com/avantgo. " On the upside, at least I can see today's headlines.
PDAs in Education/Watch movies on your pocket pc
More and more great sites and pda applications in education:
The Shifted Librarian
linked to a very interesting site Wake
Forest Pocket PC Classroom which includes the following features:
"Software features include:
An instant-on, easy-to-manage portable web server that is completely under your control
A text feedback mechanism that enables your students or audience to submit questions or comments that show immediately on your PocketPC.
A feedback meter that enables students to submit numeric reponses (range: -10 to 10) according to your directions. These submissions show as a continuous curve on your PocketPC and are useful for quick assessments.
Presentation capabilities that enable you to use the PocketPC as a remote control to navigate to a PowerPoint presentation on your desktop or laptop computer, start and manage the presentation, and see slide text and speaker notes on your PocketPC.
Easy access for students to materials or links on your websever, including the option to use a folder that requires authentication, easily managed from your PocketPC. "
Wow! If you aren't reading The Shifted Librarian, you
should be! Every day there are at the very least 1-2 links I want to check out on current/emerging/imagined/
technologies with witty commentary about the technology and how it might work for libraries. Go, Jenny!
Getting a Handle on Handhelds:
What to Consider Before You Introduce Handheld Computers Into Your Schools by David Pownell and
Gerald D. Bailey is a super article on specific points to consider and questions to ask when you are
considering implementing handheld computers in the classroom. They also predict that "handheld computers
..are the next machines that will change the face of our every day lives." This excellent article and list
would be very helpful for libraries thinking about integrating handheld computing into their services.
Did you ever think you would watch movies on your pda? Pocket
PC Films is producing movies for pocket pc. Amazon is selling
these films. One of the available films is "Fright Night" and it is only $4.99. Since my assignment for this
week is to learn as much about the pocket pc I can in 5 days, this might be an entertaining way to learn
about the features of the pocket pc. The films go on an external memory card and they recommend a
minimum of 128 MB
"At Pocket PC Films, our focus is on distribution of films and videos for the Pocket PC. We format and compress our video programming to work with Pocket PC devices from Compaq, Casio, Hewlett-Packard, Toshiba, NEC and all other handheld devices using Microsoft Media Player 7.1 or higher. The movies are stored on the devices external memory systems, which can be CompactFlash Cards, Secure Digital (SD) Cards, PC Cards, or the IBM Microdrive.
For optimal performance and satisfaction, we recommend an external memory device of at least 128MB. There are many manufacturers of these devices. They are inexpensive and continue to drop in price. "
They also have instructional training and self-help titles.
Check out The Paperless
Classroom, a middle school in Kentucky which is using pocket pcs in
7th and 8th grade English classes to eliminate paper. All reading and writing
for the classes is done on the PDA! (pocket pc) They started out with palms,
and are now using Pocket pcs. The students did all their assignments on
their pdas including writing papers and beaming them to the instructor. They also
took notes on their pdas. Reading assignments were downloaded from public
domain sites on the Internet and then beamed to other students. The teacher
uses "Romeo and Juliet" as an example of a work which was free, saving the
students money on textbooks. Students used Microsoft Outlook to schedule
homework and activities and used the voice recorder to record lectures. The teacher
says they then moved to pocket pcs and now want students to be able to access
Internet and email. He talks about added functionalities he would like to implement
in his classroom. There is also a paperless classroom yahoo group
you can join. Wow! Great kudoes to the paperless classroom! They are way ahead in terms
of not only implementing but imagining what the possibilities are!
The Shifted Librarian
linked to a very interesting site Wake
Forest Pocket PC Classroom which includes the following features:
"Software features include:
An instant-on, easy-to-manage portable web server that is completely under your control
A text feedback mechanism that enables your students or audience to submit questions or comments that show immediately on your PocketPC.
A feedback meter that enables students to submit numeric reponses (range: -10 to 10) according to your directions. These submissions show as a continuous curve on your PocketPC and are useful for quick assessments.
Presentation capabilities that enable you to use the PocketPC as a remote control to navigate to a PowerPoint presentation on your desktop or laptop computer, start and manage the presentation, and see slide text and speaker notes on your PocketPC.
Easy access for students to materials or links on your websever, including the option to use a folder that requires authentication, easily managed from your PocketPC. "
Wow! If you aren't reading The Shifted Librarian, you
should be! Every day there are at the very least 1-2 links I want to check out on current/emerging/imagined/
technologies with witty commentary about the technology and how it might work for libraries. Go, Jenny!
Getting a Handle on Handhelds:
What to Consider Before You Introduce Handheld Computers Into Your Schools by David Pownell and
Gerald D. Bailey is a super article on specific points to consider and questions to ask when you are
considering implementing handheld computers in the classroom. They also predict that "handheld computers
..are the next machines that will change the face of our every day lives." This excellent article and list
would be very helpful for libraries thinking about integrating handheld computing into their services.
