Well, I finally got around to IMing Susan. (Thanks Susan!)
For some reason I had troubles when using my account that I use for my blog, I went back in and created a gmail account and it worked lickety split. Who knows, but if this was the only Thing that gave me troubles, then yippeee!
I think the advantage of IM vs. email would be the quick responses. You know the person is available, you can ask the information you need and complete your business. I suppose an example would be someone with a reference question. If they emailed you a question like: I need facts about the history of Kearney. You would have to email back: What specific information would you like to know? population? when it became a town? etc. etc. This could end up being a long series of emails and a lot of waiting for each person to respond. With the IM, you could talk back and forth and have the needed answers right away.
IM could be fun chatting with friends, seeing what their plans are for the weekend, chatting when they are on vacation (they could fill you in on what they have done). I can really see a great use for this if you have friends/family in the military. It may be a simple way to communicate to one another any time of day.
At the library I think it would be useful in Reference situations, programming questions, book inquiries and more. The hardest part would be initially getting the information that the service is available out to the public.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Thing 23
The end...well almost, I still need to IM yet. Haven't had luck catching anyone and will try in the morning. This has been such an exciting experience for me. I have made time (a bit too close the deadline for some of it) to learn a variety of new technologies that I would have NEVER made the time to do. The best part is that I know I can do it all and I had fun while I was doing it! I don't think I can say thank you enough. I feel completely comfortable sharing what I have learned with others. I have taught co-workers new technologies as well.
Because I love to take photos, I think my favorite things for personal use were Image Generators. I am also excited to try the site Animoto that Michael had mentioned to me. Won't my family be impressed with all of my new found talents!?!?!?!?!
Professionally, I have come away with many new tools to use: Delicious, Google Docs, Wikis, so much more.
I think overall, I was surprised I could actually do these things! By myself! Without calling the IT Dept! I am sure they are surprised as well. I hadn't heard of many of the things we tried. Each time I was surprised to see that they really could be useful in the world of libraries. I can't wait to use some of the tools in Summer planning. I just hope I can remember how to do everything. Use it or lose it! I have printed off the majority of the sheets so that I have them for reference. How long does this page stay active anyway?
I liked the format for the program. It was nice that it was available anytime of the day - all you need is a computer. I could work at home or at the library, whatever fit my schedule. It was much easier than trying to find time to attend several workshops. I liked being able to work at my own pace. I explored some of the things for hours at a time, which I could not have done at a workshop.
I would love to participate in another workshop of this type. This has been a very educational and entertaining program for me. I thank you for bringing this opportunity to us. I can't even begin to explain the amount of confidence you have given me in the world of technology! The CE credits are just a bonus. And now, when watching tv (Brothers and Sisters last week) when they mention Twitter, I can actually say "I have done that!".
Thank you all for your time!
Because I love to take photos, I think my favorite things for personal use were Image Generators. I am also excited to try the site Animoto that Michael had mentioned to me. Won't my family be impressed with all of my new found talents!?!?!?!?!
Professionally, I have come away with many new tools to use: Delicious, Google Docs, Wikis, so much more.
I think overall, I was surprised I could actually do these things! By myself! Without calling the IT Dept! I am sure they are surprised as well. I hadn't heard of many of the things we tried. Each time I was surprised to see that they really could be useful in the world of libraries. I can't wait to use some of the tools in Summer planning. I just hope I can remember how to do everything. Use it or lose it! I have printed off the majority of the sheets so that I have them for reference. How long does this page stay active anyway?
I liked the format for the program. It was nice that it was available anytime of the day - all you need is a computer. I could work at home or at the library, whatever fit my schedule. It was much easier than trying to find time to attend several workshops. I liked being able to work at my own pace. I explored some of the things for hours at a time, which I could not have done at a workshop.
I would love to participate in another workshop of this type. This has been a very educational and entertaining program for me. I thank you for bringing this opportunity to us. I can't even begin to explain the amount of confidence you have given me in the world of technology! The CE credits are just a bonus. And now, when watching tv (Brothers and Sisters last week) when they mention Twitter, I can actually say "I have done that!".
Thank you all for your time!
Thing 22
This was my first experience with podcasts. After looking through the directories, it appears there is a podcast on almost every topic imaginable. I decided to look at and sign up for the YALSA podcasts. I think some of the topics that come up will be useful to me at the library. I have a window of time in the morning before we open to the public when I can listen to podcasts or read feed updates. I also signed up for Mugglecast. I have a lot of Harry Potter fans that may like to hear updates.
