Wikis

http://www.merlin.lib.md.us/?q=node/49--- I am including the Merlin website and have also saved it to my favorites, because I think wikis offer a lot of potential. The Merlin site gives possibilities for starting a wiki, so although I do not have a need yet, I am saving the information. I think it is a great way to report on conferences and also to prepare plans which involve a group. The Zuckerman's who have been joined by other branches have started a wiki to help handle computer technology and other computer issues at their branches.
http://hcplcomputerusersgroup.pbwiki.com/Whiteford-Branch
The Whiteford page of the Wiki has helped me help customers, several times already. Hats off to technology!

Libraries and Libraries 2.0

The future of books--I think we have gotten past that.In addition, I really found Lindabeekeepers blog useful on this subject, pointing out that digitalizing books may not always guaranteed their continued existence. I think books will be there but there is so much more.
Anderson had some good points, but I don't think it is all generational. I think there will always be some who are more interested in technology than others. As librarians, our job is to help people use this technology when they find a need for it or when it might meet their needs. Modern day librarians have, as I loosely quote from Wikipedia, always been involved in collaboration, being customer friendly and welcoming. Now we have an explosion of information and process to share with our customers.
Relating to making information accessible, we also have customers who want their share of the technology and find the library a useful place to gain access. As we try to keep up with the "know-how", we do not alsways have the tools. Customers want to use scanners and color copiers---items they are willing to pay a fee for, if available. It was not so long ago that every branch received digital cameras, and as we become more comfortable in their use, their uses have multiplies and benefited many aspects of the library.

Del.icio.us

I have fiddled with del.icio.us and have signed up for it. Even though I do not have time to peruse this for research or social networkimg (I am dragging along as try to complete 2.o), I will most certainly use it to make bookmarks accessible from anywhere. I have often been frustrated while at the "wrong desk", trying to remember a useful county website. So the usefullness for me is really not limited even though my interst in the Social networking aspect is limited. Afterall, I would rather spend my free time quilting than at a computer.

Rollyo and new things learned

At the moment, I don't feel that I need to search multiple websites, but I have added the link to my blog so thatI will have it available if I should need it.

I have had to delay working on 2.o for a while since vacations and monthly reports have called for attention.

I was able to add information about a trip to see the Space Shuttle Launch on the Library Passport under travel news---that in itself was quite a learning experience., especially since I was able to add pictures. In the process, I also learned how to download pictures from a digital camera.

My Library

I really was pleased with Library Thing--it could be a great way for me to keep a record of my book discussion group's books. So I thought--I can do this and spent several hours unsuccesfully trying to add a widget to my blog. Today, I tried again and I actually saw the red letters that said a widget could not be attached if I chose the private setting. So after correcting that--I know have a library on my blog. What a feeling of accomplishment.

Stories and Art

Working with the online imagers, I am becoming more comfortable with adding items to my blog. My pictures came from Warholzer site--http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/warholizer.php and I liked that it captured a storytime. I will continue with an avatar, but it also shows the need to label our branch photos.

Merlin

I had a time to look at Merlin, and decided it would be a great site to add to my feed---if I could only remember how. I got pretty far along before I remembered that I should sign in to Bloglines.com . Once that was done , it was easier. There is a feeling of accomplishment--but it also supplies a new endless amount of reading material.