I'm sad to be at the end of this program. I loved it so much! I started it back in April 2011, but due to time limitations (graduate school and a hectic summer reading program) I just now had the opportunity to finish the steps. I was amazed how intimidated I was at the beginning of each step and yet due to the resources and explanations that were available found the technologies easy to learn and use. I am very interested in the digital storytelling, but had the most trouble trying to figure out how to create an original story. We just purchased a flip camera so I'm hoping to use it and grow in this area. I am especially thrilled to know how to create screen captures for the purpose of tutorials. I've been wanting to try this with our catalog for over a year and now I have the skills to do it.
I am always thrilled to have the opportunity to add new technology skills to my basket of tricks! I'm grateful that these training opportunities exist and am eager to see what is coming up next.
Since the original Two Step our library now has three blogs (storytime, reader's advisory, and the summer reading blog which averages 1000 hits each summer), a Facebook page, twitter, and flickr photos. It will be exciting to see what we can add next.
My goal working at the Bee Cave Public Library is to be an asset to both my patrons and also my supervisors and co-workers. I feel that programs like A Dozen Ways to Two Step and Beyond Two Step, provide me with the professional training necessary to help me meet my professional goals.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Beyond Method # 11
And the survey says..... Surveys are a great way to get feedback from patrons as to the effectiveness of programming, materials and services provided by the library. The various tools that are available remove any obstacle from a library adopting this real time feedback resource. We were just discussing this last week that we wanted to put up a survey to get feedback concerning the various events we held during our 2011 summer reading program. Now I have the tools to create the survey and the ability to place it on our blog, website, or facebook page. http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
For my survey I used survey monkey. It was very easy to use. I decided against linking it and went with the embedded option instead. It is my belief that the most steps required of a user the less likely they are to take those steps. By having the survey there in front of the user, hopefully they will take the extra time to run through the questions and provide their valued opinion.
At this time we have comment cards for our patrons to use, but they are seldom used. We also get emails from patrons expressing their opinions. A survey regarding a particular area of programming, service or material would provide a focused response and therefore help us to better know where we are succeeding and where there is more room for improved services.
I would also LOVE to have this tool to help with registration for events and summer reading. This year alone we had over 1000 children sign up for our Summer Reading Program. This resulted in a lot of forms where the information had to be transferred to a spreadsheet. It would be nice if there was a way to have patrons register online then download that information into an excel spreadsheet.
My survey:
For my survey I used survey monkey. It was very easy to use. I decided against linking it and went with the embedded option instead. It is my belief that the most steps required of a user the less likely they are to take those steps. By having the survey there in front of the user, hopefully they will take the extra time to run through the questions and provide their valued opinion.
At this time we have comment cards for our patrons to use, but they are seldom used. We also get emails from patrons expressing their opinions. A survey regarding a particular area of programming, service or material would provide a focused response and therefore help us to better know where we are succeeding and where there is more room for improved services.
I would also LOVE to have this tool to help with registration for events and summer reading. This year alone we had over 1000 children sign up for our Summer Reading Program. This resulted in a lot of forms where the information had to be transferred to a spreadsheet. It would be nice if there was a way to have patrons register online then download that information into an excel spreadsheet.
My survey:
Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.
Beyond Method # 10
I'm so grateful for web conferencing. I have attended several webinars and am amazed how included I feel even though I'm far away. I am also a distant learning student in the UNT MLIS Program. We have a live classroom software, Wimba, which allows for live classroom events. Recently in a storytelling course each member of the class presented a story via a web cam. We were able to receive immediate feedback and also put faces with our classmates' names.
My sister and I now Skype to stay in touch. I love it! I wish we had used it before now. While on a recent call with her I was also able to see and speak with my nephews! Technology is wonderful. It really is making the world a smaller place which is important since it is the only planet we have. We must be more thoughtful about how each of our choices impacts the rest of the world. We cannot control how others operate but by modeling considerate, responsible behavior, perhaps we can lead the way to saving this planet.
I had no idea that authors were Skyping. I can see where this would be a wonderful resource for book clubs and events. Library budgets being limited it is an affordable way to bring the authors to the readers without breaking the bank. It is also a great way for other libraries to connect, share ideas, and brainstorm about programming.
Without the ability to share in web conferencing, I would not be able to work on my Master's degree through UNT. I would not have important training opportunities such as those provided by Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Web conferencing is especially helpful to rural libraries who generally find their funds more limited as well as their access to training resources.
