Aren't we lucky to live here!
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
#23 I've actually finished !
I've just gone back to my first posts and read the insecurity in my writings about embarking on this technology journey. I'm so pleased with myself for going the distance.I've actually loved doing it!
One of the things that I have really noticed and enjoyed is the camaraderie amongst the bloggers, the sharing, happy and helpful interaction between staff has been nothing short of sensational and we have learnt heaps along the way.
I now know about Blogs, Flickr, RSS& Newsreaders, Online generators, Librarything, Tagging, Technorati, Wikis, Podcasts, YouTube, downloadable audiobooks etc etc etc. Some things I've understood more than others and some I won't probably use again but that doesn't matter I now know that I can if I choose !
Really this is just the start and if nothing else I'm not so scared to click on this or click on that and see where it takes me. So the technology dinosaur who began this blog in September has thawed out a little and is starting to lumber along thanks to helpful colleagues and the opportunity to JUST DO IT !!
One of the things that I have really noticed and enjoyed is the camaraderie amongst the bloggers, the sharing, happy and helpful interaction between staff has been nothing short of sensational and we have learnt heaps along the way.
I now know about Blogs, Flickr, RSS& Newsreaders, Online generators, Librarything, Tagging, Technorati, Wikis, Podcasts, YouTube, downloadable audiobooks etc etc etc. Some things I've understood more than others and some I won't probably use again but that doesn't matter I now know that I can if I choose !
Really this is just the start and if nothing else I'm not so scared to click on this or click on that and see where it takes me. So the technology dinosaur who began this blog in September has thawed out a little and is starting to lumber along thanks to helpful colleagues and the opportunity to JUST DO IT !!
Monday, November 26, 2007
# 22 Audiobooks - I love them !
I have been told by my other half that I am bordering on obssesive about my love of audiobooks.One going in the car, another title on the cd player in the kitchen and the titles I download from my subscription to audible.com that I play on my iPod when I venture into the garden or elsewhere.What do you think ? Well now that I have fessed up I feel much better!!
So telling me that there are more places I can access them is really feeding my obssesion !
The World EBook fair site seems to contain mostly classics, not current or popular titles and at a later date I think I will revisit Thomas Hardy's "The Mayor of Casterbridge"
Until now I have never heard of Project Gutenburg and after Christmas I am going to spend time exploring, although the idea of computer generated voices doesn't excite me but I will give it a go.
We are noticing that more and more people are borrowing audiobooks for all sorts of reasons, failing eyesight, reps.use them on long car trips as do families going on holidays and many, just like me love to be able to do more than one thing at a time !
I often tell borrowers that I have solved the murder by the time I have finished ironing the 3rd shirt!!
Don't get me wrong nothing will replace the written word, the feel of the book in the hand, that tactile experience is second to none.
So telling me that there are more places I can access them is really feeding my obssesion !
The World EBook fair site seems to contain mostly classics, not current or popular titles and at a later date I think I will revisit Thomas Hardy's "The Mayor of Casterbridge"
Until now I have never heard of Project Gutenburg and after Christmas I am going to spend time exploring, although the idea of computer generated voices doesn't excite me but I will give it a go.
We are noticing that more and more people are borrowing audiobooks for all sorts of reasons, failing eyesight, reps.use them on long car trips as do families going on holidays and many, just like me love to be able to do more than one thing at a time !
I often tell borrowers that I have solved the murder by the time I have finished ironing the 3rd shirt!!
Don't get me wrong nothing will replace the written word, the feel of the book in the hand, that tactile experience is second to none.
# 21 Podcasts but Headphones too!
Podcasts are a great example of learning through new technology.I have had a look at podcast.net and a lot of stuff did not interest me but I found Ramona Koval on Radio National talking to Kate Grenville about writing The Secret River. Unfortunately I couldn't access it. So I went into iTunes and downloaded The Book Show podcast and I will listen to that on my iPod at a later date.Think I need to get a little help from a colleague about accessing the items from podcast.net etc.
