New Tech Wednesday!

Thanks to the Labor Day holiday our schedule is a little off, so this month's New Tech Tuesday is actually being posted on a Wednesday. We hope you'll still enjoy all the shiny new gadgets.

There are many exciting smartphone accessories available on the market today. For our New Tech Tuesday (one day late) this month, we'll be discussing a few accessories to make your smartphone even more versatile.

External Camera Lens 

The camera phone means that most of us have a camera at all times, ready to capture the perfect photo of the sunset, family and friends or just our evening meal. There are also lenses that allow your phone to take panaramic pictures, perfect for capturing landscapes or, in our case, the many books on our shelves!

The newest external lens in the news turns your smartphone into an almost professional level camera. The latest lens from Sony is bringing interchangeable lenses to your smartphone.
You can find more information on the new article from TechCruch.com.

Speakers

Listening to music and movies is made even better with external speakers. There are many choices for external speakers for smartphones, including smaller speakers that plug into the headphone jack of your phone and wireless speakers that connect to your phone via bluetooth. The good news is, the variety of speakers available on the market means you'll be able to find one in your price range. You'll even have your choice of colors! 

There is even a speaker that learns your moods and preferences and plays music accordingly! The Aether Cone features a complex algorithm that allows it to learn what you like to listen to, when and where and tries to play music accordingly. Read Gizmodo's review to learn more! 

Portable Chargers

Using all of these fancy accessories or even just using your phone in the course of your normal day can really drain your battery. Unfortunately, we can't always be near an outlet to charge up. Luckily, there are portable chargers there to help you when your batter starts to fail. Like the speakers, these portable chargers come in almost every price range. There are some that run on batteries (which means you have to change the batteries before charging) and some that are rechargeable themselves. There are a variety of sizes, though most can charge a smartphone from almost dead to full charge at least once. The one we'll be talking about today goes the extra mile - it reminds you to take it with you when you're having a busy day! 

The Smart Power Battery from Elgato syncs with your calendar and sends you a reminder to bring it along any time you have a full schedule. It also sends you a notification when your battery starts to run low. 

You can read more about this battery from Elgato on SlashGear.com. 

What is your favorite smartphone accessory? Tell us in the comments below! If you have an idea for blog posts or questions/comments, you can contact us on Facebook or Twitter. 

Apps for the Sports Fan

Fall is almost upon us and that means football season will soon be kicking off. (See what we did there?) College football season started on Wednesday August 27 and the NFL will have their first game on September 4th. These days being a sports fan is so much more than watching the game on television or arguing about your teams' clear superiority at work the next day. The rise of technology means that fans can connect to their favorite teams and get information about stats and scores in brand new ways.

For this week's blog focus we will be recommending Apps for Sports Fans. Football may be on everyone's mind but it's definitely not the only sport that inspires devotion, so we'll be discussing some apps that cover multiple sports.

ESPN SportsCenter App

This app is exactly what you'd expect from ESPN. It covers all major sports, including European football. You can customize the updates that you receive including specific teams and score and stat updates as well as breaking news. With over 43 million downloads, this is the go to app for many sports fans. 

This app is free and available in iTunes and Google Play. 

(Image via ESPN)

Yahoo! Sports

This app is similar to the ESPN app, in that it covers most major sports. It also offers the ability to program alerts so you get up to the minute news from your favorite teams and writers. 

This app is free and available on iTunes and Google Play. 

(Image via The Black and White)

Team Stream by Bleacher Report

This app also covers all major sports. It gathers content from other sites, newspapers, blogs and Twitter, so it's coverage is varied and far-reaching. However, like the other apps, it allows you to customize notifications, so it sifts through all this information for you and presents only the subjects that you're interested in. You can set a feed solely for your favorite team, giving you all the updates on the team in one screen. 

This app is free and available on iTunes and Google Play.

(Image via iPhone Life) 

NFL.com Mobile App 

This app, unsurprisingly, offers only information on NFL teams and games. It gives you access to breaking news, in-game highlights, and live scores. It allows you to set up custom team news. 

This app is free and is available on iTunes or Google Play. 

(image via UberGizmo)

What are some of your favorite ways to stay up to date on your favorite sports? Comment and let us know what you think! If you have an idea for blog posts or questions/comments, you can contact us on Facebook or Twitter. 

