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!

Assistive Technology

This week certainly sparked my interest with the assistive and adaptive technologies discussed. My group partner is Christina Huesman. We are composing our questions by the end of this week and setting up appointments for next week-or at least that is the plan. We have a good start on the project. We have also both selected the Assistive Tech 13.2 project as it directly correlates within our current project. It should make for smooth transition.

Facebook Logo by AJC1 CC License: some rights reserved

My social media experience with Facebook has been informative and yet is complicated. I have pursued following several libraries on Facebook. However, many are commercial sites and only utilize the "like" feature. So to remedy this, I have elected the Google Reader to assist me in keeping up on these sites. I have joined the Libr 105 group and conversed with other classmates there. I do use Facebook on a daily basis. In fact, I prefer it over My Space. I find it difficult to

believe that I actually do prefer it. My Space accommodates html and comment posting with an additional blog application and I would never have believed that I would prefer Facebook

it. I guess this is much like the difference between Facebook and Twitter. Apps do not necessarily mean better. I enjoy Facebook simply because everyone is on it. I have located high school friends and am able to keep up on "little things" that would normally be overlooked. Some

of the apps that are listed in our assignment that I have been pursuing are being blocked by security browsing issues. I have to discover why this is happening to access and explore these applications.

Twitter by xotoko CC license: some rights reserved

Twitter is a new experience. It took a little search and find; though, I am beginning to get an understanding of it. Searches seem easier on Twitter. Perhaps this has to do with the brevity of the postings. It reminds me of Google Reader at least that is how I would use the source. I do not think it is much for social media after experiencing Facebook. I do think that it would be more of a professional service for quick broadcasting.

For my video project I am working on CyberLink DVD Suite Deluxe. I have to work through the tutorials to figure out how to use all of the "magic touches" that may be applied. I will post more as I discover more. Here is a video that I found on YouTube with screencasting using the software that I am embarking on.

Cyberlink DVD Suite 7 by CyberlinkChannel

I have been exploring Second Life. I think quite honestly that there are a lot of weirdos on it. I have been very vulgarly approached while in process of figuring out my appearance and would never recommend this to a child in naivety. While I am not big on censorship, I do hold to guidance and this is definitely a source that needs some guidelines attached to it. I have only begun to check out the appearance and so have not found my way to other sites. (I am not sure that I want to!)

I pray that everyone had a lovely weekend and a wonderful fresh new week in this lovely month of November.

Video Sharing Project

Under my video sharing project I found a link to nbc.com which posts videos of shows that people may have missed. I found this Halloween treat there.

Horror genre has found a new home

I also looked up HULU which took me to the TNT website for a CHARMED episode.

I have been checking out Second Life. I still think it is kind of creepy. While I was attempting to fumble to set up my avatar, I continually am approached by strangers who seemingly jump at the first notice of a life form. I am not happy about that. I should not have to be bombarded by others while setting up. Setting up my appearance does not seem very user-friendly. I have read through tutorials; however, it seems rather difficult. I will have to get back to it at a later time.

I did also check out Machinima. This seems confusing as well. It appears to be a news update to keep people abreast through Facebook, Twitter, etc. I did watch a video clip through You Tube about little green men. The front page leaves much to be desired as far as information about its service goes.

My next venture will be in Google Reader for Podcasting.

Learning and Teaching Technologies

Library Instruction Lab by
prettydaisies
CC license: some rights reserved

This week has been rather exciting. Learning about presentations and actually having an opportunity to experience a mock situation has been rather encouraging. I have enjoyed having the opportunity to explore resources out there that may be utilized to better serve patrons. I have enjoyed seeing how others have approached their projects. There were different templates used with different presentational styles that were notable. Our Wimba meeting occurred on Saturday and everyone managed to present their presentations rather effectively with very little interference. Screencasts, distance learing and course management systems are very practical subjects for library instruction. I am not terribly familiar with screencasts; yet this is an area that I will be discovering in my video project. I am presently working on exploring the editing of a video. I know how to shoot and upload. The trick will be to discover editig options. I have editing software; though, I am unfamiliar with it. So my time is being spent on how to upload and edit the frames for a video. I have Widows live movie maker. I think that I have figured out how to make it fade in and out. When I have completed this, I will place a post here and let everyone see how I have progressed.

