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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Task #1

Cheers to my first blog!

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.