Bollywood

Dil Se

starring Shahrukh Khan

OPAL and SirsiDynix Institute

The OPAL site provides training for both library users and librarians. The SirsiDynix Institute provides professional development opportunities for the library community (geared largely to librarians). I saw several training sessions that interested me on both sites. OPAL mentions providing virtual tours of special digital library collections-something that could appeal to many users. When browsing the SirsiDynix archive, I was particularly interested in the “Gaming in the Library” Session that will take place soon. SirsiDynix seems to be providing educational support to help library professionals stay up to date on the trends and developments in the rapidly changing world of technology. I saw a similarly titled library gaming programming on OPAL, but also found a neat program about photography (presented by a blind professional photographer). All really interesting stuff.

I think that patrons might really benefit from some of the cool programs provided through OPAL. The SirsiDynix site could be helpful to all library staff, especially those in management positions.

After watching the OPAL introduction, this seems like an extremely easy to use and useful way to learn. With the diversity of information available, most anyone could find some kind of training that suited their interests. From copyright seminars for special librarians, to the Chick Lit Discussion Group…there are so many resources. This could be particularly useful for public libraries. Anything can relate to the public library. This is partially what makes them such interesting places to work. The library is as diverse (or strives to be) as the community and world we live in. I believe that OPAL could help meet the increasing diverse needs of patrons and staff.

Instant Messaging

I instant messaged the Marin County Free Library.
I sent the IM after 3pm. The Maroun County website indicates that the librarians are available from 3-5pm Mon. -Thurs. I asked about the population of Marin County.

I received a message back that stated that Marin Library was no longer signed on. I realize that this could be due to numerous circumstances. I tried reaching them again later in the hour, and received no response. ...

Just realized that they're in CA. I'm about to try again...

I have successfully used instant messaging in the past. I found it helpful for finding out brief factual information.

I frequently use IM through Google's Gmail system. Still, the majority of communication I do is through email. Although, it is exciting to know that someone is at a computer at the same time as you responding to you.

Being able to serve patrons through instant messaging could be very helpful. Some patrons would find it exciting to be able to have instantaneous remote communication. I do think that this method of communication is a prime target for misuse. This could frustrate staff and cost a lot of staff hours. As these example libraries have done, I think it would be important to clearly state the limits of IM.

Another drawback-the user doesn't know when the library is having technical difficulty, lack of response could easily be construed as lack of care, etc....

Just some thoughts.

Podcasting

For this tech challenge, I listened to one of the Podcast Alley top ten podcasts. Interesting, but...I won't be listening again. However, I have subscribed to a podcast in the past. I used to subscribe to a foreign language podcast...helping me brush up on my foreign language skills. I found it very useful for a while (until I no longer had the time). It was so easy to have exactly what I wanted sent to me. I believe that on demand is the way of the future.

I believe that podcasting could be used for a variety of library services. Some ideas I read about in Deborah Lee's article for Library Administration and Management were to use podcasts for library tours. I've heard of some libraries lending mp3 players. I believe teens are ideal targets for podcasting. Leting some of their programming be featured via podcast is great. Lee mentions the Lansing Public Library's "Teen Poetry Cafe" available as a podcast. I think this is a terrific idea.

Downloadable Media

I do use downloadable media and like it very much. I frequently download popular music and audiobooks. I don't yet find this a comfortable way of accessing my classical music. I am an ipod user. I do wish I could upload to my ipod. I realize this is a big, messy issue. This is the primary complaint I have received from patrons as well ( I can sympathize). I still find RCPL's downloadable services useful. I find it very convenient to be able to download to my pc. Being able to download to multiple stations makes this even more of a convenience.

There are obvious advantages to downloadable material: no late fees, ease of access...

Many of our patrons don't own a computer. Many do not know how to use computers at all. I hope that we can help serve the tech savy as well as those slow to adopt newer technologies. With slow download times and all of the supplemental accounts or downloads required for use, it is easy to see how some patrons can get easily frustrated or confused. I believe the library is in a wonderful position to try to help the community how to learn how to use these resources. I would love to see us conducting classes on how to use our services.

Another disadvantage of downloadable media-the patrons don't have to come into the library (both an advantage and disadvantage). It's harder to provide quality service remotely.

Tagging

I enjoyed searching through tags on Flickr and LibraryThing.com. I thought the tagging made it fun to browse and see what you stumbled upon. Sometimes I would end up in a completely different place than I started. Sometimes it was difficult to make the searches as precise as I wanted. I had never used LibraryThing.com. This is a really cool site. I'm going to keep adding to my library. I really enjoyed seeing what other folks were reading. This site is a neat way to get new reading suggestions.

I do see tagging as a wonderful tool for web users. It's so easy to use. Tagging allows so many possibilities for accessing information. However, since tags are created by individuals, terminology is very subjective While a little haphazard, it is in line with the interconnective appeal of the internet.

I see myself continuing to use tagging as a web user. Browsing for web information through others' tags can sometimes lead to helpful or interesting information.

Maybe tagging would allow RCPL the opportunity to track how users actually use library materials. Allow users to see what other users are up to?

Social Software

So, who decided that the Hennepin County Library was an 87 year old woman?

I do think that social software such as MySpace can be an effective way to reach a certain audience. Although, you never really know for certain who you're actually reaching. As with many internet applications, this type of software causes concerns about safety and privacy. It would be important to educate users about keeping certain types of information private. I realize that MySpace does offer certain privacy protections...allowing only approved users to view one's site, etc...

Realistically, I believe this is an excellent way to reach the young adult community. Just looking at the friends of Hennepin, this is what young adults and teenagers are doing with large parts of their time. Social software could be a great way to reach this hard to reach audience/population. Although, by the time that a lot of organizations start to catch on and utilize social networking sites to reach teens, it is likely that the 'scene' will have evolved and MySpace may well be uncool. I did notice that some libraries have set up sites geared toward teen audiences (PLCM-"library loft").