Here is something that I found on You Tube. It uses Second Life.



Haunted Halloween Library Style: Hovering over Infoisland in Second Life® by HVXSilverstar

Web 2.0

I have been checking out You Tube and reading about apps in Facebook. The video sharing and social networking projects are my selected projects. I am somewhat familiar with Facebook, yet have not utilized the various applications. I do play Farmville which will be noticed by anyone who visits my page.

Our monitoring projects are at an end. My favorite and most referenced was the Library Success: A Best Practices Wiki. While it was not a website that issued the latest released information in the library world, it was quite informative if one would search through its recently changed listings. I am happy to see them close to be honest; though, have learned a lot from them. I am eager to move on to what I have been waiting for in this class. I will continue to use Google Reader to keep informed of everyone's blogs.

My virtual reference went well; though, I had to become familiar with the settings. I think that I have found that virtual reference may not be reflective of one's searching abilities necessarily as people may at times be overly zealous or become nervous. I think that screen share could be initimidating to some as their work becomes more visible to the viewer. I think this would become easier over time as one became accustomed to being watched in action.

Here is an example from You Tube that will demonstrate the how sound and video can work together and how wonderful the service can be for those who use it. I pray that you enjoy it as I have.

Autumn in Norway~Secret Garden~A Walk in the Forest posted by ETTA48

Web 2.0 & Delicious, Evolving from Bookmarking to Tags

I would first like to discuss how libraries are using Web 2.0. One feature that I have been particularly interested in is the wiki and how libraries are using it to enhance library services, communication, and collaboration. One website that I have been following is Library Success: A Best Practices Wiki. On the main page on will find a Table of Contents that lists Categories that may be utilized. If one follows the link further, you may do so here . The user will find an extend listing of information relative to the library science profession. I think this is remarkable to provide resources in such a manner that will assist any who have informational needs in this regard. This resource also lists community links to provide a wiki user list as well as a list for librarians who use instant message. This would enhance communication aspects that we have discussed in class. There is also a section on collaborative tools listed to demonstrate the collaborative nature of this website. I managed to locate a video on collaboration between a teacher and library and think that it demonstrates how applicable Web 2.0 and collaboration are to education today.



Going further into the concept of education is the subject of research and how Delicious might be utilized to further one’s progression in utilizing Web 2.0. I believe here would be the best place to discuss the many benefits that I have encountered with Delicious. I have long since Bookmarked and saved continuing lists of links to make reference to in future context. Delicious is the perfect solution to organization. Not only does it provide organization, it also connects one to others to assist one in branching out and exploring Web 2.0 and broaden one’s horizon. I think the key objective is the condense nature of a tag verses topical indexes. This is one way that I used Delicious. I also utilized Featured, stacks, and recent links to give insight as I would browse the sight to see what was available. I did also utilize Library of Congress Subject Headings to locate key tags of note. Google Reader is yet another resource that I have used alongside of Delicious. Where tags are the condensed form of bookmarks and topical lists, Google Reader is much like an expanded index list. A tag would not be appropriate for clustering blogs as reader is quite appropriate for. I think using these resources in conjunction to each other seems to be a nice pair.

One way that I use Delicious is to keep abreast of the latest information and development in the library world. I have often felt in the dark on issues, wondering how I would keep up-to-date without having a professional subscription set before me. Delicious is a wonderful way to do this. Another way that I utilize Delicious is to connect subject matter of topical interest. For instance in the featured section, Harry Potter Recipes is listed. This might be linked to feature Harry Potter Series or even with the Pumpkin section for seasonal reading and local interest for a book club. Something that occurred to me is that I love religious fiction and women love Amish recipes. Delicious could then be used to connect to sights that offer information on Amish recipes found in a particular book series such as Beverly Lewis and Whoopee Pies.

Overall Delicious has been an inspiring discovery. It is a useful tool for organization, yet gives wings to unleash a wealth of information that is only at one’s fingertips. I am looking forward to advancing forward in my pursuit of utilizing this source to its fullest potential as we press forward through the rest of this course’s offerings.

