Social networking on sites such as MySpace and Facebook was something that I was very aware of, although I've never actually set up a profile. However, I was interested to see the map from LeMonde which showed which social networking sites were most used in different parts of the world. Also, I'd never realised how many of these sites there are.
I can see that setting up a library profile would be a good way of attracting youth and young adults, but I doubt it would attract many people over 35. It is a new approach to marketing for libraries which I think has a useful place, especially in reaching those who don't see themselves as "bookish"! Having not actually joined a social networking site, I don't know how time consuming this would be, but I imagine that would just depend on whoever was responsible for maintaining the library's presence.
Second Life looks like an interesting phenomenon, but I couldn't really explore it because council blocks sites they consider to be games from staff computers.
As for the client interaction element of social networking sites, if a library were to engage in this, it could become very time consuming. It would need to be seen as a very definite priority for the amount of staff time it would require.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Google Docs and the like ...
Google Docs reminded me of wikis, where multiple users can contribute to and change the content of a document. I found using this application reasonably straightforward because it had the main features of Microsoft Word, with which I am familiar. I think most people approaching this site for the first time would be familiar with Microsoft Office software, and so would find using this site pretty intuitive.
I chose to create this particular document because it was a programme which involved a number of people, across several branch libraries, whose input I needed in order to finalise arrangements. I needed to know if some of the people indicated (those with a question mark after their name) whether they were definitely able to take part. I also needed them to get back to me with the theme they had chosen for their session so that this could be included on publicity flyers. In the past this has all been communicated over the phone or by email, but using Google Docs would be another way of doing this.
Another use of this application could be the creation of homework help webpages. At the moment any given topic is assigned to one person to research, but this type of software would make sharing ideas and editing other people's work possible until a decision was made on format and content was completed.
I chose to create this particular document because it was a programme which involved a number of people, across several branch libraries, whose input I needed in order to finalise arrangements. I needed to know if some of the people indicated (those with a question mark after their name) whether they were definitely able to take part. I also needed them to get back to me with the theme they had chosen for their session so that this could be included on publicity flyers. In the past this has all been communicated over the phone or by email, but using Google Docs would be another way of doing this.
Another use of this application could be the creation of homework help webpages. At the moment any given topic is assigned to one person to research, but this type of software would make sharing ideas and editing other people's work possible until a decision was made on format and content was completed.
Library calendar mashup
Here is a calendar page of Hornsby Shire Library's wonderful Christmas pantomime last year!
Podcasts
I was unable to view podcasts on my own computer as I didn't have the necessary software. However, I explored what I could on a colleague's computer.
Looking down the list of podcasts on the Library Success wiki, I discovered Boulder Public Library's Teen Webcasts. I think it was an excellent idea to give teenagers the chance to talk about their experience of the library through the library's website. Given that many teens don't naturally gravitate towards libraries, this is a great way of encouraging them to see that libraries can be fun! For those teens who do love libraries, it is a way they can see what other young people with a love of books like to read, or what they have discovered in the library.
Looking down the list of podcasts on the Library Success wiki, I discovered Boulder Public Library's Teen Webcasts. I think it was an excellent idea to give teenagers the chance to talk about their experience of the library through the library's website. Given that many teens don't naturally gravitate towards libraries, this is a great way of encouraging them to see that libraries can be fun! For those teens who do love libraries, it is a way they can see what other young people with a love of books like to read, or what they have discovered in the library.
Monday, April 28, 2008
"Slamming the boards"
I think some of our customers would love being able to rate answers given to online questions they ask of us. Also, they would love to see the sorts of questions other people have asked, and the sorts of answers they have received. Moreover, this would build public confidence in the ability of library staff to find answers, or sources for answering these questions, to obscure and unusual questions.
I loved the way the Answer Board Librarians wiki linked the American public to their local library website by selecting region, then state, and then local area. It would be great to have something like this in Australia, so that people who wouldn't normally visit a public library can search for their local library and its services online from home.
