23 Things has come to an end! I won't know what to do with my extra time at the library now. Luckily it's summer and summer reading so (today at least) there hasn't been a dull moment.
How do I feel about 23 things . . . sometimes I was bored. Sometimes I was fascinated. Sometimes frustrated and sometimes things came easily. I thought the program provided a wide variety of different kinds of technology, which was great. I was introduced to a lot of things I'd heard of but never really used (like Flickr), taught to understand some things I'd used but never really thought about (like YouTube) and learned some brand new things all together (like Google Books)!
If someone could find another 23 things as diverse and interesting as this set . . . I'd be happy to do it again!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
NetLibrary
I really love being read to. When I was a little girl my dad used to read Tolkien to my sisters and me while we were falling asleep. I think that led to my addiction to audiobooks. I put them on at night and fall asleep to a story like I did when I was little. It's comforting and allows me to read more than one book at a time (one in print and one on CD).
There are a lot of things I like about NetLibrary and a few things I don't like. I thought the search system was very effecient. Since I wasn't looking for something specific, it was nice to be able to browse by subject or genre hoping to stumble on something interesting. If I was looking for something specific though, I can see getting frustrated by the limited collection. Still, some is better than none at all.
I also appreciate that the books are all unabridged (at least the ones I saw were). I don't like reading a fraction of the story. The author wrote each sentence on purpose so let's listen to all of them.
I'm bummed that the files are not compatible with iPod. I'm not going to go out and buy a new mp3 player specifically for NetLibrary so it would be nice if I could make it work with my iPod. I read their explanation as to why it doesn't work and it makes sense but still it stinks for me. :)
Overall, the website is pretty user friendly and I think very helpful for patrons and staff alike.
There are a lot of things I like about NetLibrary and a few things I don't like. I thought the search system was very effecient. Since I wasn't looking for something specific, it was nice to be able to browse by subject or genre hoping to stumble on something interesting. If I was looking for something specific though, I can see getting frustrated by the limited collection. Still, some is better than none at all.
I also appreciate that the books are all unabridged (at least the ones I saw were). I don't like reading a fraction of the story. The author wrote each sentence on purpose so let's listen to all of them.
I'm bummed that the files are not compatible with iPod. I'm not going to go out and buy a new mp3 player specifically for NetLibrary so it would be nice if I could make it work with my iPod. I read their explanation as to why it doesn't work and it makes sense but still it stinks for me. :)
Overall, the website is pretty user friendly and I think very helpful for patrons and staff alike.
Podcasting
So this is cool because (since working everyday with Rand) I've been thinking about going vegetarian. Truthfully, this is something I will never do because you can't beat a good burger, but I'd like to know more about it. On Podcastalley I found a podcast for exactly that! It's called Going Veggie and it's basically an introduction to the vegetarian/vegan lifestyle. I'm all for learning new things.
I was curious about podcasting anyway. I'm always seeing advertisements for fitness podcasts in magazines, but never took the time to check them out. I was under the impression that podcasts were useless without a video iPod. Thank goodness I'm wrong because this is amazing! How many times have you bought a fitness video only to be either bored out of your mind within a week or find out that blonde lady on the cover talks WAY too much. Podcasts provide variety and easy access to all sorts of fitness routines!
Like youtube, but perhaps in a slightly less overwhelming way, podcasts can add a little color to library publications. They also open up a whole new world of reference material that might appeal to the patron that has trouble learning things from black and white print.
I was curious about podcasting anyway. I'm always seeing advertisements for fitness podcasts in magazines, but never took the time to check them out. I was under the impression that podcasts were useless without a video iPod. Thank goodness I'm wrong because this is amazing! How many times have you bought a fitness video only to be either bored out of your mind within a week or find out that blonde lady on the cover talks WAY too much. Podcasts provide variety and easy access to all sorts of fitness routines!
Like youtube, but perhaps in a slightly less overwhelming way, podcasts can add a little color to library publications. They also open up a whole new world of reference material that might appeal to the patron that has trouble learning things from black and white print.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
You Tube
This is rather convenient because my mother has been hounding me for weeks now about learning to post videos to You Tube. My sister Acacia is a level 10 gymnast with the Cincinatti Gymnastics Academy. She is entering her junior year in high school and scouts from different colleges have started reviewing both her academic and gymnastics records. Many colleges use You Tube as a way to scout out gymnasts without having to travel to their meets. This video is of one of Acacia's best friend who will be graduating shortly.(http://youtube.com/watch?v=Bf6xGTYvsxc) The editor does a nice job highlighting Ashley's strength and skill. My mother would like me (who has no experience with editing or posting videos) to create a video like this for my sister to help her along her college searching path. If you know what you're doing (which maybe someday I will), it can be a great tool towards getting the scholarship you were hoping for.
