Fun 2.5- Final Post Response

2.5 is a fun endeavor; we are lucky to be part of a work culture that would allow such a forward thinking concept to flourish.

I tried hard to get all the people at involved at Herndon but was not sucessful. Some people just don't like to type, perhaps for them it is tedious.

I can't believe that he ended the course with a link to Doors on youtube.

Collaboration Software

I find the various collaboration softwares to be very convenient and typically useful.
Google Docs is an amazing resource for those who do not own a Windows PC or do not want to shell out the loot for the Office Suite. You can create documents in the Windows format and share it with your team instantly, it will even update when several people are working on a project at the same time. Wicked.

I also recently tried the video chat for gmail on my Macbook, and it worked like a charm. Previously I had to download and run Skype to do this. Now, all this is available through Google.
I hear that Google is coming out with an Operating System; I look forward to checking it out.

I know that we pay alot at OCLS for licenses and such, perhaps we could save some $$ by moving to more browser based collaboration software.

Search vs Navigation- library style

Ok. To test out the 3 different search engines, I tried searching for info on my #1 favorite science fiction author, Jack Vance.

I picked him because he is not as popular as other authors in his genre, but he has been writing sci fi since the 1950's and is still alive. I like finding short stories he wrote for a pulp magazinesbefore the space program.

So I did a search on Mr. Vance using Lexxe, Quintura, and Bing.

Not suprising- the first result for Bing was wikipedia, while it was the second result for Lexxe and Quintura. Also, Bing has advertisements for Amazon and Ebay at or near the top of the results list. I did not see any ads cluttering up the Lexxe or Quintura interface.

Beyond that, the results were very similar. The "Cluster" feature to the right of the Lexxe engine had some interesting suggestions for additional authors.

Microsoft Bing Commercial- Search Engines

I find it amusing how hard Microsoft tries to set up a "problem" (S.O.S.?, come on!) that needs a cure. This is their marketing strategy. Well, perhaps some people are overwhelmed by technology and search engines, but I am not.

Bing is a day late and an dollar short.

Mobile Web 2.0

I enjoy the fruits of mobile technology. However, I think that many people feel the need to "be connected" all the time and they never shut their machines down. This is annoying.

I am reluctant to have an expensive phone/player/computer combo because I am afraid I will leave it in my pants when I do my laundry. Plain and simple.

I love technology- and I have a healthy respect for it. This means I know when to disconnect. It's a good habit all around. When we depend on technology too much, it makes certain skills we have atrophy. It's good to mix it up a little; compose a hand written letter to a friend. Remember what that feels like?

Also- I watched the video with AC Nielson from the Weather Channel. It was very informative.
A few things he said stuck out- words like "Trust, Reliability, and Expertise". I would hope that people would perceive the library like this- and use us as a way to make sure they are recieveing factual and up to date information.

He also mentioned trying to make their mobile interface "intuitive and simple", which is what this is all about. Kudos.

Check out this video, it talks about real mobile technology, pretty cutting edge.

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/pattie_maes_demos_the_sixth_sense.html

Danka.

Personal Goal: Herndon 100% Participation

As the full time Tech at Herndon, I am trying to stimulate staff converstaion about 2.5 in their blogs. I have found that most staff do not know how to link their blog to their fellow staffmembers blogspot accounts. Getting each Herndonite started, and account set up to allow easy access to thier coworker's blog is my focus for this week.

Post #1 for 2.5

While I see enormous potential in virtual worlds like Second Life, I work so much in front of a computer that any time away from the screen is most welcome. But for those who could not physically visit a location, but need information, a virtual library would be more welcoming than just a regular internet catalog interface.

A SL Library Location could be a neat place to hold book clubs, or virtual classes for those that have trouble traveling.

Nick M's intro video for Second Life is hilarious and informative. I look forward to seeing more from him.

My student passed her Citizenship Exam

I guess this means I am the real deal. The United States administered a test to one of my students, and she passed with flying colors.

I am trying to get her to participate in the Orlando Memory program. We shall see.

Getting On Board With 2.5

It looks like we have some interesting stuff coming up in 2.5, lets get her done!