PodPeople

I subscribed to Library Lofts podcasts from the Public Library of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, and Prime Speaks from Manchester Public, and NPR Books on my BlogLines account. Prime Speaks are teen booktalks, while library Loft includes interviews from authors, etc.

I have no experience creating podcasts, but I have regularly listened to "Wait..Wait...don't tell me" podcasts.

I like the various book review podcasts and the opportunity to include Teen Advisory Groups in the production. I would be curious as to how often they are listened to. I went to a couple of sites where the podcasts weren't working or hadn't been updated in a while - which discourages subscribing. I think they are great for speeches and lectures, I think they may be of less value in promoting programs (just another commercial).

Me by any other representation is a good thing

My meez avatar that I made as a Teen Contact is at the bottom of this page. It was really fun making that, though I wish there were several library/book backdrops. You can try out the red carpet dresses after the Oscars.

I also Doppelmeed me.

I found Ms. Dewey annoying, a bit like the librarian version of a magic 8 ball. While I have heard of Second Life (CSI, and there was a report about SL college visits) I do not have a Second Life. Frankly, my First Life is all I can handle (and there are days I wonder). I was never a gamer or an Internet surfer, so while I can see the appeal, I doubt that I would pursue it.

Image Generators

Could be cute. The monopoly card site wasn't working, so I tried the tarot card site. Renamed the High Priestess after myself - as is appropriate. The pop-ups were annoting.

Overdrivin'

I have shown many patrons Overdrive but this is the first time I tried it. Downloading the software wasn't difficult. However, I think some of the instructions for checking out could be easier. I especially find it useful for people wanting to learn a language and classics. I was happy to see that alot of the teen books were checked out, but the collection is fairly hit or miss for my favorite authors. Only 2 Barbara Kinsolver titles, no Laurie King, no Harry Potter, no Beatles music, no Mary Chapin Carpenter. I really like the how-to videos. I think it work best as abrowsing collection at this time. I checked out Caps for Sale.

So del.icio.us I licked the plate

I had heard of del.icio.us before and had looked at it once, but I hadn' really spent any time exploring. I LOVE this. I searched for teen craft projects. Of course there was some duplication between del.icio.us and google, but the Del sites were much more on target with what I needed (actual crafts with instructions) whereas with Google there were more ads, lists of events, etc.

I've just started, so I promise I will have more links later.

I definitely see it as having reference applications a) to keep track of good sources AND b) as a way of connecting people/experts with similar interests.

Wikitastic

This could be really useful. I had actually just last week gone to a wiki by Jim Thomas "the toddler icon" with his handouts, tips, etc. for toddler storytime. It was great having everything easily linked (without the formality of a website). My only complaint with his wiki was that most of the information was hidden in the "sidebar" which was not very prominent. I really liked the BookLovers wiki and the collaborative nature of having the whole community adding to the site.

I was thinking about how useful this would be in planning regional events. For example, it would be a lot easier to organize who was doing what, bringing what for Children's Day or South Whidbey's Finisher's event, etc. I definitely want to ry this.

Because I didn't watch enough tv as is

Love Hulu/Fancast for the full episodes, especially of the shows no longer on tv. I'm used to watching episodes linked on the network sites, but they only offer current listings. I used Hulu to catch up on some "30 Rock" episodes I hadn't seen. I It is getting harder and harder for me to watch anything in real time anymore. I was talking with some teens in a book group and they often wait until the show is out on DVD so that they can watch the whole thing in a few sittings. I'm not sure how useful these sites, but they are entertaining and it is useful to recommend them to patrons. They do offer recommendations for other episodes/movies you might like ("Watchers' Advisory" - sounds menacing)

I've watched YouTube videos that friends have e-mailed me about and I enjoyed several of the library videos. I enjoyed looking at several teen spaces and promotional videos for Summer Reading Programs. I'll often look up how-to videos for a craft or project. For example when looking for bug origami proects for a program, I found this simple origami butterfly.