Being a fan of cats and wanting to try to embed a video, I had a go. I located a video about a cat called Maru that lives in Japan. There were many to choose from, so I chose this one. Enjoy.
Monday, December 7, 2009
No. 6 - Videos online
I did a search of YouTube and Google Video using the search terms provided. It was interesting to see what came up. Google Video retrieves from other video sites, which gives you more choice with what you are looking at. I suspect it depends on what you are looking for.
It was interesting to see the different ways libraries have used videos, not only to support exhibitions but to promote them and their collections. I was also impressed in the way the Carnegie Library used video to promote reading. Videos could be used in libraries to highlight something special in their library whether it's part of their collection or something special that they do.
It was interesting to see the different ways libraries have used videos, not only to support exhibitions but to promote them and their collections. I was also impressed in the way the Carnegie Library used video to promote reading. Videos could be used in libraries to highlight something special in their library whether it's part of their collection or something special that they do.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
No. 5 - More Google
Google translate - I tried Google translate on basic English phrases and was impressed. I then tried a web page which was in Polish that I had found for a client researching a coat of arms. It was one of the few web pages I found any information. I was very impressed with the translation and how understandable it was. I wish I had known about this before I sent the client the information. I can see this being useful for multicultural clients in understanding things in the English world but I can also see how useful it could be in providing information for clients in their own language, or in the case of family history helping clients to get information from the country of their ancestors.
Google Books - I had a go searching through Advanced, and it is handy to know that you can search by "Full-view" only, but I found that with out having a reason to use it, it wasn't of to much use.
iGoogle - I have used iGoogle for many years and at home it is my home page. I have everything from weather and the radar to pacman the computer game. It has all my favourite things on it and makes it a one-stop-shop in many cases.
Google Calendar - Again I've used this ever since it was offered as an option for iGoogle. It enables me to keep track of all my appointments, especially in relation to work e.g. working on the weekend. It would have its uses for library groups that may exist outside the library internal workings that want to be able to meet.
Google Maps - I had a play with Google maps when I did the Mashups section. It was very interesting but creating your own map can be time-consuming depending on what type of map you are creating. To view the map you will need to go back to Mashups on Oct 30.
Google Books - I had a go searching through Advanced, and it is handy to know that you can search by "Full-view" only, but I found that with out having a reason to use it, it wasn't of to much use.
iGoogle - I have used iGoogle for many years and at home it is my home page. I have everything from weather and the radar to pacman the computer game. It has all my favourite things on it and makes it a one-stop-shop in many cases.
Google Calendar - Again I've used this ever since it was offered as an option for iGoogle. It enables me to keep track of all my appointments, especially in relation to work e.g. working on the weekend. It would have its uses for library groups that may exist outside the library internal workings that want to be able to meet.
Google Maps - I had a play with Google maps when I did the Mashups section. It was very interesting but creating your own map can be time-consuming depending on what type of map you are creating. To view the map you will need to go back to Mashups on Oct 30.
Additional to web browsers
I had a go with Google Chrome but found I just liked the look and feel of Firefox. I don't know whether it's just what I've gotten comfortable with or whether there is something about Google Chrome that doesn't work for me. I suspect only more use will tell me for sure.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Web browsers
I have been a user of Firefox for the last couple of years and therefore have some experience with it and Internet Explorer. I started using Firefox after hearing that its security was much better. I found that Firefox had a lot more useful features than Internet Explorer, although Internet Explorer is slowly catching up.
I have now viewed the pages about Google Chrome and must say there doesn't seem to be a lot of difference between the two. Google Chrome has a different look and feel but essentially has the same types of features, just set out a little differently. Having more than one type of web browser allows people to find a way to search the internet their way instead of having to try to work with the only thing that's available.
I have now viewed the pages about Google Chrome and must say there doesn't seem to be a lot of difference between the two. Google Chrome has a different look and feel but essentially has the same types of features, just set out a little differently. Having more than one type of web browser allows people to find a way to search the internet their way instead of having to try to work with the only thing that's available.
Podcasts
I listen to a podcast from ABC radio national - The Movie Show. It's a good way to get reviews on new releases if you can't listen at the time it's being aired. I also checked out and listened to some of a podcast on the State Library of NSW in the Events and Talks section regarding the book Anne of Green Gables and the author Lucy Maud Montgomery. Anne of Green Green Gables was one of my favourite books growing up, so it was interesting to listen to someone else's insights.
I also did a search on Podcast Directory and located a couple of podcasts of one of my favourite author's being interviewed. I have listened to a podcast of one of her interviews before and enjoyed hearing her perspective on life.
