#27!!!!

Seattle - Spaceneedle,
originally uploaded by The Beauty Of Irony.

What comes next? Well, I suppose we see which web 2.0 technologies we can adapt to use with and for library patrons, get feedback, and go from there. I have a co-worker who is going to start a technology wiki as soon as the capability exists within KCLS, which I am really looking forward to. Increased efficiency in communication and collaboration, I hope, will be a result of us adopting some of these technologies.

As for what else may have been covered...the list is endless and constantly changing, because new things are popping up all the time. The real challenge will be continuing to learn about new technologies and tools as they come out, which means keeping up with some of the library blogs and news feeds (with your handy RSS aggregator, perhaps?). Maybe the Learning 2.0 blog could be continued and updated when new and exciting things develop, so that our learning doesn't end with thing #27.

It's been great, thanks for the opportunity to grow!

#26 What 27 things means to me

I remember when I first heard about the 27 Things project. I was pleased that other staff would have the opportunity to become more aware of these technologies, but I didn't really think that I would learn anything new. Well, contrary to what my husband thinks, I can admit to being wrong...so, okay, I was wrong (a little).

There were definitely several lessons that covered technologies with which I am already closely familiar, but even these were a nice refresher. They also allowed me to think more deeply about how libraries could use (or not use) these technologies to their advantage.

I think the lesson that was the most helpful to me was on RSS feeds. I had always been just a tad uneasy with this technology (I have no idea why) and this forced me to figure it out. I now use an aggregator to see most of the things I used to have email subscriptions for, which has significantly reduced the volume of my inboxes, thank goodness!

I also never blogged before, and I can't say it's something I will continue. I used to keep journals, and that was very therapeutic, but I would never be able to use a blog that way, since it's so public (and there's just something about a pen and blank journal that appeals to me more than typing, even in pink). And I don't have a strange mission (like cooking every recipe in Julia Child's Art of French Cooking within the span of a year) or a passion I wish to share, or that I think anyone but my own friends and family would want to read.

This was a nice way to explore some new technologies in a laid-back and safe environment. I know I am not expected to be an expert in everything, but I like knowing a bit about most of the most popular developments of online communities.

Overall, this has been a positive experience. I would do it again, if only to have the opportunity to play with new things, and on work time, too!

#25 Audio books on Overdrive

I started using my own MP3 player just so I could listen to audio books in the car. I have neither CD nor tape player in my car, so I listen to one earphone and drive, hope that's legal! I am very familiar with both of the services KCLS offers for eAudio Books, NetLibrary and Overdrive.

I find the Overdrive site a pain to use. The advanced search is the only way I use it, but this feature is a bit hidden. If you browse using the left-hand tool bar, it can be very confusing and overwhelming (just like all our other web pages, there are just too many options in that 10-mile-long left-hand column). It's a little easier to go through the OPAC, though many patrons are confused by the difference between the pre-packaged audio books on Playaways, and the eAudio Books accessible through NetLibrary and Overdrive. Here is my take on these services:

NetLibrary - Pros

Easy browsing options

No additional software to download

eAudio books only (rather than several types of format together

Popular titles (including the Amelia Peabody mysteries read by Barbara Rosenblatt)

All titles are always available

You can download as many titles at a time that you want

NetLibrary - Cons

Files are not subdivided, so you have to trust pausing on a single 13-hour track (and G-d help you if you accidentally bump your player and have to fast forward through 12 hours to get back to your place)

I hear rumors that this service might not be with us much longer :(

Overdrive - Pros

Files are broken up into tracks so easier to bookmark

Lots of titles, including young adult and children's

Overdrive - Cons

Hard to browse/search

Have to download their software in order to download eAudio book files

Poorly designed web interface

Many titles have limited number of available copies

You may only have 20 titles checked out at a time

That is all.

#24 Invasion of the Podcasts

I use an MP3 player to listen to audio books (which I download through KCLS), but I have never downloaded a podcast before. I used Podcast Alley to find the podcast called LibVibe. I listened to one of their posts, it was pretty good. It mostly covers the same news stories I read from my text feed of LISNews, but there were a couple interviews which were interesting. I added this to my Bloglines account, but I honestly don't think I will listen to it much.

However, I am sure many people can't live without listening to their Knit With Cat Hair podcast regularly.

There wasn't really anything I think KCLS should consider from the podcast I listened to, unless, like the Hampshire library service in England, we want to drop the term "librarian" in favor of "service development officers." Doesn't thrill me.