Sunday, May 25, 2008
RSS Feeds
So the RSS feeds make checking all the things I normally do abnormally fast. I really like being able to check sites updates all on one page. It really is a time saver. It's a pity that it isn't available on all websites yet. How this could be used in the library? I think it might be neat if it could be incorporated into the updates of the catalog. So that every time a new item was added it could be noted. I don't think it's possible that RSS feeds can be used that way but I don't know.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Technology @ Your Library
Technology is a wonderful thing... when it's used in a positive way.
Bringing self-check out machines into the library is wonderful. It aids patrons who are in a hurry to get their books and go. It enables staff to spend more time with patrons who may need more assistance.
Computerized catalogs make finding what you are looking for- be you a staff member or a patron- a snap. Where card catalogs could only turn up exactly what you looked for and lead you through a maze of drawers, computerized databases can bring all results to you in a matter of seconds.
Digitizing library collections means more space, more materials that can be accessed and happier patrons.
Library card sign up over the internet means more convenience for the patrons and continues to bring libraries forward.
When technology is used to cut jobs however, technology is not a wonderful thing.
Bringing self-check out machines into the library is wonderful. It aids patrons who are in a hurry to get their books and go. It enables staff to spend more time with patrons who may need more assistance.
Computerized catalogs make finding what you are looking for- be you a staff member or a patron- a snap. Where card catalogs could only turn up exactly what you looked for and lead you through a maze of drawers, computerized databases can bring all results to you in a matter of seconds.
Digitizing library collections means more space, more materials that can be accessed and happier patrons.
Library card sign up over the internet means more convenience for the patrons and continues to bring libraries forward.
When technology is used to cut jobs however, technology is not a wonderful thing.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Blogging @ Your Library
As far as blogs and libraries go its the best way for a library to stay connected with the under 30 set. Creating blogs on myspace, blogger and such sites will only provide yet another way for libraries to get information about to users who are often unaware of all of the services, benefits, and options that having a library card provides them. Blogging is a form of networking I suppose and this will enable the library to network. Also blogging can be a way for libraries to receive feedback from patrons in a less than orthodox way.
7 1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners
discuss what you feel will be the most difficult part for you and why
Lifelong learning... it's never too late, and you can never learn enough. I can agree with that. In this case all library staff are being encouraged to learn about, use and play with new technologies and all aspects of what is being referred to as Web 2.0.
The difficulty I see for the duration of this project in regard to myself is that I am already familiar with most of the aspects of Web 2.0 to some extent. Therefore my challenge is not only to learn about those things that I am currently unfamiliar with, but also to aid my fellow coworkers should they need assistance as well.
As far as the 7 1/2 habits go... I find none of them complicated:
1. Begin with the end in mind: This isn't hard for me. I can already visualize being competent in the things I am unfamiliar with, and have an open mind about learning things about those I already am familiar with. Being a child of the computer age means I have the upper hand in this project.
2. Accept Responsibility For Your Own Learning: I'm self motivated in most things so this is not a challenge. :)
3. View Problems as Challenges: There are no problems in my life, only challenges to overcome. Self motto is hard to challenge.
4. Have Confidence in Yourself as a competent, effective learner: As the top of my class I
obviously have no trouble there.
5. Create Your Own Learning Toolbox: I believe in asking for help from my friends and if they can't answer me picking up a book or researching on the internet. Not much will stop me when I'm on a mission.
6. Use technology to your advantage: Yeah... I don't think this is a problem for me what with having grown up in the computer age and being obsessed with techie gadgets helps.
7. Teach or Mentor Others: Since I think I've single handedly taught people how to edit
myspace pages, helped them create accounts and have taught basic computer
troubleshooting to most of my coworkers... I think this is also already in practice.
7 1/2. Play!: Yeah... this is a no brainer... Play is what makes the days seem less painful. And what is Web 2.0 but a giant electronic playground.
Lifelong learning... it's never too late, and you can never learn enough. I can agree with that. In this case all library staff are being encouraged to learn about, use and play with new technologies and all aspects of what is being referred to as Web 2.0.
The difficulty I see for the duration of this project in regard to myself is that I am already familiar with most of the aspects of Web 2.0 to some extent. Therefore my challenge is not only to learn about those things that I am currently unfamiliar with, but also to aid my fellow coworkers should they need assistance as well.
As far as the 7 1/2 habits go... I find none of them complicated:
1. Begin with the end in mind: This isn't hard for me. I can already visualize being competent in the things I am unfamiliar with, and have an open mind about learning things about those I already am familiar with. Being a child of the computer age means I have the upper hand in this project.
2. Accept Responsibility For Your Own Learning: I'm self motivated in most things so this is not a challenge. :)
3. View Problems as Challenges: There are no problems in my life, only challenges to overcome. Self motto is hard to challenge.
4. Have Confidence in Yourself as a competent, effective learner: As the top of my class I
obviously have no trouble there.
5. Create Your Own Learning Toolbox: I believe in asking for help from my friends and if they can't answer me picking up a book or researching on the internet. Not much will stop me when I'm on a mission.
6. Use technology to your advantage: Yeah... I don't think this is a problem for me what with having grown up in the computer age and being obsessed with techie gadgets helps.
7. Teach or Mentor Others: Since I think I've single handedly taught people how to edit
myspace pages, helped them create accounts and have taught basic computer
troubleshooting to most of my coworkers... I think this is also already in practice.
7 1/2. Play!: Yeah... this is a no brainer... Play is what makes the days seem less painful. And what is Web 2.0 but a giant electronic playground.
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