Week #12 - Social Networking & Wrap Up

This week, I quite enjoyed learning how Libraries are more able to engage with their patrons via the use of the new technologies and programs such as Facebook and Twitter. This is also an important way for Public libraries to connect with younger patronage, and ensure that the 'need' for the Public library continues into the future.

Overall, I found the information on Blogs and Mashups most helpful for my position, along with the use of Wikis to facilitate better communication between patrons and staff and also staff within the organisation with each other.

I am now using such things as RSS feeds and Podcasts in a personal manner also, and am suprised at how helpful these little widgets can be, and how quickly you can become 'addicted'!

Week #11 - Online Applications and Tools

This week I learned about how to use GoogleDocs! I found this to be an interesting concept as I previously did not know a great deal about it. I now know that you are able to create and share documents using this online storage system, both from scratch, and from existing templates.

Interestingly, I am also aware of the manner in which the user and share and collaborate with others using this program.

I could see this being used in a Library setting to facilitate better communication between branches and team leaders, and for procedural purposes.

Week #10 - Mashups

This week I learned how to use Mashups. To me these types of programs seem quite useful, and I did not previously know of their existence.

Although I did not succeed in making a 'pretty' one, here is my Mashup!

Week #8 & Week #9: Podcasts & Audio & Answer Boards

Today's lesson involved learning about Podcasts and how other organisations and people use this type of technology.

In this day and age, Libraries such as ours could utilise this to more actively advertise such things as author visits, HSC lectures or even showing snippets of storytime or bookclub on the website so as to entice patrons to attend these sessions. It gives the patrons a first hand look and listen to what exactly happens at the Library.

This week I also touched on Answer boards in my training. I believe that these types of things would come in handy in the library, especially for things like online tutoring and technical type forums.

Weel #7 - Folksonomies, Tagging... etc

Today I learned how to use del.icio.us and the difference between normal tagging and the use of tags to use to properly search for things using this site.

I also learned how to use LibraryThing to catalogue personal book collections and also to find out valuable information about these books including member reviews. etc.

I also learned that Technorati, aside from having a cool name, is also useful for searching public blogs.

Week #5: Wikis

This week I have learned what a Wiki is and have had the experience of adding to an already established Wiki site for Library 2.0.

What did you find interesting?
I found interesting that you can use Wikis to collaborate information and that others can readily access and edit this information. Prior to this training session I did not know what a Wiki was!

What types of applications within libraries might work well with a wiki?
I am looking to implement this strategy with the Library's Practices and Procedures team in the near future to assist staff in off site locations to collaborate.

Week #4: RSS

What do you like about RSS and newsreaders?
They are fast and easy to access. Information is up to date also.

What sites did you select for your RSS reader?
Bloglines News
Campbelltown - Macarthur Advertiser
Campbelltown Weather
Dictionary.com Word of the Day
Latest recipes - Taste.com.au

How do you think you might be able to use this technology in your work?
I can subscribe to new magazine titles and be notified when they have been officially released.

How can libraries use RSS or take advantage of this new technology?
Libraries can use this technology to assist the public in obtaining new and up to date material.

Did you find any good examples of other library blogs?
I have subscribed to the Campbelltown Library blog in order to follow what's happening in the organisation more closely.