Skype is easy to use and very intuitive. Built in web cams and microphones have come a long way over the last few years making it possible to point and click our way into the global community!
My sister and I now Skype to stay in touch. I love it! I wish we had used it before now. While on a recent call with her I was also able to see and speak with my nephews! Technology is wonderful. It really is making the world a smaller place which is important since it is the only planet we have. We must be more thoughtful about how each of our choices impacts the rest of the world. We cannot control how others operate but by modeling considerate, responsible behavior, perhaps we can lead the way to saving this planet.
I had no idea that authors were Skyping. I can see where this would be a wonderful resource for book clubs and events. Library budgets being limited it is an affordable way to bring the authors to the readers without breaking the bank. It is also a great way for other libraries to connect, share ideas, and brainstorm about programming.
Without the ability to share in web conferencing, I would not be able to work on my Master's degree through UNT. I would not have important training opportunities such as those provided by Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Web conferencing is especially helpful to rural libraries who generally find their funds more limited as well as their access to training resources.
Skype is easy to use and very intuitive. Built in web cams and microphones have come a long way over the last few years making it possible to point and click our way into the global community!
Beyond Method #9
I found the resources available for exploration very interesting and valuable. I know given our limited budget our library is always looking for free graphics and images we can use to promote our programming. I loved the Open Image site It had some great video footage that would be fun and interesting to add to a project. I also took a look at the Creative Commons section of Flickr. I found the Creative Commons search site confusing. I need to spend more time figuring out how to locate images and how to ensure they are licensed for common use.
I just finished a storytelling course as a part of my ongoing MLS coursework. We actually spent a week on digital storytelling. I love face to face performances but the ability to preserve personal and community histories is an invaluable gift. I have a cassette tape (old technology) with my great grandmother's voice recorded on it. It is a treasure. The sound of her voice sends me back to her side, listening to the many stories she shared with me.
As our society grows in expectation and media sophistication, it is important that we find ways to communicate information in new and dynamic ways.
I chose to use Animoto solely based on its own site's promise to be amazingly easy. It was! I had a great time playing with images, listening to available scores I could choose from and then watching the finished product. It is my hope that as we finish up our summer reading program that I can use this same technology to create a dynamic slideshow of the summer's events.
My video is below. I attempted to access the Techsoup winners but none were available for viewing.
I loved my storytelling course and look forward to exploring how I take advantage of these resources to enhance my storytelling.
I just finished a storytelling course as a part of my ongoing MLS coursework. We actually spent a week on digital storytelling. I love face to face performances but the ability to preserve personal and community histories is an invaluable gift. I have a cassette tape (old technology) with my great grandmother's voice recorded on it. It is a treasure. The sound of her voice sends me back to her side, listening to the many stories she shared with me.
As our society grows in expectation and media sophistication, it is important that we find ways to communicate information in new and dynamic ways.
I chose to use Animoto solely based on its own site's promise to be amazingly easy. It was! I had a great time playing with images, listening to available scores I could choose from and then watching the finished product. It is my hope that as we finish up our summer reading program that I can use this same technology to create a dynamic slideshow of the summer's events.
My video is below. I attempted to access the Techsoup winners but none were available for viewing.
I loved my storytelling course and look forward to exploring how I take advantage of these resources to enhance my storytelling.
Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Beyond # 8
Screencasting! I love screencasting. I've been wanting to learn how to do this for a long time. We have so many application where this would be helpful. Being a small library we don't always have the time to teach our patrons how to optimize the search capabilities of our online catalog. We don't have the time to walk patrons through the process of opening a search engine on our public computers, learning create an email or a facebook account. A screencast provides a visual tutorial for users. Most people are visual learners to some degree so walking a person through thttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifhe process lowers anxiety and provides the ability for them to watch the processes numerous times until they are able to get through the procedure from start to finish. They can repeat the cast as many times as necessary. By inserting notes using Screencast-o-matic it can bookmark points in the screencast to help them readily locate the information they are interested in hearing and seeing once more.
I chose to use Screencast-o-matic to create a brief tutorial on how patrons can set limits within our online search catalog in order to increase the precision and recall of their search.
I chose to use Screencast-o-matic to create a brief tutorial on how patrons can set limits within our online search catalog in order to increase the precision and recall of their search.
