Week #9.2: Ebooks!

When HCPL notified employees of their Emedia launch, I took a peek to see what it offered. I was not too impressed with their collection but now that it has been a few months (maybe several), I see that it has grown immensely.
I would still like to see more variety with their "indie" music but I assume most musicians do not go that route. I browsed in the fiction and there is a title I would consider reading, Miss Understanding, which is one of the featured books. I am also happy to see that F.G. Gerson's 21 Steps to Happiness is available for download. When that book came out, I ordered it through ILL (from HPL, not HCPL). I was unable to read it and now that HCPL offers it, I can download it! I also think it is a good idea to include juvenile selections as well.
I do have a few suggestions about the site. I think users should be able to search by publisher (I am quite partial to Red Dress Ink) and users should be able to select how many items can be viewed per page (10,50,100).
Have downloadable books will make it easier for me to broaden the subjects I have read. I don't really care for audio books seeing that I find it hard to do my work and listen to what the speaker is actually saying. Maybe I haven't tried the right books...

Exercise #15: Library 2.0/Web 2.0 (is there CliffsNotes for this?)

I am very eager to know how this direction of libraries and the internet will be taking us. I do believe that this may be growing a little too fast for everyone to keep up with. I like to relate it to Frankenstein or I, Robot: a human creation that has disastrous capabilities if it is worked in the wrong hands.
I think libraries will still be necessary, regardless of how "useless" they may seem to some people.
I only realized two years ago that I wanted to pursue a profession in libraries but they have always been a part of my life. I would like to think that they can still influence people with or without the internet.
I am 100% positive that the first library is not like the libraries we have today. Having worked in a public library and been an avid user of university libraries, I think libraries will okay in the long run. Whether its users utilize the library for research purposes or just to get some cool air, people will always use libraries.
A few weeks ago, I went to HPL's Looscan library, which is considered a "green" library. Apart from its eco-friendly features, it had egg shaped chairs that allow you to listen to music (without checking out the cd). Looscan also had an area for a prospective coffee shop.
People are always eager to voice their opinion (when asked); I believe that if library staff conducted surveys, they would be able to get many ideas to work with for future projects.

I NEED MORE!!!

This is great! I get to learn different functions online AND get paid. I also attended the Gadgets and Gizmos earlier in the week and now listen to Pandora regularly.
I learn best when I am able to navigate myself through the tutorials. This method of learning (online, self-paced) works pretty well with my schedule and I prefer working alone. If I really need to, I can still ask for help by submitting my queries and there is also another participant in my department so I am not so alone.
I am looking forward to uploading photos and personalizing my blog!