Podcasts

I was checking out podcast.net and podcastalley.com. I preferred podcast.net. I did find an interesting podcast on Libraries across Cultures in Toyota, Japan on podcastalley. It was interesting to hear how users guides, indexes and maps of the library were listed in many different languages.

I did like the idea of being able to listen to something while you are doing something else, but it is harder to pay close attention if I am only hearing something. It could be useful to give general information and entertain (books read online). I wouldn't want to use it for specific instructions - would be harder to help remember without visuals.

Exploring Youtube

I looked at Youtube a bit. I tried to embed a video onto my blog. The quality of pictures aren't very good, but it is amusing nonetheless.

I think using video online could work for training videos, sharing library layouts, displays etc. It could also be good for things like storytime - as was mentioned. Online videos can be helpful when it fills in the gap for when you can't experience the real thing in person.

Funny Cat Video

2007 Web 2.0 Awards

I choose to look at Events - winner in Web 2.0 - upcoming.yahoo.com. It breaks down upcoming local events into various time frames, events, and locations. This could be useful to librarians as they deal with helping patrons at the library. http://upcoming.yahoo.com/

There were a lot of interesting web winners - some very familiar, others not. It's nice to know which sites are reviewed as "best", since there are so many websites and information floating around the internet.

The Labs of Google

I looked around at Google Labs. I thought Google Trends was kind of fun - as it listed topics and their most recent activity. It looked like it would be helpful if you were trying to keep up with the latest news and celebrities! (I'm not, but it still was interesting.) I also looked around at the Experimental Search - Time line and Map Views. I liked it - looked up info on the Olympics appreciated the map and accompanying info regarding the various past Olympics. I like visual elements, and it was clear to read. The Google glossary looked useful too.

Google Docs and Zoho

I was impressed by both Google Docs and Zoho for simple word processing, spreadsheets, etc. It is cool that you can create documents and then others can preview and edit the documents. It seems like they are both good, easy to use, easy to save, free programs.

Learning 2.0

I have been enjoying learning many new things through Learning 2.0. I think the interactive aspects of some things could be helpful for work or outside activities/groups. I like the collective aspect of thinking together on line. It's not something I really thought about in regards to work, before. I think new technology is a very valuable and important tool. I think libraries have done a great job in the past (without technology) and will continue to do an even better job with technology. I think in the library setting, it can help you retrieve the most current information instantly, communicate easier when staff is on different schedules, and be informed as to what is available online, and be able to help our patrons.

Rollyo Search Roll and Google Custom Search Engine

Today I visited Rollyo and Google Custom search engines. I think they could be useful in weeding out unhelpful stuff that comes up in general web searches. I did prefer the Google site over the Rollyo. Part of that was I am just used to the Google format, and it did have less advertisements. I decided to make a customized search for library display.