No Excuses Allowed - Google Calendar

Google Calendar looks like a really useful tool. I liked how easy it was to set up the calendar and adjust the settings. I thought the color coding options were great so a quick glance at the day would give an overview of the kinds of events or activities noted. I also really liked the option to be able to combine calendars or only show one at a time to allow someone to focus on a particular set of events.I currently use Yahoo calendar but am thinking I'll explore whether I can use Google instead as I've encountered syncing problems with my phone and Yahoo recently. Google Calendar seems pretty user-friendly so could definitely be useful in the library.I was wondering whether there could be/is already a Google calendar available for staff mirroring the central calendar upstairs at Campus.If a digital version existed staff could check events, plan for time off,conferences etc., when out of the branch and not have to wait until they were next scheduled to work to check these details for conflicts.

Google Docs

I'm a bit out of sequence with the modules because I seem to have mislaid my delicious login, so I will have to come back to that one. Google Docs was pretty straight forward. It was easy enough to navigate to add the slide to the presentation and add in images.It could really be helpful for the program coordinators from the branches to collaborate on events.There could also be the possibility of using Google Docs to save resources for the library. If attendees of book groups agreed, the program leader could make any handouts available via Google Docs with the option that the person could choose to print them out if they so wished.The librarian wouldn't have to photocopy numerous handouts, especially as she can never be sure of the number of people who will attend.

Survey Monkey

Survey Monkey was a clear, concise site that nicely navigated me through the daunting world of creating a survey. I liked all the different options available and tried out some variations on my survey.I also liked how the surveys could be really customized to target audiences ranging from specific people via email (which I did) or the option to reach more people via Facebook and Twitter.Now, of course, I eagerly await the responses... I don't seem to be able to link the survey code onto the blog.Is there something I'm missing here?

Image Generators

I really enjoyed learning about the image generator sites. I 'm sure they will be very useful tools for creating bulletin boards and other displays. I like the idea of the Mag-My-Pic site and think I might see what my son thinks about using it for his next book report. ">

YouTube

Clearly the usefulness of YouTube has been demonstrated by the fact that some of the elements of 23 things have been illustrated using clips via YouTube.YouTube is a great resource to find fun snippets, and an excellent resource for learning new skills. If I'm unsure about a new online trend, I might see if there's a basic video demonstration on You Tube to get a feel for it before I commit to signing up.

I think the value of YouTube for the library is really in terms of enhancement. I can't pinpoint how the library would directly benefit from posting videos on YouTube.However, all the amazing resources on YouTube could be used to add interest to advertisements of library programs.Staff training presentations are definitely enhanced when the presenter illustrates their point with a short video usually courtesy of YouTube.

When I saw this clip I got all nostalgic as I grew up watching this classic double act called The Two Ronnies.This sketch is entitled The Confusing Library.

http://youtu.be/nGlN_EaEgPQ

On the Shelf- Good Reads and Library Thing

After having a brief look at these sites I have to say I found Good Reads more user friendly than Library Thing. The zeitgeist page of Library Thing is just plain horrible with that screen full of lists of books so I wasn't motivated to spend much time exploring other elements on the site.Good Reads on the other hand, well, fun is an understatement. I rated everything I could think of,took a quiz, enjoyed browsing through the listopia section,and was intrigued by some of the recommendations. I am now trying to figure out when I'll make time to read some of these recommendations including: The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, The Moonstone,Little Dorrit,(and everything of Charles Dickens I haven't all ready read),The Scarlet Pimpernel, and Beezus and Ramona (?!).

My first impression was that Library Thing seemed to focus more on aspects of social networking whereas Good Reads could also be used on a more personal level to create lists and get recommendations without the necessity of  social networking. I could see how Good Reads would be a useful Reader's Advisory tool, tapping in a few authors or having patrons rate a couple of titles would bring up some instant suggestions.

Facebook- Friend or Foe

I decided to Like the Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick, Maine. To be honest, the main reason for choosing it was because our old chum, Sarah Brown (Reference Librarian extraordinaire), moved there.She has posted some gorgeous photos of her library, and it seems to be a splendid establishment. This is their very nice website-
Curtis Memorial Library

I found the information about the privacy settings really helpful and took the opportunity to review my Facebook settings. Gosh, I am ashamed at how lax I had been and quickly tightened up some of the options there.

I can see that Facebook  is a great tool to reach large groups of library patrons with not a huge amount of effort and with a greater scope for detail than tweeting. There is the potential for the library to gain positive feedback with comments posted by patrons, but also the reverse. I'm not sure the image of the library would benefit if a patron decided to post vitriolic comments about an unsatisfactory  library experience.It could prove to be a tricky situation if the library didn't respond; it could be interpreted that the library didn't care, or the response may not satisfy the patron and others contributing could make for a pretty nasty experience.