#18 Final Challenge

WHEW!!! I wasn't so sure I'd get this far...but I am so glad that I stuck with it. I would have to say that Library Elf was by far my favorite discovery and I have recommended it to quite a few patrons for their use. LibraryThing was my second favorite. This is a perfect site for book lovers, especially those of us that can't stand to part with any of our personal collections that is out of control. I think it would be a great tool just to keep up with titles of books you've read. So many patrons want to know previous books that had checked out and Horizon does not keep a history of this so this would be a great tool for those patrons.

I believe that this assignment has opened me up to a whole new world. You can surf the internet all day long and never find these specific sites to help us as library staff to find sites to make our jobs easier and to make us more knowledgeable for our patrons benefits.

#14 Podcast Webinar/Online Course

I listened to a PodCast on OPAL. It was a book discussion of "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee. I think patrons, especially those that are members of bookclubs may be interested in hearing other book discussions. It may be helpful for those just beginning a bookclub as how to lead a book discussion, what topics would be good for discussions, how to keep the discussion flowing and on topic.

http://www.opal-online.org/ToKillaMockingbird20070321.htm


I listened to a course in the archives in Webjuntion. It was the Introduction to WebJunction Learning, a Learning Webinar. This class was an overview of e-learning services and resources WebJunction has for libraries.

http://www.webjunction.org/do/DisplayContent?id=15562

Task # 17 Instant Message

I have created an account in Aimexpress. I have listed yclanswers on my buddy list and sent the Reference department an IM but have not heard back or gotten an auto reply. If and when I do I will copy and paste it into this blog.

Task #16 MySpace

I have become a friend of the York County Library.

http://www.myspace.com/cloverbookworm


The following are some things that I think should be added to ycl myspace account:

Add the information about the summer reading program for children/teens/adults,
Add the information for the programming (times, dates, locations & shows)
Summer Reading Suggestions
Summer Reading Lists for schools in our districts
Addresses, phone numbers and operating hours of all branches
Information about the ycl that is on hand out that is available to patrons in branches

Task #15 Library Elf

Cool! I set up my free account with Library Elf. I added all of my family's cards to my account. This is going to be a site that I will recommend to all the patrons at our branch with several children in the same family that all have their own library cards. I think the parents are really going to like this site. It will be very helpful keeping up with everyone's books and due dates and also with letting them know that they have items being held and how long they have to pick it up.

Task #13 Discover Other 2.0 Web Sites

I found this to be pretty interesting. I like that it gives you top choices for such sites as Blog Guides, Bookmarking, City Guides & Reviews, Communication and Events. Not only can you locate the sites easily but you get to access the top rated sites quickly. I don't see anything that I don't like about this site. It would be a great site to recommend to patrons to try.

This site was exactly what I like. You enter your zip code and it gives you a listing of things on sale in your area and where to get them. It gives you links to the actual stores where the sale is taking place. It even lets you print out coupons. Deals & coupons; it doesn't get any better!
http://deals.judysbook.com

Pbwiki Task #12

The following is the link to my Pbwiki. I believe I still favor the blogs due to the fact that anyone can access your Pbwiki.

http://cloverbookworm.pbwiki.com/FrontPage

NetLibrary Task #11

I thoroughly enjoyed exploring this site. I made quite the "wish list". I actually bought an IPOD recently just for this purpose but found out that this is only available for downloading to your computer to listen to or to an MP3 player. At least I can still listen to music. It will be nice when all the licensing issues are dealt with so I can listen on my IPOD.

The following are some titles that interested me:
Lone Star Cafe -- Lisa Wingate
Her Own Place -- Dori Sanders
Leaving Normal -- Stef Ann Holm

I did found one title that is available in downloadable audio that ycl does not have a paper copy of:
"About Schmidt" by Louis Begley

Google Base Task #10

Family Sedans Reviews
You are here: Automotive >> Family Sedans
Best Family Sedans Reviews: (out of 20)Car and Driver, Edmunds.com, Consumer Reports
Best Family Sedans: (out of 35)Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Saturn Aura
Where to Buy
Fast Answers
Full Story
All Reviews
Fast Answers - Best Family Sedans
Top Rated
What the Research Says
• Toyota Camry (*est. $18,270 to $27,820) >> Where to buy

Best family car.In reviews, the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord run neck and neck. But for 2007, the Camry has a slight edge, with a slightly lower price tag, a sensitive redesign and more available options. Even the base model Camry has six standard airbags plus a driver's knee airbag, plus antilock brakes and a tire-pressure monitor. Camry also makes it easier to add options like a navigation system. To get this feature on an Accord, you have to buy a more expensive trim level. Both cars have superior refinement and comfort for the price. Reviews say the 2007 Toyota Camry deserves the first look, but the Honda Accord isn't far behind, matching or bettering the Camry in many aspects. You can expect real-world fuel economy of about 22 to 26 mpg in mixed driving, depending on the engine selected.
• Honda Accord (*est. $18,625 to $29,500) >> Where to buy

