Method 12 - I Graduated! Woohoo!!

Thank you, TSLAC, for giving us an opportunity to learn new Web 2.0 technologies to better assist and reach our patrons. I learned a whole sleuth of web services that I wasn't quite familar with that I am confident now in navigating through and showing patrons how to use. My favorites were Flickr, YouTube, Delicious, and Facebook. My least favs were IM, Wiki, and Podcasting, although I liked storytelling through Podcast. All in all, I feel that whether libraries use these different technologies or not, they should at least be familiar with them in order to keep up with what their patrons are using and to provide information. Libraries are the information stations of the world and, therefore, should be well informed. I really enjoyed learning about these services through the "In Plain English" tutorials because they were fast, fun, and easy. If you decide to do anymore of these Dozen Steps programs, I think you should definitly implement those tutorials. I learned the most from them. Also, I would be interested in participating in other future programs like this one. Thank you again for the learning experience! Toodles!

Method 11 - Podding Around

At first I didn't like Podcasting. It reminded me of Talk Radio which gets boring real fast (especially if you're not in your car and just staring at your computer) because most people are visual. I didn't like any of the libraries' podcasts about How-To's, or "listening" tours of the library. If I want to take a virtual tour of a library, I want to see what's being described to me. I didn't really see how our library could successfully use podcasts until I came across the Denver Library's podcasts. They are podcasts of children's stories being read aloud. The one I listened to was just over 4 mins so not too long. I can see mother's with children at home going to the library's website and allowing their young children to listen to stories. This is great for days when the library isn't doing a storytime and Mom needs a few minutes of rest. It's like an audio CD with the click of a mouse and there's nothing to download. Patrons can even subscribe to the podcasts to be notified when new ones are posted. This is the only aspect of Podcasting for libraries I liked.

Method 10 - Wiki Who?

This is my least favorite technology. I don't really see a point for using Wikis. I guess it makes people feel important contributing information and superior editing others info? I don't see a use for our library using Wikis and I don't like that others can edit and change info. I must be a snob. And I'm ok with that. I really don't have much to say to Wikis except, I'm just not that into you.

Method 9 - Chatterbox

I have been using Instant Message since Jr. High but the technology has changed since then. Back then, I used AOL IM and could only sign in to it on my family's computer where it was set up. When I moved out to go to college, I didn't IM anymore but instead sent texts through my cell phone. Later, I got a Myspace and a Facebook and was able to chat with people in real time. Through this exercise, I tried to IM through my Yahoo account which I've, up until now, have never utilized. And with good reason...no one is ever available to chat! One person in my contacts showed up as available eventually. It was my sister and when I IMed her she completely ignored me! Not very sisterly in my opinion. So then I tried to chat with TSLACDL using Meebo and they are still unavailable! Most people I know just text or use a social networking site to chat so I doubt I'll be using Chat or IM. And my Momma taught me not to talk to strangers so I don't go to Chatrooms. As for libraries, I think using Meebo for answering reference questions is a good idea as long as a staff member can be available to answer questions readily. Because take it from me, it's very frustrating waiting around for someone to become available to talk.