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!!