Thing 23:Final Thoughts

Congratulations to us all for taking the time and energy to complete this program. My world has been changed. The 23 Things on a Stick program was very unexpected. I am no longer totally ignorant where online resources are concerned.

I think my favorite Things and discoveries are Ning,Flickr,Del.ico.us and Library Thing. These are areas that I can see myself using on a regular basis. This program brought several of us together as a team to support one and other and to better the libraries of Minnesota. I was amazed at what is available, that I could do it and at how much more there is for me to experiment with and learn.

I think if I had to put my feelings about the program in one phrase it would have to be:What a eye opening experience. Thank you 23 Things on a Stick.

Thing 22: What Did I Learn Today?

What did I learn today? Through 23 Things I have traveled to sites that I have never been, attempted feats I would not have, spent time doing things I liked and things I didn't. It forced me from my comfort zone and guiding me into what turned out to be a fun and great educational experience.

23 Things did take up a lot of time both at home and at work but was fun. I will agree that perhaps when you start using Flickr, YouTube, Del.icio.us etc as tools instead of playing around the time could be cut in half and the fact that I am familiar with them could also cut some time.

Though the Social networks I met several new contacts that promise a future of support and camaraderie. I feel that these networks will also help to keep me active and informed.

I do plan on keeping my blog active. Although a daily commitment is not a possibility. This has been a good start but there's so much more to go. I think I will start by going back to the areas that I found a challenge and see if I can work things out. My mind is a bit on overload so I will welcome the opportunity to putter back through 23 Things.

Thing 21: Beyond MySpace: Other Social Networks

I liked both the Gather and Ning sites. Both offered Groups, Blogs, Photosharing etc. Being this has been my first venture into into any Social networks I found myself liking Ning the best. I felt comfortable at that site and plan to visit it regularly. I joined two groups on Ning one being 23 Things on a Stick and the other Library 2.0. I have corsponded with other members.




Wow I'm a member definately a feeling of acomplishment


View my page on 23 Things on a Stick


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Thing 20: Libraries and Social Networks

I set up a account with both Facebook and MySpace. What a great tool to use to keep in touch with people. I like the way you can join groups that share your interests.

In Facebook I found a co-worker and invited another to join. I search for my 17 year old niece and found her but was unable to access her because she was in a school group and you needed to be a student to join. But I was able to send her a surprise email.

MySpace I invited some co-works to join and was going to look at some of the other members when I ran into their moods: amorous, aggressive I decided I couldn't handle them so I left them to their moods and posted a simple blog.

Hey check out this webpage, http://www.mbmpl.org/myspace.html. Denver’s MySpace Page is impressive. Libraries can use Facebook and MySpace to promote/post upcoming events, chat about books etc. I did notice that Meg Cabot has a page, what a great way for people to get to know her and interact with her. I did have fun but I can't say I'm a total fan. Maybe if I wouldn't listen to the negative publicity.

Thing 19:Podcasts

I looked at several of the Podcast directories finding each one a little different and fairly easy to use. All directories gave the option of several different categories. I found Podcast.com to be the friendliest. There I spent most of my time in CNN and NPR. Some of the Podcasts were slow loading and several of the more educational ones were sooo boring.

I can't say that I feel inspired to create a podcast but I do see myself listening to them in the future. Surprise I actually do own a MP3 Player.

Flight of the Bumblebee (ALA 2007 Book Cart Drill Team)

Thing 17:ELM Productivity Tools

Our libraries web page offers the ELM databases. Because I work with primarily fiction I don’t have a great need for these services however they are good for me to know about.
In fact this was my first time venturing into the databases. I could see them being a good research resource for both patrons and students. I liked the way that you could keep track of a topic over a period of time. Handy that you can set the RSS feed for specific searches. I used both ProQuest and EBSCO to search a subject finding them easy to use and was pleased with the results. Gale was not easy for me but I did like the translate option. What a good resource for our diverse clientele.

Thing 18: YouTube & Other Online Video

I enjoyed this segment of the program. I watched several videos. I really enjoyed the library cart drill teams. I can see a library using YouTube for intro videos, How to get a card, place reserves etc or even tours of the library. However one would want to take care not to make them long and boring. I did come across several confusing, long and boring videos. All and all I enjoyed YouTube more than Google Video. I posted one of my favorite drill team videos.