Web 2.0 (Social Networking)

Tour de France Mashup by Richard Masoner/Cycleicious with Creative Common License: some rights reserved.

This week has been somewhat easier than last as it has not been so overwhelming with assignments to hand in and quizzes to take. Mashups, Wikipedia and VoIP are topics of interest this week. I have seen mashups and use wikipedia cautiously; however, I have actually never taken part of a VoIP session. I have placed a video call. This was used in my practicum as my instructor was located in Indianapolis and it saved her a trip. It proved to be an adequate service for such a project; though,there were transmission concerns. I had to keep the screen at the smaller imagery setting as apparently the distance complicated it to such a great detail that it was not practical nor clearly visible to view anything other than static and bouncing. I need to also mention my selection for our next projects. My selection is the Social Networking/Facebook Project and the Video Sharing/YouTube Project. I made these based upon the fact that I believe these will assist me to develop my knowledge of web 2.0 the most.

I am beginning to get excited about our approaching projects. This is what I have been waiting for. These little touches make a great difference in one's web page. As I have stated before, I have been interested in PSP which is making animated graphics. I am mainly interested in this out of a kosher issue. Many graphics are unsuitable for professional or religious applications. Gender is also of concern. My beliefs curtail selection based upon regulations to gender and this makes selection rather difficult, if at all possible. I think another issue that makes me so excited about this class is just the idea of being up on the world of information. I have felt so behind in the information of technology that it made my head swim. I can certainly understand why older generations are wanting to completely ignore it. This is a gender issue with me. If it involves technology, I leave it to men. I just have never truly held it as a woman's place, in all respect. I do have scientific interest; yet if it begins to rip things apart and examine under the surface, then it is very much like handing me a wrench for the automobile and who are we kidding?

Our Delicious blogs are due this week which will follow this posting and the two selections that I am following are WebJunction and Library Success: A Best Practices Wiki. I have previously stated that I have been somewhat unhappy with the updates that have been derived. I think, however, they are truly good resources and have selected not to side-track and pursue other links even though they are not as considerably active as other links. For the Library Success... site, there is a link to Web Tricks and Tips, which further redirects one to a list of suggestions. One of which is Successful Redesign Projects. This link takes you here: http://www.libsuccess.org/index.php?title=Website_Design#Successful_Re-Design_Projects. This page has a multitude of links that may be accessed to observe activity in this area to give librarians an idea of what may be working for others in this regard. Webjuction did not appear to have any new activity, so I followed a link under the Technology tab to Social Networking and Web Tools. I discovered a link to 31 Flavors: Things to do with Flickr in Libraries: How to use photo-sharing web sites for your library. This may be found here: http://www.webjunction.org/technology/web-tools/articles/content/450126 if you chose to pursue it.

Overall, I think this class has been very successful thus far and continue to enjoy reading everyone's blogs and taking part in the discussion boards. Have a nice weekend everyone!

Information Discovery Tools...

This week was quite busy indeed. In fact it was rather hectic getting everything accomplished. Yet here I sit typing in my last assignment with a few hours to spare. The connector quiz was unbearable. It was simply horrific. I can follow instructions as well as any; though, I just received my first dose of information that I never would have pursued otherwise. I have to say as painstaking as it was that I actually did learn something and I yet have time to take another attempt at perfecting my grade. If I convince myself that I can improve my score, I may just overcome my satisfaction with an acceptable grade. I am a glutton and will probably retake it as I see what a wasted chance it would be and hate to let such flap in the wind of mediocracy.

I have to say that I am confident in my search skills. I know that I am no equal with one who possesses an MLS; however, I know that the lta program as prepared me adequately for searching. I may not know all of the reference tools out there; though, have a general idea and am able to discover options upon need. I also understand formats and their various purposes, boolean operators, advanced search methods and have discovered how some search engines are more beneficial in some areas than others. I think that everyone should find this to be true of their abilities as they finish up their coursework.

