Thoughts About the Program

This has been an interesting experience.  I think I’ve learned a lot or at least familiarized myself with a lot of new things.  There were only a couple of tools that I was familiar with before starting this program.  I think there are probably about five or so of the tools that I will continue to use.  There are some of them that I don’t think I will ever use again, (Twitter) but I may be wrong.

I guess my favorite tools have been Flickr, YouTube, Delicious, and MyHeritage genealogy site.  I think I will periodically use Google Docs and MyHeritage in my personal life on a regular basis.  I can see myself using Wikis, blogging, Delicious, and other tools at work.  I will continue to listen to podcasts but at this time I don’t see myself creating podcasts.

The really interesting thing is I’m not sure I will continue blogging.  I don’t really have a pressing need to share information or comment and give my viewpoint of things online.  I respect people who have a lot to say about things and can voice their opinions in an organized way.  I just don’t feel the impetus to do that.  I will read and do some work related blogging at CML but I can’t see myself using it at home.

This program has been very good.  A few times I have felt frustrated that I didn’t have more time to dig in and learn more about each activity.  It was an adjustment for me to not try to master each activity but instead to be content with becoming familiar with it.  I think having the extra time at the end to complete the program was a big help. 

I would definitely participate in a similar program in the future.  I really appreciate the opportunity to have learned new skills and practice using these tools during work time.

MOLDI

I logged into MOLDI and browsed the collection.  I found a couple of music documentaries but when I tried to download them there was some problem with digital rights management.  Perhaps this is because I attempted to download them on a staff computer?  Maybe they will work at home. 

The selection of materials on this site is not that great.  There are a few good documentaries.  The music is mainly classical, orchestral, and vocal.  There is not a lot of appeal for younger users.  I think the selection has to get better for this site to get a lot of usage from our customers.

Podcasts

I looked through the podcast directory Podcast Alley.  I found a baseball history podcast called Baseball Historian that interests me.  I was able to link it to my blog.  The directory that I used was fairly helpful.  One improvement I would like to see is the use of subheadings for the categories.  For example, there is a category called, Sports & Recreation where I found the Baseball Historian podcast.  However, I had to look through hundreds of podcasts to find the baseball ones.  It would be nice if the category was broken down further into different sports and recreational activities to aid discovery.

You Tube

You Tube is something that I just discovered this past year.  I’ve used it to locate hard to find interviews of the Beatles.  I’ve also used it for footage of concerts.  Also, it is great for snippets of old television shows.  This is probably one of my favorite Web 2.0 tools.  I can sit for hours browsing for interesting material.  What is nice is that when you are looking at a video you get links to related videos on the side.  This is like an excellent reader’s (or viewer’s) advisory service.  I have discovered lots of interesting material by following some of these links and it is material that I hadn’t know existed.

Library Toolbar

I like the New Items link on this, but I would find it more helpful if I could get a list of new adult DVDs which is something customers often request.  The My Account link is nice for checking account info.  I haven’t really used the eMedia links because I don’t find much on MOLDI that I am interested in looking at/hearing.  I guess the thing I use the most is the New Items link.

Web 2.0 Awards

I found a really nice genealogy site in the list of awards.  It is called MyHeritage.  What I like about it is that I don’t have to purchase a software package, load a CD-Rom, and figure out how the thing works.  I just go to the web site and it is really intuitive and easy to use.  Plus, I can invite other family members to view it and share their information.  I guess the thing I like about it most is that I can start creating a family tree right away rather than having to wade through a bunch of instructions to figure out how to do it.  This is a great site!

Google Apps

I like the fact that I can access word processing on any computer as long as it has an Internet connection.  Very nice!  My PC at home was bought used and so I don’t have the password to be able to access the Microsoft Office Suite.  Rather than having to go out and shell some money for the software, I’ll just use Google Apps anytime I need to type up a document.

Thing #16 Wikis

This has been the most confusing of the play activities so far for me.  I think I added my blog to the learn and play wiki??  Also, I found it confusing as to how I am supposed to login to the learn and play wiki.  I asked for access but I’m still not sure I have it.

I like the ability to be able to add information from lots of different people on one Wiki page.  The concept seems great.  I think what I have found most difficult is the editing.  Perhaps this is just something that I would need to spend more time reading the Help information?

Wikis

I can see the value of Wikis in collaborative projects.  It would work so much better than firing off e-mails and keeping track of what has been suggested and changed.  I think Wikis are great for that.  I also like the idea of using Wikis as community portals.  It seems to me the biggest challenge would be getting customers over the fear of technology and to participate.  Although it is simple to edit and change content, some library users are unfamiliar with how to set up an e-mail account.  But, I guess the main thing would be to get started and have it grow rather than expecting customers to jump into it immediately.

Web 2.0

I like the comments by Michael Stephens, especially the idea of not adopting technology to be “cool” or for status.  He states that user needs and wants are to be determined first and then technology is chosen that best addresses those needs and wants.  I like this idea.  I think it is easy to get seduced into having new technology just because it is “hip” or “happening.”  It is far better to put the cart before the horse by listening to our customers and having them let us know what they want and need first.