Wow, hard to believe our program has come to an end.
The (2) things I learned the most from was #2 RSS & #4 Fliker. I'd heard or seen both but never took the time to investigate them because...I didn't wnat to look stupid. I feel much better now-not only do I have a working knowledge of these processes, I also feel confident enough to explore them more, use them more, & be able to explain them (I think!) to someone else. I love to learn but don't like to ask questions-I like to figure it out on my own.
As far as life long learning....I thrive on learning something new. Everything changes and we must change too. I don't want to get stuck in one place...imagine if we never learned how to build cars-we'd still have horse and buggy! Learning helps you to keep your mind occupied which leads to stimulating your mind which keeps it active and alert & open to new things.
I am constantly surprised at how much technology changes...& how much is truly out there. It doesn't mean it's always good or helpful however to know that someone had to think up these things shows the resourcefulness of the human mind and spirit-a better mousetrap, if you will.
As far as improving...the format is good-it allows everyone to work at their own pace (albeit w/a time lline, ie, 1 week at a time). Perhaps we could set up the program via an online application...or perhaps instead of a blog, add your comments to a onlline Word app-that way all comments for (example) thing 1 would be all together instead of having to look at everyone's individual blog. (Don't get me wrong-I like using the blog, I'm just thinking ; )
If another program like this was offered, I definatly would participate. Anything you can learn to better yourself or your job is most beneficial. I could be a student for life-which if you think about it, isn't it better to learn & grow than to wither & stagnate?
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Thing #10 Roselle's Virtual Library
Answer to News Bank question: (I looked at this Tues 3/31) From the Daily Herald "Who's Who 3/27 mentions our very own Patrick Devitt library trustee who is also running for District 12 school board.
Answer to Heritage Quest: In the 1860 censue, (2) Abraham Lincolns are shown-it was easy to tell which the President was by his age, birthplace, and location (where registered-Springfield).
I explored the "Ancestry" database. I was able to find my father's record from the Federal Census record in 1930. It was interesting to see his family listed: mom, dad, brother, and sister. Very cool!
Ik'm not sure how to decide which databases are the most popular because there is something for all. I would imagine the Ancestry & Heritage sites are popular. Morning Star I've had numerous patrons ask about. The homework sites & general reference ones I'd imagine recieve steady traffic especially during the school year. As far as the automotive one, the most interesting thing I found was the list of recalls issued for a model/year. With all the computerized systems in cars these days, I wonder how many people still do their own repairs however if you were looking to purchase a car, this site would be helpful.
Overall, I find the Library's website beneficial-here at work & when I'm at home. There is a lot of info I've found to be helpful. i think we possibly need to publicize our services even more-perhaps a blurb in each newsletter (perhaps walking patrons through how a particular database works & what it offers) or perhaps we need a tutorial online to familiarize people with all we offer & make them comfortable using it.
Answer to Heritage Quest: In the 1860 censue, (2) Abraham Lincolns are shown-it was easy to tell which the President was by his age, birthplace, and location (where registered-Springfield).
I explored the "Ancestry" database. I was able to find my father's record from the Federal Census record in 1930. It was interesting to see his family listed: mom, dad, brother, and sister. Very cool!
Ik'm not sure how to decide which databases are the most popular because there is something for all. I would imagine the Ancestry & Heritage sites are popular. Morning Star I've had numerous patrons ask about. The homework sites & general reference ones I'd imagine recieve steady traffic especially during the school year. As far as the automotive one, the most interesting thing I found was the list of recalls issued for a model/year. With all the computerized systems in cars these days, I wonder how many people still do their own repairs however if you were looking to purchase a car, this site would be helpful.
Overall, I find the Library's website beneficial-here at work & when I'm at home. There is a lot of info I've found to be helpful. i think we possibly need to publicize our services even more-perhaps a blurb in each newsletter (perhaps walking patrons through how a particular database works & what it offers) or perhaps we need a tutorial online to familiarize people with all we offer & make them comfortable using it.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Thing #9 Life-long learning
Where would we be w/o life long learning? Simple:if you fail to keep learning, you stagnat and lose out on all of the things life has to offer. Were we born knowing how to drive, read, or use a computer? No-we had to learn. As we progress through life, we build on acquired skills.
