Step # 23 - Summary

What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey? I really liked the challenge of getting the postings to work. Library Thing was one of my favorites as well as the Mash-up.

How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals? I was able to learn new things that i would not ordinarily not bother with.

Were there any take-aways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you? Being able to make some postings work when I was not sure I was doing it correctly.

What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept? Allow staff the time to really work on the modules.

And last but not least…If we offered another discovery program like this in the future, would you again choose to participate? Yes, I would be interested, if enough time and resources were available.

Step # 22 - Podcasts

Take a look at one or two of the podcast directories listed and see if you can find a podcast that interests you. See if you can find some interesting library related podcasts here like book review podcasts or library news.

http://www.loc.gov/rss/

I located a segment from the Library of Congress celebrating author Marcia Muller at the 2005 National Book Festival.

http://www.loc.gov/today/cyberlc/feature_wdesc.php?rec=3739

Step # 21 - Online Video

What did you like or dislike about the site and why did you choose the video that you did? I thought it was fun and had seen it before, so I searched YouTube for it. Can you see any features or componets of the site that might be interesting if they were applied to library websites? It would be easy to create mini-training sessions or videotape sessions for the public.

I tried posting this to see if it works.

Ste # 20 - Special Treat

What was your initial reaction to this video? I was angered by it and intrigued by it. Why? Technology and machines have taken up too much a part of life nowadays. While everyone is using technology more, they are not communicating one on one. I think we are losing control of our own lives. Do you feel this video was intended for general audiences? No. I know people control the machines, so it is people who must take the benefits from computers in our lives and use the good features, while deleting the bad things technology is taking from us. We are losing the very features that make us more interesting and different.

Step # 19 - Digital Music

Try listening to an online radio station. Did you face any particular challenges? Yes, while I turned on the sound at the computer, the use fo Windows Media Player was required. I went through that on the computer and it still would not work. I will try it at another computer with different headphones. Have you ever tried downloading music from an online store? No, but my daughter has. Have you ever tried using a file sharing site? No. Would you consider using a file sharing site? No. Why or why not? I do not want to violate any copyrights and both jobs disfavor online downloads. I do not like putting my credit card numbers out there on the Internet,

Step # 18 - Social Networking

Discovery Resources:

I reviewed the MySpace pages for the 3 leading Democratic candidates, Obama, Edwards and Clinton, as requested. It was interesting to see how the sites were organized.

I was impressed with the hope and energy conveyed in the Obama site, but was overcome with a feeling of fear. The fear intensified as I watched a campaign video. Obama's campaign reminded me of the incredible hope I had in Robert Kenneday's campaign and the incredible loss I felt at his death. Is America ready for a black man to be President? Not much detail on how Obama plans to change America.

John Edwards' site was not as great as I expected. I would have liked to see more details on his plans. While he is a handsome man, more details on his positions needs to be there.

Hillary's web site was well organized, with nice videos of her meeting with people and explaining her positions. I like her message and feel she could be an effective President. I am hopeful of having a woman President. Bill for First Lady!

Based on this lesson, how do you feel about the impact of social networks on the distribution of information? The use of these sites is good to reach out to people. Does it have any significant impact? I think they energize people to become involved. More people need to become part of the political process. What to you see as some of the positive and negative aspects of web2.0 and social networking? I would like to see this continue in the campaign, reaching out to people. Often when politicians get in to office, they become isolated. This social networking could keep them focused on what people around the country think and feel. I do not want the social networking used to attack others with negative messages.

Step # 17 - Wikis

SJCPL Subject Guides – a pathfinder wiki developed by the St. Joseph County Public Library system - This has very good sections on the law, local, state and federal legal information. The government guide is well-organized as well. Genealogy information provided valuable information.

Book Lovers Wiki - developed by the Princeton Public Library - The reviews by category make Readers Advisory easy.

Library Success: A best practices wiki- Good ideas for Books Clubs, Readers Advisory and every phase of librarianship.

ALA 2006 New Orleans wiki – an example of a wiki created to support a specific event - This is a good example of how to keep up with events at a Convention, with events, local information, presentations, tips and updates on vendors updated quickly and easily.