Final Comments

I enjoyed listening to everyone's Wimba presentations of their group projects. Everyone has certainly put a lot of effort into their projects. I would say that I would have liked to have heard everyone's voice on the presentations. It is nice to get to know who is on the other side of things. I did think that one of the presentations was a bit rushed; however, they did seem to manage to keep within the time given. I think Frank's group seemed to be straight forward and down to the point which to me says user-friendly and he spoke at a relatively slow pace. People of all ages can easily grasp this without feeling overwhelmed. Simple people do not like the hustle and bustle of city life and are offended at rapid conjecture. I remember noticing this when a girl, got caught up in it as a teenager, and now have a new perspective on the matter as a mature adult. Everyone has put a great deal of effort into their projects and I pray that they have received their rewards with good grades. It has been a pleasure making your acquaintance here on the board. You are most welcome to visit me on my Facebook page. I wish you all the best! As I have graduated and my transfer is a success, I will be leaving the school as a student. I think I am going to miss that side of it. Yet, I am happy to have made progress. It has been a struggle, yet I am happy to say that my GPA is intact and I will be graduating Summa Cum Laude this Spring. I say this in amazement at this accomplishment as I never would have dreamed it so. May your endeavors be blessed and your burdens be light! Love and Light, Tamara.

Final Blog-Future in Library Services

The Time Machine
by jovike with CC license: some rights reserved

This week's session has been almost like an H. G. Wells adventure in his famous time machine. I pray that libraries end up with a better future than in his novel. With this economy, who knows? With so many predictions being so accurate, it is as if we are in a scientific project that perhaps has been performed before and we are its next victims of experimentation. Sci-fi aside, it has been fun to contemplate the future benefits that may be derived from modern technology. I think it rings out clearly that one must remember the past in order to understand the future. Services will always remain basically the same it seems, only with new adaptions in how to accomplish them.

Blogging has been an excellent experience for developing needed skills for electronic posting. We started out with Wordl and learning to upload photos. We took an assessment, learned about Creative Commons and how to post a video from YouTube, discovered social media and Delicious along with tagging, discovered Cloud Computing which took a moment to grasp for me, learned about wikis, networking and infrastructures, mashups, mobile devices and apps, information tools, discovered how audio/visual may be used to enhance presentations, learning and teaching tools, experimented with Wimba and Skype with screencasting, selected Web 2.0 projects, discovered assistive/adaptive technology and performed group projects, and then peered into the potential future of libraries. It has been a busy semester! I am glad that I was received into this class. It has been a joy to learn and always chalked full of new scholastic adventures. The two highlight projects for blogging would be the following of the selected two resources through Delicious (which I observed through Google Reader) and the Web 2.0 projects, mine being the Facebook Social Media project and the Video Sharing/YouTube project. They have taken a great deal of blogging space and have pursued progressive discoveries into other web sources to examine and compare for library applications. This class has allowed me to relax more with technology and gave me solid ground to base myself. I know now how to explore and how to find the right resources to help me discover and stay on top of technology. I know that this class will continue to have its influence on me as I press further into higher education into the world of library science. It has been a pleasure meeting everyone and I have enjoyed reading your blogs and learning with you as we made our discoveries together. Have a wonderful last week of class and may your holidays be merry and bright! Best of luck in the future and all of your endeavors! This is my last semester at Ivy Tech! I will miss being a part of the student activities, yet will continue on as a Logansport Ivy Tech LRC staff member. Blessings be to you all!

The Story of the Four Candles posted on YouTube by Ninidosha (Double-click to enlarge screen)

TroubleShooting

Fixed by Don Fulano with CC license: some rights reserved

I have been rather interested in this weeks topics simply because I do so much troubleshooting in my place of employment that it was rather applicable. I especially enjoyed how they pointed out the most simplistic solution of shutting of the equipment and turning it back on. I also enjoyed the notion of keeping a troubleshooting journal. This is something that I will definitely be looking into in the future.

I have completed my Web 2.0 projects. They have been very educational and have put me more at ease to searching the web for apps that may be of use. It has also opened my eyes to understand to actually search for an app even if I do not know of its existence if a need arises.

