Course Ending

I finally have finished the course. After much frustration and yelling at my friend,pet cats and the computer I found the course to be most enjoyable. I congratulate the State Library for such an excellent course as it makes you wonder how much knowledge you can learn by experiencing new and challenging technologies.

Anyway I'm signing off now to go and treat myself to a good long relaxing dinner.

Week 12 - Social Networks

Social Networking could be useful for some libraries but not for all. In my library it wouldn't work as not all my customers are up to date in networking on computers. The majority would think a Social Network would be a place to have a cup of tea and catch up on the local gossip.

I did think some of the sites were interesting but then library sites are probably not the "in" thing but then to each there own.

Week 11 Online applications

I just finished uploading my document in GoogleDocs boy this was very frustrating especially when the computer wouldn't co-operate. After much yelling at the computer hopefully it has worked.

Anyway these online applications would be benefical to the library systems especially communicating with other libraries by passing on different documents when having meetings.
Me personally still like the handwritten lists as it is so much easier especially when the computer has a tizzy fit.

Since I found out what these sites do now, I will know if a customer asks what they are talking about.

Week 10 - Mashups

I found the Star Viewer from Keir Clarke was really interesting to see all the different videoclips on the stars. It makes you realise how big our universe really is and makes you wonder if there could be other life forms.

Mashups is interesting but could also be frustrating especially trying to decide which photo to go with and how you can produce it.

It could work in libraries on different projects if you have the time and expertise and like stress. Unfortunately it wouldn't work here as I don't have the allocated time for mashups so i will leave it to others

week 9 - Podcasts

I visited Denver Public library's podcasts which i think there story resources is really good and educational. Podcasting wouldn't work very well here in a small country town as the majority of our clientale is elderly but some of our younger customers may use it to their benefit. Podcasting would have a use for specific research to gather other people's opinions and viewpoints. Maybe beneficial amongst staff to gather information for customers who may ask.

Answerboards - section 2

I have posted my question on Yahoo. It will be interesting what response i will get but i won't lose sleep over it.

Answerboards

I thought "slamming the boards" is a interesting site especially how it showcases different answers from different librarians around the world. In my busy days in the library I wouldn't have the time to contribute but it would be good for the customers to do reviews on the services we offer. With customers asking questions or reviews we can see how other librarians deal with different situations and how we can improve our library services.