Friday, December 19, 2008

Thing #20: YouTube

Well, I never did this the official way (looking for library related items) - too many internet users here at the library. I will post about a couple of videos I've found in my explorations at home.
The first video is a hilarious Christmas song, to put everyone in the Holiday mood...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fe11OlMiz8

The second video is one my husband loves to mock. A friend told him about it. It takes all kinds of people to make a world...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSEaHyzbqTA

It would be fun if the library could implement their own youtube style postings, with videos from storytimes, events, booktalks, etc.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Thing #23: The End?

My favorite exercises were ones that I will probably use in either my personal life or at work. This includes things like Rollyo, LibraryThing, and RSS feeds.

This program has affected my lifelong learning goals, because now I look at more things as opportunities for learning – when a customer asks about unfamiliar technology, I don’t get as flustered. I simply say, “I’m not sure, but I’ll take a look.”

I also see more of the benefits of some websites, like YouTube. They don’t exist just as a reason for people to waste time, but can also have valuable material on them. Granted, some people will never discover the value, but it is out there to be found.

It is a great concept. I hope to see a follow-up with other Web 2.0 sites, such as www.tadalist.com. I also would like to see some type of a program, like a technology petting zoo at each branch, featuring new (and not-so-new) electronics that people may come in asking about – like how to download things onto their mp3 player, or if they can connect to the wireless with their Nintendo DS, or how to scan a text document. That way we don’t have to look clueless, but can answer them confidently.

Thing #22: Media and Book Downloads

I chose the TumbleBooks, because I had never used it before. It was fairly easy to use, especially when I chose to view online. Then I didn’t need to try to download it or do anything to it. And once you selected the one you wanted, it just started playing. You don’t need to click to continue or anything. It makes it very easy, especially for busy parents, or to have available on a library computer for the kids. TumbleBooks is a nice thing to offer, and it works great. Granted, it would be best if the parent was reading to the child, but for those kids that want 20 books read to them, or have parents that aren’t home much, this is wonderful. You can also make a playlist for back-to-back reading. There are even learning activities available for some of the books. I feel comfortable using TumbleBooks, and could assist the customers with it.

Thing #21: Podcasts

Yes, I know, I realize I skipped another number. If only there weren't customers using up all of the internet bandwidth! I'll eventually come back to #20...

Anyway, I used Podcast Directory as my search tool. That one seemed more comprehensive, without you being required to download extra things. The Yahoo search assumed I was looking for MUSIC, not PODCASTS, and was giving me inaccurate results. Podcast Directory was very simple to use, and even grouped things together so you can browse for other related casts.
There are podcasts for almost any topic. Libraries can easily use podcasts to do book reviews/recommendations, promote events, or even to broadcast some events like Poetry Bash.