Wikipedia Article: Mashup (web application hybrid)

I visited the Chicago Crime map mashup. This site allows the public to view reported crimes throughout the city of Chicago. Viewers can search by type of crime, area, and the given time frames. For instance, I was able to search how many robberies were reported in the past 30 I also liked the Travature site. This site allowed me to search the details of every single flight departing from Minneapolis and arriving in Dallas on my specified dates. My results listed the air carrier, departure/arrival times, connections (if any) and most importantly the price. I'm sure that this is a site I'll use again. I'm not sure if the Travature site allowed me to purchase my ticket online though. That may be worth researching.

Pientroniro and Fitchter Article: Map Mashups and the Rise of Amateur Cartographers and Mapmakers

I must admit I did not know what map mashups were until I saw the push-pin map example in the article. I remember seeing a map mashup example on my cousin's MySpace page. Each push pin on the map represented the geographical location of one of his MySpace friends. When I hovered over a push pin a photo and other profile information would pop up. I also remember that it was pretty simple to add my information to the map. All I had to do was type in my address, type my name, and add a photo (which was optional) and immediately a push pin was created for my location.
Is there a future for map mashups in libraries? I pondered this question as I read the article and I believe the answer is yes. I imagine that map mashups can serve as directories in libraries. Very similar to phonebooks and directory databases, map mashups have the capability to provide location and description information at the same time. For instance, if a library customer wanted the phone numbers, addresses, and photographs of all the White Castle restaurants in the Twin Cities a map mashup could locate and list that information. Why someone would want to do that, I don't know but it could happen.

Czarnecki and Gullett Article: Meet the New You

I think using virtual environments like TSL is an effective way to engage young adults not just in libraries but as discussed in the article the classroom as well. It's nice to know new and innovative ways of teaching and learning are developing as a result of technologies like the ones talked about in the article. I'm interested in knowing if the MUVEs are successfully competing with the traditional "dragon-slaying" MMORPGs.
I think the case studies presented in this article reiterates how important it is to meet users where they are at. The librarians and educators in these examples were able to use virtual worlds as an effective teaching tool because their students/users were already familiar with virtual online role-playing games.

Abram Article: At Second Life...

Reading this article made me feel like my library is hundreds of years behind in the realm of technology. We just recently created a MySpace and Facebook page. We are no where near entering the virtual world of libraries and library services. At the same time I guess it's okay because our library users have not yet verbalized a want or need for this type of service.
The virtual world of libraries is a concept that is still very new to me. However, I am familiar with creating avatars (please view my blog avatar). I created an avatar of myself via Yahoo and I found this virtual experience really enjoyable! My favorite part was choosing different outfits and hair styles. I spent a great amount of time creating this virtual representation of myself because I really wanted in to reflect me and most importantly I want others to see that reflection.

Ojeda-Zapata Article: Tuning in to Regional Podcasts-Innovators Turn to the Internet to Offer Radio-Style Programming

It is nice to know that so many people are utilizing new technologies like podcasting to share their voice and in some cases their hobbies. I stopped listening to to the local radio stations a long time ago because I heard more commercials than music or programming. This article convinced me to start looking for other options of local broadcasting.
I may decidet to start my own podcast. The "Vinyl Podcast" sounds too go to be true. I would love to go through my mom's old record collection and build my own old school juke box via podcast. That would be nice!

Podcasting:Wikipedia Article

It was interesting to read the Precursor portion of the Wikipedia article. It amazes me how such groundbreaking technologies like podcasting has been around for years. As the article mentions (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_podcasting) technologies very similar to what we now call podcasting existed before the World Wide Web, some as early as the 1980s.
I find the evolution of technology scary and exciting at the same time because with the rapid advancement of technology it is difficult to fathom what will happen next. Just as Radio Computing Services and Mbone were precursors to podcasting, podcasting will soon be the precursor to something else.

Asychronous Session 2

Recommended Podcast-
One of my favorite cable channels is CNN. CNN.com is also one of my favorite websites. CNN provides a number of podcasts via their website (over 20) and each one covers different types of news. The two that I listen/watch the most is America Votes 2008 and CNN Daily. The CNN Daily keeps me up to date on general news and headlines. I also enjoy the America Votes 2008 podcast because it allows me to listen to speeches from the candidates and keep up on the latest primary results. I like these podcasts because they are usually updated by the hour.
Good subject matter for library podcasts-
It think offering podcasts of popular and favorite picture books for children could serve as an effective library podcast. The podcast could include a picture of the book cover along with book's title and a short summary of what the book is about. Listeners could subscribe (and download) the podcast of their choice and listen along as the author reads. Picture books usually have a very small amount of print so each podcasts wouldn't be too long. This may also serve as another way for children to enjoy reading and books.
Bad Subject Matter for library podcasts-
I think any information that a library already has on its website is unnecessary for a podcast. For instance, hours and location information or announcements of events and programs delivered via podcast is not needed if it is already on the library's website. More than likely if a library has a podcast it will be connected to the website and posting the same information twice is a bit redundant.