A colleague and I are gathering data on succession planning in the library. We invite you to respond to our survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XGHZGG3, and share with us your voice regarding succession planning at your library. We will share the results with you once our project is completed.
Thank you,
Angiah Davis
--------------------
Angiah Davis, MSLIS
Reference Librarian, Information & Research Services
Robert W. Woodruff Library - Atlanta University Center
111 James P. Brawley Drive, SW - Atlanta, GA 30314
404.978.2087 | adavis@auctr.edu | www.auctr.edu |
Sunday, January 30, 2011
What is your time worth?
In the last week, I've received 3 requests to teach or train people in various things. Basically, they want me to teach them what they should know 1) to do a particular job for which they don't want to hire someone or 2)to do the job for which they were hired, but clearly do not have the skills (or to teach someone they hired who is clearly undertrained). Oh, and did I mention for FREE?
I've been thinking about this long and hard -- for a variety of reasons, as one of my goals for this year is to evaluate my career path. A PhD has been on my list for a while, but there are other things there, too. This year, I am trying weigh each request against the benefits (including good deeds + karma). I'm not trying to oversell myself, but I get asked to do quite a bit: this week alone, 6 requests: 1 panel discussion, 1 workshop/keynote, 1 paid technology consultation, and the 3 requests for help/training...and still working out the details of the art commission (and still writing a book).
The training is by far the biggest timesuck with the minimal payout and in all honesty, I feel that people and organizations need to face the consequences of their hiring decisions. Didn't want to pay for the person who truly has the skills for the job? You're going to have to pay one way or another -- pay for training or pay for salary.
I certainly have taken advantage of training (both free and paid). I enjoy teaching and training; I do paid training (either through my day job) or as a consultant for Lyrasis. I also do workshops and guest lectures, though those are not at the same level. I do try to give back to the world when I can. I blog and tweet opportunities and I try to practice "share what you know".
However, actual training is not something that generally falls under 1 hour -- or even 2! Even if the time on the schedule is just 1 hour, I can guarantee you that I've spent waaaaay more than 1 hour putting together a lesson plan, pulling together resources, and then following up/review to ensure that my student(s) have concepts and/or materials. I continuously work on developing or maintaining my expertise: reading (almost) daily, networking with like minded individuals, attending workshops and webinars, testing software -- 99% which comes out of "my time". My time I could be doing art, eating lunch, going to the movies with my niece and nephew, or just soaking up the sunshine and listening to the birds. I'm not complaining because the payout usually justifies the work -- and I just can't work for free.
I don't mind answering questions, sharing my resources, or doing a guest presentations/lectures for a class or group; but if you want me to actual teach you how to do something, the payout better be worth it...and if that makes me a bad _____, then so be it, because my time IS worth something.
So what is your time worth? Do you make the best use of your time?
I've been thinking about this long and hard -- for a variety of reasons, as one of my goals for this year is to evaluate my career path. A PhD has been on my list for a while, but there are other things there, too. This year, I am trying weigh each request against the benefits (including good deeds + karma). I'm not trying to oversell myself, but I get asked to do quite a bit: this week alone, 6 requests: 1 panel discussion, 1 workshop/keynote, 1 paid technology consultation, and the 3 requests for help/training...and still working out the details of the art commission (and still writing a book).
The training is by far the biggest timesuck with the minimal payout and in all honesty, I feel that people and organizations need to face the consequences of their hiring decisions. Didn't want to pay for the person who truly has the skills for the job? You're going to have to pay one way or another -- pay for training or pay for salary.
I certainly have taken advantage of training (both free and paid). I enjoy teaching and training; I do paid training (either through my day job) or as a consultant for Lyrasis. I also do workshops and guest lectures, though those are not at the same level. I do try to give back to the world when I can. I blog and tweet opportunities and I try to practice "share what you know".
