5 Tech Tools to be Thankful For

In honor of Thanksgiving, I’d like to give thanks for 5 tech tools that make life as a librarian much easier.

Google Drive
On any given day I work on at least 6 different computers and tablets. That means I need instant access to my documents wherever I go and without cloud storage I’d be lost. While there are plenty of other free file hosting services, I like Drive the most because it offers 15GB of free storage and it’s incredibly easy to use. When I’m working with patrons who already have a Gmail account, setting up Drive is just a click away.

Libib
I dabbled in Goodreads for a bit, but I must say, Libib has won me over. Libib lets you catalog your personal library and share your favorite media with others. While it doesn’t handle images quite as well as Goodreads, I much prefer Libib’s sleek and modern interface. Instead of cataloging books that I own, I’m currently using Libib to create a list of my favorite children’s books to recommend to patrons.

Hopscotch
Hopscotch is my favorite iOS app right now. With Hopscotch, you can learn the fundamentals of coding through play. The app is marketed towards kids, but I think the bubbly characters and lighthearted nature appeals to adults too. I’m using Hopscotch in an upcoming adult program at the library to show that coding can be quirky and fun. If you want to use Hopscotch at your library, check out their resources for teachers. They’ve got fantastic ready made lesson plans for the taking.

Adobe Illustrator
My love affair with Photoshop started many years ago, but as I’ve gotten older, Illustrator and I have become a much better match. I use Illustrator to create flyers, posters, and templates for computer class handouts. The best thing about Illustrator is that it’s designed for working with vector graphics. That means I can easily translate a design for a 6-inch bookmark into a 6-foot poster without losing image quality.

Twitter
Twitter is hands-down my social network of choice. My account is purely for library-related stuff and I know I can count on Twitter to pick me up and get me inspired when I’m running out of steam. Thanks to all the libraries and librarians who keep me going!

What tech tools are you thankful for? Please share in the comments!