I commented on Gary Lom's blog discussing that Facebook privacy issue I posted about a vew posts back. Internet attacks seem much less likely to happen to you when you look at the vast number of people online. Some people just think, it could never happen to me...and then...
Hopefully it won't and Facebook will continue improving their security.
Excersise 16
More changes!
I started off with my labels and so on on the left hand side of my screen, as a sort of sidebar there. But after some fiddling the sidebar is now on the right, and I have to say I think it looks much nicer that way. Much more convienient, and it makes the Blog the first thing your eyes automatically move to and read.
Much better.
I started off with my labels and so on on the left hand side of my screen, as a sort of sidebar there. But after some fiddling the sidebar is now on the right, and I have to say I think it looks much nicer that way. Much more convienient, and it makes the Blog the first thing your eyes automatically move to and read.
Much better.
Excersise 15
It was time for a change!
As you may or may not have noticed the background image of my blog has changed. Before it was an abstract blue and purple colour and now it's gold. Very different but I think it works well. I still went with more abstract than actual imaging of anything, because I find abstract designs really beautiful.
So there it is! New background.
As you may or may not have noticed the background image of my blog has changed. Before it was an abstract blue and purple colour and now it's gold. Very different but I think it works well. I still went with more abstract than actual imaging of anything, because I find abstract designs really beautiful.
So there it is! New background.
Excersise 14
This is an older promotional video for Ferntree Gully Library, used to try and encourage people to come along to the library and detailing all the services provided. It details everything about the library's events and services, including a cafe, children's storytime, internet, and social groups like book club and gardening club.
The video is quite slow paced, and you can imagine that if they updated it now, it would look a lot different!
Excersise 13
I downloaded a free copy of an imaging software a while ago, named Bryce. It creates 3D resolutions of scenes and landscapes and objects. And so a month or two ago I set out to play with some testures and thus made some wacky looking eggs.
This was one of them.
I think it turned out rather well!
This was one of them.
I think it turned out rather well!
Excersise 12
In response to: Rise of the App: How Smartphones and Tablet Computers Will Impact How Young Adults Find Information by Karen Meulen.
It's so true.
As a child of the techology generation I still find it dizzying the leaps and bounds it takes every few years, and the social media sites that take off without any real warning. I have to admit to being a bit cautious about throwing myself into them. It took me a while to warm up to Facebook, and to Myspace. I still haven't quite accepted twitter...but Livejournal and I get along just fine.
As for tablets and phones. I own an iphone and an ipad, and an ipod for that matter, and I use all three for very different reasons. The thing is, now I have them, I can't imagine funcioning as efficiently without them. I don't think they're going to replace my beloved PC any time soon but still...
Apps are fun, most of the apps I download are games, or informative. Say the IPL Cricket app, or the Super rugby one. I have BBC news, PDF uploader to read workbooks and other things on the train into university. The amount of information and convienience at ones fingertips is exhilirating...and I don't think technology is going to be slowing down any time soon.
It's so true.
As a child of the techology generation I still find it dizzying the leaps and bounds it takes every few years, and the social media sites that take off without any real warning. I have to admit to being a bit cautious about throwing myself into them. It took me a while to warm up to Facebook, and to Myspace. I still haven't quite accepted twitter...but Livejournal and I get along just fine.
As for tablets and phones. I own an iphone and an ipad, and an ipod for that matter, and I use all three for very different reasons. The thing is, now I have them, I can't imagine funcioning as efficiently without them. I don't think they're going to replace my beloved PC any time soon but still...
Apps are fun, most of the apps I download are games, or informative. Say the IPL Cricket app, or the Super rugby one. I have BBC news, PDF uploader to read workbooks and other things on the train into university. The amount of information and convienience at ones fingertips is exhilirating...and I don't think technology is going to be slowing down any time soon.
Excersise 11
Thinking about what technologies would work best at Ku-ring-gai library I came to the realisation that gauging what would be accepted and what would be useful is extreemly tricky. Because of the conservative and also elderly inclination of the residents of the council area, change is rejected unless it comes slowly, and even then not much changes.
Therefore any new technologies cannot be too fancy or else the residents of the area will not use it. Of course there are students and young people too, and they would accept technology easily, but the predominant clientelle of the libraries are the older generations...making intergrating technology tricky.
Microblogging/twitter - As used at Dublin City Libraries. It provides small updates that can be sent via text message. As the older generation are slowly starting to use mobile phones, this sort of technology is more accessable for them. It could be used to spread news about events, or local news, and new things occuring at the Library.