I did some basic searches, using library and was surprised but maybe not as much as I pretend how many porn type sites were available. I don’t know how people with kids sleep.

Thing 16: Student 2.0 Tools

As I have already stated in this Blog, I wish these tools were available when I was in school. I do have nieces and nephews in college that could benefit from this I think I will clue them in. We should hand out flyer's promoting these tools for our patrons and possibly add a study tip link to our website. The school system could if they don’t already promote RPC. I can see it helping to keep students on track and organized. I myself could see using this tool when I had a long term project.

Thing 15: Online Games and Libraries

I do occasionally enjoy playing games at home but I was not comfortable playing them at work. Even the simple step of downloading it made me uncomfortable. I played Puzzle pirates I was to busy trying to figure the game out to interact with the other sailors. Although I tried I think they ignored me. AArgh

I can see games being a big draw for our younger patrons. Deep down I think I should be more positive about libraries and games. I know that many games are educational but I just can’t help thinking that we would open ourselves up to unwanted junk /loud groups hovering around computers. Perhaps I will warm to the idea.

Thing 14: Library Thing

I had fun with Library Thing. It was interesting to see how many others share my interest in the titles that I put in my library. I thought it was a great to be able to contact other members. I can see it being useful when used as intended.

Presently the library uses it’s webpage were there are several different avenues that our patrons can take to access specific lists. In the library a patron can pick up booklist/ read-alike bookmarks. I could see Library Thing being an alternative.

Thing 13: Online Productivity Tools

Through 23 things I have become familiar with iGoogle so that is my start page. I arranged it with news, weather, calendar, to do list etc. At work it will not be my permanent homepage, but possibly on my home computer. As I explore Ta da list and remember milk my mind races I think these pages are busy with lots of clutter.
At work if I didn’t already have access a calendar program I would consider adding a Google calendar. These online calendars are a great way to keep patrons informed about the library and what’s happening. Backpack gave too many hands the opportunity to edit. As far as a to do list I like jotting down a list while I have coffee. I don’t think I would bother to log on to create a list and I know I would not periodically check it. Besides I do like the satisfaction of crossing things off. Countdown although I am getting frustrated getting it to link on my blog would be fun. I will try again later and use it if I have some exciting event coming up just to psych myself up.

Thing 12: Do You Digg?

I worked with all four sites. Newsvine was my favorite followed by Mixx and Digg. I liked that Newsvine had Associated Press articles. The Digg layout with the first paragraph under the heading was nice. I found Reddit hard to read and very busy.
I don’t know how much I personally would use them but still good tools. As I work on this program I am constantly reminded of how many wonderful sites are out there and how few of them I know about. Wake up!

Thing 11: Tagging and Del.icio.us

Del.icio.us is very cool! I visited the suggested libraries that del.icio.us and hats off to them. Yes I can see a big potential for this tool for research assistance. I wish I had access to these when I was a student. Del.icio.us is an easy way to create bookmarks and to organize my favorite sites. Having the ability to access your bookmarks from any computer is a plus. It was strange seeing who also had marked the sites but I can see where there are times that could be helpful. Still you would want to be careful there could be issues. I do find the pastel print/colors difficult to read

Thing 10: Wiki's

Wiki's are a great way to share /edit information. I was on a team where several of my co-workers and I set up our libraries staffnet on a wiki. Once I caught on it was addicting and fun. I think wiki's will be a round for a while.

I looked at several of the wiki examples. I liked Book Lovers from Princeton it is a great way for readers advisory. I added my name to the Library Success wiki under library Camp, wishing that I could attend. Of course I ventured into Wiki sandbox being a kid at heart but I didn't play to long. I use wikipedia fairly often as a quick fix to understanding something. I like the way they put it in easy English.

I don't like the idea of banning anything. Although I can understand if the teachers/faculty are trying to get the students to use other tools.

Think 9:Online Collaboration Tools

Both Zoho and Google doc would be an efficient way to have more that one person working on a document. I signed up for an account in both Zoho and Google but found it easiest to use Zoho. I think this would be a great tool for people all over the state/nation/world to collaborate a workshop. I moved a word document over and shared it with a co-worker and made it public. I did have difficulties posting it to my Blog.

Thing 8: Share Your Creations

I played with several of the items mentioned in #8 with mixed success. I do think SlideShare was impressive. I can see the benefits of having access to a presentation on line. Zoho I must have been lost because I spent a good part of my time getting error messages. I decided to use Big Huge Lab mosaic maker because I found it the easiest.

