Thursday, July 3, 2008

Summary of the program

There were a few elements that I found interesting, however, for the most part, the whole experience was confusing and a chore.
Even though time was allotted during our workday to explore, it still was not enough.
The moving from page to page from blog to gmail to progress report page, etc, was cumbersome and confusing. And I have computer experience, so I can imagine how much more confusing it was to those who do not have a lot of knowledge about computers.

Digital Media Collection

I love audio books! I have gotten hooked on listening to them while in the car.
However, because I am a "Mac Addict," I am unable to download audio books to my computer or to my iPod. So, unfortunately for me, and for the other "Mac Addicts" out there, they are of no use.

Podcasts

In short, I really have no use for Podcasts. Just like the RSS feeds, subscribing to podcasts only inundates you with a lot of "stuff" that you could not possibly have the time to listen to or read.

YouTube

I have been on YouTube many times, mainly to view a video that was sent in an email.
I am sure there are a lot of interesting things to be found, but I am afraid that most of the content is just regular people looking for their "15 minutes of fame" by posting ridiculous and sometimes rather disgusting home videos.
I have enjoyed a few of the videos but I would not waste my time searching the site. I feel it has its merits as a venue for those who want to share family videos as a means of keeping in touch with family and friends that may be scattered across the country and perhaps around the world.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Web 2.0 Awards

I really liked Myheritage.com. It looks like a fun site.
If you have the time you can create a family tree complete with pictures, etc. and it can then be published to the web for other family members to see and perhaps add and/or correct info that has been put in.
I think I will go back to that site and play some more on my free time!

Zoho writer and Google docs

Sorry, I have no use for either one of these and found the sites very confusing.
Information overload!!!!!!!!!!

PBWiki

I really enjoyed exploring PBWiki. It's fun to find out what your colleagues are reading, where they like to get a good meal or go on vacation.
I have to say that has been the best part of Web 2.0 so far.

Wikis

I use wikipedia a lot for quick info, but I always check other sources for accuracy.
The problem with wikis is that anyone can contribute to an article or even change its entire content. It makes one wonder how much erroneous information is floating out there. I also hope that my doctor doesn't consult a wiki for info on what meds to prescribe or how to treat my various complaints! Makes one think. Ay??

Web 2.0

I think that the future for the library is in cyberspace.
Fortunatly, for us who work in the brick and mortar libraries, there will always be those patrons who need personal assistance. And for those people, I am grateful. Although, I must admit that when a patron comes in weekly and asks for the same materials and refuses to learn how to find or access material on their own, I do get annoyed. But, again, it is those very people that will probably be responsible for many of us have a job.
If allowed to digress a bit, I am amazed at how the computer has evolved in just the last 25 years. My first Apple was basically a glorified word processor - no HD, no internet. If things keep progressing as fast as they have, everything will be accessed on a computer. I just wonder though, won't cyberspace get rather crowded???????????? Hmmmmmmm!

technorati

Well, that was really confusing!
In short, I don't think I will ever use it

DEL.ICIO.US

Well, del.icio.us is not delicious to me. I really have no need for this tool, as I have bookmarking on my Mac and can create my own categories as I see fit.
The only positive about it is that it is posted on the web and helpful sites can be shared with others who may not otherwise know about them.

Friday, May 30, 2008

Library Thing Post

http://www.librarything.com/catalog/helkowskil23things
Above is the link to my Library Thing list. I would be interested to know if anyone else has read and/or enjoyed the books I posted as much as I did.

Friday, May 23, 2008

RSS and Blogline

I have set up a blogline account and added some feeds.
However, I really have no use for RSS technology at this time.
If I need information, I have no problem googling a topic as needed.
I really don't see the point of useless information coming at me daily which I really have no time to read.
I apologize for being so negative about all of this. But my time is limited here at work and at home. I use the computer daily to keep in touch with friends and family. I use it to shop and to find information. I have learned some new technology exploring Web 2.0 to this point, but it is not technology that I have use for at this time.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Technology

I have 2 Macs at home. I love digital photography and really enjoy printing photos and sharing them with my family and friends on my iWeb site.

My favorite place

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenadeau/1354307519/

The picture I chose is a view of Sedona, AZ. It is one of the most beautiful places on earth!
I took a shot similar to this one. I believe it was taken at the Airport Road vortex site. It brought back very fond memories of my two visits to this area.
If you have not been to northern AZ and the Grand Canyon area, I highly recommend it. The sites are awesome! Too beautiful for words.

Friday, May 16, 2008

How blogging can be useful in libraries

I am not a blogger. Never have been. Never will be. I don't feel the need to have my thoughts or ideas "out there" for all the world to see.
However, there are times when blogging can be helpful and quite informative.
In the library, blogging can be used to post reviews of new books or old favorites, as an example.
I think it should be used as a more informative tool, rather than a venue for peoples private thoughts and opinions.

Re: 7 1/2 Habits

The tips were helpful to some extent for those who need structure and find it difficult to try new things. But if I can be honest, the presentation was quite boring and a bit condescending.

I feel that we learn every minute of every day. It's not a conscious process for me or for most intelligent adults, for that matter.

I recently took up golf. I found an instructor, I obtained the tools needed, in this case a set of clubs, balls and tees, I practiced and eventually, ventured out to play a game. It was an automatic process. Not something I did consciously nor did I check off each step as I did them.

For me, the most difficult part would be to go through the tedious process outlined. Quite frankly, I would lose interest in the project before I even got started if I had to work so hard to try something new.

Friday, May 9, 2008

First blog

This is my very first blog!!! How exciting!!!
This is all new to me. A learning process, you know.
So bear with me and come back to see if I get the hang of this blogging thing.
Till next time!!!