Since completing the 23 Things, learning about Web 2.0, I have scheduled myself for additional self-training activities. One website to keep me moving in this direction is Learning 2.1 that has been created "to support on-going discovery and learning of web 2.0 technologies." Another good website to test what's happening with new web tools is the Web 2.0 Directory.
This year I attended two days at the Internet Librarian Conference in Monterey. On Sunday, October 28th, I joined a morning session entitled "Wikis: Basics, Tools & Strategies." I came away feeling inspired and wanting to set up a trial wiki. I have yet to decide it's purpose. But when I do get focused, I'll report my experience.
That afternoon I sat in on "Tips for Effective Technology Change Agents." It did not take me too long to realize that my goal (to keep myself moving forward) was not really the focus of this session. The people were primarily seeking ways to bring change to their organization, and this was often viewed as fighting the inertia of organizations and resistance in people. However, the presenter (Roy Tennant) did have some tips that I can use in my own growth: 1) remember to visit Steven Bell's Keeping Up page* ; 2) read as often as possible in blogs, magazines and journals, and explore new websites; 3) take courses online or on site; 4) sign up for RSS updates and mailing lists. Mr. Tennant also believes in surfing in a rapid browsing mode. He used an acronym for it: SIFT. Scan (surf and skim), Investigate, Filter, Target. He also has a philosophy that it is better to learn "just in time" rather than "just in case" since things change so rapidly. In other words, it is better to wait until you need some feature or product, and then search for it and learn as you use it for what you need at that time. Learning a lot of online things "just in case" you might need them may be in vain. So, I ask myself, what about all this exploring I have planned for myself? It seems I must find a compromise -- because I do want to discover what's out there, "in case" I might find something useful to make my everyday work more efficient!
Mr. Tennant also suggested Tech Soup as a bargain resource non profit organizations. Visit the site and read: TechSoup Stock connects nonprofits and public libraries with donated and discounted technology products. Choose from over 240 products from companies such as Microsoft, Adobe, and Symantec. He also recommended using free and open source tools and applications whenever possible to make one's budget stretch. He added the following suggestions for creating agile organizations:
1) Use standing committees for communication.
2) Create task forces to accomplish work.
3) Use the best people for the job.
4) Reward innovation.
5) Punish loitering. (?) (I prefer re-tasking rather than punishing.)
6) Take risks.
7) Invest in infrastructure.
8) Invest in your staff. (This is what I mean by re-tasking or re-matching assignments to talents.)
An interesting approach to implementing change is to first find common purpose and goals between the public services department and the technical services unit, and then when they are in tandem, approach administration.
On Monday, October 29th, I attended a number of 45 minute sessions. My favorite, as is usual each year, was "A Super Searcher Shares 30 Search Tips." Some of the rest of the sessions have melded into a blur, but I did take notes on my laptop. (There are increasing numbers of attendees bringing laptops to sessions every year.) So, when I review those I will add to my Internet Librarian commentary in another blog entry.
*NOTE: Stephen Bell has discontinued regular postings to his "keeping up" website; however, you may follow him on Twitter for his occasional updates on new resources at http://www.twitter.com/blendedlib [17SEPT2010]
Friday, November 16, 2007
Sunday, October 14, 2007
At Last the Finish Line
Finally I have completed my 23 Things! It has been a great journey and I am grateful the challenge kept me in the mix, even though there were times I felt time-constricted. Self-discipline is always the "rub" where my lifelong education is concerned. I will never be on the cutting edge of new technology nor a master of it, but a steady exposure each week to even one new skill is a good idea if I don't want to "rust" even in the midst of active reference desk duty! In other words, keeping up sometimes feels like falling behind less than yesterday. Below I describe my last tasks in this particular learning cycle.
Number 18. Online Productivity Tools
For some time I have been interested in finding a way to make daily work more organized via my computer. I had been considering my Google page as a potential work central station! and added a calendar, notebook, sticky-notes, and and a to-do list on that page, along with weather info and some other useful gadgets. In my toolbars I have oft-used tools at hand. When I learned that Google was promoting an online word processing application I was intrigued. I have created a test document in GoogleDocs and I selected the "publish" option so others can view it, which is done by making the link available as I have done here. There are other options: one is to allow others not only to view but to collaborate and actively edit the document; and there is the choice to keep it private by using neither the "share" nor the "publish" options.
Number 19. My Maps on Google Maps
I have used various online mapping for a long time. I like both MapQuest and MapBlast. They were my first experiences and I have a natural level of comfort with them. The "get directions" feature is helpful when planning trips, and for determining the mileage and travel time between locales.
Using Google Maps/My Maps I created a map for the San Luis Obispo City-County Library with a description and a photo which I took with my digital camera.
I struggled quite some time getting things correct in my Google map. What started out seemingly easy became difficult as I had problems moving with ease between maps and photos. Either my laptop is suffering from low processing capacity or I encountered sluggish Internet access -- or just a quirky Google application. Most of Google's applications are user-friendly, but I think Google Maps needs some additional work. I eventually got the photo loaded and displayed on the street map. But I would like to have shared the map in this post with the photo embedded. But when I attempted to use Google Map's embedding feature, a message popped up saying that it was not available for the map I had built.
Number 20. YouTube
Originally I considered YouTube an amateur talent showcase or a posting site for home video users, with a "MySpace" flavor. But during the last couple of months I've discovered that YouTube is a marvelous reservoir of information and instructional resources. I have used it to research candidates running for office and catch speeches and interviews I missed. Some of the instructional videos I've enjoyed include Chinese Ink Painting and an introduction to French.
Number 21. Podcasts
Locating podcasts is easy using directories such as Podcast Net and Podcast Directory that provide category collections, and Podcast Alley that features the most popular podcasts voted on by viewers. Apple, Yahoo, NPR, CNN and other media networks provide podcasts.
Podcasts are a growing technology used by most sites that want to dispense music and information, "including software, updates, pictures and videos," according to David Berlind of CDNetNews.
Information on creating podcasts is easily found too. PodCast411 includes tutorials and software information and a podcast search feature that provides a drop-down menu for category search. In addition it includes a forum.