Did you ever think you would watch movies on your pda? Pocket
PC Films is producing movies for pocket pc. Amazon is selling
these films. One of the available films is "Fright Night" and it is only $4.99. Since my assignment for this
week is to learn as much about the pocket pc I can in 5 days, this might be an entertaining way to learn
about the features of the pocket pc. The films go on an external memory card and they recommend a
minimum of 128 MB
"At Pocket PC Films, our focus is on distribution of films and videos for the Pocket PC. We format and compress our video programming to work with Pocket PC devices from Compaq, Casio, Hewlett-Packard, Toshiba, NEC and all other handheld devices using Microsoft Media Player 7.1 or higher. The movies are stored on the devices external memory systems, which can be CompactFlash Cards, Secure Digital (SD) Cards, PC Cards, or the IBM Microdrive.
For optimal performance and satisfaction, we recommend an external memory device of at least 128MB. There are many manufacturers of these devices. They are inexpensive and continue to drop in price. "
They also have instructional training and self-help titles.
Check out The Paperless
Classroom, a middle school in Kentucky which is using pocket pcs in
7th and 8th grade English classes to eliminate paper. All reading and writing
for the classes is done on the PDA! (pocket pc) They started out with palms,
and are now using Pocket pcs. The students did all their assignments on
their pdas including writing papers and beaming them to the instructor. They also
took notes on their pdas. Reading assignments were downloaded from public
domain sites on the Internet and then beamed to other students. The teacher
uses "Romeo and Juliet" as an example of a work which was free, saving the
students money on textbooks. Students used Microsoft Outlook to schedule
homework and activities and used the voice recorder to record lectures. The teacher
says they then moved to pocket pcs and now want students to be able to access
Internet and email. He talks about added functionalities he would like to implement
in his classroom. There is also a paperless classroom yahoo group
you can join. Wow! Great kudoes to the paperless classroom! They are way ahead in terms
of not only implementing but imagining what the possibilities are!
Saturday, May 18, 2002
PDA Support
Check out this great site PDAsupport.com
This site has links to hardware, software, reviews, pdas in education, and a bunch of
other categories. This looks like a fairly comprehensive and well organized page on
pdas. Thanks to them for linking to us too!
This site has links to hardware, software, reviews, pdas in education, and a bunch of
other categories. This looks like a fairly comprehensive and well organized page on
pdas. Thanks to them for linking to us too!
Thursday, May 16, 2002
Librarian's Index to the Internet
Thanks to Karen Schneider and the folks at Librarian's Index
to the Internet! Handheld Librarian was listed as a new resource this week, and you
can tell! Our hit count is way up! This is a great example of how this great tool, Librarian's
Index to the Internet, is working and a very valuable resource. Thanks again, Karen!
to the Internet! Handheld Librarian was listed as a new resource this week, and you
can tell! Our hit count is way up! This is a great example of how this great tool, Librarian's
Index to the Internet, is working and a very valuable resource. Thanks again, Karen!
Teleread blog: Bring the e-books home!!
Take a look at the Teleread blog.
Teleread calls for well-stocked national digital libraries in the U.S. and
elsewhere. Very interesting!
Teleread calls for well-stocked national digital libraries in the U.S. and
elsewhere. Very interesting!
Librarians as Early Adopters of Technology!
Hi. There has been some interesting action on the list, so I want
to share it here, so those that only read the web page will catch it too.
Thanks to the lastest issue Free Pint which
listed the Handheld Librarian in an article on blogs.
Scott Adams, Assistant Professor of Instructional Technology at Arkansas
Tech University, has suggested two more terms for the pda glossary.
Thanks, Scott!
SD Card = A removable expansion card about the size of a postage stamp.. It may be used for memory or other devices.
Sled = An expansion device that clips to the back of a handheld computer.
===========
Kathleen Meiners Branch Manager at Orange County Library System, Alafaya Library
in Orlando Florida asks if any public libraries are using handhelds to assist with reference
in a public library setting. Her library is beginning to use them for catalog searches and
web searches away from the reference desk. I have not heard of many public libraries
using handhelds. Tell us more about what you are doing, Kathleen! This is great. If you
share what you are doing, I will post it here.
--------------------------------------
Librarians as Early Adopters of Technology
Even if you are not a librarian who loves technology, gadgets, and gizmos, you
are probably at least a year or two ahead of the customers you serve in terms
of overall knowledge of technology and its applications which includes knowing how
to use google and to use the Internet to locate information. I was thinking about this
last night and talking to my colleagues at work about it over the last year or so.
Librarians, even those who don't like technology, are usually better versed and acquainted
with the possibilities of technology than the general or even a specialized clientele. Here
is an example. Yesterday, I was working with a medical resident who wanted something
in layman's terms to help explain a spider bite (yes, a spider bite! - no the customer didn't
think he was Spiderman!) and the symptoms of the bite. We looked in the usual excellent
medical database tools for some patient handouts and then we went to google. This resident,
who was well-versed in searching the most technical of medical databases had never done a
google search! When I explained what google was and what it indexed along with the usual
warnings of inaccurate information, etc. she was thrilled. She did not even know google existed!
