Libraries and Podcasts

After creating a podcast for the recent class assignment, I can truly say ... that it is FUN! (I usually don't blog in CAPS but this assignment was cool.) I am partially wondering if there are libraries that have positions open just for this! How cool would that be? Enough of my excitement rant. Let's get to the real topic.

I did a search for "libraries podcast" and came up with a few library sites. It seems that most libraries use these podcasts as an instructional medium. I think that's a great idea. Not only do they provide another entry point to the library, but they also provide an opportunity to reach out to other communities in their areas. For instance, these podcasts may appeal to the visually impaired community, just like text instructions would appeal to the hearing impaired community.

I am sure that most libraries have a target audience (that has nothing to do with disabilities), however, by providing information in various formats libraries can optimize their outreach. I am not naive. I'm sure that many students of podcasting academic libraries have no idea that these resources exist. I do hope that as librarians continue to use emerging technologies and that students begin to expect these podcasts.

The only drawback I can think of with podcasts is that they take time. You have to outline what works best in audio. For instance, a library's newsletter may have to be reworded for a podcast. Each format needs a different adaptation of the message to be effective. There needs to be a team or committee working together or designated librarians. If not, we will see inconsistencies in the amount of podcasts and when they are done.

I don't think podcasts will replace newsletters, calendars, etc. I think it is just another way of getting the information out there.
  

Module 4 Podcasts Give Virtual Reference a New Meaning

My podcast is a reader's advisory for adults with young children. The podcasts answers a reference question providing listeners with book choices appropriate for their children's reading level. This podcast promotes the use of local libraries. It is meant as another bridge between communities and their libraries.

Prezi and PPT: Bromance or frienemies?

Bromance
PowerPoint and Prezi both have the distinct ability to showcase a topic. They are both designed for presentations. In my opinion, they both take the same amount of time to learn and use. They also require a preconceived finished product. You need to have some idea of the end result to complete a project on either one.

I don't believe PowerPoint or Prezi cater to a specific age group. If they do, it's probably the same age group. Both PowerPoint and Prezi require practice and patience. You can be as creative as your imagination allows.

Frienemies
I think both PowerPoint and Prezi were intended for the same purpose. This is the reason they might be frienemies. They are competing with each other. More people may know how to use PowerPoint than Prezi, however, the concepts are the same. Prezi could easily do the same things done by PowerPoint.

Prezi has an advantage. It is online and cloud computing is very convenient. Of course, Microsoft has joined up with MSN and created a cloud computing alternative. However, users need to create an MSN account and there is an issue with back compatibility. In my opinion, it is easier to upload a presentation in google docs.

It is your prerogative. They can be in a bromance or they could be frienemies. I think it might be a little bit of both.

Libraries Using Facebook ... o_O

The Broward County Library System has several Facebook pages. Each page represents the different clusters of the system. I liked the information provided on the library’s wall. It was relevant information. The information on the wall applies to all patrons. It is the latest news about the main library.

This page is severely underutilized. There are nine photos on this page. Libraries do a lot of events. If they could commit to uploading one photo for each event, then they could have several collections of photos by the end of the year. Also, it would be nice to see what the reference area or check out area look like. This could help patrons find things in the library.

I also feel they could have utilized the likes and interests section. I am sure that the Library of Congress has a facebook page that they can “like”. Also, each cluster of this system has a facebook page. Why didn’t they “like” those pages?

I think that if you are going to participate in social media you have to do your due diligence. They cannot expect people to “like” there page if they aren’t “liking” other pages. Participation in Facebook is more than just creating a page. Participation requires that you network with other users and interact with several facets of Facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/browardcountylibrarymain?sk=info#!/browardcountylibrarymain?sk=wall

The Web 2.0 Craze

Most libraries have some sort of online presence. The level of online interactivity between libraries and their patrons vary. Emerging and Web 2.0 technologies afford libraries the opportunity to interact with their patrons outside of the library on a daily basis. However, this daily check-in could rub patrons the wrong way.

Web 2.0 technologies can be used to further support the patron experience. There is a new trend called “Support 2.0” which allows patrons to interact with the library through social media. I see it as providing another access point to the library (Abel, 2011). Also, social media allows the library to get a closer look (if allowed) of their patron demographics and interests. For instance, if a library has a Facebook page and most of the people liking their page are also a part of a group called “Let’s Garden!”, then the library can produce more programs that would attract this demographic. It helps the user (patron) keep up with the on goings at the library. It also helps the library keep in touch with it patrons. Facebook states that “More than 50% of our active users log on to Facebook in any given day”. I think that every library should attempt to take part in that statistic. Even if most of their patrons do not use new technologies. They might encourage a new demographic to patron their library.

