Monday, March 22, 2010

Thing #21

Exploring podcasts under the "Discovery Resources" was extremely frustrating, as many of the links in the podcast directories were dead. Podcastalley.com was the only directory that worked, but many of these podcasts, under the subjects I looked for, were outdated. A Google search for "Library podcasts" brought up a great podcast for the Free Library of Philadephia: http://libwww.library.phila.gov/podcast/. This is a podcast of their author events, up-to-date and also with an archive. What a terrific idea--a library can certainly expand their audience by this method. Should MCPL try this?

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Thing #20

I've been aware of You Tube for quite awhile, but have never explored it. After searching "library" found a pretty interesting library rap-"The Dewey Decimal Rap":http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHiUQb5xg7A.

Also looked at a school's math presentation--sure wish this was available when my children were in school. What a wonderful tool--but who has time to explore all these wonderful tools?

Friday, March 12, 2010

Thing #19

I explored several sites on the Web 2.0 Awards list. Many sites that we have explored through this training are on the list: Flickr; Zoho; Google Docs; and deli.icio.us. I explored the travel sites and liked Kayak http://www.kayak.com/ which will search several sites at the same time for hotels, flights or cruises. Should be useful as my brother moved overseas.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Thing #18

I signed up for both Google Docs and Zoho Writer, and tried to load the Picture Book Index onto both. This online tool would provide easier access to the Index and thus make it easier to update. Google Docs does not have enough space for the Index, but Zoho Writer was able to upload about half the list. This should make it easier for several people to work on this, and am hoping to recruit some colleagues from other branches. Very optimistic about this new (to me) tool.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Thing #17

The Sandbox wiki links did not work. However, I did google sandbox wiki and read about what it's supposed to be used for: experiment with using a wiki, without the contents being posted. It might be interesting to try a systemwide wiki for Picture Book Subjects and Fiction Subjects.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Thing #16

I've often looked at Wikipedia, but have never explored other wikis. Exploring the ways other libraries are using wikis is interesting, although some of the wikis have not been updated. I especially liked the Book Lovers Wiki developed by the Princeton Public Library. This would probably be very popular in Montgomery County and would be a good way for children to add reviews of books they read during the summer. The Bull Run Public Library's wiki has a disclaimer that the wiki is created by and for the patrons of the Bull Run Library and is not associated nor sponsored by the Prince William County Library System. The wiki gives much more detailed information about that specific branch and their programs. Wonder how much staff time is spent monitoring/correcting information on this wiki.