I just spent about an hour perusing the Facebook account I started awhile back. I have two whole "friends!" I'm so excited! I was able to import a photo with the help of my computer guy friend, and added quite a bit to my profile. I even wrote on the "walls" of my two "friends." I'm still not sure this is something I'll spend a lot of time with, but it was kind of fun. And I should be able to answer at least some of the questions patrons might bring up about it all.
I'm going to go back and look into the "Scrabulous" game. That sounds like fun, as I am one of those people who enjoy the occasional word game. If I do it soon, I'll edit this post and tell you all about it!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Wikis
Well, thanks to Wikipedia, I had a little background on wikis before Discover 2.0. The thing I had trouble with, even from the beginning, with these is the lack of control. As some of the articles stated, basically, anyone can write anything on a wiki...
But it sounds like technology is improving, and with that, the ability to better control or at least offset some of the potential damage.
I use Wikipedia when I know NOTHING about a subject and need a quick overview. I haven't been able to ask a question yet that there wasn't some kind of answer. So that's the positive side--lots of people with expertise in lots of different areas are able to contribute. The negatives? Well, you can't quote from Wikipedia in any kind of research paper because, well, because no one knows for sure if whoever wrote in is to be trusted. Anyway, the pros and cons.
I like our FVRL YA Wiki. Great idea and I would think hugely helpful for those who work with teens throughout the district. I'm wondering if it's being used enough, though. The reason I question this is I looked at the site maybe six months ago and haven't seen any additions to the booktalk section. Maybe these have come and gone? If I was working regularly with teens, having these quick overviews of books teens might like would be very helpful...consequently, for those of you actually reading those books---turn something into the wiki! Your fellow YA'ers will love you for it! (And no, JS did NOT tell me to say this!)
Anyway, the point is, a wiki is only going to be truly useful if both readers AND writers are tuning in.
In other avenues of life, I can see wikis being helpful for groups attempting to plan large events and needing feedback, as well as to keep track of what others are doing. Reporting back on events experienced would also be a good use (I liked Wikitravel),and it would be a good venue for students who are putting together group projects. Again, things we've all done in the past, just with another step upward/forward, technology-wise.
But it sounds like technology is improving, and with that, the ability to better control or at least offset some of the potential damage.
I use Wikipedia when I know NOTHING about a subject and need a quick overview. I haven't been able to ask a question yet that there wasn't some kind of answer. So that's the positive side--lots of people with expertise in lots of different areas are able to contribute. The negatives? Well, you can't quote from Wikipedia in any kind of research paper because, well, because no one knows for sure if whoever wrote in is to be trusted. Anyway, the pros and cons.
I like our FVRL YA Wiki. Great idea and I would think hugely helpful for those who work with teens throughout the district. I'm wondering if it's being used enough, though. The reason I question this is I looked at the site maybe six months ago and haven't seen any additions to the booktalk section. Maybe these have come and gone? If I was working regularly with teens, having these quick overviews of books teens might like would be very helpful...consequently, for those of you actually reading those books---turn something into the wiki! Your fellow YA'ers will love you for it! (And no, JS did NOT tell me to say this!)
Anyway, the point is, a wiki is only going to be truly useful if both readers AND writers are tuning in.
In other avenues of life, I can see wikis being helpful for groups attempting to plan large events and needing feedback, as well as to keep track of what others are doing. Reporting back on events experienced would also be a good use (I liked Wikitravel),and it would be a good venue for students who are putting together group projects. Again, things we've all done in the past, just with another step upward/forward, technology-wise.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
LibraryThing and misc...
Well, it seems like an obvious match--social networking and books. I'll have to say that, for me, this is the first one of these I got very excited about. Right now, my main emphasis is on organizing my own library--this is actually a great idea. Just put in the title and LibraryThing looks all the rest of the info up for you. I opted for LibraryThing, as opposed to Great Reads, because, to tell the truth, the "hype" on Librarything was irresistible. But I was at TC last night and heard a young (YAAB) member enthuse over Holly C's "'way cool" book list from Great Reads...so I'm sure they're both great.
The other thing I'm cautiously curious about is seeing if my rather odd assortment of book interests appeal to anyone else out there in LibraryThing-land. Is there anyone else who has Tolkein along with Nora Roberts(!)? Francine Rivers and "The Art of Dressage" (equestrian education)? Guess we'll see.
The value of these sites to anyone working with Readers Advisory should be obvious, as proven by Holly C. and her young friend. And you can form online book-discussion groups, which could also be a lot of fun, especially if you can't get to such things in the real-world.