Beyond Method #7
I love the new options for creating presentations. I know at our library one of our staff creates wonderful slides using Power Point. These slides play continuously during the day in the Bee Cave City Hall. It would be amazing if these slides could contain movies or live feeds, like in Sliderocket! I was blown away by the different options. I loved the moving, dynamic white board of Prezi. I thought Sliderocket had a simple and wonderful interface. I was amazed that live feeds and movies were so easily inserted. I was sold on 280 Slides when I realized how easy it was to embed the presentation into a social media
outlet.
I chose to use 280 Slides. I felt it was really easy to use. I think that all the tools are amazing and I think they would work very well for tutorials for using our search catalog, a tour of the library facilities, as well as marketing regular and special events. They would also be a great way to generate interest in our Friend's Group. I know that students are now expected to create presentations and perhaps having these tools would be useful to them as well in learning how to create presentations by holding instructional workshops focusing on both presentation software technology and design.
outlet.
I chose to use 280 Slides. I felt it was really easy to use. I think that all the tools are amazing and I think they would work very well for tutorials for using our search catalog, a tour of the library facilities, as well as marketing regular and special events. They would also be a great way to generate interest in our Friend's Group. I know that students are now expected to create presentations and perhaps having these tools would be useful to them as well in learning how to create presentations by holding instructional workshops focusing on both presentation software technology and design.
Beyond Method #6
Our library will be introducing Overdrive this Fall. We have many requests from our patrons for E-books. We also have MP3 books that patrons may load onto their computers then move to a MP3 player if they desire. The process is hardly streamlined like Overdrive, but it can be done. I think the simpler the process the less intimidating the technology. Unfortunately, many times when individuals try something new and have a frustrating experience, they then are less likely to give it another try later on. The process is getting more user friendly which is very reassuring and exciting.
I had never visited Project Gutenberg. I thought it was very easy to identify which file as associated with a specific reader. I did locate Great Expectation in its HTML format.
I am glad to know that Project Gutenberg exists and that it is available to our patrons. Due to budget cuts we have been without any e-books, so knowing we have the ability to point them to a number of e-books for free (minus perhaps a small donation) is a wonderful service to provide. I do think that after spending a little time searching their catalog that I could be of assistance is helping them use the HTML source. I didn't have the opportunity to play with any e-reader, but I feel certain with time that I would be able to help them download the material to their e-reader as well.
I had never visited Project Gutenberg. I thought it was very easy to identify which file as associated with a specific reader. I did locate Great Expectation in its HTML format.
I am glad to know that Project Gutenberg exists and that it is available to our patrons. Due to budget cuts we have been without any e-books, so knowing we have the ability to point them to a number of e-books for free (minus perhaps a small donation) is a wonderful service to provide. I do think that after spending a little time searching their catalog that I could be of assistance is helping them use the HTML source. I didn't have the opportunity to play with any e-reader, but I feel certain with time that I would be able to help them download the material to their e-reader as well.
Beyond Method # 5
I have fallen in love with Goodreads! We have so many patrons that come into our library asking which books they have checked out. Of course we don't maintain that information in order to protect their privacy. Goodreads is a wonderful way for patrons to keep up with the books they have read, connect with other readers and discover new authors. Growing up with my nose buried in a book I was labeled a bit anti-social, Goodreads allows for a bookish social being which is long overdue and greatly appreciated!
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this book! I thought the style the author used was beautiful and add meaning to the material. It felt very much like reading a story as a child, full of lessons as well as forming a personal relationship with the material! I really enoyed it!
View all my reviews
I also loved Booklamp. I am always looking for new resources that will help me suggest reading material to my patrons. I think reader's advisory is the hardest part of my job. I also found it both interesting and disturbing that Shelfari is linked as a part of Amazon. The monster continues to eat!
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this book! I thought the style the author used was beautiful and add meaning to the material. It felt very much like reading a story as a child, full of lessons as well as forming a personal relationship with the material! I really enoyed it!
View all my reviews
I also loved Booklamp. I am always looking for new resources that will help me suggest reading material to my patrons. I think reader's advisory is the hardest part of my job. I also found it both interesting and disturbing that Shelfari is linked as a part of Amazon. The monster continues to eat!
Friday, August 12, 2011
Beyond Method # 4
I am so grateful for the many resources that are available to job seekers! I know we have so many that come in and many do not have the computer skills necessary to apply. So many employers now do not accept paper applications. They require all of their applicants to apply online. This is a huge issue since so many people still do not have access to the internet and do not have the computer skills to navigate through an application process.
