Google.... my favorite again!!!

I didn't know there were 'free' places like Google Docs and Zoho! 'Free' is always good, and then to think of the bonus of material being saved... just in case of a computer crash! Something I'm sorry to say I've experienced! I loved the ease of Google (I like everything about google!), but I do have to say I found the wide range of Zoho's offerings intriguing. When I was looking for 'help' with my KCLS resume and cover letter (was that over a year ago?), I turned to a microsoft template, now I see that Zoho offers something similar.
"Productivity software" sure has to be a tremendous plus for any traveling business person, or even someone just working from home. The ability to meet in cyberspace certainly has changed the way one is able to do business.
In our Library setting, I'm more convinced than ever that basic computer classes are a must! (... not to mention more available computers) Not only is it important that the community be educated on 'how to use the computer', but the patron must first be shown what's available and how it might help them in their lives. At present, many of our computer classes are taught by volunteers. To really reach the whole community culture as Library 2.0 moves forward, I would hope to see more Patron training/teaching being handled by staff.

The Next Generation ... 2.0

Without a doubt, Library 2.0 (and beyond) is overwhelmingly exciting! I enjoyed all the author's perspectives on the future and the importance of Libraries keeping pace with technology. Most fascinating of the articles I read was "To a temporary place in time...". The author's review of what we might expect was really an eye opener for me. What an opportunity for all knowledge hungry patrons as today's Libraries attempt to keep pace with technological advances!
As I read the various articles and became more excited about what the future holds, I also became somewhat troubled. Not everyone is a "SecondLife subscriber spending more than 40hrs a week on line." In addition there will always be those who haven't be able to stay up with technologies, IE. some seniors, those uneducated, those handicapped with language differences, etc. As Libraries move forward, keeping pace with 2.0 and beyond, it's important not to loose sight of the fact that not everyone is, or wants to be, totally technologically literate. We must remember too, that not all patrons are researchers, students, or scholars, but perhaps the 'every day' guy who just wants a good book to review/read or some basic information. As Libraries move forward, certainly many more staff members who are teachers, helpers, and general directors are needed. Without these liaisons available, I fear that a whole group of the community culture will drop out and be excluded.

My Google search engine...

Searching ... and finding!

Nope, never heard of Rollyo, (or custom search engines for that matter), but was interested in giving it a try! Unfortunately for Rollyo, I prefer my old standby, Google! I would best describe my experience with Rollyo as 'misleading' and 'not to the point'. I also disliked the Sponsored Info in between everything. From my stand point, when I'm looking for something, I don't want a lot of 'stuff' cluttering up things and would prefer going directly to my topic of interest. Google has always seemed to do that.
Having one's own search engine is a real plus, particularly for my genealogy hobby, or any one's area of interest! I'm delight to know how to use it and will continue adding to what I've now set up! Thank for this great information, Learning 2.0.
http://www.google.com/ig?hl=en

Playing..........

Wow... I did it! Beautiful, isn't she? Ha!

I think I best stop all of this 'fun' and get something else done today! Between 'portrait maker' and 'making a magazine cover' of a recent family wedding, I've not come up for air! Good thing I'm Sub'ing tonight.

WIKI'S...... Quick! Quick! Beep! Beep!

How could I not think of my favorite Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote?! Wiki's quick / easy use has become a favorite of mine. I loved this week's lesson! Using Wikis has a use in everyone's life, especially any kind of research for individual hobbies, activitives, or interests. It nice to have a place where one can connect with others for suggestions.

I especially enjoyed looking around in the SJCPL Subject Guide wiki. While there's a lot that reminds me of KCLS' Home page as well as our 'Data Base' page, it seemed to go much farther, offering more information. I can see the advantage of in depth Wiki use as time goes a long here at KCLS.

The BookLovers Wiki was another interesting spot. Reading programs/clubs/groups often can't be attended because of work/time restraints. What a terrific way to reach MORE patrons and have them participate in Library discussion groups. While it appears that the 'BookLovers Wiki' is only open to the select group of that Library's patrons, I'll bet if one looked, there'd be a 'BookLover' Wiki out there for anyone to join. (something on my 'to do' list!)

Getting so involved in this Wiki 'thing', I spent a lot of time this morning looking around some of the Library Wiki examples. Fun! (good thing I'm doing this at home!) What a great source of information. I found Oregon Library's Instruction Wiki most interesting. Did our Learning 2.0 - 27 Things leaders go there and look at the link to Library 2.0 in 15 Minutes a Day? I wouldn't be surprised if they did. The Web address (URLs) Quick-Tip learning and Plagearizing were other examples of the kinds of helpful places to find help and information.