However, actual training is not something that generally falls under 1 hour -- or even 2! Even if the time on the schedule is just 1 hour, I can guarantee you that I've spent waaaaay more than 1 hour putting together a lesson plan, pulling together resources, and then following up/review to ensure that my student(s) have concepts and/or materials. I continuously work on developing or maintaining my expertise: reading (almost) daily, networking with like minded individuals, attending workshops and webinars, testing software -- 99% which comes out of "my time". My time I could be doing art, eating lunch, going to the movies with my niece and nephew, or just soaking up the sunshine and listening to the birds. I'm not complaining because the payout usually justifies the work -- and I just can't work for free.
I don't mind answering questions, sharing my resources, or doing a guest presentations/lectures for a class or group; but if you want me to actual teach you how to do something, the payout better be worth it...and if that makes me a bad _____, then so be it, because my time IS worth something.
So what is your time worth? Do you make the best use of your time?
Thursday, January 27, 2011
My art & photographs (and a facebook page!)
A little bit of self PR
My paintings & photographs as well as art news
http://www.facebook.com/robinfayarts/
Visiting my page and "liking" it will mean you will receive new art & photos through your facebook news stream. No need to friend me or share your personal info with me ;-) (unless you just want to!)
This is all done through FBML and CSS which I will share soon. ;-)
My paintings & photographs as well as art news
http://www.facebook.com/robinfayarts/
Visiting my page and "liking" it will mean you will receive new art & photos through your facebook news stream. No need to friend me or share your personal info with me ;-) (unless you just want to!)
This is all done through FBML and CSS which I will share soon. ;-)
Monday, January 24, 2011
Lyrasis member news
For those who might be interested:
(snip)
Changes that will directly benefit members include:
New Member Advisory/Interest Groups to enable members to contribute to the development of LYRASIS programs and services;
The creation of the Ideas & Insights Series to allow members to share their knowledge and experience with other professionals in the field;
Broadened Professional Development and Consulting services to support member Web Scale readiness; and A series of discussions hosted in partnership with OCLC on the topic of “Moving Library Cooperation to Web Scale."
LYRASIS has also updated its website and streamlined its processes to offer more ease of use and time efficiency to members.
--------
More info at
www.lyrasis.org
(snip)
Changes that will directly benefit members include:
New Member Advisory/Interest Groups to enable members to contribute to the development of LYRASIS programs and services;
The creation of the Ideas & Insights Series to allow members to share their knowledge and experience with other professionals in the field;
Broadened Professional Development and Consulting services to support member Web Scale readiness; and A series of discussions hosted in partnership with OCLC on the topic of “Moving Library Cooperation to Web Scale."
LYRASIS has also updated its website and streamlined its processes to offer more ease of use and time efficiency to members.
--------
More info at
www.lyrasis.org
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Seeking peer reviewers, school media literacy
the U.S. Department of Education 2011 Improving Literacy Through School Libraries Call for Peer Reviewers
February 4, 2011 as the deadline for receiving resumes of potential reviewers. The announcement is available here,
http://www2.ed.gov/programs/lsl/lslpeers2011.doc
February 4, 2011 as the deadline for receiving resumes of potential reviewers. The announcement is available here,
http://www2.ed.gov/programs/lsl/lslpeers2011.doc
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Personal Knowledge Management (Free webinar!)
Personal Knowledge Management: A Framework for Librarians
( http://georgialibraries.org/events/wed-web-series/personal-knowledge-management-framework-librarians )Presented by Elisabeth Shields
Wednesday, January 19, 2011, 11:15am - 12:15pm Eastern Time
Separate registration is required for each hour-long session (free & open to all)
Searching is the easy part. But what do you do with all the material youve collected? What happens when you find an article that reminds you of something someone said in a meeting two weeks ago (or was it three)? What do you do to share your own thoughts, insights from articles and blogs, and what your manager said at the last staff meeting with the team charged with developing a strategic plan?
Tools for knowledge management are usually meant for institutions and are correspondingly expensive. But there are many tools for personal knowledge management that are very affordable. Discuss personal management needs with Elisabeth Shields; hear about the types of tools available with examples of each type.
