23 Things Bonus: 10 Random Things

Aaaand, another post! This "extra credit" post is supposed to be 10 random things about me.

1. I grew up hating my name, mostly because it gets mispronounced all the time and I get tired of having to spell it for the people at Panera. But I actually like it now. It's unique, and I like not having the same name as everyone else. I know when someone says, "Hey Talia!", they're talking to me!

2. I have an undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education from Indiana University, even though I grew up in Columbus and just came back here after graduation.

3. I met my husband in high school, although we were NOT high school sweethearts. We were both in orchestra together, I played the cello, he played the violin.

4. In college, I was a member of the Indiana University Speech Team, and we competed in competitive speaking contests. I loved it so much, I now help coach a local high school speech team!

5. I hate going to concerts, although I love music. I don't know, I hate crowds, and I don't see the point in paying money so people can bump into you and block your view.

6. My favorite food is lasagna, but no meat sauce, please!

7. I don't own an ipod. Well, that's not true, I have one, a gift, and it's an old ipod, but I just don't have a use for one in my life, so it's unused.

8. I went to Indiana U., and I am a IU basketball nut! So don't bother asking me about OSU football, I bleed cream and crimson!

9. When I was a kid, I didn't play with Barbies, I guess I didn't find them interesting. My favorite toy was a stuffed llama named "Llama" (I guess I couldn't think of a good llama name).

10. A stupid movie that I will never get tired of watching: Muppets Take Manhattan.

~T

Thing #23

Oh hey! I'm done! And right in at the end of the program, too.

My fave "things" were flickr and the RSS feeds, both Web items that I knew about but hadn't had a whole lot of exposure to. I lurve my Bloglines account now!

All in all, Learn & Play @CML was informative and professionally enhancing. And it assisted my life-long learning goals by teaching me not to be afraid. I know, me? Afraid of Web 2.0? Well, in my last post, I mentioned my slight apprehension on working with MOLDI, but after taking a look at it and "learning and playing", I realized it's not as hard and crazy as I thought it was, and can actually be something to promote instead of just explaining what it is when people ask for it.

I would totally participate again in something like this, but I would like more of an outreach to non-CML folks. My coworkers were at least aware of this program, but maybe they were hesitant to get onboard with something that's not specifically "for them". I know, we can't get the free flashdrives or participate in prize drawings, but hey, I still got something out of this! I think I'm the only non-CML person who faux-registered and finished, and it's kinda lonely out on this limb! Also, a lot of idea sharing and a sense of belonging gets lost when you can't really talk to anyone about what you're doing.

But even though this program is over, I will continue learnin' and playin'! Because as it was said back in August, I am a life-long learner!

~T

Thing #22: MOLDI

It happens every once in a while when I'm at the reference desk: someone comes up and asks me about downloading audio-books to their MP3 player. I break into a cold sweat, but I still smile and say "sure thing!" I think MOLDI (Mid-Ohio Library Digital Initiative) is something that library folk know about, as in they're aware of it, but few actually know it works. But after playing around with the site,...it's not so bad, not bad at all! MOLDI is great, but as far as the books available, go in with lowered expectations. No, they don't have every audiobook/ e-book in the universe. And not all audiobooks can be downloaded to ipods, although some can. And most can't be burned to CD due to licensing rights. But that being said, it's a great tool for finding audiobooks that certain libraries don't own. There were PLENTY of good items to choose from, although when there's a wait, ANY kind of wait, you know people get a little cranky over having to wait a day or 2. I put in a request for Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume, and I'm still a little disappointed I can't get it right this nanosecond. Oh well. patience is a virtue. And now I fear MOLDI no more!!!

