Odyssey's over.
Tasks done--learning's just begun!
Exciting future!
Tasks done--learning's just begun!
Exciting future!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Crossing the Finish Line!
It seems strange to be done. At the same time, I am relieved to reach this point. I've tried to move along on this as quickly as possible, since the next few weeks will be busy and I didn't want to face October playing "catch up". Even now, however, it has sometime been difficult to find the time to work on this. It would probably be more accurate to say I have "taken" the time from other tasks, rather that "found" free time begging to be filled. Yet I felt this was important and it provided an opportunity to explore topics about which I've been curious. It's been a good experience: interesting, informative, fun.
Downloading Audio Files
From NetLibrary I downloaded and listened to Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr. I chose this title for several reasons:
- I am very familiar with the print copy and wondered how the this format would compare.
- The book isn't very long so I knew that it would be downloaded quickly.
- It is a selection that I could listen to in one sitting.
The download went very smoothly and the narrator's voice and inflections held my interest. It's comparable to a well-read book on tape or CD.
I wanted to compare this experience with a download from MyMediaMall and am disappointed that I was not successful. MyMediaMall refused to recognize my library card number and PIN.
I successfully downloaded and listened to 2 songs from SoundClick, the blues selection "Beale Street Blues" (Kurt Lewis Neufer, Kurt & the Blues Cats) and a country tune "Gotta Find You" (Paul Wilson and Joanne T.). This too was easy and went well. The biggest problem was trying to decide what I wanted to download.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
STDL 24/7
It is interesting to browse through NetLibrary and My Media Mall to see how much is available. Safari is a good resource for computer books, but not one that I am likely to use because of the limited subject matter. I have already used Virtual Reference Library for research. Of course, in doing so, I've never read a complete book or chapter. I've just focused in on the information I was seeking. TumbleBooks is very popular (48,353 views as of this morning) and I am very pleased that we offer this. Online Book Clubs is an intersting concept. It's helpful to get a taste of the book before tackling the whole thing. Since I read more nonfiction than fiction, I'm glad to see this is a choice.
While I enjoy being read to, I find that I tend to get lost in the story and in the voice inflections of the spoken word. So listening to books on tape, CD, or MP3 is not something that I could ever do while driving! I tend to stay on task much better with music, not speech, softly in the background. I do a lot of reading and like to curl up with a good book, feeling the weight of the book in my hand and the touch of the paper as I turn each printed page. However, I'm looking forward to the next task of downloading and reading an ebook because I've never done this. The experience will be different; I don't know how I will like it. I'm eager to find out. Ebooks are certainly part of the future of libraries. Will they ever replace the printed page? My guess would be "not in the foreseeable future".
Not knowing which groups would be listed under "Community Groups", I opted to click the "subjects list" to see what is available. I was amazed at the variety and scope of groups listed! Being interested in the recent lunar eclipse, I 1st clicked on the one listing for "astronomy". It's very helpful that, in addition to a description, there is meeting information and a link to the Web site. I then clicked on "Girl Scouts". Here, rather than information on meetings, there us contact information and a link to the 2 councils represented. I was surprised to see that the DuPage Council is now called Prairie Winds Inc. Finally, I looked to see what was listed under "homeschooling". Here I found 2 groups with information for each.
Here are the answers found in "Explore Schaumburg Township's History":
While I enjoy being read to, I find that I tend to get lost in the story and in the voice inflections of the spoken word. So listening to books on tape, CD, or MP3 is not something that I could ever do while driving! I tend to stay on task much better with music, not speech, softly in the background. I do a lot of reading and like to curl up with a good book, feeling the weight of the book in my hand and the touch of the paper as I turn each printed page. However, I'm looking forward to the next task of downloading and reading an ebook because I've never done this. The experience will be different; I don't know how I will like it. I'm eager to find out. Ebooks are certainly part of the future of libraries. Will they ever replace the printed page? My guess would be "not in the foreseeable future".
Not knowing which groups would be listed under "Community Groups", I opted to click the "subjects list" to see what is available. I was amazed at the variety and scope of groups listed! Being interested in the recent lunar eclipse, I 1st clicked on the one listing for "astronomy". It's very helpful that, in addition to a description, there is meeting information and a link to the Web site. I then clicked on "Girl Scouts". Here, rather than information on meetings, there us contact information and a link to the 2 councils represented. I was surprised to see that the DuPage Council is now called Prairie Winds Inc. Finally, I looked to see what was listed under "homeschooling". Here I found 2 groups with information for each.