Number 22. Sharing My Web 2.0 Learning
I showed one of my colleagues several of the 23 Things tasks. We looked at Rollyo and several online image generators and LibraryThing. Our experience with Rollyo was similar to my first experiences -- it was balky and slow and the results did not seem any more useful than if we had performed a Google search. Exploring image generators is always like stumbling into a playground. I gave my colleague a copy of my 23 Things list and she started exploring some of the tasks independently.
Number 23: Summary of my experience.
It has been a worthwhile journey to take the 23 Things challenge, and it definitely has been challenging in both skill and time. I often relied upon weekends and evenings since they were free of work demands and interruptions. But if I am going to keep current I'll need to find a way to explore new tools daily while on the job.
The things I found especially useful and fun include Del.icio.us, GoogleDocs, image generators, LibraryThing, and YouTube and blogging, although both of the latter were a part of my life prior to this project. On the other hand I had explored Del.icio.us before but never quite got the hang of it until taking an InfoPeople Web 2.0 class. Spending an afternoon away from work and focusing only on a few Web 2.0 tools gave me the opportunity to appreciate Del.icio.us. Now, Technorati? I need to re-visit Technorati to recall how it is used. I have yet to unravel the specific uses of the numerous tagging and tracking tools available and comparing their uses. And I still am puzzling over how I would want to use Twitter or bother recording my daily tasks their for others to see, versus keeping a daily notebook for example.
Browsing for some insight into the wisdom of others using online tools, I came across an article by Lorelle VanFossen that describes the judicious use of tagging, and the focus of the different tools. She writes: Digg specializes only in articles dealing with technological issues and products like hi-tech, blogging, Internet, web, computers, space, music, video, and cell. Technorati and Del.icio.us cover a wide spectrum, as does Spurl, Furl, Bloglines, and others, though the most popular topics tend to cover technology, current events, and politics. Slashdot has several categories of subjects, but they also tend to cover technology for the most part.
Another of the social bookmarks that has not gained as much popularity as some mentioned here is Connectedy. Some time back I selected it for building and sharing our central library's reference bookmarks with our other 15 branches. It has been useful, however one of the other tools may be better; and this is one of the challenges of Web 2.0 -- finding the most applicable tool.
I have noticed that many of the librarians who participated in the 23 Things have gone on to other challenges already... I'm not as speedy, but I'm on my way! I want to thank InfoPeople for offering Web 2.0 introductory classes, as well as incentives to keep me motivated and challenged.
Number 18. Online Productivity Tools
For some time I have been interested in finding a way to make daily work more organized via my computer. I had been considering my Google page as a potential work central station! and added a calendar, notebook, sticky-notes, and and a to-do list on that page, along with weather info and some other useful gadgets. In my toolbars I have oft-used tools at hand. When I learned that Google was promoting an online word processing application I was intrigued. I have created a test document in GoogleDocs and I selected the "publish" option so others can view it, which is done by making the link available as I have done here. There are other options: one is to allow others not only to view but to collaborate and actively edit the document; and there is the choice to keep it private by using neither the "share" nor the "publish" options.
Number 19. My Maps on Google Maps
I have used various online mapping for a long time. I like both MapQuest and MapBlast. They were my first experiences and I have a natural level of comfort with them. The "get directions" feature is helpful when planning trips, and for determining the mileage and travel time between locales.
Using Google Maps/My Maps I created a map for the San Luis Obispo City-County Library with a description and a photo which I took with my digital camera.
I struggled quite some time getting things correct in my Google map. What started out seemingly easy became difficult as I had problems moving with ease between maps and photos. Either my laptop is suffering from low processing capacity or I encountered sluggish Internet access -- or just a quirky Google application. Most of Google's applications are user-friendly, but I think Google Maps needs some additional work. I eventually got the photo loaded and displayed on the street map. But I would like to have shared the map in this post with the photo embedded. But when I attempted to use Google Map's embedding feature, a message popped up saying that it was not available for the map I had built.
Number 20. YouTube
Originally I considered YouTube an amateur talent showcase or a posting site for home video users, with a "MySpace" flavor. But during the last couple of months I've discovered that YouTube is a marvelous reservoir of information and instructional resources. I have used it to research candidates running for office and catch speeches and interviews I missed. Some of the instructional videos I've enjoyed include Chinese Ink Painting and an introduction to French.
Number 21. Podcasts
Locating podcasts is easy using directories such as Podcast Net and Podcast Directory that provide category collections, and Podcast Alley that features the most popular podcasts voted on by viewers. Apple, Yahoo, NPR, CNN and other media networks provide podcasts.
Podcasts are a growing technology used by most sites that want to dispense music and information, "including software, updates, pictures and videos," according to David Berlind of CDNetNews.
Information on creating podcasts is easily found too. PodCast411 includes tutorials and software information and a podcast search feature that provides a drop-down menu for category search. In addition it includes a forum.
Number 22. Sharing My Web 2.0 Learning
I showed one of my colleagues several of the 23 Things tasks. We looked at Rollyo and several online image generators and LibraryThing. Our experience with Rollyo was similar to my first experiences -- it was balky and slow and the results did not seem any more useful than if we had performed a Google search. Exploring image generators is always like stumbling into a playground. I gave my colleague a copy of my 23 Things list and she started exploring some of the tasks independently.
Number 23: Summary of my experience.
It has been a worthwhile journey to take the 23 Things challenge, and it definitely has been challenging in both skill and time. I often relied upon weekends and evenings since they were free of work demands and interruptions. But if I am going to keep current I'll need to find a way to explore new tools daily while on the job.
The things I found especially useful and fun include Del.icio.us, GoogleDocs, image generators, LibraryThing, and YouTube and blogging, although both of the latter were a part of my life prior to this project. On the other hand I had explored Del.icio.us before but never quite got the hang of it until taking an InfoPeople Web 2.0 class. Spending an afternoon away from work and focusing only on a few Web 2.0 tools gave me the opportunity to appreciate Del.icio.us. Now, Technorati? I need to re-visit Technorati to recall how it is used. I have yet to unravel the specific uses of the numerous tagging and tracking tools available and comparing their uses. And I still am puzzling over how I would want to use Twitter or bother recording my daily tasks their for others to see, versus keeping a daily notebook for example.
