There are so many excellent web 2.0 tools out there I don't think there is any way they could all be covered. I think it did a good job of covering the basics, and a little beyond.
One of the things I may go play around with is backpack.
A place for keeping lists of lists, kind of.
As a list maker, I think this is FABULOUS.
I also think that it's important for staff to learn about these tools, so we can keep our patrons informed. Did I mention I thought it would be interesting and helpful to have a version of the 27 things for patrons?
I still think that a staff book review blog that patrons could access would be excellent. By genre.
All I can say is I found it rewarding, and I learned a lot even when I was helping someone else.
I have to say, I'm a little sad it's the end of the Things.
I hope there are plans for a refresher in a year or so, to see what's new, and what's changed.
Or maybe just a place for us to go as staff, and tell other staff, "look at this new cool thing".
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
And in review.....
So, I already wrote about a few pre-post 27 things here.
I honestly think this has been one the most fun and useful programs KCLS has done. I'm already a fan of technology, but it was also a good way to inform less technical people about Web 2.0. My personal goal, always, is to keep learning as long as I am here on earth. I think everyone can always learn something new, even about subjects they know a great deal about to start with.
The Internet has already provided me with vast amounts of information of all kinds, from the highly valuable, to the useless but entertaining. Learning 2.0 has highlighted a few tools I hadn't paid much attention to in the past - RSS feeds, specifically.
I think my favorite exercises were learning about RSS feeds, and the fabulous generator exercise (I have gotten MILES of fun out of this). But I got something out of all of them.
Flickr was the most difficult for me, and highlighted the fact I need to read directions.
I found when I needed help my fellow staff members were happy to assist. As an advocate, I was happy to help them, too. I would have helped them anyway. Having so many of us as advocates made certain there was always someone available. That was excellent. The program flexibility made it convenient to use. There were a few weeks I was swamped, it was nice to know I could catch up at my own pace. I also liked the fact it was all online - there was no mandatory attendance at any in-person class.
As for the question if I could go back in time and do it all over again - yes. No doubt.
It was an excellent experience, and I am looking forward to we as a system incorporating some of the 27 things into library tools, for staff and patrons.
My only regret is the 27 THINGS inspired me to create even MORE blogs - I think I'm up to seven or eight now.
I honestly think this has been one the most fun and useful programs KCLS has done. I'm already a fan of technology, but it was also a good way to inform less technical people about Web 2.0. My personal goal, always, is to keep learning as long as I am here on earth. I think everyone can always learn something new, even about subjects they know a great deal about to start with.
The Internet has already provided me with vast amounts of information of all kinds, from the highly valuable, to the useless but entertaining. Learning 2.0 has highlighted a few tools I hadn't paid much attention to in the past - RSS feeds, specifically.
I think my favorite exercises were learning about RSS feeds, and the fabulous generator exercise (I have gotten MILES of fun out of this). But I got something out of all of them.
Flickr was the most difficult for me, and highlighted the fact I need to read directions.
I found when I needed help my fellow staff members were happy to assist. As an advocate, I was happy to help them, too. I would have helped them anyway. Having so many of us as advocates made certain there was always someone available. That was excellent. The program flexibility made it convenient to use. There were a few weeks I was swamped, it was nice to know I could catch up at my own pace. I also liked the fact it was all online - there was no mandatory attendance at any in-person class.
As for the question if I could go back in time and do it all over again - yes. No doubt.
It was an excellent experience, and I am looking forward to we as a system incorporating some of the 27 things into library tools, for staff and patrons.
My only regret is the 27 THINGS inspired me to create even MORE blogs - I think I'm up to seven or eight now.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
E-Audio Books
I actually have played around with the OverDrive software, just because it is available to burn to CD.
Being one of the wretched, the musically enhanced, yes, that's right iPod owners, I hoped to be able to finagle my way into transferring it onto my POD. (I call it the POD, as sort of a nickname. Because when I use it, I am a POD person.)
I was able to burn the book to disc, and then transfer it onto my POD, however, there were no bookmarks. This meant that as long as I didn't have to charge my iPOD, everything was fine, but once I had to charge - back to the beginning. It wasn't un-do-able, it was just a pain.
It would have been great to take even HALF of the books on tape we lugged up to Alaska and back on an MP3 player instead of plastic boxes. It didn't happen this time.
