2021-06-21 SPLAT Curiosity Report: Volume 8, Issue 7
Featured Story
PC Keyboard Shortcuts
This past year, I’ve been using my laptop a lot more. In order to make the most of my small screen and keyboard (I do have a bluetooth mouse), it’s important to make the most of keyboard shortcuts. I apologize to all the Mac users out there, but since I have a PC, I’m only going to share my favorite Windows Key Shortcuts that make life a little easier. Learning and practicing these takes a few minutes that will make using your computer easier and make people think you’re a tech wizard!
Windows Key + Tab = Open Task View
Windows Key + Right or Left Arrow = Maximize the application window to the left or right side of the screen (so useful for doodle polls!)
Windows Key + Shift + S = Take a Screenshot of part of your screen and save it to your clipboard
For more ideas check out: All the Windows 10 Keyboard Shortcuts You Need to Know
While you’re honing in on your computer skills, spending 5 minutes a few times a week getting better at typing is a good idea, too!
Typing Academy: https://www.typing.academy/typing-tutor/lessons
It’s easy to get into routines with how we use technology and neglect learning new skills, but 12 months into using a laptop every day seems like a good time to make some improvements. ;)
– Jessica Martinez
Fail Forward
We’ve all been there. You pour your heart into a program, and no one shows up. You try something new, and you fall on your face. Sound familiar? Fail Forward is the place to share your failures, and give you the opportunity to share what you learned from them. Did you promote your program in a different way after no one showed up? Maybe you took a new approach to the new thing you were excited about? Awesome! Share your story via our online form so others can learn, and realize that failure is often part of the process.
Fail Fail
This issue’s Fail Forward is a reprise of one from our very first issue back on June 1, 2018. Why is this a fail? As the editor, I miscalculated how many Fail Forward columns had been written for this volume and we ran out! Who doesn’t enjoy a fun trip down memory lane? – Deana Brown
Planning for the Weather
Last Summer (2017) the Nampa Public Library had a series of concerts located outside on the library’s terrace. When planning the schedule, we failed to account for the weather. The first concert date was scheduled in the Spring. Due to the unpredictability of Idaho weather, it started storming as soon as the band set up their equipment. We shuffled everybody inside and reset the concert inside the building. We learned from this abrupt change in plans that our Local History room has amazing acoustics. Because of this experience we decided it is safer to plan outside events during summer months, when the weather is more predictable, as well as make weather contingency plans.
– Mike Sloan
Crush Corner
Is there a library you follow on social media who is always doing new and exciting things? How about a blog you follow that inspires you? What about a new idea, book, or resource that you want to share? Library Crush Corner is a place for those working in Idaho libraries to share what inspires them, and who or what they’re crushing on… in a professional sense. Share your story via our online form so we can publish it in a future issue!
The Uncensored Library
I am crushing on The Uncensored Library https://uncensoredlibrary.com/en. Reporters Without Borders has created a Minecraft Library with links to banned journalism for citizens around the world. Now people who play Minecraft have access to information that would otherwise be closed off to them. What an awesome way to fight censorship!
– Gretchen Perkins
SPLAT explores the ever-evolving library world and supports library folks as they adapt to meet the needs of their communities. Library folk throughout the state of Idaho volunteer to serve on the Special Projects Library Action Team (SPLAT). Learn more about SPLAT at splat.lili.org
SPLAT is brought to you by the Idaho Commission for Libraries and was made possible, in part, by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (LS-246156-OLS-20). The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.