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