Audio Books

The tutorial from Overdrive was great. I was surprised by how many different formats (PC, Mac, burn to CD, WMA, iPod & MP3) and how many titles that we have available.

Podcasts

The Lansing(Illinois)Public Library has an Adult, Teen and Youth Dept. podcasts available through Podcast Directory. There are some interesting podcasts: book reviews, help with science projects, and so on.

Online Video

I selected the Associated Press from the News & Politics Channels listing from YouTube, then I typed in a search for libraries. The video entitled Library Book Returned After 145 Years caught my eye. Maybe this could be used to advertise a special event or program.

Web 2.0

I went to the Short List and seleted the first place winner under Books-- lulu.com. I found their website to be very clean, logical & easy to navigate. The homepage had tabs at the top to select including a nice demo. Once a tab was selected a sidebar appeared with more choices or a search box was available to type in a specific request. Once an item was selected there was a Preview button that gave even more information about that particular item (similar to our Syndetics page).

GOOGLE DOCS

GOOGLE DOCS

 

I was amazed by the all the templates available through Google Docs.  First I created a couple of forms using templates, then I created this document.  I tried to create a large header and was unable to, also I was a little frustrated by all the times it saved & I deleted.  But I guess overall that this would be a great way to collect information & edit as the example in our 23 Things. 

Playing around with PBWiki

I commented instead of editing at first, so had to go back & figure that out-- "haste makes waste." I was a little surprised at the lack of structure (such freedom!) I didn't know where or how(format)to put in my information but I think it would be easy to use.

So what's in a wiki?

Well I learned that a wiki (means "quick" in Hawaii) is great for a group of people to collaborate their thoughts &/or ideas. One of the wikis I looked at was ALA Wikis #14 Every Child Ready to Read. It appeared to be a great place for librarians place their ideas & suggestions. Another I looked at was the SJCPL (St. Joseph County Public Library System) Subject Guides. I clicked on the Arts & Entertainment & discovered several interesting things. Not only were there links to the library collection, staff favorites & magazines, but also local attractions & events, dance & theatre, clubs, cafes & live music, and music & movies.

I think that a wiki would be helpful for committees in setting up new procedures or policies. One that I know that is currently in the process of being set up is a wiki concerning a possible floating collection for TCCL.

Library 2.0

Where do I begin? In one way the whole idea is rather mind boggling. On the other hand it seems a natural progression in today's world. Being a cataloger there is a part of me that screams out against letting an "outsider" have part in cataloging. I cringe to think that someone could sabotage our catalog. (Sureley there are some safeguards that I am not aware of?!) Yet there is only so much that an individual can do & know and allowing others to tag has the possiblity to give better access in not only knowledge but thought patterns.

Technorati

Once again this is all new to me. I'm discovering that there are whole other "worlds" out there. Technorati has it all there-- blogs, photos, videos.

Delicious

Delicious is a social bookmarking site which allows you to bookmark a web page and use tags to categorize your bookmarks. It is very easy to explore and assign tags, much like cataloging, to information that you find on the web. My account is here.

Rollyo

I found this to be another way to search the web. Since the Obama's are in search of a rather rare breed of dog, I did a search for the Portuguese Waterdog.

LibraryThing

This is a wonderful website for book lovers. What a nice convenient way to keep reading lists, as well as have book reviews, signings, & other information at hand.
My LibraryThing account is here if you click on the word account.

Image Generator

More about RSS

I've been exploring some of the different feeds available. I found Topix.net and Technorati.com familiar and comfortable to use. Syndic8.com didn't hit my fancy however-- not sure what it was but it just didn't "fit" right. After trying out these suggested feeds I tried good 'ol Internet Explorer and of course it is the easiest for me since that is what I usually use. It surprises me how easy it is to subscribe.

RSS feeds

How wonderful to have the news come to you! This is a wonderful way to get everyday information from multiple sources without a lot a work.

Technology Post

Well I have to confess that I'm a follower & not a leader in this area. I'm afraid that I am not one of those cuttin' edge people that have to go out and buy the best & newest thing that is out. In fact I'm pretty slow to follow. I do like things that are serve a purpose & save time, but I don't want to rush out & buy something just for show. I only purchased for myself a cell phone when my oldest child was getting ready to leave for college.

Photograph

Here is a picture from inside a cave. It reminds me of Carlsbad Caverns which we visited a few years ago. It was beautiful!

Rats!

Who would think that a rat would make a great pet? Certainly not me! But I let my son get one and I think she is wonderful! We have to meet & greet at least twice a day.

New post

OK. I created a blog, now let's see if I can add to it.

23 Things

Well, I've created a blog! What an accomplishment! Habit 4 is probably the hardest of the 7 1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners for me. On the other hand, once I master a task I love to share my knowlege with other-- making Habit 7 my favorite.