Another example is in our pda project we work with a number of residents, doctors, and students
who know three times as much as we do on pdas - (just as many who don't). However, this same
audience has no knowledge of what is involved in putting up a web page. You might argue with
me that not all librarians are web masters. This is true, and I am no longer a webmaster either,
even though I'd like to think I have some skills. However, even librarians who are not webmasters
are generally acquainted with the general knowledge to know the basics involved in putting up
a web page.
Why all this blather? This is an exciting profession to be in! Librarians are early adopters of new
technology and should use this for all it is worth. When I think about technology trends, and their
first implementation in the library field, it seems like the early implementers are about 3 years ahead
of the general ground swell of acceptance. The early implementers are those who love technology and
push it to its limit to make it work for the library applications. Usually, the average library picks up
on this technology application 1-2 years later if it is a good one, and the general public another year
or two later. I think that handheld/wireless technology will pick up for the general public in about 2 years
and libraries need to be ready to deal with it, be ahead of the curve, and be knowledgeable about
the possibilities. It is just impossible to keep up with every single nuance of what 's happening,
but with groups like this, and The Shifted Librarian,
librarians can be aware of the trends, the successful applications, and think about
how they can be used in the library.
Librarians have always been teachers and trainers. However, in a world where technology is changing
so quickly and even teen agers cannot keep up with every single technology application, librarians
can use their skills in keeping abreast of a variety of topics (which they have always done) to help
people learn how to use it and to find and evaluate information.
to share it here, so those that only read the web page will catch it too.
Thanks to the lastest issue Free Pint which
listed the Handheld Librarian in an article on blogs.
Scott Adams, Assistant Professor of Instructional Technology at Arkansas
Tech University, has suggested two more terms for the pda glossary.
Thanks, Scott!
SD Card = A removable expansion card about the size of a postage stamp.. It may be used for memory or other devices.
Sled = An expansion device that clips to the back of a handheld computer.
===========
Kathleen Meiners Branch Manager at Orange County Library System, Alafaya Library
in Orlando Florida asks if any public libraries are using handhelds to assist with reference
in a public library setting. Her library is beginning to use them for catalog searches and
web searches away from the reference desk. I have not heard of many public libraries
using handhelds. Tell us more about what you are doing, Kathleen! This is great. If you
share what you are doing, I will post it here.
--------------------------------------
Librarians as Early Adopters of Technology
Even if you are not a librarian who loves technology, gadgets, and gizmos, you
are probably at least a year or two ahead of the customers you serve in terms
of overall knowledge of technology and its applications which includes knowing how
to use google and to use the Internet to locate information. I was thinking about this
last night and talking to my colleagues at work about it over the last year or so.
Librarians, even those who don't like technology, are usually better versed and acquainted
with the possibilities of technology than the general or even a specialized clientele. Here
is an example. Yesterday, I was working with a medical resident who wanted something
in layman's terms to help explain a spider bite (yes, a spider bite! - no the customer didn't
think he was Spiderman!) and the symptoms of the bite. We looked in the usual excellent
medical database tools for some patient handouts and then we went to google. This resident,
who was well-versed in searching the most technical of medical databases had never done a
google search! When I explained what google was and what it indexed along with the usual
warnings of inaccurate information, etc. she was thrilled. She did not even know google existed!
Another example is in our pda project we work with a number of residents, doctors, and students
who know three times as much as we do on pdas - (just as many who don't). However, this same
audience has no knowledge of what is involved in putting up a web page. You might argue with
me that not all librarians are web masters. This is true, and I am no longer a webmaster either,
even though I'd like to think I have some skills. However, even librarians who are not webmasters
are generally acquainted with the general knowledge to know the basics involved in putting up
a web page.
Why all this blather? This is an exciting profession to be in! Librarians are early adopters of new
technology and should use this for all it is worth. When I think about technology trends, and their
first implementation in the library field, it seems like the early implementers are about 3 years ahead
of the general ground swell of acceptance. The early implementers are those who love technology and
push it to its limit to make it work for the library applications. Usually, the average library picks up
on this technology application 1-2 years later if it is a good one, and the general public another year
or two later. I think that handheld/wireless technology will pick up for the general public in about 2 years
and libraries need to be ready to deal with it, be ahead of the curve, and be knowledgeable about
the possibilities. It is just impossible to keep up with every single nuance of what 's happening,
but with groups like this, and The Shifted Librarian,
librarians can be aware of the trends, the successful applications, and think about
how they can be used in the library.
Librarians have always been teachers and trainers. However, in a world where technology is changing
so quickly and even teen agers cannot keep up with every single technology application, librarians
can use their skills in keeping abreast of a variety of topics (which they have always done) to help
people learn how to use it and to find and evaluate information.
Wednesday, May 15, 2002
Handheld Jargon: A Bot for the Blog!
I was/am trying to create a list of handheld terms/jargon. In looking for
this on the Internet, I did not find many such lists. How about you? I found
a good one at Handango. I am going to share my current list in this posting.
