Wrap up

I have finished the 12 Week program. I enjoyed doing it. I sat infront my computer almost everynight. It was a wonderful experience for me.

I followed the guide of Learning 2.0 week by week and created my accounts with a number of websites. I actually learned some useful knowledge and skills along the way. Now, I am able to upload/link photos and videos, work with wikipedia and other online services. I am quit comfortable with my blog now. In fact, I posted all my findings and progress in Learning 2.0 in my blog.

I think that many of the online applications can used to enhance the library services.Libraries Learning 2.0 program provides a chance and some pressure for us to learn online applications systematically. I would like to thank the nswpln Learning 2.0 team for offering the opportunity to us.

Second Life library project

At first I couldn’t see anything good about it. I created an account with this website and looked around in it. It turned out to be a virtual-world game.

It looks like libraries can set up a library tour in the Second Life format. It can take people through the collections and locations of the library.

I downloaded the Second Life Library video from Youtube. It gives us some basic ideas of the Second Life Library.

Librarians of second life 1

Week 12: Social networks

Discover and Explore:
So what is social network?

Social network is a popular online service, where people can find others with common interests and explore activities of others. The service provide various forms for people to interact. I like Rotorua Public Library website, it looks cool.

In the library we can make a social network, say “new book club”, for reader to make comments, reviews, discussions and recommondations about new titles in the library.

Zamar

I tried Zamar as well. I converted one file from doc to html file. The converted file was sent to my email automatically. But when I tried to convert one file from doc to pdf, the file was not sent to my email until it was too late (you have to pay to get a converted file if you do not download the file within 24 hours).

Week 11: Online applications and tools

Google docs and Zoho
I have tried free online office applications from Google Docs and Zoho. These are good. For example, to create a meeting agenda, people can access and contribute their commons whenever they want. These applications can be used both online and offline, very convenient for users.

I used my Google account to access Google Docs. It is very easy to use.
I made a contact list for Sydney public libraries. I uploaded it into my Google Doc. Then I invited nswpln@gmail.com to share this file. The list does not include branches. Everybody is welcome to add branch contact details to the list.

I created an account with Zoho. Zoho has more features than Google Doc. It has Zoho Sheet, Zoho Meeting etc.. I like Zoho Meeting very much.

So many online applications are free. We could make use of these applications and tools in our libraries.

Song for Olympic 2008

FOREVER FRIENDS
Giorgio Moroder; Michael Kunze.

You’ve tasted bitter defeat and the sweet success.
You want it all and you settle for nothing less．
You’ve tried harder than the rest.
You’ve become one of the best.
This is the time you’ll remember for all your life.
Forever friends...

Week 10: Mashups

Mashups mix the features of web applications. For example, it can take advantage of both Flikr and Google Map.

Mashups usually include maps, videos and photos. I went through the description for Mashups in Learning 2.0. I posted my mashups using Big huge labs.

Mashups could be used in libraries for following activities.
Promotion: make fresh-looking library cards with various images and useful information; make interesting posters to attract readers.

Enhance library resources: mashup branch Locations with Google maps and catalogue information; mashup home-delivery service with Google maps.

There is a very good article, entitled “Mashups and Libraries: Resources, Articles and Links”, compiled by Darlene Fichter.

Pelican

Poster of Sunset

Moonlight played by B.D. Hugh

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Week 9 Podcasts and Audio

With podcast, one can listen to audio clips or watch video clips on a computer. One can also upload MP3 or video files to a podcast host (such as podbean.com) to share with others.

I read the notes from learning 2.0 and checked the links there as well. Then I thought I’d better to try to make a podcast myself.

I understand that we must be careful about copyright when posting media files.

I created an account with Podbean.com, which is a free Podcast website. I made a post with a beautiful piano piece. This is a free piece Moonlight sonata by B.D. Hugh.(Beethoven moonlight sonata), downloaded from http://www.classiccat.net/.

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I think podcast can be wildly use in libraries. For example, it can be used for library training programs and education programs for youth.

Week 8 Answer Board Librarian’s Wiki

I followed the hints of Learning 2.0 and visited Answer Board Librarians wiki. It is a very interesting website. I can see so many people asking and answering various questions. The information people provide appears to be credible.

I noticed that librarians usually suggest that people go to local libraries first.Indeed, our library has a big information desk to help enquiries from the public and has updated reference collection, which should be very beneficial to the public.

Slamming the boards is also a very good idea, as patrons can communicate with librarians on internet and get answer quickly.

I can imagine that we will get more and more reference enquires through the library online service.