Beyond Method # 12

First, I would like to thank Naomi for all her help.  Without her assistance, I might have quit the training due to frustration at acouple of points during the journey.  You're great!

I learned so much in this program, that it is hard to pick a favorite, but I can say that the section that challenged me the most was Method # 9.  So I guess I could say it was my favorite because it made me work the hardest.

Did this program assist or affect my lifelong learning goals?  Most definitely.  Before I really believed that web technologies was something "other" people i.e. techies understood and used.  Now I know that I can understand and use it as well in whatever format is useful for me and my library. 

Unexpected outcome: I found that I really liked some of the technologies.  Who knew!

My only suggestion for the program is to keep using the videos at the beginning of each section, especially the guy who using the stick figures.  He is great.

Would I do this again: Yes, without question.  I am looking forward to the Collection Development section in the Fall of 2012.

Again, Thanks.

Beyond Method # 11

I have experience with online survey tools in that I have responded to many, but have never created a survey.  After this method, I believe I could create a survey on my own when needed.  Currently the library conducts surveys on paper, but the survey tools listed in this method could certainly replace paper. 
Personally, I want to use the software to create a basic registration system for library programs.  It would be great to be able to email confirmations to people who sign up for our programs.  I also like the idea that we could email invitations to respondents asking them to take surveys. 

Beyond Method # 10

I completed Method # 10 and really learned alot.  Yes, I have used online meeting or online conferencing tools before.  I have attended several webinars and do occasionally skype with friends.

The library does not currently use online methods internally or for our patrons.  We do have some ideas that we are considering.  The staff person in charge of young adults is looking into skype programs, such as skype an author, for her TAG (teen advisory group).  We believe that would be a great group to begin using online with because they are already familiar with many aspects of it. 

I would like to see the library use online methods for staff training and for communications with other rural libraries. 

The Skype An Author project was really interesting.  I will pass this link on to our YA staff.  On the Tigard Public library section, I really liked the idea of how they are handling the noise factor involved in skype.  Plus, I had never heard of a usb phone.  The video on the library book clubs was hard to hear.  The Web Conferencing Tools article was really well written and presented the basics in a clear and concise fashion. 

Beyond Method # 9

I almost threw in the towel on this one!  I really had problems.  I don't work with creating videos or other online creations so this was a real learning experience.  I choose Smilebox which was a really cool site, but embedding my short video was difficult for me.  I know alot of you are shaking your head and saying how can something so simple be so difficult, but it was.  I really did not think I was ever going to conquer Method # 9.  I hope what I did works.

St. Nick

<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" bgcolor="#ffffff"><tr><td><a href="http://smilebox.com/play/4d7a41334d7a67794e44513d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link" target="_blank"><img width="420" height="330" alt="Click to play this Smilebox invite" src="http://smilebox.com/snap/4d7a41334d7a67794e44513d0d0a.jpg" style="border: medium none ;"/></a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/?partner=smilebox&campaign=blog_snapshot" target="_blank"><img width="420" height="46" alt="Create your own invite - Powered by Smilebox" src="http://www.smilebox.com/globalImages/blogInstructions/blogLogoSmilebox.gif" style="border: medium none ;"/></a></td></tr><tr><td align="center">This <a href="http://www.smilebox.com/invitations.html" target="_blank">free invite</a> customized with Smilebox</td></tr></table>

Beyond Method #8

I chose Screenr to make my informal recording.  After I had downloaded Java and loaded the screen recorder, I was able to proceed.  It was easier than I thought it would be, but I chose not to create an account at this time.  I wanted more time to think about how I would use Screenr in my library before proceeding.  I decided to talk about how to use Screenr in a public library and information about accessing the link.  I kept in really simple.  Great tool.  I can see using it to inform our patrons about library rules, how to sign up for a library card and how to access our public access computers for the first time users.

Beyond Method #7

I had no background or exposure at all to Next Generation Presentation Tools so I really had worked on this section.  I went through it more than once so that I could grasp the concepts.

Because of my limited exposure, I choose to work with Google Docs and uploaded the dummy Powerpoint to the site.  It worked really well.  The upload went smoothly and the direction were clear and easy to follow.  I also choose to use Google Docs because I want to become for familiar with it so I can use it in my library.  It is really a very useful concept.

While I would be slow at it, I really feel that I could use online presentation tools with my library and I feel confident that if a patron came in and wanted help, I would now have a working knowledge of the concept and would be able to offer assistance.

Beyond Method #6

The ebook situation in public libraries is one of the toughest new technologies that libraries have to face.  All of the points that Farkas made in her blog were correct.  Too many options, too many platforms etc.  We have one person on staff right now that is wrestling with this project and there does not seem to be a clear cut solution for us as a small rural public library. 

Farkas also made a excellent point that we had not considered.  How will ebooks affect the availability of interlibrary loan materials?  Just another idea we have to take into consideration. 

I enjoyed looking at the Project Gutenberg site and the link below is for the first volume of the Slave Narrative from Texas.  I really did not expect to find something like this on the site.  I was pleasantly surprised.

http://www.gutenberg.org/files/30576/30576-h/30576-h.htm

I believe there has to be alot more clarity before small rural librarys can make room in their already tight budgets for ebooks.