Browsing for some insight into the wisdom of others using online tools, I came across an article by Lorelle VanFossen that describes the judicious use of tagging, and the focus of the different tools. She writes: Digg specializes only in articles dealing with technological issues and products like hi-tech, blogging, Internet, web, computers, space, music, video, and cell. Technorati and Del.icio.us cover a wide spectrum, as does Spurl, Furl, Bloglines, and others, though the most popular topics tend to cover technology, current events, and politics. Slashdot has several categories of subjects, but they also tend to cover technology for the most part.
Another of the social bookmarks that has not gained as much popularity as some mentioned here is Connectedy. Some time back I selected it for building and sharing our central library's reference bookmarks with our other 15 branches. It has been useful, however one of the other tools may be better; and this is one of the challenges of Web 2.0 -- finding the most applicable tool.
I have noticed that many of the librarians who participated in the 23 Things have gone on to other challenges already... I'm not as speedy, but I'm on my way! I want to thank InfoPeople for offering Web 2.0 introductory classes, as well as incentives to keep me motivated and challenged.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Learning More about Web 2.0 and Wikis
Continuing with my work on The 23 Things, I have been learning more about the different definitions librarians hold about Library 2.0. I also learned more about Wikis and completed the task of performing one edit on InfoPeople's Our 23 Web 2.0 Things wiki.
I also found a good resource for looking at new Web technology in use in other libraries. Innovative Internet Applications lists a variety of purposes or categories of service, in which new applications are being implemented to serve library users in appealing ways.
Number 15.
I read the Wikipedia article on Web 2.0 and the article called Library 2.0 and "Library 2.0" [PDF file] by Walt Crawford. I was impressed with the amount of research done by Mr. Crawford on this topic, and I felt somewhat overwhelmed with all the many viewpoints and definitions of Web 2.0, Library 2.0, and "Library 2.0" in quotes, presented as having distinct connotations. I do agree with Crawford that what he calls "the bandwagon Library 2.0" is a bit of hype and overemphasizes the many web utilities that facilitate interactivity and social exchange.
I think of Library 2.0 as simply applying some of the more useful Web 2.0 utilities that work well with our other Library platforms. Whenever the patron can interact at a greater level with our OPAC and databases, and provide feedback such as book & media purchase suggestions, write reviews, and communicate with staff or post comments on a community blog, it is worthy of our attention. Program modules that increase the public's sense of participation, while blending as seamlessly as possible with our technology platform, increase the library's usefulness and relevance to library users. In summary, I think many of the Web 2.0 applications are fun as well as effective tools; others are marginally useful. Where we can apply them to make the experience of using the library more efficient and pleasant, we should do so.
Number 16.
The Wiki I am most familiar with of course is Wikipedia. I often turn to the Wikipedia for ready reference, noting whether the references and sources are verified or still awaiting confirmation. This type of editing software is an excellent example of a Web 2.0 utility that has become very popular. It allows users to create and edit content in a Web page and allows for collaboration on a project by unlimited numbers of people -- or by selected membership. I can envision wikis being especially useful in building community resources, reference and local history information.
In my exploration of wikis I discovered that there is a competitor to Wikipedia being built, called Citizendium. I'm not immediately impressed with the name; but the purpose and extra attention to authenticity and validation of entries is commendable.
Number 17.
I visited the InfoPeople's wiki and tried my hand at editing a segment under the section "Moving Libraries Forward." Scroll down to the bottom of the page and you can see my entry entitled Library Services to Teens -- Best Practices.
I also found a good resource for looking at new Web technology in use in other libraries. Innovative Internet Applications lists a variety of purposes or categories of service, in which new applications are being implemented to serve library users in appealing ways.
Number 15.
I read the Wikipedia article on Web 2.0 and the article called Library 2.0 and "Library 2.0" [PDF file] by Walt Crawford. I was impressed with the amount of research done by Mr. Crawford on this topic, and I felt somewhat overwhelmed with all the many viewpoints and definitions of Web 2.0, Library 2.0, and "Library 2.0" in quotes, presented as having distinct connotations. I do agree with Crawford that what he calls "the bandwagon Library 2.0" is a bit of hype and overemphasizes the many web utilities that facilitate interactivity and social exchange.
I think of Library 2.0 as simply applying some of the more useful Web 2.0 utilities that work well with our other Library platforms. Whenever the patron can interact at a greater level with our OPAC and databases, and provide feedback such as book & media purchase suggestions, write reviews, and communicate with staff or post comments on a community blog, it is worthy of our attention. Program modules that increase the public's sense of participation, while blending as seamlessly as possible with our technology platform, increase the library's usefulness and relevance to library users. In summary, I think many of the Web 2.0 applications are fun as well as effective tools; others are marginally useful. Where we can apply them to make the experience of using the library more efficient and pleasant, we should do so.
Number 16.
The Wiki I am most familiar with of course is Wikipedia. I often turn to the Wikipedia for ready reference, noting whether the references and sources are verified or still awaiting confirmation. This type of editing software is an excellent example of a Web 2.0 utility that has become very popular. It allows users to create and edit content in a Web page and allows for collaboration on a project by unlimited numbers of people -- or by selected membership. I can envision wikis being especially useful in building community resources, reference and local history information.
In my exploration of wikis I discovered that there is a competitor to Wikipedia being built, called Citizendium. I'm not immediately impressed with the name; but the purpose and extra attention to authenticity and validation of entries is commendable.
Number 17.
I visited the InfoPeople's wiki and tried my hand at editing a segment under the section "Moving Libraries Forward." Scroll down to the bottom of the page and you can see my entry entitled Library Services to Teens -- Best Practices.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Exploring Rollyo, Del.icio.us, and Technorati
After a break from working on the 23-Things project and a vacation, I am back, determined to accomplish the "Challenge" by the October 19th deadline!
This session I explored Rollyo, Del.icio.us, and Technorati.
Number 12.
