Numedlib's Weblog

MLA CE Week 8 – Mashups

numedlib — Sun, 18 May 2008 07:06:14 +0000

I think at this point, mashups are more work than I want to produce. I liked using Rollyo and searching for privacy issues. I read various posts about concerns over patient information availability online. Although convenient, I understand that many people will be reluctant to store sensitive health information in a format that is unfamiliar.

MLA CE Week 7 – Podcasting

numedlib — Sun, 18 May 2008 06:49:37 +0000

It was interesting to see how libraries are using podcasting to promote their libraries and services. I currently do not have plans to create podcasts but I think they could be useful teaching tools. Similar to iTunes, I could discuss new books on a regular basis.

YouTube has so many videos. A lot are fun. Some cross the line. Our hospital prohibits staff from watching them so I would not create any content to post there. I do see the value in creating the videos to introduce the library to new users — on site and off site.

MLA CE Week 6 – Online Photo Sharing

numedlib — Sun, 18 May 2008 06:34:48 +0000

The online sharing process was easy and fun. It gave me the chance to look through all the photos I have stored and choose something humorous to share.

In the library, we could use online sharing sites to share event photos and virtual tourss of the library.

MLA CE Week 5 – Web Office Tools

numedlib — Sun, 18 May 2008 06:24:38 +0000

Is this the future of all software products? What do you think?

I have been using web-based office tools for years. They are so convenient and free. I have completed projects and shared responsibility with others. Before I would have to transfer the files on a flash drive or via an email attachment. It is great that I can know share the file and have collaborators work on it.

I believe that this is the future of software. I have been just as satisfied with my free web-based tools as I have been with the products that are installed on my computers.

MLA CE Week 4 – Social Bookmarking

numedlib — Sun, 18 May 2008 06:09:40 +0000

I have played with delicious and Librarything for a while. I love that I can tag items and find them quickly. Tagging allows for some meaningful organization of all the items I bookmark – I bookmark a lot of information.

These tools could be used to share relevant websites with other interested parties in the library. Recently, my assistant wanted to add links to another computer. It was easy for him to open his delicious account and have access to resources that he used while at his desk.

I plan to use these resources more often to share useful information.

MLA CE Week 2 – Wikis

numedlib — Sun, 18 May 2008 05:50:15 +0000

This post is out of order because I inadvertantly created a new page. It has been quite a while since I started the CE. The deadline for completion is fasting approaching. I went back to the wiki exercise where I got hung up last time and I encountered new problems. The Easy Edit tool gives me an error message. I understand how to do what the class asks me to do — I just encounter technical difficulties. Had I been able, I started to create a wiki about Peek a Poohs — a small collectible item with a small Pooh figure inside a costume.

Now I will address the class question:

What is the difference between a blog and a wiki? What sort of things might be better suited for a blog and better suited for a wiki?

The main difference between a wiki and a blog is the blog is more personal and the wiki is intended to be collaborative. The wiki would be a great place to exchange information within a group. I like the fact that some groups use the wiki to maintain library schedules, a list of reference questions, or to exchange information between individuals. Although I can appreciate the value of the wiki, I do not think that I will use it in the near future. I have not ruled out using a wiki.

MLA CE Week 3 – Social Networking

numedlib — Sun, 18 May 2008 05:39:09 +0000

Social networking tools are excellent resources for connecting MLA members. We are located throughout the country and have few opportunities to connect in person. I have participated as a committee member in my local chapter of MLA and conducted business via email. The social networking tools provide opportunities to reveal more about the person. A colleague commented that she learned about me from reading my Facebook page than I had revealed in person. I stated the same to another colleague. I liked connecting with “friends”– new and old — through Facebook.

My library is located in a hospital and I would not be able to grant access within the hospital under current restrictions. It would be a great way to reach our users who actively use social networking tools.

Although there are privacy concerns, the user can decide how much and what types of information to reveal about herself.

MLA CE Week 1

numedlib — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 05:12:27 +0000

How do you think you could use RSS feeds at your library? How do you think patrons could use RSS feeds?

One possible use for RSS is to alert library patrons when new books are added to the collection. I am also interested in offering users access to journal RSS feeds for their specialties.

Hello world!

numedlib — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 05:07:55 +0000

Welcome to my first post for MLA Web 2.0 101. I hope to find some use for the tools that I will explore during this CE. I am a bit late in getting started because I experienced some technical difficulities with the first blogging site that I used. My blog was blocked by the site and I am still waiting for it to be released I am here instead and look forward to sharing my views on what I learn in this platform.