Beyond Method #5

I really like social cataloging.  I am as a rule a very organized person and I like structure.  Dewey and LC are necessary and important for library structure, but their headings don't always reflect current thinking and language.  I really can appreciate the option of giving tags to books that reflect local thinking.  After reading all of the articles and watching the video, I decided to sign up for a Library Thing account.  While it does have it cons, I think it is the best fit for my library and my situation.  I am looking forward to using it professionally and personally.

Great Method!  This is one of the method that I can see every library using in some format. 

Beyond Method #4

This was a very interesting class.  First I totally agree that it would be best to create a job help website or link on our library homepage and locate all of the job related websites in the location.  I would suggest resume building, links to job searching online, local job postings and basic computer training. 

Bottom line, these sites are not going to be useful unless the user has some basic computer skills.  The more educated an individual is on basic computer skills the more likely they are to not only find and qualify for a job, but also to keep that job.  Libraries really need to partner with other agencies in working on this public need.

The GCF webpage was good, but some of the pictures looked a bit dated.  The Texas Workskills Development in Libraries website was not a useful experience.  Many of the links were broken. 

Beyond Method #3

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=206074786764206009265.0004b5ddb830a8bb1f70c&msa=0

Here is my link to a map I created for the library.  It took me awhile, but I finally got it to work.  This would be a great tool for not only helping people find the library but also make a walking tour of where other information can be located in town such as the Chamber of Commerce and the courthouse.

Beyond Method #2

After going through all the information in this class, I really like igoogle.  I realize that netvibes is a better choice if you want your page to go public, but after taking the class and before entering the post, I signed up for a gmail account and began customizing an igoogle page.  I really enjoyed it and will continue working on it as I have new ideas.  I am putting all of my favorite sites on the pages by adding gadgets and will working on adding some widgets.  Thanks for a great class!!  As I mentioned, I will look forward to finishing this section of classes so I can set up a new blog for my volunteer work.

Bottom line, for personal use I vote igoogle, for public you have to use netvibes.

Beyond Method #1

I am back.  I believe that I have been able to regenerate enough brain cells to move on to the advanced class.  I really did have alot of fun updating my blog.  When I complete this class, I want to set up a blog of a volunteer group that I work with preserving historic county records.  It would be a great way to get our project out in the public eye.  I guess up to now we have been computer waltzing and it's time to jitterbug....

Method 12

I don't think I can explain in just a few short words how much this on line class has helped.  For the first time, when techies talk about wiki, the cloud, IM etc.  I actually know what they are talking about.  While I still have alot to learn, it has given me a working knowledge of the subjects and I feel much more confident that I could actually use some of these techniques in my professional career and my personal endeavors. 

Also, Naomi, you have been so patient and helpful and I really appreciate it.

On to Beyond Two-Steppin!!

Method 11

I listened to the podcast by Nancy Keane called Booktalks Quick and Simple.  It was very well done and a really nice way to interest parents and children in certain titles.  Great way to introduce new books in the library.

On to Method 12

Brenda

Method 10

I like wiki.  I felt very accomplished when I created an account and was able to post a blog on the favorites blog section.  As you can see, it does not take much to make me feel accomplished.  Baby steps.

I don't see how anyone could grow weary of the "In Plain English" videos.  They are my favorite part of the learning experience.  That guy is great!

I want to set up a wiki account for a volunteer group I am working with on records retention.  I would be great way for all of us to share info instead of using email.

Method 9

The more I take these classes, the more comfortable I feel with technology.  I personally have not used chats or IM very much, but I love Meebo.  What a great way to communicate from library to library.  We do not have any chat or IM capabilities at our library now, but I would love to see our IT person add Meebo to our website.  I will certainly suggest it.

Method 8

Again, the opening video was great.

In David Lee King's video I really liked the comment that he made toward the end of the video that we all need to keep in mind that what is important is the connection not the container in which it is housed.

The strongest point I found in the articles was that if a library wants to have a facebook presence, that a Facebook Group Page would be a better choice.

OK, social networking in general.  Personally, I am not really interested.    However, professionally, I believe that it is an important tool in our professional "toolbox".  Many times an individual has to evaluate a concept in the environment in which it will be used.  That is why I would put my personal concerns aside and embrace a facebook page for my library.  Especially when reaching out to teens and young adults who embrace social networking as a daily part of their lives.

The potential is definitely there, I really believe that many, not all, libraries in one or two people libraries will need alot of help in embracing the concept and learning the tools to not only create the facebook presence but also maintain it.

Method 7

As I take the different sections of this class, I am enjoying the new experiences more and more.  I really believe that taking this online class is helping me be less "afraid" of technology and more open to the possiblities. 

When time allows, I definitely want to set up an account on delicious.  What a terrific way for my library to use plain language in tags to help our patrons access terrific and informative websites.  Since I am in charge of local history/genealogy department, my account will focus on local history and genealogy sites.  As an added benefit, I can't wait to see what everyone else is tagging as far as local history sites go.

Again, loved the opening video.  That guy is terrific.

Method Six

This exercise was just alot of fun.  Since I am in Lavaca County and polka music is "the" music in this county, I visited several youtube sites on polka music especially the sites featuring bands from our area.  I watched the Dujka Bros, the Czechaholics and my all time favorite, the Shiner Hobo Band. 

I watched the late Joe Strauss sing his signature song "Frankie and Johnnie"  I always loved hearing Joe sing that song. 

Now, as far as the library goes, why not consider adding some of the musical youtube selections to a library website just for fun and to promote the musical history of your county especially if one of your library's missions is to protect and protect all types of local history regardless of format.