One library in our area does provide some computer skill training but at this time our library does not have the staff to provide this service to patrons. The Goodwill Community Foundation training site that we were directed to in this step is a wonderful resource! I have had so many patrons in the past that needed this sort of basic information. I love that it provides information on not only what an email account is but also how to set up a facebook account. It also has information on how to use Open Office which is the open source software our library has available for our patrons use.
I had already had a lot of experience using the various job search sites, but plan to work on my own online version of my resume. Great resources that I plan to continue to explore so that I can share them with others!
One library in our area does provide some computer skill training but at this time our library does not have the staff to provide this service to patrons. The Goodwill Community Foundation training site that we were directed to in this step is a wonderful resource! I have had so many patrons in the past that needed this sort of basic information. I love that it provides information on not only what an email account is but also how to set up a facebook account. It also has information on how to use Open Office which is the open source software our library has available for our patrons use.
I had already had a lot of experience using the various job search sites, but plan to work on my own online version of my resume. Great resources that I plan to continue to explore so that I can share them with others!
Beyond Method #3
What a great new tool! I'm excited about learning this. I can see where it would be very valuable to libraries especially when there are multiple branches. I love that you can also add information about your library such as hours of operation. I have a lot more to learn but this alone is very cool!
View Bee Cave Public Library in a larger map
View Bee Cave Public Library in a larger map
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Beyond Method #2
I loved the two library pages that had been established using Netvibe. What a wonderful tool to give to patrons using public computers. I know on our public computers the first page that our patrons see if our library's website which is helpful but many times we have patrons who are confused as to how to reach a search engine from this page. It would be wonderful to set up a welcome screen that condenses our library website, catalog access, social media sites as well as helpful resource sites all on one screen. We could have one for adults and one for children.
I confess I was clueless as to how these libraries managed to create their netvibe pages. I spent time trying to figure it out, but will need a lot more time in order to master customization. I had no idea that this was available and I'm very grateful that it is!
I confess I was clueless as to how these libraries managed to create their netvibe pages. I spent time trying to figure it out, but will need a lot more time in order to master customization. I had no idea that this was available and I'm very grateful that it is!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Everything Old Is New Again
I love the new design options in blogger. I like the new features as well. I struggled a bit with the Facebook and Twitter gadgets. I prefer to use the Java widget provided by Twitter. I'm sure that is an old way of doing it but it worked, so I'm going to pat myself on the back!
I had a great time trying new colors and gadgets. I wish I had some videos that I could add to my blog. We don't have any equipment at our library to provide videos. I especially loved that gadget.
I'm sure I will continue to explore the new features and learn new things. I do wish that the explanations were provided for the various gadgets. I'm not sure what they are or what they do, or frankly what to do with them. This part of blogger isn't very intuitive in my opinion.
It's hard to complain though since the price for blogger is right, especially for libraries! I'm not going to complain moving forward given the numerous options and features available free of charge.
I had a great time trying new colors and gadgets. I wish I had some videos that I could add to my blog. We don't have any equipment at our library to provide videos. I especially loved that gadget.
I'm sure I will continue to explore the new features and learn new things. I do wish that the explanations were provided for the various gadgets. I'm not sure what they are or what they do, or frankly what to do with them. This part of blogger isn't very intuitive in my opinion.
It's hard to complain though since the price for blogger is right, especially for libraries! I'm not going to complain moving forward given the numerous options and features available free of charge.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Additional Thought
As I look back over all the new gadgets and gizmos that I have been exposed to during this course, I am amazed at how much I have learned. I now realize the advantage of cloud computing, how to have a back up of my precious family photos, that a regular person like myself could have a blog and a podcast, that social bookmarking makes a lot more sense than a long list of links some of which aren't "favorites", not to mention the valuable privacy and legal issues that must be taken into consideration when using technology.
I'm sure that there are tons of other tools out there that I have yet to discover. I'm excited to learn them as well, but for now I will return to the Web 2.0 Two Step site (hopefully it will remain available) and continue to review and practice the new skills I have learned. Practice makes perfect.
Thanks for putting this training together! I have enjoyed participating!!!
Method 12 Evaluation
I really enjoyed this traning program. As I mentioned in the survey I felt that there was the expectation that some level of computer skills were needed in order to advance. I know others in our office wanted to participate and truly did try but they needed more step by step support in order to build their confidence and skills so that they could move forward.
I think this is an important point when using any technology though. I see it all of the time with our patrons when they come in to use our computers. They know a little but there is so much that they don't use because a. they don't know it is available and b. they need someone to patiently teach them how to use those features.
