Library 2.0 and the Future of Libraries

It is now over four months since I worked through the 23 things task list and posted to this blog. So, today is the day and what better way to launch myself back into it again than starting with Library 2.0.

Library 2.0
Not sure I agree with the idea that libraries have always been 2.0: collaborative, customer friendly and welcoming. I think traditional libraries have been very difficult to use. Libraries however are ever changing, now creating environments that focus on their users and meeting them in their space, as opposed to ours (libraries). Embracing 2.0 technologies our digital native customers use everyday is evidence of this. They also attract new customers who once may never have decided to visit. The shift from commodity (library 1.0) to experience (library 4.0) is user focused and exciting for those of us along for the ride : ) Bring it on!!

Skype

I already had a Skype account set up so used it to add a button on my blog. I have used it to chat with Angela at home and at work while I have been here in Canada. Trouble is I think faster than I type.
I was looking at Sandi's Library 2.0 blog today (she is so on to it!) and noticed a new button so clicked on it and found myself talking to her. It was a nice surprise to hear her voice and I didn't need to pay or type anything!

The idea that I can talk to the wonderful Canadian friends I have made here through Skype makes me feel a little (only a little) better about leaving today.
It has been a truely rewarding experience both personally and professionally. From my first week I was welcomed and accepted into the information services team and made to feel a part of the wider library staff.

I've discovered that I have the ability to transfer my skills to a new environment. The test and challenge will be applying all I have learnt from the staff at Buchanan Library to my work in NZ. All the wonderful places Craig and I have visited since we have been here come second to the memories we take home with us of the overwhelmingly generous and caring nature of all the Canadian people we came in contact with. It's hard to leave here.

Try this one for fun

Get your own at Gizmoz.com

I was framed!

I'm really pleased with this as I had to play around with the html a bit to get this published here and I only know a very small amount about html. Got to find some more photos.
Here is the link http://www.dumpr.net/museumr.php

Love fd's flickr toys

This was lots of fun. Checked out The Generator blog, letter James and FD toys.

You could easily get carried away and spend a lot of time on this. I've already spent an hour this week and haven't started # 11.

I was pretty limited for photos but enjoyed doctoring the ones I found.

I like this for an innovative way to get our message across to students.

I especially like the captioner http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/captioner.php

Looking forward to seeing other blog entries.

Create Your Own PaloozaHead - Visit Lollapalooza.com

My Trading Card

Flickr

I really like flickr. The flickr pics look great on the UCOL Library blog. I think it is an excellent way to provide a virtual tour of libraries without the expense of video equipment. I had already put some Liaison team pics to gether using flickr so knew the process.
I checked out the popular tags and looked at the landscape photos. Now I just need some time to put my Canadian photos into flickr to better organise them, there are so many. I have never taken this many photos but I didn't want to miss anything : )

RSS Feeds

I set up my netvibes account and subscribed to several feeds, haven't added ten yet, still working on it. Mainly library links, weather, news from Lethbridge and Wanganui etc.
This was good practice for me and I read the instructrions step by step which is unusual as I normally flit all over the place and read the last bit first. I can see the benefit of inserting feeds into Learning Management Systems, providing students links to news and current info on their study topics.
Now that I have all my feeds and links in one place it should make it easier for me to manage instead of clogging my mailbox.

Blog

This going to be very good for me as it will make me read instructions instead of the playing and experimenting I usually do when I try to learn something new.
I'm going to enjoy reading all the blogs.

Library 2.0

First week - learning styles