Most reliable family car.Although the Toyota Camry sparkles a bit more in reviews for 2007, the Honda Accord is its equal, and the Accord is noted as one of the most reliable family sedans on the road. Though the 2007 Camry gets a little more buzz this year, the Honda Accord has been one of Car and Driver's ten-best cars 21 out of 25 years. Standard safety features include six standard airbags and ABS. Honda doesn't offer any factory options; rather, the Accord family sedan is available in 20 different trim levels, which each include features upgrades like a navigation system and satellite radio. Both the Camry and Accord have a smooth ride and refined engine (especially their V-6 engines), and both deserve a test drive.

This website would be useful to patrons in many ways. Patrons could search for jobs, review images or photos, review books, products and even vacation recommendations. Patrons could review products they are considering purchasing also.

Del.icio.us Task # 9

I enjoyed exploring the Del.icio.us website. I tagged five of my favorite bookmarks and found five more during my exploration of the site. I think this website might be useful if you would be using a computer that is not your own. I think everyone already has a list of their favorite bookmarks added on their personal computer. I'm sure this site would be useful if you used public terminals very often.

http://del.icio.us/cloverbookworm

LibraryThing Task #8

Below is the link to my catalog. This was by far the most interesting assignment yet. I've already recommended this to a patron today and planning to contact some friends to let them know about this.



http://www.librarything.com/catalog/cloverbookworm

Online Image Generator Task #7

My creation
Originally uploaded by cloverbookworm.

The online image generator would be useful in many ways. CD covers, book covers, ID badges and posters for upcoming events would all be great ways to utilize these images.

http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/

YouTube Task #6

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2CoxTLtJRk

I just explored YouTube last night with my soon to be 15 year old son directing me to different videos. I know now why so many people spend way too much time on the internet in the library. These videos are hugely popular due to too many people having way too much time on their hands and wanting to see what the other people around the world do when they also have too much time on their hands. As far as how our library could use YouTube, I think the Denver Public Library has the right idea and we could also promote upcoming events at ycl.

Flickr Task #5

Pink Sand on Harbor Island

Bahamas

Pink Sands, Harbor Island, Bahamas
Originally uploaded by fingulus.

It has been 20 years since I was on this beach on Harbor Island in the Bahamas. The sand is really pink. It's just as I remember it. Maybe I'll get back there some day!
Public libraries could use Flickr in many ways. We could put photos of events happening at the library such as Patchwork Tales, storytime and adult summer reading program. Book covers would be another way to use these photos.

Online Productivity Tools Task #4

Book Review

The Camel Bookmobile

By: Masha Hamilton

This story follows Fiona "Fi" Sweeney and her journey to Africa. Fi is an American librarian who wants to make a difference with her life by helping others. She leaves her family and friends behind in New York City and travels to Africa to start a traveling library. The books are packed in crates and put onto the backs of camels. There is a limited amount of books because they are donated so the people in the settlements can only keep them for two weeks. The fine is stiff; if the books are not returned when the bookmobile comes back the camel bookmobile doesn't return. Scar boy, a young boy refuses to return his books and brings shame on his tribe. The bookmobile stops coming but Fi returns to the village alone to try to get him to return his books. Although Fi wants to help the people she is serving she doesn't understand the cultural differences and values collide.

RSS Feeds Task #3

I have subscribed to five RSS feeds. They are the following:

http://www.CNN.com This is an up to the minute news & information on the latest top stories, weather, entertainment, politics & more.

http://www.dictionary.com A new word is presented everyday with definitions and example sentences from actual published works.

http://www.NYTimesBookReview.com - This is feed with reviews of best sellers.

http://www.TheShiftedLibrarian.com - This is a feed for blogs for librarians.

Each of these 4 feeds will help me in my job in assisting patrons with current information going on in the country, it will be helpful in suggesting reading materials for patrons and keep me current on other libraries in the country.

The fifth feed is a personal choice. I chose http://www.iTunes.com lists Today's Top 25 songs.

Task #1 & #2

As of today I'm going to begin the process of completing ycltwopointoh by our September Staff Development Day. I believe we should always be open to new ideas and this will be a great opportunity for me to learn and to increase my knowlege to help patrons when they come to our library branch. It's good to be able to do a "class" like this at our own pace. Of course, the "prizes" are a good motivation also.