You are welcome to use it. I would also appreciate your input on any terms
I left out or that you think should be on there. We can make it a community
glossary. Now all we need is a bot for our blog who can define the terms
for visitors. The only problem being, that I don't know if a bot on a blog would
work on a handheld unless it was a java-enabled phone that Teri Ross Embrey
talks about. Maybe The Shifted
Librarian would know. Well, the glossary is listed below. Feel free to take
what you want, and share what you think. Thanks.
802.11a – Newer version of 802.11b that allows devices to exchange information at up to 54 mbs.
802.11b – A wireless standard for device connectivity. Mainly for LAN connections and not necessarily wireless Internet . This standard allows handhelds, desktops and other wireless devices to exchange information at up to 11 mbs at several hundred feet.
Backlight – Optional function in handheld or e-book reader displays which allows the user to read in the dark.
Beaming – a way to send information between two pdas via the infrared port. Can also be used to send information to the printer.
Bluetooth – technology specification for short range wireless connection using chips in cellular phones, mobile pcs and other portable devices. Fairly new standard which works with few devices.
Compact flash – A removeable expansion which could be memory or other connectivity software.
Cradle – Device which handheld computer is placed in to synchronize data with the desktop computer. Cradle connects to the computer via USB or serial connection. Can also be used to recharge handheld computer batteries.
Doc – document. This term is usually used for electronic documents.
Document reader – a program to read documents on the handheld computer
E-text – Text in electronic format which can be read from a handheld computer
GPS – global positioning system
Expansion slots – Physical slots on some handheld computers that can be used for extra memory, digital camera, electronic book, Margi-Presenter-to-go etc.
Graffiti – Handwriting recognition on Palm OS devices
Handspring – a company which manufactures handheld computers which use the Palm operating system.
Hotsync – The process and software by which handheld computers synchronize/share information with a desktop computer
Infrared – Handheld devices can use this to transmit information to each other or to a printer without being physically connected
LCD – Liquid crystal display. Optical technology making small flat screens possible.
Memory stick - A removable flash-memory system developed by Sony and used in Sony handheld computers
Native applications – The handheld computing applications like calendar and memopad which come on the handheld computer.
OS – operating system. Handheld computers usually havea Windows CE operating system or a palm operating system.
Palm – company which manufactures handheld devices. Also a generic term for a handheld computer.
PDA – personal digital assistant. A generic term which could apply to pocket pcs with Windows CE or palm os devices.
PIM – personal information management. Refers to handheld computer applications that organize personal information such as calendar, to do lists, memos.
Pocket PC – Handheld operating system developed by Microsoft – generic term for handheld devices which run Windows CE
RAM – Random access memory. Temporary storage for computer files.
ROM – Read only memory. Used for static information on computers.
Stylus – a pen writing device for the handheld computer. Writes directly on the screen.
Sync – short for hotsync.
USB – Universal Serial bus – a way for handheld computers to connect with desktop computers.
Windows CE – Microsoft operating system for handheld and mobile computers.
this on the Internet, I did not find many such lists. How about you? I found
a good one at Handango. I am going to share my current list in this posting.
You are welcome to use it. I would also appreciate your input on any terms
I left out or that you think should be on there. We can make it a community
glossary. Now all we need is a bot for our blog who can define the terms
for visitors. The only problem being, that I don't know if a bot on a blog would
work on a handheld unless it was a java-enabled phone that Teri Ross Embrey
talks about. Maybe The Shifted
Librarian would know. Well, the glossary is listed below. Feel free to take
what you want, and share what you think. Thanks.
802.11a – Newer version of 802.11b that allows devices to exchange information at up to 54 mbs.
802.11b – A wireless standard for device connectivity. Mainly for LAN connections and not necessarily wireless Internet . This standard allows handhelds, desktops and other wireless devices to exchange information at up to 11 mbs at several hundred feet.
Backlight – Optional function in handheld or e-book reader displays which allows the user to read in the dark.
Beaming – a way to send information between two pdas via the infrared port. Can also be used to send information to the printer.
Bluetooth – technology specification for short range wireless connection using chips in cellular phones, mobile pcs and other portable devices. Fairly new standard which works with few devices.
Compact flash – A removeable expansion which could be memory or other connectivity software.
Cradle – Device which handheld computer is placed in to synchronize data with the desktop computer. Cradle connects to the computer via USB or serial connection. Can also be used to recharge handheld computer batteries.
Doc – document. This term is usually used for electronic documents.
Document reader – a program to read documents on the handheld computer
E-text – Text in electronic format which can be read from a handheld computer
GPS – global positioning system
Expansion slots – Physical slots on some handheld computers that can be used for extra memory, digital camera, electronic book, Margi-Presenter-to-go etc.
Graffiti – Handwriting recognition on Palm OS devices
Handspring – a company which manufactures handheld computers which use the Palm operating system.
Hotsync – The process and software by which handheld computers synchronize/share information with a desktop computer
Infrared – Handheld devices can use this to transmit information to each other or to a printer without being physically connected
LCD – Liquid crystal display. Optical technology making small flat screens possible.
