Improvements to Google Docs

Read about improvements from the Office Google Blog which include an equation editor, super- and subscripts, translation features,and a "go to page" for surveys created.

"As interns on the Google Docs team this past summer, we were excited to be able to work on making Google Docs that much more useful for students like us. We've now added a bunch of back to school features which should help our fellow students make the transition from summer to school that much easier — and we hope they'll be useful to you non-students as well!"

Watch the video to learn how collaboration works in Google docs.

Happy Birthday Google!

For Google’s 11th birthday on Sunday, September 27th the company changed its logo to a version that turns the letter “L” into the number 11. Enjoy.

National Book Festival Podcasts

Listen to well-known authors' podcasts from today's National Book Festival organized and sponsored by the Library of Congress on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Download podcasts from
Julia Alvarez
Judy Blume
Michael Connelly
Junot Diaz
Gwen Ifill
John Irving
Sue Monk Kidd & Ann Kidd Taylor
Lois Lowry
Walter Mosley
James Patterson
George Pelecanos
Jodi Picoult
Jon Scieszka
Nicholas Sparks
David Wroblewski

Online Conference: Climate Change from the Smithsonian

The gingko leaf at left is an image featured on the Smithsonian's site along with details about their online conference on Climate Change. A list of times and speakers is also available.

Most people know that the Smithsonian is referred to as our nation's "attic" due to the extensive physical collections, but I have been really impressed with the way it is embracing technology and helping others to do so. For example, their tutorial on podcasting is one I have been directing people to for years since it is one of the best I have seen. And now the Smithsonian is inviting us to "get social" with a terrific blog about climate change and Twitter and Facebook entries, too.

Latest from Wolfram Alpha

An update from Wolfram Alpha on content in basic reference library. What do we expect to see in the future? Languages other than English. Team has expanded considerably and expect good things in the future. Watch the Q & A session.
http://www.wolfram.com/broadcast/qa20090917/

A Video Response to Did You Know 2.0

"This is another official update to the original "Shift Happens" video. This completely new Fall 2009 version includes facts and stats focusing on the changing media landscape, including convergence...

For more information, or to join the conversation, please visit http://mediaconvergence.economist.com and http://shifthappens.wikispaces.com.

The Manifesto

New Trier Librarian Linda Straube has created a fantastic display for Banned Books week. I love seeing the poster sized Manifesto. See also the National Coalition Against Censorship celebrating 35 years.

Manifesto

"To you zealots and bigots and false
patriots who live in fear of discourse.
You screamers and banners and burners
who would force books
off shelves in your brand name
of greater good.
You say you’re afraid for children,
innocents ripe for corruption
by perversion or sorcery on the page.
But sticks and stones do break
bones, and ignorance is no armor.
You do not speak for me,
and will not deny my kids magic
in favor of miracles.
You say you’re afraid for America,
the red, white and blue corroded
by terrorists, socialists, the sexually
confused. But we are a vast quilt
of patchwork cultures and multi-gendered
identities. You cannot speak for those
whose ancestors braved
different seas.
You say you’re afraid for God,
the living word eroded by Muhammed
and Darwin and Magdalene.
But the omnipotent sculptor of heaven
and earth designed intelligence.
Surely you dare not speak
for the father, who opens
his arms to all.
A word to the unwise.
Torch every book.
Char every page.
Burn every word to ash.
Ideas are incombustible.
And therein lies your real fear.
Manifesto"
— Ellen HopkinS,
bestselling author of Crank and newly published Tricks