Social bookmarking

This week our module was to play around with the social bookmarking sites Delicious.com, Diigo.com and Pinterest.  I have done a limited amount of exploring on Pinterest, only after joining for this class.  After using all three of the sites, I prefer Pinterest, although it is very different than the other two.  Delicious and Diigo are sites that are useful when you are actually on a particular site you want to bookmark.  The advantage to bookmarking through these sites as opposed to on your personal computer or laptop is that you will have the bookmarks wherever you go.  They will be saved online for you.  That is very convenient, especially for those who don't have a laptop to bring everywhere, or just have to use multiple computers for whatever reason.  The reason I prefer Pinterest is that you can search a subject or keyword, and all sorts of things that others have "pinned" pop up.  They usually lead to links of websites or blog posts.  This method is more visually appealing because most of the "pins" are pictures that spark your interest.

For the Pinterest assignment, we were to create two boards and "pin" five items related to libraries to each board.  I actually created three boards because I was having so much fun.  You can find them here.

After we opened accounts with Delicious and Diigo, we were to bookmark five links to sites about librarians using Web 2.0, five links that were examples of librarians using Web 2.0, and five links to sites about emerging technologies.  I can see the appeal of these sites, for the reasons stated earlier, but they were not my favorite.  If you want to find out about the sites I bookmarked on Web 2.0 and librarians on Delicious.com, click here. If you want to see the same list in Diigo.com, click here.

QR CODE

This is the QR Code for my Google site.  Nothing to see yet, but that will all change soon. 

QR stands for Quick Response.  When this code is scanned with a reader, like an iPhone, information from that site is transmitted to your phone. 

Podcasts use in the Library

There are many uses for podcasts  in the library.  Librarians can make informational podcasts about services offered in the library, or just very short instructional podcasts on specific topics.  Giving patrons information about upcoming special events via podcast would be another great usage.  As life gets busier and busier, many people may not have time to visit the library as often as they would like.  Offering some kind of programming through podcasting, like a DIY craft project, would be a great way for library patrons to connect without coming in.  Having a collection of storytime podcasts would be really useful for parents who might not always be able to get their child to the library for storytime.  With a podcast of the story, the child won't miss out.  Ideally, everyone would come to the library to enjoy the services, but ideal situations do not always come up.  Making information available to patrons, no matter the format, is the most important thing to remember.

Banned Books Week Podcast

 This week, our assignment was to create a podcast.  At first I was a little intimidated, but I think I got the hang of it.  One of the hardest things was to come up with a topic.  I chose to give an informational podcast about Banned and Challenged Books Week.  This podcast explains what Banned and Challenged Books Week is and gives some examples of books that have been challenged and the reasons why.  I also give out the website to the American Library Association, so that listeners can find out more information about Banned and Challenged Books, if they choose. Listen to my podcast here.