At the Rollyo website you can "roll your own" search engine. I decided to lump together a number of dictionaries and thesaui into a special search engine. After I selected its name, "Word Search", I visited a number of websites such as Your Dictionary, Urban Dictionary, Ask Oxford, Bartleby, and others. I copied their URLs and pasted them into the Rollyo customizer search. After the search was generated, I had the option to add it to my Firefox search tool. I tested the search several times and have only one complaint -- it seemed slow to me. But, whether this is due to a temporary problem with my cable provider or the tool itself, time will tell.
Number 13.
I have been a registrant at Del.icio.us since attending an InfoPeople workshop on June 15th this year. Del.icio.us is a social bookmarking tool. It includes a button tag feature on my web browser making it easy to add and tag web pages I want to save. As I bookmark websites that I want to remember, I add tag words as keys by which I can later retrieve the websites. In addition, a search option or a browsing list of popular tags on the Del.icio.us home page may be selected by any Internet user retrieving lists of websites. It is one way to share with others what websites you use, and likewise discover and explore sites others use.
Number 14.
Technorati is a dynamic website to visit when you want to find out what is happening online -- what Internet users are writing and doing with interactive web tools. Technorati's focus is on blogs, but it also is used for what the Technorati site refers to as "citizen media" covering photos, videos, voting and other forms of user-generated media. On the home page you can watch as posts are updated and scroll live onto their site. You can also search for popular topics or submit a search. I did a search on Libraries 2.0 and received results on 180 blogs. The first three were "Tame the Web", "The Shifted Librarian", and "What I Learned Today" (Web2Learning.net). People can vote for their favorites, and apparently the amount of linking to a particular website is a way of measuring its authority.
I am enjoying my journey into the world of Web 2.0; and with each new website or tool explored I am impressed with the amount of activity I see. I assume most of these web users are not retired; they go to school or have jobs, and yet are still active online. I am continually amazed at the amount of social activity online.
This session I explored Rollyo, Del.icio.us, and Technorati.
Number 12.
At the Rollyo website you can "roll your own" search engine. I decided to lump together a number of dictionaries and thesaui into a special search engine. After I selected its name, "Word Search", I visited a number of websites such as Your Dictionary, Urban Dictionary, Ask Oxford, Bartleby, and others. I copied their URLs and pasted them into the Rollyo customizer search. After the search was generated, I had the option to add it to my Firefox search tool. I tested the search several times and have only one complaint -- it seemed slow to me. But, whether this is due to a temporary problem with my cable provider or the tool itself, time will tell.
Number 13.
I have been a registrant at Del.icio.us since attending an InfoPeople workshop on June 15th this year. Del.icio.us is a social bookmarking tool. It includes a button tag feature on my web browser making it easy to add and tag web pages I want to save. As I bookmark websites that I want to remember, I add tag words as keys by which I can later retrieve the websites. In addition, a search option or a browsing list of popular tags on the Del.icio.us home page may be selected by any Internet user retrieving lists of websites. It is one way to share with others what websites you use, and likewise discover and explore sites others use.
Number 14.
Technorati is a dynamic website to visit when you want to find out what is happening online -- what Internet users are writing and doing with interactive web tools. Technorati's focus is on blogs, but it also is used for what the Technorati site refers to as "citizen media" covering photos, videos, voting and other forms of user-generated media. On the home page you can watch as posts are updated and scroll live onto their site. You can also search for popular topics or submit a search. I did a search on Libraries 2.0 and received results on 180 blogs. The first three were "Tame the Web", "The Shifted Librarian", and "What I Learned Today" (Web2Learning.net). People can vote for their favorites, and apparently the amount of linking to a particular website is a way of measuring its authority.
I am enjoying my journey into the world of Web 2.0; and with each new website or tool explored I am impressed with the amount of activity I see. I assume most of these web users are not retired; they go to school or have jobs, and yet are still active online. I am continually amazed at the amount of social activity online.
Monday, August 06, 2007
Three More Steps
I am continuing my journey on the InfoPeople's Web 2.0 Challenge 23Things. Today I am writing about my experiences with twitter (an online text chatter), playing with image generators, and organizing some of my personal books at Library Thing.
Number 9.
I signed up last week for a twitter account. We are asked how we could use it if linked to a library website. I did not remember to use it this week, except for the two times I specifically set aside to work on this 23Things project! So, I am afraid that I did not discover a particularly indispensable need for it! Could it be used by staff members, sharing what projects they are working on? I am wondering what the other participants have suggested, because I am finding it challenging to imagine how a link from our website to twitter would be convenient. Apparently you need to have a link to twitter available (like an icon in your browser toolbar) to access quickly to post what you are doing, and to view what others are doing or communicate with others on projects. It may be very useful, and I am opening to hearing what others say about how they have applied it in their work day.
Number 10.
Image Generators
As I began exploring image generators I recognized some types of tools I've used before, such as calendar generators and sign generators. I found an e-mail icon generator where you can enter your e-mail address for a customized mail-host graphic. I tried it with my gmail account:
This is the raw image and if I want to use it on a blog I would want to set it up to open a webmail application or text response frame.
I looked at three color palette generatorlinks; I like the one called Color Schemer Online v2 . This is a very useful tool to select a palette of colors for any project -- creating a poster or flyer, or decorating a room or selecting wardrobe combinations.
At Text2Logo I played around with a phrase, "Ask Here!" on several backgrounds. This is an example:
I found a place where you can you can make your own virtual post-it notes. Here's a reminder for me:
The Image Generators exercise was a bit frustrating because many of the widgets act in a quirky way. Sometimes I would get bumped out or find a number of pop-ups had downloaded and slowed my computer's response time.
Number 11.
At Library Thing I found it easy and fun to "catalog" four books I had lying around. You can search Amazon or the Library of Congress (or 78 other catalogs around the world!) by various options such as author, title, and ISBN. I guess it is because of the librarian in me that I chose to search using the ISBN in the LC database. I like the fact that I can add tags such as subjects or genres to later search my collection. It was so simple that I think I will use it to organize my home collection. It was a snap!
OO/Gwen
Number 9.
