Project Play Wrap-Up

Thank you, dear Project Play Ladies, for all you've taught me these two semesters. You have made me curious. I am desiring to learn more about Web 2.0 and all the possibilities it holds for creating better customer service for library patrons. I am also curious to learn more for my personal and professional use. I hope to grow more as a librarian as I find new ideas through new technologies. Like Seth Godin, I am not content to sit in front of the TV being mindless. I want to explore and learn.

Even though I am not that old, I have been a bit of a dinosaur with Web 2.0 technologies. That is why I am so thankful that you have made this class playful and not threatening. I know I still have so much to learn, but I have also learned so much. I have enjoyed blogging the most, and I will be doing more with Flickr and Pikipimp when I get online at home in the near future.

Thank you again for being such wonderful teachers. Hats off to you all!

Mashups

I think I'll go and mashup some potatoes...what? Wrong context?

I must admit that I feel a bit dumb with this lesson. The idea of blending information sounds wonderful and convenient, but I don't get all the techo-part of it. I'm also afraid that I might have erased someone else's information on the Project Play map, and I am sorry if I did--no malicious intentions!

I wish I could somehow start at the beginning and get well-versed in computer technology, but I tend to feel caught in midstream with not enough wits to go forward. I need a Computer 101!I am not sure how mashups can be used in the library, and I guess I count on all the wonderful gurus at Winnefox to lead the way in that area. I feel at such a disadvantage in this high tech world since I can't afford to be high tech in my personal life (much to my teenagers' chagrin), and my part-time status doesn't give me the time at work to really get into it. I certainly appreciate Project Play and the good overview that is given for each subject. I just wish I had the time and ability to feel like I really know what is going on. I feel like technology is developing so rapidly that I can't keep up with it, and I would rather be out in nature than in front of a computer screen.

Sorry if I sound like a whiner. You have developed a great class with Project Play, but it just has been a bit difficult to keep up this semester due to being busy with our programming. Because of your class, though, I will be open to new technologies and strive to learn them better. I will also view Web 2.0 as a chance to learn and grow, even if I grow a little slower than I would like.

You Tube

Charlie Goes to Candy Mountain

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPONTneuaF4

I had to create a link to this strange video. My daughter Tavia thinks this clip is hilarious and has been quoting it for weeks. I finally had a chance to view it during this assignment, so thanks for letting me play on You Tube at work!

At first I thought of You Tube as just a place for entertainment. I didn't realize I could see historical events like JFK's speech. What a way to make history come alive for our patrons, especially for children! You Tube would also be fun as a library promotional tool. I love the idea of libraries running contests for patrons to make a video of why they love their library. Much creativity could abound in promoting library services through a You Tube video clip. Shameless self-promotion for libraries could be quite fun. Maybe that Darth Vader costume I have at home could come in handy...

Libraries are great places that sometimes still suffer from the Shushing Librarian Syndrome. By featuring contests and fun promos on You Tube, we can help further our image as an invaluable community center. Even Conan the Librarian would have to agree...in a non-violent way, we hope!