I enjoyed the exercises with Wikis and particularly the exciting opportunities that they provide for libraries. I also liked LibraryThing, but that was due to my personal interests and use.
The program has made me aware that I need to continually invest in my own education and development. In my role as Online Services Librarian, the use of new technologies is critical in ensuring our Library Service is at the cutting edge of services for our patrons and staff. Utilising these new technologies can only be done through new skills and experiences.
In relation to improvement of this program, I believe that the support from the entire Library Service's leadership is critical. In future, I also believe a support team as suggested by Fiona would be of great help as would an allocated 1 hour 'play time' per week during work hours.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
# 22 Downloable audiobooks
Had a look at some of the many titles at the World eBook Fair Site I was generally impressed. As presumed there were no current authors or titles but the classics were well covered. Although, I was a little puzzled by some of the entries - Chronicles of Avonlea was listed no more than 8 times I think and there was only one other title by Montgomery!
I look forward to hearing more about downloadable audiobooks in the future using Daisy, Bolinda or a complely different source.
I look forward to hearing more about downloadable audiobooks in the future using Daisy, Bolinda or a complely different source.
#21 Podcasting
Podcasts are a very good way to communicate with, educate, and inform our users.
I downloaded a feed to the SirsiDynix Institute, which mean that I will now be up-to-date with any of their podcasts in professional development.
My preference in podcast directory is Podcastalley. It provides details about the content and origin of creator, which are easy to skim. I didn't like Yahoo!. Simply due to the reason that it just listed music.
Done of the directories indicate whether a podcast can be downloaded within installing an application such as Feedster or Windows Media Player before you have actually clicked your way through - or have I got it wrong? This is a bit annoying.
Overall, I believe that libraries should start adding postcasts to the list of services, which the provide to the public. Snippets from author talks, Storytime, a how to do ... etc could be some of the areas to cover.
I downloaded a feed to the SirsiDynix Institute, which mean that I will now be up-to-date with any of their podcasts in professional development.
My preference in podcast directory is Podcastalley. It provides details about the content and origin of creator, which are easy to skim. I didn't like Yahoo!. Simply due to the reason that it just listed music.
Done of the directories indicate whether a podcast can be downloaded within installing an application such as Feedster or Windows Media Player before you have actually clicked your way through - or have I got it wrong? This is a bit annoying.
Overall, I believe that libraries should start adding postcasts to the list of services, which the provide to the public. Snippets from author talks, Storytime, a how to do ... etc could be some of the areas to cover.
#20 YouTube - can be a different way of learning
I have mainly used YouTube for entertainment - practical jokes, animations - weird and funny stuff. That's what YouTube is full off - stuff.
However, during this journey, I have used YouTube for learning. It has been great to watch short introductions to a particular application. The videos were usually produced by Commoncraft videos and of high standard.
I have found that my understanding of a particular subject gets better if the information is presented to me in various formats - video clips being one.
While exploring YouTube for this task I have found that:
- The videos shouldn't be too long. Otherwise the viewer may loose interest.
- There needs to be a clearly defined point (funny, informative, aestetic, etc) with the video right from the beginning.
- Sound should be used - even though it is only a slide show then a background tune should be incorporated. It's simply more interesting then!
In a library setting, we would be able to use YouTube to show our local history photos as a slide show. We could record interviews with authors, clips of highlights from a particular event (teaser), and we could educate our users in how to use the catalogue. I found a video which does exactly that - in Danish. See the post "Sog in Bibliotek.dk".
However, during this journey, I have used YouTube for learning. It has been great to watch short introductions to a particular application. The videos were usually produced by Commoncraft videos and of high standard.
I have found that my understanding of a particular subject gets better if the information is presented to me in various formats - video clips being one.
While exploring YouTube for this task I have found that:
- The videos shouldn't be too long. Otherwise the viewer may loose interest.
- There needs to be a clearly defined point (funny, informative, aestetic, etc) with the video right from the beginning.
- Sound should be used - even though it is only a slide show then a background tune should be incorporated. It's simply more interesting then!
In a library setting, we would be able to use YouTube to show our local history photos as a slide show. We could record interviews with authors, clips of highlights from a particular event (teaser), and we could educate our users in how to use the catalogue. I found a video which does exactly that - in Danish. See the post "Sog in Bibliotek.dk".
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
#19 Social Bookmarking - Ma.gnolia.com
I am not a great fan of Del.icio.us so I thought that I would try out another social bookmarking site.
Ma.gnolia.com is clearly defined and the interface is great to look at.
Signing up is dead easy - actually, more sites should use this method. All I had to do was select one of my social networking sites, in my case Facebook, and then I was signed up (almost!).
I am still not quite sure of the exact use for social bookmarking within libraries and our day to day work but Ma.gnolia.com certainly has given me a much better idea of how it works.
Ma.gnolia.com is clearly defined and the interface is great to look at.
Signing up is dead easy - actually, more sites should use this method. All I had to do was select one of my social networking sites, in my case Facebook, and then I was signed up (almost!).
I am still not quite sure of the exact use for social bookmarking within libraries and our day to day work but Ma.gnolia.com certainly has given me a much better idea of how it works.
#18 ZohoWriter
ZohoWriter is really just as easy to use as Microsoft Word - apart from inserting hyperlinks, which is easier!
At times it has been a bit slow. However, that may be caused by my connection.
At times it has been a bit slow. However, that may be caused by my connection.
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