Monday, April 2, 2007

Web 2.0 Summary

The most important thing that I learned throughout the project would have to be the amount of technologies available for libraries to use free of charge. All of the technologies that were presented could be used in libraries in someway. This is the future, finding programs that keep you more organized, help advertise, share professional opinions and simply make using the library easier.

The most challenging would have to be AOL aim because of the restrictions by our system. It was also challenging because to use the serve someone has to be on the other end to answer your question. It could benefit the library but I believe that it would be to hard to manage the application.

There are many ways that these technologies could be incorporated into a library, the most likely would have to be Google Docs, Blogs, Youtube and RSS feeds. The others could be used, but in a way that might have too many problems or incite some kind of violation of Library policy.
The programs I mentioned can be incorporated fairly easily, Google Docs could take the place of disk drives and other removable storage drives. This could minimize computer downtime due to viruses as well as open up patrons to new technologies that can enhance their life.
Youtube can be used as an advertisement site or simply to conference between libraries. New ideas and concepts could be shared through video spicing up the usual way ideas are shared. RSS feeds are also something that Librarians and libraries alike could use to keep mass amounts of information at a finger tip. Again, the library could offer patrons new ways to access and gather information.
All in all every one of the technologies could be used in a Library setting, some would be more successful than others but they could all be used. Incorporating the technology would be the only problem I would be worried about, patrons are sometimes very resistant to change.


The "self-directed" learning model worked well for me, as I hope it did for others. Being able to work at my own pace, and under my own direction was perfect, and the ability to receive help was the icing on the cake. I am more willing to take something on when I have to interact, instead of sitting through a seminar or other training program. I believe the training will be a success, it was for me. I was able to get through with little trouble and when I did run into complications I was able to find help.
I think it is an alternative to traditional training methods. I personally enjoy learning on my own and at my own pace, it isn't for everyone. I think incorporating the "self directed" learning model with other methods would be ideal, but as the only method I think it might be overwhelming for some.

The Web 2.0 technology project opens new pathways for libraries to incorporate new applications that could improve the libraries services and give patrons alternatives to aging products and services.

Benefits and Pitfalls of Myspace

Myspace is sharing community that can include anything from musicians, authors, book clubs and a number of others, all with benefits for a library district. It is an easy way to advertise as well as build communities and share information. As a library it would be hard to maintain a site that is appropriate, mainly because anyone can comment on your page as long as they are already your friend. For small communities like book clubs or other meeting groups it is ideal, but when trying to use it for anything on a larger scale it might become out of control or overwhelming. Merely the ability to find people and groups with similar interests, this technology could be useful but on a small scale for groups inside the library and not the entire library itself.

Task 10 Myspace Mania



Check me out!

Task 9 Google Docs

Google docs is a newer venture that eliminates the need to carry files froom one computer to the next, as long as there is a computer around all is well.

This google tool can do wonders for libraries, not only will formatting not be lost over e-mails or switching from one computer to the next, the size should not be a problem either. There are limits to the amount of info sent through emails, this eliminates that need because everything will be accessible through the internet. It is a great idea and another alternative way for libraries to share information and collaborate without venturing out of their respective districts. Library users can also save documents to the internet without some type of removable drive. It eliminates the need for libraries to offer disks and other types of removable storage drives, this way the system is not threatned by outside viruses and such. It should be an option because of the availibility and ease of use for all library patrons.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Task 8 Youtube Extravaganza

My username on Youtube is jssabol. Youtube is very entertaining as well as informative, you can find everything on this video sharing website. There are up-to-date T.V. programs, movie trailers, news and a plethora of others.
The experience was eye opening, realizing that there are so many people willing to share their lives with perfect strangers. This site is popular because you can find videos on everything, music news, T.V. programs and personals. It gives people a form they never had, sharing their lives across the Internet. It basically has it all, personals, music, news, programming and especially people doing stupid things. All in all Youtube is a great way to share opinions as well as philosophies.
Libraries could set up groups with other libraries, sharing workshop videos or just day to day activities. They could also advertise with witty videos made by volunteers or patrons. When left to it I believe you can find something useful in most things, and youtube is no exception. Libraries will find ways to use the service whether it is advertising or simply sharing ideas across library districts, there will be a use for this service.

