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.