Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Thing 23

My favorite thing has been Flickr and the image generating. I got lost time wise in those activities. And, I do love working with pictures like in scrapbooking. (Guess you know there’s all sorts of web 2.0 tools dealing with storing images and creating scrapbooks online and to print out). I can see lots of in house promotional fun with signs created with images of the students at your school (all within the school’s publication guidelines of course). I also like Twitter. I’ve been seriously following with Denton ISD Libraries is doing. I think that has lots of value—getting out the word on your libraries and how they impact students. I just can’t quite decide if that has value. But, then again, I put the line of what I was reading currently on my email signature once. I was very surprised by the positive reaction to that. I took it off because I kept spending the day corresponding about what I was reading rather than taking care of organizational business.

Ning and LibWorm didn’t really appeal to me. However, I think it’s more the I’m not as familiar with those tools as others. And I just haven’t had the spark to really see how they could be useful. (I’m still holding out on Second Life, but recently read an article about how a hospital in Chicago I believe was going to use Second Life to explain to mentally challenged patient their treatment options so they would be more informed as they gave their consent to treatment—just might be of strong value in their respect.)

I found Instant Messaging the most challenging because of restrictions with my work environment. I still think picking up the phone or f2f will work for me in most work situations. Texting is becoming more useful as time goes on. It sure works well to communicate in a quick, efficient, almost nonevasive way with friends and family. I’m also a bit perturbed that schools block Facebook though it’s one of the biggest social networks out there ever increasing with the older generation.

The blog reader—though not new and certainly someone tried to get me into these before—was the most useful new thing I learned. I even heard myself recommending a blog reader to someone the other day who expressed his frustration in keeping current with the economic news of the world. That personalized focus of just what I want to know about makes so much sense.

Overall, I learned lots during these sessions. I’m surprised at varying opinions and uses others have for the same tools when you read other participants postings. I know that I’ve met with frustrations and it’s taken lots of time. But, it’s time that has helped me to learn these new tools and thus put me more in sync with the 21st Century users out there. Thanks for sponsoring this session. It is worth repeating, or having an advanced session!!!

Thing 22

Twenty three things or something like can easily be adapted to use with my library staff. As said, this is the way patrons are functioning. We need to know of and about these things. Librarians have to be able to stay up with the Jones so to speak or at least our patrons. If they are wanting MP3 audio tapes and we’re pushing cassettes, how many times do you think they’ll be back to use our resources? If our librarians or libraries don’t have a presence where the users are—the internet—then other information resources will take our place. All of these tools really offer us exciting opportunities to produce media easily and to make connections. Yes, we have to stretch and the marketplace of tools is constantly changing. So, we become learners and aren’t always the experts. Is that really so bad? I think not. Librarians need to be open to learning and then also supportive of others as they learn especially when we throw out those new databases or new interfaces that seem so intuitive to us. The possibilities this course offers is worth the frustration.

Last fall our school librarians were offered the option of 10 Things. I lead the group learning about 2 second ahead of the others. I was really surprised at how many dropped out during the period of time. Some of the learning does make you uncomfortable and is very time consuming. But, I know that those of us who went to the end (I guess the leader always has to go to be end.) really did benefit. Several have commented since then about the value of it. Several also participated again in this particular 23 things. And I think they enhanced their skills in so doing. I know they learned more and gained confidence in their web 2.0 skills. They will be out there using these tools to advocate for their particular library and make a connection with their patrons. Offering mini sessions like these to faculty or other librarians or other staff or even parents would be worthwhile time spent.

The format we’ve used for this course can easily be adapted and repeated in our own libraries. I think the time spent doing these sessions has been well worth it. I might focus the example more school related if doing it just for my school librarians. Expanding to give examples from both primary and secondary libraries would make the experience more relevant. Both levels tend to think narrowly in scope and need to be shown that it will work at my level. Adapting this course would be worthwhile. Of course, I can already think of 4 or 5 other tools I’d add.

I also have to comment that the reflection part has been worth it. I’m not much of a blogger and I’d prefer not to discuss my thoughts. I’m just not a touchy, feely person. But, I must admit that the writing process really has clarified my thought process. As I write I think of other solutions or other ways to solve a technical problem I encountered. Though a pain, I really do value the writing part which causes you to crystallize your thinking about a certain tool and what’s its value might be.