However, You Tube can also cause trouble, and not just when some idiot kids post inappropriate videos or the other obnoxious stuff you hear about You Tube on the news. This video is of another friend of Acacia's: http://youtube.com/watch?v=XOOIzreBKaA. From the mood of this montage you'd think something horrible happened and that Bianca was out of commision. Truthfully, she injured her back but is still practicing gymnastics and is an excellent gymnast at that. Instead of continuing in elite (the level you must compete at to go to the Olympics), she now competes at level 10 (one level down from elite). As she searches for a college to go to, it seems to me that videos like this will hurt her search.
You Tube is becoming todays universal tool to post everything from goofy home videos to lost television shows, to advertise yourself, your product, your program or your business. Everyone loves a multi-media website. Libraries could definitely spice up their user appeal by adding some You Tube sponsered video!
However, You Tube can also cause trouble, and not just when some idiot kids post inappropriate videos or the other obnoxious stuff you hear about You Tube on the news. This video is of another friend of Acacia's: http://youtube.com/watch?v=XOOIzreBKaA. From the mood of this montage you'd think something horrible happened and that Bianca was out of commision. Truthfully, she injured her back but is still practicing gymnastics and is an excellent gymnast at that. Instead of continuing in elite (the level you must compete at to go to the Olympics), she now competes at level 10 (one level down from elite). As she searches for a college to go to, it seems to me that videos like this will hurt her search.
You Tube is becoming todays universal tool to post everything from goofy home videos to lost television shows, to advertise yourself, your product, your program or your business. Everyone loves a multi-media website. Libraries could definitely spice up their user appeal by adding some You Tube sponsered video!
One Sentence
One Sentence
Sarah introduced me to this book in our collection called The Mysteries of Harris Burdick by Chris van Allsburg. It's a wonderful and simple children's book that is truly unique. The basis of the book is a series of complete stories told in only one sentence. This "one sentence" website is the perfect, grown up, online verion of that book.
The website also reminds me a little of those Post Secret books (which are super entertaining) in that you get this little piece of information but it can open up the character of a whole person for you. Very intriguing either way. Some of the sentences on this website could almost inspire you to write a whole story from their suggestion ... ah, but does that infringe upon a copyright law somewhere? Beats me...
I also played around a little with HairMixer which was fun but would be more fun if you uploaded a picture of yourself or your friends. Of all the "makeover" websites out there that claim they can help you see yourself with that daring new hairdo before you get it cut, this one works by far the best.
I doubt either of these applications have any major use in a library setting, but I had fun either way. :)
Sarah introduced me to this book in our collection called The Mysteries of Harris Burdick by Chris van Allsburg. It's a wonderful and simple children's book that is truly unique. The basis of the book is a series of complete stories told in only one sentence. This "one sentence" website is the perfect, grown up, online verion of that book.
The website also reminds me a little of those Post Secret books (which are super entertaining) in that you get this little piece of information but it can open up the character of a whole person for you. Very intriguing either way. Some of the sentences on this website could almost inspire you to write a whole story from their suggestion ... ah, but does that infringe upon a copyright law somewhere? Beats me...
I also played around a little with HairMixer which was fun but would be more fun if you uploaded a picture of yourself or your friends. Of all the "makeover" websites out there that claim they can help you see yourself with that daring new hairdo before you get it cut, this one works by far the best.
I doubt either of these applications have any major use in a library setting, but I had fun either way. :)
Google Docs
Yay! I like this one too! My two younger sisters are still in school and they are constantly asking me to edit their papers for them. This will make that project so so much easier. Now they can upload their papers on google docs and we can actually discuss changes and ask questions . . . I'm thrilled! What used to be a major chore can now be time spent with my sisters!
If I were still in college (which, let's face it, I usually wish that I was), this feature would be invaluable. All of those group projects that keep you struggling with lap top cords in the student union all hours of the night could have been done much more efficiently. And it is so easy to use!
As far as library staff concerns go, maybe we could use this on occasion instead of going to meetings that take hours to drive to. I understand the need to meet face to face about some things, but once and awhile it would save a lot of effort and gas to be able to meet via the internet instead.