Memory stick - A removable flash-memory system developed by Sony and used in Sony handheld computers
Native applications – The handheld computing applications like calendar and memopad which come on the handheld computer.
OS – operating system. Handheld computers usually havea Windows CE operating system or a palm operating system.
Palm – company which manufactures handheld devices. Also a generic term for a handheld computer.
PDA – personal digital assistant. A generic term which could apply to pocket pcs with Windows CE or palm os devices.
PIM – personal information management. Refers to handheld computer applications that organize personal information such as calendar, to do lists, memos.
Pocket PC – Handheld operating system developed by Microsoft – generic term for handheld devices which run Windows CE
RAM – Random access memory. Temporary storage for computer files.
ROM – Read only memory. Used for static information on computers.
Stylus – a pen writing device for the handheld computer. Writes directly on the screen.
Sync – short for hotsync.
USB – Universal Serial bus – a way for handheld computers to connect with desktop computers.
Windows CE – Microsoft operating system for handheld and mobile computers.
Bots for answering reference questions?
This doesn't have any direct applicability to handheld computers, but
it piqued my curiousity so much, I wanted to post it here. Have any
of you considered using a bot for live reference or for any other types of library
services? Steve Coffman, a true technology pioneer is at it again. Go here
http://www.virtualreference.net/virtual/bots.html to get a fascinating description
of bots doing reference and about an exciting program being presented
on the web on Monday! It would be interesting to see what everyone here thinks
of this idea. Try Deborah too, the experimental bot they have set up at NCSU.
it piqued my curiousity so much, I wanted to post it here. Have any
of you considered using a bot for live reference or for any other types of library
services? Steve Coffman, a true technology pioneer is at it again. Go here
http://www.virtualreference.net/virtual/bots.html to get a fascinating description
of bots doing reference and about an exciting program being presented
on the web on Monday! It would be interesting to see what everyone here thinks
of this idea. Try Deborah too, the experimental bot they have set up at NCSU.
Monday, May 13, 2002
Introducing a new style of handheld/laptop computer
What could this blog do to provide you with more/better information?
Please email me at lbell927@yahoo.com or post to the list to share
how this blog could improve and what topics you would like to see covered!
Barbara Fullerton sent this great link today:
DualScreen 2-VU. The world's first portable screen laptop pc
Take a look at this! It will be out this fall. This would be my kind of
ebook reader! Thanks, Barbara!
Please email me at lbell927@yahoo.com or post to the list to share
how this blog could improve and what topics you would like to see covered!
Barbara Fullerton sent this great link today:
DualScreen 2-VU. The world's first portable screen laptop pc
Take a look at this! It will be out this fall. This would be my kind of
ebook reader! Thanks, Barbara!
Saturday, May 11, 2002
My Wireless Palm
For information on using your Palm as a wireless device
and accessing the Internet, try Mywirelesspalm.
This site has tips and tricks, how to guides, information about
cellular phones, reviews, MP3, and palm applications!
and accessing the Internet, try Mywirelesspalm.
This site has tips and tricks, how to guides, information about
cellular phones, reviews, MP3, and palm applications!
Friday, May 10, 2002
Cheers to Steven Grove/No strings attached!
Thanks to Steven Grove from Harold Brittingham Memorial Library in Cleveland
who presented at the recent No Strings Attached wireless/pda/technology conference.
He shares some news with this group:
"NO STRINGS ATTACHED conference was a rewarding experience for both IT
professionals and librarians. Many institutions including MIT, Harvard,
Ohio State and University of South Dakota came together to discuss
wireless and handheld applications in academic and hospital environments.
Many vendors including Dell, Compaq, Plam, Oralce, DISCO, Spinrt,
Microsoft, IBM, Sun, IP Blue, and others were featured in video-streamed
presentations. THese should be available in a week's time at:
http://www.cwru.edu/is/no_strings/default.htm
.
This was an opportunity to learn from each other. 37 different
sessions were featured. Topics included: security, wireless technology, the
Wireless Institute, health sciences applications in both medical
schools and teaching hospitals, library applications, PDAs, LANS, WLANS,data
tracking and Wireless ePayments.
It is hoped by John Molnar, John Molnar.Conference Coordinator at
jem6@po.cwru.edu that this will be an annual event.
The presentation went well and we had someone from
TAUBMAN library at UMICH there. My boss spoke
with her but we didn't get her name... Lots of
questions....
Other attendees were wireless analysts, IS, etc.
Other interesting sessions for libraries:
Implications of Student Use of Personal Digitial
Assistants in 3rd Year Clerkships Objectives:
Cristina Pope, NEOUCOM, Assistant Director,
Medical Library (medical college)
Also Robert McKenney from OSU (OHIO STATE) presented
Next Level of Distributed Learning: THe Introduction
of PDA's to THird and FOurthYear Medical Students
website: http://mcpdacentral.osu.edu/
Streaming available in two weeks.
CHeck out:
http://www.cwru.edu/is/no_strings/default.htm
ALso check out U. of SD initiative..they brought
PDAs to all freshman at the campus, including law
and medical...
