Gaming and Virtual Worlds

I played Websudoku.  I chose an easy puzzle.  After I finished, I clicked on “How am I doing” and saw all of my mistakes highlighted in a very pretty red colour.  After Stacy Martin sent her e-mail about not needing to download games, I followed her instructions and played Bejeweled, until I got stuck.

Gaming and virtual worlds could be of interest to libraries because they might help younger generations feel more connected to the library and, as time goes by, the youngsters will be the ones deciding on library funding as taxpayers.  We could make the library catalogue operate more like a game, permitting the user to browse more easily and have fun doing so.  We could create a program that explores the creation of teen library services in a virtual world.

Online Productivity Tools

This is a direct post from Google Docs:

 Online Productivity Tools

 Libraries can use these online productivity tools to allow staff members to collaborate on documents. This will be useful if people are working on a project or report together. It is especially advantageous that the information can be accessed from any computer with an internet connection, be it at home or on the road.

I shared this document with team member Julia Kellner.

Podcasts, video and downloadable audio

   I read more than I ever wanted to know about YouTube on Wikipedia.   I discovered YouTube with a search for Hamilton Public Library and a viewing of the video that Darcy Glidden created for the general staff meeting.  It’s a hoot.   I searched for Hamilton, Ontario on YouTube and found 1,810 videos.  Most seemed to be about music, sports, travel and entertainment.   I knew about YouTube before this assignment, but didn’t care enough to spend the time exploring the videos.   I took a look at some podcasting directories and listened to a few podcasts.  I don’t listen to the radio so I doubt that podcasts would ever interest me much.   Here is a link to some good music:

Right Click to download: Symphony No. 1 – March 31, 2008

Introduction to E-Books and e-Audio Books

I downloaded Little Women by Louisa May Alcott from Overdrive. It was easy to do, but rather slow, since the book has 17 parts.  I downloaded About Alice by Calvin Trillin from NetLibrary. This is a slight book so the download took no time at all.  But I had to stop and create an account first. On the whole, I would say Overdrive is easier.

It was extremely easy to find the titles I was looking for in both of the services.