09/04/07 Merlin & other Library Related Blogs Exercise #9

Merlin and other library related blogs are very useful for librarians to keep up-to-date with what is happening in not only their library system, but others throughout their state and national systems. Technology changes very rapidly in today's world. It is important that libraries keep pace with knowledge so that they will remain an invaluable information and reference source for patrons. If we want to maintain the existence of libraries into the future, libraries and librarians must remain informed about the latest technological advance. As an employee involved in the circulation, I do not see the benefits of the blogging technology as much as I see it for the librarians. The one use that I see for MERLIN is to possibly gain knowledge of how other libraries function in the areas of circulation. In this way, we can eventually have all state systems be streamlined, so that we can become more flexible for use by patrons. I do not spend a great deal of time on the computer. Other than to occasionally browse various blogs, I do not see this as a valuable resource for me at this time. On further thought, however, perhaps if I had a question about a related health matter, I could discover a blog which would allow me to find an article or latest medical advance, or blog with others who may have the same condition. Information sharing such as this helps, because you then know that someone else is out their who may have similar experiences.

09/01/2007 BLOGLINES - RSS INFORMATION

Bloglines are a very useful and quick way to keep up with news and other information. I like RSS and newsreaders, because they keep you up-to-date on the latest information about a particular subject. You can also see the opinions of others. For myself, I do like to keep up on the news, so I think that I could keep up-to-date with newspapers and other resources more quickly with RSS and newsreaders. However, I do not spend my life on the computer. I prefer to listen to various talk radio stations and keep up with my news that way. I do not want to be tied to the computer. I feel that many people will miss out on what life has to offer, because they are spending way to much time reading all of the feeds. Libraries can use RSS and newsreaders to keep up-to-date with the latest technology and interests of their patrons. In this way, libraries can offer programs and services that will keep current with the interests of patrons. Also, patrons look to the library for current and accurate information. We need to know and be aware of this information so that we can remain a reliable source for the community.

09/01/07 THIS WEEK'S TECHNOLOGY INTERESTS

This week I am interested in learning about the various "Really Simple Syndication" (RSS). I do like to keep up on current news local, state, and national. I often listed to talk radio. I hear the various moderators discuss how many newspaper sites and other publication sites that they use to do their research and keep current with news and information. I am also interested in other topics and am looking forward to keeping current with those topics.

My creation

My creation
Originally uploaded by greeneanne83

This is my first and only movie production

DISCOVERY, WEEK 2, BLOGGING

Blogging has its good points and its bad points. It is good to be able to share information with other people. It is nice to know that other people may share your particular point of view. It is bad in that there are times that you don't necessarily want to know other people's opinions. It would seem to me that people may take the opportunity to say hurtful things in writing that they may not say to someone face to face. I think that also misunderstandings may occur due to taking the written word the wrong way.

DISCOVERY WEEK 1, INTRO - POINTERS

I think that the pointers for lifelong learners was interesting. It gave me information that I already knew, but it was good to be remined of the opportunities of learning.

7 Habits of Successful Learners

The hardest habit to follow as a successful learner is setting a learning goal and making time for it. It is so easy to get caught up in day to day activities that I tend to put off learning new things, because I need to focus on family and responsibility. Also, using technology to your advantage is hard. The TV is a technological tool that prevents me from doing better learning activities. The easiest habit is 7 1/2, playing. Doing fun things, especially with the family is great.