The podcasting looks useful, I don't think it is one I would use daily though. Who knows, minds can be changed!
The podcasting looks useful, I don't think it is one I would use daily though. Who knows, minds can be changed!
Thing 21
With so many possibilities, I had a hard time coming up with topics to search. I recently withdrew a book on "The Fridge" and with talk about the upcoming Super Bowl, I decided to flashback to my childhood by watching the Chicago Bears and the Super Bowl Shuffle. Oh the memories! Oh the grainy film! I decided I had better search for topics a bit more library related... Book Cart Drill Teams, library renovations and Teen Spaces (to get ideas for the future).
Two I enjoyed viewing were: Tuscarawas County Public Library Renovations and Evanston Public Library Teen Zone. I know there are so many more out there. I will use You Tube in the future to do more investigative work related to expansion projects and youth library displays/designs.
I know renovation is a topic I have blogged about in the past, but currently it is one of the main priorities in our library. I think You Tube would be fun to use as we go through the stages of renovating and expanding our library. The public would get a first hand look at what is going on behind the scenes.
As I have mentioned on other blog posts, I don't think we can currently add items such as You Tube to our library page. We have a website that is linked to the City of Kearney. The site has a uniform look for all of the city departments. I don't think we can alter that look.
On a snowy day, trapped at home, it could be fun to look for videos from my teenage years.... Vanilla Ice's - Ice, Ice Baby or with legwarmers evidently coming back into fashion (ughhhh) why not take a look at Olivia Newton John's - Let's Get Physical (for a great laugh!)
Two I enjoyed viewing were: Tuscarawas County Public Library Renovations and Evanston Public Library Teen Zone. I know there are so many more out there. I will use You Tube in the future to do more investigative work related to expansion projects and youth library displays/designs.
I know renovation is a topic I have blogged about in the past, but currently it is one of the main priorities in our library. I think You Tube would be fun to use as we go through the stages of renovating and expanding our library. The public would get a first hand look at what is going on behind the scenes.
As I have mentioned on other blog posts, I don't think we can currently add items such as You Tube to our library page. We have a website that is linked to the City of Kearney. The site has a uniform look for all of the city departments. I don't think we can alter that look.
On a snowy day, trapped at home, it could be fun to look for videos from my teenage years.... Vanilla Ice's - Ice, Ice Baby or with legwarmers evidently coming back into fashion (ughhhh) why not take a look at Olivia Newton John's - Let's Get Physical (for a great laugh!)
Thing 20
I could have spent all night playing in this Thing! There was so many fun sites to try, it was hard to decide what to do. I can't wait until I have a bit more free time to explore some of the other sites. First of all I decided to try Facebook. I realize I must be one of the few people in the world that doesn't have an account yet, well I guess I have one, but I made up a fake one so I could try a bunch of different settings and things. I found people I went to High School with and others from college. I searched for people I know from around our area and was surprised at how many I found - again, I must be about the only 30 something person in the world that isn't on Facebook. After exploring some peoples list of friends, I had a thought about a use I could have for Facebook. I think I would be handy when searching for a sitter (if one was actually going out w/o the kiddos!). The HS girls are so busy with activities, it might be an easier way to catch them. At work I could use it to contact the TAG (teen advisory group) kids - I'm sure they are all on! Overall, since my kiddos are not old enough for Facebook at this time, I won't be signing up yet. But....when they are old enough, it looks like they will have at least one friend! :) Downfalls, hmmm, I am 'old school' enough that having this info floating out there with photos and information about where you live, go to school, etc. scares me. I don't really want photos of my kids, etc. out there.
I came across a site that caught my attention: My Heritage. I had to try it. This was so exciting to explore. Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of history about my family. It scares me that through the years no one has taken the time to write it down. I have hopes of starting this project sometime and this would be a very, very useful tool. I can't wait to dig in and start filling in all of the branches of our tree! I think down the line I will use this site as a project for my Homeschooling program I have once a month at the library. It will also be fun to share the site with others coming in for information about how to create a family tree. It can't get much easier than this! I don't see any downfalls about this one.