I loved blogging. I wish I knew html so that I could really customize the format more, but even as limited as it is, I still had a blast. The putting the viewmaster slide over the youtube video was really amazing. I think that was a real "Cool" moment for me. I am also fascinated and definitely want to learn more about social bookmarking. Podcasts would be great for so many programs in the library. Perhaps a training session could be offered to teach us how to pull off professional looking productions.
I hope I get the opportunity to learn more and to use what I have learned before I forget it.
Method 11 Podcasts
I looked at various library podcasts and listened to many of them. I loved the one called "Booktalks". It gave an interesting overview of children's books. It was really wonderful and reminded me a lot of how Levar Burton introduces stories on Reading Rainbow. It would be a great way to put in a blurb about books in any collection in the library. I discovered one promotional podcast for a summer reading program that frankly would have made me less likely to participate which brings up the obvious distinction that just because we can doesn't mean we should. If the podcast isn't executed properly I can see where it could be a distraction or even a detractor from the library programs.
I think it would be great to put a weekly storytime podcast by our Storytime Lady. Also blurbs from our librarian who purchases our collections so that if someone has a question about a book or an author they can get the information from an informed source. It would also be a great tool for "How To" segments.
I am just not sure how to pull off production so that it maintains an air of professionalism.
I think it would be great to put a weekly storytime podcast by our Storytime Lady. Also blurbs from our librarian who purchases our collections so that if someone has a question about a book or an author they can get the information from an informed source. It would also be a great tool for "How To" segments.
I am just not sure how to pull off production so that it maintains an air of professionalism.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Method 10 Wiki Tiki Tavi
Whew! I had to delete and edit and save and edit and delete. It shouldn't have been that difficult but it was for some reason.
Our church has a wiki site and I think it is very helpful but also very confusing. It is important that everyone understand the reasoning for having a Wiki site as well as there be clearly defined criteria for accessing and posting. We had a situation where some information was available to everyone that shouldn't have been. I'm going to spend more time learning about Wiki. It is a great place to keep Friends of the Library other committee minutes, contact information, a calendar of upcoming programs, the list of books for the various bookclubs and allowing comments on all of the above.
I have a lot more to learn about wiki but then I feel I have a lot more to learn about everything involved in this program.
Our church has a wiki site and I think it is very helpful but also very confusing. It is important that everyone understand the reasoning for having a Wiki site as well as there be clearly defined criteria for accessing and posting. We had a situation where some information was available to everyone that shouldn't have been. I'm going to spend more time learning about Wiki. It is a great place to keep Friends of the Library other committee minutes, contact information, a calendar of upcoming programs, the list of books for the various bookclubs and allowing comments on all of the above.
I have a lot more to learn about wiki but then I feel I have a lot more to learn about everything involved in this program.
Method 9 Chatting and Pulling My Hair Out
I really love the chat widgets and programs. I have received online help from various customer service departments through online chat. It is especially helpful with computer issues. I can see where it could also be very valuable in a library setting. If a reference librarian had a chat feature where people searching for information could talk to him/her and get their input, also an online book club for readers who are just too tired after a long day at the office to venture back out to the library for a meeting.
I did get very frustrated trying to add the meebo widget to my blog. I settled for putting it in a post like the youtube video and using a slide, but it seemed that it was supposed to be a widget not a one time post.
I attempted to add it then I also attempted to edit the html of my blog, but that was very confusing. I needed more information on how to add this widget, more remedial instructions.
Chat is a good thing and it is a very good way to personalize the impersonal cyberland.
I did get very frustrated trying to add the meebo widget to my blog. I settled for putting it in a post like the youtube video and using a slide, but it seemed that it was supposed to be a widget not a one time post.
I attempted to add it then I also attempted to edit the html of my blog, but that was very confusing. I needed more information on how to add this widget, more remedial instructions.
Chat is a good thing and it is a very good way to personalize the impersonal cyberland.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Method 8 Social Networks
I'm not antisocial I just hate people. That's one of my favorite lines from a television series. Social networking allows libraries to reenforce the fact that libraries aren't about books but about people.
I think that the world of social network has a great deal of potential as both a marketing tool and also a community builder, but only if it is offered in a nonthreatening and easily accessible way. Just like breaking into a new school, patrons need to see what groups are available and then understand how to join and participate. They need to understand what personal information is shared and how to limit contact with other members if they so choose. There also needs to be a great deal of care taken for the protection of patron's privacy. Also, if there are going to be social groups on a library's site respect and care must be given to protect juvenile patrons. Questions as to how staff will oversee these groups and maintain participation standards need to be defined prior to launching such groups.
