Wikis and other curious things

Wikipedia is a free Internet encyclopedia where the information is gathered and edited by general users. I looked up Thor Heyerdahl and the Kon-Tiki. Something I was already familiar with and was quite pleased that section. Wikipedia might be a place where I would begin a search, but I would continue to search other sources.

Wetpaint is a web page that anyone can edit whether it's their posting or not.
Not sure I would find this useful.

Wikihow is a “how to manual” for everyday problems. This site is maintained by
volunteers. I searched “Yoga” found some helpful tips on position and breathing.
I would use this site again.

Podcasting...

After reading the articles "Launching into the Podcast/Vodcast Universe" and "An Outlet for Creativity" I can see how podcastig would be a useful tool for a library. I enjoyed the perspective and theme of the blog that was in the article "Launching ... . It appears that many libraries are utilizing this tool.

A podcast I truly enjoyed was the interactive map. You could click on a site on the map and the librarian conducting the tour would introduce himself and then introduce the historian that would give you the history of a particular location on the map. The podcast was created by the Dowling College Library.

http://www.dowling.edu/library/maps/oakdale.html

I also enjoyed "The Library Despot" podcast. It's done in episodes. So you can choose an episode that might interest you. At the beginning the librarian Michael Bradford (The despot) gives highlights of what he will cover. He gives news and updates of what's happening to libraries around the state (Mass.). The news is informative and gives good advice and insight along the way. He also prods the listener to listen to the episode describing the weather out side or the lack of anything good on TV. In the episode I heard he gave a prediction on the "Super Bowl" He certainly keeps your interest.

http://despot.andertek.net/?cat=1

I wanted to view a podcast of Prairie Home Companion. I wanted to catch up on the news from Lake Wobegon... but alas unable to do this on this computer. But never fear I put it on my Blog line and will watch and listen at home.

Youtube

I viewed several videos on youtube (quite addictive) created by library's. The ones I enjoyed the most had several similar elements. Humor, lively music, concise information. Library employees able to poke fun and themselves and run with it. But at the same time getting there message out.

After viewing them again my favorite has to be L-Team click on the site below, enjoy the music and the humor their message is clear.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwCUtpbUWgk

Second on my list would be the 1987 - Betty Glover Library workout tape ad. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_k8BKX2eQ0Q

The Haden Library of Arizona State University played on the perception that a library is a stuffy place, dry and dull. It gave a tour of the library and demonstrated the the library employees had a sense of humor, enjoyed exploiting a myth. They gave a view of the library from front desks to stacks, to reference desk, to back areas usually not seen. An inviting and humorous view to remind people that they are there and waiting to serve.

Third choice would be What's up presented by the Arlington Heights Memorial Library.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR84Z1XjESw
Arlington Heights spot lighted their drive through window. They also show the journey that returned material took to get back to the shelf. Using the "Log" was a great idea.

Four choice for getting out the word on a new display at the Gail Borden Library was terrific.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WG2i4xXx9dE

The conveyed information on they new display, built up excitement, and gave credit to their sponsor.

My suggestions for either our home page or a video would be simple, short, funny messages.
Messeages that would convey information regarding the steps we have taken and services we provide to our patrons who are just short on time. With a title like "we are not just your mother's library anymore" or "did you know?" or just a "spot light" section. Get the message out about our mobility, that we are "user friendly".

- Spot light new title of fiction books that we have with a short blurb.
- Show that we own it in hardcover, e-books, or talking books.
- Spot lighting our drive up window, online reserves, downloading e-books,
talking books. Books at the train station for comuters.


- Have a space or a spot for "quick tips to navagating the web" or easy shortcuts.
- Common mistakes made and how they can be handled.
- Most asked questions at CA with answers.

-Business section to taut business programs. Spot light business services we own
that can be utilized here using our comptuers.

Maybe use our Cart Drill Team to begin the clip.

My blogline is a mess. It's so easy to spot the RSS etc. and then the Yahoo buttons. Just click on that Yahoo button and there it is on your blog line. I need to start weeding. I learn best from my mistakes and this one is a good one. Like a messy closet I need to clean and organize. Thank goodness for "Help" buttons. I must say that the "Help" buttons on the blog line site and on this blogger site are quite user friendly.

Flickr and other curious thoughts

Flickr is a site where you can post pictures that you would like to share. You have the choice of sharing them with family and friends or going public. I chose to only share with family and friends. The process for setting up an account and then actually loading a picture was fairly simple. I chose a pictures I had taken of the boys gazing out the patio window. I decided to paint the background white. Then it seemed too stark so although I am not artistic I painted in a few flowers. No matter what the boys always look good.

I not sure if I will continue to use this site. But visiting it and actually being involved with the process may help to bring a clearer understanding of how the net is being used. In some ways the computer world has isolated people and changed them culturally. Thoughts seemed more clearly expressed in a hand written letter or snail mail. With e-mail thoughts are compressed, pared down. No judgement on that changed, just curiosity. Texting even more compressed...with new jargon.

Maybe sites like flickr or blogs, help people to share the pictures and thoughts and bring them closer together. Sharing passions, hobbies, and other interests with people all over the world. It seems to bring on an understanding of cultural diversity and at the same time a oneness with the world. It truly is shrinking.Sorry Kathy, too windy and long I will try to be more concise next blog.

Marta's tail's of RSS

I can only compare RSS feeds and XML feeds as great tools to set up and design your own own "newspaper" and personal library. Ever changing and gathered by invisible threads on the web. If there are topics you want to keep up on and you have found a good feed you can attach the feed to your bloggline. Setting up your bloggline is your choice of things that you are interested in reading about and staying current. Easy to access and easy to manage. If you have selected a feed that you are not longer interested in and wish to remove it can be done easily. Your own personal "newspaper" chucked full of topics you are interested in reading. Waiting quietly on the web till your ready.

Marta finds magic

Is there still magic in the world? I beginning to think there is. Are there enchanted forests? I think the web could be viewed and as enchanted forest.
Or if one preferred the "Land of Oz". I like the idea of "Enchanted Forest". A world of wonder and delight. A world of darkness and treachery. Long winding roads much like mazes. A forest populated with wizards, wiccas, fairies, sprites,
brownes, etc. There are "light bearers", "path finders" and their polar opposites.
There are deceivers, deviners, and fortune tellers. There are "providers", who provide useful equiptment and knowledge for a journey through the forest.

Who are the creatures that populate the forest? MIS folk, CA's, Librarians, bloggers, youtubers, techs, etc. who dream up new tools, weapons and short-cuts... creatures that spread light and knowledge. Like life there are villians, schemers, and thieves that dot the landscape.

Let the journey begin...