I'm glad I now know a bit more about podcasts as I often hear them mentioned on the ABC.
Podcasts seem a great idea for use in the Library but I don't fancy using someone else's head phones so we need access to very cheap disposable headphones or patrons BYO headphones.
I'm glad I now know a bit more about podcasts as I often hear them mentioned on the ABC.
Podcasts seem a great idea for use in the Library but I don't fancy using someone else's head phones so we need access to very cheap disposable headphones or patrons BYO headphones.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
# 20 YouTube
I love YouTube!! What fun I've had wandering around YouTube and also some great belly laughs as well! I love this little "very American" Library cheer. What a way to start or close a conference !!
# 19 Web 2.0
Wow!I can bearing believe all the sites that are available. I had a look around RealTravel and searched for information about Italy. We have recently had a holiday there so I though if I searched for some of the places we went to and hotels we stayed in I could see how helpful it is since I have some current knowledge. I found out about a little out of the way restaurant on the only island in Lake Como that we would have gone to if we had known about it. I will definitely use this site before future trips to try and find "something different".This is a great site to share with others as library patrons often use the internet to do research and plan future holidays.
Had a quick look at Biblio & Lulu they seem just the go for anyone wanting to self publish and also librarians may use them and an alternative book finding tool.
Had a quick look at Biblio & Lulu they seem just the go for anyone wanting to self publish and also librarians may use them and an alternative book finding tool.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
#18 Web-based Apps
I have gone onto Zoho writer twice now firstly for a quick look then again this afternoon to try and create a few test documents. This second time was a little disconcerting as each time I logged with my username and password today I was thrown into someone else's site with all their entries. I tried a couple of times but I could not get into my site. So I am moving on!
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
#16 Wiki Wiki
I've taken a look around some of the wikis and found that http:www.libsuccess.org/ looked like a valuable resource for all things "library".It concerns me though that anyone is able to edit or delete from wikis, as long as we keep in mind that the information is not always authoritative.
Book reviews and recommendations seem one thing to use wikis for in a library context. We have more and more borrowers using the online catalogue so perhaps a link to a "Book Lovers" style wiki might be a small way to start.
Book reviews and recommendations seem one thing to use wikis for in a library context. We have more and more borrowers using the online catalogue so perhaps a link to a "Book Lovers" style wiki might be a small way to start.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
#15 Everything is moving so quickly!
Is the Library, as we know it, fast becoming a thing of the past? With everyone embracing technology at such a rapid rate how do we remain vital and relevant?
Libraries have changed so much. The modern Library is a social meeting place, a community house, a learning & teaching environment - different things to different people and the technology has not only brought the teenagers back to the library but also lots of "oldies' who are desperate to access the new technology.
So Learning 2.0 has moved me way out of my comfort zone and as one of the "oldies" I'm trying to grasp it with both hands but the fingernails are taking a bit of a beating at the moment
Libraries have changed so much. The modern Library is a social meeting place, a community house, a learning & teaching environment - different things to different people and the technology has not only brought the teenagers back to the library but also lots of "oldies' who are desperate to access the new technology.
So Learning 2.0 has moved me way out of my comfort zone and as one of the "oldies" I'm trying to grasp it with both hands but the fingernails are taking a bit of a beating at the moment
Sunday, November 4, 2007
#14 Technorati
Blogs, blogs, blogs This may be the authority for all things blog but I don't think I'll be using it.Again as I posted on one of my other posts I know it's there but that's about it for me and Technorati.Maybe if I had more time.
Did click on one of the top tags "pantyhose" and it all looked a little dodgy
!!
Did click on one of the top tags "pantyhose" and it all looked a little dodgy
!!
