Thank you Nancy and Cari for the hard work you did to bring Webolution to MCPLD. I looked forward to the challenges that the tasks presented and, the learning experiences I was able to achieved.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Task #22
Internet addiction
Tastespotting is a mouth watering site. Anytime I can peruse recipes with pictures I get fired up to cook or bake or, try to be creative with food stuff. This site gives some pretty yummy ideas.
Lifehacker was interesting I suppose.
Any how, I'm not one to blog but, for the learning experience it was a trip.
Tastespotting is a mouth watering site. Anytime I can peruse recipes with pictures I get fired up to cook or bake or, try to be creative with food stuff. This site gives some pretty yummy ideas.
Lifehacker was interesting I suppose.
Any how, I'm not one to blog but, for the learning experience it was a trip.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Task #21
Piknik
What an fun site this was! It was cool taking the 'string' and rotating the pic. It was all fun - enhancing color, temp, zooming. I will be back to this site again.
Task #20
Government Web Sites:
Curiosity has led me to the assessor's sight before. I find it interesting to plug in an address and scope it out. I explored the county assessor's site from my hometown in Kansas and was able to see some of my old stomping grounds.
From the State of Colorado web site I checked out 'moving to Colorado'. How helpful for newcomers. And, the 'my neighborhood' would be helpful when moving to an area to know where schools, hospitals, fire departments etc., and libraries are located from the address you're interested in.
From this task I also checked out the Census Bureau 2010. This site is informative as well.
Curiosity has led me to the assessor's sight before. I find it interesting to plug in an address and scope it out. I explored the county assessor's site from my hometown in Kansas and was able to see some of my old stomping grounds.
From the State of Colorado web site I checked out 'moving to Colorado'. How helpful for newcomers. And, the 'my neighborhood' would be helpful when moving to an area to know where schools, hospitals, fire departments etc., and libraries are located from the address you're interested in.
From this task I also checked out the Census Bureau 2010. This site is informative as well.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Task #18
Tiny URL/Zamar
With the first hint of winter and its beauty I'm ready for a road trip to the canyons of Utah! So, I googled Utah day trips and this long URL popped up
http://www.allgetaways.com/top_getaways.asp?areaid=100559
then I clicked on tinyurl. The long url went from 50+ to 26.
http://tinyurl.com/y9yz6nz
How cool is this!?
Zamar is a very helpful tool for our library patrons. Steps 1, 2, 3, 4 and your done.
With the first hint of winter and its beauty I'm ready for a road trip to the canyons of Utah! So, I googled Utah day trips and this long URL popped up
http://www.allgetaways.com/top_getaways.asp?areaid=100559
then I clicked on tinyurl. The long url went from 50+ to 26.
http://tinyurl.com/y9yz6nz
How cool is this!?
Zamar is a very helpful tool for our library patrons. Steps 1, 2, 3, 4 and your done.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Task #17
Library Professional Sites:
Scoping out Library Professional Sites was informative. I explored the Resource Shelf newsletter. According to what I read under 'World's Most Powerful People' our very own US Prez. tops the list.
I also read the scoop about the concerns of Pennsylvania libraries and the cuts that will effect ILL's and some of their databases.
Webjunction will be helpful to library staff that want to share knowledge & training among other libraries.
Of course, curiosity let me search the library job posting site. If ever need be...
Scoping out Library Professional Sites was informative. I explored the Resource Shelf newsletter. According to what I read under 'World's Most Powerful People' our very own US Prez. tops the list.
I also read the scoop about the concerns of Pennsylvania libraries and the cuts that will effect ILL's and some of their databases.
Webjunction will be helpful to library staff that want to share knowledge & training among other libraries.
Of course, curiosity let me search the library job posting site. If ever need be...
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Task #16 Open Source
First I read the definition of Open Source Initiative. This is a good alternative to MS Word that is free! I can see where this option could be very helpful for users that don't have microsoft word. I downloaded Open Source at home and found it to be familiar with the font choices, spell check and formatting a document very much like MS. All this and its free! That's just hard to believe.
Task #15 Clipmarks
I viewed the intro video, signed up for a free account and whew! was successful in installing Clipmarks! However, I enjoy life being simple and don't anticipate using clipmarks very often. I generally have a purpose to browse the internet, find what I'm looking for and go on. But, now I at least have the option if I should find the need to clipmark for future reference.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Task #14
This task was a definite learning experience. I can't walk the treadmill without a book to listen to and, up until now its been a playaway book that keeps me walking. Now I have options - yeah! 'With a little help from my friend' I was able to figure this downloadable audio book task out. I have an mp3 player that I received probably a year ago...never been used (duh). Well, now it has Sacred Stone by Clive Cussler ready for me to listen to while I put a few miles on the treadmill. This was accomplished from Overdrive.
With a bit more practice I'll be able to do download the next title all on my own.
