Thursday, August 23, 2007
Oops ~ Week 2, Thing 4
Though I didn't add a post when I registered my blog, I did register this blog a long while back. Since I had a blog for all of my other posts, I wanted to make sure that this one was here, too. I don't want Thing 4 feeling left out.
The Final Post ~ Week 9, Thing 23
Wow.... I feel like we've covered a lot of ground with this workshop. Though I've struggled for time here at the end, I've enjoyed the journey. I liked playing with RSS feeds and podcasts, both of which I've not had much experience with. And what I've *really* enjoyed is talking with my co-workers about new programs and the things that we've learned.
This has definitely helped me with my lifelong goal. I try really hard to stay on top of new technology and web tools that our patrons may need, or could benefit from. And honestly, I enjoy learning. It's fun to learn about new sites and what things are available to make my life easier.
I think what surprised me the most was how much fun I had. I do plan to do more work with podcasts and I plan to share different tools that I've learned with our patrons and other staff members. I guess I went into this knowing that I'd learn something, but not realizing how fun it would be. I really appreciate that. I would definitely participate in another program like this if it were offered.
My learning experience has been a positive one. I've learned new things and strengthened what I already knew. I've helped other people and learned from them, often at the same time. This was a program that I actually looked forward to working on because while I was learning I was also have a great time.
This has definitely helped me with my lifelong goal. I try really hard to stay on top of new technology and web tools that our patrons may need, or could benefit from. And honestly, I enjoy learning. It's fun to learn about new sites and what things are available to make my life easier.
I think what surprised me the most was how much fun I had. I do plan to do more work with podcasts and I plan to share different tools that I've learned with our patrons and other staff members. I guess I went into this knowing that I'd learn something, but not realizing how fun it would be. I really appreciate that. I would definitely participate in another program like this if it were offered.
My learning experience has been a positive one. I've learned new things and strengthened what I already knew. I've helped other people and learned from them, often at the same time. This was a program that I actually looked forward to working on because while I was learning I was also have a great time.
Audiobooks ~ Week 9, Thing 22
Eeek! I'm hoping that I did something wrong! I went to the gutenburg site and downloaded an audio book. It was read by the computer, and not very well I might add.
I enjoy *some* audiobooks. If the narrator is good, then I'm a happy camper. If not, I get annoyed and bored. A good example of an excellent narrator would be Jim Dale who read the Harry Potter series. Amazing narrator!!! A bad example would be whomever read Blackwood Farm by Anne Rice. I couldn't stand the voice, and everytime I hear the word "Quinn" now, I cringe. That horribly fake southern drawl the narrator used made me want to puncture my eardrums or plug my ears with whatever I could get my hands on!
And, reading ebooks is painful for me. I'm still a big fan of curling up with a good book. I spend enough of my life at a computer that I don't want to read there, too.
But, I can appreciate that it's convenient for people. If I was unable to read free audiobooks, in any form, would be very important to me. I understand that there are libraries participating in downloadable books. I hope that these are read by actual people. Actually, while playing with the podcasts I found someone reading Dracula. It wasn't bad at all, and they broke it down by chapters. That's another venue that I think would be interesting to pursue.
I enjoy *some* audiobooks. If the narrator is good, then I'm a happy camper. If not, I get annoyed and bored. A good example of an excellent narrator would be Jim Dale who read the Harry Potter series. Amazing narrator!!! A bad example would be whomever read Blackwood Farm by Anne Rice. I couldn't stand the voice, and everytime I hear the word "Quinn" now, I cringe. That horribly fake southern drawl the narrator used made me want to puncture my eardrums or plug my ears with whatever I could get my hands on!
And, reading ebooks is painful for me. I'm still a big fan of curling up with a good book. I spend enough of my life at a computer that I don't want to read there, too.
But, I can appreciate that it's convenient for people. If I was unable to read free audiobooks, in any form, would be very important to me. I understand that there are libraries participating in downloadable books. I hope that these are read by actual people. Actually, while playing with the podcasts I found someone reading Dracula. It wasn't bad at all, and they broke it down by chapters. That's another venue that I think would be interesting to pursue.
Looking for Podcasts ~ Week 9, Thing 21
I tried podcast.net and found a very interesting podcast on the historical meanings of the animals in Harry Potter. It's certainly something that I think the kids would be interested in. Searching was easy enough, too. Adding it to my bloglines account wasn't a problem, but I didn't see an option to have it automatically loaded. I used the copy and paste method.
I then went on to play with a few cool urban legends/ghost stories podcasts. The one I listened to was about New Jersey and it just so happened that they had a discussion about the hotel that was at the area where the Great White Shark attacks took place that spawned the idea for Jaws. At this point in my life the instances of of shark information popping up out of nowhere are just funny, despite my phobia. I'm wondering if I should read the books about the subject after all.
I'm having a good bit of fun with this. I can see myself finding some good podcasts to keep up with. I'd just like to find a little more time to check out what's out there.
