Exercise 16 Commenting on your teachers blog

Hi Gary, 
I have made a comment on exercise 5 social networking on your blog.

Exercise 15 Commenting on other blogs

I have made comments on both Sharon Luhr & Michelle Cheng's blogs.

SharonLuhr Online MonitorBlog Gary
These are two comments I wrote on Sharon's blog:

Exercise 1 Web 2.0:

Diane Gelder13 October 2012 14:13

Once again I am going to agree with both you (and Michelle). A hard copy of a book can not be beaten but unfortunately we as individuals because we have a passion for libraries and information services have to go with the flow of modern technology e.g Library Web 2.0. We have to embrace the technology offered, use it and share it around. I was reluctant a few years ago when the library I was working at asked all staff to work through the stages of web 2.0 but by the end of it I had to admit it was the way of the future. Overall it was interesting, informative and empowering. A little bit of knowledge goes a long way and being with liked minded people helps to expand your world. 

Interesting home library Sharon. Reading your blog overall has made me smile. I love the added extras, the daily calendar and cheeky quotes. A pleasure to read.

Exercise 2 Blogs:

Diane Gelder13 October 2012 13:57

I agree with you Sharon (and Michelle) The Librarian in Black appealed to me the most as well. It was witty but informative. She intrigued me and made me want to find out more about her and her views. 

The other two blogs are more academic and set out appropriately.

michellechengonlinemonitorbloggary
These are two comments I wrote on Michelles' blog:

Exercise 8 Community awareness post:

Diane Gelder12 October 2012 21:18

I enjoyed reading your opinion Michelle on the filter bubble YouTube clip. Your last paragraph poses a good argument. I agree with you. It is a libraries responsibility to offer ALL material (if possible) to its users, it is not their place to filter what information they think their community wants or needs.

Exercise 11 Recommendations:

Diane Gelder12 October 2012 22:31

Impressive list of recommendations Michelle considering Ryde Library makes good use of Web 2.0 applications already. 
You have done some extensive research.
I particularly like the way you have added links to the text, looks good, didn't think to do that. Professional touch.

Overall, your blog looks very clean, neat and is user friendly especially with use of the sidebar.

Exercise 14 Inviting people to be authors on your blog

I invited classmates Sharon Luhr and Michelle Cheng to my blog.
Fortunately both classmates accepted my invitations.  

Luckily, Sharon initiated the invitation process making it easier for the rest of the class to follow suit and be ready to start exercise 14.

Thanks Sharon (& Gary)

Exercise 13 Change the arrangement of your blog

As requested for this exercise I have changed the arrangement of my blog:
I moved the blog archive below the contributors.  There is not too much more I can do without it looking out of proportion and hard to follow.  I like to keep things simple, too many changes will make it look complicated and messy.

I added the gadget of "fish".  I Goggled what a gadget was, looked through the list and thought the fish looked cool.  As the description said if you put play with your mouse the fish will gather round looking for food (or new pieces of information waiting to be added).  
The fish look silly on my blog but the idea is quirky.  I should go back and pick a different template (background) and the fish would look better but I still prefer the bookshelf.

Exercise 12 Changing the colour of your blog

When I set up my blog initially, I chose the background type of "simple" with the bookshelf.  I liked it the best.  The simple background gives a subtle back drop, not too busy to take away from the words on the blog page.

I tried a few different background types for this exercise but have remained with my first chose, the simple bookshelf, it is still the one I like the most.  I also went through the colour chart to change the colour of the blog but remained with the beige colours, the other brighter colours did not match the bookshelf.  The black font on the beige background makes the words stand out not wishy washy with the other colours.  

Exercise 11 Recommendations

My local library, Mona Vale Library as I mentioned in exercise 10 does not use any 2.0 technologies aside from being included in the Pittwater Council Facebook and Twitter pages.
I found both these websites give an excellent presentation on all aspects of why a library should engage in 2.0 technologies.

http://www.slideshare.net/ellyssa/social-networking-libraries-best-practices-challenges

http://www.slainte.org.uk/files/pdf/web2/Web2GuidelinesFinal.pdf

The use of this technology can "sell the library" by promoting and extending the library services, sharing information and engaging with users and colleagues.  Libraries must keep pace with online developments in order to ensure a responsive service for the future.  They should portray a progressive and modern image. 

Mona Vale would benefit from 2.0 technology in the below service areas:

Local studies - a photostream is an excellent idea for local history and archival records as seen on this library's home page.  A pictorial history adds interest.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cambridgepubliclibrary/sets/

Children's - Facebook is a great way to communicate with library users and colleagues.      
When I lived in country Victoria, I worked for the Mt Beauty Library, branch of the High Country Library Cooperation. I think their Facebook page is lively, inviting and informative.  Great way to find out what activities are on during the school holidays and story time and nursery rhyme sessions.  I realise Facebook covers the library's news in general but I found most parents and children would comment on how they found out about the libraries children's activities on Facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/High-Country-Library/164582596151


Teenage/youth - this blog is well suited for teenagers, appealing to look at and great for displaying what is the latest trend in books, movies, gaming etc.

http://cclcquicksand.blogspot.com.au

Adult fiction - Library thing would be such a bonus on a library's website.  I found the Moonee Ponds library used Library Thing.  Fantastic!
http://catalogue.mvcc.vic.gov.au/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=ISBNEX&term=0590660543

Information/reference - the use of Twitter in the Maryland Library is a great idea.  It is a "ask us now" tweet.  What a great facility for library users to ask questions on information they need (reference questions), stats and general customer comments. 
http://twitter.com/askusnow

Exercise 10 Evaluation

The Mona Vale library does not use any 2.0 technologies although the Pittwater Council, which maintains the library has a Facebook and Twitter page.   Events and news for the library appear on these pages. 