If I were still in college (which, let's face it, I usually wish that I was), this feature would be invaluable. All of those group projects that keep you struggling with lap top cords in the student union all hours of the night could have been done much more efficiently. And it is so easy to use!
As far as library staff concerns go, maybe we could use this on occasion instead of going to meetings that take hours to drive to. I understand the need to meet face to face about some things, but once and awhile it would save a lot of effort and gas to be able to meet via the internet instead.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
wiki worn out
This was a lot of things in one day! I'm going to have to stay caught up now until the end. Wikis ... oh so simple and yet oh so complicated. Seems like this can be as easy or as hard as you make it. I really enjoyed reading other people's favorites and exploring the links (especially the restaurant menus--I'm going to have to check out Five Fifty Three-- I love brunch!!). Adding your own links is pretty simple, deceptively simple actually. If you've got this blogging thing down, editing a wiki is pretty much the same. No wonder there is so much useless information on wikipedia!! Despite all the hype, before these two "things" I never really understood the term "wiki" and so was not aware of exactly why wikipedia is evil (although I thoroughly believed it as I was trained). But if editing and adding information is as easy as blogging. . . I'm not sure I can count on the intelligence or the integrity of the general public enough to believe anything I read on wikipedia. Wasn't there something ridiculous about Hendersonville on there a few months ago? Something about the town being overrun by apes?
So, like I said in my last post, wikis seem most useful as a website to collect subjective information (like compiling lists of community favorites). It's great to be able to share opinions, but maybe we should leave the encyclopedia facts to the experts.
So, like I said in my last post, wikis seem most useful as a website to collect subjective information (like compiling lists of community favorites). It's great to be able to share opinions, but maybe we should leave the encyclopedia facts to the experts.
wiki wiki wiki
This LibSuccess is one of the clearest introductions to a program I've ever seen. While I was fuzzy on exactly what a wiki was and what it might be used for, I'm pretty sure I've got it down now.
While wikis could definitely help in the search for or compilation of information, I'm still generally nervous about using them. After years of having anti-wikipedia propaganda pounded into my head by countless teachers, it feels like a betrayal to search for valid information via wiki.
To me, it seems like wikis are most useful in terms of subjective information: book or movie reviews, restaurant or vacation suggestions, maybe even an online book club or something. The problem arises when a wiki passes itself off as a reliable source of factual information. How can a website that can be edited by anyone maintain integrity? And if it cannot be edited or added to by just anyone, why use a wiki? Maybe I don't have wiki's down as well as I thought . . .
While wikis could definitely help in the search for or compilation of information, I'm still generally nervous about using them. After years of having anti-wikipedia propaganda pounded into my head by countless teachers, it feels like a betrayal to search for valid information via wiki.
To me, it seems like wikis are most useful in terms of subjective information: book or movie reviews, restaurant or vacation suggestions, maybe even an online book club or something. The problem arises when a wiki passes itself off as a reliable source of factual information. How can a website that can be edited by anyone maintain integrity? And if it cannot be edited or added to by just anyone, why use a wiki? Maybe I don't have wiki's down as well as I thought . . .
Library 2.0
As a child, the library is a place to go hear a lady in funny socks read a story and to eat goldfish crackers with your friends.
In your teen years, the library begins to disappear into nothing but a place to find the most basic information for a school project.
In college it is a quiet place to study and a way to get out of the cubical like dorm rooms.
For some, college is the last time they'll ever step in a library, and that's unfortunate. The new system of Library 2.0 seems to be trying to reach out to the community instead of waiting for them to come to us. It makes the library into a place of connection, not just to information but to your community as well. Library programs for children not only entertain the kids, but can create opportunities for moms to get together and have some adult conversation. Gaming systems and cafe like atmospheres give teens a place to hang out where they are safe and might stumble into something edifying. The library, through blog pages and diverse programs can be a catalyst for community togetherness, bringing together people with common interests and thus enriching their community. Library blogs and websites might allow for user reviews and recommendations coming from within your library community, which might lead someone to a book besides the one she heard about on Oprah. All in all, a new, more boisterous, more user friendly library might bring some life back into the system.
On the other hand, there are those who prize their library as a quiet place and resent the noise and bustling. In cases like this, it is a blessing to have a building (like at Cashiers) with a quiet reading room that is somewhat out of the way. Also, all this user generated information (on the internet and so on) can create a lot of confusion, perpetuating false facts parading as reliable information.
As with any change there are the ups and the downs, but if the library system does not start to change with the society it is meant to serve, how useful can it be?
In your teen years, the library begins to disappear into nothing but a place to find the most basic information for a school project.