I can see how podcasts could be useful in libraries especially in relation to information sessions, because it enables people across the state and beyond to hear about information relating to favourite subjects they may not normally get a chance to.
I also did a search on Podcast Directory and located a couple of podcasts of one of my favourite author's being interviewed. I have listened to a podcast of one of her interviews before and enjoyed hearing her perspective on life.
I can see how podcasts could be useful in libraries especially in relation to information sessions, because it enables people across the state and beyond to hear about information relating to favourite subjects they may not normally get a chance to.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Mashups - part 2
I've had lots of fun creating a map of my recent trip to Egypt and Jordan in GoogleMaps. I've also explored adding photos that I took to the map I created.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Mashups
I've always loved the idea of mashups but have never quite been sure how useful they could be.
I had a look at "Then and Now: Historic New York images from New York Public Library using Flickr and Google Street view" and loved being able to compare what places used to look like as opposed to what they look like now.
I also like "Real Estate - SuburbView". I think its a very handy way for people who are looking for house/apartment to get an idea of what's available in the area they are looking at, and by getting the street view they can get a real-to-life idea.
The only problem I had with the above to sites were that I couldn't view them through Internet Explorer. I had to use Firefox, which isn't available on my computer although I can use it out in the public area. I can see how mashups could be an exciting addition if used right and with the right collection. For example, photos from the John Oxley Library could be used in a very similar way to the "Then and Now" done by New York Public Library.
I had a look at "Then and Now: Historic New York images from New York Public Library using Flickr and Google Street view" and loved being able to compare what places used to look like as opposed to what they look like now.
I also like "Real Estate - SuburbView". I think its a very handy way for people who are looking for house/apartment to get an idea of what's available in the area they are looking at, and by getting the street view they can get a real-to-life idea.
The only problem I had with the above to sites were that I couldn't view them through Internet Explorer. I had to use Firefox, which isn't available on my computer although I can use it out in the public area. I can see how mashups could be an exciting addition if used right and with the right collection. For example, photos from the John Oxley Library could be used in a very similar way to the "Then and Now" done by New York Public Library.
GoogleDocs
I can see the uses of GoogleDocs in both creating documents, presentations etc and being able to share them without having to close it, so that someone else can access and edit it. The one problem I found was that GoogleDocs, particularly the "Create a document" tends to malfunction. I found it easy to create a presentation but found creating a document or uploading a word document took me several goes over several days to achieve. In a busy work situation this would be unacceptable because you would often have deadlines you would need to meet, which unoperational applications would effect.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
L2TD Part B - Online apps & tools
As I worked my way down the page, it was interesting to see just how many different applications that are out there. I hadn't realised just how useful GoogleDocs could be. It reminded me of my study days when you had to do assignments as a group so you had to make time. Something like GoogleDocs would have made that so much easier.
I also like the idea of being able to convert files without having to download the software. Many the time I've wished I had a different version of something only to give up because you had to download something or pay for something to just do one single conversion.
I also like the idea of being able to convert files without having to download the software. Many the time I've wished I had a different version of something only to give up because you had to download something or pay for something to just do one single conversion.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Flickr revisited
I had a go at loading an image onto Flickr. It wasn't a picture of the library but you can't have everything. I found the process very easy, suprisingly so actually. When I 've loaded other photos its generally been to Picasa Web Albums or Snapfish, and these at times can be very time consuming, although the uploading process is usually fairly easy.
The photo is at http://www.flickr.com/photos/17703478@N06/
The photo is at http://www.flickr.com/photos/17703478@N06/
Thursday, June 25, 2009
LibraryThing
I first starting using LibraryThing since 2007 after it was presented at an Emerging Technology session. I thought it was a good way to organsie my books at home, as it is an ever expanding collection. To begin with I was very enthusiastic and quite particular about the information used to describe my books. My use of it then petered out but doing this has got me back interested in it.
I've added some more books and looked at some of the functions that weren't available in 2007. There is one where you can bring up the entire series written by an author, and then add books from this series to your library. I've found this one quite useful because I have a number of series that I began to add, and have since had further books published. It was an easy way to add these books.
I also checked out Shelfari and Gurulib. I found that Shelfari was very similar to LibraryThing. I was impressed with GuruLib because it doesn't just limit itself to books, it also allows you to catalogue music, videos/DVDs, computer games and much more. For someone who likes to keep everything in order I was very impressed with this. If I wasn't already a member of LibraryThing, and I don't want another account, I think I would prefer Gurulib because of the larger range of items you can catalogue.
Finally I had fun adding a LibraryThing widget to my blog.
I've added some more books and looked at some of the functions that weren't available in 2007. There is one where you can bring up the entire series written by an author, and then add books from this series to your library. I've found this one quite useful because I have a number of series that I began to add, and have since had further books published. It was an easy way to add these books.