I have to help patrons with the e-audio all the time, which helps me to be familiar with what we have. I am looking forward to having and MP3 player I can put books on tape on - that will be awesome!
Being one of the wretched, the musically enhanced, yes, that's right iPod owners, I hoped to be able to finagle my way into transferring it onto my POD. (I call it the POD, as sort of a nickname. Because when I use it, I am a POD person.)
I was able to burn the book to disc, and then transfer it onto my POD, however, there were no bookmarks. This meant that as long as I didn't have to charge my iPOD, everything was fine, but once I had to charge - back to the beginning. It wasn't un-do-able, it was just a pain.
It would have been great to take even HALF of the books on tape we lugged up to Alaska and back on an MP3 player instead of plastic boxes. It didn't happen this time.
I have to help patrons with the e-audio all the time, which helps me to be familiar with what we have. I am looking forward to having and MP3 player I can put books on tape on - that will be awesome!
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Podcasts
Being a mainly visual/written word person I can see how podcasting might be very useful for libraries as an alternative for people who prefer audio instruction.
Instead of writing a book review, why not podcast one? Or what about recording story times for kids? You know kids, they can listen to a story a MILLION times in a row. Plus, it could be structured to be interactive with a book. While nothing beats personal interaction, most parents I know do NOT have time to read "Go Dog Go" as many times as a kid would like to hear it.
I added the RSS feed for the KCLS Law Library to my bloglines account. Just because I like Law, and information on the law, and being able to tell people there is an actual Law Library.
For hours of fun, check out the Washington State Court Records website. Just my own personal addition to "Links you may want to know about someday." Hours of fun, I tell you.
Instead of writing a book review, why not podcast one? Or what about recording story times for kids? You know kids, they can listen to a story a MILLION times in a row. Plus, it could be structured to be interactive with a book. While nothing beats personal interaction, most parents I know do NOT have time to read "Go Dog Go" as many times as a kid would like to hear it.
I added the RSS feed for the KCLS Law Library to my bloglines account. Just because I like Law, and information on the law, and being able to tell people there is an actual Law Library.
For hours of fun, check out the Washington State Court Records website. Just my own personal addition to "Links you may want to know about someday." Hours of fun, I tell you.
Monday, April 30, 2007
You Tube
I love You Tube.
There is a video for any mood there. I think it would be a great place to share library events.
Also I was thinking short little tutorials on using the catalog.
There is a video for any mood there. I think it would be a great place to share library events.
Also I was thinking short little tutorials on using the catalog.
Like -how to use bookbag, or how to request a book online. Or - how to request an interlibrary loan book online. How to reserve a meeting room online. (This might require part 1 and part 2).
Another co-worker suggested the links to video tutorials be right there on the website - so if someone wanted to watch a video about how to search by author, they can just click a button and watch the video (computer permitting).
They could watch it as many times as they wanted.
I thought it was a great idea.
The video I chose to try to embed is this one.
Bunnies on the Bounce!
The video I chose to try to embed is this one.
Bunnies on the Bounce!
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Post 25 Things
I have really enjoyed the 27 things exercise.
I wasn't going to do it, initially. I thought I knew a lot about the Internet. Okay, I do know a lot about the Internet - I BETTER know a lot about it.
To quote an anonymous source, "You live there." Okay, maybe a couple of anonymous sources. Several, even. Okay MANY sources. Fine.
I learned a lot. I had fun.
I am writing an afterward now, because I may forget a few ideas I had that might, just might, be cool for the library to do.
I am thinking of a Library Book Staff Picks Blog. One where we as library staff could suggest books and write book reviews. One that would be divided by the kind of divisions that bookstores use. Both negative and positive reviews. I think the paper newsletter we had was fun, and people liked it, but it was difficult to get staff to contribute. As a staff person often assigned the video review section, I will say it was a pain. I actually don't remember what was so painful about it, (probably the lack of spellchecker) but it wasn't fun. And sharing books we love with the public should be fun.
I also very much like the idea of podcasts or videos hosted on youtube that would help people using our catalog and reservation systems. It would be handy to have both, since some people are visual learners, and some are audio learners.
I can see that Myspace, Facebook, and other social sites could be helpful to the library, if they were publicised to the groups they were intended to attract.
My personal favorites were the RSS feeds, which i use all the time now, and the Internet 2.0 Award site, which has led me to many fine things. I also have to admit, my most often sent link has been the generator site.