I've taken (2) classes through Web Junction. I found them to be informative and the directions were easy to follow. The fact that they are free removes any hesitancy on people's part to participate. Like any internet class (think college classes offered online in lieu of attending a class on campus) you don't have the interaction w/the instructor or other students however if you are motivated and are comfortable learning at your own pace this is an ideal way to pick up information and skills. I'm always interested in classes on how to deal with people since that is our business here at the library. We see such a broad spectrum people and situations that we really need to be up on the latest people-based skills. We also need to keep in mind our "customers" can be internal as well-how do we relate to our fellow employees?
I think if there was a class that multiple people were intested in, it would be beneficial to see if we could reserve space somewhere & work together-in effect, creating our own classroom!
I've taken (2) classes through Web Junction. I found them to be informative and the directions were easy to follow. The fact that they are free removes any hesitancy on people's part to participate. Like any internet class (think college classes offered online in lieu of attending a class on campus) you don't have the interaction w/the instructor or other students however if you are motivated and are comfortable learning at your own pace this is an ideal way to pick up information and skills. I'm always interested in classes on how to deal with people since that is our business here at the library. We see such a broad spectrum people and situations that we really need to be up on the latest people-based skills. We also need to keep in mind our "customers" can be internal as well-how do we relate to our fellow employees?
I think if there was a class that multiple people were intested in, it would be beneficial to see if we could reserve space somewhere & work together-in effect, creating our own classroom!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Thing #8: Online Apps
I really like this one! I think the Google Docs mirror Office-can't see too much difference. I'l like to play with it a bit more to get a better feel however the functions, toolbars, files, etc, seemed the same. I think this really would be beneficial to people who may not have a certain application on their computer (ex: Excel) but who need to access it to open an attachment from a friend or as part of "working at/from home". In my other job, I run into people all the time who don't have programs that I have which is frustrating because we can't communicate. Because you cana control who has access to documents, there is some protection built in however for confidential matters I wonder how people would react if they knew things such as evaluations, disciplanry items, etc, are out on the "web". Has there been any hacking into docs?
As far as useful for the library, like anything else, I think we could utilize it. When compiling the newletter, just like the example shown in the video, Beth would be able to view instead of being bombarded. The monthly reports each department writes also would be a candidate. When we attend workshops, instead of passing around a Word doc, we can have it posted and then all who need to, can add their information.
As far as useful for the library, like anything else, I think we could utilize it. When compiling the newletter, just like the example shown in the video, Beth would be able to view instead of being bombarded. The monthly reports each department writes also would be a candidate. When we attend workshops, instead of passing around a Word doc, we can have it posted and then all who need to, can add their information.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Thing #6 IM
I enjoy IM. I've used it extensively at my other job. It's great to be able to communicate w/o having to pick up the phone. I think some people would call that "lazy" however when I need a quick, short answer (especially when I'm already on the phone!) it is truly a lifesaver. This way, I can answer a question w/o the dreaded "I'll get back 2 u on that". I know too how easy it is to start a conversation & get sidetracked-multitasking has it's downside too! We've used MSN and Yahoo IM at work so both are familiar.
As a mode of communication, it will never replace face-2-face because it is one dimensional (same w/email)-no way to really know the inflection or tone of the speaker's voice. Having said that, I do feel that it is invaluable when you need an answer now and for quick communication. From a reference standpoint, I think it should be considered another tool in our communication format. Any way for info to reach our patrons is a good thing. It shows they are using the library in the fashion they need to & we are responding to an ever changing world. Thank goodness libraries have not become extinct! We are meeting the challenge every day on how to serve our patrons better. It is great that we are integrating new technology into our range of services. If we stand still (ie, not use the technology at hand) we will not be seen as the public treasure we are nor as the asset to the community which we most certainly are. TTUL
As a mode of communication, it will never replace face-2-face because it is one dimensional (same w/email)-no way to really know the inflection or tone of the speaker's voice. Having said that, I do feel that it is invaluable when you need an answer now and for quick communication. From a reference standpoint, I think it should be considered another tool in our communication format. Any way for info to reach our patrons is a good thing. It shows they are using the library in the fashion they need to & we are responding to an ever changing world. Thank goodness libraries have not become extinct! We are meeting the challenge every day on how to serve our patrons better. It is great that we are integrating new technology into our range of services. If we stand still (ie, not use the technology at hand) we will not be seen as the public treasure we are nor as the asset to the community which we most certainly are. TTUL
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Thing #7 Wikis!
