NetLibrary.
I’ve shown customers how to use it. It has not changed much since the OCL began access to the service. Unfortunately many customers do not ask about NetLibrary. Basically NetLibrary is fairly easy to use. The interface is clean and the links work well. A basic search led me to related topics. Clicking on show details when your find a book provides you with additional subject headings. They can help you narrow or expand your search. I like that you can sort your list by newest titles first.
Sometimes while searching for this web thing exercise I received this error message: “A problem has occurred while processing your request. The problem has been logged so that it can be corrected. We apologize for the inconvenience.” This happened three times. I’m not sure I got this message because there were no books that matched my search terms or the system was experiencing problems.
To improve NetLibrary, I would add a subject terms or thesaurus feature (tab) so users can find terms that are recognized by the system.
WorldCat
I like WorldCat because you can link to other library web pages easily. It is also useful to compare other library web pages, OPAC displays and material bib records.
Using WorldCat. I searched for His Illegal Self written by Peter Carey. Other than the OCL, the Burlington County Library (23 miles away) is the closed library that owns the title.
With the advanced search link, I tried keyword, title, author, and subject searches for various topics or titles. They all produced results. I also like the “refine your search” section to assist with narrowing your topic.
Yes, WorldCat will help my customers and me to complete a Request for Materials form. You can learn about item formats, the ISBN number, edition and publisher information and more when using WorldCat for items OCL does not own.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
LibraryThing
I enjoy LibraryThing. My TBR books are currently written in a small notebook.
Now I can keep track of them online.
One book was extremely popular. See if you can guess.
I found discussions about most of my favorites.
Unfortunately there are too many dialogues to read at this time.
I guess I prefer to simply read another Good Book!
Now I can keep track of them online.
One book was extremely popular. See if you can guess.
I found discussions about most of my favorites.
Unfortunately there are too many dialogues to read at this time.
I guess I prefer to simply read another Good Book!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Tech stuff
I viewed a presentation of the Software as a Service (SaaS) packet from Sirsi/Dynix. It seems like it can save a library much time and money because it will update software, perform back-ups, and work with security using a remote host. Many libraries hire tech people or consultants only to have them leave the library environment quickly. Will SaaS assist will this issue?
Using one secure OpenID as mentioned by Stephen Abram in his article, 20 Things to Watch is worth keeping an eye on. Currently I have too many usernames and passwords. Yikes! Do other bloggers feel the same way?
Using one secure OpenID as mentioned by Stephen Abram in his article, 20 Things to Watch is worth keeping an eye on. Currently I have too many usernames and passwords. Yikes! Do other bloggers feel the same way?
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Searching for Feeds
I liked Topix and Technorati as search tools but the Bloglines search was the easiest to use. I tried to link to the Asbury Park Press, Entertainment Weekly and the library cartoon, Unshelved. These are suggested feeds from the Thing # 8 listings. The links did not allow me to add a subscription to my bloglines account. This was confusing. If anyone has suggestions, please let me know.
You can get lost in the sea of links and feeds. I added a couple of travel feeds, and book & library related feeds to my bloglines account.
You can get lost in the sea of links and feeds. I added a couple of travel feeds, and book & library related feeds to my bloglines account.
RSS Feeds
I have not used RSS or newsreaders before this exercise. I like the fact you can customize feeds to topics of interest. This technology will save time for both my work and personal life. At work I can quickly have access to library related blogs and information. Personally, I can learn more about important news events or hobbies and interests.
Libraries should take advantage of RSS technology by sending new, customized product info (book, DVD, etc) or programming info to customers who want to subscribe to feeds created by the library. This will be great for OCL. Customizing what we do for our customers has been considered for several years.
Libraries should take advantage of RSS technology by sending new, customized product info (book, DVD, etc) or programming info to customers who want to subscribe to feeds created by the library. This will be great for OCL. Customizing what we do for our customers has been considered for several years.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Pictures from my India trip
I decided to use Flickr to upload some photos from my trip to India. To see more with brief descriptions goto http://www.flickr.com/photos/24865910@N06/
Enjoy! Richard
Monday, March 17, 2008
This is my first blog
Except I have been blogging in online courses.
Still not an expert tho.
In terms of the 7.5 habits of learning, having confidence to learn is the easiest for me. I consider myself a life long learner. Using technology to my advantage is the hardest part of learning. It is difficult to keep pace with the constant changes but I do try.
Still not an expert tho.
In terms of the 7.5 habits of learning, having confidence to learn is the easiest for me. I consider myself a life long learner. Using technology to my advantage is the hardest part of learning. It is difficult to keep pace with the constant changes but I do try.
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