With a bit more practice I'll be able to do download the next title all on my own.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Task #13
From Soundsnap I selected sounds from nature. I listened to several selections from rain, thunder and the sound of water. I don't know that sound effects would be necessary on our website. With a diversity of people visiting our website each person would have an idea what kind of sound effect they would want to hear. Not everyone would want to hear my nature sounds (smile).
I ventured to Jamendo and discovered Marco Pagliaro's nice acoustic music. And, I like listening too 'Out of Time' by Shane Mikel Stroh.
I ventured to Jamendo and discovered Marco Pagliaro's nice acoustic music. And, I like listening too 'Out of Time' by Shane Mikel Stroh.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Task 12
Part I: I chose to search for the Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye. This is helpful sight for patrons looking for books in a series.
Part II: I've enjoyed reading books by Lauraine Snelling. So, I did author read alikes under this name. Discovered authors like like Lawana Blackwell, L. L. Chaikin and D. J. Delffs that I will search one of these days.
Part III: Recommended reads is a lot of fun. I clicked on Fiction A-Z, Humor and Mystery. It was really neat to click on Mystery for example and then clicked on the type of mystery. For example I chose 'Offbeat & eclectic mystery' gave some cool sounding reads. Again, one of theses days...I'll search out and give them a go.
Part II: I've enjoyed reading books by Lauraine Snelling. So, I did author read alikes under this name. Discovered authors like like Lawana Blackwell, L. L. Chaikin and D. J. Delffs that I will search one of these days.
Part III: Recommended reads is a lot of fun. I clicked on Fiction A-Z, Humor and Mystery. It was really neat to click on Mystery for example and then clicked on the type of mystery. For example I chose 'Offbeat & eclectic mystery' gave some cool sounding reads. Again, one of theses days...I'll search out and give them a go.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Task #11 Author Resources on the Web
Exploring the Book Report Network I found Faithful Reader that I'm especially fond of. I know that reading books that give hope and encouragement inspire me to continue moving forward with my life. I admire authors that have the ability to write stories that do just this. And, from this sight I'll be able to explore new authors I haven't heard of.
I looked up Robin Jones Gunn in our Biography Resource Center. I discovered her 'Sisterchick' books recently and they are a hoot. From this sight I learned that she is a weekend announcer and interviewer for a radio station. And, host of Kids Korner a weekly program on the radio.
I looked up Robin Jones Gunn in our Biography Resource Center. I discovered her 'Sisterchick' books recently and they are a hoot. From this sight I learned that she is a weekend announcer and interviewer for a radio station. And, host of Kids Korner a weekly program on the radio.
Task #10 Explore Research Databases
I appreciated watching the EBSCO basic search tutorial before doing this assignment. First time through was ok and, then when I started in on the Masterfile premier I had to go back and observe a little closer.
Alright, on to the task at hand. From the A-Z Research I used the Masterfile premier to do my search on herbal supplements for sore throats, in the Consumer Report.
The Dec. 1998, Vol. 10, issue 12 had an article titled 'Herbs for your throat'. The information told the reader that cough drops with menthol & pectin are best for numbing a sore throat. But, for a cheap, good tasting sore throat soother lemon drops are the best. On a personal note, having been married to someone that disliked lemon, I think this best choice might be debateable. (smile).
Second part of the task I searched first under actors and found 3 Bios, and 2 brief bios and only 600+ news/mags articles on Julia Roberts. I learned that Julia dislikes journalists, and that she and her husband have 3 children now. I knew about her twins but, not about her son born in 2006.
From there I searched under Biographical Facts Search for Mother Teresa. There are 6 B ios, 1 brief Bio and 18 articles in news/mags.
In the brief Bio I read what she had said to Prince Michael of Greece in 1996-that when she got to heaven's gate St. Peter said 'Go back to Earth there are no slums here'.
Mother Teresa was quite remarkable in her humbleness to serve others especially the poor and the destitute.
Alright, on to the task at hand. From the A-Z Research I used the Masterfile premier to do my search on herbal supplements for sore throats, in the Consumer Report.
The Dec. 1998, Vol. 10, issue 12 had an article titled 'Herbs for your throat'. The information told the reader that cough drops with menthol & pectin are best for numbing a sore throat. But, for a cheap, good tasting sore throat soother lemon drops are the best. On a personal note, having been married to someone that disliked lemon, I think this best choice might be debateable. (smile).
Second part of the task I searched first under actors and found 3 Bios, and 2 brief bios and only 600+ news/mags articles on Julia Roberts. I learned that Julia dislikes journalists, and that she and her husband have 3 children now. I knew about her twins but, not about her son born in 2006.
From there I searched under Biographical Facts Search for Mother Teresa. There are 6 B ios, 1 brief Bio and 18 articles in news/mags.
In the brief Bio I read what she had said to Prince Michael of Greece in 1996-that when she got to heaven's gate St. Peter said 'Go back to Earth there are no slums here'.
Mother Teresa was quite remarkable in her humbleness to serve others especially the poor and the destitute.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Task #8
Alright, I visited CC and read the about page. Lots of reading and kind of mind boggling. I spent several minutes between Google images and Flickr enjoying looking a pretty images of horses, midwest landscapes and mountain scenes. I also searched for images by my favorite artists Terry Redlin and Thomas Kinkade.
