Say Good Bye to the Old Library!

Downloadable audiobooks

Got an MP3 player for Christmas and hoped to be more proficient in using it by now, but I am learning. I registered at NetLibrary and downloaded a book and then couldn't find it on my player. How could I lose such a big item on such a small item? Then I found it but kept playing the same first chapter over and over. That got old fast.

A few months later I tried again. This time the book "Julie and Julia" was not available on NetLibrary so I put it on hold and got an email that it had arrived. I successfully downloaded it....what a big head I had that day...and then got a device from Radio Shack to play it on my radio. Only problem I am having now is lots of static and an inability to stop and restart the book. So I guess that is progress.

I really liked NetLibrary and hope to use it a lot more in the future.

Wallace and Gromit

Zoho and Web 2.0

Zoho was a good experience for me. I sent the document I created back and forth to my personal and library email and it was very easy to use. I think that some people who don't like opening up word attachments would like the alternative of opening up the URL. I think this would work for any of my volunteer activities where we might need to create a brochure or letter where everyone gets to provide input.

When it came to the Web 2.0 Awards list I wasn't as enamored. I checked out "Say So" which is an on-line support group for parents. I much prefer kvetching to people at the playground (when my kids were small), but I guess if you are housebound this could be a good site. The other thing is that I read a number of those scary stories about what potential pitfalls your kids can be engulfed in. Didn't find that very helpful....like those email alerts that your friends send to you and 5, 000 other close friends.

I checked out Peer Trainer....a lot of people complaining about their weight or trying to get you to check out their new business or inspiring you to lose.

I prefer a face to face with a friend or even a stranger who might be sitting next to you on the train....too much time conversing with a screen.

Library 2.0

After reading some perspectives on Library 2.0 I felt so optimistic about our future. I think that there is a perception that the library will be phased out as more material becomes available on line and that the computer will rule. But it's really about how we shape the information....like sculptors with amorphous clay....I see morphing claymation figures (think "Wallace and Gromit"). And it's not all about us librarians. Everyone is empowered, everyone has a perspective, everyone has a say.

And I really could relate to the "retreat space for thought leaders". I am nestling into that leather chair right now.....Bring on those "sensory treats".....I can't wait.

Wikis are not Wicked

Are there really that many people who are interested in the information I impart on the

new pages in the Sandbox? I doubt it, but it is fun to think my musings are that important. I did share the address of a favorite breakfast spot in NYC so if you love cheese blintzes like I do you may want to check it out.

http://marylandlibrariessandbox.pbwiki.com/Best+Breakfast+in+NYC

Also, thanks to James I created a Simpsons' avatar....but couldn't get the entire picture...just the head, don't know why.

In my explorations I found BookLoversWiki and it had great reading recommendations, many of which I added to my ever-growing list.

http://booklovers.pbwiki.com/Princeton%20Public%20Library

I also enjoyed visiting Merlin where I was able to read librarian blogs and learn more about technology. Here is one....

http://harfordparticipants.blogspot.com/

Photo taken by Dorie Greenspan during visit to France