Google Docs. What a helpful tool!

Recently I undertook a Diploma in Library and Cultural Services through LGAQ and that was when I discovered how useful Google Docs can be. I was able to produce my assessement pieces through Google Docs and share them with other students and my fellow collegues to gather feedback. My only grip with Google Docs is that it can only handle word documents not documents produced from Publisher. Otherwise a truly magnificent online tool.

Bookmarking love it or leave it?

This is an overwhelming subject with a vast array of social bookmarking sites available, for example Del.icio.us. This site is a great idea allowing all your favourite blogs to be listed in one convenient place. I absolutely love Library Thing which allows you to have an online listing of all the books you have read and love. You can share this list if you wish with a select group or the whole wide world. All these sites are fantastic but where do you find the time to hop on and have a look. Between Face book, twitter, Del.icio.us, blogging, email and texting we are constantly bombarded with another time wasting endeavour. I will be the first to admit that I love Face book and social bookmarking however I think we all have the choice on what resource we find the most valuable and do we have time to dedicate to it. A struggle I think which is not new to Library staff and one quite frankly I think should never end. When we stop trying new technologies I think we stop trying to deliver quality service to our clientele.

Google Reader

Being well informed is a vital part of being in an information industry i.e. A Public Library. I use Google Reader to keep a track of the various rss feeds and blogs that I subscribe too. A very useful tool. Libraries could use rss feeds to collate website resources in one location for patrons to access from the Libraries website. I would love to hear other suggestions for usage of rss feeds etc for libraries.

Social Networking - How did we manage without it?

Facebook seems to be all the rage the whole world over. Social networking sites can be used as a form of marketing for a wide variety of groups. Libraries for example can use them to let the public about the services the offer or an upcoming event. Recently I made a promotional video for the Library (with much help from other library staff). This video will be placed on You Tube to help boost our profile amongst the public. Libraries have to be creative in regards to marketing and these such social networking sites are a great way to reach a large audience with out a lot of cost involved.

Wiki wacky

What a weird word Wiki is. And yet they are so useful and easy to access. The Hinchinbrook Libary has an internal Wiki which staff can use to access policies, procedures and any other such useful information in one easy location. I would love here what other libraries are using Wikis for and do you find them good or maybe not so good.

Share and share alike

Hinchinbrook Library has joined the revolution of Flickr. So far 300 images have been put up on the website and this is due to the dedication of Library staff member Helen. This is a great avenue to post images and share them with the wide world web. Libraries are definitely finding new and amazing ways to reach a wider audience thanks to modern technology.

Random likes and dislikes

Like: Roses, dogs, clear blue winter days, ocean, honesty, friendship, ebay, knitting, reading.

Dislike: Random technology, snakes, frogs, dishonesty, shonky retailers, people who don't indicate

LOVE: My hubbie, my puppy, my job