In college it is a quiet place to study and a way to get out of the cubical like dorm rooms.
For some, college is the last time they'll ever step in a library, and that's unfortunate. The new system of Library 2.0 seems to be trying to reach out to the community instead of waiting for them to come to us. It makes the library into a place of connection, not just to information but to your community as well. Library programs for children not only entertain the kids, but can create opportunities for moms to get together and have some adult conversation. Gaming systems and cafe like atmospheres give teens a place to hang out where they are safe and might stumble into something edifying. The library, through blog pages and diverse programs can be a catalyst for community togetherness, bringing together people with common interests and thus enriching their community. Library blogs and websites might allow for user reviews and recommendations coming from within your library community, which might lead someone to a book besides the one she heard about on Oprah. All in all, a new, more boisterous, more user friendly library might bring some life back into the system.
On the other hand, there are those who prize their library as a quiet place and resent the noise and bustling. In cases like this, it is a blessing to have a building (like at Cashiers) with a quiet reading room that is somewhat out of the way. Also, all this user generated information (on the internet and so on) can create a lot of confusion, perpetuating false facts parading as reliable information.
As with any change there are the ups and the downs, but if the library system does not start to change with the society it is meant to serve, how useful can it be?
"Do you have City of God?"
"The one by E.L. Doctorow?"
"No, no. Augustine"
"Hmm....uh, sorry."
But guess what! You can read the whole thing on Google Books! The greatest thing about this (especially in cases like this) is that, chances are, that patron doesn't want to read the whole book but rather is looking for a certain quote he remembers from college or information on a particular subject. Instead of scouring an index or a table of context (which may or may not be helpful), we now have lists of popular passages, subjects and reviews and best of all CONTROL F! I can search the entire text of City of God for a specific word! Yay! I love this!! I only wish I'd have known about it in college when I was searching books for appropriate research quotes.
It does seem like this would run into some copyright issues eventually, but from what I can tell most of the books are older, classic. Google Books is a lot more user friendly than other full text websites that list entire books. At my last job (which, unlike this one, was boring and mind numbing), I would look up books online to read while I was waiting for a phone call to come in (I worked in a call center). If I had known about this, I would have had a lot more to read!
"The one by E.L. Doctorow?"
"No, no. Augustine"
"Hmm....uh, sorry."
But guess what! You can read the whole thing on Google Books! The greatest thing about this (especially in cases like this) is that, chances are, that patron doesn't want to read the whole book but rather is looking for a certain quote he remembers from college or information on a particular subject. Instead of scouring an index or a table of context (which may or may not be helpful), we now have lists of popular passages, subjects and reviews and best of all CONTROL F! I can search the entire text of City of God for a specific word! Yay! I love this!! I only wish I'd have known about it in college when I was searching books for appropriate research quotes.
It does seem like this would run into some copyright issues eventually, but from what I can tell most of the books are older, classic. Google Books is a lot more user friendly than other full text websites that list entire books. At my last job (which, unlike this one, was boring and mind numbing), I would look up books online to read while I was waiting for a phone call to come in (I worked in a call center). If I had known about this, I would have had a lot more to read!
del.icio.us
I'm frustrated with this. I registered for an account but I cannot seem to do anything (in terms of creating my own favorites of tagging them) without downloading a new toolbar in internet explorer. Well, of course, I cannot download a new toolbar because I am on a library computer.
. . .
Okay, I'm un-frustrated now because Sarah was patient with me and explained everything. So, naturally, now I love this site because it led me to lightbright, and we all know how much I love useless, time wasting web sites.
This would be hugely helpful if we implemented it at the circ desk. There are a few websites (NC Health, Jackson County, NC Board of Elections etc.) that we've had to put into the favorites on each computer but if we just had an overarching library del.icio.us site then all of those things could be organized in one place. That way whenever Sarah had a new website to introduce to us we could have easy access to it on each circ computer. I'm a supporter. :-)
. . .
Okay, I'm un-frustrated now because Sarah was patient with me and explained everything. So, naturally, now I love this site because it led me to lightbright, and we all know how much I love useless, time wasting web sites.
This would be hugely helpful if we implemented it at the circ desk. There are a few websites (NC Health, Jackson County, NC Board of Elections etc.) that we've had to put into the favorites on each computer but if we just had an overarching library del.icio.us site then all of those things could be organized in one place. That way whenever Sarah had a new website to introduce to us we could have easy access to it on each circ computer. I'm a supporter. :-)
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