Week 6 - YouTube and Google videos

This week I looked at YouTube and Google videos and was amazed at the range of videos that are out there. It was interesting to see how libraries are promoting their services, for example Mosman Library webcasts their author evenings, this is a great idea. The video "guide to using library services" showed an excellent way to promote the reference area. Local history is another area that can use online videos to promote their resources. I was impressed with the Picture Australia video.

I think that online videos are an excellent method for libraries to inform the public of their services and advertise the library.

Week 6 - Online videos

Week 5 - Wikis

This week I looked at Booklovers wiki, Montana History wiki and The Full Library Success wiki. I found them all interesting, though I wondered about the Montana History wiki as to whether it is a true wiki because information can't be edited on the site.

There are many uses for wikis within the library environment, for example wikis would enable staff to communicate with each other about areas, such as library procedures, computer issues or problems that were reported by customers. Book clubs could use wikis as a method of communicating inbetween book group meetings. Members could contact each other and library staff about future book lists, book reviews etc.

Week 4 - RSS

At first I thought what is the difference between adding my favourite websites to favorites and having a blogline account, but I realised that the feed reader simplifies searching because update information is presented on one site.

I can see the many benefits for libraries to use RSS technology, for example library members can receive regular online updates about library promotions, such as author evenings, new acquisitions and children's events.

The feeds that I added to my blogline account are news, powerhouse museum picture of the day and general interest SMH blogs.

I thought a good example of a library blog was the book review forum on Mosman Readers. It is a great way to share information on books and reading.

Week 3 - Sharing images

I searched for Mosman Library on the Flickr website and I was impressed with the variety of photos on the site.

There are many advantages for libraries to use photosharing sites, such as Flickr. For example each library can keep an online photo record of all their events which can be shared among the community and can also be a historical record for future generations.

I thought the National Library of Australia has an interesting idea to encourage people to add their photos to Picture Australia Collection via the Flickr site.

Here is a link to a photo of the Radcliff Camera, Bodleian Library in Oxford . I think the library would be an interesting place to visit and I find the architecture impressive.

week 2 - Blogs

Computer technology has moved in leaps and bounds over the last few years. Doing the Web 2.0 course will enable me to have a better understanding of the new technologies that are available now.

Blogs are providing an excellent online communication tool. I feel that libraries can benefit from the use of this technology. For example, Book Blogs are a great idea for libraries. This allows people to communicate online by making contributions to discussions about books and reading, such as Mosman readers.