Step # 24 – Download from OverDrive to MP3 player

In this step, we have the opportunity to expand upon the learning experience of step #22 in which we downloaded from OverDrive. In step # 24, I selected a business marketing eAudiobook, downloaded to the PC, and loaded the eAudiobook to my MP3 player. This allowed for the option of listening to the selection while both portable and independent from the PC. This step is a wonderful addition to the overall learning experience of the “23 Things.” I am very thankful for this experience. It will be ongoing.

Step 23-Is it really the end? Or just the beginning…

This is the beginning and not the end because this is too much fun. This 23 step journey expands the perimeter of the library from the 4 walls in Exton to the limits of the imagination of our patrons and of us.

 

The Web 2.0 tools that we have discussed and used will allow our services to look for and match with the needs in our community of information users. These tools will allow us to operate in the same dimension or dimensions (generations?) that our customers inhabit. We can network with the best of them by utilizing the Web 2.0 communication techniques.

 

Perhaps our library is now a 24/7 institution. We can talk (Blog, MySpace, and Facebook) with our patrons, use visualization (Flickr and YouTube), receive feedback (RSS feeds), enhance our teamwork skills (Tagging), communicate efficiently (Wiki and Library Thing), and have a transactional presence in each of our patrons’ homes (Overdrive). The effective use of these tools may do to the library world what the ATM and internet have done to banking world.

Step # 22 – E-Audiobooks

The Overdrive eAudiobooks feature was accessed through the CCLS website. The tutorial and explanations available through the CCLC website were very helpful and easy to follow. After the download of the eAudiobooks software was completed, I selected an audio-book in the field of economics. The audio-book was downloaded and is now available for my use. It is clear to me that the combination of the Web 2.0 tools that we are learning about will forever change the relationship between the library and the library patrons in much the same way that the internet and ATM machines have modified the banking habits and behavior of most of us. I think that there will be additional revenue opportunities and funding options available to a library as a result of the Web 2.0 concepts that can optimize the channeling of information to our patrons.

Step 21 – Podcasts

After searching for library related podcasts, I decided to expand my research to many areas listed in the podcast directories. After a review of the business categories, I selected a RSS feed for a podcast from money-talk, a podcast that covers financial issues. The useful feature of the podcast is the automatic update that is possible. The podcast user can then review the information at a later and more convenient time. Perhaps, a regular podcast from CCLS could be established in which the patrons can be informed concerning the latest book releases and monthly library events. The step # 21 included a reference to a podcast tutorial.

Step # 20 – You too can YouTube

The business news and political categories in YouTube were interesting to view. The information can be reviewed quickly by combining the audio visual plus graphs. The different sites presented a wide range of topics, and this was the greatest plus for the concept. On the negative side, one needs to be careful to consider sources and the need to compare information from the various sources. Otherwise, a source may go unchallenged. I think that libraries can use this audio and visual tool in presenting instructions for our patrons in the use of the library 2.0 features.

Step # 19 – Social Networking Tools

In our daily contacts at the library, we see many patrons of all ages and interests. However, in this step # 19, the opportunity to enter into the networking tools offered to libraries and their staff is presented in a basic format. This is a tool that allows for a 2 way exchange of communication and ideas. The library goes beyond the stage of being a website an enters the world of the 2.0 site in which updates and quick communications can spread far beyond the library website through a mix of the active and occasionally active member of the micro blogging contact world.  

Step 18 – Discovering Web 2.0 tools

The Web 2.0 Awards list included many interesting and useful examples. I liked the manner in which the pb-wiki was presented. The site included categories for not only library applications but also for those of our patrons and the general public. For example, there were helpful suggestions for the establishment of a wiki for a business entrepreneur, for an educational setting, and others. As listed in my blogs in steps 15 and 16, my department is using a wiki for the benefit of our library patrons. I think that the use of a wiki may be the most educational and rewarding first step for our library patrons who wish to enter the 2.0 world.

Step 17 – Web based Apps: They are not just for desktops

A free account was created in Zoho Writer. I tested some documents using this website. There are several types and styles of shared files that one can utilize. The very useful types would probably be the word processing, spreadsheets, and data bases. When one compares the Zoho Writer application to the Microsoft Office package, the feature that allows the sharing of documents (almost resembling a blog) is very interesting, especially in the context of team projects within time constraints. However, the Microsoft Office package allows for document sharing in the latest versions. The sharing of documents raises important issues concerning security, read/write access, and version control.

Step 16 – Playing around with PBWiki

This is a very useful tool for communication especially for a team project. A wiki can provide for initial requests and project outline. The members can then update and communicate with the entire team. The project can evolve to completion. We use a wiki at the CCLS library for this purpose. It saves time and keeps everyone on track and in the loop.

Step 15 – So what is in a wiki?

The 4 examples of wiki’s presented in the exercise were helpful in the sense that they represented different approaches to the style of a wiki. Each example provided a framework for two way communication. I found that the wiki’s about library usage of this tool were very interesting for 2 reasons:

1) – My department is using a wiki to communicate important matters that allow us to monitor and improve our service to the library patrons. We learned about the flexibility presented by this communication tool during the Staff Development Day in October.

2) – My daughter is an elementary school teacher in the Prince William school district in Virginia. I sent an email with the URL for the Bull Run Library wiki because my daughter and her classes will be able to review the wiki and, possibly, use the site. The library is near the school.