Useful Library related blogs

plablog.org
library2.0.alablog.org
webjunction.blogspot.com

Technorati

Technorati started out with a small number of blogs and now it tracks and indexes tens of thousands of blogs. It also updates every hour and actively monitors those blogs. I didn't sign up for an account. At this point, I don't feel the need.......maybe later.

23 Things summary

1. Zoho and del.icio.us were my favorite discoveries followed by Library Thing.
2. 23 Things allows us to learn vital new technologies in a friendly, non-threatening format.
3. I will take away del.icio.us. In fact, I use it now on my office computer. I may use it at home as well.
4. How could 23 Things be improved? Many of us are intimidated when asking for help. Maybe working in groups would help resolve this.......perhaps in a computer lab environment.
5. Would I chose to participate in another discovery program like this? I would like to, but time constraints are a very real issue. Remember, we have completed 23 Things within the framework of normal work weeks. Thankfully, those involved with scheduling have allowed us some time for the project. It might be a good idea to expand even further the completion times. There is not a minute to spare these days. Having said that, 23 Things is a well-conceived learning project which I would highly recommend to anyone working library public service.
6. How would I describe my learning experience in a few words?
Enlightening - Forward thinking - Essential

Podcasts

I searched the three listed podcast directories for something that interested me on a personal level, but didn't come up with much. There was one Scottish site which interviewed famous musicians that I did find entertaining. As far as library podcasts I found to be useful, LibVibe was interesting. Libvib offers library news, current events, facts, interviews, some humor and anecdotes pertaining to libraries. Generally they post a broadcast every few days and each is about eight minutes long. I may very well subscribe to this podcast. One fun fact I learned from LibVibe was that The Queens Public Library had the highest circulation in the U.S. for fiscal year 2006. Over 20 million items were borrowed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Overdrive Audiobooks

Recently I opened an Overdrive Audio account from my home computer. Once I had downloaded the required software, I was up and running. My experience with downloading the software was a bit annoying as I think the directions could have been written in a more user-friendly fashion. That aside, I downloaded a title which was narrated by the author. I mostly enjoyed the book, but the author's delivery could have been more dynamic and/or engaging. Because I don't own an Ipod or Mp3 player, I listened on my computer's speakers. That was o.k., but the audible range was limited as you might expect. Now I understand why people have portable audio devices. I'm glad I now have access to this and I'll be listening to downloadable audio more now. In time, as the quantity of titles increases, their popularity will likely increase.

You Tube revisited

In an earlier post/assignment I mentioned You Tube as an technology which interests me (see June 28 “YouTube” post). Another You Tube feature I didn’t mention in that post is the ability to share the video with others.
I chose The Best of Mike Myers because 23 Things is supposed to be all about fun, and I find his humor fun (just to lighten things up some).
YouTube may be useful for certain library functions. Great care should be taken if we were to post a You Tube video to our webpage. It would need to look professionally produced which could be difficult or expensive. The subject matter would have to appeal to the public. A book discussion group meeting or a speaking engagement would likely not generate much interest. A dynamic children’s performer or musical performance might prove interesting, but again, the production quality has to be there.

Mike Myers for the fun of it

Zoho

I opened a Zoho account and created two documents which I saved and emailed to myself. The Zoho document page is familiar to Word users, albeit a little more attractive and user friendly. I like the flexibility of being able to save a Zoho document in HTML, DOC or PDF. I haven't yet experimented with the other format types offered. The ready-made templates look great and are easy to view. Even a standard payment receipt can be printed....LOL. Perhaps Zoho and Google Docs greatest attributes are that they are free. Upgrading word processing software is expensive and a hassle. If these two web based applications take off, buying certain expensive software may be a thing of the past.

Wikis

Library 2.0 in 15 Minutes a Day - easy to locate information with the table of contents........a smart and practical approach to teaching new technology.

SJCPL Subject Guides - I don't care for it. The links/subjects are too broad and the search feature wasn't helpful for me. Keyword search in iBistro beats this hands down.

Book Lovers Wiki - I enjoyed perusing this one. When opening a title's hypertext link, it takes you directly to the catalog record and lets you know the copy status.............very nice.

Library Success - A Best Practice Wiki - zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz WebJunction will fine thank you

ALA 2006 Wiki - Again, WebJunction will do. Am I missing something here?

Bull Run Library Wiki - Unattractive page, but the Dewey Decimal chart and links to other Virginia libraries is a nice feature.

Academic Library Wiki Examples - The University of Connecticut link is dead

Merlin Wiki Learning Link - I've a feeling we had all better familiarize ourselves with this resource.

I found the Princeton Book Lovers Wiki the most interesting and I feel it would be a great way to promote new titles at CCPL..........possibly replacing the new books printout we generate each month. A customer/reader review wiki might be fun for our customers.