Thing 23 - Summing Up

A training that was actually fun? I'd like more of these. I learned more than 23 things. Aside from the broken links, I thought this was put together very well. The "things" were easy to learn and easy to use. It also gave me an opportunity to look at the websites of other library systems and learn from what they're doing. I expect to be using some of these things regularly and now I have my blog as a reference.

Thing 22 - Downloadable Audiobooks

Downloadable audiobooks are an excellent resource for someone who can't get out to the library. Although, one would have to be fairly computer literate to navigate through Overdrive or NetLibrary and download the book or burn oneself a cd. The patrons in our library enjoy having access to the ebooks -- especially the Safari Tech books. There is a lot of information there.

Thing 21 - Podcasts

The links to the sites in this "thing" were all broken. I was able to find a library podcast on the website of the Philadelphia Free Library. They record their "meet the author" events and post them as podcasts on their website. Not the flashiest or most entertaining things on the block, but adequate.

Thing 20 - You Tube

Everyone loves You Tube. There are some videos on You Tube of John Mayer's (my favorite) entire concerts. I occasionally run across some really horrifying home videos of wannabes, but there is a lot of quality entertainment on You Tube.

Thing 19 - Award Winners

Ok, here's my chance to take a look at Delicious. The best thing about it is, of course, that you can view your bookmarks anywhere. A frequent request from patrons in our library is for very specific types of recipes that we're unable to find in cookbooks. Bookmarking unusual recipes or certain types of recipes would be useful for us. The ability to search the bookmarks of others is also a helpful tool.

Thing 18 - Google Docs

I think this is the greatest thing since sliced bread! No more "Why won't it open? I don't have that version. Oh, **!?$! that application is not on this computer and there are no other computers available in the workroom." We're finally all on the same page.

Thing 17 - Maryland Libraries Sandbox Wiki

The only link on this "thing" that is functional is the PB Wiki Tips, which seem pretty out of date. I did come across an interesting tech-talk site in my travels, though. www.makeuseof.com