#23 summaries and evaluate this program

The journey has been at times fun, at times confusing (ah that's just learning) but it has all come together. Sometimes I felt guilty "playing" around on the web. I guess you could find a place for most of these applications to our work as librarians and our job of finding and sharing information. The photographer in me likes the image hosting sites eg Flickr. AT first I doubted the value of tags,(thinking that too many different tags would be generated) but I have come to use them when searching for information. I also like the audio book downloads (to rest the eyes from gazing at screens!

I look forward to the next chapter - Web 2.1!

#22 Learn how to download audiobooks

I checked out NetLibrary - wow lots of choice there. but as the account is no longer valid, I searched on Google for free audio books. Among the many results, I tried Freeaudiobooks but didn't like the layout or choices. I next tried http://freeclassicaudiobooks.com. You could download the books either in MP3 (media player) or M4B for Ipod. The choice was limited - but there were 3 screens of good classic books, I chose Prisoner of Zenda in MP3 format- the male voice had a pleasant tone, and of course with Mediaplayer no need to download anything, it started up instantly. I think audio books would be good on a long trip - as an alternative to looking for a good radio signal, or if you want a change from listening to your CDs. In our busy lives audio books it would be an aid when studying - you could listen to your prescribed reading on your iPod while travelling or cooking, doing housework! It would certainly give our eyes a rest - from gazing at computer screens day in and day out!

#21 useful tools for locating podcasts

Podcasts are like YouTube but are in audio format only. Checked out all three directories in tutorial, but went for www.podcast.net. Appeared to have a simple directory at first glance.Was first attracted to "how to tour Italy". Found that I have to download Quicktime, even though I already have iTunes. You can also get the PDF version in full text if you don't want to listen.
Searched by the tags for 'books' - interesting podcast of Fortunate Mistress by Daniel Dafoe - chapter by chapter, on www.babblebook.com. Subscribed to this site via my Bloglines account. Looked for library type podcasts - found Uni of Glasgow library's Fresher's Podcast "Don't let the cardigans fool you" was the intro line for the file- it was a groovy upbeat way of conveying library updates to students.

#20 Discover video sharing sites

I can understand the fascination the world has with YouTube - the variety and depth of videos is staggering. I typed in 'libraries' - and I found the Cookie Monster trying to 'borrow' cookies from the library - took me back a few decades when I used to watch Sesame street with my children! Harry Potter was also there being interviewed about records management....! I can see the world whiling away many hours glued to YouTube.
I can also see the value in the educational and professional tutorials that are on YouTube eg if you had to demonstrate a practical task to remote colleagues it is quicker and easier to convey it by video rather than by typing out laborious instructions.

I'm a cat lover so I liked this clever video "when cats attack" which has excitement building camera shots and music.