Online Book Communities

I recently explored five online book communities.  Prior to doing so, I had no idea they existed.  I explored and created accounts for Goodreads, LibraryThing, Shelfari, Booklikes and Biblionasium.  Online book communities are certainly a good way to find the type of books you may be interested in reading.  Some are easier to use but all of them take time to build up.  They are also a good place to get book recommendations.  I didn't like that it takes a while at first to search books but once you get the hang of it it's fairly simple.  All of them make it simple for you to connect with friends and others through Twitter or Facebook. 

The first one I explored was Goodreads.  It is fairly easy to use but it is a bit busy for my taste.  I enjoyed the easy access to reviews and how quickly I could locate books.  I also liked the recommendations section.  I didn't like the ads.  Here is a screenshot of my profile page.  Creating bookshelves was simple to do but you have to have to chose whether to duplicate books.

I set up an account on LibraryThing.  It was also easy to use and I liked the instant recent recommendations.  Every time you type in a title it recommends similar books.  This can come in handy when you are having a hard time finding a book or you simply want something similar.  It can also be annoying when you just want to add your books.  Here is a screenshot of my profile page.

The next account I created was on Shelfari.  I loved that I could choose the kind of shelf I wanted. That gave it a more personal touch.  You can create a blog called Shelfari blog and that is an interesting option.  I also liked that the ratings are easy to see and include stars so that you can easily rate the books you have read.  Shelfari was my second favorite online book community.  Here is a screenshot of my profile page.

 
Then I created an account on Booklikes.  It was my least favorite online book community.  It was not that easy to use and it was not visually appealing.  I enjoy color so the brown was not working for me.  I also did not like the way the shelves are displayed.  I did like that there are many options and giveaways.  Here is a screenshot of my profile page.

My favorite online book community is Biblionasium.  I love that it is a protected social network and that kids are able to setup virtual bookshelves and track their reading.  They can recommend their favorite books to friends.  It is also the most pleasing to the eye.  I think my students at the elementary level would prefer this particular online book community.  I like that it is colorful and user friendly.  I'm super excited about sharing this with other educators and parents.   
Here

is a screenshot of my profile page.

Podcast

A Podcast is online audio content that is delivered via a RSS Feed.   The listener can decide when to listen to the audio file.  I was first introduced to Podcasting as part of the Tech 21 program at Brownsville ISD back in 2010.  As teachers, we were encouraged to teach our students to create Podcasts pertaining to any subject area.  Podcasts can be used by students of all ages.  Students can create book talks, projects, or record interviews just to mention a few.  They can create a Podcast of a trip to a museum, an experiment, or debate.  Podcasts can be used to teach "How to's" or to reinforce concepts. Teachers can use them as alternative assessments or to provide study guides.  Library Media Specialists can use them for reading (storytelling), book promotions, to share school news or to increase community involvement.  David R. Wetzel offers a variety of creative ways that Podcasts can be used in the classroom.   You can use Soundcloud, Audioboo, Podomatic, Audacity or other options on the Web.  I have used Soundcloud, Audacity and PodOmatic.  They are all fairly easy to use.  I created a Podcast on a contest we are having to promote literacy.  Check it out!
Pumpkin Character Contest

Videos & QR Codes in the Library

This week I searched and viewed several YouTube videos from different libraries.  I searched for videos that were helpful for students and for those that may be most liked by the students.  These were my results:

Galypso Gilstrap

I found the video titled, NHS Library Orientation to be the most helpful.  It provides the hours of operation as well as expectations, purpose, rules, etc.  I also think the video that is best liked by students is the Norman High School Library Rocks video.  It's short, direct and to the point.  It lists the library resources.

The Unquiet Library:

The most helpful video was the one titled, Finding CC Licensed Images in Advanced Flickr Search.  This video helps walk students through the process of searching for photos they can use without violating Copyright laws.  There are several videos on selecting Creative Commons photos.  I think the video they might like best is titled Make Your Mother Proud:  Check out a Kindle @ The Unquiet Library.  Again it got right to the point in a fun way.  

Pikesvillehslibrary:

The most helpful video here is the one that provides a quick guide to the library, Snapshot of the Panther's Library.   It gives the kids a quick overview of the library.  The most popular video is the AVID Pimp  My Binder 2012.  It is an entertaining video on organization.

bbmsmedia's channel:

The most helpful video here is the BBMS Integration Poem.  Students take turns discussing.  The most liked video is the Harlem Shake @ Bonnie Branch Middle School.  It's a fun and wacky video that depicts students in the library.  




After watching all those YouTube videos, I decided to create a book trailer.  As a librarian, I plan on creating videos to motivate students to visit the library and to take advantage of all the available resources.  I also plan on creating book trailers to encourage them to visit the library frequently and to create their own.  I chose the series, Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy primarily because it is October and it's at a cute creepy level I can handle.  Please check out my book trailer by scanning the QR code below. 

Synopsis: 


Meet Skulduggery Pleasant

Ace Detective
Snappy Dresser
Razor–tongued Wit
Crackerjack Sorcerer
and
Walking, Talking,
Fire-throwing Skeleton

—as well as ally, protector, and mentor of Stephanie Edgley, a very unusual and darkly talented twelve-year-old.

These two alone must defeat an all-consuming ancient evil.

The end of the world?

Over his dead body.

 http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/284440.Skulduggery_Pleasant

Well, hopefully you had a chance to view my book trailer by scanning the QR code.  After a little searching, I found that librarians and teachers are using these codes in their classroom.  They are using them to provide students with access to library news, blogs and literacy resources.  QR codes can be used for scavenger hunts, to access multimedia, for book reviews and to hear stories read aloud!  I plan to use QR codes so that students can hear stories that are read aloud!   

I leave you with my favorite YouTube video from bbmsmedia's channel: