Social Media Spotlight - Instagram

2/20/2015 04:35:00 PM maze
We're bringing back this previous post about Instgram with some brand new information! Social Media apps are always updating and improving. It's can be confusing at first, but don't worry! We'll try to explain it all below.




This week we're going to talk the social media website Instagram!



According to it's website:

Instagram is a fast, beautiful and fun way to share your life with friends and family.
Take a picture or video, choose a filter to transform its look and feel, then post to Instagram — it's that easy. You can even share to Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and more. It's a new way to see the world.

It is a free app available for Apple and Android phones.

So what's the big deal about Instagram? For one thing, it supports photo and video only. This means that long winded updates about everything your friend has done that day aren't usually found on Instagram.

One of the greatest appeals of any social media service is the ability to connect with people all over the world - even celebrities. Instagram is no different. You can follow your favorite celebrites to get behind the scenes photos and a look into their every day life. Musicians and bands often post news about albums on social media before officially announcing it on websites. Want to see what Drew Barrymore is having for lunch? Or get a look into Sarah Jessica Parker's life as a mom? Instagram lets you connect with celebrities in new ways.

You can also follow your favorite magazines on Instagram - for example the Real Simple magazine often posts beautiful pictures to be featured in upcoming articles. Meanwhile, the Southern Living magazine Instagram is full of delicious looking food and adorable animals.

Of course, following others is only half of the fun of Instagram. Posting your own pictures is just as important! The use of filters can lend different qualities to your pictures. Every day objects and scenes can become art with the right filter applied. And of course, it's great for making any pictures you take of yourself and friends look smooth and perfectly lit, every time.

The use of hashtags can connect you to people who have pictures featuring the same hashtag. For example, if you're posting a picture of the Grand Canyon, using a hashtag such as #GrandCanyon can help anyone looking for pictures of the Grand Canyon find your photo. Hashtags are optional and definitely aren't for everyone.

If you're more worried about keeping your photos private than sharing them, Instagram allows you to make your profile private. These means you choose who sees your pictures. Any unapproved visitors will see a message stating that your account is private.  Find out more here, on Instagram's help site.



Instagram has also introduced a new feature called 'Hyperlapse,' which allows you to create time lapse video with your phone. No need for expensive equipment! Many brands are getting in on Hyperlapse, including the Ellen show and Disney.

Find more information on Instagram on the website: www.instagram.com. Look for a Bossier Parish Library Instagram coming soon!



 Do you use Instagram? What is your favorite social media? 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. 

Get help with Overdrive - now even easier!

2/13/2015 03:51:00 PM maze
Getting help with Overdrive is now even easier! But first:

What exactly is Overdrive? 


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. You can also get to the Overdrive site through the Bossier Library homepage: http://bossierlibrary.org. There is a link on the right hand side for Overdrive.



As great and convenient as Overdrive is, occasional problems can occur. Sometimes a book won't download correctly or might not download at all. Getting help for these issues is now easier than ever - and you can go straight to the source. Bossier Library is now signed for Frontline support from Overdrive. That lets you skip the middle man in the IT Department here at the library and go straight to the tech support at Overdrive itself. This allows you to save time as you don't have to wait for library staff to contact Overdrive on your behalf. 

So, how do you use FrontLine Support? 

If you have a problem with a book or audiobook in Overdrive, the easiest way to contact them is through the GreenGold/Overdrive Website. If you use Overdrive this site will be familiar to you, as it's the one you use to find and borrow books. 

To access Overdrive FrontLine support, first click the Help Icon at the top of the page. You can see it below outlined in blue. 




On the Help Page, you can find How-to articles and instructions. If those are not helpful, click on the Support button near the bottom of the page to access FrontLine support. 


The next step will be to choose your library - in this case Bossier Parish Library. (Lucky us near the top of the list!)


This takes you directly to the Overdrive FrontLine Tech Support contact page. Fill out all the information, including Name, Library Card Number, Email, and the exact problem with the book and Overdrive will find a solution! 



The greatest thing about Overdrive FrontLine support is that they are available for Bossier Parish Library patrons 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Having trouble downloading a book on Christmas? In the past you would have had to wait for the library to reopen, but now with FrontLine support you can get help, even on holidays. 



Let us know what you think in comments below! 

If you have an idea for blog posts or questions/comments, you can contact us on Facebook or Twitter. 

You can also now follow us on Instagram and Pinterest!

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New Tech Tuesday: Streaming Devices

2/03/2015 10:00:00 AM maze
It's time again for New Tech Tuesday! This week we'll be discussing streaming devices. So what are streaming devices? These are small devices that plug into your television and allow you to watch Internet content without the trouble of hooking up your computer to your television. Most of them do require a wireless network connection. If you find yourself watching more Netflix than network TV, streaming could be right for you! 

Streaming devices come in a wide range of prices and features. The ones we'll cover today are just an overview of the most popular choices. 

It's important to note that almost all of these devices connect into the HDMI port of your television. This means that older televisions will most likely not have the capabilities to support these devices. But if you have a TV purchased in the last 12 years, there should be an HDMI port on the back of your television. 

Roku Streaming Stick

Roku was one of the first companies to venture into streaming devices. What started as a way to watch Netflix on your TV has become a serious challenger to cable and satellite. Roku supports apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Instant. It also offers over 1,500 channels, though not all are free.
The Roku stick comes with a dedicated remote, though you can also control it with your smart phone. The Roku Streaming Stick is usually priced at $49.


(image via Roku)

Looking for something a step-up from the Roku Streaming Stick? Check out the Roku 3. These is a box that sits on or near your television. It offers the same capabilities of the Roku Stick, but can also connect to the Internet via Ethernet cable, in case your WiFi is not strong enough. It also includes access to online games and a microSD card. The Roku 3 is usually priced at $99.

Chromecast from Google

Google Chromecast is similar to the Roku Streaming stick. However, it does not come with a dedicated remote. Instead, you can download an app for your phone or tablet and an extension for the Chrome browser on your Internet. This device works well with Netflix and Hulu Plus, but doesn't work at all with Amazon Instant. One added perk is the ability to mirror your screen on your laptop or device onto your television. That means if you want to use your television as a monitor, you can! However, this only works with the Chrome browser so you can only view web pages. Google Chromecast is usually priced at $35. 

(image via Google Chormecast)

Amazon Fire TV Stick

Like the Roku Streaming Stick and Google Chromecast, this device connects into the HDMI port of your television. It also comes with a dedicated remote. It works with Netflix, Hulu Plus and, of course, Amazon Instant Video. If you have an Amazon Prime account, this could be the device for you. Amazon Fire TV Stick is usually priced at $39.
(image via Amazon)

Apple TV 

If you a die-hard Apple user and want to be able to access the movies and television shows on your iTunes, Apple TV may be the device for you. 
Apple TV is a small box that connects to your television and allows you to access your iTunes account. You can also access online services like Netflix and Hulu Plus. However, Amazon Instant Video and Pandora will not work on Apple TV. Apple TV is usually priced at $99. 

(image from Apple) 


How do you watch Internet contact on your Television? Do you use one of these devices or maybe a gaming system? 

If you have an idea for blog posts or questions/comments, you can contact us on Facebook or Twitter. 

You can also now follow us on Instagram and Pinterest!
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