I loved the way the Answer Board Librarians wiki linked the American public to their local library website by selecting region, then state, and then local area. It would be great to have something like this in Australia, so that people who wouldn't normally visit a public library can search for their local library and its services online from home.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Technorati
I got quite a surprise when I tested the keyword search for "bookmobile" as opposed to the Advanced Search feature. I actually found MORE results using the Advanced Search "EXACT phrase" button, which I thought would cut down the number of hits. (513 compared to 396!)
There were lot and lots of photos linked to the nswpln2008 search!
There were lot and lots of photos linked to the nswpln2008 search!
My initial thoughts about using del.icio.us
The library I work at has recently added a link to de.icio.us from its home page, but I hadn't realised, until playing around with the Sutherland Shire Library site as part of the Library 2.0 training, that you could change the way the tags are listed.
My preferred way of viewing the tags is by list and showing bundles. This makes finding related tags easier than without bundling them. Also, viewing by list rather than by cloud means that you can quickly scan down to see the sub-topics and how many links there are to them.
Linking del.icio.us to a library's website has the potential to be a way of linking library users with sites considered helpful by library staff on a range of topics without library users needing to come into the library for reference assistance with online resources. Moreover, it can give library patrons confidence that the sites linked through del.icio.us are worth looking at, because they have been chosen by the library as links worth establishing.
On the question of using del.icio.us as a research tool, I think it has great potential for academics to set up links useful for their students. It can also be used for colleagues working in the same field who wish to share useful sources with each other.
My preferred way of viewing the tags is by list and showing bundles. This makes finding related tags easier than without bundling them. Also, viewing by list rather than by cloud means that you can quickly scan down to see the sub-topics and how many links there are to them.
Linking del.icio.us to a library's website has the potential to be a way of linking library users with sites considered helpful by library staff on a range of topics without library users needing to come into the library for reference assistance with online resources. Moreover, it can give library patrons confidence that the sites linked through del.icio.us are worth looking at, because they have been chosen by the library as links worth establishing.
On the question of using del.icio.us as a research tool, I think it has great potential for academics to set up links useful for their students. It can also be used for colleagues working in the same field who wish to share useful sources with each other.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
Exploring YouTube and Google Video
Exploring video sites on the internet was a lot of fun! Especially the lego sites and also some Harry Potter puppet sited a colleague showed me.
I thought Mosman Library's use of video online for author talks was a great idea. Of course, the authors concerned would have to give their permission, but then it would be good publicity for them too!
The CSULB video "Library Reference and Research Assistance" demonstrated how any library can provide an introduction to what reference services it offers through its website. This is a great way of reaching clientele at a time that suits the individual and wherever there is a computer to view.
I thought Mosman Library's use of video online for author talks was a great idea. Of course, the authors concerned would have to give their permission, but then it would be good publicity for them too!
The CSULB video "Library Reference and Research Assistance" demonstrated how any library can provide an introduction to what reference services it offers through its website. This is a great way of reaching clientele at a time that suits the individual and wherever there is a computer to view.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Investigating wikis
I found looking at different wikis and seeing the different purposes of various wikis a lot of fun.
Wookieepedia was an extremely informative site for Star Wars fans to hone their knowledge of the Star Wars universe and to contribute their insights. It is a highly developed wiki with a welcome and Manual of Style, a list of the last 50 changes to the site and many more features.
I am not a devotee of Star Wars myself (although I have seen all the movies) but it was obvious that this site is definitely an in-depth resource for those who are true fanatics!
Another feature of this site I like is the link to sites that might interest Star Wars fans, eg. an entertainment link to Wikia, which in turn has a link to a Doctor Who wiki and others.
Another wiki I found to be of interest was Book Lovers Wiki (an initiative of Princeton Public Library). It was created to be a means for adults participating in a Summer Reading Club to share book reviews with other participants. This was a fantastic way for participants to
recommend books they enjoyed, not necessarily those that would be reviewed elsewhere. The reviews were listed under different headings such as Classics, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Mystery etc, as well as a separate list for those which received a five star rating. This is definitely a great idea for public libraries to take hold of.