I did make a video out of my tech tool user guide. This is my first attempt at such and am rather happy with it. I was then going to create a license in Creative Commons and realized that I have not even began to understand the process of doing such. So I am uploading it straight as it for scholastic purposes only. I pray that it is acceptable and meets the quality that is demanded of such.

Networks

Networks can be overwhelming, yet this weeks reading simplified everything and made it usable information. I particularly was happy to read about the wireless issues and authentication; though, I have to say that finding out why I can log into more than one computer at a time at school made a lot of sense.

My wiki source this week was over mobile access to libraries and I have managed to locate a video that demonstrates a little about this.

My project that I have selected is to create a user guide for checking out a laptop from the lrc. It is yet in the working and I have to wrap it up for submission. I wish everyone luck on their projects.

This week in Library Success: A Best Practices Wiki, I discovered that M-Library means Mobile Library through a recent update link. There are suggested readings listed here: http://www.libsuccess.org/index.php?title=M-Libraries. On WebJunction the top story was on technology planning and the 21st century. Everything that we had discussed through our readings was present in this article. There was also an article on applications on MicroSoft, blogging, and Facebook. It appears that we are right on schedule with this website. Here is the link if you want to check it out yourself: http://www.webjunction.org/1.

Last week we were notified of Overdrive becoming compatible with Kindle Readers. I have to say that I have been waiting for this. I cannot wait for the opportunity to get to my local library and discuss all of the details with staff there. This is such a wonderful event to see come into the workings.

I wish everyone a good weekend!

Photo: 3G Network Infrastructure by breakingpoint CC License: some rights reserved

Video: The Library Minute: Mobile Web by Arizona State University Libraries CC License: Attribution-NonCommercial- No Derivatives Works 3.0

QR Codes, E-Reader Policies & Procedures, & Creative Commons

Photo: Kindle Kat by daniel spills-Creative Commons License: some rights reserved

Sound: cat2 by NoiseCollector-Creative Commons License: Sampling+

One of my pages that I am monitoring through Delicious is Library Success: A Best Practices Wiki. One recent change of the page was of the nature of QR Codes. Here is the link for those interested: http://www.libsuccess.org/index.php?title=QR_Codes. QR Codes are quick reference codes and are utilized by smart-phones. The phone scans a 2-dimensional bar-code that directs them to a website or application with the code's data. I can imagine that this would be quite helpful with special delivery services. There is no use of a wand which would simplify matters. There are suggestive readings for those interested.

The other website that I have chosen to follow is WebJunction. They are taking policies and procedures submissions for discussion and comparison. Here is the link if you are interested: http://www.webjunction.org/mobile-devices/-/articles/content/120643671. As an owner of a Kindle, I am highly interested in this subject matter. I am looking forward to Amazon coming out with the Lending Library that will enable Kindle users to check out library materials.

I also enjoyed our Creative Commons assignment. It was difficult at first and I did experience some browser issues. However, after consulting with Ms. Griffith, we managed to figure it out. I enjoyed visiting everyone's pages. Frank's patriotism, Sandra's sober naturalism, Joshua's haunting, Jessica's Requiem, and Rachel's computer cat all demonstrated how sound can augment photo's and bring the reader deeper into one's blog. This is why I selected to continue in my studies here at Ivy Tech and it is worth the effort!

Amish Country

This summer I performed my practicum at the Delphi Public Library. This library serves a large religious population as there are Amish, Mennonite, and German Baptists among the community. The community has a respect for this culture and it is evident in the library's collection. There is a very good religious fiction section that many partake of whether they are among the religious community or secular. This respect filtered into the book club as one of the chosen books was Mennonite in the Little Black Dress. I enjoyed my practicum immensely and pray that everyone's experience is as wonderful as mine was.

Photo is titled Amish buggy By Wm Jas and holds a Creative Commons License of Some rights reserved-Attribution and ShareALike

The sound is titled Horsecart Ride By Aaron Ximm and holds a Creative Commons License with Attribution Rights

RSS Feeds

I just love the Google Reader. Now I can read quick glimpses of everyone's blog within seconds. I do not have to click back and forth on the Discussion Board which was a hassle and I did not take the time to read as many as I would have liked to have done. I had previously had a Google Reader account, though I never used it. Now I know what I have been missing. I have to say that the reason that I never used it was that the interface was blah and boring. Maybe I can find a way to alter the background as some applications permit. I do want to discover how to make an RSS feed to one's own website. This would be very helpful.

