#23 PRAISE THE LORD!!!

I'm so happy! Thankyou Kathy (and Heather) for giving me the chance to finish this. Strangely enough I've learnt a lot more than I ever expected to. I've realized, looking at my blog, how often I mention my children being quite comfortable with using tools like facebook, Youtube, blogs etc. We do have to keep libraries relevant to this age group as they are the future users.

I've realized I don't really like blogging, but will probably continue using flickr or facebook, particularly as my kids leave home it will be a good (cheap ) way to communicate.

I got quite excited about the possible uses of the online applications. I will be happy to suggest patrons have a look at sites like zoho and googledocs it may help them with portability of their documents.

Overall, it was pretty interesting, I'm glad I've finished but I'm also glad I had the opportunity and support to complete Web 2.0

#22 ebooks

This is the way of the future. I don't think they will completely take over from books but will be a great alternative. The advantages are: no more waiting for popular items, no overdues (less responsibility for library to collect fines), convenient (order from home) etc. I know I would still judge a book by it's cover but it has definite possibilities for many in the community.

#21 AGAIN!

Had a look at various titles of podcasts available. I know the value of podcasts as my children use them regularly to watch episodes of their favourite tv show that have not yet been shown in Australia. They're great as an educational tool as people generally prefer to listen to a description of a new concept than read about it. It gives you an extra dimension to your learning. I definitely see a place for them in the library of the future in regards to instructional videos, oral histories and cultural developments.

#21 YouTube

I know this is a medium of communication that is open to misuse but it's positive contribution to the spread of ideas and popular culture is huge. Young people particularly can use it as a form of communicating their culture with their peers. Remote area youth can feel included also

#20 YouTube

I'm going to refer back to #3 where I blogged a music video "Library Girl". I was so impressed with myself but soon thereafter lost confidence and interest. My kids love YouTube for offbeat and unusual videos. There's a new dance called the "Melbourne shuffle" which is fantastic. My eldest son loves watching videos of that. It seems to be that YouTube is a way of spreading news, gossip and culture in a medium that is traditionally for young people (who else has the time to sit and look at stuff all day!)

#19 OnLine Tools

I had a look at http://www.myfamily.com/ . This seems like it could be an interesting way to stay conected with family to share photos, stories and news in a secure environment. There is so much available and so many ways to utilize these sites. It's mind boggling!

#18 Zoho Writer

This is fantastic!!! My youngest son has "accidently" lost our Word program ( it wasn't the first time) this site is wonderful as I can use it instead. It's free, easy to use. There are many other ways it can be utilized i.e sharing documents with people and enabling them to edit if they want, automatic saving so you don't lose something you've been working on for ages, available on any computer with internet etc. In the public library system it could be great to encourage users to try this, it negates the need for usb's and discs and they don't have to worry about being able to access the computer with Word.

#17 PBWiki

With a bit of trial and error I was able to add my blog URL to plcmlearning wiki. I also added a book review to favourite books. It's pretty straightforward and, with a bit of mucking around, do-able.

"I have just finished the book "Marshmallows for Breakfast" by Dorothy Koomson and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is quite an emotional book but it struck a chord with me".
The above was my very insightful comment on favourite books. I can practically hear the universe say "WHO CARES"

# 16 WIKIS

Very interesting, now I know a bit about Wikis. My son claims "Wikipedia" as his favourite web site and I can see how it has a place in providing collaborative information on any possible topic. My other children keep reminding him to not believe everything as being always correct. ( I think they have added their own misinformation). I can see a place for Wikis in many areas as long as people are aware that because anyone can add their own ideas it is open to misuse.

# 15 Library 2.0

"#Librarians 2.0 plans for their users This librarian bases all planning and proposals for services, materials and outreach on user needs and wants. User-centered libraries breakdown barriers and allow users access wherever they are: home, work, commuting, school, or at the library. This involves users from the get go in planning and launching services based on their needs. This librarian asks what new technologies or new materials users need. This librarian proposes building projects and involves users in designing those places. This librarian does not create policies and procedures that impede users’ access to the library. This librarian tells users how resources and funds will be expended. Decisions and plans are discussed in open forums and comments are answered. This makes the library transparent." Michael Stephens
This guy's ideas reflect my own. I don't really understand a lot of what the others said so it seems a bit frightening. It appears that no sooner will I finally complete my Diploma than anything I may have learnt will be useless, we'll all need to be computer wizzes! I think the future relevance of libraries will be the same as it always has been, i.e find out what users want, cater to their needs and allow input in development and implementation of those ideas.