Podcasts - As used at National Library of Medicine. Used to document local history, and also reference materials. Getting epcialists to discuss topics is extreemly useful for students as well as older generations. My father for example enjoys listening to scientific podcasts, and I can assure you that he's no scientist.
Flickr - As used by Hillsdale library. A lot of libraries use Flickr to reach out to teenagers. It would be useful for Ku-ring-gai to reach out to their student base by employing the use of the social medias.
Therefore any new technologies cannot be too fancy or else the residents of the area will not use it. Of course there are students and young people too, and they would accept technology easily, but the predominant clientelle of the libraries are the older generations...making intergrating technology tricky.
Microblogging/twitter - As used at Dublin City Libraries. It provides small updates that can be sent via text message. As the older generation are slowly starting to use mobile phones, this sort of technology is more accessable for them. It could be used to spread news about events, or local news, and new things occuring at the Library.
Podcasts - As used at National Library of Medicine. Used to document local history, and also reference materials. Getting epcialists to discuss topics is extreemly useful for students as well as older generations. My father for example enjoys listening to scientific podcasts, and I can assure you that he's no scientist.
Flickr - As used by Hillsdale library. A lot of libraries use Flickr to reach out to teenagers. It would be useful for Ku-ring-gai to reach out to their student base by employing the use of the social medias.
Excersise 10
The Ku-ring-gai library has announced some new technologies being implemented to bring it more into the current technological world, whereas before it's been quite archaic.
First off they are introducing that review system that I mentioned in an earlier post! YAY.
Second, they are bringing in the ability to browse the Ku-ring-gai catalogue via iPhone or other mobile phone device. This will be convienient for all the younger demographic of library goers.
Thirdly they are intergrating with social media, like Facebook! Again reaching out to their younger demographic.
This is a big step forward for Ku-ring-gai, because it has been resistant to change for many many years, due to the primarily senior clientelle base. Older people seem to be less inclined to accept change or new technologies, which is why the library's site and catalogue, as well as the library itself isn't very technologically advanced.
Another reason why Ku-ring-gai is less likely to employ technologies than other libraries is its small size. It's made up of four branches; three small ones and one larger one. I do not think the library gets a large budget from the council and all money must be split between the three.
But primarily, the main resistance to employing Web 2.0 technologies is the older client base and also the conservative nature of the North Shore. Nothing seems to change in the Ku-ring-gai area unless it's really broken.
First off they are introducing that review system that I mentioned in an earlier post! YAY.
Second, they are bringing in the ability to browse the Ku-ring-gai catalogue via iPhone or other mobile phone device. This will be convienient for all the younger demographic of library goers.
Thirdly they are intergrating with social media, like Facebook! Again reaching out to their younger demographic.
This is a big step forward for Ku-ring-gai, because it has been resistant to change for many many years, due to the primarily senior clientelle base. Older people seem to be less inclined to accept change or new technologies, which is why the library's site and catalogue, as well as the library itself isn't very technologically advanced.
Another reason why Ku-ring-gai is less likely to employ technologies than other libraries is its small size. It's made up of four branches; three small ones and one larger one. I do not think the library gets a large budget from the council and all money must be split between the three.
But primarily, the main resistance to employing Web 2.0 technologies is the older client base and also the conservative nature of the North Shore. Nothing seems to change in the Ku-ring-gai area unless it's really broken.
Excersise 9
As I have stated previously in this blog, I live in the Ku-ring-gai area, run by the Ku-ring-gai council.
Ku-ring-gai is located on the upper North Shore, encompasing suburbs like Lindfield, Killara, St Ives, Gordon, Pymble and Turramurra. It is on average quite an affluent neighbourhood, usually of families or the older generation. As such it is quite politically conservative, and is part of one of the safest Liberal seats in the country in all levels of government. As such the libraries cater to a large student base, of predominantly private school students, and older Australians who wish for books to read.
Here are some links to the Ku-ring-gai council website, and also the Ku-ring-gai Library
Ku-ring-gai is located on the upper North Shore, encompasing suburbs like Lindfield, Killara, St Ives, Gordon, Pymble and Turramurra. It is on average quite an affluent neighbourhood, usually of families or the older generation. As such it is quite politically conservative, and is part of one of the safest Liberal seats in the country in all levels of government. As such the libraries cater to a large student base, of predominantly private school students, and older Australians who wish for books to read.
Here are some links to the Ku-ring-gai council website, and also the Ku-ring-gai Library
Excersise 8
In response to 'Facebook privacy settings: Who cares? by Danah boyd and Eszter Hargittai
"With over 500 million users, the decisions that Facebook makes about
its privacy settings have the potential to influence many people. While
its changes in this domain have often prompted privacy advocates and
news media to critique the company, Facebook has continued to attract
more users to its service. This raises a question about whether or not
Facebook’s changes in privacy approaches matter and, if so, to whom.
