Beyond Method #7

I used the Prezi tool to create a presentation. I think it was a great alternative to a powerpoint and kep thing interesting with colors and movement.  My only complaint about it is that it does make you a little dizzy if watching it up close.  I have only used Powerpoint in the past.  The one way I prefer powerpoint to Prezi is that you have more options for changing from one slide to another.  Presentation tools are something we use often in the library for classes or presentations.  I would definately recommend some of the presentation tools listed to our patrons as a neat alternative way to present their information.

Here is my presentation:

Dr. Seuss books Every Child Should Read on Prezi

Beyond Method #6

http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1342/1342-h/1342-h.htm

Was Project Gutenberg easy to use?
Very easy.  I liked searching through most popular downloads.

Do your think your patrons would be interested in a public domain service like Project Gutenberg?
Yes.  Many of our patrons have recently gotten an e-reader and would like access to free materials.

If a patron wanted help putting a title from Project Gutenberg on an eReader, do you think you would be able to help them?
Yes.  I do not have an e-reader but I do have an Ipod which has a Kindle app.  I have had no problem downloading ebooks and audiobooks to my devices.

Beyond Method #5

Do you think Goodreads and LibraryThing could be effective readers advisory tools?

I think either website could be useful for the library and its patrons.  I have been using Goodreads for about a year and find it a great way to read book reviews and track what I have read.  We could easily use it to feature abook of the month and have patrons comment on it.  LibraryThing would be better for expanding the user base since it is more widely used, but I prefer the look and interface of Goodreads.

Beyond Method #4

Do you think that you would be able to do this if you were not computer literate?
It would depend on how non-computer literate a patron is.  I think the websites are very easy to use and anyone with basic computer skills could use it.  I have to consider, though, that some of our patrons do not even know how to use a mouse or how to click in a box to enter information.  Those patrons need much more assistance to do anything on the computer. 

Do you think that this would be helpful for patrons in learning to use the computer? 
The websites with computer basics lessons would be very helpful to patrons and staff.  It is difficult for library employees to conduct computer training classes when everyone who signs up is at a different level of computer knowledge.  These lessons will help the patrons gain computer skills from the very basic to a more advanced depending on their current knowledge.

Beyond Method #3

Do you see yourself creating maps for your library?
I think creating a map to locate the library could be very helpful.  I do ot know how we would use it beyond the though because we do not do events beyond this location. 

If you created a map, add a link to your new map to the blog post.
https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=209388411456584590802.0004c468987564d110581&msa=0&ll=35.537325,-100.959527&spn=0.012118,0.01487

Was Google Maps easy to use?  Did you have any difficulties? 
Google Maps was very easy to use but it is a prorgam I have used before so am familiar with.

Beyond Method #2

Which customizable homepage looks to be the best option for librarians?
I think either customizable homepage could be usful for librarians depending on what is being used for.  I have always been a big fan of Google so iGoogle would be a great options to make a homepage to share within the library staff.  Netvibes would be an interesting option to make a public page. 

Explain what you think you could do with a customizable home page.
A customizable homepage would be a great way share the interworkings of the library between the entire staff.  Because we are open 12 hours a day, the staff works in shifts and we rarely have the entire staff here at one time.  The homepage would be great to keep staff informed of what is happening in each department (children's, ILL, circulation, etc.)  Plus we could add some great gadgets to access things we use often such as WorldCat or FantasticFiction.

Method 12

What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey?

I like learning about the Wikis and podcasts the best.  I had heard the terms used but it was only a technical term that went over my head as far as I'm concerned.  Now, not only do I understand what the term means, I will use these in my personal life and look for ways to use them throughout the library as well.

Were there any take-aways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?

I was suprised that the technology was so easy to understand and something I would like to bring into my day to day life.

If we offered another discovery program like this in the future, would you again chose to participate?

Absolutely!