Enjoy!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Locating Podcasts
This is pretty neat. I used podcast.net to search for some items for which people ask, such as literature reviews, book reviews, political and historical information, etc.
I was pleasantly surprised to find some great resources, including dramatic readings and interpretations of Shakespeare and other authors, Jeff Shaara discussing his latest title, and a fabulous list of podcasts from Pritzker Military Library. It reminds me of C-SPAN's book talks. Some are quite professional and others are, well, like me...completely unpolished!
Of course, like my opinion of Wikipedia, I would vet the info before using it. Sometimes it's easy to tell if you should be extra wary. One podcast was titled Pod Casting at Its Worse which is either a clever or incredibly stupid title. Even if the site is professionally produced, that's still no guarantee the speakers are completely nuts, but if it's an author you recognize, then it can be pretty informative and entertaining.
One trick with podcast.net is to search under "Episodes" and type in your keywords. I looked for "suicide bombers" and while nothing appeared under the "Keyword" search, some great and relevant sites appeared under the "Episodes" sites. This is a quibble--it's difficult to find appropriate information because the casts are poorly tagged and labeled.
I also tried Podcastalley.com but wasn't as impressed, especially with the poor search options. Also, it will say how many MBs it is, but not the actual length of the broadcast.
Hey, did you know you could play more than one podcast at a time, and have the sound for both at the same time...I love all the voices in my head!!! :-)
I was pleasantly surprised to find some great resources, including dramatic readings and interpretations of Shakespeare and other authors, Jeff Shaara discussing his latest title, and a fabulous list of podcasts from Pritzker Military Library. It reminds me of C-SPAN's book talks. Some are quite professional and others are, well, like me...completely unpolished!
Of course, like my opinion of Wikipedia, I would vet the info before using it. Sometimes it's easy to tell if you should be extra wary. One podcast was titled Pod Casting at Its Worse which is either a clever or incredibly stupid title. Even if the site is professionally produced, that's still no guarantee the speakers are completely nuts, but if it's an author you recognize, then it can be pretty informative and entertaining.
One trick with podcast.net is to search under "Episodes" and type in your keywords. I looked for "suicide bombers" and while nothing appeared under the "Keyword" search, some great and relevant sites appeared under the "Episodes" sites. This is a quibble--it's difficult to find appropriate information because the casts are poorly tagged and labeled.
I also tried Podcastalley.com but wasn't as impressed, especially with the poor search options. Also, it will say how many MBs it is, but not the actual length of the broadcast.
Hey, did you know you could play more than one podcast at a time, and have the sound for both at the same time...I love all the voices in my head!!! :-)
Monday, October 29, 2007
YouTube
A fun site--you can really waste a lot of time there! It's pretty easy to search, and it makes you realize people want more than their "15 minutes" of fame. I think new bands could use this to advertise themselves, but there are so many videos, the possibility of being "discovered" is remote.
Libraries could use it for tutorial purposes, either for staff or customers. Of course the speakers must be enabled and headphones available.
I saw this fun video at the 2007 Computers in Libraries--how to use a book...
"http://">
Introducing Le Book
Libraries could use it for tutorial purposes, either for staff or customers. Of course the speakers must be enabled and headphones available.
I saw this fun video at the 2007 Computers in Libraries--how to use a book...
"http://">
Introducing Le Book
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Online Productivity Tools: Zoho Writer
Pretty nice to use. Fairly intuitive, although someone who is not already familiar with word processing software might have a difficult time because there is no "Help" offered. There is a FAQ section, but it doesn't go into details about all the features, and there is a "Forums" where people have asked for assistance.
As it is free, you can do some basic word processing, but there seem to be some bugs. Sometimes the cursor marker will disappear, so you have no idea where you are in the document. Also, the "Undo" button is a bit flaky--I used it on a template and it totally screwed it up. If I was to recommend this to someone, I would highly recommend constantly saving your work because you will most likely have to revert to a saved version.
All in all, an okay bit of software. You get what you pay for, so there are some problems with it. If you just need to type up a brief paper, it is just fine, but if you are writing something like a dissertation, save yourself from ulcers and go with a more stable product--even Open Office.
