Copenhagen International Library Conference

Week 6: YouTube and Google video

I had fun searching YouTube and Google video. From time to time I have received video clips emailed to me by friends. Some were funny, some amazing and I have often wondered where they came from. Well now I know.

I was surprised at the variety. Whatever category you want it is sure to be there. I particularly liked Google Video as they were in categories which makes the selection easier.

I can see that this medium can be very useful within the library environment whether providing information about the library itself or the community. It can also be used as an education tool for students or training staff. I am an avid genealogist and can definitely see opportunities for providing a collection of historical information either personal, local, national or international.

Last year I travelled to Copenhagen and had the opportunity to visit the New Royal Library (the Black Diamond) which was built adjacent and connected to the original Library. It is amazing so thought for my link I would find a video promoting this Library. Instead I found one that was promoting the Copenhagen International Library Conference in October 2008. The library features in the video along with many other interesting sights around the city. I hope you enjoy it. I thought that it was fantastic and how could they go past the background music? "Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen"

Week 5: Wikipedia

I have found this session very interesting. I have used Wikipedia before but wasn't totally aware of its full concept. I can see where wiki's can be very useful in libraries particularly when co ordinating information and activities between the branches as a lot of time can be saved. Also where book clubs are concerned members can review their books through this technology.


My concern though would be with factual information. Unless it is a closed community or it is information that is regularly accessed by people with knowledge of the subject then incorrect information would be available for unsuspecting searchers. Hopefully though most people would be responsible.

Week 4: RSS

I created a Bloglines account and then searched through the many RSS feeds. I found that they covered many subjects and the biggest problem I had was to choose just 5. I tried to get a variety but will go back to these later and add more. As well as the Powerhouse feed I also chose NASA Image of the day, Reuters Financial, SMH Entertainment and the Australian National Archives.
This technology would be very useful when assisting customers in the library because the information is up to date and as these feeds cover so many different subjects I am sure that it would be impossible not to find a relevant one. This is a great advancement in providing information services in the library.

Week 3: FLICKR

Well I have had no end of trouble trying to post my photo. I thought that it was just me but from comments posted on other blogs and the help line I have noted that other bloggers have encounted the same problems. I tried 2 different ways. One through my Flickr account and the other through the upload tool without success. In the end I had some professional help. Now finally for Week 4

This is a photo of a monument to Captain Francis Crozier who as a Polar explorer discovered the North West Passage. The monument was erected in 1862 opposite his home in Church Square, Banbridge, Northern Ireland. I find this photo fascinating as the monument was erected 12 years before my grandfather was born in the same town. This would have been an everyday sight for my grandfather particularly the last few years before he emigrated to Australia as he lived across the road (not in the Crozier residence). Flickr provides a wonderful way to visit places of interest on the other side of the world without the expense of overseas travel.
The Flickr link to this photo is:
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=crozier+monument

Made It !!

I am very pleased with myself for finally getting set up with a blog. I have looked at the web 2.0 instructions and was hesitant about doing the deed but found it easy once I got started. Working part time doesn't allow me much time to spend on it but now feel I have the confidence to continue so am looking forward the next steps.

I do think that this is a good way to communicate and share knowledge but being part of an older generation I am taking it slowly. My children find this funny as they have been brought up with this technology but I think deep down they are proud of me. Well, frankly I am proud of myself.

I am now looking forward to continuing on with a bit more confidence than when I started.

JIA