THING #24

I know I have just skimmed the surface. Most, no, all of the videos I watched that involved web 2.0 and the future of libraries spoke clearly. Libraries do need to change and what a change that is. Since I graduated from school some time ago and did not necessarily look into all these technological changes (mind you some)I found going through these exercises overwhelming. I apologize for not going more in depth or being a bit negative in my blogs. I will try to dedicate time in the future to explore more. One quick positive thing I learned was to open multiple windows. Otherwise, the program was a bit convuluted (as is surfacing websites)and a bit difficult to follow. The job here at Brooklin is challenging as it is going through a transitional stage. When things settle down I hope to pursue this more as I do believe web 2.0 technology will definitely affect libraries positively!!

Thank you.

THING #23

Created an account in NetLibrary and searched for historical books. Yes, I believe this interesting and would probably download a file. I have yet to really get into talking books however, I have listened to CBC sometimes on the car radio when travelling (reading a book) so under the right circumstances will probably get involved.

THING #22

I took a look at podcastalley.com and tried libraries in the search field. Just looking at the titles of the 34 hits were interesting. Again, great possibilities with this; unfortunately, I do not have time to subscribe to a rss feed for a podcast.

THING #21

Unfortunately, do not have enough time to explore fully. I chose one video under the libraries search which was a public announcement for the New York Public Library. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zc3wMrnQCZU Such sites can be such an effective way of communicating with the general public.

Play around with PBWiki

Not sure if I am doing this correctly. Did a quick run through the favourite sites. Again, running out of time so did a quick post. Will try to follow up on more later.

Wikis

Interesting how ideas are developed and then improved upon. Can see the definite advantages of wikis as explained in the discoveries, especially the first video. Not sure if I would use wikis. I would need to explore a bit more to feel more comfortable using them. Knowing that the information you get from a wiki is reliable or not is perhaps the weak point. One good example of using the wiki in a library (in this case internally) is the Ref wiki. Posting on the site, for example, summaries of the sessions you attended at the OLA conference so that everyone can read and perhaps pick up pointers or ideas, is positive. Definitely something to continue exploring!

Library 2.0

The three "icebergs" discussed in "Away from the "icebergs"" by Rick Anderson are very valid points. I do admire the people that can use these technologies and who will, hopefully, be the ones steering libraries in the right direction.

Explore Technorati

Okay, I can see the advantages, however, I was not able to find the advanced search option so did not search the URL for my blog. I'm finding this one a bit overwhelming and do not have the time to explore further. Perhaps later.

#15 Tagging and Delicious

Yes, with the overview given in the video you can see the advantages. Definitely, would need time to explore this tool.

Image Generators

Fun but not enough time!!

LibraryThing

Again, right now looks interesting but I am clockwatching. Do not have much time to spend on it. Hopefully, I am doing this correctly. The link to my catalogue:
http://www.librarything.com/catalog/Thoughts

Twitter

Well, could be interesting. I can see the use for tracking interesting information to you rather than tweeting about me. Sometimes it seems like too much information!! Anyway, if I am doing this correctly the URL for my account is
http://twitter.com/wanderlust1954. Cheerio!

Finding Feeds

Do not have much time to explore this. Was interesting but very involved. Will need to do this again when I have time.

RSS

Again, very interesting. Can see it being an incredible timesaver. If there are subjects you are following either personally or at work, you can set up feeds and have the information come to you. There is still searching to do, mind you. Libraries can use this tool to promote their reason for being. Patrons could have the pertinent information come to them. It is a busy Saturday, so will leave my blog as is. Would love to explore more. Perhaps later. Cheers!

Way too many applications that I just have trouble justifying their existence!!! However, Travelr caught my eye. To me, it is an interesting way of organizing your travel photos. Should anyone be interested in viewing them, voila, it also shows exactly where on the globe you were.

One practical application of a mashup that Wikipedia explained that I thought was interesting. If I understood it correctly...combining a map of locations for real estate sellings. I tend to view the mls site on a regular basis and consider it a bonus to be given that information as well.

Google Maps

Okay, I learned something this week technologywise from a 78(?) year old patron who lives on my street and likes to chat when she comes in. I've tried Google maps but did not know that you can click and drag the 'gold' man on the zoom in/out scale to a designated street and see the view from that angle. Not all areas are available but I was able to see some homes I know. I also saw my friend's sister's house in Queensland, Australia. Amazing!

Owl

I believe it was March 2008 when I saw this owl sitting outside of the Brooklin Branch of the Whitby Public Library. At first, I thought it was a statue, but, discovered it was real when I saw it up close. I think it might have been stunned as it flew away after a half hour rest (and probably because too many people were getting too close).

So far..

This is the second week and I am having a bit of difficulty following the instructions as a clear path. As with the internet, it is multileveled and can be confusing. Perhaps by the end I will be a pro or at least more familiar with everything.

7-1/2 Habits...

Okay, I have viewed the tutorial again this week. Once I get over the accent of the narrator, I can see that common sense prevails. I can also see why humans have difficulty with that. As they point out, attitude is everything and the first step is always the hardest. Perhaps the most difficult part of the habits is #4, having confidence in yourself. Very easy to doubt what you can do. Not very far behind is #3, viewing problems as challenges. Again, very easy to give up when the road gets rough. The easiest of the habits is #1, goals. Plenty of ideas. Go forward!