The other thing I'm cautiously curious about is seeing if my rather odd assortment of book interests appeal to anyone else out there in LibraryThing-land. Is there anyone else who has Tolkein along with Nora Roberts(!)? Francine Rivers and "The Art of Dressage" (equestrian education)? Guess we'll see.
The value of these sites to anyone working with Readers Advisory should be obvious, as proven by Holly C. and her young friend. And you can form online book-discussion groups, which could also be a lot of fun, especially if you can't get to such things in the real-world.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Technorati
So, technorati seems to be to blogs...what de li cio us is to websites? Again, the amount of information out there, and to which we now have access to at a moment's notice is...well, it's getting to the point where there aren't adjectives big enough to describe it all. Gargantuan?
When I grow up, I want to write books...books that people buy. Therefore, even though I'm having a hard time getting excited about all the technology now, I KNOW that having an accessible, well-maintained blog could make a huge difference in the # of books I might, theoretically, sell someday. Once I write said book, that is. Ho hum.
I did the search on blog posts, tags and the blog directory for "learning 2.0." There were about twice as many notations in the directory and and to the blog posts, as there was in the tags section. The reason for this would appear to be that people are talking about learning 2.0 in an informal way, here and there, but are not as keen on tagging it all. But it's a good lesson, that if you're looking for something on technorati, try all the search possibilites.
When I grow up, I want to write books...books that people buy. Therefore, even though I'm having a hard time getting excited about all the technology now, I KNOW that having an accessible, well-maintained blog could make a huge difference in the # of books I might, theoretically, sell someday. Once I write said book, that is. Ho hum.
I did the search on blog posts, tags and the blog directory for "learning 2.0." There were about twice as many notations in the directory and and to the blog posts, as there was in the tags section. The reason for this would appear to be that people are talking about learning 2.0 in an informal way, here and there, but are not as keen on tagging it all. But it's a good lesson, that if you're looking for something on technorati, try all the search possibilites.
Del-icio-us
I can see value in websites like this one for anyone who needs to keep track of lots of material; the "math teacher" example in the LeFever ditty was a good "for instance." Again, it would depend on your place in life, your needs, job, interests, etc, just how much you could make use of it. I enjoyed going through the FVRL IS Del-icio-us account; even used the "How things work" site I found there with a patron the next day. I'll have to admit, though, that I got stuck on the "One Minute" commentaries for longer than I probably sh0uld have--I didn't know we had such talented and photogenic staff here at FVRL. (Er...sorry, I SHOULD have known that, shouldn't I?)
Anyway, for library use, I do think what the IS staff has done is a great example of how this all can be used for research assistance. No need to be completely reinventing the wheel each time. And it IS great that this is web-based, making it possible to access those bookmarks/favorites from any computer.
Anyway, for library use, I do think what the IS staff has done is a great example of how this all can be used for research assistance. No need to be completely reinventing the wheel each time. And it IS great that this is web-based, making it possible to access those bookmarks/favorites from any computer.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Mashups/Trading Cards
Okay, for this "assignment," I pulled one of the few pix I have on my flashdrive memory stick and made a trading card. I was able to add icons, but didn't like them, so took 'em back off. And since I didn't have card stock, I just saved the "card" back to the memory stick and printed off a few copies. One for me and one for the person in the photo. I could see how this could be really fun if you were working with, say, a kids' sports team. Make trading cards for everyone to hand out, etc. Or...for cutesy pix of grandbabies. Hmmm. I have photos of THEM on the home computer....(HG wanders off, thinking of creative ideas to attempt from home.)
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Hmmm. I think I messed up. I don't have to write anything this time, do I? Just put in the url to my new exciting Facebook account somewhere...Okay, I'll try that.
Oh, and if anyone wants to "be my friend" on facebook--well, check in and say hello. Unlikely I'll check it lots...but it COULD happen.
Oh, and if anyone wants to "be my friend" on facebook--well, check in and say hello. Unlikely I'll check it lots...but it COULD happen.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
MySpace/FaceBook
Interesting. Not being a teenager and not having anything to sell, I haven't made the venture into either of these social networking worlds. So after reading all the required/suggested materials, I decided to check out FVRL's MySpace account. Congratulations, Jen! This is great. I'm not so far removed from those years (though some would argue with me) that I don't remember what it felt like to be that age. I'd think any kid who wondered into the site would have a good time and would (we hope!) be further pulled into the library world and activities of FVRL.
