Monday, November 23, 2009

More Google

Google Translate would be useful for ESL library members while they are getting used to using English as well as library members who are learning a foreign language. This is what Licence 2 Drive Part B #5 More Google looks like in French. The translation isn't perfect but it is still useful.

I found a full-text copy of Hamlet on Google Books. Shakespearean plays are easy to find - this would be useful for students. However, more recent full-view books are not as easy to find.

i-Google allows you customise your Google page which makes it a bit more fun and personal.

Book clubs based in libraries could use Google Calendars for meeting dates.

Google Maps looks so easy to use. It would be great for planning the itinerary for an upcoming overseas trip, for example. As for library applications, it would be good for showing library branch locations and mobile library stops.

Web browsers

I like Firefox the best for all the reasons shown in Brian Tong's What is the best web browser? (mainly because it is faster than Internet Explorer) and Cooliris is a great Firefox add-on for displaying photos and videos.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Podcasts & audio

I like the ABC's streaming and podcasts. As I don't have unlimited downloads on my plan, I tend to check for my favorite programs once every couple of weeks or so and stream ones that appeal to me rather than choose programs to download on a regular basis.
It is also good to be aware of some of the other dedicated podcast search engines and directories available which I will explore further when I have more time.
I sometimes check SLQ's podcasts for events that I may have missed. I sometimes check other state libraries' podcasts as well for library related events to keep up with current developments.