I signed up last week for a twitter account. We are asked how we could use it if linked to a library website. I did not remember to use it this week, except for the two times I specifically set aside to work on this 23Things project! So, I am afraid that I did not discover a particularly indispensable need for it! Could it be used by staff members, sharing what projects they are working on? I am wondering what the other participants have suggested, because I am finding it challenging to imagine how a link from our website to twitter would be convenient. Apparently you need to have a link to twitter available (like an icon in your browser toolbar) to access quickly to post what you are doing, and to view what others are doing or communicate with others on projects. It may be very useful, and I am opening to hearing what others say about how they have applied it in their work day.
Number 10.
Image Generators
As I began exploring image generators I recognized some types of tools I've used before, such as calendar generators and sign generators. I found an e-mail icon generator where you can enter your e-mail address for a customized mail-host graphic. I tried it with my gmail account:
This is the raw image and if I want to use it on a blog I would want to set it up to open a webmail application or text response frame.I looked at three color palette generatorlinks; I like the one called Color Schemer Online v2 . This is a very useful tool to select a palette of colors for any project -- creating a poster or flyer, or decorating a room or selecting wardrobe combinations.
At Text2Logo I played around with a phrase, "Ask Here!" on several backgrounds. This is an example:
I found a place where you can you can make your own virtual post-it notes. Here's a reminder for me:
The Image Generators exercise was a bit frustrating because many of the widgets act in a quirky way. Sometimes I would get bumped out or find a number of pop-ups had downloaded and slowed my computer's response time.
Number 11.
At Library Thing I found it easy and fun to "catalog" four books I had lying around. You can search Amazon or the Library of Congress (or 78 other catalogs around the world!) by various options such as author, title, and ISBN. I guess it is because of the librarian in me that I chose to search using the ISBN in the LC database. I like the fact that I can add tags such as subjects or genres to later search my collection. It was so simple that I think I will use it to organize my home collection. It was a snap!
OO/Gwen
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Visiting Library Websites that Use Web 2.0
I'm slowly progressing with the InfoPeople's "Our 23 Things" challenge.
Today I'll share my experiences with Items 6, 7, and 8 :
Number 6: We are asked to visit a number of library websites that employ Web 2.0 tools.
Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenberg County
This busy library site offers a variety of innovative services including Library by Mail for $5.00 per book, and it is free to homebound patrons. Registration and requests are available online. Library card registration as well as paying of fees and fines is also available online. A note about a few other features of their site: A nice "Find it Fast" drop-down menu feature allows visitors to move quickly to a number of options such as book renewal, volunteer application, suggest a purchase, view employment opportunities, search databases, and other options.
Other drop down menus are used to locate their library locations by zipcode or by name, and allow you to set a particular library as your home location. The website also lists its many programs by category and by location, and you can subscribe to an RSS feed of any of the lists.
The library is building a group of services to offer in Teen Second Life, a 3-D online virtual world.
Ann Arbor District Library
InfoPeople described this website as one that has been built around a blog. I enjoyed its attractive, clean look. It is easy to navigate with tabs across the top and down the left column of each page. In addition to their main blog-site, they also have an audio blog, books, blog and video blog. They also highlight the new or hot items in the collection by fiction, non-fiction or media type. RSS feeds are offered for each of these lists. The visual appeal is quite nice, although it could be enhanced by adding the library's full name, Ann Arbor District Library, in the header.
Denver Public Library Podcasts
From the Denver Public Library's home page, select the link on the left entitled "DPL Downloads" to view the variety of audio-visual downloads and special applications.
They describe their podcasting feature as follows: Podcasting allows a sound file, such as an MP3 file, to be played using your web browser or by using an RSS feed to subscribe to the podcast which will automatically download the sound files to a software player like iTunes. You can then hear the podcast whenever you want from your computer or move it easily to a portable media player.
Seattle Public Library
An interesting feature of the Seattle Public Library is the option to sign up online for an hour library visit and tour, or to take an online tour. This is another library offering online library card registration. It also has an extensive calendar of events and classes; you can subscribe to the calendar. You can also sign up for a newsletter by e-mail. And, under the website's "Collections" tab you can select "Podcasts" and subscribe to podcasts of author readings and other library events.
Summary: I find the Ann Arbor District Library's integrated blog/website very nice. While our library has an I/T Department that manages the website, I expect that blogs, RSS feeds and podcasts will be implemented sometime in the future.
Numbers 7 and 8:
I have a Bloglines account and some of the feeds I have subscribed to include quite a number about words and quotes: Quotes of the Day, Word of the Day, Wordsmith, and World Wide Words newsletter. I also subscribe to The Shifted Librarian, BBC News, the Guardian Unlimited, The Official Google Blog, Reuters, Slashdot, Scientific American, and Positive News Network. Washington Post Book Reviews, Dilbert, Comedy Central Videos, Wired Top Stories... among others. And no, I rarely have time to read them! Having a page of feeds, like Bloglines, is good. Having access to the feeds on your blog webpage as a blogroll (list of blog links) or by link to my Bloglines account I think would be most convenient.
OO/Gwen
Today I'll share my experiences with Items 6, 7, and 8 :
Number 6: We are asked to visit a number of library websites that employ Web 2.0 tools.
Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenberg County
This busy library site offers a variety of innovative services including Library by Mail for $5.00 per book, and it is free to homebound patrons. Registration and requests are available online. Library card registration as well as paying of fees and fines is also available online. A note about a few other features of their site: A nice "Find it Fast" drop-down menu feature allows visitors to move quickly to a number of options such as book renewal, volunteer application, suggest a purchase, view employment opportunities, search databases, and other options.
Other drop down menus are used to locate their library locations by zipcode or by name, and allow you to set a particular library as your home location. The website also lists its many programs by category and by location, and you can subscribe to an RSS feed of any of the lists.
The library is building a group of services to offer in Teen Second Life, a 3-D online virtual world.
Ann Arbor District Library
InfoPeople described this website as one that has been built around a blog. I enjoyed its attractive, clean look. It is easy to navigate with tabs across the top and down the left column of each page. In addition to their main blog-site, they also have an audio blog, books, blog and video blog. They also highlight the new or hot items in the collection by fiction, non-fiction or media type. RSS feeds are offered for each of these lists. The visual appeal is quite nice, although it could be enhanced by adding the library's full name, Ann Arbor District Library, in the header.
