(Week 9) Exercise #23

This program introduced me to several new internet technologies. I really learned a lot.

My favorite discovery was Bloglines.com. Coming from knowing *nothing* about RSS Feeds to having a place I can go everyday to learn new things about my ever possible interest is simply a joy. (I can't wait to show my mom)

This program has helped in my lifelong learning goals by providing me an added confidence in finding information through untried methods.

I was really surprised that there are so many things out there. I'd like to take away a knowledge that with a little time, anything can be done on the www. I was also glad to find out about zoho.com and am excited to see how it can work for the library system. I was also surprised at the length of time it took for me to complete each exercise. It was really important for me to learn something through this program and I felt like to explore and learn from each exercise took a great deal more time than was described. For the meatier exercise I took an hour for each and I am no stranger to doing things online or with a computer.

Something I think could be done differently is to make the program slightly more mandatory. Make fewer adjustments to the deadline (as I would have squeaked in at the last moment regardless of when it was). A greater support of programs like these in the future for all staff would be greatly appreciated. Make a big deal out of it, its the best thing since sliced bread--and you might learn something too!

Of course, if there were something similar in the future I will certainly participate.

(Week 9) #22

Ebooks. World eBook Fair was difficult to search. Really, I didn't find anything I looked for. When trying the advanced search I still had no success. Perhaps with more effort I might find it more useful.
The SJPL eBooks site felt much more like home. There is a lot for me to learn still about the different types of eBooks. Learning about SafariTech and mp3 formats, etc.
Personally, I haven't used eBooks. But, I have listened to books in mp3 format, which was a wonderful way to spend a flight to Texas.

(Week 9) Exercise #21

Podcasts. After a little searching, I finally found the search box on iTunes. I was impressed with the little pictures and being able to read the title of the podcast when I moved the pointer over the picture. But was less impressed with iTunes general set up. The constant trying to sell me an ipod or some product thereof was distracting.
The others were much easier to navigate, podcastalley.com and yahoo podcasts. As far as finding Library related things, I found a song by the Laughing Librarian called "The OPAC sucks."
I'm not sure if I'm ready yet to be a podcast publisher. But for now, I'll settle for listening to what others have too say.
On my bloglines account, I added a podcast from the San Francisco Chronicle called Food for Your Ears.

Otters holding hands

cute.

(Week 9) Exercise #20

YouTube. A lot of time can be spent looking at the videos on YouTube, Google videos and the other video sharing sites. Of course, some are better/funnier/more sophisticated than others. Libraries can use this tool in several ways: training staff, training volunteers, training customers.

I couldn't resist the cute video of the otters holding hands.

(Week 8) Exercise #19

Library Thing.


I had already looked at LibraryThing a little earlier in these exercises and had added the Thief Lord to my catalog. It was interesting to putt around and find out how to link the catalog and the blog, not to mention all the other information that is available there. Sometimes the conversations are not that interesting, but I can see using LibraryThing to find out what other people think of new books.

I like John Kilima's idea of putting LibraryThing widget on his library's webpage that says 'recommended reading from your YA Librarian.' What a valuable way to provide Reader's Advisory.