~T

Thing #21: Podcasts

In one of my MLIS classes, we had to search podcast directories and get to know them, and I never liked how any of the directories worked. I was much happier to get podcasts backwards, by having a beloved site that I already read on a daily basis and THEN finding out they have podcasts as well. That being said, Podcast Alley got me some good looking hits pretty easily. There are many examples of library-related podcasts, most being updates about programs or happenings at the library or book reviews. I love childrensbookradio.com, which is perfect to keep up with all of the great children's literature out there.Another example of podcasts is shown here at Salt Lake County Library, where they give a humorous look into how books are ordered and processed. One way I think podcasts would do very well in the youth services arena, where entire stories can be downloaded and listened to. Also, popular storytime songs can be recorded and made into a podcast. Want to sing the "Open Them, Shut Them" song with your toddler but don't remember all the words? It's only a click away on a library Web page.
The issue with podcasts in libraries is actually getting people to subscribe to them. We need to publicize the podcasts and show users that it's easy, worthwhile, and can even be fun!

~T

Thing #20: YouTube!

Who doesn't love YouTube?? You can watch music videos, funny clips, and most importantly, it can be used at the library! YouTube has channels on it's site, so why can't libraries have "channels" of various author interviews, movie trailers that are based off of books, and even user reviews. YouTube also has a contest page of currently running contests you can enter by submitting an appropriate video. The library can participate in its own contests. For kids, maybe users can post videos on their favorite part of the library or their favorite book. Storytubes.info is an awesome site of kids talking about their favorite book. Simple, yet utilizing a Web 2.0 technology and getting users involved!
Also, as I'm showing here, videos can be embedded into library Web sites. This can be a good opportunity to promote the library in informational ways. My library's Web site had various programs (and a few storytime rhymes) taped and put on the site so users can watch and "visit" the library from home. Here's a video I participated in just a few months ago (I'm one of the gang members!) to promote Summer Reading Club. We put it on our Web site, and we have over 7,800 views so far!



~T

Thing #19: CML's Tool Box

CML has a downloadable toolbar for your Web browser which has some neat buttons on it. I like the "events" button and the "electronic media" button, but my favorite is the "new items" button! I really wish my library had something like that where users could find out what materials are coming soon to the library before the queue gets ridiculously long! But anyway, this toolbar is a great example of Library 2.0, where the library is coming to the user (instead of the user coming to the library!) and making their information accessible in a manner of the user's choosing.

~T

Thing #16: Wiki Sandbox!

Yeah, going out of order here.
I had a bit of trouble getting to post to the CML wiki since I'm not a CML employee, but I was granted permission very quickly after posting a request, so thanks wiki administrator!
I like PBwiki, it's very easy to use if you're familiar with using a blog, and even if you haven't, it's a snap to pick up. Another wiki I've heard good things about is wetpaint.com, although I haven't had a whole lot of experience with it. So I added my blog to the front page, and I added info to the fave books and fave quotations pages. I liked being able to read about other people's likes; fun activity!

~T

Thing #18: Discovering Web 2.0 Tools

For this "thing", we're to look at the Web 2.0 Award winners and talk about one in particular. Looking at the list of winners, I have heard of a few of them, but many I had not. Under the "food" category, I found imcooked.com. I'm already aware of recipe-sharing and review sites like allrecipes.com and recipezaar.com, so I was curious to see how this Web 2.0 site was different from the ones I already know.
Imcooked is youtube meets allrecipes, where users upload videos of recipes and viewers can rate them. The videos' production quality ranges from high to low, but it's interesting to actually "see" cooking techniques instead of just reading about them. While many videos are made by actual chefs or people who talk as if they're on TV, I like the videos of real people best.
There's also groups of videos by type "College Cooking" and you can search the videos by type of recipe as well. I also like that you do not have to sign up to watch the videos, only if you want to contribute or interact with the other users.

~T

Thing #17: Web Based Apps

Well, it looks like I can't participate in Thing #16 just yet, I'm having trouble getting access to edit the wiki, so while I'm waiting, I suppose I'll move onto the next!