Thank you for pointing out the link to the Web 2.0 awards - again, this is something I would have never known existed had I not participated in this project. I have learned so much and have shared my findings with others - thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
I came across a site that caught my attention: My Heritage. I had to try it. This was so exciting to explore. Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of history about my family. It scares me that through the years no one has taken the time to write it down. I have hopes of starting this project sometime and this would be a very, very useful tool. I can't wait to dig in and start filling in all of the branches of our tree! I think down the line I will use this site as a project for my Homeschooling program I have once a month at the library. It will also be fun to share the site with others coming in for information about how to create a family tree. It can't get much easier than this! I don't see any downfalls about this one.
Thank you for pointing out the link to the Web 2.0 awards - again, this is something I would have never known existed had I not participated in this project. I have learned so much and have shared my findings with others - thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Thing 19
I am so far behind the times, I didn't know something like this existed! What a great idea. This would be so useful when working on projects from different locations/computers. Not having to carry around a memory stick would be great. I can see myself working on grants or program planning using this tool. My computer at home has works and at the library we have word. If I just worked on Google Docs, everything would be in one place and easy to retrieve. I will be playing around with Google Docs again soon! Thank you for making this one of the 'things'.
Thing 18
Using the PBWiki was easy. It was fun to read what some of the others had posted as their likes. I decided to post my favorites shows (when I have time to watch them) and also posted my favorite places to eat. I was surprised to see a few other Kearney places mentioned. Someone also mentioned my favorite here in town -Little Mexico. They have the best chips and salsa (and margaritas) you have to try them! This is kindof a fun thing to mess around with. I will keep checking back on the site to see what is added to the lists!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Thing 17
Again I want to say I love the common craft segments from YouTube. They really make understanding these new subjects really easy for me. Guess I am a visual learner! After looking at the sample pages, I guess I have been on Wikis and didn't even realize it. I also had no idea how Wikipedia worked. I knew people could edit on it, just didn't know how they did it.
I noticed one of the links requested an email confirmation to post/edit. It seems like that would be a good idea if your wiki is one that is intended for a large group. It would prevent a lot of the vandalism or rude comments that may be posted. I was also interested in a post about libraries that circ games for Wii, PS2, etc. I have often thought they would sure get used if we had the space to house them. Although, if you did circ them, they probably wouldn't even be here!
I can see staff using a wiki for a lot of purposes. As the Youth Librarian I have a lot of planning to do for a variety of programming and events. What an awesome way to work with others when doing the planning (if you are lucky enough to have someone to work with). In the next few weeks, the Adult SRP organizer will meet and we usually brainstorm ideas for this year or even the next year. This would be a great way to keep track of ideas and to do lists.
I can also see using it when we are further into our remodel and renovation project. We could create a wiki for thoughts on the various collections, open day celebrations or time schedules.
I noticed one of the links requested an email confirmation to post/edit. It seems like that would be a good idea if your wiki is one that is intended for a large group. It would prevent a lot of the vandalism or rude comments that may be posted. I was also interested in a post about libraries that circ games for Wii, PS2, etc. I have often thought they would sure get used if we had the space to house them. Although, if you did circ them, they probably wouldn't even be here!
I can see staff using a wiki for a lot of purposes. As the Youth Librarian I have a lot of planning to do for a variety of programming and events. What an awesome way to work with others when doing the planning (if you are lucky enough to have someone to work with). In the next few weeks, the Adult SRP organizer will meet and we usually brainstorm ideas for this year or even the next year. This would be a great way to keep track of ideas and to do lists.
I can also see using it when we are further into our remodel and renovation project. We could create a wiki for thoughts on the various collections, open day celebrations or time schedules.
Thing 16
I read all of the persepectives regarding 2.0, just to get a better understanding of everything. I had read bits and pieces in the past, but thought more information wasn't really going to hurt!
I have to decided to focus on Away from Icebergs. I was surprised to see that his library had a 55% drop in circ - WOW! At our library we haven't seen a decrease. We have steadily seen an increase in usage. Our library hasn't done away with a lot of our 'just in case' collection. We hold on to fiction as space and usage allows. However, we have done away with reference materials that have the same information we can find on databases, etc.
After the training we have had with the 23 things, I think we will be even better at helping our patrons learn about new technology. Although some of the technology won't be used a lot, we can point them in to the right direction.
I am excited to say our library is pretty progressive and we try to continue to find methods of making library usage easier for our users. Users that have internet services at home have access to our catalog with options such as looking at their account, placing items on hold and renewing titles. They can also log on to a number of our databases. Those without internet at home, but own laptops, can come to the library to use our wireless services. I enjoy seeing people outside in their cars in the winter after hours using our wireless service. It carries quite a distance. The IT staff can run reports on activity/usage for us. There is only a small window of time when the internet isn't being used by someone. We also have many options for our readers. The library isn't just a home for print resources. The cd books are very popular with our patrons and the downloadable books are really catching on.
