Method 12

As a new library director, I was very pleased to have an opportunity to learn new skills and tools with technology.  Some of my favorite exercises were the RSS Newsfeeds, Podcasting, and Wiki.  These are tools that can be used as programs, which is helping to foster patrons lifelong love of learning.  

I look forward to participating in more online trainings in the future.  

Method 11

Of all the technology that I've been introduced through these lessons, I feel like Podcasting is one of my favorites.  There are several very good benefits to Podcasting:  1)  Patrons can take part in educational programs at their convenience and review as much as they'd like to, 2)  Patrons that are home bound or nursing home residents can partake in these programs, and 3)  schools can utilize these programs without having to worry about busing children to the library.

Method 10

I like the organized sharing that Wiki offers.  Instead of having tons of emails to scroll though to find what you need, it is all on one site.  I find myself getting overwhelmed with emails from a blog I'm subscribed to; this would be much more useful and a time saver.

Method 9

I do like the ease of use with IM and Chat.  It's nice to be able to get an "instant" message about something without having to go through emailing that person.  By being able to see their status, you don't have to sit around waiting on an email response if they're out of the office.   This way you get a quicker response.

Our library does not currently use IM or Chat, but I can see it being a useful tool.

Method 8

I have mixed feelings about social networking.  I like the idea of being able to connect with long lost friends, but I am concerned about the privacy issues.  I do have a personal Facebook account, but I am very careful about what I post.  Just when you think you have your account settings set up for good protection, unknowingly the administrators change things without notifying account holders.

However, I do know that a lot of businesses are using Facebook for promoting their business.  It is a popular,  universal site that can be very beneficial for promoting a business.

I'm not sure yet if our library will set up a Facebook page.  I will have to ponder on that a bit longer.

Method 7

This is my first experience working with Delicious.  After exploring some of the bookmarks, I can see how this would be useful for libraries to use.  I really like the option of being able to share bookmarks, and to be able to view them from any computer.  It's nice to know that a useful bookmark that I've found may actually help someone else in their research.

Method 6

Here is a cute video of a pug chasing a laser.  This is my first time working with posting a video, and it was pretty simple.

Method 5

I am intrigued by the technological advances in what can be done with pictures.  I did have a bit of a problem adding a photo from Flickr by adding the URL.  I had to use a different method of saving the image to my desktop, and them posting it to my blog. 

From a personal standpoint, I enjoy sharing pictures electronically with family and friends.  From a professional standpoint, I'm a bit more cautious when using photos from some of our programs.  Not all of our patrons will be comfortable having their pictures posted.

This is a cute picture of two sugar gliders I found on Flickr.

                                                                                

Method 4

 I found the RSS Readers and Feeds very useful.  This is a tool that will help save time when looking for valuable information.  I am amazed at the advances in technology that help make our jobs so much easier.

Below are some feeds that I subscribed to that pertain to library grants, and adult program ideas.

http://www.google.com/reader/view/feed/http%3A%2F%2Flibrarygrants.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault

http://www.google.com/reader/view/feed/http%3A%2F%2Flakeelsinore-wildomar.patch.com%2Fevents.rss

http://www.google.com/reader/view/feed/http%3A%2F%2Fwww.personal.psu.edu%2Fdxf19%2Fblogs%2Fdolores_list_of_cfps%2Findex.xml

Method 3

I can see the positive benefits to Cloud Computing:  saves time and money, personalization, localization, no concern when the PC is locked down, and very valuable information resources.  However, I am somewhat skeptical about having important documents and information stored where other companies could have control over them.  

This is a subject that I would like to learn more about before I plan any programs for library patrons.  I am open minded to new ideas and I am not afraid of change, as long as the change serves a good purpose for all involved.

Methods 1 and 2

Due to the technological needs of libraries becoming more sophisticated, there is an increased demand for libraries to deliver the most accurate and up-to-date resources in a wide array of formats.  Web 2.0 and Library 2.0 offers patrons tools which focus on interactivity and technological advances in the digital world.  The ability of these two tools to operate together is intriguing.  This experience will enable them to pursue lifelong learning and succeed in reaching their goals. 

                       

I was inspired by Stephen Abram’s video, “Stephen Abram launches Murdoch University’s 23 Things”, and the article "Social Libraries."  His concept of “empowering yourself to learn something new everyday, and to “reflect on what we’re learning” is beneficial to helping librarians expand their programming efforts to their patrons.  I like his advice on setting priorities and committing time to reach these priorities.

In Beth Evans article “Library 2.0: The Consumer as Producer”, I was intrigued by her concept libraries can give the public a more vested interest in the library by involving them with content creation.

Hello

Good morning!

I am having fun experimenting with my first blog.

Tina McGuill