Week 6 Learn2.0 - Library Thing

I enjoyed the "Why I Love the Library" video by NJ libraries - very heartwarming. Learning about mashups was really neat. I especially liked the http://www.propsmart.com/. By the way, Wikimapia was interesting and a little strange. I enjoyed eXploring the library apps on Learn 2.0. I can't wait to share Library Thing with my father-in-law. He has a huge, uncatalogued collection of books and videos in his home library. I wonder what impact Book Mooch might have on book stores and libraries, if you can simply trade books, why buy or borrow? It's great that OCLS participates with Elf. I know this will be helpful to my busy friend who has 4 library cards in her household, and often has late fees.

This was difficult to decide, however, my favorite Library technology is our Online Databases. It is incredible that our customers are able to access, for free, this much information from the convenience of their home or office at any time; and unlike some websites they would find by googling a topic, the information is from reputable, reliable, and accurate sources. From medical resources to car repair, learning about other countries to learning a new language, researching antiques or stocks, career guidance, test preparation, online typing tutor and help with homework.

My personal favorite is Tumblebooks. I discovered Tumblebooks is much more than an online collection of electronic picture books for children. You can choose to view the website in English, French or Spanish. You can also see stories grouped in the following categories by clicking on the corresponding category bubble:

1) Story Books – narrated, animated picture books.
2) Tumble Readables - electronic books that are “self read.”
3) Life Learning – combination of narrated and “self read” e-books on various life issues – health, social and the all important Internet safety for children. I highly recommend Little Red in Cyberspace.
4) Puzzles and Games – related to the books available at Tumblebooks. Practice spelling, memory and complete puzzles.
5) Language Learning – read or hear the stories in another language.
6) Audiobooks – narrated stories including music and sound effects.

*New feature available* Tumblebook Mailer - send via e-mail (1) a Tumblebook story, (2) an animated Tumblecard, or (3) Record-A-Book – record your voice reading the selected stories. Here is a really cute story Why Libraries Matter: A Story Long Overdue.