Thing 21: Podcasts

After exploring both Podcast.net and Podcast Alley, I had a preference for Podcast.net because of the ease of searching. The categories are similar to Yahoo.com categories Business, Entertainment, etc. I started with the Learning and Instruction category and listened to Unbellavista. How to Tour Italy. It was a relatively short podcast and was informative. However, I'm not sure I will be a frequent listener - too little time to sit at the computer listening.

Thing 20: Youtube

I could waste some time on Youtube. Take a look at Battle at Kruger - a battle of lions, buffalo and crocodiles at a watering hole in Kruger National Park in South Africa. Not great film quality, but good action!

Thing 19: Winners

I had a good time exploring some of the winning sites. I especially enjoyed Forecast which was voted #1 in the Travel category. It lists airfares and notes if the fares are expected to go down or go up. It is also beta testing a hotel category - just enter a city and Forecast shows a map of hotels with rates. Of course, Google Maps, is a great site and I have been using it for some time. The driving directions have been accurate and it is helpful to have an overhead view of streets. Some sites were, in my opinion, totally useless - Say-So ("would anyone like to talk about Halloween costumes?") and 43 Things - which lists things contributors would like to do (get straight A's, stop procrastinating). I just couldn't care less.

Thing 18: Zoho

The free registration for Zoho was fast - I am now using it to post this to my blog (I hope).  There are a great number of features and incredible number of templates from which to choose -amything from student id forms to resumes.  It is understandable how this free service could catch on - giving Microsoft as run for its money.  What a good tool for anyone working on a group project - students or in the workplace.  And quite a convenience not to have to carry a flashdrive, etc. with you.  I like it.  Now to try to add it to my blog . . .

Thing 17: Maryland Sandbox Wiki

I added an entry to the Maryland Sandbox - Favorite Vacation Spots. Real easy.

Thing 16: Wikis

Wikipedia is great for background information in areas that I have an interest, however, I would not quote a wiki for a reference question because of the free and open editing which could very easily lead to wrong information. I think a better use would be for opinions or experiences. Perhaps a good use for a wiki for Howard County Library would be to establish a site for Columbia residents to record experiences and photographs of the development and growth of Columbia - what it was like in the "old days" of Columbia.

Thing 15: Future of Libraries

Having read most of the articles provided, I certainly agree that libraries have to change with the times. It is necessary to provide our customers with web access to our services, research tools and communication. But I hope that we will temper our enthusiasum and continue to provide the personal service to our customers that we have prided ourselves on for many years.