Social networking services are increasing in popularity and any medium that gets the word of the library out to the community should be considered.
Albeit, I’m not sure that the Manilla Library should feature in Second Life, mind you my Avatar would definitely be younger and thinner!
It amazes me in a society where the spoken word is decreasing through email, texting and so forth that we are still embracing opportunities to interact and communicate.
The experts will also debate at length the pros and cons of social networking online … accusing bloggers of being introverted and avatars as those seeking escapism, but is it really so bad. Surely it isn’t, if it's not detrimental to others.
In the great words of Marvel writer Stan Lee from 1962, ‘with great power comes great responsibility.’ While this was written for Peter Parkers (aka Spiderman’s) Uncle Ben, it is still true. The internet creates great power and opportunity for many people; it also provides a platform of interaction and socialisation … with this power comes great responsibility.
While I see many applications and possibilities as highlighted through this course, I feel both excitement and trepidation. The world wide web could not have been a more accurate description of the internet, as you traverse a labyrinth of links, paths and sites. As a parent, you worry about the carefree exchange of information and as a librarian with many young borrowers looking to you for guidance – you again, feel incredible responsibility for their safety and wellbeing.
In conclusion, the best decision is to lead the masses to the cyber pool and see if they drink.
Thankfully technology has arrived and so let’s utilise what it has to offer.
Only being in the position at Manilla for the past six months, I have been spinning and implementing ideas at a rapid rate – now I have completed this course look out, cause there's more to come.
As I have stated throughout my many blogs … buckle your seatbelt and enjoy the ride!!!
Showing posts with label Manilla Library. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Manilla Library. Show all posts
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Week 11: Google Docs
Just when you think there can’t be any more amazing finds, you come across Google Docs. I can see so many applications for this streamlined facility.
Manilla Library is increasing numbers and services. For example, with the new Manilla Book Lovers Club we have a staggering 15 members; at the last meeting it was suggested that review be organised and published. Imagine, how easy it will be to have one document and share it with the Book Lovers members. When it comes time to printing, I’ll know that the most update copy is available and everyone who wanted to comment will have!
The scope of applications is not just limited to borrowers. Currently I use my flash drive to alternate between two computers at the library which are unfortunately located at opposite ends of the office. Now, instead of flash drive in and flash drive out, it will be as simple process of accessing it online … that’s less time consuming.
Who knows where this will end!
Manilla Library is increasing numbers and services. For example, with the new Manilla Book Lovers Club we have a staggering 15 members; at the last meeting it was suggested that review be organised and published. Imagine, how easy it will be to have one document and share it with the Book Lovers members. When it comes time to printing, I’ll know that the most update copy is available and everyone who wanted to comment will have!
The scope of applications is not just limited to borrowers. Currently I use my flash drive to alternate between two computers at the library which are unfortunately located at opposite ends of the office. Now, instead of flash drive in and flash drive out, it will be as simple process of accessing it online … that’s less time consuming.
Who knows where this will end!
Week 10: Mashups (adventure)
There are so many mashups from calendars to my favourite which is a cube of pics. It would be exceedingly appropriate to utilise mashups in the workplace, as long as guidelines were met eg: approval for photo use, nothing defamatory or misleading, rude, insensitive or inappropriate – but these guidelines are simply being sagacious.
Mashups are fun, inspiring and educational … all vital attributes for the Manilla Library.
Mashups are fun, inspiring and educational … all vital attributes for the Manilla Library.
Week 9: Podcasting
The first time that I heard of podcasts was a few years back, when the media covered that some lectures at UNE (University of New England – Armidale) were now available via podcast. While these were audio based, it was a brilliant step forward for students, lecturers and naturally for UNE to demonstrate that it was up to date with the latest technology.
There seems to be quite a bit of confusion still that podcasts are linked to iPods, therefore making their accessibility limited – this is not the case – anyone with access to a computer should be able to listen to podcasts.
While Manilla Library is relatively small, we have many borrowers (especially the very young and elderly) who are increasing their PC skills. The application of podcasting would be a wonderful way to talk them through the basics of setting up email, surfing the web and so forth.
It would also be a great way to keep in touch with those people that couldn’t attend the Book Lovers Club meeting, or even Storytime – as discussions or readings could be available online. Gosh, where could this end, as the Manilla Library could include promotions, displays and exhibitions … the list of things to be podcasted is endless!
