[WEB4LIB] Hot Wallpaper

[Jenny Levine]

	I've been promoting using library-based screensavers and 
wallpaper for some time, but I still can't get anyone to take me up 
on it.  I discussed this most recently at a local Web authors meeting 
(you can see the notes at 
http://www.sls.lib.il.us/infotech/toolkit/swac/2000/june.html under "What 
other libraries are doing").  My favorite example is the Millicent Library 
Desktop Theme (http://www.tiac.net/users/millie/miltheme.htm), which I 
think is a great way to take advantage of the architectural aesthetic of 
their building.
	Last year, my Library System was going to do a 
screensaver for our members that would include informational phone 
numbers, factoids, etc., but we never had time to pursue it.  I think 
time is the big factor for everyone.  I want to try creating a SLS 
desktop theme that our members could easily modify by just adding their 
name and logo, but there's so much else ahead of it on the priority list 
right now.
	I used to have hyperlinks as wallpaper on my desktop (it's just 
some HTML), but I've found it just as easy to create a regular shortcut 
instead.  I agree that it would be helpful for patrons, although I know a 
lot of libraries have gone to menu software so the patron never sees the 
desktop.

----------------------------------------------------------------
Jenny Levine					125 Tower Drive
Internet Development Specialist			Burr Ridge, IL 60521
Suburban Library System				+1 (630) 734 5141
http://www.sls.lib.il.us/			levinej at sls.lib.il.us


On Wed, 30 Aug 2000, Gerry Mckiernan wrote:

>                                      _Hot Wallpaper_
> 
>     In response to my recent posting on "Library Promotional Screen Savers"
>  [ http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/Web4Lib/archive/0008/0367.html ], Stephanie Bianchi  [National Science Foundation] suggested that perhaps one should also consider using wallpaper to promote library services, collections, and resources. 
> 
>      In thinking about this possibility, Stephanie has also speculated about the possibility of creating what I would call 'Hot Wallpaper'. Here's Stephanie vision:
> 
> <QUOTE>
> Actually the more I think about the wallpaper idea, the more excited I get
> about the idea.  I am envisioning something muted and attractive and
> unobtrusive, but with active links embedded in it.  Links to the local
> library webpage, the local library OPAC, and a host of ready reference type
> sources like dictionaries, almanacs, etc.  What a great service a library
> could provide by creating such a wallpaper, and what a great and constant
> advertisement for the library.  Every time you look at your PC desktop, you
> are reminded of library services, and yet it is such a useful thing you
> don't mind being reminded.  I am trying to find someone to design a
> template even as we speak
> </QUOTE>
> 
>       Is Hot Wallpaper possible? That is, can one 'embed' hotlinks in a
> wallpaper file?  How about using an image-map as wall paper?
> Is this technically possible?
> 
>       As Always, Any and All contributions, comments , queries, cosmic insights, etc. etc. are Most Welcome!
> 
> /Gerry McKiernan
> Promotional Librarian 
> Iowa State University 
> Ames IA 50011
> 
> gerrymck at iastate.edu 
> 
> P.S. I have learned from Sharon Nelson [Benedictine University] that us the built-in scrolling marque screen saver in Windows 95 and Windows NT to
> create promotional screen savers ["If you don't find what you're looking for, please ask for help at the Reference Desk"]
> 
>              "The Best Way to Predict the Future is to Wallpaper It!"
>                             With Apologies (Again) To Alan Kay 
> 
> 
>