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!
Friday, September 19, 2008
Thursday, September 4, 2008
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
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
Sunday, August 31, 2008
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
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
Monday, August 25, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
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
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
Sunday, August 17, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
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
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
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