Thing 12

The topic of wikis reminds me of a project that is underway at my library and is a good example how wikis can be used in libraries. Currently, we have a information stored in a home-grown electronic Rolodex similar to the round Rolodex of the past where different types of information were kept in order to be easily accessible. As this electronic version of the Rolodex grew, it became increasingly hard to keep all the information accurate and updated. Therefore, we have undertaken a massive weeding project with the plan of converting the Rolodex into a wiki where responsibility of keeping the entries updated and accurate can be shared by all users. In fact, it has been discussed that we will give community organizations editing access so they can keep their own entries accurate.

Thing 11

I shared stories from the NY Times and some other online news sources (Emily, what did you think of the story?). Looking through all the different sites where readers vote, I did notice a trend where stories that made it to the top of the popularity list on one site seemed to also be at the top of list on other sites. So, if you are looking for the "most popular" news stories, these sites seem to deliver (popular among whom is the question--what are the demographics of the type of people that read, vote, and comment on online news stories...). Yes, I can see the importance of librarians taking the time to look at these sites because questions related to the stories will inevitably come up at the reference desk.

Thing 10

I used Delicious in several reference webinars. One was on science resources and one was on health resources. I searched using tags hoping to find either of the lists, but no matter what tags I used, I had a list of hundreds to scroll through and never found either list.

Thing 9

I tried to make a Flickr Badge and it worked but the html code it generated had errors. I know a little html and tried to edit it but the badge still didn't show. I explored Picture Trail but decided to use Flickr's tools instead because I already have so many accounts. I ended up using Mosaic Maker from Big Huge Labs because I could link it to my Flickr account without creating a new account. These tools are similar to the other ones and would be useful for displaying pictures from Library programs, library book covers, and more.


My creation
Originally uploaded by bakelaurieann

Thing 8

I do see uses for some of the communication tools mentioned in this Thing. I really like the idea of using text messaging to inform patrons when their holds are ready or when their books are overdue. Alerts like that are perfect for a text message. I don't see as much use for SMS as a reference tool because the very nature of SMS is "short" messages and it is hard to conduct reference interviews and provide thorough information in such small snippets.

As far as email is concerned, I have not worked during a time that did not have email so I am not sure how much it has improved productivity. However, it seems that while new communication tools often improve some areas they also create new challenges...

I use email constantly, IM occasionally, and text rarely. However, my IMing has started to decrease as my texting has increased.

I tried to view at least five of the OPAL presentations without success. I don't know if it was a problem with the OPAL Archive or the network traffic we experience at that time of day.

Thing 7

Here's my little image using one of the multitude of image generators! In fact, I went through so many I can't remember where I started, but I ended up at: www.imagechef.com

Thing 6

http://splashr.com/show/reflect2/25944746@N07/25/



Here is a slide show using splashr.com I enjoy fooling with the mashups and other ways of presenting photos, etc. I guess the library could use some of these apps to present book covers, event photos, program advertisements, etc. on the new Website (actually, I think we are).

Machu Picchu

CIMG0439
Originally uploaded by bakelaurieann

I was cold, sick and couldn't breath, but it was all worth it.

More Flickr

CIMG0453
Originally uploaded by bakelaurieann

This little llama was sooo cute.

Thing 5

100_0269
Originally uploaded by bakelaurieann

Well, I already have a Flickr account and feel fairly comfortable with it. However, I think I will give one of the other photo sharing services a try...maybe Picasa Web. One thing I don't like is that you can't click "blog this" in Flickr and then add it to a previous post...at least not that I've seen.

Here's another picture from our trip to Ft. Pierce.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabriella317/3240067394/in/set-72157615948822096/

Thing 4

I already had a Google Reader account, which I never used after initially filling it up with all sorts of subscriptions and blogs that I found interesting in my initial enthusiasm a couple of years ago. Shortly after setting it up and then not logging back in for over two weeks, I realized that this was probably going to be another one of many techie gadgets that I have started and then let fall by the wayside. I rarely, if ever, go onto my myspace or facebook account anymore either. Honestly, I'd just rather be outside.

However, I did add a few new feeds so I would refresh my memory. Looking at Google Reader again reminds me why I like my iGoogle page so much. I use my iGoogle page everyday and find getting my news and other information this way much better than logging into Google Reader. Maybe it is that the format of the page is so much more appealing or that I can get more than just news and other feeds, but whatever it is, iGoogle is my choice for bringing news and information together in one place.

Thing 3

I searched for a rather complicated medical topic in Technorati and Google. I found the results from Google's search to have more relevance.

Thing 2

A few random thoughts. I haven't been successful in managing my time (or finding any time to manage) and so am wayyyyy behind on "things". The Internet has made it possible for me to pay my bills...before the Internet I dreaded paying bills by hand every month. Now I pay all my bills with a click...in fact, I don't know if I've used a pen since the late 1990s. I haven't read anyone elses blogs much yet because I'm afraid.

I like the following descriptions of 2.0 from the readings. They highlight the positive aspects of 2.0. Of course as the entry states, some would argue that libraries have always been many of these things--don't know if I agree with that.

"Collaborative, customer friendly, and welcoming."
"2.0 principles: simplicity, rich interactivity, user participation, collective intelligence, self-service, novel and remixed content."

This entry by Michael Stephens on the blog Web 2.0 speaks to a concern I've had for some time about the mad dash to implement 2.0 technologies without proper planning or thoughtfullness, "Librarian 2.0 controls technolust. This librarian does not buy technology for the sake of technology. “Techno-worship” does not exist here. Without a firm foundation in the mission and goals of the institution, new technologies are not implemented for the sake of coolness and status. Technology is put to the test: Does it meet the users need in a new or improved way? Does it create a useful service for putting users together with the information and experience they seek? These are some of the questions this librarian asks when planning for technology. This librarian creates and nurtures a living, breathing technology plan."

Thing 1

Well, this is day one of 23 things. I set up the blog with little trouble except that I kept typing my Google password wrong. Maybe I didn't read all of the directions in detail, but I think setting up the blog was all that was required for the first thing. Is that right?