#23The end?

I cannot believe that I have finally reached the end of the Learning 2.0 program. To say that I was a reluctant blogger at first is a bit of an understatement. I've always considered that I'm a bit of a technophobe and not that good with new technology - a belief probably shared by our IT department as I was one of the last people asked to participate in this program. However I have learned a great deal about myself, my abilities and the wonderful world available out there in cyberspace. I had great fun with some things and had some difficulty with others as I suppose is only natural. It was good to be doing the program with others at work as we were able to help each other and talk our way through problems we were encountering, even if we sometimes sounded like we were speaking a foreign language. My vocabulary has improved as well - I can now understand the words widget, wiki, blogs, Flicr, etc. instead of gazing at the speaker with a vacant stare. I've also learnt to follow technical instructions as I threaded my way through all the various sites all which differ slightly. I also learnt to give things a try (again and again and again) until I succeed.

The whole blogging thing is amazing and I'd never realised what a remarkable communication tool it can be and the potential it has for the sharing of information. The Learning 2.0 program also made me aware of the range of on-line resources available and consider how we can use these in the library setting. As new technologies are going to become part of our daily life in the library it is important that we have the opportunity to explore and become familiar with at least some of the things that are out there.

Thanks to those involved in the Learning 2.0 program for the opportunity to explore new frontiers. I guess it's now up to me to continue exploring!

#22Audiobooks

Talking books are becoming more and more popular and I like the idea of people being able to download audiobooks to their mp3 players. The fact that the audio file is automatically deleted is great too - sought of like an automatic returns system.

I checked out the World ebook fair site but wasn't very impressed with it. I found it quite poorly structured and the first 5 books I looked for I was unable to find. I then tried searching for particular authors with very limited success as well. I then selected some of the sites offerings (Sherlock Holmes) but found that before I could listen to them I was prompted to enter my user name and password. When I went to sign up I was asked to make a donation so I didn't bother.

I'm certain that their must be other ebook sites out there - in fact I'm ceratin I've come across them in my wanderings in cyberspace. Now if I could only remember where they were.

More podcasting

I had a great idea for using podcasts in the library. We can have a podcast for new members to listen to explaining all about the library, our services, expectations, rules, etc. The podcasts could also be available in all other languages as well. Just imagine, we would never have to give the joining spiel again!

#21Podcasts

I have listened to podcasts before and knew that many radio staions now podcast the "best bits" of various shows.  I started my search on podcast.net and found that there was a podcast on nearly everything.  Looking at the Top 10 tags I wasn't surprised to find that music was first and closely followed by comedy.  I used "books" as a search and then checked out the Chronicle Books and SimonSays podcasts - both were okay but not great.  I checked out the Books and writing podcast and listened to an interview with Kate Grenville and another with Alice Munro.  This podcast was more interesting than the others but it was bit disappointing that there was nothing earlier than January 2006 to listen to. 

We have podcast author talks on our library website before and other than that I'm not exactly certain how they could be best used in the public library setting. However, I've no doubt that podcasts will become part of our daily life at work.

I added podcast.com: search for library books as a RSS feed to my bloglines account. 

Just to keep "playing" I used Zoho to write this post - I've mentioned this site to so many people who didn't even know it existed.  I've got to go now I need to show my Gen Y child how to download a video onto a Facebook site - now that is truly amazing!

#20You-tube

I had a terrific time playing on you tube - I can see why so many people are addicted to it as it is so easy to move from one topic to another. It created much laughter at my home with my children having to share their favourite videos with me. The "How to fillet a flathead video" was actually used by someone I know(named witheld for a price). This just goes to show how very practical the information can be.
There is certainly room for this type of communication for public libraries. Imagine a video of how to use the catalogue in place of text instruction - much more fun and probably more useful as well. How strange it is to be discussing all that we have been experimenting with during our Learning 2.0 experience when the librarians in the "Do you want to be a librarian" clip were coming to terms with microfilm, motion pictures and record players. How quickly things change and how quickly we adapt to the changes!

#19Discovcering Web 2.0 tools

Had a look at several of the different catagories and found quite a few of our old friends in the mix - bloglines, Technorati , Zoho writer and Library thing just to name a few. I went to a few of the areas but was disappointed to find that they were American based - I don't think I'll be able to get to America to pick up the latest bargain on winter coats! Had a good look at the books catagory and spent a fair bit of time at http://www.biblio.com/. Found a great site at http://www.backpackit.com/ which is loaded with heaps of great organizational tools - one day I'll become better organized, when I can just find the time!

The sheer volume of Web 2.0 technologies available is staggering and I'm not certain how much just one person can use but if you want or need something there seems to be a way you can find it online.

I'm not certain how these sites can be used in the public library setting but I'm certain someone will think of ways we can use these technologies.

I love this quote from Douglas Adams.

#18Web-based apps

Until today I didn't even know these web-based programs were available. I signed up for Zoho (I'm can't keep track of how many sites I've joined and I'm certain I'll have trouble remembering all my passwords) and inadvertantly registered for zoho wiki - marysramblings.wiki.zoho.com. I'm not quite certain what this means but will go back and investigate later on. I'm impressed with how many different things you can do on Zoho - word processing, spreadsheets, templates presentations, etc. You can even start your own online tools. I looked at Notebook and liked the edit, share and publish export functions - I tried to share my document with someone but haven't heard yet whether I was successful or not. Spent some time looking at all the templates they have but didn't add any of my own. I'm amazed that all of this is available for free and how easy it is to use.

I was very surprised to find that I can publish to my blog directly from Zoho. If I'm writing something in Zoho and find the urge to publish it to my blog I can do it with the push of a button - no cutting or pasting and I don't even have to log into my blog. This post was done on Zoho writer and published to my blog directly. That's very cool!