I also checked out Shelfari and Gurulib. I found that Shelfari was very similar to LibraryThing. I was impressed with GuruLib because it doesn't just limit itself to books, it also allows you to catalogue music, videos/DVDs, computer games and much more. For someone who likes to keep everything in order I was very impressed with this. If I wasn't already a member of LibraryThing, and I don't want another account, I think I would prefer Gurulib because of the larger range of items you can catalogue.
Finally I had fun adding a LibraryThing widget to my blog.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Technorati
I've had an explore of Technorati. I'm not quite sure how I would use it. It is interesting in the types of blogs that are available and what information people put out ranging from technical such as information about Play Station 3 (PS3), to politics to purchasing metal detecting sandals. The website is actually, to me, a bit too overwhelming.
I di the search for "bookmobile" and got 196 results, including videos, and often it is was just the word "bookmobile" in a blog entry. In the 'Advanced search' you can actually select to search tags, and this gives you less results that are more what you are looking for. Actually connecting it to libraries instead of what might just be someone's childhood recollection.
I di the search for "bookmobile" and got 196 results, including videos, and often it is was just the word "bookmobile" in a blog entry. In the 'Advanced search' you can actually select to search tags, and this gives you less results that are more what you are looking for. Actually connecting it to libraries instead of what might just be someone's childhood recollection.
Del.icio.us
This is the first time I'ved used Delicious, but I have seen it before. It was fairly easy to create an account and I transferred what was in my Favourites. The only annoying thing that happens when you do this, is that each entry then has the tags 'imported' and 'bookmarks' plus whatever name of the folder it was in.
My account can be found at http://delicious.com/kirleaper/. It is a handy way to link together all the websites I use to create family history guides. I can see how it would work in libraries as a guide to recommended web sites, very similar to our NetLinks. I can also see how useful it could be for my personal websites I like to visit, and being able to use them anywhere that I logged in to the internet.
My account can be found at http://delicious.com/kirleaper/. It is a handy way to link together all the websites I use to create family history guides. I can see how it would work in libraries as a guide to recommended web sites, very similar to our NetLinks. I can also see how useful it could be for my personal websites I like to visit, and being able to use them anywhere that I logged in to the internet.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
RSS feeds
A few years ago I did a course at the State Library along the lines of Emerging Technology and we covered RSS feeds and setting up an account. I must admit that even then I found it interesting but found I didn't really use it.
I am always willing to give things a go and have set up another Bloglines account. It was easy to do and I found it handy that they already have a number of feeds to chose from. I'm lazy, so not having to do much searching appealed to me.
Of the ones I chose I stuck to my interests, and used both the ready-made feed selections plus what was suggested. They are as follows:
Simple recipes (always looking for simple, easy recipes)
The Shifted Librarian
Quotes of the Day (quotes fascinate me)
Movie Guru from The Courier Mail
LKH Blog (blog of favourite author)
and of course the OPAL Training as per the lesson
It was fun to look at these feeds but whether it is something I will keep up with I don't know.
As for the uses in libraries, I can see how it would help libraries to gain contact with their more technology minded clients and be able to keep clients up-to-date with new items in the collection, new activities in the library and general things affecting the library or its service.
I am always willing to give things a go and have set up another Bloglines account. It was easy to do and I found it handy that they already have a number of feeds to chose from. I'm lazy, so not having to do much searching appealed to me.
Of the ones I chose I stuck to my interests, and used both the ready-made feed selections plus what was suggested. They are as follows:
Simple recipes (always looking for simple, easy recipes)
The Shifted Librarian
Quotes of the Day (quotes fascinate me)
Movie Guru from The Courier Mail
LKH Blog (blog of favourite author)
and of course the OPAL Training as per the lesson
It was fun to look at these feeds but whether it is something I will keep up with I don't know.
As for the uses in libraries, I can see how it would help libraries to gain contact with their more technology minded clients and be able to keep clients up-to-date with new items in the collection, new activities in the library and general things affecting the library or its service.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Social networking
I've always had an interest in the social networking sites before they became more commonly used. I was never quite sure how I felt about them and how much info I should be putting on them. I'm already a member of MySpace and Facebook and both sites have provided me with interesting things.
Through MySpace I have access to pages created by favourite authors and musicians that allow me to keep up with what they are doing. I can also access a blog published by one of my favourite authors, and I really enjoy reading this. Through FaceBook I have gained access to friends I had long lost contact with and this has been great because I get to find out about what's happening in their lives and vice versa.
