Videos online - part 2

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.