Task #9 - Universal Class

Yet another technological thing that befuddles me. How does one "take a class" online? I know that's probably really stupid of me to ask but I just can't imagine it. That would be WAY more time staring at a computer than I could handle. ANYHOW, I'm guessing that I am old-fashioned and that many of our patrons would like to use this website and would be really very happy that they can do it for free through us.

Task #8 Espanol LibGuide

I got three wrong on the quiz. One I thought I had right and the other two I had to guess because I couldn't figure it out. To be honest, I find the LibGuide a little confusing. It seems that maybe there should be more tabs. Sometimes it didn't make sense to me where to look for things. However, I am grateful that I can show a person this feature on our website and they can easily see all the things we have to offer. I REALLY wish I spoke Spanish. I could use it A LOT. If I can find the time and will power, maybe some day I will head down to the language lab and take advantage of Rosetta Stone!

Task #7: Cloud Computing - Google Docs and Dropbox

I'm really glad you suggested we look into these two thingamabobs, Cari. I've heard about both of them and was reluctant to try them. I think I would use both. I'm not sure that I would use it in my work at the library but they are both good to know about. If I ever have an opportunity to do so, I would suggest them both to patrons. Also, this task helped me to better understand cloud computing.

Task #6 Helping Patrons

I am pleasantly surprised that I got all the answers right. I am happy that the training I've received from the Info Services staff prepared me to be able to answer those questions. The only one I've been confronted with in the past was #4 about the kid looking for a bio. The Biography in Context database has come in handy many a time when I need to help a child find information for a school assignment.

A kid walks in and asks if we have Diary Of A Wimpy Kid. You reply:
A. "Duh! Of course we do! It's only, like, the most popular kid's book ever!"
B. "Let me check to see what we have in right now."
C. "Ummm...I think maybe it's over in the chapter books...err, whatever."
D. "Let's go take a look." And then walk to the jFs to check under Kinney, Jeff.
E. "Let me show you how to look that up on our catalog computer." And then give the patrona quick OPAC tutorial.
F. "I just checked out our last copy but I'd be happy to put one on hold for you. Which book in the series do you want." When the patron says he wants the third one, you use the KDL What's Next Database to figure out the title of the third book and place a hold on it.

Answer: B or D or F and maybe E.

Extra Credit #2 Google A Day

1. It wasn't really "fun". I'd say it's more interesting than fun.
2. I initially said that I'd prefer the Sony Reader. Now I think I'd prefer the $100. IF it's not too late to change my mind.

Task #5 Chilton Library

I found Chilton Library very easy and I'm guessing that it would be very helpful, too. It's good to know about this. I'm sure it's a resource that would be very useful to a lot of people. My one complaint is that the name Chilton doesn't suggest Automotive at all. I can see myself forgetting the name and having a hard time finding it again. But that's just a small complaint from a guy with a slushy memory.

Task #4 Downloading eBooks

When I was growing up. we didn't have cable. We got a microwave and vcr years after all my friends families had them. Same goes for a video game console (Nintendo). I still bought and listened to cassette tapes well into the cd era. And I've never owned a nice TV or stereo. I held out on a cell phone and iPod for a long time but did finally break down. I'm writing all this not to show that I grew up impoverished but to show that I've never really cared much about new technology. It just doesn't matter much to me and even more importantly, I always have a hard time figuring it out.
SO.
This will be hypothetical, as I have no interest in owning an ereader. I still don't see a reason to spend all that money on something that is, too me, totally unnecessary. Maybe this is a bad attitude to have as a library employee. I am happy to learn about ereaders for my job. I have no problem with that. I'm even interested. And who knows, maybe I'll change my mind and grow to love electro-books.
SO.
The most important thing for me would be price. According to the July 2010 Consumer Reports, the Kindle A1 is the least expensive AND highest rated. It has the most readable type and is fastest at refreshing pages. HOWEVER, I would probably still go with an iPad since it is not just an ereader. It seems it would make sense to buy it since it's a full-on computer, too. Although the price ($500) might keep me away.
It's too bad that the Kindle can't get library books. Weird. So, it appears that if I was downloading a book onto an iPad I would connect the iPad to the computer then select a title and drag it to the ebook icon.