In judging the value of the resources on this list, I thought of how the evaluation criteria that we use in traditional library collection development has been used here. Within this site, I did find familiar sites that I always use because I find them to be excellent resources. So, with that in mind, I was able to look at the "chosen ones" with confidence that they really were good at what they were doing.
I decided to look at the mapping category, and found Google maps listed as the first choice. I have always used "mapquest.com" in the past because it was the first one I became comfortable using, and it has been a reliable tool for my needs. However, after seeing the options available on Google maps, I may never go back again! The rating for it could not have been any higher. Nothing less than a 5 out of 5 was given: Usability 5/5, Usefulness 5/5, Interface & Design 5/5 and
Content Quality 5/5. After watching the site's informative video for navigating around it and for finding information way beyond "just a map", I put in the address of a friend who lives in Pennsylvania. Not only did I see the street map grid, but an actual photographic view of the neighborhood was available! I then dragged the mouse around, and it was like walking around the neighborhood with my friend! Unbelievable! I did put in my home address, and I must say that I was happy to see that this photographic view wasn't an option...yet! It is definitely something to keep in mind for the future when the grass needs cutting and the house needs painting!
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
online productivity
Going from the home or library's pc's software to what is available free of charge on the Web is such an exciting and great tool!
In checking out "Zoho", and docs.Google, I thought the options they offered were amazing. They both had tutorials on using the site, and I watched the Zoho planner video and think it was well done and informative. It definitely sounded easy to use.
The only concern I have using an on-line tool like these would be the problem it creates when the Internet is down. The accessing of that daily plan information would create such a problem! I remember an occasion when my husband worked for IBM and their network was down for an entire day. No one, secretary or engineer, knew or remembered what meetings were set-up or even where they were because of their dependency on the on-line calendar. It was a day they never forgot!
Even with the possible glitches, I did like the collaborative aspect of these sites because their application in a work-setting looks like it would be very useful to people who cannot be in the same place at the same time. If an assignment is given that involves a group, then it has to be easier to access the information at any time on any computer. I especially like the elimination of the e-mail and attachment aspect. However, in not having actually collaborated on anything like this, I wonder what the problems would be? Or would it go back to that old saying about "too many cooks" and that this would in chaos and disagreements? It would be an interesting experiment to try.
I also looked at RedKid.Net because it looked like fun and, okay, it was like my blog name! The fact that the site had e-mail capabilities was great because it might be useful to the many patons we get that may only need to send a message in a one time situation. For them to not have to go through the sometimes overwhelmingly complicated process of signing up for a Yahoo or Hotmail account would make it so much easier on them... and us!
In checking out "Zoho", and docs.Google, I thought the options they offered were amazing. They both had tutorials on using the site, and I watched the Zoho planner video and think it was well done and informative. It definitely sounded easy to use.
The only concern I have using an on-line tool like these would be the problem it creates when the Internet is down. The accessing of that daily plan information would create such a problem! I remember an occasion when my husband worked for IBM and their network was down for an entire day. No one, secretary or engineer, knew or remembered what meetings were set-up or even where they were because of their dependency on the on-line calendar. It was a day they never forgot!
Even with the possible glitches, I did like the collaborative aspect of these sites because their application in a work-setting looks like it would be very useful to people who cannot be in the same place at the same time. If an assignment is given that involves a group, then it has to be easier to access the information at any time on any computer. I especially like the elimination of the e-mail and attachment aspect. However, in not having actually collaborated on anything like this, I wonder what the problems would be? Or would it go back to that old saying about "too many cooks" and that this would in chaos and disagreements? It would be an interesting experiment to try.
I also looked at RedKid.Net because it looked like fun and, okay, it was like my blog name! The fact that the site had e-mail capabilities was great because it might be useful to the many patons we get that may only need to send a message in a one time situation. For them to not have to go through the sometimes overwhelmingly complicated process of signing up for a Yahoo or Hotmail account would make it so much easier on them... and us!
Sunday, December 23, 2007
the future of libraries...Web 2.0 etc.
In reading the two essays about the future of libraries and how to best incorporate all the newest technology into this very traditional field, I choose to comment on "Into a new world of librarianship" and "To better bibliographic services".
I found these two to be full of worthwhile suggestions to enhance what I have seen as traditional library service over so many years.
The best part of this service is that it has evolved, albeit with some reluctance, to keep up with the times and the changes in technology. The pertinent phrase used by Michael Stephens that tickled me was“Techno-worship”. In using that phrase, he emphasizes that technology shouldn't be used just because it is the latest thing. His point is that librarians have always kept in mind the library's prime directive; " Does it meet the users need in a new or improved way?"
In the years that I have worked at NFL, I think we have evolved because this has always been our goal. In going through the Lib. 2.0 exercises, I found them worthwhile because they were thought provoking and useful. If we know of these possibilities as librarians then we can widen our patrons' world view of the Net. It also puts us into the position to better serve the new and more tech-savy users, because we have kept up with all the tech changes, and we need to incorporate all the best of what is available not just know about them. It might seem faddish to some, but we must be able to pick and choose from Web 2.0 what will keep people returning to the library. To expand user and librarian knowledge, whether in the practical bibliographical way or philosophically as the times change is very important for all of us.
I found these two to be full of worthwhile suggestions to enhance what I have seen as traditional library service over so many years.
