Blog Post # 2 - www.opal-online.org

For my readers advisory class, I had to visit a library and write about their readers advisory program. I visited the Manhattan Public Library, and one of the first things I discovered was a great online resource entitled opal online. OPAL is an acronym that stands for online programs for all libraries. Despite the small size of this rural library, they were experimenting with this advancement in technology.

I had never heard of OPAL online until my visit with the head librarian at Manhattan P.L. She described to me that they used it at least once a month, if not more, to participate in free online book discussions with other groups of users or online discussions with the author themselves. A few minutes prior to my arrival, they had a small group in their meeting room and they were chatting with an author in Alaska. They had just purchased a new large flat screen tv that they would plug into the computer to serve as a monitor. Then they logged into the opal website and watched the author discuss his/her book. They responded to the author by a form of online chat or instant messaging. I was blown away by this service, and I was even more amazed that it was free to everyone. This especially helped this public library because they had very limited funding.

After I arrived home from my library visit, I decided to check out the website myself. In addition to the live chats with book authors, they also have podcast archives of any previous OPAL event. This website incoporates so many facets of the 2.0 world; podcast, instant messaging, and more! If you have a chance, check out this website; it's worth a look!

Blog Post # 1 - Podcasting

After processing the information we learned about podcasting, I came up with a really different, great and new idea. Why not use podcast to broadcast programs that are held at a public library. Unfortunately, after briefly researching the web, I realized that this was not a new idea. In fact, nearby Lansing, IL offers all of their programs in the form of a podcast on their internet website. Click here to check out their podcast page. If you noticed, this library also uses RSS feed; "A podcatcher is software that allows you to subscribe to your favorite podcasts using their RSS feed." This podcatcher software is made available to patrons so that don't miss their favorite programs.
The possibilities for podcasts in any library are almost limitless. For instance, there was the example from our weekend class with the introduction to campus students from the library staff. And now we have lecture series being recorded for either techno-savy individuals or even those who are homebound and are not able to attend in person. I would love to try this at library, and I think more libraries should be attempting to use technology to reach more individuals. Technology is definitely affecting the boundaries of the library to become nonexistant. The library being accessible to everyone...what a "novel" idea!

Library related articles

If you're interested in what we're reading for class, check out this link. It contains modern technology issues that librarians deal with on a daily basis.

Enter at your own risk!

Just kidding! Welcome to my first ever experience with blogging, and I'm glad you're here. Join me as I venture through Dominican University's Fall 2006 LIS753 Internet Fundamentals and Design class. Let's see what happens.