Denver Public Library Podcasts
From the Denver Public Library's home page, select the link on the left entitled "DPL Downloads" to view the variety of audio-visual downloads and special applications.
They describe their podcasting feature as follows: Podcasting allows a sound file, such as an MP3 file, to be played using your web browser or by using an RSS feed to subscribe to the podcast which will automatically download the sound files to a software player like iTunes. You can then hear the podcast whenever you want from your computer or move it easily to a portable media player.
Seattle Public Library
An interesting feature of the Seattle Public Library is the option to sign up online for an hour library visit and tour, or to take an online tour. This is another library offering online library card registration. It also has an extensive calendar of events and classes; you can subscribe to the calendar. You can also sign up for a newsletter by e-mail. And, under the website's "Collections" tab you can select "Podcasts" and subscribe to podcasts of author readings and other library events.
Summary: I find the Ann Arbor District Library's integrated blog/website very nice. While our library has an I/T Department that manages the website, I expect that blogs, RSS feeds and podcasts will be implemented sometime in the future.
Numbers 7 and 8:
I have a Bloglines account and some of the feeds I have subscribed to include quite a number about words and quotes: Quotes of the Day, Word of the Day, Wordsmith, and World Wide Words newsletter. I also subscribe to The Shifted Librarian, BBC News, the Guardian Unlimited, The Official Google Blog, Reuters, Slashdot, Scientific American, and Positive News Network. Washington Post Book Reviews, Dilbert, Comedy Central Videos, Wired Top Stories... among others. And no, I rarely have time to read them! Having a page of feeds, like Bloglines, is good. Having access to the feeds on your blog webpage as a blogroll (list of blog links) or by link to my Bloglines account I think would be most convenient.
OO/Gwen
Thursday, July 19, 2007
The Pace Picks Up!
The Library is one busy place this summer! And we have some new faces in our workplace.
A community college student is in the midst of her internship with the library. Having started in reference two weeks ago, she is now working in the circulation department and then will spend some time working in youth services. The purpose of the internship is to provide her a variety of library work experiences and an opportunity to explore librarianship as a career.
Our new reference librarian, began this week. We are grateful to have her join us. And she arrived just in time to help us during a very busy month. One day this week we had over 1,200 visitors! And one day last week we broke 1,000 in visitor count too. The Summer Reading Program is in full swing and undoubtedly has much to do with our increased activity.
Web 2.0 Journey:
I've been so busy that I've taken a week's break from my "23-Things" education.
But now I'm ready to report regarding Steps 4 and 5:
I set up a Flickr account and explored a number of their mashups:
I went to "Retrievr" (considered one of the top five Flickr mashups)and played with the color sketch pad. Choosing different colors led to images I rather expected; but there were some surprises too. It is a relaxing new way to doodle, a fun stress reliever. I dubbed it "Retrievr, stress relievr." ("Do I have time to do this?" I ask myself.)
In the "Spell with Flickr" mashup I tried my name, as well as the word "reference" and "get help" in various ways. I had a good time with it. I found myself wondering who are these people who have time to create these applications? They must stay up late creating new Internet past-times!
"Tagnautica" is another unusual gadget. It reminds me a bit of our library catalog's Aquabrowser, but is different in that the typed word is surrounded with other words inside images. The entire "bracelet" can be toyed with. I was reminded of those "worry beads" that people sometimes use to calm themselves.
Now "Flappr," I really liked. I searched "books" and discovered that it brings forth a collection of Flickr images that are grouped under that tag. Then you can select one of the images to enlarge. I found the results satisfying. Again, I discovered myself in a playful state. One thing I will say about these Flickr mashups is that they provide stress release.
I liked using "Colr Pickr" also. And "Flickr Logo Makr." While exploring Tickr for Flickr" I followed a link to another of the owner's creations called "Slide," which is not technically a Flickr mashup (if the r-ending spelling defines a Flickr mashup). However, if I ever need to build a slide show with fancy graphics and music I may spend some time with Slide.
I joined a Flickr group named "Carnegie Libraries Then and Now" and I shared pictures I found on the Internet of the Carnegie Library building in San Luis Obispo. I was unable to determine the date or photographer of these photos; one shows the original Carnegie building after its completion, and one shows the building in contemporary times -- after its recent restoration I believe.
gk
A community college student is in the midst of her internship with the library. Having started in reference two weeks ago, she is now working in the circulation department and then will spend some time working in youth services. The purpose of the internship is to provide her a variety of library work experiences and an opportunity to explore librarianship as a career.
Our new reference librarian, began this week. We are grateful to have her join us. And she arrived just in time to help us during a very busy month. One day this week we had over 1,200 visitors! And one day last week we broke 1,000 in visitor count too. The Summer Reading Program is in full swing and undoubtedly has much to do with our increased activity.
Web 2.0 Journey:
I've been so busy that I've taken a week's break from my "23-Things" education.
But now I'm ready to report regarding Steps 4 and 5:
I set up a Flickr account and explored a number of their mashups:
I went to "Retrievr" (considered one of the top five Flickr mashups)and played with the color sketch pad. Choosing different colors led to images I rather expected; but there were some surprises too. It is a relaxing new way to doodle, a fun stress reliever. I dubbed it "Retrievr, stress relievr." ("Do I have time to do this?" I ask myself.)
In the "Spell with Flickr" mashup I tried my name, as well as the word "reference" and "get help" in various ways. I had a good time with it. I found myself wondering who are these people who have time to create these applications? They must stay up late creating new Internet past-times!
"Tagnautica" is another unusual gadget. It reminds me a bit of our library catalog's Aquabrowser, but is different in that the typed word is surrounded with other words inside images. The entire "bracelet" can be toyed with. I was reminded of those "worry beads" that people sometimes use to calm themselves.
Now "Flappr," I really liked. I searched "books" and discovered that it brings forth a collection of Flickr images that are grouped under that tag. Then you can select one of the images to enlarge. I found the results satisfying. Again, I discovered myself in a playful state. One thing I will say about these Flickr mashups is that they provide stress release.