Cloud Computing

I am rather amazed at the concept of cloud computing and am yet unsure as to the specifics of what exactly qualifies for such a term. At first I presumed that cloud computing essentially included only mobile devices. These accessories are not anchored down and directly connected. Therefore, I believed that the word cloud computing resided only with them. I think, perhaps, this is how the term may have begun. However, after reading further this week that it also includes blogging and shopping on Amazon, then it leaves me a bit perplexed. I think the concept that makes things a bit more clear is that others can interact within an application. This interaction becomes "cloud communication"? Anyway, this is what I did to place a picture in my mind to better enable me to remember to include these formats within this terminological process. I think that the video above sounds absolutely dreamy; however, I do think that before we give up our disk drive, we need to remember the continual spiraling effect and the proclamation of irretrievable material. For my project I have selected to pursue making a user guide. I chose this because it is a project that I am most comfortable with; though, also because we have just started a new program and I think a user's guide would be very appropriate.

Social Media & Delicious

This week's session was centered around social media. I have to say that after keeping countless links organized I have finally found the answer. I am so happy to actually discover what social media is all about. I am in the habbit of storing links involving seamstressing. What I think is wonderful is that many sources that I enjoy are from the United Kingdom. With social media and Delicious at work, I can soon be enjoying many of the links in one location and participate in sharing sources with others of the same interest from across the ocean. One hobby that I love to enjoy is ribbon embroidery. I think that it is such a beautiful art and nearly a lost one at that. I can find others interacting with obscur information that is remote in my area. It is wonderful to join people of like minds together on one thought. Keeping up-to-date with library information will also be much easier knowing where to look in the future. I have read the section on the difference between a category and a tag. This is very interesting to me and I look forward to learning more on how to more fully enjoy and utilize social media to organize information in today's world.
For those interested my Delicious url is: http://www.delicious.com/Tamara_Libr1. I have bookmarked my sites selected from chapter two for following. One of the sites chosen is Library Success: A Best Practices Wiki I like the organization that it exhibits on the right hand column for topical information. It will make researching much easier. It is divided into 4 sections: Introduction, Join the Community, Categories, and Need Help. There are 14 categories with the 12th category having 3 subcategories listed. It will be a nice change to perform research from tags instead of search engines.

Technology & Wiki Orientation

One of the key points in class this week was the focus on technology’s impact on students as individuals. The contemplation of how technology has closely been associated in one’s own public library, its effects on the library’s service and its patrons and staff, along with personal application has been a worthy consideration to place in the forefront of one’s mind. Questions to contemplate would be “Where has the library been?”, “Where is it going?”, and “Where will it be in the future?” are all good questions to place before one not only to be considered for one’s career goals; though, it is also good to know in order to make predictions and be prepared for technological advances that may be yet to come. Having a basic understanding of library history aids one in understanding the basic processes involved in library service to patrons. With this basic understanding, flexibility can arise, putting the possessor in a position to be transitioned into a new world of technology. This is of benefit to any within the library field.



One such technology of advancement that we have observed this week is the Wiki. Within the Wiki Orientation, I observed the Wikis in Plain English by the CommonCraft Show. Being new to Wikis, this put me at ease with them. It made using wikis look so simplicity and easy to use, that surely any could utilize them as long as one was open to the possibility of such. Next, I read through CIO’s How to Build Your Own Wikipedia by Martha Locher. This explained how to ensure that there was purpose behind starting a wiki before one actually instituted it. Without this purpose, a wiki is doomed to failure. This resource gave me understanding of the structure needed to put into place. Lastly, I began the Wiki assignments. I actually put into practice what I had learned and it really was not that bad. I think the only think that made me a little nervous was the potential to erase good work already presented. I know that it was stated that everything good be set straight; however, who wants to look incompetent? One just needs to be careful making amendments or additions to postings. One tactic that I took note of was not to leave the edit on while processing one’s work. I think this is a call for havoc. Only selecting edit when one is prepared to actually make changes will ensure that errors occur less frequently. Overall, I am happy to explore this new application and am eager to see its fullest potential! Oh, is there a term for the verb of performing wikis? I think that there is though I am not recalling it. Have a happy time at wikis and collaboration!