This paper examines the attitudes and practices of a cohort of 18– and
19–year–olds surveyed in 2009 and again in 2010 about Facebook’s
privacy settings."
In truth I don't think many young people using Facebook actually care about their privacy details. I'm sure they do in the abstract, but they are probably not really paying attention to policy changes nor do they think that that sort of thing can affect them. As such most Facebook users won't comment on the policy changes but will probably be glad that there is no way for people to find out their personal details online.
It's something that needs to be done, but its not going to be recognised.
"With over 500 million users, the decisions that Facebook makes about
its privacy settings have the potential to influence many people. While
its changes in this domain have often prompted privacy advocates and
news media to critique the company, Facebook has continued to attract
more users to its service. This raises a question about whether or not
Facebook’s changes in privacy approaches matter and, if so, to whom.
This paper examines the attitudes and practices of a cohort of 18– and
19–year–olds surveyed in 2009 and again in 2010 about Facebook’s
privacy settings."
In truth I don't think many young people using Facebook actually care about their privacy details. I'm sure they do in the abstract, but they are probably not really paying attention to policy changes nor do they think that that sort of thing can affect them. As such most Facebook users won't comment on the policy changes but will probably be glad that there is no way for people to find out their personal details online.
It's something that needs to be done, but its not going to be recognised.
Excersise 7
Anne of Green Gables is one of those books that feels like it has been around forever and has been a part of your life since as far back as you can remember. Or at least that is how it feels to me. The book is now in its 100th year of publication and in honour and celebration the State Library of NSW put out a podcast discussing it.
State Library of NSW: Anne of Green Gables
State Library of NSW: Anne of Green Gables
Excersise 6
Up until I looked at the site for the Stonnington Library I had no idea that libraries were beginning to put reviews into their catalogues or on their sites. I think it's a really awseome idea, because I don't know how many times I've looked at a catalogue, browsing and wondered just what that book was about and whether it was any good.
My local library the Ku-ring-gai library doesn't have this yet, but I hope they will implement it soon. I think it will help a lot of people out with looking for books and choosing good things to read.
My local library the Ku-ring-gai library doesn't have this yet, but I hope they will implement it soon. I think it will help a lot of people out with looking for books and choosing good things to read.
Excersise 5
Social networking sites are becoming one of THE ways to get a buisness or a person noticed these days. Bands advertise themselves on myspace, actors and singers get more in touch with their fans on facebook, and Libraries are reaching out to their public through this medium too.
I think it's a good thing, so many young people still have this idea of libraries being scary places where you only go if you readlly need a book. By reaching out to them through their way of communication it renders a library more approachable, more familiar and more friendly. As such they will go there when they need help with something or just need a book to read.
It's also a great way to advertise to people that yes they have a source of books just over there, and that they are welcome to join and read too. I think it encourages people to come and read and participate in more community oriented activities. Which to me? Is all to the good.
I think it's a good thing, so many young people still have this idea of libraries being scary places where you only go if you readlly need a book. By reaching out to them through their way of communication it renders a library more approachable, more familiar and more friendly. As such they will go there when they need help with something or just need a book to read.
It's also a great way to advertise to people that yes they have a source of books just over there, and that they are welcome to join and read too. I think it encourages people to come and read and participate in more community oriented activities. Which to me? Is all to the good.
Excersise 4
Nancy Pearl is a librarian who has managed to become famous, inspiring many fan videos on YouTube, featuring her action figure and also interviews with authors. This video is a book trailer for her book "Book Lust on the go" featuring novels from around the world. She covers a number of countries and also has props to help her illustrate her point about each unique place.
Excersise 3
More and more libraries are using technology to reach out to their patrons in ways they haven't been able to before. One of their modes of communication is through the photo sharing site Flickr. For example the Library of Congress posts pictures of the civil war and many others including this beautiful shot here
It is a photochrom picture of a mountain lake scene in Norway, created between 1890 and 1900. It depicts the mountains and the lake and the trees surrounding it with a bright red sunset above in the sky.
This is just one of the beautiful pictures in the Library of Congress photostream which can be found here.
It is a photochrom picture of a mountain lake scene in Norway, created between 1890 and 1900. It depicts the mountains and the lake and the trees surrounding it with a bright red sunset above in the sky.
This is just one of the beautiful pictures in the Library of Congress photostream which can be found here.
