Numero 8

This was a very interesting task to investigate and I probably spent more time on this than I have any of the others so far. I think this site could help patrons with research of all types from finding images for reports, to a place where budding musicians can put their creations to be used and circulated. When I searched images for skiing in Colorado under Google images I was given many choices but when I used Flickr I had a much more limited selection and it would only accept skiing in the search not skiing in Colorado so if you are in a hurry and not picky about an image this may be the way to go.

When I used Jamendo it took me awhile to figure out what to put in the "tag" so I could get some selections. I guess I'm not familiar with the terms that some sites use for searching but once I figured it out I found lots of choices under Celtic music, folk etc. I think this site is full of information for myself and for patrons and you could spend lots of time here looking around.

It is nice to have another option to help patrons and it makes us look good when we can give them options for their questions.

Task 7

I actually liked all of these sites for different reasons. I signed up for Shelfari and now will have to go back and see if any of my friends are on it and then we can Facebook about it too!!! It looks like AllReaders may be the spot for those patrons who are very technical about their reads as they can get %'s of things. I haven't done enough blogging to decide if we should follow Boulder's but it looked like the teens & up like and use it.

This webolution stuff if pretty fun and I'm enjoying it!

Task 6

Good reminders of how everyone is responsible for customer service whether we are out in the patron world or behind the scenes. Since I'm still a fairly new employee everything was a good review and reminder of what our values etc are and how we all need to work together to fullfil them. Houston's Customer 123 was also helpful and pretty fun to look at. Good stuff all round.

Task 5 - placing holds

I am finally feeling like I have a good handle on this and can help patrons over the phone now without freaking out. I personally like to to my library account to place holds because everything is there and I don't have to go back and re-type my name or library card at any point. I am also able to renew and look at my reads if I want because I'm already in my account. I like using book bag for patrons if they have several books to request. If they only have one I may just search the catalog and request from there. Some depends on how much time I have or if there are lots of patrons needing help. I've been trying to teach as I help so patrons are comfortable placing their own holds from home 24/7. Sometimes I like millenium for movies and dvd's especially if it is a series. It seems to be easier to request from there when a series is involved.

Social Sites

Facebook facinates me. I have friends asking me "How does it work?" often. Most often they are asking can everyone on Facebook see everything I post? It does amaze me how many of use this site. Almost every patron gets on it or on My Space everytime they use the computers. I would like to learn how to help people use it and get better myself especially where they want to use it professionally and for employment etc. Words of advice though.......don't let Facebook etc. run your life! Make sure you live and interact with others face to face!

Task 3

Woo Hoo! I got 100 on this portion. Having us hunt on the library website for information is a very good thing to do. I am familiar with many portions of it but had never gone to the sitemap before. I don't know if my eyes just never landed on it before looking for it but maybe it could have a little larger text for those of us who are visually challenged! I learned some new things and gathered more info for future patron questions which all good.

music fun

I was somewhat familiar with Pandora but had never set up an account with them. Listfm I had never investigated before. I really didn't find any new artists but I did find out that Chris Isaak and I share the same birthdate! That was sort of cool. Oh, take that back, I did find one new artist I hadn't heard of before to try out. All my other favorites seem to be somewhat related to each other. For those who like to post things and link with Facebook etc. these sites let people participate and connect with other if they want.

Task one of webolution!!

Well, I now have a blog. Task number one completed. I have some other friends with blogs but I've never really gone to them and participated because email etc. is enough to keep up with!! Anyway, I can now help patrons make a blog if they want and it was very easy.