I have used a few different social networking services already, mainly Facebook and MySpace (although I haven't visited my MySpace profile for at least 6 months).
I can see some benefits for the State Library in having a presence in these services, but the benefits may only be small unless we could properly resource them. That is, one or more staff members would need to regularly maintain the profiles, post updates, reply to messages, check for notifications, etc.
Since starting this post, I have become a "fan" of Libraries Australia with my Facebook account. Is this the start of libraries colonising Facebook? Who knows?
And this is my last official post as part of the Learning 2.0 program. Hopefully I will be able to continue my learning on my own, however; that was the whole point, after all!
Is this the beginning of the end, or just the end of the beginning?
Only time will tell....
Goodbye for now!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Monday, July 7, 2008
Week 13 - Productivity software
I have created a document on Google Docs, and given viewing access to slnsw2.0@gmail.com.
Online productivity software is probably of more use to clients than to State Library staff. Staff have access to a range of software already, but we do not offer word processing or spreadsheet access to clients. I was pleased when I first learned about google docs, because I can now suggest it to clients in the reading rooms when they ask about word processing facilities.
The other online tools look useful as well, but I don't think that I have much call to use them.
One of the more useful aspects of the online applications is probably accessibility - I can work on documents anywhere I can get web access, without having to carry a physical object containing the files.
All in all, they are probably some of the more useful tools available on the Web.
Online productivity software is probably of more use to clients than to State Library staff. Staff have access to a range of software already, but we do not offer word processing or spreadsheet access to clients. I was pleased when I first learned about google docs, because I can now suggest it to clients in the reading rooms when they ask about word processing facilities.
The other online tools look useful as well, but I don't think that I have much call to use them.
One of the more useful aspects of the online applications is probably accessibility - I can work on documents anywhere I can get web access, without having to carry a physical object containing the files.
All in all, they are probably some of the more useful tools available on the Web.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Week 11 - Podcasts and Audio
This has possibilities.
I downloaded a couple of ABC broadcasts, as well as one from the Wadsworth Public Library that I accessed through the Library Success wiki. I listened to them on my mp3 player while doing the shopping on Sunday.
It was very interesting, especially the public library one. Although not as professionally produced as the ABC podcasts, I chose one on a topic that interested me (slow food), and quite enjoyed it. Unfortunately, although my local library holds a few of the books mentioned in the podcast, they were all checked out when I went there that afternoon!
The State Library could podcast talks by staff and fellows, interviews with authors, presentations, and other similar things. Internally, maybe some meetings can be podcast for staff who were not able to attend (or who were there, but want to check their memory of what was said...)
There is considerable potential in podcasting.
I downloaded a couple of ABC broadcasts, as well as one from the Wadsworth Public Library that I accessed through the Library Success wiki. I listened to them on my mp3 player while doing the shopping on Sunday.
It was very interesting, especially the public library one. Although not as professionally produced as the ABC podcasts, I chose one on a topic that interested me (slow food), and quite enjoyed it. Unfortunately, although my local library holds a few of the books mentioned in the podcast, they were all checked out when I went there that afternoon!
The State Library could podcast talks by staff and fellows, interviews with authors, presentations, and other similar things. Internally, maybe some meetings can be podcast for staff who were not able to attend (or who were there, but want to check their memory of what was said...)
There is considerable potential in podcasting.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Week 10 - Answer boards
I'm afraid I'm going to be a wet blanket again.
I really don't see any role for the State Library in "slamming the boards". Quite frankly, we are stretched to manage our existing services, without adding yet another one.
With the news of yet another budget cut this year, I think that trying to do more with less is a recipe for disillusionment.
Sorry to be so down on this one.
:-(
I really don't see any role for the State Library in "slamming the boards". Quite frankly, we are stretched to manage our existing services, without adding yet another one.
With the news of yet another budget cut this year, I think that trying to do more with less is a recipe for disillusionment.
Sorry to be so down on this one.
:-(
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Week 8, Part 3 - LibraryThing
Now this is fun! I can see myself spending a great many lunchtimes on this site!
LibraryThing is a fantastic idea.
For us at the State Library, perhaps it could be used to give a list of our newly purchased books, or something along those lines.
LibraryThing is a fantastic idea.
For us at the State Library, perhaps it could be used to give a list of our newly purchased books, or something along those lines.
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