The last word

#18 That's all for now

It was certainly worth persevering with the program and I can honestly say that I enjoyed the experience. Blogging has grown on me too. I can see how easy it is to create and interact in the Web 2.0 world, and am inspired to do just that, if I can just make some time. I can see a place for many of these tools, and feel that through the hands on experience, I might use them in the future.

#17 Web 2.0

Common themes in the Library 2.0 debate around library renewal include user participation, 'harnessing' the user in design and implementation of services, allowing users to contribute to library Web sites and catalogues through tagging and reviews, and federated searching.

I subscribe to the Library of the future Dr. Wendy Shultz writes about in "Infinite Futures: To a temporary place in time...", a 3D service and Library 3.0 world where virtual collections exist and books and librarians have avatars and online personalities. A world of librarian “superstars” based on customer ratings. The physical Library (Library 1.0 to 3.0) is not replaced, but expanded and absorbed by digital technology. Library 4.0 is the 'neo-library: libraries as mind gyms; as idea labs; as art salons (commentary and annotation)'. Her concept of the 'knowledge spa' also appeals, "...meditation, relaxation, immersion in a luxury of ideas and thought...a retreat, a sanctuary, a pampered experience...fine words, exquisite brandy, smooth coffee, aromatic cigar, smell of leather, rustle of pages—to the dream economy’s library, the LIBRARY: a WiFREE space, a retreat from technohustle, with comfortable chairs, quiet, good light, coffee and single malt..." Kind of like the SLV of the future.

#16 Podcasts

A search of podcast directories Yahoo Podcasts and then Podcast.net under ' Location' Prague found Radio Prague's "Charles Bridge legends" which sounded interesting. I wondered if the Podcast was about the statues lining the bridge or perhaps the beggars freezing in the snow in winter? Unfortunately I was unable to hear the podcast as additional plugins were required and I couldn't download them. Although I was able to listen to a podcast of a talk on our own Web site.
A broad "book review" search on PodcastAlley
found 200 hits, everything from Commuter Reviews, to Comic Book Noise and the Comic Book Haters to the New York Times Book Update.

The Library already uses Podcasts effectively for media releases, events and latest news.

#15 YouTube

Here is a video I found on YouTube showing the work of Paula Rego. Early in her career, she was part of the London Group, exhibiting with David Hockney and R. B. Kitaj.

I am amazed at the breadth and depth of YouTube content. Apart from what's on offer here, Teacher tube and Science Hack offer educational and instructive videos. Not to be overlooked to answer an inquiry. Our Web site already uses this technology for staff talks about collections.