2006 Web 2.0 Awards
I chose the 2006 Web Award winners, because after a glance at the Webware site I knew I would be playing with that stuff for far longer than the 30 minutes I had planned to use for this lesson. I am actually planning on adding them to my favorites both at home and at work
Both sites have a lot to offer. I found so many interesting sites I am just going to pick out the highlights. I really enjoyed the 43 things immensely. Is there anything cooler than lists of people's opinions? I think not! Personally I adore lists, and polls, and taking tests. But this site definitely tops the list for fun and interesting things.
Another site I enjoyed was Music Strands, I always have an ear out for new and interesting music of all genres. I thought all the music sites were interesting - more than I am going to have to look at. I find it very, very helpful to at least KNOW what bands are popular, even if they are not my type of music. Music tends to be one of the things our patrons find most difficult to search for - and knowing that Snow Patrol is a band and not the title of a book on mountain rescue crews can be very helpful.
And I can't go by without an honorable mention for Zwillow. For all the faults it has, it is simply fascinating. I would recommend it to patrons, even though it is NOT the be-all and end-all of home valuations - it gives a good ballpark idea of what homes are worth in a given area.
Both sites have a lot to offer. I found so many interesting sites I am just going to pick out the highlights. I really enjoyed the 43 things immensely. Is there anything cooler than lists of people's opinions? I think not! Personally I adore lists, and polls, and taking tests. But this site definitely tops the list for fun and interesting things.
Another site I enjoyed was Music Strands, I always have an ear out for new and interesting music of all genres. I thought all the music sites were interesting - more than I am going to have to look at. I find it very, very helpful to at least KNOW what bands are popular, even if they are not my type of music. Music tends to be one of the things our patrons find most difficult to search for - and knowing that Snow Patrol is a band and not the title of a book on mountain rescue crews can be very helpful.
And I can't go by without an honorable mention for Zwillow. For all the faults it has, it is simply fascinating. I would recommend it to patrons, even though it is NOT the be-all and end-all of home valuations - it gives a good ballpark idea of what homes are worth in a given area.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Google Labs
Okay, call me silly, but my favorite of all the Google Labs was Google Sets.
I spent at least an hour playing with it at home after work. Yes, I know we can do this on work time, but I knew after I input "Up" "Down" "Strange" "Charm" and got "gluon" as part of my extended set I was in big, big trouble. I admit, it didn't do so well on some things, (like breeds of toy dogs) but on others, like Nebulae - it was stellar.
Google Notebook also looked useful. I like the idea of keeping information together, in one handy little online packet. It could be quite useful when I am doing research for one of my stories, or for a work project - like researching prices for shopping baskets. Or a patron researching, say, hot water heaters.
Yes, I did take David's advice and tried out Google Trends. There is nothing like graphs to make my heart beat faster. Did you know the two languages that central air is most searched for are English and Polish? Me either. I could see this as a very handy tool for students, or the perpetually curious.
Even though it's done better elsewhere (probably why it didn't become a finished product) was the Music Trend search. I always like to know what people in Canada and the UK are listening too, and I even had to go track down a song or two, even though I think this application is a little dated.
All these things could be useful to patrons as well. It's too bad that the library doesn't offer a version of Learning 2.0 for patrons.
I spent at least an hour playing with it at home after work. Yes, I know we can do this on work time, but I knew after I input "Up" "Down" "Strange" "Charm" and got "gluon" as part of my extended set I was in big, big trouble. I admit, it didn't do so well on some things, (like breeds of toy dogs) but on others, like Nebulae - it was stellar.
Google Notebook also looked useful. I like the idea of keeping information together, in one handy little online packet. It could be quite useful when I am doing research for one of my stories, or for a work project - like researching prices for shopping baskets. Or a patron researching, say, hot water heaters.
Yes, I did take David's advice and tried out Google Trends. There is nothing like graphs to make my heart beat faster. Did you know the two languages that central air is most searched for are English and Polish? Me either. I could see this as a very handy tool for students, or the perpetually curious.
Even though it's done better elsewhere (probably why it didn't become a finished product) was the Music Trend search. I always like to know what people in Canada and the UK are listening too, and I even had to go track down a song or two, even though I think this application is a little dated.
All these things could be useful to patrons as well. It's too bad that the library doesn't offer a version of Learning 2.0 for patrons.
