Week #9

Watched some videos in YouTube. I could spend (waste?) a lot of time on that site. I did enjoy some of the comedy videos by Robin Williams. If you're not offended by bad language, take a look (especially the piece about the invention of golf). I checked out Podcast.net and Yahoo Podcasts and continued my gardening theme by adding the RSS feed for a gardening podcast (Garden Helper). I really like NetLibrary. I set up an account and when I receive my new MP3 player (THANKS HCPL!)I'm going to download "The Amateur Emigrant" by Robert Lewis Stevenson. I've enjoyed learning about this new technology and exploring all of these new websites. Even if I don't use a lot of it, it's still good to be informed and have a better understanding what people are talking about and how they're doing it. Thanks to my co-workers for their encouragement and assistance and thanks HCPL for the "carrot".

Sunflower Video

Week #8

Created a document in Google Docs. It was easy to use. I explored a few of the Web 2.0 Awards Nominees (games, travel,fun stuff)but spent the most time on Realtravel.com. I like this one. I enjoyed finding travel destinations and attractions in Hawaii, looking at the pictures travelers were sharing and reading their opinions.

Week #7

Explored several of the library wikis. A wiki is a great tool or resource for groups of people to use to share information, ideas or to build on something. Two of the librarians at my branch have started a branch wiki. It may take some time for us to become comfortable communicating through it but I think we will use it. I'm glad this week's exerice ended with the Sandbox. It's 7:30 PM and I'm a little "dazed and confused" after reviewing the library wikis but had fun with the Sandbox. I checked out Favorite Jokes, Favorite Vacation Spots, Pets, Fancy Footballers (NICE!) and even posted a few comments.

Week #6

Del.icio.us is another useful tool. I like having all of my favorite sites accessible from any computer.

I can see how Technorati could be beneficial to a lot of people; however, I don't anticipate using it personally. Again, like so many of the things I'm learning through this program, It's interesting and good to be aware of.

Regarding the future of libraries, I think HCPL is doing a fantastic job "avoiding the 3 iceburgs" Rick Anderson discusses. Our website is easy to navigate and allows patrons access to a lot of information from anywhere. The only time most patrons encounter a problem if is they have blocks on their card or if it needs to be renewed. The librarians at my branch take into consideration the amount of information available online when reviewing our collection and helping patrons.

Week 5

Enjoyed most of the exercises this week. Had a lot of fun with the online image generators. Library Thing was also interesting but I had some trouble posting it on my blog page. Played a little in Rollyo (not sure it's something I'll use in the future - but still something useful to learn about). Here are the http://rollyo.com/search.html?q=Try+it+out...&sid=308908&x=13&y=9results

Week 4

I have to admit, I like having a newsreader. It's a lot of fun to have updates to your favorite (and fun) websites in one place. I knew I would enjoy learning about this new technology but I did not think I would use it on a regular basis - WRONG! I explored Merlin and spent some time with the search tools that help find feeds. I really liked Topix.net because it provided information on Darlington (where I live) and Syndic8 because it was really easy to use.