Pods for people

In searching for podcasts, I enjoyed the librarian's discussions in Thinking out Loud. In What's in a Name, George and Joan discussed the use of the word patron, more generally used in context of Patron of the Art and patronizing a bar, but let's not get too patronizing about use of language. With alternatives of civilian, guest and constituent, I think I'd still opt for member, which implies responsibility and sharing.

Spending home time completing these tasks, I have enjoyed podcasts and listening to library related discussions while renaming reorganizing photos etc. Rather like radio, it's possible to do other things at the same time.

I also listened to the British Library's explanation of contents of Evelyn Waugh CD and enjoyed the author's perspective on archiving their documents in Manuscripts Matter. The pod itself is valuable archival material. I have favourite ABC pods such as the Science Show and Life Matters. That's why I prefer the A-Z program search to subject.

Not an original idea, but I really like the idea of libraries having podcasts of fables and short stories for children. There is much emphasis on multi media and toys that flash and create sounds. Let's use podcasts to bring back to children the quiet of listening and the cadences of the human voice. A list of podcasts gives them choice, they develop the skills to access the medium, and then they can shut their eyes and just listen......... or will they feel a need to play a game of solitaire at the same time.

Answer boards

I like the idea of librarians promoting themselves and their services by Answer Boards. Two comments - one is time, if professionals feel this is another "have to do" in a busy role - but if librarians are willing they are definitely able. It's a sneaky and effective way to inform and remind what libraries can do and try to eliminate stereotypes. Second, dare I suggest that sometimes the librarian's answers gave more detail than was required by the questioner. Normally, this becomes apparent in Reference interviews, but online it's hard to distinguish between the person who needs the complete complexities of the answer and the person whose purposes require a superficial understanding. इ ऍम एन्जोयिंग थिस ट्रेनिंग वैरी मच.

LibraryThing

Let me see if this widget for LibraryThing works. I now have an account and have included a selection of books I enjoy, but will be revisiting LibraryThing and del.icio.us as there's much to absorb and explore in these 2 sites, one for reader advisory services and one for subject categorization of web sites.  

Del.icio.us

Del.icio.us is a very practical tool for my job. As a result, I'll be adding to and using this account regularly. My bookmarks will only be of interest to people responsible for a collection of toys, but if that's your field they're at http://del.icio.us/oneofthelibrarylot New suggestions welcomed.

Wiki and clouds

I've successfully added to the shared wiki under an existing category - tried to create a page, but couldn't work out how to link it successfully. I noticed both it and the entry came up when I searched my tag - perhaps the blank page will be automatically removed. With the pressure of being a week or so behind, I'm moving on but may attempt this again.

And so to tags and clouds. This is really interesting and all new knowledge - how practical it is to link to self created online lists and not need all these pages on the server. It's interesting to scan and explore the tags. I'm particularly impressed by the Cleveland Public Library's use of recommended bookmarks. I looked in many sections, including Math and Math - homework help (a thematic link). Highly recommended - look under Literature, Comics and Humour and follow the dictionary tag.

Week 6

Still waiting on my invite key so I can add a section to the Learning 2 wiki  and then plan to add information on Tom Sherrin and the Sherrin Football for Wikipedia. Any Magpies supporters in NSW? (Go the Lions for Meeka Misfit who is actually reading my blog.)

But, moving on. Week 6 and fun with YouTube. Plenty of scope for using videos in training, demonstrating, advertising library services and sharing with colleagues. This format communicates with visual and auditory cues and a touch of music or humour makes it even more memorable.

I am embedding my favourite video from YouTube for the librarians and friends of librarians who love and understand mathematics and its precise language.