So, Web-based applications. I've had experience with Google Docs before, but not in the way the video (and this discovery exercise) intends it to be used. I took a class where we all submitted our own documents to a Google Docs account so our instructor could keep track of everyone's submissions. I like the idea of a collaborative document writing. It utilizes the goodness of wikis but takes away the public aspect. This could be helpful in libraries when members of a "team" or workforce are composing a document, report, or presentation together but don't want to send multiple documents around through the Internet.
The other way in which this would be helpful is with patrons. My library only has 8 computers that have Microsoft Word installed on them, and for some reason, people always take those computers first, even if they're just using the Internet. This is a problem when someone wants to use a word processor but can't have access to the right computers. Using Google Docs or Zoho Writer, they can use a free word processor to type up whatever, and save it without needing a disk or flash drive. Unfortunately, if the user does not already have a Google account, most of the time they don't want to take the time to "sign up for something else". But if they do have an account already, it's pretty awesome to be able to show someone something new they didn't know about!
Also, Web-based apps provide security in saving files. I had a mishap with my flash drive a few months back, and I lost a bunch of important files for my practicum. I started redoing docs and saving them on Zoho Writer, and I knew I wouldn't have to worry about them being lost again. Useful for patrons who never think to bring a disk (which happens a lot).

~T

Thing #15: Wikis

The wiki is a romanticized, utopian view of what sharing information on the Internet should be: an open place where the common man can contribute and share content easily to the masses. Surely libraries, who praise the dissemination of information, would approve of such a technology! The obvious positive side of wikis is that they are open and welcoming to anyone who wishes to share content. Getting a wiki to actually function the way you want it to,...well, that's a different story.

I think that wikis have a great potential for use in library systems. They can be used wherever information is shared and displayed. Wikis in libraries can have various types of collaboration: between libraries, among library staff, between staff and patrons, or just patron contribution. In fact, my library has their own staff wiki, which is helpful for finding details about programs, our tutor rooms, and where to find a notary when our library manager is out (useful information that I needed just yesterday!)

There is a wide scope as to how a wiki can be implemented at a library; they can be as simple or as intricate as you please. A Summer Reading Club wikis can share information to others on good books for young patrons to read, or information for parents on how to get their child to read more often. A local community information wikis can share information on various aspects of a community all in one place with opinions from the general population. Even a library’s home page can have a wiki section. One fantastic and simple example of a library wiki is shown at the Princeton (NJ) Public Library, where a book review wiki shows how a library community can work together to share book reviews and thoughts about literature and library services. I also like Butler (IN) University Library's Reference Wiki, which gives a complete (and I do mean complete) list of reference sources, added by users of the library.

~T

Thing #14: Web 2.0 v. Library 2.0

Ok, a lone week left to L&P@CML, and I think I can finish in time (in time for what? Well, I just like deadlines, I guess). I’ve been a busy bee because I’ve been finishing up my MLS. Wee!

I’m trying to reach back into my brain and remember the first time I heard the term “Web 2.0”. Of course, this term is passé, as many libraries are involved in Web 3.0 (Virtual 3D services). But I suppose we can’t all move onto the next level until we’re proficient with the current level, so Web 2.0, although I know plenty of people sick of the terminology, still endures. And again, the idea of Web 2.0 is old hat to us library folk, but to some library users, it is new to them. How fun it is to share cool new tools and tricks and methods of information sharing with people who aren’t aware of it!
But I’m getting away from what I’m supposed to talk about. The 2 articles I read were “Into a New World of Librarianship” by Michael Stephens and “Away from the Icebergs” by Rick Anderson. Now, the term Web 2.0 and Library 2.0 mean two different things to me. Web 2.0 summons the idea of shared content between users utilizing the World Wide Web. Library 2.0 takes it a step further and integrates library services and shared learning utilizing the Web. As the Learn & Play initiative shows, there is A LOT out there for libraries! The key is making Library 2.0 tools available that are accessible on different user levels. There are users that are so adept with technology (as well as the ones that find new technologies interesting and have a desire to learn), and then there are the second group who is at a low-functioning level of technology and also resistant to change. Users in this second group should be introduced to simple Web 2.0 technologies that are slightly above their level (Vygotsky’s “Zone of Proximal Development”). Then ask if you can show the patron “something really neat” and tailor it to suit them. For example, with children (who may be at a low level of tech-proficiency), show them Flickr or an online image generator! Soon they’ll be sharing pictures with grandma all on their own.