Please contact a member of the Wednesday Webinar planning team with questions or ideas:
Sarah Steiner, Georgia Library Association, PACE Chair, ssteiner@gsu.edu
Buffy Hamilton, Wednesday Webinars Steering Committee, buffy.hamilton@gmail.com
Pat Carterette, Georgia Public Library Service, pcarterette@georgialibraries.org
-------------------------
The Georgia Library Association and Georgia Public Library Service are pleased to announce the January 2011 sessions of the Wednesday Webinar series (WWS) ( http://georgialibraries.org/events/webinars ), which highlights trends, innovation, and best practices in Georgia Libraries. The webinars feature Georgia speakers, but registration is open to anyone, anywhere. Topics are chosen to be of interest to employees of all library types, and each session is approved for one Georgia Continuing Education (CE) contact hour. The sessions will be recorded and available on the WWS archives ( http://georgialibraries.org/events/wednesday_webinars_archives )site for later viewing.
( http://georgialibraries.org/events/wed-web-series/personal-knowledge-management-framework-librarians )Presented by Elisabeth Shields
Wednesday, January 19, 2011, 11:15am - 12:15pm Eastern Time
Separate registration is required for each hour-long session (free & open to all)
Searching is the easy part. But what do you do with all the material youve collected? What happens when you find an article that reminds you of something someone said in a meeting two weeks ago (or was it three)? What do you do to share your own thoughts, insights from articles and blogs, and what your manager said at the last staff meeting with the team charged with developing a strategic plan?
Tools for knowledge management are usually meant for institutions and are correspondingly expensive. But there are many tools for personal knowledge management that are very affordable. Discuss personal management needs with Elisabeth Shields; hear about the types of tools available with examples of each type.
Please contact a member of the Wednesday Webinar planning team with questions or ideas:
Sarah Steiner, Georgia Library Association, PACE Chair, ssteiner@gsu.edu
Buffy Hamilton, Wednesday Webinars Steering Committee, buffy.hamilton@gmail.com
Pat Carterette, Georgia Public Library Service, pcarterette@georgialibraries.org
-------------------------
The Georgia Library Association and Georgia Public Library Service are pleased to announce the January 2011 sessions of the Wednesday Webinar series (WWS) ( http://georgialibraries.org/events/webinars ), which highlights trends, innovation, and best practices in Georgia Libraries. The webinars feature Georgia speakers, but registration is open to anyone, anywhere. Topics are chosen to be of interest to employees of all library types, and each session is approved for one Georgia Continuing Education (CE) contact hour. The sessions will be recorded and available on the WWS archives ( http://georgialibraries.org/events/wednesday_webinars_archives )site for later viewing.
archiving geocities - remember them?
Some of you may remember geocities (from yahoo), an early online & free website builder. Yahoo abandoned it some time ago, but it is now being archived. Interesting (and short) article about obsolete websites, archiving, and cultural history.
http://tinyurl.com/2wmyw48
http://tinyurl.com/2wmyw48
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Free webinar! Why OCLC Holdings Matter
This course reviews benefits for libraries of accurate WorldCat holdings, and provides information on the available methods for maintaining holdings. After completing this web-based training, managers of cataloging and technical services functions will be prepared to select and implement the holdings maintenance methods that are most appropriate for their library.
http://is.gd/fe8qjS
http://is.gd/fe8qjS
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Seeking participants in Internet Privacy (Athens area)
Russell Forum, a civic engagement program of the Russell Library is still actively seeking about 5-7 additional participants to test a new National Issues Forums guide on privacy on the internet. This issue guide will be of particular interest to those who mediate internet resources and public users in library contexts.
No previous experience with NIF forums is necessary to participate.We will test the guide at a forum at the Russell Library where neutral moderators will take the group through several approaches to addressing the question of what should—and shouldn’t—go on the Internet, suggesting what could be done and what could happen as a result. The test-drive forum will take place January 18th from 3:30-5 p.m. at Russell Library at the University of Georgia Libraries.
