Am I done? Really?

I loved this learning exercise! I know that I will use what I learned from this experience. I feel a lot more computer savvy than I did 9 weeks ago. The only thing I would change about this whole program is add more time. I felt rushed. And I know that if I felt rushed some other people who are not as computer literate as I am just gave up. It was a lot to process in a little amount of time. I would definitely participate in something like this again. I just think that more time would mean more people actually completing the series of exercises.

Overdrive is overused.

I have used Overdrive to download books many times. I don't like it, but that is just my personal opinion. I preferred Recorded Books, but I understand why we had to change. I like that Overdrive has best sellers, but you have to put them on hold. The hold doesn't become available for months. I guess I am just like the patrons in that respect. I want when I want it...now! The program is easy to use, and I had no problems downloading books. I am excited though that we may be able to use this with IPods soon.

Podcasts....hhuuuummmmmm. I'm not sure.

Well, I like the idea of podcasts. I just don't know how much I would use them personally. I listened to a few of the author podcats from the Library of Congress website. I did enjoy listening, but I don't see myself doing that often unless it was for a library presentation or lecture. I tried to add the RSS to my bloglines account, but the site was busy. I'll have to come back at a later date and do that.

I love YouTube!

I have been getting video clips in emails from friends for the last few years. I have seen some hilarious things happen in these clips. My favorite ones would have to be the "talking cats" and the "talking cats translations." Please watch the clips in the order posted.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3U0udLH974

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JynBEX_kg8

As far as using YouTube in the library, It could be done. It would certainly be a way for staff to watch a presentation or a lecture on a certain subject without all having to be in the same place at the same time...kind of like a podcast with video.

One Sentence

I thought this was one of the funniest sites I have been to in a long time. It is one the awards page under "fun stuff" as an honorable mention. The idea is that you sum up an experience in your life in one sentence. They do filter what you write and decide if it is acceptable or not, but I didn't mind that. I wouldn't want to read about someone's intimate experiences. I don't think this would apply to any library functions other than to add some laughs when needed. Here is the link if you are interested: http://www.onesentence.org/

Zoho writer

I had this same week to do during our training session. I thought it was cool then and I still do now. The idea of having a free word processor available n the internet is a terrific idea. I am about 99.9% sure that people don't know this is available. We have had people come into the library that need to use a word processor, but don't have one on their computers at home. Since the training, I have been telling patrons about this site. I can definitely see how this site can help libraries. I wish I had known about it when we only had one computer with word processing.

Cool...cool...cool!

I loved editing the libray's wiki. I enjoyed that. I added more than just 2 favorite things. I wanted to add something to each list, but I refrained. :-( Anyway, that was a great exercise. I have really had a good time doing this weeks research. I know that I will be using wikis in the very near future.

Wikis...what's that?

Actually, I have hheard of wikis. We use Wikipedia for some types of information searches. Because anyone can edit this site, we always double check our information before giving it out to a patron. I enjoyed this exercise very much. I took a look at some of the online tutorials that different libraries have. They are used to teach patrons and students how to access the different databases and use them correctly. In my last post I stated that I thought we need to employ more people to teach patrons how to use our Internet tools. Well, these online tutorials are excellent for that kind of thing. It could really help us out in the long run if we had all kinds of tutorials available for patrons to use. They might like it too. I think wikis are a great idea for libraries, and I wish that my family had had their own personal one so that we could have planned and coordinated our Mediterranian vacation better. It sure would have helped.

Icebergs in the library

I agree with everything that the author of the "iceberg" article wrote. WE do need to free up space in our libraries for more computers and less books. As more and more information becomes available on the web, we can then offer specualized information that isn't readily available everywhere. Also, we need more people to train our patrons on how to use databases, word prosessors, and fill out online forms. I really do not like having to explain to a patron with no computer knowledge that I can get him/her to the website needed, but after that they are on their own. Most patrons end up leaving the library disappointed and dissatisfied. We just don't have enough workers to have one on one sessions with patrons. I think that is a shame since it is these same patrons who contribute to our salaries by paying taxes. Maybe I am unrealistic and naive, but I think we are losing a very important part of our community when we can not provide the training that patrons need.

Technorati

Okay, I get the concept behind this tool, but I don't think that I would use this myself. I looked in the advanced search and the tags for web 2.0. I was amazed how many blogs mention our library system. It seems we are known for our links to other book sites and lists of books. That is good. A lot of people out there are blogging about web 2.0. It was interesting to read what the different bloggers thought about it. Some were very positive and others weren't. I didn't see much middle ground there.