In general, I think the higher percentage of our 2.0 type users are younger people, but I see more and more older people using facebook, my space, etc at the library. What a different world. It makes you wonder what is to come?
I have to decided to focus on Away from Icebergs. I was surprised to see that his library had a 55% drop in circ - WOW! At our library we haven't seen a decrease. We have steadily seen an increase in usage. Our library hasn't done away with a lot of our 'just in case' collection. We hold on to fiction as space and usage allows. However, we have done away with reference materials that have the same information we can find on databases, etc.
After the training we have had with the 23 things, I think we will be even better at helping our patrons learn about new technology. Although some of the technology won't be used a lot, we can point them in to the right direction.
I am excited to say our library is pretty progressive and we try to continue to find methods of making library usage easier for our users. Users that have internet services at home have access to our catalog with options such as looking at their account, placing items on hold and renewing titles. They can also log on to a number of our databases. Those without internet at home, but own laptops, can come to the library to use our wireless services. I enjoy seeing people outside in their cars in the winter after hours using our wireless service. It carries quite a distance. The IT staff can run reports on activity/usage for us. There is only a small window of time when the internet isn't being used by someone. We also have many options for our readers. The library isn't just a home for print resources. The cd books are very popular with our patrons and the downloadable books are really catching on.
In general, I think the higher percentage of our 2.0 type users are younger people, but I see more and more older people using facebook, my space, etc at the library. What a different world. It makes you wonder what is to come?
Friday, January 16, 2009
Thing 15
Slideshare is an interesting tool that I did not know was available. I can see it would be very useful as a presenter at a workshop.
It was interesting to search the site to see what types of information I could find. I searched hobbies people in my family have and work related searches. I had a bit of sucess with library renovations, but not as many as I would have thought.
This is a link to my slideshare account:
http://www.slideshare.net/slindner
My other Thing 15 post includes a slide of a library renovating. It was fun to view the before and after photos. I wish more libraries did this. It is a great way to collect ideas.
It was interesting to search the site to see what types of information I could find. I searched hobbies people in my family have and work related searches. I had a bit of sucess with library renovations, but not as many as I would have thought.
This is a link to my slideshare account:
http://www.slideshare.net/slindner
My other Thing 15 post includes a slide of a library renovating. It was fun to view the before and after photos. I wish more libraries did this. It is a great way to collect ideas.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Thing 14
After viewing the video I thought this could really be useful for me and for a few friends of mine.
I chose to look up Animoto using Delicious. (By the way, thank you Michael, this looks awesome!!! Can't wait to try it.) The tags attached were pretty much the type of tags I would expect to see: video slideshow web 2.0 photos tools. I also look at the Commission and Holdrege. I really like what Holdrege has done on their webpage. It would be fun to have somethings similar. Unfortunately, the way our page is set up through City Hall, I don't think it is possible. We have a uniform look to all of the pages used for the City Departments.
Looking at NebraskAccess, I would probably list tags such as: reference databases genealogy magazines newspapers. I looked at other tags people had listed. One that wouldn't work for me, but must have for the person making the list was 21st Century.
I signed up for a Delicious account and downloaded my current bookmarks. I think it will be useful when planning programs for youth and for collecting ideas for possible programs. This was a fun task to explore. I didn't realize this site existed. It has been enjoyable teaching the college students that work here a few new things!
I chose to look up Animoto using Delicious. (By the way, thank you Michael, this looks awesome!!! Can't wait to try it.) The tags attached were pretty much the type of tags I would expect to see: video slideshow web 2.0 photos tools. I also look at the Commission and Holdrege. I really like what Holdrege has done on their webpage. It would be fun to have somethings similar. Unfortunately, the way our page is set up through City Hall, I don't think it is possible. We have a uniform look to all of the pages used for the City Departments.
Looking at NebraskAccess, I would probably list tags such as: reference databases genealogy magazines newspapers. I looked at other tags people had listed. One that wouldn't work for me, but must have for the person making the list was 21st Century.
I signed up for a Delicious account and downloaded my current bookmarks. I think it will be useful when planning programs for youth and for collecting ideas for possible programs. This was a fun task to explore. I didn't realize this site existed. It has been enjoyable teaching the college students that work here a few new things!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Thing 13
No offense to anyone, but my first thoughts are "Who in the world has time for this" and "Who really cares"? My apologies to those that really enjoy Twitter.
