![\"Colorful](\"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Insight Timer<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 This free app and website offers one of the largest libraries of guided sessions, calming music, sleep tracks, and live events to manage stress and mental health. You can use a session timer, join groups, and explore thousands of topics (stress, focus, sleep) at no cost; the paid plan offers courses and extras.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Insight](\"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-1.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Virtual Calming Room<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 This resource was set up by the Sacramento City Unified School District during the pandemic, but the tools it includes remain useful anytime. The site contains quick, calming activities, like relaxing music, guided breathing and relaxation sessions, yoga videos, live animal cams, coloring, mindfulness exercises, puzzles, and helpful apps that you can use for yourself or with your patrons.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- \u201c10 Exercises to Do at Your Desk<\/strong><\/a>\u201d \u2013 Feeling more hardcore? Go beyond and get moving without leaving your workspace with these quick and easy exercises.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Mental Health Foundation\u2019s podcast<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 This series offers short, videos about everyday mental health topics like stress, sleep, kindness, loneliness, and suicide prevention. Hosts talk with real people and experts to share practical tips you can use right away and links to learn more. It\u2019s a good pick for quick learning and sharing with patrons.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If you or someone you know is struggling, you\u2019re not alone. Help is available 24\/7 by calling or texting 988 or using the chat at 988lifeline.org<\/a>. Learn more about Suicide Prevention Month and how to help from the National Alliance on Mental Illness<\/a> and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\u201c988](\"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-2.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Information and Sharing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
One of the essential tasks often performed by librarians and library staff is creating and sharing informational and instructional materials. While essential, it can also be a bit time-consuming. The tools below are resources that I\u2019ve used before and still really like. Most are commonly-known tools, but they\u2019ve undergone great updates recently, and the best part is that they are all free or offer freemium options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Scribe<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 This is a Google Chrome extension, but also works with Microsoft Edge, that automatically creates step-by-step guides from your screen actions, perfect for documenting processes, training others, or creating quick how-to references. It produces screenshots and text descriptions from the clicking and typing you do.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Tutorial](\"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-4-1024x575.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Iorad<\/strong><\/a> \u2013\u00a0 This is an oldie but a goodie. Like Scribe, Iorad is a browser extension that is used to quickly create step-by-step guides from the movements you perform on your screen.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Loom<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 With this browser extension you can create quick video walkthroughs or presentations. It captures your screen, similarly to when you record on Zoom, and lets you choose whether to include yourself on video, just your voice, or only the screen.\u00a0\n
- \n
- There are some particular features that I really like about Loom. The first is that you can have it create a step-by-step procedure document generated from your video. Another thing I like is that by simply clicking a button, it removes filler words and silences from your videos. It\u2019s also convenient that it creates a short summary and title for you. However, make sure to proofread this content as it is AI generated and may contain errors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Loom](\"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-5.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n- \n
- Snipping Tool<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Of course, then you have the classic screen capture tool that lets you snip and crop any images or text from your screen. This is not an extension but a built-in tool available on PCs. You can find it by typing Snipping Tool on your start menu. This tool only captures images of your screen, not text, so if you\u2019re creating a how-to guide you\u2019ll need to type the instructions separately in a document.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Windows](\"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-6-1024x800.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Built-In QR Code Generator Feature<\/strong> \u2013 I love this simple tool! For those of you who don\u2019t know, both Chrome<\/a> and Edge<\/a> have a built-in scannable QR code generator that will create codes for any webpage directly <\/em>from the site. I used this often to link patrons quickly to event calendars and digital resources. Just right-click anywhere on the page and select \u201cCreate QR Code for this page.\u201d This works on mobile phones too but only when using Chrome as the browser: From the page you want to create a QR code for, tap the share icon, then select \u201cCreate a QR Code.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- WeTransfer<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 This tool is one of my favorites. It is a simple way to send large files securely and quickly. Just upload, compose an email, and send. WeTransfer allows you to easily share up to 2GB free in one go, and recipients do not have to create an account or install software (as opposed to DropBox and Google Drive). Note: Recipients have three days to download the shared file before it expires if you\u2019re using the free account.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Translation \u2013 <\/strong>You can also get quick language translation of any website content through the built-in Chrome translation feature<\/strong><\/a> and through\u00a0 Edge\u2019s Translator<\/strong><\/a> and Immersive Reader<\/strong><\/a> to support multilingual patrons.\n
- \n
