Reflection of Web 2.0

I have really appreciated all 20 exercises involved in the Web 2.0 training. The greatest challenge has been to find the time to explore the various areas thoroughly. It has definitely changed my life -- I was reunited with a friend from 25 years ago through facebook. The Web 2.0 exposure has increased my awareness of so many possibilities that I didn't previously know exsisted through the internet and should help with customer service at the computers. Thanks for providing the training.

Podcasting

I held out on podcasting last because I wanted to spend some time listening to a variety of them. A close friends is hooked on podcasts and suggests lots of great one to check out. I listened to a few of Sno-Isle's picture book story podcasts. What a talented staff we have. Sunnyvale Public library is really taking advantage of the technology. They have podcasts featuring author visits, story times in foreign languages, and several informational adult programs. There are many implications for how libraries can use this technology and what a great service for the visually impaired.

Gaming

Gaming has huge implications for the library since so many children come in afterschool to use the computers to play the games. There are many great skills that kids can learn by using the games. The library is important because it provides access to all the children who don't have computers at home. I also love the computer games that require being physical -- for example Guitar Hero and Wii. They're not easy.

Maps and Geotagging

Google Earth is very cool. I use it at the reference desk all the time helping customers with a variety of needs. Plus it is just fun to travel around the world with Google Earth. What surprises me the most about Google Earth is the level of detail you can zoom into.

Avatars and Second Life

My real life keeps me so busy I don't have time to explore Second Life. My avatar speaks for itself.

Online Tools

Zoho is awesome. All the applications could prove to be really helpful. Who needs software anymore.

Search Engines

I played around with all of them and didn't see a huge difference. Perhaps my search needs to be more specific or specialized. It's good to know the options that are available.

Image Generators

Image generators can be really fun and it is possible to get very creative. I look forward to taking some more time to explore them.

Overdrive

It was great to have the experience of downloading a book. I have been deprived since I am a MAC woman. I'm looking forward to the MAC compatible Overdrive. There were plenty of interesting titles to chose from. I love telling library patrons about all the possiblities of accessing audio books, music and videos from home.

Del.icio.us

We have a Del.icio.us account set up at the reference desk. It really comes in handy for local information and for the sites we use on a regular basis. We use it frequently to access the school district and the City's web sites.

Wikis

I appreciate the team input and effort of a wiki. A wiki can be a really useful format for a project especially when the team is spread out. It is amazing how many options there are for communication in this day and age.

YouTube, Hulu and Fancast

YouTube is amazing and it is impressive to see the impact it is having on the world. There seems to be a video about almost everything. If you are a big TV fan Hulu and Fancast provide a useful service. It's helpful to know that they exist especially if a library patron is unable to find a certain TV show on the shelf Hulu or
Fancast might fill the need.

FaceBook

I've set up a Facebook account. It feels kind of creepy revealing information about yourself online. Social networking online is an interesting phenomenon. I wonder if I'll make any friends?

Flickr

Flickr was a blast to browse through. I felt like I was traveling looking through all the photos. What a great way to share with friends and family. Attached is a recent photo of my trip to Zion National Park. As you can see it was spectacular!

Pandora

Please give more assignments like this. Pandora rocks -- literally! What a great way to learn about new music. I can't wait to share this resource with others and to listen to more tunes.

Instant Messaging

I can see why instant messaging can become so addicting. It is fun and entertaining. It is a little bit of a thrill when the message pops up.

RSS Feeders

Now I've done it. I'll have an endless stream of current information from the new RSS feeders I've subscribed to. I appreciate the time saving aspect of RSS feeders. This could be very helpful at work as an indicator of which sites have been updated. RSS feeders are new to me -- so far so good with bloglines.com.

Review SIL Staff Blogs

Wow! I am amazed at the diversity of staff interests at Sno-Isle. It is very entertaining to browse the blogs.

Spring is here!

With the coming of longer days and sunshine there is so much more time for some of my favorite activities -- hiking and gardening. Stay tuned for more details.