Libraries can use Web 2.0 technologies to continue the goal of the library to inspire active learning. Gamble (2011) suggests that Web 2.0 technologies allow libraries to become learning commons and introduce a shared learning environment for academics. However, isn’t that what libraries already do? I see Web 2.0 technologies as a way to expand on the library’s active learning environment into social media. I do not think that social media owns the monopoly on active learning. I feel this also suggests that Web 2.0 technologies are an alternative to traditional active learning which is a false assertion.

Web 2.0 technologies allow libraries to observe literature trends. Beyond reading what your patrons are tweeting about, libraries can read the latest online stories on Twitter. Rudin (2011) calls this new form of fiction Twitterature. Libraries can keep up-to-date with the latest stories. It is always helpful to know what’s happening. If the patrons libraries serve keep up with these things, then, to provide proper service, the library needs to keep up with these things.

All of this advancement in technology is fantastic, but I think it is important for libraries to keep in mind that you can have “too much of a good thing”. For instance, I personally hate receiving tweets, comments, or notifications about things that have nothing to do with me. JcPenny is having a sale. The Rickford library is offering free computer classes. I think libraries should focus on relevance and understand the best use of each technology. For instance, 15 to 20 tweets is not nearly as annoying as 15-20 notifications.   

References

Abel, S. (2011). Customer support goes social. EContent, 34(9), p. 8.

Gamble, J. (2011). New essentials for the library as a learning commons. Library Media Connect, 30(2), p. 54-55.

Rudin, M. (2011). From hemingway to twitterature: The short and shorter of it. Journal of Electronic Publishing, 14(2), p. 1-8.

Statistics. Facebook. Retrieved from http://www.facebook.com/press/info.php?statistics

Thing 11 Seems like a passive thing but lets talk about mentoring

I do not have a mentor. End.


Just kidding. About the End thing. I really don't have a mentor. I honestly hadn't thought about getting one. It hasn't ever been brought up until this Thing. A mentor, huh. I have no idea. I have definitely had informal mentors, but everyone I have worked with is an informal mentor. When  I am unsure how to handle a situation, I watch other librarians handle the situation. If the results are positive, I mimic their behavior when I am dealing with that situation again. Probably not the best approach, but doing this has helped me decide how I should deal with certain things.

I have assessed my strengths and weaknesses. I know which things work for me and which things do not. It is helpful to view models and approaches but ultimately I decide which to use. Do I still need a mentor? Most definitely! Any volunteers?! LOL j/k I guess I'll start looking but honestly I just don't know who I would ask.  

Thing 10 This librarian2b's experience

I will not lie to you and tell you that I always wanted to be a librarian. I didn't. Honestly, I have never known what I wanted to be. Well, if I am truly honest, I still don't know what I want to be. I guess I stopped asking myself that question. Instead, I just ask myself "What do you want". My Self usually comes up with pleasing, yet disgusting things like "vanilla ice cream and barbeque potato chips" or wet sand. Why wet sand you ask? ( I know I'm being presumptuous) For all the sand castles I can build. (Not really, but the thing about the ice cream and chips is true)

I applied to library school on a whim. I love books and reading in general. I also knew I didn't want a job that would make me hate books so I figured libraries were safe. Workers don't actually read all the books they order, process, repair, and shelve. I figured working in a library would at least get me first dibs on the latest stuff. Boy, was I wrong. A lot of things I love to read my community doesn't read so of course my library hardly buys any. Boo hoo.

I have three semesters of library school left and yes ... I am counting. Some classes I love and others I ... regret. For instance, this semester I loved my elective, but I could have done without my core course. I have one more core course to go and then I can spend my last two semesters in electives. Yes, I planned it that way.

While pursuing my masters degree, I am also working full time at an academic library. It is a little different in that it has a public library department within it. The college students and professors love it. Students more if they live on campus. We have video games, blurays, dvds, and the latest YA  and graphic novels. The public patrons love the kids books and Leapfrog devices. We also have popular magazines for all ages. The library kinda feels like a one stop shop and essentially it is.

I have been working here for over a here and when I graduate it will be over two years. I can add two years of academic and public library experience to my resume. How cool is that?! Two birds, one stone (wow that is violent. almost as bad as that jack and jill rhyme). I think I might ask my degree adviser for fieldwork during my last semester. I'm thinking a non traditional library setting. That would give me another perspective.

My experience is not extensive and my knowledge of libraries is still being built. I have joined several American associations to further my understanding of the library system and to meet other people in my position. I look forward to learning more. If any one has any suggestions how I can learn more please type a comment and let me know.