My input: GO LIBRARIANS! Steven said that a chief
assistant in this initiative at South Dakota is a librarian, Heidi
Nickisch Duggan! Go Heidi, go! Hopefully Heidi will become
a contributor to Handheld Librarian and share her experiences.
PDA Conference in Peoria
We have over 50 librarians signed up for the pda conference
June 7 in Peoria! We have them coming from all types of libraries-
not only medical and health sciences, but academic, public, etc.
It is interesting no school librarians are signed up. Is it just
me or does it seem like more types of libraries are getting
interested in handhelds and applications for libraries? Have others
noticed this?
At the ILA RTSF Technology user group this week, many of the
librarians were fascinated with the pda presentation by Teri Ross Embrey
and were excited about the possibilites. At the SLS Tech Summit, there
were people from all kinds of libraries there who were very interested too!
who presented at the recent No Strings Attached wireless/pda/technology conference.
He shares some news with this group:
"NO STRINGS ATTACHED conference was a rewarding experience for both IT
professionals and librarians. Many institutions including MIT, Harvard,
Ohio State and University of South Dakota came together to discuss
wireless and handheld applications in academic and hospital environments.
Many vendors including Dell, Compaq, Plam, Oralce, DISCO, Spinrt,
Microsoft, IBM, Sun, IP Blue, and others were featured in video-streamed
presentations. THese should be available in a week's time at:
http://www.cwru.edu/is/no_strings/default.htm
.
This was an opportunity to learn from each other. 37 different
sessions were featured. Topics included: security, wireless technology, the
Wireless Institute, health sciences applications in both medical
schools and teaching hospitals, library applications, PDAs, LANS, WLANS,data
tracking and Wireless ePayments.
It is hoped by John Molnar, John Molnar.Conference Coordinator at
jem6@po.cwru.edu that this will be an annual event.
The presentation went well and we had someone from
TAUBMAN library at UMICH there. My boss spoke
with her but we didn't get her name... Lots of
questions....
Other attendees were wireless analysts, IS, etc.
Other interesting sessions for libraries:
Implications of Student Use of Personal Digitial
Assistants in 3rd Year Clerkships Objectives:
Cristina Pope, NEOUCOM, Assistant Director,
Medical Library (medical college)
Also Robert McKenney from OSU (OHIO STATE) presented
Next Level of Distributed Learning: THe Introduction
of PDA's to THird and FOurthYear Medical Students
website: http://mcpdacentral.osu.edu/
Streaming available in two weeks.
CHeck out:
http://www.cwru.edu/is/no_strings/default.htm
ALso check out U. of SD initiative..they brought
PDAs to all freshman at the campus, including law
and medical...
My input: GO LIBRARIANS! Steven said that a chief
assistant in this initiative at South Dakota is a librarian, Heidi
Nickisch Duggan! Go Heidi, go! Hopefully Heidi will become
a contributor to Handheld Librarian and share her experiences.
PDA Conference in Peoria
We have over 50 librarians signed up for the pda conference
June 7 in Peoria! We have them coming from all types of libraries-
not only medical and health sciences, but academic, public, etc.
It is interesting no school librarians are signed up. Is it just
me or does it seem like more types of libraries are getting
interested in handhelds and applications for libraries? Have others
noticed this?
At the ILA RTSF Technology user group this week, many of the
librarians were fascinated with the pda presentation by Teri Ross Embrey
and were excited about the possibilites. At the SLS Tech Summit, there
were people from all kinds of libraries there who were very interested too!
Thursday, May 09, 2002
Everyday there is something different!
We think we have the Voidstar tool working now.
Today, Lori Bell and I gave presentations on handheld use in libraries at the Suburban Library System's Technology Summit. Also, presenting was Darryl Walery, Director of Technology, Consolidated HS District 230. From him, we learned that there is a product called Webtarget that allows users to use their infrared port to connect to the Internet. The Webtarget product is manufacturer by TriBeam Wireless Access, a local company (Arlington Heights, IL).
Today, Lori Bell and I gave presentations on handheld use in libraries at the Suburban Library System's Technology Summit. Also, presenting was Darryl Walery, Director of Technology, Consolidated HS District 230. From him, we learned that there is a product called Webtarget that allows users to use their infrared port to connect to the Internet. The Webtarget product is manufacturer by TriBeam Wireless Access, a local company (Arlington Heights, IL).
Wednesday, May 08, 2002
We've RSS-ified!
We've used the Voidstar RSS-ify tool to create an RSS feed for this site! Jenny taught us how to do this today at the ILA RTSF TUG "Hands on High Tech Day."
Tuesday, May 07, 2002
PDA Preview!
Today, our hospital library hosted a pda preview from 10:00-1:30!