Library Success : A Best Practices Wiki was worth visiting because it provides a forum for sharing of ideas on a wide range of areas concerning the library world and librarians. There are fourteen main areas, such as "Training and Development for Librarians", "Readers' Advisory" and "Services to Specific Groups" such as "Services for the Housebound" and "Services to the Poor and Homeless". This means there is material here of benefit to most library staff wanting to share ideas and learn from others.
Wookieepedia was an extremely informative site for Star Wars fans to hone their knowledge of the Star Wars universe and to contribute their insights. It is a highly developed wiki with a welcome and Manual of Style, a list of the last 50 changes to the site and many more features.
I am not a devotee of Star Wars myself (although I have seen all the movies) but it was obvious that this site is definitely an in-depth resource for those who are true fanatics!
Another feature of this site I like is the link to sites that might interest Star Wars fans, eg. an entertainment link to Wikia, which in turn has a link to a Doctor Who wiki and others.
Another wiki I found to be of interest was Book Lovers Wiki (an initiative of Princeton Public Library). It was created to be a means for adults participating in a Summer Reading Club to share book reviews with other participants. This was a fantastic way for participants to
recommend books they enjoyed, not necessarily those that would be reviewed elsewhere. The reviews were listed under different headings such as Classics, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Mystery etc, as well as a separate list for those which received a five star rating. This is definitely a great idea for public libraries to take hold of.
Library Success : A Best Practices Wiki was worth visiting because it provides a forum for sharing of ideas on a wide range of areas concerning the library world and librarians. There are fourteen main areas, such as "Training and Development for Librarians", "Readers' Advisory" and "Services to Specific Groups" such as "Services for the Housebound" and "Services to the Poor and Homeless". This means there is material here of benefit to most library staff wanting to share ideas and learn from others.
RSS and Bloglines
Signing up to Bloglines and subscribing to RSS feeds has opened up a whole new aspect of internet use. It makes finding information on given interests so much easier as it comes to you without even looking for it!
I subscribed to the BBC World News site as I like to keep up with what's happening in the world and I think highly of BBC World News.
I clicked on a button labelled "Environmentalist" in a Bloglines list and ended up with a link to different types of alternative energy sources (I'm not quite sure why this is!)
Then I chose two library-related sites from professional interest. These were "NSW Readers Advisory" as these will provide insights from the experience of other library staff, and "Whatever Club" which is the initiative of the Youth Librarian of Manly Library, and gives ideas and feedback from the staff and teens involved at Manly Library in their services for young people.
Finally, as part of the requirements, I added the link to the Powerhouse Museum picture of the day site.
Somewhere along the way there was an instruction how to add "Sub with Bloglines" to my favourites, which made subscribing to subsequent sites really quick and easy.
Another suggestion which I found really helpful was advice on how to find blogs to subscribe to using a google search including the word "blogs" and the topic of interest.
Searching for library-related sites made me see how using RSS could be really beneficial ro libraries. By subscribing to sites related to different aspects of library work, library staff will gain insights and ideas from many others in the same field.
I subscribed to the BBC World News site as I like to keep up with what's happening in the world and I think highly of BBC World News.
I clicked on a button labelled "Environmentalist" in a Bloglines list and ended up with a link to different types of alternative energy sources (I'm not quite sure why this is!)
Then I chose two library-related sites from professional interest. These were "NSW Readers Advisory" as these will provide insights from the experience of other library staff, and "Whatever Club" which is the initiative of the Youth Librarian of Manly Library, and gives ideas and feedback from the staff and teens involved at Manly Library in their services for young people.
Finally, as part of the requirements, I added the link to the Powerhouse Museum picture of the day site.
Somewhere along the way there was an instruction how to add "Sub with Bloglines" to my favourites, which made subscribing to subsequent sites really quick and easy.
Another suggestion which I found really helpful was advice on how to find blogs to subscribe to using a google search including the word "blogs" and the topic of interest.
Searching for library-related sites made me see how using RSS could be really beneficial ro libraries. By subscribing to sites related to different aspects of library work, library staff will gain insights and ideas from many others in the same field.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Re Flickr and photo sharing
I think Flickr is a great way to back up photos without taking up a lot of disk space. Also, what easier way to share them with others.