New eReaders on the Market

This week a new Nook went on sale from Barnes and Noble. Barnes and Noble worked with Samsung to make the newest version of their eReader. This version functions more like a tablet than a simple eReader. Like the Kindle Fire and the Nexus 7, the Samsung Galaxy Tab® 4 NOOK allows users to download apps and surf the web, in addition to reading books and magazines. Because it is a Samsung Galaxy Tab, it runs on Android meaning a greater variety of apps available.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab® 4 NOOK means that Nook users no longer need to choose between sticking with a Nook and enjoying a tablet. All previously purchased books and magazines easily transfer to your new Nook.

Of course, while the Nook tablet is the newest eReader tablet on the market, it isn't the only option. They are several other tablets including Kindle Fire and the Nexus 7. Both of these also work on Android and allow for downloading apps as well as reading books.

And as always, with any of these devices can be eBooks can be borrowed from Bossier Parish Library.

Increase Productivity with URL Blockers!

August is in full swing and almost all area schools are back in session. Two weeks ago we posted several online resources that make a student's life easier. The downside of going online to use those tools is how distracting the internet can be. It can be easy to think "I'll just check Facebook quickly" and look up to find that an hour has passed. And don't even get us started on Pinterest!

There are several tools available to help keep students (and anyone else working on computers) on task.

One of the most important tools to have when trying to stay focused is by using what's called a URL blocker. The URL is just another name for the web address. For example, the URL for this site is http://bpl-it.blogspot.com A URL blocker can keep you from visiting certain sites during a set period of time. This can be helpful if you just can't help checking Facebook or Twitter on your computer when you should be writing a paper or looking up information. It can help for those working from home as well.

Stayfocusd

Our favorite URL blocker is a free add-on called Stayfocusd. It works only on the Google Chrome browser. (If you use Firefox, don't worry - we'll discuss it next!)
Stayfocusd increases productivity by temporarily blocking time-wasting websites. There are several different options in blocking websites - including blocking all websites and or allowing only one or two websites. (We might suggest leaving the library site unblocked, of course.) Stayfocusd allows you set a time limit and even includes a countdown clock to let you know how long these will be blocked.

LeechBlock

LeechBlock works in the same way that Stayfocusd does, but it works only on Firefox. 

This add-on is free to download from Mozilla and allows you to block select websites or all websites for a specified amount of time. 

These are just two examples of URL blockers available. You can find more by searching the web, but like with any program, be cautious of what sites you download from. It's always best to download from a reputable and well-known site, like Google Play Store or the Mozilla add-on store. 

What are some of your favorite ways to stay productive? Comment and let us know what you think! If you'd like more information on these or any other library services, you can call your local library branch or contact us on Facebook or Twitter. 

New Tech Tuesday!

It's the first Tuesday of the month which means it's New Tech Tuesday!

This month we are going to focus on fun new Tech that is designed to make working in your kitchen a little easier.

The Smarter Microwave - with Accupop

Now a microwave, while convenient, is nothing new. However, this particular microwave has several features that make it a cut above most microwaves. This microwave has a feature that allows you to steam cook vegetables, fish or rice with a provided steamer. This feature also converts to allow steam cleaning.  It also features 'sensor cooking' which adjusts cooking times based on the food itself. It also has the Accupop technology, which adjusts popcorn cooking time using sound sensors. That's right, it listens to your popcorn as it cooks and when the popping slows down it recognizes that this means the popcorn is almost done. 

It may seem frivolous but burned popcorn can stink up your whole house and put a serious damper on movie night. 

At Home Sous Vide Machines

If you've never heard of Sous Vide (pronounced Sue Veed), don't worry you are not alone. The only placed we'd ever seen it before was when chefs got particularly adventurous on Top Chef. However this method for cooking meat is gaining popularity, especially now that Sous Vide machines are available for home cooks.

Sous Vide is the process of cooking food by placing it in a vacuumed sealed bag and keeping it at a steady temperature. This usually means cooking it in hot water. So what's so great about Sous Vide? T. Susan Chang from NPR's Kitchen Window has the answer:

Why would you want to do this? Because careful temperature control results in a kind of protein sorcery. You can get perfectly cooked delicate fish because it can't dry out or overflake. You can coax meats into meltingly soft braises because the protein never gets hot enough for the fibers to turn to string. You can get eggs that are never rubbery. You can melt the layers in pork belly without liquefying them in the process. You can even keep chocolate from losing its glossy temper when melted.