If you are able to participate or have friends, students or colleagues who may have interest in testing this guide, please send me an email at jsevern@uga.edu.
No previous experience with NIF forums is necessary to participate.We will test the guide at a forum at the Russell Library where neutral moderators will take the group through several approaches to addressing the question of what should—and shouldn’t—go on the Internet, suggesting what could be done and what could happen as a result. The test-drive forum will take place January 18th from 3:30-5 p.m. at Russell Library at the University of Georgia Libraries.
If you are able to participate or have friends, students or colleagues who may have interest in testing this guide, please send me an email at jsevern@uga.edu.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
It's true.... I'm writing a book (no. 3 in list)
The Tech Set II
Cloud Computing in Libraries - Marshall Breeding, Director for Innovative Technologies and Research for the Vanderbilt University Libraries
Cloud computing offers organizations new cost-effective ways to use Web services for their computing needs including software applications, data storage, cloud development platforms, and processing power. This informative handbook provides a comprehensive view of the cloud computing landscape, the types of solutions available, their benefits and limitations, and how to use them in your library. Learn how to leverage the cloud for email and document sharing, storing media collection, hosting your library website, OPAC, or digital repository, backing up your ILS using well-known services such as Amazon Web Services and even how to use Google App Engine to create your own cloud applications! Become cloud-savvy with this complete how-to guidebook.
Strategic Planning for Social Media - Sarah Steiner, Social Work Librarian and Virtual Reference Coordinator at Georgia State University Library
It takes strategic vision to develop an engaging social media presence on the Web today. While most libraries are now online in some capacity, the ones that really stand out as cutting-edge leaders leverage multiple social networks, integrate social functionality into their own websites, utilize cross-channel marketing, and cultivate a unified online identity. This book tackles strategies for planning out these social Web initiatives and answering questions which will be key to your library’s online success. Which social media properties are appropriate for your library to participate in and in what ways? Who should be posting to these communities – librarians or the library’s marketing department? Should you institute a social media policy for your library? Learn how to plan what’s right for your organization through this practical resource that walks you through how to craft a solid strategic plan and the steps it takes to put it into motion.
Search 3.0 & the Semantic Web - Robin Fay, Head, Database Maintenance, University of Georgia Libraries
New trends in search technology are competing to meet our information retrieval needs. Today’s search tools are making use of structured and linked data, real-time search techniques, and social search. Discover what’s happening in the search field right now and how you can effectively use these tools in your library. This practical primer discusses everything from semantic search to data visualization to how to search for new Web content such as podcasts, videos, and “memes”. Learn the principles behind the Semantic Web, current library-related initiatives, and how you can structure your own data for better retrieval by today’s semantic search engines.
SMS Text Reference Services - Amanda Bielskas, Geology/Geosciences & Psychology Librarian, Columbia University and Kathleen M. Dreyer, Head, Watson Library of Business and Economics
oday’s library patrons are communicating via text messages on their mobile devices and forward-thinking libraries are offering to become their regular contacts. The latest in the evolution of synchronous virtual reference, SMS reference allows patrons to get answers on-the-go and establishes the library as an integral part of their information-seeking process. Learn how to plan and implement a text reference service at your library including everything from choosing your software and developing a staff training program to setting up canned messages and using QR barcodes to market the service. This practical guidebook outlines how to integrate this new offering into your existing virtual reference services, scheduling, promotion, assessment, and discusses workarounds such as using a Google Voice account instead of purchasing a cell phone for the library, or implementing an SMS intern program to offer extended hours.
Location-Based Mobile Social Networks & Augmented Reality - Joe Murphy, Science Librarian, Coordinator of Instruction and Technology, Kline Science Library, Yale University
New location-based services such as FourSquare, BrightKite, and Gowalla let people check in at venues via their mobile devices and connect with their friends in the area. And Augmented Reality applications let mobile users tap into a layer of information about their current location that gets displayed on top of their view of the real world. Both of these cutting-edge technologies offer a world of opportunities for libraries to enhance patrons’ experience and promote the library’s services. This handy guide gives a complete overview of the AR and location-based technology landscapes and details how to use these new services in your library. Readers will learn how to leverage FourSquare and other networks to promote library events, create QR codes for library signage and service promotion, and how to set up your library as a place within these location-aware networks.