Zoho & Google Applications
ZOHO
Zoho was very easy to log in and use. There were a lot of choices for word processing. It almost seemed as if Zoho had more choices and options. I would have to spend an extended amount of time using it to find them all.
GOOGLE
Google was also easy to log in and use, particularly since I already have an account set up. The word processing software was more similar to word, and also simpler to use.
Of course, either of these would be great for a lot of reasons.
It would be an option if a patron forgot a drive to save a document on .
As already stated, a way for a few people, or even a group, to work on a document from various sites.
Also for people who don't have computers at home.
Or for someone who only needs specific software, like spreadsheets etc. on on occasional basis.
The longer I think about it, the more I love the idea that this software is available, for free. It puts word processing and databases and spreadsheets in the hands of everyone, not just those who can afford it. It makes sharing documents easy. What's not to like?
Although - pessimist that I am, I would hesitate to write my epic novel using such software.
But, very cool.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Learning 2.0 and the Future
I remember when we first got Netscape Navigator at our house. It was supposed to do everything but the dishes.
We had been online for awhile, and we were chosen to beta test Netscape for our online provider, the late, great Prostar. We had to upgrade our modem to a BLISTERING speed of...well, I can't remember, possibly 256 K from the previously lightning-fast 128K.
It was just shocking to be be online and zip over to a computer in HAWAII! Look! Pictures posted online from the University of Hawaii!
It was cumbersome, and amazing, and it became clear to me very quickly I could find a lot of information from my own computer at home in moments - the same information that had previously taken a blue slip and Interlibrary Loan in the recent past. Even better, when before I was able to find one measly pamphlet on, say, American Revolutionary War Nightwear, now I had access to far more information. Information including pictures, and descriptions from collectors of vintage clothing and essays and commentary from historians who were also researching the same topic. I was delighted.
It was some time later the library got true "web" access.
I think libraries, all of them, were a little slow to realize the Internet as a truly valuable resource. I think KCLS was actually one of the first. I'm glad to see this changing, and most library systems are embracing new, upcoming technologies.
One of the things I find most interesting from reading the featured articles were the ideas about the future of libraries, and library services. I find the immediate upcoming plan for a method and search engine for everyone to have the ability to search WorldCat very cool. I also like the idea of expanded delivery options for libraries.
We already use expanded delivery options in a primitive form, looking up sources for patrons to buy those out of print or hard to get books and textbooks online when they need them now rather than the later we can provide.
If one of the new improved bibliographic searches ever turned up the title of my lost book, I would buy it in a nano-second.
The fast, even daily, database updates make them truly more useful than many printed resources, however handy. While I can agree with the need for some stockpile of printed resources, I find online information is nearly always more up to date and accurate. Especially when using a verified, reliable source. Except when the electricity is out.
We had been online for awhile, and we were chosen to beta test Netscape for our online provider, the late, great Prostar. We had to upgrade our modem to a BLISTERING speed of...well, I can't remember, possibly 256 K from the previously lightning-fast 128K.
It was just shocking to be be online and zip over to a computer in HAWAII! Look! Pictures posted online from the University of Hawaii!
It was cumbersome, and amazing, and it became clear to me very quickly I could find a lot of information from my own computer at home in moments - the same information that had previously taken a blue slip and Interlibrary Loan in the recent past. Even better, when before I was able to find one measly pamphlet on, say, American Revolutionary War Nightwear, now I had access to far more information. Information including pictures, and descriptions from collectors of vintage clothing and essays and commentary from historians who were also researching the same topic. I was delighted.
It was some time later the library got true "web" access.
I think libraries, all of them, were a little slow to realize the Internet as a truly valuable resource. I think KCLS was actually one of the first. I'm glad to see this changing, and most library systems are embracing new, upcoming technologies.
One of the things I find most interesting from reading the featured articles were the ideas about the future of libraries, and library services. I find the immediate upcoming plan for a method and search engine for everyone to have the ability to search WorldCat very cool. I also like the idea of expanded delivery options for libraries.
We already use expanded delivery options in a primitive form, looking up sources for patrons to buy those out of print or hard to get books and textbooks online when they need them now rather than the later we can provide.
If one of the new improved bibliographic searches ever turned up the title of my lost book, I would buy it in a nano-second.
The fast, even daily, database updates make them truly more useful than many printed resources, however handy. While I can agree with the need for some stockpile of printed resources, I find online information is nearly always more up to date and accurate. Especially when using a verified, reliable source. Except when the electricity is out.