Here are the answers found in "Explore Schaumburg Township's History":
- St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church; still in existence.
- Redeker family ran JH Redeker Peonies on the farm formerly owned by Herman Boeger.
- Victor Golubski house located at 112 Arlington Street, Hoffman Estates.
Here are the answers for "Research Any Topic":
- From Prices for Antiques, on September 4, 2004 the pincushion sold for $402. There was no mention of any sale in 1994!
- In AyAyAy! the items used to teach aunty a lesson are "four big fat crabs" and "big long pine needles". Not finding this in any data base under "Books & Literature", I did an Internet search and found the complete Haitian folktale "The Little Boy and the AyAyAy" in http://www.faae.org/. Since this site, "Florida Alliance for Arts Eduction", seems reputable, I'm going with what I found here. Sometimes, in answering reference questions the timeliness of the response is 2nd in importance only to accuracy!
- From Public Records, the house sold for $2025500.
How interesting to log on to AskAway as a patron, after working "on the other side of the computer"! I asked when the next lunar eclipse would be and got the following answer: "According to NASA it will be Feb 21, 2008 http://sunearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse/OH/OH2008.html"
A fairly simple question got an answer from a reputable source in a timely fashion! All in all, it was a positive experience!
MySpace Musings
After viewing our teen page and that of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, I searched for other public library MySpace pages and got an 5540 hits! I then wanted to see what Illinois libraries have a MySpace presence, so I limited my search accordingly. This time I got 2660 hits and looked at pages for Glenview, Thomas Ford, Pontiac, Indian Trails and St. Charles. My overall impression is of very colorful pages packed with information including photos, drawings, blogs, podcasts and video clips. I see this benefitting libraries in several ways:
- It's another PR tool to get information out to the public.
- Since MySpace is so popular (according to Wikipedia [MySpace article]"...claiming 106 million accounts on September 8, 2006,[7] the site reportedly attracts new registrations at a rate of 230,000 per day" [7. ^ "MySpace music deal poses multiple threats", The Register, 2006-09-08. Retrieved on 2006-09-08.]), this is a good way to reach the MySpace population who may not see the information is other sources.
- The Interactivity/Web 2.0 technology of MySpace allows others to communicate with us.
Anyone watching or reading the news knows that there can be safety issues with the Internet. However, realistically, there can be safety issues with anything and everything, from driving a car, to walking through a parking lot, to cooking dinner, to changing a light bulb! The key to any and all concerns about safety is education! The ILA site addresses Internet safety with the information on the page and with the bookmarks. We address Internet safety with handouts and discussion in the parent and child computer classes "Introduction to Computers" and "Introduction to the Internet", through other presentations, and in an "Internet Safety" section of links on our Parents page @ http://www.stdl.org/parents.asp#internetsafety.
The Wiki World
On Wikipedia I looked up a very timely topic, "Lunar Eclipse". I thought the time lapse movie of an eclipse earlier this year was interesting and I was surprised to see that there was already an article about the August 28, 2007 event. It doesn't get more recent than that!
In WikiHow I read the spotlight article "How to Defeat a My Space Addiction" since it's relevant to my Web 2.0 Odyssey. The article was informative and the tips seemed logical and helpful.
To make a comparison with what I read in Wikipedia, I then looked up lunar eclipse and read an article on "How to View an Eclipse". It was mostly about the precautions necessary in watching a solar eclipse with only the following brief mention of a lunar eclipse: "Lunar eclipses, which occur when the Earth gets between the Moon and the Sun, causing the MOON to eclipse, are perfectly safe to view with nothing on your eyes."
Moving on to Wetpaint, I decided to look up something in popular culture. Since I just saw the movie The Bourne Ultimatum, I searched for information on Jason Bourne. What appeared were synopses, reviews, discussions of the 3 Bourne movies.
In the past I have used Wikipedia to research popular culture topics. When working on some "Lemony Snicket" trivia, I looked up some of the answers in Wikipedia. Before seeing the latest "Harry Potter" movie I used Wikipedia to referesh my memory on the preceeding films in the series. I will continue to use this source personally for popular culture topics. Professionally, this would not be my chosen 1st source. I might refer to it later on in a search and then use the information only if it agreed with my other sources.
