Close to home - Post Falls Public Library

The Liminal Librarian recently posted a series of pictures of the Post Fall Public Library, just across the state line, about 30 miles from me. It looks charming; I'll have to visit next time I buying cheaper gas in Idaho.

Check them out here.

The Future of the Internet

I can't help but be excited about the future, the Internet's role in the future, and libraries' roles in both the future of the Internet and the future of society when it is even more dominated by the Internet. Yet I also can't help being a bit petrified by the whole thing. Done right, the Internet is AMAZING. But it could quickly go so wrong if we make unwise decisions.

Here are two videos that I have seen this week that have given me some food for thought. They are both about the future of the Internet but in completely different ways. What is the Internet? What will it become? Who controls it? Why is all of this so important?

Video 1 - What is the future of the Internet? (2 minute youtube animation created as an introduction to an architectural masters thesis)

Video 2 - The Future of the Internet: Private Sheriffs in Cyberspace at the Oxford Internet Institute (an hour-long lecture by Jonathan Zittrain, Professor of Harvard Law School, Co-Founder and Faculty Director, Berkman Center for Internet & Society)

Final Learning 2.0 post

Ahhh, what fun. Facebook. Can you find me?

Learning 2.0 #23 - What did I think?

I was excited about this project when it began, but I do have to admit that halfway through I was getting fatigued. Luckily, the date for completion was pushed back, renewing my vigor.

All in all, I think this project was a wonderful opportunity for library staff to learn about the many social networking sites out there. It gave people a goal and a method to discover things they may not have otherwise. I had experience with many of the 23 things already, but I found the most satisfaction in helping my coworkers learn new skills and try out some really fun tools.

Web 2.0 tools have changed the way we "Internet." Static pages are no longer the norm. Now it's all about creating content and letting others comment on it, build on it, and re-create it. Ownership has become much more blurry. I have my fingers crossed that SCLD will incorporate some of these incredible tools in their services.

Overdrive Downloadable Audio Books - Learning 2.0 #22

I don't listen to audiobooks much, and I suppose I should give it a shot one of these days. I have had the pleasure of downloading one a few months ago, just to see what it was like. The directions are easy and straightforward. Anyone with just a little bit of downloading and transferring experience should be able to handle it.

Unfortunately, SCLD software station computers do not allow patrons to download audiobooks at the library. This can make it much more difficult to help people. After I personally downloaded an audiobook at home, I did find it much easier to guide others through the process.

Recently someone posted a question on publib electronic discussion list regarding Overdrive computer stations in the library dedicated to downloading files. He got some interesting responses which he compiled here. Seaching the archive for overdrive download reveals that this issue is discussed every so often. Hopefully SCLD will look into this more - I know our patrons would love it.

Podcasts - Learning 2.0 #21

I admit that I'm not much of a podcast listener. Using PodcastAlley I found some interesting things out there searching using the term library. Emory University has a podcast that shows you some research strategies - always helpful. I have listened to a few NPR podcasts that I have enjoyed. They also have a pretty cool directory of their own.

Next Justin Timberlake?

Whoever said white boys don't have rhythm never saw this kid. I'm a little worried about a kid dancing to stripper music, but such is the times I suppose.

YouTube - Learning 2.0 #20

A coworker recently alerted me to a YouTube video in which a woman was murdered on a street in Iran. To piggyback on an earlier post, this horrific incident was captured not on television, but through online tools. YouTube is not just for keg-standing frat boys or roller skating squirrels. Sometimes it can be part of the free press in places where the press is much less free.

Here's the video, but be warned - it is gruesome.