Find Chang's entire article here on NPR's Website. Cooking sous vide at home without any special equipment is possible, however it can be difficult to keep the water at a steady temperature for the length of time it takes to cook your meat. You can buy Sous Vide Circulators which help regulate the temperature for long periods of time while circulating the water to keep it from boiling down. These are less bulky than the Sous Vide Machines.

Sous Vide Circulator
image via Serious Eats 

Sous Vide Machine

image via Sous Vide Supreme

Smart Refrigerators

The newest technology in refrigerators allows them to do so much more than just keep things cool. The smart refrigerators have touchscreens which allow you to make shopping lists and even keep track of expiration dates for foods. LG is working to create the ability for users to text their refrigerator to ask questions like "Are we out of eggs?" or "How long until the milk expires?' from their smart phone, even while in the middle of a grocery store. 

There are even WiFi enabled refrigerators that allow you to take phone calls, surf the internet, listen to music or even watch television right on the fridge. No more missing out just because you're stuck cooking dinner or cleaning up after. 

 

Smart Ovens

Refrigerators aren't the only appliances getting in on the new technology action. GE has several oven models that work with their app GE Brillion, which allows you to turn on the oven, pre-heat, or change the temperature from your phone or tablet. These smart ovens also have built in meat probes to tell exactly when the meat has reached the right temperature and will alert you by text when the meat is ready. 

 (image via GE Brillion)

Of course, with all these features comes a pretty hefty price tag, at least for some of these devices. However it should be long before these technologies become more common. 

For now we're stuck listening to our own popcorn to make sure it doesn't burn. 

 (image from DeludedDiva)

What did you think of these fancy kitchen appliances? Comment and let us know what you think! If you'd like more information on these or any other library services, you can call your local library branch or contact us on Facebook or Twitter. 

Please note: This is intended to be purely informational and should not be viewed as a personal endorsement by any employee of Bossier Parish Library.

It's Back to School time and BPL has resources to make homework a little easier for everyone!

August is here, which means that the school year is just around the corner. And, of course, with school comes homework. Bossier Library has several resources to help with research and reports at any age level - from elementary to college!

We've already discussed a few of the databases available from BPL on this blog before, but today we'd like to take a little time to talk about the resources specifically geared towards students. They are divided into two categories: Research Sources and Tutoring and Practice Exercises. The resources in the first category can help students find articles and sources for papers and research projects. The second category offers help for students who need practice or further tutoring in certain subjects.

Literary Articles and Research Sources

The Gale ARTEMIS Literary Sources and Biographies. 

According to Bossier Parish website, this database is offers literary articles covering all genres and disciplines, all time periods, and all parts of the world. If you can think of a literary subject, work or author, there's a good chance that this database has information available. Not just short paragraphs, but entire biographies and articles. This database does focus on literary subjects, so not much help with math or science homework.

Literature Criticism Online 

Literature Criticism Online is similar to Artemis, in that it offers articles focused on literary topics and biographies of authors. You can limit the results by publication date, which can come in handy when teachers require recent articles only.

Databases provided by the State Library

Bossier Library has joined with the State Library of Louisiana to provide several different database at no cost. You can find scholarly articles on almost every subject - including math, the sciences, psychology, business and, of course, literature. 

Tutoring and Practice Exercises 

Learning Express Library

Learning Express Library is a free service offered by Bossier Parish Library that provides tools for students of all ages. This service differs from the ones above, as it's not just a way of finding articles and information, but offers practice quizzes and fully explained answers. 

There are sections for students currently in elementary, middle or high school, for those looking to prepare for college or for senior adults who are looking to learn more about computers and technology. 

This service is different from the others as it offers help in several different subjects, including math, social studies and grammar and writing. As the age level increases, the subjects get more specific. 

This is a free service, but it does require registration with an email. This lets you save your lessons and keep track of progress. 

Homework Louisiana 

This site is a golden resource for students and parents alike. HomeworkLouisiana offers FREE online tutoring and academic resources from Tutor.com for Louisiana residents from kindergarten students through adult learners. Get help in math, science, social studies or English from a live tutor. The services can be accessed from a Louisiana public library, from your home computer or from your mobile device.*

And as always, if you need help with these databases and services or just have a question that is proving difficult, our reference staff is ready to help! You can reach the Reference Desk via phone at (318) 746-1693 or by email at infosvcs@bosseirlibrary.org

Comment and let us know what you think! If you'd like more information on these or any other library services, you can call your local library branch or contact us on Facebook or Twitter. 