I liked using "Colr Pickr" also. And "Flickr Logo Makr." While exploring Tickr for Flickr" I followed a link to another of the owner's creations called "Slide," which is not technically a Flickr mashup (if the r-ending spelling defines a Flickr mashup). However, if I ever need to build a slide show with fancy graphics and music I may spend some time with Slide.
I joined a Flickr group named "Carnegie Libraries Then and Now" and I shared pictures I found on the Internet of the Carnegie Library building in San Luis Obispo. I was unable to determine the date or photographer of these photos; one shows the original Carnegie building after its completion, and one shows the building in contemporary times -- after its recent restoration I believe.
gk
Friday, June 29, 2007
Web 2.0 "23 Things Challenge"
Today I decided to officially begin the "23 Things" learning challenge recommended by the State Librarian. We have until October 19th to complete the tasks. (The description and list can be found at http://our23things.infopeople.org/2007/04/our_23_things.php )
Number 1.
The InfoPeople educational offerings completed:
On May 9th I watched the webcast with Helen Blowers entitled "Web 2.0: What Library Managers Need to Know."
And on June 15th I attended Joe Barker's Fresno training entitled: "Web 2.0: Searching Innovations."
Number 2.
I set up this blog a while back, and
Number 3.
Today, as step 3, I signed into the "challenge" with InfoPeople.
I've completed three requirements; and I have 20 to go!
Although I've experimented with some other tools listed in the challenge, I'd like to write about them in the order listed on the InfoPeople site. I'm supposed to progress next to Flickr.
Just a note about our reference activity today: We had a productive meeting with the people from the San Luis Obispo County Genealogical Society regarding moving a portion of their collection into the SLO City branch in the Spring of 2008.
gk
Number 1.
The InfoPeople educational offerings completed:
On May 9th I watched the webcast with Helen Blowers entitled "Web 2.0: What Library Managers Need to Know."
And on June 15th I attended Joe Barker's Fresno training entitled: "Web 2.0: Searching Innovations."
Number 2.
I set up this blog a while back, and
Number 3.
Today, as step 3, I signed into the "challenge" with InfoPeople.
I've completed three requirements; and I have 20 to go!
Although I've experimented with some other tools listed in the challenge, I'd like to write about them in the order listed on the InfoPeople site. I'm supposed to progress next to Flickr.
Just a note about our reference activity today: We had a productive meeting with the people from the San Luis Obispo County Genealogical Society regarding moving a portion of their collection into the SLO City branch in the Spring of 2008.
gk
Thursday, June 28, 2007
New Librarians Arriving July 17th!
SLO City's new Reference Librarian and the new Los Osos Branch Manager will begin on July 17th! We await their arrival and membership in our "family" of library employees.
The reference department is getting some timely help from the circulation staff. Two individuals have been assigned to assist us a few hours a week with filing ephemeral business/investment materials and newsletters, conducting obituary searches and preparing related correspondence, and updating our pathfinders and handouts such as the local listings of Internet cafes and Income Tax bookmarks. They will also help with the unrelenting labeling and replacement of U.S. telephone directories! And while they are in our area, they step in and assist with Internet logins when the desk is especially busy. We are very grateful to have their cheerful presence in our department, as well as their superb skills! Thank you to the circulation manager who agreed to spare them on occasion from circulation assignments.
And, our SLO City Library Manager has accepted the Assistant Library Director position for the County System. Congratulations!
Our reference department's online calendar is in a trial mode as of June 26th. [Note: The calendar has not been maintained since moving to another work location. 17 SEPT 2010]
gk
The reference department is getting some timely help from the circulation staff. Two individuals have been assigned to assist us a few hours a week with filing ephemeral business/investment materials and newsletters, conducting obituary searches and preparing related correspondence, and updating our pathfinders and handouts such as the local listings of Internet cafes and Income Tax bookmarks. They will also help with the unrelenting labeling and replacement of U.S. telephone directories! And while they are in our area, they step in and assist with Internet logins when the desk is especially busy. We are very grateful to have their cheerful presence in our department, as well as their superb skills! Thank you to the circulation manager who agreed to spare them on occasion from circulation assignments.
And, our SLO City Library Manager has accepted the Assistant Library Director position for the County System. Congratulations!
Our reference department's online calendar is in a trial mode as of June 26th. [Note: The calendar has not been maintained since moving to another work location. 17 SEPT 2010]
gk
Friday, May 04, 2007
Open Positions & Hiring
Currently we are seeking to fill three librarian positions! The ideal person for one of the positions would be someone with experience in both youth services and adult reference, or at least a strong interest and talent for both. I was on the team interviewing those candidates and the process led me to reminisce about my own earlier experiences in libraries.
I recall that I purposefully chose early in my library career not to get locked into any role, and rather to work in both adult and children's services. I wanted to experience the library and its value to the community from as broad a perspective as possible. While getting my degree I worked as a reference intern in an academic undergraduate library on a university campus. This prepared me well for my first professional job working in adult reference in a metropolitan library serving a population of over 200,000. After 2 years in that position, I decided to work as a children's librarian in one of the regional branch libraries. And what a refreshing change it was! After assisting adults and students in research-focused activities at a very busy and often stressful reference desk, I felt renewed to indulge in the world of stories! It was a joy to revel in the reason we love libraries -- books! Beautiful picture books, books of sounds, colors, alphabets, folklore, legends, tall-tales, songs, and poetry. Presenting storytimes to youngsters was a stimulating change for my neglected right-brain which had fallen somewhat dormant during all the left-brain studiousness and seriousness of college followed by more of the same at the public reference desk. To read for the joy of reading, to sing and to move and dance, and explore activities -- I felt like I had gone on retreat, so rejuvenating it was. I also worked the circulation desk several hours per week, which kept me in touch with the nitty-gritty of book lending and customer service.
Those early experiences stood me well several years later when I accepted a one-year assignment as a K-6 school librarian, filling in for the librarian who was taking a year's sabbatical. During that school year I presented six class lessons a day, five days a week, the sessions ranging from grade K-2 storytimes to grades 3-6 introductory library research activities. This was a well-balanced day filled with both reading for fun and reading for study or assignments. Usually storytimes were in the mornings, and mid-grade research assignments in the afternoon. I brought in my favorite hand-puppet, a beautiful white owl, which the K-2 students loved as much as I did! (I still often think of those youngsters, now adults, and wonder where their paths have taken them.)