Our tech comparison group project is coming to a close. My partner Chris was to upload the project to Wimba over the weekend and we are to meet to discuss presentation of it on Tuesday. So projects are coming to a close along with this class.

I have been received into the general studies program at IUPUI and am signed up for classes. I have to forward them to my adviser and contact financial aid to verify everything. I cannot wait until I actually receive my books. I will only then relax and start to believe that I am an official transfer student. I am yet waiting to receive word on the subsidiary that I have applied for to assist me in obtaining certification. I wish to get this accomplished before the start of Spring

semester as I wish the credits to apply for the continuation credits required to keep the certification active.

One application that I have been enjoying is Spotify; though, I have not had time to create a Christmas playlist as I did for Thanksgiving. I have to say that it does not take the place of some well-enjoyed radio stations at Live 365. WinterScapes is very beautiful and quite soothing. Here is a link if you care to enjoy the holiday season with me: http://www.live365.com/.

I pray that your projects continue to go well and that your holiday spirit is uplifted and regenerates you to continue to the end of the semester. Below are some pictures of the Logansport Ivy Tech's Campus after receiving snow. Have a wonderful week!

Video Sharing/YouTube Project

You Tube In The Library

View more presentations from CKZ

This class has been the highlight of my learning in the lta program with the exception to the practicum which was a warm wonderfully inviting experience for me. I started off this project reading through the lesson and exploring the links that were suggested. I found that the Allan County Public Library had a wonderful example of how video may be used in library services. Their video on eReaders was an explanatory; however, it further developed their program of exhibiting different popular eReaders to assist patrons to not only take interest, though also to assist them in purchasing the one that was right for them. I think this is an example of how libraries may use information in an assistive way to help merge the digital divide.

Resources that I examined were live streaming this focuses on videos being posted at the time of posting. The benefits to this could be instant sharing when there is a special event that could not be repeated. 12seconds.tv may be useful for quick broadcasting. This reminded me of Twitter in the regulation of momentary publishing. Screencasting has the benefit of not hosting software. ScreenToaster also hosts a PDF creator and Posty app for the desktop to provide instant publishing to websites. Screenr was the most user-friendly and had high editorial appeal. Screencastomatic is very useful for scholastic application in its presentation. ScreenCastle’s web interface does not live up to its name in my humble opinion. I did also pursue those links within the assignment for Windows. Some were not easily studied as they required subscriptions.

The most difficult part of this video was the theme. I did not truly know where to begin. So I started from within this class. I had selected the Social Media project and this Video project as well as explored Second Life just to say that I examined it without walking away from the unknown. Confining myself to these topics, I downloaded Jing and made screencasts easily that were saved to screencast.com. I proceeded to save this on my flash drive under the designated folder for this project under this class. Then the second hardest part came and that was to use the Windows Live Movie Maker. I had previously examined another student’s video of her project which was Second Life. I have to say that I was rather intimidated. How on earth would I ever learn how to make such a professional video? I needed to learn more about effects. So I struggled with tackling this topic due to ignorance itself. I finally happened upon the presets within Windows Live Movie Maker and realized that it was not difficult to do at all. I am rather pleased that I have made this discover and actually managed to upload sound. I know that it is not a Sullivan production by any means; though, I do believe that I have developed enough ability that I could get by on my discoveries and be able to assist in library services appropriately. The last most difficult thing to perform was uploading to YouTube. I had a phobia of this as I had not had a good experience on a previous attempt in Children’s Literature class. After consulting with our instructor, she assured me that my file was in acceptable format and that the download time was normal. With this understanding she assured me of bandwidth issues that could interfere and to arrange time around “busy hours” on the web to assure success. The following is an example of how libraries may use video for library instruction.

