Final Project - YouTube link

I made my very first YouTube video this weekend. It hits the key points of our final project research paper. My group focused on open source software in libraries- the reasons some libraries choose OSS and the pros and cons of OSS versus other types of software.

Technical difficulties and slow internet were my main obstacles. I ended up using Photo Story 3 for Windows, thanks to my teammate Jamie's helpful suggestion. With it, I uploaded my Powerpoint presentation (which I had saved in JPEG format) and added audio.

Here is my YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KWW-zSAk20

This class was truly a challenge for me, as I suspect it was for many of us. I'm so glad to have gotten through it and I have learned so much. And there is still so much more to learn... Good luck, everyone!

Assignment 3- CMS and library websites

I interviewed Carolyn Leavitt, a volunteer for the North Plains Public Library in North Plains, Oregon. I chose North Plains after reading a blog from Meredith Farkas where she asked readers to submit good examples of libraries using WordPress. I wanted to interview someone who used CMS in a public library setting specifically because public libraries are my focus.

Mrs. Leavitt created the Web site and maintains it for the library. She chose WordPress because as a first-timer using CMS, WordPress seemed like the easiest to learn and use. Below is our discussion:

How and where did you hear about content management systems?
From the internet. We looked at many other programs before choosing WordPress.

What was your motivation for adopting a CMS for your library website?
Ease of use.

What was your decision making criteria?
Usability, versatility, low cost.

Why did you choose WordPress?
It was the best I found.

What are the important benefits or advantages of WordPress over the old system or another CMS system you've used in the past?
No experience with an older system.

How was the learning curve?
Moderate.

Have you encountered any drawbacks to WordPress?
None so far.

Have you had any feedback from the community since beginning the useof WordPress?
They love our new website.