Right now, this is the kind of use I can see libraraies making of such things as MySpace and FaceBook. Traditionally, I've been kind of "old school" in terms of library use--"what's wrong with BOOKS, anyway???" But I can see the value in keeping cutting-edge in the world we live in. If the library isn't going to stay on top of those things, who is? I'm still concerned that we could turn into an internet cafe, but as long as we keep our priorities straight(!) and don't forget about BOOKS, I think we'll do okay.
Right now, this is the kind of use I can see libraraies making of such things as MySpace and FaceBook. Traditionally, I've been kind of "old school" in terms of library use--"what's wrong with BOOKS, anyway???" But I can see the value in keeping cutting-edge in the world we live in. If the library isn't going to stay on top of those things, who is? I'm still concerned that we could turn into an internet cafe, but as long as we keep our priorities straight(!) and don't forget about BOOKS, I think we'll do okay.
Instant Messaging
This is one area of technology I have experience with, so I wish I could say this part was easy. Well, most of it was, but the directions, again, were less-than-helpful. Anyway, I guess if I want to comment on that, I should post elsewhere. This page is supposed to be about how this technology could be helpful in a library envirnoment.
From what I understand, we already have access to IM at FVRL, but I don't know how much it is used. I'm not sure if it's available to patrons to Tel Info or if that's email only.
I can see the Rooms feature of Meebo being useful to librarians or other "communities," but don't know about the value of leaving the room open continually unless people have decided to be available continually.
I compare it with my bank that has an online chat feature. It was a good idea and has been helpful once or twice, but the other times, the person who was supposed to be manning the help line wasn't there...and they didn't bother to say they weren't there. No one answered my question, I just got messages every moment or two saying that someone would be right there. Ten or fifteen minutes into it, I gave up. From what I've heard about how the IM feature has been used here, I think that's happened here, too. If both parties are glued to their seats, IM can be helpful. (I HAVE IM'd IT from time to time with computer problems from the branches, and that helped...but IT types are the most likely to be close to computers when you need them, too.
IOW (see, I've learned SOME new technology!) I'm ambivalent, as usual. It could work but it still seems like more work than it's worth. I'll probably wait til the tech gurus work out the bugs, then try again.
From what I understand, we already have access to IM at FVRL, but I don't know how much it is used. I'm not sure if it's available to patrons to Tel Info or if that's email only.
I can see the Rooms feature of Meebo being useful to librarians or other "communities," but don't know about the value of leaving the room open continually unless people have decided to be available continually.
I compare it with my bank that has an online chat feature. It was a good idea and has been helpful once or twice, but the other times, the person who was supposed to be manning the help line wasn't there...and they didn't bother to say they weren't there. No one answered my question, I just got messages every moment or two saying that someone would be right there. Ten or fifteen minutes into it, I gave up. From what I've heard about how the IM feature has been used here, I think that's happened here, too. If both parties are glued to their seats, IM can be helpful. (I HAVE IM'd IT from time to time with computer problems from the branches, and that helped...but IT types are the most likely to be close to computers when you need them, too.
IOW (see, I've learned SOME new technology!) I'm ambivalent, as usual. It could work but it still seems like more work than it's worth. I'll probably wait til the tech gurus work out the bugs, then try again.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
RSS Feeds, the agony and the ...
Well, no ecstasy yet. I've found a few blogs, feeds that do sound interesting, so have added them to my list of feeds. I guess what keeps hindering me is that I know I won't take the time to read most of them anyway, so it seems pointless to add them all. But it occurred to me this afternoon, that subscribing to feeds is not like subscribing to a newspaper that I feel guilty not reading everytime I walk by and see the latest issue piled on top of the rest of them. Well, okay, so I DO see that there are 32 postings on the CNN homepage, but I don't HAVE to read them if I don't have time/don't want to/whatever. It's not like another tree is being cut down to pay for the paper. BUT, if I do have a moment, a few clicks--and there the info is.
Something that I am interested in is freelance writing, and there are quite a number of blogs related to that subject. I've subscribed to a few of those and hope to enjoy them.
Something that I am interested in is freelance writing, and there are quite a number of blogs related to that subject. I've subscribed to a few of those and hope to enjoy them.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
RSS and Self-knowledge
RSS feeds--grrr! I'm not a Wall Street investor ("buy, buy, buy!" "Sell, sell, sell!"), or anyone else who lives for the latest. And this activity was particularly painful for some reason. I couldn't find my way between bloglines and the directions on the discover 2.0 page, and then my blog wouldn't let me add a new post. (Til I was giving up in disgust and FINALLY the "New Post" note appeared!) {Sigh} I'm trying to remember the 7 1/2 habits...seeing problems as challenges.