I couldn't believe all the great templates available--50 when I checked. Everything from resume cover letters to invoices and bill of sale for a car. Very nice, but again, they behave a bit flaky when you edit them.
As it is free, you can do some basic word processing, but there seem to be some bugs. Sometimes the cursor marker will disappear, so you have no idea where you are in the document. Also, the "Undo" button is a bit flaky--I used it on a template and it totally screwed it up. If I was to recommend this to someone, I would highly recommend constantly saving your work because you will most likely have to revert to a saved version.
All in all, an okay bit of software. You get what you pay for, so there are some problems with it. If you just need to type up a brief paper, it is just fine, but if you are writing something like a dissertation, save yourself from ulcers and go with a more stable product--even Open Office.
I couldn't believe all the great templates available--50 when I checked. Everything from resume cover letters to invoices and bill of sale for a car. Very nice, but again, they behave a bit flaky when you edit them.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Technology
Just a couple neat sites:
Turning the Page
http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/ttp/ttpbooks.html
This a neato, peachy site from the British Library which has digitized some books, allowing you to "turn the page". Check it out because it is sooo cool! Not many titles are available, but it sure is fun. My fave is the atlas and Carroll's Alice--with the original drawings. If developed further, it would revolutionize how historians work. Imagine working with original texts, but without the worry of destroying them!
Map Builder
http://www.mapbuilder.net/
Another cool mashup site--create your own maps and include photos! Mashups are fabulous because you don't have to know the coding (or very little of it) to be creative. Why struggle to create your own code, when someone else has already done it? Kinda like the addons for Firefox...
Turning the Page
http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/ttp/ttpbooks.html
This a neato, peachy site from the British Library which has digitized some books, allowing you to "turn the page". Check it out because it is sooo cool! Not many titles are available, but it sure is fun. My fave is the atlas and Carroll's Alice--with the original drawings. If developed further, it would revolutionize how historians work. Imagine working with original texts, but without the worry of destroying them!
Map Builder
http://www.mapbuilder.net/
Another cool mashup site--create your own maps and include photos! Mashups are fabulous because you don't have to know the coding (or very little of it) to be creative. Why struggle to create your own code, when someone else has already done it? Kinda like the addons for Firefox...
Rollyo
Actually, I've used this site before. I first heard about it at a Computers in Libraries conference in D.C. It's really handy for school assignments because you can load in the sites that answer the questions (WW II, Ancient Greece, Fairy Tales, etc.) and it will search them simultaneously. Now if the teachers would only give us a heads up on what the assignments are...
One tip--the more sites you load in, the loooonger it takes to generate results. I did one for law and legal forms which has four sites I use often.
http://rollyo.com/marksk/legal_forms_info/
One tip--the more sites you load in, the loooonger it takes to generate results. I did one for law and legal forms which has four sites I use often.
http://rollyo.com/marksk/legal_forms_info/
Avatar
Okay, there's my (lame) avatar! It's really easy and there are a lot of options. If you want to try it, go to http://www.meez.com/
Wikis
I posted my opinion on the sandbox, and basically said that wikis are a good place to start when you have absolutely no idea where to start when researching a subject. I never, ever use it as a source in and of itself. To see why, go to
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_did_Edgar_Allan_Poe_die
and after reading the "answer" you'll understand. Woe to the person who looks on a wiki for medical advice!
I read some of the library wikis, and I do like the idea of book reviews and opinions. However, if it's open to the public, a librarian needs to monitor the site to correct grammar and deal with inappropriate entries. Yes, one more task for the librarian. Since I've started this post, I've been interrupted four times. You get the picture.
I would really like to see a librarian access only community wiki. It would be nice for people to think of the library wiki as a place to start when they need info about local government, election information, post offices, history, etc. That is a valuable service!
If you want to search for a wiki on a subject, but don't want wikipedia, in google, just use the inurl:wiki command, and it will pull up some wikis--if the site has the sense to include "wiki" in it's url.
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_did_Edgar_Allan_Poe_die
and after reading the "answer" you'll understand. Woe to the person who looks on a wiki for medical advice!