Things 21 Podcasts

From Library Success Listing (icon doesn’t go with podcasting though)--Chesire Public Library—tried listening to a couple of podcasts from the teen project. I had some trouble with the volume on the sound. I could barely hear it with the volume turned all the way up.

Sampled another one from the DeKalb Library. They have links to podcasts from the Georgia Center for the Book. The one of Laura Halse Anderson was well done though a bit of variance in voice level between speakers. The reference to visuals is a bit annoying when those same visuals aren’t on the screen for you to look at as well. However, it is a way to hear talks like author ones without being there either during or afterwards. I’d prefer the posted the length of pod cast before you start listening to it.

From Podcast Alley—I have no use or see little appeal to tie into library realm from these online radio podcasts talking about outlandish behavior and drunk this or sexy that. My age is showing I guess.

I think podcasts have a place in promoting libraries. They can be used to announce upcoming events for those who which to listen rather than read. They can be recorded in other language spoken within your library community to connect with those non English speakers. Podcasts can also be used to share book reviews, share highlights from programs at the library (with permission sought and gained before posting), and subscriptions to author discussions or book readings will appeal to many readers of all ages. The downloadable audio book companies are positioned to offer libraries a fantastic service is they don’t overprice themselves. The reduced loss of materials while maintain availability for patrons is tremendous.

I personally don’t want to produce podcasts, but there are many out there who can read your message or would enjoy this medium. What about having city leaders read the announcements or do book reviews? I won’t discount the possibilities, but I would definitely look for a voice that isn’t quite so regional sounding and ones that can broadcast in Spanish. One does have to wonder whether just posting a notice or hearing a podcast works better. Or, should you do both?

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Thing 20 YouTube

YouTube offers a wonderful way to promote items and share with others your videos. I searched for “school library” to see what I’d find. The first few were videos produced by Animoto. While I like that web 2.0 application, I prefer a more traditional approach to promos—but I’m over 50. So, I’m sure the younger generation prefers that jazzy style.

That search term brought up some questionable videos. School Library Porn prank for instance. Such a shame… I also saw a university’s promo video for an online course fo school administrators to better understand how to utilize the library more as a learning tool. The other suggestions off to the right aren’t always related to your original search term. While that leads you in interesting directions, it also sidetracks you from your purpose.

I watched a couple a high school promotional videos. Having the students produce a video about their own library would be a great idea. The Troy High School one started off good but got a little corny. The Niles High School video contest sure would be a neat event to repeat. What a great way to involve students with the library through a medium that really take to.

Found a video “WoodHome Elementary/Middle School Library Renovation”—what a great way to chronicle and share a library remodeling project. Well, the idea is great. The video they made was a bit too long. Seven minutes is too much, but shortened to no more than 3 or 4 minutes would be great. I’d like to see this tried out at one of our elementary schools which will undergo a remodel job next year. Posting this video would be such a great public relations tool.

So, can I think of some other uses….have students do book talks or book discussions, sharing how to do something like access a new database or using ebooks, promoting a new collections of resources like MP3 books, having patrons talk about why they like the library or what they’re favorite books are…Doing these videos does take a bit of time, but librarians need to do this kind of promos to advocate for their institution and/or profession.

Thing 19 Google Docs

Google.docs rocks!!! I've been using it for over a year. It's a great way to collaborate with a group of people. My librarians have used it to create a PowerPoint about Thanksgiving books, share ideas for a city wide trivia contest, and collect data about circulation. I didn't realize you could download in those other formats.

You can upload documents or tables or download them as well. The creating a spreadsheet as a form is fantastic. The link it created is a form with just the questions. The responses automatically populate the spreadsheet. You download the spreadsheet or do whatever. I've gathered data on how lost book money is handled by librarians. Since I opened that link to anyone who had the link, they were able to answer without supplying their name.
Great to know about the blog from google.docs. I read a few entries and see that users and developers are working away at improving this shared web tool.