Didn't think I'd like Del.icio.us

I am glad that I had to do this exercise. When I first looked at this site a year or so ago, it made no sense to me at all. I thought, "Who would want to tag websites? Just add them to your favorites." Well, that can get messy, especially as a reference librarian. I enjoyed the YouTube tutorial explanation of what Del.icio.us is what it can do for you. It made perfect sense, and I am now going to start using it. The example that Lee gave about teachers using this technology is "spot on." I can see reference librarian using it a lot too. It should be a recommended site for reference people.

Brilliance of the Seas in Santorini

Brilliance of the Seas in Santorini
Originally uploaded by tomsaint11

This is where I will be in a few days!!!!!!!!!!!

Anniston Al

Anniston Al
Originally uploaded by bigkyle28

This is the church where my parents got married...only 3 months after they met and 2 months before my dad shipped out to Korea.

Anniston, Alabama

Anniston, Alabama
Originally uploaded by hyperjet

Here is a very nice picture of the outskirts of Anniston, Alabama. You can see the mountains in the background.

WebFeat is Neat

Instead of looking up my hometown of West Palm Beach, Florida, I looked up the hometown of my mother, Anniston, Alabama. Anniston is located about 1 hour east of Birmingham on I-20. Not a lot has changed since my grandma died back in 1995. That was the last time I was there. It is still pretty much a company town. It was when my grandpa was born, and it seems it will continue to be so. My grandpa worked for the steel mill that was there, and so did his dad and grandad. My grandparents married young, and he promised my grandma that his children were going to get out of Alabama and do something different with their lives. Unfortunately, they only had my mother. She did get out of town though. When she married my dad, who was from Nebraska, they moved out to the west coast of the U.S.A. when my dad shipped out to the Korean War. Anyway, I always loved to visit my grandma in Anniston. It was such a different atmosphere from south Florida. I loved to play in the red clay. Of course my mother hated it when I did. WebFeat is a great tool, and it has already made such adifference to many patrons at our library.

Library Thing

I thought this was a really neat idea. I belong to GoodReads, but I will keep this up as well. It is a nice way for friends and whomever to see what you are reading, have read, and want to read. This is my catalog www.librarything.com/catalog/Missletoes

Image Generators...really fun!

I loved playing with image generators. My favorite would have to be my new nun name...Sister Vonda Rumplescrewz. I went to a local Catholic high school and apparently I looked like one of the nuns. So, several of the priests called me Sister Helen. That generator took me back to the days of high school where there was so much drama and yet your whole life was ahead of you. Ahhhh. Anyway, I simply looved this generator called LetterJames. Here is the url. http://www.letterjames.com/start.php?mod=image-personalization I liked it because you could personalize signs to say what you wanted them to say...really cute for a party.

RSS feeds...simple...really?

Okay, I found this one difficult to do. I suppose this may be because I tried to use the directions given for adding feeds, but they didn't work. So, I just had to figure it all out on my own. I like the idea of only having to go to one place to read all of the news info I am interested in. This new account has become my Super Target...a one-shop stop.

Tivo is like manna from heaven!

I bought myself Tivo about 2 years ago, and I don't think I have watched live tv since. I usually rave about Tivo...except last night. I Tivoed American Idol. I watched the whole thing until the very end to find out who won. All I got was "the winner of American Idol 2008 is David...Cook." ding Do I want to delete the show? I stood up. WHAT?!?!? So, I got on YouTube this morning and was able to watch the last couple of minutes of AI.

Crystal

Crystal
Originally uploaded by ~Aphrodite

This is my 2nd blog for week 3. I loved this photo and found it when I used a third party mashup. It kind of reminds me of my eye. I am having so much fun with this new technology that is out there. Well, I guess it isn't "new," but it is new to me. I do know that some people are having problems and getting frustrated. That is to be expected. I just hope that they stick with it. It is just amazing what is out there waiting for discovery!

Rocks of Gold

Rocks of Gold
Originally uploaded by David G Kelly

This is a beautiful picture that caught my eye. I've never been to Dublin, but how beautiful!

Blogging in libraries

I think blogging for library staff would be great. We could use it like a list serve for staff and administration only. This way we could pass on new ideas and discoveries as well as asking other branches how they handle certain problems. It would be fun and easy.

Life-long learner

I think the 71/2 habits of life-long learning apply to everyone. We need to set goals for ourselves. We need to continue to challenge ourselves. Without this, we are just spectators in life. Life is not a spectator sport! I don't think I will have any problem with these habits unless Gmail disables my account again. :-)