I am always curious about what the next wave of personal computing will be, and how libraries will respond. Me, I'm looking forward to The Net 3.0, or whatever comes next. Because if this incarnation of information access has made our lives easier, maybe the next one really will do our dishes, too.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Search Engines Rule
The terms I searched for were library cards, and gaming programs. Not very original, but my mind is in the off position this week.
I found the search results interesting, because Rollyo's KCLS search engine did bring up more choices - in fact, it was a lot more interesting to me, because it had information about library cards, and even brought up e-bay's listings for library card related things, like pockets.
Googles search engine seemed to stay very site-specific, with little wandering around.
I may have to go mess around with Rollyo, because when I am looking for information for my personal life, I tend to like to wander around a little.
I do feel the Google search engine would be better for specific information - for example if you wanted to search program information for KCLS, Sno-Isle and Pierce Counties, you could have an engine just for that.
I used Google as the search engine I set up on my page (scroll toward the bottom of the page - and yes, I did fool with the layout and colors - and I will again! LOL)
I found the search results interesting, because Rollyo's KCLS search engine did bring up more choices - in fact, it was a lot more interesting to me, because it had information about library cards, and even brought up e-bay's listings for library card related things, like pockets.
Googles search engine seemed to stay very site-specific, with little wandering around.
I may have to go mess around with Rollyo, because when I am looking for information for my personal life, I tend to like to wander around a little.
I do feel the Google search engine would be better for specific information - for example if you wanted to search program information for KCLS, Sno-Isle and Pierce Counties, you could have an engine just for that.
I used Google as the search engine I set up on my page (scroll toward the bottom of the page - and yes, I did fool with the layout and colors - and I will again! LOL)
Monday, April 9, 2007
Generators
I created an Icon using this site
A very fun site. Of course, they were all fun sites.
Just for fun, here is another site I love...don't ask me why...it really has nothing to do with this week's lesson.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
WIKI MADNESS
If I know nothing about a subject at all, I will go to Wikipedia for a fast, if not always reliable source for information. There are so many lovely links, and subjects like - movie stars who died in car crashes (yes, it's true) dog information, etc. While you cannot take the information you find there as the verifiable truth it definitely gives some great starting places. If I am just looking for fun, I just enjoy, but if I am using it for research purposes I always verify the information with another reliable source.
A few of the tarot people I know from the internet have made a Tarotpedia wiki.
It would be great in a lot of ways to have a King County Library System wiki. In addition to basic information, like library locations, open hours, and links to same, it could have information about the history of the Library System, art that the libraries have, things that people might not look for on our website but might be interested in knowing.
A few of the tarot people I know from the internet have made a Tarotpedia wiki.
It would be great in a lot of ways to have a King County Library System wiki. In addition to basic information, like library locations, open hours, and links to same, it could have information about the history of the Library System, art that the libraries have, things that people might not look for on our website but might be interested in knowing.
LibraryThing
I have used Library Thing, Shelfari, and LibGuru one and all to try and find my MISSING BOOK. You know the one I mean, that missing book, read 30 years ago, no idea of the title or author...yes, I have one too. Mine is probably going to be forever hard-to-find because it was a 70's pulp Western, probably only released in paperback.
I also like using Library Thing for personal use to find new authors. One of these days I may even enter all my personal books, however, I doubt it.
Here is my LibraryThing site. Watch for new books to appear daily. Or not.
I also like using Library Thing for personal use to find new authors. One of these days I may even enter all my personal books, however, I doubt it.
Here is my LibraryThing site. Watch for new books to appear daily. Or not.
del.icio.us
The ability to gather all my bookmarked sites together in one easy to use pile is very handy, and I have already gotten my own account. I am online every day, and like most of us who are, I have sites that I visit daily, some I visit once a week or so, and some (like sites with, for example, mouldering cheese on video) monthly.
I can see this as a good tool for anyone doing extended research for a project. As a writer, I do a lot of research and sometimes I'll run across a site I might not want to add to my lengthy list of favorites, but also don't want to plow through three pages of a Google search to find at a future date. Del.icio.us is a perfect spot for it. I have already added a few of those sites to my personal account.
I can also see where this might be useful for students researching projects, or even for myself - I am doing a mystery book display, and change my theme every three or four weeks. This would be a handy place to gather all the mystery websites I have found helpful without having to put them on our shared favorites page.