I started by going through the Discovery Resources. Completely impressed Michael is #8 in the world of librarians! I have also liked viewing the Common Craft videos. They make the technology easy to understand for those of us 'challenged' individuals. It was quite easy to sign up for an account and begin searching Twitter.
I signed up to follow Connie Crosby, Jessamyn West and NLC News. I also viewed all of the NLC that is in charge of this project, except for Allana because she was blocked. I searched Twitter using a variety of topics I thought could be popular. Some of the things I looked up include: Kearney Nebraska, Nebraska Cornhuskers, Grey's Anatomy, and ice cream. I didn't really find as much as I thought I would on Kearney. Ice cream was kind of fun. I learned one particular woman was watching the Biggest Loser and eating a big bowl of ice cream. Sounds like we would get along well.
I can't see myself using this technology much at all - at least this point in my life. I did see some positive possibilities though. Twitter could be used to alert patrons about closings for a holiday, weather or emergency. We could also send messages to people when our server is down and the Internet is not working or when the lab is reserved for a group presentation (neither of these happen often, so it would be useful). It could be used as a reminder for events happening at the library - professional storytellers, concerts, summer reading kickoff, Friends meetings, etc.
Personally, it could be useful to me when on a vacation. We could keep family current on where we are and what we have visited, those types of things. We have also had to cancel Girl Scout meetings, practices, etc. in the past that could have been sent to parents through Twitter. It would be easier to send a text to their phone vs. trying to call everyone.
For now though, I don't really see myself using Twitter.
I started by going through the Discovery Resources. Completely impressed Michael is #8 in the world of librarians! I have also liked viewing the Common Craft videos. They make the technology easy to understand for those of us 'challenged' individuals. It was quite easy to sign up for an account and begin searching Twitter.
I signed up to follow Connie Crosby, Jessamyn West and NLC News. I also viewed all of the NLC that is in charge of this project, except for Allana because she was blocked. I searched Twitter using a variety of topics I thought could be popular. Some of the things I looked up include: Kearney Nebraska, Nebraska Cornhuskers, Grey's Anatomy, and ice cream. I didn't really find as much as I thought I would on Kearney. Ice cream was kind of fun. I learned one particular woman was watching the Biggest Loser and eating a big bowl of ice cream. Sounds like we would get along well.
I can't see myself using this technology much at all - at least this point in my life. I did see some positive possibilities though. Twitter could be used to alert patrons about closings for a holiday, weather or emergency. We could also send messages to people when our server is down and the Internet is not working or when the lab is reserved for a group presentation (neither of these happen often, so it would be useful). It could be used as a reminder for events happening at the library - professional storytellers, concerts, summer reading kickoff, Friends meetings, etc.
Personally, it could be useful to me when on a vacation. We could keep family current on where we are and what we have visited, those types of things. We have also had to cancel Girl Scout meetings, practices, etc. in the past that could have been sent to parents through Twitter. It would be easier to send a text to their phone vs. trying to call everyone.
For now though, I don't really see myself using Twitter.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Thing 12
What a cool site!
I chose to create a list of books that I have on hold or am currently reading.
http://www.librarything.com/catalog.php?view=slindner&shelf=shelf
I love the cover view much better than the list. I like the uniform look to the page. I would love to be able to share book titles and thoughts with my friends that are readers. What a fun way to give each other ideas for good books!
Also on a personal level, this could really help me keep track of the books my husband has read. He reads a lot and I am getting to the point where I can't remember what he has read. We could create a page for him and keep track.
I can see a lot of possibilities with this page. I could use the list to keep track of the books I am wishing to read at some point. It would be a great visual reminder of all of the titles I think sound interesting when I order them or when I see them on a list somewhere. Unfortunately, I am really bad about remembering titles, so this would be awesome!
It would be useful to create a group for book discussions during summer reading or other library programs. It may work for the Golden Sower readers lists as well. I have recently taken over the Primary and Intermediate lists. This could be an additional tool that could be used - at least for my own use. We will see. I imagine book groups use this site a lot, if they are aware of it. I will share this site with the person in our library that hosts the book club festival. Then the information can be passed along to the book groups we know about. It would also be fun to have a staff reads page. Each staff member could contribute their favorite title to create a reading list with a lot of variety.
I think Library Thing has been one of the most beneficial discoveries for me so far (as far as use at the library). Can't wait to see what comes next!