How to Use Home Sharing with iTunes Library for Dummies by Dummies.com


In summary videos may be used in Library 2.0 applications to serve patrons with instructional information, celebrate local history, and extend already occurring library services as well as simply encourage patron participation. When participating in utilizing video, it is always important to acknowledge copyright for any resource that is used. Copyrights protect the producers of the materials in order for them to receive the benefits that are deserved for the development of such. Etiquette is always of value and important to consider when producing a video. Considering others should always be kept in the forefront on one’s mind when attempting to produce materials that will be used by the public. One should always attempt to be non-offensive in every way. Lastly, the best thing that I have learned is to face fears that overwhelm you by getting feedback from others. I think this is much like troubleshooting one’s own difficulties. If someone else has experience with technology and you hit an obstacle, check to see what their tactics have been for confronting down times and make a journal of your accomplishments. Overall this has been an educational project that has taken me into a new area of technology and expanded my horizons. I look forward to new explorations with my toolkit based upon skills learned from within this class.

Here is my video project for your viewing. I welcome questions or comments. If you have any advice, I would love to hear it.

Video Sharing/YouTube Project.wmv by tamarag2010

Social Networking Web 2.0 Facebook Project

Facebook logo by AJC1 with CC license: some rights reserved

This week for my Social Networking Web 2.o project, I explored a lot of alternate resources suggested in the assignment. I checked out stumbled upon it and truly like this source of information. This is one resource that aids one a lot like Delicious in being an information resource. It is very handy to know about. I also checked out Linked In which I already have an account with. I checked out the Facebook app, yet prefer not to have this on my Facebook page as this is not business. It is social and I like to keep the two separate. Next, I checked out Plaxo

which hosts its own ecards. Plaxo is a resource that assists in organizing your address book information. If one were to have that many business contacts, then this would be a very handy resource. Yahoo 360 is no longer open. I do utilize Yahoo Mail service and use the home website for the search engine and have also enjoyed utilizing their directories. However, I do not use their My Page. It seems to serve me little. I did use the Instant Message system for a time; however, they developed the IM into their mail system and it is no longer necessary to use the IM outside of it, so I do not have this software downloaded anymore. This provides added memory space. Utterli is in the middle of changing their website; though, I am following them through Twitter. Remember the Milk is simply adorable. It is a to do list that may be used through apps at other resources. Reddit hosts information posted across the nation. It is quite utilizable in keeping up on what is "hot" socially. I did check out the three linked libraries in the assignment, one of which has an app. Okay, I am going to try and cut the rest of this short. I looked up all of the other resources listed. Ravalry, BakeSpace, and BirdPosts were a complete hit with me. Now on to the others-I have to say that I hate chaos and with so many different resources out there, there appears to be a lot of clutter.

Twitter logo by Andriano Gasparri with CC license: some rights reserved

My biggest concern is authentication. There is a site called patientslikeme. I have to wonder who is giving recommendations or advice. My concern goes along with the concerns for Wikipedia. I think authentication should be something that websites of such nature should be required to have. I understand free enterprise and also understand that needs creates invention. My overall concern is the chaos, source of authority, validity, and security. With so many apps out there, I tend to be leery of trying something that is not the rave. Even then, I question. I think website evaluation should be included along with app exploration. Some of the apps only have a vague front page that require starting an account before one truly knows what one is getting themselves into. So those are the main questions that I pose.

I did read the difference between a group and a page from mashable social media. This is very good at keeping one up on the latest social media releases. I have a profile on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/tamara.gibbs1. I joined the following groups on Facebook: Anne of Green Gables Fans, Beta Gamma Zeta Phi Theat Kappa, Beverly Lewis books, Logansport High School Class of 1987, and the Official Facebook Page Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. I also have a Twitter account at http://twitter.com/#!/Tamara_Libr105. I am following several there as well. I have been comparing the differences between Twitter and Facebook. I see the value in Twitter for broadcasting. However, I think Facebook wins hands down on social networking. I joined the Libr 105 group and kept in contact with group members regarding class projects. This aids in reducing anxiety as one may discover how one is faring in relationship to other classmates. It appears that I am not lagging and am right on track! I have also had the benefit of observing catalog apps that may be an item that I could have to place into consideration in the future as I pursue my library science degree further.