I've set up a facebook and myspace account before, but found that for me it felt as though I were the only 40 year old at a high school dance. I think that many patrons would want to be friends of the library's pages without having to deal with the hassel of setting up their own account or page.
I enjoyed viewing the library pages on both myspace and facebook and I found the information, especially Austin Public's three librarian musical number, to be helpful and entertaining. This medium is dynamic and therefore caters to the ever shortening attention span of our society.
I think the main issue with social networks is that not everyone wants to be on such a network. Once a person joins Myspace or Facebook then anyone looking for them from their past or present can search for them and reconnect. This isn't always a good thing. Just knowing that this could occur will prevent some patrons from participating. The arguement can be made that this person doesn't have to accept the person as a "friend" but most people would rather avoid the situation all together.
Social networking is valuable, but naturally won't appeal to all patrons. It will though work towards updating the image of libraries from a dusty dinosaurs to a well managed convenient stores on the information highway, a one stop shop where patrons can fill up their cars, hit the facilities, grab some jerky, look over a map,then head back out on the road in search of their final destination.
I think that the world of social network has a great deal of potential as both a marketing tool and also a community builder, but only if it is offered in a nonthreatening and easily accessible way. Just like breaking into a new school, patrons need to see what groups are available and then understand how to join and participate. They need to understand what personal information is shared and how to limit contact with other members if they so choose. There also needs to be a great deal of care taken for the protection of patron's privacy. Also, if there are going to be social groups on a library's site respect and care must be given to protect juvenile patrons. Questions as to how staff will oversee these groups and maintain participation standards need to be defined prior to launching such groups.
I've set up a facebook and myspace account before, but found that for me it felt as though I were the only 40 year old at a high school dance. I think that many patrons would want to be friends of the library's pages without having to deal with the hassel of setting up their own account or page.
I enjoyed viewing the library pages on both myspace and facebook and I found the information, especially Austin Public's three librarian musical number, to be helpful and entertaining. This medium is dynamic and therefore caters to the ever shortening attention span of our society.
I think the main issue with social networks is that not everyone wants to be on such a network. Once a person joins Myspace or Facebook then anyone looking for them from their past or present can search for them and reconnect. This isn't always a good thing. Just knowing that this could occur will prevent some patrons from participating. The arguement can be made that this person doesn't have to accept the person as a "friend" but most people would rather avoid the situation all together.
Social networking is valuable, but naturally won't appeal to all patrons. It will though work towards updating the image of libraries from a dusty dinosaurs to a well managed convenient stores on the information highway, a one stop shop where patrons can fill up their cars, hit the facilities, grab some jerky, look over a map,then head back out on the road in search of their final destination.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Method 7 Social Bookmarking and Tagging
I am still not as clear as I would like to be on this skill set. Maybe it is my lack of social skills in general that makes me a little slower on the uptake. I need to spend more time learning about tags and the Library Thingy. I do love the idea of Libraries having a list of links available to patrons. We have various school projects that launch in our area and with those launches we find desperate parents and students fighting over limited books. It would be wonderful to have links on our website that could provide additional support for students.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Where Is the Slide?
On my home computer my slide with youtube video appears on my blog but at work it doesn't. Is this about permissions? I'm curious.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Method 6 Using Video
I totally agree that there is both trash and treasure on video sharing sites. I do think that using video enhances communication. We all are familiar with learning styles. The more varied the approach in communication the greater the impact.
The point of blogs, newletters and websites is to communicate with an audience. Libraries use these methods to communicate with their clients about programs, policies, events both special and ongoing. The more varied the presentation, the more dynamic it comes across the greater the impact and the retention.
I loved adding the skin. It really made it fun. I selected the Toy Story Trailer because it seemed to fit perfectly into the View Master skin I located. Frankly, video is fun and skins add to the entertainment. I really enjoyed this lesson!
The point of blogs, newletters and websites is to communicate with an audience. Libraries use these methods to communicate with their clients about programs, policies, events both special and ongoing. The more varied the presentation, the more dynamic it comes across the greater the impact and the retention.
