Hi, I'm ready to Get With It! Late, as always, but ready to go. I'm not sure how much depth I'll go into but always good to play and learn. Bring it on.

Brave New World

I do feel that this programme has launched me into the Brave New World and what an exciting prospect! While the time taken and the pressure exerted was on occasion overwhelming, we all know that nothing good comes easily. From a professional point of view, I am definitely better equipped to deal with our patrons, particularly the techno-savvies. While I accept that I will probably never be completely comfortable in this realm, being aware of at least some of the tools out there and having a basic understanding of how and why they work, is hugely beneficial.

From a personal point of view, I can't wait to play, explore, learn and expand on just about everything we've covered to date. With no time constraints and no pressure, I will re-visit and use some favourite sites like Wikis, e-books, flickr, del.icio.us and FaceBook. I need to spend time playing and customising my blog (and profile)by getting my head around Image generators and organising photos. Certain things I will not spend too much time on, such as Rollyo and podcasts (except iTunes).Although I did not come to grips with RSS feeds and would probably not use them much, the frustration has been huge, so, on principle, I will go back and master them. I will keep blogging and hope many others do too - what fun it's been delving into everyone else's thoughts, with virtual anonymity. There is a degree of satisfaction and sense of achievement but far more enticing is the road ahead. Yeeha!

Social networking

Some very interesting and thought-provoking articles. My opinions have flip-flopped and somersualted around the social gym tonight and I'm worked-out. I love the possibilities of outreach that this type of networking allows. (Even with the potential security and privacy issues which I truly believe can be 'managed' like everything else). However I am concerned that we might be putting all our eggs in one basket and missing the boat. I love mixed metaphors! There are so many options available and who are we to say that MySpace (even with more hits than Google!!) is the way to go. Our 'screen-agers' are a fickle bunch, constantly on the techno rollercoaster, and to keep up is nigh impossible. Perhaps I'm 'over-analysing' but I do feel that we, as librarians, have never quite managed to make the 'physical library' the great social gathering place it should be. Are we really ready to make our libraries the ultimate cybercafes, as they should be? I hope we are and, while I'm not really into baby-steps, I do think we have to be very wary of our own perceptions of 'moving with the times.' I could ruminate all night on this but need to go to bed. I will reflect tomorrow.

Bebo, MySpace and FaceBook

I enjoyed having a look at these sites although I'm familiar with Facebook so didn't delve too deeply into the others (Oh! the choices we have to contend with - don't let me suffer more confusion). Libraries(and many do obviously) should be embracing this fully. What better way to connect with our users, especially the younger ones, and allow them some input. This could be a great marketing tool as well as keeping us in tune and on our toes. To do this though, we have to step out of our traditional mind-set and get with the times. Good on the libraries, like Auckland and Rotorua(to name but a few) who have taken the step, however even their profiles were a little "librarianish" for our younger users. On the flip side, what a fine line we tread - I was quite appalled at the inanity and general "uuugghh!" on some of the profiles I visited.
Tomorrow I am going to set up my own profile on Facebook (did it here but with my alter-Web 2.0-ego) so that I can re-connect with all those old school buddies. It is a great way of re-establishing contact while still maintaining a certain distance.

Podcasts

Although iTunes is probably the most well-used site on our computer, I have never looked at/ listened to other podcasts. I tried podcastpickle and podcastalley but didn't immediately find anything that grabbed my fancy. I did find some "from the grave conversations with Princess Di - can you imagine! and got some update on the English Premier league football. I tried to subscribe to a couple of RSS feeds but alas frustration got the better of me and I'm sure I FAILED. Just one more thing that needs to be re-visited at my leisure LOL.

You Tube

Gotta love it! (Broadband usage does rebel at times!!! - just signed on for 10G so who cares).

We live in such a "visual" society that we have to start using it to promote ourselves. We know that no-one reads or even sees signs and that even on a web page much of the content is invisible. Just imagine how much more information about our services would get through to the public if we imparted it via YouTube. Even as librarians, to whom the written word is sacred, we have shown in our blogs how effective Youtube is in guiding us through difficult exercises. Haven't yet mastered creating my own yet - but the journey has just begun. Watch this space!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bu-TijjVs_g