Is there a place for "slamming the boards" in my library? It would be worth a try, although I think only a small number of our patrons would become involved. For a bigger library with a high percentage of younger patrons who would be more keen to get involved in online communicating it would be a great thing. I can certainly see the benefit in patrons rating books and reviewing things they've read. As there is only so much reading librarians can do it would benefit us to see what others think of some of our collection. We could then make recommendations on books we might not have read ourselves by telling patrons, "This is a book a couple of other people liked." Also it would be great to have patrons rate library services and especially the personal service they get from staff. That would certainly keep us all on our toes going out of our way to help.
The "exemplary answers" site was interesting - some great questions that I was interested in, and then some very particular questions with limited appeal. It's all friendly and makes you feel welcome, like your questions are important. And of course, the answers that were rated best really covered the topic thoroughly. They went into a lot of detail without getting away from the point, and it showed what extensive knowledge the librarian/author had of the subject. Good public relations for librarians. I put this site on my delicious tags. It worked. I'm having a much better day today.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Monday, May 5, 2008
Week 7
I've found week 7's tasks really difficult and I'm not sure I've managed to successfully do them. Can't view my blog at the moment to see if my delicious account has a link in it or not. Can't work out whether I've been able to register my blog with Technorati either. And as for setting up a catalogue of books in Library Thing, forget it! My computer skills are just not up to scratch, and neither is my knowledge of "computer-speak". I was only able to manage to attach a delicious account to my blog with much assistance from a work colleague, to whom I will be eternally grateful.
I looked at some of the websites recommended in Learning 2.0, like Sutherland Shire Libraries and Cleveland Public Library (but can't remember now what I was supposed to be taking note of!) Week 8 can only be an improvement.
I looked at some of the websites recommended in Learning 2.0, like Sutherland Shire Libraries and Cleveland Public Library (but can't remember now what I was supposed to be taking note of!) Week 8 can only be an improvement.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Week 6
What a lot I've accomplished in week 6. Firstly I managed to change the time of my postings to Eastern Australian time. Secondly I did my first Adventure and posted a terrific Mr Bean in the Library video from YouTube to my blog. Anyone reading this MUST watch it. It's hilarious (of course). Also completed the survey in week 6.
Now for the business part of the course. I checked out a video of Kogarah Marist High School's 20 year school reunion. I chose to look at this because the first school dance I ever went to was at this school (more than 20 years ago unfortunately). I tried searching for Mosman Library videos as Learning 2.0 recommended but couldn't find anything. Found Mr Bean instead. I also looked at some book review videos, which I envisage we could download on a computer in our library for customers to watch. Ideally it would be great for library staff to make our own video clips recommending books or upcoming events and download them to a computer for customers to view. In general, I found watching the videos on YouTube great. Previously I had only looked at a few music clips on YouTube and didn't realise its massive content.
Now for the business part of the course. I checked out a video of Kogarah Marist High School's 20 year school reunion. I chose to look at this because the first school dance I ever went to was at this school (more than 20 years ago unfortunately). I tried searching for Mosman Library videos as Learning 2.0 recommended but couldn't find anything. Found Mr Bean instead. I also looked at some book review videos, which I envisage we could download on a computer in our library for customers to watch. Ideally it would be great for library staff to make our own video clips recommending books or upcoming events and download them to a computer for customers to view. In general, I found watching the videos on YouTube great. Previously I had only looked at a few music clips on YouTube and didn't realise its massive content.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Week 5 - Wikis
As instructed I looked at three of the wiki websites recommended. "Book Lovers" wiki had a review of Cry The Beloved Country which I read in school and hated. After reading the review I realised why I didn't enjoy the book in school - apartheid and South Africa's history is all so depressing and miserable. I don't like feeling down after reading.
I next looked at the "Montana History" wiki. I was intrigued by the "Contributions from the Public" section which I thought could be interesting, however there only seemed to be one contribution and that was all about the history of the Krug family. Family history is mostly only interesting to the family members. Then I looked at "Monthly Feature" and that gave little snippets of info about the past in Montana.
I also looked at "Full Library Success", after all, isn't that what we're all striving for? How practical to be able to add to or find info relating to libraries on this wiki. I liked the section on how to select materials for inclusion in libraries. This particular wiki would be useful to set up as an RSS feed at work. Any ideas which have proven successful in other libraries are worth taking note of.
I next looked at the "Montana History" wiki. I was intrigued by the "Contributions from the Public" section which I thought could be interesting, however there only seemed to be one contribution and that was all about the history of the Krug family. Family history is mostly only interesting to the family members. Then I looked at "Monthly Feature" and that gave little snippets of info about the past in Montana.
I also looked at "Full Library Success", after all, isn't that what we're all striving for? How practical to be able to add to or find info relating to libraries on this wiki. I liked the section on how to select materials for inclusion in libraries. This particular wiki would be useful to set up as an RSS feed at work. Any ideas which have proven successful in other libraries are worth taking note of.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Week 4
I've enjoyed learning about RSS feeds. It's not unlike adding sites to "Favourties". The ones I chose were the five recommended sites on Learning 2.0. However it was so difficult to chose one from the SMH, there are too many of interest. I ended up choosing two, one for fun, "Stay In Touch", and one that will be of a bit more use at work, "Entertainment", because they have a section on books with reviews and info. I also loved looking at the Powerhouse Museum's Picture of the Day. Favourite photo was of the Clyde Engineering staff voting to donate to the HMAS Sydney fund in 1941.
I found another terrific site that I have added to my RSS feeds, and that's one called Library Link of the Day. It already has 1,287 subscribers!! So that shows how useful others find it. It has a huge range of resources that library workers should know about, ranging from light hearted humour to new technology, and of course it has heaps about books. Also has an on-line shop selling library related merchandise, T-shirts, etc. I didn't dare visit this site as I'm a shopaholic, but maybe closer to my birthday I might.
These sites will be great to check out every day (if possible) to get some up-to-date conversation starters with library patrons, and keep abreast of what's going on in the world of books, libraries, research methods, etc. The more knowledge we have in this field, the more professional we are, and the more we can impress our customers.
I found another terrific site that I have added to my RSS feeds, and that's one called Library Link of the Day. It already has 1,287 subscribers!! So that shows how useful others find it. It has a huge range of resources that library workers should know about, ranging from light hearted humour to new technology, and of course it has heaps about books. Also has an on-line shop selling library related merchandise, T-shirts, etc. I didn't dare visit this site as I'm a shopaholic, but maybe closer to my birthday I might.
These sites will be great to check out every day (if possible) to get some up-to-date conversation starters with library patrons, and keep abreast of what's going on in the world of books, libraries, research methods, etc. The more knowledge we have in this field, the more professional we are, and the more we can impress our customers.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Week 3
Well, what have I learned so far during week 3? I've learned perseverence and the importance of attention to detail. I've also enjoyed looking at other people's blogs. It's given me the incentive to get cracking!!!!
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