I see lots of potential for this tool. My biggest problem using it has been remembering to shift gears and use it. I often fall back on the "old way" emailing out attachements.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Thing 18 Wikis

I went into Wikipedia and read the intro type page. I like the what's in the news and in the past feature. Quick way to know what's going on. I looked up shoarma--a new meat dish I was introduced to The Netherlands on my vacation. At first the article seemed a bit off, but under the country variations, the description finally matched what I'd sampled. The main entry (shawrma) was also not spelled like I'd seen it, but the article listed that there are numerous ways that you'll see it spelled. There was no quality warning though I've seen that on some other articles I've looked at before. Under the discussion tab I found LOTS of comments agreeing and disagreeing with the information. It seems there are quite a few opinions about all the variations of shoarma being grouped into one heading. The page has been around a little over two years with several changes along the way.

I really have found that Wikipedia is a good source for current information and a source to consult on book study guides for adult books and gives fairly good information on geographical places. I was especially pleased to find a list of places to visit in Amerstdam before I went over there for a week.

I added my page and three subpages to the 23 Wiki. I really think that someone has a subpage with my name on it. I wasn't in the right place when I clicked add a page. So, look under Lea Bailey to see my work. Ignore Lea under Lisa. Sorry, Lisa... I added pages on my hobbies, my grandchildren, and my summer vacation. I forgot my naming format on the third page so it's not consistent. Couldn't figure out how to change that either. No, it's not hard. It's just a different way to create a website or resource.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Thing 17 LibWorm

I like LibWorm so much better than Digg. I guess they aren't the same but a bit similar. I tried searching for cataloging and had lots of postings to read. Then I tried searching for "personal narrative" a subheading that my cataloguing clerk has some usage questions on. Well, it talked about that topic but didn't lead me to anything insightful. Then I tried the titles of a couple of book recently in the news--graveyard (lots of hits announcing all the awards the book has won) and TTYL (lots of chronicling of the challenges on this title). I think this search engine with its library focus is one to consider checking out when we are looking for our professional related topics. I'm sure google and others would return most of these along with a couple of million other hits. This narrowing down focus should save us valuable time.

I did decide to create a MyLibWorm account. Not exactly sure why, but it will allow me to post or submit information. I also liked the recent postings listings--looks like a good way to glance at what's going on in our profession.

Thing 16 Library Thing

I sampled Library Thing a couple of years ago as a way to keep track of the titles of books I'd read. But someone suggested Shelfari which I like better for that purpose. So, I visited Library Thing again. I do like that I can catalog my home collection. I've been trying to decide how to make a list of all the versions of The Night Before Christmas that I have. I think I've found that way--easy to add, covers, I can add notes, and I can export out if desired. So, I add 5 versions that I could think of off the top of my head. I like the side feature of On This Day relating to authors. I also see that they have a upgrade version with that paid option. The groups looked interesting. I read a view posts from the Librarians Who Use LibraryThing group.

As I was looking around after I'd added my book titles, I came upon a link to creating a cover mosaic. While easy to load on my computer, I still haven't figured out how to do the mosaic. I tried uploading the thumbnail pictures of all the librarians in our system so that I could create a fun mosaic of them. I'm still fiddling and haven't exactly worked that out. But that's bird walking from the project at hand.

I had the dickens of a time finding the suggested topics to explore!!! They are topics within the Thinkology blog which I couldn't figure out how to search. I searched through google.com and finally found the information on the blog. These posts about developments from 2006, 2007, and 2008 don't seem to have created a continued interest. I think they sound nifty but I have no idea how to access those tools. I sure didn't find them listed on the tools section.

I guess overall I see potential use for Library Thing but I also find my self floundering around with it. Perhaps I am missing the obvious....

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Thing 15 Digg

Digg is a brand new thing to me. I'd heard of it but never looked at it. At first I couldn't figure out what to do or what to make of it. I'm not a news follower though once in awhile I'll follow a story headline on aol.com. So, most of the stories on the first page just didn't turn me on. And a few I clicked into looked like they weren't the most credible sources.

I then decided to search for a subject like Children's Literature. That list was a bit more interesting, but still not a lot of useful sites popped up. Perhaps more would surface if more of us belonged and gave a thumbs up to the better sites. I then decided to look for cataloging sites. Boy, that's a term that didn't yield library cataloging. I got catalogs and other sites down that road. I did unearth one MARC cataloging when I added the term MARC.