Excersise 2
There are many slideshows on slideshare, including a number of presentations that are useful to librarians and those looking to use libraries. The slideshow below is one such, that is very interesting for anyone looking to work in a library.
Traditional vs nontraditional service points in libraries
It discusses the changing needs of consumers and how they want a more personal experience with library workers, rather than just having them there behind a desk. It details just what surveys show people want from their library experiences and just what they want changed, or to stay the same. Apparently there is comfort in the appearance of the traditional library, but in todays world of convienince they don't want to have to come find their librarians behind a desk for help.
It's a very interesting presentation, and definately one I would show to workers looking to man a reference desk.
Traditional vs nontraditional service points in libraries
It discusses the changing needs of consumers and how they want a more personal experience with library workers, rather than just having them there behind a desk. It details just what surveys show people want from their library experiences and just what they want changed, or to stay the same. Apparently there is comfort in the appearance of the traditional library, but in todays world of convienince they don't want to have to come find their librarians behind a desk for help.
It's a very interesting presentation, and definately one I would show to workers looking to man a reference desk.
Investigative Excersise 1
sThere are few things in life that I enjoy more than a good computer game, a sci-fi movie or a fantasy novel. I even enjoy various combinations of the three. These interests lable me as a geek, a title that I am most proud to wear, which is why I found this blog post by The Librarian in Black so interesting. It details the geeky milestones in her life to this date in honour of Geek Pride day.
In the spirit of this then I will quickly detail the geeky milestones that I can remember.
My first computer
Was a very old and very battered Macintosh, which played some interesting games. I can't remember the names any more, only that they were fun, and I know one had Battleships. (I remember that one because it scared me at the time. I was very young)
My first Fantasy style adventure game
Dragonsphere, a game by Microprose, lives on in my memory as being my first real gaming love. It was vivid, complex and I loved it. An old DOS game, which I got to play again recently thanks to DOSbox. Still loved it.
Kings Quest V, VI, VII and VIII: Mask of Eternity.
So many hours on these games. So many. Particularly MoE which took me months and months to complete. I played it so often that my parents tried to restrict my computer time. I think that was 1999.
Star Wars
My first big movie franchise love. I could quote most of the original movies and I think I worried my family with just how much trivia I actually could remember.
Oblivion and Dragon Age
Are now my two great loves of Gaming. Elder Scrolls V: Oblivion blew my mind with huge maps, interesting characters and seemingly never ending plotlines. After playing it I was sure I could never love another game so much. And then Dragon Age:Origins came out and I fell in love all over again. Incredible character interactions and questing. Since then Dragon Age 2 has come out, and Skyrim, the next Elder scolls game comes out in November. Can't wait.
Star Trek
As a kid I was all about Star Wars and I didn't watch or know anything about Star Trek until I went to see the 2009 movie. Not only did I not feel left out but it also compelled me to buy the Original Series on DVD and watch them all. Since then Star Trek has become a huge part of my geeky life. Although I do refuse to watch the other tv series. I'll stick with the Reboot and TOS thanks.
In the spirit of this then I will quickly detail the geeky milestones that I can remember.
My first computer
Was a very old and very battered Macintosh, which played some interesting games. I can't remember the names any more, only that they were fun, and I know one had Battleships. (I remember that one because it scared me at the time. I was very young)
My first Fantasy style adventure game
Dragonsphere, a game by Microprose, lives on in my memory as being my first real gaming love. It was vivid, complex and I loved it. An old DOS game, which I got to play again recently thanks to DOSbox. Still loved it.
Kings Quest V, VI, VII and VIII: Mask of Eternity.
So many hours on these games. So many. Particularly MoE which took me months and months to complete. I played it so often that my parents tried to restrict my computer time. I think that was 1999.
Star Wars
My first big movie franchise love. I could quote most of the original movies and I think I worried my family with just how much trivia I actually could remember.
Oblivion and Dragon Age
Are now my two great loves of Gaming. Elder Scrolls V: Oblivion blew my mind with huge maps, interesting characters and seemingly never ending plotlines. After playing it I was sure I could never love another game so much. And then Dragon Age:Origins came out and I fell in love all over again. Incredible character interactions and questing. Since then Dragon Age 2 has come out, and Skyrim, the next Elder scolls game comes out in November. Can't wait.
Star Trek
As a kid I was all about Star Wars and I didn't watch or know anything about Star Trek until I went to see the 2009 movie. Not only did I not feel left out but it also compelled me to buy the Original Series on DVD and watch them all. Since then Star Trek has become a huge part of my geeky life. Although I do refuse to watch the other tv series. I'll stick with the Reboot and TOS thanks.
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