Of all the social networking sites I looked at I felt that Ning and Twitter were two that could be used successfully by the State Library of Queensland. Ning offers a chance for all sections of the library to contribute and is more user friendly for an organisation than Facebook. There are opportunites to have more than one blog going, provide forums for client comments and generally market the library. Twitter would also allow both library staff and clients to interact with the library generally as well as with the collections. It could be used to easily promote activites in the library as well as displays.
Through MySpace I have access to pages created by favourite authors and musicians that allow me to keep up with what they are doing. I can also access a blog published by one of my favourite authors, and I really enjoy reading this. Through FaceBook I have gained access to friends I had long lost contact with and this has been great because I get to find out about what's happening in their lives and vice versa.
Of all the social networking sites I looked at I felt that Ning and Twitter were two that could be used successfully by the State Library of Queensland. Ning offers a chance for all sections of the library to contribute and is more user friendly for an organisation than Facebook. There are opportunites to have more than one blog going, provide forums for client comments and generally market the library. Twitter would also allow both library staff and clients to interact with the library generally as well as with the collections. It could be used to easily promote activites in the library as well as displays.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Wikis
I looked at the following three wikis: Wookieepedia; Mint Museums, North Carolina, and Slq library 2.0: Emerging Media and New Technology Wiki. They were all totally different and worked from totally different perspectives.
As a big fan of Star Wars Wookieepedia was a must and I was surprised at how detailed it was. It made me realise just how much information there is about Star Wars out there.
Mint Museums was interesting in the way they highlighted their exhibitions. They enabled people visiting the wiki to find out about individuals featured in exhibitions, and linked to other websites that provided more information about the individual artist or where other artworks are displayed. This could be applied to sections of the State Library's collections or to individual items of interest.
Slq library 2.0: Emerging Media and New Technology Wiki was different again.
It was interesting to see just how different Wikis can be from each other depending on what they are trying to achieve. I'm not sure how it could be applied to libraries except where I've already said.
As a big fan of Star Wars Wookieepedia was a must and I was surprised at how detailed it was. It made me realise just how much information there is about Star Wars out there.
Mint Museums was interesting in the way they highlighted their exhibitions. They enabled people visiting the wiki to find out about individuals featured in exhibitions, and linked to other websites that provided more information about the individual artist or where other artworks are displayed. This could be applied to sections of the State Library's collections or to individual items of interest.
Slq library 2.0: Emerging Media and New Technology Wiki was different again.
It was interesting to see just how different Wikis can be from each other depending on what they are trying to achieve. I'm not sure how it could be applied to libraries except where I've already said.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Online photo sharing
Its interesting to see online photo sharing also pushed as good way to back up digital photos.
This photo is called Lighting enTrails / Tunnel Trails / Tunnel Vision. It is a photo of one of the tunnels that run under Brisbane. I always been fascinated by this although I have never seen them myself. I loved the lighting effect.
Had a look at some of the photos of the State Library on Flickr. Was fascinated to see how the library can look when photos are taken from unusual angles. Its interesting to see what people take photos of and then what they upload.
Took a look at Flickr images through 'Picture Australia'. Tried the search 'Brisbane'. I was amazed at the variety of pictures available, from panoramic views to old photos to artistic shots of over-flowing gutters on a rainy night. Very impressive.
Been having a look at the Smithsonian Institution's "Commons" photos. I was interested to see that they have recently uploaded a number of portraits and are asking for help from the Flickr community in gaining more information on these people.
This photo is called Lighting enTrails / Tunnel Trails / Tunnel Vision. It is a photo of one of the tunnels that run under Brisbane. I always been fascinated by this although I have never seen them myself. I loved the lighting effect.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
slq's Licence 2 Test Drive
I am hoping, through this program, to gain more practice with some of the technologies to be discussed which I have already used to some extent. I'm looking forward to playing around with some of the technologies I have yet to have a look at.
I do read some blogs and they all have different views. One blog done by a family member allows me to keep up with family news and stay in touch. Another blog I read often is done by one of my favourite authors and it gives me a chance to gain an insight into how authors, or this one in particular, compile their books and the processes they go through. Many authors now do this.
I think that blogs could be very handy for libraries to interact with their clients in a different way and cater to a particular group of clients if necessary. It would enable libraries to communicate new ideas, resources and even gain new clientele.
I do read some blogs and they all have different views. One blog done by a family member allows me to keep up with family news and stay in touch. Another blog I read often is done by one of my favourite authors and it gives me a chance to gain an insight into how authors, or this one in particular, compile their books and the processes they go through. Many authors now do this.
I think that blogs could be very handy for libraries to interact with their clients in a different way and cater to a particular group of clients if necessary. It would enable libraries to communicate new ideas, resources and even gain new clientele.
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