I loved adding the skin. It really made it fun. I selected the Toy Story Trailer because it seemed to fit perfectly into the View Master skin I located. Frankly, video is fun and skins add to the entertainment. I really enjoyed this lesson!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Flowers on Flickr Method 5
My friend Flickr, sorry, but it keeps repeating in my mind. Flickr is my friend and I love the blogging tool. I did find some pictures on flickr that were of our library, but I didn't have consent by the parents, so I decided against posting them. They weren't uploaded by our library but by a parent of one of the children pictured.
I learned a lot in this section about gaining permission and what is and is not legal. It all makes me nervous. I am a strong believer in consent forms. I wonder if it is possible to add a line to a library application that asks if photos of the individual may be used for publicity purposes. But then what do we do about events where the general public attends and there is no way to get everyone's permission?
The law definitely needs to catch up to technology unfortunately as fast as media is evolving I don't see that happening.
I learned a lot in this section about gaining permission and what is and is not legal. It all makes me nervous. I am a strong believer in consent forms. I wonder if it is possible to add a line to a library application that asks if photos of the individual may be used for publicity purposes. But then what do we do about events where the general public attends and there is no way to get everyone's permission?
The law definitely needs to catch up to technology unfortunately as fast as media is evolving I don't see that happening.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Method Four RSS or "Olly, Olly, Oxen, Free"
Love readers!!! I have so many blogs that I find interesting, but there just aren't enough hours in the day to actually keep up with all of them. Now that is not an issue!
If only I had a reader to manage my address book and handle daily, weekly, and monthly correspondence.
The Reader is like home base where all the bits of information that I used to spend time chasing around the internet can be found. " Olly, Olly, Oxen, Free "! I go to home base and all the information is waiting for me. I love it!
I added the following links to my google reader:
Austin Public Library :
http://austinpubliclibraryblog.blogspot.com/
New York City Library
http://www.nypl.org/links/
and then
The American Library Association's technology blog
http://www.alatechsource.org/blog
If only I had a reader to manage my address book and handle daily, weekly, and monthly correspondence.
The Reader is like home base where all the bits of information that I used to spend time chasing around the internet can be found. " Olly, Olly, Oxen, Free "! I go to home base and all the information is waiting for me. I love it!
I added the following links to my google reader:
Austin Public Library :
http://austinpubliclibraryblog.blogspot.com/
New York City Library
http://www.nypl.org/links/
and then
The American Library Association's technology blog
http://www.alatechsource.org/blog
Method Three
I enjoyed learning about cloud computing. I wasn't sure what the term meant but now it makes perfect sense. I thought the information from the blog entries and articles covered good ideas as well as voicing some legitimate concerns. I hadn't considered the privacy issues. It would be nice to know if the cloud is in a gated community where our information is protected and where the gate keeper isn't sharing it in order line his pocket.
I think it is vital that libraries over training to users and also help them understand the consequences.
I have a lot to learn as to how to fully utilize the various features of google and zoho as cloud sites, but the portability certainly seems to support the mobility of our society.
I think it is vital that libraries over training to users and also help them understand the consequences.
I have a lot to learn as to how to fully utilize the various features of google and zoho as cloud sites, but the portability certainly seems to support the mobility of our society.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Method 1 and 2......Check moving on to Method 3
Well I still want to tweak my blog, but I can do that as time goes by. Now I'm headed for Method 3 which is:
Method 3: Cloud Computing
Explore the topic of cloud computing and play with some popular online productivity/cloud computing tools such as GoogleDocs and Zoho writer.
Method 3: Cloud Computing
Explore the topic of cloud computing and play with some popular online productivity/cloud computing tools such as GoogleDocs and Zoho writer.
Impressions of Library 2.0 and Web 2.0, Ice Cream or Shepherd's Pie
There was a moment in my life when I realized I was an adult. That moment came one day in college when I didn’t like what was being served in the cafeteria. As I stared down in the unappetizing pan of shepherd’s pie, I thought, “I wish I could have ice cream for dinner.” The light bulb appeared over my head and I realized with total awe and elation that I could have ice cream for dinner. It was a revolutionizing moment. The world opened up to me and I realized I was now sitting in the driver’s seat and could steer my life down the road or into a ditch, but I was in control.
I had a similar feeling as if the world was opening up to me as I watched Michael Wesch’s video on YouTube, The Machine is Us/ing Us. I felt amazed at the connectivity of the ideas and the way in which technology is still evolving. It is amazing how the internet has gone from a dusty electronic form of an encyclopedia to a video of an actor dressed like Charles Darwin explaining evolution. Libraries have the capacity to embrace this new manner of gleaning information. Some learners will always opt for a more conventional material, but the potential for reaching out and aiding in the development and accessibility of dynamic, personal forms of information is mind boggling.
