Most of the stuff that we looked at in the 23 Things program was new to me. I search the web for topics that interest me generally just through Google. I was surprised that using some of the tools like Del.icio.us and Technorati could actually help identify interesting blogs or websites. Blogs, wikis and podcasts could really be useful for libraries to help organize work or to bring more content to library website users.
The hardest thing about the program was the time it took to work on the 23 Things. Because I was learning many new things, it took time for me to read all the material, listen to the webcasts, try out the tools and then write my entry. You can see looking at my blog, that I did things out of order several times! Usually that means that I got stuck on something, or I wanted to work on a thing at home rather than at work. For me, being part time, finding time and a computer at work was very dificult. Thankfully, I was able to work on it at home with few problems. I know I spent a number of hours on the Things like Flickr, Rss feeds, technorati and Del.icio.us. I still have to read some articles I've bookmarked on Library 2.0!
The great part about the program is that I feel like I have an overview of the web 2.0 and how it can enhance information exchange and productivity. Plus, some of the stuff really is fun to use!
Thanks for putting together the program, and thanks for giving us a few extra days! The extra days were a big help!
Monday, October 1, 2007
Week 9: Thing # 22: Overdrive Audio
I have been a fan of Overdrive Audio for about a year. I first downloaded the program after Baltimore County put ebooks on the library website. I have listened to 2 books on my computer. I usually listen while doing stuff around the house. What I would like to do is to have an MP3 player so I can listen to books while I'm out walking.
I picked out a children's book by Ann Rinaldi called The Fifth of March. I found the book in the list of historical fiction. Searching Overdrive when you're not sure what you want to read can be difficult. The books are arranged as lists that you must scroll through to read the titles. When I selected this title, I was able to click on a link that provided a sample of the audio. Listening to the clip of the first chapter really captured my interest in the book, and I decided to check it out.
Overdrive has limited number of copies of many of its' audio books. Many times, a book that I'm looking for is checked out and has holds waiting for it. Limited availability is a real downside to the service. Some titles are available in unlimited copies.
Project Gutenburg is a great service. I have suggested that customers take a look at this sight if they are looking for a copy of classic literature, like a Shakespeare play. The ebooks can really come in handy if the library does not have copies or if someone is looking for the material from outside of the library.
I picked out a children's book by Ann Rinaldi called The Fifth of March. I found the book in the list of historical fiction. Searching Overdrive when you're not sure what you want to read can be difficult. The books are arranged as lists that you must scroll through to read the titles. When I selected this title, I was able to click on a link that provided a sample of the audio. Listening to the clip of the first chapter really captured my interest in the book, and I decided to check it out.
Overdrive has limited number of copies of many of its' audio books. Many times, a book that I'm looking for is checked out and has holds waiting for it. Limited availability is a real downside to the service. Some titles are available in unlimited copies.
Project Gutenburg is a great service. I have suggested that customers take a look at this sight if they are looking for a copy of classic literature, like a Shakespeare play. The ebooks can really come in handy if the library does not have copies or if someone is looking for the material from outside of the library.
Week 9: Thing # 20, Youtube
There's so much stuff on Youtube that I think you can find something on almost any topic.
I searched for quilting, and came up with more than 20 videos, most of which were instructional. I was intrigued by the video that I posted on my blog. This instructor managed to show how to create an appliqued vest in less than 3 minutes.
Posting the video to the blog was very easy. All I had to do was follow the instructions for posting. I did not have to paste the code for the embeddable player at all. Youtube had it set up so that all you had to do was click on the appropriate button, and the link was created for you.
During this whole 23 things process we have watched quite a few videos with instructions on how to use a particular website or feature. It might make sense to think about using videos to show patrons how to use library websites or how to use features like Overdrive audio books. Many people learn more easily when they are shown how to do something instead of having to read instructions. Of course, we would need the bandwidth to play all that video!
I searched for quilting, and came up with more than 20 videos, most of which were instructional. I was intrigued by the video that I posted on my blog. This instructor managed to show how to create an appliqued vest in less than 3 minutes.
Posting the video to the blog was very easy. All I had to do was follow the instructions for posting. I did not have to paste the code for the embeddable player at all. Youtube had it set up so that all you had to do was click on the appropriate button, and the link was created for you.
During this whole 23 things process we have watched quite a few videos with instructions on how to use a particular website or feature. It might make sense to think about using videos to show patrons how to use library websites or how to use features like Overdrive audio books. Many people learn more easily when they are shown how to do something instead of having to read instructions. Of course, we would need the bandwidth to play all that video!
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