Although I have been enjoying all the steps I can’t help but wonder if it is wise to put so much information in strangers hands.
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Thing 7: Web 2.0 Communication Tools

In many ways e-mail has improved communications however I don’t think of it as a rapid form of communication. For some things I prefer face to face communication. E-mail has taken tone and body language out of the equation. I find it much less time consuming to brainstorm with a person/s face to face, email tends to take to much time. This could be however because I like to hash out every thing and dislike typing out my thoughts. Unless we are talking distance than email is the total ticket. That is as long as an instant answer isn't needed.

The library uses email to notify patrons of reserves, due dates and overdue notices. We have Internet computers which patrons often use to email friends and family. I use a email contact list for the bookmobile when the bus is having mechanical problems. Patrons often comment about liking this contact. Reference uses IM as a tool for questions and answers.

I do not use text message or instance messaging for work I find it to distracting. At home I occasionally use instant messaging for a friend that lives out of state. Than it can be fun and appears to cut the distance between friends. It's amazing how many options there are for communication.

I have attended several Webinars. They are great and truly a good way to contact a number of people without the cost of travel and time.

Thing 6: Online Image Generators

My creation,

I am amazed at how easy and fun this is. The end result is quite professional looking. I can see many uses for Frickr at the library and also in my personal life. I went to Big Huge Labs and trading cards: I could see this being a fun way to promote series at the library. Image chef was easy to navigate.

Thing 5: More Flickr Fun

Fun, fun, fun and yes addicting. After playing with/using several of these mash-ups I need to change my last entry. I can see myself using these tools for other things besides my photos. What a great way to make posters, bookmarks etc. I think using Flickr to advertise both library and personal events would be great. As far as sharing photos on line maybe sharing some public and some friends and family only. I do see how this tool could easily be misused.

As for 23 Things it has already got me going places and doing things on the internet that I have never ventured. I am enjoying myself so much that I find myself reading 23 thing blogs and playing on my computer at home. I must need a life!

Thing 4: Photo Sharing with Flickr

I had no problem downloading pictures using Flickr. I ran into trouble trying to transfer them to my blog. Fortunately a more computer wise co-worker came to my aid and helped me. I than transferred a second picture so that I knew how. I have mastered the steps to delete postings.

If I use Flickr again it would most likely be for personal Photos.

Thing 3: Set Up an RSS Account & Add Feeds

I set up an account with Google reader and added some feeds. The process didn’t take to much time and was fairly painless. Being that this is all new to me it was quite the relief to see that I had done it right and it worked. I didn’t add the feeds to my Blog but did make them my Google home page. I’m having fun with Thing 3 I find RSS is a convenient way to gets lots of information without having to perform several searches. Imagine daily updates in areas that I find of interest. Hmmmmm could become addicting.

Thing 2: What is Library 2.0

Over the past several years I have noticed business’s, services etc. moving towards the internet and its ability to make their services more accessible. It was only a mater of time before our patrons would expect us to follow suit. We need to acknowledge the fact that our patrons find it easier to Google than find a parking place. Can we blame them? Who wouldn’t like to do more from the comfort of home? Is this technology over my head? You bet it is. Though 23 Things on a stick I hope to become a part of this wonderful technology as opposed to waiting for it to happen around me.

Our patrons want to have access to everything via the internet we have seen pictures of future libraries moving in this direction. We as libraries have an obligation to provide them with digital collections. I see a few changes toward a digital library but am learning that it is only the tip of the iceberg.

Time will definantely be an issue. At this time I will not be able to commit to daily postings. Hopefully as I become more familiar with Web 2 tools I will be able to narrow my time down

My Mistake

I learned quickly that if/when you make a mistake it isn't always easy to fix and it is splayed out for all to see. As if we all need more excuses to look clueless. A blog savvy co-worked clued me into unwritten blog etiquette. They said you don't have to admit mistakes only write the good I think that will be my new motto.

Thing 1: My Thoughts

Blog! What do I know about them? I've heard the word yet never ventured out of my comfort zone to investigate them, using the excuse that they are for kids. 23 Things on a stick has challenged me to pull out of my rut and attempt to not only read a Blog but create one. So far the experience has been easy and harmless.