I chose to create a list of books that I have on hold or am currently reading.
http://www.librarything.com/catalog.php?view=slindner&shelf=shelf
I love the cover view much better than the list. I like the uniform look to the page. I would love to be able to share book titles and thoughts with my friends that are readers. What a fun way to give each other ideas for good books!
Also on a personal level, this could really help me keep track of the books my husband has read. He reads a lot and I am getting to the point where I can't remember what he has read. We could create a page for him and keep track.
I can see a lot of possibilities with this page. I could use the list to keep track of the books I am wishing to read at some point. It would be a great visual reminder of all of the titles I think sound interesting when I order them or when I see them on a list somewhere. Unfortunately, I am really bad about remembering titles, so this would be awesome!
It would be useful to create a group for book discussions during summer reading or other library programs. It may work for the Golden Sower readers lists as well. I have recently taken over the Primary and Intermediate lists. This could be an additional tool that could be used - at least for my own use. We will see. I imagine book groups use this site a lot, if they are aware of it. I will share this site with the person in our library that hosts the book club festival. Then the information can be passed along to the book groups we know about. It would also be fun to have a staff reads page. Each staff member could contribute their favorite title to create a reading list with a lot of variety.
I think Library Thing has been one of the most beneficial discoveries for me so far (as far as use at the library). Can't wait to see what comes next!
Thing 11
Technology -
well first of all...yippeee! My photos finally appeared on Flickr today! 10 days later! I was getting worried I had done something wrong or had missed a step. I have shared Flickr with others and think I may use it in the future.
Technology, I love it and I hate it and I am scared of it and I am amazed by it. I love to play the Wii with my family. What an invention! I watch the kids play and it is so amazing that this little device knows what your body is doing and it is amazing how you can check your posture using the Wii Fit. Wow!- have games come a long way since my Nintendo Duck Hunt game and Kings of the Beach (which I still have!).
It also amazes me that I can create this message on the computer, hit publish, the message flies through the air and ta-daaaaa it is on a webpage somewhere. Or sending e-mails to friends and family. So much cheaper than a stamp. It is mind-boggling. Who would have thought? I am so glad at least a couple of my Grandparents were lucky enough to experience this.
I do worry about keeping up with technology. That is why I am participating in this project. I have three young children and work with children all day - most of which probably know way more than I do about technology. But hey, I am a librarian and I have ways to find the answers I am looking for! (Nebraska 2.0) What scares me is that I am not really old and things have changed so fast. My daughter received an MP3 player for Christmas, so I am going to learn how to put music on her player. I know I can do it! :)
What I can't imagine, it doing my job without technology. To serve this number of people, with all of their checkouts, questions, etc. I can't begin to imagine what it would be like if we weren't automated! Oh My! And, how many times do we use the Internet in a day to help patrons find information as simple as a phone number, a persons date of birth, on and on.
We have a computer lab in our library that is nearly full if not full most of the day. This is an excellent service we provide. So many can't afford Internet at home or they come to library to use the lab so they can be around others. People can use databases to fix their cars, look up family, practice a test, so much information. I can't even begin to imagine what will be available to my children when they are my age.
I have a few projects I would like to learn how to do on the web, with the main one being creating DVD's like you see at weddings and graduations where they insert photos and set them to music. I'm sure to most, this sounds so basic. For me...an adventure!
well first of all...yippeee! My photos finally appeared on Flickr today! 10 days later! I was getting worried I had done something wrong or had missed a step. I have shared Flickr with others and think I may use it in the future.
Technology, I love it and I hate it and I am scared of it and I am amazed by it. I love to play the Wii with my family. What an invention! I watch the kids play and it is so amazing that this little device knows what your body is doing and it is amazing how you can check your posture using the Wii Fit. Wow!- have games come a long way since my Nintendo Duck Hunt game and Kings of the Beach (which I still have!).
It also amazes me that I can create this message on the computer, hit publish, the message flies through the air and ta-daaaaa it is on a webpage somewhere. Or sending e-mails to friends and family. So much cheaper than a stamp. It is mind-boggling. Who would have thought? I am so glad at least a couple of my Grandparents were lucky enough to experience this.