Also handy for us as a researching tool - putting all those websites we find helpful together for easy access (especially as my favorite websites may not be the same as my co-workers).
I can see this as a good tool for anyone doing extended research for a project. As a writer, I do a lot of research and sometimes I'll run across a site I might not want to add to my lengthy list of favorites, but also don't want to plow through three pages of a Google search to find at a future date. Del.icio.us is a perfect spot for it. I have already added a few of those sites to my personal account.
I can also see where this might be useful for students researching projects, or even for myself - I am doing a mystery book display, and change my theme every three or four weeks. This would be a handy place to gather all the mystery websites I have found helpful without having to put them on our shared favorites page.
Also handy for us as a researching tool - putting all those websites we find helpful together for easy access (especially as my favorite websites may not be the same as my co-workers).
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Friendless in My Space
So, I don't know what happened with My Space. One minute I was a friend of KCLS 27 Things, the next I was denied. Maybe I clicked too many boxes when I was getting rid of Tom. Again.
Hopefully in the near future I will be back on the friends list - until then I'll just have to be satisfied with my lovely little work blog.
IF in the distant future we had money for those YA midnight programs again, social networking sites would be a great way to publicise them. Also regional YA event sites.
Hopefully in the near future I will be back on the friends list - until then I'll just have to be satisfied with my lovely little work blog.
IF in the distant future we had money for those YA midnight programs again, social networking sites would be a great way to publicise them. Also regional YA event sites.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
My Space
I actually have a "personal" MySpace, as opposed to my work MySpace.
My older niece talked me into getting one, and then my younger niece wanted one. Since my sister is not particularly techno-inclined, she asked me to keep an eye on my younger niece's site. The best things about it have been keeping in touch with my nieces and nephew. The older ones are in their 20's and we don't see them often often. I've also re-connected with a few people I went school with - which has been fun. Many people my age are not on MySpace.
As a music fan, I have also discovered several interesting indie and unsigned bands, and joined a few special interest groups as well.
I think it would be a good way for libraries to connect with teens, especially younger teens. The demographic is shifting downward, age-wise as these things do. Who knows what the next big social site for high school and college age students will be at this point.
My older niece talked me into getting one, and then my younger niece wanted one. Since my sister is not particularly techno-inclined, she asked me to keep an eye on my younger niece's site. The best things about it have been keeping in touch with my nieces and nephew. The older ones are in their 20's and we don't see them often often. I've also re-connected with a few people I went school with - which has been fun. Many people my age are not on MySpace.
As a music fan, I have also discovered several interesting indie and unsigned bands, and joined a few special interest groups as well.
I think it would be a good way for libraries to connect with teens, especially younger teens. The demographic is shifting downward, age-wise as these things do. Who knows what the next big social site for high school and college age students will be at this point.
Friday, March 16, 2007
RSS Part II
Now that I have finally been successful with adding pictures from Flickr (and let me just say, I have used Photobucket and Hello without problems) I will return to RSS feeds. So, now I am wondering why I didn't know about this fabulous thing sooner????
I go to multiple news sites daily, so I added my favorites feeds from those sites, and I will be adding more as time permits. I found it depended on the site as far as ease of-use. Going to familar sites I use was the easiest, especially since I know the URL's by heart. (How sick is that? Nevermind.) Searching was easier when I was just browsing for fun.
I found all the search tools fairly easy to use, except for Topix.net. I'm not sure if it was because the site seemed so busy, or if it was just me.
I go to multiple news sites daily, so I added my favorites feeds from those sites, and I will be adding more as time permits. I found it depended on the site as far as ease of-use. Going to familar sites I use was the easiest, especially since I know the URL's by heart. (How sick is that? Nevermind.) Searching was easier when I was just browsing for fun.
I found all the search tools fairly easy to use, except for Topix.net. I'm not sure if it was because the site seemed so busy, or if it was just me.
Tinkerbell
So, let's see if THIS picture from Tinkerbell from Flickr works....
Yay! So, with Peggi's help I found out that to upload pictures from Flickr onto a blog FIRST you need to log into Flickr and add (like giving an okay) the url of all blogs you want to be able to upload pictures to. I added this blog of course, and two of my personal blogs as well.
