Week 2 - Zamzar

And week 2 has rolled on by already.
Using Zamzar to convert files is a new step for me. I was a bit apprehensive and thought I'd done it wrong but it seems I'd done multiple file conversions without thinking. It was reasonably easy for me to use and I'm pretty sure other staff would find it easy too.
This would be a great tool for the workroom and especially for the Learn.net's as people are always moaning and groaning on how our computers can't read their files and documents.
Now that I've had my eyes opened to the wonder of Zamzar (kind of sounds like a superhero!) I would most definitely be using it for my documents.
It wouldn't be a bad idea if we promoted it to the customers as I'm pretty sure they would benefit from it mostly.
I also had a nosy around the site and you can convert videos and music files as well. I think this is so cool and useful!

Week 1 Blogger

Well, it turned out I did remember my password, so here I am, for the second time!
I must say, the course set up this time doesn't look that daunting. I'm expecting to be mildly surprised instead of being gobsmacked like last time. I'm looking forward to learning new things, as expected and maybe even facing new challenges.
As for the library having a blog, I would say it's not the best thing, but maybe an essential asset considering the generation of today.
My view is that a library can keep in touch with them through a witty and funny blog of daily occurrences in the library and give them a positive image of what a library can mean to them. In my experience, most people are daunted by all the new technology we have and I think it's our job to gently ease them into it. Show them first through the website and then take them to the library blog!! If I were such a customer, I would like to see, instead of jargon, some funny anecdotes or witty remarks of our daily battles with irate and impossible customers!! It would show that your friendly librarian is also a human being!!

#23 The 23rd Thing!!

Well, that was one exhilarating experience. I must say I have learned more in these 9 odd weeks than I have in the three years I spent in uni doing my degree!!
Web 2.0 has given me tools and access to information that I knew existed but not in that vast extent. I really enjoyed visiting sites like Flickr and LibraryThing.
I'm sorry I didn't put more pictures and stuff on my blog but time is always a factor when doing this. I am glad it's over but happy that I've learned a lot in the process!!

#22 Ebooks

Project Gutenburg was highly different to what I had imagined it. I suppose the trend now is changing to ebooks and I think this service that they offer is good for those kind of people.
I had a quick search for authors I liked but found a myriad of others who had written much more interesting things. Downloading is probably simple now as most people have broadband and others rely on stuff like RSS feeds and such.
I must say I was a bit overwhelmed by the sheer amount of things that were available there.
They even advertise for proofreaders!! It's so amazing what is there!
I must add though that I'm from a generation where we enjoyed turning the pages of a real book and thrilled at the ability to keep and hold a world of imagination in my hand!!

#21 Podcasts

Yeah, the end is in sight!!
So I went and checked out Podcast.com and found out that it was a very interesting site with access to literally hundreds of cool and interesting feeds. As requested I just did a search for stuff on book reviews and such and found one called "Book Recommendations, Blog and Podcast: Books on the Nightstand". It turned out to be an interesting place to experience book reviews of latest books which looked really tempting!
I have added this to my Bloglines account and think getting feeds of latest book reviews is helpful as it's already been read by someone else!!

#20 YouTube

Well I went into YouTube and had a good look at the various videos that were there. I did a search for TV programs I had seen before and I found some really good excerpts from ones I used to enjoy laughing at. I really liked the videos on YouTube as there were so many of them to choode from. Occasionally there were some which weren't to my liking but that's one of the hazards of not refining your search I imagine.
I suppose some videos related to library applications can be posted onto the library websites such as virtual guides to help people locate items can be helpful in the future. But I guess things like these will inevitably enter into the libraries of tomorrow.

#19 Web 2.0 Tools

I must say this Web 2.0 stuff is really getting under my skin. If only there were enough hours in the day to go through everything with a clear mind as well!!
Well, since I like travelling I looked at the winners of the that category. There were some really good ones there. People can atually compare prices and find the cheaper option. The Honourable Mention site was more like a place for people to share their own experiences and to find stuff like travel guides, hotel reviews and such.
In a library tools such as these could be useful as we can recommend them to people who come to seek our help in finding related information on the Internet.