We will be hosting one at the University of Illinois at Chicago Library of the Health Sciences Peoria on May 23
during the same time. My pda partner in crime, Peg Burnette, and I are hosting these previews. The preview
was a kind of open house for medical staff to come and view the pdas and the modules. We demoed the
power point on the handheld using Margi presenter-to-go, the keyboard with Documents to Go, the digital camera, and
the voice recorder. We did not have a big crowd, but the people that came all had different interests and we
were able to spend some time with them discussing pda applications. The most popular application seemed
to be the Documents to Go with the keyboard followed closely by the amazing Margi presenter-to-go for
presenting Power Points and handheld applications. Peg and I were discussing the fact that when we started
this project, we assumed we would be doing training for the handhelds the same way we had been doing
Internet and database training - in small groups. What has happened in this project is a demand for customized,
one on one training from five minute orientations to 1.5 hour in-depth applications training. Peg said, and she
said I could quote her, "People want the training when they want it on what they need to know when they need
to know it!" In our experience over the past year, even the power users do not use all the available applications
for a handheld computer. The power users may utilize much of the power of a handheld computer, but not all of it.
Others may use an application or two or three or four. It is much like all the resources in a medical specialty
we have put on each handheld. For instance a cardiology or pediatrics pda may have 4-6 different e-books
or reference works on them. We are finding as people check them out that few try all 4-6 resources. Most of them
try two or three. Even when people are interested in seeing and trying all the applications, they end up using
just a few select apps. What is your experience in training on pdas and the various applications?
We will be hosting one at the University of Illinois at Chicago Library of the Health Sciences Peoria on May 23
during the same time. My pda partner in crime, Peg Burnette, and I are hosting these previews. The preview
was a kind of open house for medical staff to come and view the pdas and the modules. We demoed the
power point on the handheld using Margi presenter-to-go, the keyboard with Documents to Go, the digital camera, and
the voice recorder. We did not have a big crowd, but the people that came all had different interests and we
were able to spend some time with them discussing pda applications. The most popular application seemed
to be the Documents to Go with the keyboard followed closely by the amazing Margi presenter-to-go for
presenting Power Points and handheld applications. Peg and I were discussing the fact that when we started
this project, we assumed we would be doing training for the handhelds the same way we had been doing
Internet and database training - in small groups. What has happened in this project is a demand for customized,
one on one training from five minute orientations to 1.5 hour in-depth applications training. Peg said, and she
said I could quote her, "People want the training when they want it on what they need to know when they need
to know it!" In our experience over the past year, even the power users do not use all the available applications
for a handheld computer. The power users may utilize much of the power of a handheld computer, but not all of it.
Others may use an application or two or three or four. It is much like all the resources in a medical specialty
we have put on each handheld. For instance a cardiology or pediatrics pda may have 4-6 different e-books
or reference works on them. We are finding as people check them out that few try all 4-6 resources. Most of them
try two or three. Even when people are interested in seeing and trying all the applications, they end up using
just a few select apps. What is your experience in training on pdas and the various applications?
Friday, May 03, 2002
This blog making news
Imagine my surprise when I viewed the referral links to Handheld Librarian
and I found ArcStream,
the company working on Blackboard to Go, Up-To-Date, and a number of other
innovative mobile solutions had linked to a post I had written about them
as being newsworth about their company.
Wow! I did not realize this blog rated as newsworthy, but great! Great exposure
for librarians and the role they can play in handheld technology! Thanks, Arcstream!
My boss, Carol Galganski, Peg Burnette and Jo Dorsch from the University of Illinois
Chicago Library of the Health Sciences-Peoria and I met today to discuss the
the PDA Conference. We have a lot of great content to share, and it should be an
exciting day in Peoria on June 7! We are still taking registrations until May 16.
The only cost is $25.00 to cover food costs. Mari Stoddard, from Arizona Library of the
Health Sciences is the keynote speaker. Carol Galganski, our library manager, Jo Dorsch,
Peg Burnette and myself will present an MLA CE on medical content/library applications
for the pda. The other part of the program will feature Tom Peters, project evaluator and
Director of the Center for Library Initiatives, CIC, moderating a panel which will include
Dr. Sara Rusch, Dr. Tom Foster, Dr. John Hafner, and Ken Smith, a medical student.
The company will be good, the food will be great, and our keynote speaker is dynamic!
UIC-LHS in Peoria is the conference site.
On May 7 and May 23, as part of our grant, our hospital library and the UIC LHS will
hostpda previews, which will be in open
house format for 2.5 hours at each location. The open house will be hosted by Peg
Burnette and myself and feature demonstrations of Margi presenter to go, the digital
camera, documents to go, keyboards, and the Total Recall voice recorder. Instead of
scheduling training on each module, we decided it would be better to have an open house
and let people drop in to spend the amount of time they wish and view the applications they
are interested in. Has anyone else tried this format to introduce various aspects of technology?
I would be interested in hearing your views and experiences with sessions like this.
Bill Drew, the wireless librarian, has been keeping traffic going on pdalibraries. What software program
do you use for syncing Lotus Notes, Microsoft Outlook or other email to your palm? Do you use
Intellisync, Avantgo, or something else? Share any information and I will post it here. We had
a doctor ask today for the same information.