I do worry about keeping up with technology. That is why I am participating in this project. I have three young children and work with children all day - most of which probably know way more than I do about technology. But hey, I am a librarian and I have ways to find the answers I am looking for! (Nebraska 2.0) What scares me is that I am not really old and things have changed so fast. My daughter received an MP3 player for Christmas, so I am going to learn how to put music on her player. I know I can do it! :)
What I can't imagine, it doing my job without technology. To serve this number of people, with all of their checkouts, questions, etc. I can't begin to imagine what it would be like if we weren't automated! Oh My! And, how many times do we use the Internet in a day to help patrons find information as simple as a phone number, a persons date of birth, on and on.
We have a computer lab in our library that is nearly full if not full most of the day. This is an excellent service we provide. So many can't afford Internet at home or they come to library to use the lab so they can be around others. People can use databases to fix their cars, look up family, practice a test, so much information. I can't even begin to imagine what will be available to my children when they are my age.
I have a few projects I would like to learn how to do on the web, with the main one being creating DVD's like you see at weddings and graduations where they insert photos and set them to music. I'm sure to most, this sounds so basic. For me...an adventure!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Thing 10
Poster - Rain
Originally uploaded by bksrgr8read
I liked the FD's Flickr Toys page a lot! Unfortunately I think I could spend tons and tons of time messing around in it. I worry about remembering where all of this is. I am going to go back in to the site and create some other things. It has been fun sharing the info with another lady I work with. She is excited to go home and try.
I could see making posters for the library with these tools. They would be real catchy or even printing posters to hang on the wall. I really had no idea things like this were on the Internet. I am not a person that likes to sit on the computer for long. But, I can see how this portion of the training could make me use the Internet a bit more. I can see sharing photos with family using these tools. They would enjoy it.
Thing 10 - again
Whoops! I forgot to add the link of the site where I made the poster.
http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/motivator.php
http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/motivator.php
Thing 9
I spent a good deal of time trying the Flickr web applications and tools. I would try something and then share my results with a coworker. She thought it was fun and is interested in trying. At this point, I can't think of anything I will use the applications for that are work related. I usually have to ponder something a bit and then an idea comes to mind.
Flickrvision was entertaining. I could see how it could be interesting to sit and watch. It amazes me to think that people are posting these photos as we speak - from all around the world! Technology is amazing. I enjoyed watching the photos pop up and seeing where they were from.
Flickr Color Pickr (fun to say out loud!) was entertaining to me as well. It also amazed me that you can select a color from the wheel and in return many photographs would be displayed. Fun!
Montagr wasn't really my cup of tea. I spent very little time on it.
Spell with Flickr was pretty cool. I have a coworker that has her last name spelled out that way with photographs taken in our community. I tried a variety of names to see what they would look like. This could be useful in making handouts or brochures for programming.
Out of the extra web applications, I had the most fun with Bubblr and Dumpr. Again, not really sure of how they will be used at work. But, now when a patron asks, do you know where you can go to put bubbles on a photo, etc. I can answer them with confidence!
Flickrvision was entertaining. I could see how it could be interesting to sit and watch. It amazes me to think that people are posting these photos as we speak - from all around the world! Technology is amazing. I enjoyed watching the photos pop up and seeing where they were from.
Flickr Color Pickr (fun to say out loud!) was entertaining to me as well. It also amazed me that you can select a color from the wheel and in return many photographs would be displayed. Fun!
Montagr wasn't really my cup of tea. I spent very little time on it.
Spell with Flickr was pretty cool. I have a coworker that has her last name spelled out that way with photographs taken in our community. I tried a variety of names to see what they would look like. This could be useful in making handouts or brochures for programming.
Out of the extra web applications, I had the most fun with Bubblr and Dumpr. Again, not really sure of how they will be used at work. But, now when a patron asks, do you know where you can go to put bubbles on a photo, etc. I can answer them with confidence!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Thing 8
I attempted Option 2. I thought Flickr looked like fun and could be something I would use for my photos with my family, etc. I uploaded two photos from events we have had at the library. I can't seem to make them "appear" on Flickr as a whole. I really don't know if that makes sense. They are on my Flickr page, marked as public, but I can't find them when I search for them. I have used the title and tags (NELearns2.0, dog, beagle, bloodhound). I read others posts that their photos didn't appear right away. Maybe that is the case.
I used Flickr's blogging tool to upload a photo to my blog. That was easy!
I enjoyed playing around with the photo editing tools. It was interesting to try the different methods of altering the photographs. Could be a lot of fun with family photos.
I am not sure how I would use this at the library at this time. We are planning an expansion in the somewhat near future. I think it could be fun to document the various stages of construction. Our webpage is controlled/created by the city. We don't really have the opportunity to load photos on to the webpage.