Technology is often accused of taking away the human side of interaction and to an extent this may be true, but the generations are forging their own style of interaction and podcasting is just another method to stay informed.
This makes me think of Chrystie Hill from the USA who gave a wonderful speech at the Public Libraries NSW Country Conference in Tamworth (2008) – suddenly her friends concept of the internet pops into my head and he (and Chrystie) are correct - its all about knowing what your friends are doing and keeping in touch.
There seems to be quite a bit of confusion still that podcasts are linked to iPods, therefore making their accessibility limited – this is not the case – anyone with access to a computer should be able to listen to podcasts.
While Manilla Library is relatively small, we have many borrowers (especially the very young and elderly) who are increasing their PC skills. The application of podcasting would be a wonderful way to talk them through the basics of setting up email, surfing the web and so forth.
It would also be a great way to keep in touch with those people that couldn’t attend the Book Lovers Club meeting, or even Storytime – as discussions or readings could be available online. Gosh, where could this end, as the Manilla Library could include promotions, displays and exhibitions … the list of things to be podcasted is endless!
Technology is often accused of taking away the human side of interaction and to an extent this may be true, but the generations are forging their own style of interaction and podcasting is just another method to stay informed.
This makes me think of Chrystie Hill from the USA who gave a wonderful speech at the Public Libraries NSW Country Conference in Tamworth (2008) – suddenly her friends concept of the internet pops into my head and he (and Chrystie) are correct - its all about knowing what your friends are doing and keeping in touch.
Week 8: LibraryThing (Book:Step by step training)
http://www.librarything.com/home/ManillaMayhem">Home | LibraryThing
The book ‘Step by Step Trick Training’ had me intrigued, so I visited the website of its writer Jackie Johnson. What a brilliant woman.
My favourite pic is located at http://trckhrs.sasktelwebsite.net/.
It shows Jackie and a donkey sitting down on a hill – yep, both of them.
As someone who has own her horse since she was 20 mths old and has always been able to lay down on the ground with her and look at the stars – this was a great pic.
The book ‘Step by Step Trick Training’ had me intrigued, so I visited the website of its writer Jackie Johnson. What a brilliant woman.
My favourite pic is located at http://trckhrs.sasktelwebsite.net/.
It shows Jackie and a donkey sitting down on a hill – yep, both of them.
As someone who has own her horse since she was 20 mths old and has always been able to lay down on the ground with her and look at the stars – this was a great pic.
Week 6: Google Video and You Tube
After being quick experienced with You Tube, I decided to go straight to Google Video – which I’m sure I have never visited before.
What a great surprise, when I put in a general ‘horse’ search on Google Video to come up with the following to also try:
wild horses horses mating with humans goodbye horses band of horses beer for my horses toby keith
I was disappointed to see that the second category was something so graphic – now whether clicking on this link would have taken me to such sites I will never know, as I just don’t have the stomach to go there.
Imagine if one of our young borrowers did the same search, which is more than possible considering the love kids have for horses. This made me realise the dark side of the internet and question how children can be protected without breaching the FIA.
There are many applications in the Manilla Library where these applications could be used – to promote the various clubs, services and facilities available.
The Google Video search also resulted in You Tube video’s which was great, as one delivering both results is time effective.
One clip I couldn’t help but watch several times (due to scientific content of a equine embryo) was from Tim Flach – a promo for his new book Equus (publication date: 1 October). To check it out go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5FO3fvkzTw
The best video (which naturally featured horses) was:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qccLJ-slFI
Now being the owner of a warmblood horse, who has these breed lines it probably even more funny, but then I have never seen a Budwiser advertisement that didn’t make me laugh!
What a great surprise, when I put in a general ‘horse’ search on Google Video to come up with the following to also try:
wild horses horses mating with humans goodbye horses band of horses beer for my horses toby keith
I was disappointed to see that the second category was something so graphic – now whether clicking on this link would have taken me to such sites I will never know, as I just don’t have the stomach to go there.
Imagine if one of our young borrowers did the same search, which is more than possible considering the love kids have for horses. This made me realise the dark side of the internet and question how children can be protected without breaching the FIA.
There are many applications in the Manilla Library where these applications could be used – to promote the various clubs, services and facilities available.
