Learning 2.0 Summary

While I certainly learned about things I'd never even heard of, I don't know that I'll really use them. I don't spend alot of time on the computer away from work, and, so far anyway, have found what I do know to be sufficient to do my job. I spend my free time at home reading. All of this was a great way to connect with co-workers though as we worked our way through and discussed the Things. I had to have help several times and was most thankful for more experienced staff.

Several frustrations did arise as our computers wouldn't allow us to access suggested sites, or it took a very long time to get into the table to save our blogs. But I did make it through all 30 Things, and am now glad it's over.

Learning 2.0 Experience

Favorite discoveries include RSS and image generators. I've certainly found some easier ways to do some things. Assisted life-long learning in that I learned about things I'd never even heard of before--there's certainly many more things I can be doing on the computer.

Rollyo

This looks good for someone who wants to have quick access to many web sites. For those of us who don't, I find having several I trust and use often in my Favorites to be adequate.

Library Thing

Interesting. Very easy to use. I can see where this will be useful for people who either own many books, or like me, just read many books. I'm going to start a list of what I read this year to see how long it gets. Don't think I'll participate in talks or goups. I also gave up on the "Book Suggester" as it took way too long to load.

http://www.librarything.com/catalog/kmcfatri

The Generator Blog

How easy and what fun. This is something I can really use.

Here's my image (yes it's really, really true!).

http://www.glassgiant.com/chocolate_bar/?l1=I+Love+Chocolate%21&size=400x300

Podcasts #2

I listened to the beginning of several children's stories, and can't imagine children actually sitting still to listen to these. I'm not sure there's any use we can make of podcasts. The video casts, yes, but not podcasts.

Podcasts

I found most everything blocked by WebSense. I did enjoy listening to several "samples" of songs. I found one podcast that I could send to GoogleReader, but thinking there would be more I didn't "send" it. I then looked around for others, couldn't find anything and then couldn't go back to the one I did find. I don't see too many uses of this in the library.

YouTube

This is the first time I've looked at YouTube. I found it very easy to search. It was very interesting to see the videos that came up for a search of Virginia Beach. I'm including the following video because, as a knitter, I found it hilarious. I espcially like the comments.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lz8LPZ1Hxrk

I think using YouTube would be a great way to show patrons how to search the catalog, use our resources, give virtual tours of the libraries and provide programs.

Flickr Tools

Enjoyed looking through, especially Montagr. Still prefer reading.

Flickr Tags

Tags seem to be important as finding tools. The more specific the better.

Flickr

I like this picture. I wish it were here!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hershman/337001850/

Flickr appears to be very easy to use. It should be a great way to send photos to friends/family out of town.

Web 2.0 Awards List

I like LibraryThing.

Technorati

What a great way to pull "everything" together and the keep yourself informed throughout the day. Will I use this? No. I don't spend that much time on the computer, especially after work.

Tagging, Folksonomy, Technorati

This looks great for people who spend a great deal of time on computers. For the rest of us, interesting, but not something I plan on using.

MySpace

It certainly does look easy with lots of help, codes, etc. and I certainly see lots of people (usually younger patrons) using library computers to checkout their "spaces." They are often frustrated with our 30 minute time limits. I choose not to create a profile.

Online Social Networking in VBPL

Sounds like a great way to put out announcements about programs, services, new books, etc. But who is going to do this work, keep it up-to-date, answer questions and messages? Will a "friends" level be set that if we don't reach this level, it's not worth it? Sounds good, but sounds like work for ____ who? We're already stretching ourselves on the desks. Will new staff be hired?

Posting to Staff Picks

It was very easy once I asked one of our resident experts (Matthew) how to "post." I didn't realize that "edit" meant "post." It was fun to read some of the other picks. I think some of our patrons would enjoy adding their favorites as well.

Wikis in Libraries

As long as someone is going to monitor a wiki, it seems that there are lots of uses for them in libraries.

IM at VBPL

I think it's a good fit, and I imagine we'll be offering more hours once we learn more as a staff and a system. An IM staffer here says it's going well, but the customers don't always wait for an answer to their question. I guess they want an instant response just as if they're having a conversation. It's flattering to have customers think "we" know everything about everything!

Instant Messaging

Instant messaging is certainly "here" and we need to have it available for fast contact from and getting answers to our customers--espcially the young customers who are using IM more than e-mails and the phone. It also seems that more and more adults are using IM as a mehtod of fast communication--it certainly beats the long distance phone bills.