What I like most about Facebook is that this is where everyone is. I had a Myspace account, yet all my friends are on Facebook. If you want to find someone, then Facebook is the place to look. I like that the chat and message service is right on the same page. Newsfeeds and privacy may be customized to accommodate the individual. I use this site to stay in touch with my classmates and family. Its nice to keep up on friends and their accomplishments educational, occupational, and new additions to their immediate family. One aspect that I enjoy about Facebook is that one may now friend someone for game apps without adding to their Facebook friend list. This is of benefit to those who wish to enjoy new found friends without risk of personal information being revealed. I also am enjoying the Spotify and have looked up many types of music in my adventures of not only social media though also music genre. One example would be symphonic metal which combines Gothic and Opera with modern instrumentation for a rather interesting representation of Scandinavian music which I have long been entranced with. I am looking forward to the new Timeline that is due to come out soon.
My public library does not have a Facebook page; however, the library in which I served my practicum does. It may be found here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Delphi-Public-Library/188979794516341. They have recently updated their page to commercial site. This affects the way in which one receives newsfeeds. I keep closer track of their page through Google Reader than with the Facebook page due to the status of only being a "fan" and not a friend. The Delphi Public Library uses the website to keep patrons up-to-date on scheduled events as well as posting interesting facts of the day. New releases would be an item that would attract patrons. This is something that would aid in promotion of the library and their services. It also hosts location information for people to access the actual facility itself. Mashups could be used to assist patrons in understanding the layout of the library which would aid in retrieval time being shortened with the knowledge of floor plan available. Apps for OPAC information could also be made available as some have already established. Various other apps could also be made accessible to patrons through their Facebook page and broaden the scope of the library's collection with electronic resources.
Overall, this has been a rather enjoyable project. It has taken me into worlds that I might otherwise not probe. It has walked me through the chaos of congested web traffic and made key attractions represented and drawn to my attention. I have examined the difference between tweets and posted notes. I see each as a valuable contribution to social media, yet would foresee sources with different appeal for different uses and practicalities. I have also examined several apps and see the benefit that they could serve a library. Social media not only provides an outreach to online patrons, it could also extend the library collection through the many applications that could be utilized to serve. I have finished this project with a new understanding of social media and its many benefits and continue to reflect upon the potential that it possesses therein.

Here is a video that I found rather interesting and may lead you to further investigation:

New Social Media Not So New by Standford University

Library Security

Business Library Security Gates by William and Mary Law Library with CC License: some rights reserved

This week's topic is a review of what I have already studied in Library Management and Collection Development. I did experience working with Media that had locking cases that had to be removed upon checking out during my practicum this summer. We do remove media from shelves and only provide the cases to view for patrons who wish to use them at the LRC. As you

would all know, most of the collection is located in the Virtual Library as it is accessible by many for a reasonable price. There is less concern over damaged material as well going this route and not a great deal of waiting lists in the forefront for research. For this I am grateful. That would wreak havoc immensely!

My Facebook experience is going well. Twitter is busy as always. Kindle ebooks is a very hot issue. For the Boston Public Library the Friends of the Library are having a book sale. NYPL boasts of the second season of "The Vampire Diaries". Good Reads states that women and cats will do what they please and that men and dogs need to get use to it. The library of congress states that it is PIE time of year again. I actually posted my first Tweet this week after following for a while. I am not sure that I will ever have anything important enough to "broadcast", yet I am enjoying keeping up on all of the library services. Since Facebook is now providing libraries with commercial services, many are making the change over. The new "like' status does not deliver posting information. So the best way to follow is either through Google Reader or through Twitter if they have one. I am yet completely amazed that Facebook dropped their apps directory. So many apps have fallen off that I feel as though I did not get a good experience at seeing these put into effect. I am anxiously waiting to see this new Timeline that they ar

e bringing out. I have been enjoying the new Spotify. They have an "Ultimate Holiday Playlist" that I have subscribed to; though, I have created my own Thanksgiving playlist that any are welcomed to join in listening with me if you are on Facebook and care to click. I actually sent a link to Twitter and to Facebook.

For my video, I am gathering Snapshots of Second Life as I continue to learn to navigate. I intend on making a video of my learning process and presenting it as a final representation to the project's objectives for Web 2.0. Second Life has had a bit of progress compared to my insulting initiation. I know how to change the color of clothing and to walk, fly, run and teleport. I did notice that one can get lost if one goes flying too far off of an island. The next step is to locate some of the library resources available.