I had not used the other wikis prior to this exercise, but I think I might consult WikiHow again. My impression is that it breaks down directions in clearly stated steps. Again, I would be more inclined to use this for popular culture topics and look to other sources for scholarly research.
On our STDL wiki, I added to the "Favorite Things" section. The directions made the process very straighforward and easy.
In WikiHow I read the spotlight article "How to Defeat a My Space Addiction" since it's relevant to my Web 2.0 Odyssey. The article was informative and the tips seemed logical and helpful.
To make a comparison with what I read in Wikipedia, I then looked up lunar eclipse and read an article on "How to View an Eclipse". It was mostly about the precautions necessary in watching a solar eclipse with only the following brief mention of a lunar eclipse: "Lunar eclipses, which occur when the Earth gets between the Moon and the Sun, causing the MOON to eclipse, are perfectly safe to view with nothing on your eyes."
Moving on to Wetpaint, I decided to look up something in popular culture. Since I just saw the movie The Bourne Ultimatum, I searched for information on Jason Bourne. What appeared were synopses, reviews, discussions of the 3 Bourne movies.
In the past I have used Wikipedia to research popular culture topics. When working on some "Lemony Snicket" trivia, I looked up some of the answers in Wikipedia. Before seeing the latest "Harry Potter" movie I used Wikipedia to referesh my memory on the preceeding films in the series. I will continue to use this source personally for popular culture topics. Professionally, this would not be my chosen 1st source. I might refer to it later on in a search and then use the information only if it agreed with my other sources.
I had not used the other wikis prior to this exercise, but I think I might consult WikiHow again. My impression is that it breaks down directions in clearly stated steps. Again, I would be more inclined to use this for popular culture topics and look to other sources for scholarly research.
On our STDL wiki, I added to the "Favorite Things" section. The directions made the process very straighforward and easy.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Podcasts
The two articles provide a brief explanation of podcasting, what it is and what is involved. Jo Ann Sampson's Launching into the Podcast/Vodcast Universe (Computers in Libraries, November/December 2006, http://www.infotoday.com ) is a step by step log of the OCLS experience of getting into podcasting. Thank you to Jo Ann for sharing her experience with those of us thinking of taking the same journey!
After reading Meredith Farkas' An Outlet for Creativity (American Libraries, March 2007), I knew that I had to listen to at least one of the Cheshire PL teen podcasts! I particularly like the stress in the article on "participants' sense of ownership", and "trusting the patrons...giving them control over the product." This may not always be easy to do, but it truly is important.
On the Kankakee Public Library Web site, I listened to the podcast Verla Kay and Her Books for Children @ http://www.lions-online.org/podcasts/verlakay.html. As a Youth Services librarian, I am familiar with some of her books. I enjoy author visits and was eager to see how this type of program would play out in this medium. I am impressed; both the author's personality and the contents of her books come across very clearly. Podcasting enables those who were present to re-live their experience and those who could not attend to share in the event.
For my 2nd podcast, I chose another author visit: Speaking Volumes: Interview with Seth Mnookin, Author of Feeding the Monster: How Money, Smarts, and Nerve Took a Team to
the Top Part 1 An Inside look at the Red Sox Managment (with host Cinda Donovan) done by the Hingham Public Library (MA) @ http://www.hinghamlibrary.org/SethMnookin1.htm. This short podcast includes video. When I have the time to do so, I am eager to watch Part 2 An Inside Look at the Red Sox Players.
My Google search then led me to Cheshire Public Library (mentioned in the article An Outlet for Creativity) where I listened to the most recent teen post @ http://ia340940.us.archive.org/1/items/cpl_podcast_episode_13_06_06_07/episode13.mp3.
This episode features teens reading their poetry and fiction, announcements, and a farewell from the teens who have been creating the podcasts. The teens' creativity and enjoyment is very evident. It's a good way to get the teens involved!
Finally, I listened to a review/discussion of the children's book Enemy Pie@ http://www.justonemorebook.com/2007/08/24/a-recipe-for-resolution-enemy-pie. This site, "is a thrice-weekly podcast which promotes and celebrates literacy and great children’s books". It is searchable by category, author, illustrator and invites comments.
After reading Meredith Farkas' An Outlet for Creativity (American Libraries, March 2007), I knew that I had to listen to at least one of the Cheshire PL teen podcasts! I particularly like the stress in the article on "participants' sense of ownership", and "trusting the patrons...giving them control over the product." This may not always be easy to do, but it truly is important.
