Saturday, June 21, 2008

PBCLS Sandbox Wiki Favorites

For the sandbox exercise I added two books to the favorite books section, a favorite vacation spot, and I added my blog to the Favorite Blogs section. It was interesting to see what other people had added especially in the favorite books section. It was very easy to use.

Library Wiki

It was interesting exploring library Wiki's, though I didn't really find any that I thought were fabulous. I think the great library Wiki's have yet to be created. I did think that the Princeton (NJ) Public Library's BookLoversWiki was nicely done, though. I even found a couple of recommended books to read on my upcoming vacation. I discovered lots of libraries use a Wiki for internal staff purposes such as training, updates, and commonly referred to and updated staff info.

An example of a good library staff Wiki is the Memphis Library's-- MPLIC Wiki. Here staff can access Staff development opportunities, find staff with various non-English language skills, find some technical training, etc. I think a readers advisory Wiki would be useful at PBCLS, as well as an internal trouble shooting Wiki for Reference Librarians. But, like I said previously, perhaps the best uses for Wiki's in libraries are yet to be discovered.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

The Library 2.0 Mixture

Having read all the articles that were in links on the pbcls blog, I gained a little something from each of them. I feel that embracing Web 2.0 or being a Librarian 2.0 in a practical sense, means many things. First of all we need to realize the definition of a library has changed, our patrons are changing, and we need to be involved in the change and use it to our advantage.

The Library 2.0 needs to be:

  • Relevant
  • Useful
  • Entertaining
  • Teaching
  • Knowledgeable
  • A Place of Community
  • A Destination
  • Dynamic and Responsive

We need to be aware of our patron's needs-- print, electronic, social, educational, informational and recreational. We need to be aware of current trends and 2.0 technology. We need to take steps to experience and understand the uses of new technology. We need to be a destination for families, seniors, young adults, and everyone! We need to foster a sense of community, a place of learning, a place to find answers, as well as to explore and relax. We need to embrace the new and see how it can fit in with our goals.

Lastly, we need to realize that some of the old is still relevant:

  • a good novel to read at the beach
  • Story Time fun
  • reading to our children from a favorite book
  • increasing computer and research skills
  • a listening, caring, helpful attitude from staff
  • friendliness and an attitude of good customer service
  • good people skills
  • teamwork and respect for co-workers
  • a competent and knowledgeable staff
  • a good collection in all its varied formats

Let's embrace the new and see where it fits--whether it be "Guitar Hero" teen night or Library Wikis or Podcasting. While also realizing that we must keep the best of what still works, from our rich past and traditions. All that is new is not to be feared-- and all that is old is not to be put aside.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Technorati stuff

Technorati was interesting and fun to explore. It seems to be very easy to use and you can easily explore in many directions. I like the bars at the top with the various subjects to click on from Sports to Entertainment to photos and Blogs. Clicking on Blogs brings up a great "Blog Directory" this is useful to someone who is new to reading blogs and wants to find some good ones to read on various topics. I also liked seeing who was mentioning us (pbclibrary.org) in their blogs. Technorati is yet another new "thing" that will prove interesting and useful in the future.

Deliciousness

After exploring del.icio.us I can see using it to keep your bookmarks available from any computer you are using. Looking at the pbcls account it was interesting to see the various bookmarks and the tags. I already added tags in Library Thing and I like looking at the tag cloud.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

WebFeat

Searching for articles, and explaining to patrons how to search for articles is much more pleasant with WebFeat. The search is easier for patrons to do and will yield some results even if the patron does not choose any boxes to check--so it requires less expertise on their part. I began exploring this new addition after attending a Reference workshop on this new tool.

Tonite I searched several of the towns where I used to live in while growing up: Perryville, MD; San Jose, CA; Wichita KS; and finally West Palm Beach FL. WPB (I have actually lived in WPB the longest as I Moved here in 1975.) The most interesting article I found using webfeat tonight was an article from UPI Newstrack that tells about a FL Developer, who is suing the cleaner of the former National Enquirer Bldg. for allegedly stealing a photo of Elvis in his coffin. The owner of the photo says it is worth at least $1 million! --Too strange.

Love that Library Thing!

Library Thing is a fun place to keep track of books you enjoyed reading, and see what others are reading. http://www.librarything.com/catalog/librarythingsz This link will take you to my small , but growing library of books.

There is a lot to explore here. I especially like searching by tags and reading some of the librarian's discussions. I plan on using this resource more in the future.

Monday, June 2, 2008

wave image generator

ImageChef.com - Custom comment codes for MySpace, Hi5, Friendster and more This is a pretty example of an image generator. I found it at http://www.imagechef.com/ic/product.jsp Image Chef has many Image Generators to try out, so have fun! I like the way the wave washes away the text. I like writing things in the sand at beach even more, though!

I enjoyed exploring some of the many image generators that are easily found on the web. I liked making customized notes on my virtual fridge with magnetic letters, creating my own coat-of-arms, and creating a variety of humorous warning signs. Now there will be something new to do on the internet-- if I am ever really bored!