Young Americans Clip 1

Youtube posting with the Video I watched. It is about the Iraq War and a new documentary that is comiing out.

Task 7 Debunking Wikipedia

My username is Jssabol and I added a little bit to the Annex sub heading.

Wiki's are very informative and seem to have entries on anything one could think of. Unfortunately it is open to everyone, even those with false or misleading information. This become a problem because there are so many entries that it takes time to edit and proof everyone so you aren't receiving bad information. This is a huge problem, people get their information from here everyday, the possibility that it could be wrong is obscene, but that is to be expected from this type of encyclopedia. Fortunately there are people who check the site, and being able to add information is amazing. Wikipedia is new and imporoving at every turn, but I can't get past the fact that anyone can change entries without regard for the truth.

AIM Instant Messaging Task 6

I only recieved the reply PVLD2007 is no longer signed on.
I hope I did this correctly, but I doubt it.
Instant Messaging is a fun way to contact people when you know they are online, the system doen'twork if no one is logged on.
I believe that instant messaging is something that is more of a recreational tool with little draw for incorporation into a work setting. It is something that could be used as alternative communication to emails, but you have to be logged on.

Flickr link to Cabo


cabo2007 025
Originally uploaded by azzale13.
This is a great view of the expanded harbor, Cabo has blown up in the last ten years, I remeber when you could still see the hills.

Task 5 Flickr Fun

I opened an account on Flickr and instantly realized how massive the photosharing world is. Looking through the options and everything that is available was overwhelming but I can see how people can get sucked in.

4. Why is tagging so important?
Tagging is important because it is one of the ways to find photos, you can tag your picture with whatever phrase or description you like. If you don't use the right tags everyone may miss your photos, tags become very important when looking for photos.
5. What is your favoirte feature on Flickr?
My favorite feature has to be the map functions. You can place your photos on the geographic locations from which they where taken. It is pretty cool because you can see where everyone was when they took their photos. i think it is a great way to explore what others have been doing or what they do in their hometowns.
6. Check out the user groups... what is an online community?
The groups on flickr range from A to Z from surfers to artists to professional photographers. These groups chat, share photos, stories anything that a group of people would do at a social gathering, Flickr merely allows them to meet online and across the world. Online communities are growing, it is becoming a way to voice opinions and bolster numbers among organizations. These communities become very diverse and able to reach the entire world making online groups a growing phenomonon that has numerous benefits and little drawback.

Task 4 Digital Photography

As you can see I have already posted several pictures from my winter vacation. I caught a stripped marlin that weighed over 160 lbs. I let the fish go but it was an amazing experiance. I also posted a picture from 2 years ago at a friends art show, I can't wait for my hair to get back to its rightful lenght.

RSS feeds with NewsGator

Instead of going with bloglines, I went with the NewsGator service, I have been using it for awhile and them seem to be fairly similar. I was able to get news, sports, new technology, surf reports and all without going to separate websites. The RSS technology serves a vital purpose, by condensing and making the information available without traveling to different sites. It eliminates unnessesary searching, and if you find feeds that are put together with what your are looking for it strenghtens the service. RSS is a technology that can keep libraries on their toes when it comes to quick reference questions or as a time saving tool that everyone can use.
NewsGator Today

My Clippings
My Feeds (917)
Common Dreams News & Views (57)
Apple Hot News (26)
BBC News News Front Page World Edition (201)
BBC Sport Football UK Edition (203)
CNN.com (202)
NewsGator News and Updates (10)
NewsGator: Editor's Choice (8)
Rolling Stone: Music News (10)
Surfing News and Contests, Surf Reports, Wave Forecasts (200)