Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Exercise #23

Looking back over the few weeks of Web 2.0, is that all it's been-only kidding! There were a few times when I have been frustrated when the minds gone blank and been helpfully set back on the right path. What with work lost and at the beginning of even knowing where to post something and how many screens to have up! But once all that was overcome and confidence in ceased, I really got into it, which of course was the object.
My favourite sites I found myself wandering off on were, of course YouTube, and many of the sites where you could discover old books. I was so pleased with myself when I was able to embed a video to my Blog site. Even adding one of my own photos. I feel that's at least one thing the patrons will ask about.My least favourite was definitely Rollyo-I did'nt like the site or the need to access your Yahoo account and all the personal details to join. In saying that, the ones I found the hardest, were the ones I felt I have learnt the most from.
Look at all the new jargon we throw around when discussing the 23 exercises, pretty flash.
You simply have to remember not to believe everything you read on the net and to proceed with caution.

Exercise #22

As already discussed in Exercise #21, we searched Auckland City Library and Rotorua Library to see just how well they'd adapted to sending out information to certain sections of society.
I wonder how do you judge just who it is reaching, and the response to the new technology.
Is all this information only capturing a certain age group, and if so, how to introduce all of this to the people who will not even now, use a self-check machine.
I looked at a couple of the American Libraries sites in MySpace and teens slot but found it not very inspiring to carry on searching.
The question remains, just how safe is the Internet, with everyone pouring out their personal information. There is definitely a real need for privacy and protection.
I admit the new technology has it's place, but lets not loose the personal touch and the books themselves in the stampede.

Exercise #21

Not into pouring my feelings in the electronic media, can't quite 'get' the concept, but still had a good look-see at the sites suggested.
I did cruise through the Auckland City Libraries-Bebo-and was not as impressed as I was with Rotorua's page. I guess it really depends on the web designer to catch the eye.
I do like the idea that it's saying the library is not a stuffy place anymore.

Exercise #20

Spent a bit of time going through the different sites. Didn't find Amazon's Kindle very user friendly. Loved LibriVox's slogan 'acoustical liberation of books in the public domain'..oh, I suppose I do agree, e-books have their place. Imagine-sitting on a long , mindless trip-through the underground etc, with a book downloaded to your palm organizer or phone! I was very impressed by what I found in Project Gutenburg. Not only books-but they also offered CD and DVD downloads and digitized sheet music-you see, something for everyone.
The e-book could really be useful for housebound and disabled people.
I explored 'As you like it' by Will Shakespeare, just to test it and found it very quick and easy.
Here's hoping nothing completely replaces the texture and smell of a good book.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Nagoya Garden


This was a sight we woke-up to the next morning.

Exercise #19

Although I searched all of the sites listed, I thought Yahoo audio search the most useful, after tracking quite a few performers and what was listed to listen to.It was a very clear site to follow. The site that less impressed me was podcast Pickle, simply didn't like the look of it.I have heard of radio podcasts being available, especially the Radio New Zealand National and Radio New Zealand Concert stations, I plan to explore these later. They have excellent articles, concerts and interviews.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Exercise #18

I think library videos would be helpful if they were informative. I choose this video animator vs animation for a bit of fun with millennium. The national library video looked like a site students may use.