Unfortunately I am unable to download eBooks, audiobooks, or music from Suffolk Wave. My eMac OS is a 10.3.9, and I need a 10.4.9 to be able download anything.
Despite that, I went through all the steps necessary to check out one audiobook and one eBook. I downloaded the necessary software that would then allow me to download each title. According to my computer the software download was successful. However when I attempted to retrieve the books I was unable to do so. In a final attempt to pull the downloads off I updated both iTunes and QuickTime Player, but it made no difference. A 10.3.9 just is not going to do the job.
Even though I'm unable to check out titles using Suffolk Wave (via my eMac), I'm glad I went through the steps as if I could. The process was simple and easy to accomplish from start to finish, mainly because the guided tour provided by Suffolk Wave is so well done. It covers everything you need to know, and does so in a very organized and concise manner. I really wish I could make use of this program. There are a lot of great titles available that I'd like to be able to access from home.
I hope I will be given credit for at least trying to complete this exercise. Believe me, if I could afford a newer eMac that would allow me to use Suffolk Wave from home I'd have one!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Finding New Feeds Exercise
I found the excess of information overwhelming. It seems endless.
Google Reader Help Page was in fact helpful to me as it explained that if I don't see the orange icon I should look for other links with terms like xml, atom, etc.
Syndic8 was easiest for me to use. I found Technorati totally confusing. Perhaps in part because I have no interest in blogs or blogging and had no idea what to even search for.
I wasn't looking for additional feeds because I feel like I have enough for the moment. However, if at some other time I want to add to my list at least I know how I can go about doing that.
Google Reader Help Page was in fact helpful to me as it explained that if I don't see the orange icon I should look for other links with terms like xml, atom, etc.
Syndic8 was easiest for me to use. I found Technorati totally confusing. Perhaps in part because I have no interest in blogs or blogging and had no idea what to even search for.
I wasn't looking for additional feeds because I feel like I have enough for the moment. However, if at some other time I want to add to my list at least I know how I can go about doing that.
Discovering Feeds exercise
I checked out our catalog and the feeds. As requested I browsed the website and found our feeds. Click on the box titled: What's New? and you'll find feeds for each department in the menu listing on the left hand side of the page. As a patron I love having the feeds available to me. It allows me daily access to new DVDs & books without having to call the library and ask or drive over and find out. It's all right there and I can check it daily same as I check email.
While fulfilling the "subscribe to a new feed," I went a little 'subscription crazy.' I added subscriptions to Snopes, Newsday, Gothamist, Seattlest, SFist, Chicagoist.
I enjoyed learning more about feeds and finding the feeds we offer the public via our website. I took a look at the adult feeds (because that's the dept I work in) and really liked what I read.
I believe patrons will really appreciate these new technologies, finding them very user friendly and helpful in answering their questions and/or curiosities regarding what's new, and what's available in the library at any given time. They can follow their search by simply popping in the title or author to then request whatever tickles their fancy. Zip zap, done, without ever leaving the comfort of your home! Good stuff, that.
In my opinion you have already figured out how to use the catalog and website RSS feeds to serve the public well. They can read daily local & world news, financial market info, book & movie reviews, etc. They can tap into library program information, new books, movies etc., and then request whatever their hearts desire. After looking at all of the different technologies thus far in the web 2.0 experience, my question is how long before libraries as such become obsolete? Everything will take place online. No need for real books, DVDs, games, programs and so on. Books, DVDs & games will be downloaded online, programs will be prerecorded or streamed and occur either as group conference classes, or one-on-one classes to be selected & paid for online on a 'per use' (basis by patrons.) Within the next 5 years I can see libraries becoming extinct. Technology will prevail, and from what I see on our website we are moving rapidly along on the path/wave of the future.
While fulfilling the "subscribe to a new feed," I went a little 'subscription crazy.' I added subscriptions to Snopes, Newsday, Gothamist, Seattlest, SFist, Chicagoist.
I enjoyed learning more about feeds and finding the feeds we offer the public via our website. I took a look at the adult feeds (because that's the dept I work in) and really liked what I read.
I believe patrons will really appreciate these new technologies, finding them very user friendly and helpful in answering their questions and/or curiosities regarding what's new, and what's available in the library at any given time. They can follow their search by simply popping in the title or author to then request whatever tickles their fancy. Zip zap, done, without ever leaving the comfort of your home! Good stuff, that.
In my opinion you have already figured out how to use the catalog and website RSS feeds to serve the public well. They can read daily local & world news, financial market info, book & movie reviews, etc. They can tap into library program information, new books, movies etc., and then request whatever their hearts desire. After looking at all of the different technologies thus far in the web 2.0 experience, my question is how long before libraries as such become obsolete? Everything will take place online. No need for real books, DVDs, games, programs and so on. Books, DVDs & games will be downloaded online, programs will be prerecorded or streamed and occur either as group conference classes, or one-on-one classes to be selected & paid for online on a 'per use' (basis by patrons.) Within the next 5 years I can see libraries becoming extinct. Technology will prevail, and from what I see on our website we are moving rapidly along on the path/wave of the future.
Monday, July 27, 2009
RSS (Really Simple Syndication) exercise
I started by going in and looking around on mmscl/teens Google Reader. I read a few news articles, and checked the weather.