When I went to jamando I found some pretty interesting and quite unique musicians.
I would direct patrons to CC for their searches for images.
When I went to jamando I found some pretty interesting and quite unique musicians.
I would direct patrons to CC for their searches for images.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Task #7
I'm all about visual and Shelfari definitly caught my eye. Its visually appealing and, for a beginner its user friendly. So, I hopped on board set up my account and, got started with the book that is entertaining me now. It was way cool when I put in what I'm reading now and several books were then suggested that I might want to read next. Well, the cover of each one of these books caught my eye and, because I hadn't already read them sure enough, there now on 'to be read' list.
I believe that patrons, if they didn't already know about Shelfari, would enjoy this site too.
Concerning the Boulder Public Library's Goodreads: Its alright. I don't know that I would contribute to it. Quite honestly the book blog that MCPL has in place is beneficial and, as useful as BPL.
I believe that patrons, if they didn't already know about Shelfari, would enjoy this site too.
Concerning the Boulder Public Library's Goodreads: Its alright. I don't know that I would contribute to it. Quite honestly the book blog that MCPL has in place is beneficial and, as useful as BPL.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Task #6
The Ohio Library Council site for 'New Staff Orientation' gave a good reminder that each staff person is contributing to meeting the mission statement of serving the public. Regardless if you're working in the area that deals directly with the public, serving the patron via internet or, working behind the scene we're striving to provide excellent customer service.
Also, from OLC is the importance of perception of the library to the library user. I feel MCPL has very similar concerns from our patrons and their perception of our libraries and the services we offer. I was reminded of the adage 'you never get a second chance to make a first good impression'.
I think the Houston Area Library System 'Customer Service 123' is user friendly and, is beneficial to all staff. For a quick reminder on topics from customer service on the phone, to expectations on the frontline, to dealing with difficult patrons its easily accesible to find the answers.
Also, from OLC is the importance of perception of the library to the library user. I feel MCPL has very similar concerns from our patrons and their perception of our libraries and the services we offer. I was reminded of the adage 'you never get a second chance to make a first good impression'.
I think the Houston Area Library System 'Customer Service 123' is user friendly and, is beneficial to all staff. For a quick reminder on topics from customer service on the phone, to expectations on the frontline, to dealing with difficult patrons its easily accesible to find the answers.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Task #5
I experimented placing holds using both options. I'm used to using "My Library Account" to place holds so, adding items to the book bag was a little awkward. I went back and forth between the two and decided I'm going to use the book bag option more often to get comfortable with the format.
Viewing the 'book bag' is pretty cool. I think if I were working at a public service desk I would probably use this option so, that when the patron is finished requesting items we could take a look at 'view book bag' to ensure that the items shown are the items the patron wants.
And, for sure I think patrons at home would benefit going to the catalog and using 'add to book bag' simply because they request where they want to pick up their hold(s). I'm familiar with notifying patrons that they have a hold to pick up only for the patron to say they thought they had requested to pick the item up at a different location. This option at the end where the patron chooses where to pick up the requested item is very helpful.
Viewing the 'book bag' is pretty cool. I think if I were working at a public service desk I would probably use this option so, that when the patron is finished requesting items we could take a look at 'view book bag' to ensure that the items shown are the items the patron wants.
And, for sure I think patrons at home would benefit going to the catalog and using 'add to book bag' simply because they request where they want to pick up their hold(s). I'm familiar with notifying patrons that they have a hold to pick up only for the patron to say they thought they had requested to pick the item up at a different location. This option at the end where the patron chooses where to pick up the requested item is very helpful.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Task #4
For Task #4 I created a Facebook profile. This was fun especially when I discovered how to look for classmates from my class of 30 years ago. Wow! its going to be fun to reconnect with some long lost friends.
From this account I also requested to be friends with several other friends that have Facebook profiles. Guess I'm truly joining this wave of 'new' communication.
From this account I also requested to be friends with several other friends that have Facebook profiles. Guess I'm truly joining this wave of 'new' communication.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Task #3
The Website Scavenger Hunt was a good work out for the brain especially on a Friday afternoon.
For me the most hidden answer was to the question about the year that the library foundation was founded. Whew!
At least there was a good hint for question #11 about the district that Steven King represents. Thanks for the clue.
Question #8 about the academic journal database also gave my brain a good refresher course.
All in all that quiz was fun!
For me the most hidden answer was to the question about the year that the library foundation was founded. Whew!
At least there was a good hint for question #11 about the district that Steven King represents. Thanks for the clue.
Question #8 about the academic journal database also gave my brain a good refresher course.
All in all that quiz was fun!
Tasks #2
I experimented with LastFM and certainly liked the video clips of the artists singing. Often I'm doing a project on the computer and listening to the tunes on ear phones so, video clips aren't important to see. I believe I will stay with Pandora. When I choose the 'quick mix' with Pandora I get a really good selection of my favorite songs.
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