I also don't like the fact that there are sponsored links, but that's the way of life on the free web. Those advertisements are so misleading--try this for free for 14 days.... I did not join Digg. This is one of those tools that I'll keep a watch on. Perhaps my mind just hasn't been expanded enough to understand how this would be of use to us in the library profession.

Thing 14 Delicious

My Delicious account is http://delicious.com/lbailey695 . I've been using this off and on for about a year. I downloaded the toolbar for easy access on my laptop or work computer. I kept trying to remember to add my bookmarks to this website, but I often slip back into the old habit of just bookmarking. I do like how you can stay logged in for several days on Delicious.com

I did finally figure out tonight how to import my bookmarks from Internet Explorer into Delicious. The instructions taking a bit of digging to find, but it's something you don't do often either. So, now I need to go in and tag a bunch of bookmarks.

I don't particularly like the Popular Bookmarks feature. Why should I care what's popular? I'm more interested in my interests. I do like seeing the bookmarks of people in my network. Of course, you have to create your network.

One thing bugs me though. All my bookmarks are in one account. That means personal and professional bookmarks are all in one set. Well, as I was writing that, I decided to go back and search a bit more on Delicious. I found it--you can make your bookmarks private or public. So, now I can go back in a hide personal interests. Then professionals that I share my Delicious account with won't have to filter through all that stuff. Don't look tomorrow--it will still reflect lots of personal interest. Not that I have anything to hide, but it's something about the privacy of my life....

Thing 13 Tagging

I think tagging is a fantastic way to group things or find things!! Controlled vocabulary has its pluses, but it always frustrated me to be looking for a subject and not be able to find it because I was using the wrong word. The only example I can think of is an old one--elementary student is looking for books on "cars". That's wasn't the term at the time--it was "automobile." So, the students often didn't find what they needed through the old card catalog unless the system was well crossreferenced. So, I definitely feel that tagging has its place.

I don't advocate for doing away with controlled vocabularies or subject authorities. These methods of indexing or organizing definitely work. These approaches are hindered if the subject headings are applied liberally though. I chuckle when I think back a million years ago when I took cataloging and 3 subject headings was considered plenty. Now I believe I've heard it recommended that 6 or more is fine. The more the better access points into the material.

But all this is through that controlled way. I see tagging as another way to access materials. A teacher comes to you and wants books on "change." She wants to show the various ways change affects humans. There is no subject heading that will bring all these together. Or, what about all the books that might be used to teach cause and effect? You just wouldn't put that as a subject heading. Tags allow interpretation by user. I can tag the books that I find that use famous paintings in the illustrations. Or, ones that I find useful to teach Texas history. Or group all the parodies and modern versions of Cinderella. Or,...

Tagging also allows you to put a label on something to remind you of what event it is associated with or who requested it or who might want it. One librarian tagged books in her Shelfari to be read bookshelf as those she read talked about at a leadership conference. Tagging pictures of the event allows others to access these or even be a subset of a large group of pictures from that event such as the TLA09 tag in flickr.

Some online automation system are allowing tagging. I think this is a feature that will empower users to share with each other or remember for themselves in a bit different way. I do agree that some internal vocabulary controls will have to be in place. Most automation systems do have that filter on tagging so that the offensive words are just ignored. With that safeguard, I think librarians can feel good about opening this feature to their patrons. It sure works well in flickr.com, shelfari,com, amazon.com, and other places which have implemented tagging. I'm advocating to add tagging to my library's system--just have to fund that feature.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Thing 12 Twitter

Well, I have a Twitter account with the name of "lbailey695" I've located a few people through the search, but most I've found are through others' followers. I found David Warlick and a couple of librarians that way. There's a few on my followings that don't have anything posted. So, I guess there's lots of us just starting out. I'd love some suggestions as to library leaders to follow.

I love the PR that Denton ISD Libraries is posting. I really want to start something like that for our libraries. Several school districts have twitter accounts I see.

I've set up my cell phone and will see how that works out. Last week I started following the local performers twitter because it was raining. They never tweeted about whether the concert would still go at 7:00 after it rained, but I've gotten lots of other tweets from them this week about their nightly concerts. Interesting way to spread the word without lots of expense.

