Wrap up

Well I am finally finished this training, it has taken a while to complete but I am so glad it’s done. I moaned through most of the 10 lessons but in the end I am pleased I completed the whole Web 2.0 training and that I did not give up as I wanted to do many times.
Out of all the topics covered I had only used Youtube before – never blogged, nor used twitter or facebook (although of course knew of them) and had never heard of RSS, Wiki, Delicious, Librarything and Geocaching. Even though I am unlikely to use some of the things I learnt about again, it is good to keep up with technologies and at least know of them.

Geocaching

Geocaching, another term I had not heard of before, a treasure hunt using a GPS device to find hidden caches.
I can’t say I was too impressed personally with geocaching. I did look up sights nearby but can think of other things to do than go looking for caches but I guess there are people who do or would enjoy finding them.
I’m not sure about using it to promote the library as I noticed with Notre Dame (US) 225 students signed up, 40 found at least some and only 26 found all - and that was with prize incentives. Maybe it could be used when a new library is opened.

Podcasts

Podcasts are a great tool for libraries to video guest speakers for those members who cannot attend the event. Libraries have some interesting speakers and demonstrations that when put on podcast would only enhance customer service as many are unable to attend in person due to prior commitments. You could also add links to podcasts that could be interesting and relevant to libraries.
I personally like the idea of listening to podcasts from the ABC . If you catch the end of an interview or discussion on the radio and want to hear the whole thing just go to the ABC site and listen to the podcast.

Online video

I think everyone loves youtube. Finding a video you want is as easy as performing a keyword search and watching it a mere click of Play button. Even my husband who does not use the computer very much loves to use youtube - he listens and watches bands of yesteryear much to my teenagers dismay. Youtube also lets you send video links to your friends, my daughter is often kept amused on the train by the funny clips that are sent to her iphone. Lots could be said about the merits of youtube...but for the library?
Well one idea is that it could be a useful tool for giving viewers a visual on what the library looks like. Each branch could be featured showing basic layout and what resources available eg internets, catalogue, local history, council information, and of course the friendly staff!
Watch the clip below maybe the branch librarian could sing while giving the tour of your library.

Facebook,Twitter

Facebook

Facebook is the world's largest social network. It gives people the power to share and makes the world more open and connected. People use Facebook everyday to keep up with friends, upload an unlimited number of photos, share links and videos, and learn more about the people they meet.

With this in mind it makes sense that the library should also be on Facebook.  Adding  the library to social networking site Facebook is yet another way of providing access to our services.  It is a good way to let people know of upcoming events and the various services we offer and for them to provide feedback. Some libraries provide a link to their catalogue on the Facebook  home screen which is a good idea.

Twitter

Twitter is the best way to share and discover what is happening right now. With only 140 characters or less it is for quick comments.

Although I have never used twitter before this course and am not likely to use it again I like the idea as it is short and sweet not like having to do a 100 word blog!

I know our library has twitter and I think it is a good tool to send out reminders of library news  and events but to the question - How else could libraries use twitter ? I have no idea.

Week 6. Delicious, Library Thing

Delicious

I found this week very difficult, probably because I was trying to do it while on front desk and was not able to watch the video on Social Bookmarking in Plain English, and I was also  being interrupted. I realised that if I had watched the video first before attempting the tasks I would have saved myself some of the anguish. I don’t believe I would use Delicious personally as I would be happy just to use my own bookmarks rather than share others. But having now watched the video can see it would be useful in some circumstances.

LibraryThing

LibraryThing is a cataloging and social networking site for book lovers. It helps you create a catalogue of books: books you own, books you've read, books you'd like to read, books you've lent out ... whatever grouping you'd like.

Well I think this is pretty cool - of all the things covered so far in this training this is something I would use. I like idea of keeping a record of what I’ve read and I especially like that it gives recommendations of other similar books. It is a good way to discover new books outside your own library and gives reviews and ratings on them.

Wikis

I hadn’t heard of wikis before, besides of course Wikipedia and Wikileaks. I think it could be a good idea to have for library staff, to include things like policies and procedures. All staff could contribute and procedures would be uniform across the various libraries in your council.
  I found Antioch University wiki site quite interesting.  Did anyone notice the rules in the Staff Roles and Responsibilities section for front desk staff (click on Trainees: Front Desk Need to Know then 8. Staff Roles and Responsibilities.) Check out rules 9 and 10 - 

9.  No Knitting.

10. Please do not clip nails (toe or finger) while at the front desk.

Are these for real?