I also used the "add a page element" feature, which added the cute picture of Magic (pre sock-removal) and my sister-in-law's new Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy, Chesney to my profile. As soon as I remember to bring my digital camera to work, I will have more work-related pictures as well.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
RSS Feeds Part 1
So, making a Bloglines account and signing up was fun. I had never played with RSS feeds before - and maybe that was a good thing. News hound that I am, I will just say I could spend a lot of time adding feeds to Bloglines.
I have added feeds to my work Bloglines account, and I will be creating a personal Bloglines (or other) account for home. For work, I am going to look for book review sites. We used to get Publishers Weekly, which helped keep us up-to-date on the new books being released. I'm interested in sites that feature not only bestsellers featured on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, but also the lesser known titles. I will be looking for good feeds for these.
I can see many uses for my personal life too. I am even going to show my husband how to use them, I think they will be very useful for him as will.
I think this would be a great library tool - offering some of the library sites like the new book releases, and maybe even a staff review blog, Programming...there are lots of applications.
I have added feeds to my work Bloglines account, and I will be creating a personal Bloglines (or other) account for home. For work, I am going to look for book review sites. We used to get Publishers Weekly, which helped keep us up-to-date on the new books being released. I'm interested in sites that feature not only bestsellers featured on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, but also the lesser known titles. I will be looking for good feeds for these.
I can see many uses for my personal life too. I am even going to show my husband how to use them, I think they will be very useful for him as will.
I think this would be a great library tool - offering some of the library sites like the new book releases, and maybe even a staff review blog, Programming...there are lots of applications.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Flickr
Being a fan of graphics in general, I found it difficult to pick just one application.
I love the spell with Flickr tool - my favorite part was being able to change the letter by clicking on it. As someone who likes a certain flow to my graphics it was great to pick and choose my lettering.
I also enjoyed the Color Picker - I could amuse myself for days with that. Very handy if you wanted a color-themed photo montage, for whatever reason. But also cool just to click on a color and see what comes up.
The trading card application was also too much fun. That one might even come in handy in real life. Library staff trading cards? Kind of like Pokemon - gottagett'emall. Also as just a fun thing - pet trading cards. You could even make some kind of game out of them, which would be fun.
I love the spell with Flickr tool - my favorite part was being able to change the letter by clicking on it. As someone who likes a certain flow to my graphics it was great to pick and choose my lettering.
I also enjoyed the Color Picker - I could amuse myself for days with that. Very handy if you wanted a color-themed photo montage, for whatever reason. But also cool just to click on a color and see what comes up.
The trading card application was also too much fun. That one might even come in handy in real life. Library staff trading cards? Kind of like Pokemon - gottagett'emall. Also as just a fun thing - pet trading cards. You could even make some kind of game out of them, which would be fun.
Here is the photo I uploaded to Flickr. Because of pop-up blockers it is not showing up at the moment. Which shows that there's always more to learn, even if you (somewhat) know what you're doing. If you click on the white square the picture shows up. When I figure out how to fix it, I will post the resolution as well - I am sure I won't be the only one having this problem.
My cat Tinkerbell has nothing to do with the library. She would make a very bad library cat, since she tends to bite when she gets irritated. She's irritated a lot.
However, she would have a great time climbing the library shelves, chasing whatever mouse or insect life she could find, bouncing on the keyboards, and various other activites she deems worthy.
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Yay! The learning 2.0 progress log is up. Signing up was very easy.
I even updated my public blogs in honor of creating a new one, since I think you can go visit them through this site. I haven't updated the links on my other blogs since Google took over Blogger.com. This will give me a good reason to do so.
I even updated my public blogs in honor of creating a new one, since I think you can go visit them through this site. I haven't updated the links on my other blogs since Google took over Blogger.com. This will give me a good reason to do so.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Welcome to my Work Blog
This blog is part of the Learning 2.0 program sponsored by King County Library System for library employees.
As an advocate of this program, I am encouraging my co-workers to participate in this very easy learning process.
I feel it's important to know about what new technologies are out there, even if you don't plan to use them on a regular basis for personal use.
I have several other blogs in my real life - some of which are linked to this one.
As an advocate of this program, I am encouraging my co-workers to participate in this very easy learning process.
I feel it's important to know about what new technologies are out there, even if you don't plan to use them on a regular basis for personal use.
I have several other blogs in my real life - some of which are linked to this one.
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Nemo on the Sofa
And you can't make me....
Home away From Home