And I even put the twitter gadget on this blog. It is puzzling to me how you have to try several times to get those gadgets posted or attached. About the time I'm ready to give up, the same steps work and tah dah, it's there. Not sure if a tweet on your blog is to any advantage, but what the hay...

Thing 11 IMing

Well, I'll come back to this one. I tried signing into Google Talk so many times it locked my account. I have to create or use the gmail account rather than the normal ways I log into my google account--a known issue with Google Talk. So, more later.

I have done AOL IM before. In fact I got to where I hated to go online because an old classmate had found my name. I was going to graduate school at the time. Everytime I got online she'd want to talk. I just didn't have the time. I finally figured out how to turn that feature off.

Thing 10 Nings

I found Nings a bit confusing. I have an account created a year ago but have never used it. I explored and found several scrapbooking nings and children's literature nings. I explored the Digiscrap 101 Ning and the Childrens' writers, illustrators, and publishers ning. The latter didn't excite me at all. In some ways it seems like this is reinventing the wheel. You create a social network in Facebook, so why do it here as well. But, I know that I'll see how someone else has utilized this tool and begin to think differently one of these days. It's amazing what the creative powers of human can envision. So, far now, I'll spend my time doing something else.

Thing 8 and Thing 9 Facebook

I created a Facebook account several months ago because lots of people were talking about Facebook. I have several friends who just have to check their Facebook pages every day or more than once a day. I slowly but surely got into the application adding friends and relatives. It's so much fun viewing the pictures they post. My son-in-law's high school friends are adding pictures from when they were in the show choir. It's neat to see those name tags on the pictures and relate to the young men I know today. I haven't discovered any long lost friends through Facebook though several people I know have. I can see the potential...

I also began following my son or lurking. He didn't seem to realize how open his account was. He's 20. So, mom got to know more than she ought to as well. He wouldn't accept my invitation to be a friend though. Now he has removed his page entirely. I did mess around with uploading to Facebook from my phone trying to show my son what my new car looked like. It posted the pictures and announced it to all my friends. I didn't intend to share that news with everyone exactly that way. Learned the caution about what you post lesson with that.

I've become a fan of a couple of pages like Diet Coke and a member of some groups like my high school alumni group. I guess they're fan pages as well when I'm following TeachingBooks.net and The Library Corporation. I've been intrigued by how companies are creating pages as well as libraries. I got all excited last weekend while attending a scrapbooking webinar when they mentioned that more instructions were on the Facebook page. It took some searching, but I found it and now am a part of that group.

It's the connectivity in Facebook that keeps people coming back. I do have a bit of concern about mixing some of my personal information with my professional information. Nothing that bad or that I wouldn't tell you, but as one author said, I don't necessarily want my reader fan to know the same things as my personal friends.

There sure are a lot of people hooked on playing those silly games on there or creating lists. Fun, but I do wonder why I'm doing them at times. Two years from now it'll be interesting to see where Facebook is at.

Thing 7 RSS Feeds

Well, I got an RSS feed to show on my blog. I put on Doug Johnson's Blue Skunk blog. The comment on the North Texas 23 Thing blog helped clarify what the difference is between following a blog on your blog and a blog reader. I do like the idea of only checking when something new has been added. However, perhaps Twitter is more what you want for that, but I'm getting ahead of myself with that web 2.0 tool.

Thing 6 Blog Readers

Well, I realized today that I've done several more of these Things but not posted about them. My bad!!

I set up a blog reader in Google Reader. I added feeds to the blogs I'm monitoring for the NorthTexas23 things as well as a couple of others. This should assist me time wise in following these blogs. I know several in the past have urged us to do this. I just hadn't taken the time to do it until now.

I also went to a couple of website and noticed their RSS icon. Sometimes I could get these to work and a couple I couldn't. So, I'll have to play around a bit more with this as well. I did note on Library Journal that their RSS links from a specific topic on the webpage go to a broader category when you create the RSS link. That's not quite as specific as I'd like.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Thing 5 Image Generator

Interesting... Since there was an example from Image Chef, I went there first. I decided to play around with the word mosaic and create this
ImageChef Word Mosaic - ImageChef.com



Then I tried the Banner Maker. That one's easy. Not lots of choices and a quick product. This time when I add it I did it through typing in the url. That so much easier, but the image still goes to the top of this posting. Why?