Thing #13: Social Bookmarking

Man, I am way behind with this. I'm still on #13 when everyone is supposed to be finishing up their 23 things. Oh well, not like I can get the free flash drive anyway. =)

I recall an article a while back that talked about the future of personal Web organization, how it can be so much more than just that Bookmarking drop box on your Web browser menu. Enter del.icio.us. (I know the dots are no longer necessary, but I like them!) Del.icio.us allows users to set up an account, and tag their bookmarks with specific terms for easy sorting. What's more, you can see other users' bookmarks and search by specific tags to find links and pages, hence the "social" aspect of social bookmarking. I first used del.icio.us for a research paper for a class where the paper had different topics. This way, I could take my "sources" and continue to work on my paper at school, home, and sometimes even at work. (shh! Don't tell! It was off-desk hours anyway!) To be honest, I haven't really touched my del.icio.us account since my class ended in July, but it'd be nice to start it up again.

This is a good technology for public and academic library use. I liked CML's humanities page with all of its readers advisory book list links and "what do I read next" pages. I can also see possibilities for youth services too, with authoritative links to pages that can provide homework help and report research. Or maybe links to child-appropriate game sites like Webkinz and PBS Kids. The fact that any of these lists can be accessed from any remote location outside the library only furthers it's usage possibilities. Hmm, maybe I should mention del.icio.us at my next departmental meeting!

~T

Thing #12: Twitter

Twitter is a strong example of a Web 2.0 technology that needs participants in order to succeed. I originally got my Twitter account as a part of a class assignment, and I thought it was the biggest waste of time. I had no "followers", therefore, what was the point of tweeting? It's like the old philosophical saying: "If a tree falls in the forest, and there's no one around..." But as time has gone by, and I've added followers and followed people, I've grown to like Twitter. It's not my favorite Web 2.0 technology, but it's something different. Most people use twitter as a form of social communication (only in 140 characters or less!) with their friends, but many of my library cohorts treat it as professional microblogging, which I think is how most libraries use it.

One example of a library using Twitter is Cleveland Public Library, who uses Twitter to inform followers on programs, user services, materials, and other library information news. Someone must be reading all the updates, as they have 250 followers.
Another using library is Homewood (AL) Public Library, which informs users on when a new book review is added to their book review blog.
For a teen services viewpoint, the East branch of Dayton Metro Library updates following teens on program pictures, (very) short book reviews, and program announcements.

As for me, I use my personal Twitter account for both professional microblogging as well as social interaction. I'll joke with a friend/follower AND post a link to a library related article I think is cool. But I guess that's how Web 2.0 technologies work, you find a purpose for using that makes sense to YOU. If anyone wants to follow me, you can find me here.

~T

Thing #11: LibraryThing

I'm not what one would call an organized person. I am more idea-oriented that detail-oriented, and while my computer files are quasi-organized, I shudder at how disorganized my desk is. Behold, the unorganized (almost) librarian! But when I log onto LibraryThing, I love seeing my "library" organized by Dewey number. My refrigerator may look a mess, but I need my 641s and 818s to be separate!
Anyway, prior to this exercise, I had seen LibraryThing before, but chosen Goodreads instead. Why? Goodreads is completely free. I can add books to my heart's content and not have to worry about going over my "limit". I like LibraryThing's organization features, but that seems to be more for a librarian's needs, to have their own personal library in Dewey or LC. What I like about Goodreads is while their organization scheme is below LibraryThing (just tags), more people use it, which allows for more book review comparison. LibraryThing also has reviews, but nowhere near the same amount as Goodreads. If I'm going to research a book I might want to read, I want reviews, and Goodreads has plenty of them. Also, because so many more people use Goodreads, this allows for a larger opportunity for social book networking. I have over 60 friends on Goodreads (yes, mostly library folk), and I love reading about their reviews and getting reading suggestions! I know of only a few people that have paid subscriptions to LibraryThing. This is one case where the volume of users wins out.