I went on to create my own account on 'Google Reader' using the same username I used for my blog: spiritfreeZ. I subscribed to 4 feeds for now. The BBC World News-Front Page Headlines, New York Times, Youtube weekly favorites and Youtube top rated videos.
Yesterday and today I read the BBC headlines, and today I watched a few Youtube videos. Most were not that great, however I found 2 I really enjoyed. The first was Brian & Katie's Evolution of wedding dancing. If you need a good laugh take a look at the video.
The second Youtube video I watched was more educational and worth your time too. You can check it out at Youtube. It's titled "Moon in Google Earth." What I learned from the video that I did not know is that because there is no atmosphere on the moon the sky is black rather than the blue we have on earth. I also learned when that when astronout Harrison (Jack) Schmitt landed on the moon in Apollo 17 in Dec of 1972, he landed in the valley of Tarswetle, which is deeper than that of the Grand Canyon, the mountains on both sides being 7,000 feet high. When he looked over the side of the valley he could see the planet earth hanging there against the black sky. I will be visiting the interactive website they suggested, "Moon in Google Earth.'
I went on to create my own account on 'Google Reader' using the same username I used for my blog: spiritfreeZ. I subscribed to 4 feeds for now. The BBC World News-Front Page Headlines, New York Times, Youtube weekly favorites and Youtube top rated videos.
Yesterday and today I read the BBC headlines, and today I watched a few Youtube videos. Most were not that great, however I found 2 I really enjoyed. The first was Brian & Katie's Evolution of wedding dancing. If you need a good laugh take a look at the video.
The second Youtube video I watched was more educational and worth your time too. You can check it out at Youtube. It's titled "Moon in Google Earth." What I learned from the video that I did not know is that because there is no atmosphere on the moon the sky is black rather than the blue we have on earth. I also learned when that when astronout Harrison (Jack) Schmitt landed on the moon in Apollo 17 in Dec of 1972, he landed in the valley of Tarswetle, which is deeper than that of the Grand Canyon, the mountains on both sides being 7,000 feet high. When he looked over the side of the valley he could see the planet earth hanging there against the black sky. I will be visiting the interactive website they suggested, "Moon in Google Earth.'
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Flickr exercise
Interesting exercise and one I think will be of help to me in the future. I love the range of possibilities using Flickr. It will be fun to share this information with family and friends too. Maybe we can finally get a photo exchange going.
I went into "explore" and view a lot of really fine photos. My favorite was a collection of photos taken by Ricardo Riba titled: Ricardo Riba's Paris. He certainly makes the most of his travels. He not only beautifully showcased Paris, but Santa Catarina, Brazil & Germany. Looked to me like he had a blast where ever he went. He did some para-gliding, mountain climbing, scuba diving, sandboarding, and lots of other sightseeing.
I also looked at "Art," "Canada," "Flowers," and many of the other photo exploration opportunities on Flickr.
What can I say, another great site worth knowing about and using.
I went into "explore" and view a lot of really fine photos. My favorite was a collection of photos taken by Ricardo Riba titled: Ricardo Riba's Paris. He certainly makes the most of his travels. He not only beautifully showcased Paris, but Santa Catarina, Brazil & Germany. Looked to me like he had a blast where ever he went. He did some para-gliding, mountain climbing, scuba diving, sandboarding, and lots of other sightseeing.
I also looked at "Art," "Canada," "Flowers," and many of the other photo exploration opportunities on Flickr.
What can I say, another great site worth knowing about and using.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Find an interesting video on YouTube
This was fun. Wish I'd had more time to watch more videos. There's a lot of creative, funny 'stuff' on YouTube.
This is one of the rare resources I've made personal use of (at home). Whoever came up with the idea of YouTube was brilliant. It's clearly a very popular site, and for good reason. YouTube seems to have something for everyone, and if ever you are depressed, it's definitely the site to visit.
The times I've gone in to view videos I've always been happy with how easy it is to move about and find additional interesting videos.
It's really hard to pick just one video I liked. After changing my mind dozens of times I decided on the "angry librarian." Why? Because it cracked me up! It is so like this job and the conversations that seriously do occur in our very own library.
As to features or components of the site that may prove interesting if applied to our website. Select "how to" videos could be added to our website connecting books we have on the subject(s) that could be of further help to patrons wanting to learn a new skill, or begin a hobby like jewelry making, wine/beer making, creating a rain garden, etc.
This is one of the rare resources I've made personal use of (at home). Whoever came up with the idea of YouTube was brilliant. It's clearly a very popular site, and for good reason. YouTube seems to have something for everyone, and if ever you are depressed, it's definitely the site to visit.
The times I've gone in to view videos I've always been happy with how easy it is to move about and find additional interesting videos.
It's really hard to pick just one video I liked. After changing my mind dozens of times I decided on the "angry librarian." Why? Because it cracked me up! It is so like this job and the conversations that seriously do occur in our very own library.
As to features or components of the site that may prove interesting if applied to our website. Select "how to" videos could be added to our website connecting books we have on the subject(s) that could be of further help to patrons wanting to learn a new skill, or begin a hobby like jewelry making, wine/beer making, creating a rain garden, etc.
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