Picture found at:

http://www.govtech.com/education/Public-Libraries-Developing-Technology-Benchmarking-Standards-.html

Video found at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=-dnL00TdmLY

ITKS Assessment

You demonstrate a 97 % comprehension in the Basics Knowledge area.
You demonstrate a 90 % comprehension in the Basics Skills area.
You demonstrate a 94 % comprehension in the Basics Assessment Group.
You demonstrate a 100 % comprehension in the Word Processing Knowledge area.
You demonstrate a 99 % comprehension in the Word Processing Skills area.
You demonstrate a 100 % comprehension in the Spreadsheet Knowledge area.
You demonstrate a 95 % comprehension in the Spreadsheet Skills area.
You demonstrate a 97 % comprehension in the Spreadsheet Assessment Group.
You demonstrate a 99 % comprehension in the Word Processing Assessment Group.
You demonstrate a 85 % comprehension in the Database Knowledge area.
You demonstrate a 97 % comprehension in the Database Skills area.
You demonstrate a 91 % comprehension in the Database Assessment Group.
You demonstrate a 100 % comprehension in the Presentation Knowledge area.
You demonstrate a 91 % comprehension in the Presentation Skills area.
You demonstrate a 94 % comprehension in the Presentation Assessment Group.
You demonstrate a 100 % comprehension in the Internet Knowledge area.
You demonstrate a 100 % comprehension in the Internet Skills area.
You demonstrate a 100 % comprehension in the Internet Assessment Group.
You demonstrate a 100 % comprehension in the Web Development Knowledge area.
You demonstrate a 100 % comprehension in the Web Development Skills area.
You demonstrate a 100 % comprehension in the Web Development Assessment Group.


I was surprised at how little things that I know about sound so technically advanced. It makes me feel as if I know more than what I had thought that I knew. I have to say that I think spreadsheets are my weakness, though, I can get by in them. I think spreadsheet formulas are like cataloging. If you do not use them every day, then you have to refer to the manual. Some of the things they were requesting information for, I had to actually think about what they were talking about before giving my answer. I take things for granted without thinking about terminologies. I took Website Development class. I wish that I would have received more from the class than I did. I felt as though my instructor was a “Techie” as one instructor put it, and not an instructor, which I completely agreed with. However, it was a good learning experience. I find that some areas overlap a bit in knowledge. I think that I need a higher knowledge of terminology for some of these processes. This was a good learning experience to better aid one in understanding where one’s skills rest and insightful in giving wisdom into areas that need improvement.

Introduction: Tamara

Hello, my name is Tamara and I am happy to be a part of this class as a late add-on. Ms. Griffith has been gracious enough to permit my entrance as a last notice entry. I am employed at the Ivy Tech Logansport Campus' LRC as a lab technician. You can find information on the Logansport Campus here: http://ivytech.edu/kokomo/. I have just finished my practicum at the Delphi Public Library. You can find information about this wonderful library here: http://www.carlnet.org/dpl/. It was a wonderful and exciting experience and I pray that everyone who is in the LTA program receives such a blessing in their practicum experience as I did. I had planned on transferring to Clarion University of PA for the online BS in Liberal Studies with a major in Library Science. You may find information on this school located here: http://www.clarion.edu/. Unfortunately, I have had a bad experience in the transfer process and was not happy with the service provided. Thus, I have sent a withdrawal form and in process of setting that straight. I had my heart set on pursuing a Bachelors degree specifically centered on library science. I guess it just will not be the case. I am back at looking into IUPUI and working through IUK. This will commence as soon as I get my two classes set on track and financial arrangements finalized. It has been a very busy Summer. Travelling back and forth with work and practicum has kept me hopping. I will welcome the peace of going part-time as I seek out transfer opportunities. Good luck to everyone in class and may all your pursuits be profitable.

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