My LibraryThing catalog
My Goodreads account (yes, my profile is locked, but I add all library-community people)

~T

Thing #10: Image Generators

Hee! I love image generators. They literally provide hours of fun, and if you show people what you've made, they're going to say, "That is awesome!! How can I do that??" This is exactly the element that needs to be stressed when teaching Web 2.0 technologies, that even you (yes, you!) can play and have fun! These can also be used as a sort of community building exercise for your patrons. I know CML did a series of ALA Read posters a while back, what about having a contest where patrons make up their own poster that celebrates reading?

So I created a really cute "make your own drug" poster that I found on The Generator Blog, but I can't get it to post to my blog. In case anyone wants to see it, the URL is here.

But I wanted to post something here, so here's an image generator I found from redkid.net.
What an idea, an airline with an on-board library or Amazon Kindles available to rent! Although the name makes me think of the school reading incentive with Pizza Hut.

~T

Thing #9: Finding Feeds

So now we have a news aggregator set up for reading Web feeds! But now, how do we find topical blogs and news pages to subscribe to? Of course, there are your basic news sites such as msnbc.com, cnn.com, etc. that have feed icons. But what about blogs? There's so many of them, how do you sort out the ones that are suitable to your needs? Fortunately, there are several blog tools that can sort out topical or location-based blogs and information.
Now, I've had problems using Technorati before, but it actually worked a lot better for me this time around, although I can see how users can have problems using it. Those tabs for a specific search can be easy to miss. Also, I tried Topix, which I hadn't used before, and I like how it automatically found me news about my community, Columbus. However, I was disappointed with my search results. Another new one for me, Syndic8, specifically searches not just blogs, but feeds, taking away a step in the aggregating process! I like that its key word, Google-esque search process made searching for specific feeds easy. All of the feeds on my search contained the key word in the title of the blog. Not completely effective, but a good method for users who are used to the primary KW search to find things.

~T

Thing #8: RSS feeds

Eek, it's been almost a month since my last post. I've been ridiculously busy lately (and will continue to be for another 3 weeks), but I'm going to try to catch up a little on my learning & playing! =)

I think that RSS feeds are a largely unrecognized part of Web 2.0, yet it is easy to integrate RSS feeds as well as social bookmarking (more on that later though!) into practice for libraries and patron use. First, you can alter your feed for any topic you want. Like trashy celebrity news? Looking for a job? Enjoy science and technology news? The perfect newsreader can be made for you with minimal clicking and searching in one easy place to collect information! For library workers, RSS feeds can be altered to provide the latest in professional reading or to keep abreast of community news that impacts their user base.
Patron use of RSS feeds is tricky, though. I'm having a little trouble thinking of how to show users its worth outside of having a specific workshop or technology training session. But I have thought of a good youth services example. Often we'll get young patrons in, asking for cheat code books. Now, we don't carry cheat code books, mostly because they never come back, but also, there's so many new codes all the time, it's difficult to keep up with the hot, new codes that go with the hot, new games. So I usually show the kids how to find them online. (lightbulb moment) HEY! How about setting up an RSS feed to collect new cheat codes when they come out? So easy to just go to one place, and you don't have to fuss with those annoying pop-up ads. =)

~T

Thing #7: Something Tech-related

Well, this has been an interesting week. The wind storm of 2008 has rocked Columbus, and left tons of people out of power, and also, out of Internet access. It's kind of embarrassing for me to say how disconnected and awkward I felt not being able to check my e-mail whenever I wanted. On Monday, I got so fed up and stir-crazy, I drove the 30 minute trip to my mom's to use her computer so I could check my Twitter feed! Tuesday, my library was one of the fortunate ones who had power (and Internet!!), and wow, we were hoppin'! So many people rushed in, a harried look on their face, asking, "Do you have Internet access?" It was nice being able to give them the good news, "Yes, Virginia, we do have Internet!"