Then I went back and tried some picture frames. I do hope these two library employees won't mind their picture here. This was quite easy to use. The picture can't be too big and you can crop it once it is uploaded as well. Probably a clear background would've been better since I added a caption to the picture frame.


ImageChef.com - Custom comment codes for MySpace, Hi5, Friendster and more


Well, I guess if there are 4 choices, I should try one of the other image generating programs. So, I tried FD Toys which sent you to Big Huge Labs with lots of choices. I made a sign you might use on your library webpage to get a message across.

This Web 2. 0 tool definitely can keep you occupied for awhile. Your imagination or creativity could go wild!!!

Thing 4 Flickr Mashups



Well, this spelling with Flicker is rather nifty. But I had lots of issues with saving it. In fact I can't figure out how to save the word unless you have to do it letter by letter.

'i' 't 'letter 'letter 'Y'




As you can see, it didn't work for me copying the html and pasting it here. I don't know why though. After a bit more exploring or messing around, I decided to save each letter as an image and paste here. Well, that didn't exactly work like I expected. It's an unexpected outcome.


So, then I decided to explore a couple of the other mashup programs. Putting captions on a digital photo was interesting. However, Icouldn't figure out how to resize the balloons for use on this portrait picture. Now this has lots of potential for use with presentation or newsletter or blogs.



Then I tried the color picker. I like red so I slide the color selection around to red. I don't like that you can't just paste an image into this editor. This inserting is a pain because it inserts at the top. Okay, I guess I have to be patient as I'm learning this. Some techniques don't transfer from one program to another..... Well, you don't see a block of red color because nothing saved doing a right click save picture as....



On to the next step. Perhaps someone can share a hint or two to help out my frustrations...









Sunday, May 24, 2009

Thing 3 Flickr

I decided to create a Flickr account as I have searched for photos before. It didn’t take too long in searching for photos that I became very self conscious of did I have the rights to publish these photos. All were taken by me with my digital camera. But, do I have kids faces showing, do these kids have parental permission for me to do this, etc. Because I’ve used these within the district, I am acting on the assumption that I have permission. Most librarians and teachers quickly point out which student may not be photographed when they see me with the camera. I also tend to take shots of students, minors, with their back side showing.

Uploading to Flickr is easy. I did limit the viewing to my friends at this point. (Well, I did limit the viewing but discover no one can see the proof that I did this. So, I changed the viewing rights.) Here's my link http://www.flickr.com/photos/38741103@N03/ Went back to double check something--Flickr does limit how much you can upload each month.

It's really a bit amazing. I just keep clicking around to figure out what to do. I don't look for step-by-step instructions. It's okay to stumble onto the solution or how to do it.

Thing 2 About Web 2.0

I watched the two videos because I’m finding that seeing and hearing are more engaging and beneficial to me than just reading a page of text even on the web especially when I’m intaking new information. Now, reading for pleasure is another matter.

The second video about how the web has changed showed how the printed word has changed into the interacting word. The rethinking of copyright, authorship, etc. is so true. We, humans, are taking the web tools and creating and interacting with each other in new ways. The machine isn’t taking over but making it easier for us to do these activities that we envision. It’s so amazing to see a new tool, think about how it can be used, see how others have used it, and then put it to work for you especially if we can make connections with our library users.

It takes a leap of faith or confidence in human imagination and potential to do this. Print response and print answers don’t fit the world as well as they did say 20 or 30 years ago. Allowing information to flow in a dynamic format is working so much better. Take book trailers—most make you want to find the book and read it. Printed reviews sometimes do that but not as effectively.

I believe we’re still exploring how we as librarians can take these Web 2.0 tools and use them to maximize their potential in interacting with our patrons. We can relay information, but also receive information from our patrons with these tools.

It’s an exciting time, but it is changing how we think. Our old policies don’t always fit the new situation. I can see many situations about to challenge our rules like the lion did in Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen. It’ll be fun to watch and be a part of this change. We have to make sure that our old rules and regulations don't hinder us and we venture out here with our patrons.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Thing 1 Blog

Well, here I am really doing the 23 things. I've always wanted to do this in a complete format like this. So, here we go!



Creating a blog is easy. Posting to it and keeping up it a challenge. Why would anyone want to read what I write about in a meandering format like this?