Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Method 4: RSS

During 23 Things I did an RSS set up and have used it to follow several of the sites. I particularly am interested in some of the UK sport information as some of my family memebers live in England and are changing jobs, so it is good to get the most recent information. I saw in the information page that there was to be a little link to Discover however it did not appear, so Browse worked well.
I had not tried bundles before and subscribed to Guardian UK, to get a different slant on the UK news from London Times, Treehugger and What is Hot in Google Reader. Will try them for a while and see if I stay subscribed.
I know I will use most of the new sites...not sure about Treehugger.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Method 3: Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is a bit of plus and minus for me at the moment. We have been using Google-Docs, which have been great for surveys in the library, and of course loads of other tools, Wiki has been a boon. Zoho is a new introduction and the writer part with templates is one that should become one that we access a lot. I especially liked Sakura as I have a background in Japan so was drawn to that in its artistry.
I appreciate that some of the sites attempt to be not only functional, eye catching but artistic as well.
The decisions as to how much of the cloud is used for our library is of course in the hands of those who are in charge. Personally I am not willing to trust all of my own data to one huge conglomerate...walking a bit slowly to see how this works out for objective versus personal information. I am one who will use backup and encourage others to do the same, at least for a time.
The idea of user generated material being available, by our patrons, for them to see, share and use is bound to appeal to our young crowd.
Thanks for the introductions and for the opinions and articles on both sides.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Method 1 and 2

Winston Churchill once said that he loved learning, but didn't like to be taught. He was a genius so he could afford the attitude. I on the other hand will enjoy all the help I can get. Thanks.

I appreciate the effort which 2.0 is exerting to train, expose and share the areas of technology and the view to its use socially. Some of the websites mentioned in the article by Stephen Abram and in previous training have been very helpful and I am already looking forward to exploring some that are coming up.

The article by Stephen Abram shows the magnitude of the enthusiasm which the author has for his subject. It is more than slightly overwhelming in the suggestions of the Huxlian Brave New World which he envisions is to be the province of the librarian. He uses the image of a Renaissance mode which of course moves one from the old concept of information availability to the social dimensions. The use of the words human, social, visionary, transformational, decentralization of authority, and the last paragraph of "Librarians have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invent the future. Librarian 2.0 is the guru of the information age".

The magnitude of the statements requires some time to assimilate and ponder. "Libariarin 2.0 understands users at a deep level not just as pointers and clickers, but in terms of their goals and aspirations, workflows, social and content needs and more." WOW!! This is a huge responsibility, is it not, encompassing the skills of parent, sage, mentor, seer.........

As both a librarian and teacher I do not underestimate the influence of the librarian in our world, however, I trust that others will be able to assume a role in the phenomenon as well.

Our library has a large student population as well as those in the business community and the skills presented in 2.0 will be valuable for them as well as for us as a staff as we network within the library and with other sharing sites.

like learning

Thanks for setting up more learning exercises.