This was a fun one. I will check back to see if my photos magically appear in a day or so. Otherwise I will have to investigate more.
I used Flickr's blogging tool to upload a photo to my blog. That was easy!
I enjoyed playing around with the photo editing tools. It was interesting to try the different methods of altering the photographs. Could be a lot of fun with family photos.
I am not sure how I would use this at the library at this time. We are planning an expansion in the somewhat near future. I think it could be fun to document the various stages of construction. Our webpage is controlled/created by the city. We don't really have the opportunity to load photos on to the webpage.
This was a fun one. I will check back to see if my photos magically appear in a day or so. Otherwise I will have to investigate more.
How can you say no to this face
How can you say no to this face
Originally uploaded by bksrgr8read
This is one of the photos I have uploaded to Flickr. Not my dog, but isn't she a cutie???
Thing 7
I spent time trying the search tools to help find feeds. The easiest was Google Blog search. I seemed to have the most luck with this site. I also thought the Topix.net was interesting. It was nice being able to type in a variety of communities and seeing the news there.
I didn't really care for Syndic8 or Technorati. The pages seemed overwhelming to me. Maybe is was because I am new at this.
I did add a few more feeds that fit my interests both personally and professionally.
-Rachael Ray
-Split Coast Stampers
-Huskers
-School Library Journal
-Girl Scouts of America
I think if/when I add more to my list, I will probably just search for my favorite websites or magazines and go from there. If I am looking for something that I am not sure exists, my first choice would be the Google search.
I can see how the feeds would be useful when announcements are made about upcoming book releases, etc. I think I will delete the fun sites and then use the library related sites as needed.
I didn't really care for Syndic8 or Technorati. The pages seemed overwhelming to me. Maybe is was because I am new at this.
I did add a few more feeds that fit my interests both personally and professionally.
-Rachael Ray
-Split Coast Stampers
-Huskers
-School Library Journal
-Girl Scouts of America
I think if/when I add more to my list, I will probably just search for my favorite websites or magazines and go from there. If I am looking for something that I am not sure exists, my first choice would be the Google search.
I can see how the feeds would be useful when announcements are made about upcoming book releases, etc. I think I will delete the fun sites and then use the library related sites as needed.
Thing 6
I am temporarily bypassing Thing 5. It is Saturday the 3rd. I finally have a bit of time to continue working on this project. Wow - isn't life hectic! anyway, beings that it is "Christmas Vacation" I didn't think I would be able to catch any of the staff IMing today. I will take a step back this week and complete Thing 5. Hope that is OK?
I learned a bit about RSS feeds today. I had a brief intro a couple weeks ago when the IT staff came over and updated my lotus notes. It seemed pretty easy when Dave showed my how. Well... I guess I must not have paid too close of attention. Although not as easy as he made it look, it really wasn't too bad.
I chose to subscribe to two librarian related feeds (Publisher's Weekly and Library Stuff) and for fun I chose (NASCAR and Simply recipes). I think it is a great idea having the information coming to you vs. looking for the information you need. I don't spend a lot of time at work surfing (obviously) but could see how some of these feeds would be fun to get at home. I am sure my husband would LOVE the Husker feed as well as others. Like the tutorial said, why have all of the ads, etc. when you can get the story sent directly to you.
This is something I may actually use! I doubted it when I started, but think it would work. I will be deleting the 'fun' links from my feed soon after this (so I don't get into trouble at work :) but will probably resubscribe on my home computer under another email address.
I learned a bit about RSS feeds today. I had a brief intro a couple weeks ago when the IT staff came over and updated my lotus notes. It seemed pretty easy when Dave showed my how. Well... I guess I must not have paid too close of attention. Although not as easy as he made it look, it really wasn't too bad.
I chose to subscribe to two librarian related feeds (Publisher's Weekly and Library Stuff) and for fun I chose (NASCAR and Simply recipes). I think it is a great idea having the information coming to you vs. looking for the information you need. I don't spend a lot of time at work surfing (obviously) but could see how some of these feeds would be fun to get at home. I am sure my husband would LOVE the Husker feed as well as others. Like the tutorial said, why have all of the ads, etc. when you can get the story sent directly to you.
This is something I may actually use! I doubted it when I started, but think it would work. I will be deleting the 'fun' links from my feed soon after this (so I don't get into trouble at work :) but will probably resubscribe on my home computer under another email address.
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