- With Google Lens<\/strong><\/a> on your phone, you can take a picture of a written document and get an instant translation into any language.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Phone](\"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-17.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-11.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nIn the last two months, news about new notable tech. that fits in the realm of translation has been released and it\u2019s pretty amazing. Real-life seems to have caught up with science fiction!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Google Pixel 10<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 <\/strong>Google\u2019s new phone translates conversations in real time, matching your voice and tone. It also works for face-to-face chats and texts.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Airpods Pro 3<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Apple\u2019s new airpods feature live translation. As someone speaks to you in another language, the airpods translate what the person is saying directly into your ears in real-time, while your iPhone displays your responses in their language.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Ray-Ban Meta<\/strong><\/a> and <\/strong>Oakley Meta<\/strong><\/a> AI glasses <\/strong>\u2013 Both pairs let you glance at text and ask for\u00a0 an English translation in real-time simply through a voice command. (Note: The Oakleys are primarily for hands-free action capture similar to a GoPro.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n ![\"Close-up](\"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-15.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Augmented](\"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-14.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Taking care of ourselves while serving our communities doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Remember, investing in your own well-being isn’t just beneficial for you; it enhances your ability to support patrons and colleagues effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stay tuned for Part 3 of this series, where we’ll explore additional tools to help you finish the fall season strong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Ray-Ban Meta<\/strong><\/a> and <\/strong>Oakley Meta<\/strong><\/a> AI glasses <\/strong>\u2013 Both pairs let you glance at text and ask for\u00a0 an English translation in real-time simply through a voice command. (Note: The Oakleys are primarily for hands-free action capture similar to a GoPro.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Airpods Pro 3<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Apple\u2019s new airpods feature live translation. As someone speaks to you in another language, the airpods translate what the person is saying directly into your ears in real-time, while your iPhone displays your responses in their language.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Google Pixel 10<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 <\/strong>Google\u2019s new phone translates conversations in real time, matching your voice and tone. It also works for face-to-face chats and texts.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- With Google Lens<\/strong><\/a> on your phone, you can take a picture of a written document and get an instant translation into any language.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
- Translation \u2013 <\/strong>You can also get quick language translation of any website content through the built-in Chrome translation feature<\/strong><\/a> and through\u00a0 Edge\u2019s Translator<\/strong><\/a> and Immersive Reader<\/strong><\/a> to support multilingual patrons.\n
- WeTransfer<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 This tool is one of my favorites. It is a simple way to send large files securely and quickly. Just upload, compose an email, and send. WeTransfer allows you to easily share up to 2GB free in one go, and recipients do not have to create an account or install software (as opposed to DropBox and Google Drive). Note: Recipients have three days to download the shared file before it expires if you\u2019re using the free account.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Built-In QR Code Generator Feature<\/strong> \u2013 I love this simple tool! For those of you who don\u2019t know, both Chrome<\/a> and Edge<\/a> have a built-in scannable QR code generator that will create codes for any webpage directly <\/em>from the site. I used this often to link patrons quickly to event calendars and digital resources. Just right-click anywhere on the page and select \u201cCreate QR Code for this page.\u201d This works on mobile phones too but only when using Chrome as the browser: From the page you want to create a QR code for, tap the share icon, then select \u201cCreate a QR Code.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Snipping Tool<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Of course, then you have the classic screen capture tool that lets you snip and crop any images or text from your screen. This is not an extension but a built-in tool available on PCs. You can find it by typing Snipping Tool on your start menu. This tool only captures images of your screen, not text, so if you\u2019re creating a how-to guide you\u2019ll need to type the instructions separately in a document.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
- There are some particular features that I really like about Loom. The first is that you can have it create a step-by-step procedure document generated from your video. Another thing I like is that by simply clicking a button, it removes filler words and silences from your videos. It\u2019s also convenient that it creates a short summary and title for you. However, make sure to proofread this content as it is AI generated and may contain errors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
- Loom<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 With this browser extension you can create quick video walkthroughs or presentations. It captures your screen, similarly to when you record on Zoom, and lets you choose whether to include yourself on video, just your voice, or only the screen.\u00a0\n
- Iorad<\/strong><\/a> \u2013\u00a0 This is an oldie but a goodie. Like Scribe, Iorad is a browser extension that is used to quickly create step-by-step guides from the movements you perform on your screen.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Scribe<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 This is a Google Chrome extension, but also works with Microsoft Edge, that automatically creates step-by-step guides from your screen actions, perfect for documenting processes, training others, or creating quick how-to references. It produces screenshots and text descriptions from the clicking and typing you do.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
- Mental Health Foundation\u2019s podcast<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 This series offers short, videos about everyday mental health topics like stress, sleep, kindness, loneliness, and suicide prevention. Hosts talk with real people and experts to share practical tips you can use right away and links to learn more. It\u2019s a good pick for quick learning and sharing with patrons.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \u201c10 Exercises to Do at Your Desk<\/strong><\/a>\u201d \u2013 Feeling more hardcore? Go beyond and get moving without leaving your workspace with these quick and easy exercises.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Virtual Calming Room<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 This resource was set up by the Sacramento City Unified School District during the pandemic, but the tools it includes remain useful anytime. The site contains quick, calming activities, like relaxing music, guided breathing and relaxation sessions, yoga videos, live animal cams, coloring, mindfulness exercises, puzzles, and helpful apps that you can use for yourself or with your patrons.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n