I then went on to play with a few cool urban legends/ghost stories podcasts. The one I listened to was about New Jersey and it just so happened that they had a discussion about the hotel that was at the area where the Great White Shark attacks took place that spawned the idea for Jaws. At this point in my life the instances of of shark information popping up out of nowhere are just funny, despite my phobia. I'm wondering if I should read the books about the subject after all.
I'm having a good bit of fun with this. I can see myself finding some good podcasts to keep up with. I'd just like to find a little more time to check out what's out there.
Fun With Youtube ~ Week 9, Thing 20
This was a fun adventure with youtube. I've used the site before to see the new World of Warcraft videos or character models, or to see music videos, or any random assortment of things. What I like most about the site is its entertainment value. It has potential for teaching purposes. I've seen a couple of how-to videos on there. It's a great way to teach people new skills, including those of the technology variety.
The video that I chose was Mr. Bean Goes to the Library. I chose this one for many reason. First, it's funny. I like Mr. Bean and it was library related, so it seemed to be a good match. Second, it's a good reflection of how people think of libraries. No loud noises, uptight, older librarians, and rules, rules, rules! No one there was having a good time. The only other thing that could have been added was a reading librarian! It's good to laugh at the stereotype and to realize that we've moved far, far beyond that.
There is one thing though... After watching that I'm definitely glad that we don't have books that are of such an age that they must be handled with gloves. Yes, I must admit... When he put the white out on the page and then cut out pages my heart did stop for a beat or two. Maybe some things never change.
The video that I chose was Mr. Bean Goes to the Library. I chose this one for many reason. First, it's funny. I like Mr. Bean and it was library related, so it seemed to be a good match. Second, it's a good reflection of how people think of libraries. No loud noises, uptight, older librarians, and rules, rules, rules! No one there was having a good time. The only other thing that could have been added was a reading librarian! It's good to laugh at the stereotype and to realize that we've moved far, far beyond that.
There is one thing though... After watching that I'm definitely glad that we don't have books that are of such an age that they must be handled with gloves. Yes, I must admit... When he put the white out on the page and then cut out pages my heart did stop for a beat or two. Maybe some things never change.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Time to Play! ~ Week 8, Thing 19
I selected arcaplay.com. This site has a collection of games that can be added to your blog. I added mine to my myspace page. Now anyone that logs onto my page can play the game right on my page! I figured that at this stage of 23 Things, it was time to have a little fun! The games are entertaining, there's a good selection, and they are relatively good quality. I'll certainly recommend this site to our young patrons that enjoy myspace and other forms of blogs.
Google Docs ~ Week 8, Thing 18
Ooohh... I have a new toy! I love it! I've used other programs like this in the past, but I love that you can invite people and work on a project at the same time, while instant messaging even! And, there's a spread sheet option. I really can't wait to put this to good use.
I wish I had this earlier when we were making a group effort to change the layout of the information desk. The program we used would only let one person view the document at a time. I'll make sure to share this with the rest of the staff!
I wish I had this earlier when we were making a group effort to change the layout of the information desk. The program we used would only let one person view the document at a time. I'll make sure to share this with the rest of the staff!
Playing in the Sandbox ~ Week 7, Thing 17
I added my blog to the favorite blogs list. I also took some time to check around to see if anyone had wikis started that I could just add to. I didn't find one that seemed to just be a list, or a group of people chatting about favorite things. Unfortunately I'm in a time crunch (still ironing out things from the merge), so I opted not to create my own wiki at this point. It is something that I feel comfortable doing in the future, though.
Wikis ~ Week 7, Thing 16
I've played with Wikis quite often in the past. I've used them to research dog breeds, find a list of X-men characters, get information on particular people... The list is endless. Though the library wikis I just visited were moderately less exciting, there was still information to be gained from them. I found the ALA 2006 conference one most informative in terms of layout. The links for different categories kept the page from being overwhelming. In the library field, I would say this is an excellent way to use a wiki.
I was also thinking that it may be interesting to work on a librarian's tools wiki. Librarians (and those of us that just work in the library field) could list new tools that they were using and review them. Sort of a tech librarian page. I'm sure that one already exists, when I have more time I'll try to see what's out there.
Oh, and as for the what's in a wiki question, my answer is everything. There are wikis for almost every topic imagineable. It's a site where people come together to share information. People can add their knowledge to what's already been collected, or start their own wiki. For readers, though, we just have to make sure that the information is sound. From my experience people tend to pull things that aren't factual pretty quickly, and they'll add notes asking for documentation on things that don't seem clear.
I was also thinking that it may be interesting to work on a librarian's tools wiki. Librarians (and those of us that just work in the library field) could list new tools that they were using and review them. Sort of a tech librarian page. I'm sure that one already exists, when I have more time I'll try to see what's out there.
Oh, and as for the what's in a wiki question, my answer is everything. There are wikis for almost every topic imagineable. It's a site where people come together to share information. People can add their knowledge to what's already been collected, or start their own wiki. For readers, though, we just have to make sure that the information is sound. From my experience people tend to pull things that aren't factual pretty quickly, and they'll add notes asking for documentation on things that don't seem clear.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
web 2.0 ~ Week 6, Thing 15
I'm always hesitant when I read articles about how libraries should evolve or adapt. Often they're written by people that never actually experience the front lines of library work, or that work only in a university setting. I'm willing to admit that though I love technology, I'm not always comfortable with the suggested changes.