The technology definitely has potential for libraries. I liked the way Mosman Library had taken photos of special events such as Library Lovers' Day, a Taronga Zoo visit and author talks. This is a fantastic way of letting the community see for themselves the range of services and activities the library has to offer.
I also thought Mosman Library had done well to set up a photo archive of items of local historical interest. This is such a convenient and easy way for local historians to search for old photos of whatever they are researching, if it is available at the library.
With regard to Creative Commons, it is a very useful tool for people or organisations who want to share content with the wider world, and to give other people access to use it, under conditions that the organisation can choose from the range of options provided.
I hope you enjoy this picture of penguins in antarctica!
Ciao for now!
The technology definitely has potential for libraries. I liked the way Mosman Library had taken photos of special events such as Library Lovers' Day, a Taronga Zoo visit and author talks. This is a fantastic way of letting the community see for themselves the range of services and activities the library has to offer.
I also thought Mosman Library had done well to set up a photo archive of items of local historical interest. This is such a convenient and easy way for local historians to search for old photos of whatever they are researching, if it is available at the library.
With regard to Creative Commons, it is a very useful tool for people or organisations who want to share content with the wider world, and to give other people access to use it, under conditions that the organisation can choose from the range of options provided.
I hope you enjoy this picture of penguins in antarctica!
Ciao for now!
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Hi!
As you will have worked out from the title of this blog, I enjoy both goldfish and bushwalking!
I have had goldfish for six years, and even though they don't cuddle up to you like a cat or give you friendly licks like a dog, they are my pet of choice when you don't have a backyard.
They are fun to observe when you feed them, or when you glance towards the tank at any time. I've always named my fish, even though I have no idea of their gender (I haven't yet gotten around to checking how you can tell). This, combined with feeding them and looking after their tank, makes them a real pet. They even have different personalities! When one of my original fish died and I replaced it with a newer, smaller fish, the other original fish gave the new fish a hard time, appearing to dominate it. Of course, this is not scientific observation. It is just my interpretation of what appeared to be happening!
I have started this blog as part of the Learning 2.0 program for library staff. I'm looking forward to learning about opportunities on the net that many of the younger members of the library clientele take for granted. Finally I'll understand what is "out there" and be able to communicate in ways I've never before explored.
This program is an example of Lifelong Learning, which I think makes life more interesting. If you stop learning when you finish formal academic training, you miss out on the fun of exploring new areas of knowledge or experience which you can choose to do.
I am new to blogging, and the library I work in hasn't yet used this technology, but I'm looking forward to exploring the ways in which libraries can take advantage of this means of interaction with those who use it and who would like to share their ideas with library staff and other members of the public.
As you will have worked out from the title of this blog, I enjoy both goldfish and bushwalking!
I have had goldfish for six years, and even though they don't cuddle up to you like a cat or give you friendly licks like a dog, they are my pet of choice when you don't have a backyard.
They are fun to observe when you feed them, or when you glance towards the tank at any time. I've always named my fish, even though I have no idea of their gender (I haven't yet gotten around to checking how you can tell). This, combined with feeding them and looking after their tank, makes them a real pet. They even have different personalities! When one of my original fish died and I replaced it with a newer, smaller fish, the other original fish gave the new fish a hard time, appearing to dominate it. Of course, this is not scientific observation. It is just my interpretation of what appeared to be happening!
I have started this blog as part of the Learning 2.0 program for library staff. I'm looking forward to learning about opportunities on the net that many of the younger members of the library clientele take for granted. Finally I'll understand what is "out there" and be able to communicate in ways I've never before explored.
This program is an example of Lifelong Learning, which I think makes life more interesting. If you stop learning when you finish formal academic training, you miss out on the fun of exploring new areas of knowledge or experience which you can choose to do.
I am new to blogging, and the library I work in hasn't yet used this technology, but I'm looking forward to exploring the ways in which libraries can take advantage of this means of interaction with those who use it and who would like to share their ideas with library staff and other members of the public.
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