I was overjoyed (yes, I was that happy) when I got home Thursday night to see that my Internet was working again, and I promptly sat down and went straight to Facebook. My husband, at seeing me pour over status updates, claimed that he did not see the point in Facebook; it seemed like a waste of time to him. I rolled my eyes at him; yes, Facebook is a fantastic time-suck, I know, I know. I told him that Facebook in particular serves a specific need. Whether it is being nosy and wanting to check up on people's updates, sharing photos, or wanting to keep in contact with friends, Facebook, along with Web 2.0 technologies, fills a specific need. If you don't have a need to be filled by Facebook (like my husband), then yes, it seems like a waste of time.
But then I began to think: what if patrons adopt this sentiment, that Web. 2.0 does not meet their needs? Then today I came across this blog post that asks that very question: what if social media is not relevant to your users? One can promote Flickr until they're blue in the face, but if a person doesn't really take pictures or have a digital camera, they're not going to care. The post goes on to explain that there are so many social media outlets and Web 2.0 groups out there, that all groups should find something they identify with. Take my Facebook-hating hubby, for example. Yes, Facebook doesn't fit his needs, but there are other technologies that do. He's a huge news junkie, so an RSS news feed would be perfect for him. I guess reaching a specific audience takes some research and some probing on the librarian's part to find the user's need. then try to fill it!

Thing #6: Flickr Mashups

Eeek, I'm falling behind schedule. Between work, my practicum, and other various commitments, I'm finding it hard to find time to work on this blog! Yeah, the CML folks can get away with blogging at work, I just feel guilty if I do so while on desk. =/
Today's "thing" introduces mashups in relation to Flickr and other photo-sharing sites. Now, on the off chance anyone reads this who doesn't know what a mashup is, a mashup is a type of Web application that utilizes more than 1 tool into a single application. One easy example of a mashup is the infamous GoogleMaps, which utilizes photos into the map/direction database so you can "see" where you're going...or stalk an ex, either or. =) I wanted to put a picture up of my library, but it's not indexed in GoogleMaps' database. So instead, a link of my library growing up, the Gahanna Branch!
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Gahanna+Library&ie=UTF8&ll=40.024098,-82.869637&spn=0.009465,0.022745&z=16&layer=c&cbll=40.018475,-82.870121&panoid=Zr4yQJ0x_tCRu0YdkM0H6w&cbp=1,19.93966268672341,,0,5

But that Mashup is not necessarily Flickr, I don't think. So here's a true Mashup that utilizes Flickr, from Spell with flickr:



This type of technology, (Flickr mashups) allows users to play around and have extended fun with pictures, fostering creativity and sharing, the basis of Web 2.0, IMO.

~T

Thing #5: Flickr

If ever there was a Web 2.0 technology accessible to the masses, it's photo sharing. People love to share pictures of their grandkids, their friends, places they've gone on vacation, endless shots of cute stuff their cat does...and what better way to share pictures than with photo sharing sites such as Flickr, Snapfish, and Ringo! In particular, I like Flickr because it has teamed up with Picnik, a photo editing software, so users can delete red eye, crop pictures, and sharpen any blurriness. I don't have any photo editing software on my home computer (nor does my library), so I was happy to see this new feature added to the Flickr site.
Now, I don't have any cat pictures to share (librarian without a cat? Quelle horreur!), so instead, I'll share a picture of my parents' dog, Jack.


Have a great Labor Day weekend!

~T

Thing #4: Register Your Blog

Since I'm not a CML employee, I don't have access to the tracking log on CML's Intranet or whatever it is. So, to keep track of my "things", I've signed up for 43 Things to track my 23 Things progress. 43 Things is a sort of social networking meets The Bucket List; users make up an account and track their goals in life, which can range from "get married" to "go to Jim Morrison's grave" to "stand up to my mother". You can then see how many other users want to accomplish the same goals as you (412 want to get laser hair removal, just so you know), and even cheer them on in their pursuits. There's also a little diary-type feature that lets you write about your experiences once you "complete" each goal.
While the idea is nice; goals meets social networking/sharing, I'm not sure I feel comfortable letting the world know my "must do before I die" list. In any case, it's a computerize method to keeping track of any set of goals.