Building Mobile Library Applications - Jason Clark, Team Leader, Digital Access & Web Services, Montana State University
Mobile devices are now an essential part of people’s everyday lives. These new devices such as smart phones, iPhones, iPads, and e-book readers are how library patrons are accessing their information today. And mobile-savvy libraries are building mobile library applications to provide them with that information, promote their resources, and offer cutting-edge services. Learn how to develop an iPhone or Android application for your library, how to mobilize your library’s catalog, and how to create a mobile website which can be viewed on smartphones. This complete handbook guides the reader through the process of planning, development, and launch of their own mobile library applications.
UX for Libraries - Aaron Schmidt, Principal, Walking Paper Library Consulting & Amanda Etches Johnson, Head, Discovery & Access, University of Guelph Library
In the short history of library websites, we’ve seen libraries go from developing basic yet largely unintuitive websites to stepping back to think about how the library fits into the user’s research process, how users search for information, and how they experience the library’s web presence. It is user experience research and usability testing that allows libraries and librarians to dig into user motivations and build user-driven websites that meet needs and delight users. This book outlines the strategies, tools and best practices for website and interface development in libraries and covers topics including user research, usability testing, creating a content strategy, and website governance.
Drupal and Libraries - Ken Varnum, Web Systems Manager, University of Michigan Library
Drupal is a powerful, free, open source content management system that enables organizations to create extensive, flexible websites incorporating social and 2.0 functionality. Libraries are utilizing this increasingly popular technology to create community-oriented websites which they can fully customize according to their specific needs. This hands-on, practical book walks the reader through the entire process of setting up a Drupal website for their library as well as provides tips and best practices for creating their own modules, and using existing library-oriented modules such as SOPAC2 to accomplish tasks such as integrating the library’s OPAC into the new website.
Screencasting for Libraries - TBA…
Screencasts are short instructional videos that demonstrate computer-related tasks and can be a very effective way to show library patrons how to use your website, OPAC, or databases. This complete how-to guidebook provides tips and techniques for how to create engaging library training screencasts and store them on the Web. From planning and software selection to storyboarding, scripting, and distribution, this practical primer provides step-by-step instructions. Learn about promotion techniques such as customizing a YouTube channel, embedding videos in the library website and Facebook Page, and getting your videos on iTunesU as well as post-production options such as file formats, sizes, and codecs in this all-in-one resource.
Next-Gen Redesign – TBA…
Today’s Next-Generation libraries are forces of innovation that are embracing the information revolution brought about through Web 2.0 technology. These cutting-edge libraries are creating engaging experiences for their patrons by incorporating social functionality into their websites and online catalogs. They are increasingly adopting open source software, creating interactive social media subject guides, chatting with patrons via IM widgets, and enabling patrons to send cataloging records to their cell phones. Learn how redesign your library’s website to offer next-gen social, open, and mobile, functionality for your library patrons.
Cloud Computing in Libraries - Marshall Breeding, Director for Innovative Technologies and Research for the Vanderbilt University Libraries
Cloud computing offers organizations new cost-effective ways to use Web services for their computing needs including software applications, data storage, cloud development platforms, and processing power. This informative handbook provides a comprehensive view of the cloud computing landscape, the types of solutions available, their benefits and limitations, and how to use them in your library. Learn how to leverage the cloud for email and document sharing, storing media collection, hosting your library website, OPAC, or digital repository, backing up your ILS using well-known services such as Amazon Web Services and even how to use Google App Engine to create your own cloud applications! Become cloud-savvy with this complete how-to guidebook.