Both social network pages were not obvious.  I had to search each and every item appearing on the home page.  They appear under newsletter/want to know more/follow on tweeter/follow on face book.

I can’t see why the library doesn't have it’s own Facebook or Twitter accounts, it can’t be budgetary reasons because there are no costs involved.  I can only think it is a board decision not to have these social networks as stand alone pages for the library.

Another reason for no 2.0 technologies might be because there are many links attached to all of the service areas.  These links provide information sites and databases, maybe the library/council thinks this is providing sufficient information.

My third reason is “RefTracker” this is a facility under “Using the library” Ask a librarian – comments & feedback, a reference question, ILL request, local studies request, new book request.  Maybe the library/council think social network pages are not needed when library users can access information and help at this point.

Exercise 9 Community profile

I live in Mona Vale, a suburb of the Pittwater Council.  
http://www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au

The Pittwater Council area is located on Sydney's northern beaches - about 26 kms from the Sydney GPO.  The council has 11 small areas with an overall population of 60,260.  The community profile page is extensive, results from the 2011 census.   

The local library is the Mona Vale Library.
http://www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/library

Exercise 8 Current awareness post

Very interesting!  I have decided to comment on the "filter bubbles' clip from TED.com (Ideas worth spreading).

I realised different computers and different search engines gave different search results but had not really spent any time thinking about why.  This "current awareness post" has given me insight to the issue.

I agree filter bubbles are a form of censorship, so subtle.  I liked the way the speaker on TED explained it is like living in the web age of 1915 but it is present time.  The filter bubbles are gate keepers or censors of the internet and letting in only what information it thinks one person should be reading but on the other hand another person is receiving different information.  

The comments below the clip were good to read as well, very different opinions.  

For me, the answer is to keep questioning.  If I don't think I have received enough information or a cross section of information.  Search again!    

Exercise 7 Podcasts

I chose the State Library of NSW to find a podcast because I thought they would have a wide choice.  This podcast caught my eye as I have read a novel titled The Dressmaker's Daughter.  As it turned out the novel I read is not by Kate Llewellyn whom this interview was with but I have read one of Kate's novels so I did enjoy the podcast.

The podcast went for 45 minutes which was a bit long but interesting.  There was a short introduction then Kate spoke about her role as a writer and her life.  She explained she is an autobiographical writer and writes about other people's stories.

The name of the podcast is The Dressmaker's Daughter. 
http://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/podcasts/events/index.htm

Exercise 6 Social book marking

Personally, I like reading reviews but I don't necessarily think they belong on the library catalogue.  By the time I get to the catalogue to order a book I have already read multiple reviews from various sites E.G. Good reads, Amazon and Book Depository so I am assuming most readers have done the same. 

My local library does not have the option to place a review on their catalogue.

I am not currently working in a library but prior to moving to Sydney (a year ago) I worked in a small country town library and the catalogue did not have the review option either but I checked the web site just in case it has changed and it has, there is now an option to add a review/rating.  I clicked on the option and it goes to the Facebook page.

Exercise 5 Social networking

I think it is important for a library to have a social network site whether it be Twitter, Facebook or a Blog site.  I think it is the expected norm by the public to have one.  If a library doesn't have a social networking site it could appear not to be taking part in the new age of technology, not keeping up with the trends.

The sites are an excellent way of getting information out there into the community. 
It is a way of sharing news, upcoming events, activities and ideas.

Also, when spending time on one of these sites, it is amazing what you learn.  You start looking for what you wanted and discover many different and interesting things along the way. 

I loved the NLA site, the YouTube clips on "How do I" is such a great idea to help library users to use the NLA site.  Excellent idea!

Exercise 4 YouTube

Exercise 3 Photo sharing & Flickr

When you are put on the spot to think of a library anywhere in the world, it is difficult to suddenly think of just one.  After Goggling a few, I ended up picking the Geelong Library in Victoria.  Point Lonsdale south of Geelong is a beautiful rural beach suburb where I have spent lots of time over the past 21 years (prior to moving to Sydney last October) and I always thought it would be ideal to work in the Geelong Library or one of it's branches.  

I chose two photos from the library's home page.

The first  "book a librarian" photo I thought is a great idea.  So many people would benefit if they took part in this (free) service.  The one on one session is customised so the library user can ask for help and direction on any topic E.G. searching the catalogue, reserving items, using the internet anything they need assistance with.  User friendly!!

Exercise 2 Blogs

Of the three blogs the Librarian In Black appealed to me the most.  Sarah is my hero! What a girl or should I say librarian, public speaker etc etc.  Her blog is very informative and done in a way that is very appealing.  Her current topic for discussion is quite humorous.  I got side tracked for quite a while reading her blog and attached YouTube links.

Exercise 1 What is Library 2.0

Library 2.0 is also known as Web 2.0
It is the name given to a variety of sites, networks and applications available on the internet E.G. Facebook, Tweeter, You Tube and Flickr.
It is also most commonly known as social media.  Social media encourages participation by the general public.

3 web applications that libraries use:
Library Thing
Flickr
Blog