Method 9

Instant messaging seems to be very popular among high school and college students. The variety of programs available along with simplicity seems to attract many users. Although I don’t utilize the program very often, I can recall using instant messaging on several occasions. Students in our library use a variety of programs depending on their needs and tastes. Of course our library reference desk, like many others, does use the Meebo program for instant messaging. Whether students are on or off campus they can chat with a librarian via Meebo. What I think is so appealing about IM is the fact that it is real-time messaging. Unlike e-mail which could take some time to process, instant messaging allows users instant answers. We can see instant messaging is now evolving with programs like Skype. It looks like video calls will be the wave of the future.

Method 8

I have to say, I am impressed. Libraries are utilizing social networking to the fullest extent. I browsed several pages including Facebook and Myspace, and I am amazed. I saw everything from advertisements for special events, tutorials and even invites. Libraries are also using Twitter when they want to promote a special event. The Library of Congress has a very impressive Myspace page including video clips and a variety of followers. This is a great and inexpensive way to promote library events and resources. However, I do think there are more resources available through MySpace. As with any online program, I do have concerns with privacy. I believe, when posting to public sites, less information is always better.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/home.php?ref=home

Method 7

I love the idea of accessing my bookmarks from any computer at any time. I plan on using Delicious for all my favorite online recipes. Delicious goes even further by allowing users to tag their bookmarks with one simple word(what a great idea). Delicious is so simple to use and helps me keep all my bookmarks organized. I am one who tends to bookmark any valuable site that I encounter therefore, I see Delicious as a very useful tool. What a great way to create of network of users with common interests. I can definitely use this at work and home. I have already created an account and have started bookmarking.

Method 6

This is a great resource. I can see our library using You Tube along with embedding to promote special events. We could create tutorials for students or even a video showing all resources available at the library. I think this is an easy and cost effective way to promote your library resources.

Method 5

i love you
Originally uploaded by mmcndy

From personal experience, I think this is a very useful program. Last week my computer crashed and of course it contained all my irreplaceable memories. If my computer can be saved, I will definitely be using Flicker in the future. This is a great and easy way to back up those many pictures on your computer (just in case). I love the idea of sharing all my pictures with family and friends. However, I am very concerned with privacy issues. I don't like the idea of my personal memories floating around in cyber world. But I do realize there are tools that can be used to avoid these problems. I could see this program being used among libraries to share display photos and even library layouts.

i love you

i love you
Originally uploaded by mmcndy

Flickr

i love you
Originally uploaded by mmcndy

Method 4

This is a great tool. I can see myself using this to keep track of the weather, stocks and even entertainment. No searching just clicking. Here are some that I would enjoy.

http://movies.yahoo.com/

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032222/ns/business-stocks_and_economy/

http://www.weather.com/newscenter/nationalforecast/index.html?cm_ven=NWF&cm_pla=news&cm_ite=fcstsummary&site=news&cm_cat=rss&par=NWF_rss

Method 3

Where would we be without these programs? Yes there are some drawbacks, I have experienced this first hand. A prime example is the T-mobile incident where hundreds of customers lost valuable information. But the availability and flexibility by far over exceeds any of the drawbacks. It is amazing the things that can be accomplished with the help of the “The Cloud”. Information can just as easily be lost in the cloud or at home. It is a risk that we sometimes take. But by utilizing the cloud, we can easily access items from different locations. We can free up space on our home systems. We can even share that information with others. These are very valuable programs that help us with everyday tasks.

Methods 1 and 2

This is a wonderful idea. Technology is an ongoing learning process and what a great way to get everyone motivated. I hope to share my learning experiences with students as well as collegues. What a great way to facilitate communication with other libraries.