Week 7: task #17 Technology

The assignment of writing about technology got me thinking about how my library experiences have been effected by technology. I grew up in Dallas and went to the local DPL branch. When I was young they used a big hooded microfilm machine to record transactions. During Library School at TWU we went on a field trip to the main library to see at the only computer on campus -- the direct link that cataloging had to OCLC. I took a computer class and used the FORTAN computer language and IBM punch cards. They had to take the program packs to NTSU (now UNT) to run them. TWU got a computer the next year. After graduation I moved to Lubbock and began working at WTLS as the AV Consultant. For nine years I got to catalog 16 mm films and later VHS tapes in OCLC. The circulation department was using a microfilm machine without a hood. When I left in 1991 LCCL was deciding which computer circulation system to use. They were the last MRC to automate. Since I've been with HCPL I've used ALICE, CARL, Dynix and now Horizon. To say that I've seen some changes in how libraries use technology would be an understatement. If the past is any indication of what the future might hold, then I see libraries continuing to change so to help our patrons and communities to meet their changing needs. It truly is a field where life long learning is important and rewarding.


I've added comments to two blogs (ihcpl homework and whymustweblog). I loved the quotes that whymustweblog listed.

Week 7: task 16 Wikis

I have used Wikipedia in the past. It was nice to learn about the history of the wikis and some of the ways that they are being used. I could see wikis being used to collect SRP program ideas, reading group suggestions and adult programming ideas. I logged in to the ihcpl wiki and added my blog to the lists. I also added my favorite children's book to the book list. I tried to edit both the Favorite Blogs and Favorite Book list several time before I was able to enter my info. The site was very busy for awhile. I didn't have any problems adding to the movie site, of course it was after 6:30 pm when I tried.

Week 6: task 15 Library 2.0 and Web 2.0

I'm inputting this entry from my home PC. The reason why I mention this is because, before I could get to this point I had to update both the Microsoft and Dell Security files on my computer. Anyone who has been using computers for any length of time knows and accepts that the computer field and especially the programs are constantly changing, improving and evolving. Since we, as both, librarians and library patrons are using computers more and more, it would make sense that we will need to not only be aware of the changing in the computer field but also investigate what programs can help us do our jobs better and how best to assist our patrons.

I found Michael Stephens' article very interesting. I agree that libraries should not add new technologies just "for the sake of technology". That we need to preserve what is good and proven of the established and current procedures and but also look forward to future. Examine the trends, then explore the programs and technologies that will enhance our collections and services for our patrons. It will be important to have an ongoing staff training program so that the staff will be able to assist both other staff members and our patrons. Reading these articles have reinforced the appreciation that I have for the HCPL commitment to staff training and exploring of the new programs and technologies.

Week 6: task 14 Technorati

I looked at Technarti and explored it a little. If I did the searching correctly, then I found 561 listings with the general advanced search of Learning 2.0 but when I added the tag limiter the number droped to 129. Looks like a good way to screen out a lot of blogs that might be of limited use. Tried to watch some of the videos but couldn't get in. Guess the site was just too busy.

Week 6: task 13 Tagging

I had setup a del.icio.us account several months ago. I liked the idea of having access to my work bookmarks from any computer. My profile didn't like to roam. It still doesn't but I don't try to make it roam anymore. I haven't used in a while, so it was nice to get a refresher course in its many features and uses. I can see how the site could be used for doing research and I'm sure many students and researchers do use it that way. The two user guides were very helpful and I will be trying some of their suggestions. Thanks for adding the iHCPL del.icio.us site. I've added it and the HCPL site to mine for easy reference. I like the tagging that we can do for each site. I'm keeping mine very simple for the time being. Maybe I'll expand as I continue to add more ito it.

Week 5: task 12 Library Elf

The Library Elf account was easy to setup. I set it today so its too early to get any emails other than the welcoming message. I can see how helpful it can be to receives emails on a personal account and not just our staff accounts. I can also how helpful it might be for parents who are trying to keep track of various family members accounts.

Week 5: task 11 Library Thing

It was very easy to setup the Library Thing account. I added 10 books. It was interesting to search through the various editions of some of my titles to find the correct one. I didn't realize just how many covers the Harry Potter books have! It's nice to have the Amazon.com connection. I think I will continue to add. It might be fun and a little scary to find out just how many volumes I actually have.

Week 5: task 10

So far this week I've played around with widgets and avatars. I've added a widget of a pretty black cat from the website Widgetbox . I used the Yahoo avatar generator to make an image of me on Pern with a small dragon. And I found a nice generator to make Harry Potter characters. The generator's name is Harry Potter Doll Maker. I can see how these could be habit forming.

Week 4: tasks 8 and 9

It was very easy to setup an account on Bloglines. I added 14 blogs to it to start with and then spent some time exploring the different websites that I use frequently. I've seen the different blogger icons in the past but because I wasn't trying to select blogs didn't think too much about them. Now that I'm looking for them, I've realized that some the sites that I go to most don't have them. But many do, so I guess it all evens out. During my searching I've added 8 more blogs to the list. As you can tell, I've also added the e branch blog to this page. I've looked at the four newsfeeds that were mentioned in the exercise. I tested two different topics in all four. I got similar results in three of the four. The fourth, Syndic8, was a little more involved because of the straight directory of sites.

I'm slowly getting comfortable with the various elements and possibilities of blogs. I'm enjoying the learning process and glad that we are learning about the different technologies that are available.