Now this is Delicious ! #13 Del.icio.us
As a lover of fine food I always thought this was Delicious. The wonderful ABC Delicious magazine but seems there is another! I've had a little bit of a look around the site where users can bookmark web pages with their own innovative tags and link up with others who have used the same tags that will lead them who knows where.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
# 12 Yo Ho Ho Rollyo
I've just realised that I've acually created a link to my search roll without even knowing I had! Obviously this exercise was easier than I thought or more to the point I might have actually missed the point! Perhaps at a later date I'll go back and search more and add to my search roll.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
# 11 Food for Thought
We share our literary likes and dislikes with borrowers everyday at the circulation desk. Librarything allows us to share our "great reads " with heaps of fellow bookworms. What a great tool this is. I've included a bit of a mixed selection. I have been in a book club for about 15 years and I have included some of the titles we have thoroughly enjoyed. Funny about book clubs, you can be "forced" to read several books that you would not normally give a second glance to but some of these have become my all time favourites.
My other addiction is for talking books and I will continue to add to my Librarything site. http://www.librarything.com/catalog/sidrhon
My other addiction is for talking books and I will continue to add to my Librarything site. http://www.librarything.com/catalog/sidrhon
Springtime on the Peninsula
I've finally worked out how to post personal photos to this Blog ! I know this was a task from week 1 or 2 but better late than never. This is a photo of home where I tend to spend more time in the garden then on the computer. We have been here 29 years this year and now we are vaguely contemplating downsizing, can I leave, that's the question?I'm having fun
I am having great fun with these image generators. This image is from The Generator Blog and is called the Einstein chalkboard
http://www.hetemeel.com/einsteinform.php
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
#8 RSS Feeds & Newsreaders
I love the expectation of the newspaper in the morning. The walk to the front gate with our labrador and jack russell dogs to pick up the paper seems far more appealing than pressing the button on the computer to get my fix of the news.
I can see the appeal for many many busy people and the amazing variety and availability of RSS and Newsreaders, so each to his own.
I now know that these services are available so I can pass on the information and generally direct people to them - but call me old-fashioned ( and I can hear it loud and clear !!) but somehow I much prefer to work my way through the "slobbered on" plastic wrap to get to the newprint.
Obviously these sites and services offer far more than the daily news so I do see the value of them but I don't know that I will be rushing to use them. I have managed to navigate my way through more user names and passwords to create my Bloglines newsreader account but am yet to delve any further.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Why LIG ?
I needed room to move on this Blog , hence LIG - Life in General.
What does one write about in a blog, even if you are doing it as part of the Learning 2.0 exercise, who would be remotely interested in what "silverfern" has to say. So, Life in General leaves me with room to move doesn't it.
From panicking about this blog, to footy, food & wine, my new iPod and the husband's new sat.nav. system - I can go anywhere ! I hope you enjoy the journey as much as I am slowly settling into it.
Thanks to all my friends at the Library for their patience and help particularly "Blogblabla" who listens to my daily ramblings and rantings about my blogging shortcomings and at the same time gives me sage advise. Go home and have 2 glasses of red and " just do it ". With a blog name of "Blogblabla" I think the glass or 2 of red has been her secret to success. Cheers!
What does one write about in a blog, even if you are doing it as part of the Learning 2.0 exercise, who would be remotely interested in what "silverfern" has to say. So, Life in General leaves me with room to move doesn't it.
From panicking about this blog, to footy, food & wine, my new iPod and the husband's new sat.nav. system - I can go anywhere ! I hope you enjoy the journey as much as I am slowly settling into it.
Thanks to all my friends at the Library for their patience and help particularly "Blogblabla" who listens to my daily ramblings and rantings about my blogging shortcomings and at the same time gives me sage advise. Go home and have 2 glasses of red and " just do it ". With a blog name of "Blogblabla" I think the glass or 2 of red has been her secret to success. Cheers!
#6 Mashups - but not potatoes!
Mashups may have me tossed for the time being but at least I know about this site.