I felt that both suggested articles had very good information in them as well. I liked the concrete examples of how a radio station and museum have embraced incorporating their consumers into their product. The question is what is a library’s product? I thought both article and YouTube interview by Stephen Abram helped to clarify this and keep my wild wandering mind focused on how new technologies can be utilized to better serve the clients of libraries.
As with any business, and a library is a business, it is important that each institution look at their current customer base as well as where the gaps are in that population. In other words, who do we have and who are we missing. Once that is established the question arises as to what barriers exist in order to help customers engage in accessing this technology when added to the services that the Library provides. Will there be a need for training? How can computer and technology anxiety be minimized and overcome? Where is a good place to start and allow the personal applications to grow out from? What will it cost? How do we protect personal privacy? With individual input how do we manage content while also respecting censorship concerns?
As with all new journeys there will always be barriers and obstacles. It is important to look at what services are currently being provided while building a new understanding of the Web 2.0 technology. Once the technology literacy of the population of the customer base is established then the institution can launch one application then grow from there learning by trial and error what works and what doesn’t.
I’m excited to explore the various technologies and see where libraries are headed down this social, interactive highway. Web 2.0 to me is the ice cream and not the shepherd’s pie.
I had a similar feeling as if the world was opening up to me as I watched Michael Wesch’s video on YouTube, The Machine is Us/ing Us. I felt amazed at the connectivity of the ideas and the way in which technology is still evolving. It is amazing how the internet has gone from a dusty electronic form of an encyclopedia to a video of an actor dressed like Charles Darwin explaining evolution. Libraries have the capacity to embrace this new manner of gleaning information. Some learners will always opt for a more conventional material, but the potential for reaching out and aiding in the development and accessibility of dynamic, personal forms of information is mind boggling.
I felt that both suggested articles had very good information in them as well. I liked the concrete examples of how a radio station and museum have embraced incorporating their consumers into their product. The question is what is a library’s product? I thought both article and YouTube interview by Stephen Abram helped to clarify this and keep my wild wandering mind focused on how new technologies can be utilized to better serve the clients of libraries.
As with any business, and a library is a business, it is important that each institution look at their current customer base as well as where the gaps are in that population. In other words, who do we have and who are we missing. Once that is established the question arises as to what barriers exist in order to help customers engage in accessing this technology when added to the services that the Library provides. Will there be a need for training? How can computer and technology anxiety be minimized and overcome? Where is a good place to start and allow the personal applications to grow out from? What will it cost? How do we protect personal privacy? With individual input how do we manage content while also respecting censorship concerns?
As with all new journeys there will always be barriers and obstacles. It is important to look at what services are currently being provided while building a new understanding of the Web 2.0 technology. Once the technology literacy of the population of the customer base is established then the institution can launch one application then grow from there learning by trial and error what works and what doesn’t.
- Book Reviews seem a great place to start. I know in our library we have a great deal of avid readers who could easily compare their impressions of one author’s works to another. A bookstore in Austin, Book People, actually posts personal reviews with their books so that an average person, such as me, can benefit from an opinion other than that of a literal critic.
- An online book club would also be far more accommodating to individuals who work and don’t have the energy or perhaps the time to attend a club meeting during the week.
- A weekly podcast of new arrivals or authors who will be in the area would peak some customers’ interests.
- A Welcome to the Library information video on YouTube that explains the various features and policies of the library would no doubt provide more consistent and thorough inform to new patrons.
- A pod cast about new features being added to the library would keep people informed and give them the option to jump in from the start.
- The library has a huge influx of children during the summer, so perhaps working with the school system students could work on their summer reading projects over the summer with additional instructional materials, so that they could benefit while reading the material instead of reading it and then having to re-read it in order to pass a test the first week of class.
- Perhaps the schools could also work with the library about upcoming student projects so that special databases could be established for students to use.
- There are also a lot of questions that come up concerning the history of our library’s location, perhaps it might be a good idea to have a database where historical information could be maintained including stories from long time residents and personal interviews, in order to keep that valuable information intact and available for generations to come.
I’m excited to explore the various technologies and see where libraries are headed down this social, interactive highway. Web 2.0 to me is the ice cream and not the shepherd’s pie.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
And I'm off......
I had already created a couple of blogs using blogspot so this part was easy. I'm excited to see what new skills are out there to learn and then incorporate into my personal life and job.
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