Social Networking

Btw, I know that Facebook is a social networking site.  Despite this fact, I love the academic possibilities that Facebook can provide.  What better way to attract students to the resources offered via the library than via one of the social networking services (SNS) such as Facebook. The University of Michigan has created an excellent  Facebook site.  The site includes the hours, locations, and access to the various resources offered by the library.  I especially like the ability to search the library on-line catalog and WorldCat.  I envision the UAM Library with a similar site.  The UAM Library can provide answers to basic questions, post announcements, etc.  Think of IM at the UAM Library.  H.A.N.D.   g2g

Since establishing my presence on Facebook, I have connected with two of my college friends.  In addition, several of my family members have become Facebook friends.  What a great way to plan our next family reunion!  Perhaps the best social advantage has been the ability to view my son’s account.  In fact,  he wanted to know if library directors had time to use Facebook.  My reply–Facebook has become a part of my job description.  Learning 2.0 is an extension of  the Mission and Vision Statement of the Taylor UAM Library.  See my profile at http://www.facebook.com/Campbell

Podcasts

WOW!  The more I learn about 2.0, the more dificult it becomes to express my amazement with the possibilities.  Podcasting is an excellent source to attract students to the many media resources that are available. Since book reviews are important in libraries, I selected the following podcast  http://kuow.org/program.php?current=NP.  However, I plan to create podcasts that feature reviews of books that are featured in the UAM Library.  In addition, I will create podcasts to highlight other programs and services that we offer, such as the various features in the display cabinets.

Since my creative juices were flowing from all of my excitement, I created the following podcast featuring one aspect of the holidays that is included in the December display — Kwanzaa.

http://www.uamont.edu/library/newSite/audio/campbell.mp3

 

Browser Tools and Online Applications

I used Firefox on the computer at the Reference Desk.  It’s a great tool!  I find it truly amazing that Internet browsers can perform such wonderful functions.  I  remember how excited I became about Mosiac–Yes, that was a long, long, long time ago.  Just the ability to access the web was unbelievable.  Mosiac was magic .  . .

One of my favorite tools is Google Docs. I especially liked the Snipshot.  I recently purchased a digital camera.  I plan to create some wonderful photographs using the camera and my laptop computer. The possibilites are endless. . .

Twitter in the Library

There shall be Twitter in the Library!  The possible uses of Twitter are fascinating. Librarians could post various questions from the bibliographic sessions for the faculty and students. Individuals could interact more with the librarian.   If the faculty could not attend the session, he could later review the interaction that occurred.  Students could use this service while working on group projects.  If they are working in various areas of the library, the students could keep each other updated with their research finding within the library.  Since the service contains news, health and various other educational sites, students could access some of these sites for additional information.

One of the other advantages for library or classroom use is that the person has to be concise about his query or comment.  The users must be aware of the information he is seeking.  If he does not accomplish this task within the 140 characters, he is required to rethink the query or response.

Twitter Today

I am learning to use Twitter.  I will post several updates today.  The fact that selected friends and family can communicate without having to use our cell phone minutes is great!  Most of the time, we have a tendency to talk incessantly about what we are doing– using your precious cell phone minutes along the way.  With Twitter, we have to answer that question in 140 words of less.  In fact, my first reply to the question was more than the limit of 140 words.  As a result, I had to rethink my answer.  I like the fact that with this service, you have to get to the point.  HAPPY TWITTERING . . .  see http://twitter.com/mooksapphire

Wikis

Wikis are a great source for basic information.  I have always used an   almanac  or encyclopedic source to locate information about topics of which I have limited knowledge.   Likewise, Wikipedia is a good source for finding such basic information.  One of the most outstanding features included in Wikipedia is the extensive bibliography.  Although I would never encourage a student to compile a research paper based upon one source, especially an “open source” Internet site, I would suggest Wikipedia  as a secondary site for information.  

Since I have to submit numerous reports requested by UAM faculty and staff, I plan to use the features that allow for collaboratively writing to produce many of these reports.  Furthermore, the librarians will be able to check facts and figures while the reports are being compiled.

I love eating food.  Cooking the food is a different story.  Despite this fact, I found many recipes that were both delicious and easy!  Since I love yogurt, I wanted to find some of recipes that offered a variety of uses for one of my favorite foods.  Two of my favorite recipes are Frozen Yogurt with Chunky Peanut Chocolate Sauce and Yogurt Grilled Chicken Breast with Pineapple Roasted Red Pepper Salsa. Easy, easy, easy . . .