The Google Video search also resulted in You Tube video’s which was great, as one delivering both results is time effective.
One clip I couldn’t help but watch several times (due to scientific content of a equine embryo) was from Tim Flach – a promo for his new book Equus (publication date: 1 October). To check it out go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5FO3fvkzTw
The best video (which naturally featured horses) was:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qccLJ-slFI
Now being the owner of a warmblood horse, who has these breed lines it probably even more funny, but then I have never seen a Budwiser advertisement that didn’t make me laugh!
Friday, October 3, 2008
Week 5: The world of Wiki
While I am not new to the Wiki experience, I have always treated the information attained with some scepticism and trepidation – if I couldn’t qualify the data on a few others sites, then I classified it as fiction and didn’t use it.
Before exploring Wiki once again, I was already intrigued by a statement from NSW Public Libraries, that ‘a recent survey by Stern found that the German language version of Wikipedia was more accurate than the leading German language encyclopaedia, Brockhaus’ – wow, that beams a new light of faith to Wiki.
The breadth and scope of Wiki is just enormous. Whether you want a quick answer on what is western neck reining or exploring specific Wiki sites dedicated to eg: Lego and Bionicles. The types of applications within Manilla Library that might work well with Wiki are endless.
Since joining the library as a staff member six months ago, I have seen so many of our young borrowers establish their own email address – for a small rural town this is brilliant.
This is the world we live in – to watch the Y and Z generation prefer to sit at a table and text each other than speak may seem sad to some people, but is simple a sign of the times. My Z generation thinks I have lost the plot and entered a world of pure fiction, when I speak about a childhood without colour television, the internet, iPods or CD’s!
When people speak of a simpler time without technology, they do not have my endorsement. Yes, I know it is fast paced and changing daily – but how exciting. I remember as a child being frustrated at the time it took to complete an essay – especially when the only resource was always borrowed by the teachers pet.
Our library is special – a centre of meeting, advancement and achievement. We offer services to the community, just like other libraries and while the time of researching data in books may change to be more instant, libraries will always play a crucial role in the community and peoples lives.
Gosh, there are so many different Wiki’s, that I can see being created from Manilla – we may need our www.manilla.wikia.com.
Before exploring Wiki once again, I was already intrigued by a statement from NSW Public Libraries, that ‘a recent survey by Stern found that the German language version of Wikipedia was more accurate than the leading German language encyclopaedia, Brockhaus’ – wow, that beams a new light of faith to Wiki.
The breadth and scope of Wiki is just enormous. Whether you want a quick answer on what is western neck reining or exploring specific Wiki sites dedicated to eg: Lego and Bionicles. The types of applications within Manilla Library that might work well with Wiki are endless.
Since joining the library as a staff member six months ago, I have seen so many of our young borrowers establish their own email address – for a small rural town this is brilliant.
This is the world we live in – to watch the Y and Z generation prefer to sit at a table and text each other than speak may seem sad to some people, but is simple a sign of the times. My Z generation thinks I have lost the plot and entered a world of pure fiction, when I speak about a childhood without colour television, the internet, iPods or CD’s!
When people speak of a simpler time without technology, they do not have my endorsement. Yes, I know it is fast paced and changing daily – but how exciting. I remember as a child being frustrated at the time it took to complete an essay – especially when the only resource was always borrowed by the teachers pet.
Our library is special – a centre of meeting, advancement and achievement. We offer services to the community, just like other libraries and while the time of researching data in books may change to be more instant, libraries will always play a crucial role in the community and peoples lives.
Gosh, there are so many different Wiki’s, that I can see being created from Manilla – we may need our www.manilla.wikia.com.
Week 3: Paint Horse on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
I was thrilled to discover there is 14 images of the Manilla Library in NSW, visually documenting the move from the old premises to the new purpose built centre.
The Mosman Library had a wonderful array of 307 pic's!
My passion is shared between books and horses. When I searched for paint horses I discovered a brilliant concept from Highpockets59 (congrat's) - rocks albeit they may be very large rocks that are painted to resemble curled up paint foals. Absolutely stunning.
In the words of Australian music icon Molly Meldrum - do yourself a favour - and check this site out! http://www.flickr.com/photos/highpockets59/2075128380/
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