I have noticed that it may be helpful for Real Estate agents combining the Mappr site with agents properties for sale, so my other half may be more interested and more of a regular user than I .
I have noticed that it may be helpful for Real Estate agents combining the Mappr site with agents properties for sale, so my other half may be more interested and more of a regular user than I .
#7 Technology - Embrace it, don't fight it !
I tell myself this on a regular basis but it's only just recently that I have done some "embracing". I am now the proud owner of an iPod 80GB.
I have been one of those whose eyes have glazed over when someone starts taking about computers,"new fangle" gadgets, digital this and digital that etc., but now I'm very slowly catching on. I too can now bore others rigid with my O/S photos downloaded on to the iPod and produced at a moments notice, but I'm in 7th heaven when I download the latest crime novel from www.audible.com and head off on a walk along one of the fabulous Mornington Peninsula beaches. The technology of the iPod never ceases to amaze me. The memory capacity of such a small device is staggering and I know that I will struggle to use, let alone understand much of its capabilites.
I'm on a roll now!!!!! My husband has just had one of those significant birthdays with a zero attached to it so as the techno embracing person that I now am, I bought him a satellite navigation system - it actually talks to him, tells him when to turn and which exit of the roundabout to take. He's a happy camper !!
What would Hume & Hovell have given for one of these?
I have been one of those whose eyes have glazed over when someone starts taking about computers,"new fangle" gadgets, digital this and digital that etc., but now I'm very slowly catching on. I too can now bore others rigid with my O/S photos downloaded on to the iPod and produced at a moments notice, but I'm in 7th heaven when I download the latest crime novel from www.audible.com and head off on a walk along one of the fabulous Mornington Peninsula beaches. The technology of the iPod never ceases to amaze me. The memory capacity of such a small device is staggering and I know that I will struggle to use, let alone understand much of its capabilites.
I'm on a roll now!!!!! My husband has just had one of those significant birthdays with a zero attached to it so as the techno embracing person that I now am, I bought him a satellite navigation system - it actually talks to him, tells him when to turn and which exit of the roundabout to take. He's a happy camper !!
What would Hume & Hovell have given for one of these?
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Somehow I got side tracked
As a foodie I went searching Google for beautiful Italian food photos but this image of a glass of perhaps a fine Chianti caught my eye. Salute !
Out of my Comfort Zone
As a techno dinosaur I'm feeling way out of my comfort zone. I am finding doing this blog amazingly intimidating and I am completely overwhelmed with usernames, passwords, ID's, log-ons etc. so much so that I feel slightly panicked by it all.
Others seem to be breezing along as though its a walk in the park, it seems like scaling Mt. Everist to me! At this moment I am puffing to reach "base camp." The summit doesn't seem to be in sight but with a little help from my friends ( thanks friends) I hope to make the top!
Others seem to be breezing along as though its a walk in the park, it seems like scaling Mt. Everist to me! At this moment I am puffing to reach "base camp." The summit doesn't seem to be in sight but with a little help from my friends ( thanks friends) I hope to make the top!
Monday, October 1, 2007
little bulldog Flickr #5
Being a bit of an Aussie Rules footy "tragic" I searched Flickr and found this gorgeous photo of a dejected young Western Bulldogs supporter. It looks to me as if he or she ( a little hard to tell ) is heading home after another loss!!!! We Western Bulldogs fans are a loyal and resilient lot. Our team promises so much but particularly this year has delivered little. We had hoped for the "year of the Dog" but it turned out to be the "year of the Cat"
Always knew cats were smarter ( and obviously better footballers) than dogs !!
Always knew cats were smarter ( and obviously better footballers) than dogs !!
Friday, September 14, 2007
Wow! I can do it too!!
Having proctrastinated and nervously avoided starting this Blog for several hours I have done some serious "self talking". As the say in the classic sports venacular "just do it" So I did and now here I am - a blogger !!
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