The thing that's really frustrating to me is that even though I finally got through it, it's not likely that I'll remember it next week...much less in six months when someone comes to me at a desk somewhere and wants to know how to do it. Oh, well. Maybe I'll have enough vague recollection that I can at least point them in the right direction. Maybe...
The problem is, of course, that I can't find a personal point of 'buy-in' on this one. I can't imagine how this particular bit of technology can add anything that I want to my life, and therefore, find it difficult to generate the energy to wade through it. Okay, well, that's something, I guess. At least I've figured out why it's so painful.
The thing that's really frustrating to me is that even though I finally got through it, it's not likely that I'll remember it next week...much less in six months when someone comes to me at a desk somewhere and wants to know how to do it. Oh, well. Maybe I'll have enough vague recollection that I can at least point them in the right direction. Maybe...
The problem is, of course, that I can't find a personal point of 'buy-in' on this one. I can't imagine how this particular bit of technology can add anything that I want to my life, and therefore, find it difficult to generate the energy to wade through it. Okay, well, that's something, I guess. At least I've figured out why it's so painful.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Mashups
I hate the on-going use of cliche's but whenever I'm forced further into the world of 2.0, I frequently come away with the phrase--mind-boggling. Who has time to come up with all this stuff? {Sigh} Not me...
Anyway, the trip planner mash-ups--Trip planner, Tripper map, are kinda cool. I actually did go on an awesome trip to Greece a number of years ago, and all these goodies would have been very helpful in sharing that trip with others...but alas, all my photos are hidden away in a real-world scrapbook somewhere.
But the good thing is, these assignments got me to renew my flickr account, and maybe I will start to use it--I've got some awful cute photos now of some awful cute grandbabies...
Anyway, the trip planner mash-ups--Trip planner, Tripper map, are kinda cool. I actually did go on an awesome trip to Greece a number of years ago, and all these goodies would have been very helpful in sharing that trip with others...but alas, all my photos are hidden away in a real-world scrapbook somewhere.
But the good thing is, these assignments got me to renew my flickr account, and maybe I will start to use it--I've got some awful cute photos now of some awful cute grandbabies...
Horses having fun...
Okay, I found one. Worked my way through the Flickr photos, connected my flickr account with my new blog...and away I go.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Life-long learning
So I've come to believe that there are two kinds of people in the world (along with all the other two-kinds-of-people in the world there are...): Those who ARE life-long learners, and those who pretty much learned all they need in school, thank-you-very-much. One of the perks of working at the library--most of us are in that first category.
As far as the 7.5 habits, probably the hardest part for me is #1--Have a Goal. Not that I'm not goal-oriented, I actually am. The problem is this indicates a PLAN, which involves, well...planning. Which involves thinking about it, which involves taking the time to think about it. Ho hum. I tend to be a go-with-the-flow type, so really hate getting bogged (or should I say blogged?) down in the planning stage. Hmmm.
View problems as challenges? (Snort!) Are you kidding? I view problems as problems...and wish they'd go away. Okay, yes. To be a successful life-long-learner, I could use an attitude adjustment. All right...from this day forth, I shall attempt to view problems as challenges.
Positive things about this life-long-learner? I like to learn. I have a good attitude about learning new things, once I get past the this-makes-me-nervous stage. I DO have confidence in myself as a learner, so, with such positive self-talk, I should do well!
Blog on!
As far as the 7.5 habits, probably the hardest part for me is #1--Have a Goal. Not that I'm not goal-oriented, I actually am. The problem is this indicates a PLAN, which involves, well...planning. Which involves thinking about it, which involves taking the time to think about it. Ho hum. I tend to be a go-with-the-flow type, so really hate getting bogged (or should I say blogged?) down in the planning stage. Hmmm.
View problems as challenges? (Snort!) Are you kidding? I view problems as problems...and wish they'd go away. Okay, yes. To be a successful life-long-learner, I could use an attitude adjustment. All right...from this day forth, I shall attempt to view problems as challenges.
Positive things about this life-long-learner? I like to learn. I have a good attitude about learning new things, once I get past the this-makes-me-nervous stage. I DO have confidence in myself as a learner, so, with such positive self-talk, I should do well!
Blog on!
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