Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Just read through the long list of blogs listed on BlogBib...this one is really neat, and is one that is maintained and current. I think I will follow it for a while!

Block, Marylaine. “Neat New Stuff on the Net - Weekly Reviews of New Sites:" http://marylaine.com/neatnew.html

I'm finished with Web 2.0 and have learned much. I'd already set up a Facebook and Twitter account; I still check on Facebook on occasion to catch up with family and friends and pictures they've posted; I almost never use Twitter but I am going to check in with the AACPL twittering people! I probably will never use Flickr (I don't even have a digital camera...just borrow my kids if I need ond!), and I think that Facebook is an easier way to share photos. I do check in with Google Reader and update it with more RSS feeds...but mostly I like to go just to the sites themselves! Don't use Library Thing...just keep in my head the authors I like, and I check Readers Advice when I am looking for an author read-a-like or for book/author suggestions for specific genres.
Because we have microsoft word on all of our computers, and patrons bring disks and thumb drives, I haven't had an occasion to recommendZoho. I use the AACPL wiki's but don't see myself setting up any! My favorite place, and the one I find most useful: Delicious! I can keep adding to a list of web addresses I need at my fingertips to recommend to patrons and to keep for myself...ones that I can get no matter where I am.

An obstacle I've found is having to keep track of all the log-ins and passwords as I couldn't keep using my favorite one! This was quite a learning experience. Thanks!

Library Thing Widget

Too cool...I check the Edit Html tab, and the Library Thing widget posted. Neat!


My Library Thing widget...will this work? Don't see a widget...just lots of letters and symbols!
Optional Exploration: Twitter, Badges and Widgets - Oh My
I tried to embed a widget from Library Thing on this blog, but it wouldn't post...got a message something about a break in the HTML?? Ah, well; I don't have any webpage, so this was my one attempt to try to set up a widget.
I am on Twitter, but don't use it very often. I can see how libraries can use it to announce upcoming events and to celebrate happenings. Also, librarians can use Twitter to quickly communicate information; many in AACL do so.
Kids love technology and could use Twitter to communicate quickly; however, if they are anything like my 12-year-old grandson, texting with their cell phones is much more convient as the phones seem to be attached to their hips!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Optional Exploration : Social Networking Sites

Teenagers love My Space and Facebook; they can share pictures and ideas and thoughts and keep in touch with their friends both near and far. These sites appeal to their interest in and use of computers and technology.
I set up a Facebook page in order to keep in touch with a relative in Iraq; it is an easy way for him to send pictures; however, we end up emailing as it seems more private and it is hard to keep checking both email and facebook. I check my email every day, and only check facebook once every two weeks or so! Perhaps it is because I am not a teenager and am not interested in collecting friends??!!
Library programs and events could be advertised on these sites; feedback in the way of comments could help programmers taylor programs more appropriately to audiences. Quick book reviews could be given and comments solicited.
Optional Exploration: You Tube and User Created Content
I enjoy watching all the wonderful You Tube videos...and find the "how to" ones very helpful (i.e. how to make paper airplanes, how to crochet, how to knit, how to tie scarves...all of help to patrons who are looking for such information and have access to a computer). I have trouble watching them while at the branch as they spend so much time buffering, it takes far too long to watch any of them. Mountain Road Branch created a You Tube video of its Project Runway and posted it; it was a great hit and all the girls who participated were tickled!
I have listened to many speeches, musical presentations, etc at home; it is wonderful to access this content. However, I don't understand how copyright laws are avoided.
I've never listened to, watrched or participated in a podcast...I can see how they could be very helpful in keeping up with what is going on. I looked at the list of libraries who have podcast feeds to update patrons on activities, programs, etc.; obviously there are many uses for podcasting.