Library Related Blogs

I found the LC blog interesting and informative but still don't see myself using it often.
I guess I have to be perfectly, brutally honest, blogs totally bore me. I have a friend riding cross county on a bike and he blogs about his day through his iphone-that is a way for me to keep up with his progress-otherwise I would never spend my time looking at blogs.

Summary

I was exposed to many new worlds in 23 things and thought it was a constructive exercise. I thought it was fun learning about wikis and mappers and some other tools I have never used. And I think much of the technology is most useful. But I think there is just alot of stuff out there for folks with too much time on their hands. For instance ROLLO listed someone who put all of their favorite shoppin sites on a list. What is wrong with bookmarks?
And one thing that I find very useful was not included and that is google maps. I think every librarian should know about google earth and the distance measurement tool-that we could use daily with our patrons. And I also use google calendar - another useful free tool.

Netlibrary

When the overdrive books were first introduced to MCPL I spent alot of time figuring out how to download (with my techie husbands help). I listened to quite a a few books on my IPOD. But honestly, it is quite a time consuming process and I quit doing it instead downloading podcasts-which are much less labor intensive.
I think our patrons are always surprised to discover that there can be waiting lists on netlibrary books. And of course there are lots of users who whould love to be able use the library for their Kindles.

Podcasts

The links posted in the 23 things tutorial don't work, but I have been listening to podcasts for several years.
I admit my husband set up the software, but I am now a "techie podcaster" The podcasts I download are from the NPR and NYTimes websites. I subscribe to the NYTimes book review, Science Times, Diane Rehm week in review, Car Talk, Wait Wait Don't Tell Me - all of my favorite radio shoes that I don't have a chance to listen to during the week. Oh and I don't want to forget the story from Lake Wobegon.
I listen to Podcasts in the car, walking and at the gym.

You Tube

I discovered You Tube when Tina Fey was on SNL. I now use it for clips on TV shows that I missed. Or when that singer was so over the top on American Idol-Susan whats her name.
I also use it for political events-like the Broadcast dinner for Obama. In fact, between Hulu, YouTube and Netflix (streaming) I know very few 20 somethings who have cable TV anymore.

Web 2.0

Well this was a no-brainer. I use Craigs list and Worldcat all of the time.
In fact, I can' t even remember a time without them. I wonder how people found apts., jobs, sold furniture, etc without it. I think Craigs list will drive the WP out of business. And I use Worldcat daily at work to locate and verify books.

Online Productivity Tools

I use Google Docs and Spreadsheets frequently. I like to be able to access the information anytime from any computer. I also tell patrons about it frequently when they have forgotten a memory stick and have no other way to save their work. I also show them how easy it is to email the doc. I was however unfamiliar with Zoho writer and will keep it in mind to tell patrons about who don't have gmail accounts.

WIKIS

I certainly think that Wikis can be very useful tools for the library world. But I am always amazed when I hear educated, sophisticated, adults say "I looked it up in Wikipedia" when there are so many legitimate databases out there.
That said, I think wikis used for book reviews, lists, and links to area resources can serve libraries very well. For instance in the the St. Joseph wiki, I can see how area residents may have some very valuable local resources to contribute-even though they are not librarians.
And especially for teens, who live on the computer, it is natural for them to write book reviews to share with their peers.

Library 2.0

I confess I found the Wikipedia explanation the most clear and concise of the articles posted.
While I find the idea of Web 2.0 appealing, I am concerned about the accuracy of information that may flow back and forth between library/and users. I think we already have a problem with verifying authenticy on the web, so expanding our platform is a bit scarey. It is already difficult to ascertain the accuaracy of info without addding new (unverified) users.

Technorati

I confess I look at some of the blogs and I think people have way too much time on their hands. How many celebrity blogs can there be? That said, I think technorati would be useful if you are looking for specific blogs on a single topic. This is one more tool where I can see its potential but blogging (both reading and writing) is not my thing.

Delicious

Another useful tool but am still not sure how much I will use it. I know, I could use it to help bookmark RA on library homepage. I am beginning to feel more like a luddite everyday.

Rollo

Well honestly sometimes I think people have too much time on their hands. I liked rollo but just think it isn't necessary. Maybe I spend less time on the web than other folks...
And I could not figure out how to link Rollo to my blog so I finally gave up.

Library Thing

While I REALLY like the idea of electronically keeping track of my reading, and tagging it, I still like my old-fashioned notebook. That way i can grab the notebook and help a patron while I am on the desk and wandering throught the stack w/them. Hmm, unless the lib will buy me an apple notebook...

Generators

Lots of trouble with avatars-spent way too much time trying to download. And got VERY frustrated.

Letter James is much easier.

BLOGLINES

Enjoy the bloglines more than I thought I would. It is indeed convenient to have all the information in one place. I am used to going to several sites (NY Times, Washington Post) for my book reviews so this is a welcome revelation.
So much to learn...

Technology

Skype has to be one of the best inventions ever. We have skpe hooked up to a phone line so we don't have to sit in front of the computer, and we talk to family/friends in England on a regular basis.
And although I don't use Facebook much, I love being able to see my kids posts and look at the pics

Flicker mashups

just played with Mapper and explored the area of Brooklyn where my daughter lives. Founds pics of building right across the street. Didn't see the purpose of librarian trading cards.

Learn About Flicker

Well even though I use Facebook just to see pictures of my kids, I had no idea there was this whole world of images out there on the net. I looked up Siesta Keys in Florida-we are going in March- and they made me eager to get on that sand.

Blog

Took way too long to set up cause I was using email address from MLA blog two years ago! Ah the details can trip us up!

Lifelong Learners

I learned that it is never to late to learn and that I can conquer this techie stuff

23 things

Took way to long to figure out how to do a blog but I am on my way!