My group project is coming along. My partner has managed to complete her section and is eagerly waiting for my portion. I have been waiting the technology plan to be forwarded; however, it seems that the old one has been accomplished with the recent renovation and a new one is only in the enactment stage and yet to be seen. So with this I will proceed to complete my powerpoint slides to place before her. I intend on using the holiday to try and get ahead.

I wish everyone a very lovely Thanksgiving holiday.

glitter-graphics.com

Web and Internet Design

Have a Heart by Sam Felder with CC license: some rights reserved

This week's session has been a refresher over some points that I have already studied in my HTML class that I was fortunate to have taken. I would recommend taking such a class for anyone interested in web design. Universal design is discussed at length as it covers the presentation of the screen and its appearance to mobile accessing as well as that which falls into the assistive/adaptive technology category. I found a video discussion that covers legislation involved with library services and the disabled population that you may be interested in viewing.

Accessibility in Libraries by williamsonkate

I am happy to say that our Technology Review project is coming along nicely. We have both managed to set appointments, perform interviews, record our notes and upload them for group viewing on our group collaboration page. At present we are discussing how to approach the

compilation of our project as well as the presentation. So I can safely say that we are on track

with the scheduling of performed tasks.

Facebook logo by AJC1 with CC license: some rights reserved

For my Web 2.0 projects, my social media project of Facebook has been acceptable; though, I would have liked to see better results from the apps area. I have enjoyed making friends, chatting, joining our library group, becoming a fan of public libraries-though this is only on the "like" feature as most are commercial websites now. I have also enjoyed interaction with a game called "Farmville". One new feature that has recently been extended has been the ability to add

social game friends without having to add them as "friends" to your webpage. This has been a big hit with everyone on this game. It has also been a very nice experience to participate in an

interactive game that involves visiting others who play the farm and receiving benefits from having interaction and participation as such. I am not a "game" person; though, when one sends gifts to help someone else out it is very much like the "barn raising" experience in Quaker community and was rather intriguing to me. The apps directory has been removed and this in my opinion is a mistake. I do not think that it is user-friendly in that regard. I also have found that as I made my way through the list of links for the assignment that many are no longer in service. I have managed to join the following apps: weRead, profilebanner(which will not take affect until the new release of Timeline), and podclass. I was able to subscribe through

GoogleReader to the following apps as they were not serviceable links: pickniks, and WorldCat.

I am somewhat interested in the Zoho app which is usable; though, apparently not accessible through Facebook. Here is a link to my facebook page if any would care to venture:

http://www.facebook.com/tamara.gibbs1. In regards to the group, I can see where collaborating in a group would be of assistance with class programming. I think that it would bring better results on a social media, then a cafe question thread on Blackboard, simply because students frequent the website.

Twitter logo by Andriano Gasparri with CC license: some rights reserved

My Twitter name is Tamara_Libr105 if you care to receive me as your friend. I am beginning to like this more as a bulletin board than social interaction. I can see the benefits of having a Twitter account; though am yet in favor of Facebook for social interaction. I have subscripted to GoodReads, nypl, AamazonKindle, LibraryJournal, IUPUI, AtYourLibrary, IvyTechCC, ABAJournal(mobile devices), NIH Library, BPL Boston, ALALibrary, LawLibCongress, Thomas, critereononline, LibraryofCT, librarycongress, NovaList, HTMLWebDesign, googlebooks,

audible_com, ilfannual, and athomelibrarian(Ms. Griffith). I have also subscribed to the local newspaper tweet and find this a very nice feature for incident reports. For all practicalities, I still think that I would use GoogleReader before Twitter.

Libraries in Second Life by The Daring Librarian with CC licence: some rights reserved

I am plugging away at experimenting with the video editor. When I wrap up my investigation in social media which will be soon, I will press forward into this deeper. I am yet wanting to check out the Second Life a little more to see the practicalities in utilizing this as a resource.

Have a nice week!