~T

Thing #3: Create a Blog

Done!
Wow, that was easy! Now, so this entry is longer than 2 sentences, I think I'll share what I'm reading right now. All items care of Discovery Place!

Book: I just finished Plain and Fancy by Wanda Brunstetter, a reading choice from a book-a month challenge at my library. Each month, we're encouraged to read a book from a specific genre to broaden our readers advisory horizons, and the genre for August is inspirational fiction. I'll just say, some genres have been more enjoyable than others. =)
Next on the read list is A Long Way From Chicago by Richard Peck. This is a children's book that tells the story of a brother and sister who come to live with their crotchety, oddball grandmother during the depression. This is also the book that precedes Newberry Award winner A Year Down Yonder, which I have already read.

Audio Book: In my car, I'm listening to Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock. It's a teen fiction novel about a girl who works on a dairy farm in Wisconsin and helps out a local football player with whom she shares a love/hate relationship. The reader of the book has this neat Wisconsin accent (think Fargo) which I think adds to the authenticity and believability of the story.

Music: Can't leave out the non-literary items! I just checked out 19 by Adele. I don't know a whole lot about her, she does alternative rock, and she's big in the UK.

~T

Thing #2: 7 1/2 Habits of Lifelong Learning

Yes, I am a lifelong learner! Actually, now that I think about it, aren't most librarians/library workers? A part of our service is to share information and promote learning among our patrons (habit #7). To promote independent learning, shouldn't we already be practicing what we preach? Well, I may just be speaking for myself, but I love learning. I love non-fiction, I love going to workshops and classes, I loved school when I was young, and I loved it so much, I even tried teaching school! There is nothing like that "OMG, now I get it!" look on someone's face that brings such joy! Thus is why I am entering librarianship, but that goes back to my argument of all librarians being lifelong learners.

In the 7 1/2 habits of lifelong learners presentation, I think that the easiest habit for me is habit #5, creating a learning toolbox. Learning materials don't just lay themselves at your feet, you have to FIND them! I personally think that finding supplemental information is the best part of the learning process. It's like shopping for school supplies for the first day of school: having cool, interesting tools to help you achieve your learning goal makes the act of learning a lot more attractive.
The habit that I have trouble with is habit #1, beginning with the end in mind. I must have ADHD, because when I have a desire to learn something, I either forget about it after a few minutes, or something else shinier captures my attention. For example, I have a basic understanding of Spanish, but I've wanted to become more fluent for what seems like forever. I guess I just need to get disciplined and actually follow through with my half-baked ideas. Well, recognizing the problem is the first step to solving it, right?? I'm glad the tutorial came with a contract; that seems like just what I need to stay on track with a specific goal!

~T

Thing #1

So Thing #1 on the agenda is to "read the blog and find out about the program".
I was first introduced to this program in February 2008 through a Public Library class I took for my MLS. The Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County had a very similar initiative to promote knowledge of Web 2.0 among library staff, and my class spent a few class sessions discussing the various technologies. (I liked the podcasts available on PMCMC's blog!) From a library science student standpoint, I enjoyed being introduced to 23 Things; I feel it is a solid way to introduce Web 2.0 technologies in an easy, non-threatening way for students, library professionals, and even patrons wanting to learn more about online Web applications.

~T

A brief introduction...

Hello to all in cyberland!

No, this is not my first blog; I've gone through many online journaling attempts, but of course, this time I'll make it stick!
This blog is starting out to journal my attempt at completing the 23 Things program through Columbus Metropolitan Library's Learn & Play initiative. No, I do not work for CML. Thus, no free flash drive. Bummer. But more importantly, this will in a way force myself to more fully adopt the sometimes daunting topic of Web/Library 2.0. So week by week, as I complete the 23 Things repertoire, I'll post my thoughts and reactions, and post other technological Web goodies I stumble upon as well.

~T