Strategic Planning for Social Media - Sarah Steiner, Social Work Librarian and Virtual Reference Coordinator at Georgia State University Library
It takes strategic vision to develop an engaging social media presence on the Web today. While most libraries are now online in some capacity, the ones that really stand out as cutting-edge leaders leverage multiple social networks, integrate social functionality into their own websites, utilize cross-channel marketing, and cultivate a unified online identity. This book tackles strategies for planning out these social Web initiatives and answering questions which will be key to your library’s online success. Which social media properties are appropriate for your library to participate in and in what ways? Who should be posting to these communities – librarians or the library’s marketing department? Should you institute a social media policy for your library? Learn how to plan what’s right for your organization through this practical resource that walks you through how to craft a solid strategic plan and the steps it takes to put it into motion.
Search 3.0 & the Semantic Web - Robin Fay, Head, Database Maintenance, University of Georgia Libraries
New trends in search technology are competing to meet our information retrieval needs. Today’s search tools are making use of structured and linked data, real-time search techniques, and social search. Discover what’s happening in the search field right now and how you can effectively use these tools in your library. This practical primer discusses everything from semantic search to data visualization to how to search for new Web content such as podcasts, videos, and “memes”. Learn the principles behind the Semantic Web, current library-related initiatives, and how you can structure your own data for better retrieval by today’s semantic search engines.
SMS Text Reference Services - Amanda Bielskas, Geology/Geosciences & Psychology Librarian, Columbia University and Kathleen M. Dreyer, Head, Watson Library of Business and Economics
oday’s library patrons are communicating via text messages on their mobile devices and forward-thinking libraries are offering to become their regular contacts. The latest in the evolution of synchronous virtual reference, SMS reference allows patrons to get answers on-the-go and establishes the library as an integral part of their information-seeking process. Learn how to plan and implement a text reference service at your library including everything from choosing your software and developing a staff training program to setting up canned messages and using QR barcodes to market the service. This practical guidebook outlines how to integrate this new offering into your existing virtual reference services, scheduling, promotion, assessment, and discusses workarounds such as using a Google Voice account instead of purchasing a cell phone for the library, or implementing an SMS intern program to offer extended hours.
Location-Based Mobile Social Networks & Augmented Reality - Joe Murphy, Science Librarian, Coordinator of Instruction and Technology, Kline Science Library, Yale University
New location-based services such as FourSquare, BrightKite, and Gowalla let people check in at venues via their mobile devices and connect with their friends in the area. And Augmented Reality applications let mobile users tap into a layer of information about their current location that gets displayed on top of their view of the real world. Both of these cutting-edge technologies offer a world of opportunities for libraries to enhance patrons’ experience and promote the library’s services. This handy guide gives a complete overview of the AR and location-based technology landscapes and details how to use these new services in your library. Readers will learn how to leverage FourSquare and other networks to promote library events, create QR codes for library signage and service promotion, and how to set up your library as a place within these location-aware networks.
Building Mobile Library Applications - Jason Clark, Team Leader, Digital Access & Web Services, Montana State University
Mobile devices are now an essential part of people’s everyday lives. These new devices such as smart phones, iPhones, iPads, and e-book readers are how library patrons are accessing their information today. And mobile-savvy libraries are building mobile library applications to provide them with that information, promote their resources, and offer cutting-edge services. Learn how to develop an iPhone or Android application for your library, how to mobilize your library’s catalog, and how to create a mobile website which can be viewed on smartphones. This complete handbook guides the reader through the process of planning, development, and launch of their own mobile library applications.
UX for Libraries - Aaron Schmidt, Principal, Walking Paper Library Consulting & Amanda Etches Johnson, Head, Discovery & Access, University of Guelph Library
In the short history of library websites, we’ve seen libraries go from developing basic yet largely unintuitive websites to stepping back to think about how the library fits into the user’s research process, how users search for information, and how they experience the library’s web presence. It is user experience research and usability testing that allows libraries and librarians to dig into user motivations and build user-driven websites that meet needs and delight users. This book outlines the strategies, tools and best practices for website and interface development in libraries and covers topics including user research, usability testing, creating a content strategy, and website governance.