*Text from the homeworkla.org website

App Recommendations for Readers

Smartphones and tablets have become an integral part of our everyday life; something most of us can't bear to leave the house without, like our keys or wallet. While any smartphone with internet access is useful, it's the apps on the phone that make it both indispensable and fun. Every so often, this blog will feature apps for people who love books, music, sports, art and more. We will also feature apps to help increase productivity and make your life a little easier.

This week we are going to showcase some apps designed for people who love books and reading. Most of these apps are available on several different devices, but a few aren't so we'll be sure to specify.

Overdrive Media Console

It's pretty much required that we start with Overdrive because we're a library, but honestly we'd put it at the top of the list anyway. Overdrive is an app that allows you to read eBooks and listen to audio-books on your phone or tablet. It's part of your library account, so there's never any charge. The books return automatically so you can't even be charged late fees. New books are added to the collection every day. For some of these books, you'll need an Adobe ID. This is a free ID that you create using your email one time only. If you're not comfortable with creating an Adobe ID, don't worry! There are plenty of books you can still access.
Overdrive is available for: Apple (via iTunes) Android (via Google Play), Windows Phone.
Download for other devices including Kindle, Nook and your PC can be found on the Overdrive Website.

Purchase eBooks

There are several options for purchasing books on your tablet or eReader. The apps are handy as they allow you to purchase books while away from your computer and allow you to read the same book across different devices. You can read a book on your tablet on your lunch break and then pick up right where you left off when you're stuck standing in line at the grocery store and need to distract yourself from all those impulse buys and candy bars. (or maybe that's just us.) 

Kindle

The Kindle App allows you to download books from Amazon to your device. You don't have to be using a Kindle in order to use the Kindle App, but you do have to register on Amazon before you can purchase any books or audiobooks. 

The Kindle app is available on: iTunes, Google Play, and Windows Phone. You can also download it on your PC and other apps at www.amazon.com

Nook

The Nook app allows you download books from Barnes and Noble to your device. Like the Kindle App, it is not necessary to be on a Nook to use the Nook app, but you must register at BarnesandNoble.com in order to download books. 
The Nook app is available on iTunes, Google Play, and Windows Phone

iBooks & Google Play Books

These apps comes installed on your device and allow you to purchase books from iTunes, or Google Play. . It is important to remember that any purchases you make in iBooks can only be read on an Apple product like an iPhone or iPad.  For example, if you buy books in Apple iBooks and then switch to a Samsung Galaxy, you will not be able to transfer those books to your new Samsung. Other apps like Kindle or Nook work on any device so your purchases can be transferred. 

Keep Track of the Books You Read

There are several apps that allow you to keep track of the books that you've read and get recommendations for books to read in the future. We're just going to cover two of these apps

GoodReads
GoodReads is a website and mobile app that allows you to list any books that you've read or want to read in the future. You can also rate the books and receive recommendations for books to read based on those ratings. There are discussion groups and online book clubs as well. Because authors have GoodReads pages as well, you can get updates on upcoming books and works. GoodReads is free but you will have to register with an email address.
This app is available on iTunes and Google Play.

BookCrawler
BookCrawler is similar to GoodReads in that it allows you to keep track of books you've read. BookCrawler lets you scan the barcode of the book itself to add it to your list, letting you skip typing all the book titles manually if you'd like. Of course, you can still search for books by title or author as well. There is a free version that allows you to input up to 25 books, but for more than that you'll have to pay for the full version. Luckily for those who are serious about cataloging their personal library, the full version is usually around $2. Unfortunately BookCrawler is available only on iTunes. Hopefully an Android version will be released soon!

Reading Can Mean More Than Just Books

Reading means more than just eBooks or audiobooks.

Comixology
Comixology allows you to purchase and read comics on your phone or tablet. You can purchase the same day the comics are released in stores. You can find sales, discounts and even free comics! Comixology app is free, though you'll have to purchase the comics.
This app is available on iTunes and Google Play.

Poetry from the Poetry Foundation
This app allows you to read a new poem daily or search for your favorite poets. Feeling romantic? Need something to cheer you up? There are collections based on every mood and occasion. You can even search by memorable lines! This app is free and available on iTunes and Google Play.

What are your favorite reading related apps? Have ideas on topics you'd like us to cover? Leave a comment here or on our Facebook or Twitter.