The ILA Resources and Technical Services Forum Technology User Group is meeting in the
Chicago area on May 8 (Wednesday). Demonstrations/presentations will be done by Jenny
Levine, better known as <"http://www.theshiftedlibrarian.com">The Shifted Librarian on blogging;
Teri Embrey Ross on pdas; Tom Peters, on ebooks; and the NSLS Answers Unlimited librarians
on virtual reference. The day will be a mixture of hands on, demonstrations, and discussion.
Teri has done an excellent power point and Tom and Jenny are working on them. I hope we
can share these with you after the meeting.
The Shifted Librarian mentions some news
regarding Franklin Electronic Publishers: "Burlington, N.J.-based Franklin, known for its eBookMan handheld device, said it will disseminate books by authors from Warner Books and Little Brown and Co. Featured authors will include Nicholas Sparks, Brad Meltzer, Anita Shreve and Larry King. " Jenny makes some excellent points
in her post about this deal and the current ebook situation. Franklin publishes a lot of good medical
textbooks for the handheld in companion format. They have also tried their hand at ebook reading
devices like the ebookman which was supposed to be an ebook reader with pda features and a dedicated
medical reader which I don't think handles any content besides that in the Franklin format. In our ebook
project which is described in the May 1 Library Journal article E-Books Go to College , Ginny McCoy of Eureka College,
Tom Peters, and I described our experiences with the RCA REB 1100 and the Franklin ebookman in
the college classroom and library.
Have a great weekend!
and I found ArcStream,
the company working on Blackboard to Go, Up-To-Date, and a number of other
innovative mobile solutions had linked to a post I had written about them
as being newsworth about their company.
Wow! I did not realize this blog rated as newsworthy, but great! Great exposure
for librarians and the role they can play in handheld technology! Thanks, Arcstream!
My boss, Carol Galganski, Peg Burnette and Jo Dorsch from the University of Illinois
Chicago Library of the Health Sciences-Peoria and I met today to discuss the
the PDA Conference. We have a lot of great content to share, and it should be an
exciting day in Peoria on June 7! We are still taking registrations until May 16.
The only cost is $25.00 to cover food costs. Mari Stoddard, from Arizona Library of the
Health Sciences is the keynote speaker. Carol Galganski, our library manager, Jo Dorsch,
Peg Burnette and myself will present an MLA CE on medical content/library applications
for the pda. The other part of the program will feature Tom Peters, project evaluator and
Director of the Center for Library Initiatives, CIC, moderating a panel which will include
Dr. Sara Rusch, Dr. Tom Foster, Dr. John Hafner, and Ken Smith, a medical student.
The company will be good, the food will be great, and our keynote speaker is dynamic!
UIC-LHS in Peoria is the conference site.
On May 7 and May 23, as part of our grant, our hospital library and the UIC LHS will
hostpda previews, which will be in open
house format for 2.5 hours at each location. The open house will be hosted by Peg
Burnette and myself and feature demonstrations of Margi presenter to go, the digital
camera, documents to go, keyboards, and the Total Recall voice recorder. Instead of
scheduling training on each module, we decided it would be better to have an open house
and let people drop in to spend the amount of time they wish and view the applications they
are interested in. Has anyone else tried this format to introduce various aspects of technology?
I would be interested in hearing your views and experiences with sessions like this.
Bill Drew, the wireless librarian, has been keeping traffic going on pdalibraries. What software program
do you use for syncing Lotus Notes, Microsoft Outlook or other email to your palm? Do you use
Intellisync, Avantgo, or something else? Share any information and I will post it here. We had
a doctor ask today for the same information.
The ILA Resources and Technical Services Forum Technology User Group is meeting in the
Chicago area on May 8 (Wednesday). Demonstrations/presentations will be done by Jenny
Levine, better known as <"http://www.theshiftedlibrarian.com">The Shifted Librarian on blogging;
Teri Embrey Ross on pdas; Tom Peters, on ebooks; and the NSLS Answers Unlimited librarians
on virtual reference. The day will be a mixture of hands on, demonstrations, and discussion.
Teri has done an excellent power point and Tom and Jenny are working on them. I hope we
can share these with you after the meeting.
The Shifted Librarian mentions some news
regarding Franklin Electronic Publishers: "Burlington, N.J.-based Franklin, known for its eBookMan handheld device, said it will disseminate books by authors from Warner Books and Little Brown and Co. Featured authors will include Nicholas Sparks, Brad Meltzer, Anita Shreve and Larry King. " Jenny makes some excellent points
in her post about this deal and the current ebook situation. Franklin publishes a lot of good medical
textbooks for the handheld in companion format. They have also tried their hand at ebook reading
devices like the ebookman which was supposed to be an ebook reader with pda features and a dedicated
medical reader which I don't think handles any content besides that in the Franklin format. In our ebook
project which is described in the May 1 Library Journal article E-Books Go to College , Ginny McCoy of Eureka College,
Tom Peters, and I described our experiences with the RCA REB 1100 and the Franklin ebookman in
the college classroom and library.
Have a great weekend!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)