I see first hand how our patrons love Flickr, myspace, facebook and the rest. I help them with these sites and they're very appreciative. There's nothing quite like showing a teenager how to change their myspace background and getting that impressed look. Yes, I may almost be 30, but it doesn't mean that I'm not still on the fringes of coolness.
My thoughts are that libraries need to evolve with their patrons. If our patrons are using new sites, then it's my job to play with those sites. If they need new ways to access technology, it's my job to find a way to do that. Does this mean that I think we should move to digital collections alone? Absolutely not! There's something to be said for sitting down and reading a book. I may enjoy audiobooks on my ipod, but I much prefer reading rather than being read to. Not to mention not everyone has the funds to purchase all of the best gadgets.
I see a need for a library blog, and hope to implement one soon. We've just migrated into the lower shore consortium so now it's much easier for our patrons to request books and manage their records from home. They'll be receiving emails to let them know when their items are due or when their holds are in. We're advacing. Sure we need more computers and of course we could use all sorts of new things. But the staff is learning new programs all the time (thanks to workshops like 23 Things) and we're dedicated to helping our patrons learn and to meeting their needs.
I feel like I've gone on too far to make what is, I think, a rather simple point. I'm always excited to implement new technology that will make the life of our staff and patrons better. I do see the continual needs for new skills, and I look forward to the future of the web. I just think that in all things there is moderation. Just as we'll work hard to meet the needs of our tech comfortable patrons, we'll still try our best to meet the needs of those patrons that just want to come in and find a good book.
I see first hand how our patrons love Flickr, myspace, facebook and the rest. I help them with these sites and they're very appreciative. There's nothing quite like showing a teenager how to change their myspace background and getting that impressed look. Yes, I may almost be 30, but it doesn't mean that I'm not still on the fringes of coolness.
My thoughts are that libraries need to evolve with their patrons. If our patrons are using new sites, then it's my job to play with those sites. If they need new ways to access technology, it's my job to find a way to do that. Does this mean that I think we should move to digital collections alone? Absolutely not! There's something to be said for sitting down and reading a book. I may enjoy audiobooks on my ipod, but I much prefer reading rather than being read to. Not to mention not everyone has the funds to purchase all of the best gadgets.
I see a need for a library blog, and hope to implement one soon. We've just migrated into the lower shore consortium so now it's much easier for our patrons to request books and manage their records from home. They'll be receiving emails to let them know when their items are due or when their holds are in. We're advacing. Sure we need more computers and of course we could use all sorts of new things. But the staff is learning new programs all the time (thanks to workshops like 23 Things) and we're dedicated to helping our patrons learn and to meeting their needs.
I feel like I've gone on too far to make what is, I think, a rather simple point. I'm always excited to implement new technology that will make the life of our staff and patrons better. I do see the continual needs for new skills, and I look forward to the future of the web. I just think that in all things there is moderation. Just as we'll work hard to meet the needs of our tech comfortable patrons, we'll still try our best to meet the needs of those patrons that just want to come in and find a good book.
Technorati ~ Week 6, Thing 14
Technorati was a fun way to start off my morning. Most of my blogging life is personal. I keep my myspace page for my friends, and honestly, who else wants to know if I've had a bad day, or if I read a new book? I don't see myself using the links, but it definitely led me to some amazing blogs!
I recommend http://postsecret.blogspot.com/2007/08/new-postsecret-mini-movie.html. People mail in their postcards with their secrets to the person that runs this site. Random things. Silly things. Serious things. Sad and happy things. Just their thoughts. He put some of them together in a video. I was awed watching it. And it made me start to think... If I were take one thing about myself, one secret, and write it on a card what would it be?
I recommend http://postsecret.blogspot.com/2007/08/new-postsecret-mini-movie.html. People mail in their postcards with their secrets to the person that runs this site. Random things. Silly things. Serious things. Sad and happy things. Just their thoughts. He put some of them together in a video. I was awed watching it. And it made me start to think... If I were take one thing about myself, one secret, and write it on a card what would it be?
del.icio.us ~ Week 6, Thing 13
Ahh.... del.icio.us. What can I say? It's delicious!
I had already played with this program before starting 23 things. It has been amazingly helpful for me both personally and professionally. Because I rotate between branches (and computers), having things saved on a favorites list is great, but not that useful unless I remember to save it on every favorite list. That could be on 6 or more computers! This is my portable favorites list and it's so easy to save a site.
I can't recommend this one enough! I love it!
I had already played with this program before starting 23 things. It has been amazingly helpful for me both personally and professionally. Because I rotate between branches (and computers), having things saved on a favorites list is great, but not that useful unless I remember to save it on every favorite list. That could be on 6 or more computers! This is my portable favorites list and it's so easy to save a site.
I can't recommend this one enough! I love it!
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