Week 6 - Video

Discoveries on YouTube and Google video.
I found that the videos on YouTube and Google video in relation to showcasing oral histories, library building projects, staff orientations, guides to using library services, book reviews or exhibitions were all useful forms of providing information whether it was to library members or staff. I did find though that a lot of the videos were of poor quality. I dont think you need the best equipment but it can be frustrating for people to watch something when the faces are blurry and pixelated. This however would be the only negative I found.

I think that the videos on oral histories and library building projects were both great ways of presenting information in an interesting way rather then reading out of a book or looking at photographs. In terms of the video about the building of the library, this can be kept forever and is creating the libraries own records of its history.

In terms of staff orientation videos I think this cuts down time for staff that do training saving them from repeating themselves as well as providing staff with a friendly overview of the library. My only thoughts here is to keep these videos up to date. Having had a few jobs I have been witness to some very out of date orientation videos - their age shows! which can make the organisation look out of date as well.

Wht possibilities can you think of for your organisation?
I think the idea of displaying history in a visual way is great. My library has a history conference each year and videos could be used here not only to film some of the conference for a record for the library but present information to members of the community using online videos. These videos will then be able to be used in the future and be easily accessible by all.

I also think that patron tips videos are a great idea. Sometimes there can be confusion about who to ask for what but also people not wanting to make themselves look silly by asking a question. If some online video tutorials were made about how to use our library this might help them out.

Week 5 - Wikis

SJCPL Subject Guides wiki - I found this wiki interesting as it really allowed library members to interact with the library in an online environment. It had a subject guide where you could see different books available in the library. It also had a section for members to communicate with staff - I think this is great! It makes the library seem very modern and up to date in today's society.
Book Lovers Wiki - This wiki was interesting had book reviews from a summer reading group. A lot of libraries have reading clubs and this is a great way to use technology for such a thing and keep a permanent record of the readers experience. It was also categorised so you could access books more specifically e.g. 5 star rating, romance etc.

Wookieepedia - This is great for any star wars lover! I thought it was good because it was an encyclopedia about Star Wars that anyone could edit - fans can add what they like to it. I liked its layout with qutoes, articles and did you know facts.

What types of applications within libraries might work well with a wiki? a lot of things in the library could be used with this application e.g. feedback from patrons, OPAC's, Subject guides, rosters for staff, Staff news area, Library news and information.

Week 4 - RSS

What do you like about RSS and newsreaders? I like that RSS and newsreaders give me instant access to information that interests me. I can subscribe to blogs I want and access them all in one place.

What sites did you select for your RSS reader? For my RSS reader I selected:

1. ABC NEWS: Top Stories
2. NYT - Books
3. NYT - Fashion & Style
4. SMH - Travel
5. Powerhouse Museum - Photo of the Day
   

How do you think you might be able to use this technology in your work? This type of technology might be able to be used in my work as a way of keeping staff up to date on what is happening in the organisation but also to keep them up to date on new books and trends in libraries.

How can libraries use RSS or take advantage of this new technology? again libraries can take advantages of RSS by using it to keep patrons up to date on their library. They can also use it as a means of keeping themselves up to date on the latest news, books and trends or as a tool for their patrons to provide feedback and connect with the library.