Week eight is (almost) history--how time flies....
This assisnment was to explore the library myspace or facebook. I choose myspace (don't really think I'm ready for facebook).
The library's page was interesting--lots of unusual friends. The blogs were also timely and informative about the library.
I can see both of these sites as being very helpful to our patrons--I just wish they had more information about the ongoing programs and upcoming events at the library. Both these social networking sites are great for promoting yourself, reconnecting with long lost friends, and in the library's case, introducting the new generation to the new library. There are still many people in this community who are not even aware that the library has dvd's--but then, these are probably not the patrons who would be checking us out on a social network site!Anyway, the journey was worth the trip--learned a lot of new techie things and I hope to be able to put them to use somewhere down the line. Thanks, Alicia, for taking us on this ride!

Week 8--not an easy lesson. I can see how podcasts would be beneficial in helping libraries get out info about programs, library events, and even tutorials about the use of online databases. With so many people now accessing the web through pda's, iphones, and smartphones, libraries would be really out of the loop not to take advantage of this type of publicity.
The amount and type of information available through podcasting was amazing. Any topic or thought can be produced for podcasting. I am always amazed that some people want to share the most finite details of their thoughts and actions.
For myself, I choose a news podcast because it's something I can relate to. Always want to know whats happening in the world.

Week 7 already?!?? Seems like we just started this "learning experiment". Anyway, this weeks lesson was tagging. I must admit, this was not one of my favorites. It was interesting to see how tags are used and how they would be really helpful to those who DO use the social networking sites, but unfortunately, I'm not one of them. It would be great to have this tool to help keep your blogs in some sort of order--it would make it easier to search by a topic or statement. I will keep exploring and maybe find a use for this that could be helpful to me.

Ok, I just tried something new. I added a "gadget" to my blog--a news ticker. This allows me to check new stories while logged on the my blog. Love it!

This weeks lesson was interesting. The google docs application would be great for anyone who wants a convenient place to create and manage spread sheets, powerpoints and documents without having to use an Office program. Great for people on the go who don't want to be tied to one pc to complete their work. The wiki feature was also interesting. I checked out the ALA 2.0 wiki and read about the testing of BlackBerry phones for use at reference. Interesting concept. Portable email and phone that would enable reference staff to be more mobile and not tied to a desk. Maybe an idea whose time has come?
Looking forward to the next assignment. This has been an interesting learning experience. I've tried things I wouldn't have otherwise.

NYC

Originally uploaded by _carleton

This is where I'd like to be--NYC subway system going to where ever!

This was a fun assignment! I've used on-line photo storage thru a WalMart account, but haven't explored Flickr before. I set up an account and browsed two groups I found interesting (NYC and flamingos--go figure). Some of the photos are amazing--I think this will be a fun spot just to look at other peoples photos. I plan to spend more time on this when I have time to locate some of my favorite shots to post. I think this would be a great spot for a lot of amature photographers to post their work. Definately something we could promote and a good tool to promote the library as well. Today with Alicia's help, I have added a picture of my favorite city. This is great--love it!

This weeks assignment was the world of social networks devoted to books. I'm sitting here composing my thoughts while the "original asmatic kitty" tries to wrap herself around my neck. Not always the most conducive work atmosphere, but never boring!
Anyway, the site I choose a few weeks ago was Shelfari so I have used it in this assignment and created a link on my blog to my "shelf". I also took a look at the "LibraryThings" site. Of the two, the LibraryThings looks like it may be a little more "user-friendly". Shelfari takes time to choose and edit your bookshelf. I think both could be helpful not just for staff but for our patrons, particularily those who like keeping lists and sharing their favorite reads. I plan to look closer at the groups on Shelfari--maybe those for mystery/crime books. I also think these could be helpful for music and movie lovers too.

RSS feeds: to be or not to be? This weeks assignment was to explore the wonderful world of RSS feeds and link all our "favorites" in one spot to make following multiple blogs easier. The blogs I choose were on Bloglines (for some reason I thought this would be easier than Google Reader). I choose some for news (NYTimes, Foxnews), and some for fun (the comic strip Get Fuzzy and some entertainment and shopping), and of course, one on CATS! This was really much easier than I thought it would be, and now I can just go to one sight to follow my "interests". Looking forward to our next assignment, Chief!!

The 7 1/2 habits of lifelong learning..........seems like there should be more of these habits, but then I would have an even harder time in determining which are easiest and hardest for me. Probably the easiest is accepting responsibility for my own learning. If I'm not going to be responsible for what I learn, who is? I've always liked to work independently and without a lot of supervision, so my learning curve is ususally "if at first you don't succeed--try again". Having a definite end in mind is also easy for me. I tend to plot out assignments with each step leading to the goal.

Now for the hard ones. Viewing problems as "challenges" is a nice idea but sometimes a problem is really A PROBLEM. Teaching and mentoring is not always my strong suit either, but I do my best & usually I can muddle my way through. PLAY is also not always easy for me. Apparently, the puritan work ethic is alive and well with me.

Grisham vs. Grisham

I recently finished reading John Grisham's new book The Associate. Grisham has always been one of my favorite fiction authors, but I have to confess that his last few books have been somewhat more predictible and less "addictive". The Associate was a really slow start and took quite a while to hold my interest. It plodded along yet came up with a unpredictible ending. One of his earlier works, The Testament, has been able to maintain its #1 favorite "status" in my own personal top books list. In this earlier work, Grisham seemed to care more about his characters and gave them more personality and realistic flaws. The books theme also had (in my opinion) emphasis on faith and redemption that seem lacking in his more current novels. Not necessarily "faith" in the religious sense but a deeper faith in man and his ability to change and grow. If you've missed The Testament, check it out. It's a very worthwhile read.