I couldn't get the mosaics to work, but how much fun could you have with this one.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Mashups and the library world
This photo was taken at an Adelaide farm, and it was fun to make the calendar.
I can see that mashups would be very useful for any business, including libraries, in that you can combine different points of interest, without having to know alot about web design, so staff could be much more involved. For myself at the moment I need to learn alot more.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Podcasts and Vodcasts
It would be great to vodcast our author talks like Mosman does, but at the moment our technology doesn't seem to agree.
Another useful way to use them would be for online training of our catalogue and databases, and this could be for both staff and the public. Imagine the time and money the library could save here; and then if some people still needed the personal touch, that could be arranged as well, but I am assuming that it would be alot easier when using with either podcasts or vodcasts.
The major stumbling block, however, seems to the the quality of the recording material. Some of the examples were really poor and hard to understand, where others were top notch. I've heard proper recording material is very expensive, but our library is investigating.
Another useful way to use them would be for online training of our catalogue and databases, and this could be for both staff and the public. Imagine the time and money the library could save here; and then if some people still needed the personal touch, that could be arranged as well, but I am assuming that it would be alot easier when using with either podcasts or vodcasts.
The major stumbling block, however, seems to the the quality of the recording material. Some of the examples were really poor and hard to understand, where others were top notch. I've heard proper recording material is very expensive, but our library is investigating.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Customer Surveys
Our library tries various methods to survey our customers, some in line with council.
I must say at this point if people know a way to survey customers in the manner in which they like to be surveyed, could you please share this information.
I feel really listening to their comments (if at all possible with an unbiased and undefensive view) and passing them onto the appropriate people with the customer receiving an answer or seeing a result probably rates quite high with most people.
I must say at this point if people know a way to survey customers in the manner in which they like to be surveyed, could you please share this information.
I feel really listening to their comments (if at all possible with an unbiased and undefensive view) and passing them onto the appropriate people with the customer receiving an answer or seeing a result probably rates quite high with most people.
Slamming the boards
Our library has a link so that people can ask online questions, and at the moment it is not getting much use, so if slamming the boards had more meaning to our customers then it sounds like a great idea. Even if we used it by having a FAQ link and organised the ones we thought would interest people or better still have them add the ones they found most useful.
http://del.icio.us/mhills
Bookmarking with del.icio.us makes total sense for the individual and for libraries. To have a portable bookmarking system is ideal and also to be able to look at what other people have bookmarked that have the same interests as you is a great time saver. This will be very handy for the borrowers to do their own exploring once the library gives them a lead.
Bookmarking with del.icio.us makes total sense for the individual and for libraries. To have a portable bookmarking system is ideal and also to be able to look at what other people have bookmarked that have the same interests as you is a great time saver. This will be very handy for the borrowers to do their own exploring once the library gives them a lead.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Video Sharing Online or Webcasting
I had a look at YouTube and Google Video to check out the difference, but I really couldn't see any. What I did learn though was that alot of people out there take videos the same way I do; not very well. However, I can see a great use for this technology for people travelling to share with family and friends and for relatives living geographically separate. Actually even for people who don't have the time to watch your video when you do.
Now for libraries in particular. Mosman is an excellent example of webcasting author talks. Now for the library whose technology isn't able to support storing videos, a link to YouTube or Google Video might just solve that problem. Must think about this some more.
The other application I can see is for guided tours of library databases and catalogues. These really need to be promoted more and what better way to do it than with the borrower at the time that suits them. Not sure which library worker will be prepared to be videoed, but hey they're are so many challenges in this technology world of ours.
Now for libraries in particular. Mosman is an excellent example of webcasting author talks. Now for the library whose technology isn't able to support storing videos, a link to YouTube or Google Video might just solve that problem. Must think about this some more.
The other application I can see is for guided tours of library databases and catalogues. These really need to be promoted more and what better way to do it than with the borrower at the time that suits them. Not sure which library worker will be prepared to be videoed, but hey they're are so many challenges in this technology world of ours.
Wikis
I have been involved with the Reader's Advisory Wiki, where many librarians from different libraries share ideas and information. Just log in to www.readersadvisory.wetpaint.com and have a look.
We have also started one in our own library so that we can share information without the inevitable flow of emails. Again everything takes time, and this exercise is no different, but we will get there.
We have also started one in our own library so that we can share information without the inevitable flow of emails. Again everything takes time, and this exercise is no different, but we will get there.
RSS Feeds
I must admit I have been a lover of keeping up with whats new for awhile now using RSS feeds. I am interested in Australian literature that is being discussed, so I subscribe to "Matilda". I also subscibe to "About Contemporary Literature". I have now also included the ones suggested in this weeks lesson. I have to add though like everything else, I wish I had more time, I don't check them as regularly as I should.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)