Wrap up

I think this course has been very beneficial for me to learn about all the new technologies that are out there and how they can be used and applied to libraries.

In studying Library Studies at Central Institute of Technology I have learnt about wikis, blogs, delicious, Facebook and Twitter and social networking.

This course has strengthened my understanding of these technologies.

I have also learnt about new technologies such as Library Thing, Geocaching etc which I have found very interesting.

I think all of these technologies should be introduced into libraries.  I look forward to using these technologies in the future and many others which will evolve i’m sure.

Geocaching

I've never heard of Geocaching up until now.  I think it is a great idea and very similar to a scavenger hunt.  I think Cockburn libraries could use it as an activity to bring people into the library.  It could also keep people active by getting them outdoors, exploring the environment and mixing with other people.

Cockburn libraries could use geocaching also for events such as Easter egg hunts, Christmas and Valentine's Day for example.

I noticed on some websites that some universities use geocaching for new students to become familiar with their new place of study.

I think this is a fantastic, fun way of getting students to familiarise themselves with their uni and meeting new people.

Podcasting

I think podcasts are very useful in general and especially when used in libraries.

Podcasts can be used by universities and other educational institutions for example podcasting lectures on websites.

Podcasts can be used in a variety of libraries.  For example in a university library there could be a podcast based on an orientation of the library for new students.  In a public library there could be podcasts of book club meetings, storytime and other activities as well as team meetings, health and safety meetings etc.

I would like to subscribe to podcasts such as on radio station's websites as I may have missed certain broadcasts of my favourite programs.

Online video

I decided to include this video as I have a border collie, Eva. She can shake hands, roll over and do most commands but nothing like this dog! I would love to teach her these tricks and film it and put it on You tube for others to see.

I think libraries can use online videos for many different reasons.  It is a great way to market the library and promote services and activities provided by the library.  Online videos could show patrons how to use catalogues, reserve books, view services such as pram jams, storytime, kids activities, knitting circles etc.

Twitter

My twitter name is julscol80.  I think Twitter is great for people that like to follow celebrities and friends updates.  I prefer facebook as I like to view my friend's photos etc and see what they've been up to.
I think Twitter is great for libraries to keep up with latest technologies, patrons could follow my library and find out when new books have arrived etc.  It would allow colleagues to keep in touch and share news.

Facebook

I use Facebook regularly.  I usually check it every couple of days or sometimes every day. I don't know why but I like to read people's status updates and see what they've been up to.

Most of my friends are on facebook and it's a great way to stay in touch especially with friends overseas.  I keep my account very private as I think it is important as you don't know who could be looking at your page or what information they could be viewing from your page.

I think Facebook is useful in libraries as patrons can be informed about any upcoming activities or events in their local library.  Libraries could be friends with other libraries too which could be beneficial in sharing ideas, information etc.

 

Library Thing

I had never heard of Library Thing until commencing this course.  I think it is a fantastic idea as you can easily create an online catalogue of your favourite books.  It is also a very beneficial tool for libraries to use as you can view others' books, titles, tags etc.  You can find other users who have similar tastes in reading. You may even discover books you have never heard of.