Grand Finale

Downloaded two audiobooks to my home computer, transferred one to my new MP3 player (thanks!) and burned the first part of the second book to a CD. Both processes were fairly simple. Definitely will make use of the eAudiobook program and encourage library patrons to take advantage of it. Hope you'll offer more "things" in the future to help us keep up with new technology!

"Just the beginning..."

I really enjoyed this program—it was challenging, interesting and almost addictive! I feel that I’m now at least familiar with many new Internet programs and can better understand patrons’ interests in and usage of them. There were several “things” new to me that I’ll make use of for personal reasons, such as Goodreads for books I’ve read and want to read and Bloglines for news feeds on current library issues and new book reviews, and I rediscovered eAudiobooks for my audiobooks addiction. Since participating in the program, I’ve already recommended Goodreads or Library Thing and eAudiobooks to patrons to meet their needs.

I was really surprised at the wealth of information and new methods of retrieving and sharing it that are now available, and the program reinforced to me that the world of information is never static. My New Year’s resolutions are to be open to and take advantage of these new methods and to continue to be a “lifelong learner”!

I would definitely participate in a similar program again—the only change in format that might be considered is perhaps to schedule only one “thing” a week to reduce time demands.

Thank you for providing this learning opportunity.

E-Audiobooks

I have used the eAudiobooks program before in the library, in particular when I helped a patron download several eAudiobooks to her MP3 player for use during her upcoming 22 hour plane ride. This time I downloaded the OverDrive Media Console software to my home computer, browsed the titles, and discovered most had excerpts you could listen to without downloading the entire book. This is a big perk for audiobook aficionados (and I am one)--often the reader’s style affects the listener’s enjoyment of the audiobook, even to deciding whether she/he wants to continue listening to it. I did put a hold on one title I’ve wanted to read and downloaded one that was currently available to my computer. This review of the eAudiobooks program will really help me keep it in mind to recommend to patrons and enable me to better assist them in its usage, both in the library and at home.

Podcasts

Searched in Podcastalley.com and Odeo for "library news". Podcastalley seemed to have many more listings and also gave a helpful description for each entry. There were many library podcasts with news of that library which would could be a good way to keep patrons up to date. Also saw some library podcasts with book/media reviews by teens which seemed a great idea to get teens involved. Found a podcast called "Classic mysteries" and was able to add it to my Bloglines account. Enjoyed listening to some of the reviews and found some new titles to read!