On the Kankakee Public Library Web site, I listened to the podcast Verla Kay and Her Books for Children @ http://www.lions-online.org/podcasts/verlakay.html. As a Youth Services librarian, I am familiar with some of her books. I enjoy author visits and was eager to see how this type of program would play out in this medium. I am impressed; both the author's personality and the contents of her books come across very clearly. Podcasting enables those who were present to re-live their experience and those who could not attend to share in the event.
For my 2nd podcast, I chose another author visit: Speaking Volumes: Interview with Seth Mnookin, Author of Feeding the Monster: How Money, Smarts, and Nerve Took a Team to
the Top Part 1 An Inside look at the Red Sox Managment (with host Cinda Donovan) done by the Hingham Public Library (MA) @ http://www.hinghamlibrary.org/SethMnookin1.htm. This short podcast includes video. When I have the time to do so, I am eager to watch Part 2 An Inside Look at the Red Sox Players.
My Google search then led me to Cheshire Public Library (mentioned in the article An Outlet for Creativity) where I listened to the most recent teen post @ http://ia340940.us.archive.org/1/items/cpl_podcast_episode_13_06_06_07/episode13.mp3.
This episode features teens reading their poetry and fiction, announcements, and a farewell from the teens who have been creating the podcasts. The teens' creativity and enjoyment is very evident. It's a good way to get the teens involved!
Finally, I listened to a review/discussion of the children's book Enemy Pie@ http://www.justonemorebook.com/2007/08/24/a-recipe-for-resolution-enemy-pie. This site, "is a thrice-weekly podcast which promotes and celebrates literacy and great children’s books". It is searchable by category, author, illustrator and invites comments.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
My YouTube Experience
Since I know people who upload videos to YouTube, I frequently check the site to see what's new. Today in my browsing, in addition to checking my usual clips, I found and enjoyed the following videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qB5jgcOsRd8
A Quick Tour of the Gail Borden Public Library
Posted on 11/14/06, this short video runs for 2:27 and is a very inviting introduction to the facility. I keep meaning to stop in and check out their new building, haven't gotten there yet, and, after watching the clip, am convinced that I should drop by.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42Qy0XaA3UI
What's New at the Library? August 13-19
Since I think a "what's new?" vlog is a really useful, eye-catching, and entertaining way to spread the word about programs, events, aquisitions, and information, I was interested in seeing the AHML LibVlog posted on 8/9/07. This short, 2:15, clip presented useful and timely facts in a pleasant format.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iW53F_jSewg
Abraham Lincoln the Early Years
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttfIMI9PVuA
Abraham Lincoln--His Great Work as President
Both of these clips, part of the AHML series of LibVlogs feature Sarah Long conducting an interview while touring the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield, IL. Together they total over ten minutes and I usually prefer shorter clips. However, I could not resist watching both of them, since earlier this week, I toured the museum and found it to be a profoundly moving, deeply interesting, and highly informative experience. They provide an informative introduction to the musuem for those who have never been there and a solid review of the experience for those who have visited.
I would like to see our library use online video to promote activities, feature special events and displays, and give brief introductions / instructions on new procedures.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qB5jgcOsRd8
A Quick Tour of the Gail Borden Public Library
Posted on 11/14/06, this short video runs for 2:27 and is a very inviting introduction to the facility. I keep meaning to stop in and check out their new building, haven't gotten there yet, and, after watching the clip, am convinced that I should drop by.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42Qy0XaA3UI
What's New at the Library? August 13-19
Since I think a "what's new?" vlog is a really useful, eye-catching, and entertaining way to spread the word about programs, events, aquisitions, and information, I was interested in seeing the AHML LibVlog posted on 8/9/07. This short, 2:15, clip presented useful and timely facts in a pleasant format.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iW53F_jSewg
Abraham Lincoln the Early Years
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttfIMI9PVuA
Abraham Lincoln--His Great Work as President
Both of these clips, part of the AHML series of LibVlogs feature Sarah Long conducting an interview while touring the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield, IL. Together they total over ten minutes and I usually prefer shorter clips. However, I could not resist watching both of them, since earlier this week, I toured the museum and found it to be a profoundly moving, deeply interesting, and highly informative experience. They provide an informative introduction to the musuem for those who have never been there and a solid review of the experience for those who have visited.
I would like to see our library use online video to promote activities, feature special events and displays, and give brief introductions / instructions on new procedures.
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