I explored www.podcast.com and www.podcastalley.com the most. Of the two, I think that the first (www.podcast.com) definitely provides users with more explorability and related options. I found and listened to "Mugglecast" on podcastalley.com. In addition to this, two of my patrons bestowed upon me the task of checking out the "Twilighters Anonymous" podcast, so you know that this has been added to my link list @ my sidebar.
I think that this is an awesome tool, and I think that the younger generation(s) have a great tool at the tips of their fingers. Recently, my computer has had some issues, so it tends to have its slower moments, which is frustrating to someone who is so used to always being on the go and having things right now when it comes to internet speed. Therefore, I'm a bit discouraged (especially timewise) as to creating my own podcasts. Again, I think that it's definitely a worthwhile tool. As far as subscribing is concerned, I might add these to my facebook account, but I'm wary because podcastalley required a download. Again, with my computer having the trouble that it did, I'm not really encouraged to do so.
=-D
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Things 16: YouTube
Alright! YouTube rocks! If you're following this, and you've never tried it, you're in for some fun! Unfortunately, we are one of those library systems that gets blocked, but ONLY on our staff computers! While I know you can find some worthless material on YouTube, you can also find some really worthwhile stuff as well. And yes, perhaps this particular video that have posted may be deemed professionally "worthless", but at least it's entertaining and fun! =-D Can't wait to see everyone else's!
For starters and professionally speaking, ALA and individual systems create Library advertisements and post them to YouTube; in fact, Director's Cut is a nationwide contest that gets teens involved in advertising the library.
In addition to this, SJCPLS does post YouTube videos to promote a variety of services and programs. This afternoon, there was a clip posted front and center on the SJCPLS website: http://www.sjcpls.org/content/great-free-resources-your-local-library. This is DEFINITELY a tool that will benefit me in promoting the library and providing better services to my community.
I will add clips from YouTube either in the privacy of my home either tonight or on the library's public computers tomorrow, seeing as I cannot access YouTube right at this moment. THANKS!
Thing 15: Rollyo
Having explored different "Roll" options such as Rollyo, it seems like a helpful tool, but not one that I would use. Our system's website does a great job of organizing database websites and filing them onto one page. In addition to this, Gale Databases offers its own version of "Roll", which I intend to use. This is definitely a tool that I will need to work with before I can find any kind of a benefit in it. This was not one of my favorite tools.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Thing 14: Online Productivity Tools
Ok, yet again, I have learned an invaluable lessons. Many thanks to Juli for her patience, time, explaining, and suggestions. "What happened?" you ask. If you don't spit these things out fast enough, and you hit the publish button, you're entry goes ba-bye. THEREFORE, to the relief of some, my blogs will be shorter. Sorry NEFLIN. I am really not a big fan of Blogger right now.
On to Thing 14: Online Productivity Tools
I explored all three Starter pages, but I knew that I would eventually choose iGoogle to set up my own account. I am grateful to learn about so many tools; by being able to sign up using the same template/interface, the user is at an advantadge because it decreases the number of log-in information: usernames, passwords, and website addresses.
I think Backpack and Google are considerable tools for professionals like us when it comes to roolling up various tools into one bundle, particularly the calendar feature. The calendar tool is one that I have been using since my supervisor suggested it. You can schedule an appointment/upcoming event, and as the time draws closer, the "alarm clock" feature goes off to remind you about it ahead of time. You can even click the snooze button!
On the flip side of THAT coin, I do not like the To-Do Lists. I finder faster and more convenient to grab a piece of paper and writing utensil and jot down those one or two items that I forgot about on my grocery list or one or two things that I need to do. If I don't write it down immediately, I will forget, and logging on takes the precious time in which I may forget what I had initally logged on to do.
On to Thing 14: Online Productivity Tools
I explored all three Starter pages, but I knew that I would eventually choose iGoogle to set up my own account. I am grateful to learn about so many tools; by being able to sign up using the same template/interface, the user is at an advantadge because it decreases the number of log-in information: usernames, passwords, and website addresses.
I think Backpack and Google are considerable tools for professionals like us when it comes to roolling up various tools into one bundle, particularly the calendar feature. The calendar tool is one that I have been using since my supervisor suggested it. You can schedule an appointment/upcoming event, and as the time draws closer, the "alarm clock" feature goes off to remind you about it ahead of time. You can even click the snooze button!
