23 Things Feedback

Having come to the end of the 23 Things program I can see that some of the tools learnt through the weeks may be useful. It is the time to maintain the skills which may be an issue if we are not using them in a normal day at work. Unless there is a lot of spare time we tend to do just enough to get the job done without putting too muach 'pazazazz' to our tasks.

All over though - a good set of skills shown in a way that sould become applicable to the workplace!!

Google Talk

Google Talk could be a really useful tool for real-time communication - of course I still prefer a voice connection but this can get rather expensive! I have used a 'skype' phone also - good for communication overseas as it is alot cheaper to use a current internet commenction.

VU Wikibrary

I have a picture of the pet I would like to have one day on the VU Wikibrary. One of the issues though is that my email address was not associated with the Wiki - the more electronic functions you have the more problems that will come up !!

Podcasts

I am a big user of podcasts already and find the concept works for me where I can't get to listen to a particular show which I want to listen too. Of course, the trouble is, finding the time time to catch up on your listening!!

Library 2.0

Library 2.0 is an intersting concept but the software we use needs to be more adaptable and 'real-time' to create such an environment for students. Opac catalogues offer more one way thean two way information sharing!

Youtube

I had a look at various videos about libraries on Youtube but I can't fully see how this would be a useful tool under general searching. Creating a video for use and loading it might be a useful teaching tool in the university sector but privacy and access issues may also come into play.

delicious

I played with 'delicious' and I didn't find it useful for the information I was looking for. The tags it found were quite repetitive and I did not find any 'new' information. I either know the subject quite well or the tool is difficult to use.

iGoogle

iGoogle is one of the more useful google tools I have come across. I have found the tools very bitsy and this is a place they can all come together!

Google Book Search and Google Scholar

Google Book Search is a tool which I don't think I would have much use for but maybe it has some use for researchers looking for out-of-print material. I am a user of Google Scholar and find that it enables more consie searching for academic material

Google Docs

Google Docs might be a useful tool if you are using a number of different computers but it is a bit of a bother to have to log-on just to get in a word-type document.

RSS and Blogs

One last point about RSS feeds. Through a service like Google Reader you can subsribe to blogs and recieve regulat updates. A useful tool for those who want a regular eye on their favourite blog.

What are other people look at?

An RSS feed to Digg.com is a way to ascertain what other people are looking at. You may find some like-minded people interested in e.g. space travel or apple computers. Have a look!

Google Reader

Setting up an account in Google Reader is a good idea as all your RSS feeds can be read from the one point. Alot easier than having your email box fill up with unread information. I even found an RSS feed library comic strip.

Photo display

Ever looked at Flickr Montager? This is a great way to display your photos for all to see. Take a look and the design through the following link!

http://www.deviousgelatin.com/montager/image.php

Getting your Information

Ever wondered how you can keep up with all the information you think you need to know - and this includes your favourite authors, publishers and bookshops. A lot of information can be accessed through websites and you can set up ways for updated to these websites to be sent to you. This is a useful tool in our busy lives. Have a look at Google Reader - it is one of the tools that might be useful to you.

http://www.google.com/reader/view/#overview-page

What do other people read

If you are wondering what children's books people are reading take a look at the "Library Thing" where you can review and peruse the library of other fellow book lovers. You could even share your library with others!

Follow the link and take a look ....

http://www.librarything.com/home/TheLibraryTeacher

Message for the day

Local Library

Here is an example of your local library. You can use "Google Maps" to find the one closest to your place. It is easy to use and gives you VERY precise information!


View Larger Map

Pre-Readers 3-6 years

Pre-Readers 3-6 years
Originally uploaded by Oakville Public Library

Public libraries are great places to go to find children's books. They are inviting, colourful and a visit is a great way to spend an hour or two.

Which picture book?

Knowing which book to read can be a very hard decision because there are so many choices. One way is to choose a book by the author - that is the person who wrote the book. Here are some of my favourite Australian authors who write children's books.

Mem Fox
Bruce Whatley
Janeen Brian
Lynley Dodd
Eric Hill

Look out for these at your local library. I guarantee you will enjoy the stories!