I read some of the library wikis, and I do like the idea of book reviews and opinions. However, if it's open to the public, a librarian needs to monitor the site to correct grammar and deal with inappropriate entries. Yes, one more task for the librarian. Since I've started this post, I've been interrupted four times. You get the picture.
I would really like to see a librarian access only community wiki. It would be nice for people to think of the library wiki as a place to start when they need info about local government, election information, post offices, history, etc. That is a valuable service!
If you want to search for a wiki on a subject, but don't want wikipedia, in google, just use the inurl:wiki command, and it will pull up some wikis--if the site has the sense to include "wiki" in it's url.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Lifelong Learning
After viewing the 7 1/2 habits, I would have to say the easiest for me would be viewing problems as challenges. One thing that has driven me batty since I was young(er!) is when I have observed someone facing a challenge they do not know how to approach, and after asking for assistance, they walk away (literally or figuratively) before the challenge has been resolved. They learn nothing. One thing I have experienced, is that challenges (i.e. problems) tend to repeat themselves. So, if you walk away from it, you are just as ill-equipped to deal with it the next time.
The most difficult of the habits would have to be using technology, although this is becoming easier. I do not have a computer at home, and really, really do not want one. I work with them all day, and the last thing I want to do is sit in front of a screen on my off time. If I absolutely, positively need to know the GDP of Bolivia in 1990, I can always call the library! Also, there's a logistical problem--our house is tiny and there is no nook or comfy space (and I mean NONE) to work for long periods of time. Plus, I'm cheap, but we won't go there... I do say it's becoming easier because I have bought an iPod, I now have an MP3 player, and of course, the ubiquitous cell phone. I prefer the portable electronics because I can be doing something else while listening to music or, my favorite, listening to NPR. So, I try to learn as much as possible on the job, and attending professional conferences. Good thing I'm fairly organized and efficient!
The most difficult of the habits would have to be using technology, although this is becoming easier. I do not have a computer at home, and really, really do not want one. I work with them all day, and the last thing I want to do is sit in front of a screen on my off time. If I absolutely, positively need to know the GDP of Bolivia in 1990, I can always call the library! Also, there's a logistical problem--our house is tiny and there is no nook or comfy space (and I mean NONE) to work for long periods of time. Plus, I'm cheap, but we won't go there... I do say it's becoming easier because I have bought an iPod, I now have an MP3 player, and of course, the ubiquitous cell phone. I prefer the portable electronics because I can be doing something else while listening to music or, my favorite, listening to NPR. So, I try to learn as much as possible on the job, and attending professional conferences. Good thing I'm fairly organized and efficient!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Image Generator
Hmm, I think people have waaay too much time on their hands--but it does bring out the comedian in everyone...
I was able to create my very own magazine cover...
LibraryThing
Actually, I discovered this site a long time ago. Since I work the children's desk a lot, I have read many, many kid's books but I can't keep them in my addled brain. This site is terrific because not only can you sort the list, you can add your own tags and reviews! That comes in very handy when, for example, you're asked for a realistic fiction with a dog as a main character--just search the tags! This is one of my favorite sites!
Here's a link to what I have read...
http://www.librarything.com/catalog/marksk
Here's a link to what I have read...
http://www.librarything.com/catalog/marksk
Flickr
Pretty nice site. I was able to create a slideshow of historic images regarding Elkridge. This would be a good tool for teachers--they could grab public domain images to use in the classroom. It's great that you can annotate the photos, but like Wikipedia, you have to beware of the source and any bias or misinformation. Also, you could save your personal images for archival purposes.
For the best pizza in the western world, go to Shakespeare's in Columbia, MO.
http://flickr.com/photos/azrael_malik/146869413/
Bloglines
Wow, this is a neat feature! Now I can REALLY waste time! :-)
It is pretty nice to have news stories pushed to you, but at the same time, I wonder if people have time to really read everything. After subscribing to some of their "top" sites, I realized how schizophrenic my interests are--from the Daily Show to BBC News. Hey, I'm an informed moron!!!
It is pretty nice to have news stories pushed to you, but at the same time, I wonder if people have time to really read everything. After subscribing to some of their "top" sites, I realized how schizophrenic my interests are--from the Daily Show to BBC News. Hey, I'm an informed moron!!!
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