Thing #23 - Final Thoughts

Yippee, Jennifer! I'm finally finished! I didn't think I had the concentration at this time to complete this task, but I do hate to quit in the middle of anything! Overall, I would say that these exercises taught me a whole lot more about technological services and their implications for libraries than I could possibly have imagined a few months ago.
Especially interesting to me were the wikis. I have often heard of sites like that on the news, especially where breaking news was concerned. Now, I feel that I have been drawn, perhaps kicking and screaming all the way, a little further into the 21st century.
I also was glad to learn that so many options for sharing information about books is available to our patrons. If they had access to much of this information and how to use they might feel less alienated.
Thanks, Jennifer, for your patience. All things considered, I am glad for the exposure to the new technology!

Thing #22 - Project Gutenberg

I played around in the Project Gutenberg site since it appeared that the others required accounts. I was very surprised that there were so many free audio ebooks available. I would probably not take the time to download this info, but, as before, I at least feel that I have a better awareness.

Thing # 21 - Podcasts

I visited in the Yahoo site. I think people who like having books on tape or people who are visually impaired will really enjoy podcasts. This is not something I would use at this time, but it's nice to know of the technology for our patrons who would enjoy it.

Thing #20 - YouTube

Enjoyed playing with YouTube - lots of interesting videos. Almost felt guilty for "playing" at work. Not sure I want to post my videos on line but for people who like to share, its a fun activity.

Thing # 19 - Web 2.0 Awards

This was a fun site for me . I went in to the section on books. One site I found most interesting was the Librarything.com site. I can see uses for this at the libraries - especially at sites where patrons can share info about books. I also thought I read a site about purchasing used books, sort of a cross between e-bay and Amazon.com. Many of our patrons have asked about purchasing books when we discard them, so this will be a valuable site for them.

Thing #18 - Online Productivity

I went in to Google.docs and was again impressed with the vast array of services available to people in the know. In my capacity as an 18-hour person, I am not sure how much application this will have for me. However, it is interesting to learn and at least be made aware of the massive new loads of technology.

Thing #17 - Learning 2.0

I added an entry to the state sandbox site today. Because I can see how valuable this might be in terms of sharing patrons' personal book reviews, I included a passage about my favorite book, Magnificent Obsession.

Thing #16 - Wikis

Some of the other sites have been difficult to navigate or even to understand their implications for me. However, I did enjoy learning about wikis - I can definitely see the positives associated with technology of this sort. In many cases it would be most helpful to have a group of people develop a web site; i.e. long-distance conference planning, etc. In our case, giving our patrons the ability to add their own comments about books they've read, etc. opens up a whole new resource to the others. On the other side, a site that can be edited at any time by many people might not be too reliable for actual data.

Thing #15 - Library 2.0

I read Michael Stephens article on libraries of the future. It seems that, not surprisingly, libraries of the future will be user-centered facilities where the needs of the user will take top priority, and planning and implementing will be accomplished with the user in mind. Splashy technology will not just be added to the facility, but specific needs of users will be accomodated.

Thing #14 - Technorati

An interesting place - a way to get around multiple blogs. Was surprised at the number of blogs and the increase in just months. Not sure I want to place any info on the net but for those interested, it is a useful way to read constantly updated info on your favorite subjects/people.

Thing #13 - Del.icio.us

The capabilities of these sites boggles my mind! I'm not sure if I would use this site, but I can see that it would have many possibilities for frequent users and for people who use multiple computers.

Week5: Thing12

Today I "rolled" my own Rollyo - mine is based on politics. So now I can search the top news sites.

Week 11: Thing 11

I added 5 new books to my library today. Over time it will be interesting to see how many books I have actually read. I usually keep the list of books in a notebook but that isn't very safe. Nice to have a permanent record and to share new books with others.

Week 5: Thing 10

This really is a funny activity, and fun! Who knew you could do so much with a mouse! After navigating through all the directions and the passwords, the animation and possibilities are great! Getting better at finding my way around - but don't leave me yet, Jennifer!

pianolady46

Week 4: Thing 9

This project seemed very challenging to me. I think there are too many passwords to make the studies smooth. That said, I did find it interesting to learn about all the other places where information could be found, and I am always looking for current info about my "Skins".

Thing #8

I really enjoyed learning about the RSS feeds. It is helpful to have specific information of interest to myself constantly updated and all in one place.

Thing #7

I have been curious about digital cameras - I seem to be the only one in my family who didn't have a clue. My sister always seems to have one attached to her hand, and is very good about keeping the more technologically-challenged of us up to date. Maybe now I can answer the call myself - with a little more hpractice.

Thing 6

These are very clever sites - I might go back to them if and when I have more time to practice and something to practice on - but, I see how much is available to folks who have the time and the inclination. The new technology is a-mazing!

Thing 5

Flickr surprised me with its wealth of pictures. I will use this source often in the future.