On the flip side of THAT coin, I do not like the To-Do Lists. I finder faster and more convenient to grab a piece of paper and writing utensil and jot down those one or two items that I forgot about on my grocery list or one or two things that I need to do. If I don't write it down immediately, I will forget, and logging on takes the precious time in which I may forget what I had initally logged on to do.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Thing 11: Social Media
I am ambivalent about this thing called Social Media. On one hand, it's great to know that you can come to one location and peruse these sites for all your media and news-related needs. On the other hand, there are so much information, and you have to wade through the sources to determine which ones you prefer or which ones are credible/reliable. Therefore, on a personal level, these websites can enhance your productivity because they serve as tools to bring together various sources and articles. I also like the fact that you can provide your own comments, share articles with "friends" on your account, and manipulate your account to best suit your needs. On a professional or research level, they can serve as a detractor because you have to spend time determining what is credible/reliable.
These tools can be used as a bank to store pertinent articles in one location, and users can communicate with each other (recommending, commenting, etc.). On that note, I did end up reading two articles. The first focused on whether or not television and DVD programming affected the cognitive and traditional progressive (ie - talking and developing words) development of babies. The second article discussed the trial and the judgement of a Harry Potter actor's (Character: Marcus Belby) murderer.
These tools can be used as a bank to store pertinent articles in one location, and users can communicate with each other (recommending, commenting, etc.). On that note, I did end up reading two articles. The first focused on whether or not television and DVD programming affected the cognitive and traditional progressive (ie - talking and developing words) development of babies. The second article discussed the trial and the judgement of a Harry Potter actor's (Character: Marcus Belby) murderer.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Thing 13: LibraryThing
OK, for starters, you can FIND me @ LadyLibrarianLyss.
Second...technology is sometimes a pain in the neck. I lost my whole entry b/c Blogger crashed. How much does that just ruin it? Point being...in learning about all the new technologies, one thing I learned is that they aren't perfect!
As far as blogging about my experiences...overall, Library Thing is AWESOME! I know, I know...I've heard people say that creating accounts really puts everyone out there...kind of a "Big Brother is watching" kind of thing. This tool, at the very least, is easy to use and serves a fantastic purpose. For starters, this will be an excellent tool to use as I am the Youth Services Librarian. Parent and kids alike will come to me for recommendations, be it for leisure or what do I read next?, research and home work, and even parenting or social (schools, boys, girls, etc.)survival skills.
In addition to this, LibraryThing offers the Local venue. I have had trouble adding these local venues (including my own branch) to my favorites. Again, technology isn't perfect. However, this is extremely beneficial as I can post my children's and teens programming to my branch's account to advertise it. In this day in age when statisitics mean money (and jobs), this is definitely an asset.
Thus far, I have used the tools on Facebook to recommend books I have read, but this tool is hard for me to find; LibraryThing will definitely be an easier alternative! I look forward to using this! In fact, this is definitely something I will apply to my home library. As a librarian, I tend to be selective when purchasing books, and this will be a great way not only to catalog what I have but to promote these titles to others who might share my taste!
I joined GoodReads this evening. It seems to be very similar to LibraryThing, and I'm okay with that. These are some more tools that I have absolutely enjoyed playing with and can incorporate into my daily routine at work. It's practical.
Second...technology is sometimes a pain in the neck. I lost my whole entry b/c Blogger crashed. How much does that just ruin it? Point being...in learning about all the new technologies, one thing I learned is that they aren't perfect!
As far as blogging about my experiences...overall, Library Thing is AWESOME! I know, I know...I've heard people say that creating accounts really puts everyone out there...kind of a "Big Brother is watching" kind of thing. This tool, at the very least, is easy to use and serves a fantastic purpose. For starters, this will be an excellent tool to use as I am the Youth Services Librarian. Parent and kids alike will come to me for recommendations, be it for leisure or what do I read next?, research and home work, and even parenting or social (schools, boys, girls, etc.)survival skills.
In addition to this, LibraryThing offers the Local venue. I have had trouble adding these local venues (including my own branch) to my favorites. Again, technology isn't perfect. However, this is extremely beneficial as I can post my children's and teens programming to my branch's account to advertise it. In this day in age when statisitics mean money (and jobs), this is definitely an asset.
Thus far, I have used the tools on Facebook to recommend books I have read, but this tool is hard for me to find; LibraryThing will definitely be an easier alternative! I look forward to using this! In fact, this is definitely something I will apply to my home library. As a librarian, I tend to be selective when purchasing books, and this will be a great way not only to catalog what I have but to promote these titles to others who might share my taste!
I joined GoodReads this evening. It seems to be very similar to LibraryThing, and I'm okay with that. These are some more tools that I have absolutely enjoyed playing with and can incorporate into my daily routine at work. It's practical.
About Thing 11
Yes. I know that it is missing. I promise that I WILL come back to it when I am NOT at work and unable to view everything that 11 has to offer!!!
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