The best part of this service is that it has evolved, albeit with some reluctance, to keep up with the times and the changes in technology. The pertinent phrase used by Michael Stephens that tickled me was“Techno-worship”. In using that phrase, he emphasizes that technology shouldn't be used just because it is the latest thing. His point is that librarians have always kept in mind the library's prime directive; " Does it meet the users need in a new or improved way?"
In the years that I have worked at NFL, I think we have evolved because this has always been our goal. In going through the Lib. 2.0 exercises, I found them worthwhile because they were thought provoking and useful. If we know of these possibilities as librarians then we can widen our patrons' world view of the Net. It also puts us into the position to better serve the new and more tech-savy users, because we have kept up with all the tech changes, and we need to incorporate all the best of what is available not just know about them. It might seem faddish to some, but we must be able to pick and choose from Web 2.0 what will keep people returning to the library. To expand user and librarian knowledge, whether in the practical bibliographical way or philosophically as the times change is very important for all of us.
Friday, December 21, 2007
#12 Technorati, etc.
In looking at Technorati, I was overwhelmed by the number of people who have something to say about anything you can think of. I was even more amazed at those who have the time to read them and then feel compelled to comment. What appears to be important to bloggers is that it is a connection to finding like-thinking people. We are now in a world that no longer provides reality based social settings (friends' homes, family gatherings, etc.) to provide that conversational interaction that makes us learn and think about the world around us. I found the Technoratie tags amusing because the tagging possibilities seemed to be endless. Everything that could be "tagged" within a blog seemed to be addressed.
I know that Technorati is a place that won't be a daily visit for me, but having discovered it, I will look at it occasionally in the future because it does have an excited "buzz' about it!
It was an interesting aspect of the blogging world.
I know that Technorati is a place that won't be a daily visit for me, but having discovered it, I will look at it occasionally in the future because it does have an excited "buzz' about it!
It was an interesting aspect of the blogging world.
del.icio.us and Tagging
Last summer an article in LJ had mentioned del.icio.us as a fun site and I had looked at it then . I even bookmarked it on the computer that I use in the Youth Services Dept., but did not opt to get an account because I knew it wasn't a site that I would use on a regular basis. It does have library value for when I am stuck looking for "see also" ideas in a search, so I kept it.
I don't really use the computer at home in the same way that I do in the library, so my bookmarks are very different from place to place. For those who find themselves going back to the same sites on different computers I can see why it is worthwhile. The tags are helpful, and for the ones that I used (quilts, beach glass) I found it to be of little interest because it didn't bring me to anything unique or amazing.
I don't really use the computer at home in the same way that I do in the library, so my bookmarks are very different from place to place. For those who find themselves going back to the same sites on different computers I can see why it is worthwhile. The tags are helpful, and for the ones that I used (quilts, beach glass) I found it to be of little interest because it didn't bring me to anything unique or amazing.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Become a Podperson
I have used podcasts in the past and if I find one that I like, I share it with friends.
I've previously used the NPR site for podcasts and now that the RSS feed is on my e-mail, it's even easier! For fun in doing this exercise, I looked at podcast.net, looked at their selection of music podcasts. I picked one and enjoyed listening to a Beatles Chronicles podcast. I saw that a special download was necessary to tune into these podcasts as a permanent arrange ment. Since I am a wary techno phobic person and don't want to have computer problems and repercussions at home or at work, I will pass on the actual downloading exercise!
I've previously used the NPR site for podcasts and now that the RSS feed is on my e-mail, it's even easier! For fun in doing this exercise, I looked at podcast.net, looked at their selection of music podcasts. I picked one and enjoyed listening to a Beatles Chronicles podcast. I saw that a special download was necessary to tune into these podcasts as a permanent arrange ment. Since I am a wary techno phobic person and don't want to have computer problems and repercussions at home or at work, I will pass on the actual downloading exercise!
Monday, December 3, 2007
Rockin' with YouTube
Just a little something for a cold day - I have used YouTube in the past...it is addictive and not to viewed on a day when you have things to do. I chose this video because the guitar mastery of this group, The Hellecasters, is incredible!
In addition to iTunes, I found another really fun music website called "finetune". If you like listening to music, this is a great website. Aren't we lucky to working in a place where you can actually listen to things on the computer (not too loudly, of course!). If interested, you can check it out.
It's very easy, and the options for artists, songs, albums to put on a personal playlist is almost endless. There were so many songs and artists that I liked, that my playlist started to look schizophrenic! I was spanning the decades of my musical taste in one fell swoop. The only downside is that you have no control over what is played while you're listening. It starts and keeps going through your list so it makes for very entertaining and surprising background music while you're doing something near a computer.
In addition to iTunes, I found another really fun music website called "finetune". If you like listening to music, this is a great website. Aren't we lucky to working in a place where you can actually listen to things on the computer (not too loudly, of course!). If interested, you can check it out.
It's very easy, and the options for artists, songs, albums to put on a personal playlist is almost endless. There were so many songs and artists that I liked, that my playlist started to look schizophrenic! I was spanning the decades of my musical taste in one fell swoop. The only downside is that you have no control over what is played while you're listening. It starts and keeps going through your list so it makes for very entertaining and surprising background music while you're doing something near a computer.
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