Drupal and Libraries - Ken Varnum, Web Systems Manager, University of Michigan Library
Drupal is a powerful, free, open source content management system that enables organizations to create extensive, flexible websites incorporating social and 2.0 functionality. Libraries are utilizing this increasingly popular technology to create community-oriented websites which they can fully customize according to their specific needs. This hands-on, practical book walks the reader through the entire process of setting up a Drupal website for their library as well as provides tips and best practices for creating their own modules, and using existing library-oriented modules such as SOPAC2 to accomplish tasks such as integrating the library’s OPAC into the new website.
Screencasting for Libraries - TBA…
Screencasts are short instructional videos that demonstrate computer-related tasks and can be a very effective way to show library patrons how to use your website, OPAC, or databases. This complete how-to guidebook provides tips and techniques for how to create engaging library training screencasts and store them on the Web. From planning and software selection to storyboarding, scripting, and distribution, this practical primer provides step-by-step instructions. Learn about promotion techniques such as customizing a YouTube channel, embedding videos in the library website and Facebook Page, and getting your videos on iTunesU as well as post-production options such as file formats, sizes, and codecs in this all-in-one resource.
Next-Gen Redesign – TBA…
Today’s Next-Generation libraries are forces of innovation that are embracing the information revolution brought about through Web 2.0 technology. These cutting-edge libraries are creating engaging experiences for their patrons by incorporating social functionality into their websites and online catalogs. They are increasingly adopting open source software, creating interactive social media subject guides, chatting with patrons via IM widgets, and enabling patrons to send cataloging records to their cell phones. Learn how redesign your library’s website to offer next-gen social, open, and mobile, functionality for your library patrons.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Question of the Day: Get rid of the fake antivirus software/ System Tool Virus/Malware (Windows)?
I'm not going to claim to be an expert (nor do I play one on TV), and when one of these sorts of things slipped through all of my layers of protection/malware/antivirus, I had to manually remove it. Anyhow, one of my friends has been struggling to get rid of this and posted a plea for help, so here are my recommendations. If you're on a computer that is not yours, then you should probably talk to the owners, your IT, etc, mmkay? ;-)
The key symptoms: messages that your computer is infected (and you need to buy a product to get rid of it). However, these tricks should work with just about any piece of malware out there. First course of action should always be your antivirus/malware software, but if you can't get to that or it doesn't work, there are other options. If you have this particular nasty bug, you can not get to your antivirus software nor can you get out on the net.
You'll need to save any needed files from 'the net on a flash drive or disk, to use on the infected computer. As a security precaution, if you can unplug your modem or shut down network access to the infected computer, that would probably be wise, in my opinion.
Once you've gotten rid of this nasty bug, it would be wise to make a new System Restore point.
So, here are some suggestions, IF you can't get to your antivirus/malware software:
Removal Tools
System Restore is an easy to use & built in feature of Windows XP, Vista & 7. The point of a System Restore in Windows is restore your system back to a point prior to whatever problem is happening. It can be used when upgrades fail, malware/viruses which can't be treated by malware/antivirus programs, etc.
Windows *should* be making restore points automatically; however, if you do not see a restore point listed, then obviously you can't use this. ;-)
Note: You will lose some changes in software, drivers, etc that were upgraded or added after the rollback. You won't (or shouldn't!) lose Word documents, e-mail settings and messages, anything stored in My Documents, My Pictures, or My Music folders either. If you do a System Restore, just make sure to check for windows, virus protection and other program upgrades. Hopefully, you should have several restore points to choose from.
You will need to work in the Safe Mode on the infected computer
XP instructions:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304449
Windows 7 and Vista instructions:
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/using-windows-vista-system-restore/
Don't forget to rerun your virus scan; check for upgrades and make a new restore point.
Last Known Good Configuration feature
XP instructions:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307852
Vista instructions:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Using-Last-Known-Good-Configuration
Windows 7 instructions
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Using-Last-Known-Good-Configuration
*this may or may not work for this kind of malware, but it's really not going to hurt to try it!
