Social Networking

I have heard about MySpace and Facebook but really didn't know what it was all about. Now I can tell that it is another way we can connect with people anywhere with similar interests and ideas. Having looked at MySpace, I was surprised that many people disclose personal profiles and photoes on the web where anyone can access. Although I am not keen to use the tool for my personal use, it could be used within our library service to connect people through our library. For example, by creating forums by authors or titles so people can exchange opinions.

I had never heard of Second Life and I was so so so thrilled with the 3D world. I visited "Tokyo Ichiban Town" where it has a huge shopping mall which allows the visitor to actually shop! What a great fun virtual world is! I can fly from shop to shop and overlook the whole town from the sky. But when it comes to the use for libraries, I am not really sure. Maybe it could be used for promotion of a library by building the library in the town..?

I want to thank the people who created the course for us. Although it has been very very time-consuming, it has been a very worth taking pains! I feel more internet-literate now.

Online applications and tools

I was amazed at a number of useful and free online applications and software.

Google Docs could be used for request for purchaing. It would be useful for both staff and customers to know what have been requested. Staff at Information desk accept suggestions of purchase from customers. We spend quite a few time to identify the item, get details and fill out the request form. If it has been already requested, we could avoid the duplicated work.

I logged into Google Doc and created a Family-Budget Plan by using a template. I shared it with my husband, so I got idea of the tool and was able to see the potential uses of Google Docs. Curently our library documents are shared by all staff. However this is through our intranet. In Google Docs, documents are shared via the internet making them on-line documents which can be easily accessed from any computer.

Mashup

Here is my mashup made on the Big Lab site.

I do not quite understand the term "mashup", however if the applications that create toys, games and utilities appeared in Big Lab site are called mashups, yes, I see quite a few possibilities for mashups in the library.

Podcasts

I was impressed with the idea of podcasting. And I am very glad to know it. Now I I started subscribing the latest news from a major Japanese news company and the Nine news. Podcasting also enbles me to access book reviews, talking books, and other entertainment programs by Japanese readers. In addition, the service is free! I imagine that podcasting helps a lot of non-native speakers living in a foreign country to stay current.

As for the applications of podcasts in a library, they can be used to deliver author talks and living talks at the library, storytime, and etc. So more people can appreciate the programs. Also they can be applied to staff training such as readers advisory, so the staff can study whenever he/she is available.