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!

Method 11

I discovered a great nutritional podcast on Podcast.com called Nutrition Diva.

Did you find anything useful and/or do you think your library might have a potential reason to begin creating podcasts?
I definately found the information usefull and I like the idea of subscribing to a regular podcast for my enjoyment whenever I have time to listen.  I think the library could use a podcast for book reviews, literary discussions, or answering questions posted by the public.

Method 10

What did you find interesting?
I did not know Wikis existed, outside of Wikipedia.  What an interesting way for people to share information and ideas.

What types of applications within libraries might work well with a wiki?
Wikis could be used to coordinate projecs within the library staff or collaborating with the community.  We could create public wikis for patrons to post favorite books or discuss a specific book.