I know...I skipped Thing #6. I'll come back to it.
Anyway on to Wikis. I found these fascinating. To think that you can create & post like the example shown regarding the mythical camping trip-how handy. It does eliminate the back and forth of email. I think this is a useful tool however, as shown w/Wikipedia anyone (if given access/rights/permission) can post anything-which means you have to either trust the content or be very discening. It would work for a group (such as library employees) as a bulletin board-much easier to communicate w/everyone since we all work varied shifts. I found the Wikipedia site on Roselle interesting, particularly the links at the bottom to Lake Park HS & the village hall. No mention of the library however! HMMMM.... I checked out Schaumburg's site for their 2.0 project. It is intesting to see how libraries incorporate new technology-not unlike other business'. Since we are learing all of these tech related items, why don't we pick a couple (the most benefical or useful) for use in the library among our fellow employees? It's a way to retain our new found knowledge plus become familiar and comfortable w/technology. This way too when our patrons ask us, we can explain & educate-after all, that's what we are here for.
Anyway on to Wikis. I found these fascinating. To think that you can create & post like the example shown regarding the mythical camping trip-how handy. It does eliminate the back and forth of email. I think this is a useful tool however, as shown w/Wikipedia anyone (if given access/rights/permission) can post anything-which means you have to either trust the content or be very discening. It would work for a group (such as library employees) as a bulletin board-much easier to communicate w/everyone since we all work varied shifts. I found the Wikipedia site on Roselle interesting, particularly the links at the bottom to Lake Park HS & the village hall. No mention of the library however! HMMMM.... I checked out Schaumburg's site for their 2.0 project. It is intesting to see how libraries incorporate new technology-not unlike other business'. Since we are learing all of these tech related items, why don't we pick a couple (the most benefical or useful) for use in the library among our fellow employees? It's a way to retain our new found knowledge plus become familiar and comfortable w/technology. This way too when our patrons ask us, we can explain & educate-after all, that's what we are here for.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Thing #5 Pod/Vodcasts
This was a difficult one for me, not so much content but execution. I was frustrated when looking for something to view-way too much out there to choose from! I did enjoy the featured library casts-the one for Denver Library's summer reading program w/the white kitty was hilareous (sp?)! Loved when he/she was trying to skateboard. I've been to the Denver Library-it is magnificent.
Anyway, I was not able to link a pod/vod feed/video to this blog. I will find out from 1 of our team leaders how to do it. I think the fact there is so much out there-like Lynn says "the good, the bad, the truly ugly" it is very overwhelming to be able to pick things here & there. It's almost intimadating having so many choices. I can see once again how people get addicted to viewing non-stop videos, TV shows, etc. I think I learned way more than I thought-so much so that I need more time w/this "Thing" to feel comfortable using or explaining it to a patron. Having said that, I am not sure what to comment on as far as use in the library. Useful tool, gets the word out in an ever increasing, visually oriented world.
Anyway, I was not able to link a pod/vod feed/video to this blog. I will find out from 1 of our team leaders how to do it. I think the fact there is so much out there-like Lynn says "the good, the bad, the truly ugly" it is very overwhelming to be able to pick things here & there. It's almost intimadating having so many choices. I can see once again how people get addicted to viewing non-stop videos, TV shows, etc. I think I learned way more than I thought-so much so that I need more time w/this "Thing" to feel comfortable using or explaining it to a patron. Having said that, I am not sure what to comment on as far as use in the library. Useful tool, gets the word out in an ever increasing, visually oriented world.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)