AT THE LIBRARY

December 11, 2008

New Technology Titles

The following titles have been recently added to the collection and can be found through Rodman Public Library’s web site at www.rodmanlibrary.com.

High tech trash: digital devices, hidden toxics, and human health, by Elizabeth Grossman

Do you have an old digital device that no longer works or one that is considered obsolete by our fast changing technological world? If you do have some sort of nonfunctioning or obsolete digital device hiding in a closet waiting to be discarded, you may wonder what happens to those devices once they are discarded. In this book, Grossman investigates what actually happens to these old digital devices. She enlightens the reader as to how the hidden toxins in these devices affect human health while they are being manufactured, being used and after they are discarded. Of particular interest is the health impact these devices still have once they have been discarded and are sitting in a landfill or are being scrapped for their micro amounts of precious metals.

Putting aside the politics of recycling, you can make a difference locally. Rodman Public Library has an inkjet cartridges and cell phone recycling stand located in the High Street side entrance. Please bring in your old inkjet cartridges and cell phones so they can be recycled. If you have a computer that meets certain system requirements, you may be able to donate your computer to Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland and East Central Ohio Inc’s. ComputersAgain program. "This new program aims to provide affordable computers to non-profit organizations and low-income individuals/families by collecting and refurbishing unwanted computers that would otherwise be destroyed". For more information visit http://www.goodwillclevecanton.org/admin/computersagain  or call (330) 445-1101 and leave a message. Finally, when your purchase a new computer or other digital device, ask the place where you purchased it if they have a recycling program.

What in the world are your kids doing online? : how to understand the electronic world your children live in, by Barbara Melton and Susan Shankle

This book presents a balanced discussion dealing with the risks associated with the cyberworld including the Internet, cell phones and text messaging, e-mail, web sites, chat rooms and blogs. Melton and Shankle present the reader with dangers signs, tips and advice so parents can help prevent cyberworld incidents from ever happening. The book is divided into three sections. The first part helps parents understand the cyberworld from their child’s perspective. The second part talks about how the cyberworld affects your child’s development and part three deals with parenting challenges. The authors encourage parents to set boundaries and to be involved with their children as the cyberworld is not a substitution for the real world. At the back of the book is an extremely helpful resources section that provides invaluable contact information.

The myth of multitasking : how "doing it all" gets nothing done, by Dave Crenshaw

We live in a fast paced society where the ability to multitask is admired by others. In order to help us multitask, we use technology such as computers, cell phones, voice-mail, PDAs, and instant messaging to be more productive in this society. Does multitasking enable us to be more productive? What does your typical day involve - stacked papers hoping to be looked atsoon, e-emails, voice-mails and telephone calls waiting to be answered? Do not forget your interactions with individuals - interruptions, distractions, meetings, scheduling and quality time. In this book, Crenshaw asserts that multitasking does not increase productivity. In fact, he goes as far as to say that the belief that multitasking increases productivity is a lie.

Starting with the origin of multitasking as a computer term, Crenshaw logically uses third person narrative to help the reader understand the "evils" of multitasking. He then instructs the reader on the differences between background tasking and switchtasking (multitasking). Next, Crenshaw asserts that technology will only make us more productive if we learn to take control of it, set up a schedule and protect our time. Knowing that changes do not come easy, Crenshaw includes a helpful section in this book that deals with implementing changes. Crenshaw instructs the reader on how to keep the positive changes continuing long after the "seminar enthusiasm" has long worn off and offers advice on implementing changes in an entire business.

"Is this thing on?": a computer handbook for late bloomers, technophobes, and the kicking & screaming, by Abby Stokes

This book will serve as a great resource for those individuals wanting to learn more about computers. New computer users will find this book extremely easy to read as Stokes uses good illustrations, tips and simple words to explain various computer related functions. This book covers some subjects that other computer books tend to skip over such as purchasing information and the differences between a Macintosh and a Windows PC. If you are looking for one book that will guide you slowly from purchasing a computer to using the Internet, you might want to try this book.