Truth: I had no idea what cloud computing was before this week’s readings.
I cloud compute everyday!
I compute everyday!
I do this everyday!
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So, normally I can come up with some points to counter some of the arguments made in the articles. This week? Not so much. Why? Because the articles try to provide a balanced outlook of mobile browsing and cloud computing in libraries and have left me with little to say.
Fear not, I still have something to say…
While watching the lecture and reading the articles I have to admit that I was feeling a little left out. I don’t have an iPhone; I don’t access the Internet through my pretty cool cell phone (because I’m cheap); and I hadn’t heard of a QR Code ’til Monday. So I was feeling (technologically) out of the loop. Then I find out that libraries are trying to incorporate QR Codes in all these interesting ways but I can’t participate in the experience because I don’t have the means. I felt technologically excluded :\
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Neat ideas
QR Codes as Call Numbers
My first thought when I heard/read about this was, “How lazy can you get?!” But I can empathize with the person who can’t seem to find a pen/cil or scrap of paper when it comes time to jot down the call number. Luckily, I have a fairly decent memory and at least two pens in my bag at all times. So now you’re thinking, “But what if you need to jot down 10 call numbers?” Then I guess I’d be in trouble if I had no paper and no writing implements – highly unlikely, particularly if I’ve headed to the library to do some research. But enough about me and back to the user. Yes, as a user I would think the QR Codes are cool provided I have the technology. But how does snapping a picture of the code differ from just taking a picture of the call number on the monitor? Snapping the pic doesn’t require going online via your mobile device, but it sounds like reading a QR Code does require web access…
Audio Tours
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that some users would like access to library audio tours. I really like the idea of an independent tour of the library because not everyone is able to attend an orientation, and sometimes staffing issues can have an effect on whether or not tours are conducted (or conducted well). Personally, I would prefer a video tour because audio tours can fall flat sometimes if the tone isn’t just right. And if the videos are accessible on the library’s site I may watch some of the video at home to get a sense of where I’m going before I visit the library – I know that if I hadn’t gone on the tour of Robarts in my first year I would have definitely watched a video tour of the building.