After that delightful year I then accepted a variety of assignments, including driving a bookmobile, and managing small branch libraries where I continued to present storytimes, including sharing songs and playing my guitar. One of the highlights of those times was reading to an audience at an opening of a new, small shopping center while Minnie Mouse pantomimed the story I read to the crowd. Mickey made a separate appearance to greet the youngsters thereafter. But Minnie and I were on the same stage. I didn't know until that day that the Disneyland celebrities, Minnie and Mickey do not speak. Everything they do is in pantomime.
Returning full circle, the positions I took in the ensuing years were again in adult reference which I still do today. And as we began interviewing for the current opening in reference/children's services I was impressed with the applicants' wide range of talent and experience, their professionalism and enthusiasm. In reviewing my own career, I contemplate and appreciate the spectrum of services libraries provide people of all ages. Moreover, I am reminded how fortunate librarians are to work in this profession and to have multiple opportunities to serve their communities in varied ways. The profession may sometimes seem rather transparent, perhaps not only to the public, but sometimes to us who work within it; but when interviewing prospective colleagues it is easy to become re-inspired!
gk
I recall that I purposefully chose early in my library career not to get locked into any role, and rather to work in both adult and children's services. I wanted to experience the library and its value to the community from as broad a perspective as possible. While getting my degree I worked as a reference intern in an academic undergraduate library on a university campus. This prepared me well for my first professional job working in adult reference in a metropolitan library serving a population of over 200,000. After 2 years in that position, I decided to work as a children's librarian in one of the regional branch libraries. And what a refreshing change it was! After assisting adults and students in research-focused activities at a very busy and often stressful reference desk, I felt renewed to indulge in the world of stories! It was a joy to revel in the reason we love libraries -- books! Beautiful picture books, books of sounds, colors, alphabets, folklore, legends, tall-tales, songs, and poetry. Presenting storytimes to youngsters was a stimulating change for my neglected right-brain which had fallen somewhat dormant during all the left-brain studiousness and seriousness of college followed by more of the same at the public reference desk. To read for the joy of reading, to sing and to move and dance, and explore activities -- I felt like I had gone on retreat, so rejuvenating it was. I also worked the circulation desk several hours per week, which kept me in touch with the nitty-gritty of book lending and customer service.
Those early experiences stood me well several years later when I accepted a one-year assignment as a K-6 school librarian, filling in for the librarian who was taking a year's sabbatical. During that school year I presented six class lessons a day, five days a week, the sessions ranging from grade K-2 storytimes to grades 3-6 introductory library research activities. This was a well-balanced day filled with both reading for fun and reading for study or assignments. Usually storytimes were in the mornings, and mid-grade research assignments in the afternoon. I brought in my favorite hand-puppet, a beautiful white owl, which the K-2 students loved as much as I did! (I still often think of those youngsters, now adults, and wonder where their paths have taken them.)
After that delightful year I then accepted a variety of assignments, including driving a bookmobile, and managing small branch libraries where I continued to present storytimes, including sharing songs and playing my guitar. One of the highlights of those times was reading to an audience at an opening of a new, small shopping center while Minnie Mouse pantomimed the story I read to the crowd. Mickey made a separate appearance to greet the youngsters thereafter. But Minnie and I were on the same stage. I didn't know until that day that the Disneyland celebrities, Minnie and Mickey do not speak. Everything they do is in pantomime.
Returning full circle, the positions I took in the ensuing years were again in adult reference which I still do today. And as we began interviewing for the current opening in reference/children's services I was impressed with the applicants' wide range of talent and experience, their professionalism and enthusiasm. In reviewing my own career, I contemplate and appreciate the spectrum of services libraries provide people of all ages. Moreover, I am reminded how fortunate librarians are to work in this profession and to have multiple opportunities to serve their communities in varied ways. The profession may sometimes seem rather transparent, perhaps not only to the public, but sometimes to us who work within it; but when interviewing prospective colleagues it is easy to become re-inspired!
gk
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Transitions
Change is not new to us. It seems we are always in the midst of it. We are saying good-bye to the Los Osos Branch Librarian and to our Assistant Library Director.
The Arroyo Grande Branch Library is undergoing renovation and the staff at the City Library is exploring options for our own renovation. And our move to a new automation system, TLC, should move forward this fall of 2007.
Meanwhile, the County of San Luis Obispo is receiving increased revenues with a new tax rate implemented April 1st. However, the Library Department may not be included in the disbursements of those additional revenues. We still move forward with goals to increase customer service and improve the "retail" experience of our users. In addition to merchandising ideas used by the San Jose Public Library System we are studying the GASP process (Graphics, Ambience, Style, Presentation) used by the West Palm Beach Public Library to rejuvenate the user experience. If you'd like you can view a video presentation of their GASP process.
gk
The Arroyo Grande Branch Library is undergoing renovation and the staff at the City Library is exploring options for our own renovation. And our move to a new automation system, TLC, should move forward this fall of 2007.
Meanwhile, the County of San Luis Obispo is receiving increased revenues with a new tax rate implemented April 1st. However, the Library Department may not be included in the disbursements of those additional revenues. We still move forward with goals to increase customer service and improve the "retail" experience of our users. In addition to merchandising ideas used by the San Jose Public Library System we are studying the GASP process (Graphics, Ambience, Style, Presentation) used by the West Palm Beach Public Library to rejuvenate the user experience. If you'd like you can view a video presentation of their GASP process.
gk
Saturday, February 17, 2007
The Teens' Blog is Available from Our Website!
Congratulations to the SLO Children's Department and the librarians who started the SLO Teens' Blog and made it available from our library's website! Good going everyone!
gk
gk
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Times past? Or times of the future?
A friend sent a link to this funny YouTube video. I thought it was hilarious... and it struck me as holding a double-edged message: not only is it good contemporary comedy about "help desks" and information workers and support I/T staff, but it also hints at a "back to the future" scenario when workers return (after the breakdown of technology systems for example) to using the codex form of printed text!
Introduction of the Book
gk
Introduction of the Book
gk
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