Backup discs or reload from original installation discs
Depending on what your comfort level is with manually editing the registry (see below), you may prefer to reload a clean copy from your backup discs (or drive) or even reload from the original installation discs/files.
That's kind of up to you. Reloading from the backup discs will mean that anything you've added since those files will be lost. Reinstalling from the original installation will take your PC back to the "just out of the box" state.
Manually delete it and clean up registry
How to use Hijack this to get rid of it; more manual, but will not lose anything other than the malware (if you do it correctly!) The later half of this post focuses on Hijack This and is excellent step by step.
http://deletemalware.blogspot.com/2010/10/how-to-remove-system-tool-uninstall.html
I love hijack this and have used it several times to help clean up my registry, but if you screw up your registry it can be alot of work to fix it. So, be careful. ;-)
The key symptoms: messages that your computer is infected (and you need to buy a product to get rid of it). However, these tricks should work with just about any piece of malware out there. First course of action should always be your antivirus/malware software, but if you can't get to that or it doesn't work, there are other options. If you have this particular nasty bug, you can not get to your antivirus software nor can you get out on the net.
You'll need to save any needed files from 'the net on a flash drive or disk, to use on the infected computer. As a security precaution, if you can unplug your modem or shut down network access to the infected computer, that would probably be wise, in my opinion.
Once you've gotten rid of this nasty bug, it would be wise to make a new System Restore point.
So, here are some suggestions, IF you can't get to your antivirus/malware software:
- Use a removal tool from the web
- System restore or force last successful installation (builtin windows features)
- Use backup discs or original installation discs
- Use HijackThis and manually remove + cleanup
Removal Tools
- Microsoft has a free malicious software remover. http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.aspx
- Malwarebytes: http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php
- The first half of this post focuses on using a removal tool. The second half focuses on manually deleting and cleaning up. If you would prefer other alternatives to manually deleting, you can try some of the things I've listed below. System Restore can be an excellent tool.
System Restore is an easy to use & built in feature of Windows XP, Vista & 7. The point of a System Restore in Windows is restore your system back to a point prior to whatever problem is happening. It can be used when upgrades fail, malware/viruses which can't be treated by malware/antivirus programs, etc.
Windows *should* be making restore points automatically; however, if you do not see a restore point listed, then obviously you can't use this. ;-)
Note: You will lose some changes in software, drivers, etc that were upgraded or added after the rollback. You won't (or shouldn't!) lose Word documents, e-mail settings and messages, anything stored in My Documents, My Pictures, or My Music folders either. If you do a System Restore, just make sure to check for windows, virus protection and other program upgrades. Hopefully, you should have several restore points to choose from.
You will need to work in the Safe Mode on the infected computer
XP instructions:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304449
Windows 7 and Vista instructions:
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/using-windows-vista-system-restore/
Don't forget to rerun your virus scan; check for upgrades and make a new restore point.
Last Known Good Configuration feature
XP instructions:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307852
Vista instructions:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Using-Last-Known-Good-Configuration
Windows 7 instructions
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Using-Last-Known-Good-Configuration
*this may or may not work for this kind of malware, but it's really not going to hurt to try it!
Backup discs or reload from original installation discs
Depending on what your comfort level is with manually editing the registry (see below), you may prefer to reload a clean copy from your backup discs (or drive) or even reload from the original installation discs/files.
That's kind of up to you. Reloading from the backup discs will mean that anything you've added since those files will be lost. Reinstalling from the original installation will take your PC back to the "just out of the box" state.
Manually delete it and clean up registry
How to use Hijack this to get rid of it; more manual, but will not lose anything other than the malware (if you do it correctly!) The later half of this post focuses on Hijack This and is excellent step by step.
http://deletemalware.blogspot.com/2010/10/how-to-remove-system-tool-uninstall.html
I love hijack this and have used it several times to help clean up my registry, but if you screw up your registry it can be alot of work to fix it. So, be careful. ;-)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)